Columbia Valley Pioneer, October 1, 2020

October 1, 2020 Vol. 17/Issue 40

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1 October 1, 2020

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 1, 2020 Highlights of the @LiveColumbiaValley Instagram account, brought to you by the Columbia Valley Community Economic Development Office, a service of the RDEK.

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Counterclockwise from top: 1 & 2: Looking for larches? @kootenaynp’s Stanley Glacier hike has some golden trees. But there is so much more to see up in the alpine - waterfall, glaciers, springs, caves and unique massive rock formations. Even very tiny people dotted along the trail! Can you see them in the first photo?; 3: Have you ever seen better looking garbage and recycling bins?; 4: The BC Honey Producers Ass. were in Spillimacheen last week to interview Jonathan Fischer and Morley Winnick of @beelandmarket.This video footage will be featured on the innovative value-added products and marketing episode of the fall education sessions (Nov. 17th). Bee sure to check out all of the amazing related products on your Hwy 95 travels this fall.; 5: What is a warm and sunny day in the Valley can become a winter wonderland in the alpine – like this group heading to Azure Lake. What’s especially important at this time of year is to check detailed weather reports, always tell people where you’re going and when you’re coming back, and pack layers. And you can pick up that gear at shops throughout the Columbia Valley.

Photos by Ryan Watmough

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October 1, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS Extending paved pathway from Invermere to Radium

The Markin-MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail opening on Sept. 18, 2020.

By James Rose james@columbiavalleypioneer.com The Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance envisions the Columbia Valley connected by land and water greenways. Planning is underway to bring that vision one path closer to fruition with the development of a paved path connecting the Markin-MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail (WLT) to Radium Hot Springs.

From the south headed north, the human powered, multi-use path’s route will snake its way from Athalmer through Guy Turcotte’s Eagle Ranch Properties, followed by the Shuswap Indian Band’s land before connecting with the Old Coach Trail through the RDEK before entering the Village of Radium Hot Springs.

“That the planning for the path is as far as it is shows how much we are all willing to collaborate,” said Clara Reinhardt, Radium’s mayor. “We’re all excited about it.”

Yet to be determined is the final route which comes first before estimated costs and budgets.

“From the beginning of Greenways, we envisioned connecting Hot Springs to Hot Springs via pathway,” said Lyle Wilson, Greenways’ Chairman. The WLT had its grand opening on Sept. 18th. After the ceremony, Wilson said that two successful meetings between each of the involved stakeholders had already happened for the next phase of the project.

“We really want to keep the momentum up that we

Photo by James Rose

established with the completion of the legacy trail,” said Wilson. “We’ve got the know how, we know who to contact for the necessary grants, we have great relationships with private donors. We really think we need to move forward while this machine is in gear.”

The goal for the path would be for it to look and feel much the same as the WLT. “We plan to have the same level of engineering and construction and also offer the same kind of fundraising opportunities like benches and plaques and so forth.”

Wilson indicated there was a tremendous level of support for the project’s continuation. “This is an optimistic goal but we think we can start pushing ground next summer. It will be a far simpler trail to build than the WLT. A majority of the route is on mostly flat land, and having the Old Coach Trail already essentially carved out means that we think we can have this project completed in three years.” Wilson said there were lessons learned from completing WLT that can be applied to this next portion. “We learned valuable lessons like how best to protect ourselves financially, how best to tender contracts out, establishing credit with lenders, that kind of thing.”

Both Invermere mayor Al Miller and RDEK Area F Director Susan Clovechok echoed Wilson and Reinhardt’s enthusiasm for the project. “I hope to see a future where all our communities in this valley are connected via a trail system,” said Clovechok. “The health and economic spinoff benefits will be huge,” said Miller. “From

the mountain biking community’s perspective, it’s now one of biggest economic drivers for the valley,” said Wilson. “When you see a bike on the back of a truck that should say to you $125 per day of spend in this area. I don’t know of many other amenities that can give such a large bang for buck for a community than a strip of pavement.”

The next steps involve agreeing on a route. “In the next few weeks, we’re going to all get together with a survey tape and walk a route we can all agree on,” said Wilson. Once that’s done, the drawings, budgets, the nitty gritty, it will all start coming together. “We know which grants we can target, and now having the Shuswap fully on board, we can tap other sources of funding too,” Wilson said. Key grants Greenways will apply for include those offered from the Columbia Basin Trust, BikeBC and the federal infrastructure matching grant program.

Greenways’ initial intention was to start with connecting Invermere to Radium via a pathway. At the time, however, the Shuswap Indian Band wasn’t on board with the project. “So we changed our focus to go south from Invermere,” said Wilson. “But with Barb [Cote] as the new chief, she’s told me how important having a pathway through her band’s land would be for her people.

The health benefits, the fun for the whole family aspect, something as simple as a strip of pavement can do so much for a community.” Shuswap Chief Barb Cote,x Guy Turcotte couldn’t be reached before press deadline.

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 1, 2020

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RCMP Report Submitted by Sgt. Darren Kakuno Detachment Commander Columbia Valley RCMP This past week, September 21st through September 27th, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 63 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

•On Monday, September 21st at 5:30 p.m., an Invermere resident reported someone appeared to have intentionally scratched his car while parked at an Invermere business. A suspect was identified through video surveillance and subsequently arrested for mischief. An adult male was released on conditions to attend court at a later date. The owner of the vehicle and the suspect were known to each other.

•On Monday, September 21st, Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of dirt bikes and ATVs operating on the roads in Edgewater. Officers spoke to the owner of a residence from which motorbikes had been

seen coming and going from in the past and educated the resident on the rules surrounding off-road vehicles being operated on public roadways. Anyone operating an off-road vehicle on a public roadway is subject to fines for no insurance and no number plate in addition to other fines if the operator does not hold a valid driver’s license.

•On Thursday, September 24th, police were advised of what appeared to be an interrupted theft at a business in the industrial area of Invermere. Employees arrived to work in the morning to find a truck, which belonged to the business, had been moved. The truck was loaded with building supplies and a stolen bike. Police seized evidence for forensic examination as well as video surveillance of the property. The bike, which was determined to be stolen, will be returned to its owner.

•On Thursday, September 24th, a found bike was turned over to the Columbia Valley RCMP. A black mountain bike was found on Radium Hill Road in Radium Hot Springs. The owner can contact the Columbia Valley RCMP to claim the bike.

RDEK Area F director elected as UBCM director at large Bruce Dehart

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By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Area F director Susan Clovechok has been elected as a director at large to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) board of directors.

Clovechok was one of five directors-at-large elected to the board from among 15 candidates running for the position. The elections occurred through online voting during the UBCM meeting, which was held virtually last week, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m really humbled by the confidence UBCM members have in me. It’s a big honour to be elected,”

said Clovechok.

Typically candidates seeking to be elected to the UBCM board attend the convention with brochures and buttons in hand and supports in tow. But with the conference being held digitally this year, the key to getting elected was good old fashioned networking, and a two-minute video that each candidate made outlining why they were running for the board.

As a rural electoral area director, Clovechok plans to bring a rural perspective to the UBCM board.

“Given that I have lived in both rural and urban settings, I think I can be that link on the board,” Clovechok told the Pioneer. “Rural B.C. is important to urban B.C. and vice versa.

We want to make that link. I will work hard to bridge that perceived gap and make sure the board puts a rural lens on issues.”

