VALLEY VIEWS
• Advanced First Aid November 17-28 | $1295
• Lunch and Learn: Change Management November 19 | $20
• People First: Customer Service Workshop November 22 / $89 + GST
• Cooking Class: Asian Street Food Nov 20 | $89 + GST
• Intermediate First Aid December 1 & 2 | $349
• Transportation Endorsement December 8 | $199
We are pleased to invite you to an informal gathering of “new” and “old” volunteers on November 22 from 2 – 3:30 pm
Local men remembered in England
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
Last week Columbia Valley residents gathered on Remembrance Day in Invermere, Canal Flats and Edgewater to pay respect for those who served, sacrificed and suffered in military conflicts around the world.
But remembrance isn’t confined to just one day, and it happens all over the world.
Several months before, on June 25, more than 90 students in the village of Liphook, England honoured the memory of two Columbia Valley men — father and son — who served in the First and Second World War.
Liphook is in Hampshire, about 40 kilometres north of Portsmouth and England’s south coast — quite literally half a world away from the valley, but it and the nearby village of Bramshott have strong connections to Canada.
The area was home to an important Canadian Army camp during both world wars, and more than 300 Canadian soldiers are buried nearby.
Each year a special service and other events are held close to Canada Day to commemorate the ties between Canada and the area, and to pay tribute to Canadian servicemen who were once stationed there.
This year Anne, Princess Royal (sister of King Charles) attended the events, including visiting Liphook C. of E. Junior School, where the students sang songs, the Canadian anthem, and presented a dramatization of the story of Canadian servicemen Ernest and Ron Ede.
Ernest and his son Ron were well known valley residents. Ernest (also known by his nickname ‘Dapper’) was born in Liphook in 1891, immigrated to Canada in 1912, and ended up working in Fairmont Hot Springs and buying property in Windermere. After the First World War broke out, he enlisted in the Canadian Army’s 54th Battalion in 1915. He was soon back in the area where he’d grown up, staying with the Canadian military army in Camp Bramshott.
Ernest was then sent to France and was injured fighting in the Battle of Passchendaele after a bomb went off beside him. An extended stay in hospital in England followed, and he ended up marrying the nurse, Winnifred, who cared for him. Their son Ron was born in Liphook in 1923 and not long after the family returned to the Columbia Valley.
Ron followed in his father’s footsteps and enlisted in the Armed Forces at age 17. He served in the Second World War, and it was during the war that Ron met his wife Isabelle.
Both Ernest and Ron were well known in the Columbia valley — Ernest’s nickname lives on in Dapper’s Landing restaurant in Fairmont Hot Springs, and Ron and Isabelle spent many years working for (and then owning) the Valley Echo newspaper. Ernest died in 1974, and Ron died in 2003.
Liphook C. of E. Year Four teacher Jenny Brown reached out to local resident Deb Ede (Ernest’s granddaughter and Ron’s daughter) earlier this year to find out more about the men. Just last week, on November 10 (the day before Remembrance Day), Brown sent a followup message, along with links to a video and photos detailing just what her students had done back in June.
Deb said she spoke briefly with Brown earlier this year, so “it was a huge surprise to me to see how much they’d done.” Deb’s brother Bob said it came as quite a surprise to him too.
Bob recalled that as a kid, in the 1950s and 1960s, every now and again a black spot would come to the surface on his grandfather Ernest’s leg. Ernest would take a pocket knife, make an incision and remove the shrapnel. He kept the pieces of metal in a cup as a souvenir.
Ernest Ede (also known as Dapper, left), enlisted in the Canadian Army's 54th Battalion in 1915. His son Ron (lower left) enlisted in the Armed Forces at age 17 and served in the Second World War. Both men were well known in the Columbia Valley.
PHOTOS SUBMITTED
VALLEY SOLUTIONS
Public gets taste of budget as well as beef burgers
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
Where's the beef? At the budget meeting. But this beef was the mouth-watering kind.
Invermere residents were either hungry for a hearty dinner or curious about their municipal government’s budget or — most likely — they were a little bit of both earlier this month.
Several dozen members of the public turned out to the District of Invermere’s ‘burgers and budget’ event on Wednesday, Nov. 5.
It was the third time this year that the district used a showcase-style open house (and offered a free meal) instead of the more traditional public budget meetings and municipal report meetings it held in the past.
The format has proved popular, with the number of attendees jumping dramatically as compared with previous years. The November 5 event kept that trend going, and Invermere mayor Al Miller said he was pleased with the turnout.
In the showcase each major department of the district had a booth presenting information and welcoming questions from the public. Miller said it’s an opportunity for citizens to put faces to the district’s department. “We want people to know what we’re doing, how we’re doing it, and how we’re going to pay for it,” he added.
“The feedback we get here does have the opportunity to shape what happens in the budget,” said Invermere chief administrative officer Dean McKinley.
Invermere director of finance Karen Cote told the Pioneer the public had plenty of good questions during the open house, including some about paving and roads, and more specifically about whether the district plans to widen 15th Avenue, given the new daycare that Rocky Mountain School District has built there. (Short answer: the district will look into what it can do to improve that road.)
A pie chart at Cote’s booth showed funding sources for the capital projects in Invermere’s budget, and was eye-catching since it showed 61 per cent of the projects being paid for by grants, 25 per cent from reserve funds, 11 per cent from operating funds, and the remainder from other various smaller sources. That’s a huge break for Invermere taxpayers; and Cote explained the chart is very much atypical in that regard because Invermere successfully secured a few large grants for projects that happen to be scheduled to conclude this coming year (and consequently all show up in the budget).
Members of the public seemed happy with the showcase — and with the enticements to come. Local primary school student Claire Weatherhead happily conceded she had come principally because “I’m hungry and there is good food,” but after reflecting for a moment, she added that “it is also important to know what’s going on.” Claire’s cousin Sara Shawfoot (Lightfoot) readily agreed with Claire that it was good to learn more about the town and to eat some burgers.
Locally
Do budgets and burgers go together? In Invermere they do.
PHOTO LIUBOV KAPLITSKAYA GETTY IMAGES
Housing will block sun, neighbour says
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
The latest Columbia Valley Housing Society (CVHS) attainable housing project took another step forward, at least bureaucratically, last week.
Invermere council gave initial readings to zoning amendments that pave the way for the 10-unit attainable rental workforce housing building on 10th Avenue near the Carriage Court apartments.
The project was first proposed by the CVHS in 2023, and if it comes to fruition, will see a two-storey building go up with four barrier-free accessible housing on the bottom floor and six non-barrier free units on the top floor.
Earlier this fall, as reported in the Pioneer, CVHS representatives updated councillors on the project. Then at its Wednesday, Nov. 12 meeting, council gave first and second readings to change the zoning on the property from R2 (low density residential) to a R6 (multi-family residential infill development).
But a local resident who lives right next to the planned project came to the meeting, outlining her worries.
“We are quite concerned about another high density development in our neighbourhood,” she said, explaining that she’s lived in her house for 35 years and that if the building goes up it will block much of the light that currently comes in her windows.
“I will no longer have sunshine,
a view, or a quiet place to live,” she said, her voice choking with emotion. “Will I have to sell my house? Is there nowhere else it could be built? Does it have to be in the centre of town?”
The Westside Park neighbourhood, noted the resident, is higher density than most parts of Invermere, and has a lot of wide open land near it. She suggested that may be a better place for high-density developments.
Invermere mayor Al Miller said the 10th Avenue location was ideal for CVHS precisely because it is in the middle of town, making it easier for those who will live in the project to walk and bike around downtown.
Miller said “it is a struggle balancing what has been in the past and what is needed for today . . . it is a difficult decision.”
