Columbia Valley Pioneer, October 29, 2020

October 29, 2020 Vol. 17/Issue 44

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

The Columbia

FREE

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1 October 29, 2020

Valley

P ioneer HAPPY HALLOWEEN

PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

Cell: 250•341•1395 Toll Free: 1•888•258•9911

Serving the Upper Columbia Valley including Akisq’nuk and Shuswap First Nations, Spillimacheen, Brisco, Edgewater, Radium, Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats

DOUG CLOVECHOK REELECTED

3 BACKCOUNTRY ACCIDENT

5 ENCROACHMENT CALBERLY BEACH

10-11 ONLINE EXCLUSIVE • Safe celebrations this Halloween Members from Brisco Riding Club and their horses in costumes trotting from Pothole Park around Invermere in a loop past each of Invermere’s four senior care facilities as well the hospital’s acute care ward on Saturday, Oct. 24.

Photo by Steve Hubrecht

Visit our new website www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

When it's time to buy or sell call...

448$ PINE BAY

$1,498,900

Personal Real Estate Corporations

Connecting exceptional people with exceptional properties for 15+ Years - Thank you!

4899 MOUNTAIN VIEW DR MLS: 2454131

$685,000

LD SO

E R A R

MLS: 2436514

SEAN & PAUL ROGGEMAN

Connect with us :

Sean@rockieswest.com www.roggeman.ca

250-341-5445

WOW. Over 1.2 acres, Exquisite log home with spanning lake and mountain views. 4 beds, 4 baths, 26'x40' garage, hot tub, gorgeous kitchen, tile roofing, lake access...incredible value.

Ro ies West Realty Independently owned and operated

This 3 Bdrm, 3 Bath dream home in Fairmont Hot Springs sold for 98% of List Price in less than 2 months.

Congratulations to our sellers!

250-341-5300

2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 29, 2020 Highlights of the @LiveColumbiaValley Instagram account, brought to you by the Columbia Valley Community Economic Development Office, a service of the RDEK.

Bruno’s Plumbing Service Mike Sylvestre 250.342.5105 brunosplumbing@shaw.ca ~ We now service drains ~ Serving The Columbia Valley

ROSS‛S POOLS & SPAS

HIGHLIGHTS

Commercial – Residential Installation – Maintenance – Repairs

#ColumbiaValleyBC

Darren Ross Box 72, Canal Flats, B.C. V0B 1B0

Cell: 250-341-7727 • Fax: 1-778-523-2426 • poolman-911@hotmail.com

Need a quiet spot to focus? Check out the @loopphonebooths at the @invermerepubliclibrary! The Columbia Valley Community Literacy Planning Committee met to discuss their plan and share updates on their goals. This new, Canadian-made soundproof booth is perfect for invigilation, which the Library is seeing an increase demand for, as more people are taking exams remotely.

Serving the Columbia Valley since 1995

• ICBC Glass Express

• Shower Doors • Sealed Units

• Auto Glass • Deck and Replacement Hand Railings and Chip Repair Serving Residential and Commercial Clients

Part-time General Labourer The Successful candidate must have a valid drivers license, be willing to learn in a fast-paced environment, possess good customer service skills and be able to lift glass. May be required to work outside in any-and-all weather conditions.

Please apply with resume and drivers abstract online at: info@invermereglass.com or call the manager at 250-342-3659.

#3, 109 Industrial #2, Invermere B.C. 250-342-3659 • Fax: 250-342-3620

www.invermereglass.com

HELPING TO FULFILL YOUR DREAMS

What is almost the coolest root vegetable of them all? Radish.

What do you get when you cross a carrot with a radish? Cash.

Some investors are even getting into carrots now because they’re bullish on an early snowman season.

For those of you looking for a ready to eat, or ready to wear carrots, there is a bumper crop that’s made their way into local retailers, like @agvalleyfoods. It’s time now to make them into a hearty soup or stew!

Photos by Ryan Watmough

Welcome Newcomers to our Valley!

By CV Chamber

MAX FANDERL Facebook.com/flyingrealtormax

Rockies Realty Ltd.

Call 250-270-0396

Each office is independently owned and operated.

max.fanderl@century21.ca

MaxFanderl.com

250-342-0562 877-877-3889

www.eagleranchresort.com

The CV Chamber of Commerce and WeCONNECT have partnered together to launch Welcome CV, a volunteer program initiative introducing new valley residents, babies and businesses to our Valley.

Since Welcome Wagon officially closed its doors in May 2020, the area from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats has lacked this opportunity.

Welcome CV will contact various businesses to donate gift certificates, samples, coupons, etc. These items will make up a Welcome Package, which includes a community guide, attractions, calendar of events, volunteer opportunities and more. WeCONNECT clients will as-

semble the Welcome Packages and deliver them to new valley residents, babies and businesses.

WeCONNECT, a non-profit organization serving the Valley for more than 60 years, provides 24/7 support to residents at Mount Nelson Place. Through our Community Inclusion Program, Welcome CV will offer our clients with diverse abilities the opportunity to foster inclusion through social engagement.

Newcomers will hear about Welcome CV by CV Chamber social media, the Pioneer, word-of-mouth, and possibly posters on businesses’ doors. Sign up will be through a new website hosted by CV Chamber called welcomecv.ca

CLUBHOUSE OPEN!

CEL

EBRATING

INVERMERE’S BEST DINING Wednesday-Saturday, 12 to 8 pm Sunday, 11 am to 7 pm

YEARS 2000-2020

October 29, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS Incumbent Columbia River Revelstoke MLA reelected

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Incumbent Columbia River-Revelstoke Liberal MLA Doug Clovechok will be heading back to Victoria for a second term, following last weekend’s provincial election.

Clovechok is ahead in the preliminary riding results after voting day, and none of the candidates expect the counting of the Columbia River-Revelstoke’s 3,000 mailin ballots to change their fortunes much in the official results, which will be tabulated by Nov. 6. On voting day (Saturday, Oct. 24), Clovechok captured 5,770 (49 per cent) of ballots cast, NDP candidate Nicole Cherlet took 4,551 votes (38 per cent) and Green Party candidate Samson Boyer earned 1,546 votes (13 per cent).

Clovechok was quick to credit his volunteers, staff and family for the victory, saying, “It was a short, quick campaign, and I can’t underscore enough how much this is a team effort.” He cited his track record during his first term as MLA, which began in 2017, as the reason voters backed him a second time around. “The results were a demonstration of all the hard work we’ve done together...

People recognize that hard work,” Clovechok told the Pioneer, adding, “I’ve always taken the approach that I’m first and foremost the MLA for Columbia River-Revelstoke, not just a Liberal MLA, and when somebody walks into my constituency office, I help them no matter what their political affiliation... That has paid off in spades.”

He said that this speaks to the rural character of the riding, noting that “if you work for people in the riding, they get to know you... There are people in this riding that will say, ‘I don’t like your party, but I like you and the work you do for us’. People look at you, and they don’t see a politician. They see their neighbour.”

“I’m thrilled to be back. Obviously, I’m less thrilled with the provincial result (an NDP majority), but I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting back to work for Columbia-River Revelstoke,” added Clovechok.

Cherlet had much the opposite reaction when the Pioneer reached her after the election: happy with the province-wide result, less so the local one.

“Obviously we were hoping for better, and wanted to win the riding,” she told the Pioneer. “But I’m grateful to have a strong NDP government and am eager to see what bright ideas they bring forward. The past five weeks have been quite a wild ride. On a personal level, I’m looking forward to getting back to work on a munic-

ipal level (Cherlet is a city councillor in Revelstoke) and at my business.”

Asked reason why the NDP (which had held Columbia River-Revelstoke riding for three terms prior to Clovechok’s 2017 win) came up short here again, Cherlet credited Clovechok’s personal popularity here. “It’s also a lot easier to vote for somebody you know than somebody you don’t know, and when this election started, I was unknown on the other side of the riding [east of Rogers Pass],” she said, and indicated that B.C. NDP Premier John Horgan’s decision to hold a snap election in midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic was not well received here. “From the conversations, I’ve been having, a lot of people are stressed about the winter,” she said, alluding to how several communities in the riding, such as Revelstoke and Golden, typically see as much or more tourists in the winter as in the summer, and how the pandemic puts that at risk.

Doug Clovechok reelected as Columbia River-Revelstoke Liberal MLA Submitted photo Cherlet said she feels she’s managed to build a good relationship with voters in a short five weeks, and hinted she may try to build on that in future, saying, “I would love to give it another go next time.”

Boyer, for his part, was happy with both the local result and the provincial result.

“I don’t want to jinx it, because those mail-in ballots have not been counted yet. But if our vote percentage holds, it will be the best result in terms of vote percentage in Columbia River-Revelstoke,” he told the Pioneer.

“That would be great, because it would mean people are starting to see the Green Party as a viable alternative. That we’re not just a single issue party. And it may show that people are waking up to the looming disaster of a climate crisis... Provincially we (the Greens) picked up a seat in the Lower Mainland, which I don’t think anybody expected, and we came a close second in Nelson-Creston (riding). That’s fantastic.”

The 2020 election results for Columbia River Revelstoke bore no small similarity to those of the last provincial election, in which Clovechok got 6,600 votes (45.4 percent), NDP candidate Gerry Taft got 5,200 votes (36 per cent), and Boyer got 1,700 votes (11.7 percent).

Swing riding Prior to the 2017 election, more than a few political pundits counted Columbia-River Revelstoke as an NDP stronghold, arguing that since the riding was formed in 1991, the NDP has won the riding every time except in 2001 (when a deeply unpopular incumbent NDP government was obliterated down to just two seats in all of B.C.). Clovechok’s two victories in the past two elections, however, would seem to firmly entrench Columbia River-Revelstoke as a swing riding: one that has, in eight elections under its current boundaries, voted in the NDP five times and voted in the Liberals three times.

Popular MLAs The 2020 election also seems to have established Columbia River-Revelstoke as a riding that repeatedly votes in candidates it likes, regardless of party affiliation. Of the four MLA that has represented the riding since it was formed in 1991 — Clovechok, Norm Macdonald, Wendy McMahon and Jim Doyle — all except McMahon have been elected to multiple terms.

In power, then in opposition Another Columbia River-Revelstoke trend that remained firmly in place in this election is the riding’s history of voting in, for each of the past five elections, an opposition MLA, irrespective of party that candidate represents. Interestingly enough, this trend stands completely at odds with the riding’s track record of voting in only MLA that were members of the governing party is all elections prior to the past five.

We are continuing to work for you!

Realty Invermere Where Real Estate Happens ™

Where Real Estate Happens!

