Columbia Valley Pioneer July 10, 2025 by Columbia Valley Pioneer

PHOTO CHERI HANN

VALLEY NEWS

Teachers call for more pupil supports

Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

Rocky Mountain teachers are calling for more student support systems as “chronic underfunding” continues to batter public education.

In a June 4 letter to the school district, the Rocky Mountain Teachers’ Association outlined its concerns about the lack of investment in student supports. These include increased hiring of educational assistants, ensuring that every school has counsellors, and supporting mentorship programs for early career teachers. Without these supports, there will be “lasting negative consequences for students and educators,” the association noted.

The teachers’ group commended school trustees for bringing quality education to the district despite funding constraints. The association recognized the effort put forth by the district finance department in managing limited resources under

challenging circumstances, all with the goal of minimizing direct harm to students.

Association co-presidents Caroline Carl, Ashlee Dearin, and Catherine McKenzie said provincial underfunding has placed “undue strain” on school districts across BC, forcing school board officials to make tough choices. And despite best intentions, there are fewer supports for students and additional pressures on teachers, they pointed out.

Without adequate funding, students face barriers and educators struggle with professional development, they added.

The association said trustees, as elected representatives, hold powerful positions to advocate for students’ needs.

“You are the voices for the families, students, and teachers who rely on you to champion a system that fosters learning and success,” the association stated.

Upgrades coming

Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

Some minor capital projects are going ahead to enhance education in Rocky Mountain School District.

In a recent report to trustees, it was noted that HVAC upgrades at David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS) will cost $600,000 (phase 1 ).

New kitchen equipment/upgrades are also destined for DTSS, Edgewater Elementary, Eileen Madison Primary, JA Laird Elementary, Martin Morigeau Elementary and Windermere Elementary.

In a letter to the board, the Ministry of Education and Child Care

stated it would not be supporting any major capital projects in the district, such as school expansion or replacement programs. One of the projects previously mentioned was the replacement of Eileen Madson Primary School.

“We urge you to use your influence to speak up and apply pressure on the provincial government to provide the funding necessary to meet the real needs of our schools.”

The Pioneer attempted to contact board chair Amber Byklum but she could not be reached for comment on the letter.

Suspect robs at gunpoint

By Sgt. Jeff Witzke Columbia Valley RCMP

The past week saw four vehicles being taken off the highways for excessive speeding.

In other news, on July 2 at approximately 6:45 p.m. the Columbia Valley RCMP was made aware of a robbery and theft of a vehicle where a firearm was used. Four occupants were sitting in their vehicle when a lone male approached, pointed a firearm at the driver demanding the keys and cell phones of all the occupants before driving off.

Police immediately began making patrols but were unable to locate the vehicle. This file is currently still under investigation; the stolen vehicle’s whereabout are still unknown.

On July 6 police were called to assist with a couple that were stranded in the wetlands. The couple were kayaking when the current took them down river and they became stranded and unable to paddle back. Members were able to locate them and had them paddle across the river to our members. They were then given a ride back to their vehicle.

Local campus losing hospitality program

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

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The Columbia Valley’s collegiate population will be lower, and its labour shortage even more acute when the next school year starts in September.

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Late last year Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made major changes to regulations on international students studying in Canada — a move that was part of a larger overall tightening of immigration rules at the federal level.

The COTR launched its two-year diploma hospitality program at the Invermere campus in 2018, and ever since, a large majority of those enrolling have been international students, most of them from South Asian countries. The program takes 20 students a year, and of the 40 students in the program at any one time, about 90 per cent or more are international students. Many of them work while studying and then stay up to three years further in Canada on PGWPs, usually working in Invermere’s resorts, hotels, restaurants, retail stores, the food and beverage industry, and other tourism-related businesses.

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Some of those changes are being felt — or will be felt at the end of the summer — in the Columbia Valley where they have resulted in the Invermere College of the Rockies (COTR) shuttering its hospitality management program.

But with COTR’s hospitality students no longer eligible for PGWPs, international student demand for — and enrolment in — the diploma has plunged precipitously, prompting the college to close the program completely.

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The changes include caps on numbers of international students, increased financial requirements for international students, reduced ability of international student spouses to work, and — critically for Invermere — exclusion of some college programs, including those in the tourism and hospitality sector, from the Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP) program.

“It was absolutely a huge drop, literally down to zero” said COTR president and CEO Michael Crowe. “The demand completely disappeared. We had zero or close to zero applicants (for the September 2025 intake).”

Those already enrolled in the program are ‘grandfathered in’ and still eligible for PGWPs, but not anyone new.

Continued on page 5

COTR closing doors to hospitality

Continued from page 4

Crowe said this is a “very significant impact” not only on enrolment, but also on the college’s budget, and starting in September, on local businesses in the Columbia Valley, which will begin losing the local international student labour force.

Quite a lot of the COTR hospitality students stick around in Invermere for the full three years of their PGWP. That’s up to 100 workers added to Invermere’s workforce through the two-year hospitality program (40 students — two cohorts of 20) and the three years of PGWP eligibility (60 former COTR students — three cohorts of 20).

The Columbia Valley has been beset by labour shortages for years, and losing 20 people from the local workforce this September — not to mention up to 100 by September 2030 (if things stay the same) –stands to make the situation more pronounced.

Crowe said there seems to be a “disconnect” in IRCC’s decision to make tourism and hospitality programs ineligible for the PGWP program, since “the tourism and hospitality sector is at or near the top of the list of industries having the most vacancies in the job market.” That shortage is often especially strong in resort communities such as Invermere “which struggle to find enough workers even without international students,” he noted.

The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce has “definitely heard concerns in several circles of the business community” about the impending loss of international students, chamber executive director Pete Bourke told the Pioneer. “It’s certainly going to leave a void.”

Crowe is hopeful the situation can be resolved. He noted the IRCC had made early childhood educator (ECE) programs ineligible for PGWPs. “But there is a huge ECE shortage right across Canada. So those in the sector rallied together, negotiated with IRCC and eventually (ECE programs) were put back on the (PGWP) eligibility list,” he explained.

