Columbia Valley Pioneer, October 15, 2020

October 15, 2020 Vol. 17/Issue 42

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

October 15, 2020

The Columbia Valley

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ELECTION CANDIDATES ADAPT TO PANDEMIC

03 LOCAL MAN BUILT A SUBMARINE

04 Manny Osborne-Paradis retires

SCARECROW SEASON OPENED!

07 ONLINE EXCLUSIVE • Full version of ‘Manny Osborne-Paradis retires’

The annual Great Scarecrow Competition & Tour hold on Oct. 9 to Oct. 16 by the District of Invermere. The winner will be announced on Oct. 20.

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 15, 2020

THANK YOU

On Monday, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m., the Columbia Valley Chamber Of Commerce and Swansea Communications will be hosting a BC Electoral Online Forum for everyone in the Kootenay-Columbia River Riding. The candidates in attendance include Nicole Cherlet (NDP), Doug Clovechok (Liberals) and Samson Boyer (Green Party).

If you wish to attend or submit your questions to the candidates visit Columbia Valley Chamber website for more information www.cvchamber.ca.

A HUGE thank you to the wonderful Ser vin g th

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lle y

for all your hard work making the Big Book Sale and the September Pop-up book sale happen this year! Your creative thinking and resourcefulness made both evens a success and raised $8,000 in funds to support library programs and buy new books. We couldn’t do it without you!

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Over 31,000 cyclists, runners and walkers have used the Markin MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail this year. And now that it’s completed to Fairmont, users are fuelling up for their return trip. In Fairmont, Scratch bistro worked with TXN Installations in Invermere to create some custom bike racks, which are getting quite the workout by hungry cyclists looking for local food.

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FREE BEREAVEMENT TRAINING How to Help Someone Who Is Grieving Do you know what to do or what to say? Learn how to understand and support a person who is grieving.

The Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley is offering a FREE Bereavement training, starting Friday, November 6th, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Saturday November 7th, and Sunday November 8th, from 10 am until 4:30 pm. This course is open to anyone wanting to explore more about the grieving process.

People who are interested in registering must contact the Hospice Office at 778-526-5143 on or before Friday, October 30th. COVID-19 precautions will be applied.

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Canada geese head south, while, with the border still closed to non-essential travel, other Canadian snowbirds flock to the Columbia Valley. Soon, a new local Facebook resource, Columbia Valley Snowbirds, will help answer the questions of prospective and new longer-term stay visitors and ensure they find everything they need in the Columbia Valley. Some accommodators have already adjusted their packages and operations in anticipation of the longer-stay domestic market segment.

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October 15, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS Election candidates adapt to pandemic

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The provincial election is well underway and the three candidates vying for Columbia River-Revelstoke are all finding it a unique campaign for the simple reason that it’s the first B.C. election held during a global pandemic.

COVID-19 escalated into a global pandemic last winter and spring. B.C. is not the first jurisdiction to hold elections during the pandemic (New Brunswick held its election earlier this fall, and campaigns south of the border are in full swing), but campaigning in the time of COVID-19 is uncharted territory for B.C. politicians and doing so brings new challenges and new opportunities.

“We have no formal campaign offices,” incumbent Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA and Liberal candidate Doug Clovechok told the Pioneer, adding that when he ran in the 2017 and 2013 elections, he had offices in Invermere, Kimberley, Golden and Revelstoke. Instead, he has three Zoom meetings a week, including a oncea-week meeting with his entire 106-member campaign team.

“What we effectively have is a virtual campaign office, and it’s actually working out really well. It’s unexpected, but it’s created a sense of we’re one big team, instead of being the Invermere part or Kimberley part or Revelstoke part or Golden part of a larger team,” he said, adding this

has been invaluable in terms of sharing ideas and insights.

“We’ve had to pivot from the traditional way of campaigning,” said Clovechok. “In any negative, there is a positive. You just have to find it.”

His campaign team has not been, and will not be, knocking on doors, but has been doing what Clovechok termed ‘literature drops’ at constituents’ doors, ensuring that team members are wearing masks and constantly sanitizing while they do. There will be no large campaign events for Clovechok, but he will be holding digital town hall meetings, and is engaging constituents as much as possible through social media, radio, newspapers and phone calls.

“It is certainly quite a unique perspective,” said Columbia River-Revelstoke NDP candidate Nicole Cherlet, adding the pandemic and the associated social distancing measures have forced campaign teams to up their digital games.

“This may actually result in getting better engagement, in some senses,” Cherlet told the Pioneer.

The NDP have abandoned traditional campaign offices, with the exception of a one-person mini-office in Golden, and have also created a ‘virtual campaign office’, much as the Liberals have, although the NDP are doing theirs through Slack. “For such a huge riding, it’s actually allowed us to stay connected better,” she said.

The NDP had a booth in Golden on Friday, Oct. 9 - making sure that masks were worn, sanitizer used and other pandemic protocols followed — as a way of safely

meeting constituents in person. Cherlet also plans to ride around communities in the riding on a commuter bicycle emblazoned with a large campaign sign, giving people the chance to meet and talk with her at an appropriate social distance.

“It’s a way of trying to put a face on the person and to connect that to our virtual content,” she said. “You can’t do that in a car. And we need to be careful and stay safe, so we can’t do the typical big group meet-and-greet events. This is an alternative.”

Columbia River-Revelstoke Green Party candidate Samson Boyer and his campaign team have also been upping efforts to engage constituents through social media and more traditional media.

“It’s not particularly easy to reach out to voters during a pandemic,” Boyer told the Pioneer. “It’s a lot harder to engage with people, but we’re doing our best.”

The Green Party is also foregoing door knocking, and is going to host digital town halls through Zoom and Facebook soon.

“Calling has become really important, even though fewer people have landlines than ever before,” said Boyer, adding he’s also been visiting local businesses, since most of those already have COVID-19 precautions and measures in place, to talk with business owners about their concerns.

Boyer encouraged constituents, no matter their political preferences, to get pandemic-friendly mail-in voting packages as soon as possible.

Athalmer bridge halfway there

By James Rose james@columbiavalleypioneer.com At the time of this writing (end of the week before Thanksgiving), the crew resurfacing the Athalmer bridge concrete deck were doing what they could. They were giving the west lane’s new concrete time to cure and seal. There was time between then and when they could begin demolition work on the east lane.

So, they were cleaning, prepping, preparing their equipment for the back half of a Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure project tightly squeezed between Labour Day weekend and winter. They could still work in the winter, but costs to the taxpayer would go way up. Salt thrown to combat ice doesn’t mix well with fresh concrete.

In fact, DCL Construction Services goes past a certain date in November, there will be consideration. “It’s not meant as punishment,” said the ministry’s regional project manager for the South Interior Robbie Kalabis. “It’s so that the taxpayer doesn’t get charged for the wages paid to the government staff who need

to remain on site to supervise.”

Once that time comes, they’ll proceed work on the east lane. They’ll start by scarifying the deck. DCL, a Calgary based company, registered in B.C., will use innovative tools to determine the concrete’s subsurface integrity. Sounding, it’s called. They drag a chain across the deck and listen to the frequencies. “It’s like looking for a wall stud,” said Kalabis. There’s an art to it, comes with experience.

And then they start ripping the deck apart. They replace the rebar if need be, they clean the whole thing up. They contain the hydroblast water byproduct as a precaution against environmental contamination. Remove the excess, clear the deadwood.

Provided there’s suitable weather, they move on to the pour. This, the big event. They’ve been working hard toward this. Far as I can tell, seven days a week.

In the early morning predawn, over Saturday’s cocktail hour. In the rain, wind, heat, cold, they work.

Continued on page 8

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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RCMP Report Submitted by Sgt. Darren Kakuno Detachment Commander Columbia Valley RCMP This past week, Oct. 5 through Oct. 11, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 88 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

•On Monday, Oct. 5 at 1:30 p.m., an officer was conducting patrols in Invermere when he observed a black Acura with no rear window on Athalmer Road.

The officer conducted a traffic stop and spoke to the driver who was not able to produce a driver’s license. A check of the license plate revealed the plate was associated to a camper van and was inactive. The same vehicle was subject to an inspection order, which was issued a week prior. The driver was served a violation ticket for no insurance, drive contrary to restrictions, wrong number plate, fail to display the front plate and fail to produce a driver’s license. The vehicle was towed as it was unsafe to be on the roadway.

•On Wednesday, Oct. 7, a dump truck was reported stolen from a worksite in Windermere. The dump truck was located on a property on Kootenay # 3 Road later the same day. While on the property, police located a second stolen vehicle, a Dodge pickup, which had been reported stolen out of Fairmont Hot Springs on Apr. 14, 2020. Both vehicles were unoccupied. The investigations are ongoing.

•On Thursday, Oct. 8 at 9:45 p.m., an officer was conducting patrols on Kootenay # 3 Road in Windermere when he observed an individual he knew to be suspended from driving operating a Chevrolet Equinox. The officer conducted a traffic stop and discovered there was a no contact order between the driver and the passenger.

The driver was arrested for breaching an undertaking and driving while suspended. A second officer observed a controlled substance in plain view and arrested the passenger

for possession of a controlled substance. A subsequent search revealed what was believed to be crystal meth along with cash and other items consistent with drug trafficking. The driver was released on an appearance notice to attend court at a later date. The driver also received a violation ticket for no insurance, wrong number plate and no driver’s license.

The passenger was released on an Appearance Notice to attend court at a later date in relation to possession of a controlled substance.

•On Friday, Oct. 9 at about 12:40 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop with a GMC Sierra pickup after the driver passed the unmarked police car and continued to travel at a speed of 120 km/h in a 90 km/h zone. While speaking to the driver, the officer noted signs of impairment by a drug. The driver complied with roadside sobriety tests, which supported the officer’s belief that the driver was impaired by a drug. The driver complied with a blood demand and was released on an appearance notice to attend court at a later date.

•On Saturday, Oct. 10 at about 1:00 a.m., an officer was making patrols of Subdivision Road in Windermere when a Ford F150 with inactive plates drove past. The officer conducted a traffic stop and discovered the driver was a prohibited driver. The driver was arrested for driving while prohibited. The driver was also found to have outstanding warrants for driving while prohibited.

The driver was served a 24-hour driving prohibition for alcohol, a violation ticket for no insurance and wrong number plate and released on an Appearance Notice for driving while prohibited.

•On Sunday, Oct. 11, a white 1997 GMC Sierra pickup with Alberta license plate BLG0163 was reported stolen from a residence on Victoria Avenue in Windermere sometime overnight. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbia Valley Detachment or Crimestoppers.