SCOTT WALLACE 250-342-5309

BERNIE RAVEN 250-342-7415

GEOFF HILL 250-341-7600

CHRIS RAVEN 250-409-9323

DORAN CAIN 250-342-1629

STEVE HENDERSON 250-341-5128

DAVE JENKINS 250-341-7344

1214 -7th Avenue, Invermere • Ph: 250-341-6044 • realestateinvermere.ca

JAN KLIMEK 250-342-1195

4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

RCMP Report

SECURITY Est. 2005

• • • •

Uniformed Guards Mobile Patrol Alarm Response Property Checks

www.valleyhawk.com

Licensed & Insured

250-688-HAWK

Invermere & Surrounding Areas

• • • •

Submitted by Sgt. Darren Kakuno Detachment Commander Columbia Valley RCMP

This past week, Oct. 19 through Oct. 25 the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 59 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

•On Oct. 21, at about 2:00 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of a Jeep Grand Cherokee sideswiping cars on 13 St. in Invermere. Police responded to the location and found the Jeep pinned between two vehicles and a building. Ambulance paramedics assessed the uninjured driver. The driver explained he went to push on the brake pedal and inadvertently pressed on the accelerator. The investigation is ongoing to determine if there were any vehicle deficiencies, which may have contributed to this incident.

•On Oct. 21, at about 5:00 p.m., officers attended a residence on Kananuk Road in Windermere to execute arrest warrants on a male. Upon their arrival, they witnessed the wanted man assaulting another individu-

OVER 13 MILES OF EXPERIENCE & MILLIONS OF FRUSTRATED INSECTS!

Manual and remote control awnings Retractable shade and insect screens Aluminum fencing Retractable screen doors for large openings • Storm Doors • Aluminum picket and Glass railing systems

Harold Hazelaar

www.hdrailings.ca

October 29, 2020

Ph 250.342.7656 sales@hdrailings.ca

al. The officers quickly arrested the man for assault, as well as for his outstanding arrest warrants. While executing the arrest, another male continued to interfere with police efforts and was arrested for obstruction. Both males were held in cells. The male who was arrested for obstruction was held until sober and released the following morning. The male arrested for assault and outstanding warrants was brought in front of a judge and released on conditions to attend court at a later date.

•On Oct. 22, police were called to a residence on Kootenay # 3 Road in Windermere for a male causing a disturbance. Police attended and arrested an adult male for mischief. The man was held in cells until sober.

•On Oct. 23, at 6:15 p.m., police received a report of a single-vehicle collision on Highway 93 in Kootenay National Park. While emergency crews were responding, the driver called the police and said he had received a ride into town and was uninjured. An officer attended the scene and located an Infiniti QX60 in the ditch. Arrangements were made to have the vehicle towed.

RDEK to examine short term rentals next year

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Bruce Dehart

• • • •

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has plans to address the issue of short term rentals (STR).

Owner-operated STR with guests staying in private residences, such as those offered through Airbnb and Vrbo, have exploded in popularity in the Columbia Valley in the past decade. As reported in the Sept. 17 issue of the Pioneer, the Village of Radium Hot Springs already has a draft bylaw dealing with STR, and the RDEK will likely start taking steps on the matter in a few months time.

“I expect the (RDEK) board (of directors) is going to get the development services department to start looking at that sometime in 2021,” said RDEK planning and development services manager Andrew McLeod, adding the board has already earmarked the issue as a priority that needs to be dealt with, although no official steps have been taken by RDEK staff. “It’s still on our to-do list,” added McLeod.

The staggering proliferation of STR in the Columbia Valley in recent years has created a few challenges, and

SEPTIC PUMPING DRAIN CLEANING SEWER CAMERA TOILET RENTALS

Just a reminder… The classified deadline is 12 noon Friday.

Prime Rib Sunday

9 a.m. til noon

3300

$

/person

Or dinner for 2 with a bottle of wine for

$

89

37 00

$

$

65 00

!

Breaksfast ~ W�kends Only

Every Sunday for just

Include Fondue feature a bottle includes cheese fondue and charcuterie of wine board for two.

W

5 p.m. - 10 p.m. daily

Scrumptious prime rib dinner. AA prime rib, yorkshire pudding, pan jus, horseradish cream, mashed potatoes and select vegetables.

Fondue Wednesday NE

Restaurant Open!

the RDEK does sometimes hear from concerned residents on the topic.

“Certainly we do on occasion receive complaints from the public about short term rentals,” said McLeod, adding the nature of these complaints usually centres around loud noise and parties, short-term rental users parking in the complainant’s driveway, or out-of-province users staying at short-term rental units during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Although the RDEK has not done any formal measures, a committee dealing with the issue was formed almost a year ago by RDEK Area F director Susan Clovechok. The committee was comprised of local citizens and property owners, including representatives from the Panorama Home Owners Association, the Fairmont Community Association, Columere Park, the Windermere Community Association and Fairmont Creek Vacation Management.

“It was a commitment that I made, to look at this issue, when I ran to become Area F director,” Clovechok told the Pioneer.

Continued on page 8

Wednesdays only!

Inspiration Night Taste of India This Thursday, October 29th and Friday, October 30th

Visit our Resort website for detailed information and pricing. Located at Copper Point Resort, 760 Cooper Road

Phone: 250-341-4002 • www.copperpointresort.com

October 29, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

Local skier dies in a freak backcountry accident

Ser

vin g th

e Co lumbia Va

year, but it more likely early in the season,” said Koppang, adding that Robertson Glacier is a popular early season destination for backcountry skiers, and that several other An Invermere man died last week in a freak backgroups had been in the area the day before the accident. country skiing accident in Kananaskis country.

Wendt worked as part of the local B.C. Wildfire SerKonan Wendt, a 40-year old Columbia Valley resivice Invermere crew (he was featured along with his feldent, was skiing with a group of three other skiers near low crew members in the Pioneer’s fire prevention feature the Robertson Glacier, when his skis bottomed out in the just four weeks ago) and for local heliski company Calow, early-season snow cover, and he pitched forward into nadian Mountain Holidays (CMH). Friends remember a rocky area, resulting in severe traumatic head and brain him as somebody who truly loved the great outdoors and injuries. Wendt was on low angled (i.e. a relatively flat) who was extremely cautious when it came to the risks terrain — ‘ski out’ of sorts — at the time of the accident associated with playing and working in the backcountry. and was not wearing a helmet. The accident was not an “Everyone in our group had 10+ years of experience avalanche incident. in the backcountry, worked in the field, had avalanche The incident occurred on Monday, Oct. 19. The skitraining, mountaineering experience, wilderness first ers all had plenty of backcountry skiing experience. As aid training, carried medical supplies, emergency supsoon and the incident occurred, Wendt’s skiing companplies, radios, inReach, etc.,” ions began administering wrote Wendt’s friend and first aid, called for emer“He passed in my arms... his helmet was in his fellow CMH employee Patgency rescue and cleared a backpack... I’ve had some terrible things happen rick Skelton in a Facebook landing site for a helicopter. over the years but this takes the cake for worst post after the accident. “We Alberta Parks’ Kananaskis went up the Robertson Gladay ever. It doesn’t even seem real yet.”

Public Safety (KPS) got the cier, and we were having a Patrick Skelton, Konan Wendt’s friend call for help at 2:30 p.m. great time. About 100 meand responded immediately, ters below the col, we desending staff and a helicopter. cided that we didn’t like the weather or the hazards. We “It was quite quick. The friends on the ground did an decided to play it safe, nerd out with a snow profile and excellent job providing care. They had everything ready skied down from there on low angle terrain.” and did everything they could to give their friend the best Skelton continued that once the group was down chance (of survival),” KPS public safety specialist Mike on the moraine, on “very low angle terrain,” Konan apKoppang told the Pioneer, adding that Wendt had been peared to catch an edge and went headfirst into a rock. transferred by helicopter to an ambulance waiting at the “We immediately had the inReach (a two-way sateltrailhead within an hour of the initial radio call. Unfortulite communication device) triggered. Made contact with nately, Wendt’s injuries were too severe, and according to Kananaskis Public Safety via the ACMG radio channel, the accounts of his ski companions, he had already died. and the heli(copter) was on the ground in 30 minutes.

“I can’t be 100 per cent sure, why he had taken his While they were getting to us, we stabilized him, built helmet off, but he was in a part of the area that is relaa stretcher with his split board and an emergency tarp. tively flat, with a few rollers. The subject was on a split We treated the wound, cleared his airway, started perboard, and it was flat enough that he was not snowboardforming CPR and stomped out a helicopter landing with ing anymore. He had moved it (the split board) into ski markers. Visibility was terrible, and I am humbled by the mode,” said Koppang. “It is not uncommon to pull your (fast) response time for Kananaskis Public Safety via Alhelmet off when the terrain is that flat. I’ve done it myself pine Helicopters,” wrote Skelton. “Unfortunately, there in the past.” was nothing that we or anyone else could (have) done, A KPS social media post that came out following short of him taking that fall in an ICU (intensive care the incident noted that snow cover in the area was about unit). When KPS landed, we tried an AED (automat10 to 30 centimetres deep at the treeline, too shallow to ed external defibrillator), but he had suffered a traumatic cover many of the rocks and much of the ground debris brain injury. He passed in my arms... his helmet was in in the area. The post also said that avalanche forecasters his backpack... I’ve had some terrible things happen over witnessed many loose dry avalanches off steep terrain, the years, but this takes the cake for worst day ever. It not running very far but still active, and that the consedoesn’t even seem real yet.” quences of being caught in even a small slid would result Skelton pleaded with other backcountry users to be in injury due to the lack of snow and the chance of a ride careful this season. “Wear your helmet. Take an avalanche over rocky terrain. course. Carry emergency supplies. Take a first aid course.

“The potential to hit a rock always exists, but it is I lost not just a friend but a man that changed my life and more likely earlier in the season, when there is not a big made me a better person,” he wrote. snowpack down low yet. It could happen any time of

UPCOMING EVENTS!

lle y

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Read Local Book Club Zoom November, 24 at 7:30 pm Freedom Libraries: The Untold Story of Libraries for African Americans in the South by Cranbrook’s Mike Selby Meet the author and discuss with others in the Kootenays.

Contact us for a copy of the book ASAP.

invermere.bc.libraries.coop

SE S A F CU E RE

NOW OPEN

LOWEST PRICES IN THE VALLEY!

MINI STORAGE

Boat & RV Storage

250-342-5414 • stor-edge.ca 4845 Hammond Ave. Edgewater, B.C.

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934

Local Government Assistance (Grant-in-Aid) Pursuant to section 176 of the Local Government Act, the District of Invermere has authority to provide financial assistance to community groups. Council invites applications for financial assistance in preparation of its 2021 budget. The total budget allocation for all grants is $10,000 and the maximum grant per applicant will be $1,500.

Those groups or organizations wishing to apply for financial assistance are requested to make written application before November 6, 2020.

Application forms are available at the Municipal Office or our website www.invermere.net

Seized Vehicle Auction Motorhome For Sale

The following vehicle is being sold by auction under the Warehouse Lien Act by Chuck Newhouse Builders Ltd., DBA Newhouse Storage.

Vehicle: 1989 General Coach Corsair Sovereign Motorhome, VIN: GKMD54J2K8010991 Debtor: Michael James Kicksee Amount of debt: in excess of $4,550 Time of Sale: Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 1 pm Place: Newhouse Storage RV Lot, 1308 Industrial Rd. #1, Invermere

Local wildfire fighter Konan Wendt died on Monday, Oct. 19 in a freak accident while backcountry skiing at the Robertson Glacier (shown here) in Kananaskis Country.

Submitted photo

Notes: Gate will be open 1 hour before the auction for viewing.

Payment by cash, bank draft, or e-transfer.

