VIEWS
Invermere begins review on STR rules
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
The District of Invermere has started a review of its short-term rental (STR) regulations.
The current municipal STR rules came into effect in May 2024, and Invermere councillors have been saying for months that they would review the regulations after they’d been in place for a year. That review is now underway and the public have a chance to find out more — and to give feedback — during an open house on Tuesday, June 17 at the Columbia Valley Centre. An exact time has not yet been set, but the open house will likely be in the evening.
Last year the district hired consulting company Granicus to help it track STRs here, and to enforce the new rules. In total, Granicus has found 217 STRs in Invermere. Of those, 191 applied for and received the business licences and temporary use permits (TUPs) they need. (Under the new regulations all STRs in Invermere must have business licences, and those operating in areas not already zoned for tourist accommodation — including most single family residential neighbourhoods — must also have TUPs).
The district recently created an infographic detailing how many STRs are in each part of Invermere. Athalmer has by far the most STRs of any Invermere neighbourhood, with 109. But that’s mostly because Athalmer has the Lake Windermere Pointe condos building, which is home to 108 of the 109 STRs in the neighbourhood.
‘Central Invermere’ (which includes most of downtown Invermere, but also the Heron Point condos, the Highland Mews townhomes and the Purcell Point condos and townhomes) has 35 STRs.
The Wilder subdivision has 13 STRs. ‘West Invermere’ (which includes the Westridge subdivision, the Pine Ridge subdivision, the Westside Park neighbourhood, and parts of Invermere near Eileen Madson Primary School and parts of town south along 13th Avenue) also has 13 STRs.
There are 11 STRs in the Fort Point neighbourhood; seven in ‘North Invermere’ (which includes all of what many older residents call ‘Upper Invermere’ as well as the area around J.A. Laird Elementary School and Mount Nelson Athletic Park); and four in the Kpokl neighbourhood.
Of the 191 STRs approved to operate, 118 needed only business licences (i.e. they are in parts of Invermere already zoned for tourist accommodation) and 73 needed business licences and TUPs.
Invermere planner Rory Hromadnik explained to the Pioneer that 24 of those TUPs were in stratatype developments, such as the Heron Point, Highland Mews and Purcell Point, and that 49 of them are in more typical single family residence neighbourhoods.
There are somewhere between 950 and 1,100 single family parcels in Invermere, depending on how you count, meaning that in total between 4.5 to 5 per cent of single family residential parcels in Invermere are operated as STRs.
District staff have heard concerns about “clustering of STRs” and had suggestions from residents about limits or caps on the number of STRs in a given neighbourhood, said Hromadnik. But overall there aren’t too many parts of town — aside from condo and townhome strata developments — where this clustering is very obvious, he added, though he did say there are a few STRs bunched together in the Wilder subdivision and a few bunched
together in the southern end of ‘Central Invermere’ near Fieldstone Glen.
“There’s just a couple places in these areas where there’s three or four STRs on one street in close proximity,” explained Hromadnik. “So on the street as a whole there may not be too many, but the ones that are there are almost back to back. So it may feel like there’s a lot.”
When the topic came up for discussion with Invermere council last week, councillor Gerry Taft was glad to see that so many of Invermere’s STRs are concentrated in the Lake Windermere Pointe condos. He not-
ed that condo STRs result in far fewer complaints and generate much less concern than those in single family homes. Given just how many STRs are in not only Lake Windermere Pointe but also in other strata developments, the overall prevalence of STRs in the community is “not necessarily as high as it might have first seemed,” said Taft, although he did add that regulations are still very much needed since “we don’t want to see the number (of STRs) grow exponentially and we don’t want to see too much concentration in certain neighbourhoods.”
Watson pleads guilty in emotional courtroom
Columbia Valley Pioneer staff
On Monday a local woman pleaded guilty of impaired driving causing the death of three young men in Wilmer last summer.
A visibly nervous Haley Jade Watson sat in Cranbrook court on Monday only a few feet away from the victims’ families, all of whom wore blue shirts in memory of Gavin Murray, Jackson Freeman, and Brady Tardiff.
The three men died when the truck Watson was driving left Westside Road and crashed on July 9, 2024. A court report indicated the truck was travelling more than 115 km/h and that Watson was heavily intoxicated at the time.
One court observer said you could hear a pin drop as Watson entered the courtroom where the families struggled to keep their emotions in check. Some members were so shaken they had to leave before all of the grim details were read
aloud.
Watson was originally charged with several counts of impaired driving and dangerous driving causing death, but she pleaded guilty to one count of impaired driving (exceeding the legal limit of alcohol while operating a vehicle).
The judge asked Watson a series of questions to ensure she understood her plea and the gravity of her situation. Watson was also told the charge carries a maximum life sentence of incarceration She said she understood that.
Outside the courtroom, family members expressed their grief for the men and their hope that the judge will deliver an appropriate measure of justice in the case.
A pre-sentence report has been ordered to assist the judge in sentencing, which likely won’t occur until this fall.
Watson’s next court date is August 18 in Cranbrook.
Family members and friends of the victims show solidarity outside the courtroom in Cranbrook on Monday.
PHOTO AMANDA NASON
RCMP warn residents again of fraud
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
Columbia Valley residents can’t be too careful when it comes to online fraud.
As reported a couple of weeks ago in the Pioneer, Columbia Valley RCMP Sgt. Jeff Witzke underscored a rise in online fraud in the valley to Invermere council during his quarterly report. Since then, Witzke has carried similar warnings to both Radium Hot Springs council and Canal Flats council.
“One of the biggest ones is actually romance scams,” Witzke told Canal Flats councillors.
The officer related a recent story about an older male valley resident. “He thought he had found love online. His new girlfriend (asked) ‘just pay for my car to get repaired (and for) Apple gift cards and Google gift cards’,” explained Witzke. The cashier at the store realized something was amiss. She told the lovestruck man it was a scam and that she was not comfortable selling him the cards.
“She calls us (the RCMP) right away. We go and track them down. We sat with him (the scam victim) for an hour (telling him): ‘this is a scam. Stop it. But he was adamant that this was true love,” said Witzke. “The very next day he was back at the store buying more gift cards.”
The Columbia Valley RCMP deals with one to three such calls each week, often involving scams of up to $30,000 or $40,000 or worse — “people being drained of their life savings,” outlined Witzke.