Plumbing the depths: local man builds world’s deepest diving homemade submarine

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com You could say Fairmont resident Hank Pronk is a deep fellow. No, that doesn’t mean he’s the kind of guy who likes inquisitive philosophic discussions over campfires. He’s much more literally a deep fellow: Pronk builds homemade submarines and then uses them to plumb the depths of local lakes.

Indeed one of Pronk’s latest submarines, the Elementary 3000 (or E3000), is in fact the deepest diving homemade crewed submarine in the world.

“There’s one (other homemade submarine) in Honduras that is close, but it’s not quite equal,” Pronk told the Pioneer, adding his submarine has been pressured tested to depths of 2,900 feet in a pressure chamber in Vancouver. The E3000 and a newer, smaller submarine,

the AP-400 (which Pronk built as an “isolation project” this year, while stuck at home during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, are the two most recent of the eight submarines he’s made over the past four decades, stretching back to when he was 16.

As B.C. and the rest of Canada emerged from pandemic lockdowns this summer, Pronk has taken his submarines out for plunges in local lakes around the Kootenay, posting YouTube videos of manned dives with the AP-400 in Premier Lake in August and the E3000 in Kootenay Lake in September. The dives were testing the waters, so to speak, allowing Pronk to work out any bugs, and he is planning on taking the E3000 to the wreck of paddle steamer S.S. City of Ainsworth, which sits nearly 400 feet down on the bottom of Kootenay Lake sometime in March or April.

Continued on page 5

October 15, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

Continued ‘local man builded submarine’ from page 4

a submarine that goes beyond that depth becomes prohibitively expensive.”

The wreck is a designated historic site: the City of Pronk is part of Innerspace Science, a nonprofit Ainsworth was the third sternwheeler on Kootenay Lake group that connects private submarines with scientists and sank in dramatic conditions in a gale-force storm in and educators. Through this group, Pronk has volun1898, taking nine lives as it did. The depth is extreme teered in the past to take researchers to the bottom of enough that the remains of the wreck were not discovered Lake Tahoe and Flathead Lake in his submarines. for 90 years, and this depth plus the low visibility and po“I do get around with it,” said Pronk. “One of the tentially dangerous surface conditions on Kootenay Lake funnest parts of these projects is travelling with the submean that only one scuba dive has successfully reached marine. At boat ramps, it always draws a crowd, and you the ship. Pronk’s dive will be the first submarine trip to end up meeting some really interesting people.” the site.

What’s it like being on the bottom of local lakes?

“It’s like being in outer space. You’re in an enclosed space, just hanging weightless and you can’t see very far. For me, it feels very relaxing,” said Pronk. “At 200 feet, it’s usually pitch dark.

Absolutely black. But I have plenty of lighting.”

When Pronk says that the enclosed space is somewhat tight, he isn’t kidding: the sphere has a 48 inch diameter. And don’t forget, if you go deep enough in the submarine, there are 157 Screenshots from a YouTube video of Hank Pronk’s dive in his homemade AP-400 submatons of force pushing down rine in Premier Lake in August. on the hatch, essentially — Building these submarines is no easy feat. Aside from from a physic standpoint — trying to push the hatch in the custom-bent occupant’s sphere, Pronk designs and on itself.“It’s no problem for me. I’m not claustrophocreates all the submarines systems and parts himself. But bic,” he said. then again, engineering and tinkering are the points for Pronk’s favourite local lake to dive in a submarine is Pronk.

Premier Lake.“It’s only 105 feet deep, but there’s a little “I actually enjoy building them more than using canyon that transects the lake bottom. It’s super narrow them,” he said. “Using them is often a big deal. You and quite interesting; there’s a lot down there,” he said. need a custom trailer, a boat ramp, a special compres- “Moyie Lake is also neat. There’s really weird channels at sor. There’s a lot more to diving a sub than just having a the bottom there, and they zig-zag all over and intersect submarine. For me, the designing and creating are what with each other. I don’t know why they are there. It’s kind really piques my curiosity. With all the information avail- of eerie.” able online these days, you really can figure out how to What inspires Pronk to build submarines instead of make anything you want. For the 3,000 footer, I just real- pursuing a more conventional hobby?“I really have no ly wanted to push the bar a bit and see what I could do. A idea, I don’t have an answer for that. I just like it,” he said. homemade sub that can go to 3,000 feet, that’s about as “When you have an interest you pursue it.” deep as you can go. It’s a really serious depth, and making This winter Pronk is building an indoor swimming pool, so he can “dive” his submarines even when local lakes are frozen, and also to help train other people (he is often accompanied on his submarine dives by his son Anthony and friend Brian Nadwidney, who is a technical diver and helps with testing and safety backup) to pilot the submersibles.

You can follow along as Pronk prepares for the dive to the S.S. City of Ainsworth through the videos he regularly posts to his YouTube channel.

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 15, 2020

PERSPECTIVE Go play outside

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com The colours of the trees and the ground are so beautiful. The warmer temperatures of summer turn into a distant memory. Summer outfits are put away in the closet, replaced by wool attire that keeps our bodies warm.

Cocktails have been traded in for comforting teas, ice cream for apple and pumpkin pies. Last week it seemed Mother Nature had forgotten about the arrival of winter, but now suddenly it seems she simply tricked us. Winter is coming. It’s the time of the year, when the colours change and leaves fall, the peaks of the mountains give one of the most beautiful and contrasting landscapes.

Don’t let the comfort and warmth of your living room convince you, however. There is a way to play outside year-round. But let’s do so safely.

The change in temperature and the shorter days are also synonymous with the bears, for whom hibernation is fast approaching. Bears prepare for hibernation by eating prodigiously. This process is called hyperphagia. They need two or three times their average amount of food in late summer and earlier fall. Their appetites explode.

Some bears will gain up to 30 pounds in a single week.

Be bear aware while you enjoy the outdoors: make some noise, try to go with someone else, bring bear spray and be prepared for the appearance of a bear anytime.

You might have used a trail thousands of times without seeing any bears., it doesn’t mean they are not around.

If you are a hunter, you’re likely an excellent candidate to encounter a bear. Remember they aggressively protecting their food, young and territory. During the fall, all bears are on the lookout for food before hibernating for the winter.

On various Facebook pages from the area, locals are reporting bear activity, even within municipalities. Cooler temperatures, fewer daylight hours, and fresh food sources disappearing encourage the bears into towns, seeking food in trees and trash. What we see as waste can be a happy meal for them.

The appearance of beautiful colours is also the time of the hunting season. If hunters are wearing their camouflage clothing, other outdoor enthusiasts should wear flashy colours to be sure to be seen by others.

It’s a time of the year when conditions can change quickly. A warm sunny day can turn into a snowstorm in seconds.

Be prepared for any eventuality and watch out for fast-changing weather. Bring clothes for cold, rainy or even snowy weather; bring them all. Remember that evevryone has the right to take advantage of this beautiful weather: hunters, hikers, bikers, and even more wild animals. Be ready and enjoy!

Historical Lens The Vicarage The Vicarage for the anglican Minister on 10th street, Invermere. Later, the building was sale. It was purchased by Olga Redhead for $3,300.

Photo C2292, 1961, courtesy Windermere District Historical Society

Correction

The firefighters from Canal Flats were incorrectly identified in Oct. 1 edition.

Left to Right: Bill Lake, Tyler White, Leisha Lake. Sherri Cline, Glenn Massie, Shaylene Sagar, Janis Larson Darcy Karperien, Max Jenks, Peter Fry, Zacc Farrell Not Available: Glen Afonso, Brad Niwa, Robert Ponneon, Travis White, Deanna White

CVSAR calls have doubled

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com The Columbia Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR) is a volunteer, non-profit charitable society that assists local, provincial and federal agencies in ground search and rescue (SAR) operations. CVSAR supports the RCMP, B.C. Ambulance Service, local fire departments, the emergency operations centre, the coroner or other authorized tasking agencies. The local organization covers more than 10,000 square kilometers from Brisco to Canal Flats and the traditional territory of the Shuswap and Ktunaxa people.

Thirty operational volunteers are on call 24/7.

CVSAR recently held a few recruitments sessions in September and will train newly chosen members in the upcoming months. Volunteers must put in a serious amount of time to master skills such as search manage-

ment, team leadership, swiftwater, mountain, rope, avalanche rescue and tracking. They meet most weeks at the SAR hall in Windermere, next to the fire station, to train physically and simulate operations. “It is worth noting that CVSAR operates on a 100 per cent volunteer basis, and volunteers are not reimbursed for the time they must take away from their family and work for task, training or administration,” said Roslyn Johnson, active member and CVSAR information coordinator. Additional full-day training occurs periodically on weekends throughout the year, and volunteers also participate in external training with the 78 SAR teams throughout B.C. CVSAR responds to various emergencies, including ground search and rescue, organized avalanche response, mountain rope rescue and swiftwater rescue. In addition CVSAR get asked to help municipalities when fires or floods happen.

Continued on page 18

The Columbia Valley

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

P

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

Amanda Nason Associate Publisher/ Sales Manager Ext. 102

Camille Aubin Editor Ext. 106

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James Rose Reporter jamesrose10@ gmail.com

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 15, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

Manny Osborne-Paradis retires after 16 years of World Cup ski racing For Manuel Osborne-Paradis, the tipping point arrived at the local high school track.

Father to Sloane and Toby, husband to Lana, son to Jane, friend to many, four-time Olympian, and one of Canada’s most accomplished ski racers of all-time: Manny was at the track and in the throes of a nasty speed-endurance workout. It was August. For most, summer’s

Manuel Osborne-Paradis four-time Olympian Submitted by Panorama Mountain Resort twilight. For skiers, winter’s predawn. For elite level downhillers, the final phase of preparing mind and body for the circus, the white circus. The World Cup. Manny, 36, was doing kilometre-long sprints. About halfway thtrough his third set, lungs firing, muscles burning, glucose rapidly converting to adenosine triphosphate, Manny did something against his character. He let up. “I just…stopped running,” he said. “I thought to myself, I think I’m done.”

He went home and took a nap. Later that Saturday night, he approached his wife. “He came into my office where I was doing some work,” she remembers. Lana, founder of Blast Fitness, works as an exercise physiologist, personal trainer and group fitness instructor. In 2018, Impact Magazine named her one of Canada’s top fitness trainers. “We had just put the kids to bed.” Sloane, age three. Toby, not yet a year. “And he sat on the floor. I asked him, ‘why are you sitting on the floor?’”

Manny, “I said to her, ‘I think I’m done.’” It was one thing to arrive at his decision internally, another thing entirely to voice it to those closest. Lana knew right away what her husband was talking about. He was done with being a ski racer. Manny, one of last remaining Canadian Cowboys - an immensely talented generation of Canadian ski racers on par with the Ken Read, Steve Podborski led Crazy Canucks, was retiring. It was the end of an era.

