Columbia Valley Pioneer January 12, 2023

Thanks to the efforts of volunteers in the community, people in the area rang in 2023 with spectacular fireworks staged at Indian Beach Estates. Robert Austin, who photographed the fireworks, said, “We had a bonfire, hot chocolate, shinny, and fireworks. It was a great turnout.”

Photos by Robert Austin

Sledge

VALLEY NEWS

Skate of Hope comes to the Columbia Valley

He was playing at the triple AAA level in southwestern Ontario and was preparing for the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) draft.

But during the first tournament of the season, in September 2009, he collided with another player, breaking his tibia and fibula. Not wanting to possibly spend up to six months in a full leg cast, he had surgery to repair the fracture. He was back skating four weeks later, but troublingly, he developed an odd mass on the site of the fracture, just below his left knee.

“We couldn’t pinpoint any cause for the mass, it was strange, ” McGregor told the Pioneer Stranger, and more troubling still, by January 2010 the mass had grown to the size of a tennis ball.

Another surgery, this one an emergency surgery, followed, with a biopsy confirming that McGregor had spindle cell sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer

McGregor started chemotherapy right away, but doctors were clear with him. “They didn’t mince words One told me straight up: ‘In order to save your life, we have to amputate your leg’,” said McGregor “As a young athlete, with dreams of playing professional hockey, it was devastating news. ”

There was no choice though: McGregor had the amputation, just above his left knee, and then did eight months of chemotherapy

“I was 15 and 16 years old when I was going though this, but I spent a lot of

For recovery, McGregor took inspiration from Canadian legend, Terry Fox, who had long been a special icon in his family Fox had suffered from osteosarcoma a form of bone cancer that is in some respects similar to the spindle cell sarcoma that McGregor had. Fox’s right leg was amputated but that did not prevent the athletic young man (who was a competitive runner) from beginning his famous Marathon of Hope, in which Fox ran a marathon each day while heading from Newfoundland to Victoria, B.C. in an effort to raise money and awareness about cancer and cancer research. Unfortunately Fox’s cancer spread and he was forced to end his Marathon in northwestern Ontario, but not before millions of dollars had been raised and millions of people had heard his message.

“I too, wanted to find a way back to the sport I loved,” McGregor told the Pioneer

And find it he did, when he was introduced to what was then called sledge hockey (now called para hockey) In para hockey, athletes (who typically have a physical impairment in the lower part of their bodies) use double-bladed sledges instead of stakes to move on the ice, and have two sticks, each with a blade end for shooting and a spiked end for propulsion

McGregor took to para hockey quickly and well. He began playing in 2011. By 2012 he was a member of the Canadian national team.

“It was a quick transition, but it was

Team Canada para hockey captain brings TerryFox- inspired fundraising marathon to Lake Windermere Whiteway

Tyler McGregor’s Sledge Skate of Hope will involve skating a marathon in each of Canada’s 10 provinces. Photo submitted

McGregor takes inspiration from Canadian icon Terry Fox. Photo submitted

Village of Radium Hot Springs

Grant in Aid Applications

RCMP Report

By Cpl. Jeff Witzke Columbia Valley RCMP

This past week, January 1through to January 8, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 60 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the file our officers responded to

On January 1, RCMP were made aware of disturbance at a property in Invermere where a person was threatening to harm himself with a knife Members attended the scene and noted the person had a small laceration on his forearm. An apprehension was made under the Mental Health Act, and the person was eventually brought to the hospital for an assessment with a medical professional.

On January 7 a bystander observed a vehicle in the ditch ff th H hief FSR, wh th check

in the drive they noted them to be acting strange. Members of the RCMP attended the location and spoke to the driver who was suffering from an apparent mental health episode, they hadn’t slept in a few days and was confused with what was happening Police transported them to the hospital for medical evaluation

On the evening of January 7, RCMP were dispatched to a report of a possible suicidal person Members attended the residence and made contact with said person who admitted to struggling a bit in the last few days. Members spent time speaking with them and was eventually taken to the hospital to speak with a medical professional.

The Columbia Valley RCMP, along with Radium Bylaw, would like to remind motorists to be mindful of the bighorn sheep on Radium hill Over the last three, four weeks, three sheep have been stuck by vehicles and ha died esult. dise a il r e demanded l des kom

Recreational trail net work connec ting Columbia Valley to Alber ta proposed

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Plans are being drawn up for an off-road vehicle (ORV) and multi-use recreation trails stretching mostly on logging roads between Coleman, Alberta and the Columbia Valley

The plan is the vision of Elkford All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Club president, Tom Kramer, who has been presenting it to various local and regional governments and First Nations. He said so far he’s been getting encouraging feedback.

Earlier this winter, just prior to the Christmas holiday, Kramer appeared as a delegation before Canal Flats council during a village council meeting. Canal Flats councillors were unanimously in their support of the trail network and agreed to write a letter of support for the project

“ What we want to do is make it ver y inclusive. Yes, I’m a member of the Elkford ATV club, but this isn’t just about off road vehicles. This would be for cyclists, hikers, horseback riders ever ybody ” Kramer told the Pioneer “ We want to emphasize that the backcountr y can be accessible and that it can be accessed ethically The idea is to do it right, to have a code of conduct, and to also make it family friendly and safe.”