“I’m not saying it’s not needed. I’m not disputing that,” said the neighbour. “I’m saying I’m not going to have direct sunlight in my house. That’s huge.”
Invermere councillor Gerry Taft added the other main factor that led the CVHS to choose the location is that the property on 10th Avenue is publicly owned by the District of Invermere — a considerable advantage for any housing project.
Taft noted that in some of the concept plans he’s seen, the housing complex will be “pushed back” on the lot, meaning it may not block the resident’s sunlight. But Taft was quick to concede that this would mean the resident would likely instead look out on a 12-car parking
lot, which Taft admitted was hardly a great view.
The neighbour also pointed out that the housing project is meant to have units for families, but it includes no built-in parks or green space (as Westside Park does). She surmised the kids that live there will end up being forced to play in the parking lot and on the street.
Some councillors suggested kids living in the project could walk to Spider Park or to Mount Nelson Athletic Park (MNAP) to play, but one councillor — Taft — disagreed.
“There really is a need for more green space in that end of town,” he said. “Spider Park and MNAP are not that close.”
Councillor Kayja Becker has two young kids, and sympathized with the resident’s point about parks. Becker explained that when you don’t have a backyard, bundling up several kids and heading out for just a bit of fresh air can seem like an ex-
Councillor Gerry Taft says the 10th Avenue location is publicly owned by the District of Invermere, which is an advantage for any local housing project.
peditionary “trip to a destination.”
But on the other hand, she said, higher density housing “is a reality of the growing population on the planet.”
Putting the CVHS project in central Invermere, where there are already other high-density developments is logical, continued Becker. “Density where there is already density makes sense.”
The CVHS project is not truly high density, but rather “medium density,” opined councillor Grant Kelly. “It’s a far cry from what we see even in neighbouring communities,” added Kelly, pointing to the number of condo developments in Radium Hot Springs.
Becker said rejecting higherdensity developments ultimately leads to either a shrinking population or an aging one, and that likely means shuttered downtown businesses and cuts to municipal services.
OPINION
A new man
At 60, Laird knew he was going to meet his maker before his wife Vivian did. He just had that feeling, what with his health slowly deteriorating like his 1975 Chevy pickup. But he tried not to dwell on it too much (the pickup).
He read somewhere that women outlive men in Canada by approximately five years. Vivian took care of her health much better than Laird did; he just lived day to day without much preventative foresight.
Laird always told his family that if he lived to 80, he’d be darn lucky. The only thing he worried about was Vivian shacking up with another bloke after he kicked the bucket. He didn’t like dwelling on that either.
So what was he going to do? Seek a healthier living so he could be with her as long as possible. Vivian was his one true love who put up with his idiosyncrasies for too long, and he didn’t want another schmuck taking his place anytime soon. So, starting tomorrow, or maybe next week, he was going to change; be a better man and a healthier one at that. Besides, it was ‘Movember,’ the tribute month for men’s health.
Laird heard one of his coffee shop buddies mention it, so he decided to grow a moustache like the rest of them. He learned that Movember raises awareness on topics such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer (which made him wince), and mental health (which he thought he still had plenty of, although his best bud Arnold didn’t think so).
Historical Lens
The coffee shop group actually decided to stop drinking so much damn caffeine by getting off its collective butts and organizing a challenge to raise money for cancer research. When Laird said they would never find a cure for cancer because there was too much money at stake, they all told him to "shut up" in unison. But he lied and said he was only joking and agreed to take up the challenge by doing five push-ups and walking to the park and back every morning.
After the first week, Laird looked forward to more challenges that tested his mettle. Even Vivian was impressed with her ‘new’ man and started getting a little more amorous around the house (to his extreme delight). He even started walking quicker so he could get back home faster.
Senior men are encouraged to talk to their doctor about prostate cancer and whether they should get a PSA test. Not a bad idea, which Laird followed up on. Lyonel Doherty, editor
Valley's living wage up
On Thursday (November 13) we released the 2025 Living Wage report and the rate for the Columbia Valley has increased two per cent from 2024 to $23.35 per hour. This is $5.50 more than BC's minimum wage.
The living wage is the hourly rate that a fulltime worker must earn to cover essential expenses and it supports a basic, decent standard of living in a specific community without many of the comforts or extras that many take for granted. It allows people to avoid chronic financial stress and participate in the social, civic and cultural life of their community.
Metro Vancouver’s living wage is now $10 more per hour than the province’s minimum wage, meaning more must be urgently done to support the hundreds of thousands of low-wage
workers in the region and across BC, this year’s living wage report shows.
This year’s Metro Vancouver living wage is the highest amount since the calculation began in 2008, at $27.85 per hour, 80 cents more — or three per cent higher — than the 2024 rate of $27.05 per hour.
BC’s minimum wage is $17.85 per hour.
In 2025, living wages were calculated for 28 BC communities. Metro Vancouver’s living wage is the third highest in the province, behind Whistler at $29.60 per hour and Squamish at $28 per hour. Grand Forks has BC’s lowest living wage at $21.55 per hour.
Jean Kavanagh Senior media specialist
BC Society for Policy Solutions
Alex Ritchie home on his ranch in Windermere in 1922. From left: Ritchie, Joe Peters, and Harry Peters. PHOTO WINDERMERE AND DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
SPORTS
Senior boys post strong soccer finish
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
The David Thompson Secondary School senior boys played in provincials last week, battling hard and proving their mettle as one of the better teams in British Columbia.
The Lakers came sixth at provincials, a strong result indeed for a rural East Kootenay school, and the boys played well throughout the tournament, despite frigid temperatures and constant rain, posting a record of three wins, one loss, and one penalty shootout loss.
Provincials were held in Burnaby from Wednesday, Nov. 7 to Friday, Nov. 9 and featured the 16 top single A seniors boys soccer teams (single A teams are from high schools with small student populations). The teams were divided up into four groups of four teams each.
The DTSS Lakers reeled off a 3-2 win over John Knox Christian School (from Burnaby) in their first group game, then a 5-0 pasting of King David High School (from Vancouver) in the second group game.
In the third and final group game, however, the Lakers fell 3-1 to Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School (from Kelowna). The Lakers lapsed a bit at the beginning of the third game and let Aberdeen take the lead, but later regrouped, scored and had a few close chances (including a shot that rattled off the crossbar). As the game wound down DTSS only trailed Aberdeen 2-1. The Lakers chased the game, throwing players forward in the hopes of scoring an equalizer. But pressing to attack inevitably entails leaving your defence exposed, a situ-
ation Aberdeen ruthlessly exploited to score once more, and put the game out of reach.
This meant the Lakers finished second in their group, and moved on to play a four-team elimination knockout playoff along with the second place teams from other groups to determine the fifth through eight spots at provincials. (The four teams first-place teams did the same to determine first through fourth place.)
Although the DTSS boys were disappointed they could no longer become champions, they continued to play as hard as they could. In their first knockout game, they dispatched Southridge School (from Surrey) 3-0. Then in their last playoff game, which determined fifth and sixth place overall, the Lakers and Queen Margaret’s School (from Duncan) fought to a 1-1 draw. A penalty shootout ensued and Queen Margaret’s edged DTSS 3-2 in the shootout.
Across the five games they played at provincials, the Lakers “really only played one bad half (of one game) of soccer," coach Ryan Stimming told the Pioneer. "In the first half against Aberdeen, we made a few mistakes. But in the second half of that game and for the whole of every other game, we played quite well."
Finishing sixth out of 16 teams at provincials is more than respectable for a team from the hinterlands, such as DTSS, and is even better when you look beyond the tournament and consider that their result in Burnaby means the Lakers finished sixth out of 54 single A schools across B.C.
