The Columbia Valley Pioneer, December 17, 2020

December 17, 2020 Vol. 17/Issue 51

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

December 17, 2020

The Columbia Valley

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The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No 71 and the District of Invermere had the opportunity to warmly welcome Santa Claus on Saturday Dec. 13 in Invermere. Santa is now back at his workshop to prepare the final details before his long night around the world !

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 17, 2020 Highlights of the @LiveColumbiaValley Instagram account, brought to you by the Columbia Valley Community Economic Development Office, a service of the RDEK.

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We were so lucky that Santa has some good old friends from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No 71 and the District of Invermere. He was so far ahead of his toy building schedule that he fit in an impromptu tour through Invermere on Saturday night!

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December 17, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS

Local mental health experts concerned Pandemic hard on mental health and well-being, timing of second wave during Christmas and dark days of winter makes things even more difficult

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in B.C. coinciding with the shorter, darker days of winter and — should the ‘curve’ of cases continue to rise for the next several weeks — just in time to possibly result in an ‘isolation’ or ‘lockdown’ Christmas. It’s not exactly a rosy scenario, and mental health professionals here in the Columbia Valley have expressed concern about the potential impact on people’s social, mental, and emotional well-being.

“Unfortunately a second wave means that many regular self-care resources and many strategies to lessen stress are not even available to us, or are not available in the same way they were before the pandemic...

We can’t go to the gym, for instance, or we can’t go out for a coffee with a friend.”

Sue Bradley, Invermere Counselling “What I see happening is that whatever stressors you have, this second wave is adding a lot more stress for people. If your baseline is X, adding the stress of the second wave on top means you’ll get X plus more,” said Invermere Counselling counsellor Sue Bradley, adding this can affect people’s already existing anxiety, depression or relationship issues. “With the second wave, it brings a lot of unknowns. That entails a loss of controls and a loss of connections. That’s difficult for a lot of people.”

Since the pandemic began, and especially now with the second wave starting, almost everybody is in what counsellors and psychologists term a ‘high arousal state’, due to a perceived increased level of threat, said Bradley’s fellow Invermere Counselling counsellor Alana Cotterall, adding that “for instance, with the current pro-mask versus anti-mask debate, if you are pro-mask you feel the threat of the virus, a threat to your health. If you are anti-mask you feel a threat to your freedom. Either way, you feel a threat. So quite a lot of people are walking around in this heightened state. No wonder everybody gets emotional. Their self-care or regulation resources are getting outmatched by what’s out there in the world, and they can’t complete the stress cycle.”

Stress cycle, outlined Cotterall, is a term used to describe how people tend to go through a stressful event,

then use self-care and stress regulation techniques, outlets and resources to deal with the event, before hopefully coming “through the tunnel.”

“Unfortunately, a second wave means that many regular self-care resources and many strategies to lessen stress are not even available to us, or are not available in the same way they were before the pandemic,” said Bradley.

“We can’t go to the gym, for instance, or we can’t go out for a coffee with a friend.”

Both Bradley and Cotterall say there will likely be a ‘mental health wave’ following closely behind the actual second wave of the pandemic, and said that they saw a similar phenomenon here in the Columbia Valley with the first wave.

“Even right now with the second wave just starting, the stress level seems higher than what we saw in late summer,” said Bradley, adding the mental health wave associated with this second pandemic wave may end up being worse than the one associated with the first pandemic wave.

“With the first wave, there was a bit of a mitigation in that you could tell yourself ‘this is a short-term thing.

It won’t last forever.’ Now with the second wave, there can be feelings of ‘we did everything right. We locked down. We followed protocols. We did everything right.

And we are still now facing a second wave’. So it may seem things are not changing, or not going to get better,” said Bradley.

doesn’t live up to those expectations, that can be hard,” said Bradley.

“We need to be careful of our expectations and make sure we keep them realistic. You could make plans to get together with extended family once the second wave has passed. Your big Christmas celebration doesn’t necessarily have to be on Dec. 25.”

“We need to keep in mind that although Christmas will look different, and that will be difficult for some of us, we can still make purposeful connections during the holidays,” said Cotterall. “Focus on what you can do. It’s too easy to focus on the things you can’t do.”

Continued on page 5

“For a second wave to now start as we come into winter, with its shorter, darker days and the possibility of not being able to celebrate Christmas with family and friends, that’s concerning...We’re hearing from some of our clients, not all but some, that they are drinking more, using substances more, having more anxiety.”

Dean Nicholson, East Kootenay Addictions Services Society (EKASS)

Both Cotterall and Bradley added that the timing of the second wave’s arrival coming just as people gear up for the Christmas holiday season is not ideal from a mental health standpoint.

“Christmas can be tricky at the best of times, even without a pandemic. It can be a time when we see more depression and more disappointment. A lot of people put really high expectations on Christmas, and when it

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RCMP Report Submitted by Sgt. Darren Kakuno Detachment Commander Columbia Valley RCMP This past week, Dec. 7 through Dec. 13, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 37 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

•On Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 3:30 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop with a Ford F150 on Highway 93/95 near Invermere. The driver was found to be a suspended driver in B.C. and on conditions not to be in the driver’s seat of a motor vehicle. The driver was released on an appearance notice to attend court at a later date in relation to driving while suspended. The vehicle was im-

pounded for seven days.

•On Wednesday, Dec. 9, at about 5:15 a.m., a semi-truck went off the road and flipped onto its side on Highway 93/95 near Invermere. The driver and lone occupant of the truck suffered only minor injuries. The investigating officer was able to establish the truck was northbound when it drifted onto the shoulder of the slushy road before rolling onto its side in the ditch.

•On Thursday, Dec. 10, at about 6:00 p.m., an officer was conducting patrols on Highway 93/95 near Windermere when he clocked a Buick SUV travelling at over 140 km/h in a 100 km/h speed zone. The officer conducted a traffic stop and issued the driver a violation ticket for excessive speed in addition to impounding the vehicle for 7 days.

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Smarty Pants Christmas The Smarty Pants duo performed a Christmas concert at the Invermere Senior’s Hall this past week. The difference was there was no real audience, just Gerriann Donahue and Cortney Pitts filming. This way, the concert can be enjoyed by the Valley Seniors and those who are not seniors. There are two versions, one in five parts and one long concert. The Seniors would like to thank Bill Cropper and Kurt Reichel for all the time and effort they put in the concert to provide some joy and fun into this difficult 2020 Christmas. The hour-long concert has been downloaded to YouTube, under Smarty Pants Christmas or visit: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLojR01OkteX8j3C6g5gpjeUBwlmaFKbSZ

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

that they suddenly find themselves with more disposable income at precisely the time they are more isolated and East Kootenay Addiction Services Society (EKASS) bored, and they spend the unexpected cashflow on alcoexecutive director Dean Nicholson echoed many of Brad- hol or drugs. ley and Cotterall’s sentiments about the effect of the pan“To be clear, I am not blaming the people receiving demic and its second wave on mental health and well-be- the money, and I’m not blaming the benefit itself. What ing and noted that these effects could easily have negative I am saying is that it can be a trigger, to suddenly have consequences for those that struggle with substance use more money in your hands, if you are already struggling and misuse. with substance misuse,” he said. “It’s an untended conse“What we’ve been hearing generally in the world is quence of a well-intentioned program.” that there is a worldwide increase in substance use as well Another issue that COVID-19 has created for those as anxiety and depression. Globally this is having a big who struggle with substance misuse or addiction is the impact on people’s mental health and that will continue pandemic’s affect on the global supply chain, which the longer this goes on. So for a second wave to now start Nicholson noted includes virtually every product in socias we come into winter, with its shorter, darker days and ety, drugs included. the possibility of not being able to celebrate Christmas “There are more restrictions on what is coming into with family and friends, that’s concerning,” Nicholson the country. So quality controls, such as they are for told the Pioneer. “The concerns expressed globally, we’re certain substances, are much less. The quality of these seeing that locally in our substances is much more population as well. We’re “We need to keep in mind that although Christmas variable that it otherwise hearing from some of our will look different, and that will be difficult for some would be,” said Nicholson. clients, not all but some, of us, we can make still make purposeful connections “If you have a supply that is that they are drinking more, during the holidays... Focus on what you can do. It’s not safe, or is less safe than using substances more, havit was before the pandemtoo easy to focus on the things you can’t do.” ing more anxiety.” ic, and you add the stigma Nicholson said the inaround use, we’re going to Alana Cotterall, crease in anxiety, depression, have the conditions to creInvermere Counselling drinking and substance use ate a problem.” relates to a number of big risk factors that all have been Nicholson added that the type of substances used or heightened by the pandemic, and which could easily be misused hasn’t changed much during the pandemic, as further aggravated by the second wave, such as increased far as he can see. Alcohol is still the most widely used or loneliness, more social isolation, more boredom, a lack of misused substance, followed by cannabis, and then other meaningful purpose, and a decrease or change in options substances. Recreational opioid use was once uncommon to reduce stress. in the East Kootenay, but has been on the rise for the past “The whole situation with COVID-19 and how it six years, and has morphed in recent years into fentanyl isolates people is tricky: at the same time as it increases use, said Nicholson, but this predates the pandemic. “Anthe risk factors for people to misuse substances, it also de- other new one in our area that we’ve seen is crystal meth, creases the options for helping people manage substance which has really come in during the last three to four misuse,” said Nicholson. “Pre-COVID-19 we would years,” he added. “It’s still a very small number of people have looked at ‘what can help you use it less’. Now a lot using it, but there really was almost none not that many of those strategies — meaningful work, social support, years ago.” connection — there’s less of them, and the ones that are The pandemic has also not greatly changed the numstill there have changed.” ber of people coming to EKASS seeking services, said Nicholson added he’s also heard that the Canadian Nicholson, although he pointed out that during the Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), though clear- spring lockdown, the way EKASS delivers many of its ly well-intentioned, may have had a net negative effect services changed as a result of social distancing protocols. on a minority of people in terms of substance misuse, in

NOTICE

Continued ‘local mental health’ from page 3

Got a beef?

Forest Stewardship Plan Notice is hereby given that Akisqnuk Resources Limited Partnership (ARLP) has harvesting rights in the Rocky Mountain Resource District under FL A91308 and will be holding a public viewing of their proposed Forest Stewardship Plan. The Forest Stewardship Plan is a landscape level plan which provides for the identification, protection and conservation of forest resources (timber and non-timber) for harvest planning.

ARLP’s operations under this licence are located in the Invermere Timber Supply Area.

The Forest Stewardship Plan will be available for public review from December 15, 2020 until February 12, 2021. Interested parties can contact Geoff Byford at 250-489-0624 or geoff@tanglefootforestry.ca to make arrangements for viewing.

To ensure consideration comments must be made in writing to Geoff Byford c/o Tanglefoot Forestry Consultants Ltd, 1724 Industrial Rd #2, Cranbrook, BC V1C 6R2 or by e-mail (geoff@tanglefootforestry.ca) prior to 4:30 pm February 12, 2021.

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December 17, 2020

PERSPECTIVE

New GHG investments

Historical Lens

By Camile Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com Ottawa presented a “strengthened climate plan” on Friday Dec. 11, with upfront investments of $15 billion to surpass the 2030 greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction target that the Harper government has set more than five years ago.

The bill aims to ensure that the government’s “commitments to a net zero emissions target by 2050” become part of the law, said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Which nothing would prevent the next government from cancelling in the future, he also admitted. People will have to vote accordingly in the next election if environmental issues are one of their priorities.

By ratifying the Paris climate agreement, Canada has committed to reducing its GHG emissions by 30 per cent by 2030, compared to its 2005 level. Since 1992, none of the successive governments in Ottawa, over the years, Fairmont Ranch barn have succeeded in meeting the GHG reduction targets that they set for themselves. Actually quite the opposite is Large barn and other outbuildings on main road bridge.

