Columbia Valley Pioneer, February 18, 2021

February 18, 2021 Vol. 18/Issue 7

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1

February 18, 2021

The Columbia Valley

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 18, 2021 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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Head to our website or download the Beanstack Tracker app to log your books this month. invermere.bc.libraries.coop

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Keep moving to stay warm! Jordie Kirk of the Columbia Valley Cycling Society shows off the Snow Dog fat bike trail groomer at the Lake Lillian Rec Site. The fat bike trails there, and at Mt. Swansea, have been increasingly popular this winter. Recreation technology continues evolve to enable more people to get outside more often.

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While it might be peak winter with the Radium Rink in tip top shape, the Village of Radium Hot Springs is already preparing for summer with the installaion of a Splash Park Water Feature with adjacent landscaping and pathway, to be located in the primary recreation park. The overall budget allocated for this project is $270,000. (Second left and right photos)

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Happy families on Family Day! With beautiful bluebird skies, there are lots of memory making moments to be found throughout the Columbia Valley, and especially at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.

Submitted by Ryan Watmough

February 18, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS

Tickets for violating pandemic restrictions Local RCMP hand out violation tickets for parties and protest gatherings defying pandemic restrictions

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The local Columbia Valley RCMP has been, in the past few months, dealing with people not complying with provincial health orders related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and have issued multiple violation tickets and even made an arrest, according to the RCMP spokesperson.

The details of these incidents were discussed by Columbia Valley RCMP sergeant Darren Kakuno during his quarterly report to Invermere council last week on Tuesday, Feb. 9.

Councillor Ute Juras asked Kakuno how the RCMP goes about enforcing the provincial health orders and the related restrictions that have been in place since late November. He responded that COVID-19 calls are “complaints driven” and outlined that from the beginning of December through to the end of January, the RCMP had dealt with 11 such calls.

Kakuno explained that two calls involved groups gathering at Lake Windermere (one of which was a group of youths). Officers dealt with these incidents through education, he added. Another call centred on an individual that the caller felt was failing to comply with the provincial health orders, but when officers attended the scene, they found the individual was, in fact, compliant with the directives.

Three of the calls revolved around people hosting parties in their homes, in clear contravention of the health orders. “In each of those situations, violation tickets were issued,” said Kakuno, adding that officers also received a fourth call about parties that was called in after the fact, and which consequently, officers took an educational approach to handle the situation.

“Two calls were related to protests in Invermere and to this point (gathering of people), against provincial health order regulations) three violations tickets were issued,” continued Kakuno, and “two calls were related to individuals failing to wear a mask in a store, and as a result, one male was arrested and a violation ticket issued for that.”

Councillor Greg Anderson added he’s seen several instances of people in Invermere failing to wear masks,

saying that “in a grocery store I went into tonight there was a couple who refused to put masks on. The staff (who Anderson outlined were elderly women) were not in a position to enforce it. It was very awkward. There were upset people, but they just refused to put masks on. How do you handle situations like that?”

moved on and was no longer in the area. The other one, it was called in at the time, so our officer was able to get there, and a violation ticket was issued.”

“There are a few people out there that are trying to battle it (the restrictions associated with provincial health orders),” said Invermere mayor Al Miller, adding that on Sunday in Home Hardware (of which Miller is the owner), a customer refused to put on a mask. Mill“We certainly want to know about er related that the woman said she was exempt from that, because we don’t have any tol- the restrictions, so Home Hardware outlined to her erance for that...if that’s occurring, that they couldn’t let anybody without a mask into the store but could instead offer her curbside service. we want a phone call.”

“She was not ready to pay attention to that,” said Miller. “We had her ushered out of the store, but it Sergeant Darren Kakuno, was difficult.”

Columbia Valley RCMP He added that a similar incident had occurred before, involving a couple refusing to wear masks. “That took a lot of management time,” said Miller.

“They said ‘you’re not servicing us.’ We said, ‘yes, we will service you, but from the curb.’...

Next time we won’t mess around, just a quick call to the RCMP and forget it.” Kakuno confirmed that was the right approach.

“This couple in the grocery store also said they were exempt (from the restrictions and) it’s just a coincidence that they’re both exempt and they’re a couple,” said Anderson. “Perhaps they are exempt, but if they aren’t, our officers aren’t afraid to enforce the restrictions,” said Kakuno.

Miller pointed to the violation tickets for parties and for protests and then referenced a conference call he’d recently had with provincial officials, including provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, in which part of the discussion had been on people ignoring restrictions and partying in ski towns. “They thought it was wonderful (that police in the Columbia Valley Photo by Atoms on Unsplash are handing out violation tickets for parties),” said Miller. “It sends a message that ‘we’re here to “We certainly want to know about that, because we ski, not to party.’” don’t have any tolerance for that. I’m not sure if that (the Dr. Henry “says the Freedom Lovers, or whatever grocery store incident) was called in or not...but if that’s you want to call them, she’s had her fill of them. They’ve occurring, we want a phone call. As long as our members come to visit her home and her office and everything else. aren’t tied up with priority calls, they will come deal with But to actually have a fine (for gatherings)...that was the that,” replied Kakuno. “Of the COVID-19 (mask) com- right thing. To have the same thing happening here, it plaint calls, in one of them, it took some time (for the means you’re on the right track,” said Miller to Kakuno. attending officer) to figure who the individual was. By “Thank you for helping the COVID-19 situation.” the time the officer had figured it out, the individual had

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

SECURITY Est. 2005

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February 18, 2021

RCMP Report Submitted by Sgt. Darren Kakuno Detachment Commander Columbia Valley RCMP

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OVER 14 MILES OF EXPERIENCE & MILLIONS OF FRUSTRATED INSECTS!

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This past week, Feb. 8 through Feb. 14, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 65 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

•On Monday, Feb. 8, a 2014 Suzuki RMZ dirt bike was stolen from an underground parkade in Radium Hot Springs.

The dirt bike was last seen on Feb. 6, 2021. Surveillance video was obtained, and on Feb. 9, police conducted an interview with a suspect, which resulted in the recovery of the stolen motorcycle. The investigation is ongoing.

•On Saturday, Feb. 13, at about 8:15 p.m., police responded to a single vehicle collision on Toby Creek Road near Invermere.

The driver of a Ford Focus lost control of her vehicle and rolled into the ditch. The driver was not injured, but the vehicle had to be towed from the scene.

•On Sunday, Feb. 14, at about 1:30 a.m., police were called to a report of a disturbance at a motel in Radium Hot Springs.

After speaking to a male and female in the room, officers ran checks on the occupants and learned the male was on parole and was breaching his conditions by travelling outside his travel radius without permission. The male was arrested for breaching his parole and brought before a parole officer.

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Photo by Brad Kitching

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GREAT GAS

GIVEAWAY This week’s winner is…

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

Many, many more draws will continue through 2021.