He repeated the tale of the besotted (infatuated) older resident to Radium council members. Councillor Christi Ferguson-Huston said a friend of her mother fell victim to a similar scam.
“She’s a smart lady. But she got caught up somehow or other and she lost everything, at 75,” said Ferguson-Huston, adding the woman was forced to sell her house simply to get out of debt.
Radium mayor Mike Gray asked if the rising trend of online fraud is specific to the Columbia Valley or is happening elsewhere. Witzke replied it is increasing all over Canada.
Councillor Erin Palashniuk
asked if the Columbia Valley RCMP are interested in having a volunteer community patrol in Radium. “Absolutely,” replied Witzke. “If there are volunteers (in Radium), we are definitely interested in that.” Witzke noted the Cranbrook RCMP detachment recently had a citizen volunteer speed watch patrol that met with success.
Ferguson-Huston asked what kind of crimes the RCMP typically see in Radium. “There are a lot of mischief calls and a lot of noise complaints, at the hotels, for instance, with people shouting late at night. It’s not a lot of violent crimes ... it’s relatively low key,” added Witzke.
Gray asked about people camping long-term along Forsters Landing Road.
Witzke advised that this falls under the jurisdiction of either the Conservation Officer Service or the provincial Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations. But Witzke said — from what he understands — 14 consecutive days is the maximum people are allowed to camp on Crown land in British Columbia. After that, the campers must move at least 100 metres away. But, Witzke noted, there are cases when the campers do simply move just 100 metres away and set up camp again (which they are legally allowed to do).
Valdy Ethan Askey & the Elevators Trina & the Kimberley Crew
Once again, the Columbia Valley RCMP is warning residents to be wary of online fraud.
PHOTO STEVE HUBRECHT
VALLEY VIEWS
Thanks to RCMP
Just think —if there were no criminals in the world, there would be no need for police officers to uphold the law and keep our streets safe. What a utopian society that would be.
But sadly that is not the case.
If you think the police only concern themselves with ‘catching the bad guy’, you are grossly misinformed. They do so much more, as recently noted during the 40th annual Police Honours Night that recognized 241 women and men for their bravery and valour.
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Garry Begg said it well: Police put their lives at risk so the rest of us can live in peace. They often go above and beyond the call of duty to bring sanity back into our lives. Just ask any parent whose child went missing or a family whose lives were disrupted by domestic violence.
The stories go on and on.
Officers like Blake Cherisnoff and Scott MacDonald from Vancouver rescued a two-year-old child from a violent suspect while facing a lifethreatening knife attack.
Some people in the Columbia Valley may recall when local RCMP Cst. Andrew Henneberry put his life at risk in freezing water four years ago to rescue a trapped woman in the Columbia River.
Many awards of valour were presented at the recent ceremony. For instance, Cst. Phillip Sawatsky rescued a suicidal youth from drowning by entering a lake at night in full uniform. And nobody can forget the many officers who put their lives at substantial risk during a shooting and hostage-taking at a Bank of Montreal in Saanich.
Constable Rhys Garnett risked his life by removing an unconscious driver from a vehicle engulfed in flames.
Constable Jesse Schellenberg neutralized an armed suspect who attempted to shoot his police dog and then aimed a revolver at him during a highrisk takedown.
Imagine what Cst. Zachary Plensky went through when he restrained a suspect in a remote area of Keremeos without radio contact while injured. And the officers in Merritt who pursued a suspect who continuously shot at them with an automatic rifle as they fled.
In Trail, Constables Evan Harding and Jason Zilkie risked not going home to their families while responding to a suicidal and mentally ill male attempting to enter a BC Ambulance station with a firearm.
Needless to say, our world would be mired in anarchy without the police.
Lyonel
Doherty, editor
Historical Lens
Consider giving gift of life
My name is Jordan Dendy, and for the past 17 years I’ve been living with kidney disease and am currently on the transplant list waiting for a kidney.
Kidney disease often goes unnoticed until it’s too late; you can lose up to 80 per cent of your kidney function without any symptoms.
With 15 new diagnoses of kidney failure each day in Canada, it remains a leading cause of death, and there is currently no cure.
At 15, I was diagnosed with Membranous Nephropathy, leading to my kidneys functioning at just 12 per cent. Though some of my family members have tested to donate, none were a match for various reasons.
A few weeks ago was National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week. This makes this the perfect time to reflect on the powerful impact of organ donation. Have you thought about becoming an organ donor? If not, I’m hoping that this letter will encourage you to consider what’s
holding you back.
Donating an organ could give someone a second chance at life and profoundly affect their friends and family. You can choose to become a living donor or to donate after your own death. Registering in BC ensures your wishes are communicated to medical professionals should you become incapacitated. If you’re interested, please visit the Canadian Blood Services Organs and Tissues for Life website at organtissuedonation.ca. Despite heightened awareness, the demand for donors continues to outpace supply.
If you’ve ever thought about giving the gift of life, I urge you to consider being tested as a potential kidney donor. For more information, please reach out to the Living Donor Program at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. Phone: 604806-9027, toll-free: 877-922-9822, email: donornurse@providencehealth.bc.ca.
Jordan Dendy, Edgewater
Chris Moseley
Lyonel Doherty
Christina Boucher
Submitted by Jane Fleet
Spring has sprung and with it, new growth –not only in our gardens but in our programs and community partnerships.
At Columbia Valley Food and Farm (CVFF), we’re excited to share a major step forward in our efforts to strengthen food security and reduce waste in the Columbia Valley.
After months of planning and research, we’re nearing the launch of our Food Recovery Program, an initiative designed to rescue surplus food and redirect it to those who need it most.
This spring, we’re piloting the program in partnership with Family Dynamix to provide nutritious meals to a small group of local seniors who need support maintaining their health and independence.
Working closely with Sobeys Grocery, we will collect safe, unsold food and combine it with ingredients purchased through a generous grant from the United Way. These will be transformed into wholesome meals by our program manager and chef, Lara McCormack. We are also very grateful to the District of Invermere for helping us establish the Columbia Valley Centre kitchen as our base for meal preparation.
For those readers who aren’t familiar with
food recovery, a few statistics may be of interest:
• Fifty-two per cent of food produced in Canada is wasted.
• The direct cost of this amounts to $49.9 billion annually. The energy cost is equivalent to the energy used to run all cars on the road in British Columbia and Ontario.
