VALLEY NEWS Cannabis entrepreneur pitches operation
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
A Cranbrook cannabis-growing entrepreneur has big plans to start an operation in Canal Flats.
Village residents will have a chance to hear more about those plans during an upcoming open house.
Philippe Roux owns a licensed cannabis nursery in Cranbrook as well as a cannabis consulting business. During a recent Canal Flats council meeting he outlined his hopes to set up a cultivation operation in the village on a large, currently vacant industrial lot along Grainger Road.
“It’s a huge piece of land with nothing on it right now,” said Roux. “It would be a perfect location for me to expand my business.”
That expansion would entail growing cannabis using a proprietary method in 40-foot (12-metre) long shipping containers, up to 50 of them, arranged together in conjunction with an agricultural side project to grow vegetables.
Growing cannabis involves large amount of heat (which is leftover from air conditioning used to keep the cannabis cool) and many growers “do not do a good job of repurposing heat,” Roux told councillors. He would divert much of the heat from his planned Canal Flats operation into a greenhouse, where he and his wife would raise tomatoes and cabbage.
It would fit well, said Roux since “my wife has a cabbage roll business.”
His operation would employ seven workers; four full time and three part time. Using shipping containers would be good for security and makes the busi-
ness scalable, said Roux, adding that if the operation grows, he can easily scale up a little bit at a time by simply adding more shipping containers.
Councillor Andrew Weitzel raised concerns about aesthetics, pointing out that Grainger Road is one of the main ways people enter downtown Canal Flats off Highway 93/95.
“Any time somebody is driving right in off the road, just from a visual standpoint, we want to make sure that there is a nice, welcoming look to our community. It looks to me like the first thing we’re going to see is shipping containers,” said Weitzel, asking if Roux had any ideas to somehow beautify it “so it doesn’t look so industrial and cold.”
Roux replied he plans to use only new shipping containers, so none will look ratty or rusted, and paint them a uniform, neutral colour. He is also open to putting up a nicely designed fence as well as a row of trees as a visual break.
Councillor Patricia Reed noted that shipping containers on the corner of Grainger Road and Burns Avenue “doesn’t fall in line with our Official Community Plan (OCP).” She noted there is a day care facility across the street, and wondered if Roux could put the shipping containers farther back from the streetfront.
“I’ll put them wherever you want me to put them,” answered Roux.
Canal Flats councillors thought it best for Roux to present his plans directly to local residents during a public open house, so they can gauge community feedback.
Roux readily agreed to do so, saying he thinks it may get local people excited about creating good-paying jobs.
Cranbrook cannabis entrepreneur Philippe Roux pitches Canal Flats councillors on a proposed operation on a vacant lot on Grainger Road. SCREENSHOT
Splash park construction starting soon
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
The planned Canal Flats Splash Park is set to become a reality this year.
The Canal Flats Community Society is the driving force behind the project and has been working to raise money for it for the past three years. Those efforts have paid off and construction is set to start soon.
“This year is going to be the year it comes to fruition. We’re super excited about it,” society member Shawn Doherty recently told Canal Flats councillors.
Doherty explained that consulting company Water Solutions Corp. has created some initial design concepts, which he shared with council. He also outlined that geotechnical work might even begin in April.
The splash park will be built in the Lions Park, immediately to the east of the Headwaters Academy Arena, and to the south of the Canal Flats Civic Centre.
Doherty asked for input from councillors on where exactly within Lions Park the splash park should go.
“It looks like it would fit quite well in front of the playground and the pavilion,” said Doherty, noting this is not too close to the community hall (Civic Centre), but adding it is up to council to choose the final location.
The splash park will include eight different water features. Each feature will turn off automatically when
not in use. If all features are used at once, the park will use about 45 gallons (170 litres) of water per minute.
Doherty explained the current splash park design does not include recycling the water back through the park, as is done in a car wash. That’s because a splash park with recyclable water is “much more expensive” to build and also requires a certified operator to monitor it — something that’s well beyond the community society’s budget for the project, said Doherty.
Given recent community concern around the village’s water system, councillors asked about the park’s effect on fire flows.
Doherty explained that the splash park will be able to tie into one of the village’s smaller six-inch diameter pipes without any problems. He added if the splash park had to, it could make do with a 1.5 inch pipe. The splash park needs a maximum pressure of about 10 pounds per square inch and “I think our water system runs about 40 (psi),” said Doherty. “I wouldn’t think it’s (the splash park) going to make much difference.”
Doherty noted that several local residents have offered their labour, construction equipment, gravel and concrete either for free or at cost. He added this community-minded volunteerism has brought the cost of the park down substantially and is “one of the big reasons we’re going to be able to get it done this year.”
Doherty said construction should start this year. “We’re just dealing with the engineers right now.”
UPCOMING COURSES
INVERMERE CAMPUS
• Stained Glass 101 April 12 | $99 + GST
• Red Cross Emergency First Aid + CPR April 14 | $149
• Cultivating Inclusive Culture – Lecture April 23 AM | $75
• Foster Inclusive Culture – Lecture April 23 PM | $75
• Scents of Self – Essential Oil Perfume Making class April 25 | $49 + GST
Screenshots from council documents show concept design images of the planned Canal Flats splash park.
• Transportation Endorsement April 30 | $149
• Creative Strokes: Painting with Black Star Studios May 2 | $55 + GST
The water dump bucket design is one feature being planned. SCREENSHOT
Talk about it
Historical Lens PERSPECTIVE
Child sex trafficking is a topic not many people want to talk about these days, but Cathy Peters has done it for the past 11 years in hopes to save just one youth from being exploited.
