Columbia Valley Pioneer - April 11, 2024

VALLEY NEWS

Big housing plan hears opposition, support

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

A public hearing last week on a proposed development encompassing affordable housing and a Columbia Valley Métis Association (CVMA) office drew an enormous crowd that voiced strong opinions both for and against the plan.

The proposal, reported in the March 21 edition of the Columbia Valley Pioneer, would see a new four-storey building with 36 long-term rental units and a 3,000 square foot (280 square metre) office building and community gathering space for the CVMA on 13th Street, east of J.A. Laird Elementary School near the Osprey Lane single-storey townhomes.

If the project goes ahead, it will be one of Invermere’s largest affordable housing developments in recent years. The proposal is a joint effort of the CVMA and the Métis Nation of British Columbia (MNBC).

The would-be development has quickly become a hot button topic in

“Instead of just complaining about it, we are doing something about it.”

- Topher Burke, CVMA

Invermere, and a public gallery of  between 150 and 160 people packed the cavernous Columbia Valley Centre to standing room only. (For perspective, that meant almost one in every 25 Invermere residents attended the hearing.) The meeting ended up stretching to almost three hours, triple its originally scheduled length.

The hearing began with a brief presentation from the CVMA, MNBC and their planning consultants about the project’s scope and the reasons for it.

“Many of us can’t find a place to live,” said CVMA president Topher Burke. “Some of our (CVMA) citizens are living in travel trailers in the bush, and we find that totally unacceptable.”

Burke grew up in the Columbia Valley, lived for nearly two decades in Toronto and a few years ago returned to help with the family business. But Burke couldn’t find a place to rent, and now lives above the family garage.

“Instead of just complaining about it, we are doing something about it,” said Burke.

Architect Amit Price Patel explained that the affordable housing project is “not exclusively for Métis, but will be Métis priority,” he said. Precisely who gets the affordable housing units will be decided by an application process with a “rigorous screening process,” said Price Patel, adding the exact rent

amount would be geared to each individual tenant’s specific income, up to a maximum of 30 per cent of income.

Planning consultant Kaela Schramm explained the affordable housing development will have one parking stall per unit.

Schramm added the company she works for has been involved in more than 70 affordable housing projects across B.C. and that the average parking uptake in them is 0.5 parking stalls per housing unit. A ratio of one parking stall per housing unit is far above that average, she noted.

After the presentation residents were given the chance to speak. The first 10 outlined similar positions on the project — all liked the idea of an affordable housing development, all liked the idea of a CVMA cultural centre, but none liked the location nor the four-storey height of the housing project.

Invermere resident Greg Geiger summed up “if we can find another location for it, it’s really great.” Geiger asked the proponents “what is plan B if this (proposal) does not get approved?”

“At this point there is not a plan B, if it doesn’t get approved, we will then have to contemplate what this means for our proposal . . . it may not be financially feasible at another height or with a different (lower) number of units,” replied MNBC housing development project manger Allison Millar. She noted they looked at a number of other sites, but this was the only one for sale at an affordable pricing in a spot that is within walking distance of the hospital, schools, parks and the downtown.

Another resident asked about the height of the housing project in relation to other developments in Invermere. The project will be a maximum of 12 metres, said Schramm. Invermere planner Rory Hromadnik noted the height of Columbia Village Garden is 11.5 metres, while the new townhome development downtown is 13.3 metres.

Several more residents expressed concern about increased traffic flow and what that might mean for the safety of children walking to and from school. One asked about the effect on property values of nearby homes.

Some members of the audience began to loudly applaud or cheer those speaking. Invermere Mayor Al Miller asked the gallery to refrain from expressing emotion, so as not to inadvertently intimidate people from expressing their points of view. He reminded them that council needs to make decisions that are “in the best interest of the community as a whole.” Most of the audience behaved in orderly fashion from then on, but there were still a few pointed comments.

Last

week’s public hearing on the affordable housing proposal attracted an enormous crowd. Shown here is a concept drawing of the development. SCREENSHOT

RCMP REPORT

Fight breaks out over dogs

By Cpl. jeff Witzke Columbia Valley RCMP

This past week, April 1 through April 7, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 57 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

On April 7th police were made aware of a vehicle that was stolen sometime overnight. The vehicle was taken from a property in the Windermere area and is described as a 2011 Chevrolet three-quarter ton club cab, white in colour. The vehicle has larger tires and a headache rack. Police are asking the public to keep an eye out for this vehicle and to call the local RCMP detachment

On April 6 the RCMP were dispatched to a report of two people physically fighting in the area of Fairmont. Members attended the scene and located both parties. It is believed the two got into an altercation after one asked the other to put their dogs on a leash. This matter is currently under investigation.

On April 4 the Columbia Valley RCMP were called to the hospital as they were dealing with a patient who had just overdosed on what was believed to be fentanyl. The patient was provided medical care and was recovering. The patient was able to speak with members and advised they were intentionally using illicit drugs but was unaware it was fentanyl.

Housing proposal attracts enormous turnout

Continued from page 3

“Do you have 0.5 cars mayor?” one resident shot, clear sarcasm in his voice, in reference to the one parking stall to one housing unit ratio.

David Goldsmith outlined his opposition to the project’s location and height and then added that “I contend that Al Miller, as a mayor who owns Home Hardware, you stand to have a business interest through the sale of goods to this project . . . it calls into question the validity and even legality of first and second reading.” This charge drew a scattering of applause but also a scattering of boos and hissed ‘no’s.

Goldsmith was one of three ultimately unsuccessful candidates from the March 2023 by-election (for the Invermere council seat won by Grant Kelly) to speak at the hearing. The second, Jaunita Violini, spoke not long after Goldsmith. Violini was not in favour of the project’s location, but did emphasize a deep need for affordable housing in Invermere, offering a somewhat radical alternative solution: only allow full-time residents to buy homes here. “Why are we selling second homes, when not everyone has a first home?” she asked.

During the first part of the hearing, most of those speakers seemed against the project (or at least of its location and height), but as the hearing went on, an increasing number spoke in favour of it.

CVMA member Stephanie Stevens (the third 2023 by-election candidate to speak) explained she has seen many would-be affordable housing projects shot down in recent decades. “Everyone says they are in favour of affordable housing “but nobody wants it in their backyard . . . I’ve been frankly disappointed with the community in the last 25 to 30 years on this,” said Stevens. She urged council to take a leadership role.

Invermere resident Meredith Hamstead felt the location was “not appropriate for public institutional zoning” (i.e. the CVMA cultural centre), although she

added she sincerely hopes it finds another spot, but noted that “the site is great for housing (and) we cannot say no to housing in our community.” Hamstead agreed with Stevens about the not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) effect in Invermere. She reeled off a long list of developments, including Columbia Garden Village, Lockhart Lane, Westside Park, Carpenter’s Lane, Pine Tree Valley, and noted all faced very similar complaints as the CVMA-MNBC proposal.

“Every single one of these developments was roundly opposed, and all of them have contributed substantially to the community,” said Hamstead. ‘This is the kind of NIMBYism that has led Invermere to a housing crisis.”

