Columbia Valley Pioneer, October 8, 2020

October 8, 2020 Vol. 17/Issue 41

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

October 8, 2020

The Columbia Valley

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HOW TO VOTE

EVERY CHILD MATTERS

3 COLUMBIA TREATY SERIES

4 ONLINE EXCLUSIVE • CVMA president resigns • Exploring ancestral knowledge

Visit our website: www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

It was the annual Orange Shirt Day on Sept.

30. Employees and students of Edgewater Elementary school participated by wearing their shirt to commemorate the residential school experience .

Submitted photos

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 8, 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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For all post-secondary students, this fall is unique. With many former DTSS grads stuck learning online, at home, the usual public study spaces, and the supports they would find from their RA, TAs, and counsellors aren’t available.

Further, some second homeowners’ post-secondary students are spending more time studying in the Columbia Valley. Brenda Mathenia and Michelle Taylor, from College of the Rockies, Cortney Pitts from the District of Invermere, Sandy Kalesnikoff, from CBAL, and others have been meeting regularly to determine if there is a need in coordinating post-secondary student support at the community level. Over the next week, this group will work to draft a project proposal for the fall and winter semester - although there is interest in better supporting lifelong learners year-round for the foreseeable future, too.

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Annual Harvest Market

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October 8, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS The Whiteway will be ready earlier

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com An up-and-running-earlier-in-the-season Whiteway will soon be a reality.

In the Sept. 24 issue, the Pioneer reported that the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club, the non-profit group that creates and maintains the Whiteway, was fundraising for a new, lighter, grooming machine that would allow the society to get the Whiteway set up much sooner in the winter than it has in previous winters. Well - presto - the club has just secured the funding, and is busy sourcing the machine it needs.

The Whiteway, a wintertime trail that stretches around the frozen surface of Lake Windermere, and which happens to hold a record as the world’s longest ice skating path, often gets opened just after the Christmas holiday or in early January. That’s because the club needs the ice on Lake Windermere to be at least 12 inches think before sending its grooming machine out. An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) tricked out for winter will hopefully let the club get the Whiteway, or at least the ice skating part of the trail, operational as much as a full month ahead of time. The society has teamed up with the Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance to get funding from the Columbia Valley Community Foundation, the Columbia Basin Trust, the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust and the Windermere Oilmen’s Golf Tournament, and now has enough to buy the $21,000 machine.

“The purchase will be made in the coming weeks through Greenways, and we hope to have it up and running by November,” said Toby Creek Nordic Club member Duncan Whittick.

Whittick added that, in the context of COVID-19, the club’s Whiteway committee identified that providing physically distant and healthy recreational opportunities for valley residents and visitors is important.

“We anticipate that there will be more people than ever in the Columbia Valley this winter, and many will be keen to get out when it is thick enough to be safe to skate on, usually by mid-December,” added Whittick. “While our normal opening date is the first week in January, our hope is that a lighter piece of equipment will get us out there prior to the holiday season.”

The ATV will let the club open the Whiteway earlier, but won’t be much help extending the end of the season.

“Usually later in the season, the issue tends to be lack of snow for skiing and wet or unsafe skating conditions as things melt, rather than lack of the required ice thickness,” said Whittick.

The club is also hoping to make the Whiteway a smoother ride, literally, with club member Mark Rievaj looking into the feasibility of an ice flooding machine to be able to maintain smaller sections of the Whiteway at a higher level of quality. Those interested in donating to this initiative can contact Rievaj at mrievaj@gmail.com.

Green Party candidate confirmed Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Columbia Valley resident Samson Boyer has officially been confirmed as the local Green Party candidate for the upcoming provincial election.

Last week’s edition of the Pioneer reported that Boyer was seeking the nomination and, after the paper went to press, the Greens formally selected the Columere Park man to run in the Columbia River-Revelstoke riding. The Oct. 24 election will be the second kick at the can for Boyer, who represented the Greens as an 18-year old in 2017.

“I’m really happy the Green Party has chosen me,” Boyer told the Pioneer earlier this week. “The reason I’m running is because I don’t feel we have anybody in our riding who is really addressing climate change, or addressing the youth, as much as they should. We are facing a climate crisis that will directly affect the Columbia Valley, especially industries such as tourism and forestry. We need somebody who will think about and act for the long-term future of our valley.”

In 2017 Boyer managed to garner the Greens almost twice as many votes as the party had previously managed in Columbia River-Revelstoke.

Continued on page 7 . . .

Advance polls open in Radium Hot Springs

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiariverpioneer.com At least two Columbia River-Revelstoke district electoral office (DEO) here in the Columbia Valley will be open for advance polls. If you need to vote in advance, you can vote for the party of your choice, but not yet for the candidate who will represent our region, at the DEO office in Radium Hot Springs.

Advance voting for candidates will start on Oct.15 and last until Oct. 21, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m, at the Columbia River-Revelstoke DEO in Radium, at 7585 West Main Street, or at the Columbia Valley Centre in Invermere, at 646 4th Street in Invermere. General voting will take place on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Make sure to bring valid identification that shows name and home address and your ‘where to vote card’. To know where to vote, visit wheretovote.elections. bc.ca.

During the ongoing COVID pandemic, everyone can vote by mail, without a special reason. This is a great option for voters who don’t feel comfortable voting in person because of the COVID pandemic. To vote by mail, contact Elections BC online at eregister.electionsbc.gov.bc.ca or by calling at 1-800-661-8683 to request

a vote-by-mail package before October 17, and it will be mailed to you. The voteby-mail package must be completed and received by Elections BC before 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24. You may return your package by mail. A postage-paid return envelope is provided for voters. It is also possible to return your vote-by-mail package in person at any district electoral office.

All voting places and district electoral offices will have protocols in place; physical distancing, capacity limits, protective barriers, hand sanitizing stations, frequent cleaning of voting stations and frequently touched surfaces. The election workers are trained on safe workplace guidelines and pandemic protocols. They will wear personal protective equipment.

You can also do your part by following the instructions and signage. You must sanitize your hands before and after voting. Bring your pen if you like. Wearing a face mask is optional; no one will be asked to uncover their face to vote. The standard voting procedures will be different this year. Show your identification without handing it to the election official, and this time a verbal declaration of your eligibility to vote will be asked instead of signing a voting book. Person at-risk voters and voters with disabilities can vote by mail or can use assisted telephone voting and site-based voting.

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 8, 2020

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RCMP Report Submitted by Sgt. Darren Kakuno Detachment Commander Columbia Valley RCMP This past week, Sept. 28 through Oct. 4, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 84 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

• On Monday, Sept. 28 two businesses in the Industrial area of Invermere reported finding locks to their compounds cut however, nothing was stolen or missing. A third business reported that on Sept. 27 at about 1:00 p.m., their video surveillance captured a suspicious male in their yard.

The employees at this business discovered several items missing, including Makita cordless tools and two snowboards. On Sept. 30 at about 1 a.m. an officer was conducting patrols on Highway 93/95 near Radium Hot Springs when he stopped to check on a vehicle that had pulled off to the side of the highway. While speaking to the driver, the officer noticed drug paraphernalia near the driver and suspected the driver had drugs in her body. The officer conducted roadside sobriety testing and formed grounds to believe the driver had care and control of the vehicle while impaired by drugs. The driver refused a blood test and, as a result, was issued a 24-hour driving prohibition, a 90-day administrative driving prohibition and released on an Appearance Notice to attend court at a later date for refusing to comply with a blood demand.

• On Sept. 30t at about 3 p.m., police received a report of a suspicious Acura which had been seen trav-

eling between Invermere and Radium Hot Springs. The Acura was reportedly spray painted black and had a smashed out rear window. An officer located the vehicle at a residence on Highway 93/95 near Invermere. The officer spoke to the resident who claimed he had just purchased the vehicle and had plans to insure it soon. In addition to the smashed out rear window, the officer discovered numerous vehicle defects and ordered the resident to have the vehicle repaired and inspected prior to driving it on a public roadway.

