Columbia Valley Pioneer, February 23, 2023

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Some tiptoed, some held hands and jumped, and still others cannonballed into the icy waters of Taynton Bay during the Recreational Adapted Society’s annual Polar Plunge last Saturday, Feb. 18. The event raised awareness about barriers to outdoor recreation for those with mobility challenges and raised funds for the often very expensive equipment allowing people facing mobility challenges to get outdoors. See more photos on page 24.

Photo by Ryan Watmough

(Left) Last weekend local residents and visitors enjoyed some extra time off during the Family Day long weekend. But local wildlife never takes a break. In this image elk, geese and eagles all do their thing along the Columbia River as seen on the Shuswap Reserve. Photo by Ryan Watmough

With warmer, clearer weather, you’ll notice more activity in the skies. Some geese fly down following the Columbia River.

(Below)

Photo by Ryan Watmough

Canal Flats adopts strategic plan

Top priorities include climate action strategy, resident attraction and retention, and bringing in new business

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Canal Flats has its strategic plan for the year in place.

The village’s 2023 priorities and strategic plan was unanimously adopted by the Canal Flats council during its meeting last week, on Monday, February 13, and the plan will be the subject of a town hall meeting on Thursday, Feb. 23 — the very day this issue of the Pioneer hits newsstands.

Village council and staff have been working on the plan since early December. The three top priorities it outlines are: a climate action strategy; resident attraction and retention and; attracting new business.

The climate action strategy is broken down into three primary objectives — emergency response and preparedness (which includes ensuring the village’s emergency management plan is followed and developing its fire smart program); making sure core infrastructure is protected (this includes dike improvements, dike maintenance plans, and doing a water study); and fostering a ‘green community’ (which includes expanding the trail network, reviewing boat use, and protecting the village’s foreshore)

The resident retention and attraction strategy encompasses several notable objectives, such as opening the Canal Flats medical clinic; improving the village’s parks and recreation plans (specifically by adding active living programs); building 10 to 12 affordable housing units in the next two years and; working with local developers to come up with some new live-work housing models.

The business attraction strategy includes appointing Canal Flats chief administrative officer, Richard Wayken, as the village’s chief technology officer; engaging with tech companies to highlight the village’s advantages as a location for tech entrepreneurs and workers and; forming an economic development committee.

Wayken explained to the Pioneer that various council members have each picked separate aspects of the plan which they are dedicating themselves to furthering. Justin Stanbury, for instance, is taking the lead on innovation and technology; Jennifer Noble is liaising with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and; mayor Mark Doherty is leading efforts to work with other municipalities.

“It’s great to have council so engaged,” said Wayken. “It really demonstrates their commitment to the plan.”

In terms of the climate action strategy, “B.C. is ground zero for climate change effects and that’s very true for Canal Flats, as it is the source of the Columbia River,” Wayken told the Pioneer. He pointed out that the Canal Flats dike protects not just local residents but also those living downstream on the Columbia River all the way to Golden.

With climate change increasing the risk of wildfires and of flooding, Canal Flats needs to be prepared to deal with such scenarios, outlined Wayken. “Wildfires and flooding are both high risk and high consequence events. We’ve seen what can happen with wildfires and with flooding in other parts of B.C., and in Alberta in recent years.”

Climate change also makes it more important than ever to safeguard the village’s water source. Canal Flats gets its water straight from a local aquifer and it is of such good quality that the village is one very few municipalities in western Canada that does not need to chlorinate its water. “It’s a top priority,” said Wayken.

For resident attraction and retention, Wayken pointed out that given the village’s demographics, “through the next four years, as we progress through the current council’s term, more than 50 per cent of Canal Flats will be age 55 or older. There are few young families here. We need that influx (of young families)... Businesses need them for long term stability.”

There’s double demographic trouble because not only does Canal Flats have few young families, it is also losing seniors, who are moving away to larger centres to be closer to the services and amenities those places offer. Medical services are a key example, and that’s why the village is very keen to get its planned medical clinic opened as soon as possible, explained Wayken.

Business attraction flows logically from resident attraction and retention, outlined Wayken. If there are more businesses, there will be more employment opportunities, more families and more services. Canal Flats is making a specific effort to attract 25- to 40-year old risk-taking, entrepreneurial types, as the village has several advantages that will appeal to this demographic such as a good fibre-optic network and great outdoor amenities.

The town hall meeting will function mostly as a public information session. Village council members will give a presentation, explaining the various priorities in further detail, and outlining some of the key projects that fall under each of the priorities. The mayor and councillors will take questions from residents after the presentation.

“Come on down. This is a new council. They’ve got fresh, great ideas. Council really wants to engage with the public and let them have input. This is an opportunity to do that,” said Wayken.

The meeting is at 6:30 p.m. at the Canal Flats Civic Centre.

Protecting the village’s foreshore, including at Tilley Memorial Park (shown here) is a key part of the Canal Flats’s strategic plan.

Photo by Ryan Watmough

Many B.C. communities are particularly vulnerable the effects of climate change. Village chief administrative officer, Richard Wayken, outlined this is true of Canal Flats, especially given that it is the source of the Columbia River (shown here). Photo by Ryan Watmough

Released

by: Cpl. Jeff Witzke Columbia Valley RCMP

From February 13 to February 19, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 55 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the file our officers responded to.

On February 15, RCMP received a call from a pedestrian that was just struck by a motor vehicle while crossing a controlled intersection located at 7th Ave. and 4th, Invermere. The pedestrian was not seriously injured and was able to walk to the nearby clinic where they were checked by a doctor and sent to the hospital for X-rays. This matter is still under investigation and would like anyone who might have witnessed the incident to contact the local detachment.

On February 16, RCMP were contacted by David

Thompson Secondary School (D.T.S.S.) as they received an anonymous tip that a student was bringing a gun to the school. The student in question was already located by staff and no firearm was located. It is unknown where the information originated. The student was spoken to by police who were satisfied there was no threat to the students or teachers.

On February 19, RCMP received a call regarding a theft at the grocery store. The complainant was in the grocery store and went to use the washroom. They left their bag of personal belongings unattended in a shopping cart and upon returning to said cart, the bag was gone and appeared to have been stolen. After reporting it to the police, the owner was contacted over social media from a good Samaritan whom saw the bag unattended and assumed the owner had forgotten it and was able get the bag back to the rightful owner.

Invermere pushes ahead with single use plastic bylaw

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Invermere will ban single use plastic bags and possibly other types of single use plastics as well as takeout styrofoam, sooner rather than later.

Invermere’s previous council (prior to the fall 2022 municipal election) directed district staff last summer, to start preparing a bylaw banning single use plastic bags once the district had hired an environmental planner. That planner — Anne Sophie Corriveau — has been hired, and during last week’s committee of the whole meeting, she appeared before council seeking clarification and direction on just such a bylaw.

“Where is council at on this?” inquired Corriveau, asking whether councillors wanted her to go ahead with a bylaw specifically banning single use plastic bags or they wanted her to draft a bylaw banning a broader range of single use plastics (such as drinking straws) and materials such a takeout container styrofoam? And, if it is the latter, precisely which kinds of plastics did council want banned as part of the bylaw?

Corriveau pointed out that 20 municipalities in B.C. have already adopted plastic use bylaws — about half of which target just single use plastic bags and the rest of

which target a broader range of materials. She also noted that this past December federal government regulations came into effect banning the manufacture and import of single use plastic checkout bags, single use plastic cutlery, single use plastic straws and stir sticks, and other single use plastic food service ware. The outright sale of these items is supposed to be prohibited in Canada by December this year.

Councillor and acting mayor, Kayja Becker, indicated her preference that the bylaw be broader that just checkout bags, saying “I like the idea of a single use plastic bylaw.” She added she sees no reason to simply wait until the federal government institutes a Canada-wide ban, noting that there may well be many delays at the federal level that could push the national single use plastics sales ban well beyond December 2023.

“We need to get it going as a municipality as quickly as possible,” said Becker. “We need to do the right thing.”

“I struggle with this a lot,” countered councillor Gerry Taft. “When you go into a grocery story there’s all kinds of things — packaged products, meat, sushi — that’s all wrapped in plastic. Why do we say that bags and straws are evil, but not these other types of plastic?”

Continued on page 21 . . .

Smokii Sumac’s There Are Hierarchies of Grief featured on CBC Gem

Sumac writes and performs for Indigenous animated short film series How to Lose Everything

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

she would hold our stories and us as creators, with respect.”

The project, which began at the start of the pandemic, took three years to come to fruition. What began with Couture’s one animated film, quickly morphed into a five-episode series. There Are Hierarchies of Grief was the fourth episode, in which writer and performer Sumac reflects on the wisdom and strength of bereaved mothers, as he’s faced with the grief of waking up to a changed world.

that There Are Hierarchies of Grief reaches those mothers who need to see their grief honoured and held. I hope it reaches anyone that feels that need, and that it allows a moment to reflect, remember, and let the grief move through them.”

Sumac has been creating and inspiring the masses with his written works since grade eight.

Two-spirit Ktunaxa author, academic, and poet, Smokii Sumac (he/they) who grew up in Invermere, was featured on CBC Gem as a part of the Indigenous animated short film series How to Lose Everything, inspired by Christa Couture’s debut memoir of the same name.

“I was invited into this project by the creator and producer, Christa Couture,” said Sumac. “Christa and I have connected over grief stories many times, and I was very excited when she invited me. I think it speaks to Christa’s experiences and generous way of being, that this group of Indigenous creators trusted her with our stories. I don’t know that many of us would have signed on, if it wasn’t for our relationships with Christa, knowing that

“I wrote this piece on the day Trump got elected in the United States,” said Sumac. “As a two-spirit and transgender Indigenous person, I was worried about what that meant for our world. I felt deeply depressed. When I am feeling grief like that, I think of others who have experienced unimaginable losses. I think of my loved ones who lost children, and so I wrote it for them, to honour their strength, and to help me remember that we have survived so many difficult experiences. Even on the hard days, I’m inspired to survive, because of those around me who have shown me that it’s possible.”