“A lot of young people have had to move away from Invermere,” said Rhiannon Kirton. She lives in the Wilder neighbourhood, surrounded by Airbnbs. “This (the housing project) is not a lot different than having a large number of Airbnbs, in terms of having large gatherings of people and a lot of parked vehicles around,” she said. If only projects that are acceptable to older, single family homeowners are approved, will anything affordable ever be built, wondered Kirton. “If we never build anything for the younger demographic . . . the town is not going to survive,” she said.

Kirton’s comments were echoed by a resident who works for Rocky Mountain School District No. 6. He outlined school district job postings in recent years for teachers, technicians, custodians and administrators

Spring grass fire wake-up call

Fire officials are reminding valley residents not to be fooled by spring time when it comes to outdoor burning.

Tuesday (April 2) was a perfect example when a grass fire got away from a private property owner south of Windermere.

Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Chief Drew Sinclair reported that an individual was burning some grass when the flames jumped out of control.

“When we arrived on scene, the fire had moved into a stacked wood pile and our firefighters did a good job of containing it quickly and preventing what could have been a much more serious situation.”

Eight firefighters and three pieces of apparatus responded to extinguish the small blaze.

“This is a good reminder for everyone about the importance of ensuring the burning conditions are safe and taking steps to be prepared every time you burn outdoors,” Sinclair said.

This includes having a water source, shovel or tools, and burning when it’s not windy and staying on site to monitor the fire until it is completely out, the chief explained.

Sinclair said many residents know about the danger of burning during the heat of the summer, but caution is needed in the spring time too, when dead, dry fuels from last season pose a fire risk due to their low moisture content.

“Never underestimate spring burning conditions.

Fires like these are preventable and it is critical that residents ensure they are fully prepared and that conditions are safe if they are planning any outdoor burning,” Sinclair stressed.

The BC Wildfire Services has safety tips on open burning with downloadable pamphlets to help residents be prepared before they burn. Visit www. bcwildfire.

that have gone unfilled. “The reason that keeps coming up is a lack of affordable housing,” he said. “These are qualified, talented individuals that are turning down job offers. It’s really shocking that someone on a teacher’s salary can’t afford to live here.” The resident noted that even if the CVMA-MNBC project is mostly filled with Métis and Indigenous tenants, those tenancies will open up other rental opportunities for non-Indigenous people. “A rising tide lifts all boats,” he said.

Westside Park resident Steve Talsma said he’s in favour of the project, even if he’s not thrilled at the location. “If it’s a choice between this development on this spot and having people living in trailers in the bush or in tents in Pothole Park, then we need this. And that’s not a hypothetical — there are people living in trailers in the bush,” he said.

CVMA members Monica Fisher and Kalista Pruden separately gave personal accounts of just how tough Invermere’s housing market can be. Each is well educated with a solid career, but Fisher (who had been a previous homeowner) cannot find a home she can afford, and Pruden said she is selling her house “not because I want, but because I have to.” Pruden said she’s uncertain her kids will be able to live in Invermere. The discussion continued with many more people speaking in support and in opposition of the project. The district also received a few dozen letters prior to the hearing and the overwhelming majority of these were opposed to the project (although at least one was in favour).

The hearing made at least one resident change his mind. “I came here tonight with the idea that I thought I was against this,” said Barry Brown-John. “But listening to it all, it makes sense . . . these guys (the proponents) have done a lot of work. Our community needs housing.”

Invermere council will likely make a decision on the rezoning application at a later meeting in April.

Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

Firefighters extinguish a small grass fire that escaped from a property owner south of Windermere on April 2. Officials urge residents to be cautious when burning outdoors, even during spring conditions.

Carbon tax bad timing

Too bad the carbon tax hike that came into effect on April 1 wasn’t Justin Trudeau’s idea of a bad joke.

Given the choice, families would choose to financially survive as opposed to putting a dent in climate change to save the environment. That’s a no-brainer. But one also has to realize that without a clean world to raise our children, what kind of life would they have?

It’s difficult to harbour “green” thoughts when you’re struggling to live day to day, paycheque to paycheque; your family’s welfare comes first.

The carbon tax was designed to encourage firms and consumers to reduce emissions via fossil fuels by shifting to more environmentally friendly sources of energy. It makes sense on paper with obvious advantages, but the fallout, according to many opponents, is just too great.

The recent tax hike, which prompted protests, will see fuel costs rise, ferry tickets increase, and utility

“Every day it’s a constant struggle with soaring inflation, ridiculous food prices, mortgage payments. The list goes on. And wages are not keeping up with these costs.”

bills go up. Rebates are available, but only for low income earners.

Bad timing. That’s how you describe the carbon tax increase. Many people have to pay income tax right now. And it was just reported that federal ministers are getting their automatic raises.

Last week a middle class taxpayer was on his way out the door to take his dogs for a walk when a courteous solicitor showed up with a 60-second spiel to raise money for BC Children’s Hospital. The homeowner felt guilty for saying no because his own daughter was treated at the hospital for anxiety several years ago. The solicitor was only asking for $25 a month, but the cash-strapped fellow pointed to his daughter’s car in the driveway, saying he just had to pay for new tires, and his wife was expecting to fork over $2,500 in income taxes.

Every day it’s a constant struggle with soaring inflation, ridiculous food prices, mortgage payments. The list goes on. And wages are not keeping up with these costs.

Perhaps it’s time to scrap the carbon tax and come up with better incentives to reduce greenhouse gases. Set up contests urging bright young minds to submit their ideas for a chance to win a new EV.

So unfair to supply to few

I saw on the news last week that a call is going out to scrap unfair prices on women’s feminine hygiene products.

In all fairness, there are a lot of women in Canada that are scrambling to make ends meet. I dont have to go into that.

Lyonel Doherty, editor

Society needs a huge overhaul. It shouldn’t always be a fight to survive. When someone can’t afford to give $25 a month to a good cause, something is seriously wrong.

Already, all federally regulated employers must supply free sanitary products to all of their employees while at work.

All schools, colleges and universities must supply free sanitary products during the school term.

For the federal government to supply to the few, most of whom can more than likely afford to purchase these products, and not to the women that are in dire need, is so unfair! It makes me wonder, what’s next?

Audrey Csokonay, Spur Valley

STR public hearing draws small crowd

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

A public hearing on the District of Invermere’s proposed short-term rental (STR) regulations drew modest attendance last week.

Although the issue has generated plenty of attention in recent years, and brought large crowds to council meetings, the public hearing on Thursday, April 4 had a public gallery of a dozen people. This contrasted starkly with the 150 to 160 people in attendance for another public hearing (on a proposed affordable housing development-Columbia Valley Metis Association office) held in the same location — the Columbia Valley Centre — on the same night. The difference was made all the more explicit because the public hearings were held one after the other. When the affordable housing public hearing ended, two hours past schedule, almost the entire standing room-only audience filed out, leaving 12 members of the public sitting scattered in a sea of empty chairs for the STR public hearing.

Longtime Invermere resident Pat Bavin was the only member of the public to speak at the STR hearing. Bavin has consistently raised concerns about the district’s STR regulations through the fall and winter. In the past he had questioned the impact of STRs on the quality of life for full-time residents here, and wondered why Invermere isn’t restricting STRs to principal residences (i.e no second homes rented out as STRs) or requiring STR owners or operators to live onsite (or a full-time tenant), as is the case with incoming provincial STR regulations.