The long-time educator from Vancouver recently sent the Regional District of East Kootenay a letter asking the board to pressure BC Premier David Eby to repeal the province’s decriminalization of hard drugs. (Adults can legally possess small amounts of illicit drugs such as opioids, cocaine, meth and ecstasy for personal use in specific places.) The province argues that decriminalization is necessary to address the toxic drug crisis since “addiction is a health issue, not a criminal one.”
But Peters believes that normalizing hard drug usage is causing devastating harm, particularly to our youth because sex and drug trafficking go hand in hand. In fact, she says it’s escalating in every corner of B.C. and is the fastest growing crime globally.
Peters is the author of Child Sex Trafficking in Canada and How to Stop It. She has observed five upsetting trends including drug use and exploitation, online ‘sextortion,’ and lack of social media accountability. There is also a lack of education to teach men and boys not to exploit women and girls. The suicide of Canadian teen Amanda Todd is a grim reminder of what can happen when some youth are subject to cyberbullying and sexual exploitation.
Shockingly, the average age of sex trade recruitment is 13, according to Peters, who adds that even 10 and 12-year-old youth are being groomed in cities. She also points out that 50 to 90 per cent of youth in the sex trade are Indigenous.
While the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act became law in 2014, Peters says it is is not enforced in B.C., and until the buyers of sex are deterred, this crime will “continue to explode.” Girls and women in Canada are “not for sale.”
Peters is right when she says communities need to reduce the demand and diminish supply through education and public awareness. She notes that men and boys in Sweden understand gender equality, so prostitution is not accepted or normalized there.
“It is possible to stop sexual exploitation,” she argues. She also believes that an effective deterrent is the school liaison officer program that sees police educate youth on this topic.
“Mass-scale prevention education is needed in this country,” Peters says, adding, “Male buyers from all ages and demographics are the root cause of the harm caused by human trafficking. If there were no buyers there would be no business.”
According to Peters, repealing the decriminalization of hard drugs may curb the new tariffs and show the Trump administration in the US that Canada is serious about stopping the trafficking of these drugs.
Political will is the key. Unfortunately, the RDEK did not act on Peters’ letter or discuss a motion to support it. Lyonel Doherty, editor
Reader rebuts MLA McInnis
"At the end of the day, board members will digest all of the information, including the checks and balances, and make their decision. That's what we elected them for." (The Pioneer, Feb. 20 edition)
Unfortunately, board members' decisions may not be in the best interests of those who elected them as evidenced by the procedures set in place for short term rentals (STRs).
The province of British Columbia recognized the many issues relevant to STRs and initiated a plan to control and enforce what has become a concern not only locally but across Canada.
The RDEK resolved to introduce its own regulations without any forethought as to how to bring about enforcement. It is difficult to see this as other than a cash grab when the RDEK instituted methods to collect licensing fees without any thought as to how to ensure that the regulations are adhered to. The RDEK flounders in its responses to issues brought by the fulltime residents that elected them.
Based on recent comments by MLA Scott McInnis in the March 27 Pioneer, I can only assume that
the Conservative Party is blind to the many issues and complaints documented in previous issues of the Pioneer over the past year. It seems local councils and the RDEK have absolutely no power to protect our neighbourhoods in spite of their so-called licensing program.
The STR on our once quiet, private road invites upwards of 16 guests at a time and advertises parking for 12 vehicles. They (STR operators) are not licensed and have been operating for a year with impunity despite our complaints. This is a Calgarian who purchased a $784,000 home and rents it out for $700 a night. This is not a young family nor a senior supplementing their income, this is, pure and simple, an all-out business.
The RDEK email response to our complaints: “The compliance process can sometimes be a lengthy process and during this time we are not permitted to give details on an open compliance file. We do appreciate that this is sometimes frustrating to complainants, but we can assure you that we continue to work on files until we reach compliance, or an alternative solution is obtained."
Continued on page 7
Christina Boucher
SPORTS
Local nordic skiers enjoy time at nationals
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
The Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club had a pair of skiers at the Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals earlier this spring, representing the club and the Columbia Valley on a Canada-wide stage.
The nationals were held not that far from Invermere, just over the Alberta border at the Canmore Nordic Centre from March 17 to 24. Among the hordes of skiers, coaches, support crews, family and friends who descended on Canmore that week were local teens Anika Rievaj and Virginia Denchuk.
Skiing at this level is nothing new for either athlete; this was Virginia’s third time at nationals, and Anika’s second. But both greatly enjoyed their time at the competition and felt it helped them grow as athletes and as individuals.
“It never fails to amaze me how much (nordic skiing) talent there is in Canada. It’s a really great opportunity to be able to race against the best skiers in Canada,” said Anika.
Virginia and Anika competed in several different events as individuals, including the 10-kilometre skate ski race, the 1.3-kilometre classic ski sprint race, and the 20-kilometre classic ski race; and both were part of a team of four in the five-kilometre mixed gender relay race.
They didn’t get on any podiums, but they had decent race results, and aside from the relay (when Anika was sick and Virginia crashed), they were quite happy with how they skied.
“Canmore is such a great place to ski,” Virginia told the Pioneer. “They (the Canmore Nordic Centre) hosted the World Cup last year, so they know how
to put on a race really well,” added Anika.
In fact, most of the races were held on one of the World Cup courses and it was anything but easy.