There Are Hierarchies of Grief was published in Sumac’s 2018 book You Are Enough: love poems for the end of the world. Sumac recorded the performance of There Are Hierarchies of Grief at Just Music in Cranbrook, while the Ktunaxa version was recorded in Spokane, by Sumac’s uncle Christopher Horsethief, who also served as their language technician. The recordings were worked on by animator Meky Ottawa, in Montreal and by musician G.R. Gritt, in Sudbury, Ontario before ending up back at CBC studios.

“It really takes a village to create animation and film work like this,” said Sumac. “I hope, first and foremost,

“I must acknowledge my creative writing teachers from David Thompson Secondary School. Kate Reston, and later Shelley Little helped spark my passion for writing,” said Sumac. “My favourite part of writing is the part where an audience gets to connect to my work. Whether that’s on social media, or through picking up my book, it’s been an incredible gift when my words reach a part of someone’s heart, and they share that connection with me.”

Sumac will continue to connect with others through the ʔasqanaki podcast which centers on the Ktunaxa concept ʔasqanaki: to tell two versions of the same story. This podcast will feature Indigenous writers and musicians like Sumac’s hometown hero Miesha Louie from Miesha and the Spanks. This project is generously funded by the Canada Council for the Arts and will be out later this spring. Sumac was also recently accepted to the National Queer and Trans Playwriting Unit led by ZeeZee theatre in Vancouver.

“This has been an exciting change, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it changes my voice to write in characters and on a stage setting,” said Sumac.

For other creators out there, Sumac passes on the advice to write what you know and keep writing: “Your story matters and there is someone out there waiting to hear or read the words you write. You are enough!”

New parcel tax will pay for sewer work

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Municipal taxes will be going up in Invermere to help pay for the extensive water and sewer upgrades undertaken last summer. A parcel tax, which amounts to $50 per parcel, moved several steps closer to becoming official when it got three readings during last week’s Invermere council meeting, on Tuesday, Feb. 14. (Councillors marked the meeting coinciding with Valentine’s Day by decorating their name placards with cutout hearts).

The new tax has been in the cards for some time, but it did, however, prompt a nearly half hour of discussion. This was not so much due to a sudden surge of civic interest or to outrage about increasing taxes among the local populace, but rather because three of the five by-election candidates vying for the open seat on Invermere council were in the gallery. Seeking greater insight into the machinations of local government,

they peppered the councillors and staff with questions about the new tax and the work it will pay for.

That work — which is phase two of water and sewer upgrades along 13th Avenue — began last year and is scheduled to be completed later this spring (once the ground thaws again). The upgrades were on a section of 13th Avenue between 10th Street and 15th Street and include some work done on 15th Street itself.

This second phase of upgrades followed hot on the heels of the first phase of sewer upgrades on 13th Avenue which took place during summer and fall 2021. Both projects (phase 1 and phase 2) were urgent endeavours — there was a distinct possibility that, if the work did not happen quickly, residents would find sewage flooding into their homes.

Just how ancient and desperately in need of repair the water

Smokii Sumac who grew up in Invermere, was featured on CBC Gem as part of the Indigenous animated short film series How to Lose Everything. Submitted photo

PERSPECTIVE

You’re never too old to learn

By Joanne McQuarrie editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Every day is an opportunity to learn, including in the later years of one’s life. It’s good for the brain and body, it’s good for confidence, and it’s mind-expanding.

There are many, many senior citizens right here in the area who have lives full of activity and healthy busyness; some have been featured in the Pioneer over the years. These folks are wonderful sources of inspiration.

February is Psychology Month, reads CANES community care website. It notes the last couple of years have been stressful for people of all ages, but seniors, especially. When surveyed, one out of five Canadian seniors said they experienced emotional distress in the past two years and found it difficult to cope of their own. As well, 14 per cent of Canadian seniors said they specifically had problems with depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. CANES community care offered a few tips: The first is to keep busy with games and activities - reading more and often; keep a journal - it helps to manage and alleviate stress and anxiety; learning a new language; play a musical instrument; do puzzles and play games.

Another tip is to stay active and get enough exerciseboth are important for both physical and mental health. Exercise can help manage stress, anxiety and depression.

A third tip is to stay connected with family and friends; letter-writing is a good plan, or a phone call, and there’s the advantage technology too, with FaceTiming and Zoom get-togethers.

How about pursuing a new hobby? There’s a huge variety of activities to do - painting, dancing, crafting, gardening. Hobbies help increase the neuroplasticity of the brain and as these neuronal connections are strengthened and new connections are established, folks feel comforted and gain an increased sense of belonging.

Volunteering can be a healthy pursuit too; there are many organizations in communities to help out.

Pets are a wonderful connection with unconditional love. If it’s not possible to own a pet, volunteering at an animal pet shelter is a good way to connect with animals, and help an organization at the same time.

Sometimes it’s good to reach out for help with challenges such as depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns. A partnership between the Canadian Mental Health Association/Peel Branch, CANES Community Care, and Reconnect Mental Health Services can provide mental health support services for older adults. Here’s a website to check out: https://www.canes.on.ca/services/ intensive-seniors-community-team

Historical Lens Historical Lens

Wilmer resident says no ATVs in a national wildlife area

Dear Editor:

The Columbia National Wildlife area protects critical wetland and grassland areas that are crucial for wildlife habitat, including breeding and resting habitat for migratory birds. The Wilmer unit of the NWA is along the southern end of the Columbia wetlands. The area is protected under federal jurisdiction, which includes a prohibition of motorized vehicles in the area. Which is why it was more than dismaying to recently view ATV tracks in this protected area. Perhaps the

rider is unaware of the protected status of the area. I would implore those responsible ATV users to educate their fellow riders. Information about this has been sent to Environment and Climate Change Canada and provincial authorities. We all need to do our part to respect the areas that are set aside for nature in our climate constrained world.

Karen Barkley, Wilmer, B.C.

Resident says people need to co-exist with animals, not destroy/relocate them

Dear Editor;

I have lived in Invermere for 55 years and I have never felt more upset about the wildlife I cherish. It is devastating that District of Invermere (DOI) continues to destroy wildlife - thoughtless, cruel and secretive!

Since 2011, DOI has killed about 132 deer – inhumanely, with no environmental, ethical and economic justification. Fourteen of the 50 “aggressive deer” killed recently were fawns. They are likely killing deer now. And now the turkeys have all but disappeared! Trappers from the Alberta Conservation Association (a society) were here with three baited traps – one at the south end of 8th Avenue. They had trapped 108 turkeys by Wednesday and were not finished. Our turkeys will try surviving in unfamiliar territory, in a harsh climate, on

private ranch lands in Alberta. The society wrote that the project is a “population augmentation program”, needed after previous turkey translocations failed to provide sufficient “hunting opportunity”.

Like BC SPCA, I believe it is unethical and cruel to kill or translocate wildlife to benefit human needs over those of animals. We must respect wild animals for their inherent value, not just as a resource for people. Individual animals are important to the group. Individual harm and suffering is likely in every translocation. Co-existence with naturally stable populations is the only effective, humane way for us to live with nature.

Marie Pike

Continued on page 7 .

One of the first cars over new Banff-Windermere Highway. Two men and Mrs. Harold Nelson (mother of E. Walkins) standing on running boards of truck. Circa 1920’s Photo C1489 provided by the Windermere and District Historical Society

Fresh old ideas

By Arnold Malone Pioneer Columnist

Arnold Malone served as MP for Alberta’s Battle River and Crowfoot ridings from 1974 through 1993. He retired to Invermere in 2007.

Putin’s miserable war imposed upon the innocent has raged on with wretched results. I have changed how I express this terrible event. I used to refer to the war as, ‘Russia’s war on Ukraine’. I now express it as, ‘Putin’s War’.

The ordinary people of Russia have no idea what is actually taking place. They know only that which the Kremlin’s propaganda offers. If ever a free press were allowed, the people of Russia would turn against their leaders with certain revenge.

Putin is not alone. Sergey Lavov, Putin’s minister of foreign affairs, is no better. There is a cluster of hard-liners close to Putin who are the masterminds of these awful actions. Any who speak out against the government’s actions have accidentally fallen from windows of high-rise buildings. There have been a few dozen of these so-called accidents.

For the most part this war has made life dreadful for the Ukrainian civilians. The international code of conduct for war is that soldiers and military equipment are fair game; civilians are not. By international standards this war – for multiple reasons - is a series of war crimes.

Of the long list of clauses that defines what constitutes a War Crime, the first three respecting civilians are:

Putin’s War

Simply put, all oligarch money ought to be used in the reconstruction of Ukraine and it most certainly won’t be enough. Nothing could be more repugnant than to return the oligarch’s wealth at the end of the war.

Courts have a responsibility to uphold a law as written. If the court rules that the money is not ours to disperse, then the federal government ought to use the not-withstanding clause to override the court’s conclusion.

I am a huge fan of the not-withstanding clause because elected governments ought to make laws, not unelected courts. That said, our current not-withstanding clause, as written, is deeply flawed and sometimes badly used.

The current clause is written as if it were on open range and it badly needs a fence. Without boundaries based on principles, a not-withstanding clause means any provincial, or the federal government, could override any fundamental law. In which case, a charter of rights and freedoms simply does not exist.

When this atrocity ends, Russia and the oligarchs must be forced to rebuild what they have destroyed.

Finally, one must salute the determination and love for democracy practised by the people of Ukraine. What a powerful example they have provided for all of us who enjoy democracy but too often with a rather casual commitment towards accountability.

1. Torture or inhumane treatment;

2. Willfully causing great suffering or serious injury to body or health; 3. Extensive destruction and appropriation of property, not justified by military necessity and carried out unlawfully and wantonly.

Canada can play an effective role in influencing an important outcome when this war ends.

Currently there is before a Canadian court the matter about returning to the oligarchs, the wealth that has been frozen in Canada. The Government of Canada has frozen $26 million from Granite Capital Holdings, owned by a Russian billionaire. The RCMP has confiscated $122 million in assets from persons sanctioned as a result of the invasion. Relative to the damage done by the Russian aggression, these dollars amount to a mere pittance.

Canada may well be the first to adjudicate on the procedures for handling frozen money. However, other countries around the world are holding billions upon billions of dollars in confiscated property. Canada could play an important influencing role by setting the example for many other nations who will, in the fulness of time, need to reflect on what to do with frozen assets of Russian wealth at the conclusion of this invasion.