The new provincial regulations will apply to all B.C. non-resort municipality communities with populations above

10,000. Invermere is doubly exempt from these rules: Invermere-Panorama Mountain Resort is one of B.C.’s designated resort municipalities, and Invermere has a population of just under 4,000. But at least one designated resort municipality in the province — Tofino — has voted to ‘opt in’ to the provincial regulations.

Bavin outlined new, but related concerns at the public hearing, saying that in his view one of the benefits of requiring STR owners (or full-time tenants) on site is that if there are issues with the STR — such as noise or parking problems — the STR owners (or full-time tenants), by default, end up sorting out these issues. When owners are absent, it is neighbours who end up spending the most time dealing with the problems, even if it is not their responsibility, opined Bavin. He pressed Invermere council for details on how a complaints process for STRs will work, and how enforcement of the regulations will work.

He noted many municipalities in B.C. have a burgeoning number of STRs, as Invermere does, and that many of these communities have a large number STRs operated by second homeowners, or otherwise “out of area” homeowners, as Invermere does. But, Bavin continued: in most of these communities the new provincial regulations requiring owners (or full-time tenants) on site will “minimize the nightmare of enforcement plus overall cost of administration from being loaded on the taxpayer, since budgets for enforcement are usually low priority.” Invermere, he pointed out, will be different.

Invermere chief administrative officer Andrew Young replied to Bavin that complaint and enforcement procedures have actually been outlined earlier and

were in fact contained in the bylaw. He noted that, in essence, it boils down to reporting problems to District of Invermere staff, who will respond as appropriate. Young explained that once the district has a register of STRs in Invermere that have acquired the temporary use permits (TUP) and business licences needed to operate (as well as a list of applicants trying to get those documents) they can check the complaints to see if the STR operator is — or is at least trying to — run their business legally.

If not “they’ll be treated differently than an individual who has not made an honest effort to legalize their STR,” assured Young.

“We’re trying to take it from the Wild West to something that’s managed,” added Invermere Mayor Al Miller.

A total of three letters from the pub-

lic were submitted prior to the public hearing, one from Bavin, one from Linda Anderson and one from ‘E. and L.’ Peter. All three letters were opposed to STRs in Invermere.

“Full-time residents should be council’s number one priority. Lower income workers in town need accommodation in town as many can’t afford the luxury of a vehicle. Invermere will not survive if you approve the STR policy which limits housing for town workers,” wrote Anderson.

E. and L. Peter wrote a list of what they see as the positives and negatives of STRs in Invermere, giving far more negatives than positives and concluding with “why illogically harm residential areas where locals live in Invermere with these STRs of absentee owners? Speak up or suffer the consequences, Invermere.”

vard, Radium Hot Springs, B.C., on Monday, April 22nd, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. The Parcel Tax Review Panel may review and correct the Parcel Tax Roll and hear complaints on one or more of the following grounds:

• an error or omission respecting a

Valley resident named volunteer of year

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

A local woman has been honoured for her commitment to making sure everyone gets a chance to ski.

Earlier this year Toby Benches resident Catrien Dainard was named the volunteer of the year by Canadian Adaptive Snowsports.

Dainard founded and has been a key part of the Panorama Adaptive Sports Society (PASS) for nearly two decades, serving as an instructor, volunteer mentor and leader of the group, which strives to make winter and summer sports accessible for athletes who are differently abled either physically or cognitively.

“I’m over the moon excited for Catrien. It’s well deserved for her,” said fellow PASS member and longtime BC Adaptive Snowsports member Susan Hughes.

Hughes first met Dainard 18 years ago, when Dainard and Invermere resident Nicole Morgan founded PASS. As Hughes understands, the pair were upset to learn that when school groups visited Panorama Mountain Resort, some students with physical or cognitive disabilities couldn’t take part, owing to a lack of qualified adaptive instructors, and instead spent the day at home or at the library. Dainard and Morgan were friends growing up in Ontario before moving west and both worked at Panorama Mountain Resort when they first arrived in the Columbia Valley.

Hughes recalls that when Dainard found out that students weren’t skiing because of a lack of adaptive instructors

“she said ‘we’re not having that’.” Dainard and Morgan set up PASS and took a course to become certified adaptive ski (CADS Level 1) instructors. The course was taught by Hughes, who was based in Vancouver at the time, but later moved to the Columbia Valley, inspired in part by what Dainard and Morgan have done with PASS.

“Catrien was and continues to be the foundation of this small but mighty adaptive program, which is well known in the snowsport communities of the East Kootenays,” explained Hughes, adding that saying Dainard is passionate about adaptive skiing is a tremendous understatement.

“There are no lessons or ski opportunities turned away with Catrien. I have witnessed her growth and commitment to PASS over the many years she has been involved,” said Hughes. “Catrien has the ability to relate to everyone she meets and is a master relationship builder. She is a true ambassador of adaptive snowsports and believes that everyone has the right and should have the opportunity to ski or snowboard. Catrien speaks with conviction and punctuates everything with a smile and a little laugh.”

Since 2006 PASS has grown by leaps and bounds, with the number of volunteers and athletes growing, with certification levels increasing, and with new sports and programs offered.

“She’s (Dainard) really made an impact. She is a doer in the true sense of the word, and she’s especially fun to work with,” Hughes told the Pioneer.  Morgan explained that running a small nonprofit group such as PASS al-

ways has challenges, but is very rewarding and she too said that Dainard “is beyond deserving of this award.”

Dainard is “an incredible human with a huge heart. She has a special gift of connecting people and resources, giving anyone the opportunity to experience a sense of freedom and fun in the mountains,” Morgan commented.

“Over the last 18 years, she has helped lift the spirits of so many athletes, volunteers, coaches and their families.”

Morgan noted that the way PASS grows and evolves means Dainard is constantly on her toes, needing to find creative solutions.

“This season was a perfect example, we saw an increase in mid-week lesson requests and with a small volunteer base, it makes it very tricky to accommodate everyone. But, she (Dainard) made it happen, with the help of many wonderful volunteers and coaches,” said Morgan. “Her enthusiasm and belief in people has created this wonderful community of folks who want to share adventures in the mountains with those who need some extra help getting on the slopes. She never says ‘sorry we can’t make that happen for you’ or ‘we don’t have the volunteers to help today’.”

Above, Catrien Dainard, deserving recipient of Volunteer of the Year by Canadian Adaptive Snowsports. At left, Dainard engages with Invermere resident Kate Gibbs.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

SPORTS

Invermere Special Olympics starts soccer

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Easter has come and gone, soccer season is just around the corner, and this year there’s a team here in Invermere for soccer players with intellectual disabilities.

The team is the work of the Invermere chapter of Special Olympics BC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing sports opportunities for athletes who are cognitively and differently abled.

Special Olympics Invermere is already well known in the Columbia Valley for its alpine skiing, club fit, bowling and golf programs. This coming May and June it will add a youth soccer team for kids ages six and up.

“We haven't run a youth focused program in a while, and hope that by starting our soccer team we will give families of youth with intellectual disabilities a chance to connect with and benefit from Special Olympics fun,” explained Special Olympics BC-Invermere volunteer Blair McFarlane.

The soccer team will play throughout May and June on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Mount Nelson Athletic Park. The program runs at the same time as the local youth house league soccer.

Special Olympics Invermere is also launching a bocce program this spring for any ages. The first day of this program was held Saturday, April 6 at Pothole Park.

