Columbia Valley Pioneer, February 2, 2023

Some frosty conditions made the frozen surface of Lake Windermere great for locomotion last weekend. If you can slide it or glide it, you saw it on the lake. Shown here are a kick sled (woman in white suit), nordic skiing (with dog), and some motorized skijoring (people being towed by the truck). Skijoring was done behind horses in Banff last weeked, but in Windermere it’s done behind a GMC…

Photos by Ryan Watmough

Invermere sets strategic priorities for first part of new year

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Earlier this winter, during the first Invermere council meeting of 2023, Invermere councillors adopted a revised set of strategic priorities that will guide district staff’s work over the first quarter of the year.

The five top strategic priorities are: drawing up a short term rental (STR) bylaw; starting a water security and source water study; working with the Columbia Valley Housing Society (CVHS) to begin examining options and opportunities for more resident restricted workforce housing in Invermere; a public communications review and; starting a core area infrastructure servicing plan.

With the STR bylaw “what we are going to see is a draft. Staff will be re-looking at the bylaw, tweaking it a bit, massaging it, and then bringing it forward again,” Invermere mayor, Al Miller, told the Pioneer.

Miller is hopeful that the new draft will come before council in late March, by which time Invermere voters will have elected the district’s fourth councillor through a by-election. “We’d really like to have our new councillor get a chance to have input into it (the STR bylaw) too. There is a lot of work (on the bylaw) to do between now and then, but the timeline hopefully should work.” Once the draft version of the bylaw is finalized, the district will conduct public consultation on it.

The water security and water source study is meant to be an in-depth examination of district’s two water sources: the well in Athalmer and the Paddy Ryan Lakes Reservoir. “The well in Athalmer taps into a good aquifer and we know it’s good. The Paddy Ryan lakes are in the open and the lands directly around it are not ours. So it’s a look at the security of that,” said Miller. “Our engineers and (consultants), Urban Systems, will look to identify possible issues and to better understand the source water and make sure it is good.”

The housing priority will involve the district working in somewhat of a support role to the CVHS, which is striving to create more resident restricted workforce housing in the valley. “The idea is to have a look at what’s out there in terms of opportunities, so that if grant opportunities for instance, come up, we are ready and able to jump on them,” explained Miller.

For the public communications review “we want to be as transparent as possible with the public. This will be an examination of what we’re doing and looking to see if there are other methods of communication we should be using,” said Miller, adding it’s something the district wants to improve if it can because “whenever something has gone south, it’s usually a communication issue that’s at the heart of it — people simply not knowing what’s going on.”

The core infrastructure servicing plan is much what it sounds like: an examination of exactly what infrastructure exists in Invermere’s downtown core, what the existing infrastructure needs are, and what the potential future infrastructure needs are if the downtown ‘fills in’ the currently open lots that exist in the area. “This is a big one (priority),” said Miller, adding there is no such plan currently in place. “There’s opportunity for growth, and fairly major growth at that, in the downtown. But before that can happen we need to understand what the infrastructure needs are for any development in the area.” Some of the open spaces in the downtown core include a few vacant lots

Local resident unnerved by close coyote

By Joanne McQuarrie editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com

When Lisa Dziwenka and Gaugey, her long-haired German shepherd, went for a stroll on Lake Windermere the afternoon of January 25, an unexpected visitor changed the mood.

The pair had reached the middle of the lake when Dziwenka saw what looked like a dog approaching from the east.

Dziwenka lives in Windermere. She noted close to lake, “There’s an area within there; there’s houses around it. There’s one area where there aren’t homes; I’ve seen bears one out of there.” So it wasn’t unusual for wildlife to come out of that area.

After seeing the animal, Dziwenka put GAugey on a leash; she started barking when she saw it.

“As it kept walking toward us I thought, ‘Oh my God - it’s not a dog’”. Turns out the visitor was a coyote.

“I kept telling it to go away,” Dziwenka said. But the coyote kept advancing toward them.

(including ones on the east side of 7th Avenue — which is Invermere’s main street — south of 13th Street, with views down to the lake); the old community hall site and; the open space along the east side of 7th Avenue north of Parkside Place — which the district has earmarked as the site of a planned 60-unit seniors housing project (an expansion of Lakeview Manor). “We really need to have a good look,” said Miller.

While those five projects will be the main focus of Invermere staff’s efforts over the next few months, the district does have a number of other priorities, not quite as pressing, but still important, which staff and councillors are also working on. These are what the district terms its ‘advocacy’ priorities. They include the previously-mentioned planned expansion of Lakeview Manor by way of a new 60-unit senior housing project; the memorandum of understanding between Invermere, the Shuswap Band and the provincial government about the transfer of James Chabot Provincial Park; the Shuswap Band-Invermere community-to-community strategy; outreach to the Akisqnuk First Nation; outreach to the local Metis community; seeking funding for the planned Toby Creek dike upgrades; a regional recreational analysis; the planned Lakeside pedestrian bridge; seeking funding to replace the Fort Point bridge; the compost program and; finding long term funding for the FireSmart program.

The district’s strategic priorities are separate from its strategic objectives, which are conceptual-level and ongoing, mission statement-type guidelines that frame the district’s decision making. Strategic objectives do not constantly change, but strategic priorities do (once the given priorities have been accomplished). Invermere’s strategic objectives include retaining the district’s character while supporting sustainable growth; enhancing and maintaining district infrastructure; supporting community programs and services; mitigating and reducing greenhouse gas emissions; improving Invermere’s climate change resilience; providing excellent services and trying to be an excellent place to work and live and; fostering effective communication.

Village of Radium Hot Springs

Grant in Aid Applications

The Village of Radium Hot Springs invites applications for grants in aid from community groups for endeavors, events or programs that benefit Radium Hot Springs in 2023. Applicants may contact finance@radiumhotsprings.ca to request a guide for the application.

Submitted by Steve Kuffler

“Another great day was had by all at the 23rd Annual Kinsmen Club Fishing Derby,” said event chair, Steve Kuffler, in an email, about the Kinsmen Club of Windermere’s 23rd annual event on January 28. Pike minnow and suckers were the catches of the day.

“Close to 200 participants breaking another new record. Screams of excitement (were) heard across the lake from all ages reeling in a hopeful winner. Once again a huge thanks out to all attendees, volunteers and sponsors.” Kuffler noted “Thousands of dollars were raised for the communities greatest needs,” but added at press time, there is “no exact total raised yet”.

“See everyone next year!” Kuffler invited.

ELEC TION OFFICIALS NEEDED FOR THE MUNICIPAL BY-ELEC TION

The Distric t of Invermere is looking for people who are interested in helping with the local Municipal By-Elec tion on Saturday March 4th, 2023 as poll clerks and counters

Elec tion Officials must be a minimum of 18 years of age and may not be a candidate or the spouse, sibling, parent or child, or grandparent or grandchild of a candidate running in the 2023 municipal by- elec tion.

If you are interested, please submit a letter of interest to:

Kindr y Luyendyk, Chief Elec tion Officer c/o the Distric t of Invermere 914- 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 corporateser vices@invermere.net

Ryder Goodwin was one of the young fishermen at the derby; all kids in the derby received a trophy. (top left). Karl Fahrni kissed his winning catch - a fish that measured just over half a metre that brought Fahrni the title as winner of the derby. (left middle). Another derby participant, Samuel Anderson, didn’t win anything, but caught a whole bunch of fish that day. (left middle). Rylee Willox showed her award-winning fish; she won an award for hooking the smallest fish; it was 10.16 centimetres long. (bottom left). Photos submitted

Toby Creek Loppet returns

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Another much-loved annual event is back on the Columbia Valley calendar.

The Toby Creek Nipika Panorama Loppet has been on hiatus since prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and finally returned last weekend.

The conditions were chilly but spectacular, with temperatures dipping down to – 8 degrees Celsius during the first part of the loppet on Saturday, January 28 at Nipika Mountain Resort and the Cross River Canyon Recreation Site. Then there were more sunny skies and it got even colder, with the thermometer flirting with – 20 degrees Celsius, for the Sunday, Jan. 29 part of the event at Panorama Mountain Resort. Both parts were organized by the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club.

Turnout was great with more than 185 competitors between the ages of four and 74 taking to the courses on Saturday for classic ski races (which ranged between 1.5 kilometres (km) and 30 km in distance). Sunday’s skate skiing races had 90 registered racers signed up for distances from 1.5 to 20 km. “After three years of COVID cancellations of the Loppet, the club was excited to host this annual event once again. This year’s event represents the 37th year of hosting a major cross country ski event at Nipika,” said Nipika co-owner and nordic ski club member, Lyle Wilson. “Skiers from as far away as Taiwan, the USA, and all parts of Canada participated in this weekend’s sports event.”