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October 1, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

By James Rose james@columbiavalleypioneer.com Fewer people visited Kootenay National Park (KNP) this summer. The obvious reason: COVID-19. There’s never good timing for a global pandemic, but for KNP, the timing was especially inconvenient given the number of activities and events planned for the park’s centennial celebration.

“Parks Canada data shows that visitation to Kootenay National Park during the summer operating season was lower in 2020 than in previous years,” said Jed Cochrane, Parks Canada Visitor Experience Manager.

“Parks Canada temporarily suspended visitor services at its national park places in March to ensure the health and safety of staff and visitors, and to help stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Cochrane. “In June, Parks Canada began the gradual resumption of services.”

Last week, the federal government expressed in its highly anticipated “Speech from the Throne” the feared second COVID-19 wave has already arrived. “We’re on

winderberry.ca

The Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy’s (CBAL) annual fundraising campaign, Reach a Reader - Books for Kids, will hit a milestone anniversary this fall.

October kicks off the CBAL’s 10th annual Books for Kids campaign supported by Black Press Media, Blue Sky Clothing Company, Columbia Valley Pioneer newspaper, credit unions and other local businesses.

“This campaign is one of the most effective ways to shine a spotlight on the importance of literacy and on the community-based programs and services we provide,” said Desneiges Profili, Executive Director of CBAL. Since Black Press and CBAL joined forces in 2010, the Kootenay and Boundary-wide campaign has raised more than $100,000 to support family literacy programs and to buy thousands of children’s books.

“Partnering with Black Press was a natural fit for the Books for Kids campaign,” said Profili of how the campaign got started. “Newspapers share important local, national and international information and your literacy skills help you to be able to read this information. Literacy skills are the foundation for lifelong learning, interpreting the world, communicating through different mediums and forming opinions and ideas. Literacy skills are powerful!”

This year’s campaign will look a bit different due to COVID-19. CBAL will still be selling Blue Sky socks through their offices and at local businesses. They will be raising donations online at www.cbal.org, but there won’t be any face-to-face or on-the-street events.

“We have seen the impact of physical isolation

LOWEST PRICES IN THE VALLEY!

the brink of a Fall that could be much worse than the Spring,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “It’s all too likely we won’t be gathering for Thanksgiving but we still have a shot at Christmas.”

It’s unclear when the international market will return to recreate in Canada’s national parks. Recent indications suggest the Canada-U.S. border won’t reopen for visitors until November. The current restriction on non-essential travel across the border expires October 21st. “We will continue to base our decisions on the best public health advice available to keep Canadians safe,” said Federal Public Safety Minister Bill Blair.

Banff & Lake Louise Tourism Spokesperson Angela Anderson, told the Rocky Mountain Outlook her organization isn’t expecting international visitors to return until 2021.

Parks Canada marches on. “We welcome Canadians to Kootenay National Park during its centennial year,” said Cochrane. “And encourage all visitors to plan ahead, drive safely, and come prepared with hand sanitizer and masks.”

Books for Kids fundraiser celebrates 10 years

By Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy

and limited access to programs and services due to COVID-19,” said Profili. “At CBAL, we may not be able to deliver all of our services in the same way that we have in the past, we will continue to support families to have access to quality books, learning activities and resources.

Our staff are focused on creating unique opportunities to reach the people in their communities during this unusual time. We want to make sure that learning can happen for anyone, no matter where they are!”

More than 700,000 British Columbians have significant challenges with literacy, according to the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) survey. Those challenges affect 45 percent of British Columbians between 16 and 65 who have difficulties understanding newspapers, following instruction manuals or reading health information. Basic math, like calculating interest on a car loan, is difficult for 52 percent of British Columbians of the same age group.

CBAL is a not-for-profit literacy organization that develops and delivers literacy programs and services for families, school-aged children, youth, adults and seniors.

In the 2019-20 program year, 5,972 adults and 6,855 children and youth accessed CBAL’s free services and programs throughout the region.

The money raised through this year’s Books for Kids campaign will help local CBAL teams deliver COVID-friendly programs and services.

Donations can be made anytime online at cbal.org.

Blue Sky Clothing socks are available from Sandy Kalesnikoff, Community Literacy Coordinator - wvcoordinator@cbal.org or 250-409-4251.

Help us reach a reader! To learn more, visit cbal.org.

Annual Harvest Market

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Summer visitation down for Kootenay National Park

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Thank you!

The entire Kebe Family would like to thank Dr. Mannheimer and his dedicated team of doctors and nurses for the professional and personal care that was provided for Gerry and his family during his illness. We are so thankful to you all! The Invermere and District Hospital staff, administrators, ambulance attendants and paramedics that made the final days with our husband, father and brother the best they could be under the circumstances of today’s pandemic world.

To all of Gerry’s family and friends that have shown us all their heartfelt sympathy and best wishes for our loss of our forever loved, patriarch this August, a big thank you! Thanks also to all that have generously donated to the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary palliative care room.

(To donate call 250-342-5552).

Sincerely, Irene, Kent, Colin, Lydia, Linda and Ed

SHORT TERM RENTALS POLICY CONSULTATION The Village is reviewing options to regulate short term rentals, meaning the commercial accommodation of guests in a private residence on a temporary basis. A revised draft policy is available for review at the Village website www.radiumhotsprings.ca The public is invited to send written submissions to the following email address until October 16th: Mark.Read@radiumhotsprings.ca Three public information and discussion sessions will be held, which may be attended virtually. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendance ‘in person’ at a meeting will be by pre-registration only.

Details are available at the Village website.

Final days of the season. 50% OFF Trees + Shrubs, Evergreens + Perennials

Fri Oct 9th & Sat 10th 9 - 5pm Come enjoy the bounty Stock up on fresh veggies + garlic from the farm. The Café will be serving up Eggs Benny Friday and Saturday. The fridge and freezer will be full of delicious farm inspired soups, frozen meals, lasagnes and other harvest inspired treats.

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 1, 2020

PERSPECTIVE Historical Lens

B.C. election question yourself

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com B.C. Premier John Horgan, asked for the legislative assembly’s dissolution on Monday, Sept. 21st, which precipitated a general election on October 24th. We are now facing an election during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We can debate whether it is or it is not the right timing for an election. However, this decision has already been made for us. It is done. We have been in the electoral process for a week already. Continuing to debate whether the time is right or not for an election, will get us nowhere. No matter what, we will face the next election during the pandemic crisis.

The upcoming election will be the first one to be held during an official state of emergency since the Second World War. It is hard to predict when this difficult time will end, just as it was difficult to predict when our country was at war. There is no way to know when the time will be right again for a situation such as an election.

New Brunswick elected their a new provincial government in September, despite the pandemic, and they made it through. Saskatchewan will face the same in the near-future.

There will be many ways to vote in the election. It is possible to vote by mail, to vote as always, in person (with COVID-19 protocols in place), or also to vote by phone if you are concerned about health risks. BC Elections has pledged to ensure that the vote will be conducted in a safe way.

So now what? Now is the time to listen to party leaders and candidates in each region. They will discuss several topics that we are already aware of, such as the pandemic crisis, the opioid crisis, the climate crisis… the list goes on — there are a lot of crises.

Our mandate is to listen to them attentively in order to make an informed vote, based on the information they will be giving us in the coming weeks. Diversify the media you listen to and read, listen to debates, and read news articles and opinion pieces both for and against your favourite candidates. It is the only way we will succeed in electing the next government of B.C. The question we must ask ourselves today is who is the best candidate for the future of our province during these challenging times, not if the time is right for an election. It’s too late for that.