C2188, 1924, courtesy Windermere District Historical Society true. The most recent report presented by the Canadian government showed that Canada’s emissions increased by 2 per cent between 2017 and 2018.

A plan that is categorized as “ambitious” according to . The photo of the deer with lightbulb antlers on the mid lefthand side of page 3 in last week edition of the several environmentalists and “contradictory” for others, Pioneer was credited as ‘submitted photo’. The image in fact should be credit as by Anna Stevens. who point out that the government continues to invest at the same time in fossil energies.

Trudeau government intends to achieve its goal by increasing the federal carbon tax, which must reach $50 per tonne of GHGs in 2022. It is now proposing to increase it by $15 per year. By 2030, the price is expected Dear Editor: leaned heavily on a testing methodology (PCR) that to reach $170 per ton, up from the current $30, which detects nuances of a virus as opposed to virulence.

Ottawa says it will increase gasoline price by 28 cents per The art of conversation is surreptitiously under at- Counting cases - testing healthy people - has created litre, enabling the ‘polluter pays’ principle to be applied. tack at the moment, as we huddle in our silos. Being hysteria and a car crash mentality, watching the ticker Expensive, you might think? Businesses and citizens so isolated through “social distancing” and masking, tape, when so many have died with COVID, not neceswill have to pay for this gasoline tax, a product on which prevents us from having honest and earnest discussion sarily by COVID - a critical distinction. we have become dependent since the creation of gasoand dialogue at a time when we are all desperate for What is at risk? Many facets of our health, includline cars because of a lack of other popular and affordable discourse. ing mental health. Soon we’ll have 2020 numbers for options. This is yet another measure that hurts the less Corona viruses have been in existence for thou- suicides and overdoses, but there’s still no metric for fortunate; it will once again make the poor poorer. sands of years. We either learn to live with yet another deep depression, domestic abuse and other very real and On the other hand, this measure may ultimately virus in a rational, moderate way OR we risk walking potentially explosive conditions. force the consumer of gasoline (which is practically evinto history in perpetual fear, shielded and masked from What else is at risk? Our freedom of movement eryone) to change their habits. If the tax is invested in an unknown enemy. We need a clear path - transparent and our freedom to gather. Our privacy –consider the public transport, bicycle paths and electric cars, we will steps - to healing our nation. implications of contact tracing, digital currency and finally find sustainable options for the majority of people.

We learned early on that COVID-19 likes densely health passports. Our freedom of choice - consider the Will this have an effect on the entire population? Or, packed human spaces (typical virus!) The biggest culprit implications of barely tested mandatory vaccines - adas mentioned above, will it result in the less fortunate and of contagion has been “super spreader” events. Where ministered by the army! In Canada! Has it really come citizens from the middle-class (who will have to adapt the viral load is low (fewer instances and less intensity to this in eight short months? and pay for this new restrictive measure) bearing a disof the virus), transmission and even severity of illness

proportionate share of the cost. are hugely lessened.

Ultimately, if the vast majority of people choose to Despite knowing this, our governments have change their ways, people who don’t follow suit may also Continued on page 7 have to deal with a bit of shaming and angry looks.

Correction

We need a clear path

The Columbia Valley

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

Pioneer

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

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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.

December 17, 2020

LETTERS

The elephant in the room Dear Editor: The Athalmer Land Plan shown at the November Open House includes: a rebuilt marina; a limited number of improved boat slips; an improved boat ramp; boat and trailer circulation with shelter; limited parking with treed median; a small boathouse and gateway signage. There is also an additional comment respecting a covered veranda circling the marina building. This is baffling since this is a land use plan and not an architectural discussion. How this would help traffic circulation on the land or in the water is a mystery.

All of these suggested improvements are to stay more or less in the same place so as to limit environmental impacts on the shoreline. It has been pointed out many times that the narrow channel is a severe bottleneck and the traffic patterns- both on land and in the water - do not work. We know we need to solve the parking issue and “a small, landscaped lot with additional on street spaces” will not do. It is clear from the activity on the site last summer that the boat launch and adjacent parking are serious issues.

To define the problem, we need to have some hard data. How many boats are we dealing with? Where do they come from? How many trailers need to park? How many cars need to park? What are the waiting times for entry and exit? Is it a good use of our Bylaw department to direct traffic and resolve disputes on the weekend? What will happen if we have to twin the bridge? The answers to these may very well show the need for a reimagined and relocated marina. The evaluation of the larger landmass, as previously noted, may provide some answers.

It may also provide an opportunity for some income. An improved boat launch could be a fee for service facility. Marinas can generate revenue, and parking certainly can. Since this facility serves more than just the DOI, perhaps letting the users pay is a fair model to investigate.

Let’s take the time to think this through. What we need is more access to the lake and more park space. Since we all share the lake, maybe all users should get involved in this discussion. A band-aid solution based on the status quo is not a good use of our money.

James Mitchelson, Invermere

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

BriscoandGeneral Store G reenhouse Greenhouse 1988-2020

After 32 years, the Brisco General Store has handed over the reins to Corey, Christa, Andrew and Kylie.

We have enjoyed serving the people of the valley for all these years. We would first like to thank all the wonderful employees we have had over the years, as well as the summer students that have moved on to do wonderful things. Thank you to all our loyal customers and the Brisco Community for your support. All of us, and our family will have a lot of great memories. Thanks again.

We wish Corey, Christa, Andrew and Kylie all the best in their new venture and we hope to see you at the greenhouse in the spring.

Merry Christmas and all the best in 2021.

Don, Joy and Mariena Hassett

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Continued ‘We need a clear path’ from page 6 Let our communities shine again - let the young, the active, the healthy really live again. Let us connect with our community organizations and our places of worship in person with a free face. People need to be together. We are stronger together.

Our federal government is effectively bankrupting the country. Our provincial governments seem to be in support. Restrictions and shutdowns are suffocating the middle class - the merchant class. We are the upholders of democracy, and without our independent thinking, entrepreneurship and initiative, what we have known as a free country full of opportunity, will be a distant memory.

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Dear Editor : How we choose to live is always a personal, but never just a private affair.

Social justice and compassion for our neighbor suggest not only that we should assist those in need but also address the causes of those conditions the most needy face. We deepen our concern for our neighbor by supporting others in need.

The pandemic we currently face knows nothing of boundaries or social status. The privileged are as susceptible to its overwhelming impact as the most vulnerable. It asks whether we have the means to confront and defeat its potentially fatal blow. Christian social teaching entreats us to work for the good of all and to respect the needs and the rights of others. Surrendering our self-interests for the good of others is not always easy. But that is what this world sorely needs from us at this moment.

There is an old Chinese proverb that speaks to those who would claim wearing a mask or limiting their social interaction is an imposition on their personal freedom: “Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood.” Pope John XXIII explains it this way: “Authority is mainly a moral power; therefore it must first call upon the conscience, that is, upon the duty that each person has to contribute to the common good.” It seems to me that our success with this pandemic depends upon each of us understanding that the good of all is what’s at stake here. And wearing a mask is just a small inconvenience to get us all through this successfully to achieve that good for everyone.

Tom Graves, Radium Hot Springs

HOLIDAY SPIRIT KNOW-HOW

From November 12th to December 31st, 2020

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 17, 2020

Mr. Child’s Grade 5 music class J.A. Laird To our are valued shoppers, donors and volunteers

Christmas hours Donations closed December 17th – January 6th Store closed December 19th – January 5th Donations resume January 6th Store re-opens January 6th

We wish to thank all for your cooperation and wish everyone a happy healthy holiday season.

Invermere updates safety plan

cial health officer’s order (in November) is that district staff are required to wear face masks in most places at work and definitely when they are in public areas. FurInvermere council members and staff discussed the ther, any member of the public who wishes to enter a disdistrict’s updated COVID-19 safety plan during the trict building or facility is required to wear a face mask, unless they are unable to do so,” wrote Young in a report most recent council meeting.

“District staff have done some work to review and up- to council, adding that district has put up signs about the date our COVID-19 mandatory masks at all its buildings and safety plan protocols,” said Invermere facilities and has now “Any member of the public who wishes to enter a disimplemented daily chief administratrict building or facility is required to wear a face tive officer Andrew worker health checks mask, unless they are unable to do so.” for all district staff.

Young during the In terms of the Tuesday, Dec. 8 Andrew Young, ‘working alone’ and council meeting, Invermere chief administrative officer ‘working from home’ adding staff “have determined some policies, Young outlined that “district of them will need tweaking.” Young noted in particular that the district staff will be reviewing and developing those policies and needs to update its existing ‘‘working alone’ policy, and intends to present them to the municipality’s joint health needs to develop a ‘working from home’ policy. and safety committee before bringing them to Inver“The most visible change resulting from the provin- mere’s council for consideration.”

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

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

2021 SCHEDULE REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL The District of Invermere Council meets regularly throughout the year on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Office (914 – 8th Avenue, Invermere).

January 12th & 26th

July 13th

February 9th & 23rd

August 10th

March 9th & 23rd

September 14th

April 13th & 27th

October 12th & 26th

May 11th & 25th

November 9th & 23rd

June 8th & 22nd

December 14th

Agendas are posted on our website www.invermere.net prior to the meetings.

Where to recycle?

Kinsmen contract extended for Columbia River Paddle

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The familiar, ever-friendly faces of the Powers-Fanderl family will be your main go-to point for good eats and great water sports at Kinsmen Beach for some summers to come. Invermere council voted unanimously to award the contracts for both concessions and for water sports at Kinsmen Beach to the family’s Columbia River Paddle business for a five year term. Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia “We’ve beenwww.rcbc.ca quite happy with their services,” Invermere corporate officer Kindry Luyendyk told

Can this be recycled?

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council members prior to the vote, during council’s Tuesday, Dec. 8 meeting, adding that district staff had done one or two year contracts with Columbia River Paddle in the past, but is upping the term to five years because “we’re pretty comfortable with them. They’re great tenants.”

“They’ve done a truly great job, and they really act as beach and lake advocates for us down here,” said Invermere mayor Al Miller.

Councillor Greg Anderson jokingly suggested that council rent Columbia River Paddle’s standup paddle boards on a Tuesday evening this coming summer and hold a council meeting out on Taynton Bay.

Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR

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December 17, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9 Sponsored Content

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By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com Odyssey Restoration wishes to thank all of its customers for their support this year. Dean Hubman, the owner of Odyssey Restoration, began his first business even before he had his driver’s license. He was going lawn to lawn in the valley, pushing his mower until the day he got his driving license and began to expand the territory he covered. Hubman is now running a successful company and he feels that now is the right time to give back to the community that has given him and his family so much since he was a kid.

Giving back The year 2020 has been such a strange year.

Invermere residents had to adapt to the reality of living in a pandemic era. Our habits have been turned upside down, transformed.

We disagreed and held debates about our different ways of dealing with the pandemic with our friends and families, as well as with hundreds of strangers on social media. Sometimes in peace, sometimes with anger. But at the end of the day, what we should remember with pride is the way in which all together, two meters apart, we were able to put our shoulder to the wheel and help our neighbour. “We must watch out for each other; if not, who will?” said Hubman, adding this spirit that has moved him to donate $5000 to the Food Bank in loving memory of his mom Donna hubman. When she was a child, her family started enjoying the valley from Exshaw, Alberta. They built a home in Timberidge, and they were one of the first families to live there along with the developer. The Food Bank held a special place in her heart, which is why Hubman donated his first donation to that organization.

“We all have that common feeling about the valley,” explained Hubman. For a lot of residents, the Columbia Valley acts as a natural stress relief. This explains why we have seen several second home buyers and a huge influx of new residents of all generations move into our community in the past few months. “I want them to feel welcome here, no matters where you are from. I hope they don’t lose sight of what the valley brings to them,” said Hubman, “because this town is

250.341.5890 – INVERMERE –

going to need help from everyone.”

