Columbia Valley Pioneer, March 2, 2023

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VALLEY VIEWS

Skate club puts in great performance at Kootenay Championships

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The Columbia Valley Skating Club (CVSC) recently returned from the regional Kootenay Championship figure skating competition in Creston, putting in a stellar performance and bringing home a pile of medals and a major award, along with other honours.

In total, 14 of the club’s 22 StarSkaters headed to the event in Creston, held the weekend of February 18 and 19.

Coach Hailey Beddie and club board member, Bailey Yeats, outlined that the club is very proud of all the skaters who took part in the competition.

In terms of medals, local skater Kara Kakuno earned a bronze medal in Star 7 short freeskate program; Ocea Dubray took the bronze medal in the Star 9 short freeskate program as well as the silver medal in the Star 10 freeskate program and; Ocea and Kara together with Kayla Wolfenden and Kim Heart Dema-Ala, earned gold in the group showcase 4 event.

Kayla also earned the Rolf Benner Memorial Award.

“This award is given to the most artistic skater in the Star 5 freeskate program and is picked by the judges. This was a unanimous decision by the judges. ‘Artistic’ means she interpreted the music well, used her entire body in her movements, had great facial expression and eye contact, and made us just want to keep watching,” explained Beddie.

In addition to her medals, Ocea was chosen to represent the Kootenay region at the super series final in Kelowna, in Star 10 freeskate.

“This is based off of points and her participation within our region. Ocea attended all events put on by the region and exceeded the benchmark for points. Her placement within the super series final will give points toward the region and will show where the Kootenay region sits within the province,” outlined Beddie.

For four CVSC skaters — Paula Hemmelgarn, Sophia Unger, Nora Solo and Anna McCormack — were competing for the very first time.

Other skaters who represented the club at the Kootenay Championship include Kenley Kreutzer, Brylie Yeats, Rooney Wilson, Madelyn O’Connor, Kimberley Heart Dema-Ala, Shayla Franson, Lexie Franson.

Yeats extended a hearty thanks to Beddie and fellow coach Marni Kreutzer.

Kayla Wolfenden earned the Rolf Benner Memorial Award, given to the skater the judges deem to be the most artistic in the Star 5 freeskate program. Photo submitted

A total of 14 of the Columbia Valley Skating Club’s StarSkaters took part in the recent Kootenay Championships.

Photo submitted

A variety of large migratory birds find refuge on the Columbia River as a storm rolls through the valley.

Photo by Ryan Watmough

Invermere councillor candidates express views during forum

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The all-candidates forum on February 22 for those running in a by-election to fill the vacant seat on Invermere council produced no dramatic twist or turns. For the most part, candidates seemed to hold similar general viewpoints on the various topics discussed, although they did offer differing (perspectives) about just how these issues should be addressed.

The by-election, set for March 4, has attracted five candidates — Grey Bradatsch, David Goldsmith, Grant Kelly, Stephanie Stevens, and Juanita Violini. The five have been campaigning around town for several weeks now, submitting answers to questions of the week from the Pioneer (see this week’s on page 7), and gathering at the Lake Windermere District Lions Club on Wednesday, Feb. 22 for the forum.

During the forum, which was moderated by former Radium Hot Springs mayor, Dee Conklin, the candidates were given a chance to make introductory and closing remarks. In between, they were posed questions, some of which they were given in advance and some of which

were kept a surprise by organizers. The questions ranged from current hot-button issues, such as a planned bylaw banning single-use plastics, to much broader questions, such how to balance long term planning with short term needs.

All candidates agreed that single use plastic is a big problem both globally and locally, for instance, but each had a different take on how best to tackle it. Stevens was very much in favour of the ban bylaw. Goldsmith said he was in favour of a bylaw, but added he feels the district should “only create laws that are enforceable”. He said he thinks the bylaw should deal with “easy” things first, such as single use plastic checkout bags and plastic cutlery, and then later add in items that are harder to enforce. Violini said “I’m not sure banning single use plastics is the most effective way” to deal with the problem, and indicated that she feels council could be more effective on the issue by pressuring federal and provincial governments to act. She added that she would, however, pursue a ban on plastic water bottles, for which she sees no need at all. Kelly said he thought a single use plastic ban bylaw could be viable even without enforcement, particularly if coupled with local education efforts, but added that, in his opin-

U13 Rockies chosen to host Tier 4 Championship

By Joanne McQuarrie editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The U13 Rockies have been on a fundraising blitz after getting word they were chosen to host the BC Hockey Tier 4 Championship at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena March 19 - 23.

Amanda Thiesen, media chair, BC Hockey championship committee, Windermere Valley 2023, said seven teams will compete from the Lower Mainland, West Kootenay (Nelson Leafs), East Kootenay (Elk Valley Raiders and Columbia Valley Rockies), North West, North Central, Okanagan.

“The kids went to local businesses looking for sponsorships,” Thiesen said. “Our major fundraising campaign has come to a close now. We are also doing an online 50/50 with a chance to win up to $10,000. (The) prize amount depends on the number of tickets sold. It is the first online 50/50 for the association (WVMHA). The draw for this prize will happen during the championship on March 21.”

Thiesen explained, “Our goal is to raise $25,000. Fundraising helps us pay for: travel for officials and BC Hockey representatives; trophies (fair play and championship); opening and closing ceremonies; the banquet dinner; guest speaker, Dampy Brar. He will give an inspirational speech to the championship athletes and coaches during our banquet. His message will be about promoting hockey equity for everyone. (Plus) ice time and much more!

Check out: https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/windermere-valley

ion, the “biggest culprit, one that doesn’t get addressed, is styrofoam. Let’s start with that.” Bradatsch suggested that “if our water quality was better, we would see less plastic water bottles used. That’s where we need to start.”

A community recreation centre with an indoor swimming pool is a topic that constituents have brought up with the Invermere council sporadically for many years, usually by means of a written letter, with council usually ending the matter by pointing to the considerable cost of such a facility. The idea has been getting a bit more traction here lately, after the town of Golden and the surrounding rural electoral area (Columbia Shuswap Regional District Area A) voted in a referendum (held in conjunction with last fall’s municipal election) to borrow $18 million to build an indoor aquatic centre there. The Pioneer has heard from more than a few residents in the ensuing months asking, if they can do it in Golden, why not in Invermere?

The question on this topic produced the most varied responses among the candidates of any subject in the forum. Stevens answered first and said that previously she would have been against a new indoor pool-recreation centre because of the cost, but that recent conversations

The U13 Rockies are pictured at the start of their fundraising blitz after learning they were chosen to host the BC Hockey Tier 4 Championship at the Eddie Mountain Memori-

SECURITY SECURITY

RCMP Report

Thank you!

to all my clients for your support over the years.

I am going to miss all of you.

Barb Hew itt

Columbia Valley Youth Soccer 2023 Annual General Meeting

Thursday, March 9th at 5 pm

Location To be announced

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

Columbia Valley RCMP

February 20 through to February 26, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 40 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the file our officers responded to.

On February 20 members of the RCMP were called to investigate an assault that occurred at a residence in Canal Flats. Both parties had been separated but it was evident the victim had been struck in the face. The suspect was now in Kimberley but was cooperative with police and turned himself in. Alcohol is believed to be involved.

On February 21 RCMP were asked to conduct Check Wellbeing on an individual believed to be suicidal. Members were able to locate the individual who stated they were going through a tough time as they fell victim to a scam that has cost them well over $50,000 . A fraud file has now been created and in the early stages of investigation.

‘Invermere

councillors

from 3

with local residents have underscored the need for such a facility, not just for swimming but also to house other recreation groups (such as the Invermere Judo Club), and that there are nonprofit groups willing to do much of the legwork.

Goldsmith said he would support such an initiative, but only if was paid for by all Columbia Valley municipalities and rural areas. He noted that aside from the construction cost, annual operating costs of an indoor pool could easily run to $500,000. Violini pegged those same costs at about $1,000 a day ($365,000 a year), and suggested “we can brainstorm” ways to cover the bills.

“I’d need to see a budget before supporting it,” said Kelly, echoing Goldsmith that operational costs need to be carefully considered in additional to building costs. “If we’re not going to have user fees and taxpayers are going to be on the hook, I’m not sure. It has to be the whole valley, not just the District of Invermere,” said Kelly. Bradatsch asked “has the pool been priced out? Where would it be located? What is lifespan?” He also said that locals and visitors can swim for about $20 at the Radium Hot Springs pool, at Copper Point for about $6.50, and can swim seasonally in the lake for

On February 26 RCMP received multiple reports of a motor vehicle collision in the Kootenay National Park. Reports ranged from a three-car head-on collision with injuries to one vehicle stuck in the ditch. Parks employees were able to attend the area where it was determined there were two separate incidents where vehicles had hit the ditch. No injuries reported. Did you know?

In 2022, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received fraud and cybercrime reports totalling a staggering $530 million in victim losses. That’s nearly a 40 per cent increase from the unprecedented $380 million in losses in 2021. Unfortunately, the increase in financial loss isn’t tied to an increase in reporting—the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre estimates that only 5 to 10 per cent of people report fraud.

