Vol13issue08

February 19, 2016 Vol. 13/Issue 8

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

The Columbia

Valley

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1 February 19, 2016

P ioneer

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On Saturday, February 13th, the 5th annual Puppy Love fundraiser pulled in over $12,000 for local animal rescue group GALS (Global Animal Lovers Society), surpassing both last year’s amount and organizers’ expectations. See page 15 for more coverage of the event.

Photo by Lindsay McPherson

24

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 19, 2016

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Skating in the setting sun Frozen Lake Windermere offered a spectacular setting for this beautiful photograph taken of Luca Whittick on the evening of Tuesday, February 9th.

Photo by Duncan Whittick

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February 19, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS

Akisqnuk land claim confirmed by tribunal

By Breanne Massey Pioneer Staff The Akisqnuk First Nation has plans to pressure the Government of Canada to honour a recent ruling that recognizes its claim over 3,000 acres of land in the Madias Tatley area, which is located east of the nation. The ruling is by a Specific Claims Tribunal that reviewed the Akisqnuk reserve creation and additional land decisions that were never implemented.

The decision to exclude land in the Madias Tatley area from the Akisqnuk First Nation dates back over a century. An 1884 recommendation by the Indian Reserve Commissioner to include the Madias Tatley area in the Akisqnuk reserve and another in 1915 by

the federal-provincial Royal Commission on Indian Affairs did not come to fruition in spite of the extensive use of the land by the Ktunaxa people of the Akisqnuk First Nation.

The tribunal found that in ignoring the recommendations, Canada breached its legal obligations as fiduciary for the First Nation.

“It’s been a long, long fight,” said Lorne Shovar, Akisqnuk First Nation chief. “We had the tribunal hearing about a year ago. We don’t have the property back yet. It’s just a decision from the tribunal so there’s still various steps that need to happen before there’s any type of compensation or land allocation.”

The Akisqnuk First Nation is pleased with the decision and Mr. Shovar hopes to help his nation correct

an injustice issue that has the potential to acknowledge many generations of elders and families.

“Right now, we’ve got a document of next steps, so we’re going to pressure the federal government to honour the decision of the tribunal,” said Mr. Shovar.

He remains optimistic that the Canadian government will help develop a new relationship with the First Nation in the spirit of reconciliation. He added the process wouldn’t take place overnight.

“It has been an extremely long battle,” said Mr. Shovar, noting the issue became a major priority for the nation before he joined council in 2004. “We, at Akisqnuk, are both excited and optimistic that we can move forward in a good way not only with the community but with the federal and provincial governments.”

Sunchaser Villas test case hearing in Vancouver wraps up

By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff A test case for the long-running Sunchaser Villas class action lawsuit was heard in the B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver in January, and those on both sides of the legal battle are now waiting for a ruling.

The test case was held from January 4th to 22nd and a judgement in the matter from Judge Shelley Fitzpatrick is not expected for at least several weeks.

Cox-Taylor law firm lawyer Lindsey Leblanc represented the timeshare owner claimants in court during the three weeks, and confirmed that the test case hearing had wrapped up, but could not tell The Pioneer more, saying that “as this matter is before the court awaiting judgment, we will not be commenting at this time.”

Similarly, Northwynds Resort Properties Ltd. (the defendant) chief executive officer Kurt Wankel said that “as judgment was reserved to a later date, it remains

an ongoing legal process and we have no further comment.”

The legal battle began almost three years ago, in April 2013, when more than 1,000 timeshare owners (a figure that has now grown to more than 3,200 individual timeshare owners) at Sunchaser Villas entered into a class-action lawsuit against Northmont Resort Properties Ltd. in a dispute over a costly renovation project and the associated fees charged at the 18,950-unit villas. Northmont is a subsidiary company of Northwynd Resort Properties Ltd. The claimants alleged that, among other things, the renovation fees greatly exceed the regular maintenance expenses laid out in the timeshare agreements; that the fees have been improperly charged for expenses not incurred in the past three years and which may not ever be incurred; that the fees include renovation expenses for buildings that Northmont has not and does not intend to renovate or that Northmont seeks to remove from the resort for its own use; and that Northmont Continued on page 5 . . .

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

SECURITY • • • •

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Submitted by Staff Sgt. Marko Shehovac Columbia Valley RCMP 10 more working days.

Licensed & Insured Invermere & Surrounding Areas

Thank you!

The family of Stan Rokosh wish to extend their sincere gratitude to many people in the Invermere Community for their friendship and support of Stan over the years, and particularly after he moved into the Columbia Garden Village.

Special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Invermere and District Hospital; the staff at Columbia Garden Village; Interior Health and Home Support nurses; the Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley; Lambert-Kipp Pharmacy and as well a special note of appreciation to Father Gabriel at Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church.

Thank you also to the many friends and acquaintances who extended the hand of friendship and whose companionship and fellowship he enjoyed so very much!

God bless all of you!

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• As a result of information provided to the detachment from the Integrated Child Exploitation Unit in December, Cst. Reinburg initiated an investigation.

As a result of information gained from a production order on the server, an application for a search warrant was approved and executed by Columbia Valley Detachment officers on February 5th at a residence in the 600 block of Upper Lakeview Road. As a result of the investigation and evidence seized, a 26-year-old male from Windermere has been charged with possession of child pornography.

• On Friday, February 12th, police were contacted concerning an assault complaint that took place in front of the Pharmasave next door to the Chisel Peak Medical Clinic. An adult male was pushed down by a 17-yearold male from Windermere. No injuries to the victim.

The victim did not wish to pursue charges.

• On Friday, February 12th at 2 p.m., the detachment received a complaint of vehicles passing a school bus near Tim Horton’s that was unloading kids at the time while the red light was operating. Red light flashing on the bus means: do not pass.

• On Friday, February 12th at 10:50 p.m., police received a report of a 23-year-old male banging on the window of the Canadian Tire store. Police attended and arrested the male who was on conditions of not to return to the store or be in Invermere as he was charged that same morning with break and enter into Canadian Tire. While under arrest for breaching his conditions, the Golden detachment advised the male is to be arrested from an incident out of Golden earlier in the evening. The arrested male had threatened others with a knife. The male was held in custody for a bail hearing where he was released on further conditions. The male was released to his parents, returning him to Calgary.

• On Saturday, February 13th at 4:20 p.m., the detachment had a report of a lost wallet in the area of

Mountainside Market in Radium.

• On Saturday, February 13th at 4:20 p.m., the detachment was receiving reports of ATVs operating on the streets in Canal Flats. Time for a mini project to make someone’s recreational enjoyment expensive.

• On Monday, February 15th at 10:13 a.m., the detachment received a complaint of theft of stolen lights off a van in the town area. Lights and bracket were taken. Described as LED PS 7-inch model.

• On Monday, February 15th at 11:42 a.m., the detachment received a complaint of theft of a purse that occurred at Sobeys grocery store. The purse was later located in the store, however, minus an iPod Nano, ear phones, charger and plug.

Reputation at stake With limited time remaining, I wish to thank many people for their assistance. Having worked the valley the last 20 years, in Golden and here in Invermere, I have worked closely with both hospitals. I’ve had the opportunity to meet the doctors, nurses, and staff. On a personal level, they have taken good care of me when in return I don’t take good care of myself, as I am often reminded. On the professional side, we often find ourselves in the emergency ward and often get in the way while staff are running off their feet. I also find myself interacting with hospital staff in my capacity of doing the first aid for the Rockies. I will miss my interaction with our local health care workers. So it was nice one day to come to their aid when a patient was acting out, verbally aggressive and with the fear of becoming physically violent, refusing to take a shot that was necessary for the male’s health. I’m confident in my ability to negotiate (got the boat, didn’t I) and have the male agree.

Told the nurse to step aside, Marko is here. I opened up the curtain and was greeted with a “Hi Marko.” Good first step. Off the bat we established a friendship. I informed the male that I have a problem.

Continued on page 5 . . .

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February 19, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

Former teacher’s certificate cancelled

By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff A former valley teacher who resigned from the local school district two years ago recently agreed to the cancellation of her teaching certificate, and has since been the subject of a social media storm.

A consent resolution agreement on the B.C. Commissioner for Teacher Regulation website describes that the female teacher’s employment with Rocky Mountain School District Six was terminated in August 2013 due to failing to maintain appropriate professional boundaries with a male Grade 11 student.