Kramer repeatedly outlined to the Pioneer his desire to heavily involve local First Nations in the project.

“There will be kiosks and maps along the way, and signs at local landmarks that would highlight the culture and language of Indigenous Peoples, and the significance of the area to them. It’s ver y important,” he said, adding these interpretive elements would ideally also underscore the conser vation and wilderness value of the vast backcountr y between Coleman, Elkford and Canal Flats.

The over whelming majority of the trail network as Kramer sees it would run on existing forest ser vice roads (FSRs) with a few stretches of double track.

Kramer explained that the idea for the project stems from backcountr y trips he has done on his quad, pulling a teardrop trailer, in many of the areas that the proposed network would cover.

He pointed out that while some towns in the East Kootenay and nearby parts of Alberta have managed to develop strong local tourism industries, other such communities have not, and their economies are still largely dependent on one or two resources industries. The trail network could bring in some tourist dollars to these towns, he suggested.

Part of the draw of a trail network connecting towns along logging roads is that it would provide a wilderness experience in the backcountr y while also offering access to amenities such as food, lodging and vehicle washing and vehicle repair in the towns en route, he said.

The Coleman-Elkford-Canal Flats route is “ a fair distance”, noted Kramer, and could be done as an overnight weekend excursion (if trail users are moving quickly), or could be done as week-long trip, with plenty of camping en route (if users want to go slowly), or anything in between.

Kramer pointed to the famous Hatfield-McCoy ATV trail network in West Virginia and other top-notch ORV trail systems in Ontario and Quebec.

“Those are really good trails. If they can have them there, we can do it here in B.C too, ” said Kramer

In fact, although the initial focus is on Coleman-Elkford-Canal Flats, Kramer has already started talking to officials from Spar wood and Radium, with the goal of eventually creating a longer trail system.

“There’s a multitude of interested parties,” Kramer told the Pioneer, adding he’s so far had expression of support from councils in Elkford, Spar wood, Radium, and now Canal Flats, as well as from the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce and East Kootenay MLA Tom Shypitka. He also added that initial talks with the Ktunaxa Nation Council which he cautioned are still ver y preliminar y have gone well.

“ We can really do something unique here. It would be amazing to have a trail where you hop on a quad, or a bike, or a horse in Coleman, and can go all the way up to Prince George,” he told the Pioneer

Getty Images

To make a

PERSPECTIVE

resolution...or

not to make a resolution

By Joanne McQuarrie editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com

It’s a new year and with that newness comes the opportunity to make a fresh start in practices or behaviours, or perhaps achieve a goal of some kind - a.k.a. as a New Years resolution.

A popular resolution for many people is to diet after eating many, many, many meals during the festive Christmas season, or to cut out a favourite snack, such as chocolate, for the year Maybe it’s a plan to start exercising every day

Whatever the goal, making a New Year’s resolution is a tradition that is most common in western civilization but also in the eastern world, said Wikipedia Making resolutions started way back in 2000 B.C., when the Babylonians celebrated the new year during a 12-day festival called Akitu (starting with the vernal equinox). This was the start of the farming season to plant crops, crown their king and make promises to return borrowed farm equipment and pay their debts. The Babylonian New Year was adopted by the ancient Romans, along with their tradition of resolutions The timing eventually shifted with the Julian calendar in 46 B.C., which declared January 1 as the start of the new year and began each year by making promises to the god Janus, who the month of January is named for

There are other kinds of resolutions from hundreds of years ago that make cutting out chocolate kind of mundane. For example, in the medieval era, knights took the ‘peacock vow ’ at the end of the Christmas season each year to reaffirm their commitment to chivalry. There are religious parallels with the resolution tradition. Don’t leave your diary laying around or your entries may be cited in centuries to come - unless that’s what you’d like to happen. Anne Hackett’s diary from 1671 includes an entry on January 2 titled ‘Resolutions’ which contained a number of religious pledges taken primarily from bible verses, such as, ‘I will not offend any more. ’

By the 19th century, the habit of making resolutions and not carrying through with them became common knowledge and Walker’s Hiberian Magazine in 1802 satirized that tendency. An article in the magazine read, “the following personages have begun the year with a strong of resolutions, which they all solemnly pledged to keep”, and listed a series of obviously fictitious resolutions (“Statesmen have resolved to have no other object in view than the good of their country…the physicians have determined to follow nature in her operations (etc).

In a January 1 issue of a Boston newspaper from 1813, there’s a reference to the complete phrase ‘ new year resolution’: ‘And yet, I believe there are multitudes of people, accustomed to receive injunctions of new year resolutions, who will sin all the month of December, with a serious determination of beginning the new year with new resolutions and new behaviour, and with the full belief that they shall thus expiate and wipe away all their former faults.’ Sounds familiar more than 200 years later, doesn’t it?