• On Thursday, Oct. 1 at 9 p.m., an officer was conducting patrols on Highway 93/95 near Invermere when he conducted a traffic stop with a Dodge Caravan for having a burnt-out headlight. The officer discovered the driver was a prohibited driver and had outstanding warrants for his arrest. Checks of the vehicle revealed it did not have valid insurance. The driver was arrested and released on appearance notices to attend court at a later date in relation to his warrants and driving while prohibited. The driver was also issued a violation ticket for no insurance and no driver’s license.

The vehicle was impounded for seven days.

• On Thursday, Oct. 1 at about 10 p.m., an officer was conducted patrols on Highway 93/95 when he stopped a Ford F150 which was towing a trailer with no taillights. While speaking to the driver, the officer formed suspicion the driver had alcohol in her body and read a breath demand to the driver. The driver complied with the breath demand and blew a “fail”. As a result, the driver was issued a 90-day immediate roadside driving prohibition, and her vehicle was impounded for 30-days.

Columbia River Treaty series The history of the Columbia Basin Trust

By James Rose james@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Bruce Dehart

• • • •

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How has the Columbia River Treaty most impacted the Columbia Valley? To answer that question, all roads eventually lead to the work of the Columbia Basin Trust. The Trust is a regional Crown corporation that manages roughly $1.6 billion worth of assets for the ongoing economic, environmental and social

Thanksgiving Dinner

benefit of the Columbia Basin. Last fiscal year alone, the Trust doled out $69 million in grants across the Columbia Basin. “The Trust’s mandate is wonderfully broad,” said Greg Deck, a founding director and former Chair of the Trust. “There isn’t much that can’t be made to fit within the description of economic, social and environmental benefits.”

Continued on page 5. . .

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October 8, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

Canal Flats council discusses possibility of live meeting

By James Rose james@columbiavalleypioneer.com

. . . ‘Columbia River’ from page 4 Since its founding twenty-five years ago, it has had an enormous influence on the Columbia Valley.

How best to measure that benefit? The range of valley projects and initiatives birthed with Trust money is staggering. Community centres, child care facilities, food bank centres, paved pathways, literacy programs, partnerships in nature conservation, fibre optic development, the list goes on. “Money is the easiest thing to quantify, but I don’t think it is the most useful measure,” Deck said. “[The Trust] has always favoured projects that enhance a sense of identity. The support to the arts community, for instance, was for the whole basin, so artists and those who support them met to direct the funding towards projects that they considered together.

It created value that was more than just financial.”

Of course, the Trust doesn’t just hand out money either. The organization, which is owned by the people of B.C., has a rigorous vetting process to determine the best and highest use of its capital allocation. So, to understand how and why the Trust invests in Columbia Basin communities, it’s necessary to know how and why it came to be. And that history has all to do with the long and complicated history of the Treaty. I’ll start there and try and make it brief. Let me first clear up an important misconception about the Treaty’s expiration date. In my previous piece, I wrote the Treaty is soon

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Council for the Village of Canal Flats held their second bimonthly regular meeting on Septenber 28th. Four reports were received by council, including the building permit summary report. The summary was notable in that it showed a more than doubling of 2020 estimated building permit values compared to 2019. Between January and August, twenty-two permits were filed with an estimated value of $4.2 million. In 2019, there were twenty-four permits filed with an estimated value of approximately $1.3 million. In 2018, ten permits had an estimated value of $2.3 million.

Six motions were discussed by council and village staff for the majority of the hour long meeting. The first concerned the continuation of electronic meetings held by council. The recommendation to council was to continue holding meetings electronically until the end of the

year given B.C.’s current COVID-19 state of emergency.

Another factor behind the recommendation was consideration for the fact that the village doesn’t have a facility large enough to promote appropriate social distancing.

Councillor Doug McCutcheon suggested an amendment to ensure at least one live meeting is held before the end of the year. “We owe it to the community,” he said. “Meeting in this kind of way [electronic] distances us from the community.” McCutcheon suggested council look to try and combine a live meeting when the village civic centre opens for the provincial election. Village CAO Adrian Bergles suggested to council that an amendment to the resolution be considered at the next council meeting. “That will give us time to consider the logistics,” said Bergles. Mayor Karl Sterzer suggested that at the next virtual meeting they consider the recommendations prepared by village staff and then decide. A fine idea, McCutcheon and the rest of council agreed.

Continued on page 15. . .

GREAT GAS

MA

RKET

expiring. That’s not entirely true. The Treaty as a whole will not, in fact, expire in 2024. It’s the flood control provision of the Treaty that will. After 2024, a new era will begin of a “called upon” operation of Canadian storage space for the US for flood risk management.

That is, unless another agreement is made. Another point: either Canada or the United States can unilaterally terminate the Treaty any time after Sept. 2024, provided written notice is filed at least 10 years in advance.

Sept. 2014 was the earliest either party could’ve given 10 years’ notice. To date, neither country has issued a termination notice. For the Columbia River, 1948 was a “big water year” with devastating consequences. A big water year happens when winter snowpack is high, spring temperatures are hot and there’s plenty of rain.

When those three factors coalesce, freshet volume is titanic. The Canadian portion of the Columbia, with its narrow, steep river valleys exacerbate big water years.

In 1948, the freshet was so sudden and forceful, communities near the Columbia’s mouth were hit hard by what was later classified as a 100-year flood. Vanport, a community since annexed by a sprawling Portland, was devastated. Lives were lost.

For a longer, more-indepth version of this story, visit columbiavalleypioneer.com. Stay tuned to the Pioneer for future parts of this ongiong series on the Columbia River Treaty.

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 8, 2020

PERSPECTIVE Women’s History Month

Historical Lens

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com October is Women’s History Month in Canada. It is a month in which women and girls, past and present, can be celebrated and commemorated for their true value. A month in which we can look back and be aware of how far we have came in terms of gender equality. A month in which we can speak out loud, pointing at the inequalities that still have too much place in our world, and for which Canada is not an exception. A month in which we can also be proud of the progress we’ve made in women representation in politics, rights, and recognition.

But this particular year, the improvement has been slowed down by the pandemic. This year has shown that we are still far from being in a world in which women face fair conditions, with equal wages, equivalent employment opportunities and no discrimination. The list goes on. Women have to put a lot on their shoulders for their families, work, community and for the global health of the population.

Did you hear about ‘she-cession’? That is what some women have termed our economic crisis during the pandemic. Women and girls were on the frontline working hard for the safety of our population too often in miserable conditions. Many of them had to stay home and take care of their families as schools and daycares were closed for months.

Primer Minister M. Trudeau elucidated the point quite well when he said, “Over the past few months, women – and in particular low-income women – have been hit hardest by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Many have served bravely on the frontlines, risking their health to provide essential care and services to Canadians.

The pandemic has highlighted and deepened the inequalities and injustices that exist for women in our society.”

In her statement for the Women’s History Month, federal Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development Maryam Monsef said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified existing gender inequalities. Women are on the frontlines of this crisis at work, in their communities, and are shouldering the increased burden of unpaid care work at home.”

Once again, women were there when needed the most in this difficult time, and still are today and every day. It is time to recognize the effort and bravery of women and girls. How? By taking time to acknowledge the hard work of women, say thank you, by objecting when you see injustices, and by learning about our history to honour women and girls.

Small business Three commercial buildings with a car on an icy road. The first building was the Masonic Hall, with the Dentist and upstairs the drug store. The second building was Mary’s Chuckwagon restaurant and was transformed later in the mid 50’s into a liquor store. This building burned down. The third building was the C.V.I offices and was torn down later.

Photo C2272, 1949, Courtesy Windermere District Historical Society

Correction •The firefighters from Radium Hot Springs were incorrectly identified in last week edition.

Back Row: Firefighter Rey Aguinaldo, Firefighter Amie Nadeau. Middle Row: Deputy Chief Graham Kerslake, Chief Dave Dixon, Training Officer Trevor Carr, Captain Nick Brough, Firefighter Grant Pirie. Front Row: Firefighter Walter Raven, Firefighter James Hagman, Firefighter Jessy Carran, Firefighter Braeden Logan, Captain Todd Logan. Missing: Firefighter Rick Fowler, Firefighter Mike Beattie, Firefighter Brian Liu, Firefighter Jamie Easo.