High level bridge A woman and a car on a wooden truss bridge high above Toby creek Canyon West of Invermere.

Photo A1153, 1920, Courtesy Windermere District Historical Society

2020 Business Excellence Awards

By Pete Bourke, Executive Director, Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce For the past 21 years the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce (CVCC) has hosted the Business Excellence Awards for our region, usually in the second half of October in conjunction with Small Business Week. Unfortunately, due to the impact of COVID-19, the difficult decision has been made to not run them this year.

Historically this event sells out each year, drawing upwards of 150 attendees and is a major fundraising stream for the Chamber. Knowing that we would not be able to gather in-person this year and feeling that ALL businesses are worthy of reward and recognition, we have created some new ways for our generous community to share their appreciation.

Starting today, October 1st, we ask you to visit www.cvchamber.ca/valleystrong to give a “shoutout” to any individual, business, or organization you feel should be acknowledged in a positive manner. Anyone

can make a submission and posts will be created and shared on a variety of Social Media channels over the course of the month.

Looking beyond October and sharing these accolades, we are working on an extensive “Support Local” campaign to finish 2020 on a strong note. We have more surprises in the works to continue supporting and highlighting our Valley. So stay tuned to our Social Media channels for more announcements and if you haven’t already done so, sign up to our mailing list via our website, www.cvchamber.ca.

2020 has been a challenging year for everyone but we are constantly in awe of the resilience and support our community shows. We thank every resident, visitor, employee, business, community organization, and of course our many essential service providers, who have banded together to keep our Valley Strong Should you have any questions about this release, or anything Chamber related, feel free to reach out to me through my email executivedirector@cvchamber. ca or at the office 250.342.2844.

The Columbia Valley

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

Pioneer

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October 1, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

Incumbent Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA seeks re-election to second term Liberal candidate jumps into snap election campaign in high gear

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Incumbent Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Doug Clovechok has confirmed he will run as the local riding candidate for the B.C. Liberals again, after B.C. Premier John Horgan called a snap election last week.

Clovechok has been MLA in Columbia-River Revelstoke since the previous provincial election, in May 2017, and has been the Liberals standard-bearer in this riding since the 2013 election.

Speaking to the Pioneer on Wednesday, September 23nd, barely 48 hours after Horgan announced the election on Monday, September 21st, Clovechok said he’s suspected for some time that the premier would call an election earlier than the scheduled October 2021 date, adding that he’s been busy gearing up and that he’ll focus his campaign on his track record in the past three and half years as MLA. “I’m going to be running on my work. We’ve accomplished a lot. We’ve got a plan and a strategy, and we’re ready to roll,” said Clovechok. “I’m going to let my record speak for itself.”

He cited work on health care, road issues, Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) issues, bringing a Columbia River Treaty committee meeting to Invermere, the task

force on bighorn sheep fatalities in Radium, and establishing what may just be the first ever net-zero, off-the grid provincial constituency office in Kimberley, among other efforts, as part of that record.

“All of this was achieved by working with constituents. But as an incumbent, I take nothing for granted and we’re already hard at work. Over the last eight years,

“I’m going to be running on my work. We’ve accomplished a lot.”

Doug Clovechok, Incumbent Liberal MLA Columbia River-Revelstoke

I’ve been able to build a really strong team of volunteers, and they are already mobilized,” said Clovechok. “This election is different, both because of the pandemic and because it’s a snap election, so there’s a shorter period of time for the campaign, but I’m excited, and I’m blessed to have such a great, motivated team.”

Clovechok is a longtime resident of Dutch Creek, in the Columbia Valley, and prior to becoming MLA was campus manager of the Invermere campus of College of the Rockies.

Doug Clovechok

Submitted photo

Revelstoke councillor runs as NDP candidate Small business owner aims to win riding

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Revelstoke city councillor and small business owner Nicole Cherlet is the NDP candidate for Columbia River-Revelstoke for the upcoming provincial election.

Cherlet has been a city councillor since 2018 and is running for provincial office, in part because many of the issues – such as minimum wage, affordable housing, childcare, climate change and active transportation — she is working on a councillor, and which she also worked on prior to that as the president of the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce are issues that extend beyond just the community of Revelstoke.

Commerce. Through advocacy work with the local chamber there as well as the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, Cherlet realized that she represented a unique demographic often left out of political discussions: that of small business owners and other adults working hard, but still struggling to make ends meet.

Continued on page 8. . .

““With the (COVID-19) pandemic, there is the opportunity to change how we run society, and I want to be at that table.”.”

Nicole Cherlet, NDP candidate for Columbia River-Revelstoke

“These are conversations that typically happen at the provincial and federal tables,” Cherlet told the Pioneer. “With the (COVID-19) pandemic, there is the opportunity to change how we run society, and I want to be at that table.”

Cherlet is the owner and operator of a business specializing in kitchenware, bathware, bedding and other household accessories. Before that, she spent many years in Revelstoke’s hospitality sector, and prior to that she worked for a few years as an English teacher in South Korea. Cherlet is originally from Manitoba, her academic background is in conservation science, and at one point (after teaching in Korea but before moving to Revelstoke) she spent a winter in Invermere, working at Panorama Mountain Resort and “really learning to ski”, as she put it. It was in Invermere that she met her husband Glen.

Her decision to go into municipal politics stems from years of community volunteering in Revelstoke as well as her involvement with the Revelstoke Chamber of

Help when it’s needed most.

Join us.

1-800-565-8000 volunteerbcy@redcross.ca

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 1, 2020

Columere Park man applies for Green Party nomination ACCEPTING BIDS for 2021 SNOW REMOVAL Fairmont Hot Springs Resort invites submissions of tender for the snow removal from the lodge parkinglot (upper, lower, and pool side), Real Estate office parking lot, the staff accommodations parking lot, Spruce Grove parking lot, the Resort RV access road, Riverside Golf Course parking lot, and the accessroad to the Resort Ski Lodge.

The contract will cover the period of November 1st, 2020 to April 15th, 2021.

Intent While it is anticipated this may lead to negotiations with a respondent to reach an agreement, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort reserves the unfettered right to reject any and all tenders. By participating in this tender process, each Respondent expressly agrees that there are no legal obligations by Fairmont Hot Springs Resort exists to enter into such an agreement.

Green candidate from last B.C. election puts name forward again

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The B.C. Green Party has not yet officially nominated a candidate for the Columbia River-Revelstoke riding, but the same Columbia Valley local that ran for the party here in the last provincial election has applied to be the Green candidate again for this election.

Samson Boyer ran in the 2017 B.C. election for the Green Party as an 18-year old, and if the Green Party picks him, he’ll run again.

“I’ve put an application forward (to become the Green candidate). So far, I don’t know of any other candidates, but we’ll see,” Boyer told the Pioneer on Wednesday, September 23rd, just two days after the snap election to be held on October 24th was announced.

Please submit your tender to no later than 8 am on October 12th, 2020.

Bill Woods, CFO Fairmont Hot Springs Resort bwoods@fhsr.com If you require a site visit or have any questions, please contact Bill Woods.

FREE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT The Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley is offering a Free Bereavement Support Group starting October 6th, 2020.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions only a few people can register. All safety precautions at the Hospice’s office have been taken. Please contact us immediately to ensure your spot.

The support group will follow a 10-week curriculum designed by Dr. Alan Wolfelt, founder of the Center for Loss and Life Transition.