Invermere chief administrative officer Dean McKinley pointed out that the same thing happened with nanny and caregiver programs.

“When IRCC’s caregiver programs unexpectedly ended in June 2024, it created substantial disruption for individuals, families, and communities relying heavily on these international workers. Upon being informed of the severity of the impacts, the federal government took corrective action, relaunching these caregiver pilot programs with enhanced flexibility and clearer pathways to permanent residency in March 2025,” explained McKinley.

Both Crowe and McKinley are hopeful a similar outcome is possible with hospitality and tourism programs.

“If we can demonstrate the labour market impact, there’s reason to believe the IRCC might reconsider their decision,” said Crowe. “IRCC does appear to be at least somewhat receptive, so there is hope. If our hospitality and tourism sector can come together and join with local, provincial and federal elected representatives, there is a potential to influence IRCC . . . we need to show how important international students are to the vibrancy of our local economy.”

Unfortunately all the back and forth on which programs are eli-

gible for PGWPs and which are not “has created a very confusing environment for international students looking at coming to Canada. Even in programs that are still eligible for PGWPs, enrolment of international students has dropped off because there’s confusion about it,” said Crowe. “It’s a competitive global market for international students. There are a lot of other countries they can go to and this uncertainty is, in some ways, damaging to ‘brand Canada’.”

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The College of the Rockies will be shuttering its hospitality program at the Invermere campus.

PHOTO JENNY HUBRECHT

OPINION

It’s ‘high’ time to get off ‘pot’

The proposed cannabis cultivation business on Grainger Road in Canal Flats will be another tough decision to make for village council.

Residents raised some valid concerns during the recent public hearing: the smell, proximity to a daycare operation (across the street), and the burden on existing water and sewer services. And although it’s an industrial lot, having a plethora of 40-foot-long shipping containers on site may not be pleasing to the eye. But aesthetics is not the key ingredient here, anyway.

Having a marijuana grow operation near a daycare centre is not ideal; to some folks it’s inappropriate. And what impact will the operation have on Canal Flats’ water and sewer utilities? The village is currently grappling with a governmentmandated need for a new water treatment plant.

But let’s look at the positives.

Canal Flats could sure use an injection of new commercial enterprises, and it can’t afford to come across as anti-business. It is reported the cannabis operation may lead to employment for up to 16 people. That’s a lot of jobs for a small community, and besides, you want to reduce red tape for investors, not create more of it.

Many people continue to frown at cultivating marijuana, particularly after seeing the proliferation of dispensaries on nearly every street corner. But these businesses are highly regulated, and don’t forget the medicinal side of the cannabis coin; it’s good for what ails you, so they say.

Perhaps some kind of buffer (trees or landscaping) could be established to enhance the aesthetics of the operation. However, like most new businesses, this enterprise will eventually blend in as part of the industrial neighbourhood, regardless of NIMBY (not in my backyard) attitudes.

A more detailed plan by the applicant would definitely help to answer more questions about the operation and its lasting impact on the village.

It’s ‘high’ time to ‘weed’ through the uncertainties here.

Lyonel Doherty, editor

Historical Lens

Agri-Park market awaits

Agri-Park is a farmers market, a place to meet local farmers and friends while listening to great music.

This is a market that has been operating since 2017. It is held on land owned by the Windermere District Farmers Institute, which is one of the oldest farmers institutes in BC, being originally incorporated in 1914.

The location is next to the Chamber of Commerce, #551 Cooper Road, Highway 93/95.

The Agri-Park Farmers Market is governed by the Windermere District Farmers Institute (not for profit). It is a member of the BC Association of Farmers Markets, who allocate the nutrition coupons.

care by hardworking British Columbians. Farmers markets aren’t just places to shop, they’re the heartbeat of our communities. They connect us to the land, to each other, and to the passionate growers and producers who make it possible for us to put nutritious, delicious, and sustainable food on our tables.

One of the greatest joys this time of year is to visit vibrant farmers markets, where you can fill your basket with fresh-picked produce, farmraised eggs, local meats and seafood, and handcrafted goods all grown, raised and created with

In a world of global uncertainty and rising costs — especially with ongoing U.S. tariffs — it has never been more important to Buy B.C. and invest in our local food systems. That’s why our government continues to fund the B.C. Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program with a $4.25 million investment this season. This vital program helps low-income families, seniors, and pregnant people across the province access fresh, local food, while also supporting our incredible network of farmers.

Anne Rose, market manager

Lyonel Doherty

Christina Boucher

PHOTO ALBERTO CASE/GETTY IMAGES

We’re living on plastic disaster planet

Thank you very much Amy, Kirsty, and Wildsight (Pioneer July 3) for enlightening this terrible nightmare of ever increasing plastic production and use.

We are wrapping this planet, earth, and water in plastic. I put resist [purchasing] in front of reduce, reuse, and recycle.

After about 2,000 letters on this topic to politicians throughout Canada over 25 years, I have yet to receive one reply. Governments have not made this a priority, which is irresponsible leadership. Even Invermere’s ‘leaders’ it seems have not made environment the priority. Several years of delay before banning just flimsy plastic bags. Three years of thinking, as they said, to allow

a few of us to recently have a sign made for the boat launch explaining why wake boats are so damaging. One past councillor reportedly said, paraphrased, that we have to satisfy everyone’s wants first; the environment has the least priority. What?!

I buy no plastic packaged groceries [save one dietary exception]. As a 45-year vegetarian, I shop at Bulk Barn for dry goods and only purchase vegetables that are not plastic wrapped, and some metal can or paper packaged items. Other plastic packaged wants are resisted.

It is sad and pathetic vanity that people carry reusable bags and then fill them with plastic packaged groceries [lame excuses are expected].

Most hardware and retail products are out of control [of tardy irresponsible governments] regarding plastic packaging, and do we have a choice to evade this?

Regretfully, with most people carrying on selfishly as usual, it must be strict government legislation to halt this ‘plastic disaster.’ But crippled slugs move faster!