Wilson pointed out that the loppet weekend is a major fundraiser for the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club and that funds go directly into supporting the Jackrabbit and junior development youth programs and to helping maintain the Whiteway and Lake Lillian Ski Trails. He extended acknowledgement and thank you to the many volunteers and supportive local businesses who help put on the weekend. The Toby Creek Loppet Weekend is part of the larger Pacific Northwest Loppet Series, which includes events such as the Ski to the Sun race in Washington state, the Hyack Loppet in Whistler, the Sun Peaks Loppet in Kamloops, and the Sovereign to Silver Star races at Silver Star Mountain in Vernon. “(On Saturday) the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club had a large team of Jackrabbit, junior development team, and adult skiers participating in all the different distances in both male and female categories,” explained Wilson. “Notable local performances came in the 15 km mens distance, men 40-49 years, with a clean sweep of the podium by the coaches of the club’s youth program”. Those coaches include: third place, Ryan Shanks; second place, John Courtliff; and first place, with a time of 56:47.2, Stephan Kuhn.

Local skier, Lenni Stich, clocked the fastest 15 km lap time on Saturday, with a finish time of 48:07. Fellow Columbia Valley skier, Virginia Denchuk, placed second in the overall 15 km women’s race with a time of 1:03:10.

To see the full results visit www.zone4.ca/

The Toby Creek Nipika Panroama Loppet was back for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began and brought nearly 300 skiers to Nipika Mountain Resort and Panorama Mountain Resort last week for classic and skate ski races.

TRIO OF CRUSTACEAN - Seared Scallop, Buttered Crab, Skewered Prawn, Mango Salsa, Crostini

LOVE BIRDS - Confit of Duck and Chicken, Shimeji Mushroom Verde, Fettucine Potatoes

PANA COTTA - Saskatoon Berries, Almond Milk Coconut Sugar Crumble

Reservations Recommended - 250 345 6070

Photos submitted

Groundhog Day

By Joanne McQuarrie editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com

February 2 is the day folks find out if winter carries on six more weeks or if spring will arrive early. That’s if you follow Groundhog Day, one of the more entertaining traditions.

Groundhog Day is observed in Canada and the United States. It comes from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition, says Wikipedia, that if a groundhog comes out of its burrow on February 2 and sees its shadow due to clear weather, it’ll retreat to its den and winter carries on for six more seeks. If the groundhog doesn’t see its shadow because of cloudiness, spring will arrive early.

The tradition is popular these days, but studies have found no consistent association between a groundhog seeing its shadow and the subsequent arrive of spring.

With the weather as it has been this week, it’s a good guess that winter’s here for a lot longer. A year ago, says Wikipedia, between January 5 and 7, the temperature in Whitehorse went all the way down to -44.8 C, the coldest temperature in almost 17 years. At Watson Lake on January 6, the temperature fell to -52.2 C.

There are other places in Canada that experienced bone-chilling temperatures years ago, that might make this week’s -22 in the area seem balmy. In Smith River, B.C. a temperature of -58.9 degrees Celcius (C) (-74 degrees Fahrenheit(F)) was recorded on January 21, 1947. It was c-c-c-cold in Alberta on January 11, 1911 in Fort Vermilion: -61.1 C (-78 F). In Norway House, Manitoba, on January 9, 1899, it was slightly warmer: -52.8 C (-63 F).

Snow is part of this winter equation. Revelstoke holds the Canadian record the snowiest single winter. During the winter of 1971-72, 2,447 centimetres (cm) (that’s 963 inches (in)) of snow fell on Mt. Copeland outside town. That’s just over 24 metres (80 feet (ft)) of snow. The townsite received 779 cm (307 in) and snow levels were higher than many roots around town by more than a few metres!

Whether you choose Groundhog Day as the indicator of weather to come, or if you go by more science-based information, its a safe estimation that toques and mittens and heavy socks and thick jackets are still the fashion choice for a while longer.

Historical Lens Historical Lens PERSPECTIVE

My Whiteway therapy

Dear Editor:

I’ve been on the Whiteway a lot this winter. As I was contemplating life one day, it occurred to me that the Whiteway is a lot like life. Skating along, maneuvering and adjusting to the many obstacles and changing conditions along the way. Do I slow down and think about my next move or do I blindly skate over the bumps and cracks and hope for the best? I know as I skate along that the imperfections will be there for my entire journey, so I’d better learn to live with

This occurrence was something she hadn’t encountered before. “We’re always in the bush - my husband and I. I’m always... a bit cautious. I find that they (wildlife) usually go away - they don’t keep approaching.”

But this coyote did.

“I didn’t think it would come this close to me,” she said, estimating it was about six metres away. “It was pretty close when you’re in the middle of the lake on your own.” The coyote’s behaviour was confusing - Dziwenka said it didn’t present aggression, but it kept heading toward her and Gaugey’s way. Gaugey was barking, but only in intervals.

Many scenarios ran through her head about why the coyote didn’t turn around and head back to shore. “I was playing frisbee with the dog - maybe it was curious,” she hypothesized. “It seemed more curious to me, or it wanted food. I was thinking it was a fed coyote.”

The out-of-the-norm scenario caught the attention of a couple of folks on the south side of the lake.

“We saw a woman in the distance with a dog; the dog seemed to be a little worked up,” said Heather Van Riesen, in her van with a friend. “We saw another animal approach them. We drove out there, (said) ’That’s a coyote.’”

The friends asked Dziwenka if she needed help. “She said yes. We drove behind

them. The cracks and occasional booms don’t bother me so much when I see the beauty of the mountains surrounding me and hear the stillness of the air. My rhythmic skating is almost like a pulse. So what could be better than some physical exercise while in a meditative state? Seems like an oxymoron but I sure feel good when my Whiteway therapy is done for the day!

Judy Brunette, Chestermere/Invermere, B.C.

(the coyote)…steered it back to the shore. Then we drove back to Lisa and asked if she would like a ride back to her vehicle, which she did.”

They all drove to the south shoreline, where Dziwenka’s vehicle was parked.

Dziwenka didn’t look back after getting in the van; she was happy to get out of there.”I was a little bit shaken up afterward,” she said. “This isn’t normal behaviour for a wild animal.” She wondered what would have happened if, for example, it had been “eight or nine year old kids skating by themselves” and had a coyote approach them.

That ponderance is exacerbated by what Van Riesen saw just after she dropped Dziwenka off. “We saw the coyote approaching the skating rink on the lake below Akiskinook Resort. It was approaching a group of people on the skating rink. We went over there in the van and intercepted it before it got to the skating rink, and pushed it back to the shore. Then we told those people we thought they should leave, and they did leave.”

Like Dziwenka, Van Riesen is confounded by the coyote’s behaviour, and said she has “no clue” as to why it kept approaching people.

Dziwenka urges everyone to be careful with wildlife. “We’re in an area where we have to be more careful - not feeding these animals, being more aware of (their) surroundings. I feel the food factor is there - I think this animal had been fed before.”

R.R. Bruce on lawn of log home (Pynelogs) in Invermere. Circa 1920’s Courtesy of Windermere District Historical Society

Local teen returns from Panama with many experiences under his belt

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Invermere teenager, Jack Grant, was back in the Columbia Valley just before the Christmas holidays, returning from an extended stay in Panama that encompassed a unique volunteer experience, learning about biodiversity and ecology, and working on a film documenting his travels.

Grant graduated from David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS) last year. He spent last summer working in the forestry industry, then took off a bit of time hiking and backpacking in the Columbia Valley’s great outdoors. By the time mid-fall rolled around, he was set to take his keen interest in environmental sciences and studies a step further, and headed down to Central America.

He spent several weeks there, volunteering deep in the rainforest in the Mamoni Valley with the nongovernment organization, Fundacion Geoversity, some time in teeming Panama City, and then another several weeks on a sailboat with renowned marine biologist, Howard Dryden.

Grant spoke with Pioneer shortly after arriving home in the Columbia Valley.

“It (Panama) is an incredibly interesting place,” said Grant. “It’s one of only three carbon neutral countries in the world and has vowed to conserve 40 per cent of its land in parks or other protected areas.”

Grant was amazed by the diversity of species and the cultural and social diversity among people.

“You see immense wealth and then see people living right next door in shacks and shanties,” he said. “One thing that really struck me was how rich the culture was. People were fantastic – they are quick to smile too, and are often wearing very colourful clothing. As a nation, there is good appreciation for and recognition of the importance of Indigenous Peoples. The Indigenous presence is higher in Panama than in a lot of countries — I believe it something around 10 per cent of the total population.”

In contrast to many Canadians’ stereotypes of Central America being completely mired in poverty, Panama actually does have a significant level of development, much of it stemming from the Panama Canal and its shipping industry, explained Grant, although he was quick to add the fruits of this industry are spread unevenly among Panamanians.