There is no charge for the group. People who are interested in registering must contact the Hospice Office at 778-526-5143 on or before October 2nd, 2020.

If you or someone you know is having a difficult time with the grieving process, please give the Hospice a call.

Symptoms of Grief include: Shock, numbness, denial, fear, panic, sadness and depression, amongst others.

If you are experiencing symptoms of grief, we can help.

www.hospicesocietycv.com

“I’m constantly disappointed by the federal and provincial government not taking action on climate change.”

Samson Boyer, Local man seeking Green Party nomination

Since running as a teen in the last election, Boyer has spent two years at Selkirk College in Castlegar, studying for a Law and Justice diploma. “It was fantastic,” Boyer said of his time at Selkirk, adding he became heavily involved in the student’s union there. This past spring he applied to the University of Prince Edward Island (U of P.E.I) and, after getting accepted, was set to move to the Maritimes before the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic put paid to those plans and sent his U of P.E.I studies online,

Samson Boyer

keeping him home with his family in Columere Park. He plans to continue on to law school after.

Boyer said his decision to apply for the Green Party nomination is “not a tough choice”, adding that “I’m constantly disappointed by the federal and provincial government not taking action on climate change.”

He said also put his name forward for consideration because “the youth and the next generation need a voice at the political table.” Boyer’s youthful enthusiasm came in handy from the Greens in 2017, when he garnered more than 1,700 votes in Columbia River-Revelstoke, almost double what previous Green candidates had managed in the riding.

. . . ‘Revelstoke councillor’ from page 7 “We’ve made it work, but it’s not easy,” said Cherlet, adding she is still a renting tenant and surmises she may never be able to own property. After working hard at her business, she finally turned a small profit after three years. She was dismayed not long after to be hit with a tax bill and wondered why someone barely making money was being taxed at the rate she was. “I realized it’s because voices from people like me just aren’t being heard in politics.

So when we’re talking about affordable housing, or how the lack of childcare makes it really hard to get employees to do shift work, I do a good job of talking about this story, because I’m living it.”

Cherlet said she knows it will be a tough election battle in Columbia-River Revelstoke, but said she thinks the NDP (which held the riding for 12 year prior to Liberal incumbent Doug Clovechok’s Nicole Cherlet 2017 victory) can re-take the riding.

CLUBHOUSE OPEN! 250-342-0562 877-877-3889 www.eagleranchresort.com

Photo submitted

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YEARS 2000-2020

October 1, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

YOUR EARS MAY BE SCREAMING FOR ATTENTION Life can be noisy. Especially for those in high-decibel professions. If you’re having trouble following conversations, hear ringing or feel pain, visit your nearest Hearing Loss Clinic.

We’ll cut to the root of your problem.

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250-344-2228 513 – 9th Avenue North

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250-342-2551 417 – 10th Avenue

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10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 1, 2020

Edgewater Back row (left to right)

Front row (left to right)

Jim Miller Eric Philbrook Jared Babich Shari Taft Jordan Dendy Greg Zammit Dean Kendrick Jon Tames

Jackie Miller Tara Morgan Drew Sinclair

Unavailable for photo Spencer Cotie

Kari Wood Thomas Dobbin Sean Mehak Rick Dendy James Bradford Ken Ruault Michelle Babich Amanda Orlowsk

Radium Hot Sp rings Back row (left to right) Grant Pirie Mike Beatty Dave Dixon Walter Raven Nick Brough Todd Logan James Hagmann

Trevor Carr Rey Aguimaldo

Branden Logan

Front row (left to right)

Unavailable for photo

Amir Nadeau Stuart Taylor Brian Liu Jessy Curran

Graham Kerslaker Jamie Eason Rick Fowler Dave West

Invermere Back row (left to right) Janice Bezaire Brendan Garies Billy Robideau Greg Geiger Marlon Viequierra

Jordan Smith Ryan Denis Nick Melnyk

Front row (left to right) Jake Wilcox

“Let’s blaze the way, to keep the blaze away ”

Michael Hecken Rick Magri Haru Watanabe Ed Jones Erin Chandler Dustin Murray Dominic Hughes Doug Hagen Colin Matheson Matt Johnson Jason Roe

Unavailable for photo

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

Don’t Let Your Future Go Up In Smoke Follow Fire Safety

385 Laurier Street, Invermere Phone: 250-342-7100 • Email: info@dhspas.com www.diamondheatingandspas.com

Erik McLaughlin Jake Jacobson Jason Lawrick Mathew Shelson Collin Megaffin Cory Breau Tom McNeil

Panorama (left to right) Jim Miller Blake Gooding Claire Henshaw Prudence Mottram Austin Veleke Jon Howlett Kyle Flynn Jonathon Schramm

Drew Sinclair Kadyn Jacobs Unavailable for photo: Jason Smith Neil Carey Scott Chaffey Stephen McIntosh Thomas Dolezal

Jose Letelier Jacinda Alexander Rachael Stowe Cameron Beaudry Karolina Schutzova Connor McFarlane Nathan McCabe Shane O’Loughlin James Strickler

October 1, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

rings p S t o H t n o m r i Fa

Back row (left to right)

Front row (left to right)

Archie Santini Kari Wood Michelle Porteous Luke Anderson Jim Miller Keith Andestad Drew Sinclair

Bradley Cecil Heinz Meyer Brent Woodard Phil Boyer

Windermere

Unavailable for photo Earl Olsen George Porteous Brian Stringer Tracy Flynn Darcy Elder

Left to right

Unavailable for photo

Drew Sinclair Jon Tames Josh Stricker Allegra Newill Dave McCarthy Alex Sinclair Scott MacDonald Dave Gregory Doug Sinclair Ken Becker Jim Miller

Chris Gent Daniel Spence Dan Cox Wendy RockaFellow Dan Daniels Jordan Goldsmith Bram Rossman Jay Wilisky Shane Prentice

Recently retired members: Murray Kubian Eric Falkenberg

e c i v r e S e r fi d l i BC W

e n o Z e r e m r e v n I Canal Flats Back row (left to right): Left to right Will Wood Brad Niwa Robert Ponneon Peter Fry Shaylene Sagar Glen Massie Davi Ferguson Glen Afonso.

Unavailable for photo

First responders unavailable for photo

Janis Afonso Alfie Weber Darcy Karperien Richard Graham Jessi Hollick Jackson Hollick

Bill Lake, Deanna White Travis White Tyler White Zacc Ferrell Sherri Cline Leissha Lake

“Fires are rare when care is there!”

Nathan Pinchak Amanda Helmer, Marek Trojanowski Daniel Larsen Blake Gooding Diana Saly Robyn Canty

Maarty Meijer, Christy Madson Sebastian Bichlmaier Steve Levitt

Kyle Rogers Megan Thibodeau Michael Plante

Front row (left to right): Jake Brunetti Konan Wendt Jerry Jellali

Columbia Concrete Inc.

Don’t Let your dreams go up in smoke.

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Invermere Industrial Park • 250-342-9316

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 1, 2020

Local Métis woman appointed regional director

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter After campaigning for close to three months, a local Métis woman has recently been elected to serve citizens from both the East and the West Kootenay at the provincial level.

Columbia Valley Métis Association (CVMA) president Debra Fisher was elected as the Kootenay regional director at the Métis Nation of B.C. (MNBC) over two opponents with a total of 142 votes.