HistoricalLens HistoricalLens

Chief of staff at hospital urges folks to take measures against infection

By Joanne McQuarrie editor@columbiavalleypioneer com

In a season when colds and the flu circulate frequently among people, Dr. Stefanie Mclellan, chief of staff at the Invermere and District Hospital, urges folks to be cautious and take measures against contracting infection.

“If there’s something we learned from COVID, it’s that all the measures in place at its peak are incredibly effective at preventing viral infections,” Mclellan said.

“In those two years (with) the number of cases of influenza - it was remarkable in that it was almost absent - basically no influenza.” That’s when masking and social distancing were the ‘ new normal’.

But, Mclellan said, “This year it’s a different story ” There’s less masking in public, less social distancing, she noted. “People are tired of that, understandably, but this year it’s coming back with a vengeance We have a lot of (cases) of the flu, and we ’ re still seeing a fair bit of COVID RSV - there’s a fair amount of that,” Mc-

lellan said, and explained people any age can contract RSV “but it’s more problematic in younger children Children have smaller airways; it gets obstructed with swelling and secretions

Generally, taking measures against the flu and other viruses is important, Mclellan emphasized. “Masking is an individual decision It is mandatory in health care settings. If you, or someone you live with is at increased risk of complications actions from COVID or flu, consider wearing a mask. To reduce the risk of infection, avoid crowded places and make gatherings smaller”

Additionally, Mclellan said, “With the higher number of flu cases this year, we recommend people get a flu shot ”

She suggested people who are feeling under the weather do serial rapid COVID testing: “If the first (test) is negative, repeat it several days thereafter as the rapid COVID test can be falsely negative for the first few days.”

Mclellan pointed out, “The symptoms are often identical between COVID and influenza. For most young and healthy people - most people don’t need specific treatment. ” If you ’ re feeling sick, Mclellan recommended staying at home, staying away from others.

Invermere on parade

ChristinaBoucher Office Administrator Ext 101

JoanneMcQuarrie Editor Ext.107

Teepee on decorated car with R.R. Bruce honourary chieftan circa 1920’s. Courtesy of Windermere District Historical Society

2022 Christmas bird count a resounding success

Submitted by G eth Th fello birders littl bet r!”

Invermere to tweak STR bylaw

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The District of Invermere will fine-tuning its intended approach to short term rental (STR) regulation a bit further before proceeding with public consultation.

of (Invermere) staff time. We don’t have a clear idea of how much. It may not be too much, but it may be a lot. So we want to be careful ”

Staff will present their tweaks to Invermere council at a future meeting, and the matter will be discussed further If all goes well, it will then go to public consultation.

Philanthr the gift o

Fresh old ideas

nt Plaza, 5 5019 Fairmont Resort Rd. Open Daily • 250-345-6807 La Galeria II Unique Shopping Experience Sweaters, Jackets & Shackets 25% OFF mont 5 5019 Fairmont Resort Rd G eaters, Jack

When taken literally, giving back is often unlikely. The persons who have created all of our advantages are, for the most part, no longer among us. So in truth, when we give, we more appropriately are ‘giving forward’. Our gifts are for a current or future need. In fact, when there is a dinner for community builders, it is because the donor has been giving forward - forward thinking, forward doing, for a forward advantage. Why have a ‘Builder’s Dinner’? It is because the donors are builders for a better tomorrow Improving our future is what builders do

In short, giving back is the ‘Thank you ’ part of giving, and giving forward is the ‘building’ part A gift to a community does both and ‘community’ is the operative word for a community foundation.

Philanthropy is something that most people want to do People just feel good when they make things better

A very strong reason for giving is because it is such a joy to do so We often give for the happiness that helping others provides. There is a warm satisfaction when one is able to take part in making things better Lifting up, uplifts ourselves.

The act of giving can come with a variety of motives. The best is when the giver gives to give. But sometimes, a person gives to get. Such a person is one who gives in search of a self-serving reward.

One warm gift that I received was from an elderly lady who I knew struggled financially She wanted to help Her gnarled hand pulled open her coin purse and she withdrew the only item in there - a crumpled two dollar bill. She wished she could have given more. I tried to leave the money with her but she insisted

Sometimes we measure generosity by the dollar value of a gift. Someone who donates a million dollars may be assumed to be exceptionally kind. However, if that donor had many millions of dollars, the gift might have been easier for him/her than a small donation from someone with very few means. It is not the size of the gift; it is the size of the desire.

I have an awkward feeling about those stores that ask you to contribute a looney or two at the check-out counter for their chosen cause. Most causes are worthy, but when a large corporation makes a donation – even when they express that the funds came from their customers – the presumed credit is for the corporation; it is a corporate credit with other people’s money

The act of gifting is as old as humanity and it is the gentle part of being human

Humans wish to be included in a collective. They yearn for community Humans want to be a part of a whole. Rare is the person who wants to live in isolation.

