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January 14, 2021 Vol. 18/Issue 2

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

January 14, 2021

The Columbia Valley

P ioneer

PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

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

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

ROTARY CLUB BINGO

03 WHITEWAY UPDATE

04 RDEK VOLUNTEERS

WINTER WONDERLAND

07 ONLINE EXCLUSIVE • Stay informed of changing road conditions

New resident, Samuel Levalier, explores the surroundings to discover the most beautiful places in the area. He was entitled to this incredible inversion overlooking the valley.

Visit our website:

Photo by Samuel Lecavalier

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

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

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Email us for information and to receive comparable sales in your area: sean@rockieswest.com

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 14, 2021 Highlights of the @LiveColumbiaValley Instagram account, brought to you by the Columbia Valley Community Economic Development Office, a service of the RDEK.

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

LIBRARY UPDATE Ser

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HIGHLIGHTS

e Co lumbia Va

The Invermere Library is now Fine Free!

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No fines for late returns, but please continue to return materials on the due date so others can enjoy them. There are still charges for lost or damaged materials.

invermere.bc.libraries.coop

#ColumbiaValleyBC

You don’t have to ski, snowboard or skate to enjoy winter. Fat biking is huge in the Columbia Valley, thanks to awesome natural terrain like Lake Windermere, and @cv_cycling_society with their Snow Dog (single track groomer) on the Lake Lillian trails.

Serving the Columbia Valley since 1995

• ICBC Glass Express • Auto Glass Replacement and Chip Repair • Shower Doors • Sealed Units • Deck and Hand Railings Serving Residential and Commercial Clients

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

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HELPING TO FULFILL YOUR DREAMS

While we’re relieved to have survived 2020, there’s still time to make resolutions and ensure 2021 is exceptional (in a good way). Are you aiming to start or grow your business? Learn a new, in-demand skill? Spend more quality time with family? Be active every day?Then, plan to succeed. Seek out experts and mentors. Take measured risks. And find the joy in each day! Winter sports trends and technology are always changing. This year, Nordic skiing is huge! Thanks to tech-enabled improvements like faster skis, more comfortable outerwear and improved grooming. And being happy outside in the Columbia Valley is sure to help you achieve your goals! Submitted by Ryan Watmough

USW Local 1-405 Annual Food Bank Donation Submitted by Grant Farquhar

MAX FANDERL Facebook.com/flyingrealtormax

Rockies Realty Ltd. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Call 250-270-0396 max.fanderl@century21.ca

MaxFanderl.com

The United Steelworkers are proud to be community members first and foremost and want everyone within our communities to have access to the essentials. The employees that are represented by our USW Local 1-405 make contributions year-round to The Humanity Fund. This fund is used to provide emergency funding around our area throughout the year and for many reasons. The Humanity Fund in this time of COVID-19 has been providing funding when possible throughout the year. However, this is the annual Christmas Season donation. Our members from these many places of employment and all of us at USW Local 1-405 wish everyone a Happy New Year. Stay safe and check in on your friends and family however you can.

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

Thank You! Arts

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

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

& www.columbiavalleyarts.com

January 14, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS

Local wins $10,000 Rotary Club online bingo The bingo nights are held every Friday at 6 p.m., draw 500 participants throughout the Kootenay, and usually go for about two hours. They operate on a 50-50 model, with half the money raised each week ($10,000) going to the Rotary Clubs involved, and The Invermere and Radium Rotary Club have been joining forces with other Ro- the other half of the money (another $10,000) usually distributed to winners across five tary Clubs across the Kootenays to hold an online community bingo night each Friday. games. The New Year’s Eve special Progressive Jackpot game had one single winner who This past New Year’s Eve, an Invermere resident was the lucky winner of the online took home a $10,000 cash prize. bingo night’s special New Year’s Eve event, earning a $10,000 prize. That New Year’s Eve winner was Invermere resident Carol Stober, who was playing The online community bingo events beat home on the night of Jan. 31 along with gan in Golden. The local Rotary Club there her family. “I was stunned. No words came out of my mouth... “My daughter had seen most of its fundraising revenue dried “I was stunned. No words came out of Laurie was holding the card. The minute they called the last two up once the COVID-19 pandemic began, bemy mouth,” Stober told the Pioneer, detailing cause it could no longer hold its typical fund- numbers — 58 and 60 — she started jumping up and down. I was too her reaction to winning. “My daughter Lauraising events, Golden Rotary Club president stunned to say anything. But my granddaughters Emily and Jessie did rie was holding the card. The minute they all the hollering and jumping for me.” Isabelle Simard told the Pioneer. The club had called the last two numbers — 58 and 60 — heard of online bingo and decided to give it she started jumping up and down. I was too Carol Stober, a try. stunned to say anything. But my granddaughwinner of the Rotary Club’s special New Year’s Eve online bingo contest “Within a couple of weeks, we were doters Emily and Jessie did all the hollering and ing it,” said Simard. jumping for me. They performed all night.” The Golden club continued to run the The night was a lucky one indeed for online bingo weekly into the summer and the household: Stober’s son Don had alwas raising some money, but found that ready won $751 during the regular bingo the ratio of volunteer effort versus funds contest, prior to the special contest. raised wasn’t as rewarding as it could be. “You could say we were on the map on So in July and August, the Golden club deNew Year’s Eve,” said Stober with a chuckcided to see if it could band together with le. other Rotary Clubs in the region and have Stober thanked the Rotary Club for a Kootenay-wide online community bingo. organizing the event, adding she knows The Invermere and Radium Rotary Club many other people up and down the Cojumped on board right away, followed lumbia Valley that have immensely enshortly after by the Cranbrook Rotary joyed the Friday night online bingo events, Club. The event now involves 10 Rotary which Stober feels help people socialize Clubs from across the Kootenay region and (digitally) and help connect the various has become a huge success. Kootenay communities participating. “It’s so popular now, that the bingo “It’s a regular Friday night do around cards go up on Sunday and by Monday at our house, and I gather in plenty other lunch time they are all sold out,” said Sihouses too,” Stober told the Pioneer. “It’s mard. “It’s fun, it’s a great way to connect absolutely phenomenal and I really apprevirtually with others, it’s for a good cause, ciate what they’re doing. It’s exactly what and it seems to really be cheering everypeople need.” body up on Friday night. We have people The participating Rotary Clubs divide tuning in even if they don’t have a bingo up the $10,000 raised each week based on card, because they want to be part of the Left to Right:Don Stober; Laurie Perry Stober; Carol Stober (winner); Isabelle Simard,Pres- bingo cards sold (so if, for instance, if 15 ident of the Rotary Club of Golden. Photo submitted by Yvonne Redeker, President of the per cent of bingo cards sold in a given week fun.” “We had zero fundraisers in the last Rotary Club of Invermere. are sold in Invermere, the Invermere Rotayear, up until the online bingo, and that ry Club gets 15 per cent of the $10,000 does have an impact on our programs, such as our scholarships, and the projects we do raised), and each club uses the money for various charitable projects and programs in in the community,” Invermere Rotary Club president Yvonne Redeker told the Pioneer, its community. outlining why the Invermere club was quick to join up with the Golden club on the To find out more about the online bingo night visit the Invermere B.C. Rotary initiative. “We’ve been amazed at how quickly it’s grown. It’s huge. And it’s helped bring Club page on Facebook. our communities together.” By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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RCMP Report

January 14, 2021

Submitted by Sgt. Darren Kakuno Detachment Commander Columbia Valley RCMP

This past week, Jan. 4 through Jan. 10, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 56 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to. •On Monday, Jan. 4, police received a report of an abandoned silver Mini Cooper near Cooper Road and Westrock Mine Road in Invermere. An officer attended and located the vehicle, which was reported stolen out of the Chilliwack area on Dec. 21, 2020. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbia Valley RCMP or Crimestoppers. •On Wednesday, Jan. 6. at about 11 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of mischief to a vehicle. The owner of a white Chevrolet Tahoe reported someone had slashed one of his tires while the vehicle was parked at James Chabot Park in Invermere. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbia Valley RCMP or Crimestoppers. •On Friday, Jan. 8 at 8:45 p.m., police received a report of a party with several guests at a rental house on Swansea Road in Windermere. Upon arrival, police

identified eight individuals from different households at the address. The individual who rented the house was issued a $2,300 violation ticket for hosting a non-compliant event. •On Friday, Jan. 8 at 10:45 p.m., police received a report of a large party occurring at a rental house on Kootenay Street in Windermere. Police officers attended and discovered approximately fifteen individuals at the residence who allegedly were not from the same household. The renter of the property was issued a $2,300 violation ticket for hosting a non-compliant event. •On Saturday, Jan. 9 at about 11 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of a party occurring at a residence on 10th Avenue in Invermere. Officers attended and spoke to the homeowner, who indicated he was celebrating a birthday and had about ten guests. The homeowner was issued a $2,300 violation ticket for organizing or hosting a non-compliant event. •On Sunday, Jan. 10, police received a report of an interrupted break and enter at a business on Athalmer Road in Invermere. An employee was arriving at work when he noticed a suspicious black Chevrolet Cobalt drive out of the parking lot. The employee discovered some unraveled copper wire but it did not appear anything was missing. The investigation is ongoing.