“The benefits from Special Olympics programs go well beyond the basics: Our athletes experience joy and acceptance, cultivate friendships and self-confidence, and feel empowered to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals,” McFarlane told the Pioneer.

Special Olympics BC-Invermere is looking for volunteers, including coaches for soccer, bocce, golf or bowling through the summer, and a few volunteer board members. The time commitment for volunteer coaches is an hour or two a week.

“Volunteering in any capacity for Special Olympics BC is a high-reward task and volunteers are what keep our organization running so we can support our local Special Olympics athletes,” said McFarlane.

To register for the soccer or other programs, or to find out more about the bocce program, families can contact McFarlane through the Special Olympics BC-Invermere Facebook page at facebook.com/sobcinvermere.

Those interested in volunteering can find out more at the Special Olympics BC-Invermere annual general meeting, which will be held in June. Check the Special Olympics BC-Invermere page and future issues of the Pioneer for the date once it is confirmed.

Special Olympics BC-Invermere just wrapped up its alpine ski season and is launching its spring soccer and bocce programs. Shown here is a photo of the group’s last day out in the sun during the ski program. From left are volunteer coach Blair McFarlane, athlete Brandon Cote, and volunteer coach and treasurer Haru Watanabe.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

OUT OF OFFICE… Investing in Growth

Submitted by Columbia Valley Community Economic Development

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the importance of investing in staff training and career development cannot be overstated. As industries undergo constant transformation, organizations must equip their workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge to stay competitive.

Investing in staff training and career development is a powerful strategy for talent retention and employee engagement. In today’s competitive job market, skilled employees are in high demand. By offering opportunities for growth and advancement, organizations can attract top talent and keep their workforce engaged and committed. In a 2023 Gallup study 52% of employees are “quiet quitting” or not engaged at work. Employees who feel valued and supported in their career development are more likely to stay loyal to their organization. The study also indicated that engaged staff are 17% more productive and can increase profitability by 21%.

In addition, staff training and career

development are essential for enabling organizations to adapt to industry changes effectively. With technology advancing at a rapid pace and market demands constantly shifting, organizations must stay ahead of the curve. By investing in training initiatives, organizations can ensure that their workforce remains up-to-date with the latest trends and developments, enabling them to respond swiftly to changing circumstances.

The B.C. Employer Training Grant is provincial funding available to small, medium, and large enterprises to support employee training. Employers can apply for up to $10,000 per employee per year for skills training. The funding is also available to self employed entrepreneurs! The fund is open for intake until March 2025. There may also be other training funding available through WorkBC, Skilled Trades BC, Columbia Basin Trust, or other industry specific associations. Investing in staff training and career development is not just beneficial; it’s essential for organizational success. By enhancing employee performance, improving talent retention, and enabling adaptability to industry changes, organizations can gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. If you have any questions about possible training grants including the B.C. Employer Training Grant, reach out to Theresa Wood at advisor@cvchamber.ca.

Thursday, April 11

• 10:15am-1:00pm: Tech Tutors. Invermere Public Library

• 2:00pm-4:00pm: Tech Tutors. Radium Public Library

Free one-on-one help with your computer, phone or tablet!  Assistance with websites or electronic forms.  Learn about games on your phone or iPad.  Please book an appointment with the library you would like to attend. By Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy.

• 6:00pm: Financial Literacy Workshop. CBAL Office (712B-10th St Invermere). Free Financial Literacy Workshop for ages 16-26. Spaces are limited, so please register early.  For more information contact wvcoordinator@cbal.org or 250-409-4251

• 10:30am-11:30am: Seniors' Fitness Columbia Valley Centre, $2 drop-in. **please note that this week this event will take place at the Invermere Seniors Hall**

• 11:30am-12:00pm: Little Lambs – Baby Program. Radium Public Library. Join us for songs, rhymes, and stories with your babies! No registration required.

• 2:00pm-3:00pm: Seniors' Tea. Invermere Public Library. Join us for a cup of tea and a chat on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month. All welcome!

• 6:45pm: Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Invermere Legion. $30 buy-in. 7:30pm: Families Housing that Fits. Zoom meeting with host Ben Postmus. Inclusive and supportive housing in your community. diversefamilyroots@gmail.com

• 7:30pm: Trivia Night Windermere Whitehouse Pub. Host Mandi Cox $3/ person, teams of more than 6 will be split into two groups. Ages 19+

Friday, April 12

• 10:30am-11:00am: Family Storytime. Invermere Public Library. Join us weekly on Fridays for Family Storytime at the library! With stories, songs & a craft. Geared towards preschool age (2-5) but all welcome.

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

Saturday, April 13

• 7:00pm-9:00pm: Stonehocker in Concert. Arrowhead Brewery. Stonehocker’s powerful vocals are the focal point of any show. Accompanied by acoustic guitar and minimalistic electronic beats and samples the live shows capture the unique, alternative sounds of Stonehocker’s music. Cover is $10, ages 19+

• 10:00pm: Closing Weekend at Ullr. Ullr Bar. Closing weekend at the ski hill is a special time of year. Ullr Bar is celebrating by hosting Cowboys resident DJ Restricted. Come and celebrate another successful winter season. It's a free show.

• 10:30am-11:00am: Family Storytime. Invermere Public Library. Join us weekly on Saturdays for Family Storytime at the library! With stories,

songs & a craft. Geared towards preschool age (2-5) but all welcome.

• 11:00am-12:30pm: LEGO/Duplo Club Invermere Public Library. We'll have Lego, Duplo, big blocks & more out to play with on Saturday mornings! All ages welcome.

• 2:00pm-4:00pm: Buddy Reading. Invermere Public Library. Contact us to book a 30 minute session to read with a librarian. Practice reading aloud one-on-one to build skill, confidence & a love of reading! Open to all ages and reading abilities.

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

Sunday, April 14

• 2:00pm: Cards, Cribbage and Darts Come to the Legion and have some fun! Members and guests welcome.

• 7:00pm: Live Music Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery. Accompanied minors are permitted. No cover.

• 7:30pm: Dads Matter. Zoom meeting with host Ben Postmus. Dads connecting, Dads Supporting, Dads Inspiring. Do you have a son or daughter with Diverse Abilities? So do I. diversefamilyroots@gmail.com

Monday, April 15

• 10:00am-11:00am: Baby Goose. Edgewater Hall. Learn songs and rhymes! Meet new friends! For babies and caregivers.  Registration is required. Hosted by Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy- Windermere Valley. wvcoordinator@cbal.org or 250-409-4251.

• 10:00am-11:00am: Seniors' Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, Invermere. $2 drop in, open to all seniors.

• 2:00pm-4:00pm: Little Explorers. Kinsmen Beach. Outdoor learning for children ages 2 - 6 and caregivers. Siblings welcome! Ageappropriate learning about our natural surroundings - nature walks, hunts, games and crafts. Come prepared to have fun outdoors and get dirty.  Dress appropriately for the weather! Registration is required: wvcoordinator@cbal.org or 250-409-4251.

• 6:30pm: Poker (Chip up for Charity). The Station Pub $20 buy-in. Every Monday.

Tuesday, April 16

• 3:00pm-5:00pm: Seniors’ Game Days. Invermere Seniors’ Hall. Come out to the Invermere Seniors' Hall for an afternoon of playing board games and connecting!  Snacks and beverages will be provided.  This is a free event and pre-registration is encouraged: wvcoordinator@cbal.org or call/text 250-409-4251.