Some of the social media attention on the matter has contained wild allegations as to the nature of the failure, but the published agreement makes clear that the incident stems from the teacher inappropriately communicating with the student through text messages in November and December 2012.

The agreement reports that the teacher sent text messages to the student several times late at night and, on December 14th, 2012, sent a series of about 50 text messages to the student, during the course of which she referred to

the student as “attractive.” According to what is stated in the agreement, the teacher said she was intoxicated at the time of sending the string of 50 messages, but she also said this did not excuse her behaviour.

In addition, the agreement mentions that the commissioner had received a medical report outlining the teacher had “a medical condition of mild severity” that may have contributed to her conduct at the time.

“In the process, a resignation was agreed upon,” Windermere Teachers Association president Doug Murray told The Pioneer by email.

The Pioneer sought comment on the matter from the teacher, but the teacher is unable to speak to the issue under the terms of the consent resolution agreement with Commissioner for Teacher Regulation.

“My wife is truly a remarkable, wonderful person who I have nothing but respect and love for. I stand proudly by her as we endure this tremendously challenging time,” her husband told The Pioneer.

The Pioneer is withholding names out of consideration for the couple’s young children. The mutual agreement to cancel the certificate was part of the consensus resolution process and the matter is not before the public courts.

. . . ‘Sunchaser’ from page 3 has used the fees for purposes other than the renovation project for which they are ostensibly being charged.

Although Mr. Wankel did not offer further comment on the matter, he did send The Pioneer a copy of an update letter on the trial sent to Sunchaser Villas timeshare owners on February 1st.

The letter outlines that the hearing was a test case rather than the full class-action lawsuit (advanced by one timeshare owner, not the entire group) and pointed out that while it may provide precedent-setting value to other owners, it was ultimately an individual action.

“We are pleased with the performance of our legal counsel and our witnesses in presenting our side of the story and our position that we have acted reasonably in the discharge of our duties as manager of the resort. We feel the physical evidence, including the many communications we have provided to our owner, was compelling and supportive. We entered the proceedings believing the delinquent owners’s position was without merit and we exited steadfast in that position,” reads the letter. “Further the Supreme Court of British Columbia process exposed the other side’s claim. By the end of the three weeks, the other side had abandoned multiple allegations and made numerous admissions that speak to other allegations made.”

The letter continues that the company’s best guess as to when a ruling can be expected is that it won’t come until at least late March, but conceded there could be quite a bit of variability in the timing. It then adds that in the meantime it’s business as usual at the resort, and reminds owners that they are still responsible for paying their maintenance fees.

The Pioneer attempted to reach the claimants’ main lawyer, Michael Geldert, for comment on the matter, but was unable to do so prior to press deadline. He had previously told The Pioneer that “the timeshare industry has always seemed to have issues with resort managers who, for whatever reason find themselves between a rock and a hard place, and they start making decisions that ultimately attract some liability and concern on behalf of the people they are responsible for managing.”

The Sunchaser Villas are in Fairmont Hot Springs.

. . . ‘RCMP’ from page 4 I stated that I guaranteed the nurse that I would be able to convince him to take the shot. Advised the male that my reputation now lies in his hands and I can look like the fool.

Stick my head out and informed the nurse he was good to go with his shot.

The miracle worker! I found over the years that if you establish trust and respect, you get it back. This patient paid it back.

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Annual General Meeting | February 24 | 11:30 am 625 4th Street, Service BC Building, South Annex Members are invited to stand for election, to elect 2016 Directors and to vote on special resolutions.

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 19, 2016

PERSPECTIVE

Ground control

Historical Lens

By Nicole Trigg Pioneer Staff On Monday, February 15th, Canada cut ties with the coalition air war against ISIS, the same day that airstrikes killed innocent civilians, including pregnant women and young children, when suspected Russia planes let loose on hospitals and schools in northern Syria. The United Nations have condemned the bombings, stating they may amount to a war crime, and no one is stepping forward to take the blame. At this messy stage in the war on terror, Canada has gracefully made an exit, changed tactics and headed in another direction, Meanwhile, in the House of Commons, interim Conservative Party leader Rona Ambrose is arguing that Canada is letting its allies down, while NDP leader Tom Mulcair doesn’t want Canada involved at all. Parliament Hill journalists have coined the phrase “the Goldilocks Solution” to describe Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s middle-of-theroad approach of “not too hot, not too cold, but just right.”

But while Canada’s six CF-18 fighter jets have flown their last mission, the number of Canadian special-forces advisers will climb to 207 from 69 in the expanded military deployment, essentially tripling Canada’s involvement. Those who thought the Liberals were acting in a cowardly manner by pulling out of the airstrikes now have a new concern: that more Canadian men and women could get hurt, or killed.

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, who himself served in the Middle East as a soldier, has said as much, stating the revised mission will be more dangerous as Canadian soldiers will be shoulder to shoulder with those they’re training to stand up to some of the worst evil afflicting the planet. As front line fighters in the battle for freedom that our society enjoys every single day, they are willing to put their lives on the line in order to save innocent people and pass on their skills and training to those so desperately in need. The ground war against ISIS needs help and Canada is stepping up to the plate. Our prayers are with our soldiers.

Snow in sight In this image with no date, the paradise mine is covered in snow. If you have any more information, email us at info@ columbiavalleypioneer.com.

Photo (A561) courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society

Correction Last week’s column, Fresh Old Ideas, referred to the USA’s “ third amendment” when it ought to have referred to “the second amendment.”

Event aims to educate community

By Breanne Massey Pioneer Staff Those who have a focus on leading health-driven lives may be interested in attending an upcoming community event.

The Truth About Cancer series will be shown to the Columbia Valley community at David Thompson Secondary School theatre starting on Thursday, February 25th between 7 and 8:30 p.m. Voluntary donations to help cover the cost of rental and insurance will be accepted. If there is a surplus of donations, the proceeds will be donated to local cancer patients. The second showing will take place at the same time and in the same place on Thursday, March

3rd. The rest will be scheduled after further arrangements are made and depending on turnout.

“Our motive in this presentation is to Pay It Forward,” explained event organizers, Shelley Ford and Iris Meehan. “We saw this presentation, thought of our own personal losses to cancer — most of us today have been touched by this loss — and felt we just couldn’t keep it to ourselves.”

The Truth About Cancer — A Global Quest is billed as “the documentary series the mainstream media refused to air,” according to the Science Based Medicine Website. It consists of nine episodes plus two question and answer episodes, and is produced

by Ty Bollinger, an outspoken supporter of natural Continued on page 7 . . .

The Columbia Valley

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

Pioneer

is independently owned and operated, published weekly by Misko Publishing Limited Partnership.

Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Ave., Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Phone: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 1.855.377.0312 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Dean Midyette Publisher/ Sales Manager

Nicole Trigg Editor

Steve Hubrecht Reporter

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February 19, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

ICE UPDATE As of the afternoon of Friday, February 12th, the ice thickness 50 feet offshore from Kinsmen Beach was 12 inches.

Makes you say WOW Columbia Valley wildlife photographer Bonnie-Lou Ferris’ shot of a Great Grey Owl (taken in the Windermere area in 2015) was selected by judges for the BC SPCA’s 2015 Wildlife in Focus photo contest as a non-prize winning entry, earning Bonnie-Lou a spot in the 2015 WOW slideshow. Find the link at https://youtu.be/yJkrrhm5lBk.

Photo submiited . . . ‘Event’ from page 6 treatments for cancer.

Mr. Bollinger began a journey of learning about the debilitating disease after losing several family members to cancer, and questioning the effectiveness of treatments that are available.

“This Global Quest involved interviews with scientists, researchers, long term (cancer) survivors, doctors, naturopaths, nutritionists and oncologists from all over the world, coming together to educate, expose and eradicate cancer and to give us hope,” Ms. Ford and Ms. Meehan

explained “All together 143 professionals from all over the globe participated in this process.”

The series consists of nine different themes per episode, and includes a focus on prevention. Each episode is 1.5 hours in length.

“We are so fortunate to live in a health-minded community, and this series takes us all around the world in support of being fully informed as we make our future health decisions,” the duo concluded.

For more information, contact Shelley at 250 342- 5837 or shinesister@shaw.ca; or Iris at 250-4094811 or ipmeehan@shaw.ca.

Lifeguard Courses Ever thought of becoming a National Certified Lifeguard?

College of the Rockies will be delivering a two-step program including all the necessary training and certifications to become a National Certified Lifeguard. Just in time for the summer season.