March is Fraud Prevention Month. Please visit www. rcmp-grc.gc.ca to find out more information regarding types of fraud and tips on prevention.

free. “It seems we already have great value (for swimming) in our valley,” he said.

What role Invermere should play in climate change also elicited differing responses. Goldsmith said that 20 per cent of Invermere is roads and parking spaces which means “we are very much a vehicle intensive community” and suggested the district needs a more walkable, bike-able downtown, and needs to figure out how to get natural gas brought to the valley as an energy source. Kelly said the biggest difference comes in the choices made by the district, and that, for instance, building a new indoor pool-recreation centre brings with it a much larger carbon footprint for Invermere. Bradatsch championed going to BC Hydro as a municipality to lobby for a change in their tier system to help reduce energy use here, as well as the plastics bylaw. Stevens suggested the district engage climate-focused groups and professionals already in the valley to learn how to make ‘greener’ homes, better bike paths, and ‘greener’ transportation generally. Violini also supported better active transportation corridors and thought there ought to be a way to tap the heat coming from Invermere’s sewage lagoons for energy.

Mondays for Breakfast and Dinner

Only!)

Released by: Cpl. Jeff Witzke

Ice skating trail vs. ice skating rink

Several local residents were surprised that national news outlets reported last week that the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa is the world’s longest ice skating rink — after all, doesn’t that record belong the Lake Windermere Whiteway? The Pioneer sought clarification.

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Mid last-week, Bloomberg News published a story about how the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa will not open this winter for the first time in half a century. A few days later national media across Canada featured similar stories. Those reports created a stir here in the Columbia Valley.

That’s because the news stories not only pointed out that it’s the first time since the Rideau Skateway was created more than 50 years ago that it will not be skate-able (the culprit is a climate change-induced warm winter in the capital), but also referred to the Rideau as the world’s longest ice skating rink.

There followed a small flurry of queries and comments to the Pioneer, to the effect of: ‘Wait a minute, doesn’t that record belong to the Lake Windermere Whiteway, right here in the Columbia Valley?’

As it turns out, not quite that record. It all comes down to a matter of semantics on one hand, and on the other hand, a matter of six inches in a few spots.

The Pioneer reached out to the Guinness World Records, which promptly responded. Turns out an ice skating rink and ice skating trail are not one and the same.

“I can confirm that the Lake Windermere Whiteway currently holds the Guinness World Records title for the longest ice skating trail. The Rideau Canal Skateway currently holds the Guinness World Records title for the longest naturally frozen ice rink,” explained Guinness World Records Americas public relations executive, Kylie Galloway. “For the purposes of these record titles, based on maintenance, size and government designation, we qualify ice skating trails as different than ice rinks.”

Official record text from Guinness World Record notes that the Lake Windermere Whiteway measures 29.98 km (18.63 miles), while the Rideau Canal Skateway is is 7.8 km (4.8 miles) long, with a total maintained surface area of 165, 621 square metres (or 1.782 million square fee). That means the Rideau skateway is equal to 90 Olympic size skating rinks.

What’s the difference between an ice skating trail and an ice skating rink? Width, dear reader, width.

And, if the Whiteway had been just a few inches wider, at a few crucial corners when official measuring for the world record took place back in February 2014, then it would hold the record both for ice skating trail AND for ice skating rink. That’s certainly what the local residents who organized the push for the record were gunning for.

“We were going for it (the longest rink record), and we were just inches shy at a few points,” said former Invermere councillor, Justin Atterbury, who was heavily involved with the Whiteway world record efforts.

Photo(s) by Ryan Watmough

Historical Lens Historical Lens PERSPECTIVE

International Women’s Day; celebrate women in your life

By Joanne McQuarrie editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Gender equality, reproductive rights and abuse against women are some of the issues of focus on International Women’s Day (IWD), a global holiday celebrated annually on March 8 to bring attention to the women’s rights movement (Wikipedia).

The Government of Canada’s theme this year is ‘Every Woman Counts’, a reminder that all women from all ages and walks of life, have a place in every aspect of Canadian society including in the economic, social and democratic spheres.

A course, ‘Canadian Women in History’, aimed at Canadian students in grades six to 12, is being offered by the federal government. It celebrates the outstanding achievements of women throughout Canada’s history and was created by Women and Gender Equality Canada and ChatterHigh Communications Inc. Four free modules are available and include Celebrating and Commemorating Canadian Women in History; Key Moments in History; Women of Impact in Canada; Gender Equality and Your Learning Journey.

IWD is an official holiday in many countries today. The earliest reported Women’s Day observance, ‘National Woman’s Day’, was held on February 28, 1909 in New York City, organized by the Socialist Party of America at the suggestion of activist, Theresa Malkiel.

There are countless women who have worked to create a world with equality of rights and opportunities for everyone. A few of the Canadian trailblazers include: Jeanne Mance, founder of Canada’s first hospital in 1645; Laura Second, a Canadian heroine of the War of 1812; Mary Ann Shadd Cary, the first Black newspaperwoman in North America, 1853; Dr. Emily Stowe, the first Canadian woman physician to practice in Canada, 1867; Grace Annie Lockhart, pioneer of women’s university education, 1875; Clara Brett Martin, Canada’s first women lawyer, 1897. In 1916, women in Manitoba became the first in Canada to win the right to vote; in 1918, some women were granted the right to vote in federal elections; in 1929, women were declared as “persons”; in 1954, Elsie Knott was the first women elected chief of a First Nation community; in 1960, all Canadian women were given the right to vote.

The journey of equality for women continues

Dutch Creek Hoodoos

Highway bridge over Dutch Creek. Circa 1930

Dear Editor:

A hearty cheers to the five candidates who are running for the open council position in the upcoming by-election in Invermere. As we are only electing one body, there is a fear that the turnout might be very low. Please, please, residents of Invermere, do

Courtesy of Windermere District Historical Society

area resident

your civic duty and cast your vote for your choice for our fifth council member. Be thankful that we live in a democratic country and that we are able to make a choice.

Mary Akehurst, Invermere, BC

“From what I recall, it (the Whiteway) had to be a minimum of six metres wide the whole way. And there were two or three corners were it was about six inches less than that...It seemed a bit ridiculous, but that’s what the rules were.”

Atterbury explained those pushing for the record were at first very disappointed, if not outright devastated, given that they’d been chasing the record for a few winters, and doing so was a tremendous effort. But those feelings were alleviated when they learned the Whiteway qualified for a separate record (longest ice skating trail, rather than longest ice skating rink).

“It is something that could be done again (to try to take the rink record from the Rideau), but it takes a lot of work, and the Whiteway does already have the ice skating trail record,” noted Atterbury.

Invermere council members didn’t hear quite as much about the Whiteway-Rideau confusion as did the Pioneer. Neither Invermere mayor, Al Miller, nor Invermere councillor, Kayja Becker (who had been acting mayor for a time recently, while Miller was on vacation) had any comments directly stemming from the news stories, although Miller has had some such inquiries in the past. Both, however, pointed to another key difference between the Rideau and the Whiteway.

“Perhaps most importantly, we are open this winter,” said Becker.

“Let’s put it this way: we have somewhere to skate this winter. Ottawa does not. So for that, I guess, Ottawa needs to keep looking our way,” echoed Miller.

. . . ‘Ice skating trail’ from 5

Invermere Votes 2023

the business community to ensure their workers can find suitable places to live. I would seek to streamline the approval process for developments that are designed to fill the need for attainable and affordable housing in our communities.”

Invermere Councillor By-election Candidates

ond homes with a higher property tax bracket. Ask the provincial government to implement the existing speculation and vacancy tax in our area.

As your councillor I want us to focus on long term sustainability over short term profit.”

The scope of the housing shortage unfortunately, is not something the DOI can solve on its own. As I write this response, a story on CBC Radio is discussing the acute shortage of long term care in B.C. This underscores how poorly the province is dealing with housing in general, and the needs of an aging population.

an area where tiny homes are made legitimate housing options. There are many who would genuinely be happy in a tiny home.

DAVID GOLDSMITH:

“There has been enough study of housing needs in Invermere. If I am elected to council, I would make decisions on these issues as soon as possible.

In 2021, Invermere published the ‘Invermere Community Housing Needs – Final Report’. This study showed the disparities that exist between the housing needs of the population and the availability, affordability and variety of housing stock within Invermere.

In 2022, the Chamber of Commerce spearheaded a joint examination of housing needs in cooperation with Invermere, Radium Hot Springs, Canal Flats, and Areas F and G. This resulted in the formation of the Columbia Valley Housing Society. The Society’s mission is “…to own and manage housing that results in opportunities for living and employment in the Columbia Valley”.

The 2021 Report will be informing the work of the Society, with respect to the housing needs in Invermere and the surrounding communities. The report identified, through respondent interviews and published data, the need to consider housing options such as: seniors’ housing, including aging in place; secondary suites in existing homes; purpose built rental units; high density housing, including duplexes, townhomes; resident restricted and workforce housing and; smaller scale single family homes.