Unnatural plastic, even if a pathetic amount is recycled, will all stay forever on this planet, even if at micro sizes.

We each have much more to abstain from in our spoiled lives. We five per cent have devastated so much of nature in only the last 150 years. Bill Ark, Invermere

Roadside workers deserve your attention

The real danger in roadside work zones isn’t the job. It’s our driving.

Picture your partner, your sibling, or your child working on the shoulder of a busy road as vehicles drive past, just inches away.

How confident would you feel that every driver would slow down? Not glance at their phone?

For thousands of roadside workers across BC, that’s their reality. And far too often it ends in tragedy.

That’s why Road Safety at Work’s Work Zone Safety campaign, supported by the Road Safety at Work Alliance, is urging drivers to slow down, stay alert, and respect all roadside safety signals and personnel. Everyone deserves to make it home safe: workers, drivers and their passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.

From 2015 to 2024 in BC, nine workers in roadside zones were killed and 267 injured. Each was someone’s partner, sibling, child, or best friend. Their injuries didn’t happen by chance. They were the result of poor driver decisions. They could have been prevented.

When we choose to speed, check our phones,

or ignore traffic signs and traffic control persons in work zones, we put lives in danger.

Minor delays or temporary detours are needed to ensure crews can do the work that keeps our communities functioning.

To show our appreciation, let’s give workers our patience and respect. They’re depending on us to do the right thing.

Whether it’s on a highway or a residential street, if someone’s working near traffic, it’s a work zone — even if there are no cones or flashing lights.

So, the next time you pass a roadside worker, think of someone you love. Then reduce your speed, move over if you can, ignore your phone, and focus on the road.

We each have the power to protect lives when we’re behind the wheel. Let’s use it.

Visit RoadSafetyAtWork.ca to learn how to drive safely through work zones.

Trace Acres, program director, Road Safety at Work

Road Safety at Work program director

Trace Acres.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The recent Columbia Valley Pride Festival in Pothole

was a colourful blast!

HUGE THANK YOU

to our sponsors, vendors and shout out to our amazing board members and volunteers, all of which made our

2025 Pride Festival

possible and the best one yet!

Valley Zipline Adventures

The Trading Post

Inside Edge

Avenue Clothing

Moving Mountains Hypnotherapy

Black Star Studios

Invermere McDonald’s

Radius Retreat

Wired By Nature

Pottery Playground

Park

PHOTOS ALEX CRAWFORD

Water committee completes report

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The Canal Flats Water Protection and Advisory Committee recently handed in its much-anticipated report.

Village councillors voted to hold off on approving the report until it could be discussed further during a committee of the whole meeting.

Canal Flats faces major upgrades to its water system, including a new treatment plant mandated by the provincial government. The issue has caught the attention of Canal Flats residents, who turned out in large numbers to several public information meetings held earlier this year. Many locals are firmly opposed to the idea of a new treatment plan, and even more so to chlorination of their water.

The village set up a committee of Canal Flats volunteers nearly a year ago to create a report on the situation, and to offer guidance to councillors.

That report came in to Canal Flats council during its June 23 meeting. The report outlined nine

major recommendations. These include enforcing existing bylaws (such as unsightly premise bylaws) to protect the village aquifer (from contamination from oil leaking from old vehicles, for instance); using bylaws and zoning to protect the aquifer from pesticides, chemicals, and dry and uncapped wells; raising water fees to better cover the cost of water system upgrades; to consider

“I don’t want this to happen exactly the same way the attainable housing society has gone. I want information.”

- Marie Delorme

setting up a water bottling business, accredited laboratory or water utility corporation to raise money to pay for water system upgrades; and upgrading water lines to meet fire flow regulations.

The recommendations also included better flood proofing of supply wells; upgrading the sewer system (and extending it to all of the village); deepening supply wells beyond 15 metres; and — most likely

to catch the interest of Canal Flats residents — to consider treating village water with a combination of UV and chlorine.

“Combining UV disinfection with chlorine can reduce the amount of chlorine needed, therefore reducing the chlorine taste. The community is generally not supportive of — with some individuals strongly opposed to — chlorinating the water, and if the village decides to chlorinate there will need to be more community engagement and plenty of transparent communication,” read the report. “This is the only action that, on its own, would mitigate all the risks identified in the Groundwater At Risk of Pathogens (GARP) report, but it is also the most contentious and one of the more costly actions recommended.”

At the June 23 meeting, Canal Flats resident (and former councillor) Marie Delorme raised objections to the recommendation of a water utility corporation.

“I would ask each councillor what the benefit of having a water corporation is . . . if you can’t answer that tonight, then I don’t think you should approve the report,” said De-

lorme. She further suggested the village schedule more public information sessions on the report.

“There’s a lot of things in here that need to be discussed in an open meeting,” she said. “I don’t want this to happen exactly the same way the attainable housing society has gone. I want information.”

Councillor Andrew Weitzel suggested tabling the report until it could be discussed in more detail at a committee of the whole meeting.

“This is just such a major issue for us and our town,” he said, adding it would be best “to have the entire committee here going through (the report) paragraph by paragraph so that we are . . . truly understanding why the recommendations are the way they are, (and) what the feasibility of some of these recommendations is.”

Other councillors agreed with Weitzel. Canal Flats interim chief administrative officer Sylvie Hoobanoff urged council to hold this committee meeting sooner rather than later, noting that “the engineers are waiting for this information . . . we want to get this (report) finalized as soon as possible.”

COLUMBIA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

OUT OF OFFICE…

Member Spotlight Auction

Bidding opens today – Thursday July 10th – and will continue until 8pm of July 24th. Bid early, bid often and set up outbid text notifications! We have an incredible array of businesses that are members of the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce, and we are excited to share some of what they do – we hope that you will find not only something new and surprising in the goods and services offered in this online auction, but also some familiar favourites!