Resident appreciates quickresponse to collision

Dear Editor:

Last week I was involved in a three-car accident on Hwy. 93/95 near the bowling alley. It brought to my attention how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful and rewarding valley.

Lately, I have been overwhelmed with the TV showing all the negatives of our health system - how people are dying, waiting to get an ambulance or medical attention.

Fortunately, although our accident looked really bad, no one was seriously hurt. However, within ten minutes of the accident, there were two ambulances, two firetrucks and a police officer. Where else but the Windermere Valley would that happen?

Bless and appreciate what we have here.

Bill Dubois, Invermere, B.C.

Just how ancient and desperately in need of repair the water and sewer system is along 13th Avenue was highlighted when the district issued a boil water advisory last October, after a valve on a water main burst during phase two work. This was not the result of a mistake by contractors, but the fact that once the dirt lying over top of the water main was removed, the sudden lack of pres-

sure led the valve to burst — it was so old that all that was holding it in place was the weight of the ground it was buried under.

Both phase one and phase two of 13th Avenue sewer

PUBLIC NOTICE – PARCEL TAX ROLLS

The Regional District of East Kootenay is updating parcel tax rolls for the following service areas:

• Tie Lake Water Level Control

• Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund

• Elko Water

• Moyie Water

• Moyie Water – 2006 Project

• Lazy Lake Water Level Control

• Wasa/Ta Ta Creek/Skookumchuck Mosquito Control

• Rushmere Water

• Edgewater Sewer

• Edgewater Water

upgrades resulted in complete street closures and consequent traffic rerouting. The phase one traffic rerouting actually led to significant traffic jams forming on 15th Avenue, particularly outside Eileen Madson Primary (EMP) school during drop off and pick up times. Traffic jams of any sort are a rarity in the Columbia Valley, and these ones quickly became a hot topic of discussion among local residents. Phase two last year also created some traffic bottlenecks, but nothing even close to those stemming from phase one.

• Windermere Water

• Windermere Water Treatment

• Holland Creek Sewer

• Holland Creek Water

• Spur Valley Water

• Baltac Sewer

• Timber Ridge Water

• Wasa Recreation Contribution

Owners of property located in these parcel tax areas may request that the roll be amended, in relation to their own property, on one or more of the following grounds:

• there is an error or omission respecting a name or address on the assessment roll;

• there is an error or omission respecting the inclusion of a parcel;

• there is an error or omission respecting the taxable frontage of a parcel (for water or sewer service areas that use frontage for taxation); and

• an exemption has been improperly allowed or disallowed.

The parcel tax rolls are available for inspection, at the Regional District of East Kootenay office in Cranbrook during regular office hours.

Requests for amendments must be made in writing to the Regional District of East Kootenay, 19 - 24th Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8, on or before Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 12:00 pm. If requests are received, a Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel will meet at 1:00 pm on Friday, March 11, 2022 in the RDEK Board Room.

MAKING SENSE of the DOLLARS & CENTS

FINANCIAL PLAN CONSULTATION

We want to hear from you!

The RDEK’s Draft Five Year Financial Plan is open for public comment.

Copies of the 5-Year Financial Plan and comment forms are available at engage.rdek.bc.ca/budget or can be mailed to you by calling 1-888-478-7335

The total cost of phase two work is $3.3 million. The district paid for it through a combination of its own reserves and borrowing. The borrowing totalled $1.5 million, and

the new parcel tax will be used to pay back that debt.

“We’d reached the point where where (the sewer and water system) was operating under surcharge — that is pressure — rather than gravity, as it is supposed to,” Invermere chief administrative officer, Andrew Young, explained at the meeting, adding that as a result, sewage backup into houses was a very real threat.

“It’s getting attention right now, but $50 a year — that’s a bit more than $4 a month — is not a lot to pay in order to not having sewage backing up into homes,” said Invermere councillor, Gerry Taft. He added that district had done a great job on the financial side, using reserves, so that only $1.5 million needed to be borrowed. Taft also pointed out that Invermere had used an alternative approval process before borrowing the $1.5 million, and only 0.3 per cent of residents expressed opposition to the move.

Young outlined that although “a lot of attention has been laser-focused on 13th Avenue, some of the problems there are shared with 10th Avenue”. He hastened to add that “the situation on 10th Avenue is much less alarming that 13th was.”

Once the upgrades on 13th Avenue are complete, there will no longer be a connection between 13th and 10th Avenue, Young continued. “Tenth Avenue will then be within normal operating conditions rather than a surcharge. That will be a huge improvement, not only on 13th Avenue, but also on 10th Avenue.”

Acting mayor, Kayja Becker, noted that the cost of the parcel tax is minimal compared with the potential cost of fixing the damages that could occur if the upgrades were not done.

Becker was impressed with the interest in the topic among the gallery, noting that “we normally say sewer is not sexy, but here we are talking for 30 minutes.”

Heat Pump Retrofit Rebate Still Available in RDEK Electoral Areas

Rural residents in the East Kootenay interested in having a more energy efficient heating system in their homes may be eligible for a rebate through a program being offered by the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK).

“The Electoral Area Heat Pump Rebate Program supports existing homes in the rural parts of the RDEK to become more energy efficient by switching from fossil fuel-based heating to electric air source heat pumps,” explains RDEK Community Energy Manager Megan Lohmann.

Twenty $750 rebates are available for heat pump retrofits completed through a participating contractor.

“It is important to note that this program is open to eligible residents in the RDEK’s electoral areas and does not apply to municipal residents. Anyone living in a municipality should reach out to their municipality to inquire about what kinds of programs may be available to them,” adds Lohmann.

This rebate is in addition to current federal and provincial rebates available for heat pump retrofits.

The Electoral Area Heat Pump Rebate Program is part of the RDEK’s ongoing commitment to support residents in becoming more energy efficient and will remain available until all of the rebates have been claimed.

To learn more about the program, including the eligibility requirements and participating local contractors, visit www.rdek.bc.ca and search “Heat Pump”.

We normally say sewer is not sexy, but here we are talking for 30 minutes.”

Kayja Becker, acting Invermere mayor during the Feb. 14 council meeting

Getty Images

Getty Images

OUT OF OFFICE… ImagineKootenay.com:

Your ultimate resource for buying and selling businesses in the Columbia Valley

ImagineKootenay.com is an online platform that provides a comprehensive range of businesses for sale in the beautiful Kootenay region including the Columbia Valley. The site offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy for potential buyers to find the right business to meet their needs and goals. Whether you’re looking for a small, familyowned restaurant, a thriving retail business, or a multi-million-dollar manufacturing company, you’ll find it all on ImagineKootenay.com. The listings on the site are carefully curated and verified, ensuring that you have access to the most up-to-date and accurate information.

In addition to being a valuable resource for potential buyers, ImagineKootenay.com is also an excellent resource for business owners who are looking to sell their business. The site offers a simple and straightforward process for business owners to list their business for sale, reaching a large and engaged audience of potential buyers. The ImagineKootenay.com team is always on hand to provide support and answer any questions, making the listing process easy and stress-free.

The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce works closely with ImagineKootenay.com to ensure that those interested in buying a business in the Columbia Valley are supported. The Chamber of Commerce is

dedicated to promoting economic growth and development in the area and provides valuable resources and support for business owners and potential buyers. The Chamber of Commerce also helps people list their properties on ImagineKootenay.com, increasing the visibility of their business and increasing the chances of finding the right buyer.

The Columbia Valley is a prime location for business, with a strong and supportive business community and a diverse range of industries and opportunities for growth. The region is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, making it an attractive location for both residents and tourists. With its comprehensive listings, valuable resources, and knowledgeable team, ImagineKootenay.com is the perfect place to start your search for the business of your dreams in the Columbia Valley.

ImagineKootenay.com is a one-stop-shop for those looking to buy or sell a business in the Kootenay region of British Columbia. With its comprehensive listings, user-friendly interface, and valuable resources, you’re sure to find the right opportunity that meets your needs and goals. So why wait? Start your search today and imagine the possibilities with ImagineKootenay.com.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

cvevents.ca

POWERED BY THE COLUMBIA VALLEY CHAMBER

ursday, February 23

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

• 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.: Tech Time Invermere Public Library. Are you an adult or senior needing some help with your computer, phone, or tablet? We have one-on-one help available for you!

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

• 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.: Free Online Learning Information Session 4863 Stanley Street, Radium Hot Springs. Learn how to use your library card to access free online instructor-led courses for both professional development and personal enrichment!

• 2-:00 p.m.: Tech Time at the Radium Public Library. Are you an adult or senior needing some help with your computer, phone, or tablet? We have one-on-one help available for you!

• 3:00 p.m.: FREE Youth Drop-In Fun Summit Youth Centre Hub. If you are between the grades of 7-12, the Summit Youth Centre is your place to meet, hang out and enjoy great times with your friends.

• 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 24

• 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.

• 3 p.m. : Wings & Things 525 13th Street, Invermere. Wings & Things at the Legion, pub grub done right!

• 6:30 p.m.: Meat Draw and 50/50 525 13th Street, Invermere. Meat draw and 50/50 in the Legion! Members and guests welcome!

• 7 p.m..: Drop-In Adult Parkour Unit 6, 1340 Industrial Road #3, Invermere. Adults are invited to drop-in for a fun parkour sessions! $20/person

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

Saturday, February 25

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

• 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Vericompost (Worms!) Workshop15th Ave & Westridge Drive, Invermere.

• 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Course: Usui Reiki – Basic #2-1535 14th Street, Invermere. Reiki is a technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing.

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

• 3 p.m.: Wings & Things 525 13th Street, Invermere. Wings & Things at the Legion, pub grub done right!

• 6:30 p.m. - 11:59 p.m.: Meat Draw and 50/50 525 13th Street, Invermere. Meat draw and 50/50 in the Legion! Members and guests welcome!