Detailing Utopia is going to donate $5 from every sale for 2021 season. This should make for a good donation for next year.

This year has been particularly hard for many local non-profit organizations.

Most of their major fundraising events were canceled due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Volunteers and organizers had to get creative and change their usual campaign. “We are one of a number (of great non-profits)” said Prichard, explaining that the Food Bank seems to lucky to at the top of many people’s minds lately, but many other different organizations are still in need.

New staff member Odyssey is welcoming a new employee; Tim Tubman recently accepted the position of project manager. Tubman is one of a growing number of residents that have recently moved to the valley to escape the city. His love story with our region began three years ago when his family purchased a lot in the Valley Edge Resort in Edgewater. “We found the resort by wanting to have the perfect getaway from a busy life in Calgary. Since then, my family and I have really enjoyed our summers here,” said Tubman. Like many others, the Tubmans enjoy being on the many lakes swimming or paddleboarding. They are looking forward to going ice skating on the beautiful Lake Windermere for the first time.

They also enjoy going for hikes with their dog. “My kids, Jackson and Grace are excited to join school here and along with my wife Alayna, (we) are very excited to join the valley full time and look forward to joining the community,” said Tubman.

For the past 15 years, Odyssey Restoration’s new manager has been enjoying a very successful career in Calgary. “I found myself wanting a new challenge,” said Tubman. Odyssey Restoration’s owner, Dean Hubman, offered Tubman the manager position as he felt Tubman’s experience and expertise would fit well with his company. “With IICRC certification and Dean’s 28 years of restoration experience, we will bring the best customer service and quality work you expect,” said Tubman.

We look forward to servicing the Valley in 2021.

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 17, 2020

B.C. health authorities acknowledge racism

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter B.C. health authorities acknowledge racism and discrimination toward Indigenous people have recently been flagged as an area of concern by provincial health authorities.

On Dec. 1, a report entitled “In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C. Health Care” was released in a joint statement by Interior Health, Fraser Health, Island Health, Northern Health, Providence Health Care and Provincial Health Services, and Vancouver Coastal Health to raise awareness about the issue in partnership with the Ministry of Health.

The purpose of issuing the report was to raise awareness about widespread Indigenous stereotyping and racist discrimination that occurs within the provincial healthcare system.

The joint statement included a written apology to Indigenous people who have had poor experiences in health care facilities and for those who did not receive action when wrong-doings occurred as well as acknowledgement of Indigenous employees and physicians that may have experienced discrimination.

According to the Interior Health Authority (IHA), there are nearly 9,000 Indigenous people and health-care workers who have shared stories and experiences that call for change in the medical sector. IHA remains optimistic the report may serve the provincial health care providers as a blueprint for change.

IHA indicated that racism and discrimination have no place in provincial programs and services or any healthcare facilities.

Te’ta-in (Sound of Thunder) Shane Pointe, the Knowledge Keeper for this historic report, has called upon all B.C. health care representatives to “bring dignity to those who have not been afforded it” in a recent press release.

When asked for response to the announcement, the Shuswap Indian Band Chief Barb Cote and Danielle Armstrong, the SIB health director, were unavailable for comments before the Pioneer went to press.

Akisqnuk First Nation Chief Ryan Nicholas believes the desire to change may have been spurred by the growing stressors of life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“One thing I noticed from the beginning of the pandemic was the lack of communication from First Nations health and IHA,” said Nicholas, noting the communications about public safety procedures and prevention techniques was poorly communicated to First Nations communities and reserves. “I think the communication with the

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First Nations communities and reserves was very lacking.”

In spite of the communication challenges that occurred early-on in the pandemic, Nicholas remains optimistic about taking a stand and making change within the community through his new role as chief. He recognizes that there are many visitors in the Columbia Valley and at the band office in Windermere.

“We’re getting lots of funding rolling in for COVID-19 right now, and we’re putting in some different procedures in right now, and we’re looking for a COVID-19 advisor to work directly with our community,” he explained, noting the delegate would focus on providing safety measures at the Eva Joseph Learning Society, the all nation’s recreation centre, the band office and all of the ongoing construction sites located in the community.

Nicholas indicated that prior to the election, he worked directly with ThinkBrite Homes and appreciated the presence of hand sanitizers and face masks provided there, so Nicholas hopes the community could echo the same message for all band members.

“I see some pluses coming in and that’s where I stand right now,” he explained. “But it was very frustrating the way that the communication with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) was at the beginning of the pandemic.”

He remains optimistic that the FNHA and the B.C. Assembly of First Nations (AFN) will continue to provide strong updates to all Indigenous people.

“We are people. We have people in our communities that we have concerns about,” explained Nicholas, adding that he hopes vaccinations will be distributed on reserves when safe to do so. “We are human. We should get acknowledgement on the community vaccination programs.”

He indicated that the Akisqnuk First Nation would support vaccination programs on the reserve if offered.

“Our community has caucasian people working in our community health unit, and from what I know, our health unit is one of the top in the nation,” explained Nicholas. “They do very good work. When the pandemic started, and our band office went through such a chaotic summer the last six months or so, but they stayed open the whole time and provided (medical services) for the community in the way it should’ve been run. It’s a total care team, and there’s lots of good communication in the health centre.”

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December 17, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

Renos at Raven’s Nest Indigenous campground in the Columbia Valley recently won the Tourism Business of the Year award

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

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

NOTICE OF OFFICE CLOSURE

This year, in 2020, the duo’s busiThe Municipal Office will be closed on Friday, December 25th and ness won the Tourreopening again on Monday, January 4th, 2021 for the holidays.

An Indigenous tourism operator ism Business of the The District apologizes for any inconvenience caused by this has found creative ways to cater to Year award from the closure. In the event of an emergency, please call 1-866-918campers in spite of the COVID-19 All Nations Trust 3580. pandemic.

Company.

Akisqnuk First Nation member “We’re just If you have any questions regarding this please contact the office Faro Burgoyne, 27, and his partner north of Fairmont at 250-342-9281 or info@invermere.net.

Emily Slobodzian, 27, opened the on the westside of business approximately two years ago the Highway, overafter building the amenities required looking the wetlands to overlook the wetlands of the Cowhere the river opens lumbia Valley. up,” said Slobodzian.

The Industrial Park Transfer Station holiday schedule is as follows: “We have a beautiful piece of “Right before Lake property and have known forever that Windermere opens December 24, 8 am - 4 pm the valley demands more campsites,” up, and we’re on a December 25 – CLOSED said Burgoyne, noting the Spruce bit of a close edge, so December 26 – CLOSED Grove campground was temporarily you can see all of the closed for the pandemic this season. wetlands, over the December 27-28, 8 am -6 pm The Raven’s Nest Resort and train tracks and the December 29-30 – CLOSED Raven’s Nest Resort and Campground owners Faro Campground located in Fairmont Purcells down over to December 31, 8 am - 4 pm Burgoyne and Emily Slobodzian recently accepted the opened the proverbial door in February the Rockies. It’s really, Tourism Business of the Year award from the All NaJanuary 1 – CLOSED of 2019, both owners recognizing the really nice. We have a tions Trust Company.

Submitted photo January 2 – 8 am - 6 pm need for campgrounds in southeastern great view.”

Check the BC RECYC B.C. due to the availability of options during summers.

There are currently 42 regular campsites and two Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia A friendly reminder that site staff will direct users to604-RECYCLE bins available (732 During the first season, the resort and campground group campsites offered seasonally to outdoor enthusiwww.rcbc.ca for use.

This site will only be used to drop off household waste.

1-800-667-432 were operational. The open period was restricted to the asts, but Burgoyne and Slobodzian are in the process of Furniture, appliances, contractor waste and yard waste will not month of August and early-September because the ma- discussing reducing the property to provideRecycling guests with council of B.c. MeMBeR Recycling council of B.c. be accepted at this site. Only waste in residential bags that will jority of the summer was spent setting up the facilities. more privacy. Their goal is to open the campground in fit through the bear resistant lids will be accepted. Please contact Over the course of the summer during the May of 2021 for bookings. If the pandemic permits, the the DOI office for more information 250-342-9281.

COVID-19 pandemic, the Raven’s Nest Resort and duo would like to offer a safe open house for the commuCampground were booked fully nearly every weekend. nity to visit the property and tour its offerings.

The facility provided guests with sanitizer and had clean“We spent our summer building eight log cabins on ing supplies available in outhouses for anyone who want- the campsite as well. Hopefully for next year, we’ll have ed access to it. eight log cabins to rent out,” said Slobodzian. “Maybe Recycling questions?

“We had lots of good feedback,” said Burgoyne about we’ll have 30 campsites and eight cabins.”

BC RECYCLING HOTLINE the end of the season. “People loved the site and people The renovations are ongoing and are expected to be 604-732-9253 loved us. We had lots of good interactions from visitors. completed before the next season of operation.

We had lots of word of mouth marketing of people who For more information about the campground, please 1-800-667-4321 came here and had a good experience and recommended visit: www.ravensnestresort.com. To contact the owners us to others. We had lots of return visitors as well. People for a free tour of the resort in the spring, please e-mail Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR were excited to have a place to go too.” them at: business@ravensnestresort.com.

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

INDUSTRIAL PARK TRANSFER STATION HOLIDAY CLOSURES

Where to recycle?

Where to recycle?

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The continued support from valley businesses, visitors, full-time residents, and part-time residents is overwhelming and received with heartfelt gratitude.

A huge thank you to Community Foundations of Canada who help fund us this year and from all the volunteers at the Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley.

For more information contact us at cvcb@shaw.ca

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12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 17, 2020

December 17, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

HOLIDAY RECYCLING TIPS Holiday Light Recycling

That’s a Wrap Paper based wrapping paper can be recycled at the Invermere Recycle BC Depot in the industrial park, in Invermere’s curbside pick-up or any of the Yellow Bins in the East Kootenay. From cards and envelopes to wrapping and tissue paper, please recycle as much as possible.

RECYCLABLE: Paper based gift wrap Cards Envelopes Gift tags Tissue paper Cardboard boxes Brown shipping/packaging paper

NOT RECYCLABLE: Foil based wrapping paper Envelopes or gift tags with foil lining Bows and Ribbons

If everyone in Canada wrapped just three gifts in reused paper or gift bags, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 hockey rinks.

IF EACH PERSON REUSED TWO FEET OF RIBBON THIS CHRISTMAS IT WOULD SAVE 61,000 KMS OF RIBBON.

The Yellow Bins

& Municipal Curbside Pick-up

Christmas light strings are included in the Product Care program and can be dropped off for free at participating light fixture recycling depots.

The Product Care program also accepts compact fluorescent and tube fluorescent light bulbs , LED and incandescent lights free of charge. Lighting fixtures are also accepted in several locations as are strings of Christmas lights.

The LightRecycle Depots in the Columbia Valley is: Invermere Home Building Centre For more information, visit www.productcare.org

Batteries Included

Electronics Recycling

Both your alkaline and rechargeable batteries are recyclable.

Electronics are often a hot holiday gift item. If your old electronics are no longer working, they may be able to be recycled.

There are numerous drop off locations in all major centres in the RDEK.

The are drop-off locations for electronics through the RDEK.

Contact the RDEK or visit www.call2recycle.ca to find a location near you.

On December 25th alone, over 30 million bags of garbage will be thrown out of Canadian households.

through the Yellow Bins and curbside pick-up in Invermere.

ONLY THE PRODUCTS OUTLINED BELOW can be recycled in the Yellow Bins or curbside pick-up in Invermere.

• PAPER all mixed paper (such as newspaper, magazines, phone books, brochures, books, envelopes).

• CARDBOARD all types of cardboard and boxboard.

Exception: Cardboard covered in wax (for example milk cartons or disposable drink cups) or soiled with food or grease (like pizza boxes) cannot be recycled and must go in the garbage.

• TIN & ALUMINUM CANS food and beverage cans; labels off, rinse well.