Her response? “She was very supportive,” Manny said. “Surprisingly nonchalant about it.” Yet while Lana may have come across that way, inside, a wave of emotion swept through her. “When he first told me, all the highs and lows from the past sixteen years, it all just flashed before my eyes.” First, there was a relief. She knew how hard of a decision it was. They’d been talking about it more frequently for the past year. Then, some sadness.

Coming to a close was a unique way of life. “We have tonnes of friends across Europe and with his decision, I knew we wouldn’t get to spend as much time with them anymore.” Finally, excitement. “Beyond excited,” she said of his, their, next phase.

Manny, born and raised in North Vancouver’s Deep Cove, was on skis by age three. His grandfather was one of Whistler’s first mountain doctors. With grandpa’s A-frame cabin as basecamp, Manny grew up skiing Peak to Creek, Chunky’s Choice, Burnt Stew, Orange Cliffs, Dave Murray Downhill. Early on, he was enrolled in the Whistler Mountain Ski Club. While he may have enjoyed skiing, he loved mountain biking.

Those early teenage years, in Deep Cove, the Mecca of Canada’s nascent downhill mountain biking scene, Manny was at the centre. He looked up to guys like Wade Simmons, Thomas Vanderham: a wild bunch with a vision for what could be done in that newish sport. Manny needed more structure, more coaching. In ski racing, he found both. And, of course, there was the Rob Boyd factor. In 1989, Boyd won Whistler’s World Cup downhill event. Boyd became the first Canadian to ever win a Canadian downhill. Overnight, Rob Boyd was deified in Whistler and in Canadian ski racing.

As a young ski racer, Manny was fast, but never the hands down fastest. Fast enough however, to qualify at age 11 for Topolino, an international junior race held in Italy. And fast enough to eventually win a spot on B.C.’s provincial ski team, based then, out of a small East Kootenay town called Invermere. That was how he ended up here at age 15.

Invermere born, ex-Olympian ski racer Christina Lustenburger was also on that provincial ski team. But it wasn’t the first time they met, “I first met Manny when we both went to Topolino,” Christina said from her home in Revelstoke. After five knee surgeries, Christina retired from the World Cup in 2007 and quickly transitioned into working as a pro free-skier and ACMG ski guide.

She and Manny have been friends since Topolino. They moved up the ski racing ranks together. They went to high school grad together. “I’m so proud of Manny and what he’s accomplished. But I am also really proud of him for making this decision to step aside and move onto a new path.”

Upon his arrival to Invermere, not long was it before Manny fell in love with the town and the nearby ski hill, Panorama. Dark, north facing, Panorama is a racer’s mountain. Racers are welcomed to racer conditions.

Manny embraced Panorama, Panorama embraced Manny. Steve Paccagnan became Panorama’s CEO in 2013.

One of the first things Paccagnan did was to name Manny Panorama’s Director of Speed. “He’s been a huge ambassador for us,” said Paccagnan. “Just a great role model for young ski racers on the mountain. Our relationship has grown exponentially through the years and we all wish him best on his next chapter and congratulations on a remarkable career.” “[Panorama] is the soul of Canadian ski racing,” said Tim Dattels, a longtime friend, sponsor, and mentor to Manny. Dattels was recently named Chair of Alpine Canada’s Board of Directors and is a managing partner of global private equity firm TPG Capital. He and Manny first met after the Super-G at the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver.

In the world of elite athletics, big, colourful personalities are in short supply. To Dattels, Manny stuck out right away. “He’s a highly unusual individual,” Dattels said over the phone from Stinson Beach, California.

“He’s extremely gracious, an uber people person, loves

conversation and engaging with people.” Dattels, a lifelong ski racing fan, saw parallels in Manny’s skiing and temperament. “On skis, Manny’s a glider. He’s got a flexible personality just like the way he skis,” he said. “Whereas some racers keep to themselves, Manny would come down after one of his runs and be very open, willing to talk. Great with sponsors.” To Dattels, the boot buckle story speaks to who Manny is. So, I asked Manny about the boot buckle story.

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8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 15, 2020

Continued ‘Athlamer brige’ from page 3 There’s dust flying, the decibel count is outrageous, yet still, they work. They’re on a deadline and there’s no beating around the bush. Direct action, no legislation is required. They use a screed machine for the pour. It’s the best way to achieve a smooth surface. There’s no hand levelling. The concrete mix solution is unique for its ability to work on off-grade, sloped decks. After the pour, they let it cure - a critical phase.

Nelson born and raised, Kalabis majored in environmental science at university. He ran for Nelson City Council in the last election. He wasn’t elected. Before starting with

HOW TO GIVE

transportation, he worked first in forests, lands, natural resource operations and rural development. He’s in his thirteenth year. “I got in under a senior project manager and was shown the ropes,” Kalabis said. “I was doing smaller projects at first before doing bigger ones. What we do, it’s a team sport.”

Why now? Infrastructure projects are budgeted and prioritized years in advance.

This bridge’s time had come. It’s not like it was falling apart. “We wouldn’t let it get there,” said Kalabis. Safety reasons. It’s part of the B.C. government’s $2.5 million earmark for projects in the East Kootenay. The Fort Steele overpass, upgrades in Fernie, Sparwood, they were clumped together.

EVERY DOLLAR RAISED SUPPORTS LOCAL KIDS AND FAMILY PROGRAMS IN OUR COMMUNITY!

$2 Steps towards literacy

• DONATE ONLINE AT CBAL.ORG $5 Buys one new book • BUY A PAIR OF “SOCKS FOR LITERACY” $20 Buys a set of books • REACH OUT TO OUR TEAM

LEARN ABOUT THE BOOKS FOR KIDS CAMPAIGN FROM YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY LITERACY COORDINATOR Books for Kids campaign funds will be used to…

Create themed, take-home packages for families that encourage learning and reading together.

Mel Myers, Golden Create StoryWalks® - an outdoor reading activity that a whole family can share – and distribute books to kids in our community.

Alison Facey, Cranbrook

Support early learning literacy programs and events like Muffins and More, Come Read with Me, Family Rhyme Time, Book Under Every Tree and The Magic School Bus. Gillian Wells, Creston

Offer take-home kits, complemented by an online component, which will allow families to connect and share their learning.

Carol Fairhurst, Kimberley

Provide engaging literacy opportunities and quality books for children and youth right here in the Elk Valley.

Chrisy Hill, Elk Valley

Support our famous Summer Book Bike and purchase books to give away during Family Literacy week and through our Books Under Every Tree program.

Sandy Kalesnikoff, Windermere Valley

ABOUT THE COLUMBIA BASIN ALLIANCE FOR LITERACY (CBAL): CBAL is a not-for-profit organization that develops, promotes and delivers literacy and essential skills services for people of all ages in 77 communities across the Columbia Basin and Boundary.

#1 BARRIER TO LITERACY IS ACCESS TO BOOKS HERE IS WHAT OUR CAMPAIGN PARTNERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT BOOKS FOR KIDS “It is essential for children to develop their literacy abilities like communicating, reading and writing. It will help them in their understanding of the world and it will be advantageous for their futures and for the communities they live in. We need and use literacy skills every day of our life!”

Camille Aubin, Editor

“Supporting literacy by partnering with CBAL on its literacy initiatives is important to us because we believe in empowerment.

If you can’t read, you can’t succeed. We believe that the act of building self-esteem is the foundation of setting people up for success, which starts by raising the literacy rates of all children in our community. “ Marilyn Cobban, Owner of Blue Sky Clothing Co.

“Thank you so much for your support and involvement in the Books for Kids campaign.

Black Press is happy to be a part of this campaign and to work in partnership with the CBAL team in the East and West Kootenays. Books for Kids is dear to me as literacy for our children is so vital for their health and well-being. My three children and I are all avid readers and I engage in reading to keep involved and to be inspired. Black Press has been a proud supporter of Books for Kids for many years and will continue to do so.”

Pamela Allain, Group publisher

“Kootenay Savings is proud to be a long-time supporter of CBAL and its Books for Kids campaign. Just as reading, writing and arithmetic are essential life skills that should be learned at an early age, so too is knowing how to control your finances. As a local credit union, we have the expertise to help strengthen financial literacy in our communities.”

Aron Burke, Community Liaison, Kootenay Savings Credit Union

To purchase socks, contact the CBAL Community Literacy Coordinator in your area. To make a donation, visit cbal.org.

Melanie Myers - goldencoordinator@cbal.org Sandy Kalesnikoff - wvcoordinator@cbal.org

Chrisy Hill - elkvalleycoordinator@cbal.org Alison Facey - cranbrookcoordinator@cbal.org

Carol Fairhurst - kimberleycoordinator@cbal.org Gillian Wells - crestoncoordinator@cbal.org

October 15, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

Working toward Solutions Submitted by Wildsight Invermere Are you interested in learning more about solar energy and how you can use it? Join us on our Solar Drive-by House Tour this week (Oct.15 – 22). Register at https://wildsight.ca/events/solar-home-tour/ and continue reading for more general information.

Did you know that solar panels could power North America using less than 1% of the land (far less than the amount of space taken up by roads)? Some estimate that 40% of our energy needs could come from rooftops alone. Today we are going to examine using solar panels to power our homes and businesses.

Although the upfront cost can be daunting (some installation companies offer financing options, while some banks will add the cost to a mortgage), solar energy should be thought of as an investment – a low risk investment with decent returns. Average payback time varies between 12-15 years, a 3-5% rate of return. Solar can also increase your property value, yielding an average 3-4% increase in sale price.

Solar offers control over your utility bill. In the past 10 years, the cost of solar has decreased by more than 70% while the cost of electricity has risen by about 5% per year and is expected to continue to rise. With an average warranty on the panels of 20-30 years and a degradation rate of 0.5% per year (still producing at 90% capacity after 20 years), solar offers long term protection against rising utility bills.

If you consider the life cycle emissions of power producers, including the emissions from obtaining and producing its power generation components, solar has much lower life cycle emissions than natural gas or coal. In under 4 years, the energy used to build

the solar panel is paid back. Since panels last 25-40 years, 90% of the power they produce is pollution free. Compare that to 0% of fossil fuel power being pollution free.

Often consumers are concerned about times when the sun doesn’t shine. Here in the valley, we have an attractive option. We can tie our solar panels into the electricity grid with a net metering plan. When we produce more energy than we need, it goes to the grid, generating credits. When we aren’t producing enough, we use those credits to power our homes. No batteries are needed, but they can be used if more autonomy is desired. Battery storage efficiency is increasing, making off-grid solar a more attractive option than it was 10 years ago.

Although a southeast/southwest facing roof is ideal, there are other options should your home not be properly situated or shaded by large trees. Ground-mounted panels are one option. Another growing trend is being part of a community solar garden – where you share your solar panels with your neighbors.