Weekly Whiteway Report

It is a brand new year for the Lake Windermere and Lake Lillian Whiteway! With mild weather and little snow so far into the season, mother nature has made trail conditions a little challenging to predict! A skating trail has been groomed on the Lake Windermere Whiteway and surface conditions have been described as “ok” and “not terrible”. There are small cracks and air pockets present, so we recommend everyone keep an eye out while using this trail. There is still not enough snow to set a ski lane but we are optimistic that a groomed lane is not too far off into the future. The Lake Lillian Whiteway and Junior Johnson Trails are both open for cross country skiing, but could also use some more snow! Both Nipika and Panorama Resorts are open for cross country skiing and we’re told that conditions are awesome. As we wait patiently for more snow in the forecast, we have officially launched the 2021 Virtual Whiteway Winter Challenge! This year we are adapting our White-

way Winter Challenge event from a 1-day gathering to a month-long challenge. Participants will register individually or as a team, and will challenge themselves to set a distance goal for them or their team to skate, ski, walk, run, or otherwise self propel themselves across the Lake Windermere Whiteway and/or Lake Lillian Whiteway. More details can be found at www.tobycreeknordic.com/challenge

Winter just got a little bit warmer at Elements! Come savour our new winter menu featuring a variety of salads, appetizers and entrées.

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

250-341-4002 • www.copperpointresort.com

January 14, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

Social gatherings ban extended By Pioneer Staff Current Provincial Health Officer Orders regarding social gatherings and events have been extended to Feb 5, 2021 at Midnight. “In the last days, we have seen a slight increase in our cases,” said provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. “And our curve is trending upward. As a result, our current provincial health officer orders on all gatherings and events have been extended through to Feb. 5, 2021, at midnight,” said Henry. This means that the same rules still apply, including restrictions on social gatherings, people holding events, whether held in public or private venues, and restrictions on sports activities. No social gatherings of any size at your residence are allowed with anyone other than the household or core bubble. The core bubble for most people is their immediate household. An immediate household is a group of people living in the same house. For others, including individuals who live alone, their core bubble may also contain a partner, family member, close friend or co-parent living in a different household. This should not exceed two people outside your immediate household. British Columbians are reminded under current public health orders, police and provincial enforcement officers can issue: • $2,300 tickets to hosts/organizers who do not comply with the provincial health officer’s (PHO) orders; • $230 tickets to patrons/attendees who do not comply with the PHO orders;

• $230 tickets for contravening the face coverings order; and • $230 tickets for abusive or belligerent behaviour and/or for refusing to comply with the direction of enforcement officers. In addition, courts can impose penalties of up to $10,000 and/or up to one-year imprisonment for egregious offences. The provincial government’s non-essential travel recommendation remains in place, including travel in and out of B.C., as well as travel between regions. For details on new restrictions, visit: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions COVID-19 vaccine The federal government predicts that all provinces and territories will receive enough doses by September to vaccinate every Canadian. According to a federal vaccine distribution timetable released Monday, B.C. will begin receiving 80,000 coronavirus vaccine doses per week by the end of February. By then, B.C. will have received more than 451,000 doses of both vaccines, enough to vaccinate 225,850 British Columbians with the required two doses. The breakdown indicates as of Jan. 7, there have been a total of 71,200 vaccine doses were delivered to B.C. — 50,700 are from Pfizer, and 20,500 are from Moderna. Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, said Monday, Jan. 7, that 59,902 people have received their first vaccinations so far, which accounts for 84 per cent of all vaccines received.

OPENING THIS WEEKEND

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NOTICE

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.

DISTRICT DISTRICT OF OF INVERMERE INVERMERE

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

NOTICE OF BYLAW UPDATE INFORMATION SESSION Proposed Development Cost Charge (DCC) Bylaw No. 1598, 2021 Review

WE VALUE BC With concerns for our health, safety and finances, the past year has been a challenging time for us all.

District of Invermere Council invites the public and the development community to attend a virtual Zoom Conference regarding proposed DCC Bylaw 1598, 2021 which would replace the current DCC Bylaw 1421, 2010 in effect. Pre-registration for the virtual (electronic) Conference is required and can be arranged by contacting the District of Invermere front line service counter at 250-342-9281. When: Thursday, January 28, 2021 from 2:00 to 3:30 pm MST Where: Virtual ( electronic ) meeting. Meeting hosted remotely. What:

The consultation invitation will be an electronic based virtual presentation followed by a Question and Answer period related to the proposed DCC Bylaw 1598. In order to ensure that future infrastructure improvements are adequately funded and in response to continued growth and development it is necessary to initiate a DCC Bylaw review. The Bylaw review commenced in 2020, has been presented to Council for initial input and consultation direction. Based on the initial review, Development Cost Charge Bylaw 1598, 2021 is proposing an increase in DCC rates.

Why?

Council wishes to provide the public and development community with an opportunity to: • review the proposed DCC Bylaw, and • provide input to members of Council and Staff.

At BC Assessment, we know that your home matters. You can expect reliability and accuracy when you receive your 2021 property assessment, based on the market value as of July 1, 2020. If you haven’t received your assessment notice or you have concerns, we are here to help. Connect with us at bcassessment.ca or at 1-866-valueBC. Access and compare property information using our free assessment search service at bcassessment.ca.

The deadline to ﬁle an appeal of your assessment is February 1, 2021.

For more property information and assessment highlights, visit bcassessment.ca

This is an open electronic meeting and we encourage all interested persons to attend and provide input on the proposed Development Cost Charge Bylaw 1598, 2021. Information related to DCC Bylaw 1598, 2021 is available online at the District of Invermere web site https://invermere. net/news/.

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If you have questions or require more information, please contact Rory Hromadnik, Director of Development Services at (250) 342 9281, extension. 1235 or planning@invermere.net

6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

PERSPECTIVE Historical Lens

A 2021 resolution

The wind in the sails

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Two men with ice sailing craft on Columbia Lake.

We wished a Happy New Year, virtually, to our beloved ones. We had read and heard repeatedly that 2020 was behind us, it was over, and brighter days were ahead. We dreamed about it with all our hearts, hoping it was true. Some of us held out hope that 2021 everything would be back to normal, or at least something more normal than the rough year, a strange year that 2020 was. No such luck: six days into 2021, and voilà the U.S. Capitol was being stormed by Trump supporters. The images went around the world, causing outrage among many leaders in many countries. Protestors forced their way into the U.S. Capitol building in Washington on Jan. 6, hoping to prevent the certification of the 2020 election, and with it, avoid the end of Trump’s presidency. Bang! The U.S. Capitol event brought several themes that marked 2020, ones we had hoped gone, back right in our faces, just like a boomerang. Black Lives Matter supporters said that it would have been a totally different response from the police if the protestors were black. “Comparing Wednesday’s events to the case of Miriam Carey makes this abundantly clear. In 2013, Carey, a Black woman, drove into a barrier near the Capitol building. Capitol police opened fire and shot at her 18 times. She was struck five times from behind and killed,” wrote Sandy Hudson, founder of Black Lives Matter in Toronto. Social media’s role in our lives and in our society was also a big topic in 2020. With the release of The Social Dilemma documentary, many people have taken a step back from their favourite platforms while rethinking their use. The phenomenon of fake news got even worse in 2020, and new specialist role were created by many social media platforms to handle the deluge of misinformation. And then, after originally planning to block President Donald Trump from posting to his Facebook and Instagram accounts for 24 hours, Facebook chief Executive officer Mark Zuckerberg said, after the event at the Capitol, that the blocks would be extended indefinitely. The decision attracted a thunderbolt of different opinions. Should social networks have the right or not to determine what can be said and by whom? Just six days into 2021, the same debates and the exact same questions that bedevilled much of 2020 have resurfaced, forcing us to consider a world where words and actions filled with hatred and violence have too much of an impact. We shouldn’t wish to go back to normal: the ‘old normal’ was filled with unresolved situations, as the event at the Capitol showed us. Instead, we should look ahead and try to face our struggles and problems with peaceful solutions and a spirit of open-mindedness, all together. Call it our 2021 resolution.