You can see the whole lot (ha! See what I did there? Auction joke!) at https://www.32auctions.com/cvccmemberspotlight and keep an eye out for later additions; we will be putting items up as we receive them (so if you are a little late to the game, no worries, we still got you). We have a wide variety of goods and services already posted, everything from trips to gift certificates for your favourite businesses to services you might not have known about (Paper shredding? Lumber milling? Drone services?) As well as the online auction, we will be posting auction items on social media, and you can even take a look in person.

The Chamber of Commerce will have a table at Valley Appreciation Day (on Saturday July 19th) from 9am to 1pm where we will have the auction items on display IRL – come down, take a look, and see what incredible offerings our members have for you to peruse! With this huge selection of goods and services, you will be sure to find something that tickles your fancy!

Remember that you can see all our Chamber members on our online directory, upcoming events and there is a convenient link to the online auction as well on our website: cvchamber.ca

Thursday, July 10

• 10:30am-11:30am: Senior’s Fitness Columbia Valley Centre, $2 dropin.

• 11:30am-12:30pm: Little Lambs Baby Group. Radium Public Library. Stories, rhymes, and songs for babies and their caregivers! Every Thursday!

3:00pm-7:00pm: Summit Youth Hub in the Flats. Canal Flats Arena. Every Thursday all summer the Summit Youth Centre will be at the Canal Flats arena with the mobile skate park, games, and BBQ! Send your teens!

• 5:30pm-6:30pm: Learn to Crochet. Invermere Public Library. Wanting to learn some crochet skills? Drop-in to get help with projects or learn some basic skills! Some supplies available to use, but we suggest you bring your own if you’re able! Other makers welcome to join with any textile project they’re working on! All welcome! This program is suitable for children ages 8+ Children must be accompanied by an adult.

• 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, July 11

• 9:00am-11:00am: Tennis for Everyone. Rotary Ball Park and Tennis Courts. “Tennis for Everyone" - CV Mixed Doubles Tennis. Everyone is welcome!

10:30am-11:00pm: Pop-Up Storytime. Spiderweb Park. Join us for stories, songs and a craft at a fun new location each week! Geared towards preschool age, but all welcome to attend!

• 10:30am-11:00pm: Pop-Up Storytime. Kinsmen Beach. Join us for stories, songs and a craft at a fun new location each week! Geared towards preschool age, but all welcome to attend!

• 6:30pm - close: Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion! Members and guests welcome!

• Saturday, July 12

• 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, July 13

• 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, July 14

• 9:00pm-11:55pm: Movies in the Mountains: Summer Rental. Pothole Park. Movies in the Mountains returns to Downtown Invermere this summer! Every Monday evening in July and August, join the District of Invermere at Pothole Park for an exciting lineup of family-friendly movies under the stars. Concession available! Movies will start at dusk (between 9pm-11:30pm).

• 9:00am-11:00am: Tennis for Everyone. Rotary Ball Park and Tennis Courts. “Tennis for Everyone" - CV Mixed Doubles Tennis. Everyone is welcome!

• 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, July 15

• 10:30am-11:30am: Senior’s Fitness. Columbia Valley Centre, $2 drop-in.

• 11:00am-3:30pm: Invermere Summer Reading Club. Invermere Library. Each week’s theme will be inspired by a different colour! We will follow the order of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet). The 8th and last session will be “Rainbow Wrap Party”! We encourage you to wear the colour-of-the-week! Ages 5*-8 programming will run from 11:00am-12:30pm. Ages 9-12 programming will run

from 2:00pm-3:30pm. One-time registration is required. Once the registration form is filled out, you can drop-in to any session you’d like! Register online or stop by the library to fill out the form! Reading logs are available for pick-up at the Circulation desk at the library now!

• 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, July 16

• 6:00pm-8:30pm: Local Live Concert Series: Miles Canyon. Pothole Park. Locals Live Concert Series Returns to Pothole Park in Downtown Invermere! Invermere’s free summer concert series featuring incredible local talent! Join us every Wednesday evening in July and August 2025.

•

• 6:00pm-6:30pm: Bedtime Storytime. Invermere Library. Come in your PJs and join us for stories and songs before bedtime! Geared towards preschool age, but all welcome to attend!

• 9:00am-11:00am: Tennis for Everyone. Rotary Ball Park and Tennis Courts. “Tennis for Everyone" - CV Mixed Doubles Tennis. Everyone is welcome!

• 10:00am-11:00am: Senior's Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, $2 drop-in.

• 11:30am-12:00pm: Story Time. Radium Library. Join us for a story, songs and a craft! Geared towards preschool ages but all are welcome.

• 3:00pm-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

• 3:00pm-7:00pm: Summit Youth Centre in Edgewater. Frank’s Rink in Edgewater. Every Wednesday all summer long, find the Summit Youth Centre at the Frank's Rink in Edgewater. We have our mobile skate park, games, and BBQ! Bring your teens!

• 6:00pm-9:00pm: Wednesday Dinners & Meat Draw & 50/50 Invermere Legion. All welcome.

COLUMBIA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Invermere on the Lake

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Position: Utility Supervisor Department: Public Works & Operations

The District of Invermere has an opening for a Engineering Technologist position in the Public Works & Operations Department.

DESCRIPTION

Reporitng 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 partcipating 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 inputing 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 facilitiesEDUCATION

• 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 Collectve Agreement. The Utility Supervisor position is expected to work 40 hours per week Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

APPLY TODAY

This position will remain open untl 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.

Mosaic festival big artsy affair

Mountain Mosaic Festival of the Arts in Invermere.

PHOTOS STEVE HUBRECHT

The Steamboat Mountain Music Festival from July 4-6 featured many diverse talents.

Local

SILVER SPONSORS

Chopper’s Pet Supply

Elaine Shelstrom in Memory of Joan Shelstrom

Inside Edge Boutique & Sports

Lynn Askey Smokehouse 93

Mountain Ice

SILENT AUCTION DONORS

Alakoa (Jeanette Jackson)

Artym Gallery

Avenue Ladies Boutique

THANK YOU TO OUR FRIDAY PORCH PARTY HOSTS AND ARTISTS

Host: Hilltop Par 3 -- Featuring Maddisun

Host: Sonia Mahon -- Featuring The Lawrences

Host Lorie Jamieson -- Featuring Nikki V.