• In the ‘Spili Station Cafe’ story from last week, the Pioneer suggested that Nola and her husband bought the property. It was Laquita, her sister, and her husband George Rollins who purchased the property in 1986.

Whom?

Dear Editor: I am a student of life, and I would like the answer to this question from anyone and everyone through this paper, so that all who read this paper can think about all submissions, and with their own ideas come to a good idea about how life works for us. I will be submitting my own response at a later date. The question is... “Whom is the declaration of pandemic serving?”.

Thank you Mark Pocock, Invermere 250-342-6466

The Columbia Valley

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

Pioneer

is independently owned and operated, published weekly by Robert W. Doull, President and Publisher, Misko Publishing Limited Partnership.

Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Ave., Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

Phone: 250-341-6299 | Toll Free (866) 496-8047 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com | www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

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Camille Aubin Editor Ext. 106

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Emily Rawbon Graphic Design Ext. 104

Amanda Murray Office Administrator/ Sales Ext. 101

The Columbia Valley Pioneer is available free of charge at 13 essential businesses in the Upper Columbia Valley, limited to one copy per reader.

This publication has been made possible, in part, by the Government of Canada and the support of our advertisers and is published every Thursday. The Columbia Valley Pioneer may be distributed only by its authorized contractors and employees. No person may, without the prior written consent of The Pioneer or its Publisher, take more than one copy of each issue of The Pioneer. The content is protected by copyright. Reproduction by any means is prohibited except with the permission of the Publisher.

October 8, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

PERSPECTIVE So long Dasher, Dancer, Prancer…

By James Rose james@columbiavalleypionner.com Nationwide, we’re losing our caribou. Woodlands, mountains, all of them.

A recent story in the Rocky Mountain Outlook was about Jasper National Park losing another herd. Extirpated, the word used. Locally extinct.

How’d we get here? Twenty-five years ago, close to a thousand caribou roamed our mountain national parks. Today: fewer than two-hundred. I feel compelled to go look for some before they’re gone.

Compelled to avoid them, let them roam in ultimate privacy. You’d think around these parts there would be a few to at least view them from afar. Nope. Mountain caribou have been gone from this valley for a while now. Driven away, wiped out, sayonara.

I tried talking to government wildlife biologists about the caribou’s sad state of local affairs. I couldn’t get through because of a certain election. Give me a break. But I did speak to Invermere Conservation Officer Greg Kruger. “The biggest reason they’re gone is the tire or sled tracks we leave in the winter backcountry.” Those tracks are welcome mats to caribou habitat for predators. Wolves, mainly.

Our Basic Human Right to recreate in the Great Outdoors is taking precedent. Every year, more people visit the Columbia Valley, B.C. for its four seasons

of outdoor recreation. Don’t forget, Destination BC, with its multi-million dollar budget, has a mandate to support and promote the business of tourism throughout the province.

Something, anything needs to be done. My suggestion? How about we figure out where it’s best to recreate in the backwoods. For the sake of all parties involved, including those antlered. We need to organize where and how to recreate in our backcountry. We need more structure.

We need a backcountry access management plan. I know there’s lots going on right now. Still, this needs to be a priority.

What’s true: Sledders wanna sled, skiers wanna ski, hunters wanna hunt. Sometimes all in the same place.

Oh, don’t get your knickers in a twist.

Yes, I am aware there have been attempts to regulate the backcountry. And I am fully aware this notion also runs counter to the idea of the wilderness remaining… wilderness. But there comes a time when change needs to happen. That time is now. An adequate plan requires provincial funding. Will whoever wins the forthcoming election secure those funds? I hope so.

Otherwise, what hope do our caribou or any of Canada’s endangered wildlife have?

The Columbia Valley can be a nationwide leader on this issue. All it will take is checked egos, sacrifice, listening skills and leadership.

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. . . ‘Local man confirmed as Green Party candidate’ from page 3 But he was quick to tell the Pioneer he thinks that’s more a result of people’s growing awareness of climate-related issues rather than a personal reflection of him as a candidate.

Boyer said he’s excited to be campaigning for a second time, adding he made plenty of mistakes the first time around and that “three years later, I’ve got a better head on my shoulders.”

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8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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October 8, 2020

Exploring ancestral knowledge

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A visual Ktunaxa storyteller has turned to social media to share knowledge with the Columbia Valley community.

With the summer temperatures quickly fading away to cool days with fog and leaves the colour of autumn, former Akisqnuk First Nation chief Joseph looks to knowledge from his ancestors about what the coming months may hold this winter.

“Pata is the traditional Ktunaxa word for the scent gland of a deer’s hind leg,” said Joseph about a recent deer catch. “The height of the pata, or scent gland, on the leg traditionally indicated snow depth for the coming winter months. They were able to plan for the winter. It was a traditional way of finding out how deep the snow was going to be for the coming winter.”

While Joseph typically has not used this ancient technique to forecast the winter weather, he recently learned about it through recordings that were collected for the traditional knowledge and language sector of the Ktunaxa Nation Council (KNC) during a language revitalization project last year.

Fall marks a new beginning of looking back at the teachings from others. This hunting season, Joseph observed the pata was just over four inches in length from the dew claws.

In order to continuously share knowledge with the younger generation, Joseph has posted some entries to the community under the Ktunaxa Nation Citizens’ Forum and the Ktunaxa Language Group on Facebook.

“Life is all about sharing knowledge, like personal knowledge that people have, that may help other people,

and humour is really important,” he said.

In addition, Joseph shares instructional videos and other stories with the community through this medium.

“There’s probably only one other person that would know that from the comments, and he is from Montana,” explained Joseph. “He’s a hunter and he knows a lot of the different teachings from his grandparents and stuff like that. The majority of people don’t really know that, so I put that out for people to learn and hunters to start looking at it and thinking about it.”

He is optimistic about continuing the learning experience by checking on a pata again next hunting season before the snow flies.

According to Joseph, there was an elderly man from Fort Steele some years ago who could not speak English, but wanted to buy butter from the store. The man’s friend’s asked him what the bottom of the deer’s leg was called.

“He replied ‘pata’ and they told him, ‘just tell the storekeeper that and he will give you butter,’” Joseph said.

“The old man was unsure and thought they were pulling his leg with Ktunaxa humour. When he came home, he did have his butter. It’s a good example of how the old people were pretty smart and resourceful.”

At present, Joseph is in the process of canning deer and elk meat for personal use, as well as making some jerky to preserve for the winter.

“I still want to make some jerky and probably can some more (meat),” he concluded with a smile. “The reason I do canning is because it’s tender. I have no teeth, so I need food that’s suitable for what I can utilize. With the jerky, I want to dry it out and then crush it, which is how the old, old people used to do it, so they could still eat jerky when they had no teeth.”

Preschoolers commemorated Orange Shirt Day

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The art of moulding young minds took preschoolers on a historical journey last week.

Little Badgers Early Learning Program early childhood educator Evelyn Walker and her peers commemorated Orange Shirt Day with their students in Windermere on Sept. 30.

“It was a good day and I feel our kids had a good grasp on why we were celebrating and why we were wearing orange shirts,” said Walker. “I was impressed with our three and four year olds.”

Orange Shirt Day is a legacy that began when the St. Joseph Mission Residential School Commemoration Project and Reunion events took place in Williams Lake in the spring of 2013. It united former students and families from the Secwepemc, Tsilhqot’in, Southern Dakelh and St’at’imc Nations with the Cariboo Regional District, school districts, civic organizations as well as elected officials from a number of municipalities by commemorating the residential school experience for survivors and their families to work toward healing.

Now, it is recognized in communities across the nation by people of all ages. The daylong lesson at Little

Badgers began with reading survivor Phyllis Webstad’s iconic account about attending residential school in B.C. in “The Orange Shirt Story” and was followed with a classroom discussion about what each child’s most beloved possession and how they would feel about losing it, or being split up from their families.

“We talked about how they would feel if they couldn’t see their loved ones or be with their families,” said Walker. “We don’t touch too much on cultural genocide with three and four year olds, but we focus on connection to our families. I think everybody had a good day.”

She indicated that some children began reciting Webstad’s story throughout the school-day and began imagining hypothetical scenarios about what their lives might be like if they had to sleep at school for the school year.