Grade 12 student Leo Webster won a Super 16 award in Burnaby as the Lakers’ Most Valuable Player (MVP) at provincials.
Leo plays as a central midfielder, where he pulls the strings for the Lakers, orchestrating play and communicating to all the different players, keeping them functioning as a cohesive unit.
“He’s a quiet leader. He doesn’t speak much, but when he does speak, he speaks with wisdom. He plays with heart. His leadership comes from his style of play and he allows that to do the talking,” Stimming said, describing Leo. “When the pressure is on, he says the right things to calm his teammates down and weather the storm.”
Stimming also pointed out that Leo is able to go forward and score big goals when needed, including a fabulous one-timer that opened the scoring when the Lakers played Southridge School.
“That really set the tone for the game,” said Stimming.
Leo’s mom Julie was delighted and proud of her son’s award.
“Ever since he was six years old, soccer has been his passion,” Julie told the Pioneer. Aside from playing soccer with the local Columbia Valley Youth Soccer Association as a youngster and with the high school team, Leo has participated in the Whitecaps Academy and Caps to College soccer programs in Cranbrook, as well as the Kootenay United football academy in Nelson.
But the long hours spend driving Leo to and from Cranbrook and Nelson were worth it, says Julie.
“He’s learned to persevere and keep working at things. That will translate to many other aspects of his life,” she said.
Grade 12 David Thompson Secondary School student Leo Webster won a Super 16 award in Burnaby as the Lakers’ Most Valuable Player (MVP) at provincials. PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Trustees review cell phone restrictions
Columbia
Valley Pioneer staff
After a year of cell phone restrictions in Rocky Mountain School District, initial feedback suggests they are curbing student distraction in the classroom.
That’s what trustees learned in a recent report by superintendents Aaron Callaghan and Steve Wyer.
“The district will continue to monitor and strive to improve practice, but initial feedback suggests the policy is achieving the intended objective,” said Callaghan in last week’s report to the board.
The code of conduct policy was enacted to restrict the use of personal digital devices in schools in order to promote uninterrupted learning and online safety.
It has been left up to individual schools as to how to restrict these devices during instructional time except where the teacher invites their use for learning purposes or
a student requires the device for documented medical and learning needs.
Callaghan said the policy did not have a significant impact in elementary schools, but more challenges were experienced in the secondary school sector.
“The use of digital devices in the secondary setting was ubiquitous and pervaded all activities of the learning day,” he noted.
When a number of students and principals were asked for a positive aspect of the restrictions, students said: I am no longer distracted by other students checking their phones; the possibility of a consequence; and improved focus. Principals said: Fewer conflicts through social media; fewer students in the hall during instruction time; more classroom engagement; students being more social, less time spent scrolling on a device.
Students and principals were
also asked what they disliked about the policy or what needs improvement.
Students responded: Less freedom; they are afraid to use their phones even when they may support learning; and it creates anxiety not having their phone. Principals said: students are getting better at using their phones in hiding; the policy is ‘conflict heavy’ for school staff and hard on relationships; need to be constantly vigilant.
Students said they would like to see devices allowed when work is complete, and be allowed headphones to listen to music. They also want more consistent enforcement
of rules.
Principals said they would like to see service interruption of devices in washrooms, better technology in the hands of students, and more education on the mental health benefits of reduced use of digital devices.
When asked how successful the restrictions have been in supporting learning (on a scale of one to 10), students gave an average of five, with the lowest being two and the highest being six.
Principals indicated an 8 or a 9. Callaghan said the policy, in general, has resulted in fewer distractions and fewer behavioural concerns.
Pursuant to Section 494 of the Local Government Act, public notice is hereby given that the District of Invermere is considering the Short-Term Rental Temporary Use Permits (STR-TUP) listed in the table below. Issuance of the permits will be considered by council or a delegated authority at the Invermere District office at 914 - 8th Avenue in Invermere, BC, at the corresponding date and time as listed below:
Consideration by COUNCIL - NOVEMBER 25, 2025 at 7:00PM
Consideration by DELEGATED AUTHORITY - NOVEMBER 24, 2025 at 10:00AM
APPLICATION NO.
ADDRESS 1750 9th AVE. ADDRESS #20 - 1517 2nd AVE.
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 Invermere office at 9148th Avenue, Invermere, BC, or by email to dpcoordinator@invermere.net prior to Friday, November 21, 2025 at 10:00AM. All submissions should include your name, address, and contact information. 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 250-342-9281.
For more information regarding the above applications contact the Invermere Planning Department at 250-342-9281 or by email at dpcoordinator@invermere.net or at the Invermere Office between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.
Digital device restrictions in Rocky Mountain School District are producing intended results.
PHOTO DANIEL DE LA HOZ GETTY IMAGES
Edgewater vote coming Saturday
Submitted by RDEK
Close to 70 people attended a public information meeting last week to learn more about the proposed Edgewater Commercial Space Service.
“I was pleased to see how many residents took time to join us for this important meeting as we want to ensure that as much information is in the hands of the voters as possible,” said RDEK Area G director Roberta Schnider.
“It is vital that all eligible voters
Invermere on the Lake
exercise their right to vote during the advance or general voting days.”
Throughout the evening, presenters provided detailed information on the proposed service with the projected costs, impacts on taxation, the elector assent process, and who is eligible to vote.
The evening rounded out with an opportunity for questions and answers from the floor.
“For anyone that was unable to attend the meeting in person, there are several resources available on the project page, and the RDEK staff
Requests For Proposal
Kinsmen Beach Concession Operations
The District of Invermere invites qualified individuals or businesses to submit proposals for the operation of the Kinsmen Beach Concession for up to a five (5) year term beginning January 1st, 2026, and ending October 31, 2030.
The standard operating season for the concession is June 1 to September 15 each year.
The Contractor will be responsible for supplying all materials, equipment, staffing, and for carrying out all necessary work required for the operation of the concession.
Proposal documents and submission instructions can be found on the District of Invermere website at invermere.net/procurementopportunities/ or scan the QR Code below.
Closing Date: December 12, 2025
Closing Time: 12:00:00 PM MDT
Kinsmen Beach Water Sports
The District of Invermere invites proposals from qualified individuals or businesses for the operation of Kayak and Stand-up Paddle Board rentals at Kinsmen Beach during the summer seasons from 2026 to 2030. The term of the contract shall be for up to five (5) years, beginning July 1, 2026, and ending October 31, 2030.
The standard operating season is July 1st to September 15th each year.
The Contractor shall be solely responsible for the provision, delivery, maintenance, and storage of all equipment, safety gear, and materials required for the operation of the Kayak and Stand-up Paddle Board rentals.
Proposal documents and submission instructions can be found on the District of Invermere website at invermere.net/procurementopportunities/ or scan the QR Code below.
Closing Date: December 12, 2025
Closing Time: 12:00:00 PM MDT
are available to answer questions about all aspects of the proposed service,” added Schnider.
“We hope to see a strong turnout for this vote. For those who are unsure if they will participate, your voice matters, be heard.”
In addition to the information packages that were sent to all property owners, the slides with the information that was shared at the meeting are posted on the project page.
The project page can be found here: engage.rdek.bc.ca/edgewater.
General voting will be held on November 22. To learn more, visit engage.rdek.bc.ca/edgewater.