Host: Janet Foster Hoffert -- Featuring The O’Sullivans

Hosts: Christy & Kevin Olson – Featuring Ferdy Belland

Bavin Studios

Beeland Market & Coffee Shop

Bird’s Eye Boutique Black Star Studios

Bliss Beads (Sandra Beingessner)

Blooming World

Bosley’s Pet Supply

Brisco Wood Preservers Calgary Folk Music Festival Carm Haven Studios

Capri

Soles

Public Boutique James McElroy

Kootenay Coffee Works

Kootenay Hall of Frames

Kootenay River Runners La Galeria II

Zavits

Lori Lawrence

Olinger Midnight Rose Formulas

Edgewater Recreation Society

Edgewater Hall Volunteers Roxanne Wowdzia & Ted

Gosavi

Rainbow Donkey Clothing

Rising Sun Massage & Wellness

River Gems Gallery

Rocky Mountain Honey Farms

Rose Daugherty

Ryan T-Shirt Printing & Candy

She Shed Creations

Sheila Tansey

T HANKS TO THE PEOPLE OF EDGEWATER, who warmly welcomed everyone to our beautiful home town!

Royal Canadian Legion Branch #199 Pip’s Country Store Brisco Store

Shingleton

Royal Canadian Legion Branch #199

Vermillion Irrigation District

All Saints Church

The Staff of Pip’s Store

AND FINALLY, HEARTFELT THANKS TO OUR DOZENS OF FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS FOR GENERATING THE FESTIVAL, NEIGHBOURLY ENERGY THAT MAKES STEAMBOAT SUCH A JOYFUL EVENT!

PHOTOS CHERI HANN

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 July 23, 2025 at the RDEK office at 19 - 24 Ave S in Cranbrook, BC.

PERMIT NO. ADDRESS PARCEL ID # OF GUESTS APPLIED FOR

STR 56-25 4837 Ridge Crescent (Windermere)

013-026-097 8

STR 58-25 1211 Windermere Loop Road (Windermere) 027-764-273 4

STR 60-25 1059 Timberhill Place (Windermere) 011-900-504 10

STR 64-25 4808 Ridge Drive (Windermere) 012-947-881 10

STR 69-25 4615 Rowan Street (Windermere) 014-243-750 10

STR 75-25 4332 Teal Road (Dutch Creek) 012-055-590 8

STR 78-25 #16 – 4926 Timber Ridge Road (Windermere) 031-366-139 10

STR 79-25 4721 Copper Crescent (Windermere) 016-131-347 8

STR 80-25 6059 Columbia Lake Road (Fairmont) 013-227-386 6

STR 83-25 4892 Holland Close (Fairmont) 027-659-623 10

STR 86-25 #6 - 7981 Radium Golf Course Road (Radium) 007-412-428 7

STR 87-25 4943 Merlo Road (Windermere) 011-893-320 10

STR 90-25 #5 – 1886 Greywolf Drive (Panorama) 024-543-331 10

STR 93-25 2061 Summit Drive (Panorama) 013-152-807 10

STR 94-25 #8 – 1856 Greywolf Drive (Panorama) 025-412-604 9

STR 95-25 1949 Greywolf Drive (Panorama) 024-272-591 4

STR 96-25 4888 Sable Road (Fairmont) 011-718-498 8

STR 97-25 #41 – 4926 Timber Ridge Road (Windermere) 032-229-003 8

STR 100-25 973 Copper Point Way (Windermere) 027-005-089 10

STR 101-25 4964 Mountain Top Drive (Fairmont) 023-143-479 8

STR 104-25 4950 Mountain Side Place (Fairmont) 010-809-864 10

STR 107-25 1089 Scenic Place (Windermere) 026-267-209 6

STR 108-25 4362 Szabo Road (Spur Valley) 029-004-721 6

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 July 17, 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.

THE brand new TRANSFER STATION is NOW OPEN in RADIUM HOT SPRINGS

Load up your garbage and recycling, the Radium Transfer Station is now open for public use!

THE NEW RADIUM TRANSFER STATION OFFERS THE FOLLOWING RECYCLING SERVICES

• A full Recycle BC Depot

• Propane tanks and batteries recycling

• Household hazardous waste depot

• Used oil recycling

• Electronics recycling;

• Areas for the recycling of large household appliances

• Dedicated spots for the drop off of green waste, metals, and wood waste.

The Transfer station is located off of Forsters Landing Road in the Village of Radium Hot Springs, in an industrial area near the wastewater plant and Canfor log yard.

The addition of the Recycle BC Depot will mean that the variety of materials able to be recycled will greatly expand compared to the Yellow Bins.

THE RECYCLE BC CATEGORIES ARE SEPARATED BY

• Paper and cardboard products be sure to flatten cardboard boxes • Plastic and metal containers

• Glass containers

• Coloured/printed Styrofoam

• White Styrofoam • Flexible plastics

Extra staff will be on hand throughout the first weeks of the transfer station to provide information and assistance with our new site.

OPEN 8:30 AM TO 5:30 PM, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK. Closed

VFC presses Invermere council for help

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The local nonprofit Valley Fitness Centre (VFC) needs to grow and is seeking help from the District of Invermere to do so.

VFC executive director Teresa Rogal outlined her case during a recent committee of the whole meeting, noting they have been reaching out for municipal help creating a new centre (or at least expanding its current site) for more than a decade and a half, and that the needs of local residents the VFC serves have increased.

Rogal outlined the history of the VFC, which stretches back to 1987, and explained it has continually adapted its programs and service ever since to accommodate a growing membership (which currently fluctuates between 850 and 980 people, and includes every age demographic from teenagers to those in their 80s).

The need for a new centre was prompted by the physical constraints and limitation of the aging VFC building.