Despite concerns regarding initial cost, house orientation, age of the roof (you wouldn’t want to put solar panels on aging roofing material), solar makes sense. It benefits the environment, helps diversify the economy and decreases our reliance on fossil fuel producers abroad. Let’s urge our government to support local installation companies and local production of solar panels, ensuring that sustainable practices are implemented in the manufacturing process.

Submitted photos by Wildsight Invermere

Leading solar contractor in the Kootenays

Join our virtual annual general meeting Monday, November 9, 2020 6:00 pm PT / 7:00 pm MT This year it’s easier than ever to attend our AGM. Log on from anywhere and be a part of it. Everyone is welcome.

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10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 15, 2020

Akisqnuk elders recreate traditional treats

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The art of harvesting black lichen, commonly referred to as black moss, is a historical Ktunaxa tradition that yields an unexpected result.

Akisqnuk First Nation elder Alfred Joseph and his sister, Hazel Pascal, have recently begun experimenting with a traditional Aq’am process taught by the elders of the community to candy black moss.

“We had heard about the use of black lichen, or tree moss, and we had an elder from Aq’am that taught others how to harvest it and how to do the process,” Joseph explained, noting the end product results in candy often resembling that of licorice.

“Nobody did it for quite a few years, then when we decided to do it as a family, we gathered people that had seen her go through the process, then we tried it.”

Historically, Joseph explained that both Ktunaxa men and women collected black lichen near the mountain-tops located in the Akisqnuk First Nation community.

When Joseph, Pascal and their peers tried to recreate the process on two occasions, three garbage bags were filled by participants with freshly picked black moss.

“Once we get it back to the homes, the women wash it and the men cannot be around any longer,” Joseph explained of the Akisqnuk First Nation elder Alfred Joseph recently retrieved black lichen near the mountain-tops of his ancestor’s tradition, culture and community’s process for preservation.

Pascal indicated that the first step in cleaning their yield is traditional lands to experiment with a cultural practice taught by the Aq’am elders (centre, right). Joseph cleared out to remove all the twigs from the black lichen before washing it the existing outdoor oven on Pascal’s property to depict the depth of the ancient fire practice (bottom, left). A close-up view of black lichen after it has been baked with wild chives in an outdoor oven (top, right). The Ktunaxa have a deep twice.

Photos by Breanne Massey While the black lichen is wet, the women are accountable appreciation for the environment that surrounds the community (bottom, right). for placing it on a cookie sheet covered with foil and layered between wild chives.

While it is being properly cleaned and prepared by the women, the men of the family traditionally dug a deep hole on the land, to hold a fire.

In this case, a hole was dug on the property, near Pascal’s garden, for the prepared trays of layered moss and wild chives to be buried under a combination of dirt, coal, leaves and tin foil.

Traditionally, the Ktunaxa men are responsible for perfecting the outdoor oven, so that the fire to cook it burns for a total of four days. Participating males are expected to stoke the fire on top of where the trays of black lichen are buried and baked until it can be liquified.

After the container is dug up, the moss is expected to have been cooked to form a solid baked good that can be cooled and chopped into narrow pieces to make candy.

Joseph chuckled retrospectively about once trying to replace the wild chives with water lily pads. He stated the process was flawed because the water lily pad leaves could not withstand the heat of the fire to the same degree that other plant-life could and were absorbed during the process.

“We’re always experimenting,” Joseph said with a smirk. “But it would be interesting to get it analyzed (after the process is completed) to see what nutrients are in there some time.”

Pascal and Joseph have completed the candy making process at least twice in recent memories, but both siblings agree there is always room to learn more through the process of trial and error.

“Some people call it Indian licorice,” said Joseph in good spirits, adding the results are inconclusive and still being perfected by the participants.

“Essentially, what happens is the liquid mixture dries, hardens and then the women cut it up at some point after it’s cooled off.”

October 15, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

Lessons about the importance of the drum

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

ly occurs with women. This is why it has been a tribal custom (in most tribes) that women not sit at the drum or play it.”

With permission from the Shuswap Indian Band With the support of the local bands, the content and the Akisqnuk First Nation administrations to on drumming is being made available to everyone parmodernize traditional content for the Rocky Mountain ticipating to be inclusive.

School District #6 students, the David Thompson SecHowever, Fisher explained that the voice of the ondary School (DTSS) Aboriginal Education Support drum can be healing, or even meditative for some parWorkers have recently introduced lessons about the ticipants. importance of drumming for Indigenous communities She continued to state that the Northern College for the first time ever this fall. indicates, “For First Nations Peoples, the drum repDTSS Aboriginal Education Support Workers resents the universal heartbeat of Mother Earth, the Monica Fisher and Sasha Taylor met outdoors with Universal Goddess and mother to us all. The first eight students who volunteered to participate in sound that was heard in the world was the heartbeat learning local Indigenous traditions and protocols on of Mother Earth. First Nations Peoples manifest this Wednesday, Oct. 7, where an overview about how the heartbeat through playing a special rhythm on the idea was born. drum. This rhythm facilitates healing and realignment “Unfortunately, I attended a (Secwepemc) funeral of the four realms of human existence (mental, spirithis summer. Due to some of the (safety and cultural) tual, emotional and physical) because the Creator reprotocols, there weren’t enough drummers and people volves around the rhythm. The drum, when combined who knew the honour song,” Fisher told the students. with the voice, creates a hum that rests between the “I really wanted to support the family, but I realized voice and the drum and is thought to be the spirits that I didn’t know any of the honour songs to be able of the Ancestors. Therefore, First Nations drums are to sing and show my support for the family.” not percussion instruments per se or a toy, they are From there, Fisher decided to learn about the considered female and human because of their ties drum and how it is viewed by Indigenous communito the earth. When playing drum, it should never be ties from local knowledge keepers to deepen her underhammered in an aggressive way as this suggests it’s a DTSS Aboriginal Education Support Workers Monica Fisher and standing of the ancient tradition and to help support ‘beating’, and one may never hit a woman.”

Sasha Taylor demonstrated how to make custom drumsticks to stuthe Akisqnuk and Secwepemc people share knowledge.

Fisher read that each drum has its own unique dents after providing an overview about why the drum is historiCanim Indian Band former chief Michael Archie, voice and vibration, but in order to have a voice, cally and culturally important to Indigenous communities. Photos who currently serves the Shuswap Indian Band, was drums must be ‘birthed’ in a sacred ceremony before

by Breanne Massey unable to attend the introductory discussion with stubeing played. dents on Oct. 7, but plans to attend all subsequent disIn addition, the participants learned about the Fisher read a statement entitled “The Drum” providcussions with the participants each Wednesday as long as ed through the Northern College Indigenous Council on ownership and etiquette of the drum and the magic of the weather permits.

Education’s learning resources to prepare the participants drumming circles.

Honour songs can be heard at culturally significant for the first session.

Fisher concluded by reading a letter from the drum events such as funerals, powwows and sundances. to the participants before providing instructions on how “The beating of the drum helps us listen to our soul “I found it really neat that it’s the first year where so we can understand our purpose and our connection to to make their own drum sticks with modernized techwe are actually making drums at school,” Devin Capilo, each other in the Circle of Life. The drum is female and niques, thanks to the support of the local Indigenous 13, told his peers. “I know lots of other schools have ex- human,” Fisher read aloud to the class, asking for partic- communities. pressed interest in making drums, but I’m really glad that ipants to jump in and share any knowledge they also had This week, the students will complete the process of we’re the first to do it and I’m glad it’s finally happening.” on the subject. making their own custom drumsticks and will begin to Madiah Bodry, 16, added, “I wanted to learn about “The big drum was a gift from the women to the learn the process of making a drum-kit. drumming because I don’t know my culture and I feel men a very long time ago, so that men could experience Fisher and Taylor indicated that the participants will like a lot of it was lost through cultural genocide, so I a resonant connection to the Earth Mother that natural- be required to learn traditional songs and cultural protothink this is a really great way to learn more about it.” cols in the coming weeks.

Aboriginal Education Support Worker Monica Fisher brought a handmade drum that she made in Cypress Hills, Sask. to show participants in the demonstration, as well as a drum that was made by her grandmother.

Aboriginal Education Support Worker Sasha Taylor helped participant Hughie Nokleby, 15, apply silicone to his drumstick to begin assembling a custom drum set outdoors at DTSS last week.

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 15, 2020

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It’s time to think about your safety on winter road

By Pioneer Staff With winter fast approaching, now is the time to think about a bit of fall car care to make sure your vehicle is in top working order when the snow starts to fly because the last thing you want is to be stranded in a snowstorm alone trying to get cell phone service for help.

“The biggest thing is to make sure you get your winter tires on,” said OK Tire mechanic Brandon Shaw. It will provide a best winter traction. Winter tires or chains are required on most routes in B.C. from October 1st through to April 30th.

Not sure if your tires are still good to go for another season? Easy! A classic Canadian trick to measure winter tire wear is to use a quarter. Stick a 25¢ coin in one of the tire grooves with the caribou looking

down. If you can see the tip of the caribou’s nose, the tire won’t last all winter or for 10,000 kilometres, as the tread depth is no longer 6/32 of an inch. Think twice, if you think you can stretch the tires’ life for another season for just to save a bit of money. You might end up sacrificing more you save. Think of tires as a good pair of shoes for your car, making things safer for you, your friends and family and other road users. Look for the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol or the ‘M+S’ sign on the side of the tire. This indicates that they meet legal requirements for winter tire designation in B.C. Other things to check include making sure you have the right antifreeze and ensuring you have filled up with winter washer fluid.

Continued on page 13

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October 15, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

Car Care Continued ‘your safety on wither’ road from page 12

Buy a bit extra of it and leave it in your car in case you need some more on your way.

It is also possible to buy winter wiper blades. They are stronger and prevent ice and snow buildup. Replace blades that leave streaks or spots on your window.

“When the cold weather comes, you can wind up with issues,” said Shaw. “If your antifreeze isn’t protecting you to a low enough temperature and it does freeze, you can crack your engine block or wreck the radiator.” Make sure to buy one with antifreeze components.

The daylight is much shorter during winter, which means drivers tend to drive in the dark more during those months.

Make sure that all of your exterior lights are ready. If they are out, or if they look foggy or are turning yellow-looking, replace them before hitting the road.

Also, make sure heaters, batteries and

alternators are all running well. With the pandemic, many vehicles normally driven a fair bit may have reamained dormant for weeks or even months. Every vehicle owner should have their batteries tested before winter, especially if the batteries are older than three years old, to avoid a breakdown. If the car doesn’t run regularly enough, the alternator and charging system will have a hard time holding the charge in the battery.