Building is a characteristic of democratic practise. In dictatorial countries, the concept of a volunteer doesn’t exist. In dictatorships, the public is robbed of the joy of being a builder. An element of a democracy is that citizens sense ownership It means that we should look to ourselves often as opposed to asking governments to solve our reoccurring needs

The more we ask from governments, the more we bargain away our privilege of ownership

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

• Designer Kitchen

• Large Master Suite with Walk-In Closet and Ensuite

• 3 Bedrooms

• Computer Bay

SHOWHOME HOURS Thurs

– Sunday 11am – 4pm

• 2 1/2 Bathrooms

• Second Floor Laundry

• Deck with Amazing Views

• 2 Car Garage

• 1441-1458 sq ft Two Storey

MOVE-IN READY!

OUT OF OFFICE…

Here is this year’s snapshot:

• 84 businesses registered to be part of the love local program

• 30 lucky people were winners from the weekly draws for cash. They all got gift cards to the registered business(es) of their choice

• 10 lucky people won valley strong boxes

• 10 lucky people were surprised by North Pole Pete and Elf Chels on the street

• 1 Lucky winner got the $2,500 grand prize

We are so proud that:

• $825,000 was spent locally over the 2022 holiday season

• 4,600 individual purchases were entered

• 45,000 entries were generated from these purchases

• 680 smiling selfies were sent in to us along the way

We want to thank you for participating, and hopefully having some fun along the way We are overjoyed with the participation this year and thank you all for choosing Columbia Valley businesses this year. We hope that you continue to support and love local this year

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cvevents.ca

POWERED BY THE COLUMBIA VALLEY CHAMBER

Thursday, January 12

• 9-10:30 a.m.: Momfit and preschoo group at the Columb aValley Centre 9:15-11:45 a.m.: StrongStart at Eileen Madson Primary Schoo

• 10:30 a.m.: Family StoryTime at the Invermere Public L brary Stories, songs and crafts

• 12 & 5 p.m.: Edgewater Leg on w ng day! 12 p.m.:Takeout, 5 p.m d ne-in, call 250-347-9725.

• 1 p.m.: Seniors’duplicate bridge: Costs $2 at the Invermere Sen ors Hall

• 2 p.m.: FreeYouth Drop-in Fun at theYouth Hub

4-8 p.m.: Pub grub at the Invermere Leg on every Friday and Saturday

• 5:30 p.m.: Magic the Gathering Play n the tournament Age 10+, $20

• 6 p.m.: Rotary Community Bingo: Must be 19+ to play. Jo n us to ra se money, give back have fun, and support local V sit us on Facebook to purchase your bingo card

• 9 p.m: Karaoke N ght at theW ndermereWhitehouse Pub Must be 19+, come have fun!

Saturday, January 14

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• 2 p m : Senior’sTea at the Invermere Public Library (Second and 4thThursdays of each month)

• 2-4 p m :TechTutor at the Radium Pub ic L brary (free computer, tablet, phone support drop-in)

• 3 p m : Free youth drop-in fun at theYouth Hub 3:30 p m :Thursday Fundays at the nvermere Public L brary STEAM and Crafternoons on alternating weeks

• 6:30 p m : Darts, Cards and Cribbage at the Invermere Legion everyThursday

• 6:45 p m :Texas Hold‘EmTournament at the Invermere Legion for members and guests $30 buy in.

• 7:30 p m :Trivia Night at theWhitehouse Pub inWindermere $3/ per person, ages 19+ 9 p m : Karaoke at the Station Pub Every secondThursday, 19+

Friday, January 13

● 7 p.m.:Trivia Night at Radium Brewing. Prizes to the winning team!

● 7 p.m.: Drop-in adult Parkour (every second Friday).

● 2 p.m.: Crafternoon at the Invermere Public Library for Friday Fundays

● 22nd Annual Snow Golf tournament with the Kinsmen Club $35/ person, register between 11-noon. Shot gun start at noon. Get your tickets in advance at the Station Pub orTaynton Bay

• 10:30 a.m.: LEGO/Duplo at the Invermere Public Library, drop-in fun.

• 10:30 a.m.: Pokemon Club at Main Street Fun and Games Reading proficiency required, ages 7+.

• 4-8 p.m.: Pub Grub at the Invermere Legion, Fridays and Saturdays.

Sunday, January 15

9 a.m.: Bottle drive - Rotary Fundraiser The Rotary Club collects refundable bottles at the Invermere Transfer Station. Raised funds are used for the community

• 7 p.m Live Music at Horsethief Pub

Monday, January 16

● 9:45 a.m. PotteryWheelThrowing. Sign up for this 6-week sessional at www. potteryplayground.com

• 9 a.m.: Bottle drive - Rotary Fundraiser The Rotary Club collects refundable bottles at the Invermere Transfer Station Ra sed funds are used for the community

• 9-11 a.m. StrongStart/ CAPC at Martin Morigeau Elementary School

9:15-11:45 a.m.: StrongStart/ CAPC at Eileen Madson Primary

• 10- 11 a.m. SeniorsYoga: ColumbiaValley Commun ty Centre ($2).

• 1:30 p.m.: Seniors Carpet Bowling Join us for $2 at the Invermere Seniors Hall.