• PLASTICS Grocery bags and household plastic with the number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 on it.

Plastics must be rinsed and every item must have a number on it. No Styrofoam, even though it may be marked a #6.

Televisions

Scanners

Telephones

Computers & peripherals

Stereos & docking stations

Radios

Monitors

Speakers

Fax machines

Earphones

DVD/VHS players

Microphones

Cable, satellite and PVR boxes Vehicle audio and video systems

To view the full list of accepted electronics, visit www.return-it.ca/electronics

Small Appliance Recycling More than 120 small electrical appliances, ranging in size from electric toothbrushes to countertop microwave ovens are accepted at Return-it depots around the East Kootenay.

Products are divided into categories including: kitchen countertop, time measurement, weight measurement, garment care, air treatment, floor care and personal care.

For details and locations contact the RDEK or visit www.return-it.ca

Recycle BC Depots

Recycle BC Depot (Invermere Transfer Station – Industrial 1 Road in Athalmere)

Delivery packaging, where does it go?

PAPER & CARDBOARD PRODUCTS

CARDBOARD boxes of all types. Corrugated cardboard and boxboard can both be recycled in the Paper & Cardboard bin. Please flatten your boxes as much as possible before placing them in the bin.

PAPER & CARDBOARD PRODUCTS

The RDEK pays for each tonne collected

The following items can be dropped off FREE OF CHARGE for recycling:

The RDEK is paid for each tonne collected through the Recycle BC Depots at the Invermere (industrial park in Athalmere), Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford, Kimberley and Cranbrook Transfer Stations .

Recycle BC requires some sorting to be done. The materials are separated into the following categories: • PAPER & CARDBOARD PRODUCTS • FLEXIBLE PLASTIC PACKAGING • PLASTIC BAGS/OVERWRAP • STYROFOAM • CONTAINERS • GLASS Recycle BC is a not-for-profit organization responsible for residential packaging and paper product recycling throughout BC. Recycle BC is funded by producers, like retailers and manufacturers that supply packaging and paper products to BC residents, keeping the costs away from homeowners.

By adopting the Recycle BC program, we are able to recycle many new products that are not available through the Yellow Bin and curbside system. These include milk cartons, ziploc bags, styrofoam, coated paper cups, bubble wrap, flexible plastic packaging, potato chip bags, aluminum foil & pie plates, and many more.

PAPER PACKAGING that is stuffed in delivery boxes to take up the excess space can be placed in the Paper & Cardboard bin.

WHITE STYROFOAM

STYROFOAM that can be recycled is a rigid material that breaks if you bend it. This styrofoam goes in the White Styrofoam bin. If it squishes or bends, but does not break, it goes in your household garbage.

FLEXIBLE PACKAGING

GARBAGE (if it can’t be reused)

BUBBLE WRAP goes into the Flexible Packaging bin. This applies to both large and small bubble wrap of any colour. Of course you can feel free to pop it all first if that’s what you like.

FLEXIBLE PACKAGING

SQUISHY FOAM products are not recyclable at this time.

This type of packaging is distinguishable from styrofoam in that it will not break if bent. Place this foam in your household garbage.

GARBAGE (if it can’t be reused)

INFLATABLE AIR PACKETS go in the Flexible Packaing bin. These are becoming more common which is nice as they require much less material to produce.

FLEXIBLE PACKAGING

FOAM PACKING ‘PEANUTS’ are not recycleable at this time.

Please place these little guys in your household garbage.

GARBAGE (if it can’t be reused)

PADDED MAILERS that are made entirely of plastic can go in the Flexible Packaging bin. If they are a combination of paper and plastic, they go in the trash.

THE ONLY delivery packaging listed above that can go in a Yellow Bin is paper & cardboard packaging.

PAPER PADDED MAILERS that are created with a combination of paper or cardboard and plastic are not recycleable at this time.

These mailers go in with your household garbage. learn more

engage.rdek.bc.ca/recycle

1-888-478-7335 | www.rdek.bc.ca

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 17, 2020

SIB health director reflects on opportunity Brenda Mitchell provides foot care to band members, primarily for patients who have diabetes and requires ongoing treatments.

In the midst of the COVID-19 Radium business owner Lyn Birkett of pandemic, while many companies Rising Sun Massage provides treatments to have implemented hiring freezes, a members of the SIB through an affiliation Métis citizen recently landed a new with the health unit. opportunity in the Columbia Valley.

Jennifer Driscoll works collaboratively Danielle Armstrong joined the with Armstrong to facilitate the Interior Shuswap Indian Band (SIB) in InHealth Authority’s (IHA) harm reduction vermere as the nation’s health direcprogram for those in need. The duo protor for members on March 9, 2020. vides fentanyl testing strips and education, “I’m really enjoying the openas well as naloxone kits to help mitigate the ness of the community members and risk of overdoses in the community to help how welcoming they are towards me end the stigma associated with substance and my family. It’s been really nice. abuse.

No two days are alike which is great,” The SIB health unit obtained approvsaid Armstrong. “It’s a great opporal to become an official harm reduction tunity for personal and professional site for the District of Invermere (DOI) in growth to help establish their health 2018 and has continued to maintain the department. It’s a great team also credentials to offer the program to Indigeat SIB. I’m really enjoying working nous communities as well as to provide supwith everybody here.” port for any other member of the Columbia After serving the Kootenay Brain Valley community.

Injury Association as an executive “We’re actually an official site for InShuswap Indian Band health director Danielle Armstrong shown with her sons (from left to director and as a frontline outreach vermere, so anyone can come and use the right) Antonio, Alberto, Giovanni and Pietro Pasqualotto. Submitted photo worker for 11 years while raising a program,” said Armstrong, noting that fenfamily, Armstrong was studying retanyl testing and offering safe training have habilitation diploma to accompany her experience as a care aide and bookkeeper. recently been added to the SIB’s health unit.

The SIB health unit has a clinical room, a counselling room and a multi-purpose In addition, the SIB health unit began offering a delivery meal program to vulnerroom available for members. There are a total of 10 team members at the SIB’s health able people and seniors from the community every Wednesday since the COVID-19 centre focused on serving band members in a wide variety of services. SIB community pandemic began. home nurse Melissa Addis and home care aide Jaclyn Fontaine are regularly available.

When asked what the biggest challenge of starting her role at the SIB’s health unit Dr. Gareth Mannheimer visits the SIB members as a general practitioner. during a global health care crisis, Armstrong replied, “I’ve really enjoyed my time here Patricia Duffy Atkin serves the community as a mental health counsellor. and all that I’m learning. It’s just been a really positive experience as a whole, both movKtunaxa member Ashley Oddy visits the community as a social worker, while Ktu- ing to the area and being so welcomed in my role. I’m super happy.” naxa member Catherine Strachan offers services to band members as a dietician.

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

CLRC implements new safety restrictions

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Columbia Lake Recreation Centre (CLRC) has amended COVID-19 safety procedures in Windermere to help keep the community safe during the pandemic.

The provincial health care officer (PHO) in B.C. announced on Dec. 3 that temporary restrictions are in effect for indoor physical activities to mitigate the risk of community transmission of the Novel Coronavirus from physical interactions.

Upon receiving information from the PHO, the leadership team at the CLRC, which is located on the lands of the Akisqnuk First Nation, closed immediately to develop a safety plan that adhered to the provincial health regulations and guidelines for fitness, sports, low-intensity and high-intensity activities.

“When we heard the announcement, we actually closed the rec centre that night and had it closed for about a week while we created new signage and a new schedule for cleaning,” said Heather Rennebohm, CLRC spokesperson. “We had to advise various adult teams that played (sports) that they weren’t going to be able to do that anymore.

That was part of our preparation, then we opened the following week just for singles pickleball and youth indoor soccer (training).”

With the caveat that pickleball players are restricted to appointment-only matches for singles, while never exceeding a maximum of eight pickleball players on the court total. PickleballBC has introduced a safety plan for participants to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic that is being incorporated into the CLRC’s expectations for visitors.

In addition, the youth indoor soccer training is restricted to those 18-years-old and under to focus on ball handling skill acquisition while maintaining three-feet-ofdistance at all times, respecting the phase one of the return to play rules created by the BC Soccer organization. The maximum number of soccer players allowed per cohort is 12 and soccer matches are prohibited at this time.

The weight room and running track may contain a maximum of three single-use visitors at any given time, depending on the total number of scheduled activities that have been booked. Rennebohm indicated that the CLRC restricts a maximum number of 16 visitors at one time.

“We have a double-barreled set of precautions,” said Rennebohm. “The centre requires masks at all times, and the way it works in the centre, people come in at one time and exit at a different time and (door). People never cross paths. We keep them separate and in small cohorts as well.”

Face masks, sanitizer, regular cleanings, COVID-19 screening questionnaire upon entering are required at the CLRC, as well as tracing through both an app for pickleball users and single-use visitors, while soccer training program sign-in manually by pen and paper.

“Each of the two main (sports) that we are running in the centre, we have all the protocols of the centre as well as all of the protocols of the sports too,” she explained about the safety plan.

On Dec. 10, the PHO checked-in with the CLRC and provided verification of their safety plan so that it may continue to remain open for the time being.

The CLRC will be closed on Dec. 24 for Christmas Eve, Dec. 25 for Christmas Day as well as Jan. 1 on New Years Day. As of Dec. 10, the hours of operation were between noon and 7 p.m. mountain time during the week only. However, the CLRC plans to stay agile and the hours of operation / business rules are subject to change in the event that the PHO announces new information.

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. Drop-ins visits are not currently available for monthly members or day rate users of the facility.

Please contact Bryan Armstrong at: columbialakereccenter@gmail.com or 250342-6111 to make arrangements for facility use in-advance.

December 17, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

My life’s story JAMES W MACKINNON

Submitted content by James W Mackinnon

R

ather strange for me to be writing this story. Most of the things I worked on from 18 years of age to 46 years of age (1992) were confidential back then but are no longer under that umbrella. Please bear with me if you feel that I am a bit wordy at times.

I was born in Guelph on September 25th, 1946. I grew up in a small-town of 2,000 people, two miles away from Lake Huron’s beaches and seven miles from the Blue Mountain ski resorts.

I have spent the past 20 years plus in Invermere. Invermere is a very close duplicate to where I spent my childhood. I have two daughters from my first marriage. My youngest will be 40 in 2021. They ultimately did what they wanted to do career and family wise. I am very very happy that they did. It was closer to what I would have done/did do than what their mother would have done/did. I have one grandson and one son-in-law.

Dawn and I got married in 1993. I was fully retired and happy to just sit back and enjoy the retirement stage in life, the golden years. I like to think that our marriage was “arranged”. I had prayed to GOD to meet somebody like Dawn only days before I did. GOD does indeed have the deepest, most beautiful laugh that you could ever imagine. I knew then that the greatest challenge ever in my life, was ahead of me.

It is my life from 18 to 46 years of age, that I want to share with all of you. I hope you will find it interesting and motivating, an “if he can, maybe I can /could” story.

I worked all my summers from the age of 13 on, so that I could go to university. I gave 10% of my earnings to the Toronto Star Camp Fund so that an inner-city child could go to camp. I was the product of protestant work ethic era teachings.

I did pretty well career wise, was semi-retired (working two hours or less per day) by the age of 36. Fully retired nine years later. I met a number of people in my life that were extremely powerful and successful. They, along with GOD, gave me lots of gifts to be thankful for. They were all excellent mentors.

I have never been a party time guy. I can role play it briefly, if needed, but only briefly. I have a large group of associates who are virtually all ex CEOs of North American/ EU corporations. I have always been comfortable and happy socializing/talking with them. My associate group provided me with virtually everything I needed re-connect with people for socializing and data sharing, outside of my immediate family. I purportedly generated a billion plus of bottom line profit for my first employer, (per their ex CEO) with a payback period of just a few months. I thank GOD for facilitating /enabling me so that I could solve somewhat complex problems with very cheap outside the box, innovative solutions.