“It’s relentless. There’s nothing gradual about it. It just goes uphill. Up and up and up for most of the course,” explained Virginia. ‘Then a super steep, technical downhill with really tight courses . . . it’s one of the hardest courses in the world,” added Anika.
Virginia and Anika’s race results, both at nationals and throughout the winter, helped British Columbia finish as the top province or territory in Canada for the third year in a row.
“B.C. does have very strong nordic skiers. It’s interesting to go to provincial races, and then go to nationals. It’s like taking a step back to look at the bigger picture, and helps you gauge where you are at a Canadian level,” said Virginia.
Both said one of the highlights of nationals was simply spending time with other skiers they don’t get to see that often (and a coach from Smithers who took the two under her wing), and as well as the sense of community at the event.
“You make some pretty cool connections,” said Anika. “It’s a very supportive environment,” added Virginia.
Both graduated from David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS) last year. Virginia plans to nordic ski competitively again next winter, with the aim of heading to nationals for a fourth straight year. Anika wants to continue skiing at a high level, but is not yet sure how that will mesh with her plans to go to university. “I’ll have to see where it takes me,” she said.
Columbia Valley teenagers Virginia Denchuk and Anika Rievaj competed at the Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals in Canmore in March. PHOTOS SUBMITTED
?akisq’nuk launches new magazine
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
The ?akisq'nuk First Nation has launched a new magazine to celebrate and share Ktunaxa language, culture, arts and knowledge with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers in the Columbia Valley and beyond.
The new magazine — ha��i·¢atik — comes out seasonally and is already on its second edition.
A group of about 20 ?akisq'nuk band members, band staff, and other valley residents gathered last week at the Invermere Public Library for an official launch party for the publication.
‘Ha��i·¢atik’ means ‘dreams’, ?akisq'nuk health and wellness director Rachel Bach explained to the party attendees. “It seemed like a really good opportunity to get our language out there.”
The first issue of ha��i·¢atik came out at the tail end of 2024, on December 21 —the winter solstice — with a print run of 100 copies. Demand was strong and the second issue came out a few weeks ago on Thursday, March 20, with a print run of 200 copies. The third issue will be out in June on the summer solstice.
“We’re excited to see if interest continues to grow, and to see how many we’ll print next time,” said Bach.
Anyone lucky enough to get their
hands on a copy of either of the first two issues will find a wide range of great content — Ktunaxa language words; nature and outdoors-themed word searches, games and other activities; step-by-step craft guides; science features; colouring pages; Ktunaxa legends; a ‘bird or animal of the season’ centrefold; recipes; features on local edible plants; book reviews and reading challenges; community and career profiles of ?akisq'nuk members; a ‘meet the reader’ feature; and more.
The idea for the magazine came from both Bach and ?akisq'nuk healthy child development coordinator Ashely Killin while they were trying to think of ways to support ?akisq'nuk kids and families and to encourage cultural connection.
A magazine focussed on different pillars of ?akisq'nuk life, such as land, culture, language and nature “seemed like a fantastic resource” to that end, Bach told the Pioneer. “It’s a way to bring people in, and a way to share knowledge.”
Bach’s mom was part of the ‘Sixties Scoop’ and although Rachel was born ?akisq'nuk, she grew up outside the community, mostly in the Prairies. She recalled that as a youngster she “hungered for stories, for culture.”
A magazine such as ha��i·¢atik can help other ?akisq'nuk who are also
growing up far from traditional Ktunaxa territory, explained Bach, noting that there are more than 500 members in the ?akisq'nuk First Nation, but only 100 of these live on First Nation land here in the Columbia Valley.
Feedback so far has been really positive, outlined Bach.
Ha��i·¢atik is meant to be “hands on, and interactive for kids and for families,” said Killin. She noted that 10 copies have already been sent as far away as Vancouver at the request of a school teacher there, who wanted to use them for educational purposes.
?akisq'nuk chief administrative officer David Bach explained that several year ago, ?akisq'nuk council decided to ramp up the First Nation’s administra-
tive capacity, and the new magazine is one of the results stemming from that choice.
David said his favourite parts of the magazine so far are the arts features and the career profiles, which he hopes will inspire ?akisq'nuk teens and kids by showing them career options that exist within the First Nation.
The new magazine is “a great resource to have,” said Invermere Public Library director Blair McFarlane. “It helps ?akisq'nuk and Ktunaxa kids learn about language, culture and community and is also an accessible way for other communities to interact with and learn about ?akisq'nuk.”
Copies of ha��i·¢atik are available at the ?akisq'nuk Health Centre.
Members and staff of ?akisq’nuk First Nation celebrate the launch of ha��i·¢atik magazine at the Invermere Public Library.
PHOTO STEVE HUBRECHT
OUT OF OFFICE…
Candidates Forum - April 15, 2025
It’s time! The Federal election is looming in the not-so-distant future, and it feels like signs, articles and social media are all clamoring for your attention (and your vote)! There is a way to cut through the noise: the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Federal election Candidates Forum on Tuesday April 15th at the DTSS Theatre. Doors open at 6pm, the Forum begins at 6:30pm and will run until 8pm.
Most of the candidates in our local riding have confirmed that they will be in attendance, however we understand for those who could not make it that scheduling this sort of thing throughout the region can be challenging. In attendance will be:
• Reg Goldsbury - Liberal Kallee Lins - NDP
Rob Morrison - Conservative
• Jim Wiedrick – Independent
Regrets from:
Laurie Baird - PPC
Steven Maffioli - Green
This forum will consist of opening statements from the candidates who are present (order will be selected at random), followed by curated questions from the public (if you
haven’t yet submitted your questions, please do so today at cvchamber.ca – the deadline to submit questions is midnight on Thursday April 10). There will be five questions that will be asked to all attending candidates; three of these questions will be provided to the candidates ahead of time, while two questions will be withheld until the forum. Each candidate will then have the opportunity to respond to a question from the public which was submitted for them specifically. The candidates will then have a set time for closing remarks.