Sunday, February 26

● 10 a.m.: Winter Market @ Hopkins Harvest 1645 Highway 93/95, Windermere, BC, Merchants’ Corner @ Hopkins Harvest presents: Our Winter Market! February 26 and March 26 10am-4pm each day

● 1 p.m.: Class: Pasta Perfection 1535 14th Street, Invermere. Make tagliatelle, pappardelle and more from start to nish. Relax and enjoy your labour of love with the other pasta makers at the end of the class and then take some home with you!

• 1 p.m.: Seedy Sunday 15th Ave & Westridge Drive, Invermere. Buy, Sell and Trade your seeds and house plants at Groundswell’s annual seed swap at the community greenhouse on 14th St.

• 2 p.m.: Cards, Cribbage and Darts 525 13th Street, Invermere. Who dosen’t like to play cards or throw some darts with friends? Come to the Legion and have some fun! Members and guests welcome!

• 3 p.m.: Wings & Things 525 13th Street, Invermere. Wings & Things at the Legion, pub grub done right!

• 7 p.m.: Live Music Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery. The Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery has LIVE MUSIC every Sunday evening, 7-9 p.m.! Accompanied minors are permitted. No cover.

Monday, February 27

• 9:15 a.m.: StrongStart Eileen Madson Primary School. Every Monday & Friday Every 1st & 3rd Wednesday Join this free, drop-in program for children ages 0 to 5 and their caregivers!

• 3 p.m.: Youth Drop-In @ The Edge Edgewater youth from grades 4-8 are invited to drop-in for fun with the Summit Youth Hub at The Edge every Monday & Wednesday! 3-8pm

• 4 p.m.: FREE Youth Drop-In Fun: LGBTQ+

• Summit Youth Centre Hub. If you are between the grades of 7-12, the Summit Youth Centre is your place to meet, hang out and enjoy some great times with your friends. FREE fun! Mondays are for LGBTQ+ and allies!

• 5 p.m.: Industry Night @ the White House Windermere Whitehouse Pub. Free pool + cheap drinks for resort & restaurant sta !

• 6:30 p.m.: Poker @ the Pub The Station Pub. Butter hosts poker night at The Station Pub every Monday! $20 buy-in. Winners get the pot. We chip up $20 for charity: no $ goes to the pub.

Tuesday, February 28

9 a.m.: StrongStart/CAP-C Edgewater Elementary. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Join this free, drop-in program for children ages 0 to 5 and their caregivers.

• 10 a.m.: Parent & Tot Connect Frater Landing.Parents and their young children (ages 0-6) are invited to this FREE drop-in program!

• 10:30 a.m.: Homeschool Meetup Public Library. Resumes Jan. 10th at the library. All homeschool families welcome to join.

• 10:30 a.m.: Senior's Fitness Columbia Valley Centre on Tuesday. $2 drop-in.

• 1 p.m.: Artists' Gathering Radium Public Library. Radium Library is hosting weekly get-togethers for budding artists of all forms and skill levels! Bring your own supplies. No registration required.

• 3 p.m.: FREE Youth Drop-In Fun Summit Youth Centre Hub. If you are between the grades of 7-12, the Summit Youth Centre is your place to meet, hang out and enjoy some great times with your friends. FREE fun!

• 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.: Class: Your Vibe & the Law of Attraction #2-1535 14th Street,, Invermere. Create the life you desire by aligning your energy vibration with the vibration of what you want. We will share tips, and practices you can easily t into your daily life by living intentionally.

• 7 p.m.: 19+ Games Night Ullr Bar. $5/card. Huge prizes every week! Ages 19+, drink specials available.

Wednesday, March 1

• 9 a.m.: StrongStart Martin Morigeau Elementary. Join this free, drop-in program for children ages 0 to 5 and their caregivers.

• 3 p.m.: Youth Drop-In @ The Edge Edgewater youth from grades 4-8 are invited to drop-in for fun with the Summit Youth Hub at The Edge every Monday & Wednesday! 3-8pm

• 5 p.m.: Date Night at Rustica at Eagle Ranch Eagle Ranch Resort. Join us every Wednesday night at Rustica for a romantic Date Night Dinner for you, and your special someone. Each week we will be o ering a new, chef curated and selected dinner o ering.

• 5 p.m.: Dinner @ the Legion Invermere Legion. It’s a Valley tradition! Every Wednesday, the Legion in Invermere hosts a delicious dinner. Reserve your table by the Saturday before! 250342-9517 $17.50/plate

• 6:30 p.m.: Companion Planting Workshop Groundswell Network Society

Invermere Votes 2023

Invermere Councillor By-election Candidates

One of the bigger projects that Invermere will begin this year is a water security and source water study. The study aims to examine the district’s water sources, including the Paddy Ryan Reservoir — which district officials have pointed out is in the open and is surrounded by land that is not part of the district. Many Invermere residents have in the past complained about the ‘taste’ or ‘flavour’ of the district’s water. What are your thoughts about the water security and source water study specifically, and what are your thoughts about Invermere’s water supply generally?

kinds of protection and ongoing maintenance at vastly different costs.

JUANITA VIOLINI:

Water security is directly related to the type of source water. Is it surface water or is it groundwater? They require different

Surface water is hard to protect now and it’s only going to get harder and more costly. Our town’s focus should be on switching to groundwater, over a reasonable time, as a long term water source. To me, managing surface water, in the long run, is like throwing money away. The District of Invermere (DOI) has no

control over the private and crown land around Goldie Creek. Future development, the many entry points where people and animals cross the creek, increasing wildfire, increasing mudslides, active ATV use, biking and hiking, and natural pathogens are all hazards to the quality of surface drinking water.

My thoughts on Invermere’s current water supply is that it has more

‘character’ than I like in my water. We would be wise to consider going more towards groundwater, before it becomes urgent that we do so. And we need to find a way to do it without charging residents another parcel tax on top of the seven or so parcel taxes we already pay on top of our property taxes and our town utilities bill. At this rate we won’t be able to afford a pot to … boil water in.

We, as a society should get away from this. The District is growing, and we need to get more proactive with these core issues.

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STEPHANIE STEVENS:

Tap water in Invermere is… an interesting flavour. And not a terribly nice one. It has been that way for as long as I can remember.

On one hand, I know water is not a renewable resource and we need to be aware of that, now more than ever. Water security is tenuous at best and we definitely take it for granted. And on that same hand, I balance the knowledge that there are a lot of people in our country and the world (and some in our valley) who do not have safe, clean drinking water. I try to remain mindful of that when I wrinkle my nose and fill up my Brita water filter. I agree that finding a new source that is not surrounded by private lands is a worthy endevour and once a safe, secure source is found, we don’t have to reinvent the wheel. We have the human resources we need locally to help guide us to a better system for health and taste. This is just the tip of the iceberg (no pun intended) on the topic of safe

GREY BRADATSCH:

The taste and appearance of Invermere’s water has been a topic of discussion for many years now. Personally, I have been very concerned as well, and is one of the reasons I would like to be elected for council. I want to see change. Supply, and security are two different topics, and need to be handled as such.

As of 2023, the district is looking ahead and recognizing that as it grows, it not only needs to deal with past and current infrastructure issues such as water supply, but a means to secure its water source(s). An up-to-date study is necessary before any infrastructure changes should commence. The last study I can find is dated 2018, and it had many recommendations.

As a councillor, I would ask that this issue stay as a priority, and that once the current study is completed, it is acted upon in a timely manner. Budgeting needs to take place, sources of funding (if any are available) need to be sought out, and work needs to start…sooner, not later.

The fact is, many residents and visitors to Invermere find the taste and odour unpalatable, and turn to single use plastic bottles for drinking water.

The district’s fresh water security is of the utmost concern to all citizens and one that we all must play a part.

The Paddy Ryan reservoir consists of surface water and is surrounded by agricultural land with potentially harmful contaminants that could enter the reservoir. Of course, the water is treated to ensure safety. However, there is a cost to treatment as well as to the quality of the water; taste, smell and colour, which has varied over the years.

The Athalmer aquifer that services the upper west side of Invermere is a stable and good source of water and we must be vigilant that it remains so. A study is essential to educate how the district can do this successfully.

Due to climate change it may also become necessary to limit our use of the water we treat and consume for unnecessary purposes. Residents’ water usage is metered and regulated, however the two biggest water users, the District of Invermere (DOI) and School District are exempt from managing their water usage. This may have to change in the future as water resources become limited.

Continued on page 13 . . .

GRANT KELLY:

Invermere Councillor By-election Candidates

Grant Kelly: It is important the DOI undertakes the study to explore future water sources while examining and protecting the two we currently use. In addition, it is crucial to look at our usage and protection of all of the water within, and surrounding the district. I am confident a study is the first step to address these concerns and allow us to make informed decisions in the future.

DAVID GOLDSMITH:

The question of water supply source has three dimensions: quality, quanti-

ty and long term security. Water distribution is also an issue.

The deep well in Athalmer, at present, seems to be a secure supply, both in terms of quality and quantity, but by itself is not adequate to meet the current or future needs of Invermere. The Paddy Ryan reservoir faces several challenges. The surrounding properties are not owned by the town

and could present a quality threat if the use of those lands were to create significant pollutants. Surface water is also subject to significant evaporation during hotter months. Climate change could adversely affect the quantity of water due to evaporation. Water quality may also be affected with less water in the lakes due to any potential pollutants becoming more

concentrated. This past summer, we saw periods of temperatures above 30 degrees which may become more common in the future. This in turn will affect the available runoff from the mountains that is required to re-supply the Paddy Ryan reservoir, and the aquifer supplying the Athalmer well. Water distribution for Invermere also faces issues. Currently there is enough volume

and pressure in the system to meet domestic needs. But there could be volume and pressure issues in outlying areas if there was a fire that required significant water flow.

I attended the DOI Council meeting on February 14 and asked about these issues and was advised that they will be addressed by the proposed Water Security and Source study.

Wacky woodpeckers: Lewis’ woodpecker

THE WILD FILES

It’s our nature

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Keeping up with the theme of our feathered friends this February, let’s look at woodpeckers which are part of the Picidae family.