I would work cooperatively with the Society to ensure it reaches its goals. This includes working with

JUANITA VIOLINI:

“My first thought on the housing crisis is that it’s time to talk about the elephant in the room: vacant second homes. In 2016 they made up around 32 per cent of our housing, which, in my opinion, is an appalling amount. Part time residents were a wonderful and necessary part of Invermere’s growth, however, luxury homes are now pricing locals and young full time families out of the housing market.

We need a strategic plan for visitor accommodation to help keep housing available and affordable for people employed here or living here permanently. The arrival of corporate chain stores at the crossroads is an indicator that we can sustain a healthy economy without adding more part-time residents.

The Columbia Valley Housing Society has funding for a staff person to find funds to help build housing. We know our existing housing and our housing needs. We need to consider policy, land use, zoning and transportation together with the other regional districts. Plan the work. Work the plan.

Steps I would explore as a councillor: Can we create a ‘need to reside’ policy for homeowners going forward? Can we mandate that short term rental (STR) owners be permanent residents? Ask the provincial government for a new housing classification for vacant sec-

GREY BRADATSCH:

Yes. We have a housing crisis in Invermere. And, we have had one for some time.

Drawing from the latest census data, Invermere shows a shortage of housing options for certain specific demographics. The data points to a need to provide year-round rental housing for seasonal workers and low to moderate income families. We need affordable home options for permanent Invermere residents. This also includes seniors and long-term care, as well to facilitate aging in place.

After researching our issues and evaluating recommendations, I believe the DOI should seek a developer who would build apartments; configurations of two to three bedrooms that could be made available as short- and longterm rentals. This would align with DOI’s official community plan for high density house strategies.

With this type of housing, seasonal workers would have the accommodation required to attract staff to support our business, pursue growth and meet the needs of young families and residents starting out. New housing options aimed at increasing the size of the rental market would provide security and the means for those to develop their financial plans aimed at home ownership.

I should note council’s priorities for 2023-2026 include a housing strategy with the Columbia Valley Housing Society. The acceleration of this strategy would be my priority as soon as I am elected. We need “beds for heads” now.

We need to find ways to make the building of first homes more attractive to developers: seniors housing, tiny homes, family housing, assisted living, staff housing. We need to make our local community members our first priority.

And we absolutely need to help landlords out so renting to long term tenants is attractive to them. If they have no recourse in regards to damage or delinquent payment, why would they want to rent?

This is a multi-pronged issue with so many parts to address. It is impossible to truly delve into it with so few words allotted.”

term rentals over seasonal rentals, as the labor crunch has become so acute that with businesses such as Panorama and other resorts operating year round, we are able to provide full time employment even in the service sector, which previously was more seasonal .

STEPHANIE STEVENS:

“Dealing with the housing crisis is definitely going to have to be a team effort between all levels of government and involve a variety of solutions.

I would like to see us work towards establishing

GRANT KELLY:

“This is an issue that we share with most parts of this province and this country. I believe that we need to prioritize long-

I believe that as a council we will need to make some hard decisions in regards to zoning and development fees as other municipalities do, so that we are able to provide some smaller apartment-type and condominium rental suites to house this staff. This could be expanded to include units for sale . This will allow first time buyers to enter the market at an affordable price. We don’t have to look too far away - Calgary for example - to see some interesting concepts developing such as laneway suites and houses. These lower-priced housing options will lessen the gap between median income and median home prices.”

In 2021 Invermere conducted a housing needs assessment that underscored the district’s affordable housing crunch, the acute lack of long-term and seasonal rentals, and the growing disparity between median incomes and median home prices in Invermere. What are your thoughts on the crisis and what specific steps will you take as councillor to address it?

The Columbia Valley Centre (CVC) is looking for a contrac ting 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 Distric t of Invermere has an oppor tunity for a contrac tor to operate the Columbia Valley Centre’s audio/visual equipment and to provide technical suppor t and guidance to user groups

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

The contrac tor will work not only with our Manager of Leisure

Ser vices and staff in our Public Works Depar tment, but also with the wide variety of per formance experiences in musical per formance, live theatre, dance, and special events

The Contrac tor shall comply with the safety regulations under the Workers’ Compensation Ac t and supply their own general public liability insurance and proper ty damage insurance

The following assets are preferred, but not all necessar y:

• 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, per formances 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 projec t requirements

• Provide exceptional customer ser vice experience to clients and/or venue staff

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

• Experience working at heights and operating a platform lift

Please let us know if you have cer tification for working at heights and lift cer tification.

• May require the lifting of produc tion equipment and backline

• Monitoring the condition of equipment including lights and sound

• Provide recommendations for the repair and replacement of equipment

• Per forming preventive maintenance on equipment

• Other duties as required

How to Apply:

If this contrac t is of interest to you, please submit a proposal to the Distric t of Invermere using the contac t information below

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shor tlisted candidates will be contac ted

Distric t of Invermere

Kindr y Luyendyk, Corporate O fficer

914 – 8th Avenue

PO Box 339

Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

Email: corporateser vices@invermere.net

Tel: (250) 342-9281

ʔ

Sophie Pierre talks about Truth and Reconciliation

4 Seasons of Reconciliation monthly virtual gatherings underway

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

“It’s what needs to be done,” said Sophie Pierre former chief of ʔAqam. “It can meet the holes that have been left in our education system for so long. It is nice that we have this opportunity for more learning, particularly around Indigenous issues and Canada’s history.”

Pierre was referring to the Every Child Matters - 4 Seasons of Reconciliation learning opportunity and journey, which embarked on February 15, and runs until June 25. Pierre was welcomed as the guest speaker for the first virtual gathering which aired live on Feb. 23 at 4:30 p.m. MST. Duncan Whittick, executive director of Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN) and co-founder of Every Child Matters Year-long Learning Challenge said 1,000 were expected to be in attendance.

February 23. Pierre has many accomplishments and accolades including being recognized with the Order of Canada in 2016. Photo Submitted

“Sophie is an incredible Ktunaxa elder and leader who is highly respected, and has done so much towards supporting Ktunaxa knowledge, culture, and people,” said Whittick. “We have worked with Sophie on other things over the years - she was one of our keynotes at our 2018 National Environmental Education Conference held at St. Eugene, and as a Ktunaxa language speaker, she has also been a guest at the Ktunaxa language sessions we are helping to facilitate.”

Before introducing Pierre, Jenna Jasek, who piloted Every Child Matters: 4 Seasons of Reconciliation learning opportunity in partnership with Reconciliation Education and First Nations University last year, said Pierre has always been one of her role models. Pierre received the Order of British Columbia in 2002 and the National Aboriginal Achievement Award in 2003. She was appointed chief commissioner of the BC Treaty Commission from April 2009 to 2015, by agreement of the Governments of Canada, and British Columbia (B.C.) and the First Nations Summit. She was also recognized with the Order of Canada in 2016. She also spoke to the importance of learning from the land.

“The land is really our greatest teacher,” said Jasek. “When we learn from the land it really does help us understand the people, and the languages where we are. Being a part of truth and reconciliation just weaves together so beautifully with learning how important the land is, and how beautiful stories can be told with our eco-systems, and everything around us.”

The nation learned the horrors of what was beneath the land when the 215 unmarked graves of children who attended Kamloops Indian Residential School (KIRS) were uncovered in late May of 2021. Pierre attended St. Eugene’s Residential School which was just north of Cranbrook; it opened in 1890 and didn’t close until 1970.

“I know that felt like a real kick in the gut. Most Canadians couldn’t believe it,” said Pierre. “It was hard to believe. As Indigenous Peoples, we know how hard it is for everyone to believe because this is the message we have been giving for decades, and no one believed it.”

Pierre spoke on the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and how out of the four volumes that were released, most are unaware that the third was dedicated solely to stories on residential schools and missing children. She spoke on how the lands and rights of Indigenous Peoples were dismissed under the doctrine of discovery and why Canadian laws were written the way they were and how residential schools came about, and the trauma caused by them, and how they were allowed under the Indian Act which still exists today.

“When laws were being written there was a realization that for true colonization of the country to exist, it was necessary that the spirit and the culture, and the language of Indigenous Peoples could not continue. It is important that we are starting with truth, in order to move into reconciliation,” said Pierre.

Former chief of ʔAqam Sophie Pierre, was the guest speaker for Every Child Matters-4 Seasons of Reconciliation first virtual gathering which aired live on

March-snowshoe hares

THE WILD FILES It’s our nature

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

As we kick off March, let’s talk about hares. There are 40 species worldwide and out of the three found in Canada, the species most found hopping throughout the unceded territories of the Secwépemc, and Ktunaxa Peoples, and the land chosen as home by the Métis Peoples of British Columbia (B.C.) is the snowshoe hare. Snowshoe hares are found only in North America. They live throughout Canada except for the arctic and thrive in forested areas throughout B.C. apart from Vancouver Island. Hares are herbivores and can live up to 12 years in the wild, but typically only live four to eight years on average with predators such as foxes, lynxes, coyotes, and Great Horned owls on the prowl. They have two front ever-growing incisors and moult twice a year.