“You’ll be walking through the city, among huge skyscrapers, surrounded by great infrastructure. Then two blocks away, that all suddenly disappears,” he said.

In the Mamoni Valley, Grant was stationed at Geoversity’s main campus, which is essentially a collection of open, elevated pavilions constructed out of bamboo.

“There are no walls at all. There’s a roof, but no walls and no rooms. You have a bug net over your bed and that’s all. You can hear frogs and howler monkeys in the rainforest which is right out there, just beyond the edge of the building, but not really separated from it. It’s kind of like the ultimate in open concept living,” said Grant. “The flora and fauna are almost overwhelming. There are such beautiful colours on the plants, and huge old growth trees with very dense canopies... it’s gorgeous.”

Not surprisingly, given the intimate quarters with nature, Grant quickly developed a keen sense of Mamoni’s climate, which he wryly noted is very different from Invermere’s.

“It’s very humid. It always feels wet, even when the rain is not hammering down. All your stuff gets wet all the time. You just have to get used to it,” he said.

During his time with Dryden on the sailboat, Grant was participating in deep ocean water sampling (“For the most part, it was pretty clean,”) and picking Dryden’s brain.

The 42-foot yacht was plying waters on the Atlantic (north) side of Panama, including near the famous Bocas del Toro islands. “He (Dryden) has a lot of interesting ideas. For instance, he believes climate change is caused by the collapse of biodiversity, not the other way around, as most people think,” explained Grant.

The ocean itself was mostly calm, said Jack. “There was not much wind, and just gently rolling waves. We did get one squall, which was exciting. We went from a bluebird day to the wind suddenly tripling into gale force speed with rain pounding down. It was remarkable, and it had the boat tilting at 30 degrees.”

Everywhere Grant went in Panama, he carried his camera gear. He’s an avid amateur filmmaker and plans to compile all the footage he took into a film depicting his time in Panama.

“It (the film) will look at a lot of topics — pollution, climate change, and the importance of Indigenous Peoples when it comes to taking care of biodiversity,” he said. “But it will also be an outlook on travelling as a 19 year old. I feel you see a lot of documentaries from the perspective of people in their 30s or 50s, but I think younger people have something to contribute too.”

Grant got into filmmaking as he was growing up. It started with he and his buddies making videos of their exploits skateboarding, skiing, mountain biking and rock climbing, and then it grew from there.

“It was a way of telling stories, essentially about how much fun we were having in nature,” said Grant. “And that, I guess, is what I want to do with my (Panama) film: tell stories about how much fun we all, as a species, can have in nature, if we learn to appreciate it and take care of it.”

PRANA Wellness Spa

is opening in Fairmont Hot Springs and we would like to invite you to our… Grand Opening Celebration!

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Scenes from Jack Grant’s time in Panama. Photos submitted

OUT OF OFFICE…

Attracting and Retaining Employees: Proven Strategies from the Columbia Valley

On January 24, The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce and Columbia Valley Economic Development hosted a workshop focusing on employee attraction and retention. It was a very successful event with over 20 Columbia Valley businesses in attendance. Jenn Moss opened the session introducing employers to programs offered through Kootenay Employment Services and WorkBC.

Michelle Taylor, Campus Manager of College of the Rockies Invermere informed businesses of the training opportunities available through the College. They offer health and safety, administration, leisure courses and so much more. If your business requires training, and you do not see in their course guide or online, reach out to Michelle and they can make it happen!

Caitlin Hall-Sharp is the new Human Resources Manager at Home Hardware Invermere; but she is not new to HR. Caitlin is a Registered Professional Recruiter and Certified Change Management Practitioner. She spoke to several strategies from posting your job to a successful onboarding process. “A job post should have more than required credentials” Caitlin says, “it should evoke a feeling of what it will be like to work at your business.” Also noting onboarding is more than just a day, “What is their first week like? What are employers doing to make their new employee feel special and comfortable?

We also learned that workplace culture matters! It affects employee satisfaction,

happiness, and sense of belonging. Ullr Bar is a shining example of successful workplace culture. “Our culture begins prior to onboarding. It starts in the interview. We want to understand our future employees and we want them to understand us” says Charly Ion, co-owner. “We want the potential and current employees to know that they have support system in place for whatever their needs are.” To see more of their culture firsthand, visit their Facebook page. Or better yet, stop by for dinner.

The Eva Joseph Early Learning Centre (Little Badgers) took a bold move with their operations, moving staff to a four-day work week. High staff turnover and burn out is a reality facing the early childhood education industry. Carrie Rickards and her team recognized this at their centre and decided to offer a four-day work week. The change has been a fantastic adjustment, resulting in lower turnover and more energized and happy staff.

At the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development, we are here to support businesses as you navigate the staffing shortage. If you are hiring, please post your positions on www.workcolumbiavalley.ca. If you have any questions about programs or subsidies available, please reach out to Theresa Wood at advisor@cvchamber.ca Further, please reach out if there is an area of business you would like to learn more about. We look forward to more workshop opportunities this year.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

cvevents.ca

POWERED BY THE COLUMBIA VALLEY CHAMBER

ursday, February 2

● 4:45 p.m.: Youth Skating & Su Casa Cooking Class at the Canal Flats Arena. Contact columbiavalleyyouthnetwork@hotmail.com for more info. Grades 5-12.

● 6:30 p.m.: Invermere Film Fest: Creative BC (Short Film Competition Finalists). No ticket needed, everyone welcome. Learn more at InvermereFilm.com

• 9- 11:30 a.m.: StrongStart/ CAP-C at Edgewater Elementary

• 9:45 a.m. – Beginner Pottery Wheel Throwing at Pottery Playground

• 10-11:30 a.m.: Free Parent and Tot Connect for kids 0-6 at the Early Years Center; 926 7th Ave, Invermere.

• 10:15 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Tech Tutor at the Invermere Public Library (free computer, tablet, phone support drop-in).

• 10:30 a.m.: Rhyme Time at Radium Public Library. Children 0-2, register: wvcoordinator@cbal.org

• 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Seniors Fitness at Columbia Valley Centre. $2 Drop In.

• 12 p.m.: Seniors Lunch at the Invermere Legion, $5 every second Thursday.

• 2 p.m.: Needles and Hooks. Bring your craft project to the Invermere Public Library to work on it with other fellow crafters.

• 2 p.m.: Senior’s Tea at the Invermere Public Library (Second and 4th Thursdays of each month)

• 2-4 p.m.: Tech Tutor at the Radium Public Library (free computer, tablet, phone support drop-in)

• 3 p.m.: Free youth drop-in fun at the Youth Hub

• 3:30 p.m.: Thursday Fundays at the Invermere Public Library. STEAM and Crafternoons on alternating weeks.

• 6:30 p.m.: Darts, cards and Cribbage at the Invermere Legion every Thursday.

• 6:45 p.m.: Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament at the Invermere Legion for members and guests. $30 buy in.

• 7:30 p.m.: Trivia Night at the Whitehouse Pub in Windermere. $3/ per person, ages 19+.

• 9 p.m.: Karaoke at the Station Pub. Every second Thursday, 19+

Friday, February 3

● 9 a.m.: Invermere Film Fest. Creative BC (Filmmaking Workshop); Complimentary Screening of “Susap: keeper of Knowledge”; Opening night lm: “Bu y Sainte-Marie: Carry it On” Learn more at InvermereFilm.com

● 5 p.m.: Fancy Friday at the Station Pub.

• 9-10:30 a.m.: Mom t and preschool group at the Columbia Valley Centre.

• 9:15-11:45 a.m.: StrongStart at Eileen Madson Primary School.

• 10:30 a.m.: Family Story Time at the Invermere Library. Stories, songs and crafts.

• 12 & 5 p.m.: Edgewater Legion wing day! 12 p.m.: Takeout, 5 p.m. dine-in, call 250-347-9725.

• 1 p.m.: Free Youth Drop-in Fun at the Youth Hub.

• 4-8 p.m.: Pub grub at the Invermere Legion every Friday and Saturday.

• 5:30 p.m.: Magic the Gathering. Play in the tournament. Age 10+, $20.

• 6 p.m.: Rotary Community Bingo: Must be 19+ to play. Join us to raise money, give back, have fun, and support local. Visit us on Facebook to purchase your bingo card.

• 9 p.m: Karaoke Night at the Whitehouse Pub in Windermere. Must be 19+, come have fun!

Saturday, February 4

● 2-4 p.m.: Israeli Style Falafel Cooking Class at the College of the Rockies ($59+GST).

● 3 p.m.: Invermere Film Fest. Saturday afternoon showcase: “Geographies of Solitude”; Saturday Night Film “Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song”; Saturday Late Show: “Slash/Back”. More at InvermereFilm.com.