The International Ornithological Union indicates there are 236 species of woodpeckers worldwide. Lewis’ woodpecker was first described by ornithologist, Alexander Wilson, in 1811 and named after Meriwether Lewis who first saw the bird during his famous westward expedition with William Clark. Native to much of central and western United States. Lewis’ woodpeckers breed on the unceded territories of the Secwépemc, and Ktunaxa Peoples, and the land chosen as home by the Métis Peoples of B.C., from late April to July. Their ideal breeding habitats are woodlands near streams and rivers. The southeastern area of British Columbia is the only area in Canada where this species of woodpeckers is found.

Lewis’ woodpeckers have red faces, black behinds, pink bellies, grey collars and dark green backs. This species of woodpecker has broader wings than most. While Lewis’ woodpeckers’ peck into trees for wood-boring insects with their chisel-like beak, they also spot flying insects, then soar out to snag them mid-air. They feed on berries and nuts and will even store them in cracks and holes of trees to save for winter. Lewis’ woodpeckers are typically 28 centimetres (cm) in length and weigh 139 grams (g). They have a

wingspan of 52 cm.

The descent: A family or group of woodpeckers is called a descent. The North American Breeding Bird Survey says Lewis’ woodpeckers are more uncommon than other species and between 1968 and 2019, saw a 48 per cent decline in population. Partners in Flight rates them 15 out of 20 on the continental concern score, placing them on the Yellow Watch List. They are threatened by ever-changing forest conditions such as logging, grazing, and fire suppression. This results in fewer standing dead or decaying trees that Lewis’ woodpeckers depend on for nesting. Rather than excavating their own holes, Lewis’ woodpeckers prefer to use existing holes or crevices to create their nests which are at least a foot below its entrance. Woodpeckers have special feathers covering their nostrils to prevent dust and splinters from going inside.

Using their heads: All woodpeckers hit their heads with over 1,000 grams (g) of force on trees and can peck their bills 8,000 to 12,000 times per day at forces of over 1000 g. These constant hard hits of their head never cause any harm. Chinese scientists discovered that head of woodpeckers is designed to transfer this strain down their body with their heads only taking 0.3 per cent of the force. They are also very intelligent.

The sound of love: Compared to other species, Lewis’ woodpeckers are much quieter. When looking for love, woodpeckers aim to attract attention and a mate by banging on objects with their beaks to make a loud drumming sound. Both males and females drum and will do so on trees, telephone poles or metal objects. What may sound like a noisy

nuisance to humans, this banging is sweet music to woodpeckers. Males will give a harsh churr three to eight times during their courtship.

Courting males will also lift their wings while circling around a tree and calling out to a female of interest. Both genders chatter in a series of squeaks throughout the year. It is the male who builds the nest and shares the responsibility incubation. The nesting period for female woodpeckers is 28 to 34 days and they lay a clutch of five to nine eggs. Woodpecker chicks are hatched stark naked with their eyes closed, and leave the nest five weeks after they hatch.

Happy and hardworking: In many Indigenous cultures woodpeckers are associated with friendship and happiness. They are also known to be associated with wishes, luck, prosperity, and spiritual healing. In other cultures, woodpeckers represent hard work, perseverance, and determination.

With over 236 species of woodpeckers across the globe Lewis’s woodpeckers are a large species native to North America. Lewis’s woodpeckers breed throughout the Columbia Valley from late April to July. Photo by Glen Bartley

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339

Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934

NOTICE OF ELECTION BY VOTING

A by-election by voting is to be held to elect one Councillor and that the following persons are candidates for each office:

COUNCILLOR – One (1) to be elected

Surname Usual Names Residential Address

VIOLINI JUANITA 1017 – 13th Avenue, Invermere, BC

GOLDSMITH DAVID 15 – 1126 – 13th St., Invermere, BC

KELLY GRANT 1716 – 6th Avenue, Invermere, BC

STEVENS STEPHANIE 1318 – 17th St., Invermere, BC

BRADATSCH GREY 115 12A Avenue, Invermere, BC

VOTING DATES AND LOCATIONS

GENERAL VOTING DAY will be:

Saturday, March 4th, 2023, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Columbia Valley Centre

646 – 4th Street, Invermere, BC

ELECTORS REGISTRATION

There is no need to pre-register to vote as the registration of all electors for this election will take place at the time of voting. In order to register at the time of voting, you will be required complete the application form available at the voting place and to make a declaration that you meet the requirements to be registered as set out below:

RESIDENT ELECTORS:

To register as a resident elector 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 District of Invermere on the day of registration (at time of voting); and

• not be disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or assent voting and not otherwise disqualified by law.

NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY ELECTORS:

To register as a non-resident property elector 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 property in the District of Invermere for at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration (at time of voting);

• not be entitled to register as a resident elector; and

• not be disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or assent voting and not otherwise disqualified by law.

In addition, for non-resident property electors:

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

• If more than one person is registered owner of the property, only one of those individuals may, with the written consent of the majority of the owners, register as a non-resident property elector.

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

• To register, resident electors must produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a signature). Picture identification is not necessary. The identification must prove both residency and identity.

• To register, non-resident property electors must produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a signature) to prove identity, proof that they are entitled to register in relation to the property, and, if there is more than one owner of the property, written consent from the other property owners.

MAIL BALLOT VOTING

REQUESTING A MAIL BALLOT PACKAGE: Mail ballot applications are available and can be submitted to the District of Invermere office between February 7th, 2023, to March 2nd, 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 District of Invermere office by March 2nd, 2023, at 4 p.m.

Applications are on the District of Invermere website at www. invermere.net, or can be requested by email corporateservices@ invermere.net and the municipal office located at 914 – 8th Avenue.

To be counted, your mail ballot must be received by the Chief Election Officer no later than 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 4th, 2023, of General Voting Day.

For further information on the election process, please contact:

Kindry Luyendyk

Chief Election Officer

250-342-9281

Corporateservices@invermere.net

BASIN RESIDENTS INVITED TO SHARE INPUT ON FUTURE OF REGION

Submitted by Columbia Basin Trust

(Columbia Basin) – Columbia Basin Trust (the Trust) is inviting you to have your say about the future of the Columbia Basin region. You will soon be able to share your ideas as the Trust travels throughout the region to meet with you, listen to your input, and plan together for the future.

The Trust was established in 1995 to support efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being in this region. Its activities are guided by the Columbia Basin Management Plan, developed based on public input from residents.

“This is an opportunity for everyone who lives in the Basin to share your perspective on how we can realize an even better future for this incredible region,” said Johnny Strilaeff, Columbia Basin Trust President and Chief Executive Officer. “I am so pleased to invite residents to the conversations that will determine how the Trust can best support communities in the future. We all have a stake in this as residents, and that’s why we call this process Our Trust, Our Future.”

The Trust is offering many ways for residents to provide input, including in-person open houses and facilitated conversations in more than 20 communities. These events in April and May are opportunities to explore your vision for your community and the region as a whole, with your family, friends, neighbours and Trust Board and staff. There will also be virtual meetings and an online survey available.

In May and June, the Trust will present the common themes from resident feedback at three large regional events in Cranbrook, Trail and Golden. These symposia will bring Basin residents together to celebrate the region and create a further opportunity to discuss the themes that emerged from the earlier engagement. The symposia will feature local food, visual art and music from Basin creators and entertainers, and an exciting keynote speaker—a well-known Canadian personality that will be announced at a later date.

The Trust strives to host inclusive, barrier-free and accessible events, and encourages residents to reach out with any questions.

Get ready to have your say, save the date for your local community meeting and learn more about Our Trust, Our Future at ourtrust.org/future. This is your Trust, this is your future, and the Trust can’t write it without you.

Columbia Basin Trust supports the ideas and efforts of the people in the Columbia Basin.

For the love of a library legacy

large. You can find his own book, The Life and Times of Charles John Crook and Family in our biography section to learn more about the Crook family and the early years of the Windermere Valley.

Healthy Kimberley’s Food Recovery Depot installs new on-site kitchen

New commercial expansion will create connection and resiliency for Columbia Basin residents

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

This week’s column was submitted by Blair McFarlane, community outreach programmer, Invermere Public Library, which is located at 201 7th Avenue. Visit their website or call 250-342-6416 for more information.

You might remember our ‘Love of Libraries’ article early last year about one of our oldest and dearest patrons, Ray Crook, who passed away in December 2021. Ray lived to be 103 and was a lifelong library supporter, from helping us first get incorporated in 1963, to his generous donation of $11,000 left to the library in his will.

We are pleased to announce that his donation will go into the Invermere Public Library Endowment Fund. With his donation as a last act of library love, Ray is the embodiment of a legacy library supporter. The same year he helped with the incorporation into the BC Public Library Association, he also built a new bookshelf for our holds. He stopped by the library frequently with his lovely smile and a good story and accompanying photograph to share, or fresh tomatoes from his garden.

As a small way for us to honour his generosity and good spirit, we have a plaque for Ray going up on one of the non-fiction shelves. Even at 103, Ray would scoot over to the library and have a wander in the non-fiction section for his next read. He was always keen to learn something new, especially about history and humanity at

Ray is an inspiration to our entire community as a library supporter and as a helpful, kind face in town. If you feel so inclined, there are a few ways to help support the library and leave a legacy of your own. If you live in RDEK Area G (Wilmer, Dry Gulch to Spillimacheen areas) we are currently looking for a new board member. Our board members volunteer their time to help make big library decisions that help us run smoothly. Holding a board seat is a fantastic opportunity to help the library be the best it can be and to support our valley community. If you are interested, please submit a letter of application and brief resume to Tina Hlushak, corporate officer at RDEK by email at thlushak@rdek.bc.ca.

Or, like Ray, you can help us build our endowment fund. The Invermere Public Library Endowment Fund was established by the Friends of the Library eight years ago. It is housed with the Columbia Valley Community Foundation and is invested along with other community funds. The annual interest from this investment is distributed to the Friends each year and is then given to the library to support programming and material acquisition. For more information, contact Thiloma at the Columbia Valley Community Foundation. She can be reached at 250-342-2845 or info@valleyfoundation.ca.

Ray was one of a kind and we miss him dearly. It will be lovely to see his photo on our shelf everyday as a reminder for us all to support the magic of public libraries. Here’s to still being readers at 103!

Healthy Kimberley’s Food Recovery Depot (HKFRD) is serving the community in more ways than one. Creating connection and community with access to healthy food is what’s on the menu. For the past four years HKFRD has been operating out of a city-owned kitchen, but their endeavor is the development of their own on-site commercial kitchen which will increase the efficiency and volume of their meal production.