I was ambitious, not happy with only being halfway up my first employers corporate ladder, after only ten years. Typical protestant work ethic populace value system kicking in. In the process of switching employers, I went through six 12-hour days of “testing”. The test results, among other things, showed that my mind, could indeed process data tens of times faster than any others in my peer group. I skipped most of the senior management and executive level ladder rungs in 1980 when I moved on to my second employer. My second employer was a major Canadian corp with massive political/economic international ties.

My new boss talked daily with POTUS on a two-phone encrypted system. I immediately got to advise President Reagan at the most senior level under him, on energy, environmental, strategic, and administrative issues etc. I got to meet with all of the globe’s highest-level leaders on a one to one basis, had access to virtually anybody/everybody. I still have the later. And I even got to do it all my way, incognito, minimum baggage. I hope that my example below will now give a glimpse, a bit of an overview of same.

I master minded/facilitated the 1985 hundred-year energy agreement between Russia and the EU. I suspect that most of you are not aware/never heard of that agreement between the EU and Russia. That, as noted above, was as per my agreement with those I worked for. President Trump thanked Canada/the Canadian that masterminded the hundred-year Russia/EU agreement, in a speech he made re how others have made the world a better place in 2019. He also pointed out that the solution was still doing its intended magic 35 years later. Backdrop was that Russia/EU issues took up 25% plus of Reagan’s time before my fix. EU/Russia were always going to be a royal pain you know where for POTUS, regardless of whether POTUS was a DEM or a REP. Helmut Schmidt, being a typical German, had decided and demanded that US be EU’s 100-year energy supplier / guarantor. Reagan needed some time out to focus on USA restoration post-Vietnam.

My solution to Reagan, a shotgun marriage for Russia/EU via the energy agreement. If you put two totally spoiled hellions, in the same room and throw away the key, they don’t destroy the world, just each other.

Those are the things I got to do for seven years. I purportedly got to be known as a mastermind at setting up many global domino boards like the above so that everything just fell into place. In reality, everything I did was totally planned out in total secrecy, confidentiality.

I liked it that way. I was never into being within the “party group” at the center of the dance

floor doing, seeking applause from the masses, but getting nothing of substance done/fixed.

I did get to go to the best restaurants in the world, have a private dining room, chef and servers as part of my package. Growing up in a small town, I was not even aware that was available.

Part of my job was to take those leaders that I “associated “with to the best restaurants, provide them with the best three hours plus “eating experiences”. That is why I love great food and eating experiences to this day.

I ultimately moved on career wise, set up my own company. Things again “magically “fell into place. Most people would have been happy with being break even in year one. I did much better.

I had a seven-digit profit, in 1980 $. Nobody said, “great job”. It was just what the group, I associated with expected of themselves and me. And that was a-ok for me.

My greatest joy in my life was watching a group in their 20s to 30s after their hot air balloon ride. They were all paraplegics restricted for life to seeing the world from a three-foot level, in a wheelchair. A group of us had built a camp 30 miles plus away from Olds AB, in the boonies, for paraplegic campers. They got to experience a bit of the life that we all take for granted. Seeing their facial expressions of sheer joy from their one to two-hour hot air balloon adventure said it all. They got to see numerous deer and elk herds, bears, wolves etc from 500 feet up (not 3 feet), in total silence, 30 miles away from the nearest town. That memory is still to this day my greatest thrill in life. I and others provided them with a Rockies ten-day camping experience that changed their views of what they could do in life forever. Horseback riding, overnight camping and at least one or two balloon rides was all that they needed to get started.

I, intentionally, came back from our home in AZearly in March this year, as I had all the operations/ diagnostics needed set up so that I could likely live another ten years. Ottawa’s declaration of the Canada Emergency Act in late March of 2020 based on the UNa WHO leaders COVID prediction for Canada for 2020 year, shut everything down for me. The UNs WHO prediction never did come close to happening.

But we are still under rule by Canada’s Emergency Act. A big Hmmm.

I understand that there are close to a million Canadians in my same situation. Trillions of dollars were spent on saving up to 10,000 of Canadians from COVID death, providing a few extra years of life for them. But the price is massive for that forgotten one million group. The money required to provide the $20,000 to $50,000 operations to people like me, is not and will not be available. Hundreds of thousands of us who could have lived an extra 10 to 15 years with the operations are now on standby, waiting to die in a few years. Extremely sad for me that Ottawa will now, no doubt based on past experiences, blame the health care community for people like me dying. I want you all to know that my doctors and staff have done everything they could for me given the restrictions imposed on them by Ottawa’s Canada Emergency Act rules.

This apparent lack of awareness of these situations by the masses of voters in Canada, USA and EU bothers me. The real motives behind politician’s promotion of COVID, the Paris Accord and BLM etcetra will ultimately surface. I sincerely hope that their motive was not to bring about China’s global dominance. Personally, I liked having an extremely street-smart businessman as POTUS instead of a typical old fashioned establishment politician who owes everybody big time for their support over the past 1, 5, 10, 20, 30 year period.

Along the way, I did shake up the global medical industry ten years back. They assumed that thyroid cancer did not metastasize before reaching a critical mass/volume of one cubic cm. I personally proved worldwide to them that it happened at one fortieth that level. All they needed to do, was to use a PETSCAN machine instead of an MRI to detect thyroid cancer at that low level. I understand that hundreds of thousands per year of thyroid cancer patients like me are now getting to live twenty to thirty more years due to my pushing the medical industry outside of their comfort zone. But more pushing was still needed to confirm that my large fist sized tumors had indeed come from a one sixteenth inch diameter cancer growth on my thyroid gland. My fix suggestion does an inexpensive Radio-Active Iodine procedure. Within less than a week, they had their confirmation. In the interim wait time, they had pursued microscopic evaluation of the molecular structure of my thyroid cancer cell vs my tumor cancer cell. After six months of going down that extremely expensive road, they had nada.

My time to quietly say “goodbye” to all of you is fast approaching. Please do dig a bit deeper in life and realize that there is a massive amount of faulty “expertise” out there which will send you down the wrong road. The days where you and I can count on our fellow man doing what was right and best for all are gone. JFK said it best with his words, “It is not what America can do for you, it is what you can do for America.” I suggest you replace “America” with the word’s family, neighbors, community, country and world.

Virtually all of you will possibly walk away from that opportunity simply because it is just too demanding and/or for a thousand other reasons. If you do take that easy road, please recognize that we are all responsible in part for the good and bad that happened. I hope that people, who have read my story, will realize that they could do more. As I said earlier, JFK said it all.

CHEERS. From Jim.

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 17, 2020

Invermere dirt biker ranks among best Top flight pro rider’s career grew from family’s love for dirtbiking

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com After a particularly successful series of summer and fall races, Invermere resident Trystan Hart is one of the top professional dirt bikers on the continent, maybe even the best.

“I never actually thought I could make money, make a living, riding dirt bikes. That just didn’t seem realistic to me... So it’s pretty amazing to wake up each day and not being going to a 9-to-5 job that I don’t really like, but that instead dirt biking is my job. I’m really grateful I get to do this.”

Trystan Hart, Invermere professional dirt biker Hart has been dirt biking since he was three, and started riding as a professional when he was 16. That was seven years ago, and he has been improving ever since, despite two major injuries, each of which sidelined him for the better part of a year. First came Canadian podiums, then eventually podiums in major continental-level races south of the border. For the past two years, Hart has been hot on the heels of the best riders on the continent, just a step or two behind the top guns, but this year that all changed. Hart won the Battle of the Goats in North Carolina in early August, emerged victorious in the Tennessee Knockout (which effectively doubles as the national championship south of the border) later that same month, and then came first in two Enduro Cross races in California in October.

The Tennessee Knockout win catapulted Hart firmly to the top of the upper echelon of pro dirt biker riders.

It overnight changed his professional role from a support rider for the KTM team to a factory rider.

“It’s pretty cool,” said Hart, who was modest about his accomplishment, until the Pioneer prodded for more explanation. “It was a pretty big deal to win the Knockout. There are 450 to 500 riders, and all the top guys are there.”

The change in role from support rider to factory rider is not just a change in status and pay: KTM now takes care of all of Hart’s travel to and from races, and he gets his own mechanic and many of the other perks associated with being a paid upper level professional athlete.

“It’s the top of the sport now,” he told the Pioneer.

“It took a long time to get the number one spot. I’ve been a podium guy for a while, but to win at the Battle for the Goats and then the Knockout, that was a breakthrough... I was pretty chill on the finish line, after the win, but inside I was so stoked to have beaten the best of the best. There’s one other rider, Cody Webb, he’s been one the best North American rider for a while, and was even number two or three in the whole world for a bit.

He’s been spanking me hard the last few years, so to final-

ly beat him was sweet.”

Hart credits his victories to a change in his training program that actually saw him spending far fewer hours on his bike than he normally does.

“It turns out I actually overtrained in the past,” he said. “This year, I rode less to go faster. It’s a weird concept, but it seems to work well.”

Although Hart is at the top of the game for North America, he hasn’t been able to test his mettle at the world level much this year, as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many of the global-level races being cancelled. In 2019, at the Erzberg Hard Enduro in Austria, widely regarded as one of the most challenging dirt bike races on the planet, Hart came 14th in his first attempt at the race. Hart was gunning to improve on that result this year, but the pandemic put paid to those plans.

“Hopefully, I can go back in 2021,” said Hart, adding he’s set a goal of being top three in the world.

That may sound like a big jump, but Hart knows a thing or two about how to ratchet himself to higher and higher levels. He’s also no stranger to adversity, and has a track record of coming back from setbacks even stronger than before.

When Hart was 15 or 16, just on the cusp of becom“I went over the (handle) bars like a torpedo, landing on my head. I was by myself, so I got up, but immediately fell back down. Eventually, my dad found me and took me to the hospital... It was pretty scary. I was in the hospital for seven to ten days. It was the most pain I’ve been in. But as soon as I could walk again, I was like ‘okay, when can I ride again?’”

Trystan Hart, Invermere professional dirt biker ing a professional rider, he suffered a broken back. He was out to practice riding on the dirt bike track behind his parent’s home in Invermere, when he miscalculated a log double.

“I went over the (handle) bars like a torpedo, landing

Photo submitted

on my head. I was by myself, so I got up, but immediately fell back down. Eventually my dad found me and took me to the hospital,” said Hart. “It was pretty scary. I was in the hospital for seven to ten days. It was the most pain I’ve been in. But as soon as I could walk again, I was like ‘okay, when can I ride again?’”

In the end, it would be almost a year before Hart was “I came back from the first injury faster than before, and then again for the second one. I kept getting a bit faster each year since. And here I am.”

Trystan Hart, Invermere professional dirt biker back to competitive riding. Two years after that, he suffered from another major injury — a torn rotator cuff — that sidelined him for yet another season. Hart was barely moving at all, maybe going only three or four kilometres an hour, when he has torn the rotator cuff, and he says the accident is “kind of embarrassing, actually.”

The two injuries mean that Hart has spent two of his seven years as a pro rider sitting out, waiting to heal.

But he simply used that time out as fuel to motivate his return.

“You learn a lot, and you miss it (the riding), so it fires you up to come back even better. You wouldn’t think missing out on riding time would improve you, but it does. At least, that’s how it’s worked for me,” he said. “I came back from the first injury faster than before, and then again for the second one. I kept getting a bit faster each year since. And here I am.”

For Hart, dirt biking began as a family activity. He broke his femur when he was seven and left dirt biking for about four years, but returned to the sport and travelled around Canada with his dad and older brother, all of them participating in races.

Part of the appeal of the sport to Hart is what he sees as the freedom it gives: “You get to make all the decisions, you’re in control. I like that. Most of the other sports I like — mountain biking, running, road biking — have that too. It’s different than a lot of team sports, where what and how you do depends on how the ball bounces, or depends on your teammates. With the sports I enjoy, it’s all down to you and what you can do.”