“Previous to (its) build in 2015, we requested inclusion in the Columbia Valley Community Centre project. While we were advised there might be potential in a ‘Phase 2,’ that phase never materialized,” explained Rogal in her presentation. She later added that after much lobbying the VFC was shown three potential land options by district officials, and in response the VFC commissioned a facility design for

one of those sites.

“While initial conversations were encouraging, no further action was taken. At a later meeting, when we inquired about next steps, we were told the land was no longer being considered for our use. This left our board and staff discouraged and without a clear path forward,” said Rogal.

More recently the VFC wanted to add a second floor to its current site (and install a fire escape), but building code changes meant the project would cost $1.65 million, instead of the initially projected $650,000, making the project financially unfeasible.

“At this point, we have exhausted every realistic option for expansion within our current space. Meanwhile, recreation centres in comparable communities—many of which are municipally funded—are thriving. These centres feature pools, courts, climbing walls, and modern fitness facilities, all built with accessibility and safety in mind. Invermere deserves the same,” outlined Rogal.

She concluded her presentation by saying the VFC is not just asking for land or financial support, but also to be more integrated into council’s long-term vision for Invermere.

“We are ready to collaborate— to bring forward solutions, funding ideas, and community support. But we need your leadership to make progress possible,” she said.

Later, speaking with the Pioneer, Rogal underscored her frustration,

explaining she’s been a VFC member for 23 years, and a board member for the nonprofit for 20 years.

She pointed out, as she had during her presentation to council, that the VFC helps fill a void in Invermere that in many other communities is filled by municipally funded recreation centres. Given that, she’s surprised that the district has not been more eager to donate a piece of land to build a new fitness centre on, or to otherwise help offset the cost of building one.

“It’s been 15 years of asking (the district),” she told the Pioneer “In that time, building costs for us to create a new centre have gone up dramatically. Maybe even about fourfold . . . the longer we wait, the more expensive it becomes . . . it starts to seem like a missed opportunity.”

Rogal pointed to the Lake Windermere Resort Lands purchased by the district in 2019.

“Right now that’s a huge piece of land just sitting there empty. We’re all paying extra taxes for it. Why not allocate a small portion of that for a new fitness centre?” she wondered.

When Rogal recently asked about building on the site of the old community hall, in the heart of

downtown Invermere (a property that has functioned as a large, open gravel parking lot for the past half decade) “I was told ‘that land is far too valuable’ (for a fitness centre),” she said.

She was surprised at this response. Fitness is not just recreation, it is also preventative health, she reasoned, adding that a community with good preventative health, fitness and recreation programs is a community that saves a lot of money down the line on more traditional health care costs.

“I know there are other important things in the valley, but the health of valley residents is also important,” said Rogal. “It’s hard not to feel disheartened. We (the VFC) get told we’re in their forefront of their minds, but it doesn’t feel that way … . . it feels like we get brushed away, and then brushed way, and then brushed away.”

Although Rogal didn’t get any promises of land or funding to build a new centre from Invermere councillors, they did ask for the facility design the VFC had commissioned years ago. Rogal plans to follow up and appear before council again in the fall.

Top right photo: Lake Windermere Resort Lands are one spot the VFC thinks could make a good home for a new fitness centre. PHOTOS STEVE AND JENNY HUBRECHT

Life’s a Canada Day parade in Invermere

Hordes of red-and-white clad residents and visitors braved hot temperatures and thronged Invermere’s main street on Tuesday, July 1 for the annual Canada Day parade. This year’s parade featured some of the most creative floats in years.

PHOTOS STEVE HUBRECHT

in the production and international marketing

Oxide, is accepting applications for a Heavy Equipment Technician for its open pit mine located near Radium Hot Springs, BC.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Inspecting haul trucks, bulldozers, excavators, graders, and other heavy construction equipment for proper performance, and inspect equipment to detect faults and malfunctions

• Diagnosing faults or malfunctions using computerized and other testing equipment to determine the extent of repair required

• Adjust equipment and repair or replace defective parts, components or systems using hand and power tools

• Testing repaired equipment for proper performance and to ensure that work meets manufacturers’ speciﬁcations

• Adjust equipment and repair or replace defective parts, components or systems using hand and power tools

• Clean, lubricate and perform other routine maintenance work on equipment

• Testing repaired equipment for proper performance and to ensure that work meets manufacturers’ speciﬁcations

• Service attachments and working tools such as blades, buckets & booms

• Mentor apprentice mechanics

• Clean, lubricate and perform other routine maintenance work on equipment

• Service attachments and working tools such as blades, buckets & booms

Qualiﬁcations & Skills

• Mentor apprentice mechanics

• Interprovincial Heavy Equipment Technician (HET) Certiﬁcation On/Oﬀ Road (Red Seal)

Qualiﬁcations & Skills

• Safety conscious

• Journeyperson (Red Seal) - 3 years’ experience preferred but not limited to.

• 3rd or 4th year apprentice may be considered

• Interprovincial Heavy Equipment Technician (HET) Certiﬁcation On/Oﬀ Road (Red Seal)

• Safety conscious

• Journeyperson (Red Seal) - 3 years’ experience preferred but not limited to.

Baymag provides an excellent work environment, a competitive compensation plan and an attractive beneﬁts package. Relocation allowance available. Hourly wage for this position is $49.31

• 3rd or 4th year apprentice may be considered

Please note that you must be able to relocate to the Radium Hot Springs, BC area.

Baymag provides an excellent work environment, a competitive compensation plan and an attractive beneﬁts package. Relocation allowance available. Hourly wage for this position is $49.31

Please send resumes to jobs@baymag.com Baymag thanks all applicants for their interest, however only those candidates under consideration will be contacted.

Please note that you must be able to relocate to the Radium Hot Springs, BC area

Please send resumes to jobs@baymag.com . Baymag thanks all applicants for their interest, however only those candidates under consideration will be contacted.

Baymag Inc., an industrial mineral company specializing in the production and international marketing of Magnesium Oxide, is accepting applications for a Heavy Equipment Technician for its open pit mine located near Radium Hot Springs, BC.