“We’ve been using an off-site, city-owned commercial kitchen, but we have outgrown the space, and the opportunity to have our own kitchen on-site is exciting,” said Shannon Duncan, food recovery coordinator. “With our own kitchen, all food and ingredients will be on-site and with less transportation needed, we can create efficiencies to work with more fresh ingredients and explore food literacy opportunities. The Depot is already such a ripe ground for bringing people together around food and being able to go one step further and offer regular workshops will be a great addition to our services.”

Located on the lower level of the Kimberley Health Centre, HKFRD has been going strong since it first opened in November 2018 and as of September, 2021 have recovered over 137,467 kilograms (kg) of whole foods that were otherwise destined for the landfill. All this food that is perfectly good to eat but not to re-sell is now redirected to community members giving them access to tons of healthy food (produce, dairy, grains, and meat). HKFRD is open to the public every Friday from 12 to 1 p.m.

Continued on page 16 . . .

Contracted chefs have made over 22,000 servings of frozen meals from primarily recovered foods that would have otherwise gone to waste, since April 2020. Following food safety guidelines and after rigid sorting, food that has been recovered from local grocery retailers, farms, restaurants, and backyard gardens, is funnelled

into their free frozen meal program. This unique service has become crucial to Kimberley residents that can not only be accessed on-site but that also have been distributed through its agency partners since 2018.

Columbia Basin Trust provided funding to support this initiative of local food production and reduction of food waste, and the plan to install the on-site commercial

kitchen in the Kimberley Health Centre food recovery facility is underway. It will be an atmosphere not only to empower Columbia Basin residents, but also one for food literacy, education, and for the community to come together in camaraderie and to share their skills.

“Since we have the bones of the original hospital kitchen, we just need to install equipment and do some updating, which I’m hoping will be completed within six months,” said Duncan. “We’ve experienced such fast growth, and it’s created a need for a subsidized program where people who can’t afford market prices can pay a graduated rate for meals. It will help fuel the program in a sustainable way so we can grow into the future.”

Healthy Kimberley thrives through their dedicated volunteers. Already averaging 300 volunteer hours per month, the new kitchen will provide more learning opportunities for volunteers interested in sharpening or sharing their culinary skills, or working alongside professional contracted cooks to create an accessible, subsidized fresh meal program. For those who want to become a volunteer email Duncan at frdcoordinator@healthykimberley.com who says, “Our volunteers are the heart and soul of the entire operation.”

L to R) Alicia and Rhonda two of the cooks with the Healthy Kimberley’s Food Recovery Depot will soon be cooking in the program’s new on-site kitchen which will be in the Kimberley Health Centre. Submitted Photo

Outside learning engages thousands of local students

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

in partnership with The Kootenay-Boundary Environmental Education Initiative (KBEE).

KBEE is coordinated by a committee of the Kootenay-Boundary Chapter of the British Columbia School Superintendents Association (BCSSA). The challenge is open to school districts 5, 6, 8, 10, 20 and 51. KBEE’s mandate and goal is to better support students’ understanding of their local environment. It is their intent to empower thoughtful action, through outdoor learning that is experiential, place-based, and place-conscious.

Those who participated in this initiative were not only given resources and unlimited support, but were also entered to win one of 50 fully customizable Outdoor Learning Classroom Kits supplied by the Columbia Ba-

and care taking.”

School District 5 came in second as both the most engaged School District at 79 per cent, and the most improved School District compared to the 2021-2022 challenge at a 139 per cent improvement. School District 8 showed the most improvement from last year’s challenge at a rate of 188 per cent.

“It has been exciting to witness the growth of this initiative and to see the positive impacts in our schools,” said Jennifer Roberts, director of innovative learning for Southeast Kootenay School District No. 5. “Teachers report that students are happier, healthier, more connected, and show an increased level of engagement when they are learning in an outdoor environment.”

year’s 2022-23 ‘Take Me Outside for Learning School Year Challenge’. Photo Submitted

A new year brings new opportunities for students to learn and for educators to think outside the box. The 2022-23 ‘Take Me Outside for Learning School Year Challenge’ has several schools and students across the Kootenay-Boundary region engaged in outdoor learning, and loving it. The initiative allows teachers to commit to taking teaching outside on a weekly basis throughout the school year for students learn more about and through the great outdoors.

Since last year’s initiative there has collectively been an 18 per cent increase in engagement amounting to 8,998 students (45 per cent of all learners) from across the region who have been benefitting from this challenge,

“Being outdoors and using Indigenous perspectives provides various lessons all year through seasons, weather, astronomy, water, animals, and how to be stewards of the land.”: Jenna Jasek, vice-principal for Indigenous Education and Equity at Rocky Mountain School District No. 6 and students from Edgewater Elementary School.

sin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN), each with a value of $500. Recent results of this this 20222023 challenge shows that leading the way as the most engaged is Arrow Lakes School District No. 10, with 92 per cent of their students involved.

“Outdoor and environmental education is a foundational part of learning in our School District,” said superintendent, Peter Dubinsky. “We value and appreciate the land we learn on and see the outdoors as an extension of the classroom that allows for wonder, play, exploration,

New things on the horizon for Keepers of the Seasons

New website, workshops, and new book

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Keepers of the Seasons is putting the ‘new’, in the new year starting with the launch of its new website this February to showcase the many teachings and workshops offered.

“We were going through a redesign for the website at the end of 2022 and relaunched the website in February 2023,” said Keepers of the Season co-owner, Darcy Fisher. “The inspiration for the redesign came from personal growth and understanding what we would like to achieve through our business. Additionally, we wanted to add more of our ancestral and Indigenous identity to the webpage.”

Keepers of the Seasons co-owner, Jenny (Kootenai) Fisher, is from the Salish and Pend d’Oreilles First Nation, also known as the Kalispel people in Northwest Pla-

teau and Montana. Darcy, born in Canada, is Ktunaxa and from the ʔakisqnuk First Nation, where he is an acting elected council member. Keepers of the Seasons operates out of Arlee, Montana, which is a part of the Flathead Indian Reservation and part of the Ktunaxa Traditional Territory, which runs along the Columbia River.

Keepers of the Seasons offers an array of online workshops such as: Walking Through the Seasons, Wild Foraging and Healing on the Land, and All Living Things: Journey to Wellness, through our Ancestors Footsteps. Indigenous Connectedness, which Jenny describes as an introduction to mindfulness.

“I think we are both excited for the chance to continue our work with the Ktunaxa Nation within ɁamakɁis Ktunaxa, to be on the land and bringing our teachings to new learners, said Darcy.

“Educators can weave outdoor education and Indigenous perspectives and knowledge together with ease by examining local place-based learning,” said Jenna Jasek, vice-principal for Indigenous Education and Equity at Rocky Mountain School District No. 6. “Being outdoors and using Indigenous perspectives provides various lessons all year through seasons, weather, astronomy, water, animals, and how to be stewards of the land. The relationship with the local area and being outdoors provides unlimited space for all learners.”

NOTICE TO REMOVE PRIVATE LAND FROM WOODLOT 0481

Please be advised the William Prytula is proposing to remove 50 hectares of private land from Woodlot Licence W0481 located in the vicinity of Harrogate, BC, Parcel Identifier 007-180-781 described as THAT PART OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 28 LYING NORTH AND EAST OF THE RIGHT OF WAY OF THE KOOTENAY CENTRAL RAILWAY AS SHOWN ON PLAN 1155 TOWNSHIP 23 RANGE 18 WEST OF THE 5TH MERIDIAN KOOTENAY DISTRICT EXCEPT (1) PARCEL A (REFERENCE PLAN 74066I) AND (2) PART INCLUDED IN PLAN 6516 AND (3) EPP74485.

Inquiries/comments to this proposal must be submitted to William (Bill) Prytula, 4419 13 St NE, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 1C9 by April 12, 2023.

Only written inquiries received by the above date will be responded to.

Information about this proposal can be obtained by contacting William (Bill) Prytula, 250-344-8183, wprytula@gmail.com.

2023-2024 Windermere District Social Service Society dba WeCONNECT Membership Drive

WeCONNECT is looking forward to the year ahead and we need you!

Since its inception in 1958, the Society has been fostering inclusive and welcoming opportunities to empower the inclusion of the citizens of the Columbia Valley who have diverse-abilities into the fabric of community life. We help clients to participate in the community by assisting them to be independent, self-determining and to reach their fullest potential.

Please consider joining our membership as a member or as a director. With your support we can continue to make great things happen.

For further information on how to join or to request a Director’s nomination package, please contact LuAnn Zahara, Board Secretary at 250-342-3699

Jenna Jasek, vice-principal for Indigenous Education and Equity at Rocky Mountain School District No. 6 and students from Edgewater Elementary School, are jumping for joy to be a part of this

Darcy Fisher Photo submitted

Jenny Fisher Photo submitted

Teck Coal fined for failed water treatment

Submitted by Wyatt Petryshen Mining Policy and Impacts Researcher wyatt@wildsight.ca

The BC government has fined Teck Coal $16.5 million for failure to construct a water treatment facility by the required permit data, along with fines for exceedances in selenium and nitrate.

Wildsight strongly supports the administrative penalties issued by the B.C. Ministry of the Environment for failures to construct the Fording River South Active Water Treatment Facility by the date required within their valley-wide permit. These fines include exceedances in selenium and nitrate at compliance points downstream of the Fording River, Greenhills, and Line Creek mines, and in the transboundary Lake Koocanusa reservoir.

Increasing selenium concentrations, (and) other contaminants, have caused significant harm to the environment in the Elk and transboundary Kootenay Watershed, to Ktunaxa rights and cultural practices, and poses a potential risk to human health.

Selenium concentrations have been steadily rising in the Elk Valley since their initial discovery in 1995. For over a decade, the transboundary Ktunaxa Nation has been urging the Canadian and U.S. governments to take action. In November of 2022, a joint letter was sent to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Biden. While the U.S. has joined the call for a reference to the International Joint Commission, the Canadian government continues to fail at meaningfully responding or consulting with the Ktunaxa Nation.