Lifeguard Essentials Level One Course The Level One course includes 10 sessions of swim instruction including stroke technique and fitness development required for Level 2. An initial swim assessment will be required to determine your starting level. Some additional independent swim practice may be required.

The Level One course also includes the Red Cross Standard First Aid Certification that is valid for 3 years.

Course Dates: March 1 – April 8

Cost: $345

Lifeguard Certification Level Two Course

Upon successful completion of the Lifeguard Essentials Level One, students will then take the Lifeguard Certification series which includes Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross and the National Lifeguard Society Certification. Some additional practice and homework may be required.

Pre-requisites: Valid Red Cross Standard First Aid, successful completion of the Level One Program Starts April 14th and runs till June

Cost: $795

Contact the Invermere campus today 250•342•3210 • www.cotr.bc.ca/Invermere • invermere@cotr.bc.ca

Resource, Development & Advocacy

United Way helping seniors remain independent.

Better at Home is funded by the Government of British Columbia.

COLUMBIA VALLEY BETTER AT HOME NON-MEDICAL SERVICES FOR SENIORS

Transportation

We want to hear from you Email your letters to info@columbia valleypioneer.com or visit our website at www.columbiavalleypioneer.com.

Mail your letters to Box 868, Invermere, V0A 1K0, or drop them in at #8, 1008-8th Avenue.

Letters to the editor should be sent only to The Pioneer, and not to other publications. We do not publish open letters or third-party letters.

Letters for publication should be no longer than 400 words, and must include the writer’s address and phone numbers. No attachments, please.

Letters may be shortened for space

requirements. We reserve the right to edit for space, clarity, civility and accuracy.

Please state your connection to the subject you’re writing about so that readers can judge your credibility and motivation. Please ensure that the facts cited in your letter are accurate. You are entitled to your own heartfelt opinion, but not to your own facts. Errors of fact mean either that we can’t run your letter or that we will have to run it with an accompanying correction.

Opinions expressed are those of the writer, not The Pioneer.

• Medical appointments • Grocery Shopping

Friendly Visiting • Pet walking • Daily phone check-in

Light Housekeeping/Light Grounds Keeping • Lawn/garden • Snow/ice

Small Home Repairs

MAINTAIN YOUR INDEPENDENCE Call Jennifer Lindal 250-342-1110 or 250-342-5566

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 19, 2016

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Strategy garnering support

By Dorothy Isted Special to The Pioneer Editor’s note: The following article is a more in-depth follow-up to the Columbia Valley Resident Attraction and Retention Strategy story that was printed in the January 29th Pioneer.

Last month, meetings were held at the Lions’ Hall at the Crossroads and in Calgary to listen to what people thought about growing and sustaining the valley’s population. It is a cheerful thought that permanent valley residents and part-timers (the latter being mostly from Calgary) are on the same wavelength when it comes to what the valley needs.

Currently, the Columbia Valley is not experiencing any growth in population. Those opposed to growth may not realize that with a declining population comes declining government services: less available services in the schools and hospital, for example. The provincial government gives money to municipalities for government services in their communities based on the number of permanent residents. Those not living here full-time do not get counted even though they need the services when in the valley.

Austin Hracs, Senior Consultant with MDB Insight, the company hired to guide valley communities through the Columbia Valley Resident Attraction and Retention Strategy, is impressed by the involvement he’s witnessed so far.

“From our perspective, the Calgary event was a complete success,” he said.

Regarding his time in the valley, he noted: “I’ve been to a lot of communities and this was an amazing session.”

Over 500 people completed an online survey created by MDB Insight. Nearly 70 per cent of part-time residents would consider moving to the valley permanently.

Ninety per cent of respondents said it is a desirable place to live, and 90 per cent also said they feel connected to the valley, which is not a common sentiment, said Mr. Hrac.

He works across Canada and only once before has he seen the same number of people complete the survey — but the population of that community was two million.

People were asked what is preventing them from moving here. Among the concerns listed were job opportunities, affordable housing for those working in the tourism sector, adequate medical care and extra help for seniors.

Participants at both workshops were asked to respond to four questions: What

is the biggest attraction here? What is the biggest barrier to attracting new residents?

Retention – why aren’t people staying, why are they leaving? What is one opportunity for the Columbia Valley to make it more attractive for new residents?

One recommendation that has often come up, and did this time, is amalgamating the whole Columbia Valley into one regional district, based on the idea that more taxes would be funnelled back from the province. Affordable housing, leadership and strategies for economic growth were also recommended.

Invermere mayor Gerry Taft explained after the meeting that the concept of one municipality was already investigated a few years back and is unworkable because of roads. Roads would become the responsibility of the municipality and the province would get off the hook for maintaining the roads and bridges, he said.

“There’s no way with our population we could take this on,” Mr. Taft explained.

As a result of this investigation, however, the three municipalities of Invermere, Radium and Canal Flats as well as Regional Districts F and G began to work more closely together to co-operate and share resources.

Currently, all the communities are working together on the libraries, the arenas and the new multi-use centre planned for Invermere.

Mr. Taft also attended the Calgary workshop and found it interesting that it was a baby boomer crowd. They wanted to know if there were opportunities in public service, especially health care. “The people there were happy we took the time and were interested in listening to them,” he said. “Sometimes the second-homeowners feel as though their opinions don’t matter.”

Area G’s director Gerry Wilkie had a compliment and a caution about the initiative.

“I think Invermere council is really putting in the time and effort to get it going, but we’re all interested in it,” he said.

“The more we can diversify the better, but don’t ruin the beautiful area or the relatively rural way of life we have.”

According to Mr. Hrac, the workshops are the halfway mark in the process. The consultants will collate the information gathered and make recommendations to the Steering Committee in March. Mr. Taft said the Steering Committee will review the report and prioritize the next steps, finding ways to make the top three or five actions happen.

The report will be released to the public in April.

February 19, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

Dr. Jumbo comes to Cranbrook

By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff The debate about the proposed Jumbo Glacier Resort has been so long-running that the topic has become fodder for academic study, and local residents will get a chance to hear about it firsthand when a University of Victoria professor who completed his doctoral dissertation on the controversy visits the East Kootenay next week to give a presentation on the issue.

Cam Owens’ areas of research include land use conflict and decision making processes, and sustainable development.

The 25-year old Jumbo debate made the ideal sole case study for his PhD, which examined B.C.’s environmental assessment process, on which he worked from 2006 to 2011. Mr. Owens — the only person in province with what could be called a degree in Jumbo — will be in Cranbrook on Tuesday, February 23rd as the keynote speaker for the Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology’s environmental and social assessment forum.

“I wanted to understand what had confounded the review (process for the proposed resort) so as to drag on over a couple decades and gain a multi-perspectival understanding of the controversy surrounding the proposal,” he told The Pioneer, adding that, as part of his research, he spent a summer in Invermere interviewing key players in the Jumbo debate (both supporters and opponents), as well as another summer in Victoria interviewing government officials involved with the environmental assessment process.

The list of interviewees — nearly 40 in total — reads like a who’s who of Jumbo, and includes Grant Costello, Oberto Oberti, Kathryn Teneese, Gerry Taft, Greg Deck, Alan Artibise, Psyche Brown, Bob Campsall, Arnor Larson, Jim Galloway, Dee Conklin, Ray Crook, Dean Martin, Rowena Eloise, Cam Gillies, Meredith Hamstead, Norm MacDonald, Christy Madson (Roger Madson’s daughter), Al Miller, Pat Morrow, David Pacey, Dave Quinn and Nolan Rad, among many others.

In his dissertation, Mr. Owens examines how the conflict can be described as competing representations of eight different models of justice — spatial; market; industrial (technical-rational planning); civic (equality, access and solidarity); domestic (tradition and locality); inspirational; renown (fame and public opinion); and green.

Mr. Owens devotes ample space in his dissertation to the perspectives of both resort supporters and opponents, which he told The Pioneer is more than just attempting to achieve a balanced approach as an academic, saying “I have a strong conservation ethic and fairly progressive political views, but also grew up in Calgary with a conservative dad and studied with some pretty conservative professors through University of Calgary political science, and thus I pride myself on empathizing with multiple perspectives.”

This balanced approach is in some ways similar to what was attempted with Sweetgrass’ Jumbo Wild documentary, which will be screened at the forum prior to Mr. Owens’ speech.