• The BC Food Donors Encouragement Act protects companies from liability when donating food as long as the food is not donated with reckless disregard to safety.
• Many types of food are safe and healthy well beyond the best before date. Well established guidelines help programs know when food actually needs to be thrown away.
We are proud to be working alongside other community organizations that share our vision for a sustainable, food-secure future, including the Columbia Valley Food Bank and Groundswell Community Gardens. By aligning our efforts, we hope to create a stronger, more resilient local food system rooted in community care.
Help us nourish our neighbours. We’re calling for volunteers to help with food collection, sorting and meal prep, working alongside Lara and our team to turn recovered food into delicious, nutritious meals. If you are interested please email cvfoodandfarm@gmail.com
Thanks for wildlife arch Volunteers needed for nourishing neighbours
The following is a letter to the builders of the wildlife overpass near Radium Thank you for the hard work you all are putting forth to protect the bighorn sheep and other animals that will use the path.
I am overwhelmed and very impressed with
Various community groups are banding together to promote food security in the Columbia Valley.
the results and smiles too. I have been in Canada 22 years and have pulled dead animals off the road, sometimes with help and cried over them. Thank you to all involved for trying to remedy this situation.
Sandra Thetford, Brisco
June 18th, 2025 - Annual Radium FireSmart Community
Chipping Day
This program allows residents to remove combustible vegetation from their properties, with the chipping crew handling the debris removal. Residents can put out FireSmart Debris up to 10 days before June 18th for removal on the 18th. Registration is required, as the crew will only visit the addresses on its list. To register, email village@radiumhotsprings.ca, and provide your name, civic address in Radium, and a contact number. For more information email firesmart@radiumhotsprings.ca Or visit: radiumhotsprings.ca/village-living/firesmart/ radium-hot-springs-firesmart-events/
Village of Radium Hot Springs
P.O. Box 340, 4836 Radium Blvd, Radium Hot Springs, B.C., ph: 250-347-6455 fax: 250-347-9068
UPCOMING COURSES
INVERMERE CAMPUS
• Botanical Elixirs & Functional Mocktails June 7 | $89 + GST
• Creative Strokes: Painting with Black Star Studios June 14 | $55 + GST
• AI for your Business – Lunch and Learn June 17 | $20
• Columbia Valley Summertime Cooking June 22 | $89 + GST
• Chainsaw Operator Course
June 28 - 29 | $369
• Secrets from a Caterer’s Kitchen
July 10 | $89 + GST
• Red Cross Standard First Aid
July 10 - 11 | $295
• Transportation Endorsement July 24 | $149 cotr.ca/ConEd
BRITISH COLUMBIA
FILE PHOTO STEVE HUBRECHT
D I S T R I C T O F I N V E R M E R E :
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S T R u s e .
MHP brings ‘Trib-N-Rib’ to Invermere
Submitted
Imagine a concert with AC/DC, The Rolling Stones, and Santana — all in one epic night!
The Trib-N-Rib concert on August 31 is bringing these legendary bands to life with 21 Gun Salute, The Blushing Brides, and Abraxas, all while celebrating the end of summer with a rib festival like no other!
Get ready for an explosive night of music and mouth-watering BBQ, as these tribute bands deliver the ultimate experience of iconic rock and classic hits.
21 Gun Salute will bring the thunder of AC/DC with electrifying renditions of “Back In Black”, “Highway to Hell”, and “You Shook Me All Night Long”, perfectly capturing the raw energy of one of rock’s greatest bands.
The Blushing Brides will ignite the crowd with their spot-on tribute to The Rolling Stones, delivering classic hits like “Start Me Up”,
“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”, and “Paint It Black”, bringing the Stones’ timeless swagger to the stage. Closing out the night, Abraxas will take you on a soulful journey through Santana’s iconic sound with hits like “Black Magic Woman”, “Oye Como Va”, and “Smooth”. It’s a night of rock, rhythm, and ribs you won’t forget.
Join us on 13th Street in downtown Invermere for the ultimate summer send-off!
This all-ages event is the perfect way to celebrate the end of the season with amazing music, great food, and an unforgettable atmosphere. Get your tickets now and be part of this incredible celebration!
Founded by Stephen Raaflaub and Jeff Parry, Mountain Home Productions is dedicated to orchestrating events that make a lasting impact. The company contributes to the community’s vitality, fostering the growth of local culture, and spotlighting talents of local businesses.
Jeff Parry (left) and Stephen Raaflaub of Mountain Home Productions let the ‘good times roll.’ PHOTO SUBMITTED
OUT OF OFFICE…
The Return of First Fridays
Downtown Invermere is set to have a good time as First Fridays returns with an exciting lineup of live music, local art, and delicious food and drink. Kicking off June 6 , and continuing on the first Friday of each month through September, with its mix of latenight shopping, live music, local food, East Kootenay art and fun community vibes, First Fridays is a fun, free and family-friendly night for everyone.
There’s something special about downtown Invermere after 5 p.m, as part of First Friday, local shops keep their doors open late, offering a perfect chance to explore the town’s retail scene. Invermere’s downtown has something for everyone. Many shops feature special promotions, pop-up displays, or local artisan goods during First Fridays, making each night out unique.
out the latest going on at the Crossroads and the Bavin Glass Hot Shop, then hit up the downtown core, where art lovers will find plenty to explore.
A major highlight of this year’s festivities is the expanded Art Walk and Live Music on 12th. Check
Catch Catherine Tumason singing the night away with Rusty at Artym, and the latest show, Colour + Reflection by Sylvain Leblanc at Effusion Art Gallery. Learn the ins and outs of making a great art print with Alison Bell at BlackStar Studios, then head down to the opening reception for local artists Kim Olson and Veronka Kitzul, just a short stroll away at the Pynelogs Cultural Centre.
Anchoring the night’s excitement is 12th Street, a great spot to gather and hang out with friends, in downtown Invermere where live music, local food, and craft beverages come together. We’ve got a great night of music featuring The Radium Project, a local musical adventure of Folk, Rock, Blues that will be sure to keep the toes tapping and the good times coming . We are excited to welcome the delicious Highmark Brewing and new local favourites Invermere Brewing Co , here at the 12th St Cenotaph Park to share their great tasting brews for the evening, so if you haven’t had a chance to get up to the brewery yet or try them out, come on down from 5-8 pm.