C2189, 1920’s, courtesy Windermere District Historical Society

We are stronger as a community Dear Editor: We are all so tired of this pandemic and the disruption it has caused. We all want things to go back to normal. Every day I talk to patients in my practice who suffer from depression, anxiety and loneliness. It seems that these days everyone is struggling. Almost every appointment is not just about asthma or diabetes or high blood pressure but also mental health struggles. I am sick and tired of COVID-19 too. I missed my dad’s 70th birthday in May and my mom’s 68th birthday in December. I didn’t see my parents for Christmas either. I am tired of wearing a mask for 12 hours at a time in the ER, which limits my ability to drink water during my shift and more importantly, my ability to connect with patients - what I treasure most about being a doctor. But they are necessary measures. So far, we have done fairly well, compared to other places in the world. I have friends who are doctors in Italy and the U.S. They have been in the worst of COVID-19, having to make very difficult decisions about who gets to be on a ventilator and who doesn’t. I worry about the rising cases in the communities around us. I worry about the fact that there are only six ICU beds in all of the East Kootenays.

But lately, what has caused me the most anguish is the senseless disruption caused by the so called “freedom lovers.” I have been proud to live in this community of people who pull together in times of crisis. People who deliver medicines and groceries to their neighbours, who sew masks, who drive fire trucks by children who could not have birthday parties. I am proud of the people who do their part and follow public health measures to keep us all safe. The people who protest these measures have caused me so much heartache. I wonder about their lack of social media literacy, which would help them discern truth from fiction on the internet. My heart goes out to the business owners downtown who have had to put up with anti-mask protesters coming into their stores trying to stir up trouble when these small businesses have had a difficult year already. Of course, these protesters are just a tiny fraction of the people living in this community, but their acts are causing disruption and anguish for people who are already struggling. We are stronger as a community when we work together. Stefanie Falz Mclellan, MD, Invermere

The Columbia Valley

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

Pioneer

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January 14, 2021

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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.

January 14, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

RDEK nominated volunteers of the year

bled to be chosen, but I truly feel I am getting more credit than I am due for these projects. I’m lucky that the people I hang around with are hard-working, progressive go-getters, who really like to get things done, and that I think this accolade should go to them, because it’s a whole slew of people that are doing the heavy lifting on things like the Whiteway and the Westside Legacy Trail.”

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has named two well-known local Columbia Valley residents as volunteers of the years for RDEK Area F and RDEK Area G. Nipika Mountain Resort co-owner Lyle Wilson is the 2020 Area F volunteer of the year and Brisco-area farmer Hedi Trescher is the 2020 Area G volunteer of the year. “I am surprised and humbled by this, and am very grateful to have been selected,” Trescher told the Pioneer. Trescher is known up and down the Columbia Valley for her work with the Windermere District Farmers’ Institute (WDFI), where she is program coordinator. In naming Trescher, the RDEK mentioned her work with the institute, pointing out her instrumental role in establishing the Windermere District Farmers’ Institute Abattoir at the Invermere crossroads, but also noting that she has been an outstanding volunteer is many other capacities for more than 50 years, mentioning in a press release that “she continues to be an active member of the Brisco and District Community Association and is a passionate advocate for local food production and food security.” Additionally, Trescher has voluntarily written and published a history book of the Brisco and Spillimacheen area to benefit future generations. “She is known for her dedication, kindness and volunteerism,” wrote the RDEK. For the Area F award, the RDEK noted Wilson’s many years of volunteer service with both the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club and the Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance (CVGTA), writing that he has “dedicated his life as a volunteer towards supporting his community in becoming more engaged, active, and healthy.” Wilson has volunteered with the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club for decades, serving as a coach, president and board member and play an essential role in getting the Lake Windermere Whiteway started (a project that began more than a decade and a half ago). With the CVGTA, Wilson has been instrumental in helping get the Westside Legacy Trail finished. Additionally, he has volunteered with Canfor’s Public Advisory Group for Forest Sustainability since 2006, and has, as the RDEK wrote, “given countless hours to benefit the mountain bike and cross country skiing communities and has played a key role in developing the sport of mountain biking including fat biking and accessible trail development in the Nipika/Cross River Recreation Area.” Wilson was every bit as humble as Trescher about the award when contacted by the Pioneer. “It surprised me. It was kind of funny, because I got a call (from RDEK officials) and I thought ‘uh oh, am I in trouble for something?’” Wilson told the Pioneer. “So it was kind of a relief to find out it was an award instead. I am honoured and hum-

Clarification . In the Dec. 24 issue, the Pioneer ran a story on the proposed Pedley Heights marina. This is the third such proposal. This first was in 2015 and was initially for 140 boat slips, before being reduced to 115 boat slips during the application stage. The second was in 2018 and was initially for 90 boat slips, before being reduced to 60 boat slips during the application stage. Both applications were turned down. In turning down the second application, the provincial government outlined un-mitigated environmental concerns; impacts to public access, use and enjoyment of Crown land; impacts to First Nations communities; and no evidence for a reduction in the number of private moorage buoys among reasons for its decision. Pedley Heights is located off of Timber Ridge Drive, running parallel to Hilltop Road and Baltac Road. It is roughly 200 to 300 metres east of Baltac Road. Pedley Heights does include access to a community beach, but all homes are non-waterfront upland homes, a configuration often known as a ‘keyhole’ development. Two readers contacted the Pioneer to point out that Invermere councillor Gerry Taft, who is a real estate agent, sells lots in Pedley Heights. Taft spoke to the issue of the Pedley Heights marina at a December Invermere council meeting, first pointing out that the Lake Windermere Management Plan does not support any additional marinas, then saying that if the project does go ahead, Invermere should seek money from the Pedley Heights developer or residents with the aim of using it to improve the Pete’s Marina boat launch in Invermere.

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Babies 2020 of

Did you welcome a new addition to your family in 2020? Show off your little bundle of joy in the January 28th edition of The ColumbiaValley Pioneer! Simply submit a high resolution photo of your baby (or grandbaby, niece, nephew...) along with the child’s full name, date of birth, weight at birth, parents’ names and a fun fact about the child. The cost is $35+tax, deadline for submissions is Thursday, January 21st. For more information or to book your space, contact Amanda Nason at 250-341-6299 ext. 102 or Lerissa McLaughlin at 250-341-6299 ext. 103. advertising@columbiavalleypioneer.com

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 14, 2021

Foundry fundraiser offers matching incentive Any donations up to $100,000 made to the Not Alone campaign before Jan. 15 will be matched for a youth centre in the Kootenays By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter After vying against roughly 40 competitors to be one of eight new Foundry centres in the province, the Ktunaxa-Kinbasket Child and Family Service Society (KKCFSS) has recently been awarded as the lead agency for the Foundry East Kootenay centre for youth in the region. The application process began in October 2019 with a two-step evaluation process that included a call for expressions of interest, several independent panel interviews, a two-day in-person convening sessions, second written submissions and phone interviews from interested community organizations. “We’re just elated,” said Colin Sinclair, KKCFSS chief administrative officer. “We put a lot of time and effort into this and to be rewarded for this. We were one of 40 communities vying for the spot, so it was a day of elation. We know how many youths we’re going to help. Even if we change just one youth’s life, it’s worth it. There’s going to be virtual services available for access through the Foundry site.” The new Foundry centres located in B.C. will offer youth and their families fast access to mental health and substance use services with continuous improvement for DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

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

ongoing support initiatives throughout the province. Eight new Foundry centres will be awarded to community-based lead agencies in Burns Lake, Comox Valley, Cranbrook, Langley, Squamish, Surrey, Port Hardy and Williams Lake. “We were lucky, we were one of eight new foundry centres coming across the board to join the nine that are in existence,” Sinclair, adding the East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH) has been working in collaboration for the first time with his team on this initiative. Each Foundry centre will offer primary care, youth and family peer support, walk-in counselling, mental health services, substance abuse services and social services under one roof for all nations. The goal is to provide easily accessible programming for youth between the ages of 12 and 24 in rural and urban communities without the burden of waitlists. “You can walk in without an appointment and get the help and services you need,” said Sinclair. “We can help line you up with any services that you need. It’s a very different model than what’s out there right now.” Through the partnership between KKCFSS and EKFH, the Not Alone campaign has recently been launched in hopes of raising $1.4 million for the Foundry centre campaign in the East Kootenay in 18-months total. “Please be sure to let people know that all donations received or pledged by January 15th will be matched up to $100,000,” said Brenna Baker, EKFH executive director.