• 4 p m.: LGBTQ+ & Allies Drop-In & Hangout at theYouth Centre Hub

• 5 p m.: Industry night at theWhitehouse Pub inWindermere – pool and drinks for resort and restaurant staff

Tuesday, January 17

● 8 p.m.: Free webinar: Backcountry Snow Safety Join adventure smart Register for the webinar ta register.gotowebinar.com/register

• 9 a.m.: StrongStart/ CAPC at Edgewater Elementary

10 a.m.: Parent &Tot connect at the EarlyYears Centre

10:30 a.m.: Seniors Fitness at the ColumbiaValley Centre ($2 drop in)

• 10:30 a.m.: Homeschool Meetup at the Invermere Public Library

• 1- 3:30 p m.: Afternoon Events for Artists at the Radium Public Library Weekly get-together for budding artists Sketch, paint, knit, carve crochet, or anyth ng else Bring your own supplies

3 p m.: Free youth drop-in fun at the SummitYouth Centre

6-8 30 p m.: SecondWinds Community Band Rehearsal:Tuesdays at the Invermere Catholic Hall BYO Instrument, Contact Ian at 250-342-9733

Wednesday, January 18

• 9:15 a.m.: StrongStart/ CAPC Windermere Elementary every 2nd & 4thWednesday

• 10 a.m.: Parent andTot Connect at the EarlyYears Centre

• 10-11 a.m.: SeniorsYoga: ColumbiaValley Community Centre ($2 drop in).

• 12:30 p.m.: Seniors duplicate Bridge: $2 at the Invermere Seniors Hall

• 1:30-4 p.m.: StrongStart/ CAPC: Every 1st & 3rdWednesday at Eileen Madson Primary

• 12-8 p.m.:WearWednesdays. Come to Arrowhead Brewery wearing our swag for $1 off your pint.

• 3 p.m.: Free youth drop-in: at the SummitYouth Centre

• 3:45 p.m.:Teen Library drop-in at the Invermere Public Library

• 5 p.m.: Dinner at the Legion Reserve your table by the Saturday prior, 250-342-9517.

• 7 p.m.:Trivia Night at the Station Pub $5/ person max 6/ team.

• 8 p.m.: Live Music: James Rose and Friends at Ullr

Gregarious grey wolves

THE WILD FILES It’s our nature

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

DTSS Lakers roar out to great start to season

Submitted by Rick Kubian

be

The David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS)

taken back by the wolf’s teeth at grandma’s house; a wolf’s jaw and 42 teeth are impressive. They have four canines that are used to grasp their prey when they are in pursuit at up to 60 kilometres (km) an hour Wolves are night hunters and the prey for these nocturnal canines includes deer, elk, moose, bison, bighorn sheep and musk oxen, and they are always up for some tasty beaver or rabbit too Wolves in the western parts of Canada such as the Columbia Valley are apt at fishing for salmon. Kills are shared amongst the pack. Oh, what sharp teeth they have! The other 12 incisors, 10 carnassials and 16 premolars are used to shred off chunks of their prey for swallowing. The crushing power of a wolf’s jaw is five times the amount of a human and twice that of a large, domesticated dog Oh, what neat eyes they have

The Northern LightsWildlifeWolf Centre is a wildlife refuge outside of Golden. It’s a great place to visit and learn about the grey wolf and get a chance to see them up close and personal as they enjoy natural habitats behind a chain link fence.

Chadd Cawson . . .

When wolves are cubs their eyes are baby blues, which change to a yellow hue by the time they are three months old. While many humans may reach for their glasses when night driving, wolves have great night vision due to their reflective retinas and a greater concentration of ‘rods’ - receptors Various studies show that wolves can see colours, especially hues of red and yellow

A

nose for it

A wolf’s long snout gives it 25 times more the surface area to detect smells and their noses can do it a hundred times better than that of a humans. Wolves communicate through their noses by sniffing each other, as well as prey and territories. When around humans, they can pick up where we ’ ve been, what we ’ ve eaten and even our state of health.

Lone Wolf

People who prefer to be alone may refer to themselves as lone wolves, but the fact is wolves are quite gregarious and prefer to be in packs. When one sees a lone wolf, referred to as a disperser, it means they’re going off to start a pack of their own. Dispersers keep wolves healthy by not only bringing new genes from different packs into the mix, but by also populating new areas. Wolves will travel hundreds of miles in pursuit of a mate and location to start a pack of their own All packs have a female and male leader known as the alphas. Wolves mate for life, and usually it is only the alphas of the pack that do so Breeding takes place from January through March After 63 days a female wolf will give birth to a litter of four to six cubs.