● 7 p.m.: Rockies vs. Beaver Valley Nighthawks

• 10:30 a.m.: LEGO/Duplo at the Invermere Public Library, drop-in fun.

• 10:30 a.m.: Pokemon Club at Main Street Fun and Games. Reading pro ciency required, ages 7+.

• 4-8 p.m.: Pub Grub at the Invermere Legion, Fridays and Saturdays.

Sunday, February 5

● 3 p.m.: Invermere Film Fest. Sunday Afternoon Showcase: “Ice-Breaker: the ’72 Summit Series”; Closing Night Film: “Riceboy Sleeps”. More at InvermereFilm.com.

• 9 a.m.: Bottle drive - Rotary Fundraiser. The Rotary Club collects refundable bottles at the Invermere Transfer Station. Raised funds are used for the community.

• 7 p.m. Live Music at Horsethief Pub.

Monday, February 6

• 9 a.m.: Bottle drive - Rotary Fundraiser. The Rotary Club collects refundable bottles at the Invermere Transfer Station. Raised funds are used for the community.

• 9-11 a.m.: StrongStart/ CAPC at Martin Morigeau Elementary School.

• 9:45 a.m.: Beginner Pottery Wheel Throwing at Pottery Playground.

• 9:15-11:45 a.m.: StrongStart/ CAPC at Eileen Madson Primary.

• 10- 11 a.m.: Seniors Yoga at the Columbia Valley Community Centre ($2).

• 1:30 p.m.: Seniors Carpet Bowling. Join us for $2 at the Invermere Senior’s Hall.

• 4 p.m.: LGBTQ+ & Allies Drop-In & Hangout at the Youth Centre Hub.

• 5 p.m.: Industry night at Whitehouse Pub in Windermere. Pool and drinks for resort and restaurant sta .

• 6 p.m.: Poker Night at the Station Pub. Chip up for charity. Ages 19+.

Tuesday, February 7

● 7 p.m.: “Four Fifths a Grizzly” – Book tour. Come meet Author, Douglas Chadwick at David Thompson Secondary School.

• 9 a.m.: StrongStart/ CAPC at Edgewater Elementary.

• 10 a.m.: Parent & Tot Connect at the Early Years Centre.

• 10:30 a.m.: Seniors Fitness at the Columbia Valley Centre ($2 drop in).

• 10:30a.m.: Homeschool Meetup at the Invermere Public Library.

• 1- 3:30 p.m.: Artists Gathering at the Radium Public Library. Sketch, paint, knit, carve crochet, or anything else. Bring your own supplies.

• 3 p.m.: Free youth drop-in fun at the Summit Youth Centre.

• 6-8:30 p.m.: Second Winds Community Band Rehearsal: Tuesdays at the Invermere Catholic Hall. BYO Instrument. Contact Ian at 250-342-9733.

• 7 p.m.: Games night at Ullr (19+). Costs $5/card, with prizes to be won each week.

Wednesday, February 8

● 6:30 p.m.: Brushes and Bubbly – Paint Night at the Columbia Valley Centre with Black Star Studios. Costs $50 which includes Paint, Supplies, Prosecco and Desserts in the spirit of Valentine’s Day.

• 9:15 a.m.: StrongStart/ CAPC: Windermere Elementary every 2nd & 4th Wednesday.

• 10 a.m.: Parent and Tot Connect at the Early Years Centre

• 10-11 a.m.: Seniors Yoga: Columbia Valley Community Centre ($2 drop in).

• 12:30 p.m.: Seniors duplicate Bridge: $2 at the Invermere Senior’s Hall.

• 1:30-4p.m.: StrongStart/ CAPC. Every 1st & 3rd Wednesday at Eileen Madson Primary.

• 12-8 p.m.: Wear Wednesdays. Come to Arrowhead Brewery wearing our swag for $1 o your pint.

• 3 p.m.: Free youth Drop-in: at the Summit Youth Centre.

• 5 p.m.: Dinner at the Legion. Reserve your table by the Saturday Prior. 250-342-9517.

• 5 p.m.: Date night at Rustica, Eagle Ranch. Features a weekly special, appetizers, and 2 glasses of wine for $100.

Team Sponsors

Great West MGM Industries

Fraser Marine

Peak Exteriors

K5 Mechanical

Canadian Mountain Homes

Shi Air

Tegart Farms

BLUE Jays Grant/ Sign Sponsorship

Odyssey Carpet Cleaning

RE/MAX Invermere

Nipika Resort

Panorama Resort

JayBird Media

NAPA Autoparts

Donations in Kind

Max Helmer Construction

Ken Mitchell and Family Home Hardware Invermere

RONA Northstar Hardware

and Building Supplies Ltd.

Mountain Metals - Greg Langton

Gold Digger Excavations

Mac-Neil Landscaping

For future sponsorships, contact Jody Cable at jodylynncable@gmail.com or call 250-344-1730.

Renamed and revamped local ball diamond set to host provincial tournament

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The ball diamond down by Pynelogs has been and will be the site of more serious upgrades this year, and now also has a new name reflective of the recreational space’s long history in the community.

When little leaguers take field this spring they will do so not on the ‘Rotary Ball Park’ (as the diamond has been known for the past four decades) or at the ‘Pynelogs Ball Park’ (as it was known before that) but by the new, official moniker of ‘Pynelogs Rotary Ball Park, Field of Dreams’

Invermere council agreed to the new name during its final council meeting of 2022, when the idea for it (along with a general update) was presented by the nonprofit Columbia Valley Little League.

Little League president Julie Brown outlined the story of the space, explaining its origin as Pynelogs Ball Park in 1964. At that time the field came to be though considerable contributions from many community members, including donation of the land to the District of Invermere from the Windermere District Social Service with the caveat that it remain recreational land for community use. In 1981 major upgrades to the ball park were needed, and these were spearheaded by the Rotary Club, which prompted the renaming to Rotary Ball Park.

are what's important for you important for you see how

Pynelogs Rotary Ball Park, Field of Dreams as seen from above

Photo submitted

e Columbia Valley Little League would like to thank the following businesses and individuals for sponsoring our 2022 season.

Flash forward 40 years, and the ball diamond was once again in need of extensive renovation. In response to those need, the Little League has, over the past year, raised more than $256,000 in grants, cash donations and in-kind contributions.

“While precedent was set by Rotary for renaming during substantial renovations, our request is to amalgamate both names to honour the whole history of the ball park,” said Brown during the meeting. Council readily agreed to the new name.

The first significant bit of funding was a $62,000 grant from the Jays Care Foundation (a charity that is part of the Toronto Blue Jays) through its Field of Dream program. Invermere was one of only 16 communities to get the grant, and when the winners were announced live on a Sportsnet broadcast last April, it prompted a lively celebration of local little leaguers gathered in the Rocky River Grill.

That grant, Brown explained, acted as a catalyst for the Columbia Valley Little League to secure other funding.

The upgrades paid for by the $250,000 — some of which are already completed and some of will be undertaken soon — are considerable. The entire infield skin has been replaced with shale, the infield irrigation has been improved, the infield has been levelled and sodded, and the dugouts have been revamped, including new roofing, batten and painting. The outfield fence will be completely replaced this March and new bullpens will be built. Invermere councillors committed the district to replacing the backstop this spring.

The latest bit of funding secured by the Little League was a $101,000 Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) grant which will be used for some key accessibility upgrades, including renovating the washroom to be more accessible; creating accessible concrete pathways to the washrooms; creating a viewing area and spectator hub area; and building an accessible shade structure and press box covering half of one set of bleachers. There will also be a scorekeeping box on top of the shade structure, and covered bike racks (suitable for kids’ bikes, regular bikes, and e-bikes).

Money has been committed from local businesses to pay for a new scoreboard, and the little league is still seeking funding for planned first and third baseline fence replacements.

Looking ahead, the little league is hoping to add a batting complex in the future, and plans to launch coach and player training programs.

Most of the new renovations will be in place by the time Pynelogs Rotary Ball Park, Field of Dreams and the crossroads ball diamonds host the U15 (under 15 years old) East Kootenay Junior tournament on Friday, June 9 through Sunday, June 11. Later on in the summer, those same fields will host a provincial level tournament.

“It’s been a tremendous transformation, not just of the field, but of our whole program,” Brown told the Pioneer. She outlined that the league has grown 50 per cent from its pre-COVID levels “and we have room to grow further.”

Ball players in the league come from throughout the Columbia Valley, not just Invermere, and including the little league games organized in Edgewater. The Columbia Valley Little League is keen to expand its reach as much as possible and to that end is seeking a Canal Flats coordinator.

In March the league will offer a free training program to develop local umpires. It’s a great opportunity, especially for teens looking for some casual work, noted Brown, as they will then get paid to ump league games.