“In the movie, Nick Wagoner, the director, positions the mountain as a mirror reflecting back the different values, assumptions and stories of those looking upon it. In my talk, I want to build on this, using my research around the Jumbo review to explore the different ways people have come to imagine this place — the Jumbo Valley or Qat’muk — and what they think should be done there,” he said.

“I will use a number of stories from the years of struggle around the Jumbo review, in the end hoping to make this point that environmental assessment is inescapably political — it is not a science, it is based on values, assumptions etc. — and that we need to acknowledge this and ensure that it is an effective forum for fair, inclusive and constructive deliberation.”

Another similarity between Mr. Owens’ dissertation and the Jumbo Wild film is that, while both seek and showcase viewpoints from supporters and opponents, the creators of both ultimately leave their project with the personal opinion that the planned resort should not go ahead.

Although Mr. Owens doesn’t offer this opinion in his concluding “Reflections” section of the dissertation, he says in the “Epilogue” that he thinks Jumbo should not be approved: “given the scale of local opposition, which I take to be diverse and well-informed.”

He points out that First Nations opinion on the project is divided (with the Shuswap Indian Band supportive of it, and the Ktunaxa opposed), but adds “I believe the Ktunaxa’s claim to this land and the recognition of its sacredness needs to be met affirmatively with humility and respect.”

Continued on page 30 . . .

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10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Denture Service In the privacy of your own home • Full Dentures • Partial Dentures • Repairs • Relines • Rebases

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Village of Radium Hot Springs

Grant in Aid Applications The Village of Radium Hot Springs is welcoming applications for municipal grants in aid to community groups for endeavors, events or programs for the 2016 budget year. Applicants should pick up a guide to assist them in preparing a complete application. The deadline for applications will be February 26th, 2016. Guides may be obtained from the Village office, 4836 Radium Blvd. during office hours.

Request for Proposal (RFP) Campground Operator for

LARCHWOOD LAKE RECREATION SITE The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Recreation Sites and Trails BC invites proposals from parties interested in managing and maintaining Larchwood Lake fee for service recreation site (campground) under a multi-year partnership agreement.

The purpose of the partnership agreement is to retain the recreation site in the public ownership, provide a safe, sanitary and rustic public recreation opportunity for visitors and to recover operational costs through campsite fee collection. The ministry will arrange for General Comprehensive Liability insurance for successful proponents at no cost.

RFP packages are available from the ministry’s Recreation Sites and Trails Branch in Invermere at the address below.

Interested parties or a representative must attend a mandatory information meeting on the RFP being held on Thursday March 10th, 2016 at 2 p.m. local time at the Invermere Service BC Building at 625-4th Street Invermere, B.C. Proposals will be received until 2 p.m. local time, March 24th, 2016 at the ministry’s Invermere office at 625-4th Street, Invermere, B.C., V0A 1K0.

For more information contact Aina Cernenoks, Recreation Officer, Recreation Sites and Trails BC, Rocky Mountain District, telephone: 250-342-4222, fax: 250-342-4262, email: aina.cernenoks@gov.bc.ca .

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February 19, 2016

Canal Flats parts ways with administrator

By Greg Amos Special to The Pioneer In the midst of the 2016 budget process, the Village of Canal Flats has cut ties with chief administrative officer Brian Woodward.

“By mutual agreement, Brian Woodward has concluded his employment as chief administrative ofBrian Woodward ficer of the Village,” reads a press release issued by the municipality on Monday, February 15th. “Mayor, council and staff wish to acknowledge and thank Brian Woodward for his service to the village over the past five years.”

Asked why the administrator was being let go, Canal Flats mayor Ute Juras would not comment, but pointed out discussions were held at in-camera meetings that are not open to the public. It’s not known whether Mr. Woodward will receive a severance package, which is often the case when a municipal administrator is relieved of his duties, and Mr. Woodward indicated there are still contract items to resolve between himself and the village.

“Mr. Woodward has done a very good job for the village, and has been instrumental in obtaining several grants,” said Ms. Juras. “He was a very good administrator.”

Asked by The Pioneer how he feels about council’s decision when reached at home in Canal Flats, Mr. Woodward responded, “at the age of 70, I feel great about it.”

“I had lots of discussions in the last few weeks about different things,” he said, adding he accepts the decision and plans to continue living in Canal Flats with his wife.

Mr. Woodward’s last day working for the village was Wednesday, February 10th, and both he and Ms. Juras confirmed all major details in the 2016 budget have already been worked out.

“We already have all recommendations in place from staff,” explained Mayor Juras. “Our biggest challenge is trying to keep the village working with little or no tax increases to taxpayer.”

To finish the detailed work prior to the end-of-April deadline, the village will appoint Cheryl Otting as financial officer, and has named deputy director of corporate services Sylvie Hoobanoff as interim chief administrative officer. (Ms. Otting has been brought in on a contract basis to help with Canal Flats budgets in past years.)

The village will begin advertising for a new administrator immediately, and may seek help from a recruiting service, added Ms. Juras.

A meeting was held between council and village staff on Wednesday, February 17th to explain the situation.

Mr. Woodward had been working at the village since December 2010, where he worked four days each week.

He said he plans to stay completely away from politics as a member of the public, but will be engaged with community activities involving arts and the wilderness.

Valley-wide marketing gets a boost

By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff The Upper Columbia Valley Branding and Marketing Committee has recently received a grant that has nearly doubled its current funding and will help fund the next stage of its valley-wide branding efforts.

“We’re thrilled,” said committee member Andrea Tubbs. “We’re really looking forward to working collaboratively as a valley on this initiative and anticipate good results.”

The grant came from Destination BC and was for about $103,000, which is added to the roughly $129,000 worth of funding the committee has already secured.

“The money is going to be used for a one-year marketing initiative that will represent the valley as a

whole and try to draw more tourist traffic to the valley in the off-peak months, from September through to April,” said Ms. Tubbs.

Ms. Tubbs emphasized that plans have not yet been completely finalized, but said that the committee hopes to soon hire somebody to flush out its three-year valley-wide marketing plan and also to hire somebody to execute the plan for its first year.

The Branding and Marketing Committee has been working on valley-wide branding for about a year, and recently proposed creating a single destination marketing organization (DMO) for the entire Upper Columbia Valley. Currently there are two DMOs in the valley — Invermere and Panorama; and Radium. The rest of the valley (including Windermere, Fairmont Hot Springs, Canal Flats and Regional District of East Kootenay Area F and Area G) have no DMO.

February 19, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer 11 Page•11

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

MUSIC • VISUAL ARTS • DINING • BAR SCENE • ENTERTAINMENT • PERFORMANCE ARTS KUDOS TO COFFEE

Miesha Louie (right) and Sean Hamilton are bringing their two-piece band, Miesha & The Spanks, to Safta’s on Thursday, February 25th. Turn to page 17 to learn more.

PAGE 12

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

Photo submitted

PAGE 15

Rock goddess returns

Out & About Your weekly guide to what’s happening around the Columbia Valley PAGE 13

Valley Sessions Concert

Saturday March 5th at 7 pm

Fresh Fridays

What does ART mean to you? Youth Open Mic

Happy BirtHday to pynelogs!

1914 - 2014 · Celebrating 100 years

· Friday March 4 at 7 pm th

Visit columbiavalleyarts.com for our current events calendar, or call 250-342-4423.

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 19, 2016

Don’t miss this celebration of coffee (and tea!) pants how to identify different roasts and flavours at the Cupping workshop. Also on Saturday, there will be a free-entry Coffee and Tea Expo The perks of savouring coffee can be adapted to held at Copper Point Resort between 11 a.m. suit baristas, espresso aficionados and social coffee and 4 p.m. to offer visitors informational mateconnoisseurs, and the third annual Invermere Cofrials and samples from specialty coffee roasters, fee Fest will provide a backdrop for individuals who fine tea purveyors and product wholesalers. The are heavily dependent on coffee culture and tea to Kootenay AeroPress Championship (featured in network and socialize between Friday, March 4th to an article in the February 12th Pioneer) will also Sunday, March 6th. bring a coffee competition to the grounds.

“It got started because we were looking for an Ms. Wood said the decision to make the reevent that we could hold in the shoulder season that gional coffee competition — known as the Koocan be (held) indoors,” said Theresa Wood, Invertenay AeroPress Championship, which will be TECHNIQUE TRAINING — A scene from one of last year’s Invermere Cofmere Coffee Fest event organizer. “Everybody loves sponsored by Eight Ounce Coffee Supply and fee Fest workshops. This year’s workshops have limited space so sign up soon. coffee, so we started this event.”