Baymag Inc., an industrial mineral company specializing

of Magnesium

Fun Day great way to welcome summer

BIG Book Sale coming

This week’s column was written by Lynda Tutty, president of Friends of Invermere Public Library.

The BIG Book Sale is the highlight of summer for book lovers! Seasoned patrons have marked their calendars, planned vacations around the event, and will be in line when the sale opens at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 2 in the parking lot adjacent to the Invermere Courthouse (645 – 7th Avenue).

The 18th annual BIG Book Sale features thousands of gently used books, sorted into 32 categories for adults and seven categories of kids’ books. The books were donated to the Friends of the Library by generous community members over the past year.

The Friends of the Library often receive old or collectible books that can be valuable and prized by book collectors. These books are carefully

researched to determine their value and priced accordingly. Be sure to visit the specialty books table to discover beautiful books like “Now We Are Six” by A.A. Milne, printed in 1961; or “Old Christmas” beautifully illustrated by Randolph Coldecot, published in 1903; or a 1917 first edition of “The Preacher of Cedar Mountain” by Earnst Thompson Seton. These historic documents are beautifully bound, embossed, illustrated and dated. One can only imagine who owned them, read them and treasured them.

As smiling customers arrive at the sale, volunteers direct them to their books of interest - popular authors, mystery, Canadian books, history, cookbooks, science, wellness and more. Books that are no more than five years old and in excellent condition are top picks, always customer favourites.

Books are priced at $2 for adult and teen books, $1 for kids’ books and $5 for top picks. At these bargain prices, many patrons stock up on their yearly reading material. All funds raised support Invermere Library programs and services.

Eileen Madson Primary School recently held its annual Fun Day with students enjoying facepainting, arts and crafts, cotton candy, a special visit from the fire department, and the super fun tug-o-war.

NOTICE OF SHORT-TERM RENTAL TEMPORARY USE PERMIT APPLICATIONS UNDER DISTRICT OF INVERMERE CONSIDERATION DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

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 (STU-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 DELEGATED AUTHORITY - JULY 15, 2025 at 10:00AM

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 July 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM. 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 250342-9281.

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. PO Box 339, 914 - 8th Ave, Invermere BC V0A 1K0 250-342-9281 info@invermere.net www.invermere.net

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Students finish school with Fun Run

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

Cheers to Crystal’s Creations for making & delivering such wonderful meals to this senior, making it possible to stay in my home longer!!

Cheers to the SD6 lawn crew that tackled the overgrown sidehill of long grass! Great job! Big thank to all the SD6 maintenance crew for all their behind-thescenes work!

CHEERS FOR SALE

Cheers to the Kinsmen Club for the great fireworks display.

Cheers to Chad Peterson at Running Wrench Automotive Services. I know I can depend on you to help me when I’m having car issues. Great service!

Cheers to Cheri and Ken. We appreciate your thoughtfulness. Your kind gesture shows what generous and selfless people you are.

Cheers to all staff at Rocky River Grill- obvious you like your jobs. Unannounced busload of 25+ visitors; most of them our language not theirs. They were welcomed, given excellent service, time was kindly given for explanations. My pleasure to hear you being fine, fine Valley Ambassadors. Well done.

Cheers to Richard at K5 for the excellent and prompt service you always provide with our vehicles and toys.

Cheers to Ozzie’s Amusements in Windermere. Excellent service, beautiful facilities, delicious waffle cones and gelato and fun night golf. So happy you are a part of our community!

Cheers to Keith Goodwin, the first Captain of the Columbia Valley Rockies, on your induction this year into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame. It has been a long time coming but definitely well deserved.

Cheers to Steamboat Mountain Music Festival Silent Auction Girls, Patricia D, Cydney D, Sandy O, Marlene K, Debbie B, Dianne C, Lori K, Wendy, H, Sharon P, and doing double duty Jeannette F. We couldn’t do it without your help.

Various pieces of furniture: Rattan Wicker Set, $1000 OBO

Coffee tables, $150 OBO Two IKEA Storage Shelf Units each divided into four sections. One unit has doors. $25 ea Assorted Garden Tools

$50 - $2.00 Call 647-702-6390 for info

For Sale

Hobie Islander, sailing kayak, complete with a like new trailer. Sail, paddle, or peddle. It has a dolly too. New stringing in 2024. Asking $5000.00. Call 236-505-7171 or 236-515-2159

SERVICES

K. B. Creations Handyman services, Renovations, Masonry, Plumbing, Drywall & Painting. Please call Kevin 250-688-2897

at Fairmont

In Loving Memory

William Paul Stewart

October 1, 1937 — June 23, 2025

William Paul Stewart, ladies’ man, mountain man, renaissance man, died June 23, 2025 at the age of 87. The women in his life were numerous. He particularly fancied smart women. Paul’s love for the ladies really begins and ends with Doreen, his wife of over 50 years and partner in crime. He joins her now in the afterlife. Together they lived a life full of adventure and romance, travelled the world and surrounded themselves with exceptional friends and family. With Doreen the consummate host, and Paul the life of the party the dynamic duo was a force to be reckoned with. They were free spirits to be sure, and in the earlier years could be spotted “streaking” down the ski runs at Sunshine Village in springtime or engaging in clothing optional Bridge games on the shores of Columbia Lake. Their passion for each other only grew stronger as the years passed. A testament to this, at the age of 70 Paul was being admitted to the hospital to begin his battle with cancer (a battle he won) and when the attending physician asked Paul if he was on any medication…. he replied matter-of-factly “Viagra”. Paul remains a Hero to two sons, Grant and Greg. And while their admiration was heartfelt, the two boys were undoubtedly responsible for Paul’s premature gray hair and his chronic pains in the backside. With that in mind, Paul could focus his love on the other ladies in his life. Grant’s incredible wife Tara and daughters Madeline and Kaitlyn, and the lovely ladies on Greg’s side, Jennifer and daughter’s Kya and Mae. Paul took great pride in exposing his granddaughters to nature, to love cold water swimming, to select a quality hammer and to just be thankful. Paul had a life-long love affair with the mountains, and they are the reason he left his home in Ontario to move West in 1970. He worked hard throughout his career in sales so he could play even harder. On weekends and holidays, he could inevitably be found hiking, biking, skiing, paddling, sailing or fishing….AND the quality of each experience could be aptly gauged by the volume of his yodeling. Powder days were deafening.