Courageous Canines

Wolves are held in high regard in Indigenous cultures. They are associated with courage, strength, and loyalty They are thought of as medicine beings and excellent hunters.

is off to a hot start to the season The team is 5-0 and coming off a recent tournament win in Golden. The Lakers swept the competition at the Golden Eagles Invitational beating the home town Eagles in the final by 11 points Playing aggressive defence and using all 12 players the Lakers are proving tough competition for other East Kootenay teams With a deep bench and strong play from all players they are managing to set the pace in their games. “The boys are working hard in practice and have bought into the defensive and offensive schemes as a team ” said coach Justin Woodman. Woodman added “If they continue to work and stay focussed we should continue to see improvement later in the season which bodes well for us”. The Lakers have a busy schedule which will see them involved in tournament play throughout January and February

of staff at hospital from 6

But, she added, if elderly folks or those with chronic health conditions such as COPD or asthma or pregnant women get sick, “they should get tested to see what kind of virus it is. They will benefit from treatment Also, if you develop shortness of breath, can ’ t keep down fluids, or have chest pains, come to the ER to get checked out. ”

Mclellan said not as much PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing is done these days but noted, “If you ’ re sick enough to be admitted, you will get a PCR test - it’s for any virus. It helps with identifying COVID, RSV, influenza.”

As well, she noted, “It’s not too late to get a flu shot and a COVID booster” You can get both shots at the same time For the first year, Mclellan said, flu and COVID shots are free for people of all ages. Adults can get both shots at the Lambert-Kipp Pharmacy Ltd. and Pharmasave Invermere.

“The health department is booking vaccinations for those from six months to 11 years; they have lots of spaces in January,” Mclellan said. “That includes COVID and influenza shots ” She noted flu mist is available for “…children who are afraid of needles. “It’s a spray that goes in the nose. ”

Lakers Senior Boys Basketball team

The Lakers are off to a winning start to their season.

Photo submitted

Photos by

work towards wildfire resilience

Yaqit ʔa·knuqⱡi’it First Nation, Pacific Road Capital, and North Coal join forces

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Since the Yaqit ʔa·knuqⱡi ‘it (YQT) First Nation hired a wildfire response coordinator last spring, several volunteers from the community have been gathering weekly to learn skills as part of the First Nation’s wildfire resilience project Through the support of Columbia Basin Trust, new equipment purchases and training have been possible. Submitted photo

While the old saying suggests you fight fire with fire, to prevent and fight wildfires, one needs the applicable skills Many communities throughout the Columbia Basin are at risk when wildfire season is upon us. One community that knows this all too well is the Yaqit ʔa·knuqⱡi ‘it (YQT) First Nation which neighbours Grasmere. The community has come together for a wildfire resilience project to up their game against future flames. Columbia Basin Trust has also been instrumental in this with their support for the recent purchase of much-needed firefighting gear and equipment

Located in grasslands at the base of forested mountains, “We are in the thick of it, so to speak,” said Nasu?kin, Heidi Gravelle, of YQT (Tobacco Plains Indian Band) First Nation in a December press release. “Summers are hot, dry, and windy If a fire cut off the highway, “We have no way of getting out, ” and fire crews couldn’t easily get in. The potential risk for devastation is huge because of our location.”

To keep wildfires and risk at bay, the YQT First Nation hired wildfire response coordinator, Brett Uphill, in the spring of 2022. Since Uphill has come on board, one of his main objectives has been to build and strengthen the volunteer team so they have the necessary certifications. So far, 25 people have already signed up to be involved. The goal is to build a solid fire service that can defend the area from wildfires. Uphill said he is quite pleased with how things have been going “So far we ’ ve done a little bit of Fire Smart burning around the community,” said Uphill in a press release in December

Uphill referred to doing small, prescribed burns to reduce the amount of potential wildfire. Through a partnership with the BC Wildfire Service, members could potentially get experience by fighting fires outside of their immediate area as well, but of course wouldn’t stand a chance without the proper gear and equipment from proper jackets and helmets to portable wildfire tanks and hoses. Thanks to one of Columbia Basin Trust programs that aims to aid small and First Nations communities in the Columbia Basin to plan and prepare for wildfires, YQT First Nation was able to make these much-needed purchases

The funding through the Columbia Basin Trust also entails offering training courses and essential planning such as creating evacuation plans. Chief Gravelle expressed her gratitude for the ongoing support the Columbia Basin Trust has provided to ensure the community have everything they need to build their resources before disaster strikes.

“It usually is the case that something of devastation has to happen where people start saying, ‘Okay, this is a need,’ said Gravelle. “To have that comfort - knowing we have the updated, proper equipment to protect people - is huge.”

This past December Yaqit ʔa·knuqⱡi’it, (YQT or Tobacco Plains Indian Band), Pacific Road Capital and North Coal Limited (NCL) entered in to a Letter of Intent (for) a proposed ground-breaking partnership This partnership of all three parties will progress and develop North Coal’s Michel Project. The Michel Project, located in the Elk Valley near Sparwood, B.C., is a development-stage metallurgical coal project that will incorporate industry-leading mine design, strong water protection, low operational carbon emissions, and accelerated natural reclamation plans. The project was designed with collaboration and input from YQT Peoples, who are members of the Ktunaxa speaking Peoples of B.C., Idaho, and Montana and part of the Ktunaxa Nation Ktunaxa people have lived on the lands adjacent to the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers and the Arrow Lakes of British Columbia for more than 10,000 years. Today, the Tobacco Plains Indian Reserve comprises 10,600 acres surrounding Grasmere, in southeastern B.C.