Kicking Horse Coffee — a new aspect of the File photo expo between 1 and 4 p.m. was based in wanting The three-day festival begins on March 4th with opportunities for participants to take in six workshops (Kicking Horse’s “Bean to make the event more accessible to the Columbia Valley.

There, Packed That” and “Bean There, Packed That 2.0”; Monogram Brewing Acad“I went to the national competition last year in Calgary and it was super fun, so emy’s “Brewing Basics”; The Naked Leaf ’s “Tea and Chocolate Pairing” workshop; and I thought we could host a regional playdown here,” said Ms. Wood. “AreoPress is a “Tea 101”; as well as a film night featuring two unique documentaries about the coffee pretty new method of making coffee, but it’s really easy and simple, and it makes a industry) to learn about tea or coffee through a wide variety of approaches. great cup.”

The film night includes the screening of the A Film About Coffee documentary, The weekend will wrap up with two events: The Kick Ass Wetlands Walk led by which explores the many processes that bring specialty coffee to the table, and the Kicking Horse Coffee representative Tom Hoyne between 10 a.m. and noon as well as eccentric and talented people who serve it to coffee enthusiasts. In addition, A Small The Stolen Church Roasting Workshop at Gerry’s Gelati between 1 and 2 p.m.

Section of the World: Sometimes Big Things Come From Small Places will also be shown “The proceeds from the walk are going to the Westside Legacy Trail,” added Ms. at the film night.

Wood about the Kick Ass Wetlands Walk. For more details or to register for workshops On Saturday, March 5th, Kicking Horse Coffee will be teaching workshop partici- online, visit www.InvermereCoffeeFest.com. Register early because space is limited.

By Breanne Massey Pioneer Staff

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Continuing Education & Contract Training

February 19, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

MUSIC • VISUAL ARTS • DINING • BAR SCENE • ENTERTAINMENT • PERFORMANCE ARTS

Out & About Please call 250-341-6299 or e-mail us at info@columbiavalleypioneer.com to enter your event in our FREE listings.

Submissions must be received by the Monday prior to publication. We may only run an entry for two weeks prior to the event. Please limit your submission to 30 words. Priority is given to one-off events, so weekly events may only run occasionally.

Friday, February 19th • 4 - 6 p.m.: Live music by Jordan Wellbourne. Head to the cozy Fairmont Hot Springs Resort ski chalet and enjoy Saskatoon-based blues, hard rock & southern rock musical stylings.

• 5 - 7 p.m.: Summit Youth Centre (SYC) YCC Challenges program.

• 6 p.m.: Join the SYC in Rockband competition Night.

• 6:30 p.m.: Roast Beef Dinner at Branch 71 District Legion in Invermere. $17.50/person. Reservations Recommended. Roast Beef has Yorkies, mashed potatoes, gravy, green salad, tea/coffee, dessert. Call 250-342-9517. Meat Draw and 50/50.

• 7 - 9 p.m.: Starlight Challenge evening races at Fairmont Hot Springs ski area every Friday in February.

Come as a team of 4, or race solo. Great prizes!

• 9 p.m.: Jordan Wellbourne at the Hoodoo Grill. No Cover.

Saturday, February 20th • 12 - 4 p.m.: Fairmont and District Lions Club MidWinter Garage at the “Den”.

• 5:30 p.m.: Lake Windermere Rod and Gun Club Annual Wild Game Banquet at the Invermere Community Hall. Silent and live auction, balloon draw, bucket raffles, card draw, youth raffle items and photo contest. Tickets available at RONA, K5 Mechanical, Kootenay Coffee, Home Hardware and the Horsethief Pub. Limited to 200 tickets. Adults $45 and youth $25.

• 7 p.m.: SYC Pool Tournament.

Sunday, February 21st • 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Patrick Yesh Art Party at Circle Cafe.

Four hours of painting and lunch is just $95.

Monday, February 22nd

Saturday, February 27th

• 4 p.m.: SYC Pro-D Day activity Snowshoeing.

Leaving Youth Centre at 4.

• 12 - 4 p.m.: Fairmont and District Lions’ Club Mid Winter Garage Sale at the “Den”.

• 12 - 4 p.m.: Fire & Ice activities at Ski chalet. Ice Carving demonstration, s’mores, music by Dj WiL C and BBQ. • 6 p.m. - 12 a.m.: Fire & Ice Dinner and Dance.

Tickets $40, live music by Billy Kulyk & Friends, and silent auction. Call 1-800-663-4979 for tickets.

• 7:30 p.m.: SYC Movie night and free popcorn.

Tuesday, February 23rd • 4 -6 p.m.: Join SYC for cooking night. Join us for free food.

• 7 p.m.: Cinefest film series featuring the film Trumbo.

At Pynelogs, Tickets $12 at the door.

Wednesday, February 24th

Monday, February 29th

• 11:30 a.m.: Lake Windermere Ambassadors AGM. Please RSVP to info@lakeambassadors.ca.

• 5 - 7 p.m.: SYC YCC Challenges.

• 6 p.m.: SYC games and trivia night.

• Join SYC for Employment Readiness Training or Skills for life! Program. Must pre register.

• 5 - 7 p.m.: SYC YCC Challenges program.

Thursday, February 25th

Tuesday, March 1st

• Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Fire & Ice Festival February 25th - 28th. Visit www.fairmonthotsprings. com/events-and-festivals/fire-and-ice-festival/ for more information and to purchase your tickets online.

• 4 - 6 p.m.: SYC Graphics Course.

• 4 - 8 p.m.: SYC open gym. Come play sports with us.

Everyone welcome.

• 7 p.m.: Miesha & The Spanks homecoming performance takes place at Safta’s. No cover.

• 7 - 8:30 p.m.: David Thompson Secondary School theatre. The documentary series “The Truth About Cancer” will be shown. Admission by donation to cover the rental cost with donation surpluses being donated to local cancer patients.

• 4 -6 p.m.: Join SYC for cooking night. Join us for free food and nutritional education.

Friday, February 26th

Thursday, March 3rd

• 12 p.m.: Soup lunch at the Edgewater Legion. $6.

Last Friday of each month.

• 5 - 7 p.m.: SYC YCC Challenges.

• 6 p.m.: SYC Karaoke Night.

• 7 - 9 p.m.: Starlight Challenge evening races at Fairmont Hot Springs ski area every Friday in February.

Come as a team of 4, or race solo. Great prizes!

• 7 - 9 p.m.: 1st Annual East Kootenay Distillery Festival with an after party to follow in Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill, with live music by Smokin’ Ray & The Detectors. Nine of BC’s best distilleries are confirmed to attend, with more than 28 different spirits to try.

Gourmet hors d’oeuvres and art displays by local artists. Tickets are $40+taxes. Call 1-800-663-4979, visit us in person or head to FairmontHotSprings.com to purchase your tickets.

• 4 - 6 p.m.: SYC Graphics Course.

• 4 - 8 p.m.: SYC open gym. Come play sports with us.

Everyone welcome.

• 7 p.m.: Brisco Riding Club AGM at Brisco Community Hall.

7 - 8:30 p.m.: David Thompson Secondary School theatre. The documentary series “The Truth About Cancer” will be shown. Admission by donation to cover the rental cost with donation surpluses being donated to local cancer patients.

Wednesday, March 2nd • 5 - 7 p.m.: SYC YCC Challenges.

• 6 p.m.: SYC games and trivia night.

• 6 - 8:30 p.m.: Celebrating the success of Aboriginal youth at David Thompson Secondary School. Join us for a traditional Métis meal of Stew & Bannock, followed by a cultural evening of Métis music and dance, featuring fiddler Daniel Gervais. Everyone is welcome. RSVP or more Information: Deb Fisher at 250-688-5096 or Tracy Simpson at 250-342-9213 ext: 3903.

Invermere Library Hours • Tuesday to Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

• Story Time: Thurs. 10:30 a.m. Sat. 11 a.m.

The 2016 MaxWell calendars are in for pickup!