Area G director Roberta Schnider
COLUMBIA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
OUT OF OFFICE…
Reflections on the 2025 Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM
Cris Leonard, Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce, Past President, Director
As a past president of the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce, I once again had the privilege of attending the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) Annual General Meeting and Convention, held this year in Mississauga, Ontario. After last year’s memorable trip to Halifax, my wife and I decided to add a few days of travel before the conference, exploring Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Muskoka region, including Huntsville and Gravenhurst. The timing was perfect — we enjoyed breathtaking scenery and the spectacular fall colours that Ontario is famous for.
The CCC AGM is where chamber leaders and business professionals from across Canada gather to connect, learn, and debate policies that shape the national business landscape.
the years, the CCC’s work has led to meaningful change — from influencing small business support programs and extending CEBA loan deadlines, to shaping workforce and trade policies that impact businesses nationwide.
This year’s AGM carried special significance as the CCC marked its 100th anniversary.
The theme, “100 Years Strong: Creating a
the evolving role of chambers in their communities. These sessions always offer practical ideas that we, as local chamber leaders, can take home to strengthen our services and advocacy.
As always, one of the best parts of the AGM is the networking. Meeting peers from across the country, sharing ideas, and hearing about local successes and challenges is both energizing and inspiring.
The CCC, representing over 200,000 companies, serves as the voice of business in Canada, advocating on issues such as taxation, trade, infrastructure, energy, workforce development, and immigration.
Each year, chambers and boards of trade bring forward policy resolutions that are debated and voted on. Once approved, these resolutions become part of the CCC’s federal advocacy platform. Over
Better Life for All in the Most Uncertain of Times,” reflected both the organization’s legacy and its ongoing commitment to ensuring Canada remains a competitive and thriving place to do business.
In addition to the policy sessions, the conference featured thought-provoking speakers and breakout discussions focused on innovation, workforce challenges, and
The Mississauga Chamber and the host committee did a wonderful job making everyone feel welcome and ensuring the event ran smoothly.
Looking back, the trip was a perfect balance of professional engagement and personal enjoyment. From the policy debates and informative sessions to the crisp autumn drives through Muskoka, it was an experience that reminded me how connected our local efforts are to the broader business community across Canada.
I left Mississauga encouraged and proud to be part of a network that truly makes a difference — one policy, one chamber, and one conversation at a time.
-Cris Leonard
CHAMBER OF
COLUMBIA
VALLEY
COMMERCE
Thursday, November 20
• 10:30am-12:30pm: Understanding Disability Rights and Employer Responsibilities. Work BC online seminar. Inviting employers, HR professionals, and team leaders to a free online webinar focused on building inclusive, respectful, and legally compliant workplaces. Please register: DEMWebinar. eventbrite.ca
• 5:00pm-8:00pm: Asian Street Food Cooking Class. COTR Invermere. Transport yourself to the bustling streets of Asia without leaving the valley. This hands-on class explores the fresh, bold flavours you’d find at street carts in Bangkok, Saigon, or Hong Kong. Try your hand at quick marinades, wok techniques, and perfect dipping sauces. Please register!
• 5:15pm-10:00pm: Folsom Prison Revisited. CV Centre. This powerful show combines the talents of award-winning musicians with gripping storytelling and a multimedia presentation that puts you inside the prison walls on that fateful day. You will be transported back to the tension, the energy, and the emotion of Cash’s legendary performance. By Mountain Home Productions.
• 10:15am-12:15pm: Tech Time with CBAL. Invermere Library. A volunteer with CBAL will be available for one-on-one 1 hour appointments to try and answer your tech related questions! Contact the library to book your time! Time slots available are 10:15, 11:15 or 12:15. Please be sure to bring your charged devices and any questions you may have!
• 11:30am-12:30pm: Little Lambs Baby Group. Radium Public Library. Stories, rhymes, and songs for babies and their caregivers! Every Thursday!
• 6:00pm-7:00pm: Read it and Eat! Invermere Library. A cookbook club where we choose a featured cookbook each month, participants choose a recipe to make, and then bring the dish to the meeting to enjoy food and good company! All adults welcome! Registration Required, please contact the library. Featured cookbook: More is More by Molly Baz.
• 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+ teams of more than 6 will be split into two groups. Ages 19+ Friday, November 21
• 10:00am-1:00pm: Scrabble Tournament. CBAL Office. Friendly competition for adults who are young at heart! Four week series of fun Scrabble® games.*come to one or come to all four. Friends and conversation, snacks and drinks, prizes. Come alone or bring a friend! Please pre-register: cbal.org
• 10:30am-11:30am: Friday Family Storytime. Invermere Public Library. Join us in the Children’s Area of the library for stories, songs & a craft! Geared towards preschool age, but all welcome.
• 2:00pm-5:00pm: Drop-in Open Gym for Teens. DTSS Gym. FREE to attend for all youth 12-18 registered at the Summit Youth Centre. Free sport program coached by Valley Sport Hub and sponsored by Jumpstart.
• 2:00pm-3:00pm: Friday Fundays! Invermere Public Library. Friday Fundays are back! Join us for various STEAM and Craft projects. Registration is required for Friday Fundays this year! Contact the Invermere Library to register. Must register by the day before a program, at the latest. Drop-off for ages 7+ (ages 5-6 must be with a guardian). This week: Make a Single-Panel Gag Comic! Staging the
Panel, Dialogue, Base-Drawing. Second of Three week session.
• 6:30pm-close: Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion! Members and guests welcome!
welcome!Saturday, November 22
• 9:00am-3:00pm: Big Book Sale (Friends of the Radium Library). Radium Community Hall. Discover thousands of gently used books in dozens of genres— history, women’s fiction, mystery, and self-help. There's also cookbooks, children’s titles, jigsaw puzzles, and classics. Plus refreshments and colouring sheets for the kids.
• 9:00am-3:00pm: Invermere Thrift Store Christmas Pop Up Sale. Columbia Valley Centre. Invermere Thrift Store Annual Christmas Pop Up Sale. Christmas decorations, trees, gifts, ornaments, puzzles, clothing and ski equipment.
• 12:00pm-4:00pm: Workshop Understanding your Dreams. Flourishing Health clinic. A 4 hour interactive workshop: Understanding Your Dreams. Learn and practice practical proven steps to understand, recall and record YOUR PERSONAL dream pictures.
• 10:30am-11:30am: Saturday Family Story Time. Invermere Public Library. Join us in the Children’s Area of the library for stories, songs & a craft! Geared towards preschool age, but all welcome. Fridays and Saturdays!
• 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.
• 12:00pm-3:00pm: Drop-in Open Gym for Teens. DTSS Gym. FREE to attend for all youth 12-18 registered at the Summit Youth Centre. Free sport program coached by Valley Sport Hub and sponsored by Jumpstart.
• 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!
welcome!Sunday, November 23
• 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, November 24
• 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.
Tuesday, November 25
• 2:00pm-3:00pm: A Novel Idea. Invermere Library. Novel Idea will be discussing The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett this month. Stop by the circulation desk to pick up your copy. Please contact the library to request a large print version of the book. All welcome to attend!
10:00am-11:00am: Senior’s Fitness. Columbia Valley Centre, Invermere. $2 drop in, open to all seniors. Doors to the hall will be opening at 9:30am for indoor walking.10:00am-10:00am-11:00am: Indoor Walking. Radium Hot Spring Centre. The Radium Recreation Committee is hosting an indoor walking activity starting on Tuesday, November 18th, from 10-11am at the Radium Hot Springs Centre. The walking group will run for the next 4 weeks. All ages welcome. Please bring a pair of clean, indoor shoes for this activity. Enjoy a fun and social event, while burning some calories!
• 10:30am-11:20am: Home School Meet Up. Invermere Public Library. Weekly Meetup. Drop-in, all ages programming with STEAM play, group activities and art projects. Contact the Invermere Library to get on the Homeschool Email list! STEAM Play (Lego Challenge: Castle Build).