RO

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Restaurant Open!

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Weekly Whiteway Report Submitted by Whiteway Ambassador We hope everyone was able to get out and enjoy their Family Day weekend even with the cold weather! There were definitely lots of excited faces down at the Whiteway. While we look forward to the forecast for the next few weeks, there is warmer weather in sight, so get out and enjoy the Whiteway while you still can. Right now, the best conditions are for cross country skiing, with the ice still being a bit rough. You will find the best skating conditions on the west side of the Windermere Loop, leaving from Kinsmen Beach.

With the increased traffic, we have also seen an increase of dogs on the Whiteway. We love that everyone is getting out and loving the trails together, but please remember that dogs should be on leash, and you must pick up after them. We want to ensure everyone is able to enjoy trails without feeling like one user is tarnishing their experience.

For all the most up-to-date trail conditions, please check the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club Facebook page!

Hope to see you out there in the less chilly weather this week!

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

February 18, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

Whiteway Winter Challenge goes virtual

80 participants ski, skate, run, or walk around Lake Windermere

By Steve Hubrecht community-rallying event, doing something outside, get- have them worried about how fast they are or anything steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com ting people to move their bodies and making it accessible like that.” for everybody. That’s why we did a challenge, instead of Last year, before the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic a competition. We didn’t want to discourage anybody, Continued on page 15... hit the Columbia Valley, the Toby Creek Nordic Club launched a brand new event — the Whiteway Winter Challenge — that was a smash success, drawing almost 100 participants to cross country ski, ice skate, or run around the lake.

COVID-19 is here this winter, but the event is still forging ahead, obviously with some significant alterations to make it pandemic friendly.

The Virtual Whiteway Winter Challenge kicked off on Jan. 22 and is running until Feb. 22, and has 80 participants going out on Lake Windermere on their own, or in their household bubbles, to walk, nordic ski, skate, run By the end of the second week of the Virtual Whiteway Winter Challenge, the events 80 participants had logged enough miles or use other self-propelled means to log as many miles on to reach just east of North Bay, ON.

Submitted photo the Whiteway as possible in a month.

The chart outlined progress in the Virtual Whiteway Winter Challenge at the end of its second week. Submitted photo “We started the challenge last year, but it was a one day thing,” said Lake Windermere Ambassadors program coordinator Shannon McGinty. “That had to be adapted this year.”

McGinty is not 100 per cent sure who first came up with the idea of making the challenge a one-month virtual one, but the club is running with it.

The concept is simple: people have signed up as individuals or as teams of up to six members, and are now proceeding to ski, skate, walk or run as much as possible in the month-long timeframe. A total of 19 people opted to do it on their own, and 61 people signed up as part of a team.

“Each participant keeps track of how much they do through the week,” explained McGinty.

She then sends out a weekly survey each Friday. As of press time, two of these surveys had been conducted so far, and updates based on the results posted.

“So far everybody has been enthusiastic and excited.

Overall we’re quite pleased with how it’s going,” said McGinty. “The number of participants is great. Our whole reason for putting it together last year, was to have a fun

Give your Sweetheart a Valentine Congratulations to

LAURA LAWRICK You are the lucky winner of this year’s Give Your Sweetheart a Valentine Contest and the recipient of a

$50 gift certificate to Huckleberry’s Restaurant.

6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

PERSPECTIVE

Back to basics

February 18, 2021

Historical Lens

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com COVID-19 has transformed our reality in countless ways. What if instead of looking at what we’ve lost out on, we look at the hidden benefits brought to us by this strange period of our lives. No more defeatism, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught so much. The pandemic has allowed us to return to basics, to reasses where we come from, what is to be learned for our simple happiness, and what our priorities are in terms of our physical and mental health. Nature has taught us over the past year that there is a simple and effective solution to staying healthy in mind and body.

“Canadians report a greater awareness of nature in their lives since the pandemic began. It reinforces that nature and health are inextricably linked. Clean air, clean water and healthy foods all come from nature,” reported the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) in a recent press release. The fact of having witnessed phenomena such as the one in Italy in which there was an increase of fish, ducks and dolphins in the empty canals of Venice, as well as crystal clear waters, thought to be due to there being fewer boats during the lockdown. These experiences may have helped us to understand the importance of nature in our lives and those of the animals we share the planet with.

“Ninety-four per cent of people credit time spent in nature with helping them to relieve the stress and relieve anxiety of the pandemic’s second wave. The trend is especially prevalent among women and young families. More than 85 per cent of people surveyed say access to nature has been important to maintaining their mental health and three in four Canadians say time spent outdoors is more important to them now than ever before,” wrote the NCC. One medicine that our doctors cannot prescribe enough is spending time outdoors. The benefits are numerous: daily dose of vitamin D, increased energy levels and better moods, lowered blood pressure, a boosted immune system, eased anxiety and depression, and so much more. What an impressive multifunction medicine! Isn’t that exactly what we all need a daily dose of, given the past year?

We are privileged to have access to mountains and forests, trails for walking, cross-country skiing and even fat biking, all maintained by volunteers, not to mention a marvelous ice skating path. It feels good to be stuck in a place like ours: the beautiful Columbia Valley. Let’s take care of those precious places while we take care of ourselves.

Oswald McGuinnes, Barbara and Anna Bartman in front of Blacksmith Shop, a log garage.

C2166, 1923-24, courtesy Windermere District Historical Sociey

Who decides who the experts are?

Dear Editor: The scientific method relies on the debate, repeatability of results, assessment of conscious or unconscious bias that might influence the research and the knowledge that science is never settled. Even the theory of gravity is open to challenge, but no one has been able to disprove this theory to date. Anyone questioning the narrative, are immediately marginalized as “Deniers” or accused of not trusting the “Experts”. What does this even mean?

Truth seekers become even more wary when their questions are ignored.

In an investigation, there are two types of evidence: inculpatory and exculpatory. Inculpatory evidence is simply evidence that suggests the suspect committed the offence while exculpatory evidence is evidence that suggests the suspect did not commit the offence. This is a fundamental basis of our legal system and honest science. Sunlight and openness are essential in both science and our courts. The plebes are called skeptics; too stupid to trust the science, the media, the experts or ironically politicians. Really, you cannot make this up! The greatest advances in our society have been due to open debate and never government control. We used to live in a wondrous world of free ideas – no matter how crazy

and, yes, we know the difference.

We are in crazy times right now. Conspiracy theorists warned about increased state powers throughout the west after 9-11. They thought a two-week lock-down to flatten the curve last March would continue indefinitely. They warned us of quarantine camps. Our ancestors trusted Canada’s temporary income tax would be temporary. Oh, where were the skeptics then?

When politicians hide behind closed doors and make decisions that directly impact our lives and our future; I am proud to be a skeptic. When the media no longer asks questions on our behalf; I am proud to be a skeptic.