1214 -7th Ave., Invermere, B.C. Box 2280, Invermere V0A 1K0

Ph: 250-341-6044 Fax: 250-341-6046

www.maxwellrealtyinvermere.ca

DANIEL ZURGILGEN 250-342-1612

SCOTT WALLACE 250-342-5309

BERNIE RAVEN 250-342-7415

GLENN POMEROY 250-270-0666

GEOFF HILL 250-341-7600

danielzurgilgen@gmail.com

scott@scottwallace.ca

bernieraven@gmail.com

glennpomeroy@shaw.ca

connect@geoffhill.ca

CHRIS RAVEN 250-409-9323

BRYAN HOOKENSON 250-409-6266

chrisraven09@gmail.com bhookenson@gmail.com

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 19, 2016

Another Cull Begins Soon.

This past January, 20 deer were killed in Cranbrook by clover trap and bolt gun. Video captured of this inhumane process shocked communities across North America.

Now the cull returns to Invermere.

B.C. Deer Protection Society.

If you see a trap that looks like the one pictured contact us immediately. www.bcdeer.org or call 250-688-3951 Paid For By Animal Alliance of Canada

February 19, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

Snow and skin Athletes and artists had a blast last weekend at two separate Columbia Valley events. Snowboarders and skiers tested their skills at Panorama’s monthly rail jam on Saturday, February 13th, and tattoo artists and musicians got the chance to show off their skills at the annual Puppy Love fundraiser, also on Saturday, at the Invermere Community Hall, where all proceeds went toward food and vet costs for rescued animals.

Panorama photos by Andrew Brown/ Puppy Love photos by Lindsay McPherson

Invermere MusicFest seeking local act to feature

By James Rose Special to The Pioneer Calling local musicians! The 4th annual Invermere MusicFest is looking for a local band to open this year’s festival.

The application is easy — just go the music festival’s website (www.invermeremusicfest.com) and click on the Band Submission Form under the Contacts page.

Include your band’s bio, contact and press kit information, and any demos that you may have!

To be considered, bands must be frequently gigging and performing mostly original music. Minimum playtime required is 45 minutes.

Returning for its fourth year, the Invermere MusicFest continues to get bigger and better every year.

“Last year we had 500 people in attendance,” says festival co-co-ordinator Courtney Allen. “And we expect even more people to come this year!”

Local band Stereo Three was the local band that opened the festival last year.

“It’s a great event! It was great, well-run, and good quality sound and venue,” said Bill Rainbow, Stereo Three’s drummer.

“We try to take really good care of the bands by providing hospitality and food.

Our event sponsors really go out of their way to make it a great experience on and off the stage for participating musicians,” says Ms. Allen.

Join in on the fun on August 19th for the festival’s first-ever Friday Night Kickoff event, featuring high-energy bands and plenty of dancing. The full event, on August 20th, is family-friendly and sure to be memorable. Then, join in on a whole Sunday of workshops and music on August 21st.

Local bands are encouraged to submit their application by March 15th.

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

MLA Meeting Day Wednesday, February 24 Please call 1 866 870 4188 to book an appointment

Norm Macdonald MLA norm.macdonald.mla@leg.bc.ca www.NormMacdonald.ca

The Pioneer Get your FREE copy every Friday on newsstands near you!

February 19, 2016

Slow Food growing locally

By Dorothy Isted Special to The Pioneer Old-timers will tell you Edgewater seed potatoes were once shipped to Idaho; that local produce was sent to the Banff Springs Hotel; that great plans and large amounts of cash were at one time injected into the valley with the formation of the Columbia Valley IrriFOOD FUTURISTS — Slow Food Canada co-chair Ingrid gated Farms in Invermere Jarrett with Columbia Valley Slow Food founder Allison Bell. and Columbia Valley Or Photo by Dorothy Isted chards in Edgewater. processing, forming and sustaining seed And thanks to the Slow Food movement, the Columbia Val- banks to preserve heirloom varieties, lobbyley community is once again making agri- ing against government funding of genetic engineering, encouraging ethical purchasculture a viable concern for many.

In 1986, Italian Carlo Petrini, frus- ing, educating consumers on the risks of trated with the increasing lack of quality fast food and the drawbacks of commercial and industrialization of the food supply, agribusiness and factory farms, and on the founded the Slow Food movement — the risks of monoculture and reliance on too few varieties. More antithesis to fast food. can be learned from He has been the website: www. widely quoted as sayslowfood.ca. ing, “Everyone has Many people arthe right to good, gue that organic food clean and fair food.” is too expensive. Ms. In 2004, Time Jarrett pointed out Magazine named him that when people an “Innovator” in purchase chicken their list of European breasts, they do so heroes. The grassroots usually just for one organization now has meal only. But when branches in over 160 they purchase a whole countries. On ThursLOCAL LEVERAGE — This menu organic chicken, sevday, February 11th, shows local products being used at the eral meals can be obthe Columbia Valley opening of the Banff-Windermere Hightained, including rich Chamber of Comway in 1923. Parks Canada Archive and nutritious stock merce hosted a lunch with guest speaker Ingrid Jarrett, co-chair for soups and stews, which then makes it of Slow Food Canada. She is also the Vice quite economical.

Slow Food is educating people on the President of Business Development and General Manager of Watermark Beach joys of traditional farming and ranching, and creating innovative ways for people to Resort in Osoyoos.

As part of her presentation, Ms. Jar- make a decent living at it. Young people are rett explained how slow food strengthens encouraged not to look at agriculture “as all local economies. Just a few years ago, in work and no pay,” Ms. Jarrett explained.

One of the ways is to cut out some of Osoyoos, where the Slow Food movement has caught on, there were only three the middlemen, she said. Of course, we restaurants open seasonally. Now there need transport to get products to market are 13 restaurants and four of them stay and we need grocery stores. But instead of paying a farmer/rancher a small amount open year-round.

Some of the things Slow Food empha- and then trucking it thousands of miles, sizes are preserving and promoting local which increases costs to both the producer Continued on page 29 . . . and traditional food products, small scale

February 19, 2016

Safta’s set to rock

By James Rose Special to The Pioneer Miesha Louie is coming home. Not for good, but just long enough to leave a reminder that the valley has the means to produce outstanding musicians.

On February 25th, Miesha’s two-piece garage rock n’ roll band, Miesha & The Spanks, will be rocking Safta’s with their signature blend of originally composed, high octane rock and roll. The show is part of a mini-tour taking place throughout B.C. Audiences can expect a show with lots of energy, colourfully described as a “swirl of punk chords emerging from a shambling old garage down some twisting back alley.”

Miesha grew up in Invermere and graduated from David Thompson Secondary School. Bruce Childs, local musician and school teacher, was a big influence on Miesha. “He taught me ukulele (I was in the Silver Strings for three years), and then guitar, and always pushed me to write and perform. I think a lot of what I’ve accomplished is due to his encouragement, which led me to believe that I absolutely could do anything. I’ve never looked back from choosing music, and I can’t imagine that I ever will!”

After high school, she then went to live in Calgary and has been rocking the city ever since. After playing in a number of different bands through the years, Miesha appears happy at the moment performing in the duo format.

She only started performing with her current bandmate, Sean Hamilton, this past November, but the two have known each other for the past decade. They also work together at a breakfast diner.

For reference, the band’s music has been compared to The Runaways, Karen O (of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs), and White Stripes. Well-known Calgary Herald music writer, Mike Bell, has nothing but strong reviews. “She’s only getting badder and better,” writes Mr. Bell of Miesha, “(and) only going to get more powerful in her preaching. But for now, bow down for Calgary’s reigning rock goddess.”

The band is in the midst of writing, recording, and booking performances for a busy 2016. The band also has an upcoming album to be called Girls Girls Girls coming out soon. The spring, summer and fall will focus on touring and playing festivals both in Canada and overseas, and promoting singles from their forthcoming record.

As far as her songwriting goes, Miesha uses love as the primary influence for her musical expression. “I write a lot of love songs and stories, sometime based on my own experiences and sometimes what I see around me,” she says.

“Love is sort of a broad term though, and almost every song ever is a love song anyways.”

This will be the first time Miesha brings her latest band to the area and she is super excited at the opportunity.

“I haven’t even been home for a few years so I’m not sure what pals are still kicking around, but I’m looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and catching up on what’s been happening in the valley.”

The show gets underway at 7 p.m and there will be no cover charge. For more information, visit their website at www.mieshaandthespanks.net.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

Regional District of East Kootenay

BACKYARD CHICKENS, BEES AND GARDEN FENCING

We want to hear your thoughts on backyard agriculture on single family residential parcels in the Columbia Valley – specifically keeping chickens for egg production, hobby scale beekeeping and wildlife exclusion fencing for gardens.