The league has also developed a new logo that features an iconic Columbia Valley species: the osprey. Inspiration for the new logo came from the ospreys that nest in the pole above Dorothy Lake and the Station Pub, right next to the ball diamond, explained Brown. “It actually circles around us on the field,” she noted.

The Columbia Valley Little League has several sponsorship opportunities available for the coming season, including 12 individual team sponsorship (cost is $300 and sponsors get a logo on sleeve of team shirts), 15 small annual sponsorship signs at the Pynelogs Rotary Ball Park, Field of Dreams (cost is $500 for a one-year two-foot by four-foot sign), and five large corporate sponsors (cost is $5,000 for a five years term and sponsors get a large fourfoot by eight-foot sign on the outfield fence).

The Columbia Valley Little League extended thanks to all its 2022 sponsors, emphasizing that their generous donations helped expand the league’s program and provided more opportunities and equipment for young ball players. These sponsors included teams sponsors (Great West, MGM Industries, Fraser Marine, Peak Exteriors, K5 Mechanical, Canadian Mountain Homes, Shift Air, Tegart Farms), Blue Jays grant and sign sponsors (Odyssey, Remax Invermere, Nipika Mountain Resort, Panorama Mountain Resort, JayBird Media, NAPA Autoparts), and donations-in-kind (Max Helmer Construction, Ken Mitchell and family, Home Hardware Invermere, RONA, Mountain Metals and Greg Langton), Gold Digger Excavations, Mac-Neil and Norcon Developments).

BEY ND THE BLUE LINE

Rockies maintain division lead

Submitted by Columbia Valley Rockies

It has been a busy schedule for the Columbia Valley Rockies this month as they widen the gap on first place in the Eddie Mountain Division.

On Tuesday, January 24, the team hosted the Golden Rockets and won 9-2 in front of the excited home crowd.

Fans tuned into the HockeyTV broadcast this past weekend as the Rockies made a West Kootenay road trip. On Friday, January 27, the team played the Beaver Valley Nitehawks in Fruitvale, ending the match in a 3-2 overtime loss. The following night the Rockies bounced back with an 8-1 win against the Nelson Leafs, ending the week with five out of a possible six points.

Last week, on January 20, the Rockies got a thrilling 3-2 overtime win against the against the Kimberley Dynamiters in a packed home rink. With that victory the Rockies knocked the Dynamiters off top spot in the Eddie Mountain Division.

During that match, the enthusiastic fans created a thrilling atmosphere that helped motivate the team. For

the first time ever, the coveted 50/50 pot started at $1000, thanks to local sponsor, the Swansea Ranch. The total surpassed $2440, with one happy winner taking $1220 home along with bragging rights after their team win.

On January 21, the Rockies headed to Creston and scored a decisive 9-2 win over the Thundercats. Keenan Ingram potted a hat trick and 2 assists, along with goals from five other teammates.

When asked for his comments about the team, Coach Emery Olauson noted, “It is shaping up to be a wild ride to the conclusion of the regular season. The boys have their sights set on capturing the division regular season title and that goal is in reach. We are looking forward to playing in front of the growing crowds at the Eddie, and preparing ourselves for a playoff run.”

The next home game at the Eddie is on Saturday, February 4, for a rematch against Beaver Valley. Fans are in for a few new experience upgrades as we build momentum for playoffs. There will be an option for online ticket sales using Showpass, along with private mezzanine rentals for a VIP game experience. With the growing fan attendance, give yourself extra time to get to the game. Make sure to follow the Columbia Valley Rockies on social media for all the latest updates.

Count Me In’ emphasizes the importance of inclusion

Submitted by Kate Gibbs

Crisanna MacLeod and Pete Bourke are pictured being well entertained as Kate Gibbs and Dave Oaks change places during the presentation of the generous sponsorship by the Kinsmen members ,who are supporting Gibbs’ next inclusion initiative; the important 2023/2024 adaptation of her successful school history lesson on disabilities; People who have Diverse Abilities(PWD’s).

Gibbs will be available to be contracted to facilitate educational presentations and staff orientations to business owners, community organizations, and individuals who are interested in learning how to be advocates for inclusion and accessibility in all areas of their lives.Gibbs’ inclusion projects are currently funded by grants and sponsorships to validate and put into actionher mission statement of, ‘Count me in leads with a confident, honest voice, celebrating differences andinspiring new actions based on inclusion, love and respect for all people in all places.’

Full- and part time locals who recognize the importance of inclusion are invited to contact Gibbs to joinher team by offering their expertise, technical support, and/or financial sponsorship to ‘Count Me In’. TheColumbia Valley Chamber of Commerce is the umbrella organization that manages all funding for ‘Count MeIn’. Pete Bourke, the CVCC Executive Director generously offers his valued professional expertise and-

personal commitment to Gibbs’ projects.

Are you able to name five excellent accessibility features in this photo? Check Kate's blog “Kate’sInclusion Adventures” for the correct answer, which can be found at https://katesinclusionadventures. blogspot.com

Left to right: Kate Gibbs, of ‘Count Me In’; Dave Oaks, representing The Kinsmen Club of Windermere Valley; Crisanna MacLeod, business mentor and; Pete Bourke, executive director. Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce. Photo submitted

Columbia Valley Rockies players watched the action from the bench in Nelson on January 28. The Rockies defeated the Nelson Leafs 8-1.

Photo submitted

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P

Al-Anon Are you concerned about or affec ted by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us on a “ZOOM” meeting ever y Monday at 7 p m For more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship, please call 250-342-8392.

Alcoholics Anonymous. If alcohol is causing problems or conic t in your life, AA can help All meetings are at 7 p.m. Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the BC Ser vice Building, South End – 624 4th St., Invermere. Please call 250342-2424 for more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship

Steamboat Mountain Music Societ y ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

7 pm S aturday, Februar y 25 Edgewater Communit y Hall

Ac tivit y and Financial Repor ts for 2022

Steamboat Mountain Music Festival Elec tion of Direc tors

D esser t & coffee

Followed by a music jam

Rouleau, Fran 1958 – 2022

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, companion, sister and friend Frances Jean Rouleau.

Fran was born to George and Pam Duley in Windsor England August 6th, 1958. She was surrounded by family and friends in her final days, Fran passed away at the Invermere District Hospital in the early hours on December 4th, 2022.

She is survived by her 3 children Chris (Venessa), Lindsey (Jessica) and AJ (Andrew) and her 4 wonderful grandchildren Jayden, Ava, Paige and Logan. She is also greatly missed by her loving companion Keith and their dog Binx. She will be lovingly remembered by her mother Pam and siblings Shera (Don), Mike (Michele), Fritz (Shannon), TJ (Barry), Brad (Jocelyn) and Kim (Stan), as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Fran married Guy Rouleau in August 1976 and they raised their children together in Columbia Valley and have called this place home for over 40+ years. In May 2018, Guy passed away. We know they are reunited together and watching over all of us.

The family sends a huge thank you to everyone who visited, sent along their love, or even just held her/us in their thoughts and an even bigger thank you to the staff who cared for Fran at Invermere and Cranbrook hospitals.

Celebration of Life will be held at Radium Hot Springs Centre Saturday, March 4th, 2023 starting at 1 p.m.

Following the celebration of life will be snacks and beverages, and a chance to share laughs and memories.

Any questions please email Lindsey at lindseyrouleau@hotmail.com

CHEERS WITHOUT

Cheers to Jamie at Invermere Optometr y. Keep up the good work!

Cheers to Jaye and Heath at Selkirk Cellulars/Purolator for helping me get a package to the USA It wasn' t an easy feat but you t wo made it look easy and were ver y patient with me! I appreciate your help and patience!

Cheers to Russell Buksa for being an honorable person and a capable tradesperson to boot!

Cheers to Ryan, a super friend, neighbour and a wonder ful help to a senior citizen I also appreciate you keeping the driveway clear of snow

Belated Cheers to Rober t for helping me when my car got stuck crosswise to traffic in the Baltac Communit y area. You are ver y kind

Cheers and more Cheers to my neighbor Dan for shovelling my driveway and sidewalk on Jan 27 What a nice surprise to come home to after a long work week You are a godsend!

Cheers to Anita Zehnder! You are a kind and generous person. I appreciate you and I am grateful to know you

Cheers to B emnet Feleke for being an amazing friendalways willing to lend a hand or an ear You will be missed here in Canada.

Cheers to Buddy Dearin for being an efficient, effec tive tradesperson and a joy to work with

Cheers to Heather and Jessie for keeping my dog and I safe from a coyote that was approaching us when we were walking on Lake Windermere. You saved us from a potentially bad situation You t wo are our guardian angels!