Thepartnershipofthesethreepartiesiscentredaroundthecoreprinciplesofco-ownership, co-management, and co-governance and is the culmination of several years of respectful engagement between them. YQT will take up direct ownership interests in North Coal and the Michel Project and solidify a direct and meaningful role in the activities and ultimate development within the ʔakanuxunik ʔamakis territory Together North Coal and YQT will continue their hands-on role in managing significant impacts while generating potential opportunities for its people, and forwarding a best-in-class project

“This is a tremendous opportunity for YQT on our path to self-determination,” said Chief Heidi Gravelle, YQT, in a December press release “This partnership has been built on mutual respect, collaboration, and integrity, while working with our community members, elders, and leadership to create a sustainable future built on our strong traditions and culture By working together with Pacific Road Capital, we will have set a precedence for other companies looking

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

HERE TO SERVE YOU

Stewardship Coordinator

(Approx 2 days (15 hours) per week – 13-month contract (until March 31, 2024) with the expectation of annual renewal) - Flexible within the Kootenay Region, East Kootenay preferred

Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) is looking for a qualified contractor to lead the development and implementation of innovative and targeted projects focused on achieving improved effectiveness of stewardship activities on private land throughout the Kootenay Region.

KCP is a partnership of 85 stewardship organizations, Indigenous communities, government and agricultural producers dedicated to conserving natural areas for Kootenay communities. The partnership coordinates and facilitates acquisitions, covenants and stewardship projects on private land. KCP works to build the technical and financial capacity of all of our partner organizations and serve as a network to encourage collaboration.

The Stewardship Coordinator reports directly to the KCP Program Director and will work closely with other KCP contractors, partners and supporters.

Application deadline: Thursday, February 9, 2023, Noon PDT

For the full job posting visit www.kootenayconservation.ca/latest-news

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

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, most para hockey competitions were cancelled, and McGregor suddenly found himself with spare time on his hands. He decided it was a great chance to give back, and to try to raise awareness about and money for cancer research, just as Fox had done.

To that end, he organized the first Sledge Skate of Hope, a one-day event held in Collingwood, Ontario, in February 2021, in which McGregor sledge skated 25 kilometres.

“It was trial and error, I was unsure of the distance I should go, and the fundraising goals I should set, ” he told the Pioneer “I didn’t know what was ambitious enough, yet still realistically achievable.”

McGregor aimed to raise $25,000 $1,000 for every kilometres skated. He hit that goal and then some, ultimately raising more than $31,000.

Encouraged, he vowed to do another Sledge Skate of Hope on a larger scale. It’s this second Sledge Skate of Hope, which will bring McGregor to Invermere (and to every province across the country).

For the 2023 Sledge Skate of Hope, over the course of a month and a half, McGregor is going to sledge skate 42 kilometres (the full distance of a marathon, and incidentally the same distance Terry Fox ran each day during

his Marathon of Hope) in each of Canada’s 10 provinces. McGregor’s fundraising goal this time out is to raise $100,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation.

He began a week ago in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where warm Maritime winter temperatures forced him to blade his way around a skating oval instead of on his intended venue. That change didn’t faze McGregor however, and he sledge skated the full 42 kilometres in a little less than three hours

“It went really well. It was mild, sure, but there was a really great turnout of people to join me, including some local para hockey players,” McGregor told the Pioneer the day after the skate “My body held up, although I’m definitely very sore. My shoulders started to go numb about halfway through, but I just kept going.”

Through the rest of January and February, McGregor will be hitting up iconic skating spots across the nation, including the famous Rideau Canal in Ottawa (which will be his Ontario sledge skating marathon), the Forks in Winnipeg (his Manitoba marathon), the Lac-des-Loups Skateway trail, which winds through a Quebecois evergreen forest, as well as the Lake Windermere Whiteway (which will be his B.C. marathon).

Although McGregor has visited other parts of B.C., he’s never been to the East Kootenay, and told the Pioneer he’s excited. “From the photos of the Whiteway I’ve seen,

. . . ‘Yaqit ʔa·knuqⱡi’it First Nation from 15 in economic ventures on unceded territory We look forward to working together to create new opportunities for YQT and other First Nations on this important project ” The goal of the Michel Project is to produce premium, mid-volatile, high CSR (coke strength after reaction) hard coking coal, more commonly known as metallurgical or steelmaking coal. This commodity is a critical ingredient in the steelmaking process and is not used for legacy coal-fired energy generation. NCL plans to offer global markets a product that is essential in helping decarbonize steel-making blast furnaces on their path to lower emissions with the plan to produce 1.8 million tonnes per year of premium, high CSR, hard coking coal over a 23-year mine life. NCL expects markets, investors, and supply chains will be demanding as part of the clean economy transition Ian Maxwell, chief executive officer (CEO), NCL, said global decarbonization is one of the biggest issues that the world faces today The Michel Project will provide a differentiated, low scope 1 and 2 emissions input that steel companies will urgently

with the scenery there – the mountains and the lake it’s mind blowing,” he said.