There will be no questions from the public,
and the candidates will not have the opportunity to respond to other candidates remarks or answers. Some candidates may decide to stay after the forum to chat with the public, however it is not a scheduled part of the event, as the candidates may have a long drive ahead of them!
We look forward to seeing you at the Forum and hope many people will take the opportunity to get to know who is running in our riding. The election is coming up quickly and learning as much as possible about who you are voting for is a vitally important part of any election!
Thursday, April 10
2:00pm-3:00pm: Fraud Awareness 101. Radium Public Library, hosted by Kootenay Savings Credit Union. Joyce and Amber from Kootenay Savings will discuss how to identify fraudulent emails and phone calls, aiming to empower attendees with knowledge to protect themselves from scams. Join us for this interesting session. Door prizes and snacks available!
10:00am-12:00am: Cover Letter Writing - Employment Workshop. Work BC Offices. Put "Your Best Foot Forward" and join us for our weekly employment workshops. There are regular and on-demand workshops happening every day. Call 250-341-6889 or visit the local Invermere office to learn more and sign-up.
10:30am-11:30am: Senior’s Fitness Columbia Valley Centre, $2 dropin.
11:30am-12:30pm: Little Lambs Baby Group. Radium Public Library. Stories, rhymes, and songs for babies and their caregivers! Every Thursday!
• 2:00pm-3:00pm: CommuniTea. Invermere Public Library. Join us for a cup of tea and a chat on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month. All welcome!
• 3:30pm-8:00pm: Summit Youth Night at the Edge. Edgewater Community Hall Basement. For all youth Grade 6 to 12. Every Thursday join us for snacks, games, food, pooltable, crafts at The Edge.
• 6:45pm: Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Invermere Legion. $30 buy-in.
• 7:30pm: Families Housing that Fits. Zoom meeting with host Ben Postmus. Inclusive and supportive housing in your community. diversefamilyroots@gmail.com
Friday, April 11
10:00am-12:00am: Interview Skills - Employment Workshop. Work BC Offices. Put "Your Best Foot Forward" and join us for our weekly employment workshops There are regular and on-demand workshops happening every day. Call 250-341-6889 or visit the local Invermere office to learn more and sign-up.
• 10:30am-11:00pm: Family Storytime. Invermere Public Library. Join us at the library for stories, songs and a craft! Geared towards preschool age, but all welcome to attend!
• 2:00pm-3:00pm: Friday Fundays! Invermere Public Library. Drop in programming! Drop off allowed for ages 7+. Younger children are more than welcome to join with an adult! STEAM days: Open-ended play with Ozobots, Dash bots and other fun tech.
• 6:30pm - close: Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion! Members and guests welcome!
• Saturday, April 12
10:30am-11:00pm: Family Storytime. Invermere Public Library. Join us at the library for stories, songs and a craft! Geared towards preschool age, but all welcome to attend!
11:00am-12:30pm: LEGO/Duplo Club Invermere Public Library. We'll have Lego, Duplo, big blocks & more out to play with on Saturday mornings! All ages welcome.
3:00pm-4:30pm: Buddy Reading. Invermere Public Library. Practice reading aloud one-on-one with a staff member to build skill, confidence and a love of reading! 30 minute sessions at 3:00, 3:30 or 4:00 pm. By Appointment Only!! Contact Invermere Library to sign up.
6:30pm: Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion! Members and guests welcome!
Sunday, April 13
• 2:00pm-4:00pm: Four Part Lecture Series by Alexis Martig - Science and Consciousness. Pynelogs Cultural Centre. Join us to explore the mysteries of existence. Our content is created from the work and research of renowned thinkers and scientists in order to offer an in-depth reflection on the nature of reality and the art of living in full awareness.
• 2:00pm: Cards, Cribbage and Darts Come to the Legion and have some fun! Members and guests welcome.
• 7:00pm: Live Music Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery. Accompanied minors are permitted. No cover.
• 7:30pm: Dads Matter. Zoom meeting with host Ben Postmus. Dads connecting, Dads Supporting, Dads Inspiring. Do you have a son or daughter with Diverse Abilities? So do I. diversefamilyroots@gmail.com
Monday, April 14
10:00am-11:00am: Senior's Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, Invermere. $2 drop in, open to all seniors.
3:00pm-4:30pm: Buddy Reading. Invermere Public Library. Practice reading aloud one-on-one with a staff member to build skill, confidence and a love of reading! 30 minute sessions at 3:00, 3:30 or 4:00 pm. By Appointment Only!! Contact Invermere Library to sign up.
• 6:30pm: Poker (Chip up for Charity). The Station Pub $50 buy-in. Every Monday.
Tuesday, April 15
• 6:00pm-8:00pm: Federal Election Candidates Forum hosted by the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce. DTSS Theatre. The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting a candidates forum on Tuesday April 15th at the DTSS theatre. Doors open at 6pm; Forum begins 6:30pm. Submit your questions for the candidates at www.cvchamber. ca until midnight Thursday April 10th.