Over the years Paul assembled a crew of fearless adventurers to accompany him into the great unknown. While each backcountry adventure might be stretching today’s definition of “safe”, they always returned home…each time with bigger and better stories to regale their families, and as the stories grew larger with each telling, so too did their friendships. Paul was most proud that both Grant and Greg inherited his sense of adventure and passion for the outdoors and accompanied him on many adventures as well.

While on the outside Paul presents as a rugged beast of a human, just below the surface is a gentle, thoughtful, caring, compassionate man. He was a true gentleman in every sense. When not seeking adventure, he could be found tending to his garden in Fairmont Hot Springs, swirling paint around a blank canvas or listening to old jazz records. He was indeed a renaissance man. Paul played the stand-up acoustic bass and was in a band back in the days he was courting Doreen as a young man….you could just imagine…back when his hair was brown, wearing a black suit and sunglasses and belting out on the bass some classic jazz tunes….Doreen didn’t stand a chance. In the sunset of his musical career, Paul continued to play bass to the crowds at Columbia Garden Village where he resided, whipping the crowd into a frenzy to the very end. Paul’s passing leaves a hole in our hearts that cannot be filled.…to honour him please don’t send flowers…just get outside, immerse yourself in nature and when it feels right …let out the loudest yodel you can.

Because of his irrational fear that his family would throw him a golf-themed funeral despite his hatred for the sport, his family will hold a celebration of life free of any type of “theme” in September.

BOAT FOR SALE

OBITUARY

Vernon Sattmann

October 2, 1951 ~ June 16, 2025

More beautiful flowers in the valley

and happy father-in-law to Steph (Nelson). Vern held his role as BaBa with deep affection and joy, doting on his grandchildren: Corvid, Nova, Rupert, Oscar, and Hank.

Vern was always the life of the party, the master of poached eggs, and the keeper of quirky wisdom. His presence lifted the downtrodden and brightened every room. He was known for sharing croissants with his beloved dogs, effortlessly carving through rapids, and loving his family and friends with steadfast devotion. We will remember him for his adventurous spirit, his kindness, and the countless stories he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know and love him. A Celebration of Life will be held in the fall, where we will gather to share stories and honour this extraordinary man.

Jim Fisher

February 13, 1933 ~ July 5, 2025

Jim died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, after a short and challenging illness. Jim was an electrican by trade and taught high school electricity and electronics for more than 20 years.

He came to the valley 30 years ago from Ontario with his new bride, Maureen, and soon became an active member of the community. Jim was an avid runner. He completed 26 marathons, including qualifying for Boston at 70 years of age. He and Maureen started the Fast Trackers Running Club, where they made lifelong friends.

Jim began playing hockey with the Silvertips, where he made even more friends. Between hockey, running, golf and still using his Master’s electrician expertise, valley life fulfilled him.

His warm and engaging manner endeared him to many in the community. His wife, children and grandchildren will miss him dearly.

Jim had asked that you join his family for refreshments on Friday, July 11th, at 4:00 p.m. at the Invermere Legion. Please share the date.

What is a true Christian?

By Brent Woodard Windermere Valley Shared Ministry

I would like to reflect on the question, what is a Christian? Obviously, Christianity is not a monolithic religion. So there will be many different understandings of what it means to be a Christian. What would your answer be?

Is a Christian a person who has certain beliefs? Does a Christian have to have a particular understanding of who Jesus was? Is it a person who goes to church? Is it someone who has had some degree of internal transformation? Are there different levels of being Christian, just like there are different levels of playing a musical instrument? Are some people less mature in their understanding of being a Christian while other people are more mature?

tion of the U.S. government. They are trying the steer the country in directions that are questionable to other people, Christian and nonChristian alike.

The White House has created a task-force to root out anti-Christian bias in the U.S. government. Federal workers are invited to submit instances of “anti-Christian” discrimination. Submissions should include names, dates, and locations of offenders. Meanwhile, the administration ended USAID, one of the largest relief agencies in the world, which gave medicine to the sick and food to the hungry. The administration is making life harder for minorities and marginalized people. And now the administration has passed a budget that transfers wealth from the poor to the rich. Shouldn’t someone report the administration to itself for anti-Christian activity?

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

Is a Christian someone who acts a certain way? Do they love God and their neighbour as themselves? Is their neighbour a person like themselves, or is their neighbour an outsider? Does a Christian give food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, hospitality to the stranger, clothe the naked, take care of the sick, and visit the prisoner – like Jesus said to do in a parable?

Is a Christian someone who mirrors the indiscriminate love of God, the way Jesus described it? Jesus said God’s love is like the sun that shines on everyone and everything, and like the rain that falls on everyone and everything. God’s love does not discriminate. Is a Christian a person who loves like this?

I ask the question because self-identifying Christians are tightly involved in the administra-

When I listen to Bernie Sanders — who, if pressed, might describe himself as a secular Jew — I hear a vision rooted in values that echo the teachings of Jesus. Care for the poor, the sick, the planet; concern for income equality and the fair sharing of power. Sanders doesn’t identify as a Christian, but his values and way of living seems to be more reflective of Jesus.

To say it again, people who identify as Christian do not think in a single, uniform way. What is a Christian? One response is what Brian McLaren writes in his book Do I Stay Christian? – “In the end, the answer that really matters is not the one we give with our words, but the one we give with our lives.”

Jesus said something similar in Matthew 7: “You will know them by their fruits.”

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

The colour purple - A bee interacts with one of many flowers in the valley.

PHOTO SYD DANIS