Minimum bid $1,800. Sold in “AS IS” condition.

Vehicle must be removed from the storage yard within 5 days.

6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

PERSPECTIVE

What would it take?

October 29, 2020

Historical Lens

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com This year, more British Columbians have voted at the advance poll compared with in any other elections in the province in any previous year.

Elections BC says that 681,055 ballots were handed out over the seven days of advance polls this year, which was one day longer than in previous elections. For our Columbia River – Revelstoke riding, the total of advance ballots was 6,662, out of 26,166 registered voters.

In 2017, a total of 599,225 votes were cast at advanced stations. That was 220,000 more than in 2013.

This year, the advance polls increased by 81,830 voters.

In total, 724,279 British Columbians asked for a Vote-by-Mail package. In our riding, this number was 3019 Vote-by-Mail Package.

The initial count of valid votes on election day in our riding was 11,867. 11,867 of the 26,166 registered voters. That is just a bit more than 45 per cent of eligible voters. What does that mean? Less than half of our riding participated in this provincial election. And only 22 per cent of that preliminary count voted for our newly re-elected MLA Doug Clovechok. Less than a quarter, that is not much.

We are quite lucky in Canada. During the federal election of last year, 96.4 per cent of Canadian voters were automatically listed. You can guarantee your name on the list by checking a box on your income tax return.

In the U.S., voters must register themselves, and the way to do so is different in every state. It sounds more complicated, and it is.

This year, we had seven advance voting days. Advance polls opened on Oct. 15 and closed on Oct. 21.

One more day than the previous election, and it turns out, once again, a popular manner of voting during this election. We might also see a more extended advance voting period for the next federal election than in the previous federal election, in which four days allowed for this. This past month, Elections Canada proposed a twoday poll to be held during the weekend, just as this past provincial election day was held on a Saturday instead of the usual weekday.

Two advance locations were available for advance poll in the Columbia Valley. Was it enough?

We have one of the easiest ways to register to vote; we have a longer period of time to do so; we can vote by mail; we have more and more places to vote on election day by advance poll. All of that isn’t perfect. But what would it take to raise the number of people who exercise their right and actually go vote?

Johnson and his experimental farm Jim Johnson standing beside his home on Grand Drive, now named 10th ave.

Photo C2287, 1935, courtesy Windermere District Historical Society

How environmentally friendly is it?

Dear Editor: There is a proposal on the table for a water bottling facility to be built in Canal Flats. At first glance, it may seem like a good idea for jobs. The slick advertising on the company’s website about how environmentally sensitive they are by using aluminum containers instead of single-use plastic bottles makes it sound good.

My question is: how environmentally friendly is it to produce a product for a market that is entirely unnecessary? Bottled water is, for virtually all of us in Canada, a very expensive, unnecessary alternative to tap water. Contrary to what the industry would have us believe, tap water is safer and far more regularly tested by government regulators than is bottled water. Bottled water companies try hard to undermine public confidence in tap water, but the federal government requires far more rigorous and frequent testing and monitoring of municipal drinking water than of bottled water.

The making of aluminum cans, even if they are all recycled (which they all won’t be because humans are not perfect), involves the mining of bauxite ore, which is environmentally destructive, and the process of making aluminum is energy-intensive. Yes, single-use plastics are destroying our planet, but aluminum cans or bottles for water are not the answer when we don’t need water in cans or bottles in the first place. We can

fill our own reusable bottle with tap water for excursions and trips.

The extraction of water from any Canadian source is taking a shared public resource and selling it for huge profits. The companies pay fractions of a penny per litre that they sell.

All water sources are under threat from increasing commercial uses, growing populations, and drought-inducing climate change. Extracting groundwater has led to water shortages in communities around the world.

Scientists tell us that here in B.C. we can expect a wide-ranging change in wetlands and aquatic ecosystems because of warmer water and changes in hydrology related to decreased snowpack and shrinking glaciers. (A New Climate for Conservation, Dr. Jim Pojar) Without clear knowledge of the repercussions of groundwater extraction, we should not be contemplating granting licenses for this type of corporate control over our water. Many places have put moratoriums on groundwater extraction for water bottling, and I would encourage everyone to talk to their elected provincial and federal representatives about this if you care about our freshwater. All life depends on clean water. It is time to value our natural capital for what it is: life-sustaining and NOT for sale.

Taoya Schaefer, Invermere

Pioneer The Columbia Valley

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

is independently owned and operated, published weekly by Robert W. Doull, President and Publisher, Misko Publishing Limited Partnership.

Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Ave., Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

Phone: 250-341-6299 | Toll Free (866) 496-8047 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com | www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

‘The Nefarious’ Amanda Nason Position: Kingpin Extraordinaire

Camille ‘Smiley’ Aubin Position: Editorial Racket

The ‘Slingshot’ Steve Hubrech Position: Magazine Muscle

Breanne ‘With a Twist’ Massey Position: Content Launderer

James ‘Money Bags’ Rose Position: God Cop/Bad Cop

‘The Big Show’ Emily Rawbon Position: Graphic Gunner

Amanda ‘Machine Gun Ma’ Murray Position: Bad-Ass Bookie

The Columbia Valley Pioneer is available free of charge at 13 essential businesses in the Upper Columbia Valley, limited to one copy per reader.

This publication has been made possible, in part, by the Government of Canada and the support of our advertisers and is published every Thursday. The Columbia Valley Pioneer may be distributed only by its authorized contractors and employees. No person may, without the prior written consent of The Pioneer or its Publisher, take more than one copy of each issue of The Pioneer. The content is protected by copyright. Reproduction by any means is prohibited except with the permission of the Publisher.

October 29, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

Kate Gibbs elected as Director of Inclusion BC

with her, “It’s really exciting. I have trouble wrapping my head around, but I can’t believe that I get to be on this board.

That’s big! I’ve always wanted to do this Inclusion BC is a non-profit provin- sort of work and help people with diverse cial organization that advocates for the abilities with others, and give back!” rights and opportunities of people with The first year on board for Kate will intellectual disabilities and their families. involve a lot of reading about Inclusion The organization provides advocacy, edu- BC, observing and learning regarding cation and support where and when need- her new role. But she has some imported. ant goals that she would like to achieve Kate Gibbs, well known locally in with her new position. Kate’s long-term Invermere, was recently elected on the goal is to do something in education beBoard of Directors. You might have seen cause, for her, it is the first step towards her testing with a wheelchair the accessi- any improvement, “In highschools, you bility of businesses and public places in learn about all the minority groups, but town for locals and tourists who may have you don’t learn disability. It’s not really mobility challenges. To know more about talked about in schools, and I want to do this project, visit www.cvchamber.ca/ac- something about that.” cess-the-valley-about-us/.

Kate is also working on her company named Count Me In, with her business partner Crisanna MacLeod, for future projects that they will operate in our valley.

She’s a person of words. Kate is already accomplishing her goal by managing another project called Dare to be Different. She will teach lessons on accessibility and inclusion for schools and businesses.

Her strength: positivism. She wants changes in a positive manner. “When I was little, I’ve always been told that my job, as a person with diverse abilities, was to advocate for myself and that word kind of scared me a little bit because it sounds negative. But then, I went to college, and I learned more about advocacy. I’ve been Kate Gibbs recently elected on the Board of Directors writing letters of support for of Inclusion BC. Submitted photo people, and I learned that there is a positive way you can advocate that doesn’t involve, you know, She received a surprising call from shaming anybody or getting mad because Bendina Miller, also on the Board of Di- business isn’t accessible... You can work rectors, telling her that she was selected with people.” to be part of Inclusion BC. Kate accepted Kate wanted to make sure that famthe invitation without hesitation, passed ilies, friends and all of her supporters in the interview and tests, and waited for the Invermere know how thankful she is for board to make their final decision. the continuous support!

Kate sounded remarkably thrilled To learn more about Inclusion BC, about her new role when the Pioneer spoke visit https://inclusionbc.org/.

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com

We want to hear from you Email your letters to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com or visit our website at www. columbiavalleypioneer.com. Mail your letters to Box 868, Invermere, V0A 1K0, or drop them in at #8 1008-8th Avenue. Letters to the editor should be sent only to The Pioneer, and not to other publications. We do not publish open letters or third-party

letters. Letters for publication should be no longer than 400 words, and must include the writer’s address and phone numbers.

No attachments, please. Letters may be shortened for space requirements. We reserve the right to edit for space, clarity, civility and accuracy. Opinions expressed are those of the writer, not The Pioneer.

Remember

Join

Give

Wear a poppy in Remembrance and please support the 2020 Poppy Campaign Windermere District Branch 71

Edgewater Branch 199

The Invermere Medical Clinic is pleased to offer an evening Flu vaccination clinic to our community.

Wednesday, November 4th Please call 250-342-9206 to book appointments for you and your family.

Join our virtual annual general meeting Monday, November 9, 2020 6:00 pm PT / 7:00 pm MT This year it’s easier than ever to attend our AGM. Log on from anywhere and be a part of it. Everyone is welcome.

Register at www.kscu.com/aboutus/AGM by November 4th.

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 29, 2020 Continued ‘‘RDEK to examine STR’ from page 4

2020 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at 6:00pm The AGM will be held virtually.

Please email: Panorama.Foundation@panoramaresort.com for meeting information or for funding applications.

GREAT GAS

GIVEAWAY

New art installation in Canal Flats

This week’s winner is…

By James Rose james@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Bill Lepla

All winners of a hundred and twenty dollars of fuel each.

Many, many more draws to follow right till the end of 2020.

RO

S SR OAD

MA

S

C

“The ad hoc committee was something I wanted to do to help the issue along.”

The committee ended up meeting twice, once in December 2019 and once in February 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, putting an end to the meetings. A summary of the committee’s meeting was submitted to the RDEK in August. Some of the challenges associated with STR that the committee identified include absentee owners, no on-site management/contact to deal with problem guests, negative impact on commercial accommodators and the lack of a “level playing field” between commercial accommodators and short term rental operators, potential for tax evasion, parking off property or on other people’s property, and changing the feel of a neighbourhood or sense of community in an area. Potential solutions discussed included zoning, restricting the number of STR in a neighbourhood or creating a basic guide for operating a short term rental.

During the February meeting, Clovechok relayed that RDEK staff had suggested zoning may not be an ideal way to deal with STR, since zoning stays with a

property in perpetuity, and that temporary use permits may be a good alternative tool to regulate STR, as such permits need to be renewed and could be revoked.

Clovechok and Fairmont Creek Vacation Management co-owner Beck Green drafted a list of potential regulations for the RDEK to consider in developing a policy related to STR. These included that a manager or contact for each rental be maximum 20 minutes away to respond to neighbourhood complaints, that neighbours of rental be given that contact’s name and numbers, that parking be contained within the property of the rental and not spill out on the street, that guests be limited to two per bedroom (expect infants and toddlers), that short term rental owners pay applicable taxes, that safety standards are assured, and that there be a mandatory quiet time (from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. for instance). Other potential regulations were that temporary use permits for a shortterm rental be revokable any time due to non-compliance, that short term rental not be permitted within two kilometres of commercial accommodators, and that short term rental owners must show evidence of proper homeowner insurance specifically allowing for STR.