Currently, the EKFH and KKCFSS have received donations from private donors in the Columbia Valley as well as $10,000 from the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary; $5,000 from the Windermere Lions Club; and $1,000 from the Fairmont Lions Club for the Not Alone campaign. Sinclair and Baker remain optimistic that fundraising could be completed early with the vision that the doors may open sooner than expected. “The centre will be located in Cranbrook but it’s open to all youth in the East Kootenay region, so it’s pretty great,” said Baker, noting that some youth have been conducting third-party fundraisers by walking, singing or running in support of the Not Alone campaign. “I am so excited that young people in eight more communities in rural and urban B.C. will be able to get quick access to the mental health and substance use services they need and deserve,” said Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “With COVID-19 impacting the mental health of young people in a big way, and with the overdose crisis continuing, it’s more important than ever that they have quick access to the excellent supports that Foundry provides.” The next step of the Foundry centre project is to engage youth from the region to request input about how they want to see the location designed. For youth interested in participating in the consultation process, please contact Everett.Willier@ktunaxa. org or rwhite@ktunaxa.org.

NOTICE TO ALL DOG OWNERS All dogs over the age of four months residing in the District of Invermere require an annual dog license, from January 1st to December 31st. Licensing allows Animal Control Services to contact you as soon as possible if your animal has been impounded or if the animal has been injured as a result of traffic or as a result of other causes. If you live within the District of Invermere and own a dog, please drop by the municipal office at your earliest convenience to pick up a dog tag. Fees are as follows:

UNSPAYED FEMALE DOG ............................$35 UNNEUTERED MALE DOG ...........................$35 SPAYED FEMALE DOG .................................$15 NEUTERED MALE DOG ................................$15 Spaying / Neutering We encourage all pet owners to have their dogs spayed or neutered to assist in promoting the health of your animal and to minimize the potential for unwanted pups in the community. As an incentive to spay or neuter your dog, the various license and impound fees for spayed or neutered animals are less than if your animal is not spayed or neutered. For dog control issues within the municipality, please contact our Dog Control Officer at 250-342-1707. As we now know, plastic is not so fantastic. Up to a trillion plastic bags per year are used around the world. While most of them go to landfill sites where, scientists estimate, takes up to 1,000 years to break down, millions still end up in waterways, trees, and in our oceans where it eventually ends up in stomachs of fish and birds. We encourage you to use biodegradable dog waste bags, which are available at various sites throughout town.

The East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH) raised over $300,000 during December of 2020’s annual Starlight Campaign. Their goal is to use the proceeds to support the Foundry East Kootenay centre for youth in 2021. Submitted photo

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January 14, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

Modern Métis Woman scholarship available for 2021 applicants

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The desire to study at Canadian universities has moved within reach for Métis women thanks to a non-profit governmental organization (NGO). Modern Métis Woman offers scholarships to self-identifying Métis women who expect to study full-time at the post-secondary level. Applications from prospective candidates are due annually by Oct. 31. “Modern Métis Woman offers scholarship opportunities that can further assist Métis identifying women that are, or will be, attending a University in Canada,” said Carleigh Milburn, founder and chief executive officer of Modern Métis Woman. “Art based scholarships are also offered to Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples through our Instagram (page) @modernmetiswoman.” Modern Métis Woman encourages women who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgen-

der, queer and questioning as well as two-spirit (LGBTQ2+) to apply for the scholarship each school year. The organization began in 2017 with the goal of creating an inclusive support system for the learning community to honour people who want to be recognized for their Métis ancestry. The purpose of the Modern Métis Woman NGO is to support a safe and positive learning space that celebrates Indigenous women. “The post-secondary scholarship is important as it supports the education of a Métis Woman. As an organization, we want to celebrate the astonishing achievements that have been accomplished by these applicants,” said Milburn. “Since the creation of Modern Métis Woman, we have been able to give out three post-secondary scholarships to identifying Métis Women who are in post-secondary education. As an organization, we hope to gain additional funds so that we can give out supplementary scholarships yearly to many more inspiring Métis women.” Continued on page 10...

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE – BYLAWS 3020 & 3021 – Bylaw Amendments – Columbia Lake West

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The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an application by Bella Vista Properties Ltd to amend the OCP and zoning designations of a portion of their property to permitSCHEDULE a multi-family residential A development. The property is located on Bella Vista Boulevard on the west side of Columbia Lake between Highway 93/95 and Columbia Lake Road. Bylaw No. 3020 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Fairmont Hot Springs & Columbia Lake Area Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2779, 2017 – Amendment Bylaw No. 7, 2020 (Columbia Lake West / Bella Vista Properties Ltd) will L. of O. 402346 (expires Aug. 1, 2025) amend the designation of part of Lot 1, District Lot 4596, Kootenay District, Plan NEP86504 from R-SF, Residential Low Density to R-MF, Residential Multi-Family. Bylaw No. 3021 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 366, 2020 (Columbia Lake West / Bella Vista Properties Ltd) will amend the designation of part of Lot 1, District Lot 4596, Kootenay District, Plan NEP86504 from A-2, Rural Residential (Country) Zone, to R-3, Multiple Family Residential – Medium Density Zone. A public hearing will be held via Zoom webinar conference: Tuesday, January 26, 2021 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: A-2 • inspect the Bylaws and supporting information by requesting that an information package be emailed to you by contacting tvandewiel@rdek.bc.ca. Information packages may be to requested up until Friday, January 22, 2021 at 4:30 pm; R-3 • mail or email written submissions to the addresses shown below before Friday, January 22, 2021 at 4:30 pm; • present verbal submissions at the public hearing.

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As of January 1st, 2021 all new homes built in the rural areas of the Regional District of

NEP X32

Chair

As of January 1, 2021 all new homes built in the rural areas of the Regional District of East Kootenay Step 1 of the BC Energy Step Code. will be required to meet Step 1 of the BC Energy Step Code. the East Kootenay will be required to meet

Corporate Officer

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The RDEK joins several East CITY OF KIMBERLEY The RDEK joins several East Kootenay communities that Kootenay communities already require, or will require, the Energy Step Code by OF SPARWWOD JanuaryDISTRICT 1st, including: that already require, or will ELKFORD City ofOF Kimberley require, the Energy Step Code •DISTRICT of Sparwood OF FERNIE by January 1, 2021 including: •CITY District • •

District of Elkford City of Fernie

DID YOU KNOW? The Performance Pathway of the BC Energy Step Code changes the An Energy Adviso r building process in 3 main ways. New builds will now have to: can do all three. 1. Conduct energy modeling at the design phase 2. Test air tightness at completion 3. Quantify mechanical efficiancy and heating needs RIGHT NOW Incentives may be available, including rebates for the use of an Energy Advisor and conducting air tightness testing. Details are available from the RDEK and individual municipalities.

For more information visit: www.communityenergy.ca/EKstepcode

Changes in

The Performance Pathway of BC Energy Step Code changes the building process in 3 main ways. New builds will now have to: 1) Conduct energy modeling at the design phase HOT TIP 2) Test air tightness at completion An Energy 3) Quantify mechanical eﬃciency and heating Advisor can do needs all three!

Glass Recycling.

Glass recycling in the East Kootenay has changed. Currently, the only viable option for glass recycling is the provincially-regulated Recycle BC program. As a result, all glass recycling can now be done at the Recycle BC depots, located at: the Invermere (Industrial Rd 1 in Athalmer), Kimberley or Cranbrook transfer stations. All glass collected through Recycle BC depots will be turned into new glass containers or crushed and used in sandblasting. As part of this change, the yellow glass recycling bins around the region are being removed by our contractor. This applies to glass recycling only, not the entire yellow bin program. learn more

engage.rdek.bc.ca/recycle

Incentives may be available, including rebates for the use of an Energy Advisor and conducting air tightness testing. Details available from individual municipalities.