Walker signed out “The Orange Shirt Day Story” from the library to prepare the lesson and quickly recognized how comprehensive the story was for all ages.

She added Little Badgers students quickly noticed illustrations that showed the protagonist’s long hair being cut short on the next page.

“They picked things up on their own,” she said about the story. “It’s a nice book. It’s simple. And it’s really well done.”

Art From the Heart Elementary School Art Show This Year’s Theme:

Animals of the East Kootenays

Show Dates:

October 6 - 24

Pynelogs at Kinsmen Beach

at Pynelogs @ Kinsmen Beach

PYNELOGS CULTURAL CENTRE, ART GALLERY & CAFE HOURS: CALL FOR MORE INFO AT 250.342.4423

October 8, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

SAVE NOW & SAVE LATER: Due to the sudden conclusion of the 2019-20 Winter Season, automatically receive a 15% discount on your 2021-22 Season Pass when you purchase your 2020-21 Season pass before Oct 31, 2020!

Save up to $200 on your Annual 2020-21 Season Pass with our Super Early Bird Sale if you purchase before October 31, 2020.

Check out what’s new for our 2020-21 Season and purchase your Season Pass by visiting fairmonthotsprings.com

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort will operate following all provincial health & safety guidelines and orders. As such certain elements of the experience may be different this year.

1.800.663.4979 fairmonthotsprings.com

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 8, 2020

Cree archer targets provincial competition

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A 30-year-old member of the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, who now resides on the lands of the Secwepemc in the Columbia Valley, has been busily practising for her shot next season.

Kayla Ferguson has set-up a target to practice shooting archery in her backyard throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in anticipation of the Cranbrook-based target shoot for the province next June.

“I’m still practising now,” she said about the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s one of those things you can keep practicing and always do better. I practice a lot in our yard. I have a target set-up, and my goal is to do well at the B.C. target shoot next June as long as everything goes well according to plan.”

She indicated continuous improvement is key in three-dimensional (3D) archery, so that when you’re bow hunting, the shots are executed with precision to mitigate risks for wildlife.

“You’re always practicing and it’s kind of one of those

Kayla Ferguson remains optimistic about competing in the B.C. target shooting tournament for archery in Cranbrook

District of Invermere

FireSmart Rebate Program

Since its launch in June 2020, Invermere’s new FireSmart Rebate Program has generated a lot of interest. To keep this momentum going, the District of Invermere has extended the registration deadline to November 30th.

As a part of our continued efforts to increase our community’s resilience to wildfire, the District of Invermere is excited to introduce the new FireSmart Rebate program. Homeowners who take steps to FireSmart their homes may be eligible to be reimbursed through the FireSmart Rebate Program.

Through funding received from the Union of BC Municipality’s Community Resiliency Investment Program, the District of Invermere is offering $500 rebates to residents who take steps to FireSmart their homes or property.

The focus of the FireSmart Rebate Program in 2020 is on the reduction of combustible vegetation in and around residences at this work is home of the simplest, yet most effective way to improve a home’s ability to survive a wildfire.

To qualify for a rebate, residents must first have a Fire Smart Home Assessment completed by the District of Invermere Certified Local FireSmart Representative. Next, residents will need to take action on the recommendations made during the home assessment. The homeowner will submit their receipts (or copies of) to the front counter at the District of Invermere Municipal Office along with the Work Plan / Estimate. The District will then inspect and approve the completed work at the property. If designated work is successfully completed, by the homeowner will be reimbursed for 50 % of material and labour costs to a maximum $500 rebate per property.

things that you want to keep up with,” she explained.

“You don’t want to make a bad shot on an actual animal. The last thing you want to do is wound an animal. I would feel horrible if that ever happened. That’s the great thing about 3D archery, you’re shooting from your knees, laying down, standing, uphill and downhill, so you practice all spring on targets before hunting season begins in the fall.”

While Ferguson grew up in the Columbia Valley and has membership with the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation in Valleyview, Alta.; she did not grow up shooting archery.

Ferguson indicated that her grandmother attended residential school and was ashamed of their family roots to the nation.

But now that she’s raising her own family, Ferguson’s life has evolved with a love of the outdoors.

Roughly 10 years ago, Chris Kinsey gave his then girlfriend, Ferguson, a bow for Valentine’s Day. “Super romantic,” she said with a chuckle. “He introduced me to the way of life and I was hooked. We started dating before hunting season officially started, and we would look for animals and different signs, we would go fishing and mushroom picking, then hunting season rolled around and I got introduced into the way of life with his family. I got to see the community and how great everybody was, and it was fantastic. The mist and the smell, it’s just a whole new world.”

Ferguson distinctly remembers the first time an elk bugle nearby as highly memorable.

“They have ivory teeth but it’s pretty cool,” said Ferguson, noting that the archery season typically begins in early-September. “I’ve slowed down the last few years having children, but we’re still outdoorsy. Now, it’s about us going outside and being together as a family. Hunting season is like Christmas for our family. We get ready for it and do a lot of prepping. It’s a big deal.”

She excitedly added their four-year-old son recently received his first bow.

“The nice thing about hunting season is you’re pretty isolated, so we can still go out and do it, but once the pandemic is over, I’m hoping to get to every archery shoot next year instead of crossing them off on my calendar like this year,” she said. “Chris’s dad and nephew go with us. It’s like a whole other community that’s super friendly and super kind that we get to see every year, so I’m excited to get back to the community again. I’m excited to see everyone again, and I’m really excited for the BC 3D archery shoot next year in Cranbrook. My winter goal is to practice and be ready for that next spring.”

OPEN HOUSE AT LAKEVIEW MEADOWS 816 Lakeview Meadows Green Saturday to Monday from 11 am to 4 pm

Rebates are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Register for your free FireSmart Home Assessment by November 30th. Contact the District of Invermere at 250-342- 9281 or email info@invermere.net .

Contact 250-342- 9281 or email info@invermere.net for your free FireSmart Home Assessment.

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October 8, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

New business in town: KaBre Candle & Bath co

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com Brenda Valer and Kayle Prichard are the owners of KaBre Candle & Bath co. They have created a line of natural, handmade products that will delight your sense of smell. After delaying the opening due to COVID-19, they are now ready for their store’s grand opening on Friday, Oct. 9, just in time for Thanksgiving long weekend.

Their journey started one and a half years ago when they took a candle making course in Calgary.

The duo fell in love with the process and returned a home with thousands of dollars worth of equipment and products to start their own business. They tested and tried different scents and products for four months before they started selling their craft products.

The candles are soy-based. Why? “It’s cleaner burning. There’s no suiting like there is with paraffin. You don’t get the black smoke,” said Brenda. Candles come with a natural cotton wick or wood wick.

KaBre Candle Bath co. also offers the option to customize the label for any occa-

sion or company.

Once they got comfortable with candle making, the duo decided to take another course, in soap making this time.

“It’s not something you can just jump into, which we thought we could. We learned a lot in the last year and a half. We’re still learning, of course. You never quit learning.”, said Brenda.

Since then, they have created a full range of products for your bath time such as soap, bath bomb, bath salts, shower steamer, shampoo and conditioner bar. “It’s just the quality of ingredients in it that it’s amazing for your hair,” said Kayle.

The energetic duo was at the Invermere farmer market all summer long for a second year and they have already built a clientele that regularly returns for their products.

The store is located beside the Travel World, at 4-755 13th Street, Invermere. It will be open starting before the Thanksgiving long weekend. It is also possible to order online at www.kabrecandle.com, pickup in-store or delivery option. For requests and inquiries, contact the shop at kabrecandle@hotmail.com.

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Take Home Thanksgiving Dinner Available October 9 thru 12 or until sold out Call 250-345-0008 or visit fromscratchfood.com to pre-order takeout. Tell us what time & day you want to pick it up or come in and enjoy it à la carte (limited availability).

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Colouring Contest!

Find 15 cows in the above image, add a splash of colour and bring it into the shop on Saturday, October 10th (11 am – 5 pm) for a special treat!

#5 – Fairmont Village Mall • 250-345-6133

THE PIONEER Get your FREE copy every Thursday on newsstands near you!