RKET

FREE BEREAVEMENT TRAINING How to Help Someone Who Is Grieving Do you know what to do or what to say? Learn how to understand and support a person who is grieving.

The Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley is offering a FREE Bereavement training, starting Friday, November 6th, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Saturday November 7th, and Sunday November 8th, from 10 am until 4:30 pm. This course is open to anyone wanting to explore more about the grieving process.

People who are interested in registering must contact the Hospice Office at 778-526-5143 on or before Friday, October 30th. COVID-19 precautions will be applied.

www.hospicesocietycv.com

Council for the Village of Canal Flats held on Oct. 13 the first of two October regular meetings. Council received the final report on the Willow Ave. and Grainger Road repair. Over the summer, a contract was awarded through public tender to Cranbrook based Border Holdings Ltd. to reconstruct the Willow Avenue road surface and repair a portion of Grainger Road. The work is now complete, and the final expenditures are $188,805 lower than what was initially budgeted through engineering.

Seven motions were discussed by council and village staff for the majority of the meeting. Staff recommended to council awarding the window repair and replacement project for the Columbia Discovery Centre to City Glass & Windshield Shop Ltd at the cost of $16,731.52. The Columbia Basin Trust Energy Sustainability Grant and the Village of Canal Flats are funding a $62,500 project to install solar panels and repair the windows at the Columbia Discovery Centre. Council previously awarded the solar panel project to Solar Country Energy Ltd in the amount of $38,742.00. This leaves $23,758.00 of the funding to replace and repair the windows. The motion was approved. Councillors asked for more information on quotes from three separate companies to better determine what quote best served the needs of the village.

The next motion involved whether council would have an in-person meeting in the village civic centre coinciding with the provincial election. The motion was defeated. The idea to reconnect with the community, Councillor Doug McCutcheon’s initial aim wasn’t discounted. But the priority for health and wellness took priority. Council decided in-person meetings won’t occur until at least April.

Council passed a motion to award Cranbrook based artist Paul Reimer a $20,000 (plus tax) contract for a public art installation as part of the village’s efforts to beautify its central commercial core. The $30,000 art

project is 80% funded by the Columbia Basin Trust with the remainder funded by the village. It will be located in Portage Square. Reimer’s proposal included the following description of how he came up with his design: “This hand-forged steel sculpture is an invitation to the people of Canal Flats to move towards a future that is full of promise. ‘The Portal’ encourages people to ‘come into’ the art – to become a part of it. Their presence and interaction enhances the art and adds to its vitality, just as each individual in Canal Flats is a vital part of the community. Passing through the sculpture mirrors our journey through time and inspires us to contribute to and become part of the future of Canal Flats – to build a community that is not only prosperous, but ultimately livable.”

Staff recommended that council formally adopt the “Shore to Shore Pathway” name for the walking and cycling pathway planned to extend between the Kootenay River and Columbia Lake. The motion was passed.

As was the case in the last council meeting, a motion to issue a development variance permit was defeated. Six letters of opposition were sent to council from neighbours to the applicants of the development variance. Councillor Delorme said she had never in her experience in town council seen such opposition. The applicants wished to reduce an interior side yard setbacks for the construction of a building for their construction business.

Next, it was recommended that staff submit an application for grant funding for replacement of Canal Flats’ Lift Station #1 through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – Rural and Northern Communities; and that, council supports the project and commits to pay the project cost overruns, if any. The motion passed.

The final motion considered was the staff’s recommendation for council to approve the application to the Union of BC Municipalities Community Resiliency Investment Program 2021 Community FireSmart Funding & Supports Program for $89,950. It passed.

...to our community for your support of the in the Columbia Valley in 2020

Thank You! Arts

& safe !

Stay tuned as we work to bring you some great programs in 2021 This space sponsored by

connect with us @columbiavalleyarts N E W S PA P E R

& www.columbiavalleyarts.com

October 29, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

LOCATED IN FRONT OF CANADIAN TIRE

OUR PRICES VALID: Oct. 29 - Nov. 4 ALL OFFERS SUBJECT TO INVENTORY AVAILABILITY

HALLOWEEN Party Headquarters ODIN GALACTIC SPACE DRAGON IPA

BUDWEISER

CORONA

$11.99

$10.99

$25.99

6 CANS

8 CANS

12 BOTTLES

+tax +deposit

+tax +deposit

Save $3.00

+tax +deposit

Save $3.50

THE FAMOUS GROUSE

Save $2.00

NELSON

SMIRNOFF

• SCOTCH

• HARVEST MOON

• VODKA

$25.99

$13.99

$21.99

750 ml

6 CANS

750 ml

+tax +deposit

+tax +deposit

Save $5.00

Save $1.00

RAVEN CONSPIRACY

+tax +deposit

Save $4.30

OKANAGAN

FALLEN TIMBER

• RED BLEND

• CIDER MIXER

• MEADJITO

$9.99

$19.99

$16.99

750 ml

12 CANS

4 CANS

+tax +deposit

Save $7.00

+tax +deposit

Save $2.00

+tax +deposit

Save $1.30

OPEN 9AM-11PM EVERY DAY 470 SARAH ROAD, INVERMERE • 778-526-2653 (COLD) INVERMERELIQUORSTORE@GMAIL.COM

Have something to say? Letters to the editor can be e-mailed to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

BC LOTTERY CENTRE

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 29, 2020

Remedy for illegal public land encroachment at Calberly Beach

DISTRICT DISTRICT OF OF INVERMERE INVERMERE

914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934

NOTICE

FOR EXPIRED BUILDING PERMITS At the October 13, 2020 meeting of Council, policy 2020 – 04, Closing of lapsed building permits was adopted.

The policy effects all expired building permits that were issued prior to January 1, 2017.

More information can be found on the Districts web site, www.invermere.net

Little Badgers Early Learning Center has spaces available for After School Care.

Busing available from Windermere Elementary School. Kindergarten to Grade 6.

Please contact Evy or Carrie at 250-342-6331 or little.badger.windermere@gmail.com

There’s a reason they’re called “CLASSY”. Pioneer Classifieds…

N E W S PA P E R

Phone: 250-341-6299 • info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Skier’s Left

by James Rose

On Lake Windermere’s eastern shoreline, nestled between Terra Vista and Akiskinook, there is the small community of Calberly Beach. Calbery’s beach is sandy and shallow. It’s spectacular. On the entire eastern side of the lake, sandy beaches with sandy, weed free lake bottoms occur only in select locations: Indian Beach, Windermere, Ya Ko Naki, Akiskinook, Calberly, Terra Vista, Baltac Bay, and Timber Ridge. Only three of the eight, Calberly, Windermere and Baltac Bay, provide upland public access to the lakeshore. The rest are adjacent to private property, restricting public access.

To arrive at Calberly Beach, you turn off the main highway at about the Centex gas station and onto a road called Highway Drive. This road runs east to west. The Calberly community is located at the west end of this road. Before reaching the road’s terminus, you drive past Stoddart Avenue running north-south. Calberly Beach a dense community. It’s old Windermere. It was first developed something like seventy years ago. There are upland and lakefront lots. The lakefront has nine lots. The lakefront homes are big and beautiful. Worth millions.

The original developer of Calberly included a northsouth running public right of way that extends from one end of Calberly beach to the other. It’s about 600 feet long, 70 feet wide. For reasons unknown, the developer named the right of way “Boulevard” and it is owned presently by B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI). The Boulevard is directly in front of the nine lakefront properties. It is in between the lake

and the subdivision, zoned R-1.

The paved portion of Highway Drive ends at an intersection. From the intersection, you can turn left or right onto another paved road that is also called Highway Drive. Or, you can continue down an unpaved pathway wide enough to fit a standard vehicle. This unpaved pathway is the public access to the lakeshore. Once you get to the end of this pathway, you can continue travelling west so long as you don’t mind getting wet.

The chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken. Slowly but surely, through the decades and years, there has been a gradual encroachment committed by the nine lakefront property owners onto the Boulevard. Today, the encroachment is so pronounced that if you were to go to Calberly Beach, you would not know that the manicured lawns, retaining walls, beach staircases, designer landscapes of the nine lots are, in fact, on the Boulevard. And not just a sliver of encroachment. More than 80% of the Boulevard. It used to be worse. In recent years, a pump house, boathouses, boat lifts, and docks have been removed as an attempt to reduce encroachment.

In other words, what looks like a private property is actually my property, your property and the property of the rest of B.C.’s five million-odd residents. Encroachment is against the law, and of course, the MoTI knows this. At this late stage in the game, if you’re Lindsey McKinnon, Senior Development Services Manager at the MoTI, you have one of two choices to remedy: encourage an application to the MoTI from the encroachers to close portions of the road; or force the removal of the land improvements and return the land to the way it once was.

Continued on page 11

Location:

Lake Windermere Public and Resort Lands

OPEN HOUSE

Date: Tuesday, November 3rd Time: 2:30 – 5:30 pm

(please RSVP for a 45 minute time slot)

Join the Conversation.

The Open House will focus on sharing a revised concept plan for the future redevelopment of the former Lake Windermere Resort Lands and Lake Windermere Waterfront based on Council and community consultation. Guests can also take part in a self-guided site tour using support materials.

The District of Invermere are providing an update on the Athalmer Neighbourhood Plan.

Covid-19 Protocols

Neighbourhood Plan

•

RSVP to register for a time slot to ensure capacity of 50 attendees at a time is followed. Please see below for RSVP Details.

•

Wear a mask. If • you do not have a mask, one will be provided for you upon entry.

Maintain a physical • distance of at least 2 meters from those outside your household or cohort.

Use on-site sanitization products upon entry and as necessary.

To RSVP, please contact:

Cortney Pitts

250.342.9281

ext. 1232

events@invermere.net

If you are unable to attend, please visit the website starting November 3rd to get involved. The same information shared at the in-person open house will be posted to the website at that time, as well as a corresponding survey.

www.invermere.net/athalmer-neighbourhood-plan/

October 29, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

Continued ‘Calberly Beach’ from page 10 Currently, there is an application from the nine lakefront lot owners working its way through the system.

Right now, it’s in the referral stage, as it’s known. If approved, the proposal will consolidate the closed portions of the Boulevard with the adjoining upland private residential properties. The land added to each lot, formerly Boulevard land, would be purchased from the MoTI at a market value determined by a certified appraiser. It’s a long process for how an application like this works its way through the system.

But there will come a time, likely in November, when the RDEK Board of Directors will decide whether they support the application. The RDEK Board takes into consideration the opinions of a variety of advisory committees. It’s why, after I sought comment from Area F Director Susan Clovechok, she said: “At this time it is not appropriate for me to discuss this application as the MoTI Referral has not yet come before the RDEK Board of Directors and as such I am still gathering information that will assist me making an informed decision.”

If the RDEK Board wishes to support the application, the application will then face public scrutiny. That’s when you will see “Disposition of Land” type notices in the Pioneer. There will be a clearly communicated time when the public will be asked for their stance on the application. We’re just not there yet. Not until sometime in 2021 will the application have a chance to reach the public. The application could die on the vine before that point.

Already there is confusion in the Columbia Valley about what’s at stake with the application.