• 10:30am-11:30am: Seniors' Fitness Columbia Valley Centre, $2 dropin.

• 10:30am-11:30am: Homeschool Meetup. Invermere Public Library.

Drop-in, all-ages programming with open-ended STEAM play, group activities and art projects. A chance for homeschool kids and families to get together! Please contact us to get on the Homeschool email list to stay up to date and see what extended programs are coming up.

• 1:00pm-3:30pm: Art in the Afternoon. Radium Public Library. A free program for local artists and art enthusiasts! Whether you sketch, paint, carve, knit or crochet, bring your supplies and work alongside fellow artists.

• 2:00pm-3:00pm: Novel Idea. Invermere Public Library. This month we are reading One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle. Copies of the book are available at the front desk. Contact us to reserve a copy or to request large print. All welcome to attend!

• 5:30pm: Bingo. Invermere Seniors Hall. $300 Jackpot, all over 19 welcome. Only cash prizes. 11 games for $20 (6 cards). Lucky 7 & diamond extra games $2.

• 6:30pm-8:00pm: Second Winds Community Band. We are looking for new band members! Play an instrument? Practice at Invermere Catholic Church Annex. For info please email dalvande@shaw.ca

• 7:00pm: Ullr Presents: Musical Bingo with Tim Richards. Ullr Bar. Every Tuesday - $5 per card.

• 7:30pm: Families on Tuesday. Zoom meeting with host Ben Postmus. Families connecting, Families Sharing, Families Supporting Families: Support, Listening, Sharing, Connecting. diversefamilyroots@gmail.com

• Wednesday, April 17

• 10:15am-11:15am: Baby Talk. Invermere Public Library Mezzanine. A FREE drop-in program for caregivers of infants 0-12. Bring your baby for fun, informative sessions and meet with other new parents. Please bring a blanket to sit on. Todays Topic: Injury Prevention

• 6:00pm-7:00pm: Write On! Writing group at the Invermere Public Library. 6:00pm Project sharing. 6:30pm Local Author Tony Berryman to chat about writing, publishing and answer questions. Email publiclibrary@invermere.net to get on the Write On! Email chain. All welcome to join at the library or on Zoom.

• 10:00am-11:00am: Seniors' Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, $2 dropin.

• 11:30am-12:00pm: Story Time. Radium Public Library - preschool & all ages.

• 2:00pm-3:30pm: Wholesome Hobbies. Radium Public Library. Every third Wednesday join us for a rotating series of projects and activities for adults 50+. Registration required and limited.

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

ENTERTAINMENT

Hall of Fame blues guitarist returns

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

It’s another blast of the blues in Radium Hot Springs.

Chicago Blues Hall of Fame guitarist and singer Michael Charles has made a name in the Columbia Valley in recent years with his free concerts at the Horsethief Creek Pub and Eatery.

He’s back again later this month for another free show, coinciding with a critical milestone in his career. The show at the Horsethief is part of a cross-continent 40th anniversary tour for Charles.

His career began in Australia, where he was born; he grew up listening to Elvis and the Beatles.

Charles learned to play guitar because his father was a musician and there was always a guitar lying around the house. He learned early rock songs because that was the only music that came in on the transistor radio. From rock, he got into blues music.

When he was just nine years old he formed his first band and gave his first paid performance. By the time he was a teenager Charles was an accomplished musician, performing shows, corporate gigs and weddings. After playing in a series of Melbourne-based bands, he launched his solo career in 1984.

The next five years went by in a flash, filled with tours across Australia, song writing, and recording. In 1989 Charles got his big break when he was invited to appear at famed Chicago blues guitarist Buddy Guy’s Legends.

“That’s the kind of invitation you don’t say ‘no’ to,” said Charles, so he hopped a plane and tremendously enjoyed the chance to play with renowned

blues artists such as Junior Wells, James Cotton, Eddy ‘the Chief’ Clearwater and, of course, Buddy Guy himself. A great experience but a brief one — or so Charles thought at the time. Within days of returning to Australia, Charles went back to Chicago and began a two-year gig playing with ‘Fast Fingers’ Jimmy Dawkins.

Eventually Charles became an American citizen and carved out such a name for himself on the Windy City’s blues scene that he was inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame in October 2015.

He admitted to the Pioneer that “you never know where life is going to take you” but, all the same, he still thinks it’s “surreal” to be in the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame.

It may be a 40th anniversary tour, but Charles isn’t slowing down; he’s got 40 releases to his name and continues to record and tour at a frenetic pace. His latest release is a single: his own take on Jimmy Web’s ‘Wichita Lineman’, made famous by country singer Glen Campell.

The Horsethief Pub and Eatery show will be the fourth stop in Radium in the last two years for the bluesman, and it’s one of his favourite places to play.

“The audience is always enthusiastic and I see a lot of familiar faces,” he said. “I’ve been very fortunate in my career and when I tour I get to play in some pretty big venues. But I still love playing in the smaller clubs and pubs in the small towns . . . it’s very intimate, and I think that’s important.”

The free concert is on Sunday, April 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. Call the Horsethief Creek Pub and Eatery at 250-347-6400 for more details or tickets.

Event Dates:

PHOTO SUBMITTED

ART from the Heart showcases young talent ARTS

Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

‘ART from the Heart’ is back!

The annual show hosted by the Columbia Valley Arts Council kicked off last Friday involving five elementary schools from Edgewater to Canal Flats.

The show theme is Japanese culture, featuring lanterns, cherry blossoms, block printing, cranes, lucky cats (Maneki-neko), manga drawings, koi fish and more.

“It is a colourful and diverse show. The students and teachers worked hard to create this amazing exhibition,” says Sheila Tansey, Columbia Valley Arts operations manager.

She noted that some classes based their art on other cultures such as Mexican spirit animals - Alebrijes, and their own personal culture and heritage.

One Grade 7 class attended the show opening at the gallery and enjoyed drawing with paint pens on the Community heART Wall.

Student Lexi Franke’s painting of a cherry tree in bloom was used for the Art from the Heart poster.

Columbia Valley Arts welcomes everyone to the Pynelogs Cultural Centre gallery to immerse themselves in the show until April 27. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.

NOTICE

Water Main Flushing

The municipality will be flushing its community water system for the next 6 weeks.

This program, carried out twice yearly, is necessary to maintain the quality of our water supply. There may be some short interruptions in the water service and temporary discoloration of water as a result of the sediment and organic materials that are being flushed from the water mains. During this period, disinfection by chlorination will be continued. To assist the Public Works Department during the flushing operation, users are advised that if they are experiencing persistent discoloration or odour problems with the water, to immediately notify the Municipal Office and explain the nature of the problem.

The District apologizes for any inconveniences caused by this operation. For further information, please telephone the municipal office at 250-342-9281

This year’s theme for ART from the Heart is Japanese culture as seen here by these exhibits from local students. PHOTOS SHEILA TANSEY

250-341-6299

Al-Anon. Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? For more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship, please call 250-878-2448 or 250-342-8392

Alcoholics Anonymous. If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. All meetings are at 7 pm. Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the BC Service Building, South End-624 4th St. Invermere. Please call 250-3422424 for more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship.