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 For more information, go to: www.communityenergy.ca/EKstepcode

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10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 14, 2021

The 2020 recipient of the Modern Métis Woman scholarship was Madelaine Desaulniers from Calgary, Alta. who is attending the University of Victoria (UVic) for a joint degree in Common Law and Indigenous Legal Orders (JD/JID program). Desaulniers had volunteered with The Calgary Food Bank, Calgary’s Drug and Rehabilitation Centre, the Jane Goodall Roots & Shoots Program in East Africa, and the Elizabeth Fry Society. Desaulniers hopes to become involved with policy decisions that assist the quality of life for Indigenous citizens. Since it originated, Modern Métis Woman has grown in popularity and recognition within Canada. Milburn is currently the sole funder of the scholarship program but would welcome donations from others to expand the total value of scholarships to support the education goals of Métis women. “Modern Métis Woman has grown tremendously, and we continue to gain support from various people, and communities around Canada. As an organization, we are so delighted that we can financially support brilliant Métis women, who are striving

for positive change in their global communities,” said Milburn. “We are continuously looking to work with other organizations to promote the importance of Indigenous education for the advancement of decolonization. Since the inception of the organization back in 2017, we have been able to gain over 1,600 followers on Instagram, which displays the artwork submitted by Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who support Modern Métis Woman goals, and scholarships.” The application process requires a 1,000 to 1,500 word essay that answers three questions, such as: 1) What is your definition of the Modern Métis Woman? 2) How has your Métis heritage affected you on a personal level? 3) A topic of your choice that relates to Métis Women. Applicants must be Canadian citizens who plan to attend a Canadian university full-time with a minimum of three courses per semester and identify as a Métis woman. To learn more about the scholarships, please visit www.modernmetiswoman. com or connect with them on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Those with questions may contact the founder and chief executive officer Carleigh Milburn at: carleigh@ modernmetiswoman.com.

Box 159, 8866 Grainger Rd., Canal Flats, B.C. V0B 1B0 Phone: 250-349-5462 • Fax: 250-349-5460 • village@canalflats.ca

Notice of Council Initiative

Subject to Petition Against Canal Flats Sewer Service Area

Council for the Village of Canal Flats has endorsed a Council Initiative – subject to petition against to adopt “Village of Canal Flats Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 233, 2020” pursuant to Section 213 of the Community Charter for a Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade.

Council for the Village of Canal Flats has endorsed a Council Initiative – subject to petition against to adopt “Village of Canal Flats Lift Station Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 234, 2020” pursuant to Section 213 of the Community Charter for the construction of a sewer lift station.

Notice is hereby given to property owners within the Canal Flats Sewer Service Area that Council needs to borrow a maximum of $250,000 for the Village portion of an Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program grant application for a total project cost of $913,000.

Notice is hereby given to property owners within the Canal Flats Sewer Service Area that Council needs to borrow an amount not to exceed $700,000 from the Municipal Finance Authority to finance the construction of a sewer lift station and is repayable not later than thirty (30) years from the date of issue of such debentures. Failure to replace this infrastructure is not optional and lack of action poses continued, significant, human health, environmental, and financial risk to the Village. Like all municipalities, It is up to the Village to pay for its own key infrastructure to preserve quality of life in the community.

Continued from page 9...

The Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 233, 2020 is a bylaw to allow the borrowing of an amount not to exceed $250,000 from the Municipal Finance Authority to finance the cost to complete a sewage treatment plant upgrade and is repayable not later than thirty (30) years from the date of issue of such debentures. It is estimated that the cost would be $0.18 per frontage foot per year (to a maximum of 300 feet) for the stated 30 year term. Only those parcels of land within the Canal Flats Sewer Service Area that are deemed serviceable will be charged the frontage tax. Details of the proposed works may be viewed in the “Village News” section of our website at www.canalflats.ca or contact the Village office at 250349-5462 or by email at village@canalflats.ca.

It is estimated that the cost would be $0.54 per frontage foot per year (to a maximum of 300 feet) for the stated 30 year term. Only those parcels of land within the Canal Flats Sewer Service Area that are deemed serviceable will be charged the frontage tax. Details of the proposed works may be viewed in the “Village News” section of our website at www.canalflats.ca or contact the Village office at 250349-5462 or by email at village@canalflats.ca.

If the grant is unsuccessful, the money for the sewer treatment plant will not be spent.

Property response forms for this Council Initiative are available to the owners of properties of the Canal Flats Sewer Service Area and as per the attached map. Only qualified owners who are opposed to the loan need sign the petition response forms. If 2 or more persons are owners of land, they must be considered as one owner only and are only entitled to petition if a majority of them concur.

Qualified owners who are in favour of this loan for renewal of this vital village infrastructure do not have to sign any documents.

Unless petitions are signed by at least fifty percent (50%) of the property owners representing at least fifty (50%) percent of the assessed value of land and improvements and submitted to the Village of Canal Flats at 8866 Grainger Road, Canal Flats, B.C. V0B 1B0, petitioning the Village Council NOT to proceed, Village Council may adopt this loan authorization bylaw within 30 days after notice has been given. Assessed value of the Canal Flats Sewer Service Area is $102,280,700.00.

The deadline for receipt of the signed owner’s opposition form to the Village of Canal Flats Municipal office is 4:30 pm on Tuesday, February 16, 2021.

Sylvie Hoobanoff Corporate Officer

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

N E W S PA P E R

January 14, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

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N E W S PA P E R

January 14, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

S OBITUARY S

P ioneer C lassifieds

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

Newhouse, Joseph Ross

May 29, 1923-January 7, 2021 Dad had a good life and a good death. In many ways, his death was a reflection of his life, and Dad’s life was marked by a number of good decisions. After serving in the Air Force during WW2, he chose to invest in a university education (and investing in lifelong learning was something he always promoted). On the 5th of September 1949, he married Pauline (Graham) and soon after raised a family of three boys (Chuck, Ross and Ian) and one daughter, Nancy. His career was highly successful (Chartered Accountant for Husky Oil, VP Administration at the University Hospital in Edmonton, Professor of Hospital Administration at U of A). In the mid 50s, Dad made the decision to purchase 4 acres of land on Lake Lillian, and the property has evolved to become the focal point for all family gatherings ever since. Dad didn’t take up golf until around age 40 but it quickly became a healthy obsession for the next 57 years, which is one thing the boys inherited from him. A perfect day for Dad would be a large breakfast, a round of golf with Pauline and/or the boys, followed by the requisite “happy hour” with a gin and tonic, ideally on the dock to absorb Lake Lillian’s beauty. These happy hours allowed for not only a recounting of all the golf highlights, but a catching up on all of the diverse family activities. After supper, the perfect day would conclude with a couple of rubbers of bridge where Dad would invariably win as he seems to know not only his partner’s cards but those of his opponents. How did Dad make these rewarding decisions? Dad was very good at providing an objective, insightful analysis of any situation; and the situation may range from career advice to what card you’re supposed to be playing in bridge. Another thing was his sharp mind, often evidenced by a sharp wit. Just a couple of weeks ago, Nancy and I were discussing the challenges of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) with Dad, and the point was made that whereas MAiD sounded good in theory, it was more challenging in practice when you come face to face with it. Dad then piped up to say “Yeah, and you only get one practice!”

Velker, Merlin Anthony

Good decisions are built on a set of values. Dad’s values were family, patience, honesty (i.e. count every stroke and play the ball where it lies), embrace the challenge as well as the ride, and to treat people fairly and with respect and humility. I remember after June 5, 1930 one round of golf (which is a lesson in humility and honesty in January 2021 itself), Dad imparted a related life lesson. I had5, been recounting my round and sprinkled a couple of sentences with the big “IF”. It is with heavy hearts that we share the If I hadn’t had to take a stroke and distance penalty for that out of5, news of Merlin’s passing on January bounds ball on #6 or if I hadn’t missed putt on B.C. # 12, it should 2021 that in Invermere, have been a gimme anyway. Dad then said “You know what they Merlin was born in Trochu, AB. He lived most of his childhood say about IF, don’t you Ian?” I replied “No”, to which he responded and adult life in Rockyford, AB working with his father at grain “Well, if your uncle hadHetits, d be your aunt.” Another lesson elevators. thenhe’ worked for Imperial Oil, beforelife retiring to was duly registered. Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. Later in life, Merlin cultivated his

love of roses in his home garden. Merlin was a proud member of If Dad were tothe describe perfect death, he would probably have Knightsthe of Columbus and a charter member of the Fairmont on the 18th green after draining a Districtattack Lions Club. nd" in box, liked i.e. to die of &a heart

r, and his long birdie putt, thus capping off an excellent round. The alternaMerlin is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Sonia, his n-law... tive to a perfectsisters death, and one that Dad decided on, was MAiD, Gene McCarthy, Millie (Al) Krenzel, Darlene (Bryce)

surrounded byHumphreys, family, listening to Ross playing the piano,Maida looking and Lucille Winger, his sisters-in-law

Delete out circled at the natural wonderGarcia of Lake (which (Francisco), andLillian Elizabeth Sune. inspired Nancy’s commapassion in nature conservation), from the beautiful home that He was predeceased by his parents, Matilda, and Anthony

Chuck built, gin andhis tonic in hand, and enjoying the recountVelker, brothers-in-law, Patafter McCarthy, Ken Winger, and Tito ing of a good round or a life well lived….And this is what he did. Sune. He will be profoundly missed by numerous nieces and and niece, Amy nephews and their children, as well as many dear friends.