Shaw recommendations were echoed

by K5 Mechanical’s Fred Kinsey, who also advised making sure antifreeze, washer fluid, batteries and heaters are up to snuff.

“A lot of people come in, and their batteries are weak or their heaters aren’t working quite right, which can become a problem in the winter,” said Kinsey. “And of course, coming into the cold season, you need winter tires. The regular all-season tire just doesn’t bite as well on winter roads.”

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Talk to your chosen Automotive Service Professional to ensure that the maintenance schedule for your vehicle is followed, and that warranty repairs are undertaken promptly by the appropriate repair facility.

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Your chosen Automotive Service Professional can service your vehicle for regular maintenance.

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To maintain the integrity of your vehicle warranty, follow its terms and properly document the maintenance schedule outlined in your owner’s manual or your extended warranty coverage contract.

For example, particular attention should be made to ensure that manufacturer recommended fluids are used and accurately documented in your record of service.

V2.0

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 15, 2020

Fall program from Radium Library Submitted by Radium Library On July 7, 2020, the Radium Library reopened the library building to the public with a modified service structure. Even though our service structure may look a little different, we are still here to serve you as best as we can!

During this stage of reopening, we are offering limited on-site services with reduced service hours. Access to the building is based on current occupancy levels, and patrons are asked to ring the ‘’book bell’’ before entering.

We have set up the doorbell system to help our small team of staff regulate occupancy limits. We ask that when you arrive, you ring the bell for access to the building. A staff person will happily greet you and permit entry based on the current occupancy levels. Odds are, we have plenty of availability!

We also offer to browse by appointment options for those who wish to secure a time to come in.

We only have one computer available at this time, so we encourage booking a 30-min appointment to secure availability. Printing and scanning services are available as well.

We will continue to offer curbside

pickup for hold requests during service hours for the foreseeable future. Patrons can call, email, or place a hold on our catalogue. Once we have filled your order, we will call to arrange a pickup time. When picking up your items, ring the book bell, and we will bring them out to the Pickup Table.

During this stage of our reopening, we will be offering our popular grab and go kits in place of our regular children’s programming. Follow our website or Facebook page for the latest activity! We also have online book clubs and activities available for adults and teens provided by the Kootenay Library Federation. Many of the book club meetings even include a virtual visit from the author!

As a small public library with limited staffing, we rely on volunteer support to maintain our regular hours and services.

To comply with COVID safety regulations, we have had to suspend our volunteer program, alter our service structure, increase cleaning procedures and reduce our public service hours as a result.

We want to thank all of our wonderful patrons for being so understanding during these unusual times! Please don’t hesitate to call us, we are here to help!

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 6 (ROCKY MOUNTAIN) INVITATION TO TENDER

SNOW REMOVAL 2020/2021 Snow removal contracts are required for: Windermere Zone Area #3 (Snow removal and sanding) Edgewater Elementary School parking lot in Edgewater, B.C. All inquiries should be directed to Brian Nickurak at 250-342-6814 or 250-342-1728.

Area #4 (Snow removal and sanding) Martin Morigeau Elementary School parking lot in Canal Flats, B.C. All inquiries should be directed to Brian Nickurak at 250-342-6814 or 250-342-1728.

Snow removal will take place if over 3” of snow on the ground and must be completed prior to 7:00 a.m.

Contracts will be based on the type of equipment and hourly rates.

Please list your equipment and the hourly rates.

Contractors are welcome to bid on all areas; however, separate bids for each area must be submitted by 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 23rd, 2020. More than one contract may be issued. The lowest or any bid will not necessarily be accepted.

Sealed tenders must be marked “Snow Removal Contract with the Area #” and submitted to: Steve Jackson, AScT Director of Operations Rocky Mountain School District No. 6 PO Box 430 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

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October 15, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

VOTE IN THE PROVINCIAL ELECTION Find where and when to vote below.

We’re helping B.C. vote safely during the pandemic. Here’s what you can expect if you vote in person: • Physical distancing and capacity limits • Election officials wearing personal protective equipment (such as masks and face-visors)

You can vote in person or by mail.

Vote in person Vote at a district electoral office – Find the office nearest you at elections.bc.ca/deo.

Voting is available now during office hours.

• Frequent cleaning of voting stations and surfaces

Learn more at elections.bc.ca/safevoting.

• Your Where to Vote card. Look for it in the mail from Elections BC. It will make voting faster and easier.

• Your own pen or pencil to mark your ballot, if you wish.

• You may wear a mask in the voting place, if you wish. We encourage voters to wear a mask when they vote to protect others. You will not be asked to remove your mask to vote.

Vote on election day – Find voting places and the dates they are open below, or visit wheretovote.elections.bc.ca. Election day is Saturday, October 24, but there are lots of ways to vote before then.

• Election workers trained on safe workplace guidelines and pandemic protocols

If you are ill or self-isolating, do not visit a voting place. Contact Elections BC at 1-800-661-8683 to discuss your voting options.

• ID that shows your name and home address. See elections.bc.ca/id for the list of acceptable ID.

Vote at advance voting – Find advance voting places and the dates they are open below, or visit wheretovote.elections.bc.ca.

• Protective barriers and sanitization stations

Follow the instructions from election officials in the voting place to help maintain physical distancing.

You will be asked to sanitize your hands before and after voting.

What should I bring if I vote in person?

Vote by mail If you requested a vote-by-mail package from Elections BC, return it as soon as possible.

Vote-by-mail packages must be received by Elections BC by 8 p.m. (Pacific time) on Saturday, October 24. Mail your completed package as soon as possible or return it in person so that it is received before the deadline. See elections.bc.ca for a list of in-person drop-off locations.

Voting Places for Columbia River-Revelstoke Advance Voting Places (open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time on the dates listed)

Open Dates Thur Oct. 15

Fri Oct. 16

Sat Oct. 17

Sun Oct. 18

Mon Oct. 19

Tues Oct. 20

Wed Oct. 21

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Columbia Valley Centre - Invermere 646 4th St, Invermere, BC Golden Civic Centre 806 10th Ave S, Golden, BC Kimberley Centennial Hall 100 4th Ave, Kimberley, BC Revelstoke Comm Centre 600 Campbell Ave, Revelstoke, BC

General Voting Places (open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific time on Saturday, October 24):

District Electoral Offices:

Bootleg Gap Golf Course Club House

Edgewater Legion Hall

Kimberley Centennial Hall

Wasa Comm Church

400 315th Ave, Kimberley, BC

4858 Cordillera Ave, Edgewater, BC

100 4th Ave, Kimberley, BC

6734 93 And 95 Hwy, Wasa, BC

Brisco Comm Hall

Fairmont & District Lions Club

Nicholson Fire Hall

Windermere Comm Hall

4930 Dorney Rd, Brisco, BC

5003 Hot Springs Rd, Fairmont Hot Springs, BC

801 95 Hwy, Nicholson, BC

4726 North St, Windermere, BC

Canal Flats Civic Centre

Field Comm Centre

Radium Hot Springs Centre

8911 Dunn St, Canal Flats, BC

315 Stephen Ave, Field, BC

4863 Stanley St, Radium Hot Springs, BC

Columbia Valley Centre - Invermere

Golden Civic Centre

Revelstoke Comm Centre

646 4th St, Invermere, BC

806 10th Ave S, Golden, BC

600 Campbell Ave, Revelstoke, BC

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Candidates for Columbia River-Revelstoke Candidate’s Name:

Financial Agent:

Samson Boyer BC Green Party

Gregor Connery PO Box 402, Canal Flats BC, V0B 1B0 (250) 349-5577

Nicole Cherlet BC NDP

Daniel Bauer 103 Forest Crowne Close, Kimberley BC, V1A 3N2 (250) 417-6714

Doug Clovechok BC Liberal Party

Geoffrey Blunden 4942 Mountain Hill Rd, Fairmont Hot Springs BC, V0B 1L1 (250) 374-3647

elections.bc.ca / 1 - 8 0 0 - 6 6 1 - 8 6 8 3

Official Agent:

@ElectionsBC

7585 W Main St Radium Hot Springs, BC (778) 635-0115

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 15, 2020

HERE TO SERVE YOU BUSINESS OF THE WEEK

SERVICES

SERVICES

BUSINESS OF THE WEEK

SERVICE EXCELLENCE IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

House Mouse Carefree Cottages Inc.

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

Make sure that your home insurance is valid and let the House Mouse make regular visits to your property while you’re not there. Should any irregularities arise, you will have the earliest possible notification. Inspections of your home include exterior and interior checks, complete with reports for your records.

We give all students 15% off with valid student ID

The “House Mouse” will check your property for you!

Visit www.housemousebc.ca to find out more!

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

Judy: (250) 341-1903

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

North American Warranty

valleysolutions@shaw.ca

House Checking and more!

Bob: (250) 341-5014

PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR THE VACATION HOME OWNER SINCE 2006

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700

unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

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

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

Kootenay Paving Toll Free 1-888-341-2221

Call now for a free quote!

Locally operated, with full-time staff to serve you better.

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

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

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

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE ON ALL WOOD BURNING APPLIANCES • WETT INSPECTIONS • Interior/Exterior Painting • Staining • Clear Coat • New Construction • Renovations

WETT Certified

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

Ph: 250-688-ROLL (7655) LetUsRoll4U@Gmail.com

20 years experience • Satisfaction guaranteed!

Commercial Residential

Fully Insured

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

SERVING SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY 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

Call 250-341-6299 to discuss your advertising needs.

N E W S PA P E R

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com • advertising@columbiavalleypioneer.com

October 15, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

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

• Septic Tank Pumping • Portable Toilet Rentals

LAMBERT-KIPP P H A R M A C Y ( 2 0 1 9 ) LT D .

Come in and browse our giftware

• 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

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

Open Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

Bruce Dehart 250.347.9803 or 250.342.5357

250-342-6612

LANDSCAPING

INSURANCE

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY’S TREE CARE SPECIALISTS WINDERMERE, BC 250-341-7029 P.O. Box 130 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Office: 250-342-2175 • Fax: 250-342-2669 Cindy.mackay@kootenayinsurance.ca

GOLDEN, BC 250-344-0188

GET YOUR QUOTE AT WWW.GREENLEAFTREE.CA INFO@GREENLEAFTREE.CA

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

www.kootenayinsurance.ca

CONTRACTING

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

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

BOX 459 7553 MAIN STREET RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BC V0A 1M0

P: 250-342-3031 F: 250-342-6945 info@lambertinsurance.ca

P: 250-347-9350 F: 250-347-6350 TOLL FREE: 1-866-342-3031

Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood.

• Fireplaces • Commercial and residential • New builds • Renovations.