Narcotics Anonymous. Open meeting.

Mondays 7 pm at the BC Service Building, South End. 624-4th St. Invermere

Cheers to Garry N. for the great job you did Saturday night bartending at the legion. It was a full house, and you handled it well.

Cheers to Full Circle Automotive for your sponsorship of the Edgewater Elementary School April Hot Lunch! Cheers to your support of this program!

Cheers, Cheers, and more Cheers to my wonderful friend Lars who put in a grueling 12-hour day helping me. You were consistently PATIENT, EASYGOING, KIND, UNDERSTANDING and SUPPORTIVE. You also provided judgement and counsel.

Cheers to Lyla B for all the great decorations at the legion. You put your heart and soul into it, and it shows. Keep up the good work! We appreciate your efforts.

Cheers to Team Carlow for all you do at the legion. You two exemplify the true meaning of volunteerism.

Cheers to Kris Chasse from Flyin & Fallin for the great job of taking down a difficult tree.

Cheers to Kelsie at Red Apple for the excellent customer service. You are always smiling and happy.

Cheers to Dina at Invermere McDonald’s for the great service. Keep up the good work!

Cheers to Jocelle at Rocky River Grill for the great service!

Cheers to the Rotarians for the wonderful display of Canadian flags on the Museum grounds.

Cheers to the drop-in Badminton Club this past Wednesday. They are an incredible, welcoming group of players. It was such an enjoyable outing for our family.

Cheers to all the staff at Zen Technologies. My home computer caught a complex virus and they fixed it quickly, effectively and with complete integrity. Much appreciated.

B. B.’s Home and Design Services

Renovations, Masonry & Handyman Services, Blinds, House checks, eavestrough/ yard cleaning/dump runs. 250-688-2897 or 403-861-8782

THE HEARTFELT COMPANION

Services for Seniors. Since 2014 we’ve provided kind and compassionate non-medical care, transportation to Cranbrook, overnight care, meal prep, grocery shopping and more. Excellent local references. 250-341-5683

Heartfeltcompanionservices. com

Get-ER-Done Handyman

Landscaping, Asphalt Pads, General Contracting, Cleaning Gutters, House Checks, Pressure Washing.

Call Ryan 604-346-5087

LAWN RANGER

250-342-9222

Lawn & Dump Services

• Yard Cleans

• Hedge & Brush Trims

• Dump Runs

Half duplex for rent May 1/ June 1. Spacious two bedroom and den with deck for 1 yr. lease. 5 min. walk to downtown Invermere. $ 1850 plus cable/hydro. NS/NP 403-874-0483

Alpine Building Operations is looking for lawn maintenance staff at Panorama Resort. Duties include mowing, weed trimming, garbage removal, skid steer operation and general labor.

Phone: 250-270-0435

Email: alpinebuildingops@gmail.com

Are

2012 Nissan Juke White SL AWD 59,606 km. $14,000 250- 341-1226

Kurt Hagen Sr.

April 4, 1936 - March 29, 2024

Kurt Hagen Sr. passed away peacefully at the Campbell River Hospital on Friday, March 29th 2024, after a long battle with many health issues. He is survived by his wife, Judy; daughter Tammy; sons Doug (Cherie)and Kurt (Maarit) Hagen and his grandchildren, Ryan, Tyson, Markus, and Matias; his sister, Margrit and nephew Werner Gut. Kurt is predeceased by his parents Ernst and Fanny Hagen.

Kurt was born in Switzerland, and came to Canada in his early 20’s. His passion was building houses in the Columbia Valley, and became good friends with those he built houses for. Kurt enjoyed playing hockey with the Invermere Oldtimers, and going on many bike rides with his good friend Tony. Kurt also enjoyed spending many hours working in his yard and garden. Kurt and Judy retired from Invermere to Quadra Island in 2004. Kurt spent the last couple of years under the watchful care of the staff of Discovery Harbour Care Centre.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 11th ,2024 @ 1pm at the Invermere Fire Hall Lounge.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley, which was an organization that Kurt loved to support: Box 925, Invermere BC, V0A 1K0 info@hospicesocietycv.com

PUBLIC NOTICE: FOREST OPERATIONS MAP REVIEW

In accordance with the Forest and Range Practices Act, Canadian Forest Products Ltd. (Canfor) invites the public to review its Forest Operations Map (FOM ID: 1317) in the Rocky Mountain and Selkirk Natural Resource Districts. The FOM describes areas proposed for Cutting Permit and Road Permit development within the next three years starting on April 9th, 2024, and ending on April 9th, 2027. We welcome your comments and feedback during the review period starting April 9th, 2024. Please submit your comments by May 9th, 2024.

The map is accessible for review and comment submission online at: https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects

Alternatively, in-person review and comments can be completed by appointment at the following location during office hours (Monday to Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm):

1000 Industrial Road 1, Cranbrook, BC, V1C4J7

Comments may also be submitted by mail to the above address or by phone at 604-773-3490 or to ashleigh.harvison@canfor.com

Public Notice

Judith Elaine Pocha (Thornton)

February 20 , 1942 - March 9, 2024

It is with heavy hearts the family announces the passing of Judy in Invermere District Hospital after a short illness. She is now a free spirit at home with family and friends.

Judy is survived by sisters Joan, Nora (Ray), Opal, Janet (Terry), and brother Richard (Charlene); children Sharon (Chris) and family, Greg and family; step-children Sandra and family, Shane (Sharon); many grandchildren, inlaws and extended families.

Judy was predeceased by parents Adam and Kathleen Smith, husbands Tim Pocha and Dave Thornton, and siblings Jeff, Ken, Gary, Burton and Patricia.

Judy was employed as a cook and supervisor at Invermere District Hospital for 33 years. She was very active enjoying sewing, gardening, baseball, golf, skiing and camping. She was a great cook and entertainer when guests came to visit.

She lived in Wilmer for many years then moved to Invermere with Dave for 12 years. They then moved to Radium for the remainder of their lives, enjoying the beautiful yard they created together.

Judy will be dearly missed by her family. Mom was a very caring and loving person, and her legacy is her family. She always said family was everything. We would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Invermere District Hospital for their kindness and caring during her illness. We would also like to thank the home support group and care aides who assisted her. She looked forward to your daily visits. Thank you.

As per Judy’s request there will be no service.

In accordance with Forest Planning and Practices Regulation section 20 (4), CANFOR wishes to inform the public that two (2) amendments to CANFOR’s Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP) #17 were approved without having been made publicly available for review and comment in a public notice in local newspapers. The amendments are described below and operations under the amended plan have been authorized to begin February 20th, 2024 and February 22nd, 2024 respectively.

• Expand the FDU near Bruce creek to have a short spur of road into BC Timber Sales chart area to be able to access and salvage log a portion of the 2023 Bruce creek wildfire.

• Manage one (1) visual sensitivity unit immediately West of Sparwood, BC to a Maximum Modification (from one neighborhood) and Modification (from the rest of the community and highway #3 and #43) Visual Quality Objective (VQO) rather than a Partial Retention VQO to facilitate the salvage of timber burnt in the 2023 Lladnar wildfire.