Jacks and Jills

Male hares are referred to as jacks; females are called jills. Snowshoe hares begin breeding the first spring after their birth which is usually mid-March. Their courtship is playful; jack and jills often travel together to forage, chasing and jumping over one another along the way. After a 36-day gestation period the first litter is born in May and can contain anywhere from one to 13 young called leverets that are born wide eyed and fully furred. Rabbits are born naked with their ears and eyes closed. Jills mate with several jacks and a group of hares are referred to a husk, drove, or down.

March Hare

The idiom, ‘Mad as a March hare’ comes from some

of the madcap behaviours you may witness from different hare species during the month of March, such a chases and boxing bouts, which are a part of their courting rituals. If a jill boxes a jack she is either testing his determination or displaying she is not yet ready to mate. Hares hold symbolism in several cultures. In some Indigenous cultures, tribes honoured the Great Hare and thought of it as a demiurge (played a role in the creation of the world.) To Egyptians they represent procreation and immortality while to the Celtics they represent abundance, prosperity, and good fortune. While the infamous tortoise and hare fable suggest that the latter species is a cocky breed, hares are in truth calm and shy.

The difference between hares and rabbits is more than just a hair. Hares are larger, and have longer ears, although the snowshoe hares ears are smaller than most hares in comparison, at an average of 70 millimetres (mm) in length. Hares are nocturnal creatures and come in all shapes and sizes, but the snowshoe hare, being one of the smaller species, weighs 1.55 kilograms (kg) on average while some hares can be up to 75 centimetres (cm) in length. They also often have black markings on their fur. Hares make their nests above ground compared to the underground burrows rabbits call home. Rabbits have 44 chromosomes; hares have 48 and do not make for domesticated pets like their cuddly cousins.

Snowshoe hares are highly adaptable to their environment, starting with their fur colour that changes with the seasons. They are grey and brown during the spring and summer months; by mid-winter they are almost pure white to camouflage in with the winter woodsy wonderlands in which they habitat. Snowshoe hares travel on well-furred large hind feet that are like snowshoes in comparison to those of jackrabbits.

Jumping jackrabbits

Despite their name, jackrabbits are hares and can jump up to 10 feet high. The two main types are the black-tailed and white-tailed jackrabbit. Both are found throughout North America, while the white-tailed jackrabbit is one of the other three hare species in Canada; the third is the arctic hare. White-tailed jackrabbits are found in prairie provinces such as Manitoba. In the 1920s and 1930s white-tailed jackrabbits were considered plentiful and pesky in southern B.C. but since have been extirpated across the province.

Super hare-o

Compared with other members of the Lepus family, snowshoe hares are like super hare-oes, outrunning their predators at speeds of 48 kilometres (km) per hour and having the ability to leap nearly four metres in a single bound.

Thursday

or by appointment

your personal viewing.

There are 40 species of hares across the globe and the snowshoe hare is the most common species we see hopping in, and around the Columbia Valley.

Photo by Thomas Lipke on Unsplash

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

cvevents.ca

POWERED BY THE COLUMBIA VALLEY CHAMBER

ursday, March 2

• 9 a.m.: StrongStart/CAP-C Edgewater Elementary. Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 - 11:30 a.m. 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! 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

• 10:15 a.m.: Tech Time at the 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 a.m.: Senior's Fitness Columbia Valley Centre on Thursdays 10:30-11:30 a.m., $2 drop-in.

• 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.: Needles & Hooks. Stop by the Invermere Public Library with your current yarn project and meet with other makers to chat and share tips! All welcome.

• 2 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 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.

• 4:45 p.m.: Youth Ice Skating + Su Casa Cooking Class. Come on out to the Canal Flats arena March 2nd 4:45-5:45pm for an hour of skating. Then head on over to the hall for cooking with Su Casa.

• 6:45 p.m.: Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament at the Invermere Legion every Thursday for members and guests. $30 buy-in.

• 7:30 p.m.: Trivia Night at the Windermere Whitehouse Pub. Thursday night is TRIVIA NIGHT in Windermere! Host Mandi Cox, $3/person, teams of more than 6 will be split into two groups.

Friday, March 3

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

• 10:30 a.m.: Family Storytime at the Invermere Public Library. Join us at the library each week for stories, songs and a craft!

• 1 p.m.: FREE Youth Drop-In Fun at the 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!

• 9 p.m.: Karaoke Windermere Whitehouse Pub. Fridays are Karaoke nights at the Windermere Whitehouse Pub! Ages 19+ Host Mandi Cox, 9 p.m.- midnight.

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

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

• 5 p.m. -8 p.m.: Fancy Friday at the Station Pub. Dust o your nest 80s bridesmaid dress, wedding dress, prom dress, zoot suit or tuxedo T-shirt on the 1st Friday of every month.

• 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.: Dynamic Intuitive Archery Speed Shooting. Come try your hand at Dynamic Intuitive Archery Speed Shooting! Every Friday 7- 9 p.m. at the Brisco Community Hall. First lesson is FREE! Register at info@akisqnuk.org or call 250-342-6301.

• 10 p.m. - 12 a.m.: '80s Party at ULLR, 722 13 Street, Invermere. Val Kilmer & the New Coke: 80's Tribute Band

Saturday, March 4

• 10:30 a.m.: LEGO/Duplo Club Invermere Public Library. We'll have Lego, Duplo, big blocks and more out to play with on Saturday mornings!

• 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Vericompost (Worms!) Workshop, 15th Ave & Westridge Drive, Invermere, BC.

• 10:30 a.m.: Pokemon Club at Main Street Fun & Games where they host a weekly Pokemon Club for ages 7+! Reading pro ciency is required.

• 3 p.m. - 11:59 p.m.: Wings & Things 525 13th Street, Invermere, BC 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, BC Meat draw and 50/50 in the Legion! Members and guests welcome!

• 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.: Floral Design Concepts #2-1535 14th Street, Invermere, BC. Learn the basics of ower care in an overview of oral design focusing on owers and foliage.

Sunday, March 5

• 2 p.m. - 11:59 p.m.: Cards, Cribbage and Darts at the Invermere Legion, 525 13th Street, Invermere, BC. Who doesn'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. - 11:59 p.m.: Wings & Things at the Invermere Legion, 525 13th Street, Invermere. Pub grub done right!

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

Monday, March 6

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

• 10 a.m. - 11 .a.m.: Senior's Yoga at the Columbia Valley Centre, 646 4th Street, Invermere, BC. on Mondays and Wednesdays, $2 drop-in.

• 3 p.m.: Youth Drop-In at 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 and Wednesday, 3-8 p.m.!

• 4 p.m.: FREE Youth Drop-In Fun: LGBTQ+ at the 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 at the Windermere Whitehouse Pub. Free pool + cheap drinks for resort and restaurant sta !

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

• 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.: Dynamic Intuitive Archery Speed Shooting at the Columbia Lake Recreation Centre. Come try your hand at Archery!

Tuesday, March 7

• 9 a.m.: StrongStart/CAP-C Edgewater Elementary. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 -11:30 a.m. Join this free, drop-in program for children ages 0 to 5 and their caregivers.

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

• 10:30 a.m.: Homeschool Meetup at the Invermere Public Library. All homeschool families welcome to join.

• 10:30 a.m.: Senior's Fitness Columbia Valley Centre. Columbia Valley Centre on Tuesdays 10:3011:30 a.m., $2 drop-in.

• 1 p.m.: Artists' Gathering at the Radium Public Library. 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!

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

Wednesday, March 8

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

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

• 3 p.m.: FREE Youth Drop-In Fun at the 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!

Happy 50th Birthday Brendan

Learn the beauty of the bow

Dynamic, intuitive, archery speed shooting. Equipment, instruction and support FREE with the rst lesson.

Columbia Lake Recreation Centre

Mondays, 6-8 p.m.

Brisco Town Hall

Fridays, 7-9 p.m.

For more information call

Josef Szujker: 250-342-5943

Doug Goodwin: 250-347-9048

Luraina Oddy: 250-688-1451

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

NOTICE OF COUNCIL MEETINGS

Regular Meetings of Council will be returning to the Council Chambers at the District of Invermere O ce, 914 – 8th Avenue.

The next Regular Meeting of Council is scheduled for Tuesday, March 14th at 7:00 p.m. and the general public is welcome to attend.

Agendas can be accessed on the website at www.invermere.net.

For further information please contact Kindry Luyendyk, Corporate O cer at 250 342-9218, ext#1228.

Invitation to apply for funding for HEALTH RELATED PROJECTS Spring 2023

The Invermere Health Care Auxiliary Society is pleased to invite non profit organizations to apply for funding for projects that will enhance health care and healthy living in our community.

The source of funding for the IHCAS is the Invermere Thrift Store, 130 volunteers working tirelessly to strengthen health initiatives in the Columbia Valley.