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 8, 2020

Thanksgiving

The staff of Invermere Physiotherapy Clinic wish

John Roberts Invermere Physiotherapy

well in his new position at the University of Calgary Sports Medicine Centre. It’s been a pleasure working with you.

We’ll miss having you in the valley.

inphysio.ca

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.

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.

Fresh old ideas

By Arnold Malone Pioneer Columnist We, Canadians, have so much for which to be thankful. We have the second largest landmass in the world, one fifth of the world’s freshwater, an abundance of resources, low human density, a worldwide mix of cultures and an abundance of beauty. We also should be thankful for our system of being governed.

With luck, I was provided two university degrees in the USA. So, I am very aware that many citizens of the US hold the unwavering opinion that they – and they alone - have the best political system in the world. My view is that the British Parliamentary system we have, unsurprisingly, inherited from Brittan, surpasses the USA system by a thousand dusty miles.

The motivation for this article came weeks ago when I heard a news comment that Elections Canada projected that if there were to be a fall election it might be a “Weekend Election.” Meaning that voting would occur across two or more days. Such a procedure allows for the greater possibility of physically distancing.

The USA, with a far greater rate of COVID infections than Canada, could not have weekend voting. The date to vote is set by their constitution. To make a constitutional change to extend voting beyond one day would require Congress to submit a proposed constitutional change to all states. The resolution would require a twothirds majority in both the House and the Senate, along with approval from 38 of 50 states. This reflects just one example of the inflexibility of the American system.

Also, the President can withhold funds from States with whom he has a quarrel. He also can defund the Post Office on a whim. A Prime Minister, alone, cannot do

that. Such moves would require an act of parliament.

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits for Canadian democracy is our system of appointing the Supreme Court judges. The Prime Minister appoints judges to our court but must do so from a list provided by the Law Council Of Canada. A US President can appoint political allies.

The result is that Canada has judges that tend to uphold the intent of the law. US judges too frequently support the political party that appointed them.

Most Canadians are befuddled by a USA quirk known as the Electoral College. A concept that would allow a small group of persons appointed by each state to determine whiter that state voted Republican or Democrat irrespective of the vote count. (Though usually, they reflect the popular vote). There is no such thing in the US as a national vote. Rather it is the addition of how fifty states with weighted values vote.

The 2016 election was an example of where the candidate winning the most national votes did not get to form a government because the Republicans narrowly won the Electoral College.

Canada has spending limits for candidates. In the US, candidates can spend at will. Most US candidates were wealthy prior to getting elected. Our parliament has much wider economic make-up. The US votes for non-political positions on party lines. They vote for judges, sheriffs, chief administrators and a long list of other non-political jobs. Often either the Congress or the Senate has a majority different from the President. This makes it much harder to achieve bold but important legislation.

We have a Question Period. Imagine Trump being tested daily on the validity of his comments. How we feel about ourselves is wrapped in how we are governed.

Canadians have much to be thankful about. Our system isn’t perfect, but we are among the best democracies in the world. This Thanksgiving says, “Thank goodness!”.

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

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE – BYLAW 3007 Bylaw Amendment – Windermere North The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an application by the Lake Windermere District Lions Club to amend the text of the Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw to permit ‘Exercise and fitness facility’ on the subject property. The subject property is located at 825 Highway 93/95 in the Windermere north area.

Bylaw No. 3007 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 364, 2020 (Windermere North / Lions Club)” will amend the text of the Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw to permit ‘Exercise and fitness facility’ on the subject property.

A public hearing will be held via Zoom webinar conference: Wednesday, October 21st 2020 at 6:00 pm The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F, Electoral Area G and the District of Invermere.

If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaw, you may prior to the hearing: • inspect the Bylaw and supporting information by requesting that an information package be emailed to you by contacting tvandewiel@rdek.bc.ca.

Information packages may be requested up until Monday, October 19, 2020 at 4:30 pm; • mail or email written submissions to the addresses shown below before Monday, October 19, 2020 at 4:30 pm; • present verbal submissions at the public hearing.

You must pre-register in order to attend and provide verbal presentations or make comments at the hearing.

The deadline to register is: Monday, October 19, 2020 at 4:30 pm.

Register in advance for this webinar: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kMw-uM6yQ6Kx7H1tn2l6sQ Please note that a question and answer period will not occur during the Zoom webinar conference. You must address any questions relating to the bylaws to the planning technician prior to the above date.

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

TO PRE-REGISTER visit the Meetings page on rdek.bc.ca and choose Public Hearings & Meetings

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

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

October 8, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

CONCRETE

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20 years’ experience • Anything concrete!

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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 at a fair price • Concrete stamps for rent • 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

CONTRACTING

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• Trusses • Engineered Floors • Wall Panels Tel: 250.341.6075 Fax: 250.341.3427 Email: info@duskbuildingsystems.com www.duskbuildingsystems.com TILE AND GROUT CLEANING Business: 250-342-9692

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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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We also offer roundthe-clock service calls.

Give us a call! James, 250-688-1267 or Jerry, 250-342-5299 Email: jeffersoncontractingltd@gmail.com

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

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Established since 1993

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 8, 2020

HERE TO SERVE YOU LANDSCAPING

CONCRETE

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY’S TREE CARE SPECIALISTS WINDERMERE, BC 250-341-7029

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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

INSURANCE

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

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

www.kootenayinsurance.ca

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• Septic Tank Pumping • Portable Toilet Rentals

• A well maintained septic system • Complete sewer/drain repairs should be pumped every 2-3 years • Reasonable rates – Seniors’ discount • Avoid costly repairs • Speedy service – 7 days a week

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Commercial Residential

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eastkootenayplumbing@yahoo.com 250-272-3374 • Interior/Exterior Painting • Staining • Clear Coat • New Construction • Renovations

Scott Postlethwaite Residential, Commercial Electric Furnace and Hot Water Tank Repair and Service For All Your Electrical Needs invermereelectric@gmail.com

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

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

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

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East Kootenay Plumbing Services & Renovations Red Seal Journeyman Plumbers/Gasfitters (B)

Bruce Dehart 250.347.9803 or 250.342.5357

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Irena Shepard, B.Sc. (Pharm.)., Émilie Lamoureux, Pharm D., Laura Kipp, Pharm D.

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Please call Steve ~ a real local you can trust! 250-342-1791

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

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

N E W S PA P E R

October 8, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

ries. It’s been vacant forever,” she said.

“It’s a funky, narrow, corner lot, and with Council next discussed a develop- the current zoning bylaw, it may remain ment variance permit application to a vacant.” Village setbacks are different for zoning bylaw concerning the type of corner lots compared to interior ones. housing Canal Flats wants to see within The way the math checks out would the municipal boundary. As per the re- mean less room for an appropriately divamped official community plan (OCP), mensioned home to be separated from the idea is for Canal Flats to move away the road. Which, as Bergles pointed out, from a certain type of modular home. could create safety concerns with regards The long and narrow look. The applicants to traffic. sought a variance to the village zoning “I just want council to understand bylaw to reduce the minimum horizontal that it’s an interesting lot,” said Hoodimension banoff. of a dwelling “Lots of from twen- “This lot has had numerous inquiries. It’s been p e o p l e ty-two to have tried vacat forever. . . It’s a funky, narrow, corner twenty feet. to make it lot and with the current zoning bylaw, it may The reasonwork but remain vacant.” ing, to place have been a new modu n s u c Sylvie Hoobanoff, ular home c e s s f u l .”

Canal Flats corporate officer on a vacant Hoobanoff property. Yes, suggested the very kind a variation discouraged to the zonby the OCP zoning bylaws. ing bylaw to enable a long and narrow Off the bat, councillor Bill Lake said modular home would be in asset to the he wouldn’t vote in favour. Plainly, he community given the context. said: “This is why we have the bylaw.”

Among council, Mayor Sterzer was Corporate Officer Sylvie Hoobanoff re- the lone vote in favour for the defeated sponded by adding important context application. for why the non-refundable $500 appliFor a longer version of this story, visit cation fee was made in the first place. columbiavalleypioneer.com “This lot has had numerous inqui. . . ‘Canal Flats council’ from page 5

Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund Request for Proposals The Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) and Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) are seeking proposals for projects that will benefit conservation in the area from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats utilizing the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund (CVLCF).