“Exceedances of limits set within the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan are commonplace in the Elk Valley and have led to transboundary downstream impacts,” says Wildsight’s mining policy and impacts researcher, Wyatt Petryshen. He also noted the 2016 auditor general’s Report on Compliance and Enforcement of the Mining Sector in British Columbia, which highlights how the lack of sufficient and effective regulatory

oversight and action, has allowed for the degradation of water quality in the Elk River.

“The continued exceedances highlight the importance of having effective compliance and enforcement, but also highlight how the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan has failed to resolve the selenium and nitrate problem that has been known for over two decades,” says Petryshen.

Teck Coal made international headlines in 2021 when it was fined $60 million for violations under the Fisheries Act.

We welcome the increased enforcement action within the Elk Valley and the B.C. Ministry of Environment’s recognition of the Ktunaxa as the stewards of ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa. The International Joint Commission is the best path forward to address the ongoing water quality issues in the Elk and Kootenay rivers.

HERE TO SERVE YOU

Getty Images

P ioneer C lassifieds

•

ANNOUNCEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

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

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

Steamboat Mountain Music Societ y ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

7 pm Saturday, 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

Desser t & coffee

Followed by a music jam

Please call 250-341-6299 to place your classified ad.

MACDONALD, Lorne “Dale”

April 7, 1939

February 11, 2023

Cheers to Jennifer Lindal for all the nice things you do to help a senior citizen Your many ac ts of kindness are ver y much appreciated

A GIGANTIC cheers to Romana the lady from Slovakia at D etailing Utopia for making my truck look brand new on the outside Your work ethic must be passed on forever Mr. S askatchewan.

Cheers to Chadd Cawson and Blair McFarlane for the ar ticle on Black Histor y Month last week It was really informative, and included a ver y impor tant message for our communities in the Columbia Valley Well done

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

Cheers to my neighbour Dan for being so awesome and offering to help me with yard work I appreciate you

Cheers to Peter (Pierre -Andre) at The Bistro for the care he has for his employees by giving them owers on Valentine's Day.

Cheers to The Bistro - best fries in town!

LISTINGS

BUSINESS SERVICES ACREAGE FOR SALE

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 FOR SALE

B B 's Home & Design Ser vices Renovations, Masonr y & Handyman Ser vices, Blinds & Install Cabin checks/yard care/eavestrough cleaning/junk removal/dump runs Call 250-688-2897

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

Russell, Manitoba

Calgary, Alberta

Lorne “Dale” MacDonald passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at the age of 83 years Dale was born in Russell, MB, and spent his later teenage years in Saskatoon, SK, where he met and later married his wife of 63 years, Barbara Ann Hodgson.

Dale attended the University of Michigan on a hockey scholarship, where he was team captain in his senior year In 1961, he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration. He went on to play pro-hockey for three years with the Chicago Blackhawks organization. Dale continued to play hockey at a competitive level until he was 72.

Following his pro hockey career, Dale worked in Human Resources with Federated Coop and Duval Potash Mine, in Saskatoon. He moved to Calgary in 1971, to work in the oil industry and finished his career as Vice President of H.R at Pan Canadian Petroleum Limited. Dale and Barb retired to their favorite place; their cabin in Fairmont, BC, where they enjoyed 39 years of wonderful memories with their family and friends

Dale and Barb were blessed with two cherished children, Michele (Neil), and Bruce (Karon); wonderful grandchildren, Nicole, Lindsey (Alan), Jessica (Curtis), Dale (Marilyn), and Zakk (Michaela); and precious great-grandchildren Jordyn, Miles, and Blake; all who will miss Dale dearly Dale is also survived by his brother Terry (Denise), and sister Lori (Geoff)

Dale loved cheering on his favorite teams the Calgary Flames, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and his alma mater, The University of Michigan, which he was inducted into the hall of fame in 1981. He was an avid golfer and loved his model-trains, but his true passion was playing hockey

We wish to thank everyone for their prayers and support at this difficult time A Celebration of Dale’s Life is being planned for this spring in Fairmont Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.McInnisandHolloway.com If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Salvation Army, 1731 29th Street SW Calgary, AB, T3C 1M6, www.salvationarmy.ca, or by phone 403-410-1112.

In living memory of Dale MacDonald, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

*Not

Reservations Agent

Toby Creek Adventures is currently hiring a full-time reservations agent. The person we are looking for is a motivated self-starter who can prioritize tasks and requirements under sometimes demanding circumstances.

Responsibilities

• Check guests in for their adventures

Ensure liability waivers are completed

LOST AND FOUND

A pair of light green knitted mitts on S aturday at the Film Festival. If found please call 250-342-6488

FOR SALE BY OWNER

Blind Repair Business For S ale

Small business operating in the Valley for 16 years, includes all tools needed for xing/installing blinds Includes ex tensive inventor y of par ts/cording in many sizes/colors

The per fec t little business to add to your existing business or great for semi-retired handyman! $8,000 Call Cathy 250-341-5945

Answer phone calls and emails regarding guest inquiries and business administration

• Take payments for bookings and retail while ensuring daily balances are correct

• Keep bookings organized through reservation systems

Radio dispatch for guide communications and emergencies during tour operations Ensure the office/retail store is clean and presentable

Requirements

Exceptional customer service and professionalism

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Multi-tasking and quick-thinking skills

• Organization skills

Post-secondary education

Experience with reservation systems and POS is an asset

Other Requirements

• Self-starter, well-organized and independently motivated

Upbeat, high-energy, enthusiastic and engaged

Works well with others and supports the team’s efforts to get the job done

Accepts and overcomes challenges

• Must have a passion for the outdoors

• Willing to work outside for extended periods in all weather –both summer and winter

Start Date: Immediately or as soon as mutually convenient

Remuneration: Hourly Wage – To be determined based on qualifications and experience of the successful applicant. Benefits package available after qualifying period.

To apply, please contact Dean Daniele at 778-879-9982 or email dean@tobycreekadventures.com

. . . ‘Single use plastics’ from 4

POLE TRUCK OPERATOR POSITION

Brisco Wood Preser vers Ltd., a major Canadian Pole Producer of CCA treated wood poles to Western utilities and communications companies, is seeking to hire a Pole Truck Operator

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 Sales Manager, the Pole Truck Operator is responsible for the safe operation of the truck, hauling throughout BC and Alber ta as well as occasional hauls to Saskatchewan, Ontario and the US. This position is based out of the Brisco BC plant site although overnight trips are required on a regular basis

Key Responsibilities:

Hauling treated & untreated Poles from our Brisco or Peers plants to various locations in BC, AB, SK, ON and the US. to customer ’s yards and drop sites Mostly highway and some off highway hauling

Per forming proper safety checks and safe vehicle operation.

• Minor truck maintenance, ser vicing, cleaning and troubleshooting

• Maintain truck logs according to Federal, provincial and company regulations

Qualific ations:

Valid class 1 drivers license

• Clean driver s abstrac t

Minimum 2 years experience operating Log Truck

Self Loader experience an asset

• Ability to read maps and a working knowledge of local road systems

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 Kellie Tegar t Sales Manager Include a copy of Driver s Abstrac t E-mail pdf file to: epetersen@briscowood.com or Fax to 250-346-3218

Deadline for applic ation is 5:00 pm (MST ) Friday, March 03, 2023

Taft also said he thought the district might find it hard to enforce a bylaw banning single use plastics.

“We have an anti idling bylaw, but we don’t have the means to enforce it. So a lot of people still idle,” he said, wondering if the plastic bylaw would end up being the same.

“It’s one thing to have a bylaw in place to feel good, but are we going to go down to (a local restaurant famous for takeout food) and get mad at them? Are we going to put the resources into actually enforcing it?” asked Taft.

Becker responded that creating the bylaw may in

fact amount to just taking “baby steps” but “we still need to do something.... the average citizen in Invermere is, I think, a good person. They will do their role by trying to abide by it (the plastics bylaw), even if we can’t enforce it.” She added that even if not everybody has stopped idling, many people have, and a good number of those who do idle, do it less than they once did. That’s a victory, and makes the anti-idling bylaw worthwhile, outlined

“We need to get it going as a municipality as quickly as possible...We need to do the right thing.”

Kayja Becker, acting mayor at the Feb. 14 Invermere committee of the whole meeting

Becker, adding that plastic bylaw will be similar.

Despite his equivocations, Taft said that if council as a whole wants to implement a single use plastic bylaw, there is no point in waiting for the federal single use plastic sales ban to kick in, as he agreed the federal government is likely to delay such regulations past December 2023.

The Distric t of Invermere is accepting applications for:

• Summer Students to work as par t of our Public Works Staff as Parks Labourers, Gardeners, and to suppor t outdoor events

These are temporar y, full-time positions (40 hours per week) within the CUPE Local 2982 bargaining unit

General Hours of work: (days and hours may var y)

Parks Labourers

• 6:00am – 6:00 pm Monday to Friday with some weekend shifts

• Mondays - 4:00 pm – 12:00 am (Movies in the Mountains events in July & August)

Gardeners

• 6:00am – 6:00 pm Monday to Friday with some weekend shifts

Employment Term:

• Employment will commence in early May and will terminate in late August

Star ting Pay Rate:

• Star ting at $17.65 per hour

Please visit w w w.invermere.net for full job descriptions

These positions will remain open until filled

Distric t of Invermere

Attn: Kindr y Luyendyk, Corporate O fficer

PO Box 339

Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0

Email: corporateser vices@invermere.net

Box 159, 8866 Grainger Rd., Canal Flats, B.C. V0B 1B0 Phone: 250-349-5462 • Fax: 250-349-5460 village@canalflats.ca

ACCOUNTING CLERK (PERMANENT FULL-TIME)

Live. Work.

Our community is like no other. As the source of the Columbia River, we are uniquely positioned between the Kootenay River and the Columbia Lake. The Rocky and Purcell Mountains are right in your own back yard. Walk or bike to work and enjoy your weekends hiking, camping, and exploring the outdoors.

As a strong team we are committed to supporting career and personal development. We work with our staff on developing key technical and leadership competencies. We focus on over 18 different areas from leadership to strategic thinking and problem solving.