A licensed, registered and bonded company

CONTRACTING

CONTRACTING

We also offer roundthe-clock service calls.

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

• Trusses • Engineered Floors • Wall Panels Tel: 250.341.6075 Fax: 250.341.3427 Email: info@duskbuildingsystems.com www.duskbuildingsystems.com

Kekuli Bay Cabinetry kekulibaycabinetry.com

1320 Industrial Road #3 Box 159, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

DESIGN BUILD New Builds, Renovations, Additions, & Kitchens

• 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

Paul Aubrecht, Dipl. Arch. SAIT

2020 DESIGN

250-342-5698

Best of

2020 SERVICE

paulaubrecht.houzz.com

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

Best of

N E W S PA P E R

Established since 1993

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 15, 2020

Continued ‘CVSAR calls have doubled’ from page 6 “In the Columbia Valley our calls match the variety of recreational activities that are available here; we’ve had people call for help from all sorts of accidents from hiking, mountain biking, climbing, skiing, paddling, motorized recreation and many more,” said Johnson.

CVSAR has been busier than ever before. On average, the organization usually responds to 20 to 24 calls per year. Since January 2020, they have already exceeded 30 calls. “We’ve recently had some of the busiest weekends in our recent history. On August 9th, three calls came in early this afternoon. The first was a B.C. Ambulance Service (BCAS) assist on the Old Coach Trail. After BCAS was able to locate the subject, CVSAR was stood down and quickly prepared for our second call. The second call was for an injured hiker in Bugaboos Provincial Park. Responding members flew to the Conrad Kain hut and extricated the subject before handing them off to BCAS. Shortly after, our third call for the day came in for a tipped canoe on Columbia Lake. A quick reloading of different gear and the team took off towards Columbia Lake where they

assisted the Windermere Fire Rescue boat to locate the subjects in the water.,” said Roslyn. There is no way to explain this increase of calls, but as Roslyn said, “It’s a numbers game; if more people are out enjoying the outdoors, we can expect more calls.” Even if the number of calls has increased dramatically in the preceding six months, the volunteer base remains the same. The members simply must put in more time.

The base operational annual funding is provided by the provincial government.

CVSAR relies on donations and grants to cover the cost of training, equipment purchases and other expenses not covered by the province. If you would like to support Columbia Valley Search and Rescue through a donation, please visit the Canada Helps CVSAR website https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/columbia-valley-disaster-services-society/ OR forward your donation to Columbia Valley Search and Rescue, P.O. Box 2123 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0. Your donation will help support vital ground search and rescue (SAR) operations in the Columbia Valley.

Columbia Valley Search and rescue would like to remind the public to practice AdentureSmart techniques to stay safe on your next adventure; always remember to make a trip plan, get trained and carry the essentials.

HERE TO SERVE YOU CONTRACTING

CARPET CLEANING Enjoy life, we’ll clean it up!

Big Cat Painting

• Carpets dry in 1 hour!

• Environmentally friendly products • 100% guaranteed!

• Fresh clean scent - No steam • Deodorizer/disinfectant • Area rugs including silk and wool • Protector • Prompt reliable service

For all your painting needs!

Serving the East Kootenay area!

Call NOW:

250-688-9418 • 778-526-5255

CARPET CLEANING

Cell: 250-342-1273 Fax: 250-342-9644

ptarmiganrugclean@gmail.com

• 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.

20 years’ experience • Anything concrete!

• • • •

RR#4 2117–13 Ave. Invermere, BC V0A 1K4

CONCRETE

Columbia Concrete Inc. Basements Garage pads Driveways Patios

Business: 250-342-9692

Visit www.heavensbest.com for more information

250-688-0213

CONCRETE

• • • •

TILE AND GROUT CLEANING

Decorative Exposed Stamped concrete Acid staining

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

WE RESEAL CONCRETE Serving the Columbia Valley

250-688-3739 I N

P U R S U I T

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

READY MIX CONCRETE

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

Concrete Pump • Sand & Gravel Heavy Equipment Rentals • Crane Service Proudly Serving the Valley for over 50 years

For competitive prices and prompt service, call: 250-342-3268 (plant) 250-342-6767 (office) SERVICES Your Weekly Source for News and Events

Recycling questions?

1756 Hwy 93/95 Windermere B.C.

N E W S PA P E R

Office: 250-342-6500 • Toll Free: 1-888-341-2221

Here to Serve You Advertising 250-341-6299

SERVICES

Amanda Murray Office Administrator/ Sales

#8, 1008 - 8th Avenue PO Box 868, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Ph: 250-341-6299 ext: 101 www.columbiavalleypioneer.com info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

BC RECYCLING HOTLINE 604-732-9253 1-800-667-4321 RECYCLING COUNCIL OF B.C. MEMBER

October 15, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENT

LOTS AND FOUND

CHEERS AND JEERS

Alcoholics Anonymous. If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. All meetings are at 8 p.m. Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the BC Service Building, South End – 624 4th St., Invermere.

Please call 250-342-2424 for more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship.

FOUND: in Invermere piece of artwork call the Pioneer 250341-6299 ext 101 to claim.

Cheers to Peter and staff at the Bistro for delicious soup and wonderful friendly service!

GARAGE SALE

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.

A BIG horn JEERs to the concrete road biker’s path proposed from Invermere to Radium. The last thing the struggling bighorn sheep need is a concrete path dissecting their critical habitat.

Concrete is meant for cities, keep it there or move there!

HUGE CHEERS to Melva, Marlis and Micky for once again working so hard making Apple Pies. To help maintain Edgewater Church and Cemetery. Many Cheers also for the local merchants who each year help with donating baking supplies. And to all the many great people who purchase the Pies. We sure live in a wonderful generous Valley.

Estate Sale #12, 1126 13th Street. Sat. Oct 17th, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Household items, furniture, antiques, tools and much more.

CHEERS AND JEERS

S OBITUARY S John Harvey LONGHURST June 1, 1954 – October 3, 2020 John Harvey Longhurst of Banff, AB passed away on October 3rd, 2020, surrounded by family in his new home, peacefully as he wished.

John was born to John Junior and Isabel Ellen Longhurst on June 1st, 1954 in Gimli, Manitoba. Being born into a military family John lived in Baden Solingen, Germany, Penhold, AB, St. Hubert, QC, Val d’Or, QC, Ottawa, ON, Banff, AB, and Windermere, B.C. John attended Percival Elementary School, Rideau High School and Albert College. He met his wife Denise in Banff, AB and they married in 1984. John was a loving family man and was known for his love of the Boston Bruins, The Green Bay Packers and Bob Marley. Famous for his cooking, homemade jams & jellies, and great party shirts. John was a “Jack of all Trades” and loved to fix anything and help anyone.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

John is survived by his wife Denise, sons Spencer (Sarah), and Gavin (Tabitha), grandchildren Baker, Nash, and Knox, sisters Cathy (Jim), and Liz (Bob), Denise’s mother (Sheila) and brothers (Paul and Neil), nephews (Chris and Jonathan), niece (Remy).

He was predeceased by his parents John and Ellen Longhurst, nephew Jeffery Bishop, and father in-law Ken Boulanger.

Thank you to all the Doctors and Nurses at the Tom Baker Cancer Center, Canmore Community Care, and Invermere Home Health.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking a donation to be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.ca/en/donate A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at a future date.

Rest in Peace Legend Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services.

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

Cheers to Catrien D. for constantly going above and beyond in her job as a physiotherapist. Even on her days off she is always willing to give up her own time to help anyone in need.

CHEERS AND JEERS

If you want to sell your home, it should be here!

Call Gerry *not intended to solicit those already working with an agent.

BUYING OR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202

gerrytaft.ca Rockies West Realty Independently owned and operated

S OBITUARY S Frances Jeffery SEPTEMBER 17, 1920 – OCTOBER 9, 2020 Frances Edith Jeffery was born in Cranbrook Hospital September 17, 1920, moving to Invermere in October 1923.

After graduating high school, she attended University at UBC from 1938-1942 receiving a Bachelor of Commerce degree. She worked in Vancouver as an internal auditor for the Department of National Revenue before moving to Calgary in 1949 to work as an accountant in the oil and gas industry. She sang in choirs and in 1949 joined the Alpine Club of Canada, making her graduating climb on Mount Thompson above Bow Lake and Bow Glacier. She met her future husband Jack Jeffery through YMCA contacts and they married on September 27, 1952. Son Nicholas was born in 1955 and in 1962 they moved to North Vancouver where son Ronald was adopted. In April 1965 they relocated to the Windermere Valley, co- purchasing the Totem Cabins in Fairmont Hot Springs. They purchased the Totem Shop in 1966, running a successful gift and antique business. In 1980 Frances worked as an accountant at the Windermere Valley Hospital and served as secretary treasurer of the Windermere Valley Museum. Upon Jack’s death in 1991 Frances moved to Invermere and was socially active joining several groups including the Lake Windermere Benevolent Society, the Hospital Aid, Canadian Cancer Society, Christ Church United and the David Thompson Statue Community. Her greatest passion was the game of bridge, and through this her social nature touched many.

Special thanks to Dr. Gareth Mannheimer, and caregivers at all the facilities involved in her extraordinary care.

Celebration of life at a later date.

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

CHEERS AND JEERS

CHEERS AND JEERS

Cheers to Lori, Wayne band staff at Mountainside Market in Fairmont. Appreciate the way you run your business. Always friendly and accommodating.

Cheers for COLUMBIA ROOFING for a job well done on our roof.

The new roof looks wonderful, we have had several compliments. Your work was fast (so the cat was not too stressed) and affordable.

JEERS: To Landlords whom advertise Utilities included then have tenants sign lease.

Then give them a HYDRO bill Or PROPANE Bill to pay on top of Utilities: DOI Utilities Is for sewer water garbage recycling pick up. These extra costs to heat/cool and for power can cost as much as people pay for rent in a month which has many tenants in a hard financial situation. Understand and ask what Utilities means to landlord and states in lease before you sign a legal binding contract and get yourself into a lease you are obligated to pay.

CHEERS for the kind and generous individual whose gift enabled family to visit us this Thanksgiving Weekend.

Your kindness is greatly appreciated!

CHEEERS to Marlise, Melva, Sasha and Roberta for baking over 100 apple pies as a fundraiser for All Saints Anglican/United Church in Edgewater. Cheers to all your hard work, we paid the annual insurance and hydro for the church. Well done, ladies!

Cheers to the angel that donated money to Columbia House, so the residents could have additional visits with there loved ones for Thanksgiving.

My family is grateful for your thoughtfulness and I’m sure the rest of the familes appricated this as well.

Cheers to Mac-Neil Mowing.

Upon hearing the previously ordered wood splitter rental was unavailable, Mac-Neil Mowing immediately offered theirs.