“When I got the results, I was flabbergasted,” exclaimed Fisher. “I was very pleased at how strong the support that I had was. It was an exciting morning because I found out around 4 a.m. My mom actually stayed on the couch that night to be with me for the results.”

Nelson and Area Métis Society president Don Courson received a total of 62 votes and the Elk Valley Métis Association vice president Terrance Anonson had a total of 69 votes while competing for the opportunity to serve Region #4 (Kootenay) citizens at MNBC during the Sept. 21st election.

“It was a ride, let me tell you,” said Fisher with a joyful chuckle. “I’m pretty pleased with the results. And now, it’s time to get the ship sailing.”

The provincial election had initially been scheduled to take place on Sept. 10th, but the date was later amended by MNBC to take place on Sept. 21st after numerous Métis citizens raised concerns to the provincial association about delays with Canada Post in rural B.C. for mail-in ballots during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m disappointed in the overall numbers of voters, not just in our region, across the province,” she said, noting the total number of voters in the province was lower than she would’ve expected. “I think we need to research why people are not engaged.”

Fisher indicated that several local voters contacted her by phone, in her role as community president, to ask if an electronic polling station could be made available

by MNBC, but ultimately that option did not come to fruition.

According to MNBC’s electoral act, which was ratified at the Sept. 2017 Annual General Meeting, indicates that polling stations could have been held electronically through a web-based voting tool or via mail-in ballots within a specified time frame.

“When you’ve got elders asking if there’s an electronic version, you know it’s behind the times,” said Fisher.

“We had phone calls asking if we could not do this electronically. In 2017, the electoral act was updated and it

was never done. Someone dropped the ball and we had to go with mail-in ballots, which is archaic. Throw in COVID-19, and the delays at Canada Post — It’s just not working.”

She remains optimistic a digital platform will be available on-time for the next provincial election.

The next step in finalizing her new appointment as the MNBC Kootenay regional director will be to resign as the CVMA president and to sign legal documents at a ceremony to be sworn into the role.

“I’ll continue with my role as president until the date is finalized,” she told the Pioneer by phone on Sept. 23.

“In discussions with the (CVMA) board (of directors), I (got) really emotional because I’ve been involved with supporting and encouraging people from this area for 40 years. I’ve been trying to help people to be proud of our heritage, and I’ve worked really hard not just in my personal life and my career, so the kids can be proud of their Métis heritage, and I have the most amazing board.

We went to a board of three to a board of five. It was a struggle for so long even to get a board of three to keep us legit. But when you have people coming up to you, offering to help with the (CVMA) Board of Directors willing to step up, it’s a dream come true.”

Métis community searches for hunters

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter With mere weeks remaining as the Columbia Valley Métis Association’s (CVMA) president, Debra Fisher is asking for the community’s help now that hunting season is upon us.

She is looking for a hunter, Métis or not, that would be willing to help the CVMA and Métis citizens in the Columbia Valley learn how to safely process a hyde from start to finish.

Her goal is twofold: education for new hunters in the community as well as in hopes of storing animal hydes throughout this winter so that it can be tanned in the spring in order to run community workshops for making moccasins and gloves with local members of the community.

“It’s just a matter of trying to get someone who knows how to process the animal

y e l l a V a i b m u l o C ue c s e R & h c r a e S

hide, so the hyde isn’t nicked when the animal is skinned, so the leather is of good quality and long lasting,” explained Fisher. “Typically, leather lasts longer when the animal hasn’t been nicked when it is skinned.”

In the spring, Fisher hopes to continue to facilitate cultural workshops for the Métis community to learn traditional arts that meet the needs of cardholders, whether it be hunting, finger weaving or making moccasins and gloves.

After her duties as MNBC’s regional director have been finalized and the schedule has been provided, Fisher plans to begin scheduling activities based around cultural education. She hopes to offer the supplies for these courses to be free to citizens that hold cards with the Métis Nation of B.C. when the events are scheduled. In fact, Fisher is currently awaiting an order for the wools traditionally used by Métis people for finger weaving crafts to facilitate workshops for those who are interested in attending.

“One of my last acts as community present will be to make sure that we can complete what we have started,” said Fisher.

Back row left to right:

Front Row:

Mathieu Turgeon Amy McDonald Scott Chaffey Nancy Loraas Michelle Porteous Steve Talsma Scott McClain Jonothan Martel Andrew Brennan Ian Houghton Jamie Hurschler

Stephanie Konig Michael Power Dave Hubbard Francis Bilodeau

Not pictured: Ben Wright Chris Joy

Chrissy Hunter George Porteous JC Morel Jonathon Schramm Kirk Mauthner Kristopher Nickerson Lindsay Bishop Roslyn Johnson Stefanie Falz Mclellan

“Courage is grace under pressure”

Second row:

– Ernest Hemmingway

Shannon McGinty Donna Power Tania Halik Jamie Corpuz

Thank you for keeping us safe!

Strata Management 642 – 7th Ave., Invermere BC • 250-341-6003 • info@mountaincreek.ca

October 1, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

HERE TO SERVE YOU BUSINESS OF THE WEEK

SERVICES

SERVICES

BUSINESS OF THE WEEK

SERVICE EXCELLENCE IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

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

We give all students 15% off with valid student ID The experts at Zen Technologies are your one-stop-shop for all computer, internet and home entertainment needs. They can resolve your technical problems, fix and upgrade new or older systems and even train you on how to use yours. Give them a call today and they will provide honest, techno-babble free solutions at an affordable price.

All Makes and Models Tire Sales and Installation

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

To learn more visit: www.zen-tech.ca Unit C, 712 10th St., Invermere BC • 250-688-6877

Judy: (250) 341-1903

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

North American Warranty

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS

valleysolutions@shaw.ca

House Checking and more!

Bob: (250) 341-5014

Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700

unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca

PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR THE VACATION HOME OWNER SINCE 2006

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

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

WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM • • • •

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

KITCHEN CABINETS & COUNTER TOPS

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

Kootenay Paving Toll Free 1-888-341-2221

Call now for a free quote!

Beat the fall rush ~ clean your Chimney this spring!

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

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

Call for your FREE consultation and estimate

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

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

Free Estimates

invermereelectric@gmail.com

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

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

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

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20 years experience • Satisfaction guaranteed!

Commercial Residential

Fully Insured

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

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 1, 2020

HERE TO SERVE YOU SERVICES

SERVICES

East Kootenay Plumbing Services & Renovations (Servicing the Valley since 1999)

Available 24/7 Red Seal Journeyman Plumbers/Gasfitters (B)

eastkootenayplumbing@yahoo.com 250-272-3374

NEW SEWER CAMERA

PHARMACIES

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Bruce Dehart 250.347.9803 or 250.342.5357

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

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Kekuli Bay Cabinetry kekulibaycabinetry.com

BOX 2228 742 - 13th STREET INVERMERE, BC V0A 1K0

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• Architectural Design • Interior Design • Building Permits • Construction Management • Authorized dealer • Designer • Installer

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

dale@decontracting.ca • 250-341-7098

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Have an opinion? Email your letter to the editor to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Established since 1993

October 1, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

Golden resident acclaimed in MNBC election

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A 21-year-old resident of Golden was recently acclaimed as the Kootenay (Region #4) youth representative during the latest Métis provincial election.

Incumbent Drew Nagao was acclaimed for a second term as the Métis Nation of B.C. (MNBC) Kootenay region’s youth representative during the Sept. 21 election.