Summary

The Village of Canal Flats has an immediate opportunity for a full-time Accounting Clerk to work in our main office. The successful candidates will report to the Chief Financial Officer or delegate and be part of a dynamic office team five days per week (35 hours).

Live and Work in our community. Talk to us today about what our community offers.

Position Profile

The Accounting Clerk provides a wide variety of accounting related functions including, but not limited to:

• Accounts payable, accounts receivable, property taxes, and payroll

• Preparation of journal entries and financial reports Responds to telephone and in-person inquiries from staff and the public Performs cashier duties

• Performs related clerical duties such as word processing, maintaining filing and record systems, faxing and photocopying

• Performs other related duties as required

Required Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

General Knowledge of office procedures and protocol

• General computer literacy including good keyboarding skills, preferably with Microsoft Word and Excel

Proven ability to receive and reconcile cash

• Proficiency with financial management software

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED Pioneer

• The ability to maintain harmonious relationships with all members of the public and other staff members

Grade 12 or equivalent with three years of general accounting or related experience in the last five years

Preferred Criteria

• Experience working in Local Government finance Experience with Aptean iCity software for municipalities

• Successful completion of college-level accounting courses and certifications

Wage and Benefits:

The position has a competitive salary that will be contingent upon experience and qualifications.

Guest Ser vices Representative 25-32 hours per week, requires working evenings & weekends Customer Ser vice experience an asset but not required Small family run resor t in Radium. Apply in person: R idgeView Resor t, 7274 Radium Valley Rd Or by e -mail: info@ridgeviewresor t ca

Wanted 2 F/T Restaurant Cooks, Rocky R iver Grill, 8888 Arrow Road, Invermere, B C

Permanent, F/T shifts, over time, weekends, days and evenings, $16/hour for 40 hours per week

O ver time after 40 hours

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

Polar Plunge a freezing success

By Joanne McQuarrie editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com

A huge number of people plunged into the icy waters in Kinsmen Bay on February 18 to take part in the seventh annual Polar Plunge, a fundraiser fore the Recreation Adapted (RAD) Society.

“Our seventh annual polar plunge was another huge success!” said Ryan Karl, who organized the event with Tanelle Bolt, RAD Society founder.

“Thank you to the 271 amazing people who plunged, and to everyone who donated,” he said, and added this year’ event was the best (they) ever hosted.

Bolt echoed Karl’s gratitude. “Everyone’s enthusiasm towards making this valley, our existing recreation hub, more inclusive to people living with mobility challenges, fills my cup as a person who experiences this lack of resources in my own daily life.”

Karl and Bolt said, “Without the long list of incredible volunteers this community event would not be possible.”

They’re waiting for the arrival of four brand new sledges (with a cost of $6,000) which are versatile for both indoor and outdoor, summer and winter use.

“You can access the existing adaptive cross country ski and all-terrain wheelchair downtown at Revolutions Gear shop. Swing on by if you want to get outside to #PlayYourWay,” the pair invited.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

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 staff 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 configurations to meet project requirements.

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

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

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

• 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 Officer 914 – 8th Avenue

PO Box 339

Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

Email: corporateservices@invermere.net Tel: (250) 342-9281

More photos on page 24 . . .

Singapore: A City in a Garden

By Jane Thurgood Sagal

Singapore is a young country – 200 years old. Orchard Street is a main thoroughfare with high end stores sharing the street alongside outdoor art and musicians. A highlight of my stay is a visit to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, including the beautiful National Orchid Garden where a VIP section profiles orchids developed and named after VIPs such as Jean Chretien and Princess Diana.

Singapore is famous for orchids; the National Orchid Garden is situated on the highest hill in the Botanic Gardens. Orchids have been part of the collections since the gardens’ beginning in 1859. Early directors commissioned extensive orchid collecting expeditions. The Botanic Gardens are one of the few pockets of original jungle left in Singapore, home to 300 plant species and plenty of birds including oriental pied hornbills, spotted wood owls, crimson sunbirds, and stork-billed kingfishers.

A similarly fascinating visit is to the Kranji area, full of nurseries and mangroves, the only food-producing area in Singapore. I savour a delicious lunch at Bollywood

Veggies 10-acre organic farming collective that includes a surfeit of garden spaces for papaya trees, lily pad ponds, a kitchen garden (to supply the restaurant), and other inspired group plantings. Ivy, the gentle warrior and owner of the farm, planted over 30 different varieties of bananas in her banana garden. One banana varietal grows only to the length of my baby finger! As required by government, Ivy had to prove that her farming collective would be viable for at least 30 years, prior to engaging in the project.

‘New things from 17

From Bollywood Veggies, I head to Thow Kwang Dragon Kiln to learn how pottery used to be made in this quiet corner of Singapore. With the appearance of a dragon’s belly, this rarely-fired kiln stands as a reminder of a bygone era. You can duck inside the kiln from several side entrances and walk crouched over through the large, curved structure.

I also ventured to the stunning Gardens by the Bay –a park spanning 101 hectares of reclaimed land adjacent to the Marina Reservoir. The extraordinary project brings to life the vision of the government to make the island city-state a ‘City in a Garden’. Two enormous conserva-

“Also, being closer to spring, we will be having several on-the-land classes/workshops where people will be able to get their hands dirty and harvest some first foods. These events usually carry through to our seasonal feasts and campouts that we do during the year.”

Jenny added, “We get excited about all the work we do... when we can teach young people and be reminded to see the world through the same wonderment of a childway they communicate to all living things (ʔa·kxamis qapi qapsin’).”

Jenny and Darcy are not only changing with the seasons but walking through them with their new book they co-wrote, Walking Through the Seasons-Ethnobotany of the Ktunaxa and Interior Salish. Darcy said the book had been in the making for years and the formatting to publish it began in August 2022.

It’s knowledge within, a combination of both the experience and learning during Jenny and Darcy’s lifetime.

“I love plants and all they gift to us,” said Jenny. “I have family that have left their knowledge and love for plants through their recollection in written form and to share our stories and knowledge feels like the best way to honour their memory.”

Darcy adds, “I’d echo what Jenny said, in that we honour ourselves and future generations. The book has valuable plant knowledge coupled with our personal stories and experience of walking through the seasons. We are planning on having the book available (including having) physical copies to hand out at our different events.”

The workshops and courses offered though Keepers of the Seasons not only aim to inspire and influence positive change and healing but delve into personal and professional growth.

“Our goal is to continue sharing our knowledge and to have more teaching experiences and events,” said Darcy. Jenny added, “We hope that people can grow their personal experiences with all living things (ʔa·kxamis qapi qapsin’). We hope that we can inspire more people to learn the language of the plants, nurture young and new learners, and have more events for people to attend, and to spend more time in B.C. - specifically up there in the valley.”

tories and a grove of ‘super trees’ dominate the site. The cooled conservatories are an energy efficient showcase of sustainable building technologies that house exotic plants from South Africa, California, southern Spain, Italy, and southwestern Australia.

‘Super tree’ is the name given to the towering, 16-storey structures that act as frames for clinging and flowering plants, as well as providing supports for solar panels. The super trees are lit at night in exhilarating displays. Each super tree structure encloses several levels with ramps and upper walkways to entice full exploration of the lush foliage inside.

Upon return from travels, I am often asked about highlights of my trip. For Singapore, my response is the Botanic Gardens, the Dragon Kiln, and the super trees –etched in my mind forever.

Columbia Valley Food Bank hired executive director

By Joanne McQuarrie editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com

“It’s great!” said Katrina Chapman about her new position as executive director at the Columbia Valley Food Bank (CVFB).

Chapman started on January 30; she’s the first-ever executive director the CVFB has had. “It’s a really nice environment, well-organized,” she told the Pioneer. “People are good to work with, motivated. They’re passionate about the work they do, and committed to the work they do.”

Those qualities mirror Chapman’s own. “I actually have been working toward a position such as this since 2012,” she said. “Food systems development; it’s a way to address many challenges we have in society, with food as a focus.”

Chapman noted in a text that “with a diverse background in community development and organizational change, I look forward to supporting the food bank to align its optimal potential with the dynamic assets of the Columbia Valley”.

“Improving the well being of communities in the Columbia Valley by providing healthy food options to those in need is the cornerstone of our work. Work that is brought to fruition by an established operational mandate, to continually provide accessible solutions to diverse challenges we serve.”

Chapman told the Pioneer, “There’ll be community outreach and engagement. There’ll be volunteer coordination and engagement and recruitment. And internal operations will be enhanced; for example, financially-related, coordinating volunteers, organizational coordination.” The CVFB is connected with other entities in the community and Chapman works with the CVFB board.

“It is my commitment to develop and enhance the legacy of goodwill that the CVFB was built upon,” Chapman continued in a text message. “As the organization continues to grow, evolve and improve its internal and external capacities, I look forward to future collaborations that will enhance our offerings and continue to improve lives.”

Singapore Botanical Gardens.

Photo by Jane Thurgood Sagal

Super Trees, as seen from the top of Marina Bay Sands.

Photo by Jane Thurgood Sagal

Two domed conservatories along with Super Trees-seen from top of Marina Bay Sands. Photo by Jane Thurgood Sagal

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

Now open for in-person services. Sundays at 10:30 a.m. 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lwac.ca

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED

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 Ministry). 110 - 7th Ave. in Invermere.

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY

Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service

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.

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

ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

Sunday 1:30 p.m. Worship Service at Valley Christian 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere lutheranstpeter@gmail.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 Kendyn Mackensie • Columbia Valley Branch • 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs 250-439-9041

CHURCH OF CHRIST (Iglesia ni Cristo)

Worship Service: Sunday 9 a.m., ursday 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

People

of all ages turned out to take in this year’s Polar Plunge on February 18. There were 271 folks plunging into the icy water, plus many, many folks who supported those brave folks, and enjoyed beverages and hot dogs. Others played hockey, rode on the four sledges at the event, sailed in the sky and strolled on the lake.

(Page 22 middle) Matt Shelson and Scott Ivers entertained the Polar Plunge crowd with a variety of tunes. (Page 22 bottom right) Caleigh Hanks and her daughter, Holly had fun on the walking/sliding on the ice at the Polar Plunge.

Photos by Joanne McQuarrie