An extra comment from Mom

Merlin’s family is grateful to Dr. Walsh, the caring staff at

and I haveInvermere had many long conversations end o Sune, and“Joe niece, Hospital and Ivy House, asregarding well as the the dedicated of our lives these few years and are so grateful to our kind stafflast at Columbia Garden Village. ss.

and loving friends and our thoughtful community. In particular, In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of one’s a thank you is choice. extended to Dani Bondoc who provided home Pending COVID restrictions, a Celebration of Life is support, the healthcare Gwen, Jan,would Angela, Karen planned forworkers June 5, 2021 (which have Shauni, been Merlin’s 91st birthday). and Will, Nurse practitioner, Jessie McKersie, and Dr. Edward Schaffer. We are most appreciative nowtothat we are Funeral able to Services. resolve Arrangements entrusted McPherson our wishes. We are so proud of andforhappy withcan ourbewonderful Condolences the family offered at .com in each of family. We know that our happywww.mcphersonfh lives will be reflected theirs.” Joe is survived by his wife Pauline, sons Chuck (Jan), Ross (Anne Morin), Ian (Donna), daughter Nancy (Trevor), grandchildren (Ayla, Breanna, Lia, Graham, Megan,”little” Joe and Dougie) and Proof #1 most recently great grandson Emil Joseph.

2 col. (3.33”) x 7” – OBIT

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nature Issue #1, January 14, 2021 Conservancy of Canada (https://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/) or Pynelogs Cultural Centre and Art Gallery (info@columbiavalleyarts.com).

Pioneer Classified Advertising 250-341-6299

ANNOUNCEMENT

CHEERS & JEERS

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.

Jeers to the person who dumped their 15 ft. Christmas tree in Abel Creek along Johnston Road. That is being neglectful and lazy!

CHEERS to neighbours who bring their machines to clear snow particularly the heavy banks left by plows.

Cheers to Jeremy at Lordco for helping me get my Alberta plate off and putting on my new B.C. plates. Your kindness will not be forgotten.

Cheers to the Village of Radium for building such a beautiful skating rink, too bad they can’t make ice on it

Valley Fitness Society Annual General Meeting via ZOOM. Thursday, January 21st, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Board Meeting to follow. To attend, please email teresa@ valleyfitnesscentre.ca for the meeting ID.

Steamboat Mountain Music Society

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

CHEERS & JEERS

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

CHEERS to Ken, Mike and Norm for “Best Ice in the Valley!”

S OBITUARY S Velker, Merlin Anthony

N E W S PA P E R

Box 868, #8 - 1008 - 8th Avenue, Invermere, British Columbia V0A 1K0 Phone: 250-341-6299 Email: advertising@columbiavalleypioneer.com emily@columbiavalleypioneer.com

June 5, 1930 PROOF SHEET January 5, 2021

Please read over yourItproof carefully. is with heavy hearts that we share the Complete this form and return by news of Merlin’s passing on January 5, e-mail. Your proof MUST be signed, 2021 in Invermere, B.C. dated and OK’d by the date stated in your email.inIfTrochu, you are unable Merlin was born AB. toHefilllived most of his childhood a statement ofAB approval and adult the lifeform, in Rockyford, working with his father at grain by email is acceptable. elevators. He then worked for Imperial Oil, before retiring to

Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. Later in life, Merlin cultivated his Approval will begarden. assumed love of roses in his home Merlin was a proud member of if no received. the Knights of response Columbusisand a charter member of the Fairmont & District Lions Club. OK AS IS Merlin is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Sonia, his sisters Gene McCarthy, Millie (Al) Krenzel, Darlene (Bryce) OK WITH Humphreys, and Lucille Winger and his sisters-in-law Maida CHANGES (Francisco) Garcia and Elizabeth Sune.

He was predeceasedPLEASE by his parents, Matilda, and Anthony REDO Pat McCarthy, Ken Winger, and Tito Velker, his brothers-in-law, Sune and niece, Amy Kress. He will be profoundly missed by numerous nieces and nephews and their children, as well as SIGNATURE many dear friends. Merlin’s family is grateful to Dr. Walsh, the caring staff at DATE Invermere Hospital and Ivy House, as well as the dedicated staff at Columbia Village. Upon approval theGarden advertiser agrees to the conditions

outlined in the advertising approval display, and agrees to bear responsibility for the cost of insertion. Any cancellation In lieu of flowers donations bearemade to the charity of one’s requests after Monday noon the week ofmay publication at discretion of the Columbia Valley Pioneer and may bea Celebration of Life is choice. the Pending COVID restrictions, subject to a cancellation fee. plannedIn the foreventJune 5, 2021 would of any error, misprint or(which omission in the printing have been Merlin’s 91st of an advertisement the publisher will either re-insert the birthday). advertisement or make a reasonable refund or adjustment to the cost. The Columbia Valley Pioneer assumes all information in the advertisement is correct upon the adverArrangements to McPherson Funeral Services. tisers approval and is entrusted not liable for re-insertion, refund or adjustment after approval. The Columbia Valley Pioneer has utmostCondolences confidence in the print for qualitythe of ourfamily product, butcan be offered at are not responsible for colour inconsistencies, mis-registrawww.mcpherson.com tion or other press related errors. In addition no re-insertion, refund or adjustment will be made where the error, misprint or omission does not materially or communicatively detract from the advertisement. In no circumstances shall the total liability of the Columbia Valley Pioneer exceed the amount of a full refund of the price paid for the advertisement. The Columbia Valley Pioneer retains copyright for all purposes in all artwork. The Columbia Valley Pioneer is not liable for any loss in the event of a printing or distribution failure due to acts of nature, or other outside variables beyond our control. The approval of an advertisement amounts to an acceptance of the above conditions, and no contract between the advertiser and the Columbia Valley Pioneer will be deemed to exist until the advertisement has been approved for publication.

Cheers to Panorama Resort for the fabulous grooming that is happening on their Nordic trails this year! After years of frustration it’s a delight to find up-to-date grooming reports and terrific track setting on your trails. Keep up the great work ... our Nordic community appreciates your efforts. JEERS to drivers in tall pickup trucks following too close behind smaller vehicles at night. Your low or high beams are blinding in a smaller vehicle. When the smaller vehicle is driving at the posted speed limit and you are so anxious to get by, pass at high speed throwing up gravel, and a mile behind that truck, the smaller vehicle turns on their high beams to see the dark highway and two deer beside the road and that ticks you off so much, you stop in the middle of the road, wait for the smaller vehicle in a line behind you now, jump out of your truck and yell at the person for turning on their high beams. Jeers to FOG LIGHTS, turn them off if you encounter oncoming traffic. They are not needed in everyday driving; some are as blinding as high beams. Cheers to Shelly Ford for your kind heart and tremendous work in our community. Not many are this selfless – Much appreciation for sharing the love without judgment.

Please recycle this newspaper

Cheers to AG Valley Foods, who so often contributes to our community without anyone knowing about it! Many Cheers for the support with our ongoing Fundraiser. A major CHEERS to the staff at the Radium Hot Springs pools. You remain positive and cheerful even after dealing with some down-right rude and confrontational people. You all don’t deserve any of it, especially for providing this service during a pandemic. Please know that not everyone in our valley is totally delusional and you’ve got our support. Stay healthy, stay safe, and don’t put up with intolerance!