Applicants are required by CRA to be qualified donees. For funding applications, instructions and any questions please email: seona.helmer@gmail.com

Deadline for applications are to be received by mail on March 24th, 2023. Successful applicants will be notified mid April 2023. (P.S. We will be looking for students to work summer shifts in the store. Email IHCASAP@outlook.com for more information.)

Career and job fair at Columbia Valley Centre

College of the Rockies, WorkBC, and Kootenay Employment Services collaborate for the event

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

As the adage states for those looking for new opportunities: the world is your oyster. For those looking to see what pearls are available to them, the East Kootenay Career and Job Fair is being held on March 2 from 1 - 5 p.m. at the Columbia Valley Centre in Invermere. Sixty-seven exhibitors have confirmed they will attend the afternoon career fair, a collaborated effort of College of the Rockies (COTR), WorkBC, and Kootenay Employment Services (KES).

“At Kootenay Employment Services, we believe in the importance of creating work environments in which everyone can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to participate fully,” said Kerstin Renner, KES acting client services coordinator. “We are excited to have our panel of experts and local employers share some of their best practices.”

This event kicked off in Cranbrook on February 28 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. in the COTR lecture theatre, which featured inclusion expert, Kate Gibbs, as the event keynote speaker. Gibbs was joined by a panel of local employers and community partners for a discussion about the benefits of creating inclusive workplaces, best prac-

tices, and supports available for employers. The first of two job fairs was held at the COTR campus in Creston on March 1.

All vendors at the career and job fair have been provided with resources to support inclusive hiring practices and were offered a chance to identify themselves as inclusive employers. Those inclusive employers will be

“After two years online, we’re excited to return to an in-person event.”

Jenn Smith, College of the Rockies (COTR) co-op and employment services coordinator

displaying a special banner at their booth to help start a conversation with job seekers.

The job fair is the first in-person event in two years.

“After two years online, we’re excited to return to an in-person event,” said Jenn Smith, COTR co-op and employment services coordinator. “The East Kootenay Career and Job Fair presents an excellent opportunity for job seekers to connect directly with employers in the region and beyond.”

St. Patrick’s Day ‘Tea for Two’ delivery

Submitted by Luana Gillies

The Valley GoGo Sisters, a group of local grandmothers, is maintaining its St. Patrick’s Day tradition. Having originally hosted our tea as an in-person gathering for 14 years, we have been pleased to offer tea delivery the past two years. We encourage you now to order ahead to enjoy ‘Tea for Two – or just for you’: eight pieces of home-baked sweet treats and tea, for $25.00. The deadline for ordering is March 12 and a maximum of 50 orders will be accepted. All orders will be delivered mid-day on March 17.

All proceeds go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) Grand-

mothers Campaign. The Foundation launched the campaign in March 2006, in response to the emerging crisis faced by African grandmothers as they struggled to care for millions of children orphaned by the HIV/ AIDS pandemic. Without hesitation or complaint, Africa’s grandmothers have stepped in to care for them. Many of these women have watched their own children die, and now must generate income and provide the care needed to raise another family.

The SLF funds grass roots, community based organizations in 15 countries. It operates on a social justice model, treating African grandmothers as equal partners, with

respect, trust and empowerment. Many projects supported by SLF begin with meeting basic needs such as food, shelter, income and grandkids attending school, but the emotional needs from the trauma of the AIDS pandemic are addressed next, and the final step is the development of advocacy to better their own conditions and the conditions of other grandmothers.

For more information or to place an order, please contact Luana Gillies, 250 342-9600 (email blgillies65@gmail.com) or Sherry Dewey, 250 342-9733 (email sherrydewey56@gmail.com)

A“fantastic” season of minor hockey

Submitted by Jordan Stapleton Registrar, Windermere Valley Minor Hockey

As our 2022/23 season winds down we can all agree that it was another fantastic season of minor hockey here in Invermere. It was a season bringing normal back to the arena, as protocols were lifted and teams were able to hold tournaments and league games, bringing back the fun into hockey.

Our U7 team and their fresh faces just completed their home tournament, getting to show off their skating for the first time at home to some large crowds of family and friends. Coaches Jason Botterill, Steve Atkinson and Thomas Smith have done wonders in keeping the fun, while teaching fundamentals.

Our U9 team completed their home tournament in February, along with a full schedule of tournaments throughout the season. Coaches George Pemberton, Ed Schaffer and Jason Botterill had their hands full with a large team of diverse talents. The improvements made from start to finish this season are a testament to both the kids’ and coaches’ hard work on the ice.

Our U11B team finished the season at 13-1 atop the standings in their division. Made up of mostly first

year players, this team embodied the spirit of team play with passing and teamwork. Coaches Steve Bush, George Pemberton and Kane McAffer helped develop a small roster into a polished squad, capturing multiple tournament gold medals. Goalies, Colin Gallaway and Olivia MacDonell, have done well in their first year of full ice and those bigger nets.

The U11B banner tournament is March 17-19 in Elkford, to add another banner to the arena. Our 11A team was a very small team of only 10 skaters and one goalie. They overcame sickness and a short bench to finish second in their division at 10-2, with a staggering +56 goal differential. Led by the rock-solid goaltending of Jack Hildes and coaches Simon Gramlich, Richard Vernon, and Justin Brown, they will go into their banner tournament at the Eddie Mountain Arena in Invermere March 3-6. Hopefully we will see all of you down at the games to support them in their quest for another championship. When the BC selection committee approved our U13 team to host provincials we were overjoyed. Coming in as defending champs is no easy task, but coaches Brad Cable, Fergus Dewey, and Richard Vernon are up to the task.

Total Mom Inc. celebrates fifth year helping moms in business

Canadian mom entrepreneurs can now apply for $50,000 in grant and services

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Total Mom Pitch is celebrating five years of helping mothers becoming business owners and is now accepting applications for their entrepreneurship program until March 20.

Photo submitted

February celebrates women in business. Total Mom Inc., a professional community network (established in 2017) aims to help ambitious women begin and grow their businesses while juggling motherhood. Canadian moms are encouraged to submit their business vision to Canada’s Total Mom Pitch (an award-winning entrepreneurship, business pitch and awards program). Celebrating its fifth year providing support to Canadian women, this award-winning Total Mom pitch has officially launched across the country. It is accepting applications to its entrepreneurship program and will be accepted online through totalmompitch.ca until March 20.

“Total Mom Inc. exists because it’s simply unrealistic to expect women to have to choose between their career and raising a family,” said Anna Sinclair, founder and chief executive officer (CEO),Total Mom Inc., in a February press release. “We are dedicated to building an organization that supports working women, and we plan to grow our programs and events and Total Mom Pitch is an exciting program that fuels our dedication to women.”

With over 6,000 applicants to date, Total Mom Inc. allows moms across Canada to be recognized in-person at a 250+ gala with industry champions. The five top finalists will be invited to pitch their business idea in front of leading companies, executive judges, media, and influencers at the Canadian Women Entrepreneur Industry Gala on May 30. The judges are some of Canada’s most successful women executives from major brands, as well as influential coaches. Total Mom Inc. has partnered with the newly launched fintech company huumans, bookkeeping inc. to offer participants bookkeeping support.

“Our daily mission is to elevate entrepreneurs and support small business ownership, making it as accessible as possible,” said Paula Festas, chief executive officer (CEO), huumans, in press release in February. “We’ve seen firsthand, the obstacles that

women – and especially mothers – face when starting a small business. We are grateful to work alongside Total Mom Inc., which understands the importance of equitable access to entrepreneurship.”

Through a voting process, the top 100 small businesses will go through a business accelerator program and get the opportunity for national visibility and media recognition. Prizes will include non-dilutive funding, business services, with more to be announced. This year, Total Mom Inc. also begins a new two-year partnership with Bell Media to share the success stories and voices of entrepreneurial mothers across Canada.

“As an organization, we admire how Bell is advancing how Canadians connect with each other and the world, while also championing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging,” said Sinclair. “Bell’s desire to support the personal and professional advancement of women entrepreneurs is why we will be working together over the next two years through Canada’s Total Mom Pitch initiative, and a new scholarship program that provides business education for hard-working women raising a family.”

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

• 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.

With Theo Wilson and Nick Buttle guarding the net it will always be a close game. Please come support this team by getting an online 50/50 ticket in support of the team - or just come down and cheer. We can always use more support, and the kids love it!

The U15 team was a testament to the hard work of their coaches and volunteers keeping the team going when it seemed they may not have enough players at times, to keep going. Carl Kinsey, Laura Kipp, Greg Nyuli, and Grant Kelly did a wonderful job keeping a fun atmosphere, and the kids focused.

U18 Girls recently has their home tournament as well. This is a team to watch in the near future as it is a very young team who were competing against more senior teams. Veteran coaches Craig Wilcock, Jody McConnachie and Doug Schick helped create a team based on fun and learning, to build on for the years to come. We are all very proud of all of you!

U18 Boys are on their way to provincials next month to bring home the gold! Coaches Jody Brooks, Jens Dubreuil and Jason Pike have this veteran team playing well and ready to go.