Cheers to Ilona B for always being so kind and giving hear tfelt compliments You made my day!

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Cheers to Shannon, Rhea, Jasmine and Mitch at BMO Invermere Your friendly, helpful personalities make it a pleasure to do business at the bank Keep up the good work

Cheers to Vanya at Home Hardware for the efficient ser vice You always deliver our orders with a smile.

I didn’t realize that I left my wallet (black ) in the shopping basket at the AG grocer y store A ver y kind person turned my wallet into the clerk A phone call later informed me of the kindness of a Good S amaritan Cheers!!!

Many cheers to Ken who came to our house with his bobcat to make sure we didn' t fall and break a leg on our ic y driveway From your grateful neighbours.

ACREAGES FOR SALE

2 5 to 3 4 acre parcels

Great mountain views, privac y, individual wells, no building time commitment Located on sunny side of the Valley

For more information contac t Elkhorn Ranches 250-342-1268

w w w elkhornranches com

HAY/BALES

HAY FOR SALE

Top qualit y round bales

Stored in shed

Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-342-1268

BUSINESS SERVICES

THE HEARTFELT COMPANION: Ser vices for Seniors

Since 2014 we've provided kind and compassionate non-medical care, transpor tation to Cranbrook, overnight care, meal prep, grocer y shopping and more. Excellent local references 250-341-5683

Hear tfeltcompanionser vices com

HELP WANTED

Minimum several years' experience and completion of secondar y school DUTIES: Prepare and cook full course meals, prepare and cook individual dishes and foods, ensure qualit y of food por tions, work with minimal super vision, prepare dishes for customers with food allergies or intolerances Inspec t kitchens and food ser vice areas Please for ward resume to Justin Atterbur y by fax 250-342-8889 or email: justatterbur y@hotmail com

BUSINESS SERVICES

O wner/operator elec trical contrac tor available for small and large projec ts Bonded, licensed and insured. 250-688-4090

HELP WANTED

Big Horn Cafe, Radium Hot Springs- Looking for Fulltime Baker/Chef- to help in the produc tion-from scratch baked goods, No evenings or ridiculous early mornings, somewhat exible hours, Negotiable per hour wage Ver y competitive wages please apply at bighorncafe1@outlook com or phone 403-861-2978

Look for a Par t-time Care Aid in our home for a middle aged disabled man In home care environment, must be able to help with Physio rehab, daily care, going to appointments and help with daily home duties Must have good work ethic & be an outgoing person who enjoys the outdoors. Trained care aid preferred but willing to train the right person Wage depending on experience. Please call 250-341-1109, or email resume to angelikaweder@yahoo com

Prana Wellness Spa is opening in Fairmont Hot Springs! We are currently looking to hire a full time receptionist and spa treatment providers. Please call or tex t 604-366-5713 We look for ward to hearing from you!

“If you love somebody enough, you can still hear their laughter after they’re gone….”

Realty Invermere

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR NEEDED

• Great Work Environment • 3 days per week

• Wage negotiable based on experience

• O ce experience an asset

Please send resumes to maxwellrealtyinvermere@gmail.com or drop o at the Invermere o ce at 1214 - 7 Avenue, Invermere, 250-341-6044.

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

Columbia Valley Centre (CVC)

Audio/Visual Theatre Technician

The Columbia Valley Centre (CVC) is looking for a contracting business or individuals who are knowledgeable in audio/ visual equipment and would have an interest in working with a wide range of rental groups and events.

The District of Invermere has an opportunity for a contractor to operate the Columbia Valley Centre’s audio/visual equipment and to provide technical support and guidance to user groups.

Work hours will coincide with shows and events. The successful contractor(s) must be available to work a variety of shifts including days, nights, weekends, and Statutory Holidays.

The contractor will work not only with our Manager of Leisure Services and sta in our Public Works Department, but also with the wide variety of performance experiences in musical performance, live theatre, dance, and special events.

The Contractor shall comply with the safety regulations under the Workers’ Compensation Act and supply their own general public liability insurance and property damage insurance.

The following assets are preferred, but not all necessary:

• Knowledge of analog and digital mixing consoles (Midas, Avid, Allen & Heath etc.) and professional sound systems.

• Knowledge of theatrical lighting & dimmer programming on lighting control console for bands, theatre, performances etc.

• Troubleshooting technical issues and resolving problems quickly when they arise.

• Liaise with the internal team to develop solutions for audio/ video/lighting con gurations to meet project requirements.

• Provide exceptional customer service experience to clients and/or venue sta .

• Knowledge of basic video (projectors, laptops, VGA, HDMI).

• Experience working at heights and operating a platform lift. Please let us know if you have certi cation for working at heights and lift certi cation.

• May require the lifting of production equipment and backline.

• Monitoring the condition of equipment including lights and sound.

• Provide recommendations for the repair and replacement of equipment.

• Performing preventive maintenance on equipment.

• Other duties as required.

How to Apply:

If this contract is of interest to you, please submit a proposal to the District of Invermere using the contact information below.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

District of Invermere

Kindry Luyendyk, Corporate O cer

914 – 8th Avenue

PO Box 339

Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

Email: corporateservices@invermere.net

Tel: 250-342-9281

Brainard Custom Contrac ting LTD is growing again! We are hiring for S killed L abourers/Journeyman

C arpenters to join our team in Invermere B.C. Now is your chance to join a local company, right here in the Columbia Valley! Wages will be negotiated depending on experience

What we have to O ffer YOU:

• Fun, no -stress workdays

• Monday to Friday, no weekends

• Flexible schedule to assist with personal and family needs

• An employer that respec ts and values you!

What you need to O ffer U S :

• Must be reliable and respec t hard work

• Must want to be par t of a team and have a great attitude

• Must have own vehicle for work within the Columbia Valley

Please email list of qualifications to BrainardCustom@gmail.com or call 250-341-7421. Have questions? Ask! We look for ward to working with you!

POLE PEELER OPERATOR POSITION

Brisco Wood Preser vers Ltd., a major Canadian treated wood producer specializing in utility poles and agricultural produc ts, is seeking to hire a Peeler Operator for our plant in Brisco BC.

Our main treating facility is located just nor th of Radium Hot Springs in the beautiful Columbia Valley in British Columbia. Brisco Wood Preser vers second treating facility and Dowel Post plant is located in Peers, Alber ta. Brisco sells treated Poles posts, rails, and we also custom treat a variety of wood produc ts

General Summar y: Repor ting to the Plant Site Manager, the Peeler Operator primar y responsibility is to operate the pole Peeler and related system components as well as genera cleanup and other duties as required

Key Responsibilities:

Per form tasks efficiently focusing on Safety Quality and Produc tion while meeting deadlines

• Process barkie poles through the Peeler, cleanly remove bark Maintains Peeler system equipment including daily ser vice of par ts grease inspec t cleaning

• Documents and repor ts quality, mechanical and operations produc tion to the super visor Assists in maintenance and repair of system equipment as required

• Communicates produc tion quality concerns with appropriate individuals

• Fill out paper work accurately

Work effec tively together with assigned crew

• Following established procedures to safely produce high quality results

Qualific ations:

Experience in running a Peeler an asset Willing to train the right candidate

Experience with minor mechanical repairs an asset

• Ability to follow direc tion and work together with others to complete assigned tasks

Background in the Forest Industr y a definite asset

• Self-reliant, organized, motivated and quality oriented

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

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest however only those selec ted for inter views will be contac ted

How to Apply: Please address cover letter and resume to Kevin Olson – Plant Site Manager and e -mail pdf file to: epetersen@briscowood.com or Fax to 250-346-3218

Deadline for applic ation is 5 p.m. (MST ) Friday, Februar y 3, 2023.

DTSS Lakers senior boys basketball team continues strong play

Submitted by Rick Kubian

The DTSS Lakers Senior Boys Basketball team has continued its strong play. The team is now 13-1 having won tournaments in Creston and Kimberly over the last two weekends. The Lakers’ only loss of the season came in the final of the Elkford Invitational three weeks ago. In Elkford the Lakers had to deal with injuries to several players, resulting in finishing the final with only seven healthy players.

Last weekend the team faced some stiffer competition. They played their best game of the season so far against Creston coming away with a 74-69 victory against the home team. They managed to handle the full court press and three point shooting of a strong Creston team proving that they are continuing to grow as a team.

They are off to a very strong tournament in Fernie this coming weekend which should help them to continue to improve their team systems and individual skills. Importantly, it will gauge where they are at relative to the best teams they will compete against in the Kootenay Zone for a berth in the Provincials. The team runs 12 players deep and one of the keys to their success so far has been their bench play and commitment from the entire team. Injuries to several key players has challenged them and required all players to step up. Play over the last few weekends saw breakout performances for guard Peyton Cooper who had a 31 point game as well as ‘twin towers’ Lief Dubreuil and Connor Von Niessen.