“I learned that a lot of the people running, whether it was the provincial youth chair (candidates) or the women’s rep, we all had a similar goal about getting more people involved and getting more people to be proud of their (Métis) heritage,” they said. “Also, there is a lack of

interest with younger kids. I think with people that age, they have different priorities, if you’re in high school or university, it’s hard to be super involved with Métis events at the same time — at least, that’s what I found when I was in college as well. You use a lot of energy at school, so it’s hard to attend events too.”

Nagao is a member of the Metis Nation Columbia River Society located in Golden.

Youth are defined by the MNBC as registered citizens between the ages of 15 and 30.

During the last election, Nagao recalls being acclaimed for a four-year term at the age of 17.

“Last time (I ran), I think for all the regional youth and provincial youth, we started a bit slower, trying to

figure out what we want to do and we’ve actually got stuff set in-place, and it’s only in the last year that we’ve really got going, so I want to finish what we started and keep moving things forward,” explained Nagao, indicating that some communities do not have representatives.

As a result, there is currently no MNBC youth regional representative elected in northeastern B.C. for Region #7 which includes chartered communities such as the Moccasin Flats Métis Society in Chetwynd, the Northeast Métis Association in Dawson Creek and the River of the Peace Métis Society in Hudson Hope.

Continued on page 20...

HERE TO SERVE YOU CONTRACTING

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CARPET CLEANING

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

• • • •

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• • • •

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WE RESEAL CONCRETE Serving the Columbia Valley

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P U R S U I T

O F

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

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

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

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For competitive prices and prompt service, call: 250-342-3268 (plant) 250-342-6767 (office) • Ready Mix Concrete • Commercial concrete sealer • Concrete Pumping retarder for exposed • Over 50 colours available aggregate and in stock • DELIVERED ON TIME • Concrete stamps for rent at a fair price • Full range of coloured release • Full range of sand and agents for stamping gravel products.

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

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

SERVING SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY Call 250-341-6299 to discuss your advertising needs.

N E W S PA P E R

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com • advertising@columbiavalleypioneer.com

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 1, 2020

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENT

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

STORAGE

Cheers to Dr. Edward Schaeffer and the nurses in Invermere Hospital for the wonderful care you gave to my husband, Chester, when he was in the Emergency Dept. on Monday, September 21st. Dr.Schaeffer we are so lucky to have you here in the Valley.

NEWHOUSE STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climatecontrolled units.

Call 250-342-3637.

ATTENTION ASPIRING MUSICIANS FROM PARSON TO CANAL FLATS

Cheers to bulk vegetable selection and those retailers that give me an option! I’m trying so hard to reduce my single use plastic packaging; bulk vegetables give me a choice. I’m sure it costs merchants more, but so much better for Mother Nature.

Applications are open for the Steamboat Mountain Music Bursary. Musicians of all levels and any age may apply.

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

Deadline: Monday, November 30th, 2020.

Download application: www.steamboatmtnmusicfest.ca

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

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

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

CHEERS & JEERS Cheers to Rev. Brent Woodard and Bendina Miller for coordinating the Kootenay Faith Fest. What an amazing service Greg and Caroline your lovely musical selections made this a very enjoyable, meaningful service.

Jeers to me for being a stupid, selfish, dishonest person who hurt someone who didn’t deserve it. Cheers to you for moving on so quickly and for no longer having to deal with my BS.

Cheers to Monique who works in the Radium Post Office. You always give friendly, efficient service with a smile. We are lucky to have you and Greg working together. You make a great team.

We want to send out a big Cheers announcement to Tracy at Chisel Peak for always listening to the patient’s uppermost concerns and doing absolutely everything in her power to solve a problem.

Tracy is always sympathetic to the current situation, and we have had the privilege of knowing her over the years. In our opinion, there is no-one more deserving of a send out during this very stressful COVID time of our lives. Cheers for “being there” for all of us who come to Chisel Peak Medical Centre. YOU are the best!

Jeers to the lady that when asked to please sanitize when entering the restaurant, sarcastically replied, “I just had a shower” When asked again, barely touched the dispenser, glared at the employee (just doing her job) and walked to her table to join two other friends. I was speechless that someone could so callously disregard the safety of every single person in that establishment! Every local business that I have entered has hand sanitizer at the front doors, and it’s there for a reason. You are entitled to your opinion, and while you may not agree with these safety protocols in place for the protection of customers and employees, please abide by these standards. If not, have some consideration for us that do and PLEASE STAY HOME!

Cheers to Hybrid Landscapes!

Doug has the vision for what he knows his partner can do and is the artist for the vision and planting. Chris is the artist for creating the retaining wall and all other rockeries! The levels and measures were constantly out! These two are so amazing!

They transformed my property to beauty, and I am so happy, words cannot express. Much appreciated! I would refer you to anyone in a heartbeat!

A school full of Cheers to Sobeys Invermere for the generous donation to our school’s nutrition program through the Toonies for Tummies campaign for the students of Eileen Madson Primary School. Much appreciated!

Weekly Featured Listing

Perfect Home!

Perfect Location!

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

SUITE FOR RENT 2-bdrm apartment in Invermere, some utilities included. $900/ mo. 250-342-1469 or 250-3425566.

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

2-bdrm, 2 bathrooms. N/S, N/P, No Partiers.

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

Utilities and internet included.

403-978-4559.

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE ELKHORN COUNTRY ESTATES Selling Phase 3 now.

2.5-acre parcels.

No building time commitment.

Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-342-1268. elkhornranches.com

$409,000 #6 130 11th Ave Invermere 4 Bedrooms, garage, yard, low strata fees!

MLS: 2454710 (Brokerage ~ Rockies West Realty)

BUYING OR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202

gerrytaft.ca Rockies West Realty Independently owned and operated

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

ACREAGE FOR SALE 4.7 acres. Has its own gravelled access road from Kootenay #3 road already constructed.

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

Have an opinion?

Email your letter to the editor to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE

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

BARRY BROWN-JOHN “Rocky Mountain Land Man”

Call or text

250-342-5245

b.brownjohn@gmail.com CONDO FOR SALE Condo for sale (WPt). 2-bdrm/ den, f/f, top floor, mtn/lake views, walk to beach, price reduced $254,900, 403-9689222.

MISC. FOR SALE Top Quality Hay Round bales.

Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-3421268.

SERVICES LEE’S SMALL ENGINE REPAIR SHOP Specializing in chain saws, tillers, trimmers & lawn mower repairs and maintenance.

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

Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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

Heaven’s Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning.

Environmentally friendly products. Dry in 1 hour!

Our disinfectant is formulated to kill COVID-19.

Call 250-688-0213 Pike Contracting Excavating and Skid Steer services.

Call Jason 250-342-5277.

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

250-688-2897.

Spic N Span Cleaning: Office or evening cleans available, Monday to Thursday.

No daytime cleans.

Please contact 250-688-1259 to book.

SERVICES FOR SENIORS The Heartfelt Companion offers non-medical help to seniors in their home and respite for caregivers.

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

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

Non dangerous tree removal.

Fall pruning and yard clean up.

250-341-5164.

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

Please email classified ads to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

October 1, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

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

Must have a valid driver’s license and transportation.

Call 250-342-5682.

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 Foodservice areas. Please forward resume to Justin Atterbury by fax 250-342-8889 or email justatterbury@hotmail. com.

Crossroads Market Now Hiring Deli positions.