Much appreciation to Gord and Morgan for splitting and stacking lickety-split, and the use of their splitter.

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.

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

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

HOUSE FOR RENT 2-bdrm farm house in Fairmont adjacent to Funtasia Fun Park.

Available Nov. 1st - March 15th. $650/mo + utilities, internet included, rental conditional to caring for animals in the park and light snow removal, time commitment 1 - 3hrs daily at $15/hr. Please call Tanya at 250-345-4511 or email; letter of interest/resume fairmontfuntasia@live.com.

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

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE

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

October 15, 2020

MISC FOR SALE

SERVICES

IKEA pine bed Like new. 45 X 80 custom mattress. $200. Located in Invermere. 1-403-807-3664.

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!

Top Quality Hay Round bales.

Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-3421268.

“Rocky Mountain Land Man”

4 Toyo Winter Tires, used and on rims. $450. 235/60 R17 102T. Call 250-342-0743.

Call or text

SERVICES

BARRY BROWN-JOHN

250-342-5245

b.brownjohn@gmail.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.

CONDOS 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.

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 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

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

GROCERY/PRODUCE CLERKS POSITIONS AVAILABLE Starting up to $16.50/hr, depending on availability. Some trestrictions apply

Apply in person.

471 Arrow Road, Invermere, B.C.

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

LI V E ( A N D WOR K ) WI TH PASS I 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 15, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

SERVICES

HELP WANTED

Non dangerous tree removal.

Fall pruning and yard clean up.

250-341-5164.

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Akisqnuk First Nation REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR

HELP WANTED

Comment Period Opens on Draft Steamboat Jubilee Mountain OCP

By Regional District of East Country

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.

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.

Dusk Building Systems is currently seeking framers and labourers for on-site or in our manufacturing facility. We offer excellent wages and benefit package. Please email resume to info@duskbuildingsystems.com or drop off at our office.

Tayton Bay Electrical is now hiring. 250-341-5917.

Please email classified ads to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Snow Removal Contract For Akisqnuk First Nation Band Lands & Buildings 3050 Highway 93/95, Windemere, B.C VOB 2L2 Intent: This Request for Proposals is intended to obtain Snow Removal/Clearing and Sanding/ Salting services for the Akisqnuk First Nation. The intended Contract terms will be in effect from November 1st, 2020 to April 30th, 2021.

Site Descriptions and Specifics: Vendors may visit the below sites to allow them the opportunity to view the areas to be cleared and an opportunity to review any damage to the grounds before submitting a Proposal.

Sites: a) Band Hall Office parking lot and driveways. b) Health Centre Building parking lot and driveways. c) Little Badgers Early Learning Centre parking lot and driveway. d) Recreation Building driveway and parking lots. e) Subdivision houses: 200W, 200E, 201,203,207,209,211,212 f ) Kootenay Road, house numbers: 2051,2058,2062,2401,2410,2450, 2461,2471 g) 2480,2491,2500,2551,2561,2594,2599, 2853,2870,2885,2887 h) Highway North to South house numbers: 3051,3251,3253,3300, 3501,3553,3563,3901 TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS: Akisqnuk First Nation Attention: John Nicholas publicworks@akisqnuk.org Phone: 250-342-6301 Ext.3816 CLOSING DATE FOR PROPOSALS: October 26, 2020

Approximately 50 people participated in a series of Open Houses to get their first look at the draft Steamboat Jubilee Mountain Official Community Plan (OCP).

“Public input is a critical piece in any OCP planning process, so it was wonderful to have the community’s participation at the Open Houses,” says Planner Michele Bates. “Having said that, we recognize a number of people within the plan area were not able to attend in person, and have made all of the materials and documentation available on the OCP project page so everyone, no matter their circumstance, has access to the same information.”

The draft OCP, associated maps, copies of the poster boards from the open house and more have been posted on the Steamboat Jubilee Mountain OCP project page on engage.rdek.bc.ca.

A public comment period on the draft plan is now open. The comment form is available on engage.rdek.bc. ca and will be open until Monday, Oct. 19, 2020. Those who do not have access to a computer, but wish to comment on the draft can provide written submissions to the RDEK before the deadline.

“I encourage residents and property owners in the plan area to review the information presented, read over the draft and let us know your thoughts prior to the comment period deadline,” adds Bates.

Following the close of the comment period, feedback will be considered as the OCP is finalized. It will then be presented to the RDEK Board for first reading prior to going through a formal public hearing. The OCP planning process is expected to be complete by early 2021.

Akisqnuk First Nation EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

HUMAN RESOURCE GENERALIST Summary: To provide operational Human Resource support to the SAO, managers, and employees. This will include recruitment, selection and orientation Program administration, compensation, and performance management. Development of policy and procedures, including performance evaluations, compensation policy. Managing compliance with approved Akisqnuk First Nation policies. Manage employee relations and records. This position reports directly to the SAO. For a complete list of Duties Visit our website or email us.

Qualifications: • Post secondary degree or diploma with a focus on Human Resources.

• Chartered Professional in Human Resources/Certified Human Resources Professional.

You’re invited!

Winter Kick-off Social & AGM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29 7 pm - 9 pm • VIA Zoom https://tinyurl.com/tcnscAGM We are seeking board members for a variety of positions. Interested people can email us at info@tobycreeknordic.ca Please consult our web page for exciting changes and updates: tobycreeknordic.ca

The Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club

Required Experience • 5 years experience in the HR field, with an understanding and experience in recruitment and selection. Experience with policy background in benefits and performance management.

• Woking knowledge of federal and B.C. labour standards.

Please recycle this newspaper

N E W S PA P E R

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

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 15, 2020

Columbia Wetlands protection efforts ramping up Submitted by the CWSP Since 1900, over 64 per cent of the world’s wetlands have been lost, with nearly 50 per cent of this loss happening since 1970. Canada is home to 25 per cent of the world’s wetlands, and the Columbia Valley is home to one of the few remaining pristine floodplain wetlands left in North America. Known as the Columbia Wetlands, this 26,000-hectare wetland system stretching from Canal Flats to Donald is the only undammed section of the transborder Columbia River, one of the few remaining intact portions of the Pacific Flyway for migrating birds and recognized as a wetland of international important under the RAMSAR treaty, yet there are critical gaps in the science-based knowledge about it. The local non-profit group, the Columbia Wetland Stewardship Partners (CWSP), is working to change this.

Why are wetlands important?; Wetlands are among the most biologically diverse and productive of all ecosystems. They serve as home to a wide range of plant and animal life, and play a number of indispensable roles, sometimes referred to as “ecosystem services”. Among their key benefits are water purification, water storage, flood control, groundwater recharge, processing and sequestering of carbon and other nutrients, stabilization of shorelines, and support of diverse plants and animals.

There is growing evidence that naturally functioning wetlands help lessen the devastating effects of climate change like flooding, drought and fire.

How is CWSP helping the Columbia Wetlands?; On Sept. 9, CWSP held its AGM outside at the Lake Windermere & District Rod & Gun Club shooting range facility (to adhere to public health recommendations and physical distancing protocols) with over 30 people in attendance representing 22 different partner organizations, including the Rod & Gun Club, Village of Radium Hot Springs, the District of Invermere, the Regional District of East Kootenay, the Lake Windermere Ambassadors, the Columbia Lake Stewardship Society, Wildsight Invermere and Golden, the Shuswap Indian Band, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, the Windermere District Farmers’ Institute, Columbia River Paddle, Recreation Sites and Trails BC and the Kootenay Conservation Program to name a few. Eight different presentations focused on current CWSP activities and projects.

Human Use in the Wetlands; One pivotal program that CWSP delivered in 2019 and again in 2020 was a monitoring project of human use in the wetlands, funded by the Windermere & District Rod & Gun Club and Lush Charity Pot Foundation. Volunteer project lead Joan Galloway presented on the 2019 data, and the numbers were startling: time-lapse cameras stationed in 5 different reaches of the Columbia River, from Fairmont to Nicholson, counted 35,222 people and 25,956 watercraft (including canoes, kayaks, SUP, floats and boats).

Given the numbers were far higher than expected, this raised concern around the potential impacts on the wetland system. While CWSP’s rationale for doing the study was to assess potential wildlife/waterfowl disturbance, the results brought to light issues around garbage, pollution (human/dog, lack of sanitation facilities), traffic volume and parking overflow, erosion at access points, safety concerns, invasive species, trespassing on adjacent private lands, and big crowds detracting from the enjoyment of a river trip.

“What this is showing me is that we have more use than we have ever been aware of,” said CWSP president Dr. Suzanne Bayley. “Groups need to get together and decide what we should be doing.”

For 2020, the cameras were stationed in more wild reaches of the river but this data is not yet available.

Species at Risk (SAR); CWSP is leading a number of science-based initiatives in the Columbia Wetlands

thanks to funding from Columbia Basin Trust, the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund, and Kootenay Connect. Kootenay Connect is a Kootenay Conservation Program project funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) for four years that targets four focal areas in the Kootenays: the Bonanza Biodiversity Corridor (Slocan Valley), the Creston Valley, the Wycliffe Corridor (Cranbrook/Kimberley) and the Columbia Wetlands.

“ECCC is making $450,000 available to the Columbia Valley over four years, and that doesn’t even include matching funds,” reported Kootenay Connect Project Manager Marcy Mahr.

north to south,” he said. “In Canal Flats, it’s bog and fenlike, then from Fairmont to Brisco it’s more flood plain, marsh and tree, followed by conifer flood plain with spruce toward Golden.”

And if there is one thing that wetlands require, it’s water. Figuring out what the water is doing, by studying input and output at 39 sites throughout the wetlands, is the purpose of another CWSP study that is funded in part by the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund.

“We know already we are drying, we are not getting the increased precipitation, where are the migratory birds going to land if wetlands are just mud?” asked Dr. Bayley.

“What are the vulnerable wetlands, can we do something to mitigate the loss of water?”

Stream Restoration; A Shuswap Indian Band project in collaboration with CWSP received DFO funding for aquatic SAR — an additional $1.7 million over four years. CHARS (Columbia Headwaters Aquatic Restoration Secwépemc Strategy) is an extension of the wetlands hydrology work. This project has determined that the Columbia River and Wetlands have roughly 300 tributaries entering between Canal Flats and Donald.

CHARS is prioritizing 20 streams with restoration work planned for five to 10.

“We’re focusing on tributaries on east side, where there are more private lands and easier access,” said project lead Jon Bisset. “The west side is primarily affected by logging, with less access.”

Part of the restoration work includes removing agricultural dams that are blocking fish passage. As an example, six dams have been removed from Galena Creek at the north end of the valley and replaced with irrigation pipe systems that can be raised and lowered without affecting fish movement yet still allowing for irrigation to fields.