When medical professionals hide behind the power of their positions and condemn anyone challenging them; I am proud to be a skeptic. Skepticism pushes science forward on solid ground. Skepticism keeps the overreach of government and politicians in check. The Canada I knew is failing before my eyes. Do you know what is not harmless? Politicians, bureaucrats, and government paid shills in every profession, shoving their narratives down our throats and attacking anyone who disagrees.

Never underestimate the power of a free mind. Oh, what a beautiful black sky on Canada’s horizon!

Benjamin Guile, Windermere

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.

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Camille Aubin Editor Ext. 106

Steve Hubrecht Magazine Editor/ Reporter Ext. 105

Breanne Massey Lerissa McLaughlin Sales Local Journalism Representative Initiative Reporter Ext. 103 Ext. 107

Emily Rawbon Graphic Design Ext. 104

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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.

February 18, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

LETTERS

So much that you and I are facing in these times

Dear Editor:

In times like these, what can one trust To not be washed away? That is to say It’s not just health of ones we love But other things as well - such as Vital work - or even home! But wider still What’s happening to our societies As distrust and cynics spill onto Our lifelines on the web that keeps So many company as we’re shut in And long to know what’s happening In hopes of finding bits of goodness Still occurring not just world stress.

Some give up the web or groups at least And think they’re happier - but still It feels a loss. Like relatives or friends No longer that communicate - and yet You wonder how they are, that they are well!

Sometimes no way to tell. It may not even be It’s you but something else thats troubling them they can’t or won’t communicate, Overloaded overwhelmed overstressed has messed And broken their connection with the fuller world You’ve shared.

So no, it’s not just worry or reality Of sickness actual but other things as well That also makes us ill: to see a world beautiful Receding bit by bit. We know that life can still Be good, but oh some days and nights They test our inner strength, and though our outer face We may maintain, how inwardly can we refrain From feeling so much loss, real or imagined

Columbia Valley Food Bank

The Columbia Valley Food Bank would like to thank the following businesses and individuals for their generous support over the last year.

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

Alan Markin Back Country Jack’s Restaurant Black Star Studios Bob and Barb Shaunessy Brett Wilson Brisco Community Aid Bugaboo Ranch Canadian Pacific Railway Canadian Martyrs Parish CBC Food Bank Holiday Drive The Church of the Latter Day Saints CIBC Cleanline Automotive CMH Heli Skiing College of the Rockies Faculty Association Columbia Ski and Cycle Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce Columbia Valley Classic Car Club Columbia Valley Escape Room Columbia Valley Sign Artists Copper Point Golf Course Copper Point Resort and Staff District of Invermere Edgewater School Edible Acres Farm and Café Fairmont Community Association Fairmont Mountainside Market Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Food Banks BC Food Banks Canada From Scratch – A Mountain Kitchen

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

I am writing this letter with a sense of urgency and frustration. I am appalled to hear that Invermere has condoned the senseless killing of deer by means of baiting them in the public works yard and then killing them.

There are more modern approaches to controlling wildlife populations. We are talking about the ethical treatment of animals. It is time to promote biodi-

versity and co-existence with wildlife.

Conservation and preservation are the key elements. We have already lost the mountain caribou. We need to take a more assertive approach in protecting the wildlife we have left.

A large portion of Invermere”s tourist attraction is based on proximity and wildlife availability, not destroying it.

Marianne Springfield, Invermere

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

Paul Glassford Personal Real Estate Corporation Radium Credit Union Radium Mountainside Market Radium Rotary Club Red Apple RCMP Rockies Hockey Association Rocky River Grill Royal Canadian Legion #71 Windermere Saunders Family Farm Sikh Temple, Golden Skandia Concrete/Kootenay Paving Sobeys STW Cutting Edge Carpentry Sysco Canada Taynton Bay Spirits The Hearing Loss Clinic Tim Hortons True Key Hotels and Resorts Ullr Bar United Steel Workers Humanity Fund Urban Systems Valley Grocery WAA Construction Windermere Rotary Windermere Valley Christian Assembly Wolfe Mining Zanzibar Holdings Zipline Adventures

UPGRADING FOR ACADEMIC AND CAREER ENTRY (UACE) The Upgrading for Academic and Career Entry (UACE) program is a great first step to better things. Whether you need to finish your high school diploma, are looking to upgrade your skills for a job or promotion, or you need to complete prerequisites to enter into another College program, the supportive environment

Brian Fenerty, Radium Hot Springs

Dear Editor:

FrontPorchPhoto Project Kelsey Verboom Fuze GeoVera Inc. Gerry’s Gelati Goertzen Contracting Haworth Development Consulting Helna’s Stube Hopkins Harvest Horsethief Creek Pub and Eatery Huckleberry’s Restaurant Inspire Floral Boutique Invermere Home Hardware Invermere Rotary Club J.A.Laird School Jim Ashworth Joe’s No Frills Ken Mitchell Contracting Kicking Horse Coffee König Meat & Sausage Company Kootenay Clothing Company Kootenay Savings Lake Windermere Alliance Church Lake Windermere Kinsmen Club Lake Windermere Lions Club Manulife Insurance Maxwell Realty Odyssey Restoration and Cleaning Old Blue Truck Organic Farm Origin Brand Strategic Development Ozzie’s Amusements Panorama and Grey Wolf Restaurants

The Columbia Valley Food Bank is also grateful for the support of hundreds of individual donors from both within the Valley and beyond.

It’s times like these it’s more than masks or strangers travelling...

Past such complaints, how can we hold onto some form of innermost heart Ourselves share that with all whenever we can: Plants seeds of flowers amidst the troll-spread-weeds And trust that others won’t give up but find The bits of happiness still in the meadows of your mind

Deer cull

Thank you!

and flexible options of Adult Upgrading can get you there.

Returning to Invermere FEBRUARY 2021 Learners may be eligible for funding to support their studies through the Provincial Adult Upgrading Grant.

For more information or to begin the registration process, please contact the Invermere campus at invermere@cotr.bc.ca or 250-342-3210.

cotr.ca/invermere

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 18, 2021

Recreation Site Maintenance Contracts: Bush FSR and Beaverfoot & Blaeberry FSR Recreation Sites and Trails BC is inviting contractors to tender on two maintenance contracts to maintain recreation sites along the Bush Forest Service Road (12 sites) and Blaeberry & Beaverfoot Forest Service Road (8 sites). The operating season is May to September. Frequency of maintenance visits is dependent on site use.

Duties include painting and minor repairs to recreation infrastructure, removal of litter, cleaning of outhouses, removal of deadfall along access roads, ensuring signage is up to date, reporting safety or other maintenance issues and miscellaneous tasks as discussed with the Recreation Officer.