• 1:00pm-3:00pm: Afternoon Social & Gaming. Radium Centre. The Radium Recreation Committee will host an afternoon social/games get together from 1:00 to 3:00, Tuesdays at the Radium Hot Springs Centre. There will be a crib board, dominoes, Mexican train set, Uno, SkipBo, and a Phase 10 card game. We encourage anyone who is familiar with these games or who wants to bring a favourite game of their own, to come and share some fun with your neighbours. We look forward to making this a fun weekly event.
• 7:00pm-8:00pm: Words & Wine. Radium Library. Join us for deep dives into famed poems by celebrated poets. Explorations of what this powerful literature reveals about love, death, loneliness, hope, fear, beauty, power, faith and doubt, relationships, the search for truth, and endless other subjects that speak to what it means to be human. Participate in or simply listen to thoughtful and lively conversations with a community of fellow learners. You must be over 19. No familiarity with poetry required! No pre-registration needed.
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, November 26
• 10:00am-11:00am: Senior's Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, Invermere. $2 drop in, open to all seniors. Doors to the hall will be opening at 9:30am for indoor walking.
2:00pm-3:00pm: Sewcial Hour. Invermere Public Library. Bring your textile or fiber arts projects and come and enjoy a cup of tea and connect with other makers! All welcome to attend, no registration necessary.
• 3:00pm-4:00pm: Intergenerational Walk & Talk. CBAL. Join us for fun outings where seniors and younger generations can connect, explore the outdoors, and discover interesting facts about local flora and fauna. Everyone’s welcome — seniors, youth, families, and newcomers! Register for the dates you plan to attend to receive updates and directions to the trails.
• 6:00pm-9:00pm: Wednesday Dinners & Meat Draw & 50/50 Invermere Legion. All welcome.
Remembering the brave and the fallen
Many residents attended Remembrance Day ceremonies in downtown Invermere on November 11, when dozens of wreaths were laid at the cenotaph.
PHOTOS CHRIS MOSELEY
Remembrance Day ceremonies in Canal Flats saw local RCMP, Legion members, and politicians pay their respects at the cenotaph.
COLUMBIA VALLEY
REAL ESTATE
PHOTOS SYD DANIS
PETS PETSPETSPETS
Due to an absolutely pawsitively overwhelming response from our readers, we’ve decided to spread the cuteness out! There were simply too many adorable faces to fit into one issue, so we’re giving your furry, feathered, and scaly friends double the spotlight. Keep your eyes peeled—our pet photo feature will now appear over two special editions, because one just wasn’t enough to handle all that charm!
The most spoiled, wonderful dogs,Partners in crime.
OWNER
On most brands of Dog and Cat food. See in store for details.
Our little Timber mimicking a gopher he saw out on a Sunday picnic.
OWNER
lover of Tim Bits, car rides, being outdoors and dragging her mom to the pet store, Pheebs is treated like the princess she is. With her own closet to rival Gigi Hadid, Phoebe is the best dressed in the CV.
OWNER
Hello, my name is Kootenay. My mom is from the East Kootenays in Canal Flats and that is how I got my name. I love my walks, to play fight and to chase bunnies.
OWNERS
Michelle and Mark Sereda
Adopted on Christmas Day in 2019 from GALS, Lucky saved my life, and every day is that much brighter and funnier with her in it
OWNER
Sammi Bennett, the JRO (Junior Resort Officer) at Rocky Mountain Pet Resort ..getting ready to play Santa Claus.
OWNER
Wendy Bennett
Butch, Sunny, & Grizzle
Mavi
OWNER
Shannen Eis
Sophie Nicholas & family
Alisha Trozzo
A
Aimée Tweddell-Brown
Mary Olsen
Spencer and Holly love wearing their Santa Claus suits. OWNER Bendina Miller
Binx is 13 years old. OWNER Keith Wheeler
Summit is a 2-year-old Chesapeake Bay retriever, he’s a mamas boy and is always up for any adventure. OWNER Kayla Jankowski
OWNER
OWNER
Nicole Dalke
Ken and Doreen Persson
Cocoa & Aspen OWNER Raylene Oram
Here's Ginny Hill taking in the views up at Farnham Glacier!
Beatrix Kiddo enjoying some late day sun on a cool early winter day!
OWNER Geoff Hill
Felix Intrepid traveller Samauri Sweet Pea Sam - Crisanna pleased to be her ever loyal staff
Ninja
OWNER Crisanna Macleod
Janet Dahl-Feeeman
Sebastian the Sebastopol Goose (aka Dandy)
OWNER
Urth Farm & Ranch
My name is HAYDAY and I rule on Peters Hill!
OWNER
Bev Deck
Rudy in Afghan. OWNER Dayle Denton
Pet lover offers key services PETS PETSPETSPETS
Submitted by Shannen Eis
I have been in the valley for five years and have grown Invermere Pet Services from a parttime side hustle to a full-time, seven days a week business in demand.
Having a pet is a huge responsibility, and caring for the pets of the Columbia Valley is something I do not take lightly. I have built my business on keeping pets happy, healthy and safe.
One of the most valuable training tips I can recommend is threshold training. Just as we would teach our children not to run out into the street, threshold training for dogs follows the same principle. Asking dogs to wait at doorways, driveways, or getting in or out of the car is an important skill.
Dale the Three Toed Box Tortoise likes roaming the house, chasing feet (female preferably), listening and staring at you intently when you talk with him, and mounting (climbing up on) our empty shoes by the door.
OWNER
George Darling
I was looking after two dogs and luckily their owner understood the importance of this skill. I left the property in the morning and the yard gate did not securely latch. When I arrived back a few hours later to walk the dogs, I was horrified and sick with guilt to see the gate partially open. How could I have been so careless!? When I peered into the yard I was relieved to see both dogs sitting quietly. They did not escape, they did not run off or wander the neighbourhood. It was, however, a little difficult (and humbling) to explain the mysterious deer poop that had appeared in a secure, fully-fenced yard.
I'm so grateful for that client, and all my clients in Invermere and the Columbia Valley. I love walking dogs, visiting cats and taking care of all the special pets. SHANNEN EiS 778-288-2677
invermerepetservices.ca
invermerepets@gmail.com
invermere.pets invermere.pets
Suckiest Rottie that you will ever meet! Plays with babies, licks kitties, plays with chickens and hasn't got an aggressive bone in his body !
OWNER
Lynne Hill
Journey is all purr-sonality and has made my apartment building rooftop her playground. A sweet pretty girl and truly one of a kind
OWNER
Chadd Cawson
He's tired but won't get left behind!!
OWNER
Jac Chaisson
Molly - The cat is not out of the bag! OWNERS Moseley family
Max the poor starving dog OWNER Syd Danis
"I feel pretty, oh so pretty!"
OWNER Ute Juras
This is Wrangler Bruce Digney. Brother to Butterball Archer and Gus Charette. He enjoys snowmobiling, quadding, horseback riding, or anything outdoors ( Drifter Digney is the horse). He also enjoys hanging out with his buddies and schmoozing the ladies!
OWNER Paul Digney
PETS PETSPETSPETS
the cat holds a Masters in Cuddling. She's absolutely purrrrfect. Piper Girl knows everyone at the dog park and enjoys paddleboarding, hiking, biking, and gathering sticks.
OWNER Jess Clark and Alex Stephenson
Chai is a 2 1/2 year old mixed breed dog rescued from GALS. She is a ball full of energy and keeps us on our toes! We love her to bits.
OWNER
Ashley Hecher
Meet Sully, rescue kitten from G.A.L.S, now 3 years old. Loves food, laps, playing and jumping on the counter. Should have named him Orbit as he gets lots of Zoomies.