The season will end with our year-end celebration at the Invermere Community Center on April 12th for all players and families to attend. It’s an awesome way to recognize the hard work of a special group of volunteers and kids who make this all happen. I am proud of every one of the players, coaches, managers and volunteers who make hockey in the valley a truly special group to belong to.

Registration for next season will begin on July 1st. Remember to sign up early to get the discounted rate!

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

Indigenous Awareness Canada provides ongoing learning

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On the path of Truth and Reconciliation it is important that we continue to learn more about one other. Indigenous Awareness Canada (IAC) has designed programs to create greater understanding and enhance communications between non-Indigenous and Indigenous Peoples.

Robert Laboucane and Sean Hannah, both Métis, are the founders and course authors of IAC, which started in 1992, when Laboucane was working as the executive director for the newly-formed Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) in Alberta. Hanna, who is the director of training and leads the development of the training curriculum and online programs for IAC, joined Laboucane in 1998.

“We identified the need for Canadians to learn more about Indigenous Peoples in Canada,” said Hannah.

Hannah has a degree from the University of Calgary in english literature and psychology, and a background in adult learning theory and courseware creation. He began translating the workshop material into other more widely accessible formats – initially in the form of books, workbooks, and student guides, and then later into digital versions like PowerPoint presentations and CD-ROM-based courses. Hannah said IAC offers the opportunity for ongoing learning about Canadian Indigenous Peoples in an engaging and safe environment.

“We currently offer online training,” said Hannah. “These online skills-based training courses will provide you or your organization, with the information needed to build effective and positive relationships with Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Our online courses are designed for everyone – you do not need a degree. They are broken up into useful sections and you can start and stop as often as you like.”

There is an online Indigenous Awareness Introduction course; it is not a pre-requisite for their certification courses, but a stand-alone and an abridged primer course.

“Students can take 101 and 201 independently,” said Hannah. “You do not need

to take both courses although some students choose to. You must complete the 201 Certification before taking any 300-level course.”

All workshops through IAC aim to provide individuals and organizations with the information needed to build effective and positive relationships with Indigenous Peoples. The training that IAC provides directly answers eight of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls-to-Action with training that includes education on history, legacy of residential schools, treaties and Indigenous rights, Indigenous law, Aboriginal-Crown relations, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.

“The Indigenous Awareness certification course is the most popular starting point,” said Hannah. “This comprehensive and information-rich course offers important foundational knowledge, background, and context. It takes about four to eight hours to complete.”

On completion of the online Indigenous Awareness certification course students can print out their own certificate through IAC or order a framed print online. Training offered... is accepted widely for academic, government, and corporate training purposes. Hannah added it is recognized towards college credits at some institutions and highly respected by many professional associations and Chambers of Commerce, and the Canadian Military to name a few.

“Our training is recognized and recommended by Indigenous groups and leaders, which is fundamental to meeting corporate obligations and training requirements in support of programs like the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB), Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) initiative or the Government of Canada’s directives to all Canadians on adopting the Recommendations of the TRC,” said Hannah.

IAC has over 34 years of teaching experience to more than 70,000 satisfied workshop attendees and has provided over 54,000 online certifications since starting. When the Pioneer asked Hannah what he hopes non-Indigenous people take away from this training he said, “A sense of empathy, desire to continue their learning, and comfort interacting with Indigenous Peoples.”

P ioneer C lassifieds

• Phone: 250-341-6299

• Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

• Web: www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

ANNOUNCEMENT CHEERS WITHOUT

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

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

TEARS

Cheers to all the volunteer members of the Invermere Kinsmen Club who do so many kind things to help our locals. Your many ac ts of kindness are appreciated so much The world is a better place to live because of you

Cheers to all the volunteers and K&K Wood for making the ERS Spaghetti Dinner a success!

Cheers to Amanda who works in the Customer Ser vice D ept at Sobeys You are always ver y friendly and helpful whenever I go into the store

ACREAGE FOR SALE BUSINESS SERVICES

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

The rst sitting of the Parcel Tax Review Panel will be held at the Municipal O ce at 914 – 8th Avenue, Invermere, B.C. on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 10 a.m. The Parcel Tax Review Panel may review and correct the Parcel Tax Roll and hear complaints on one or more of the following grounds:

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

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

• there is an error or omission respecting the taxable area or the taxable frontage of a parcel;

• an exemption has been improperly allowed or disallowed.

The Parcel Tax Roll will be open for inspection at the Municipal O ce during regular o ce hours.

Cheers to Lila and Erin at The Bistro You t wo are kind, caring and generous Your dedication and loyalt y to your employer is exemplar y

Cheers to my friend, Yolande, for loaning me a wonder ful walker to help me with my balance so that I am not having any more falls Ver y much appreciated

Cheers to the ski patrols, paramedics, hospital staff who were all so kind and caring. On Feb 18 I was at Panorama watching my grandkids skiing when I got hit by an out of control skier Cheers to ever yone who helped me This valley is an amazing place to live!

Cheers to Leanne for your thoughtfulness and kindness

Popeyes chicken was amazing

HELP WANTED

A complaint shall not be heard by the review panel unless notice of the appeal has been made in writing to the Director of Finance of the District of Invermere, Box 339, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 by 10 a.m. on March 14, 2023.

Karen L. Coté Director of Finance

RENTAL

HOUSES FOR RENT CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

Two bedroom three bath with nished basement No Pets, No Smokers, No kids Available May 1, 2023 $2500 00/m Plus Hydro 250-341-1395

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

HAY FOR SALE

Top qualit y round bales Stored in shed Phone Elkhorn Ranch

250-342-1268

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

Cheers to all the responsible dog walkers at Ray Br ydon Park that pick up after their dogs and pick up a few ex tras while they're at it.

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

2015 Jeep Cherokee Trail Hawk

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

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

Oceana Canada celebrates commitment to protect B.C. Seamounts

A Memorandum of Understanding reached between Canada and several First Nations

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

for Quote

The Equidae Benefit Society is now accepting Requests

Groundwork for Arena Construction Project

Bid Opening Date:

Thursday, March 2nd, 2023

Bid Closing Date:

Thursday, March 16th, 2023 16:00 MST

Submit an expression of interest via email to liannelang@shaw.ca

A bid package with full instructions will be emailed to you. Forward questions to the attention liannelang@shaw.ca

Questions must be submitted via email to help ensure that all information is distributed to all interested parties equally.

Final selection will be made by the Board of Directors and awarded on or before March 26, 2023.

HELP WANTED

Reservations Agent

It is just as crucial to protect all life below sea-level as it is above it. Oceana Canada partnered with Fisheries and Oceans Canada in July 2018 and is celebrating their commitment to publish draft regulations to protect a 133,019 square-kilometres (km2) area off the west coast of Vancouver Island. This area is home of hydrothermal vents and 93 per cent of Canada’s known underwater mountains referred to as ‘seamounts’. The announcement was made on February 7 at IMPAC5, a global forum on marine habitat protection, hosted in and around Vancouver, B.C.

After years of hard work by Indigenous Peoples, stakeholders, government agencies and conservation groups, these proposed regulations are set to protect an area four times the size of Vancouver Island, making it the newest and second largest marine protected area (MPA) in Canada. A memorandum of understanding (agreement) has been reached between Canada and the Nuu-chahnulth Tribal Council, the Council of the Haida Nation, Pacheedaht First Nation, and Quatsino First Nation to cooperatively manage the proposed new MPA.

The MPA, named Tang. ɢwan · ḥačxʷiqak · Tsigis by Haida, Nuu-chah-nulth and Quatsino First Nations, contributes to Canada’s international commitments to protect 25 per cent of its marine and coastal areas by the year 2025. Once draft regulations are made public, there will be a 30-day public commentary period, after which Fisheries and Oceans Canada will make its final decision on the designation of these seamounts as an MPA. Oceana Canada will continue to advocate for the formal

creation of the MPA and the implementation of co-management with First Nations in the region: the Council of the Haida Nation, the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, the Pacheedaht and Quatsino First Nations.

Oceana Canada, an independent charity that was established in 2015, is dedicated to ocean conservation. It has made several impacts including a successful campaign to end the shark fin trade, improving the way fisheries are managed, and making rebuilding depleted fish populations law, something residents of the Columbia Valley who have seen depletions in salmon over the decades can relate to.

Oceana Canada, the Haida Nation, and Ocean Networks Canada will explore the seamounts and identify marine species. Through this deep-sea exploration, the research revealed the existence of centuries-old forests of red tree corals and glass sponges that provide habitat for numerous animals, including sea lilies, basket stars, octopuses, prowfish and many long-lived rockfish. Above the seamounts, the upwelling of deep nutrient-rich water fuels the growth in planktonic life that attracts larger species such as tuna, sharks and whales such as humpbacks, as well as seabirds including tufted puffins. “The stunning diversity and abundance of life on the seamounts leave no room for hesitation about protecting them,” said Dr. Robert Rangeley, science director, Oceana Canada, in a February press release. “The fragile nature of the seamounts and their importance to marine life mean that we just can’t allow any activities that may threaten them, like dragging fishing gear or deep-sea mining. This is a critical step toward protecting this extremely important marine ecosystem.”