Last week, the Pioneer received an anonymous tip that the application threatened the closure of the shoreline public access. The unnamed person suggested I speak with long time valley resident Hermann Mauthner about the ordeal. Mauthner sits as a volunteer on the RDEK

Photo by James Rose Area G Advisory Committee. His committee’s members, along with one representing Area F, were appointed by the Area Directors. They’ve been asked by the RDEK Board to give their opinion.

Mauthner is staunchly opposed to the application.

He believes that the Boulevard should remain as public land. In a Sept. 22 letter to the Directors of the RDEK, Mauthner wrote: “I’m strongly opposed to have this property sold to private interests. But I am in great favour for a public recreation site that would create jobs now and in the future.”

Mauthner also believes that if the application were to succeed, there would be newly restricted access for the public to the shoreline. No longer would anyone be able to access the shoreline at Calberly without trespassing.

Representing as an agent for several of the nine lake-

front owners is Richard Haworth of Haworth Development Consulting. I called him to clarify exactly the intention of the application. Haworth said it isn’t true that the application, if successful, would close shoreline access.

“Lindsay McKinnon made it very clear that this application would be a non-starter if the aim was to close public access to the shoreline,” he said. The RDEK Official Community Plan states that development along the foreshore should respect the public’s right to access it.

In the final week before the snap provincial election, I tried speaking with McKinnon at the MoTI. Danielle Pope, Media Relations, said: “Thank you for your request.

During the election period, all Government of B.C. communications are limited to health and public safety information, as well as statutory requirements. Thank you for your understanding.”

Nonetheless, the application to the MoTI includes the following statement: “There have been discussions between the private landowners along Stoddart Ave and the MoTI regarding possible disposition and sale of portions of the public land to the private stakeholders for many years as a way to bring closure to the encroachment issues in this location. The Ministry’s interest in these discussions is to maintain public access to the lake and to achieve this, the Ministry is not currently considering the disposition of a 12m wide linear portion of the land which leads directly from Highway Drive to the lake.”

So, to be clear, if the application succeeds, my Boulevard, your Boulevard, your crazy uncle up in Atlin, his Boulevard, all of B.C’s Boulevard will be privatized. Land that could’ve been developed as a public beach area will officially be someone else’s front lawn. My ability to set up a beach chair, read an airport thriller, be a beach bum, I suppose I could still do that, but then I’d be breaking the law. I’d be trespassing.

But I would still be able to access the shoreline legally. I’m just not sure if I would.

IN FRONT OF CANADIAN TIRE

HalloWeed Spooktacular 3 day Sale Oct 29 - Oct 31 All Edibles

10% OFF!!

Reserve your order online for quick pick-up www.invermerecannabis.com PHONE 778-526-5331 EMAIL invermerecannabisstore@gmail.com ADDRESS 2-4884 Athalmer Rd, Invermere BC

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 29, 2020

Residential house numbering concerns

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The fear of paramedics being lost on the reserve during emergencies has triggered concerns for at least two band members from the Akisqnuk First Nation.

Due to the effects of conflicting residential house numbering conventions in place between band member housing on-reserve and at the Crooked Tree Estates, the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has recently begun discussing possible solutions to improve the experience for the Columbia Valley communities residing along Kootenay Road #3.

“The civic addressing system for each First Nation is different,” Susan Clovechok, RDEK Area F director, told the Pioneer by e-mail, “Some First Nations and local governments operate on the same civic addressing system through an Addressing Service Agreement. While the RDEK does have an Address Servicing Agreement with the Shuswap Indian Band, we currently do not have one with the Akisqnuk First Nation, and as such, the Akisqnuk’s addressing system is different than the RDEK’s civic addressing system on private properties within our jurisdiction.”

When the Pioneer contacted the Interior Health Authority (IHA) for comments about the community’s concerns, the staff recommended talking to B.C. Emergency Health Services who is responsible for dispatching paramedics to the area.

Upon contacting B.C. Emergency Health Services

for comments, their staff indicated the current status of the ongoing provincial election period, restricting them from providing a “complete response” under the Ministry of Health.

B.C. Emergency Health Services spokesperson Shannon Miller explained that government and health authorities are limited to providing only “essential public safety communications” at this time. However, Miller plans to investigate and report back about “how our dispatch system works for ambulance response in rural/remote areas, as well as the importance of visible house numbers to help us locate “you” during an emergency.” Miller did not provide comments before the Pioneer went to press.

In addition, Akisqnuk First Nation chief Ryan Nicholas was unavailable for comments before the Pioneer went to press.

“When we’ve had to call ambulances, we have to wait up on the road by (Crooked Tree Estates) so (the paramedics) don’t get lost,” said Alfred Joseph, indicating that visitors and residents from the area have routinely been lost visiting his home for the first time.

The house numbers from Crooked Tree Estates (RDEK Area #4) start around #3407 and go up to approximately #3435, which is located between on-reserve homes that go from #2551 to #2599 before trailing into the same vicinity as Crooked Tree Estates. Crooked Tree Estates is a gated community on the Akisqnuk First Nation reserve.

After passing Crooked Tree Estates housing located on Kootenay Road #3, on-reserve homes continues at

#2801 and goes upward to 3000s toward Fairmont Hot Springs on the old highway.

While Joseph indicated that no formal complaints had been filed by him with the RDEK during his time as the former chief of Akisqnuk First Nation, he, along with some others from the community, plan for logistics during a state of emergency when ambulances are called.

However, Clovechok contacted RDEK protective services manager Fiona Dercole and the fire department chief (who serves the Akisqnuk First Nation band members on behalf of the stations located in both Windermere and Fairmont) to acquire additional information when she became aware of this issue. She believes that the fire department has a good grasp of the residential home addresses in the area for both band members and the members of Area F. RDEK indicated there had been no formal complaints regarding the service of paramedics from the community beyond the incidents that were reported to the Pioneer staff.

In conclusion, Dercole and Clovechok have stated a desire to sign a civic housing agreement with the Akisqnuk First Nation if the community would like to pursue one.

The Akisqnuk First Nation chief and council, as well as staff, are aware of the option to pursue a civic housing agreement. At this time, it remains unclear whether the two organizations will seek a formal agreement.

Brought to you by The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)

“DO”

“DON’T”

Wear a face mask and bring hand sanitizer with your families

Don’t trick or treat in a large group and avoid joining crowded areas to mitigate the risks of being a “super spreader”

If you’re handing out candy to trick or treaters, please set-up a table with pre-arranged candy so children don’t have to reach into shared bowls

Don’t let your children reach into bowls of loose candy

Follow the B.C. Centre for Disease Control recommendations on hosting safer celebrations and ceremonies

Don’t hand out candy if you’re feeling unwell

Use hand sanitizer frequently

Don’t decorate with props (such as smoke machines) that could cause people to cough

Encourage your children to take turns visiting porches to reduce crowds

Don’t share snacks, drinks or vapes

October 29, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

Akisqnuk’s recreation centre reopens

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The recreation centre located on the Akisqnuk First Nation lands, outside of the band office, has recently reopened for business after closing for the COVID-19 pandemic earlier this year.

Going forward, the recreation centre will be open for appointment-only usage for those interested in returning for exercise.

“We wanted to be safe with the pandemic,” explained Heather Rennebohm, Columbia Lake Recreation Centre (CLRC) spokesperson about the earlier closure.

The CLRC recreation centre was forced to close on March 20 when the global healthcare crisis ensued and forced many businesses to re-evaluate their daily operations. For the safety of the community and to reduce the potential risk for the novel coronavirus to spread through community transmission, it has remained closed until the month of October.

While the recreation centre is located on the lands of Akisqnuk First Nation community, it is open to all nations and everyone is encouraged to visit.

“The facility is open to all residents and visitors in the Columbia Valley,” she said. “It is open to Akisqnuk, Shuswap, Métis nation members and all of our non-Indigenous communities as well; all the way from Canal Flats up to Brisco and Parsons. People even come from Golden to play pickleball, actually. It’s open to everyone, and that’s, I think one of the things that’s very unique about the centre. It truly is a facility that everyone can enjoy and can access, whether from an Indigenous community or non-Indigenous, a second homeowner or a resident, young and old — everyone can enjoy it.”

In an effort to control the spread of COVID-19, the CLRC requires those who wish to utilize the 22,500 square foot facility to contact the recreation coordinator to make a booking. Their goal is to restrict each activity area in the centre to a maximum of twelve people for the time-being.

According to In Developments, the facility was built using Structural Insulated Panels for superior strength and energy efficiency. The development is suitable for floor soccer, lacrosse, running, exercise facilities, offices and meeting rooms, locker and team showers. However, the cafeteria is expected to remain closed for the time.

The CLRC hopes to reopen the cafeteria before Christmas.

“We’re working on an appointments system,” said Rennebohm, indicating it’s a balancing act to schedule staff around the reservations and programs that have resumed.

Please contact Bryan Armstrong at columbialakereccenter@gmail.com or 250-342-6111 to make arrangements for facility use in-advance.

To access the building, please take an immediate right outside the band office to park and enter on the eastern side of the recreation centre where the sun rises to honour Ktunaxa traditions.

Housing project creates opportunities

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Akisqnuk First Nation’s (AFN) housing department is focused on creating jobs in the Columbia Valley community for both new and experienced participants.

AFN housing manager Dale Shudra hopes to provide members with employment opportunities in construction, carpentry, siding, insulation, equipment operators and landscapers to acquire new skills, build on existing skills or to provide an apprenticeship to those with the desire to obtain training in plumbing and electrical.

“The ideal candidate is a youth candidate that wants to gain work experience in

trades or to be introduced to the trades,” said Shudra, noting members both on and off of the reserve are eligible to apply for employment opportunities.

However, there are no restrictions to community members who may already obtain the work experience and simply require the opportunity to work on a new project.

The Ktunaxa Nation Council (KNC) members have also been encouraged to apply for work experience with the housing department team.

“The hope is that we might have someone discover they’re interested in roofing who might want to come back and do it again next year,” said Shudra.

If you are interested in pursuing a career with the AFN or providing mentorship, please contact Shudra at 250-347-7743 or by email at dshudra@akisqnuk.org.

What’s the difference?

Recycle BC Depot Tips

THIS WEEK’S FOCUS: The world of Containers

CONTAINERS Containers is a vast category that includes both plastic and metal containers as well as plastic coated containers (such as coffee cups and milk cartons). This bin accepts any rigid plastic packaging, tin and aluminum cans, foil pie plates and aluminum foil. Cartons for ice cream, milk and milk alternatives (soy, almond, rice, etc.) as well as hot or cold take out cups from cafés and fast food restaurants.

furnishings, decking, picnic tables, deck chairs and gardening supplies. Plastic coated paper packaging is recycled into new boxes, paper towels, tissues, paper-based plant pots, the paper cover for drywall liner, kraft paper, brown paper products including paper towels. Aluminum is recycled into new aluminum containers, road signs and window frames. Steel packaging is recycled into fencing, chicken wire and other industrial products.

Please don’t include motor oil, antifreeze or other hazardous materials containers in the Containers bin.

As you can see, the Containers category accepts a whole lot of different products, the attendants at the Recycle BC Depots are there to answer any questions that may arise.