Although Hart always rode as hard as he could, he admits that becoming a top-level pro sounded more like something out of a Hollywood movie than a career prospect.

“I never actually thought I could make money, make a living, riding dirt bikes. That just didn’t seem realistic to me,” said Hart. “So it’s pretty amazing to wake up each day and not being going to a 9-to-5 job that I don’t really like, but that instead dirt biking is my job. I’m really grateful I get to do this.”

December 17, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

Avalanche Canada launches new online tutorial

Submitted by Avalanche Canada Avalanche Canada is proud to introduce a new addition to its online education roster. Avy Savvy is aimed at new users of the winter backcountry and provides a solid introduction to avalanche safety.

“It’s vital for anyone venturing into the winter backcountry to have a full appreciation of the challenges involved,” explains Gilles Valade, Avalanche Canada’s Executive Director. “Travelling in avalanche terrain demands awareness and preparation. Avy Savvy provides a great first step in avalanche safety education.”

Along with avalanche safety fundamentals, Avy Savvy explains the many tools available to backcountry users on the Avalanche Canada website, such as the daily forecast and the online trip planner. Videos, images, animations, and interactive quizzes all help

Apply now

the learning process.

“We have had on online tutorial for many years but with the pandemic increasing backcountry use, we recognized an opportunity to improve this program,” adds Valade.

“We used a new platform and emphasized user engagement and interactivity. Our team has been working hard on this all summer and I’m very proud that we are able to provide yet another significant and science-based tool for winter backcountry users.”

Avy Savvy is currently available in English and is being translated into French.

Avalanche Canada is Canada’s national public avalanche safety organization. We are a non-profit, non-government organization with a vision to inspire, engage, and empower recreationists to enjoy Canada’s winter backcountry and be safe from avalanches.

Watch the Avy Savvy promotional video: vimeo.com/488687184

COMMUNITY INITIATIVES AND AFFECTED AREAS PROGRAM

Wish to apply for project funding?

The Community Initiatives & Affected Areas Program is now accepting applications for: •City of Cranbrook •City of Fernie •City of Kimberley •District of Elkford

ADMINISTERED & MANAGED BY

•District of Invermere •District of Sparwood •Village of Canal Flats •Village of Radium Hot Springs

•Electoral Area A •Electoral Area B •Electoral Area C

•Electoral Area E •Electoral Area F •Electoral Area G

Applications must be submitted using the Trust’s online application system.

Learn more: engage.rdek.bc.ca/cbt or contact Nikki Bradshaw or Tina Hlushak at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335 or CIPApplications@rdek.bc.ca

1.250.489.2791 1.888.478.7335

Apply by 2:00pm, Monday, January 18, 2021 A PROGRAM OF

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE – BYLAW 3024 – Bylaw Amendment – Fairmont

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an application by RHS Hot Springs Holdings to amend the text of the zoning bylaw to permit a cannabis retail store on their property at 4992 Fairmont Frontage Road (the plaza-style shopping centre) in Fairmont Hot Springs.

Bylaw No. 3024 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 367, 2020 (Fairmont / RHS Hot Springs Holdings)” will amend the text of the zoning bylaw to permit a cannabis retail store on Parcel A (See KN12503), District Lot 138, Kootenay District, Plan NEP18181.

A public hearing will be held via Zoom webinar conference: Monday, December 21, 2020 at 6:00 pm The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F and Electoral Area G. If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaws, you may prior to the hearing: • inspect the Bylaw and supporting information by requesting that an information package be emailed to you by contacting tvandewiel@rdek.bc.ca.

Information packages may be requested up until Thursday, December 17, 2020 at 4:30 pm; • mail or email written submissions to the addresses shown below before Thursday, December 17, 2020 at 4:30 pm; • present verbal submissions at the public hearing.

You must pre-register in order to attend and provide verbal presentations or make comments at the hearing. The deadline to register is Thursday, December 17, 2020 at 4:30 pm.

Register in advance for this webinar: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xX2c1yyQRD2BXebfkFtxew Please note that a question and answer period will not occur during the Zoom webinar conference. You must address any questions relating to the bylaws to the planning technician prior to the above date.

TO PRE-REGISTER visit the Meetings SUBMISSIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING. page on rdek.bc.ca and choose All submissions will form part of the public record and will be published in a meeting agenda posted online. Personal contact information such as phone and email will be removed Public Hearings & Meetings from written submissions. Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335.

This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw. For more information, contact Tracy Van de Wiel, Planning Technician, at 250-489-0306, toll free at 1-888-478-7335, or email tvandewiel@rdek.bc.ca..

HOLIDAY HOURS

Although our offices are closed to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are open Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm and will continue to be available by phone or email at: 1-888-478-7335 or info@rdek.bc.ca.

The dates listed below show changes to these regular hours over the holidays.

COLUMBIA VALLEY RDEK OFFICE

CRANBROOK RDEK OFFICE

Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 28 Dec 31 Jan 1

Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 28 Dec 31 Jan 1

1164 Windermere Loop Rd

8:30am-3:00pm Closed Closed 8:30am-3:00pm Closed

19 24 th Ave S

8:30am-3:00pm Closed Closed 8:30am-3:00pm Closed

INVERMERE TRANSFER STATION

COLUMBIA VALLEY LANDFILL

Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 26 Dec 27-28 Dec 29-30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2

Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 26-30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2

Industrial 1 Rd in Athalmere

8:00pm-4:00pm Closed Closed 8:00am-6:00pm Closed 8:00pm-4:00pm Closed 8:00am-6:00pm

1875 Windermere Loop Rd

9:00am-3:30pm Closed 9:00am-6:00pm 9:00am-3:30pm Closed 9:00am-6:00pm

19 – 24 Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8 | 250-489-2791 | 1-888-478-7335 | Fax: 250-489-3498 | info@rdek.bc.ca | www.rdek.bc.ca

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 17, 2020

HERE TO SERVE YOU CONCRETE

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.

TILE AND GROUT CLEANING Business: 250-342-9692

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

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

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

ptarmiganrugclean@gmail.com

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

Enjoy life, we’ll clean it up!

READY MIX CONCRETE

• Carpets dry in 1 hour • Environmentally friendly products • Disinfectant kills COVID-19 • Fresh clean scent – no steam • Area rugs and upholstery • Protector • 100% guarantee • Prompt reliable service

Call NOW:

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)

Visit www.heavensbest.com for more information

250-688-0213

DESIGN BUILD UILD

Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood.

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

New Builds, Renovations, Additions, & Kitchens 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

Paul Aubrecht, Dipl. Arch. SAIT

250-341-8646 paulaubrecht.houzz.com

Best of

2020

DESIGN

Best of

2020

SERVICE

Established since 1993

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

Kekuli Bay Cabinetry kekulibaycabinetry.com

INSURANCE

CONTRACTING

CONTRACTING

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

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

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

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

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

www.kootenayinsurance.ca

Big Cat Painting For all your painting needs!

PHARMACY

LAMBERT-KIPP

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

10% off painting service until the end of January

250-688-9418 • 778-526-5255 Serving the East Kootenay area!

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

Come in and browse our giftware

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

250-342-6612

• 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

N E W S PA P E R

Amanda Murray Office Administrator/ Sales

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

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

N E W S PA P E R

For all your advertising needs, call Amanda at 250-341-6299

December 17, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

Holiday Cheer in Radium

Submitted by Tourism Radium The Village of Radium is more festive than ever this year! Christmas lights line the streets and businesses to spread some Holiday cheer. Tourism Radium would like to send a huge shout-out to our local businesses and residents who have decorated so beautifully! It is great to see our community come together this year.

Taking a drive through Radium these evenings is wonderfully festive! Grab a cup of hot chocolate and go for a walk or drive around town to look at all the displays. We are certainly feeling the love and support in the Village this Holiday season. If you can’t make it out, take a look at the photos on our social media pages!

We would like to thank everyone who participated in our Shop Local contest! Congratulations to the prize package winners. It was great to see the amount of support we have for our small businesses.

Although the contest is over, our small businesses still need support now more than ever. For your last minute holiday shopping or meal out, consider keeping the local love going and choose a small business.

While you’re in Radium, stop by the new skating rink in Radium, located in Legend’s Park, for an afternoon skate or head out on the Old Coach Trail to get outside. As always, tag your local adventures with #RadiumHotSprings for a chance to be featured on our social media pages.

Submitted photo

HERE TO SERVE YOU

SERVICES

(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

SERVICES

SERVICES

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

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

Scott Postlethwaite

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

Ph: 250-688-ROLL

Free Estimates

(7655) LetUsRoll4U@Gmail.com

20 years experience • Satisfaction guaranteed!

invermereelectric@gmail.com

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

WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM • • • •

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

• 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 Beat the fall rush ~ clean your Chimney this spring!

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

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE ON ALL WOOD BURNING APPLIANCES • WETT INSPECTIONS

• Air Conditioning/Heat Pumps • Fireplaces • Full Heating and Ventilation Systems

Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS

Call for your FREE consultation and estimate

Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700

unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca WETT Certified

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

SERVICE EXCELLENCE IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

Judy: (250) 341-1903

valleysolutions@shaw.ca

House Checking and more!

Bob: (250) 341-5014

PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR THE VACATION HOME OWNER SINCE 2006

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

North American Warranty All Makes and Models Tire Sales and Installation

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

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 17, 2020

P ioneer C lassifieds ANNOUNCEMENT

Steamboat Mountain Music Society

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING January 17, 2021, 1 pm by Zoom Please call 250-347-9860 for link details.

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.

Jigsaw puzzles wanting to swap, 20 puzzles, 300 and 500 large pieces for adults. Contact 250342-9249 if interested.

CHEERS & JEERS Jeers to last week’s Pioneer editorial. Keep your carbon footprint wagging finger off my fake plastic Christmas tree!

Cheers to everyone in the Windemere Health Area for 0 new cases the first week of December!

A sleigh full of Cheers to Jayne for her generous donation of kits to our families and children in need. You’re awesome!

A universe of Cheers to the Conservation Officer for putting the deer to sleep and removing the Christmas lights from his antlers.

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

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

OFFICE SPACE

Cheers to Dale Wilker (Dec 3rd) Letter to the Editor. He spoke to the importance of taking personal responsibility for our own health and building our immune system to help us maintain a healthy life. Living in fear prevents us from making healthy choices and allows others to make decisions for us.

Cheers to Carolyn and Fairmont merchants for planning another safe and fun Shopping Day in Fairmont! Shout out to great sponsors, Fairmont Community Association and the Columbia Valley Chamber - Looking forward to next year!

If you want to sell your home, it should be here!

Call Gerry

Small Commercial Retail Office space in Windermere. $450/mo.

250-342-6255.

Huge Cheers to Tanya and Dr. Richard Kanan at Invermere Dental Clinic. Your kind and gentle care is greatly appreciated. Definitely helped getting over my fears of the dental office!

Cheers to Hopkins Harvest!

Kerstan and Matt are two of the finest businesspeople in this town. They don’t want to see anyone go hungry. Your kindness and generosity are greatly appreciated. It won’t be forgotten.

Big Cheers to Jacub (Kuba) and Owen of Prima Painting. They not only did a beautiful job painting a bedroom with 13 ft. walls, they came back twice to help move and level a massive, HEAVY bear carving from the back of my car to my living room.

Cheers to everyone who supported the Friends of the Library Christmas auction. All the wonderful donations were displayed at the library when increased COVID protocols prevented the silent auction format. Much appreciated!

Cheers to Cheryl at Canadian Tire. I dropped my wallet on the floor on my way out of the store. When she couldn’t catch me in parking lot, she put it in the safe until the next day! What a wonderful Xmas present! Your honesty and cheerfulness is greatly appreciated!