For the Invitation to Tender package and more information, please visit BC Bid document no. RC22258001 and RC22258002, or contact: Recreation Officer, Trevor Hann, at Trevor.Hann@gov.bc.ca OR Recreation Technician, Kelsey Knoll, at Kelsey.Knoll@gov.bc.ca

Columbia River Treaty Virtual Town Hall Join us for the latest updates and questions about the Treaty

6 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. PST February 24, 2021 People from across the Columbia Basin, and beyond, are invited to hear from, and ask questions to, Canadian negotiators, Indigenous Nations, local government representatives and others involved in modernizing the Columbia River Treaty.

The virtual town hall will be held on Zoom. Login details and more information can be found at engage.gov.bc.ca/columbiarivertreaty/2021-public-engagement/ Participants may also phone in toll-free at 1-833 955-1088 Webinar I.D. 673-43279632.

Questions should be submitted in advance to columbiarivertreaty@gov.bc.ca before 4 p.m. PST, on February 18, 2021. Questions submitted will be kept anonymous during the virtual session.

Get Ready Get support to hire summer staff.

Summer Works Student Wage Subsidy - Opens February 18 Food Producer Wage Subsidy - Opens March 11 ourtrust.org/wagesubsidy

Sparwood Chiropractic, past Summer Works participant

The community of –Aq’am will add two half-sized basketball courts with support from Columbia Basin Trust. Submitted photo

–Aq’am acquires athletic garb through CBT

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) recently announced $500,000 for 80 projects in support of youth sports and physical activities.

In an effort to create safe spaces for people to play sports at community organizations, schools and active recreation centres, the CBT opted to get involved to support the desire for active lives in the communities.

“We heard how important it was to parents, educators and communities to get children and youth moving to improve their physical and mental well-being,” said Michelle d’Entremont, Manager, Delivery of Benefits, CBT in a recent press release. “We’re thrilled that so many groups, schools and individuals have committed to increasing and improving opportunities for young people, which will have so many benefits—including fun— for countless young participants.”

The community gym in –Aq’am, which is attached to the elementary school near Cranbrook, has typically had one basketball court. Now, it’s going to have two-half sized courts for children.

This change will allow the school to host tournaments with others in hopes of increasing community participation.

“This project aligns with the community’s strategic objectives under –aqa‡xuniyam (health) and k–in“uyam (recreation),” said Nasu–kin Joe Pierre in a recent press release. “We have a beautiful recreational facility and always strive to ensure that we have the right equipment and programming so that all our community members, including the youngest, can access recreation and sport.”

In addition, there are several other community initiatives located on the unceded territories of the Secwepemc, Sinixt, Sylix, Lheidli Tenneh and Ktunaxa Nations that have benefited from the CBT’s funding.

The Kimberley Youth Action and the City of Kimberley plan to offer physical fitness activities for LGBTQ2S+ with support from the CBT. The District of Sparwood will offer physical fitness training programs and activities for girls through the CBT’s support.

The WE Graham Community Service Society, the Slocan Valley Youth Network and the Village of Slocan have plans to expand the Tenacity Skatepark thanks to the CBT’s support.

To learn more about physical activities for children in the Basin, please visit: https://basinplays.org/ for your one-stop resource.

Request for Proposal: Site Operator for Mitten Lake Recreation Site A summer vacation with purpose: maintain three recreation sites with great fishing and boating opportunities, while generating revenue.

Columbia Basin Trust operates in the unceded traditional territories of the Ktunaxa, Lheidli T’enneh, Secwepemc, Sinixt and Syilx Nations.

Recreation Sites and Trails BC is looking for a site operator to maintain Mitten Lake, Bittern Lake, and Nine Bay Lake Recreation Sites near Parson, BC. The site operator will collect overnight camping fees at Mitten Lake as compensation for maintenance work completed at the three sites.

A virtual information meeting will be held March 15th and proposals are due March 25th.

The Pioneer

For more information and how to apply, please visit BC Bid document no. PA21-DRMN-001, or contact:

Get your FREE copy every Thursday on newsstands near you!

Recreation Officer, Trevor Hann, at Trevor.Hann@gov.bc.ca OR Recreation Technician, Kelsey Knoll, at Kelsey.Knoll@gov.bc.ca

February 18, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

#ReconciliACTION school project sparks discourse An elementary school in the Kootenays may become an early adopter of the Legacy School program with the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund thanks to a project geared towards #ReconciliACTION exposure in an effort to leave residential school on foot during the winter of 1966 — founded by the DWF was just nine years old when he was sent to the Cecilia Jeffrey After several businesses in the Columbia Valley ad- Indian Residential School in Kenora, ON, in 1963. opted a signage project from the Grade 6 and 7 class Today, the fund has a call to action for all nations that was completed in support of The Gord Downie in Canada to #DoSomething with #reconciliACTION and Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) during Secret Path to move forward in a meaningful way. The community Week last fall, the success story reached the desks of edu- presence has been growing on a national scale since 2016 cators and activists within the organization. when Tragically Hip’s lead singer Gord Downie asked The DWF recently distributed information about Canadians to explore their relationships with Indigenous the opportunity to become an early adopter of the Legacy people and settlers.

School Program in the East Kootenay to J.A. Laird teachAfter Downie passed away from Cancer in 2017, the er Kim Daniele after her class distributed welcome signs Assembly of First Nation (AFN) Chief Perry Bellegarde, in English, Ktunaxa, Secwepemc and French throughout along with many Indigenous communities around the the community last fall. country, remembered him as an advocate for reconcilia“We currently have 433 schools throughout B.C., tion and Indigenous rights. with several in East Kootenay including J.A. Laird EleDaniele credits the Aboriginal Education Support mentary School,” said Lisa Worker from J.A. Laird Prinn, The Gord Downie Elementary School for and Chanie Wenjack Fund the vision of the school Legacy Schools program project. manager, educator, and “I have high activist. “I just sent a lethopes to incorporate ter to Kimberly Daniele at more about residential the school to let her know schools and teach the about the program.” whole story of Chanie While Daniele’s class Wenjack,” said Daniele, participated in the initianoting that an upcomtive this year, J.A. Laird is ing maternity leave will not formally recognized take her briefly out of by the DWF as a Legacy the classroom in the School Program — a denext school year. “But tail that may change in the again, I can’t take credit coming weeks thanks to for this idea.” their involvement.

Prinn and Daniele Secret Path Week is a have now been in touch nationally recognized event to discuss formalizing held between Oct. 17 and the DWF content for 22 annually that recogfuture iterations of the nizes the plight of Chanie school project.

In an effort to build positive relationships during the reconciliWenjack — a 12-year-old When teachers ation process, Canadian schools have the opportunity to particAnishinaabe boy who persign-up to become a ipate in the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund during ished from starvation and Legacy School with the Secret Path Week each October.