• 10:00am-11:00am: Online Job Searching - Employment Workshop. Work BC Offices. Put "Your Best Foot Forward" and join us for our weekly employment workshops. There are regular and ondemand workshops happening every day. Call 250-341-6889 or visit the local Invermere office to learn more and sign-up.
• 10:30am-11:30am: Senior’s Fitness. Columbia Valley Centre, $2 drop-in.
• 10:30am-11:30am: Home School Meet Up. Invermere Library. Drop-in, all ages programming with open-ended STEAM play, group activities and art projects! This week: Lego Gap Crossing Experiment. Contact us to get on the Home School email list!
• 1:00pm-3:30pm: Art in the Afternoon. Radium Library. A weekly gathering for artists! A free program for local artists and art enthusiasts; whether you sketch, paint, carve, knit or crochet, bring your supplies and work alongside fellow artists.
• 6:30pm-8:00pm: Second Winds Community Band Practice. Invermere Catholic Church Annex. We are looking for new band members! Play an instrument? For info please email dalvande@shaw.ca
• 7:30pm: Families on Tuesday. Zoom meeting with host Ben Postmus. Families connecting, Families Sharing, Families Supporting Families: Support, Listening, Sharing, Connecting. diversefamilyroots@gmail.com
Wednesday, April 16
• 10:00am-11:00am: Senior's Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, $2 dropin.
• 10:00am-12:00am: Resume Writing - Employment Workshop. Work BC Offices. Put "Your Best Foot Forward" and join us for our weekly employment workshops. There are regular and on-demand workshops happening every day. Call 250-341-6889 or visit the local Invermere office to learn more and sign-up.
• 11:30am-12:00pm: Story Time. Radium Library. Join us for a story, songs and a craft! Geared towards preschool ages but all are welcome.
• 3:30pm-4:45pm: After School Club. Invermere Public Library. A window of transition time between school and home or extracurriculars. Come colour, bead, play with LEGO, and catch up with friends! Open to all school-aged kids. Drop-off for Grade 2 and up. Please bring your own snacks! One time registration required. Find the form on the After School Club page on our website or fill it out at the library.
• 6:00pm-9:00pm: Wednesday Dinners & Meat Draw & 50/50 Invermere Legion. All welcome.
A Day in the Life
Being a toddler tough slog, er, not really
BIKE & GEAR SWAP
BIKE GEAR SWAP
SAT, APRIL 12TH 11:30-1:30 COLUMBIA VALLEY CENTRE
BIKE SWAP, BUT BIGGER & BETTER
BIKE | HIKE | PADDLE | CAMP | GOLF
SELL YOUR SURPLUS SUMMER SPORTS GEAR! ( Non -motorized equipment only—ebikes welcome)
9am–11am: 11:30am–1:30pm: 1:30pm–2:30pm:
IN COLLABORATION WITH:
IN COLLABORATION WITH:
By Lyonel Doherty editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com
What is your name, kid?
“Tistan.” (He can’t pronounce the “r” so that is how it comes out.)
Trystan, what do you want to be when you grow up?
[staring silence]
Okay, let me rephrase that. What career choice is at the top of your list?
[more staring silence]
Sigh, okay . . . if you were an adult, what is the first thing you would do?
[deafening silence . . . come on, man, I’m only two years old; give me a Blippi break!]
Mmmm . . . if your entire house was made of chocolate, what would you eat first? [Now you’re talking] “Yup, the candies.”
Drop off your gear for sale
The BIG Sale
Pick up your money & unsold gear
A 10% commission up to a maximum of $250 will apply on all gear sold in support of the CVCS
This year’s fund will support bikes for the Youth Bike Club
One can almost picture this little guy’s eyes light up upon seeing a pure chocolate table, a chocolate fridge (with chocolate in it), and a chocolate TV remote (the perfect size for eating). But Trystan is a realist and would soon discover that too much of a good thing is actually a bad thing. Darn, why does life have to be so complicated? Well, it’s about to get a whole lot more confusing with the Pioneer’s pointed questions a’la Macaulay Culkin drilling John Candy in the movie ‘Uncle Buck’.
“Confirm your age.”
“Two . . . five . . . haha, two.”
“What’s your occupation?”
[pause] “Don’t know.”
“Any brothers or sisters?”
“Merryn.”
“What do you like about being a toddler?”
“Like to play on the bed.”
“What don’t you like?”
[shrugs shoulders] “Don’t know.”
“What do you do at daycare?”
“Play with Wyatt.”
“What is your favourite food?”
“Cookies! They’re tasty! (Two days ago he said pretzels . . he’s a fickle guy.)
“What is your favourite toy?”
“Seesaw (my chainsaw).”
“What’s your favourite TV show?”
“Bluey!”
Okay, enough silly questions; time to get down to brass tacks. (What are those? Never mind.)
We need a day-in-the-life synopsis here . . . with hard and fast details.
Trystan has to confer with his mom (Kelsey) because this sounds serious.
“On weekdays I wake up at 6:15 a.m. (Ya, that’s early but I have no say in the matter.)
My sister comes in to cuddle and mom reads us a couple of books. We get up at 6 a.m. (wait a minute, you said
6:15 . . . close enough) and have breakfast and brush our teeth. I then play with my sister. Sometimes I make her mad. Sometimes she makes me mad. Usually we play nice. I then practise going in the potty (more of life’s complications). After, mom gets me dressed.
I like to play a game where I run away while she tries to dress me. (Not sure if mom likes the game when we’re in a hurry.) I help feed our dog Oggie. Mom then drives me to daycare. Sometimes I run in without giving mom a kiss goodbye. Sometimes I hug her so hard and don’t want her to go. After daycare my mom or dad picks me up. I’m always excited to see my sister Merryn in the car.