The purpose of the Fund is to provide local financial support for important projects that will contribute to the conservation of our valuable natural areas. CVLCF funding is available for conservation projects that result in the reduction to a known threat to biodiversity. The themes for the Fund are water conservation, wildlife and habitat conservation, and open space conservation.

Projects that are technically sound and effective, and provide value for money through partnerships with other funders will have priority. Proponents must be a registered not-for-profit organization, First Nations band, or local government. Unqualified groups or organizations may partner with a qualified organization. A Technical Review Committee will review project proposals and make recommendations to the RDEK for final funding approval.

To apply for funding go to https://kootenayconservation.ca/columbia-valley-localconservation-fund/. Review the Terms of Reference paying particular attention to Section 8 – Fund Design and then apply using the application form provided.

Closing dates for project submissions is 4:30 pm MT October 30, 2020.

Project proposals must be delivered by email to info@kootenayconservation.ca.

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

HERE TO SERVE YOU SERVICES

SERVICES

WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM • • • •

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

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

KITCHEN CABINETS & COUNTER TOPS

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

• Air Conditioning/Heat Pumps • Fireplaces • Full Heating and Ventilation Systems Call for your FREE consultation and estimate

WETT Certified

Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS

Judy: (250) 341-1903

valleysolutions@shaw.ca

House Checking and more!

Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700

unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

Bob: (250) 341-5014

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

PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR THE VACATION HOME OWNER SINCE 2006

North American Warranty All Makes and Models Tire Sales and Installation

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

Beat the fall rush ~ clean your Chimney this spring!

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

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE ON ALL WOOD BURNING APPLIANCES • WETT INSPECTIONS

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 8, 2020

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS

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

GARAGE SALE

GARAGE SALE

ANNOUNCEMENT

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

Mini Storage Garage Sale. Tools, furniture and more. Saturday, October 10th and Sunday, October 11th from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Newhouse Mini Storage, Bays 1 and 3., 450 Laurier St. Athelmer, up the street from the Dairy Queen. 250-341-5221.

Moving/Yard Sale. Saturday, October 10th, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Sunday, October 11th, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 4749 Blakley Pl. Radium Hot Springs.

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.

Cheers to Alicia, Dean and Keith and all the friendly staff at Pharmasave - first class service by first class staff.

Jeers to the tall blonde store manager you are a bully and you bully all your staff. No wonder they all quit.

Cheers to Rodger Smith for the chain reaction of good you always made.

Jeers to drivers without the foresight to see vehicles in front of them may have stopped along the highway in Radium to allow animals to safely cross the street. There’s nowhere to go if a bighorn sheep is blocking your turning lane on the left-hand side of the street so get a grip.

This is rural BC.

Huge Jeers to the people not using their signal lights going into and coming out of the new traffic circle. You might know where you’re going but the rest of us don’t. Learn the traffic rules people!

Estate and 3 Family Garage Sale Pitt-Fisher-Baalim-McGilvery Saturday, October 10th 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

NEWHOUSE STORAGE 1311 Industrial Road Athalmer Follow the signs

ANNOUNCEMENT 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.

S OBITUARY S Kopp, Siegfried September 4, 1940 October 3, 2020 It is with profound sadness that we announce Siegfried’s sudden passing at Columbia House on Saturday, October 3rd. Although he suffered from several chronic health issues and he was becoming increasingly frail, Siegfried died quickly, painlessly and with a clear mind. For that we will be eternally grateful.

Siegfried (“Siggi”) was born in the Tyrolean town of Igls, located five kilometres from the city of Innsbruck, Austria. He had five siblings: an identical twin brother, two older sisters and two older brothers.

Siggi had a very difficult childhood and left home to begin a cooking apprenticeship at the age of fifteen. He spent many of his early years training in Swiss kitchens.

Siggi and his young family immigrated to Canada in 1970 and quickly settled in South Burnaby. As an experienced chef, he gained employment in several prestigious restaurants and hotels in Vancouver. Siggi spent most of his thirty-five-year working life at Hotel Vancouver, where he was put in charge of a large banquet kitchen capable of preparing meals for 3,000 people. An extremely diligent worker in a high-pressure environment, Siggi often spent 12-14 hours a day in his kitchen. He was a hard-working and driven perfectionist who always expected the best of himself and his cooks. While at Hotel Vancouver, Siggi cooked for royalty, world politicians and celebrities.

Siegfried and Anna retired to our beautiful valley in 1994 and Siggi quickly embraced his new role as a dutiful Opa to his three grandchildren. A very strong and stoic man of few words, he most often showed his love through his wonderful cooking. Over the years Siggi prepared many incredible meals for his family. He also greatly enjoyed his flower garden, being with dogs and sitting in the afternoon sun.

Siegfried’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Columbia House for going above and beyond when caring for Siggi over the last two years; you added greatly to the overall quality of his life.

Siegfried is survived by Anna, his devoted wife of 55 years, sons Werner (Louise), Peter (Susan) and grandsons Matthew, Michael and Nathan.

“We love you, dearest Opa. May you now find peace.”

Pioneer Classified Advertising 250-341-6299

CHEERS & JEERS Big Cheers to all involved with Music on Wheels, Celebrating Octoberfest, on Sat. Sept. 26th.

Enjoyed by many.

Cheers to THE PURPLE Cow for the donation of goodies for the Forestry crew as well as pilots, engineers, and the airport staff.

It was greatly appreciated.

Jeers to the motorists who use the Syndicate Board Shop PARKING LOT as a through street to avoid the light at 3rd Ave. Slow down, take a deep breath - the light isn’t that long.

Cheers to Lee at Lee’s Small Engine Repairs for another great small engine repair. Cheers again for being so friendly, helpful, professional and prompt. I really appreciated you adjusting my chainsaw so quickly.

Cheers for Monique for doing our shopping and always being there when we need a bit of help. Best neighbour ever!

Cheers to Parks Canada and Radium pool staff for extending swim passes for one year due to COVID-19.

Jeers to no recycling drop off in Windermere anymore.

Cheers to residents of Canal Flats who want a Viability Review done so they can make an educated decision on the future of the village and if to should dissolve or not.

Jeers to those wanting to turn the historic Old Coach Trail into another paved way for cyclists to mow down those who seek to walk alone, with their family, or pets. This is an area designated important for the endangered badger and who hasn’t seen some of the badger holes alongside the current natural trail? It has also been deemed important for the local bighorn sheep population! There are already conflicts on the southern part of the trail. Let’s leave this historic natural area the way it is for both human and animal life!

This beautiful natural trail has been a godsend in these COVID times. Respect what it is and leave it be.

Cheers to Radium Gas Plus for taking our used oil. Much appreciated!

Cheers to Valley fruit pickers.

Problem Humans largely cause 500+ Blackies and 25+ Grizzlies to be killed in B.C. each year.

Pick, or cut your trees down.

A huge Cheers to the Fairmont Community Association and most especially Harold Pfeiffer for keeping the river pullout in the Fairmont Meadows in such pristine condition during a very busy summer. Your time and effort did not go unnoticed and we are extremely grateful for your hard work. Much appreciated!

Jeers to us for our 40 years of junk. CHEERS to our good friends Patricia, Chub, Trish, Terri, Jeannette and Brock for all your help and hard work. We couldn’t have done it without you. You guys Rock!

Weekly Featured Listing

Private Yard, Revenue Suite!

$599,900

4804 Windermere Road. Private Yard, Revenue Suite! Great Windermere Home MLS: 2454601 (Brokerage ~ Rockies West Realty)

BUYING OR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202

Many Cheers to the kind, caring, honest man who found my purse in the grocery cart outside Sobeys and returned it to their office. Great to live in this community of honest caring people. Much appreciated!

STORAGE NEWHOUSE STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climatecontrolled units.

Call 250-342-3637.

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

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.

gerrytaft.ca Rockies West Realty Independently owned and operated

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

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

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

October 8, 2020

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

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 ELKHORN COUNTRY ESTATES Selling Phase 3 now.