Disease threatens the Little Brown Bat - researchers ask public for help

Submitted by the Kootenay Community Bat Program

B.C.’s bats, including the well-known Little Brown Bat, are threatened by a fungal disease headed towards the province from Alberta and Washington State. The Kootenay Community Bat Program, in collaboration with the Province of BC, are asking the public for help in the effort to detect and prevent the spread of WhiteNose Syndrome (WNS). Residents are urged to report any bat activity observed in winter and any sick or dead bats found before May 31st.

White-Nose Syndrome is a fungal disease that is harmless to humans, but has devastated North American bat populations. The fungus attacks bats while they are hibernating, appearing on their wings and faces to give an appearance of a white nose. Bats often wake to clean the fungus from their skin. This uses valuable energy, and finally the bats die from hypothermia and starvation. Across North America, millions of bats have been killed, and two BC species are now listed as Endangered. As a key predator for many night-flying insects, bats are essential parts of BC’s ecosystems and provide billions of dollars of economic benefit by helping control agricultural, forest, and urban pests.

ca or by calling 1-855-922-2287 (1-855-GOT-BATS).

All live bats should be left alone — keep your distance, snap a photo and report it to the Kootenay Community Bat Program. If you must move a bat, visit www.bcbats. ca for advice and never touch a bat with your bare hands. Please note that if you or your pet has been in direct contact with the bat you will need further information regarding the risk of rabies to you and your pet.

In partnership with the BC Ministry of Environment, and funded by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Forest Enhancement Society of BC, Habitat Stewardship Program, the Columbia Basin Trust, the Kootenay Lake and Columbia Valley Local funds, and the Columbia Valley Community Foundation, the BC Community Bat Program provides information and promotes local stewardship and citizen science. You can find out more about the Kootenay and BC Community Bat Program, and options for helping local bat populations at www.bcbats.ca, info@bcbats.ca, or 1-855-922-2287 ext.14

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

First detected in New York State in 2006, the disease continues to spread, with detections on the west coast close to Seattle and in south-central Alberta. Biologists say the arrival of WNS in BC is imminent. Increasing the number of reports from the public is the best chance to understand how WNS might spread and affect local bat populations. Though there is not yet a proven cure for WNS, several promising treatment options are being developed, and it may be possible to mitigate the effects of this wildlife health crisis.

If you find a dead bat or have sightings of winter bat activity, please report to the B.C. Community Bat Program online at www.bcbats.ca , via email at info@bcbats.

White-nose syndrome occurrence map – by year (2023).

Downloaded 2023-02-07.

Available at:

https://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/where-is-wns

Caught in the crunch: Tight rental market leaves Invermere senior going door to door in search of place to live

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

target with its resident attraction and retention strategy. There’s just one big problem: Invermere — or, more accurately, its long term rental crunch and ongoing affordable housing crisis — has lately been doing its best to push Jane (and many others like her) out of town.

For the past few months Jane has been caught in the jaws of the rental crunch. The landlord of the basement rental suite she has been living in for the past four years wants to move back to Invermere. So Jane began looking for a new place to stay. She been searched and searched — and searched — but came up empty. The landlord kindly extended Jane’s time in the suite, but even with a later deadline, the options remained squarely at zero.

Increasingly desperate, Jane enlisted her son James. He came from Calgary. The pair printed fliers and spent days walking up and down the streets of Invermere throughout February, literally going door to door looking for any possible leads on a place to rent.

“It’s quite iffy,” Lowe told the Pioneer last week. “For me, it’s a big problem. I cannot find anywhere that will even give me a shot.”

Jane Lowe is every inch the picture of equanimity. Kindness radiates from her gentle smile. She’s quiet, but not reserved, and it’s quick and easy to fall into conversation with her. Many residents of the Invermere’s Wilder subdivision know her well, if not by name, then certainly by sight: she is often seen rolling her kayak down to Kinsmen Beach on a wheeled trolley, her long-haired dachshund Moxie bounding along beside her. When they get to the water’s edge, the wheels and Moxie go into the boat. Jane does too, and they paddle off — their favourite route is to head down the west side of Lake Windermere past the eagles’ nest.

When enjoying the great outdoors, Jane indulges her artistic flair, wool painting and creating mixed media gift cards.

Moxie and Jane, the lake and the mountains and art. It’s been like that for more than a decade. Jane, originally from England, retired to Invermere 13 and half years ago, after a long career in Ontario in medical administration, and as a director for the Canadian Cancer Society. With her silver-blonde hair, her obvious fitness, and her chipper demeanour, she comes across as at least a decade and half younger than her 80 years. Jane doesn’t have a car and doesn’t want one: she can walk everywhere she needs to (indeed, she likes it that way) —including merrily wheeling her kayak back and forth between her home and the beach. For those unfamiliar with the lay of the neighbourhood, that includes the substantial uphill along 17th Street.

Jane felt a strong pull to Invermere after her son James, who lives in Calgary, drove down to the Columbia Valley when she was thinking of moving here. He mounted a GoPro camera to the top of his car, and drove all around the community to her give her a virtual glimpse of the vibrant main street, the parks, the beach, and the different parts of town. She was smitten, and took a rental, sight unseen. When she arrived in the valley in person, she couldn’t believe what she saw, this beautiful place was where she had relocated. ‘Smitten’ became ‘loved’. More than 13 years later, she still loves Invermere. It’s home to her.

In short, Jane — an active, outdoorsy, artsy retiree, well integrated into the social fabric of her neighbourhood — is exactly the sort of person Invermere tries to

When Jane first arrived in Invermere, getting a rental was easy. She stayed in her first rental home for eight years. But four years and half years ago she needed to move, and learned that the long term rental market had radically changed.

“It was a whole different ball game. There was very, very little. I tried and tried, but nothing. The only reason I was able to get (her current suite) was by chance. The owner’s son was going away to college in Lethbridge and I happened to find out just by chance, through friends,” said Jane.

been shocked at just how difficult it is. You hear the rental market is tough, but I think it’s extraordinary that it comes down to actually having to go door to door.”

He explained that he doesn’t have any hard statistics, but that in the process of going house to house “a lot of people seemed, well, not overly impressed by how many empty homes or how many AirBnBs (short term rentals) there are around. We would talk to somebody at one house, and they would be really friendly, even though they didn’t know of any rental suites. But then they would say ‘well, don’t bother going to the house next door, or the one across the street, or that one over there, or the one four doors down. They’re all short term rentals.’ Some people said they felt like their neighbourhood had been ‘taken over’ by AirBnB.”

Flash forward to 2023 and things are even worse.

Jane admits she’s surprised: she’s a senior living on a pension, which means a limited budget, and her age means that taking on a mortgage to buy a home makes no financial sense. But she’s good with money, has planned prudently, and there are many people in the valley whose financial situation is considerably worse than hers. If people like her can’t find a place to stay, how can those in tougher circumstances?

“There’s just such a severe (long term rental) shortage right now,” said Jane. “You see all these empty houses and nothing happening in them, except during summer, and then I’ve heard about so many other people who are, just like me, wanting to live here long term, but just can’t find a place. It’s strange... I’m not really quite sure what I’m going to do. Some days I’m calm about it, and other days I’m actually quite emotional about it. I try to keep up hope, but the reality seems quite negative.”

Jane conceded there was a very real possibility she may be forced to leave the Columbia Valley.

“This is my community. I’ve made it my home. I just can’t imagine starting over again somewhere else...” she said, her voice trailing off.

James echoed his mom’s comments, outlining “I’ve

Jane has a lot of friends in Invermere, and many of them have also been actively looking for a place for her, to no avail, added James. “It’s heartbreaking to my mom that she may have to leave...We’ve heard about more than a few people that that has happened to. A Facebook post (about a rental) will go up, and within minutes there are 27 responses. And even though you’re on it almost right away, you’re 28th in line,” he said. “The town does have an accommodation problem. I understand the income benefits of renting out your place on AirBnB, especially if you are on a pension or are a young family starting out, and you really need the income to make ends meet. But now I understand firsthand the other side of the issue... It’s overwhelming. It’s not just a few AirBnBs in Invermere. There’s a lot. It’s choked out the long term rentals.”

After the Pioneer had interviewed Jane and James and written this story, but before going to press with this week’s edition, Jane called with unexpected good news: against all odds she and Moxie had secured a new rental to move into. Jane was over the moon with delight, her excitement and relief clearly audible over the phone. But she was also in no doubt that her happy ending is an exception, not the norm.

“I got lucky. Very lucky. But there are other people out there in Invermere who are not lucky. It’s not a good situation,” she cautioned, and expressed her hope that those who can work to change the circumstances do so.