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

COMMERCIAL SPACE

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

BCYCNA – CLASSIFIED ADS BUILDINGS FOR SALE

HEALTH

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

GET UP TO $50,000 from the Government of Canada. Do you or someone you know Have any of these Conditions? ADHD, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Cancer, COPD, Depression, Diabetes, Difficulty Walking, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowels, Overweight, Trouble Dressing... and Hundreds more. ALL ages & Medical Conditions Qualify. Have a child under 18 instantly receive more money. CALL BRITISH COLUMBIA BENEFITS 1-(800)211-3550 OR Send a Text Message with Your Name and Mailing Address to (604) 7395600 For Your FREE benefits package.

Do you have a Amanda business to Nason advertise?

Please contact…

BUSINESSES FOR SALE

Attention

Inventors!

Ideas wanted!

Call Davison today!

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

Associate Publisher/ Sales Manager

250-341-6299, Ext. 102 advertising@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Please contact…

Amanda Murray

Office Administrator/ Sales 250-341-6299, Ext. 101 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

E-mail info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

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

MISC. FOR SALE

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

Do you have a newstip?

Free inventor’s guide!

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

HELP WANTED

TRAILER

By virtue of the Warehouse Lien Act and on behalf of the Strata Corporation NES2244 Panorama Springs Lodge we will dispose of goods belonging to Mark Schuit, namely: 2005 Hallmark Utility Trailer VIN: 16HCB08135U041556 including tools and equipment inside, to help recover debt of $20,000+. The trailer will be made available for sale on October 8th, 2020 in Panorama, BC. Contact Dara Allen at Mountain Creek Properties Ltd. 250-341-6003 Ext: 105 for further information.

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

Advertising, Classifieds, News…

We have you covered!

HELP WANTED

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

FOOD SERVICE SUPERVISORS Permanent, full-time, part-time, shift, weekend, day, night, evening. $15.60 per hour + benefits • Start Date: ASAP # of Vacancies: 6 • Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years Education: No degree, certificate or diploma required.

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

NOTICES NOTICE TO REMOVE PRIVATE LAND FROM WOODLOT 481 Please be advised the William Prytula is proposing to remove 50 hectares of private land from Woodlot Licence W0481 located in the vicinity of Harrogate, BC, Parcel Identifier 007-180-781 described as THAT PART OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 28 LYING NORTH AND EAST OF THE RIGHT OF WAY OF THE KOOTENAY CENTRAL RAILWAY AS SHOWN ON PLAN 1155 TOWNSHIP 23 RANGE 18 WEST OF THE 5TH MERIDIAN KOOTENAY DISTRICT EXCEPT (1) PARCEL A (REFERENCE PLAN 74066I) AND (2) PART INCLUDED IN PLAN 6516 AND (3) EPP74485.

Inquiries/comments to this proposal must be submitted to William (Bill) Prytula, 4419 13 St NE, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 1C9 by November 1, 2020.

Only written inquiries will be responded to.

Information about this proposal can be obtained by contacting William (Bill) Prytula, 250-344-8183, wprytula@gmail.com.

Please recycle this newspaper

CBAL Invermere – Part-Time English Language (ESL) Instructor Wage $22.50/hr

QUALIFICATIONS

✓ Experience teaching English Language learners ✓ ESL Instructor certification (TESOL) or equivalent ✓ Specific training in Portfolio Based Language Assessment will be required and provided at no cost ✓ Experience teaching a multi-level class beneficial ✓ Good communication and record keeping skills ✓ Good computer skills and comfortable with technology ✓ Able to plan and teach 2-4 classes per week during academic year Closing date: Open until filled Start date: October 29th Email resume to: skalesnikoff@cbal.org

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

CASHIERS/PRODUCE CLERKS POSITIONS AVAILABLE No previous experience required Days/Nights/Weekends

Apply in person.

471 Arrow Road, Invermere, B.C.

N E W S PA P E R

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

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 1, 2020

Spilli Station Cafe dessert will save your dinner

By James Rose james@columbiavalleypioneer.com I hosted a small dinner party the other night. Leading up to it, I agonized over what to serve. My guests, though not particularly fussy, deserved to be fed well. I wanted to impress. After all, my discerning mother was on the guest list. To distraction, I fretted. I had articles to write, a dog to walk, a novel to work on. This couldn’t go on. What was I to do? Then it hit me. A deus ex machina stared right at me. One of the articles I was to write concerned an iconic Spillimacheen dessert…

Nola and Dennis Alt arrived to the Columbia Valley in the early nineties. They came from Corsicana, Texas, an hour’s drive south of Dallas. “We left Texas at the end of a hot and humid August, and when we got here, we felt like we were in heaven,” said Nola, who left behind a career in corporate IT. The Alt’s settled in Spillimacheen, purchasing the old forestry complex across the road from the winding, somnolent Columbia. For the past four years, Nola and her friend Nancy Fehr have run the Spilli Station Cafe. This year is their last before handing the reigns over to new owners Bernie and Patty Derbyshire.

It’s a delightful cafe. The kind of place where everyone knows everyone and everything under the sun can be discussed. “Even when we’re closed, people come to just sit on our picnic tables out front and talk.” The cafe has changed hands through the years, but there’s at least one remaining constant: a dessert Nola brought with her from Texas.

I arrived to the cafe on a smoky Saturday afternoon. Through the doors, there Nola was to greet me, smiling. She served her dessert paired with a cappuccino. We sat down, began our conversation. I wanted to know its origins, the ingredients, the method. “I found the recipe in the Corsicana daily newspaper in 1988,” she said. “I was hosting a potluck and it was a quick and easy recipe, my husband thought I was crazy to serve it.”

The dessert? Peanut butter cream pie. “Dennis didn’t think people would go for the peanut butter,” she said laughing. In the American South, pecan pie is a far more popular, traditional dessert. That night, the pie was a hit. “And the recipe has stayed the same since except for one small change,” Nola said. “I drizzle caramel over it as a garnish.”

Simple are the ingredients: graham cracker crust, regular peanut butter, and cream products for the filling and topping.“What’s crucial is the salted peanuts on top. They give a wonderful contrast.” I asked Nola about her method, she smiled. If she told me, I’d soon be pushing daisies. After my first bite, my world went from black and white to technicolor. That good? Yes. Also because, since Easter, I pledged to myself a diet without added sugar.

Nola and I continued our conversation. Not long was it before I realized the dessert’s true essence. Sprung from the pie was our discussion. We had only just met, there’s

a disparity in our birth years, but I felt like I’d known Nola for years. We talked about wetlands ecology, politics, technology, grassroots farming, soil alkalinity, diner culture.

We talked Canadian, American sensibilities, our shared passion for New Orleans cuisine. Yellow dog democrats, civil rights, Ann Richards, Elliot Coleman, and Mollie Katzen’s Moosewood Collective. Breadth and depth.

I’m convinced. This is the fundamental reason people come from all over Alberta and B.C. to eat Nola’s peanut butter cream pie. Or, maybe it’s for no other reason than the taste. To be considered later. While Nola and I talked, Nancy handled the front and the little cafe was busy despite the smoky pandemic. I left with a frozen pie under my arm. On a picnic table out front sat an elderly couple, patrons of the cafe since the nineties. I asked them if they liked the pie. They gave me a look like: is an elephant heavy?

They said there was only one problem. “Slices aren’t big enough.”

Later, I had my dinner party. The appetizer, too much jalapeño. Lips were on fire for the olive oil soaked main. But then I released the ace up my sleeve. Before I finished asking for its approval, plated were seconds thirds.