For any questions and/or concerns, please contact: Paul Picard, RPF, Harvest Planner, Kootenay Woodlands, Canadian Forest Products Ltd

1000 Industrial Road #1, PO Box 2200, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 4C6 Ph.: 250-402-3681

Email: paul.picard@canfor.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Second WindS band seeks new members

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

A few years back anyone wandering around the Wilder neighbourhood on a sunny Tuesday evening — heading down to the Station Pub for instance, or coming back home from Kinsmen Beach — was in for a cheerful surprise.

Stand at just the right spot, near the intersection of 17th Street and 8th Avenue, and you couldn’t miss the melodious sounds of brass and wind instruments.

The sounds tended to make firsttime listeners stop in their tracks, checking to see what set of speakers the notes are coming from. Was it a stereo in a car passing by? A booming home sound system?

The realization came slowly for some, quickly for others — this wasn’t a recording at all and there are no speakers, no sound system. It was live music by an actual community concert band — trumpets, tubas, trombones, clarinets, flutes and more. Invariably at that point, the listener would break into a broad grin.

The group playing those tunes was the Second WindS band (yes, the band spells its name with a capital S at the beginning and another capital S at the

end). If you haven’t heard them in Wilder lately, that’s because they’ve moved their practice location from the deck of Ian and Sherry Dewey (who live on the northeast corner of 17th Street and 8th Avenue) to the basement of the local Catholic church. But they are still playing and, in fact, they are looking for new members.

Second WindS tuba player John van de Walle has been with the band since its second practice back in 2004 and has enjoyed every minute of it.

“What I find is that when you’re playing solo, it gets boring after a while. There’s no other people to play with, or to help you grow as a musician. But a band gives you that,” van de Walle told the Pioneer.

The band was started by Malcolm Hughes and Marilyn Peterson. Dave Lymburner was the original band conductor, but left that role years ago when he moved away from the Columbia Valley.

“We’ve been without a conductor ever since,” said van de Walle. He elaborated that, in the absence of a conductor, the band usually decides things by consensus, and that trumpet player Sally Lawson takes a leadership role.

Linda Arnold is the band’s bass clarinet player and one of its newest mem-

bers. She moved to the valley five years ago and saw a post on Facebook calling for new band members.

“I hadn’t played my bass clarinet in 40 years, since high school,” Arnold told the Pioneer. Still, she took a chance, joined the group and has had a great time ever since.

“I love it . . . I was surprised at just how much I remembered,” said Arnold. “Everyone in the band has been so welcoming and it’s been a great place to make social connections.”

Most of the band members are retirees, although there are a few younger adults too. Many of the older band members have stories similar to Arnold’s, deciding to pick up instruments again after decades of not playing.

“That’s why it’s called Second WindS,” said van de Walle. “For most of us, it’s our second go at playing in a band.”

Second WindS has 12 full-time members: three trumpet players, two trombones, one euphonium, one bass clarinet, three clarinets, one flute and one French horn.

There are a few other occasional band members, including one who plays tenor sax, but for the most part that’s it.

Arnold outlined that this isn’t quite

enough.

“For the most part we are struggling with membership . . . it limits the concerts and performances we’d like to do,” she said.

Second WindS plays mostly Grade 1 and Grade 2 level music, nothing too difficult, explained van de Walle. “It’s fun. That’s the main thing, we’re having fun. It’s not let’s play this bar (of music) over and over until it’s perfect. No. It’s let’s blast through this bar, have fun doing it, and see where it takes us.”

Arnold added “it is a pretty broad range of music across several genres and from different time periods. There’s waltzes, marches, a Beatles tune, Broadway hits and a best-of-Western combo. It’s quite a mix.”

The group plays shows throughout the spring at Home Hardware’s Garden Centre, at Columbia House, Columbia Garden Village, Ivy House, Mount Nelson Place, and at Pynelogs Cultural Centre on Canada Day.

“If you have an instrument, don’t be afraid to pull it out and come play,” said Arnold.

The band has a $25 membership fee to help cover costs.

Those interested in learning more or in joining can reach out to Arnold at burkittlinda@gmail.com.

Members of the Second WindS band play a broad range of music across several genres and different time periods. There’s a mix of waltzes, marches, a Beatles tune, Broadway hits and a best-of-Western combo.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

‘Seven grandfather teachings’ respected

By Julia Magsombol Local Journalism Initiative reporter

They say that all we have in the present is the knowledge passed on to us by our elders — and the ‘seven grandfather teachings’ is the best example that represents Shuswap’s morals and values.

In the March newsletter from Shuswap Band, information about these teachings was submitted by Clarissa Stevens, cultural/family liaison and Indigenous registry administrator.

“Seven grandfather teachings have many different stories on where it comes from. They are mainly based on how one should live life. The natives use these teachings to teach the younger ones and the adults should be using them as well. The Secwepemc's teachings came from Coyote,” said Stevens.

It is said that these teachings are the seven principles that Secwepemc people should live by, and each teaching represents an animal. The teachings are the most commonly shared across North America. Many Indigenous communities have adopted these guiding principles of living.

Regardless of where the teachings originated, they all share the same concept of abiding by the moral respect for all living things. For more information, read: https://unitingthreefiresagainstviolence.org/the-7-grandfathers-teachin/

Stevens said that she has always known these teachings since her parents taught her these.

“My greatest memory of learning these teachings is how they fit in everyday life,” she noted.

The seven teachings are:

Bear (ském’cis) represents courage (crelrelállts’e). They are known to be medicine keepers, and they guide the Secwepemc people with medicines.

Eagle (spel’qwéqs) represents love (xwexwi7úystem). The eagle is their messenger and sends positive thoughts and good medicine to the Creator. He is also known to be associated with someone’s next journey as he can guide them.

Beaver (sqlu7úw’i) represents wisdom (slexléx). They are associated with guiding Secwepemc people through

role modelling and hard work. It is believed that through hard work, beavers can build a home to survive the cold winter months.

Salmon (sqlélten) is one of the significant animals for the Secwepemc people. It represents their culture, tradition and home. They present a home and a step of reconciliation for the elders and Secwepemc people. Every spring, Shuswap Band releases salmon. For the teachings, salmon provide food and offer wisdom to those who approach respect (xyemstem). They swim against the flow to complete their job. The salmon endure hardship to achieve higher goals. A story exists about how the salmon sacrificed themselves to provide food for the people so they may survive on the land.

Turtle (spelq’wéqs) represents truth (wenécwem). They represent the sacred lands that the Secwepemc people live on, which is known as Turtle Island.

Swan (speqmíc) represents resolving differences through the spirit of respect and reciprocity. The swan symbolizes how one can take action and leadership to overcome different challenges. This represents how the swan moves gracefully and openly with its community.

Coyote (sk’lep) represents humility (tkwekweltkstsút-kt). He can be known as both a trickster and a teacher. A legend exists where coyote and bear started day and night. Coyote had to compromise with the bear, who wanted night all the time. Coyote wanted day. In the end, they agreed to have both, so half of the time was day, and the other half was night. The ability to compromise symbolizes coyote’s humility.

“Again, learn these teachings . . . live by them. These teachings really help oneself to be centre and to be with nature and live with mother earth. They do make life a lot easier to live by, ” Stevens said.

For more information, visit Shuswap Band’s newsletter: https:// www.shuswapband.net/wp-content/ uploads/2024/02/March-Newsletter-2024.pdf

Invermere on the Lake

Under the seven grandfather teachings, the coyote represents humility. It can be known as both a trickster and a teacher.