Submitted photos

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

NOTICE – PARCEL TAX ROLLS The Regional District of East Kootenay is updating parcel tax rolls for the following service areas: • Tie Lake Water Level Control • Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund • Elko Water • Moyie Water • Moyie Water – 2006 Project • Lazy Lake Water Level Control

• Wasa/Ta Ta Creek/Skookumchuck Mosquito Control • Rushmere Water • Edgewater Sewer • Edgewater Water • Windermere Water

• Windermere Water Treatment • Holland Creek Sewer • Holland Creek Water • Spur Valley Water • Baltac Sewer • Timber Ridge Water

Owners of property located in these parcel tax areas may request that the roll be amended, in relation to their own property, on one or more of the following grounds: • there is an error or omission respecting a name or address on the assessment roll; • there is an error or omission respecting the inclusion of a parcel; • there is an error or omission respecting the taxable frontage of a parcel (for water or sewer service areas that use frontage for taxation); and • an exemption has been improperly allowed or disallowed.

The parcel tax rolls are available for inspection at the Regional District of East Kootenay office in Cranbrook during regular office hours.

Requests for amendments must be made in writing to the Regional District of East Kootenay, 19 - 24th Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8, on or before Tuesday, March 2, 2021 @ 12:00 pm.

If requests are received, a Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel will meet at 1:00 pm on Friday, March 5, 2021 in the RDEK Board Room.

The Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund Legacy Schools offer updated resources and toolkits to teachers from Kindergarten through to Grade 12 each September.

DWF, a toolkit with copies of the Secret Path book, a reconciliACTION Guidebook, tote bag and education resources for both virtual and physical classrooms are available to participants in the program.

Educators are encouraged to access free digital resources from Kindergarten to Grade 12 as well as opportunities to engage with Indigenous and non-Indigenous musicians, artists, scientists and writers. The initiative is available to all schools and interested teachers who signup to become a Legacy School online.

In addition, there’s a Legacy Schools Artist Ambassador program for high-school students affiliated with the fund. The purpose is to unite Indigenous and non-Indigenous musicians or artists across Canada to inspire student leadership and bring forward the journey of reconciliation in learning environments to promote healing.

During the global COVID-19 pandemic, the live sessions have migrated to the digital world in hopes of continuous development of education and awareness about the impact of residential schools.

Continued on page 10...

FINANCIAL PLAN CONSULTATION We want to hear from you!

The RDEK’s Draft Five Year Financial Plan is open for public comment as of 5:00 PM February 12.

Copies of the 5-Year Financial Plan and comment forms will be available at engage.rdek.bc.ca/budget or can be mailed to you.

COMMENT PERIOD ENDS MARCH 1, 2021 AT 9:00 AM

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

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 18, 2021

DWF launches youth ambassador program

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A call for youths between the ages of 15 and 27 will be made by the Legacy Schools program this spring.

The Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) has plans to launch a program for youth ambassadors to uphold change this summer.

The DWF is comprised of survivors from the Downie and Wenjack families that hope to make change, uphold the legacies of their loved ones and create a path for all Canadians to move toward reconciliation. “We do a DWF live session that’s open to everybody monthly and we try to do it at a time when all schools can access it during the day,” said Lisa Prinn, The Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund Legacy Schools program manager, educator and activist. “The youth ambassadors program will start this summer.”

Chanie Wenjack, a 12-year-old Anishinaabe boy who perished from starvation and exposure in an effort to leave residential school on foot during the winter of 1966, was sent to the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School in Kenora, ON, in 1963.

Tragically Hip’s lead singer Gord Downie wanted to build “a better Canada” and

made a commitment to raise awareness about residential schools through education and action.

The DWF started the Legacy Schools Program in 2018, and the initiative grew organically thanks to the involvement of both families. “When Gord first passed away, we were actually giving out funds to Indigenous groups, then we decided there was work to be done educating people throughout Canada,” said Prinn. “The Legacy Schools Program has only been around since 2018.” She added the DWF continues to grow and expand as time goes on. Now, the organization is working towards an education project for youth, by youth.

The opportunity will be open to 50 youth applicants and 10 of those candidates will be in charge of organizing a live session with the DWF to feature the cameo of an artist from the community at an event geared towards the region.

The DWF plans to provide four weeks of paid-training to youth during the summer of 2021 to prepare them for planning the event and upholding the legacies of the DWF. For youth between the ages of 15 and 27 interested in applying for the program this spring, please contact legacyschools@downiewenjack.ca or Prinn at lisa@downiewenjack.ca for more information.

Continued “#ReconciliACTION” from page 9 “DWF LIVE connects viewers to Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists to build awareness, education and connection,” said Prinn. “These sessions inspire us all to answer Gord Downie’s call to ‘Do Something’ even during times of isolation to make Canada a better place for Indigenous peoples.”

The hashtag #DoSomething is from Downie’s call to action during the final Tragically Hip concert. #reconciliACTION was created by the organization to honour small gestures to build meaningful relationships during the reconciliation process.

“The Legacy Schools program has only been around since 2018,” said Prinn. “It’s grown very organically with both families very much involved.”

To learn more about how to become a Legacy School, please visit: www.LegacySchools.ca and the www.ArtistAmbassador.ca sites to sign-up for the cause.

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The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors invites all members to attend the

Annual General Meeting Wednesday, March 10th, 2021 from 6 pm - 8 pm.

We encourage all members to attend to ensure your ideas and input help shape the way your Chamber supports moving our Valley forward. Non-Members are welcome to attend as well to learn more about the activities and priorities for the CV Chamber.

The meeting will take place virtually this year, please email Pete Bourke, executivedirector@cvchamber.ca for registration details.

WorkBC.ca/FindYourPlace

We are also calling for nominations to be on our board of directors.

Please email our President, Dee Conklin at dee@palliserprinting.com to register your interest.

February 18, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

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N E W S PA P E R

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 18, 2021

Virtual town hall to provide Columbia River Treaty update

By the Government of B.C. An upcoming virtual town hall will give people from across the Columbia Basin and beyond a chance to touch base with Canadian negotiators, Indigenous Nations, local government representatives and others involved in current efforts to modernize the Columbia River Treaty.

The event will take place on Feb. 24, 2021, from 6 to 8 p.m. (Pacific time). It is open to anyone interested in the Columbia River Treaty.

During this virtual session, negotiators and others will provide the latest updates about the treaty, after which there will be opportunities to ask questions. Discussions will include the current Canada-U.S. negotiations, ongoing Indigenous Nations ecosystem studies, Local Governments’ Committee updated recommendations and work underway domestically to address interests related to the treaty.

Details about the town hall are posted to the Province’s Columbia River Treaty website. The session will be held by Zoom, with an option to phone in for those who are not able to connect online: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/columbiarivertreaty/2021-public-engagement/ Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to submit questions in advance be-

Pioneer file photo fore noon (PST) on Feb. 22 to: columbiarivertreaty@gov.bc.ca Questions will be read out loud during the meeting but will be kept anonymous.