Find out more about what’s happening, on Facebook or Instagram, but better yet just come on down and check out all the action and get in on another great night out in Invermere.
COLUMBIA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Thursday, June 5
• 10:30am-11:30am: Senior’s Fitness Columbia Valley Centre, $2 drop-in.
• 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. Needles & Hooks. Invermere Public Library. Join us on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of each month for Needles & Hooks. Bring your current yarn project and meet with other makers! 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
• 7:30pm: Trivia Night Windermere Whitehouse Pub. Host Mandi Cox $3/ person, teams of more than 6 will be split into two groups. Ages 19+ person, teams of more than 6 will be split into two groups. Ages 19+ Friday, June 6
• 5:00pm-8:00pm: F1rst Fridays! Downtown Invermere. It’s back! Every First Friday of the month through the summer you can come on down and enjoy a family friendly free night on the town checking out all your favourite spots! Art, Music, Shopping Late, from 5- 8pm. New this year at the 12th St Park, we've got some great local Live Music from the Radium Project and Taste on 12th, featuring great food and local brews, where we are excited to welcome Invermere Brewing to downtown! So come on down and spend a night out in town!
• 5:00pm-8:00pm: Artist Reception. Pynelogs Art Gallery. Join us for an evening of art, music, refreshments, and community spirit as we celebrate the opening of a special two-month exhibition featuring the work of five talented Columbia Valley artists: Catherine & Jack Moes, Veronika Kitzul, Kimberley Olson, and Sheila Swayze. Meet the artists, explore their creative process, and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere in one of Invermere’s most iconic cultural spaces. Admission is free – bring a friend and share the inspiration! We look forward to seeing you there!
• 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! Crafternoon – a fun new craft each session!
• 6:30pm - close: Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion! Members and guests welcome!
• Saturday, June 7
• 10:00am-3:00pm: Range Day. Lake Windermere District Rod & Gun Club Range on Horsethief Creek Road. Join us for Range Day 2025. Gain handson experience with Archery, Air Rifle, Clay Shooting and Rifle Shooting. Learn about fishing and Conservation Projects being done by the Club. Everyone welcome; all ages.
• 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, June 8
• 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, June 9
• 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, June 10
• 5:30pm-7:30pm: Chamber Connections. Mountain View Suites & Residency and Boardwalk. Put on your best (bathing) suit for this Pool Party Chamber Connections!
Join us for a casual drop in networking event at the Mountain View Suites & Residency pool and waterpark (yes, that does mean a waterslide!) and Boardwalk. Milkshakes and Burgers and Fries, oh my!
• 10:30am-11:30am: Senior’s Fitness. Columbia Valley Centre, $2 dropin.
• 10:30am-11:30am: Homeschool Meetup. Invermere Library. Weekly drop-in, all ages programming with open-ended STEAM play, group activities and art projects. Please note that the last Homeschool Meetup will be Tuesday, June 24th! Be sure to check out the Summer Reading Club activities this summer!
• 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, June 11
• 10:00am-11:00am: Senior's Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, $2 drop-in.
• 11:30am-12:00pm: Story Time at the Library. Radium Library. Join us for a story, songs and a craft! Geared towards preschool ages but all are welcome.
• 3:00pm-6:30pm: AgriPark Farmer’s Market. Crossroads next to Chamber of Commerce Offices. Local Farmers Market with Live Music. Featuring Farm Fresh Produce; local meat; eggs; and honey. Chefs, artisans, and bakers come to sell their goods in the historic barn. Facebook @ agriparkfarmers
• 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.
COLUMBIA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Radium council backs daycare shutdown
PHOTO OLGA SHUMYTSKAYA/GETTY IMAGES
CLASS of 2025
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Contact Cheri Hann sales@columbiavalleypioneer.com 250-341-6299 x103
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
Radium Hot Springs council has backed village staff’s move to disallow a local daycare’s infant toddler program.
Tiny Titans Childcare has operated in the Radium Plaza building since January 2023 and has had an infant-toddler program for kids age 0 to 36 months since May 2023. But earlier this spring, after the daycare consulted with village staff about a possible expansion, daycare operators were told they couldn’t have an infant-toddler program without a fire alarm system in the whole building.
But installing the system would come with a five figure price tag — far beyond what Tiny Titans can afford.
During Radium’s May 12 council meeting, Tiny Titans representatives outlined the negative impact for local families suddenly without daycare, with some parents forced to miss work to stay at home with their kids. Tiny Titans representatives also expressed disappointment in how the issue was handled.
After that meeting, village staff
reviewed the issue and sent a report to Radium council, which was received during the May 26 meeting.
The report outlined that the review included a building official peer review, as well as input from the Architectural Institute of B.C., lawyers, and Interior Health, and that all of these parties affirmed the village’s move to close down the infant toddler program as being correct.
Radium building and plumbing official Wayne Gamborski defended how he handled the issue.
“Several of the claims made by the delegation at that meeting (on May12) called my professionalism, ethics, and work product into question. For the record, from my perspective, these statements were not accurate and do not represent the intent, integrity, nor nature of my work on this,” wrote Gamborski.
During the May 26 meeting, Radium councillors voiced their support for Gamborski.
“Every piece of information I see tells me the correct decision was made, even if it is unpopular,” said mayor Mike Gray. “I know it is challenging. I know it is unpopular. But we have to follow regulations.”
Cat 3 fires banned
Columbia Valley Pioneer staff
Columbia Valley residents are reminded that all Category 3 open fires in the district are prohibited.
The ban was established on May 30 to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety. It will remain in place until October 30.
A Category 3 open fire is a fire that burns:
• Material in three or more piles, each not exceeding two metres in height and three metres in width
• Material concurrently in one or more piles, each not exceeding two metres in height and three metres in width
• One or more windrows each not exceeding 200 metres in length or 15 metres in width
• Stubble or grass over an area
exceeding 0.2 hectares
This prohibition applies to all areas in the Southeast Fire Centre that are outside of municipal boundaries. In addition, the ban applies to the following types of land within municipal boundaries:
• Parks, conservancies and recreation areas
• Recreation sites, recreation trails, interpretive forest sites and trail-based recreation areas
• Ecological reserves
• Wildlife management areas
• Private managed forest land
The prohibition does not include Category 1 campfires or Category 2 open fires.