Summer Students

The District of Invermere has openings for Summer Students in the Parks Labourer, Garden Labourer and Events Labourer positions in the Public Works Department. This is a temporary full-time or part-time position within the CUPE Local 2982 bargaining unit starting in May until the end of August. Students will be able to work up to 40 hours per week, however we will also consider students for temporary part-time positions for less than 40 hours per week.

DESCRIPTION

Parks Labourers

Under general supervision, the Student Labourer performs a variety of semiskilled and manual labouring duties. Work typically involves tasks such as parks and cemetery landscaping, garbage pick-up, painting, pothole filling, driving, graffiti removal and other tasks as assigned. The days will consist of 8 hour days, with a typical start time of 8 am, however start time may be as early as 6:00am. Typical work days are Monday to Friday, however some weekend shifts will be required.

Gardeners

Under general supervision, the Student Gardener is primarily focused on flowerbed planting and maintenance. Work typically involves helping with the preparation of flowerbeds, gardening tasks involving the cultivation of a variety of flowers and plants in large garden areas, planting, weeding, fertilizing, and pruning numerous varieties of plants, flowers, shrubs, bushes, and trees. The days will consist of 8 hour days, with a typical start time is between 6:00am and 8:00 am depending on activities and weather. Typical work days are Monday to Friday; however some weekend shifts will be required.

Events

Under general supervision, the Student Event will assist with the set up and take down of Movies in the Mountains every Monday evening in July and August between the hours of 4:00 pm-1:00 am. These hours will vary based on the movie start times and daylight hours. Other assigned duties could also include assisting with the set up and take down of other District of Invermere events during July and August.

EMPLOYMENT TERM:

Employment will commence in early May and will terminate in late August.

STARTING PAY RATE:

The current starting wage for a student is $19.65.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

1. Must be enrolled in high school or post secondary school.

2. Some related experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

3. Knowledge of Occupational Health & Safety Regulations as related and appropriate.

4.Valid Class 5 BC Drivers License.

HOW TO APPLY:

If you are interested in this position, please send a cover letter and resume outlining your qualifications and experience to corporateservices@invermere. net or the address below quoting “Summer Student 2024 – the position you would like to apply for”.

District of Invermere

Attn: Kindry Luyendyk, Corporate Officer Box 339, Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0

Tel: (250) 342-9281

Fax: (250) 342-2934

Email: corporateservices@invermere.net

This opportunity will remain open until it is filled.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

Additional information about this opportunity may be requested by contacting the District’s Corporate Officer.

PHOTO SYD DANIS

FAITH Columbia Valley Churches

The only way is God’s way

By Pastor Wayne Frater Radium Christian Fellowship Church

Have you ever wondered why God didn’t just snatch you up to heaven the moment you gave your life to Him?

Well, the way I have it figured, is that He must have something for me to do, something that will bring glory to Him.

Paul says it best in Philippians 1:21-25: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith.”

God has a purpose and a plan for each of us, God doesn’t make mistakes, His wish is that all would come to repentance, and our part is to help those around us grow and experience the joy of having faith in Jesus.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

In my life, since I came to know Jesus as my personal saviour, I have shown many how to find God, of those, many have sat in church pews all their lives but never come to personally know God. Many have sought for ultimate meaning in all sorts of ways but never found the peace of mind for which they were searching. Some simply realize that there is something missing in their lives.

The Bible teaches that this sense of lostness is rooted in the fact that we live in a fallen world. We are all handicapped by a sin nature. Romans 3 :23: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

Easter was just a couple of weeks ago, when we were reminded that Jesus made the way to God for us by His death on the cross. He purchased our salvation by the shedding of His blood. His death and resurrection made a new and everlasting covenant between God and us. In John 14:6  Jesus tells us “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Here Jesus is telling the disciples and us that He is the only way to God the Father. Jesus is the highway to eternal salvation.

Romans 10:8-10 tells us “But what does it say? “The Word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the Word of faith which we preach):  that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

It is a rough and sometimes troubling world we live in. In my opinion, true peace, true joy, true love can only be found through a personal relationship with Jesus, the only way to God the Father.

CAP says housing budget failing Indigenous Peoples

By Julia Magsombol Local Initiative Reporter

The national vice-chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP), says the federal government is failing to meet its housing budget and policy for Indigenous Peoples across the country.

“I'm disappointed. They've been doing this for years,” laments Kim Beaudin.

He notes that money was allocated for Indigenous housing, but it was not properly spent.

“The money is not being spent where it should be. You have these police services, Indigenous ones that are completely, chronically underfunded,” he explains.

Over the last five years, the federal government has spent $3.86 billion building new homes and repairing existing homes in First Nations communities. But the Assembly of First Nations said they needed $44 billion in 2021. It is re-

ported that the number of housing units located in First Nations communities across the country was just under 120,000.

From 2015 to 2016, nearly 21 per cent of those homes needed significant repairs, and 5.6 per cent were required to be replaced. By the year 2021 to 2022, the number of homes needing repairs decreased, while the number of new homes required increased.

“You got the government talking, saying that they're going to address these housing issues, and they don't. It has been going on for years and years. And it doesn't matter who's in power, whether Conservatives or Liberals. It just doesn't seem to matter,” says Beaudin

Some houses on First Nations reserves have mould and require major renovation.

Beaudin says he receives emails from people living on these reserves who are concerned. He

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

While you are with us, you are always welcome to join us. Sunday at 10:30 am

326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 | www.lwac.ca

WINDERMERE VALLEY

SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED

Minister: Brent Woodard Sundays at 10:30 am, in-person or on Zoom.

For the Zoom link, please visit our website at wvsm.ca. 110 - 7th Ave. in Invermere.

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY

Pastor: Justin Furse

Sunday 10 a.m. Worship Service 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 | www.vcachurch.net

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats: Saturday, 4 pm

Canadian Martyrs’, Invermere: Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 9 am

St. Joseph’s, Radium: Sunday 11 am

Father Francis Dela Cruz | 712 -12th Ave., Invermere 250-342-6167

RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service

Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater | 250-342-6633

#4, 7553 Main St. Radium | 250-347-9937

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Worship Service, Sunday, 10 a.m. Relief Society, 11:15 a.m.

President Kendyn Mackensie • Columbia Valley Branch • 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs 250-439-9041

adds that many people don't return to their reserves because of their situation and the lack of housing.

“It’s been an issue off and on reserve for a long time. Nobody in the government knows about it . . . they are slow to react. They'll pretend they know. They'll say we have solutions and everything, but they don't. It’s crazy.”

Beaudin says it would be ideal to renovate these old houses and build more homes for Indigenous Peoples.

“We're not homeless. Canada is supposed to be our home. We just don't have a place to live in it.”

Beaudin advises all Indigenous Peoples living on reserves to keep fighting. “These are your rights . . . keep fighting and fighting.”

For more information on Indigenous housing, read: https:// www.cbc.ca/news/politics/auditor-general-indigenous-policing-housing-trade-1.7148255.

CHURCH OF CHRIST (Iglesia ni Cristo)

Worship Service: Sunday 9 a.m., Thursday 7:45 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce (Lions Hall)

For inquiries: 250-688-1643

250-270-2208 or 250-688-0629

For more info about the church, you can Google online at incmedia.org or pasugo.com.ph