Those who are new to the treaty, or are keen to learn more, can visit the Province’s Columbia River Treaty website. The website includes information on the treaty’s history, structure, impacts and benefits, and feedback from Columbia Basin residents gained through the Province’s public engagement efforts: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/columbiarivertreaty

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February 18, 2021

S

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

OBITUARY

S

P ioneer C lassifieds

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

Mackinnon, James Weston September 25, 1946, Guelph ON – February 10, 2021, Invermere B.C. Survived by his wife Dawn, two daughters Amy and Dawn, son-in-law Chris, grandchild Kristian ,sister Mary and his best buddy Bentley. His loves were many; music, nature, politics, intellectual discussions and giving back and making the world a better place to live.

For further information on Jim please go to the December 17, 2020 article on page 15 of the Pioneer. The things he accomplished and the great happiness he experienced. May he rest in peace. A private family service will be held at a later date.

Hoffmann, Henry

October 31, 1932 – January 20, 2021 There will be a Memorial service held for Henry at McInnis and Holloway in Calgary. The memorial is scheduled for February 20th at 11 am GMT. The service will be available at www.mhfh.com to view online.

Comments are accepted online through the same site or at henryhoffmann32@gmail.com

Hascarl, Louis Charles

HOHM, Irene Helene

With great sadness we announce the passing of Louis Charles Hascarl.

He passed away peacefully February 4th with family by his side.

Irene Hohm of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, February, 9, 2021 at the age of 89 years.

October 21, 1932 – February 4, 2021

Born and raised in Nakusp, B.C., Lou moved his family to Canal Flats, B.C., in 1969, where they lived until 2004. After retiring Lou and Dawn made their residence in their motor home, summering at Woodbury Resort, Ainsworth, B.C., and wintering at Seal Bay RV Resort in Comox, B.C. Lou always had a congregation at his campfire, which he would have every chance he could, always liking the company and telling of stories. Lou loved to drive, especially the back roads wherever he went, exploring new places. Even though he drove logging truck for a living and worked long hours, his relaxation with the family on the weekend was driving the roads he’d driven all week. So when later in life some of us took up Geocaching, it fit right in with that enjoyment for him exploring new areas. Lou enjoyed being in the outdoors, hunting, fishing, exploring, and finding new places. One of his greatest joys was to spend his days picking huckleberries and mushrooms. He took great pleasure in his alone time, often spending whole days out picking all by himself. He would go to great lengths to keep his special spots secret, telling wild stories of bears to deter others from his favourite spots.

Lou leaves to mourn his 5 children and their spouses, Lucille (Doug) Smith, Kimberley, B.C., Daryl (Barbara) Hascarl, Elkford, B.C., Beverley (Terry) Carleton, Swift Current (Neville) SK, Naomi (Dan) Maisonneuve, Golden, B.C., Melanie (Blake) Kurucz, Coalhurst, AB. Lou leaves 9 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. He also leaves two very special people in his life, Paul and Theresa Butcher of Comox, B.C., who became his adopted family, 11 surviving siblings, brothers, Lloyd, Les, Neil, Allan, Gerry, Ronnie, and Kenny, sisters, Judy, Patsy, June, and Iris, Lou leaves many, many nieces/nephews, grandnieces/ nephews, and great-grand nieces/nephews.

Predeceased by his wife Dawn and by one brother, Lawrence.

Lou touched a lot of lives and he will be missed greatly.

The family would like to thank Dr. Lunge and staff at the Kimberley Medical Centre, all of the great staff of Garden View Village, the Health Care Auxiliary Loan Cupboard, and East Kootenay Regional Hospital for their superb care and support of Lou during his time in Kimberley.

Dependent on COVID-19 restrictions, A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when we are allowed to gather with all our family and friends.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca/ Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services.

Condolences for the family can be offered at www.mcphersonfh.com

June 11, 1931 – Regina, SK February 9, 2021 – Calgary, AB

Irene is now singing sweetly in heaven with her beloved husband, Rev. Irvin H. Hohm who passed away in 2004. Irene was born on June 11, 1931, the first of three children to Johann and Matilde Bardua.

Following her graduation from Normal School in Saskatoon, she taught school near Saskatoon. After their marriage in Regina on August 23, 1952, Irene and Irvin embarked on a journey though western Canada spreading the Good News. Over the following fifty years they made lasting friendships while serving congregations in Hanna, AB, Melville, SK, Brandon, MB, Edmonton, AB, Calgary, AB, Norman Wells, NWT and Jasper, AB, and in their retirement, a mission in N’Gaoundere, Cameroon, Africa, and a short interim in Grande Prairie, AB. While raising a family of six lively children, Irene earned her B. Ed and resumed teaching in elementary schools in Calgary, Norman Wells, preschool in Jasper, and English to young adults in the Cameroon. In retirement in Invermere, BC, Irene loved singing with her beautiful soprano voice in church choirs and the Valley Voices, GoGo Grannies, knitting for grandchildren and the Christmas bureau, book club and Bible studies.

Irene was a wonderful role model for the community at large and especially for her children and their families. Irene was truly an angel on earth – genuinely kind, never judgemental, always speaking nicely of the people she knew and loved. We can all learn from her example.

Irene is survived by her children, Elizabeth (Dick) Olver, Tim (Linda), David (Shelagh), Dale (Chari), Brian and Chris (Rosanna); fourteen grandchildren and three great-grandsons.

Irene is also survived by her sister, Ruth Bardua and brother Walter (Glori) Bardua.

For those wishing to remember Irene, in lieu of flowers, we ask that you honour her memory by being kind to everyone and singing a joyous song for all to hear.

A Service of Remembrance will be held at Prince of Faith Lutheran Church. Family and friends are invited to join Mrs. Hohm’s service streamed live on the funeral home website on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Irene’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Irene Hohm, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

ANNOUNCEMENT

CHEERS & JEERS

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

Cheers to the following home care workers, Karen, Will and Gwen, for giving such wonderful care to my husband and helping him get mobile once again. You are all doing a great job and we are very lucky to have you in our community.

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 250342-8255.

CHEERS & JEERS A BIG Cheers to Stuart, Mark, and Reg who have done a fantastic job flooding, cleaning and clearing the rink at Legends Field in Radium. This cold snap has been a hard one to deal at times, but it has made the ice conditions fantastic! Very grateful for all your work and dedication to the rink. Also, a special Cheers to Reg who has created his own Zamboni for the rink. You’ve made this COVID -19 winter more bearable with your efforts, and it’s greatly appreciated!

Jeers to the group that are opposing the Deer Cull.

Invermere had a referendum and almost 75% were in favour of the Cull. Jeers to you for mentioning our fine mayor and council. To all who are not a tax paying resident of Invermere, mind your own business!