The keeping of chickens and bees is permitted in many parts of the Columbia Valley, but not in the single family residential zones that form part of many rural communities. This process is applicable to land within the RDEK, and does not apply to the District of Invermere, Village of Radium Hot Springs or the Village of Canal Flats.

Please join us at the upcoming community workshop: Tuesday, March 1, 2016 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce 651 Highway 93/95, Windermere, BC

At the workshop we’ll discuss small scale backyard agriculture and complete a survey using interactive polling to display real-time results. This will help us gauge your level of support for small scale backyard agriculture on single family residential parcels in the Columbia Valley and inform possible next steps such as zoning bylaw amendments to permit backyard agriculture in single family residential areas.

The survey can also be accessed online at the link below. To have one sent by email or fax, contact Kris Belanger at 250-489-6903 or kbelanger@rdek.bc.ca.

Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ColumbiaValleyBackyardAgriculture

5-YEAR FINANCIAL PLAN We want to hear from you!

The RDEK’s Draft Five Year Financial Plan is open for public comment and we want to hear from you!

Copies of the 5-Year Financial Plan are available at our Cranbrook & Columbia Valley RDEK offices, on our website at www.rdek.bc.ca and can be mailed to you.

Get a copy of the Plan today and let us know what you think.

COMMENT PERIOD ENDS FEB 26, 2016 REGIONAL DISTRICT OF EAST KOOTENAY Phone: 250-489-2791 Toll Free: 1-888-478-7335 Email: info@rdek.bc.ca Website: www.rdek.bc.ca

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 19, 2016

YOUR MONEY Annual tax slips

It’s that time of year again, when Canadians start receiving tax slips from their employers, financial institutions and other sources. Here are some of the most common tax slips people receive for their investment accounts and what they mean.

RRSP contribution receipts Those who contributed to their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) during 2015 or the first 60 days of 2016 can expect to receive one or more RRSP contribution receipts. Contributions made to the same RRSP plan during the 2015 calendar year are usually combined on one receipt. Receipts for contributions made during the first 60 days of the current year (2016) are often generated on a transactional basis. Further, as 2016 is a leap year, the last day of RRSP season is February 29th. That means that unlike the previous few years, those who make pre-authorized contributions on the first day of each month will not be able to use their March 1st, 2016 contribution on their 2015 taxes.

T4RSP and T4RIF slips Those who withdrew money from their RRSP during 2015 can expect to receive one or more T4RSP slips.

Just like any other T4 slip, a T4RSP slip details the amount that was de-registered from an RRSP account during the previous calendar year, and any income tax that was prepaid.

Every Canadian with a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) will receive a T4RIF slip for the income they received in the previous calendar year and any prepaid income tax. The only exception is for people who converted their RRSP to a RRIF in 2015 and didn’t take any withdrawals during the calendar year. T4RSP and T4RIF slips are usually received in the first couple weeks of March.

T5 slips People who own interest-bearing investments such as bonds or Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs), or dividend-paying investments such as stocks, will receive corresponding T5 slips. These slips are generated by the brokerage or trustee that handles the investment, or the Government of Canada, and mailed directly to account holders.

Investors with brokerage accounts holding multiple stocks, bonds or GICs will usually receive a consolidated T5 slip and corresponding statement itemizing the individual components. Brokerage firms are required to mail these slips by the end of February, which means they are usually received by clients during the first two weeks of March.

T3 slips Income trusts such as the A&W Royalty Income Fund issue T3 slips, which report all income, dividends or return of capital paid to unit holders. These slips tend to arrive later than others, usually in early April, so investors should take care to ensure they have received all their

slips before submitting their taxes.

Mutual funds Mutual fund companies may structure themselves as either a corporation or a trust. For this reason, they can issue either a T5 or T3 slip. The total of all domestic and foreign income, dividends, capital gains and return of capital received by unit holders will be detailed. Mutual fund corporations issue T5 slips, which are mailed out by the end of February. Mutual fund trusts issue T3s, which are mailed out by the end of March.

T5008 statement Sometimes called the Statement of Securities Transactions, a T5008 statement is a formalized summary of gains and losses issued to those who have sold securities in non-registered accounts during the year. T5008s are to be retained in case of an audit, and do not have to be submitted with one’s taxes.

Final thoughts If you are unsure of which tax slips to expect for the 2015 tax year, or think you might be missing one, contact your financial advisor. He or she can help sort things out, and arrange for duplicate receipts if necessary. If you use an accountant, he or she might also want copies of your December 31st, 2015 account statements so they know which slips to expect.

Investments, Insurance & Financial Planning GIC Rates

Brendan Donahue BCOMM, CIM, FCSI

Senior Investment Advisor Insurance Agent

Sara Worley CIM®, FCSI®

Investment Advisor Insurance Agent

Committed to our community for over 10 years

as of February 16 th

1 yr 2 yr 3 yr 4 yr 5 yr

1.55% 1.77% 1.86% 1.96% 2.16%

*Rates subject to change without notice.

Holly’s Financial Tips “Save money on your mortgage insurance by using term life insurance” Holly Jones BA,

Investment Associate, Insurance Agent

Please visit our website to learn how: invermereadvisors.com

Manulife Securities Incorporated is a Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Insurance products and services are offered through Manulife Securities Insurance Agency (a licensed life insurance agency and affiliate of Manulife Securities) by Manulife Securities Advisors licensed as life agents. The Manulife Securities logo and the Block Design are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliates under license.

Free consultations! • Ph: 250-342-2112 • Fax: 250-342-2113 • 530 13th Street , Invermere • www.invermereadvisors.com

February 19, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

Chartered Professional Accountant

Music to our ears

“Your key ingredient for business health and success”

Mark Digney, CPA, CGA

www.digco.ca

1022A -7th Ave Box 1084 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

Phone: 250-342-8304 Email: mdigney@digco.ca

BMO is here to help.

“It’s not how much money you make, but how much money you keep”

On Tuesday, February 16th, the Windermere Valley Musicians Who Care (WVMWC) issued cheques to three worthy recipients in the community: 1) Greg Constable, the band teacher at DTSS, received $1,000 to put toward high quality microphones. These funds were raised from ticket sales for the WVMWC’s monthly Valley Sessions performances. 2) The Christmas Bureau represented by secretary Dawn Attorp received $1,193.34 to put toward gift boxes and grocery certificates.

These funds were raised by the WVMWC’s annual Christmas Jam. 3) The District of Invermere represented by Mayor Gerry Taft received $3,600 to put toward a high quality sound system for the new Multi-Use Centre. These funds were generated from sales of WVMWC’s Songwriters of the Valley CD. The WVMWC is excited to present their final Valley Sessions for the year on March 5th at Pynelogs. The show starts at 7 p.m., featuring three local acts that promise to deliver an outstanding night of live music — Sheberdeen and The Postmistress, Ella Swan and Stereo 3. Admission is $10 at the door. Visit www. musicianswhocare.ca for more information. From left to right are: Brian Rogers (WVMWC), Dawn Attorp (Christmas Bureau), Kurt Reichel (WVMWC), Jessica Hansen (WVMWC), Gerry Taft (Invermere mayor), Greg Constable (band teacher at DTSS), Bruce Childs (WVMWC) and Leisa O’Sullivan (WVMWC).

Photo by Steve Hubrecht

1241 – 7th Avenue, Invermere, B.C. 250-342-9268

RETIREMENT

Caring for Canadians with disabilities Submitted by Jason A. Elford, CFP Families worry about how a loved one with a disability will be cared for in future years. People with almost all disabilities face distinct financial challenges throughout their lives.

To help address these challenges, the Government of Canada introduced the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) in 2008. Designed to build long-term financial security for disabled persons, the RDSP makes it easier to accumulate funds, providing assisted savings and tax-deferred investment growth.

• Canada Disability Savings Grant. The Government deposits money in your RDSP to help you save, providing matching grants of 300, 200 or 100 per cent, depending on the amount contributed and the beneficiary’s net family income.

• Canada Disability Savings Bond. The Government deposits money into the RDSPs of low-income and modest-income Canadians. If you qualify for the bond, you could receive up to $1,000 a year, with a lifetime limit of $20,000.

Mary-Ann came to me for personal financial planning advice. She said her adult son (Josh), had learning difficulties. He was assessed when young and the results showed he was developmentally delayed. He lived at

home with his mother, was a skilled gardener and spent his time researching plants, mixing soil, harvesting and selling his produce. Mary-Ann was sole provider and had concerns about his financial future, as she was planning to retire within the year. Mary-Ann wanted to know her son had his own source of financing, and something to fall back on when she was retired. She had heard of the RDSP program, but didn’t understand what was needed.