THANK YOU

TO ALL MY CLIENTS IN 2020! IT IS AN HONOUR TO ANNOUNCE THAT I AM

#9 IN ALL OF BC! * *Number of units sold by an individual Royal LePage Agent in BC in 2020.

I look forward to serving you in 2021!

BUYING OR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202

gerrytaft.ca Personal Real Estate Corporation

Rockies West Realty Independently owned and operated

LOST AND FOUND LOST: Sony E 70-350mm f4.56.3 lens, serial #1828659 in a black Lowepro camera bag on the sidewalk outside Lambert Kipp Pharmacy Jan 10. Reward for it’s return. Please contact the Pioneer if found 250-341-6299 ext 101.

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

LOST AND FOUND LOST: Ebony stem cane lost/ misplaced in Invermere Dec 3rd. Has an antler piece to rest your arm on. Very sentimental please call 250-346-3203 if found.

January 14, 2021

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE

NEWHOUSE STORAGE Various sizes available. Now with climatecontrolled units. Call 250-342-3637.

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.

COMMERCIAL SPACE

Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-342-1268.

STORAGE

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

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE

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

BARRY BROWN-JOHN “Rocky Mountain Land Man”

Call or text

250-342-5245

b.brownjohn@gmail.com MISC. FOR SALE Top Quality Hay Round bales. Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-3421268. Heavy Duty Snowplow with controls for sale. 7 ft. wide, $900. Call Don at 250-347-9378.

SERVICES Bobcat and Dump Trailer services, dump trailer for rent. Call 250-688-3739.

www.elkhornranches.com

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! B.B.’s Home & Lawn Care Services Renovations, Handyman Repairs, Small moves, Dump runs, House Checks, House Cleaning, Yard Maintenance, Tree removal. Book now for snow removal. 250-688-2897. 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.

SERVICES

HELP WANTED

Pike Contracting Excavating and Skid Steer services. Call Jason 250-342-5277.

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.

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.

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

BUSINESS FOR SALE

HELP WANTED Invermere Petro-Can is currently accepting resumes for F/T and P/T employment. Apply in person to 185 Laurier Street, Invermere between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Local Electrical Contractor looking for Journeyman and Apprentice Electrician to start immediately. Wage DOE. Email Resume to ekelectric@telus.net.

Attention

Inventors! Ideas wanted! Call Davison today! 1.800.218.2909 or visit us at inventing.davison.com/BC

Free inventor’s guide!

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

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

info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

HELP WANTED

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

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Health Care Assistant

Shuswap Indian Band is looking to fill the role of Health Care Assistant for a temporary (full-time) contract covering 6-8 weeks of sick leave. Reporting to the Health Director, the Health Care Assistant is responsible for providing personal care, home care and management, and respite assistance to clients, in accordance with assessed needs and personal care plans. RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: • Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Shuswap Indian Band policies, standards and procedures, and as directed by the Health Director • Maintains confidentiality on all matters relating to the affairs of the Shuswap Indian Band • Greets clients, family members and caregivers in a positive and friendly manner; • Answers inquires from clients, family embers and caregiver, using discretion in providing requested information • Advocates for the health and safety of clients • Provides personal care in accordance with the approved care plan, to include: • Bathing, grooming and simple bedside care • Assistance with eating • Skin care including routine foot and nail care • Getting ready for bed • Maintain medical regimes • Toileting • Dressing • Transferring • Activation • Promoting self-reliance • Food preparation and cooking for those with chronic health condition that require dietary intervention • Provides transportation to medical appointments and participate in discussions and planning relating to the client’s health • Refers clients to and supports their involvement in community services, groups and activities • Provides approved respite care to clients as required • Assists the family in providing care for the dying in home • Provides assistance with meal planning and preparation, demonstrating knowledge of the client’s special dietary and cultural needs, while adhering to the Canada’s food guide, or preparation of traditional foods • Promotes independence by teaching the client and / or family, in the area of self care • Maintains accurate records of care given and health status changes observed in the clients • Observed and reports client and / or family changes, accidents, or incidents to supervisor • Monitors and maintains personal care supplies stored in the client’s home • Assists clients access medical equipment and supplies through NIHB • Maintains skills and knowledge through attendance at training programs and workshops • Performs duties as transferred from the Health Director through the delegation of function process • Performs routine housekeeping for clients as assigned, including removal of garbage, vacuuming, sweeping and mopping, general cleaning of rooms, to include bathrooms, changing and laundering of bedding and other linens, cleaning of major appliances • Assists clients to access medical transportation records • Works closely with other social development and community health staff in providing the needed level and quality of services to Shuswap Indian Band members • Performs other duties and responsibilities as necessary in performance of the position and as assigned by the Health Director QUALIFICATIONS: • Minimum Grade 10 • Recognized Health Care Assistant diploma / certificate or an equivalent combination of education and training and experience • Experience as a home care assistant would be an asset • Current Occupational First Aid Level 1 and Food Safe Level 1 • Possess a valid British Columbia driver’s license, able to submit current drivers abstract and have reliable transportation • Complete and clear the Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening TERMS AND CONDITIONS • Temporary full-time position covering a 6-8 week sick leave with the possibility of an extension start date Feb 1, 2021. • Hours of work 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday (half-hour unpaid lunch) • Must adhere to the Shuswap Indian Band Human Resources Policy and Procedure Manual (Approved April 4, 2018). This posting may remain open until the position is filled. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Preference will be given to persons of Aboriginal ancestry as per Section 16 (1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act. Appointment to this position will require a formal criminal record check, the details of which may preclude an offer of employment being finalized. To apply contact the Shuswap Indian Band, #3, 492 Arrow Road, Invermere BC, V0A 1K2 Angela Sarsons, Director of Operations Email: dops@shuswapband.ca Fax: 250-341-3683 • Deadline for applications: Friday, January 22nd, 2021.

Pioneer Classified Advertising 250-341-6299

January 14, 2021

My rights, my rights

Fresh old ideas

Submitted By Arnold Malone Pioneer Columnist

There is a sizable chunk of North America’s population who advocate that wearing face masks during a pandemic is an infringement on their rights. They are absolutely correct and a whole lot wrong. Of course, wearing a mask is an infringement on individual rights just the same as with every other law. It is also an infringement to require people to drive on the right side of the road. It is an infringement to need to pay taxes and it infringes upon us when we need to pay debts when due. It is an infringement upon farmers to control noxious weeds on their property. Every law infringes upon an individual. The rationale is that we should serve a greater good. If you don’t believe that imagine what will happen when you choose to butcher your neighbours’ cow. Law in a democratic society is an instrument of balancing individual rights with the need to serve the betterment of a society. This balancing is tricky, so thoughtful

consideration is required. The problem with mask wearing and the pandemic is that there is a flood of misinformation on social media. We live in an age when too many doubts sciences and far too many dreams for some self-empowerment by standing against authority. Some claim it is their constitutional rights not to be infringed upon and believe that there are sets of absolute freedoms. That argument is false. The assumption is that somewhere there is a society with a set of pure rights which cannot be modified. Every freedom under our Charter of Rights has corresponding sets of responsibilities; usually understood if not defined. It can’t be otherwise. Of course, we have the Freedom of Speech but that does not allow a person to enter a theater and shout “FIRE” just to watch the people run. We have the freedom of Mobility but that does not mean that you can take a short-cut through your neighbour’s house. Nor can you drive on the highway at any speed without regard. We have the Freedom of Assembly but that does not mean that you can put a boardroom table in the middle of the freeway and hold a meeting. Rights are awarded in conjunction with responsibilities. Rights and responsibilities are a team that go in tandem and they must be considered together. A person’s freedom of worship does not give someone license to enter the hair salon and preach a sermon to

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

a confined client who is having their hair styled. Rights have limits. It is the failure to accept responsibility that condemns the actions of those who refuse to wear a mask during a pandemic. The overwhelming majority of those who protest mask wearing are not medical personnel. Yet they elevate themselves beyond science, medical research and elected lawmakers. They choose to live outside of society and march to their own drum beat. What is absent is their consideration of the life and health of others. Everything is about themselves. Anti-mask persons are self centered people who care not a twit about the welfare of others. Democratic law does not accommodate such self-centred behaviour. Societies have to have rules that protect the well-being of the whole nation. When an individual assumes that they are the law, they need to understand the corrosion to democracy if every person did the same thing. The result would be chaos. In fact, the very definition of a society is a group of people who have agreed to live by common rules. What anti-maskers advocate is anarchy; every person for themselves. For them, rules via an agreed system are merely options for consideration. If all persons behaved only in their own self-interest the result would be nation-wide havoc. Arnold Malone served as MP for Alberta’s Battle River and Crowfoot ridings from 1974 through 1993. He retired to Invermere in 2007.