The meeting closed with a vote to reappoint the current CWSP Board of Directors, as well as hold a recruitment drive to bring in new faces. If you are interested in supporting the Columbia Wetlands’ protection, please contact CWSP president Dr. Suzanne Bayley at sbayley@ ualberta.ca. To learn more about the CWSP, and read their strategy document for conserving and managing the Upper Columbia Valley’s wetlands for the next five years, visit https://wetlandstewards.eco/.

Wetlands Submitted photo Several of these research projects are focused on Species at Risk. Golden-based research biologist Rachel Darvill prepared the first comprehensive list of species at risk (SAR) in the 180-km long Columbia Valley, from Canal Flats to Donald, and determined that there is a total of 65 Species at Risk in the Columbia Valley and 21 at-risk ecological communities (a species or ecosystem is considered at risk when it may disappear entirely if nothing is done to improve its status). Conservation actions that will help conserve and enhance SAR in the Columbia Valley are already underway including the Columbia Valley Swallow Project, the Western Painted Turtle Survey, Lewis’ Woodpecker, osprey and bat monitoring and roost enhancement.

“There been a 98% loss of a bank swallows in Canada over the past 40 years, and a 76% loss in barn swallows,” said Dr. Bayley.

“There is a huge bank swallow population in the Columbia Valley, we need to protect them.”

Mapping & Hydrology; Another project funded

by Kootenay Connect is Invermere Electric is now offering solar installations for residential, vegetation mapping of the commercial and recreational uses. The future of electrical power Columbia Wetlands, which generation will be harnessing the energy of the sun. Whether you also had never been done are looking for a way to save money on your Hydro bill with a grid tie before. Vegetation maps are system, keeping your battery in your recreational vehicle charged, or critical for understanding going completely off grid, we have the products. By installing a pv solar biodiversity patterns and array to your existing home you can qualify to supply power back into Ryan Durand of EcoLogic the grid and receive a credit on your Hydro bills.

Environmental Consultants set out to map 11,000 hectares of the valley bottom, excluding lakes, to establish AND SOLAR LTD. a baseline for purposes such Scott Postlethwaite Residential & Commercial as wildlife and SAR model- For All Your Electrical Needs ling over time and wetlands Invermereelectric@gmail.com classification.

“There are dramatic 250-342-8878 1710 10th Avenue – Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 changes in wetlands from

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October 15, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

FAITH Thanks for all the music

By Pastor Murray Wittke Valley Christian Assembly Fathers everywhere hope something of themselves will live on in their sons. My Dad gave me his passion for music. My earliest memories include sounds of him diligently practicing. I have an old black and white photo of my father seated behind his Pedal Steel Guitar, holding me in his hands, and smiling. I’m perched on the strings looking serious. He’s twenty-two, and I’m a couple of months old. From the very beginning, Dad nurtured my appreciation for music, and he continued for over sixty years.

As a child listening to Dad playing Bach’s Preludes and Fugues on his Hammond organ, I discovered the joy, sadness, and symmetry of classical music. Later he introduced me to the unique beauty of close vocal harmony by

singing in gospel and barbershop quartets. He longed for his son to sing with him, but I stubbornly refused. His commitment to the Pedal Steel Guitar led me to country and bluegrass music. I learned to enjoy its simplicity and honest raw emotion. I carry many Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson tunes in my heart to this day.

I was twelve when he unknowingly launched me on my own musical path with his purchase of the Beatles Abbey Road. I was hooked. Shortly after that, I bought a bass guitar and began practicing just like Dad. I had a good ear and learned quickly. At first, I made music with Dad. But as with many sons, I wasn’t satisfied and left home to make music with my friends. Since then, my life’s been filled with music, but I’ve rarely made any with Dad. Looking back, I regret all the missed opportunities.

Over the years, he continued playing alone at home and recorded several CD’s of gospel music. Listening to them now, I’m moved by their simplicity and beauty.

They’re part of his musical legacy to me. Ten years ago, he sold his guitar, and the music stopped. Now I’m a grandfather pondering God’s commandment to “Honor Your Father”. I can’t change the past, but on a recent visit, I was able to say, “thanks Dad for all the music.”

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Worship Service & K.I.D.S. Church Sundays 10:30 a.m.

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

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICANUNITED Worship every Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

Christ Church Trinity, Invermere 1st and 3rd Sunday, 9 a.m. March - December All Saint’s, Edgewater 2nd Sunday, 7 p.m. July-Sept St. Peter’s, Windermere 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-6644 • www.wvsm.ca

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Sunday 10 a.m.: Worship Services.

Pastor Murray Wittke 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Community Inclusion Month Submitted by WeConnect

ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN MISSION OF INVERMERE Lay Worship Services, Sundays at 1:30 p.m.

Christ Church Trinity, 110 - 7th Ave., Invermere (Small Chapel) Pastor Doug Lutz, 250-464-0100 Email: mtzionlc@hotmail.com

RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

half of our story: we also offer adult day services through our Community Inclusion Program.”

WeCONNECT’s Community Inclusion Program pairs adults 19 and older who have developmental disabilities with one-to-one support within the community.

“We work alongside individuals to support connections and foster inclusion. Activities can range from skills development and workplace or volunteer supports, through to social engagement opportunities,” says Jefferson.

WeCONNECT is currently looking for a new space in or around Invermere to house its Community Inclusions Program and hope someone in the community knows a suitable location. “We’re open to exploring all options,” says Jefferson.

“The space needs to be wheelchair accessible and ideally has kitchen facilities, but it can be commercial or residential. We’re looking at every-

thing and anything we can. If other organizations or agencies with underutilized space, homeowners with ground-level apartments available, or even commercial landlords with vacant properties, give us a call! We aren’t purchasing property at this point. We are solely interested in renting the space and/or renting the space in-kind in exchange for a charitable tax receipt.”

Ensuring that people with developmental disabilities are included and celebrated in our local workforce, civic planning, recreation opportunities, and social circles strengthens our community. It creates a place where diversity is the norm, all are welcome, and everyone matters.

Join WeCONNECT in celebrating Community Inclusion month. To learn more or share info about a property that you think WeCONNECT should look at for their community inclusion day programs, please visit WeConnectBC.org.

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

take you r do llar With 6,400 copies far in circulation each week, th er your message is resonating

!

October is Community Inclusion Month in B.C. – a time to celebrate inclusion, diversity, and the rights, achievements, and contributions of peoples with developmental disabilities.

Provincial attention in this year’s proclamation focuses on inclusive housing and the importance of supporting all British Columbians’ inclusion.

Here in the Columbia Valley, a local non-profit organization, WeCONNECT, provides housing and day programs to a range of community members with developmental disabilities.

“Our organization has served the Valley for more than 60 years,” says Donna Jefferson, WeCONNECT Manager. “We began providing 24/7 support in 1970 as the Windermere District Social Services Society. Back then, our clients lived in the Pynelogs building at Kinsmen Beach, until we built our Mount Nelson Place group residence in 1989.”

Mount Nelson Place, overlooking Pot Hole Park from 6th Ave., is currently at capacity, with eight fulltime residents, most of whom are now seniors and all of whom enjoy active and engaged lives.

“Mount Nelson Place is a tremendous asset to our community,” says Jefferson. “It’s the only aroundthe-clock, fully-staffed inclusive housing in the Valley. It’s also only

Saturday, 4:30 p.m.: St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats.

Saturday, 5 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m.: Canadian Martyrs’ – Invermere Sunday, 11 a.m.: St. Joseph’s – Radium.

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

with residents and visitors alike.

Phone: (250) 341-6299 Fax: 1-855-377-0312 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com N E W S PA P E R

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

October 15, 2020

Recycle BC Depot Tips

What’s the difference?

THIS WEEK’S FOCUS: The difference between FLEXIBLE PACKAGING and PLASTIC BAGS & OVERWRAP

FLEXIBLE PACKAGING

PLASTIC BAGS & OVERWRAP Plastic Bags & Overwrap are distinguished with an easy test. If you can poke a hole in it with your finger, it goes in this bin (with the exception of any bag that has a zippered closure, those go in Flexible Packaging). Samples of Plastic Bags & Overwrap include grocery bags; the wrapping that goes around a brick of toilet paper or paper towel; the large wrapping that a mattress comes in; soil or driveway salt bags; bread bags and frozen vegetable bags (as long as there is no zippered closure).

You don’t need a big bin for these items at home. Keep it simple by using a grocery bag and stuff it full of Plastic Bags & Overwrap, then when you get to the depot, drop the whole thing in the bin.

If you get to the depot and are unclear at all, make sure to ask the attendant for help, they’ll point you in the right direction.

Flexible Packaging is a very broad category. Everything from bubble wrap to zippered pouches, from coffee bags to candybar wrappers. Other common materials include plastic netting bags (for avocados, onions, etc.); crinkly packaging (chip bags, cereal bags); woven plastic bags (large rice bags); padded all-plastic mailers (but not the kind that are a paper and plastic mix, those are still trash).

This category is for flexible product packages, if it is a rigid plastic (something that can hold its shape like a yogurt tub or that plastic tray inside a pack of cookies), it will go in the Containers bin.

An easy way to sort these at home is to stuff all of your Flexible Packaging into one empty package like a pet food bag or large freezer bag. Then you can just drop it in the bin at the depot.

Make sure to ask any of the depot attendants if you are unclear of what goes where while at the depot.

Recycle BC Depots in the region.

INVERMERE TRANSFER STATION Industrial 1 Rd in Athalmere 8:00 – 6:00 Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat & Sun (Closed Tue, Wed and all Stat Holidays)

FERNIE TRANSFER STATION 6000 Highway 3 9:00 – 5:00 Mon to Fri 10:00 – 4:00 Sat & Sun (closed Christmas Day, New Years Day, Remembrance Day, Thanksgiving Day and Family Day)

KIMBERLEY TRANSFER STATION 800 Jim Ogilvie Way 8:30 – 5:30 seven days a week (closed Christmas Day, New Years Day, Remembrance Day, Thanksgiving Day and Family Day)

SPARWOOD TRANSFER STATION 1001 Highway 3 9:00 – 5:00 Mon to Sat (closed Sunday, Christmas Day, New Years Day, Remembrance Day, Thanksgiving Day and Family Day)

CRANBROOK TRANSFER STATION 2405 22nd St N 8:30 – 5:30 seven days a week (closed Christmas Day, New Years Day, Remembrance Day, Thanksgiving Day and Family Day)

ELKFORD TRANSFER STATION #6 Inkaneep Rd 9:30 – 3:30 Tue to Fri 10:00 – 5:00 Sat (closed Sunday, Monday and all Stat Hoidays)

learn more

engage.rdek.bc.ca/recycle 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