2.5-acre parcels.

No building time commitment.

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

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.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

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!

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.

Pike Contracting Excavating and Skid Steer services.

Call Jason 250-342-5277.

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.

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Wanted 2 F/T Restaurant Cooks, Rocky River Grill, 8888 Arrow Road, Invermere, B.C. Permanent, F/T shifts, overtime, weekends, days and evenings, $16/hour for 40 hours per week.

Overtime after 40 hours.

Minimum several years’ experience and completion of Secondary School. DUTIES: Prepare and cook full course meals, prepare and cook individual dishes and foods, ensure quality of food portions, work with minimal supervision, prepare dishes for customers with food allergies or intolerances. Inspect Kitchens and Food service areas. Please forward resume to Justin Atterbury by fax 250-342-8889 or email justatterbury@hotmail. com.

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.

MISC. FOR SALE Top Quality Hay Round bales.

Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-3421268.

Non dangerous tree removal.

Fall pruning and yard clean up.

250-341-5164.

SERVICES

HELP WANTED

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

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.

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.

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 resume to KGTltd2020@gmail. com or apply in person at Crossroads Market.

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

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

QUALIFICATIONS

No previous experience required Days/Nights/Weekends

✓ 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

Apply in person.

471 Arrow Road, Invermere, B.C.

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

SC H O O L DIST RIC T N O. 6 ( RO C KY MO UN TAIN )

PERMANENT PART-TIME CUSTODIAN WINDERMERE ZONE Further position details can be found at: http://www.sd6.bc.ca/Careers/Pages/default.aspx

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

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

If you are interested and qualified for this position, please submit a resume, with two references, by 4:00 pm on Thursday, October 15, 2020 to: Human Resources, School District No. 6 (Rocky Mountain) e-mail: hr@sd6.bc.ca

Can this be recycled?

Check the BC RECYCLEPEDIA www.rcbc.ca RECYCLING COUNCIL OF B.C. MEMBER

Youth Outreach Worker Position: Permanent part-time Hours: 20 hours per week Schedule: Weekdays, evenings and weekends as required Start date: Immediately Application deadline: Ongoing until filled Duties: Provide a community-based program of outreach and engaging youth with challenging or risk-taking behaviours, offering education and support for healthy life choices. Provide short-term crisis intervention and counselling to at-risk youth between 13 and 18 years of age, and parent-teen mediation using conflict resolution strategies with families referred by the Ministry for Children and Families and Interior Health. Advocate for youth and support them with career planning, budgeting, and life skills training. Develop counsellor-directed support groups aiming to build self-esteem and problem-solving skills of the youth. Promote program awareness, and network with stake holders.

Qualifications: Preferably an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, with two years of related job experience. Other appropriate combinations of education and experience may be considered. Demonstration of experience in counselling youth. A valid B.C. driver’s license is essential. Pursuant to provincial legislation, the applicant must agree to undergo a criminal records investigation.

Application process: Submit a resume and cover letter to Purnima Gosavi, Director of Program Management, Family Dynamix Association at pgosavi@familydynamix.ca, or Box 2289, Invermere, BC., V0A 1K0.

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 8, 2020

Meet the beet!

From Scratch

By Lara McCormack We are celebrating a bountiful crop as harvest season comes to an end in the valley. Carrots, potatoes, garlic, onions, squash, tomatoes and beets are available to all of us to store, can and freeze for the winter months ahead.

One of my favorite vegetables is the beet, also known as beetroot. I have grown up in a Ukrainian family where beets are a staple that are made into borscht, pickled, eaten raw and shredded with horseradish. Over the years, as much as I appreciate those recipes, I have enjoyed them juiced, roasted with other vegetables, pureed into pancakes and use the stalks in many ways, including chopped in a stir-fry.

Beets come in all colors of the rainbow. Chioggia, also known as the Candy Cane beet, is an heirloom variety that is red on the outside and red and white striped on the inside with a lovely sweetness to them. They look great in salads and when sliced thin and roasted, look gorgeous on the plate. Golden beets are yellow-orange and have a more neutral taste. They do not bleed when cooked; great in soups! White beets are more mild in flavour and look like turnips from the outside. A great beet to cook up for kids who are trying beets for the first time.

Beets are very high in nutrition, especially in folate, manganese, copper while being full of vitamins A, C, K, and B2. Folate is essential for DNA synthesis and pre-

venting neural tube defects in babies. It’s also known to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and depression. Manganese helps with the enzymatic processes in your body, as well as for metabolism, wound healing, and healthy bones. Copper keeps your immune system healthy, helps create red blood cells, and supports energy production. While also being high in fiber, they are also an aphrodisiac dating back to Roman times. So many amazing reasons we should be eating more of this delicious vegetable!

The following recipes in a more traditional Ukrainian dish that is a show stopper. It’s a great way to use up the leaves and is a true comfort food in my palate. You can freeze the rolls and cook up as needed.

Photo by FOODISM360 on Unsplash

Beet leaf rolls with cramy dill sauce Beet leaf cabbage rolls are a traditional Ukrainian recipe referred to as Holubtsi. I was first introduced to this recipe by my mom when I was a kid and I have to

admit, I wasn’t a fan until I got older. Rice rolled up in beet leaves with a decadent creamy dill sauce – it was simply to die for!

Prep time: 45 min - Cook time: 45 min - Total: 1h30 Ingredients:1 medium onion; 1 clove garlic; 2 tbsp.

Butter; 2 cups of small grain rice; 4 1/2 cups water; large beet leaves; 2 cups whipping cream; 1/4 cup butter; 2 tbsp. Flour; 1/2 cup fresh chopped dill; salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions: 1. Clean the beet leaves and cut off the stalks. Leave them on the counter overnight to wilt. Make sure you have more beet leaves than you think you will need as some of them will break. 2. Chop up onion and garlic. Sautee in vegetable oil until soft and set aside. 3.

Cook rice until done. 4. Once rice mixture is cool, stir in onion/garlic mixture. Place one tablespoon of the rice mixture on a beet leaf and roll. Make sure you tuck in the side of the leaf, so the rice does not fall out. 5. Fill up a greased 9 x 13 casserole dish with the rolls, fitting them in tightly to one another. You can wrap and freeze at this point to keep for a later date. 6. In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and cook until flower and butter is golden brown. 7. Add cream and stir until sauce is slightly thick.

Do not worry if your sauce is a little runny. It will thicken up in the oven. 8. Stir in chopped dill and salt and pepper to taste. 9. Pour sauce over the beet leaf rolls. 10. Cook in a 350 oven for 45 minutes, or until the cream sauce is boiling at the edges. 11. Let cool for 5 minutes and serve.

Lara McComack is co-owner of From Scratch – A Mountain Kitchen in Fairmont Hot Springs where one can savor fabulous, seasonal food, sip from a selection of B.C. wines and enjoy the views of our gorgeous valley landscape.

LI V E ( A N D WOR K ) WI TH PASSI O N! Everything with Passion is one of our core values and we believe it makes us the ideal place to start or grow your career…or maybe just a great place to spend your summer.

If you are passionate about living a lifestyle rich in outdoor experiences and working with a company that offers perks such as complimentary skiing, golf and mineral hot pools, and competitive compensation and benefits, check us out at www.fairmonthotsprings.com We are currently hiring for the following positions: Recreation Program Leader (Anticipatory) Public Area Attendant

Server Please visit our website to view all available positions and to apply

October 8, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

FAITH So much to give thanks for

By Pastor Wayne Frater Radium Christian Fellowship In a few days, we will be setting time aside to celebrate Thanksgiving Day, a day that has been set aside to thank God for all He is, and for all that He gives us.

Thanksgiving, as I see it, should be a big part of our every day life, as we praise God, good things happen to us, the Bible tells us over and over, in 1 Thess. 5:18 to “give thanks”, Psalm 100:4, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name,” In fact, the word “praise” occurs in the book of Psalms over 100 times.

Every day we should be thanking God for Who He is, for what He has done for us, what He is doing for us and for what He is going to do for us. Our prayer should be Ephesians 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ,” Why? you might say, then how about James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and

cometh down from the Father…”

As we realize this, that all good and perfect gifts come from the Father, and as we realize it isn’t all about self as we realize we can’t really take credit for anything—even our successes, as we realize that God has a plan, and with that plan He gives us the abilities, He arranges our circumstances, He blesses our efforts.