Plastic containers are recycled into new packaging, broadloom, rope, brush bristles, car bumpers, household

Recycle BC Depots in the region

learn more

INVERMERE TRANSFER STATION Industrial 1 Rd in Athalmere 8:00 – 6:00 Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat & Sun (Closed Tue, Wed and all Stat Holidays)

FERNIE TRANSFER STATION 6000 Highway 3 9:00 – 5:00 Mon to Fri 10:00 – 4:00 Sat & Sun (closed Christmas Day, New Years Day, Remembrance Day, Thanksgiving Day and Family Day)

KIMBERLEY TRANSFER STATION 800 Jim Ogilvie Way 8:30 – 5:30 seven days a week (closed Christmas Day, New Years Day, Remembrance Day, Thanksgiving Day and Family Day)

SPARWOOD TRANSFER STATION 1001 Highway 3 9:00 – 5:00 Mon to Sat (closed Sunday, Christmas Day, New Years Day, Remembrance Day, Thanksgiving Day and Family Day)

CRANBROOK TRANSFER STATION 2405 22nd St N 8:30 – 5:30 seven days a week (closed Christmas Day, New Years Day, Remembrance Day, Thanksgiving Day and Family Day)

ELKFORD TRANSFER STATION #6 Inkaneep Rd 9:30 – 3:30 Tue to Fri 10:00 – 5:00 Sat (closed Sunday, Monday and all Stat Holidays)

engage.rdek.bc.ca/recycle

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 29, 2020

HERE TO SERVE YOU BUSINESS OF THE WEEK

SERVICES

SERVICES

BUSINESS OF THE WEEK

SERVICE EXCELLENCE IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

SINCE 1991 ICBC Glass Repair Out of Province Vehicle Inspections Auto Body Repairs • Painting • Quality Parts

We give all students 15% off with valid student ID

N E W S PA P E R The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce would like to THANK the management and staff of the Columbia Valley Pioneer Newspaper. As the “go-to-medium” for community information, we would like to acknowledge their hard work and commitment to keeping our valley informed.

All Makes and Models Tire Sales and Installation

141 Industrial Rd. 2 • 250-342-9424 • Open Monday - Saturday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

Visit www.columbiavalleypioneer.com to find out more!

Judy: (250) 341-1903

valleysolutions@shaw.ca

House Checking and more!

JOIN YOUR CHAMBER AND REAP THE REWARDS! P. 250-342-2844 E. membership@cvchamber.com

North American Warranty

Bob: (250) 341-5014

PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR THE VACATION HOME OWNER SINCE 2006

SERVICES

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700

unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM

• Patches • Driveways • Crack Sealing • Parking Lots • Roads • And more!

• • • •

Doors Windows Flooring Painting/Interior/ Exterior • Kitchen Renovations • Window Coverings

Kootenay Paving

• Bathroom Renovations • Additions • Decks • Finish Carpentry • Basement Renovations

KITCHEN CABINETS & COUNTER TOPS

915 7th Avenue, Unit B, Invermere • EMAIL: fairmontridge@telus.net • 250-342-4663

Toll Free 1-888-341-2221

Kootenay Paving

Beat the fall rush ~ clean your Chimney this spring!

Toll Free 1-888-341-2221

Call now for a free quote!

Locally operated, with full-time staff to serve you better.

1756 Hwy 93/95, Windermere, B.C. V0B 2L2 Phone: 250-342-6500 • Fax: 250-342-3484

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHIMNEY SWEEPS LTD. 804 Almberg Road, Golden, BC V0A 1H2 CELL: 250.272.5599 OFFICE: 250.344.7323 todd@rockymountainchimneysweeps.com rockymountainchimneysweeps.com

• Air Conditioning/Heat Pumps • Fireplaces • Full Heating and Ventilation Systems Call for your FREE consultation and estimate

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE ON ALL WOOD BURNING APPLIANCES • WETT INSPECTIONS

WETT Certified

• Interior/Exterior Painting • Staining • Clear Coat • New Construction • Renovations

Scott Postlethwaite

Residential, Commercial Electric Furnace and Hot Water Tank Repair and Service For All Your Electrical Needs

Free Estimates

invermereelectric@gmail.com

1710 10th Avenue – Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

Professional • Snow Removal Serving the Valley for over 20 years!

Commercial Residential

Fully Insured

Everett Frater Enterprises Cell: 250-342-5645 • efrater@telus.net

HOW WE ROLL Gerard Rehman 4950 Hot Springs Rd. Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. V0B 1L1

Available 24/7

eastkootenayplumbing@yahoo.com 250-272-3374

(7655) LetUsRoll4U@Gmail.com

20 years experience • Satisfaction guaranteed!

East Kootenay Plumbing Services & Renovations Red Seal Journeyman Plumbers/Gasfitters (B)

Ph: 250-688-ROLL

(Servicing the Valley since 1999)

NEW SEWER CAMERA

• Septic Tank Pumping • Portable Toilet Rentals

• A well maintained septic system • Complete sewer/drain repairs should be pumped every 2-3 years • Reasonable rates – Seniors’ discount • Avoid costly repairs • Speedy service – 7 days a week

Bruce Dehart 250.347.9803 or 250.342.5357

October 29, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

HERE TO SERVE YOU LANDSCAPING

PHARMACIES

LAMBERT-KIPP

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY’S TREE CARE SPECIALISTS

P H A R M A C Y ( 2 0 1 9 ) LT D .

Come in and browse our giftware

WINDERMERE, BC 250-341-7029

Irena Shepard, B.Sc. (Pharm.)., Émilie Lamoureux, Pharm D., Laura Kipp, Pharm D. Your Compounding Pharmacy

Open Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

GET YOUR QUOTE AT WWW.GREENLEAFTREE.CA INFO@GREENLEAFTREE.CA

250-342-6612 INSURANCE

GOLDEN, BC 250-344-0188

R O O T E D I N T H E C O L U M B I A VA L L E Y S I N C E 2 0 0 7

INSURANCE

CONCRETE

Columbia Concrete Inc. 20 years’ experience • Anything concrete!

• • • •

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

P.O. Box 130 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Office: 250-342-2175 • Fax: 250-342-2669 Cindy.mackay@kootenayinsurance.ca

www.kootenayinsurance.ca CONTRACTING

BOX 2228 742 - 13th STREET INVERMERE, BC V0A 1K0 P: 250-342-3031 F: 250-342-6945 info@lambertinsurance.ca

BOX 459 7553 MAIN STREET RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BC V0A 1M0 P: 250-347-9350 F: 250-347-6350 TOLL FREE: 1-866-342-3031

250-688-9418 • 778-526-5255

Decorative Exposed Stamped concrete Acid staining

250-688-3739

Serving the Columbia Valley

CONTRACTING

Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood.

For all your painting needs!

Serving the East Kootenay area!

• • • •

WE RESEAL CONCRETE

CONTRACTING

Big Cat Painting

Basements Garage pads Driveways Patios

• Fireplaces • Commercial and residential • New builds • Renovations.

A licensed, registered and bonded company

We also offer roundthe-clock service calls.

Give us a call! James, 250-688-1267 or Jerry, 250-342-5299 Email: jeffersoncontractingltd@gmail.com

• Trusses • Engineered Floors • Wall Panels Tel: 250.341.6075 Fax: 250.341.3427 Email: info@duskbuildingsystems.com www.duskbuildingsystems.com

Kekuli Bay Cabinetry kekulibaycabinetry.com

1320 Industrial Road #3 Box 159, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

DESIGN BUILD

New Builds, Renovations, Additions, & Kitchens

• Authorized dealer • Designer • Installer

Dale Elliott Contracting

25 years experience installing cabinets Custom Woodwork and Finishing Serving the Columbia Valley for over 40 years.

dale@decontracting.ca • 250-341-7098

• Architectural Design • Interior Design • Building Permits • Construction Management

Paul Aubrecht, Dipl. Arch. SAIT

250-342-5698 paulaubrecht.houzz.com

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com Phone: 250-341-6299 • Email: amanda@columbiavalleypioneer.com

N E W S PA P E R

Best of

2020

DESIGN

Best of

2020

SERVICE

Established since 1993

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 29, 2020

Long live the lake!

By Georgia Peck Lake Windermere Ambassadors The Lake Windermere Ambassadors (LWA) have grown from the foundation created by the highly successful Lake Windermere Project, which was run through Wildsight from 2005 to 2010. It was formed in response to a group of concerned citizens watching rapid growth and development on Lake Windermere with little knowledge of baseline water conditions. The project collected baseline data on the lake’s water quality, developed community connections, and saw the formation of the Lake Windermere Management Plan. Ten years later, the Ambassadors are thrilled to announce the publishing of the Windermere Lake, BC: State of the Lake Report 2010-2019. The LWA has undertaken a 10-year review of water quality monitoring and related activities to assess long-term trends and water quality changes on Lake Windermere. The Ambassadors engaged the BC Lake Stewardship Society to write this review with the assistance of LWA staff. We are pleased to release this published report to residents, visitors, decision-makers, and stakeholders as a snapshot of Lake Windermere’s health over time, its current and potential water quality threat and impacts, and to highlight the role of the Ambassadors as monitors and stewards of the lake.

This report provided the Ambassadors with the opportunity to recognize the rich cultural history associated

with Lake Windermere, as part of the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa and Shuswap/Secwepemc First Nations and to acknowledge the continuing relationships our Local First Nations have to this area. By reviewing the state of Lake Windermere, the Ambassadors can evaluate the ten years of effort put forth by the organization and receive recommendations on how to evolve into the future.

It also provides an opportunity to evaluate the Ambassadors’ historical water quality dataset and to compile recent additions such as flow and biodiversity information. The purpose of the report was to collect all of those data into one document that can be used to influence decision-making in the watershed and provide a greater understanding of the following objectives: 1. Examine indications of potential trends in water quality; 2. Assess compliance with the established Water Quality Objectives (WQOs) for the period of 2010-2019; 3. Conduct more in-depth analysis where WQOs are exceeded or trends are evident, as applicable; 4. Review the Ambassadors Water Quality Monitoring Program and recommend improvements where applicable; 5. Recommend priority areas for the Ambassadors to further protect Lake Windermere in the future.

In addition to the water monitoring program, this report highlights the achievements achieved by the Ambassadors over the past decade. Following the first year of the Lake Windermere Ambassadors in 2010, 12 volunteers were trained in citizen science, the lake and beach-

es were sampled, the first aquatic vegetation survey took place, and one shoreline cleanup was performed. As of 2019, over 100 volunteers have been trained in citizen science through lake, beach and creek sampling, invasive species, plants and birds. Collaborations with other stewardship organizations have been fostered, multiple shoreline cleanups take place each year, and outreach initiatives, including summer camps, written articles, school trips and community challenges are consistently pursued.

The review found that LWA has had, and continues to have, exemplary programs to monitor and protect Lake Windermere that should continue alongside further water quality and quantity monitoring.