OWNER
Leslie Hecher
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has received requests by the following landowners to make an Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) exclusion application on their behalf. RDEK is considering making applications under section 29 of the Agricultural Land Commission Act. The intent of the application is the exclusion of land from the ALR as identified in the table below:
The public hearing for the above noted properties will be held via Zoom Webinar on: Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 4:00 pm
The public hearing has been delegated to the Directors for Electoral Areas F and G. Prior to the public hearing you may:
• inspect the exclusion applications at the RDEK office in Cranbrook from November 14, 2025 to December 4, 2025 between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays;
• mail, fax or email written submissions to the addresses/numbers shown below; or
• present verbal submissions at the public hearing.
You must pre-register in order to attend and provide verbal presentations or make comments at the hearing. The deadline to register is Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 4:30 pm Register in advance for this webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VtL1nZfQTIma-BYLf3BIAQ
Submissions cannot be accepted by the RDEK after the public hearing. All correspondence following the public hearing can be directed to the ALC quoting the applicable ALC Application ID All submissions will form part of the public record and will be published in a meeting agenda posted online. Personal contact information such as phone and email will be removed from written submissions. Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335. For more information, contact Ryan Penney, Planner I at 778-761-1783, toll free at 1-888-478-7335 or email rpenney@rdek.bc.ca.
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE – Local Government Initiated ALR Exclusion Applications
Coal, the black German Shepherd, and Izzy the diva.
OWNERS Priya and Archie
Tank Nia
Bella
Fitzy
OWNERS Tony and Tracey Poulsen
Invermere on the Lake
342-9281 Fax: (250) 342-2934
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Position: Engineering Technologist
Department: Public Works & Operations
Status: CUPE - Regular Full Time
Classification: Engineering Technologist
The District of Invermere has an opening for a Engineering Technologist position in the Public Works & Operations Department.
Under the direction of the Director of Public Works & Operations, the Engineering Technologist has the principal responsibilities to project manage capital projects and contracts including overseeing the construction as the site inspector. This role will also include inspection and reporting on developments projects that would be under the future ownership of the District of Invermere. A sound knowledge of the MMCD, contract administration/site inspection, OHS, municipal operations and related provincial regulations is required. This is a unionized position with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Local 2982.
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage and co-ordinate municipal infrastructure works including but not limited to water, sanitary sewage, storm and road system upgrades with developed best practices and in compliance with Municipal, Provincial and Federal regulations as applicable.
Acting as the site inspector for municipal capital projects. The role of the site inspector is to oversee the progress of construction and ensure that work is proceeding in general conformance with the contract documents. The site inspector will be expected to take detailed notes of construction and to review the contract quantities with the contractor prior to the issuance of the payment certificates.
Oversight and review of construction of municipal infrastructure by developers with respect to engineered design and in compliance with municipal bylaws and regulations.
Assist with record keeping and maintain infrastructure records. Familiarity with Geographical Information System (GIS) is required.
Undertake general construction administration in a consistent, reliable, and timely manner.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
1. An accredited diploma in applied science or engineering technology at a recognized technical institute or equivalent as a Civil Engineering Technologist.
2. Membership eligibility in the Association of Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of B.C.
3. Ability to prepare and review engineered drawing and plans, contract documents, cost estimates and instructions.
4. Demonstrated competence in contract and project management.
5. Competence in engineering research and report writing.
This position is within C.U.P.E. 2982 bargaining unit. The current wage rate for this position falls within the range of $41.31 - $42.59 per hour plus benefits as detailed in the Collective Agreement. The Engineering Technologist position is expected to work 35 hours per week Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
A job description for this position is available.
This position will remain open until an applicant has been hired. Persons interested in applying for this position are invited to submit their resumes to: District of Invermere
Attn: Kindry Dalke, Director of Corporate Services Box 339, Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0
Email: corporateservices@invermere.net
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.
All set for new season
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
The Windermere Valley Ski Club (WVSC, or Team Windy as many know it) is gearing up for another great season.
The club has about 70 young alpine ski racers, ranging in age from six to 22, and all have eagerly been training for the upcoming winter.
The WVSC has existed in one iteration or another for decades, and has produced some big-name alpine ski racers, including Olympians Christina Lustenberger, Ben Thomsen, Courtney Hoffos and Amelia Smart.
Like any nonprofit entity in the Columbia Valley, membership in the WVSC has ebbed and flowed through the years. About six years ago or so, the ebb was particularly pronounced, as the club shrunk to just a handful of kids. But the WVSC has rebounded with verve, adding new young members in droves.
While WVSC is quite some ways from the size of a typical Lower Mainland alpine ski club, or even some of the larger ones in the Kootenay region, what Team Windy may lack in quantity it more than makes up for with quality.
“We’re small but mighty,” club president Katie Comb told the Pioneer
The youngest skiers on Team Windy start in the Nancy Greene Ski League (“it is just so much fun at that age,” said Comb), which feeds into racing programs for older kids and teens, right up to the International Ski and Snowboard Federation program which sees some athletes race at a continental level. There are community and skill building races such as the Lusti Cup and the Nancy Greene Festival in Kimberley, competitive zone races all over the Kootenay region, and Nor-Am races that span Canada and the USA.
The club’s skiers often hit podiums during racing events, and Comb
says a big part of the credit for that lies with WVSC program director Dusan Grasic, who worked for years in various coaching roles with the B.C. Ski Team, Alpine Canada and the Canadian Olympic team. Grasic returned to his hometown club — the WVSC — as a ‘retirement’ of sorts, and the kids in the club have benefitted enormously, said Comb.
Indeed, Grasic was awarded Coach of the Year at the 2025 BC Alpine Summit. Comb said the award was richly deserved as “recognition of the work he has done to develop and train racers, to attract ski racers to the province, and in recognition of his development of young coaches. We are very lucky to have him.”
The other big reason for the club’s success is the committed group of volunteers who help drive it, said Comb. “It’s a really great community of people.”
Although she was very modest about it when speaking with the Pioneer, Comb was also recognized at the 2025 BC Alpine Summit as the Kootenay zone’s volunteer/official of the year. “The kids on the hill make it so worthwhile,” said Comb of why she volunteers.
Panorama Mountain Resort is one of the best racing destinations in British Columbia, and Team Windy attracts racers from far outside the Columbia Valley, said Comb, adding this is mainly due to the WVSC’s topnotch race organization committee led by Jim Brewington.
"Our events bring hundreds of athletes, with coaches and their families to the area which creates an economic benefit for the whole valley," noted Comb.
Registration has started for the WVSC, and the club is actively seeking sponsors for the upcoming winter season. Community sponsorship starts at just $500, and all the money raised goes to supporting the club’s athlete development programs. Visit www.windermerevalleyskiclub.com to find out more.
Team Windy is gearing up for another awesome season on the slopes.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Teachers wear other shoe
Columbia Valley Pioneer staff
Staff at Martin Morigeau Elementary School recently found themselves wearing the other shoe by being students of Metis cultural learning.
Teachers were supported by Metis ‘Family Connections’ navigator MacKenzie Henry in various lessons, including Metis history and core values (strength, kindness, courage and patience).
The sessions, called ‘learning together,’ also included strategies that support the well-being of children.
Staff members shared ideas and actions they could implement, such as teaching a Michif word and value of the week, sharing Metis stories, and displaying cultural symbols within the school.
With 52 per cent of the learners at the school identifying as having Metis ancestry, staff recognize the importance of these students seeing themselves reflected in their learning environment.