“On weekdays I wake up at 6:15 a.m. (Ya, that’s early but I have no say in the matter.)”
Trystan, age 2
When we get home I get to pick two things from the candy bin. I remind mom a lot, in case she forgets. Then I play with my sister. We like to build things with the ‘magna tiles’ with our dad. Some evenings we play hide and seek with dad. I then help feed Oggie again. Then it’s dinner time. I love dinner time! After dinner I play a bit more. Mom or dad help brush my teeth and find my jammies (they like to play hide and seek too). Mom reads my books and we turn out the light.
Is that enough hard details for you?
“Oh, and on weekends we cook pancakes, and I get to help. We also get to go skiing (his favourite activity)!”
When asked if Trystan fights with his sister, he didn’t have time to answer because Merryn shouted, “Ya, (we fight about) toys.”
Okay, here’s an easy one: If you had one wish, what would it be?
“Goldfish!” Trystan said.” And more Goldfish.” He wasn’t referring to the fish, but to a particular cheesy snack called “Goldfish.”
Trystan’s parents are proud because he has just learned a new phrase: “Uhh, I dooo it!”
When you try to help him put his boots on, he says, “I dooo it.” When you attempt to clip him into his car seat, he blurts, “I dooo it!” Same goes for brushing his teeth and putting Ketchup on his plate.
Any more silly questions?
No, Trystan, you’ve tired everyone out, even the Pioneer.
Liberal candidate Goldsbury speaks out
The following is submitted by Reggie Goldsbury, Liberal candidate for Columbia-Kootenay-Southern Rockies
It’s time for us to meet the moment. Canada is facing an existential threat from US President Donald Trump.
This election is not business as usual. The United States, our long-time neighbour and ally has declared economic war with massive protectionist tariffs. They've threatened to make Canada the 51st state. Trump's expansionist aspirations are after our resources - minerals, energy, logs, water and more. And the Kootenays are on the front lines. In these volatile times we need the strongest leadership possible.
The only logical choice is the Liberal Party of Canada under the leadership of Mark Carney. We will never become part of America.
As your elected Liberal representative with the Carney government, I will work tirelessly to ensure we protect and defend Canada and the Kootenays from Donald Trump’s tariffs. Like any clear-eyed economist, I reject the 51st state drift. We will stand firm, and for the Kootenays I will be the bold voice we need in Ottawa.
As a fourth-generation Kootenay resident, I’ve lived the challenges we’re facing: housing that’s out of reach, health care stretched thin, core industries like softwood lumber, mining and energy under pressure,
our Columbia River Treaty under threat, and government decisions made without us. We’ve spent too long between parties that don’t deliver. It’s time for unity and results - and we need them now.
We all recognize the threat the new American establishment carries. And it's clear our best bet is a Mark Carney led government.
In these challenging times, this election is also about whether small community voices like ours will be heard — or left behind.
I’ll tirelessly push for bold federal investment right here: mills humming again, sustainable critical mining, the Columbia River Treaty respected, a sound energy policy, and thriving communities. No ceding ground to external pressure. This campaign is a disciplined journey grounded in local reality.
Columbia-Kootenay-Southern-Rockies deserves an energetic, progressive voice that’s tough, tested, and local. I’ll steer us forward with energy, insight, and resolve.
The Liberals will win in 2025. We are surging in the polls locally. Let’s make sure the Columbia Kootenay is at the governing table. Vote strategically, vote Liberal and vote for Reggie to build unity, vitality in our communities, economic power, and Kootenay Canadian pride.
For more platform details go to: https://www. votereggie.ca
BUILDING A STRONGER CANADIAN ECONOMY:
Reggie Goldsbury is the Liberal candidate in Columbia-Kootenay-Southern Rockies. PHOTO SUBMITTED
A bighorn ram walks in front of the new wildlife overpass under construction near Radium Hot Springs.
PHOTO JET BELGRAVER
Independent is a people-first candidate
The following is submitted by Jim Wiedrick, independent candidate for Columbia-Kootenay-Southern Rockies.
I'm an ER physician, husband and father of four young adults. I live, work and play in Nelson and the surrounding area in the beautiful Kootenays.
Folks tell me that as they look over our political system, the whole setup seems very distorted. Power is concentrated in just a few party leaders' hands and citizen voices get drowned out.
I've come to believe something fundamental: real leadership starts on the ground, in communities across ridings like our Columbia-Kootenay-Southern Rockies zone. It's time we stopped sending party representatives to Ottawa and started sending people.
That's why I am running as an independent. I'm
not the central figure or the hero in this story - you are. My job is to listen, guide, and fight for your priorities.
Today, as I listen to people across southeast B.C. that means: real health care reform/upgrades with a focus on accessibility (I work in the system, I see the issues), addressing affordability - tax reform that helps families and ending mortgage fraud to help the cost of housing, environmental stewardship, responsible defense and security policy, and proportional representation so everyone's vote always matters, and we can stop talking about vote splitting.
If you're tired of party-first politics and ready for people-first representation, I would be honoured to earn your vote.
Learn more at my website: www.jimwiedrick.ca
Citizen scientists care for freshwater lakes
Submitted
As concern grows around the health and security of freshwater in Canada, citizen scientists are stepping up to care for lakes across the country.
The 5th annual National Lake Blitz is now open for registration, and community members of all backgrounds are invited to take part in this effort to monitor lake health, with no experience necessary.