Based on the reviewed data, water quality in Windermere Lake was relatively stable, with no evidence of a deteriorating trend. It is recommended that consistent monitoring continues into the future, especially in light of climate change predictions, surrounding development and changes in land use. The Ambassadors would like to take this opportunity to thank our community for the support over the years. These achievements are shared with all the residents and visitors that care for Lake Windermere and the resources it provides to us and our surrounding environment. The Windermere Lake, BC: State of the Lake Report 2010-2019 can be found on the Ambassadors website at www.lakeambassadors.ca.

Contact Lake Windermere Ambassadors at info@ lakeambassadors.ca or call the office at (250) 341-6898.

HERE TO SERVE YOU CONCRETE

CONCRETE I N

P U R S U I T

READY MIX CONCRETE

O F

EXCELLENCE Skandia Concrete • Manufacturers & suppliers of quality concrete & gravel products • Experienced, professional operators and the right equipment to get your job done • Serving the valley for over 30 years

Concrete Pump • Sand & Gravel Heavy Equipment Rentals • Crane Service Proudly Serving the Valley for over 50 years

For competitive prices and prompt service, call: 250-342-3268 (plant) 250-342-6767 (office)

• Environmentally responsible • Steamed aggregate beds for top quality year-round concrete supply • We stand behind our service, quality and products

1756 Hwy 93/95 Windermere B.C. Office: 250-342-6500 • Toll Free: 1-888-341-2221

CARPET CLEANING

• Ready Mix Concrete • Commercial concrete sealer • Concrete Pumping retarder for exposed • Over 50 colours available aggregate and in stock • DELIVERED ON TIME • Concrete stamps for rent at a fair price • Full range of coloured release • Full range of sand and agents for stamping gravel products.

Phone: 250-342-5833 • Cell: 250-270-9444

All products are available at 9120, Hwy 93/95 which is five kilometres north of Tim Hortons

CARPET CLEANING

Enjoy life, we’ll clean it up!

Call NOW:

250-688-0213

• Carpets dry in 1 hour!

• Environmentally friendly products • 100% guaranteed!

• Fresh clean scent - No steam • Deodorizer/disinfectant • Area rugs including silk and wool • Protector • Prompt reliable service Visit www.heavensbest.com for more information

SERVICES Your Weekly Source for News and Events

TILE AND GROUT CLEANING Business: 250-342-9692

RR#4 2117–13 Ave. Invermere, BC V0A 1K4

Cell: 250-342-1273 Fax: 250-342-9644

ptarmiganrugclean@gmail.com

N E W S PA P E R

Amanda Murray Office Administrator/ Sales

#8, 1008 - 8th Avenue PO Box 868, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Ph: 250-341-6299 ext: 101 www.columbiavalleypioneer.com info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

October 29, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

P ioneer C lassifieds

ATTENTION ASPIRING MUSICIANS FROM PARSON TO CANAL FLATS Applications are open for the Steamboat Mountain Music Bursary. Musicians of all levels and any age may apply.

Funds may be used for: workshops, music camps, lessons, master classes, college, or university music programs.

Deadline: Monday, November 30th, 2020.

Download application: www.steamboatmtnmusicfest.ca

Alcoholics Anonymous. If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. All meetings are at 8 p.m.

Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the BC Service Building, South End – 624 4th St., Invermere. Please call 250342-2424 for more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship.

Al-Anon. Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us on a “ZOOM” meeting every Monday at 7 p.m. For more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship, please call 250-342-8255.

CHEERS & JEERS

LOST AND FOUND

CONDO FOR RENT

MISC. FOR SALE

SERVICES

HUGE Jeers to all the Jeers that are Jeering so many Jeers lately.

I’m all Jeered out and could really use some more positivity and less anger. Take a deep breath, embrace the natural beauty of this wonderful place that we are so fortunate to live in, and try to do more Cheering and less Jeering. If you disagree, then I guess it’s Jeers on me for Jeering all the Jeers. Cheers!

FOUND: Keys in a doggy treat container/bag at the James Chabot Beach in Athalmer.

Please call 604-307-0558 to claim.

Invermere - Furnished Upper Level two-storey Condo, close to downtown.

2-bdrm, 2 bathrooms. N/S, N/P, no partiers.

References please. Available until June 1st, 2021. $1,250/mo.

Utilities and Internet included.

403-978-4559.

Electric wheel chair, light weight, folding, one year old. $850. Evolution walker $70.

250-347-6000.

Non dangerous tree removal.

Fall pruning and yard clean up.

250-341-5164.

Cheers to Alberta for having viability review process that helps municipalities determine their ability to continue as a municipality or develop a plan that leads to viability and Cheers to the communities that went through the process allowing the residents to vote on their future.

Huge hugs and Cheers to Horsethief Hideout. Once again the folks at Columbia Garden Village enjoyed your beautiful locale and warm generosity! The views are breathtaking! As you so lovingly say...Stay Safe, Stay Strong!

Loving Cheers to Shauna Horton for sweetening our Saturday at Columbia Gardens!

Weekly Featured Listing RE PRI DU CE CE D

ANNOUNCEMENT

CHEERS & JEERS Jeers to the thief who made off with our planted shrubs. May they be a daily reminder to you that you are nothing but a thief.

Big Cheers to Geriann D and the volunteers for pulling off flu shots for seniors on October 22/20.

Huge Cheers to K-5 for squeezing my vehicle in to make sure I am safe on the road, when you were already extremely busy, your kindness will be paid forward.

• Phone: 250-341-6299 • Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com • Web: www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Huge House with an Elevator!

$559,000

$544,000 4877 Edelweiss Street, Radium MLS: 2454263 (Brokerage ~ Rockies West Realty)

BUYING OR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202

gerrytaft.ca Rockies West Realty Independently owned and operated

LOST: Baby bag with green bat image and a tiny letter purse with identifications. If found, please call 450-559-9025.

FOUND: Poncho with autumn colours on the corner of 8th Ave. and 12th Street. Call 450-5599025.

STORAGE NEWHOUSE STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climatecontrolled units.

Call 250-342-3637.

HOUSE FOR RENT 2-bdrm farm house in Fairmont adjacent to Funtasia Fun Park.

Available Nov. 1st - March 15th. $650/mo + utilities, internet included, rental conditional to caring for animals in the park and light snow removal, time commitment 1 - 3hrs daily at $15/hr. Please call Tanya at 250-345-4511 or email; letter of interest/resume fairmontfuntasia@live.com.

COMMERCIAL SPACE 864 sq. ft. Shop space in the Industrial Park. Electrical included, $700/mo. 250-3423637, newmulti@telus.net.

SUITE FOR RENT Windermere, bright, warm, 2-bdrm upper unit in quiet 4-plex with beautiful views, separate parking and entrance with new deck and many interior upgrades. No pets, $800/mo. + Electricity + D.D. Available Dec. 1st to mature, responsible tenants. References required.

Call/Text: 587-224-3132.

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE

BUYING OR SELLING? I specialize in rural, recreational, farm and ranch properties.

BARRY BROWN-JOHN “Rocky Mountain Land Man”

Call or text

250-342-5245

b.brownjohn@gmail.com ELKHORN COUNTRY ESTATES Selling Phase 3 now.

2.5-acre parcels.

No building time commitment.

Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-342-1268. elkhornranches.com ACREAGE FOR SALE 4.7 acres. Has its own graveled access road from Kootenay #3 road already constructed.

Drilled well, views, privacy. $219,000 plus GST. Phone Elkhorn Ranch, 250-342-1268.

MISC. FOR SALE Top Quality Hay Round bales.

Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-3421268.

4 Toyo Winter Tires, used and on rims. $450. 235/60 R17 102T. Call 250-342-0743.

SERVICES LEE’S SMALL ENGINE REPAIR SHOP Specializing in chainsaws, snow blowers, wood splitters and power augers for all your firewood and winter needs.

SAW CHAIN NOW AVAILABLE. Industrial #2 Road across from NAPA Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

250-341-2551 Offering Excellent Service & Fair Pricing!

Heaven’s Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Environmentally friendly products. Dry in 1 hour! Our disinfectant is formulated to kill COVID-19. Call 250-688-0213 Pike Contracting Excavating and Skid Steer services.

Call Jason 250-342-5277.

Golf cart fall tune-up and winterize, pickup and delivery available at extra charge. Call Jeff 250-341-8146 leave a message.

B.B.’s Home & Lawn Care Services Renovations, Handyman Repairs, Small moves, Dump runs, House Checks, House Cleaning, Yard Maintenance, Eavestroughs, Tree removal.

250-688-2897.

SERVICES FOR SENIORS The Heartfelt Companion offers non-medical help to seniors in their home and respite for caregivers. Companionship, errands, transportation, personal care, meal prep and more. Excellent local references and credentials and a big, kind heart! “Leanne and her associates have made a real difference for myself and my husband who is dealing with dementia. Leanne always seems to figure out what a client needs and enjoys. This also gave me a much needed break. I would highly recommend her service”. www.invermerehomecare.com, Leanne Brooks 250-341-5683.

HELP WANTED Invermere Petro-Can is currently accepting resumes for F/T and P/T employment. Apply in person to 185 Laurier Street, Invermere between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

COMMERCIAL SPACE

LEASE OPPORTUNITY Fairmont Hot Springs 4985 Hot Springs Rd. 1,400 square ft.• 6 months rent free $900 per month triple net

CALL 250-341-7345 Or email: rhaynesmagellan@gmail.com

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 29, 2020

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Wanted 2 F/T Restaurant Cooks, Rocky River Grill, 8888 Arrow Road, Invermere, B.C. Permanent, F/T shifts, overtime, weekends, days and evenings, $16/hour for 40 hours per week. Overtime after 40 hours. Minimum several years’ experience and completion of Secondary School. DUTIES: Prepare and cook full course meals, prepare and cook individual dishes and foods, ensure quality of food portions, work with minimal supervision, prepare dishes for customers with food allergies or intolerances. Inspect Kitchens and Food service areas. Please forward resume to Justin Atterbury by fax 250-342-8889 or email justatterbury@hotmail. com.

Crossroads Market Now Hiring Deli positions.

The Home Renovation Centre is looking for a Carpenter/Jack of all Trades with residential knowledge for full-time employment.

Must have a valid driver’s license and transportation.

Call 250-342-5682.

Dusk Building Systems is currently seeking framers and labourers for on-site or in our manufacturing facility. We offer excellent wages and benefit package. Please email resume to info@duskbuildingsystems.com or drop off at our office.

Successful applicants will be pleasant and customer service oriented. No experience necessary. Above average wage package with a high season bonus available. Please submit resume to KGTltd2020@gmail. com or apply in person at Crossroads Market.

Apply in person.

471 Arrow Road, Invermere, B.C.

Apply in person.

471 Arrow Road, Invermere, B.C.

0911611 BC Ltd. O/A Tim Hortons 496 Highway 93/95, Invermere BC, V0A 1K2 Tim Hortons Invermere is currently looking for

Key Responsibilities:

Permanent, full-time, part-time, shift, weekend, day, night, evening. $15.60 per hour + benefits • Start Date: ASAP # of Vacancies: 6 • Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years

• Process bills, expense forms and invoices in compliance with policies, standards and procedures.

• Review invoices and supporting documentation for accuracy and appropriate coding with Program Managers.

• Reconcile vendor statements to financial management system and resolve vendor inquiries in a timely manner.