The Southeast Fire Centre is asking anyone who conducted a Category 3 pile burn over the fall or winter to check their burn site(s) and ensure they are fully extinguished.
Radium council has made the unpopular decision to disallow a local daycare program.
Property tax notices being issued
Submitted
Property tax notices are in the process of being issued by the province for rural property owners in the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK).
The RDEK is not a taxing authority, so for all rural properties in the East Kootenay, tax notices are sent from the Surveyor of Taxes in Victoria, explained RDEK Chief Financial Officer Holly Ronnquist. She noted the province collects the provincialrural, school and regional district taxes and then sends the regional district its portion on behalf of rural residents.
When it comes time to pay their property taxes, rural property owners pay the province, not the RDEK. This can be done through any Service BC location or online. Claiming the homeowner grant is
also done online, and directions are included in each tax notice or on the provincial government’s website by searching “property taxes in rural areas.”
The RDEK’s portion of the tax notice for property owners is found in the local services section of the notice and accounts for only a portion of the overall tax bill. The specific amount depends on how many local RDEK services the property owner receives, such as fire protection, water or sewer, which are only charged to the residents within the service area receiving that service. Those individual services will be listed separately on the tax notice.
All RDEK rural property owners will see one line item on their tax notice for the general services, which include everything from 9-11 service and libraries to building inspection, solid waste and recycling.
“If people have questions about
how much they are paying for a specific RDEK service, such as their water or recycling, we are happy to answer those questions,” said Ronnquist. However, questions about the amount owning or provincial services on their tax notice should be directed to the province,” she pointed out.
Rural property owners who have questions about their property tax bill and homeowner grant should contact the Surveyor of Taxes at 1-888-355-2700. Questions about their property assessment should be
directed to the BC Assessment Authority at 1-866-825-8322.
Unlike regional districts, municipalities within the East Kootenay are taxing authorities. Property owners within an incorporated municipality should contact their city hall, district or village office for property tax information, unless the question is regarding the RDEK local services section of their tax notice.
The province expects to have rural property tax notices issued by May 31. The deadline to pay property taxes in BC is July 2.
is everywhere at Johnson (Turtle) Lake.
Students step back in time with elders
Columbia Valley Pioneer staff
Local students are taking trips back in time with Indigenous elders who are teaching them the old ways.
Rocky Mountain School District is giving pupils many opportunities to work with elders and knowledge holders on how to make pine needle baskets, medicine pouches, ribbon skirts, jewelry, and Wacna (jerky). Students are also learning about traditional government and smudging ceremonies (a cultural practice of burning sacred herbs to create a cleansing, purifying smoke).
“We have really valued this time with elders and knowledge holders and appreciate them sharing their wisdom, knowledge and talents with
us,” said superintendent of schools Aaron Callaghan.
In a report to the board, trustees discovered that students visited the Stevens’ property on the Shuswap reserve and learned about pit houses, traditional medicine, sweat lodges, hoop dancing and smudging.
In March, students visited the ?akisq’nuk First Nation and saw the construction of the new band offices. They also visited the Wiyu Lodge where they learned about identity.
The day ended with elder Alfred Joseph’s walkabout led by cultural coordinator Eldene Stanley.
An event at Columbia Lake involved an archeological exploration courtesy of elder Laverna Stevens and the Shuswap Band Guardians.
FROM
HOME ASSESSMENT WILDFIRE
Get growing with help from your local library
This week’s column was written by Dallas Husar, Invermere Public Library assistant. Visit their website or call 250-342-6416 for more information.
The snow has melted, the birds are singing, and the plants are starting to emerge from their winter slumber. Many of us are starting to feel the itch to get out into our gardens and start planting.
There is an old wives tale in the valley that says you should wait until the avalanche slope on Mount Goldie (the one that looks like a set of deer antlers) is clear of snow before you begin to plant. But the truth is, some of us simply don’t want to wait that long. Our palms are itchy, the seed packages are calling us, and the smell of wet dirt is irresistible.
Luckily the Invermere library can help to calm some of those cravings while we wait for the gardening season to be in full swing.
If you are looking to plant some veggies and the occasional flower from seed, come and check out our Seed Library. This is a constantly changing collection of seeds available for everyone. The idea is to help
promote food sustainability in the valley while also helping to keep planting affordable to all. Packages of seeds are available for folks to come and grab, take home and plant. Come fall, or whenever your plants seed out, we encourage folks to let a few plants go to seed, collect the seeds and bring some of them back to the Seed Library so others can plant them next year. And your seed collecting is not limited to seeds you borrowed in the spring.
We would love to expand the collection so all plants, provided they are not invasive species, are welcome. And while some of the seeds we have on offer may require a bit more time before heading straight outside, there are a few that can be started indoors so they have a jump-start on the season.
New to gardening and not even sure where to begin? Or perhaps you want to increase your knowledge or improve your techniques. We have a wealth of printed materials you can borrow to help you get the most of your garden this season, both for vegetables and flowers.
You may even be wanting to take your yard to the next step and carry out a landscaping project you have been dreaming of. Or maybe you have been thinking of stepping into homesteading and tending chickens or pigs. We have you covered! Come on in and we can help you find the books you need to achieve success.
Elder Alfred Joseph loves teaching local youth about Indigenous culture and tradition.
FILE PHOTO
Beavers: a solution for drought resilience
Watershed
Wanderings
By Julia Jovanovic Lake Windermere Ambassador
Julia Jovanovic is a summer intern with the Lake Windermere Ambassdors. Email her at info@lakeambassadors.ca
As drought threatens the wetlands in the Columbia Valley, a new tool must be used to retain the water during hot summers and dry weather in order to preserve the diverse ecosystems offered by these wetlands. Two new possible solutions to this issue have been identified; one solution is maintaining abandoned beaver dams whilst creating habitat that encourages their populations to grow, and the other solution is the use of man-made beaver-like structures.
Historically, beavers have been seen as a type of pest that creates stream damming and flooding which led to their dwindling populations after the over-hunting issue, however, these critters play a vital role in water management, especially in areas where drought puts pressure on water levels, such as in the Columbia Valley watershed.