The blitz is committed to strengthening water literacy and empowering local action from coast to coast. With just a camera or smartphone, participants can contribute valuable lake and biodiversity observa-
tions to help better understand these vital freshwater ecosystems.
The importance of community-driven data collection is underscored by the newly released 2025 Watershed Report from Water Rangers and AquaAction. The report, which integrates data from the National Lake Blitz, highlights a major gap in freshwater monitoring: 76 per cent of Canada’s sub-watersheds lack sufficient data to assess their health.
Expanding accessible citizen science programs like the lake blitz plays an important role in helping to fill this gap.
To make participation easier, the blitz is inviting
The District of Invermere is holding two public information meetings on April 14, 2025 to seek input on a DRAFT Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw. The purpose of the Bylaw is to ensure infrastructure and services meet safety and community standards for new development and subdivisions The meetings will include a presentation of the DRAFT Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw and a question-and-answer period
The public information meetings are scheduled as follows: April 14, 2025 (starting at 3 :00pm and 6:30pm)
District
To attend one of the meetings, please register on the District of Invermere’s website invermere.net
volunteers new to the program to use the free iNaturalist app to record wildlife and invasive species observations at their own pace.
"We’re building on the success of last year when 278 participants from nine provinces and two territories recorded over 24,800 observations," says Kaite Martin, blitz program lead.
“This year’s updates make it easier than ever to get involved, and participants can monitor lakes at their own pace — whether weekly, monthly, or whenever they visit.”
To register for the program, visit LakeBlitz.LivingLakesCanada.ca
The District of Invermere is holding two public information meetings on April 15, 2025, to seek input on a DRAFT Development Cost Charge Bylaw Update . The purpose of the Bylaw is to help fund growth -related infrastructure expenditures. The meetings will include a presentation of the DRAFT DCC rates, an overview of the infrastructure capital costs and a question-and-answer period.
The public information meetings are scheduled as follows: April 15, 2025 (starting at 3:00pm and 6:30pm)
To attend one of the meetings, please register on the District of Invermere’s website invermere.net District Contact:
Jim Wiedrick is an ER physician running as an independent.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
PIONEER CLASSIFIEDS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BUYING OR SELLING?
Serving
Invermere & Area cell 250-341-1202 gerry@gerrytaft.ca
Al-Anon. Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? For more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship, please call 250-878-2448 or 250-342-8392
Alcoholics Anonymous. If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. All meetings are at 7 pm. Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the BC Service Building, South End-624 4th St. Invermere. Please call 250-3422424 for more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship.
Cheers and cheers to Gerry Taft; your complimentary Gerry van- what a blessing. Easy, easy application and pick up. Great truck to drive and ramp a back-saver. Always known you are a fine person Gerry, now an experience of you finer one and such a great community contribution.
Cheers to Stephanie Choinard and community members for cleaning up the mess at Lake Enid. Job well done!
OBITUARY
Gladys Gibson
December 7, 1923 - March 21, 2025
Gladys passed away peacefully on March 21,2025 in Calgary surrounded by her children at the age of 101.
She was born to Ernest Ezra and Jane Ann Kelly in Darlington, UK, the youngest of 4 children. She is predeceased by her parents, siblings, first son, Gordon (1950), husband George (1990) and granddaughter Julie (2001). She is survived by 4 children: Gillian (John), Glenis, Geraldine and Geoffrey (Irene), 7 grandchildren: Jennifer, Stacy (Courtney), Chad (Crystal), Andrew, Jordan, Sara and Alysia, 10 great grandchildren and 6 great, great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and friends. Nephews Norman and Alan are in the UK.
In 1947 she married George Robert Milton Gibson who had been serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force stationed at Middleton St. George.
The family emigrated to Canada in 1967. She lived in Calgary and the Invermere Valley before moving to Canmore, AB, in 1999.
Gladys was a cheerful, smiling person who enjoyed walking along the river and being with family. She never spoke ill of anyone, always said please and thank you and enjoyed a cup of tea and a cookie with everyone. She was known as Mom, Grandma, Granny and Gran Gran. We all remember playing card games at the kitchen table, a strong tradition which continues today. There was always a jig-saw puzzle in progress too.
As her health began to fail she lived at the Bow River Lodge in Canmore and then Cambridge Manor in Calgary. Thank you to all the wonderful, kind and patient caregivers, family and friends who made her life so happy until her last day.
Mom was laid to rest beside dad in Invermere, April 1, 2025. A Celebration of Life is planned for April 17, 2025 at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, 709 7 Street, in Canmore at 1:00pm.
If so desired, donations in her memory may be made to the Trinity Bible Church Building Fund or a charity of your choosing.
Messages of condolences may be sent to the family at www.bowvalleyfuneral.ca.
Cheers to Ashley at Red Apple for your exceptional customer service.
DUPLEX FOR RENT
Half duplex for rent May 1/June 1. Spacious Two bedroom and den with deck for 1 yr. lease. 5 min. walk to downtown Invermere. $ 1950 plus cable/hydro. NS/NP. 403-874-0483
SERVICES
THE HEARTFELT COMPANION Services for Seniors. Since 2014 we’ve provided kind and compassionate non-medical care, transportation to Cranbrook, overnight care, meal prep, grocery shopping and more. Excellent local references. 250-341-5683 Heartfeltcompanionservices.com
HELP WANTED
Experienced Salon Manager/ Senior Hairstylist wanted for well established beauty salon in Invermere. Full time, weekends required. Please email for details: judylaboucane@hotmail.com
In Loving Memory
Russell David Brant April 6, 1990 — March 27, 2025 OBITUARY
My son Russell died suddenly in my arms on the afternoon of March 27th, 2025.