• Prepare cheques, online payments, pre-authorized debit payments and electronic fund transfers (EFT).

• Maintain proper support and filing of all payment-related documents.

Education: No degree, certificate or diploma required.

Please apply via email at timhortons.invermere@gmail.com or in person at 496 Highway 93/95 Invermere, BC

Requirements: • Highschool diploma and relevant experience with accounts payable responsibilities.

• Understanding of basic bookkeeping and accounts payable principles.

• Data entry skills.

Submit covering letter and resume to info@akisqnuk.org

by November 15, 2020

Just a reminder… The deadline for display advertising is 12 noon Monday.

advertising@columbiavalleypioneer.com

If you have a classified ad , garage sale, help wanted , in memorial, obituary or Here to Serve You to advertise .

Do you have a newstip?

E-mail info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

#8, 1008 - 8th Avenue PO Box 868, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 N E W S PA P E R

Starting $18.50/hr Benefits/Incentive plan

FOOD SERVICE SUPERVISORS

250-341-6299, Ext. 102

info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Starting up to $16.50/hr, depending on availability. Some restrictions apply.

Summary: The Accounts Payable Technician is responsible for the processing of accounts payable for the Akisqnuk First Nation. This opportunity is a full-time, permanent position.

Associate Publisher/ Sales Manager

250-341-6299, Ext. 101

TEMPORARY PRODUCE MANAGER

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE TECHNICIAN

Do you have a Amanda business to Nason advertise?

Office Administrator/ Sales

GROCERY/PRODUCE CLERKS POSITIONS AVAILABLE

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Please contact…

Amanda Murray

We’re looking for hardworking, energetic and reliable people just like you!

Akisqnuk First Nation

Advertising, Classifieds, News…

We have you covered!

Please contact…

We’re looking for hardworking, energetic and reliable people just like you!

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

BCYCNA – CLASSIFIED ADS BUILDINGS FOR SALE

HEALTH

INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008. Built with concrete posts. Barns, shops, riding arenas, machine sheds and more. Adam.s@ integritybuilt.com. 1-250-3515374. www.integritybuilt.com

GET UP TO $50,000 from the Government of Canada.

BUILDINGS FOR SALE

Attention

Inventors!

Ideas wanted!

Call Davison today!

1.800.218.2909 or visit us at inventing.davison.com/BC

Free inventor’s guide!

Do you or someone you know have any of these Conditions?

ADHD, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Cancer, COPD, Depression, Diabetes, Difficulty Walking, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowels, Overweight, Trouble Dressing...and Hundreds more.

ALL ages & Medical Conditions Qualify. Have a child under 18 instantly receive more money.

CALL BRITISH COLUMBIA BENEFITS 1-(800)-211-3550 OR Send a Text Message with Your Name and Mailing Address to (604) 739-5600 For Your FREE benefits package.

Administrative Assistant/ Service Writer Looking for a team member with a positive and energetic attitude, good customer service skills, willing to learn basic automotive systems. $18/hr or based on experience in the automotive industry.

Must provide previous workplace references.

Contact Mike at Walker’s Repair Centre.

Ph: 250-342-9424 • Email: info@walkersrepair.ca

If you have what it takes to work with a great Snow and Ice Management team, we want you!

Can you drive a plow truck? Operate a skid steer?

How about a shovel? Do you appreciate working with good equipment, an organized company, and other hardworking individuals?

Are you a student, retired or self employed? Do you have a current job with flexible work hours? This is the perfect way to make some extra money! We offer a variety of opportunities to fit in with your life, whether it’s a couple of hours in the morning clearing sidewalks, a full shift, or something between.

Of course, snow work is a bit sporadic. You must be available and committed to work on an on call basis. To be a good fit for this position you must be reliable, punctual, and hard working. We expect the best from our crew, so we pay them $20/hr from day one!

If Snow Fighting is the kind of winter challenge you are looking for, please email enquiries to info@brigadeltd.com

October 29, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Akis’nuk First Nation

Passion or interest for Beer, Wine and Spirits?

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

HUMAN RESOURCE GENERALIST Summary: To provide operational Human Resource support to the SAO, managers, and employees. This will include recruitment, selection and orientation Program administration, compensation, and performance management. Development of policy and procedures, including performance evaluations, compensation policy. Managing compliance with approved Akisqnuk First Nation policies. Manage employee relations and records. This position reports directly to the SAO. For a complete list of Duties Visit our website or email us.

Qualifications: • Post secondary degree or diploma with a focus on Human Resources.

• Chartered Professional in Human Resources/Certified Human Resources Professional.

Required Experience

beside the Horsethief Pub is accepting resumes.

We are looking for great people for our Radium Liquor Store.

Sales Associate positions available. We are looking for people who will: • Maintain a high level of customer service • Maintain a high level of product and service knowledge • Generate sales • Participate in merchandising and promotional activities • Ensure accuracy in all transactions, inventory, and procedures • Participate in all manners of store maintenance

• 5 years experience in the HR field, with an understanding and experience in recruitment and selection. Experience with policy development and enforcement and advice interpretation. Strong background in benefits and performance management.

• Stock shelves with product • Work in partnership with Store Managers and other employees to maximize store sales and in-store presence • Maintain a professional appearance, demeanor, and attitude at all times • Rate established based on position and experience

Experience in retail and/or hospitality would be an asset but not necessary.

We offer professional and personal growth through educational opportunities.

If you are interested in working in a fun productive environment submit resume to: Jennifer McLennan gmjenliquor@gmail.com or hand deliver to Radium Liquor Store, 7538 Main Street East, Radium Hot Springs, attn: Jennifer McLennan

• Woking knowledge of federal and B.C. labour standards.

Please send resume & cover letter to: lshovar@akisqnuk.org no later than 4:00pm November 2 2020

love a good photo submission.

SHUTTER BUGS WeIf you have a snapshot to share, WELCOME email info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

LET US HAMMER OUT THE DETAILS

N E W S PA P E R

FOR ALL YOUR ADVERTISING NEEDS, CALL 250-341-6299

LIV E ( A N D WO R K ) WI TH PASS I O N! Everything with Passion is one of our core values and we believe it makes us the ideal place to start or grow your career…or maybe just a great place to spend your winter.

If you are passionate about living a lifestyle rich in outdoor experiences and working with a company that offers perks such as complimentary skiing, golf and mineral hot pools, and competitive compensation and benefits, check us out at www.fairmonthotsprings.com We are currently hiring for the following positions: Lift Operator Snow Maker Ski Instructor Snowboard Instructor Ski Coach Please visit our website to view all available positions and to apply

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Online Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Visit https://lwac.online.church 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lwac.ca

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED Please email office@wvsm.ca to request a link to our online service which starts at 10:30 a.m. Sundays.

Recorded services can be accessed by typing WVSM Invermere Anglican United Church.

250-342-6644 • www.wvsm.ca

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service Pastor Murray Wittke 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats., Canadian Martyrs’ – Invermere, St. Joseph’s – Radium.

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

ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Sunday 1:30 p.m. Worship Service at Valley Christian Assembly 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere www.eklutheran.ca mtzionlc@hotmail.com

RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • 250-342-6633 No. 4, 7553 Main St. Radium • 250-347-9937

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Worship Service, Sunday, 10 a.m.

Relief Society, 11:15 a.m.

President Rick Daniels • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs 250-421-3756 DISTRICT DISTRICT OF OF INVERMERE INVERMERE

914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934

REMEMBRANCE DAY GARBAGE COLLECTION CHANGE There will be a change in the garbage and recycling pickup for Invermere residents.

Wednesday, November 11th garbage pickup will be moved to Monday, November 9th.

If anyone has any questions, feel free to contact the District of Invermere office at 250-342-9281 or info@invermere.net or pick up a garbage and recycling calendar at the office.

FAITH

October 29, 2020

Alliance Church poised to welcome new Pastor

By Daren Wride Lake Windermere Alliance Church Lake Windermere Alliance Church in Invermere will be welcoming a new Lead Pastor in November. Josh and Mandy McCallum, along with their boys Ki and Asher, are moving from Alliston, Ontario, where Josh has been serving as a co-lead pastor in Grace Baptist Church. Josh’s formal installation is Nov. 8. Details can be found on the church’s Facebook page and through its newsletter.

While Josh was born in Hamilton and has lived his life in that part of the country, Mandy was raised in the Three Hills, Alberta area, has spent time in the Columbia Valley and has family in the region. The McCallums are an outdoor oriented family and look forward to getting established in the Invermere area.

Lake Windermere Alliance Church was established in the 1950’s and has been a visible part of Invermere since the purchase of the lot they currently occupy just above Sobey’s at 326 10th Avenue. LWAC, as it is known by its attendees, established a food bank in the 1990’s, distributing hundreds of food hampers over the years. In time this ministry became the current Columbia Valley Food Bank. The church is also known for the Sonshine Children’s Centre daycare, established in 2007.

More than 150 people consider LWAC their home church, with many seasonal visitors joining for Sunday gatherings when regular services are held. During this

past year, the church has been broadcasting a pre-recorded service at lwac.online.church that people can view at home. There is also the option to pre-register each week and view the service in the church itself, with appropriate social distancing and sanitizing.

The people of Lake Windermere Alliance Church look forward to welcoming Josh and Mandy and their boys and invite the people of the Columbia Valley to join us in showing them some rich Columbia Valley hospitality.

Submitted photo of Josh McCallum and his family.

Halloween hike held at Lake Lillian

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Holding Halloween during a pandemic comes with certain spooky challenges, because COVID-19 protocols — particularly those around social distancing and not gathering in crowds — must be followed. This, unfortunately, means the annual haunted house event held by Pynelogs has been cancelled this year, but if you’re afraid, this means there’s no frightful fun, fret not: local Women Who Wander community coordinator Kayla Kay is putting on a Haunted Hike event.

The Haunted Hike will be held in the Lake Lillian-Johnson trails area this Friday, Oct. 30. There will be a family-friendly (i.e. not so super spooky) hike, followed by one targeted at adults that is, as Kay puts it, “full scare.”

“I’m a huge fan of Halloween,” said Kay, adding she had volunteered at the Pynelogs haunted house events the past two years, and when it had to be cancelled due to the pandemic this year, she put on her thinking cap.

“I knew there had to be a COVID-19 safe way to get the community out for some Halloween fun,” she said.

“Then I realized, I hose hikes (as part of her job at Women Who Wander), so why not have a haunted hike.”

Those wishing to go on the hike must take turns waiting in their cars at the Lake Lillian parking lot. When it is their turn, hiking guides will come to get them, and take them on a frightening hike through the forest. “It’s a 10-minute jaunt. There will be pumpkins, people hiding in the forest, and much more,” said Kay. “It will be an exciting, socially distant way to get out and have some fun.”

Kay is appealing to anybody who may be driving in the Lake Lillian area on the Panorama road on Friday to please slow right down and be doubly extra careful

as there will be people, including kids, out and about in costumes in the dark.

The family-friendly hike will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The adults hike is from 7:30 p.m. onwards.

Everybody who wishes to go must register beforehand.

To do so, visit the Women Who Wander website at www. womenwhowander.club, then go to the site’s events calendar. Alternately, register for the event by searching for it on eventbrite.ca.