This is accomplished through the impoundment from the dam causing water to be retained within the structure, stored on the surface, and absorbed into the land, creating larger water capacities and streamflow. In turn, this increased water volume stored and released during
drought periods makes ecosystems less vulnerable during intensively dry periods. During floods, water pours over the dam and gets trapped behind its walls. The landscape then is able to hold the water, rather than letting it drain away and travel downstream, contributing to flood control and allowing for the excess water to be released in more dry periods. As a result, beaver dams help increase open water areas for wildlife.
By restoring habitat to allow beavers to build dams as well as maintaining existing abandoned dams, the effects of climate change can be combated in water-stressed regions while maintaining the biodiversity in the area. Luckily, in the Columbia Lake area, these efforts are already in progress and hopefully continue to grow to ensure the ecological and water regulation benefits are upheld.
For areas in which a beaver dam may not be suitable, such as high traffic areas or residential neighbourhoods, beaver dam analogues (BDAs) are a good alternative to simulate beaver dams to help with water retention and biodiversity instead. These man-made structures mimic the shape and function of a beaver dam at a low cost and are effective for areas where beavers are considered less desirable while providing similar benefits as a natural beaver dam. Such features are seen to be currently in the process of being installed throughout the Columbia River and wetlands in the area. Together, natural and manmade solutions offer a hopeful path forward for protecting the Columbia Valley’s watershed and the many species that rely on them.
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE BYLAW 287, 2025 ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT – CANAL FLATS
The Council of the Village of Canal Flats is considering amendments to the Village of Canal Flats Zoning Bylaw. If approved the amendments will change the text of the bylaw.
Bylaw No. 287 cited as “Village of Canal Flats Zoning Bylaw No. 215, 2019 – Amendment Bylaw No. 287, 2025 (I-T Industrial Technology Zone)” will add “Cannabis Production Facility” as a permitted use and outline the regulations for the use in the zone. The Minimum Parcel Area will be reduced to 0.4 ha (1 acre) and the setbacks for principal and accessory buildings will be reduced.
If approved, the amendments will change the bylaw for all properties designated in the I-T Industrial Technology Zone.
A public hearing for the bylaw will be held at the Columbia Discovery Centre, 8866 Grainger Road on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 6:00pm.
If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaw, you may, prior to the hearing: • inspect the Bylaw and supporting information at the Village Office in Canal Flats from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday or on our website at: https://canalflats.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/108/?preview=40817
• mail, fax or email written submissions to the addresses/numbers shown above; or present verbal submissions at the hearing.
SUBMISSIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING
All submissions will form part of the public record and will be published in a meeting agenda posted online. All written submissions are public information pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection Privacy Act
This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw. For more information, contact the Village of Canal Flats office.
Sylvie Hoobanoff Corporate Officer May 27, 2025
Historically, beavers have been seen as a type of pest that creates problems.
PHOTO TROY HARRISON/GETTY IMAGES
A beaver dam is a popular sight on many rivers and creeks.
PHOTO ENVIRONMENT FOR THE AMERICAS
ENTERTAINMENT
DTSS Soul Machine hits high notes
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS)’s Soul Machine jazz band returned from the BC Interior Jazz Festival in Kelowna last month having hit all the high notes.
The band’s excursion to Kelowna in April was its first trip to a jazz festival, and also its first performance outside the Columbia Valley. Band teacher Bryant Olender told the Pioneer the jazz festival couldn’t have gone any better and added he hopes it’s just the start of big things to come for Soul Machine.
DTSS was without a school band of any kind for many years until Olender started up Soul Machine more than a year ago. Invermere students — and many other valley residents — have responded to the musical revival with enthusiasm; and fundraising efforts to get Soul Machine to Kelowna were a roaring success.
“It was incredible,” said Olender. “The kids had so much fun just being there. And our performance was amazing. It couldn’t possibly have gone any better. Of all the performances we’ve done, this was the
best by far. It just really all came together for us, and the kids did a great job. I am so proud of all of them.”
Adjudicators at the festival agreed, awarding Soul Machine a silver rating.
That is quite the feat, especially for a band that hasn’t been together all that long, explained Olender. It’s even more impressive when you consider that Soul Machine consists of students from all grades at DTSS; Grade 8 through 12. At the jazz fest school bands were categorized according to their oldest members, so because Soul Machine has some Grade 12 members, it was primarily competing against Grade 12 bands from all across British Columbia.
“So that meant that not only were we up against bands that were, for the most part, older than us, it also meant we were playing against bands that have been playing and practising together for five years, while we’ve been together not even a year and a half,” said Olender. “But we held our own, and it was a great experience for everyone.”
Soul Machine guitarist Sam Cajica also earned an individual ‘outstanding performer’ certificate during the festival.
DTSS Soul Machine jazz band returned home from the BC Interior JazzFest in Kelowna last month having had a great experience and earning a silver rating.
The
PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Pupils give their ‘Art from the Heart’ ARTS
The annual Art from the Heart exhibit at Pynelogs Arts and Cultural Centre throughout May featured works of art from hundreds of local primary and elementary school students, all centred around this year’s theme of ‘water.’
PHOTOS JENNY HUBRECHT
NOTICE OF SHORT-TERM RENTAL TEMPORARY USE PERMIT APPLICATIONS UNDER RDEK STAFF DELEGATED CONSIDERATION
Pursuant to Section 494 of the Local Government Act, public notice is hereby given that the RDEK is considering the Short-Term Rental Temporary Use Permits (STR TUP) listed in the table below. Issuance of the permits will be considered by the delegated staff person at 10:00 am on June 18, 2025 at the RDEK office at 19 - 24 Ave S in Cranbrook, BC.
All persons who believe they are affected by any of the Short-Term Rental Temporary Use Permits are encouraged to submit their concerns in writing to the RDEK office at 19 - 24 Ave S. Cranbrook, BC or by email to planningdept@rdek.bc.ca prior to 4:30 pm on June 12, 2025. All submissions should include your name and address. Please be advised that any written submissions will become part of public record. The permit is available for viewing by email request, on the RDEK website (www.rdek.bc.ca/meetings_events/publichearings) or at the RDEK Offices between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. To search for properties online, visit: www.rdek.bc.ca/departments/mapping. For more information contact planning department staff at planningdept@rdek.bc.ca or 250-489-2791. All written submissions are public information pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. All submissions will form part of the public record. Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335.