Realizing these things, and as we give thanks in our circumstances whatever they are, as we, as it says in Ps. 106:1, “Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord: for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever,” We will realize that life is an adventurer, with much to give thanks for.

Life as a born again child of God is a most marvelous adventure.

As we realize, I mean truly realize, and as we give thanks for all Jesus has done for us, and all He has provided through His death and resurrection, we will wake up every morning full of Love, full of thanks, full of joy and raring to go! We will wake up Thanking God, Praising God, and be excited about what God has in store for us that day.

Psalm 145:1-3, “I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name forever and ever. Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise the name forever and ever.

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.”

Small business week

By Dee Conklin CVCC President It is soon going to be Small Business Week in B.C. and across Canada. This year BDC Small Business Week is taking the time to recognize entrepreneurs and their resilience through these unprecedented times. They will be trying to understand what has changed for Canadian businesses and what the future will look like as we move forward.

We are doing exactly that, right here in the Columbia Valley. Businesses are talking to each other more than ever before. We all want to keep in touch to discuss the new protocols and how we are all managing. It has been quite the rollercoaster ride these last six months. So many Valley businesses have seen record months, others are doing whatever they can to sustain themselves till the new normal comes to fruition.

Back in early March, just before the COVID lockdown, the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce (CVCC) held their AGM. At that time, numerous entrepreneurs stepped forward to be on the Board of an exciting new chapter of the CVCC. We were not able to celebrate at that time as we all went into a lockdown that changed all our businesses overnight. But now, six months have gone by, and I wanted to take this time to list and to thank these dedicated Board Members who are working so hard to keep a positive outlook and open communication with our members and beyond.

Cris Leonard – First VP – Ozzie’s Amusement and Royal LePage Realty; Rhiannon Tutty – Second VP - Tutty Financial; Andrea Tubbs – Past President – Swansea

Communications; Nancy Hetherington – Treasurer – Luvino Wine Tasting; Kyla Lam – Secretary – Aspire Financial; Amanda Sharko – Kicking Horse Coffee; Charlene Rivard – Kanata Inns; Colin Hardwick – Rainbow International Restoration; Kara Haugseth – Panorama Resort; Richard Unger – Ski Home Ltd; Sean Coward – Eagle Ranch Resort; Sarah Mosely – Fairmont Hot Springs Resort; Caitlin Hall-Sharp – CV Community Foundation Cris Leonard recently stated, “I am pleased with the efforts the community has done to be safe in this crazy time. I am proud to be part of the CVCC and very grateful to the staff for thinking outside the box to help Valley business.”Cris is absolutely right when he says the staff have been thinking outside the box. Pete Bourke, our new executive director, Patrick Carrick, member and events and Toni Coward, visitor services have all gone above and beyond the call of duty. The daily communication during the early days of COVID, the video welcoming back our neighbours, and the one on one videos of local businesses have showcased our Valley and our businesses like never before.

Please take a moment to talk to any of our Board of Directors or our staff and tell them your thoughts on business in the Valley or your plans for the future.

Throughout the month of Oct., we ask you to visit www. cvchamber.ca/valleystrong to give a ‘shoutout’ to any individual, business, or organization you feel should be acknowledged positively. Anyone can make a submission, and posts will be created and shared on various Social Media channels over the month.

Thank you all and be safe out there!

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

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Online Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

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

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED 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 Invermere Medical Clinic is pleased to offer two evening Flu vaccination clinics to our community.

Monday, October 19th Thursday, October 22nd Please call 250-342-9206 to book appointments for you and your family.

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 8, 2020

New Spilli Station Cafe owners represent exciting change happening in Spilli By: James Rose james@columbiavalleypioneer.com Spillimacheen: there’s something happening here.

Driving north from Invermere, past Radium, past Edgewater, past Brisco, you arrive at the northern frontier of the upper Columbia Valley. To an outsider, sometimes blurry are the lines distinguishing Spilli as the northernmost community of the Invermere centric Columbia Valley or the southernmost community of the Golden-Shuswap district. Not so for locals. To them, perhaps more accurate is an identity expressed as: The Independent Republic of Spilli.

Perched on the Columbia banks with Bugaboo gla-

cier towering to the west, Spillimacheen is in the heart of the Pacific flyway for migratory birds travelling from the Arctic tundra to South America’s Patagonia National Park. It’s a rootsy, folksy agricultural outpost with an eclectic array of entrepreneurs offering Texan cream pie, dehydrated backcountry snacks, all natural honey and antiques. Those who call Spilli home have a reverence for the land and revel in their own brand of collaborative self-reliance.

“It’s a magical place,” said Patty Derbyshire. She and her husband Bernie made the move to Spilli from Calgary four and change years ago. Since, they’ve been busy establishing their own entrepreneurial contribution: Flyway Farm and Forest. “Flyway is a five acre refuge, creative

garden, and vintage trailer park,” said Patty. “Our vision is for Flyway to be a destination retreat. This year we had an intimate music festival planned in June called Newt Fest, but with COVID, we had to put that on hold.” Also on hold is their Newt Golf Art Invitational Putt Putt: a creative mini-golf tournament entirely unto itself. Think a collision of urban putt, holoscene mini-golf and folkart whirligigs.

They both have interesting backgrounds. Patty’s career was in higher education. For twenty-five years, she taught at Mount Royal University. Most recently teaching social innovation at MRU’s Bissett School of Business. “I’ll be leaving the university after this academic year, but I’ll continue to help at the College of the Rockies. Meanwhile, Bernie was for a time in software - he was the software lead on land mine detection systems for the Canadian military effort in Afghanistan. After, he pursued executive coaching and motorcycle engineering.

“When we first moved here, we ended up hauling three tonnes of metal off the property,” said Bernie. Flyway was a diamond in the rough with its own charming idiosyncrasies. “We didn’t have electricity when we first arrived. One day we had the generator going and Patty heard someone singing in our basement.” Curious, Bernie went downstairs. There, he found a stranger. “He asked me why I turned the light off, I asked him why he was singing in my basement,” Bernie said, laughing. It was a local just offering a free renovation. “He was down there innocently levelling our foundation.”

A partnership with the land is central to Patty and Bernie’s focus. So is community. So much so that when her neighbours Nola Alt and Nancy Fehr approached with an offer they couldn’t refuse, they did exactly that, they didn’t refuse. The offer was to take over ownership of the Spilli Station Cafe. “It was a huge honour that they approached us relative newcomers,” said Patty. “To be the next stewards of that special cafe, it’s something we’re really excited about.”

To prepare, Patty apprenticed under Nancy and Nola this past spring and summer. “I learned the recipes, the menu, how to make the pie, all of that. It’s been a lot of fun.” But the real lesson was in getting to know the community. “Like how we have the fella’s gather on Wednesday and the ladies on Thursday. What I learned this summer is the importance of sitting down and visiting and learning about what’s going on in people’s lives. It’s as important as the food.” Which, by the way, is mouth-wateringly good.

“They have exciting ideas for the cafe,” said Nola.

“I’ll be around to help next spring when they reopen, but I know they’re going to do a terrific job.” Will there be any changes? “A few but not many,” said Patty. “We are going to keep the Wednesday to Sunday schedule and keep the menu. But we are going to open a month earlier in April. We also want to add more of a grab-and-go menu for the increase in traffic we’re going to see with the closure of the Trans-Canada.”

They’re also going to try adding an eggs and bacon weekend breakfast. “Lots of the changes are just from what we hear in the community, like ‘are you going to do a breakfast again?’ that kind of thing,” said Bernie. “And maybe a once per month dinner too.” Bernie’s family lineage traces back to the French area of Switzerland. “So I would love to try doing a beef bourguignon and steamed yeast dumplings.” The Spilli Station Cafe is central to the community of Spillimacheen. “That’s something we won’t be changing,” Patty said.

It’s clear. There’s something happening in Spillimacheen. The Derbyshire’s are proud to be part of the community’s continued economic, cultural resurgence.