Local 80-year resident Jane Lowe and her 13-year old dachshund Moxie tried to solve the daunting puzzle of Invermere’s imploding long term rental market, and their looming lack of a place to live by going house to house throughout Invermere. Photo submitted

Moxie and Jane often kayak on Lake Windermere in the warmer summer months. Jane, as fit and healthy as a person can be at 80, does not own a car, but instead uses foot and wheel power to push her watercraft down to Kinsmen Beach, and then back home again. Photo submitted.

“It’s extraordinary that it comes down to actually having to go door to door.”

James Jackson, Jane’s son, who is helping her look for a rental

Learn the beauty of the bow

By Joanne McQuarrie editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Whether it’s done with your feet firmly on the ground or on the back of a horse, there’s a much deeper level than meets the eye, to archery.

This ancient skill is being taught right here in the valley and one of the organizers, Josef Szujker, himself an archer and an impassioned enthusiast, invites people to sign up for lessons.

“We are guided by master instructors from international schools, and are closely aligned with the Kassai School, the best in the world,” Szujker said.

“We can teach you to be able to handle a lightweight, easy-to-pull bow at 50 metres, aiming forward, to the side and to the back, while in motion.”

After gaining some proficiency, Szujker said, “the next level may be to introduce the connection with your partner - the horse”. This phase, he continued, “is where you become deeply connected with your mount. The trust and communication develop into a dynamic connection where the bow is introduced. The careful progression continues to where the mounted archer is led down a track, now able to use the hard-earned skills developed with the bow.”

As experience and confidence grow, Szujker said “the speed picks up, leading to running on a timed track while shooting with lightning speed at at a three-ring rotating target... with increasing distance.”

Some folks, Szujker said, “choose to keep their feet on the ground; the horse is not required to advance to archery excellence, while having great fun!”

In whatever direction you choose to take with archery, Szujker said it “can be viewed as a guided way of life: the development of good form, flexible with one’s goal (target), where concentration and intent sets the goal. One’s internally-guided action releases the energy to achieve the centre of one’s focus. If well-aligned, then a bulls eye happens effortlessly - goal achieved! If not... there’s instant feedback”. Here, Szujker shared words of wisdom from Confucius: ‘When the archer misses the centre of the target, they turn and seek of the cause of their failure within themselves.’

Szujker noted many people use the bow as a meditation, “and some of our ancestors called the ‘eagle archers’ used it for divining to connect to Spirit and help show the way.”

For those who choose to incorporate a horse in their archery pursuits, “now we are talking some serious fun” Szujker said, emphasizing that the bond, trust, and com-

munication with a horse safely allows horseback archery to be done accurately, with speed”. To be on a running horse while rapid-firing arrows at a moving target, Szujker said, is “an ecstatic practice”.

Classes are taught by two clubs in the valley - Spur Valley Mounted Archery and Rocky Mountain Mounted Archers, both not-for-profit groups.

“Intuitive, dynamic archery is for ages nine to 99, and can be done even from a wheelchair,” Szujker said. “This can be used for hunting or survival skills, and can be used for introspective development. No experience or equipment is necessary to start right away.”

Help protect your favourite lake: become a volunteer lake monitor

Registration is open for the 3rd Annual National Lake Blitz

Submitted by: Nicole Trigg, Communications Director nicole@livinglakescanada.ca

Got a favourite lake? Want to help protect it? Lakes in Canada are threatened by habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, and climate impacts like rising water temperatures. The National Lake Blitz is an annual citizen-science program that encourages the widespread monitoring of lakes using simple tools. Through monitoring, participants learn about the impacts affecting lake health and get inspired to protect them.

Registration for the 3rd Annual National Lake Blitz is now open — and it’s free! After signing up, each volunteer will be mailed a Lake Blitz Standard Kit containing a thermometer, tape measure, field guide, and datasheets. Living Lakes Canada will provide free online training on how to conduct lake monitoring using the kit, from data collection to data entry. (A Lake Blitz Level 2 Kit will also be available for purchase to allow enthusiastic volunteers to measure additional parameters including pH and water clarity.)

Canada in getting outside this summer and helping protect lakes across Canada.

To learn more about the program and to register, visit LakeBlitz.LivingLakesCanada.ca or contact the Lake Blitz Program Manager at LakeBlitz@LivingLakesCanada.ca.

When you sign up to volunteer in the National Lake Blitz, you receive a free monitoring kit that includes a thermometer to record water temperature. LLC Photo

The lake monitoring season will run from May to September, and all the data collected will be uploaded to the Lake Blitz Observation Map, which can be viewed in real-time. Volunteers will also receive a monthly newsletter and will be invited to monthly online workshops featuring expert guest speakers who will present on a range of topics relevant to lake monitoring.

Lake Blitz registration closes May 1st or when the supply of Lake Blitz Kits runs out. Register today and join Living Lakes

Alvin Nelson, Lillooet First Nation, Mount Currie, B.C. took aim at a target.

Photo submitted

Tom Kellner, Kalispell, Montana, took aim to the back, at a target.

Photo submitted

A free lake monitoring kit is sent to everyone who registers as a Lake Blitz volunteer. LLC Photo

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

Now open for in-person ser vices

Sundays at 10:30 a.m. 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lwac.ca

W I N D E R M E R E V A L L E Y S H A R E D

M I N I S T R Y A N G L I C A N - U N I T E D

Minister: Brent Woodard

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

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

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

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

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

Canal Flats: Saturday, 4 p.m.

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

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

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

Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service

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

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

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

CHURCH OF CHRIST (Iglesia ni Cristo)

Worship Ser vice: Sunday 9 a.m., Thursday 7:45 p.m

Chamber of Commerce (Lions Hall)

For inquiries: 250-688-1643

250-270-2208 or 250-688-0629

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

BEY ND THE BLUE LINE

Rockies coach looking ahead to another great season

By Joanne McQuarrie editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com

“Offence was our trademark,” said Emery Olauson, Columbia Valley Rockies head coach and general manager, of the team’s play in the 2022/23 season.

The Rockies finished regular season play with 31 wins, nine losses, two overtime losses and two shootout losses.

They went into the playoffs in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) as division champions, but ended up losing the first round 4-2 to the Fernie Ghostriders.

Fernie, Olauson said, “...played us well and they played us hard.” He noted though, that the Rockies “outshot them in five of the six games”.

This year’s team “was really young”, Olauson said,

and explained “the two assistant coaches and our scouting staff did a great job recruiting players, filing our camp with high quality players. We wound up with the youngest team in the division.”

The team’s success, Olauson said, “is testament to coaching, veteran leadership and the culture in the dressing room”.

Right off the bat, he said, “There was a really good culture in our dressing room; (players) felt comfortable, welcomed.”

This is Olauson’s first year as head coach and general manager and he signed a three year contract. Overall, he said, this season was a successful start for him “and a good first step in a great organization. There should be a lot of continuity and momentum built into this year, to carry into next year.

A lot of new faces on Columbia Valley Rockies team this season

Submitted by Brett Holt, President Columbia Valley Rockies, Junior Hockey Club

The Columbia Valley Rockies entered the 2022-2023 with a number of significant changes. We welcomed a new coach Emery Olauson and his wonderful family to the valley and to the Columbia Valley Rockies just before the KIJHL season began. Tayler Sincennes and Tucker Braund returned as assistant coaches. This team would have no returning goalies, no returning defencemen and a small core of returning forwards. The scouting team led by Scott Dubielewicz had their work cut out and they delivered!

This would be the second youngest team in the KIJHL this season. They started with a bang and delivered a number of exciting wins on both home ice and away. The team transformed with many different players joining throughout the year, as both opportunity for new skill and injury presented itself. Through it all the board and coaching staff believed this would be a special year and team. The team kept rolling and produced a staggering success record: 31 wins, nine losses, five ties. A league-leading 218 goals for and only 126 goals against, providing a league leading difference of +92 goals, besting the second place team by 21 goals. Kayde Kinaschuk would score his 100th point as a Rockie in only two years with the team.

The team would claim the 2022-2023 regular season championship banner for the Eddie Mountain Division and lay claim to first overall in the Kootenay Conference.

Whilst the playoffs were not kind to the Rockies, as it ended much too soon, there are plenty of successes to celebrate!

Thank you to the most wonderful fans in the KIJHL. You embraced this team and ‘packed the Eddie’ with a passion and noise that will reverberate for some time. Thank you to all the players, past and present, that have pulled on the Rockies Jersey and provided our community with a team to be so very proud of. Thank you to our fantastic sponsors who have always been behind this club and provided generous support. Thank you to our unbelievable volunteers who dedicate countless hours and hours to ensure the Columbia Valley Rockies were able to represent our community. To the unsung heroes of the team, our most wonderful billet families that welcome our players into their home and embrace these young men as their own, establishing the bond of billet son(s) forever! A huge shout out to the fantastic team of rink workers and the Eddie Mountain Arena who ensured both the Rockies and minor hockey had some of the best ice to practice and play on! Thank you to the board members whose passion and commitment allows for the success on the ice!

And a final thank you to the Columbia Valley community for being behind this team and always being such a wonderful place to live!

We will return next year and look forward to bigger and better success!