The Lakers are hosting Mount Baker from Cranbrook next Wednesday February 8. Junior Boys play at 5 pm and the seniors tip off at 6:30 p.m. Come out and support your local student athletes at the DTSS gymnasium.

UKRAINIAN REFUGEE

800 new and used vehicles to choose Guaranteed fair prices and low easy payments We deliver anywhere VADYM GRYSHKO Appreciate help 604-855-8015.

WANTED SASQUATCH SKULL

Also purchasing SILVER and GOLD coins, bars, jewelr y, scrap, nuggets, sterling, 999+ BULLION, maple leafs, bulk silver, pre -1969 coins Coin collec tor BUYING ENTIRE COIN COLLECTIONS, old $ and Royal Canadian Mint coins. TODD 250-8643521.

Kinbasket Water & Sewer Company Ltd.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFIC ATIONS SMALL CIVIL WORKS CONTRAC TS FOR WATER AND SEWER UTILITY INFRASTRUC TURE (< $50,000)

RFQ Documents available from:

Kinbasket Water & Sewer Company Ltd

Contac t: Jarret St John, Public Works Manager

E: public works@shuswapband ca

T: 250-341-3678

All RFQ documents must be in the form provided. and received no later than 23 Februar y 2023.

P U B L I C H E A R I N G

The Village of Radium Hot Springs and its Council is considering an application to remove a piece of Village-owned proper ty from the Agricultural Land Reser ve (ALR)

The land is located at 4755 Sewer Plant Road in the Village It is the site of the Village’s sewage lagoons (built par tially within the ALR and with ALR permission in the early ‘90s) and some of the Sinclair Creek Pathway system

The parcel is 13.72 hectares total and more than half of its area is currently not within the ALR. Only 6.47 of that total area is within the ALR and it is this area which may be applied for removal

Removal of the land from the ALR would facilitate construction of a regional transfer station (for garbage and recycling collection within the Village) immediately nor th of the sewage lagoons. This transfer station will be relatively small when constructed, approximately 0 73 hectares

Removal of the land from the ALR would better allow the Village to manage this land, which it owns, within its boundar y for community and institutional use – consistent with the Village’s Official Community Plan.

A public hearing on the issue is scheduled for Februar y 13, 2023 at 3:30 p.m. at the Village Council Chambers (4836 Radium Boulevard).

To submit any comments please phone 250-347-6455 ext 9, or email cao@radiumhotsprings ca

All correspondence received will become par t of the public record.

SHUTTER BUGS WELCOME

suppor t projec ts that benefit the broad communit y and public good through community-based decision-mak ing and ensuring an oppor tunity for resident input

Planning a projec t that will benefit the community?

Apply by Februar y 15, 2023 engage.rdek.bc.ca/redi

ReDi

Happy Groundhog Day! THE WILD FILES

It’s our nature

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Happy Groundhog Day! There are 15 species of groundhogs across the globe, three which reside in Canada. The species we see burrowing on the unceded territories of the Secwépemc, and Ktunaxa Peoples, and the land chosen as home by the Métis Peoples of B.C., is the species known as marmota monax petrensis. Groundhogs, which thrive in prairie and wooded areas, belong to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots, and are the second largest member of the ground squirrel family next, to the hoary marmot.

Groundhogs have four incisor teeth, white to ivory white, which grow 1.5 millimetres (mm) per week, as their constant usage wears them down them the same amount weekly. As herbivores, groundhogs eat a variety of plants and are known for taking tasty fruit and vegetable treats from people’s farms and gardens. They are also eat insects, snails, and grubs. Predators include grey wolves, badgers, coyotes and cougars. The length of the average adult groundhog is 68.5 centimetres (cm) including a tail up to nearly 19 cm. The average yearround weight of males is 3.83 kilograms (kg) while females weigh in a little less at 3.53 kg. In the wild they live up to six years of age; in captivity have reached the age of 14.

Chuck in repetition: Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are distinguished by gender as he-chucks and she-chucks; their young are called chucklings, or pups. A group of groundhogs is called a repetition. Out of the entire ground squirrel family, groundhogs are the most solitary and do not form stable, long-term bonds, and only court to reproduce. Mating happens after groundhogs come out of hibernation at the end of February or beginning of March. After a gestation period of 32 days, she-chucks birth three to five chucklings that are born naked and blind. They are independent by two months of age.

Hibernating hogs: Groundhogs hibernate; they retreat to their burrows in mid-fall and go into a deep slumber. Their body temperature drops from 37 to 3.3 degrees Celsius; their heart rate drops from 80 to four beats a minute. Aside from arising a few times to relieve themselves or step outside for a moment, hibernation can last up to five months for groundhogs. When they emerge from it, their bodies are thin and depleted. They make up for this during the spring and summer months. They are ravenous eaters and can consume rows of farmers crops.

Whistle pigs: Groundhogs are also called whistle pigs because they let out a whistle-like warning call when they sense danger. This alerts all other groundhogs around of dangers such as a low-flying hawk or another predator. Groundhogs fight and squabble with each other for their territories. Their defense tactics also include teeth chattering and tail swishing.

Down to earth Groundhogs are said to have a significant connection to the earth and they represent stability and earth energy. In Indigenous cultures, it’s believed if a groundhog arrives as a spirit animal it’s an opportunity for self-examination and personal growth; it appears to help you leave negativity behind, while clearing the path for the emergence of one’s genuine self.

Without a shadow without a doubt: The first Groundhog Day dates all the way back to February 2, 1887, when a rodent meteorologist was celebrated for the first time at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. In 1887, a newspaper editor who belonged to a group of groundhog hunters called the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, declared that a groundhog called Phil was America’s only true weather-forecasting groundhog. Since, the groundhog has always been referred to as Punxsutawney Phil. According to tradition, if the groundhog does not see his shadow, then without a doubt, spring will come early. If he is startled by his silhouette, then then it’s six more weeks of winter for all.

DISTRIC T OF INVERMERE

914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339

Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

Tel: 250-342-9281

• Fax: 250-342-2934

2023 LO C A L B Y - E L E C T I O N S

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN AS FOLLOWS: NOTICE OF ADVANCE VOTING

PUBLIC NOTICE IS GIVEN AS FOLLOWS:

ADVANCE VOTING DATES AND LOC ATION

ADVANCE VOTING will be held as follows:

Wednesday, Februar y 22nd, 2023

Between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. -and-

Thursday, March 2nd, 2023

Between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Loc ation Address

Distric t of Invermere Office 914 – 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC

ELEC TOR REGISTRATION

You may register at the time of voting by completing the application form available at the voting place and making a declaration that you meet the requirements to be registered as set out below:

RESIDENT ELECTORS:

To register as a resident elec tor you must:

• be 18 years of age or older on general voting day March 4th, 2023;

• be a Canadian citizen;

• be a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration (at time of voting);

• be a resident of the [municipalit y or elec toral area] on the day of registration (at time of voting); and

• not be disqualified under the Local Government Ac t or any other enac tment from voting in an elec tion or assent voting and not other wise disqualified by law

NON-RESIDENT PROPERT Y ELEC TORS:

To register as a non-resident proper t y elec tor you must:

• be 18 years of age or older on general voting day March 4th, 2023;

• be a Canadian citizen;

• be a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration (at time of voting);

• be a registered owner of real proper t y in the [municipalit y or elec toral area] for at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration (at time of voting);

• not be entitled to register as a resident elec tor; and

• not be disqualified under the Local Government Ac t or any other enac tment from voting in an elec tion or assent voting and not other wise disqualified by law

In addition, for non-resident proper t y elec tors:

• The only persons who are registered owners of the proper t y, either as joint tenants or tenants in common, are individuals who are not holding the proper t y in trust for a corporation or another trust

• If more than one individual is registered owner of the proper t y, only one of those individuals may, with the written consent of the majorit y of the individual owners, register as a non-resident proper t y elec tor

In addition, in order to register at time of voting:

Resident elec tors must produce 2 pieces of identific ation (at least one with a signature). Pic ture

identification is not necessar y The identification must prove both residenc y and identit y.

Non-resident proper ty elec tors must produce 2 pieces of identific ation (at least one with a signature) to prove identit y, proof that they are entitled to register in relation to the proper t y, and, if there is more than one owner of the proper t y, written consent from the majorit y of the proper t y owners

T YPES OF DOCUMENTS THAT WILL BE ACCEPTED AS IDENTIFIC ATION

You must produce at least t wo (2) documents that provide evidence of your identit y and place of residence, at least one (1) of which must contain your signature The following classes of documents will be accepted:

a) a Driver ’s Licence;

b) an Identification Card such as

i. a photo BC ser vices card;

ii. a non-photo BC ser vices card;

c) an Owner ’s Cer tificate of Insurance and Vehicle Licence issued by ICBC

d) a BC CareCard or BC Gold CareCard;

e) a Ministr y of Social Development and Economic Securit y Request for Continued Assistance Form SDES8, (now “Monthly Form EA181);

f ) a Social Insurance Number card;

g) a Citizenship Card;

h) a real proper t y tax notice;

i) a credit card or debit card; or

j) a utilit y bill, (such as elec tricit y, natural gas, water, telephone or cable ser vices).