Columbia River Headwater Lakes
Submitted by Lake Windermere Ambassadors Week of May 25, 2025
A Water Quality Snapshot from Lake Windermere & Columbia Lake How are our lakes doing this week compared to long-term health goals?
Metric Columbia Lake Lake Windermere MOE Objectives (Lake Windermere)*
Avg. Temperature
Averages calculated from all monitoring sites on each lake.
*MOE=Ministry of Environment. Objectives have been set for Lake Windermere based on guidelines to protect drinking water and aquatic life. Objectives have not been set for Columbia Lake.
LAKE NOTES
Columbia Lake: Lake was a clear, green-blue colour. The water is warmer than the same time last year, but within healthy limits.
Lake Windermere: Lake colour cloudy green. Water temperature is warm for this time of year but still within healthy levels.
THANK YOU!
Special thanks to this week’s citizen scientists.
WANT TO VOLUNTEER?
Join us on the lake this summer! Learn about water monitoring! We are also looking for volunteer boat captains interested in helping out with our program.
Columbia Lake (250) 270-0348 | columbialakess.com Lake Windermere (250) 341-6898 | info@lakeambassadors.ca
WITH GRATITUDE
We gratefully acknowledge support for our programing from: Columbia Valley Community Foundation • Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund • The Watershed Security Fund • BC Gaming Grants • District of Invermere • RDEK • BC Conservation Foundation • REDI Grant • TD FEF • BC Hydro • BC Parks • Canada Summer Jobs • ʔAkisqnuk First Nation • Our amazing community donors!
SPORTS
‘Clash of the Titans’ draws droves
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
The Clash of the Titans was once again a titanic success.
The annual soccer tournament brought droves of young athletes to the Columbia Valley, filled the region to a bustle, and gave youth a chance to learn both on and off the field.
The tournament was held on May 24 and 25 in Invermere and Windermere.
A total of 70 soccer teams, both girl squads and boy squads, participated in a range of age categories from U11 (under 11 years old) up to U18 (under 18 years old). Each team included 15 to 22 young soccer players, meaning the tournament featured up to 1,540 athletes in total, including the hometown team — the Columbia Valley Titans.
Of course the kids don’t come alone — parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, coaches, managers, referees and various other volunteers came too — arriving in the valley from all over the Kootenay region as well as from Calgary and other parts of Alberta. All told, several thousand people flooded into
the valley for the weekend event.
“It was certainly a good influx into the community,” tournament chair Joanne Gray told the Pioneer Those coming for the tournament spend money on accommodation (Gray noted that 185 rooms had been booked for the weekend at Panorama Mountain Resort, the tournament’s official accommodation partner), on restaurants, on groceries, and often spend on a bit of shopping.
Gray knows from attending other soccer tournaments in the past as a parent, that each visiting family can easily spend about $1,000 in the host community. Multiply that $1,000 by the number of young athletes in town and it adds up to “a pretty good economic benefit for the valley,” said Gray.
That benefit comes a few weeks before the summer tourist season truly hits high gear, giving valley businesses a spring shoulder season boost.
On the soccer side of things “it went well,” said Gray. Of course, organizing all the games for 70 teams, spread across two communities requires “a lot of logistical patience,” conceded Gray. “But the volunteer
committee we have for the tournament is outstanding ... it’s actually a fun tournament to do because of the people involved.”
Clash of the Titans has been running for more than a decade and a half (minus a break during the COVID-19 pandemic), and keeps growing each year.
“People, especially from Calgary, love coming here. We also have no problem getting referees to come, which sometimes can be tricky for some tournaments. Not for us,” explained Gray. This year, one referee even came from Prince George to work in the tournament.
The event is a chance for young soccer players to hone their skills and teamwork (several Columbia Valley teams won gold in their age categories), but it is also an opportunity for personal growth. Gray said she is particularly proud to see some of the Columbia Valley Football Club (CVFC)’s older teenage athletes help out with the tournament, as well as help the club’s younger soccer players outside the tournament (switching their own soccer practice times, for instance, so they can coach the smaller kids).
“It’s great to see it go full circle
like that,” said Gray.
This year for the first time, Clash of the Titans organizers gave out a ‘Beyond the Bench’ award to recognize outstanding coaching during the tournament. A total of 112 nominations for the award were received from tournament participants, parents and volunteers. “I was not expecting that many,” said Gray.
The award went to Creston U16 girls coach Dan Schiffet. He garnered 36 nominations and “I actually started to tear up reading them,” said Gray. “It’s clear he has a lot of compassion for his athletes.”
When Gray and other organizers presented the Beyond the Bench award to Schiffet at the end of the U16 girls championship game (which the Columbia Valley Titans won in a penalty shootout), Gray explained that “the whole Creston team broke out crying and piled on in one massive team hug, like a beehive.”
Gray thanked local parents, volunteers, businesses and everyone else who helped out at this year’s Clash of the Titans. Helping out “is really ingrained in this community” and it really shows during the soccer tournament, she said.
Creston U16 girls coach Dan Schiffet (back row, middle) received this year’s ‘Beyond the Bench’ award for outstanding coaching during the annual Clash of the Titans soccer tournament.
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BUYING OR SELLING?
Serving Invermere & Area cell 250-341-1202 gerry@gerrytaft.ca
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 End624 4th St. Invermere. Please call 250-342-2424 for more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship.
Al-Anon. Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? For more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship, please call 250-878-2448 or 250-342-8392
Cheers to Arnie Gagatek for your willingness to do repairs around my house. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Cheers to Jaye and Heath at Selkirk Cellulars. No matter how busy it is in your store, you both take the time to give personal attention to each customer. You guys are the best!
OBITUARY
Funeral Mass for John David Payne (June 9, 1944 - May 16, 2025) the husband of Rose Marie Payne
Monday, June 9, 2025 - 5:00pm Canadian Martyrs Church, Invermere
There will be a small reception following the Service in the Parish Hall.
Cheers to Black Sheep Camp Kootenay River for the excellent customer service. We appreciate your facilities.
Cheers to the Home Hardware staff with their assistance with the Father’s Day BBQ surprise!
Cheers to Kathy Kazakoff for giving me her cart and loonie at No Frills when I didn’t have change. It’s the little things!!!
Big cheers to the organizers and volunteers of the kids’ soccer tournament this past weekend. Not only was it run well, but the Mount Nelson Athletic Park was left perfectly clean by Monday morning. Well done!