Vernon student elected as provincial youth chair

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter After serving the Métis Nation of B.C. (MNBC) as the Thompson Okanagan youth representative for seven years, Shaughn Davoren was announced as the provincial youth chair-elect.

The 23-year-old Vernon resident triumphed with 209 votes over Columbia Valley’s opponent Braydi Rice at 178 votes. However, Rice was unavailable for comment before the Pioneer went to press.

While there was a short window where it was possible for the interim results to be disputed, Davoren feels confident about his campaign and his new rail as the MNBC provincial youth chair-elect.

“I put a lot more into it this time,” he explained.

“The last time I was elected, I was acclaimed. This time, I was running against someone and that really motivated me to do more. I put a lot more on Facebook. I was on Instagram. I was on Snapchat. I was sharing my information in mail out cards and the engagement from the youth was the greatest. What I mean is, it was great that it wasn’t for naught.”

Davoren remains optimistic about the future and hopes to be sworn into his appointment officially on the tentative date of Oct. 14th.

In the interim, Davoren is beginning his first year as a registered nursing student at the University of British

Shaughn Davoren has recently been elected as the Métis Nation of B.C.’s youth chair elect. He will be responsible serving teens between the ages of 15 and 30 years old for the next term.

Submitted photo

Columbia-Okanagan (UBCO).

“I’ve been doing college courses and upgrading,” he said. “I had to keep on reapplying and reapplying. I had to apply four times before I was finally accepted into the nursing program at UBCO to become a registered nurse.”

Davoren indicated that his longterm goal is to work in healthcare either in Kelowna, his current home, or to travel north to work directly with Indigenous communities.

“I’m hoping to help out the Aboriginal community,” said Davoren. “My platform has always been based on the sensitivity of the Métis minority. I have a nephew who is Japanese-Métis. A good friend of mine just had a kid who is Vietnamese-Métis. My cousin is trans-Metis, so I want to introduce an LGBT role to the Metis youth council and to create a vice-chair position on the council.”

He hoped to be collaborative in the role with the 15-to-30-year-old Métis citizens within B.C. as well as with his proposed vice-chair position.

“I want to advocate for the youth and make sure that we are doing things are aligned with what’s been said (by my peers) is wanted,” he said. “Youth are forward thinking, and I want to keep up with that. As a nursing student, I won’t always be able to attend every meeting but we still need a seat at the table so we can have a voice.”

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

October 1, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

FAITH Trusting in Gods Love

By Pastor Wayne Frater, Radium Christian Fellowship I have said it over and over, even with the way the world is going, God has a plan for each and every one of us.God has a plan, and we have to learn to trust Him, no matter what is going on in our lives. To fulfill His plan in our lives, there are two points I would like to look at.

First, we have to have faith in God. Faith, according to Hebrews 11:1, is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen,” And verse 6 of Hebrews 11 tells us, “But without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” And Romans 10:17 tells us how to get our faith in God to grow, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” So God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, trust Him, have faith in Him. And for our faith to

grow, we need to get into His Word, The Bible, study it, and meditate on it.

And the second point is that Gods plan for us, is motivated by His love for us. God’s love sent Jesus to the cross for us. We were not, we are not worthy, but God did it anyway, John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

1 John 4:14-21, “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment.

He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him because he first loved us. If a man says, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.”

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

The Pioneer can

Chris Boulton from Kootenay Coffee Works delivered 12 breakfasts and coffees on Wednesday morning, Sept. 23th for workers at the Athalmer Bridge construction site. This good deed was an idea of Greg Geiger, “because those workers are behind a jackhammer for 12 hours a day and having free coffee and breakfast delivered to them would be like heaven on earth.” The construction should last until Nov. 15Th, 2020. Expect up to 20 minutes delays and single lane alternating traffic until then.

Photo by Camille Aubin

your message is resonating with residents and visitors alike.

!

Good deed

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

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

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 1, 2020 ...“Golden resident acclaimed in MNBC election” Continued from 15

Wildsight Invermere’s Electric Vehicle Show on Friday, Sept. 18th

Photo by Pat and Baiba Morrow

Electric vehicle show

By Wildsight Invermere How we get around day to day – whether it’s to buy groceries, meet up with friends, or get to school or work – is something we do almost without thinking. We hop in the car and go. It seems like such a simple decision, but it’s made increasingly complex by our rapidly changing climate.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, like those released from burning fossil fuels in combustion-engine vehicles, trap heat and warm the planet – and not only are human activities responsible for almost the entire increase in GHGs in the atmosphere over the last 150 years, but the typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.

Moreover, Canada emits approximately 1.6 percent of the world’s GHG emissions, putting us firmly in the top 3 per capita emitters worldwide. Ouch.

That’s why we want to say an enormous thank you to those of you who came to Wildsight Invermere’s Electric

Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

You help make us a success.

Vehicle Show on Friday, Sept. 18. Electric vehicles – and other zero- to low-carbon transportation alternatives – are not a panacea, but they are a piece of the puzzle of addressing the climate crisis.

Around 65 attendees, in addition to 9 EV owners and Cleanline Automotive, made for a fantastic turnout, and we had a blast chatting about the electric future of transportation with all of you. EV owner Norm Funnell, who was in attendance, applauded the Show. “It was great to see the interest by the community… I found I was talking virtually non-stop to people about EVs!” If you weren’t able to attend but are curious about EVs and want to take one out for a spin, consider booking Spark! Spark is Wildsight Invermere’s EV Share – and rural Canada’s first EV share. It’s affordable, convenient and as good for running errands as it is for taking a daytrip.

For more information and to book, head to GoSpark.ca!

While Nagao has been in contact with the MNBC about onboarding and logistics about being sworn in officially as the youth representative for the East and West Kootenay regions, there have also been some virtual meetings held among youth representatives that are already acquainted with one another from the area.

“I am very close with the provincial youth rep now, so we will most likely work together,” they said.

“I do know some of the other regional reps as well, so we do stay in close contact and try to keep things happening as well. If one region has an even, we try to do a similar event for all the regions as well.”

After completing post-secondary education at the College of the Rockies, Nagao currently lives and works in Golden as a hairstylist. However, Nagao remains passionate about creating programs to support MNBC youth members in southeastern B.C. with support from chartered communities as well as from the nation.

“I know one of the things a lot of people were asking me about when I was campaigning was that I’m a huge advocate for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questing and Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2S+) community working group,” they said. “We got the OK from MNBC, and I always like to say that I’m here to reach out to for people with any questions.”

Nagao was proud that MNBC recently supported the Ministry of Youth to host an online pride event during the COVID-19 pandemic on Aug. 1 to learn smart terms with a Métis elder, while sharing artwork and poetry in support of the LGBTQ2S+ community.

“It was really small but it was also really cool and we’ll continue to do those I believe,” they said.

Nagao hopes to keep the Kootenay region updated as the working group is formally established.

To reach out to Nagao with congratulations or to network for community awareness and cultural education, please e-mail them at goldennagao@ gmail.com.

GREAT GAS

GIVEAWAY This week’s winner is…

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

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

Rocky Mountain

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SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 6

Summer Art Show - Part 4 September 15 to October 3 Featuring Angelique Gillespie, Rita Rankin, Elizabeth Segstro, Cat McDiarmid, & Ron Robinson P y n e lo g s g a l l e ry H o u r s a r e 11 -4, W e d n e s day t H r o u g H s at u r day · W W W.CO LU M B I AVA L L E YA R T S.CO M

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