Cheers to our Secret Santa for everyone’s gift at the Senior Centre. Much appreciated!

Cheers to Valley locals, part-time locals and visitors for choosing to shop in the Valley this year.

Many businesses have been able to stay open and have optimism to plan for the coming year. They also shop, eat and source goods and services in the Valley - the spin offs are tremendous. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Safe New Year to all!

*not intended to solicit those already working with an agent.

BUYING OR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202

gerrytaft.ca Rockies West Realty Independently owned and operated

Jeers to whoever cut the tree down (on Sunday) for firewood on Binnie Road and burned the scrap wood, leaving burning embers unattended. You may not care about causing a fire that could burn our community, but we do, so we bucketed water and extinguished your potential hazard. Please be more considerate.

Cheers for Cortney Pitts, Events Coordinator/ Leisure Services Manager, District of Invermere for a creative 2020 year of programs and events for the entire community - and especially for the seniors who were isolating for safety reasons.

CHEERS to Courtney and HOME HARDWARE for bringing us winter magic and Santa on the weekend of December 12.

Columbia Garden Village and Ivy House.

STORAGE NEWHOUSE STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climatecontrolled units.

Call 250-342-3637.

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

Please email classified ads to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

CONDO FOR RENT 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.

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE ELKHORN COUNTRY ESTATES *Only 1 lot left in phase three.

Special features, 2.5-acre parcel, stunning views, 17 gallon per minute well, open and treed areas bordering ALR land on two sides, no building time commitment, $239,000 + GST. Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-342-1268. www.elkhornranches.com

HOUSE FOR SALE 3-bdrm, 2 bath House for Sale in Invermere. 1,600 sq. ft. Call 250342-6349 to make an appointment for viewing.

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 MISC. FOR SALE Top Quality Hay Round bales.

Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-3421268.

1 week at Riverview Condos (sleeps 8), Fairmont. Choice of week between January 1st to May 1st, 2021. $1200. Reply to bhuff@telusplanet.net.

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

Book now for snow removal.

250-688-2897.

SERVICES

Radium Husky House

“Double Down” Winter Special

Cheers to Radium Hot Springs Council for not approving the four-unit Rowhouse STR development. And Cheers to Camille at the Pioneer for her write up on this topic in the Dec. 10th issue.

Triple Cheers to Angie Smith and Co Workers for all the combined effort to make the Christmas Bureau such a success.

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE

9

$ 99

2 Eggs (Cooked to your liking) 2 pieces of toast + Tax 2 pieces of meat (Bacon or Sausage) & Hashbrowns *Add 2 pieces of meat for $1.99 *Scan your myHusky App for Free rewards.

Served daily until Feb. 28, 2021, 7 am - 3 pm 4918 HWY 93 Radium Hot Springs, BC

December 17, 2020

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!

Pike Contracting Excavating and Skid Steer services.

Call Jason 250-342-5277.

The Heartfelt Companion SERVICE FOR SENIORS 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! Rest assured; COVID-19 precautions are in place to keep you safe. “The Heartfelt Companion team provide, in the truest sense, heartfelt companionship. They always have mom’s best interest in mind.

I find that my family can once again enjoy our time with mom, as we know she is being cared for, lifting this responsibility from our shoulders. We can once again simply enjoy each other’s company. We have tremendous gratitude for their service.” 250-341-5683 www. heartfeltcompanionservices. com Kootenay Country Electrical Qualified Electrical Service Licensed, Bonded, Insured Highly skilled electrician Call Dean 250-342-5516.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

HELP WANTED

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.

Big Horn Cafe, Radium Hot Springs

COLUMBIA RIVER CAFE at KINSMEN BEACH will be open this winter and we are hiring. Looking for vibrant, self-motivated individuals who require little supervision, who love working with people, and who will offer exceptional customer service. Must be available weekends and holidays. Could lead to parttime or full time position in the summer Please email resumes to paddle@ColumbiaRiverPaddle. com.

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.

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

Look up to a higher standard with our classified ads.

Pioneer Classifieds

FOOD SERVICE SUPERVISORS 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 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

Strata Caretaker

position at a large condominium located in Invermere.

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Tim Hortons Invermere is currently looking for

Mountain Creek Properties Ltd. is accepting resumes for a full-time

BCYCNA – CLASSIFIED ADS

Ideal candidate will have: Excellent organizational and communication skills, work well in a team environment, be mechanically inclined and have handyman skills. Be physically fit, detail oriented, able to take direction and work with minimal supervision.

Possess a valid driver’s licence and a vehicle that can be used for work. Either have or be willing to obtain a certified Swimming Pool Operator certificate.

Previous experience for this position is not required but is considered an asset.

Job Responsibilities will include but not be limited to: Swimming pool/hot tub maintenance, coordinating with contractors, maintaining the buildings (i.e. completing daily inspections, painting, etc.), grounds maintenance, snow removal, equipment maintenance, and additional duties as required.

The ideal candidate must also be willing to complete a criminal background check and be flexible (available to work weekends and holidays if required).

Please send your resume to strataassistant@mountaincreek.ca or Mountain Creek Properties Ltd. Box 909, Invermere, BC - V0A 1K0.

One-year Employment Opportunity

bccommunitynews.com/ advertise 1-866-669-9222

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Childcare Centre Manager

Book by province or whole country and save over 85%!

Sonshine Children’s Centre is currently searching for a part-time manager to fill a one-year position, with potential for full-time employment if candidate posse’s sufficient education and training.

HELP WANTED Are you results-oriented and self-motivated?

Do you have

strong communication skills?

Enjoy PL A N N ING A ND R ESE AR CH?

We’re Hiring

- Program Assistant - Senior Program Assistant

Ice fishing shack rentals “A bad day of fishing is still better than a good day at work” Fun for the whole family!

Firepit, rods and bait provided, heated, all the fixings...

Call 250-688-3739.

Bobcat and Dump Trailer services, dump trailer for rent.

Call 250-688-3739.

has a full-time and or parttime position that has the following duties baking, some Barista/ cashier duties and food preparation No evenings, flexible hours, potential for medical and dental benefits, negotiable per hour wage based on experience, we will train.

Competitive wages. Apply to bighorncafe1@outlook.com or phone 403-861-2978.

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

Positions are available in Castlegar, Cranbrook, Golden or Nakusp.

Apply online by January 10: ourtrust.org/careers

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

N E W S PA P E R

info@columbiavalleypioneer.com Ph: 250-341-6299

• • •

Specific responsibilities: Insuring Sonshine is always in compliance to Licensing Regulations Appling for staff/child Licensing exemptions Completing monthly/annual reporting to MCFD Monthly staff and child scheduling Hire of new educators Submit staff time to payroll Monthly invoicing of childcare fees Submitting financial documents to Bookkeeper Receiving, documenting, and depositing of childcare fees Organize monthly staff meeting Organizing and carrying out fundraising events Attend monthly board meetings Manage child wait lists and enrollment of new children Maintaining child and staff files Completing grant applications Completing annual budget and capital expenditures Participate in completion of annual Operation Plan Qualifications/Education: Experience in administration/management. Specifically, in a childcare setting would be an asset Has the personality, ability, and temperament necessary to manage or work with children Complies with the Province’s immunization and tuberculosis control programs An Early Childhood Education Certificate is an asset First aid and Food Safe certification are assets.

Criminal record check To Apply: Please send resume and cover letter to: sccot@lwac.ca no later then December 23, 2020.

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 17, 2020

Draft active transportation plans unveiled virtually

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A draft of the joint Active Transportation Committee Network Plan that was developed in collaboration between the District of Invermere (DOI) and the Shuswap Indian Band (SIB) for community engagement sessions last week.

There were a total of two webinars hosted on Dec. 3 for the community to learn about the opportunities for a proposed crossing of the Columbia Valley in the near future.

“The plan sets the direction for where we’re going for biking, walking and multi-use pathways in Invermere and beyond,” said Rory Hromadnik, the DOI district planner at the webinar. “Hopefully, at some point, it goes over to the Old Coach Trail and the SIB lands.”

Urban Systems transportation planner Sarah Freigang and her engineering and communications peers joined the webinars to provide information about the development of the plan.

The hourlong information sessions with the DOI included a question and answer period for civically minded community members who attended the webinars. Previously, there were two hour-long information sessions offered to SIB members on Zoom.

When polled during the second session, attendees responded that 43 per cent of the community walks in the community or for recreation daily. Twenty-nine per cent of attendees reported that they walk one-to-three times per week; while the remaining 29 per cent indicated that they walk four-to-six times per week.

“This is a joint plan between the DOI and the SIB,” said Freigang. “It’s an opportunity for the two communities to work together.”

The vision for the trail network is to bridge the gap so both communities can connect physically with each other on a bridge and symbolically as well.

Active transportation is defined in this project as any form of human powered transportation such as walking dogs, jogging, cycling and those utilizing mobility devices such as wheelchairs, walkers and strollers on a variety of options through infrastructure.

The purpose of the Active Transportation Plan is to complete a feasibility study to determine the viability of moving forward after evaluating a long-term plan for walking and cycling as well as reviewing the logistics of the project.

In the spring of 2020, the project began, and community engagement began to be developed during the summer and fall. There were 103 total participants in the community survey that was issued to collect information from the community, which yield-

ed that 64 per cent of DOI residents and nine per cent of participants from the SIB in a survey about transportation behaviours and patterns. The survey also asked questions about travel patterns that may have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in some discrepancies between pre-pandemic lifestyles where more people from the community are working remotely, and many participants had begun bicycling more frequently.

Some barriers to walking and biking across the Columbia River bridge crossing were safety concerns and accessibility issues for end-users.

Ninety-four per cent of survey respondents indicated that they would support exploring an alternative active transportation crossing over the Columbia River.

The drivers for walkers were to exercise, take in nature, visit local venues and services as well as to socialize with friends and family, but the top four challenges for walking in the valley included lack of trails and sidewalks, intersection safety and noise from motor vehicles.

Feedback from the community asked for skateboards, inline skating and oneboards into the design parameters of active transportation during the question and answer period of the session, and Freigang remarked it would be added to be included in the design plans.

Another participant asked if the current resurfacing of the bridge over the river decreased the width of the bridge with a barrier.

“We did lose four inches of the close to three foot barrier,” said Hromadnik, noting that it’s a work in progress that’s expected to be safer for the community upon completion of the safety enhancement.

Last week, the goal of the webinars was to refine recommendations from the communities and will be working toward finalizing the plans with a target date of project completion in early 2021.

Connectivity, experience and culture have been identified as the plan themes based on several draft policies that were created in the Active Transportation Plan.

The next steps of the plan include additional community and stakeholder engagements with the community; revising the ideas outlined in the existing documents and to prepare a master plan to distribute to council for endorsement in early 2021.

“I know Mayor Miller is all in and I know Chief Cote is all in, there’s some good stuff happening here,” said Hromadnik at the end of the meeting.

To learn more about the draft, please visit the DOI’s website to view the information that was shared with the community.

If you have any questions or further input to provide, please contact sfreigang@ urbansystems.ca or planning@invermere.net with your feedback directly.

TELUS subsidizes seniors

By Pioneer Staff Smartphones and subsidized phone plans for vulnerable seniors were recently made available to those in need to help address the risks of feeling isolated.

On Dec. 8, TELUS launched the Mobility for Good for Seniors program to help those receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) access a smartphone at no cost and a subsidized monthly plan to reduce the risk of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“At a time when the human connection has never been more important, TELUS remains committed to ensuring all Canadians can stay connected to the people and information that matter the most,” said Darren Entwistle, TELUS President and CEO, in a recent press release. “Throughout the pandemic, our globally leading network has enabled Canadians to work and learn remotely, access critical government resources, receive medical support and stay in touch with family and friends. Our country’s seniors have contributed significantly to the fabric of this nation, having built and supported the infrastructure, economy and social services that we enjoy today. Disconcertingly, these same elderly Canadians have been disproportionately impacted throughout the health emergency as many have had to isolate from loved ones and support networks in order to stay safe. Through Mobility for Good for Seniors, we are providing some of our most vulnerable Canadians with access to the vital tools and resources they need to stay safely and meaningfully connected, and in time for the holiday season.”