Understanding and making decisions about trees by Branching Submitted Dave Meadows out Ideally, for an urban forest to work properly it must be cohesive in nature. It includes both native and non-native species crossing public and private property lines yet interconnected and functioning as an ecosystem. This ecosystem is valued and cared for through community stewardship to maintain its health and vitality. It is

HELP WANTED Passion or interest for Beer, Wine and Spirits?

beside the Horsethief Pub The Radium Liquor Store is now accepting applications for the position of

LIQUOR STORE MANAGER The Manager will be responsible for the daily operation of the store. Duties include but not limited to: • Maintaining and managing appropriate • Training and development of store staff inventory levels • Reviewing BC Liquor Laws and ensuring • Reviewing and entering all invoices all staff are adhering to and aware of any • Managing pricing accuracy on all store prodchanges uct to ensure profit margins are maintained • Daily cash reconciliation • Managing the ordering, selling and stocking of product Candidates must have their Serving It Right Certification, have excellent customer service skills, be able to work flexible shifts including nights and weekends, have a strong knowledge of computers and POS systems. This position can be physically demanding and requires the ability to receive large orders and stock products. Please submit resume in person to Jennifer McLennan at the Radium Liquor Store (beside the Horsethief Pub) or by email: gmjenliquor@gmail.com

important to realize that although urban forests consist of individual trees along streets and backyards, it also includes stands of remnant forests interspersed among the surrounding lands. Vegetation in residential and commercial landscapes also contributes to the urban forest. Currently, the District of Invermere has thousands of trees that provide tremendous benefit and have a high value that requires a cohesive plan for managing these assets. Balancing these benefits with a property owner’s right to develop and manage their property is also The larger the tree - the more the benefits! an ongoing challenge. Last summer, I received a request from an Edmonton-based property management firm on behalf of a non-resident landowner. Of the 14 or so relatively treeless lots available, the property owner selected a specific lot that included a particularly large, mature tree. The diameter at breast height measured four feet (48 inches). If one took a tape measure completely around the tree, the circumference was over 12 feet. It was a magnificent remnant forest specimen of interior Douglas Fir! I was puzzled as to why someone would select a lot with the largest tree, perhaps the largest in the area, then have the tree removed? The lack of understanding of how truly intertwined people and trees are within the urban forest is troublesome. When considering the many documented benefits of trees, whether we are talking about the numerous species of birds, animals, and insects that inhabit trees, or storm water capture, shade, clean air and financial benefits, people are mostly short-sighted about how meaningful their relationship with trees really is. Despite their essential role in helping communities adapt to climate change and urbanization, urban and remnant forests may themselves be vulnerable to people’s lack of obligation to preserve trees along with keeping in balance with Fire Smart practices. Take water conservation, for example; some may argue there was no real incentive to conserve water even though local water governing agencies were advocating cautious advice and warnings that the resource is limited. It wasn’t until flat-rate billing changed to water metering that most people began conserving use. Perhaps, providing incentives such as tax relief on properties where people retain and maintain large trees would attract more attention and bring about a change for tree preservation?

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

FAITH

A broader view of violence

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

By Brent Woodard Anglican/United Church

Online Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Visit https://lwac.online.church 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lwac.ca

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED Please email office@wvsm.ca to request a link to our online service which starts at 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Recorded services can be accessed by typing WVSM Invermere Anglican United Church. 250-342-6644 • www.wvsm.ca

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

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats., Canadian Martyrs’ – Invermere, St. Joseph’s – Radium. Father Jojo Augustine • 712 -12th Ave., Invermere 250-342-6167

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

Submitted by Anthony Everett Vice Chair – BC Regional Tourism Secretariat

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

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

I read a story of something Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said while he was a passenger in a car one night. Apparently, the driver of the car would sometimes flash his high-beams at an oncoming driver if they didn’t turn their highbeams off in time. Dr. King asked him not to do this, because, he said, it was a form of violence. I am challenged by this story because I know it is common, though apparently illegal, to flash our high-beams for the same purpose today. It is also challenging because it invites me, and hopefully others, to see violence in a way that is broader than just physical violence. Biblical scholar, John Dominic Crossan, writes in his book The Power of Parable, how violence can move through three successive stages – from ideological through rhetorical to physical violence. Let me quote him here: “Ideological violence is thinking that persons, groups, or nations are inhuman, subhuman, or at least seriously lacking in the humanity one grants oneself.” “Rhetorical violence is speaking on that presumption by dehumanizing those others with rude names, crude car-

icatures, and derogatory stereotypes or by calling them, say, political “traitors” or religious “heretics.” “Physical – and even lethal – violence is acting on those presuppositions either by illegal attack or, if one has attained social power, by official, legal political action.” Further, Crossan writes, “We say proverbially, ‘Sticks and stones will break my bones, but names (or words) will never hurt me.’ That is not true,” Crossan says, “Even in itself, but, more serious, it ignores our experience that names and words often escalate through sticks and stones to ovens and crematoria. Once ideology and rhetoric have dehumanized opponents, power will often consider it a duty – even a divine duty – to eliminate them. In other words, I propose to take ideologically based rhetorical violence very, very seriously.” I write this on the day when some Americans have stormed the Capital building in the United States. It seems physical violence is beginning to come (in this case) after there has been ideological violence and rhetorical violence. Other people, in other situations, have had, or have, the experience of physical violence coming after there has been ideological and rhetorical violence. It seems important for us to reflect on how physical violence doesn’t just happen in isolation — our thoughts and words matter. And, there are other forms of violence besides physical violence. Dr. King’s broader view gives us an opportunity to reflect on violence every time we flash our high-beams at someone.

Better support for tourism sector

RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

your message is resonating with residents and visitors alike.

January 14, 2021

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

There is no sugar coating the fact that 2020 has been a difficult year for businesses that are the lifeblood of our tourism industry. For many, it’s been a year in which they have simply tried to keep their heads above water while watching the collapse of the visitor economy and hoping for some semblance of normalcy and viability in 2021. The BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) and its five regional tourism associations represent more than 8,000 tourism-related businesses which include everything from adventure tourism operators, restaurants, accommodators, to campground operators and artists. The regional associations have a unique and decades-long relationship with tourism businesses at a grassroots level and have established themselves as a trusted advisor. The relationship proved invaluable during provincial wildfire and flooding events in 2017 and 2018. Our Associations proved to be the only organizations that could conduct region-wide research and provide quantifiable data on the impact to operators, which in turn informed government policy and funding decisions. In 2020, a crisis of a different kind emerged in the form of COVID-19; because of the unique relationship with operators from a grassroots perspective, the BCRTS and its regional associations assumed an important role. At the onset of the pandemic, the role we traditionally play as a destination management advisor shifted to one of pandemic support, response and advocacy. Over the last several months, regional associations have worked with tourism businesses to help them adapt and respond to evolving health guidelines and collect important research that has helped inform the development of recom-

mendations and decision-making of government. The BCRTS also established the BC Tourism Resiliency Network, to more formally support providers and through which a team of experts in health and safety, human resources, finance and strategic planning were enlisted to provide a suite of expertise. To date, more than 1,500 registered businesses have been provided with oneon-one support. Our governments have taken action to cushion the blow for many in the tourism sector, including providing funds to help rebuild the sector through BC’s Economic Recovery Plan - while now considering other means of support, including BC Tourism Task Force recommendations and how the small and medium sized Business Recovery Grant Program can be accessed by as many tourism operators as possible. This challenge requires all of us - all levels of government, regional and local tourism and economic development agencies, to continue to work in unison to support economic recovery. It has been encouraging to see all of the various partners come together, speak with one voice, work in a collaborative manner, and put the dire situation facing the sector and businesses, first and foremost. Now, as we turn the page on 2020, there is room for optimism. Vaccination programs are starting to roll out and there will come a point when travellers will once again be looking at B.C. as a vacation destination. The challenge and opportunity will be to ensure we are positioned to create safe and memorable experiences for British Columbians, Canadians and eventually, international visitors. Until we reach that point, the BCRTS and regional associations are committed to serving the industry and supporting operators in every way possible to build the sector back – together.