The above listed identification documents MUST be accepted by elec tion officials An elec tion official may also accept other forms of documents that provide evidence satisfac tor y to the elec tion official (e.g., a valid, current passpor t).

MAIL BALLOT VOTING

REQUESTING A MAIL BALLOT PACK AGE:

Mail ballot applications are available and can be submitted to the Distric t of Invermere office bet ween Februar y 7th, 2023, to March 2nd, 2023 at 4 p.m

If you would like to receive a mail ballot to vote by mail, an application must be submitted to the Distric t of Invermere office by Februar y 10th, 2023, at 4 p.m

If you would like to receive a mail ballot and submit it to the office an application must be submitted to the Distric t of Invermere office by March 2nd, 2023, at 4 p.m

Applications are on the Distric t of Invermere website at w w w invermere.net, or can be requested by email corporateser vices@ invermere.net and the municipal office located at 914 – 8th Avenue

To be counted, your mail ballot must be received by the Chief Elec tion Officer no later than 8:00 pm on Saturday, March 4th, 2023, of General Voting Day

For fur ther information on the elec tion process, please contac t:

Kindr y Luyendyk, Chief Elec tion Officer 250-342-9281

corporateser vices@invermere.net

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

Now open for in-person ser vices

Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

326 10th Avenue, Invermere

250-342-9535 • www.lwac.ca

Minister: Brent Woodard

Sundays at 10:30 a.m In-person or on zoom

For the zoom link, please visit our website ( Windermere Valley Shared Ministr y). 110 - 7th Ave. in Invermere.

V A L L E Y C H R I S T I A N A S S E M B L Y

Sunday 10 a.m. Worship ser vice 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com

R O M A N C A T H O L I C C H U R C H St Anthony’s, Canal Flats., Canadian Martyrs’ –Invermere, St Joseph’s – Radium

Canal Flats: Saturday, 4 p.m.

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

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

Sunday 1:30 p.m Worship Ser vice at Valley Christian 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere lutheranstpeter@gmail.com

Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service

Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • 250-342-6633 No 4, 7553 Main St Radium • 250-347-9937

Worship Service, Sunday, 10 a.m Relief Society, 11:15 a.m

President Kendyn Mackensie • Columbia Valley Branch • 5014 Fair way, Fairmont Hot Springs 250-439-9041

CHURCH OF CHRIST (Iglesia ni Cristo)

Worship Ser vice: Sunday 9 a.m., Thursday 7:45 p.m Chamber of Commerce (Lions Hall)

For inquiries: 250-688-1643 250-270-2208 or 250-688-0629

For more info about the church, you can Google online at incmedia.org or pasugo.com.ph

Winter Virtual Workshop series is underway

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Outdoor Learning Winter Virtual Workshop Series is underway. The Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN) launched the Outdoor Learning Store, a charitable non-profit social enterprise in 2020 as an online one-stop shop for educators to access equipment, resources and tools for outdoor learning.

The Outdoor Learning Store, based in Invermere with partners across North America, began offering free virtual 60-minute workshops in January on Tuesday evenings. There are seven webinars in total for their winter series with the last one on March 7. Educators or those who wish to learn can sign up anytime by visiting https:// outdoorlearningstore.com/workshops/.

“These virtual workshops were in response to the pandemic, in seeing a need to support educators with professional development, highlight the importance and possibilities of outdoor learning as a tool in this time of crisis and wanting to ensure that we maintained connection and community through these tough times,” said Jade Berrill, CBEEN outreach and events manager. “We didn’t realize how powerful it was in ensuring people from diverse places and less represented areas or groups, could access professional development, so it’s wonderful to the waterfall of good effects happening - we have now over 3,000 registrants for our next two upcoming workshops.”

The first workshop, Taking Math Outdoors, will be hosted by Pamela Gibson and Janice Haines on February 7 at 4 p.m. Both work at Belfountain Public School in Caledon, Ontario. Gibson, who taught there for over 30 years, recently started to work for Learning for a Sustainable Future as the school’s lead. Haines has been at Belfountain for 20 years and is a kindergarten teacher.

“All who attend will be invited to imagine the many ways they could enter an outdoor relationship with

teaching math. It’s a natural fit with learning outdoors, as children spend time outside, they realize there is a relevant, connectable math component in everything they take an interest in,” said Gibson.

Berrill said CBEEN’s mandate is to share resources with educators and deepen their connection to the outdoors and help them spend more time there. This workshop aims to resonate with anyone who educates. Gibson said experiencing math outdoors is interesting and encourages kids to become more aware of what’s going on in the natural world and their communities, and to become comfortable being a part of it all, all year round.

“There are many avenues into outdoor learning,” said Gibson. “Using math as one route ‘out the school door’ is one of the most under-utilized by educators and yet one of the easiest ways to get started outside. We hope those who attend will find their way into teaching and learning outdoors.”

The second virtual workshop will be Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults on Feb 8 at 4 p.m. Award-winning best-selling author and professional consultant, Monique Gray Smith, will be part of the workshop.

“We are incredibly honoured to have Monique share with us for this workshop. She has incredible expertise in sharing wisdom, knowledge, and hope,” said Berrill. “Monique has written several influential and accessible books and her adaptation of ‘Braiding Sweetgrass’ by Robin Wall Kimmerer is special in that it makes the content more accessible to young people, and offers fantastic opportunities for educators to pose questions that will provoke thought and curiosity in students.”

“Learning outside is not break from education but a support for it,” said Berrill. “It reminds us we are all connected, and in our modern society of digital disconnect, heavily distant from our natural spaces and places, these are lessons that I think we all need to hear.”

Volunteers needed in Invermere to interview seniors

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Becoming a senior is referred to as being in the ‘golden years’. The Office of the Seniors Advocate (OSA) is looking for volunteers to survey seniors in Invermere to see if they are in fact having a golden experience, with the 2022-2023 Long-Term Care Resident and Family Experience Survey.

Volunteers will visit the more than 29,000 residents in publicly funded long term care homes across B.C. and conduct a structured interview with them about their quality of life.

“This project is sponsored by the BC Office of the Seniors Advocate,” said Emily Jurek, regional engagement lead, Office of Patient-Centered Measurement (OPCM). “When Isobel Mackenzie became B.C.’s first Seniors’ Advocate in 2014, one of her visions was to get the perspective of every resident in long-term care in the province on the quality of care they were receiving. That was done in 2016 and 2017 and now it is being done again, post-pandemic.”

The intent is to make improvements for them, both locally and provincially. Between Columbia Garden Village and Columbia House at the Invermere District Hospital the two long term care facilities in Invermere, about 70 residents will need to be surveyed. Those interested should sign up fast as surveying is set to begin the first week of February, and there is a screening and training process that takes one to two weeks. Any one can apply by calling (778) 675-8873, by visiting www.surveybcseniors.org/volunteer or emailing Emily direct at ejurek@ providencehealth.bc.ca.

“We would love to have a team of three to five volunteers who can go in a couple of times a week while surveys

are being conducted in Invermere,” said Jurek. “Note that volunteers must be at arm’s length from the care home; individuals who have worked, volunteered, had a loved one, or have been a regular visitor in a specific facility, will not be able to do interviews in that facility. We will also be seeking the perspective of the family members or frequent visitors of those in long term care. They will receive a survey via email or mail, and we encourage them to take the opportunity to share their experience of their loved one’s care.”

Interested and approved volunteers will undergo online training, and then will conduct in-person interviews with residents in long term care. All the questions and materials will be provided, so the volunteers will just sit down with the resident, ask them the questions, and record their responses. They will ask their opinions about things and listen to their stories. The goal is to have all surveys done by the end of March. The time commitment is about 40 hours over the next two months.

“We hope that volunteers will come away with some treasured experiences of moments of fun, laughter, sadness, and connection that they were able to share with local residents,” said Jurek.

“Volunteers can take this as an opportunity to see what life is like inside long term care and to know they have been part of improving the standard of care in our province. We hope that each senior will feel valued and know that their concerns have been heard. The results of this survey will be publicly released once all the surveys are complete across the province, and recommendations will be made by the Seniors’ Advocate for improvements in care. So, it has a dual purpose, both of making system-level changes and of engaging with individual seniors on a personal level.”