There are approximately 2.2 million seniors on the GIS who are eligible for the TELUS Mobility for Good for Seniors program, which is being wholly subsidized

by TELUS. For $25 per month, participants in this program will receive nationwide talk and text functionality, 3 GB of data and a refurbished smartphone.

The purpose of this program is to ensure seniors have access to technology to help address feelings of isolation and connect them with their loved ones, while offering activities such as online games and books or healthcare resources and information.

Participants in the program are encouraged to download the federal government’s COVID-19 alert application to stay informed about provincial health information.

“This year in particular has demonstrated how critical it is that more older Canadians have access to virtual healthcare options that can help them to stay healthy and safe,” said Dr. Samir Sinha, Director of Geriatrics at Sinai Health System and the University Health Network in Toronto. “TELUS’ Mobility for Good for Seniors will significantly increase access to virtual healthcare technology, such as video conferencing from a smartphone, for older and low-income Canadians who may have previously faced barriers to accessing and affording a smartphone. Beyond being able to better access health services, information and apps, a smartphone can be a critical tool in allowing older Canadians to more safely navigate their communities and help prevent the mental and physical health challenges associated with isolation and loneliness, particularly as more older Canadians are staying home and increasingly avoiding gatherings to protect their health.”

Additional details and instructions on how to apply are available at telus.com/ mobilityforgood.

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

N E W S PA P E R

December 17, 2020

FAITH

Understanding the birth stories of Jesus

By Brent Woodard, Anglican/United Church

There are two birth stories of Jesus in the Bible, quite different from one another. The writers of both stories were not trying to write history or biography, and they were not reporters, trying to get the facts right. They were evangelists, and they were trying to write meaning. Just as Jesus used parables to convey deeper ‘truths’ and meaning, so the evangelists used parables about Jesus to convey deeper ‘truths’ and meaning about who they thought Jesus was.

So, the birth stories are parables. They are not factually true. They are literary creations, carefully and thoughtfully written, to convey “more-than-literal-truths.” With a parable, the question to ask is not, “did this actually happen?”. The questions to ask are, “what does this mean?” and “What are they trying to say?”.

The writer of Matthew wanted his readers to see Jesus as the new and greater Moses. So, he wrote the story of baby Jesus being born king of the Jews, and how this frightened Herod, the representative of imperial power, and of how Herod had all the children in-and-around Bethlehem, two years old or under, killed. The Jewish readers would have seen this as the Moses story. Later,

Matthew has Jesus go up a mountain to give “the sermon on the mount.” This is like Moses going up the mountain to get the commandments. Matthew is showing Jesus as the new liberator, law-giver or wisdom-teacher, even greater than Moses. Matthew also makes the point that though the religious leaders of his day could not see Jesus as the one full of God, even pagan Wise Men could see this. Those in power and leadership were blind. Those who were wise, who are wise, can see.

The writer of Luke wanted his readers to see that Jesus was the new and greater prophet, patriarch, king and shepherd. So, he wrote the birth story of Jesus in parallel with the birth of John the Baptist. John the Baptist was not part of the religious establishment. He was a natural prophet, not living in palaces or temples but out in the wilderness, not wearing fine religious garments but camel’s hair. He was the last great Jewish prophet, according to Luke. He was the past, but Jesus, for Luke, was the present and future.

And every other detail Luke used is rich in meaning.

Jesus was born to peasants, who were being oppressed by the imperial power, making people travel in order to be counted, in order to be taxed. He was born, so the story goes, in Bethlehem, where King David was born, linking Jesus to the most famous king in Jewish history. Baby Jesus was placed in a feeding trough, for he is the food that will fill the deepest hunger of humanity. Shepherds are the first to worship him, for Jesus is the Great Shepherd.

Are the birth stories true? I believe it depends on how we define truth. Can something be true even if it is not literally true?

Purdy’s fundraiser was a success!

Submitted by Sandra Shaw

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

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 Christmas Eve Service – There are two options.

1. Pre-recorded service - search YouTube with “WVSM Invermere Anglican United Church.” Available anytime after noon on the 24th.

2. Live Zoom Service at 7:30pm.

Email office@wvsm.ca to request a link.

For any questions please call 250-341-1117 • 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

h e Pioneer ca T n

take you r do llar With 4,400 copies far th in circulation each week, er

your message is resonating with residents and visitors alike.

!

What an incredible Purdy’s fundraiser we had this year! It was our best year to date, and we are grateful to everyone that supports the WVMHA by purchasing delicious Purdy’s chocolates. The Windermere Valley Minor Hockey Association typically raises funds throughout the season by hosting tournaments, selling tickets for prize baskets and 50/50 tickets. However, this year these ways to raise funds have been cancelled. This left us with one and only one big fundraiser for the 2020/21 season. We sold almost $65,000 worth of chocolate!

Many families and businesses look forward to purchasing Purdy’s chocolate from our local minor hockey players before Christmas, and we did not disappoint! Laura Kipp (Fundraising Extraordinaire ) lead the way to the most successful fundraiser to date. The money raised goes towards keeping our hockey fees low, purchasing equipment for practices, jerseys etc.…

This year was an incredible success and would not have been possible without all of our incredible volunteers and the communities who support us.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

Phone: (250) 341-6299 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com N E W S PA P E R

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Community foundations

Fresh old ideas

Much of the spirit of Christmas is the joy of giving.

There is something magical about giving a gift. I think it is innate in humans to want to look after each other to make lives better for others.

By Arnold Malone Giving comes with a range of motives. Sometimes Pioneer Columnist people give to get. Sales on merchandise may have a hidden intent by hoping that you purchase additional products. It is a temptation with a disguise. Children may use the same behaviour when they ask their mother, “Can Jimmy have a cookie?” The hope is if Jimmy gets a cookie, so will he.

Real joy comes when one gives to give; no strings attached. The joy of giving arrives from thoughtful reflection, the style of presentation and the happiness it generates.

Since he was a child, our son had a fascination for elephants. His mother provided him with a gift; adopting an orphaned baby elephant. Annually he gets photos of his growing elephant and a report about the elephant’s development.

Most of us who have lived a bundle of decades in this advantaged country know that we have reaped a lot of benefit from the work of persons who lived in an earlier time.

On my first day of grade one at a one-room country school, I requested to be excused. A trip to the outhouse was urgent. Out the back door, through the vestibule and around the front of the school and down the shale path only to find an outhouse that said, “GIRLS.” So back around the front of the school and down the other side I ran. Whereupon I was challenged by brand new overalls with four unyielding buttons forced into super tight button holes.

We have experienced many advantages over a lifetime. Trying to list them all would be a useless and forever exercise. However, Velcro, microwave ovens, LED lights, odourless paint, cabs on tractors and yes, even zipper fly’s are a few advancements that we now take for granted.

Today, we are advantaged by the generations of achievements made by those who have gone before. So, it is natural that those who give often use the term “Giving back.”

It is a recognition that what we now enjoy is deeply rooted in what was provided for us by others. As a result, we have a desire to return our thanks by giving to the future. We desire to be apart of a legacy to help others in future generations.

There may be, however, the sense that “Giving back” is a debt. We may feel the burden of duty. If that weighs wrongly upon you, then remember the prime reason for giving is that it returns so much satisfaction.

There is no better avenue for giving than through a local Community Foundation.

These foundations, governed by national standards, invest your donation such that it will grow while a portion is used to meet local needs. Community Foundations allow that you can be a giver forever. A contribution is intended to both grow and reward so that in all those years when we are no longer alive, your gift, in your name, continues to enhance a good cause.

Perhaps the most important advantage of Community Foundations is your comfort in knowing that your contribution will advance the community where you have lived and enjoyed your advantages. Through a Community Foundation you can forevermore give back to the place where life was good for you.

Through a Community Foundations you can cause an impacting influence for those who will live in your community in future years. Giving to others becomes a gift to yourself. It just feels that good.

Arnold Malone served as MP for Alberta’s Battle River and Crowfoot ridings from 1974 through 1993. He retired to Invermere in 2007.

Photo by Echo Creek Conservation Society

BCTS to halt logging Submitted by Wildsight

Photo by John Gibson

Come play outside!

Submitted by Nipika Mountain Resort This year has been full of strange times, and never before have we needed to get out into nature more. Nipika Mountain Resort, situated in the Kootenay River valley, is the perfect place to engage in healthy exercise in the great outdoors.

“Winter can be challenging for people at the best of times,” says Lyle Wilson, Owner of Nipika Mountain Resort.

“That’s where we come in.”

With over 100 kilometres of trails for cross-country skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing, and hiking; a pond for skating; and Mt. Sledmore for tobogganing, Nipika offers social distancing in a pleasant and healthy way.

A 30-minute drive from Radium Hot Springs down Settlers Rd. off Hwy 93, Nipika offers full day-use facilities for people looking to get into nature and

move their bodies. Ski, snowshoe, and bike rentals are available. And Nipika boasts one of the top ski schools in the country, directed by Wilson, who was an Olympic ski coach.

Even with plenty of open space and self-contained accommodations, Nipika has had to pivot throughout 2020 and change service delivery.

“We cancelled most of our Adventure Camps, mountain bike and trail running races in spring, and Loppet and fat bike races this winter,” explains Wilson. “But we are open, the trails are groomed, and we hope to see many community members.”

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of physical activity and time outdoors. “We welcome you to Nipika to unwind, exercise, and take in the beautiful surroundings,” concludes Wilson.

December 17, 2020

After significant public pressure, the B.C. government and its logging agency BC Timber Sales (BCTS) have committed to pause logging and road-building in a remote old growth valley north of Revelstoke, which is critical habitat for the North Columbia caribou herd.

A total of 276 hectares of proposed logging and more than 10 kilometres of new road will be halted until the provincial mountain caribou herd planning process is complete. Details have remained sparse on the North Columbia herd planning process. Past scientific assessments in the Revelstoke area have recommended that the province increase protection of all old-growth forests in core caribou habitat areas.

“We’ve made significant progress, but we remain committed to ensuring all of the identified caribou habitat and old growth forest in Argonaut Creek is protected,” says Thomas Knowles, Executive Director with the Echo Conservation Society.

A total of 63 hectares of blocks are still slated for logging. These blocks have yet to be auctioned off by BC Timber Sales. The blocks are in or adjacent to Argonaut Creek, 100 kilometres northeast of Revelstoke in the Northern Selkirk mountains. Approximately five kilometres of new road has already been built. Wildsight, Wilderness Committee and Echo Conservation Society are

calling for these remaining blocks to be cancelled and the five kilometres of road that has been built to be fully rehabilitated.

More than 1200 people took action and called on government decision makers and BCTS to cancel the logging in Argonaut Creek.

“This is a direct testament to the power of people taking action to protect caribou habitat and old growth forests,” said Conservation and Policy Campaigner Charlotte Dawe. “We must ensure the remaining cutblocks in this area are cancelled and Argonaut Creek gets protected under the caribou herd planning process.”

Only 40 percent of habitat for the North Columbia herd is protected. The herd is one of the most viable deep snow dwelling caribou populations left with 150 members.

Argonaut Creek is part of the Inland Temperate Rainforest (ITR), which is globally unique and one of the most at risk ecosystems in the province. B.C.’S ITR is the last large scale inland temperate rainforest left on earth.

“We’re still logging what little old growth and caribou habitat we have left,” says Wildsight Conservation Specialist Eddie Petryshen. “If we want caribou, if we want ‘supernatural BC, if we want a future where we have old growth, we have to start protecting old growth and caribou. Argonaut Creek is a great place to start protecting those values.”