Jeers to the “Colour Specialist and Stylist” who bleached my hair so bad it broke off and is nothing but a ball of frizz. Jeers to the hack job they did thinning, layering and cutting my long hair all off and not owning up to the horrific mess they made of my hair.

Double backflip super Cheers to Lynn Askey’s spot-on letter to the editor regarding Covid and the WEF’s attempts to keep we “non-Elites” in our place!

We need more information like this flowing. On the same note - Jeers to the continued gaslighting by the other letter in last week’s addition, the regular columnist and others - you know who you are!

Many great big CHEERS to Arnold at Universal Doors for fixing our patio door and shutting out the cold, then charging us only his great big smile and wave. Great job! Much appreciated!

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14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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February 18, 2021

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Pike Contracting Excavating and Skid Steer services.

Call Jason 250-342-5277.

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.

Kootenay Country Electrical Qualified Electrical Service Licensed, Bonded, Insured Highly skilled electrician Call Dean 250-342-5516.

FIREPLACE INSTALLER Looking for a friendly, responsible, self-motivated individual with a professional appearance with technical ability.

Preference will be made for a candidate with knowledge of fireplace installation.

Must have a valid BC Driver’s License.

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

SERVICES

Radium Husky House

“Double Down” Winter Special

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.

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

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

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.

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.

W.A.A. Construction Ltd is looking to hire an Equipment Operator for Residential Construction. Class 3 or Class 1 truck Driver. Email resume to: kimole@shaw.ca or call Ole at 250-342-1520.

Delivery guy needed P/T 2 to 3 days a week. Call and leave message before 4 p.m. 250-3412010.

Please email classified ads to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Please email or fax resume with references to Diamond Heating and Spas 385 Laurier Street, Invermere, BC V0A 1K7 Email: info@diamondheatingandspas.com Fax: 250-342-7103

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

We currently have positions open in our sidewalk crew. Can you operate small equipment? How about a snow shovel? Do you appreciate working with good equipment, an organized company, and other hardworking individuals?

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

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

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

BCYCNA – CLASSIFIED ADS

Attention

Inventors!

Ideas wanted!

Call Davison today!

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

Free inventor’s guide!

Take your confidence and communication up a level and get the career and family life of your dreams!

Join a Toastmasters program in a community near you. www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

HELP WANTED

NOW HIRING FOR SPRING 2021!

250-342-0562 877-877-3889

www.eagleranchresort.com

• Restaurant Servers and Cooks • Golf Shop and Guest Services • Turf Care Specialist

• Hotel Front Desk and Housekeeping • Part-time Maintenance

Onsite staff accommodation available. Email resume to careers@eagleranchresort.com

February 18, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

Continued “ Whiteway” from page 5 That was exactly what happened with the challenge last year and this year, “we wanted to keep that momentum going and keep the community spirit,” said McGinty. “We want to make sure people get out during the winter. It can be a long, cold and lonely season, so it is nice to have people get out, in a physically distanced, pandemic-appropriate way.”

When individuals and teams signed up for the event, organizers asked participants their goals, in terms of kilometres skied, skated, ran or walked. The total goal for all 80 participants is 6,409 kilometres.

“So we’ve been mapping it out each week, plotting the distance on a map, imagining all the participants are a single person walking east across Canada starting at Kinsmen Beach.

The first week participants collectively skied, skated and walked 2,126 kilometres, enough that on the map they were in Dinorwic, Ontario, a small town on the TransCanada Highway just a touch east of Dryden. The second week the participants logged 1,028 kilometres, enough to end up on the map in Bonfield, Ontario, another small town just off the TransCanada, this time a touch east of North Bay and Lake Nipissing, headed in the direction of Ottawa. For those readers thinking ‘wow, they were still in northern Ontario a week later!’ bear in mind that — as anybody who has driven across Canada can attest — Ontario’s section of the TransCanada Highway is the longest of any province, accounting for almost a third of the entire highway.

“We’re just under half of the total goal,” said McGinty.

To follow the progress, watch the Toby Creek Nordic Club’s Facebook page.

Weatherhead Family. Lauren, Austin, Claire (sleeping) Dave and Colleen on during the Virtual Whiteway Winter Challenge.

Submitted photo by Theresa Wood

HELP WANTED EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Executive Assistant (EA)/ Communications Officer Reporting directly to the Director of Operations, the Executive Assistant (EA) /Communications Officer serves as the primary point of contact for internal and external constituencies on matters pertaining to the Shuswap Indian Band. The EA/Communications Officer also serves as a liaison to the Director of Operations and the Senior management team; organizes and coordinates executive outreach and efforts; and develops and oversees the communications strategy.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: • Completes a broad variety of administrative tasks for the Director of Operations and the Manager of Territorial Operations, including managing calendar, booking of appointments, travel arrangements, lodging, and other logistics. Completes expense reports.

• Coordinates and hosts Zoom meetings. Upon request, takes meeting minutes and circulates to appropriate parties/staff.

• Assists in the implementation of a filing system with the Director of Operations for quick access and easy retrieval. Ensures all hard copy and electronic filing is up-to-date.

• Assists in the development and monitoring of the moveable capital assets inventory list and updates Director of Operations of replacement needs.

• Recommends efficiencies related to office procedures and policy development. Performs research and preparation of draft policies.

• Prepares a variety of written correspondence including: news releases, briefing notes, communiques, reports, articles, posters, polls, invites, etc..

• Examines all correspondence received to determine its applicability to SIB and makes recommendations to the Director of Operations and/or Senior Managers with respect to priority, and any follow up action to be taken. Provides relevant additional or background information for the Director of Operations.

• Drafts replies and other correspondence for the Director of Operation’s signature and sometimes for the signature of the Chief and Council.

• In the absence of the EA to Chief and Council, this position would be responsible for interim coverage.

• Assists in the development of an orientation package for new staff and assists in the orientation process.

• Processes invoices via the EASE portal as it relates to Director of Operation’s business.

• Assists the Director of Operations to ensure that the information packets needed for Chief and Council meetings are ready for distribution.

• Assists in the research and development of draft policies and procedures; update manual when approved

by Council and disseminates the new/and or revised policies to all staff.

• Assists the Director of Operations in taking meeting minutes at the Senior Management Meetings and the general staff meetings and other meetings as requested.

• Assists in the research, preparation and/or review of grant submissions. Obtains support letters and supporting documentation to strengthen proposal submissions.

• Provides a bridge for smooth communication between the Leadership office and internal departments; demonstrating leadership to maintain credibility, trust and support with senior management staff.

• Works closely and effectively with the Director of Operations to keep him/her well informed of upcoming commitments and responsibilities.

• Assists the Director of Operations in prioritizing conflicting needs; handles matter expeditiously, proactively, and follows-through on projects to successful completion, often with deadline pressures.

• Performs other related duties as requested by the Director of Operations and the Manager of Territorial Operations.