Meanwhile, the school district recently affirmed its support of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. Particularly: Advocating for age-appropriate curriculum on Indigenous history and spirituality; and building capacity for intercultural understanding and respect.
The board of education also supports the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), specifically the right of Indigenous Peoples to practise and revitalize their spiritual and religious traditions, and the right to promote and protect their cultural institutions and practices.
Invermere on the Lake
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Position: Utility Supervisor Department: Public Works & Operations
Status: CUPE - Regular Full Time Classification: Utility Supervisor
The District of Invermere has an opening for a Utility Supervisor position in the Public Works & Operations Department.
DESCRIPTION
Reporting to the Manager of Public Works or the designated replacement, the Utilities Supervisor participates in, and supervises, the work of Utilities personnel engaged in the maintenance of water supply, disinfection and distribution infrastructure, sanitary and storm sewer collection and treatment systems and facilities. This is a working supervisor position.
The Utility Supervisor works with minimal supervision and a great deal of initiative while participating in and supervising the works of employees, contractors, consultants, and specialty personnel as required. The position will require coordination of tasks with other Public Works Supervisor.
This position works closely with the Public Works Supervisor and provides assistance to them on a required basis. The Utility Supervisor is an effective team member whose contributions assist in the achievements of Public Works department and organizational objectives.
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Plans, performs, assigns, coordinates, supervises, inspects and assists crews and equipment engaged in public works projects of varying complexity, such as:
Maintenance tasks associated with the water system, including but not limited to valve maintenance, hydrant maintenance, water main flushing, pressuring reducing valves, leak detection, meters, customer service notifications, water quality testing, pressure testing, reservoir cleaning, and water treatment maintenance scheduling.
• Dam inspections and reservoir level tracking.
Maintenance tasks associated with the sanitary and storm sewer system, including but not limited to jet rodding, sewer lining, laterals, manholes, catch basins, treatment plant maintenance, flow monitoring, and pump stations
Documentation development for Standard operating procedures.
Ensuring the annual reporting requirements are met for the water, sewer and dam infrastructure.
• Researches and suggests new policies and/or procedures to improve work productivity.
• Assists in reviewing engineering drawings with Engineers and Contractors for construction works.
• Collects data for all tasks in a systematic and accurate manner. This involves completing work order requests, maintenance reports and calculation records then inputting them into a database program such as Maintenance Manager.
• Participates in the guidance and evaluation of subordinates and assists in the development, design and implementation of professional training programs related to utility operations and maintenance.
• Locates underground utilities and performs general municipal construction and repair work as required.
• Responds to public works emergency calls.
• Ensures safety of work sites and safe work practices of staff.
EXPERIENCE
• Minimum of ten (10) years’ Municipal Public Works experience; or work experience of a similar nature in private industry including;
Minimum seven (7) years’ direct hands-on work experience with day-to-day involvement with operation, maintenance and/or installation of water distribution systems
• Minimum seven (7) year direct hands-on work experience with day-to-day involvement in operation and maintenance of municipal wastewater collection and/or treatment facilities
EDUCATION
• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent, supplemented by related technical training or equivalent broad public works experience. LICENSES / CERTIFICATES
• Valid Class three (3) Canadian Driver’s License with Air Endorsement
• Valid Environmental Operators Certification Program (EOCP) certification in Water Distribution and/or Water Treatment and/or Wastewater Collection and/or Wastewater Treatment.
Cross Connection Assembly Tester would be an asset
• Chlorine Handler’s certificate equivalent to that issued by the BCWWA after approved course completion and successful passing of examination
WHY JOIN INVERMERE?
You will become part of a welcoming municipal team committed to serving a vibrant and growing community in the heart of the Columbia Valley. We’re looking for someone who brings both heart and hustle to their work—someone who can coordinate behind the scenes while helping the District communicate openly, clearly, and creatively with the public.
This position is within C.U.P.E. 2982 bargaining unit. The current wage rate for this position falls within the range of $42.68-$44.00 per hour plus benefits as detailed in the Collective Agreement. The Utility Supervisor position is expected to work 40 hours per week Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm.
APPLY TODAY
This position will remain open until an applicant has been hired. Persons interested in applying for this position are invited to submit their resumes to:
District of Invermere
Attn: Kindry Dalke, Director of Corporate Services Box 339, Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0
Email: corporateservices@invermere.net
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.
Award - RFE Alarms employee Ken Hann (left) and owner Scott Flowitt celebrate an award the company won for 'Residential Installation of the Year' at the recent Residio CONNECT conference in Las Angeles.
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 Ken, Sean and Mark at the local Legion for hosting a fabulous Grey Cup Party. Lots of fun activities and good food.
Cheers to Trotters Catering. The food at the CV Metis Association Kitchen Party was amazing!
Cheers to Diane Kienitz for continually being a super friend and helper to me. I appreciate all the kind things you do to support an aging senior.
Huge cheers to the outstanding doctors and nurses at our local hospital! We took our toddler to the ER and later had an overnight stay. Her care was truly exceptional. Despite the challenging circumstances we felt so reassured and cared for! Every single interaction was marked by professionalism and kindness.
CHEERS to the CVArts staff Jenn & Marie, and volunteers Kate, Heidi, Maris, Tom & Cindy at Pynelogs Cultural Centre! Your enthusiasm, support, and hospitality are so helpful.
SERVICES
K. B. Creations Handyman services, Renovations, Masonry, Plumbing, Drywall & Painting. Please call Kevin 250-688-2897
FIREWOOD
Seasoned Birch 16” Firewood comes in 1/3 cord bags. Clean . $220 for 1/3 cord $650 full cord 250-409-4104
Firewood For Sale Dry 16” fir. Delivered. $400 per cord 250-688-0373
WORKSHOP
Understanding your Dreams Learn and practice a proven recipe to foster being content and doing kindness on all our relationships
- beginning with ourselves.
Facilitator : Crisanna MacLeod.
FB: Lord and MacLeod Topics:
• Understand YOUR PERSONAL dreaming pictures
• Recall and Record
• Reoccurring Dreams
• Nightmares
• Children’s Dreams
• Sharing our Dreamings with others.
Saturday, November 22 12-4 pm
Flourishing Health Clinic 503, 7th Ave Invermere Text Register: 250-688-1747
Include your contact information.
Cost: $45.00, etransfer cmacc47@gmail.com
All are welcome to join with other curious lifelong learners.
PIANO TUNNING
Art Gieck of Country Piano House will be tuning November 20 and 21. Call 250-347-9882 for an appointment.
FOR SALE
Creations by Cheri 2026 Photo Calendars
$25
Available at the Invermere Legion Market November 28 , 29 , 30 Or email: cherihann9@gmail.com
Michael was born on November 15th, 1940, in Dresden, Germany, to Albert and Johanna Purschwitz.
Michael grew up in Radeberg, Germany, where he worked as a butcher alongside his father. In the early 1960s, he married his first wife, and their son Daniel was born in 1964. After the marriage ended, Michael met Anneli, his second wife, and together they had a son, Frank, in 1974. During these years, Michael discovered a deep passion for birds—especially falcons. He traveled across Eastern Europe in pursuit of them, but life behind the Iron Curtain limited his freedom to explore further. After years of struggle with the East German government, he finally escaped in 1981 with Anneli and Frank, while Daniel remained with his mother.
With just three suitcases and 300 dollars, Michael emigrated to Canada at 41, ready to begin a new life in freedom. After several years of moving from place to place, Michael eventually settled in Radium Hot Springs, working as both a butcher and a carpenter.
Over the next three decades, he devoted himself to falconry, specializing in breeding Peregrine and Gyrfalcons. He spent months in the Yukon and northern British Columbia pursuing his passion, which soon became his profession. His skill and dedication earned him international recognition—falconers from around the world sought his birds, which he shipped to Europe, Japan, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and beyond.