Cheers to Lisa Kraig. You’re one of the best people I know- kind, funny and a genuinely awesome friend. Don’t ever change.
12-foot Pelican kayak with paddle. $250
2009 Salem Camper. 22 ft immaculate shape, new tires, new 5 leaf springs. Sleeps 4 but was perfect and spacious for the two of us. Comes with hitch and torsion bars.
$12,000 OBO 250-342-2118
SWIM LESSONS at Fairmont Hot Springs with Rocky Mountain Swim lessons. Book online at: www.rockymountainswimlessons.ca
1978 KW C500 Dump Truck Big Cam ll 400, 18 spd trans Rockwell diffs big 6 suspension
1979 JD 450C/W Backhoe Bucket/Lumber Forks& Grapple rake. Both in good running condition. Phone 250-341-5090
Rock & Mud Into Money Mudding, Taping, Drywall 20 years experience in the valley. Immediate Availability Brian Peterson 250-409-5802 anybrain4@gmail.com
K. B. Creations
Handyman services, Renovations, Masonry, Plumbing, Drywall & Painting. Please call Kevin 250-688-2897
B. B.’s Home and Design Services
Renovations, Handyman Service, House checks, house cleaning/dump runs. Please call 250-688-2897 or 403-861-8782
Frances (Fran) Esther Hatalcik (née Gosse) passed away at the age of 85 in Invermere on May 23, 2025. Her final days were spent surrounded by family.
She was born in Blairmore, Alberta, and married her husband Alois from Coleman. Together they moved from the Crowsnest Pass to the Columbia Valley, where they started their family. She was a hardworking, caring stay-at-home mom until the kids were in high school, when she began working at the Invermere District Hospital. There she made several more lifelong friends and became a familiar face to many.
She was predeceased by her husband Alois in 2013, her eldest daughter Karen (Steve) in 2021, and her eldest sister Marian in 2024.
She is survived by her youngest sister Eleanor, her children John (Shannon), JoAnne (Mike), Stephen (Tanya), and her grandchildren, Elizabeth, Anna, Ally, Clare, and Dylan.
Mom was known for her outstanding Christmas baking, her family dinners, her love for dancing, her crocheting and her sincere kindness. While she dealt with a number of challenges during her life she faced them all with grace and strength. She was an amazing caregiver to her family, full of warmth and unconditional love.
A neighbourhood mom to many and a friend to all.
A memorial service has already taken place.
GARAGE SALES
Options Senior Care Registered Care Aides Private/Confidential/ Compassionate Invermere & area optionsseniorcare@gmail.com 250-341-5959
GARAGE SALES
Canadian Martyrs Parish Spring Garage Sale
712-12th Avenue, Invermere Friday, June 6 12-6pm Saturday, June 7 9am-4pm
Garage Sale
410 - Third Avenue Fri June 6, 2pm-7pm Sat June 7, 10am-2pm. Proceeds to Terry Fox Foundation.
Cash sales only
Columbia Ridge is having a community Garage Sale Saturday June 7, 9-12. Lots of interesting items.
Pizza 2 Go
Looking for a part-time or full-time person to work early or late hours for a dough making shift. Must be able to lift 50 lbs from ground to table. All training provided. $20/hr.
Please drop off resume at 305 3rd Ave, Invermere
with
Stick your neck out and be seen by thousands of readers in print and online! PLEASE
Call Christina at 250-341-6299 ext 101 to promote your business in the Pioneer
Hatalcik, Frances (Fran) Esther (née Gosse)
Commemorating liberation
Submitted
This spring, approximately 80 pipers, drummers, and dancers from across British Columbia’s Interior and Vancouver Island embarked on a remarkable journey to the Netherlands. Their mission? To pay tribute to the Canadian Armed Forces and commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands from four years of Nazi occupation.
Originally planned for 2020 to mark the 75th anniversary, this pilgrimage was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, after years of anticipation and preparation, these musicians finally took their place in history, performing at key ceremonies and parades between April 24 and May 9.
One pipe band member who participated on the journey was Pieter Janzen from Invermere.
The band performed at significant historical sites, including a powerful tribute at Vimy Ridge, one of Canada’s most celebrated military victories, honouring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in France during the First World War.
A solemn performance took place at Groesbeek Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, where thousands of Canadian soldiers from the Second World War are laid to rest.
Remembrance of the Dead ceremony (‘Dodenherdenking’ in Dutch) is held annually on May 4 in Veendam. It commemorates all civilians and members of the armed forces of the Kingdom of the Netherlands who have died in wars or peacekeeping missions since the beginning of the Second World War.
This commemorative trip was important in so many ways to so many people. Pipe Sergeant Leila Cooper of the Kimberley Pipe Band captured a common sentiment of many of the participants.
“My father served in the Second World War and my father-in-law was captured at Caan and held in a POW camp in Germany, so this trip was very close to my heart. I was both excited and honoured participate in these significant ceremonies and celebrations. Myself and some of my band mates were loaded down with Canadian Maple leaf pins to give away. This incredible journey was full of emotion for all of us.”
This once-in-a-lifetime journey brought together bands from Kelowna, Kamloops, Kimberley, Kalamalka, Trail, Grand Forks, Prince George, Quesnel, Mount Arrowsmith and Victoria. Over the past year, members have dedicated countless hours to rehearsals, ensuring their music resonates with the importance of the occasion.
Beyond the music, extensive fundraising efforts — ranging from grant applications, coffee sales and hockey pools — helped offset travel costs. Generous support from organizations such as the local branches of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Army Navy & Air Force Veterans in Canada and various community groups have made this historic trip possible.
As the pipers and drummers stepped onto Dutch soil, they not only represented their Canadian-Scottish musical heritage but also honoured the brave Canadian soldiers who fought for freedom. Their journey was more than a series of performances—it was a heartfelt tribute to history, sacrifice, and enduring friendship between Canada and the Netherlands.
Aptly stated by Pipe Major Chad Goodman: “The Kelowna Pipe Band, along with our friends from other pipe bands in British Columbia, were very excited to share our passion and culture with the Dutch people. We are so honoured to be able to celebrate the sacrifice of so many in order to achieve the freedom of the Netherlands.”
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
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: Sat 5 pm, Sun 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
The Kimberley Pipe Band recently took part in the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands in Holland.
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