The Whiteway part of the Sledge Skate of Hope will be on Monday Jan. 23, starting at approximately 9 a.m (the exact time has yet to be set). McGregor will begin at Kinsmen Beach, head out on the Whiteway for a 42 kilometres loop, and will arrive back at Kinsmen Beach two and half to three hours later

“I really do encourage people to come out and join,” said McGregor

To learn more, or to donate, visit sledgeskateofhope. com

need as they decarbonize over the coming decades NCL holds a 100 per cent interest in the Michel Project, an advanced metallurgical coal mine development with approximately 140 million resource tonnes of high value-in-use metallurgical coal in B.C.

“Our development pathway has established a number of firsts, ” Maxwell said. “We have designed our project with the highest standards of water quality at its heart, constantly putting environmental standards and decisions first. Now, our project and the development team will benefit greatly from YQT’s direct input. Our plans will be strengthened by YQT’s substantial knowledge of and connection to the land, traditional cultural heritage and land management practices. Our development path will benefit from YQT’s extensive connections with and knowledge of other First Nations in the region of Tobacco Plains. We expect this to be beneficial to all parties, upholding our overall commitment to sustainable progress of the partnership and the Michel Project, and aligned with the Province of British Columbia’s Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act”.

McGregor (second from left) in Halifax during the first chapter of his Sledge Skate of Hope Photo submitted

F A I T H

Liminal space - living in the land between

By Rev Terr y D yck Lake Winder mere Alliance Church

Did you have a good Christmas season? Do any travel?

My wife and I did a little travel, and it came with mixed reviews. It was great to spend some time with family and some friends; getting there and back was another stor y We spent some time in waiting – in what some describe as ‘liminal space ’ - waiting and not knowing the future. When was our plane flight going to leave? ‘Flight delayed’, we were told. And then delayed again, and again Then we arrived at the airport for our delayed flight, 2:20am , only to be informed that our flight was now cancelled and we were being rebooked for two days later My brother-in-law couriered us back to my sister’s house, while we mused about getting into our car and driving the nine and a half hours to the coast. We were tired of the waiting, anticipating and then being told to wait some more.

We were in liminal space. Wait Terr y - what do you mean by ‘liminal space’? The word liminal is rooted in Latin. The word ‘limen’ means threshold. A liminal space is the time between ‘what was ’ and ‘ next ’ It is a place of transition, a time of waiting and not knowing the future. We all experience or are living in some form of liminal space, living in between the past and what’s next.

The problem is, a liminal space does not typically feel good. We can feel completely over whelmed and confused when going through a major life change. We feel raw, vulnerable and uncertain. And most of us, if we ’ re honest, will take just about any answer to get out of the discomfort that comes with a liminal space.

You are likely dealing with a major life change of some kind – a job change, moving, financial strain, life and/or career discontent, empty nesting or retirement, just to name a few. Whatever the change, it’s a seismic shift and the future seems uncertain You are in liminal space.

This Christmas experience of liminal space, waiting, was really only the discomfort of inconvenience for us We wanted to be at our granddaughter’s birthday party, to relieve our family from an unexpected lengthened stay (Can you say, ‘overstaying our welcome’?)

It’s a bit counter-intuitive, but life’s most turbulent moments can be where the best and most enduring transformation occurs. Immense growth happens during a liminal space, if you and I learn how to pay attention to our life and write a stor y for the next chapter, rooted in thoughtful intention and courage

My encouragement to you when you encounter liminal space this year – have a proven framework. My framework includes following the example of some faith heroes that God instructed to WAIT, embracing the liminal space, move when the Spirit says move, then live in confidence, in His strength, with his people

Our Christmas stor y brought meal vouchers and a wonderful night in a beautiful hotel with pool and hot tub We took time to relax and reset We partied a couple days later with our granddaughter and did a sleep over… wonderful memories! Don’t miss what God has for you during liminal space in 2023…

B a b i e s

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

Now open for in-person ser vices Sundays at 10:30 a.m. 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lwac.ca

W I N D E R M E R E V A L L E Y S H A R E D M I N I S T R Y A N G L I C A N - U N I T E D

Minister: Brent Woodard Sundays at 10:30 a.m In-person or on zoom For the zoom link, please visit our website ( Windermere Valley Shared Ministr y). 110 - 7th Ave. in Invermere.

V

A L L E Y C H R I S T I A N A S S E M B L Y

Sunday 10 a.m. Worship ser vice 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com

R O M A N C A T H O L I C C H U R C H

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

Canal Flats: Saturday, 4 p.m.

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

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

Sunday 1:30 p m Worship Ser vice at Valley Christian 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere lutheranstpeter@gmail.com

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

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

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

CHURCH OF CHRIST (Iglesia ni Cristo)

Worship Ser vice: Sunday 9 a.m., Thursday 7:45 p m Chamber of Commerce (Lions Hall)

For inquiries: 250-688-1643 250-270-2208 or 250-688-0629

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

S T. P E T E R’S L U T H E R A N C H U R C H

R A D I U M C H R I S T I A N F E L L O W S H I P

C H U R C H O F J E S U S C H R I S T O F L A T T E R - D A Y S A I N T S