Paramedics arrived quickly, but it was too late. Bill Lake worked his hardest on him, but as a mother, I knew it was too late.
Russell was born in Swindon, England. He came over to Canada at 14 months with me, his mum, Ginny. So, Canada was his home.
Russell graduated Western Memorial High School in Calgary in 2008.
Russell has had many jobs, but none more important as his main one, looking after and raising his son Sebastian. He had finally found his calling in Geriatric Care. He loved the elderly. Russell just completed his BC Care Aid Certificate at The College of the Rockies, and he would have started his new job as a Care Aid on April 3rd.
Russell is survived by his mother Ginny, stepfather William, Sacha the mother of his son, his son Sebastian and his recent new love and best friend Becky.
He will be met by his grandfather Tim, grandmother Beryl, uncle and namesake Russell David. People in town may have seen him walking around town with his son on his shoulders. Two peas in a pod.
There will be a Celebration of Life held at the Event Centre, next to Canal Flats Coffee Shop, on May 31st, 2025 from 2-4pm.
Family and friends are welcome to join us for food and drinks at our home afterwards.
Donations to Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation appreciated.
PHOTO SYD DANIS
FAITH
Romero would have forgiven
By Brent Woodard Windermere Valley Shared Ministry
Three weeks ago, on March 24, it was the 45th anniversary of the assassination of Oscar Romero, then the Archbishop of El Salvador. He was shot to death while presiding at a Mass in a hospital chapel.
El Salvador had been run for years by various authoritarian leaders and oligarchs. These were privileged wealthy men who benefitted from a political, economic and military system which kept the vast majority of the 5.5 million El Salvadorians poor and oppressed. The government took part in and legitimized torture, terror and assassinations. People were captured day and night, taken away, and corpses lay in open places for all to see and for all to be in fear. Every year thousands of people were murdered.
became a person of courage and depth. He started to be a voice for the voiceless. He offered weekly homilies on the church’s broadcasting system where he called upon the people to follow God and not those in authority. Millions of El Salvadorians began listening to him each Sunday. They gathered around radios at bus stations and coffee shops. He spoke to their struggles, to the injustices. He called upon the military and police, as Christians, to lay down their guns and to refuse to kill their brothers and sisters of their country. He said, “Brothers, you are from the same people; you kill your fellow peasant . . . no soldier is obliged to obey an order that is contrary to the will of God. In the name of God then, in the name of this suffering people I ask you, I beg you, I command you in the name of God: stop the repression.”
Columbia Valley Churches
LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH
While you are with us, you are always welcome to join us. Sunday at 10:30 am 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 | www.lwac.ca
WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY (Anglican - United)
Sunday Services - 10:30 am 110 - 7th Ave. in Invermere website - wvsm.ca
Minister: Brent Woodard 250-342-6644
VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY
Oscar Romero was appointed as the Archbishop of El Salvador in 1977. The institutional Catholic Church was friendly at the time with the ruling establishment and so wanted to appoint a man who wouldn’t rock the boat. Romero was at the time a conservative, predictable, orthodox, pious bookworm who was known to criticize progressive clergy who espoused liberation theology. His appointment angered many progressive Catholic people in El Salvador who knew this Archbishop would not only be a lame-duck leader, but would also, inadvertently, bless the injustice which they experienced.
However, three weeks after his appointment, somethings happened which changed Oscar Romero. A friend of his, a fellow priest, was gunned down, along with two others, and a church that taught liberation theology was ransacked by the military. Romero heard the poor people asking him the question: “Are you with us or not? Are you with the poor or are you with the elite and the repression?”
Romero said it was his conversion moment. He
Romero knew being assassinated was inevitable. Days before his murder he told a reporter, “You can tell the people that if they succeed in killing me, that I forgive and bless those who do it. Hopefully, they realize they are wasting their time. A bishop will die, but the church of God, which is the people, will never perish.” He said life, not death, will have the last word. And, he said: “I do not believe in death without resurrection.” “If they kill me, I will be resurrected in the Salvadoran people.”
In a homily he gave just minutes before he was shot, he said: “One must not love oneself so much, as to avoid getting involved in the risks of life that history demands of us, and those that fend off danger will lose their lives.” Minutes later he was shot while elevating the communion bread during the Eucharist ritual.
A quarter of a million people attended Oscar Romero’s funeral. He had embodied the gospel of Jesus and had become a symbol of God’s way for the people of El Salvador.
Next week is Easter, the commemoration of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. If someone asked me to explain the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, I might begin by telling them the story of Oscar Romero.
Pastor: Justin Furse Sunday 10 a.m. Worship Service 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 | www.vcachurch.net
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats: Saturday, 4 pm Canadian Martyrs’, Invermere: Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 9 am St. Joseph’s, Radium: Sunday 11 am Father Francis Dela Cruz | 712 -12th Ave., Invermere 250-342-6167
RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater | 250-342-6633 #4, 7553 Main St. Radium | 250-347-9937
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
Worship Service, Sunday, 11 a.m. Sunday School, 10 a.m.
President Kendyn Mackensie • Columbia Valley Branch • 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs 250-439-9041
CHURCH OF CHRIST (Iglesia ni Cristo)
Worship Service: Sunday 9 a.m., 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
Columbia Lake reflects the mountains on a fine spring day during a nature hike.
PHOTO SYD DANIS