Michael loved to travel and shared many wonderful adventures with his wife, Anneli, visiting destinations around the world. After Anneli’s passing 15 years ago, he preferred to stay closer to home, cherishing the beauty of the valley where he lived. He loved to laugh, entertain, and share stories, yet also valued quiet moments tending to his flowers and plants.
Michael passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, at his home in Radium Hot Springs. He is survived by his sons, Daniel and wife Ines, Frank and wife Karin, his grandchildren, Alex, Nico, and Selina; and extended family members Annemarie and Natalie Purschwitz.
He will be dearly missed.
Carol
Ann
Gordon
October 29 1946 ~ October 30, 2025
Our community has less light and sparkle, my friends. Our beautiful, fiery, abundantly gifted, voice to a generation in many medias: Artist, writer, advocate, story teller, healer, friend and beloved Carol Gordon has passed away. It won’t make sense at first, but please know; it was peaceful with her one true love James (Jim) McElroy advocating for her and loving her through her transition. A swift and thorough show down with cancer swept her away. As this sinks in, lets start back at the beginning. If you knew her, Carol left an impression, for seemingly time immemorial. Let’s Gather to remember her. Details of Location, Time and Date at bottom. The following is her dedicated self written artist bio: Born in the United States and growing up in a family immersed in the glamorous Hollywood film industry, Carol was impacted by both the beauty of Southern California and the lifestyle and values of a celebrity-centred culture. She experienced them as polar opposite to the downto-earth prairie values of Minnesota, where she was born and lived for her first six years. This schism became a catalyst for her lifelong love of nature, creativity, personal growth, and the pursuit of authenticity and self-expression.
Carol Ann began journaling at age 10, studied photography in high school and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California at Berkeley in 1969 in “Culture & Creativity,” an individual major which she designed. The following June she immigrated to Canada and that first summer she was a student in the photography program at the Banff School of Fine Arts. Five years later, in her late 20s, Carol attended the Vancouver School of Art, now the Emily Carr University of Art & Design, where she developed an emotion-directed, intuitive, abstract expressionist approach to watercolour painting.
Carol lives with her life partner James (Jim) Russell McElroy, also an artist, near Invermere, British Columbia in the Canadian Rockies.
“I photograph with my outer eye, I paint with my inner eye, and I write from my heart.” – Carol
As Per Carols wishes, a party was hosted at Pynelogs Cultural Centre,1720 4th Ave, Invermere BC. V0A1K0 November 14, between 1-4 pm MST
Contact Crisdon Chaisson 250-342-5920 for more information
DEVELOPMENT OF A PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN: NUISANCE MOSQUITO CONTROL
Applicant: The Village of Radium Hot Springs, 4836 Radium Boulevard, Box 340, Radium Hot Springs, BC V0A 1M0, Tel: 250-347-6455 Attn: Adrian Bergles, Chief Administrative Officer.
The purpose of this Pest Management Plan (PMP) No. RHS-MOSQ-26-31 is to reduce overall mosquito annoyance within the Village of Radium Hot Springs by controlling larval development using an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to control. The proposed duration of this PMP is from 15 April 2026 to 14 April 2031.
Larvicide products proposed for use include VectoBac 200G or AquaBac 200G, which contains the natural-occurring soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis, (PCP #18158, #26863) and VectoLex CG or VectoLex WSP (PCP #28008, #28009) made with the similar bacterium Lysinibacillus sphaericus (formerly known as Bacillus sphaericus). Each of these products are classified as biorational, they do not accumulate in the environment and provide speciesspecific control of mosquito larvae. These products are non-toxic to other organisms including insects, fish, birds, wildlife, man and domestic animals.
Mosquito larvae require stagnant or non-flowing waters, temporary or permanent, to develop. Development habitats include freshwater marshes, ponds, ditches and other open water habitats which may produce larval mosquitos. Total area for larvicide treatment is not to exceed 500 hectares of public lands in each year of the PMP. Applications of VectoBac 200G, AquaBac 200G, and VectoLex CG will be made using aerial (helicopter) and ground-based, hand-broadcast methods. When the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) “drones” are provincially approved for use in mosquito control operations, they may be used for selected treatments. VectoLex WSP will be applied by hand to open water development sites or catch basins. All applications will be conducted within, and immediately adjacent to, the Village of Radium Hot Springs.
This PMP is being prepared for the Village of Radium Hot Springs by Duka Environmental Services Ltd., an environmental services firm with extensive experience in pest management plan development and local mosquito control operations. Information on proposed treatment areas, annual mosquito control program operations, and this PMP are available to the public at Radium’s Website (https://radiumhotsprings.civicweb.net/ filepro/documents/4192/?preview=19420) or by request through Duka Environmental Services Ltd., 13787 – 100 Avenue, Surrey, BC V3T 5X7, (604) 8814565 or email; Info@DukaES.com. For VectoBac or VectoLex product information please see the manufacturer’s website www.valentbiosciences.com
A person wishing to contribute information regarding a proposed treatment site, relevant to the development of this PMP, may send copies of the information to Duka Environmental Services Ltd. (agents for the Village of Radium Hot Springs) at the contact addresses above within 30 days of the publication of this notice. The identity of any respondents and the contents of anything submitted in response to this notice and application will become part of the public record.
FAITH
When small acts matter
By Brent Woodard Windermere Valley Shared Ministry
The Hospice Society of the Windermere Valley has gathered a number of local people to serve on an ad hoc committee in order to create a more compassionate community for those nearing the end of life. I am glad to be a part of this committee and for the thoughtful people I am meeting. It is always good and noble when any of us, all of us, seek to make a more compassionate community, however we can.
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
warrants such terrible means.
I am struck, though, when I compare the difference between us seeking to build a more compassionate community locally with what is “officially” happening on a national level in the United States.
Watching scenes of masked, unidentified quasi-military men capturing vulnerable people, putting them in unmarked vehicles, detaining them without allowing them to contact loved ones or lawyers, and shipping them to prisons in foreign countries is strikingly inhumane. Regardless of one’s views on illegal immigration, it is wrong to treat people like this. I can’t imagine what it is like in that environment to have a loved one not come home on time or to not be reachable by phone. There is no justifiable end that
The ending of aid to the poor and sick around the world. The ending of programs that help the country’s poor access health care and receive food assistance. This is not creating a compassionate society.
After millions of people peacefully protested in the streets, the president put out a video of him dropping excrement on them. In what world is this appropriate?
What is happening in a country where politicians often respeak a phrase attributed to Jesus, used by the Puritans in the 1600’s, about America being “a city set on a hill”? For those Puritans, America was to be a model Christian society that would be a beacon of hope for the world.
We need, here in Canada, here in our valley, to keep trying to create more compassionate families, work-places, classrooms, churches, friendships and a community. We seem to live in a time when an act of compassion is subversive to another way of thinking and acting that wants to take hold.
Fortunately, it’s never too late to do the right thing or the kind thing.
If the best way of being less susceptible to disease is staying healthy and taking care of ourselves, let us keep being well and doing well so that whatever mental illnesses that may be going around in the States do not find a host environment here.
WINDERMERE VALLEY
SHARED MINISTRY (Anglican - United) Sundays at 10:30 either in-person or online (the link is available on our website – wvsm.ca) Minister: Brent Woodard 110 - 7th Ave. in Invermere 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 canadianmartyrs.ca
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
Some bighorn sheep are starting to use the new wildlife overpass on the highway near Radium. Others are still using the side of the road. PHOTO JUSTIN SAIN