COMMUNICATIONS RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: • Assists the Director of Operations and the Senior Management Team in the development the Shuswap Indian Band Communications Strategy, including a branding strategy and roll-out.

• Acts as a first point of contact for the Communications of the band; responds to general information requests and concerns and refers these, when appropriate to other persons or specialists within the Shuswap Indian Band.

• Prepare articles and bulletins for submission to the monthly newsletter to membership.

• Maintain and post relevant information to the SIB Website and SIB Facebook page ensuring timely communication.

• Prepare information and post to the electronic sign. Advertise and prepare rental agreements for advertisement space.

• Assist Senior Managers and support staff with written correspondence and suggests edits.

• Coordinate and assist staff with video live-streaming of promotional events.

• Act as an ambassador for Shuswap Indian Band and keep the Shuswap Indian Band up-to-date on information that directly impacts SIB in a timely manner.

• Review and edit membership meeting minutes and compile the Annual General Meeting Report, including excerpts from each department.

The Rievaj family participate in the Virtual Whiteway Winter Challenge.

Photos by Mark Rievaj

QUALIFICATIONS: • Minimum Grade 12 required.

• Post-secondary education in Communications, Administration, Public Relations or related field.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Works well under pressure and meets tight deadlines.

• Strong work tenure: 3-5 years of experience supporting executives, preferably in a First Nations organization.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and related business and communication tools.

• Proven social media and networking expertise.

• Meticulous attention to detail.

• A portfolio of work available for review.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES • Strong organizational skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including Council, staff, membership, external partners and funders.

• Demonstrated proactive approaches to problem-solving with strong decision-making capability.

• Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently.

• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion, be adaptable to various competing demands, and demonstrate the highest level of client service and response.

• Demonstrated ability to achieve high performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS • Full-time position (32.5 hours per week) Monday to Friday.

• Must adhere to the Shuswap Indian Band Human Resources Policy and Procedure Manual (Approved April 4, 2018).

• Must adhere to the Shuswap Indian Band Financial policies and procedures (October 24, 2017).

• Wage based upon experience.

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 C/O Angela Sarsons, Director of Operations Email: dops@shuswapband.ca• Fax: 250-341-3683 • Deadline for applications: Monday, February 22, 2021 at 4 p.m. MST.

Photos by Brad Kitching.

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

FAITH

The God who sees

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

By Pastor Josh McCallum St. Joseph’s Lake Windermere Alliance Church

Online Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

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

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

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

250-342-6644 • www.wvsm.ca

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

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

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

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

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

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

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

Relief Society, 11:15 a.m.

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

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.

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

February 18, 2021

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Many names are given for God in the Bible — some by God himself, some by those who experienced God in praise-inducing highs and heart-wrenching lows. One of these names comes from a runaway slave, Hagar, who met God in her distress. She called God El-roi, meaning “God sees me.” This was Hagar’s first impression of God as she cried out from a hurting heart, and it is no surprise since God promises that his very being is “compassionate and abounding in love.” Despite what you may have heard, central to God’s nature is love and compassion. He is a God who sees you and knows your hurts and hang-ups.

Now, this is good news, since as a pastor, I of-

ten hear people declare that they are disqualified from a relationship with God because of their past failures. To dispel this myth, we must look at Jesus. You see, the Bible describes Jesus as both God and man, which is confusing yet essential if God is to be approachable by us. For one thing, in becoming human, God experienced all the same things we do — heartache, betrayal, grief, and pain. He was abandoned by his friends, he struggled with injustice, and perhaps most strikingly, he experienced complete isolation — even from his Father — as he died on the cross. However, his death made God approachable in another way: God is a righteous and powerful King, and those who have been tainted by any measure of wrongdoing have no place in his presence or in his family. So, in his compassion, the King paid the price to take away any penalty and remove any debt incurred by his subjects, if only they would trust in his Son to bring them into his family. Jesus is the way, both for God to be sympathetic in our weakness and for our access to him. He sees you, reader, and he knows your troubles. He offers this access to you, if only you will receive it.

Understanding trees and making decisions Branching out

require 68 litres of water, per inch of tree diameter, each week. Therefore, a 3-inch caliper tree, requires 204 litres of water each week and the proper drainage to percolate that water!

By Dave Meadows Another issue leading to long-term tree stress and Pioneer Columnist decline is planting too deep. Back in 2000 (Smiley and Rarely is poor plant Booth, USA) discovered that 93 per cent of all profeshealth the result of one simsionally planted trees were planted too deep. This was ple factor; the cause is usuprimarily due to nursery stock being too deep in the conally a combination of living tainers prior to planting. Every tree that I have planted and nonliving stress factors. so far, twenty years later, still requires soil removal to find Primary agents first stress the plant and start the decline the correct position of the root flare PRIOR to digging process, which predisposes the plant to secondary agents, the hole. Most trees are 3 to 10 inches too deep in the such as pests and diseases. Tree stress and decline may or root balls and potted containers. Exmay not be deadly, but often these pect more on this topic in an upcomsecondary agents get the blame ing Branching Out article this spring. It while the primary agent goes unwill be dedicated solely to this chronic detected. tree planting problem!

Early symptoms of stress and The idea that rapidly growing trees decline might include reduced are more tolerant to stress and resisgrowth, thinning of the upper tant to pests and diseases is far from canopy, abnormal foliage coltrue. In fact, a large number of studies or, vigorous watersprouting, or show that rapid growth can result in premature leaf drop. The most LESS tolerance and resistance. Another common causes of tree stress are myth is the general belief that cultursite and environment related. If a al practices, such as fertilization, often tree is not well suited for the site optimized tree growth and enhanced in which it has been planted, it is insect and pest resistance. However, it more likely to become stressed. has been proven fertilization often inA good example of this is birch Declining, mature Norway Spruce in creases tree susceptibility and actually trees, which are naturally found in Tunnecliffe Park, both lost to lack of reduces natural defences. bottomland, swamp fringe areas, moisture, 2019. Submitted photo Hopefully, this article helps homewhere they have access to full sun owners as well as contractors, underand wet roots. This is a difficult environment to repro- stand the five factors required for tree survival and recogduce in a residential yard or garden landscape! nizing the complex interactions of primary and secondary There are only five factors needed for tree survival agents that can confuse matters when trees show visible — moisture, sunlight, nutrients, temperature and space. evidence of stress and decline.

Trees suffer when any of these factors are in excess or limDave Meadows has been an ISA, Certified Arborist since ited. Poor drainage is often a contributor by creating an 1996. Dave owned and operated Invermere Tree Care until unfavourable environment for tree survival. However, ex- his retirement this year. Dave also works part time for the Discess or inadequate irrigation water is the most common trict of Invermere, Public Works, helping with municipal tree problem associated with tree decline. Newly planted trees care operations, and planting new trees for the Urban Forest.