“It all seems so complicated,” she said. “No one has ever explained it to me.”

The main requirement is to apply for a Disability Tax Credit. Once we gathered all the required medical information, Mary-Ann refiled her previous tax returns and generated over $10,000 in refunds. Then we set up an RDSP. Immediately, Josh was able to obtain $7,000 in government bonds before a single contribution was made to his RDSP. She then contributed $3,500 from her tax refund to her son’s plan. He received a matching grant of $10,500. By completing the required documents and contributing a small amount towards her son’s future, they received $27,500 in benefits.

For more information on how the RDSP may benefit you or your family, or for any other financial advice, visit Jason Elford, who is certified as a Financial Planner at Portfolio Strategies Corp. and CMK Wealth Management in Invermere. Call 250-342-5052.

AR!

RRSP

YE RY 29 THIS A U R B E F IS DEADLINE

THEN

NOW

RETIREMENT AIN’T WHAT IT USED TO BE. Get a jump on a longer, fuller, richer life by talking to our investment experts today. term deposits

RRSPs

financial planning

TFSAs

Our deadline to book advertising is Monday at noon.

To place an ad please call: 250-341-6299 or N E W S PA P E R

ads@columbiavalleypioneer.com

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 19, 2016

Inspiration merges two much-loved businesses

By Dorothy Isted Special to The Pioneer Downtown business owner Alita Bentley had worked hard at her Be Gifted store for years, often paying her employees more than she could take as a wage for herself. Things needed to change.

Either she would cease operating and pursue another career or she needed to find a profitable way of doing business.

Canterbury Flowers owners, sisters Joanne Broadfoot and Sandy Clark, while seeing their business grow every year in their nine-year venture, were ready for other things. One thing they were clear on: they would not leave the valley without a flower shop and would stay in business until they found a buyer. Joanne heard through the grapevine that Alita was looking at possibilities so she approached her to purchase their business.

Two essential main street businesses have found new life in Inspire Floral Boutique, now in transition stage one. Alita had the name come to her in a dream. Once she realized that combining the two businesses in one location made more financial sense, she needed the right location. She’d been eyeing the former Book Bar building and decided to approach owner Wendy Brash.

Alita is pleased with her new landlord.

“We’ve been working together on the space, (she) is an incredibly reasonable landlord… farsighted and thinks big picture.

She believes in quality and investing in this community and is (determined) to make this work so I can make a good living and be here for 20 to 30 years,” Alita said.

For the short term, while renovations at the new location take place, Alita and her husband and co-owner, Jason, moved their inventory into the Canterbury Flowers space. She is having her staff cross-train so they will have the ability to serve walk-in customers who want small arrangements made for them on the spot. Alita is hoping to be a certified floral designer herself by summer.

Stage two of the new endeavour will be the opening of their permanent location later in the spring. During the summer season, Alita expects to have upwards of 10 employees, while employing three year-round. There was a lot of planning beforehand — the process of researching, writing the business plan, doing financial projections and applying for loans was a four-month education and sometimes frustrating process for which Alita is grateful.

“It made me look at absolutely every single aspect of what we wanted to do and see if it was going to work,” she said.

Joanne plans on staying on part-time as a floral designer.

“I will be spending way more time quilting, camping and being with family,” she said, adding that she is relieved knowing the flower business will be in good hands. Of Alita, she said: “I’ve always admired how she ran her business in tough economic times.”

Nine hundred square feet will include the floral side, as well as more jewelry and giftware. Workshops on designing flowers and mantelpieces will be offered each season.

“We’ll be pretty much a one-stop and involved in key times of people’s lives — births, deaths, marriages, birthdays and anniversaries,” said Alita. “Inspire is a name that comes with a lot of responsibility.” To contact Inspire, call 250-342-0383.

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY’S PREMIERE HOMES AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

& Lifestyles ADVERTISING DEADLINE

March 11th, 2016

Save 5% if you book by March 1th

Columbia Valley Homes & Lifestyles is a complimentary, high-quality glossy magazine distributed throughout the Columbia Valley, from Canal Flats to Spillimacheen.

The 2016/2017 edition will showcase the popular Local Treasures and Artist Profile pages.

Contact Angela Miller N E W S PA P E R

250-341-5216

columbiavalleymagazines@hotmail.com

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MAIN STREET MERGER —The clever wedding invitation that’s posted at the old Be Gifted location announcing the “marriage” of two prominent Invermere businesses.

Image submitted

MiCasa Coworking opens doors for entrepreneurs

By Breanne Massey Pioneer Staff “Mi casa es su casa” is a common phrase that Theresa Wood has put a modern spin on for chic mobile entrepreneurs.

The concept of having a pop-up space for freelancers or entrepreneurs to rent on a full-time, part-time or drop-in basis for working purposes will be housed in the newly founded MiCasa Coworking office.

“It’s a co-working office to bring people together who are, right now, mostly home-based entrepreneurs and freelancers,” explained Ms. Wood, while describing the rental agreement. “It’s an idea that’s evolving worldwide and it’s really taking off as there are more independent workers and more freelancers.

The trend is growing, especially in the cities and some smaller towns.”

There are a few desk rental pro-

grams, she added, located throughout the East and West Kootenay region.

“I’m thinking about where I would want to work and trying to create that place,” she said. “There are different rental programs so participants can be a part-time member or a full-time member with different rates, depending on their usage. There’s also internet and coffee — all the good stuff that you’d expect at an awesome office.”

MiCasa Coworking offers both open spaces and semi-private office rentals with a main room featuring eight desks (five full-time and three part-time spaces); a front room with as many as four semi-private desks with access to a wrap-around deck; a boardroom for meetings; a living room for breaks and board games; and a deck for outdoor seating.

Memberships at MiCasa Coworking start at $130 per month.

Continued on page 21 . . .

February 19, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

New RMT working in the valley

By Breanne Massey Pioneer Staff

HOMECOMING — Fairmont native Janessa Williams has opened up her own massage therapy business in Invermere.

Photo submitted

There’s a new way to relieve pressure and get a grasp on mobility issues in the Columbia Valley.

Janessa Williams, 24, a B.C. registered massage therapist (RMT), has recently opened up an appointment only-based business “Janessa Williams, RMT” to provide treatments to clients at #4-1008 8th Avenue, inside the Columbia Chiropractic clinic.

“I grew up in Fairmont,” she explained when asked about opening up a business in the Columbia Valley.

“My family is here and I love this valley, so it was natural for me to move back home after working in Vancouver when the opportunity presented itself.”

She is offering 30-, 45-, 60- and 90-minute long massage treatments in modalities such as Swedish massage, trigger point release, myofascial release, sports massage, pregnancy massage, joint mobilizations, scar tissue release and basic manual lymph drainage.

“I’m just starting out so there aren’t set hours (of operation) because I want to accommodate everybody,” she explained.

Ms. Williams completed a 3,000-hour Diploma of Massage Therapy at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in New Westminster, B.C. in April 2014. She graduated at the top of her class, scoring a 94 per cent average and then went on to complete a 40-hour Basic Manual Lymph Drainage Course Certificate at the Dr. Vodder School International in 2014 to focus on health care aspects for patients, such as acne and circulatory

edema treatments.

“I was working (massage treatments) at Fusion over the past couple winters while I was visiting, and when I moved back to the valley in the summer, I continued working there (Fusion),” Ms. Williams explained, noting that some of her clients may recognize her name now that she’s working independently.

When asked about working for herself, Ms. Williams replied: “It’s great. I like the clinical setting — it’s wonderful to work next door to a chiropractor because we can bounce ideas off of each other with the patient’s consent. I’m definitely learning a lot more and I love being able to help people with different musculoskeletal issues.”

Visible on her business card is her introductory offer of $10 off first treatments. To book an appointment, you can call Ms. Williams at 250-409-4944 or email her at janessa.rmt@gmail.com.For more information about Ms. Williams, visit www.columbiavalleychiro.com.

Notice of Intention to Issue a Park Use Permit

Per Section 20 of the Park Act, this advertisement serves as notice that the Ministry of Environment (BC Parks) intends to issue a park use permit(s) for the following purpose(s):

. . . ‘MiCasa’ from page 20

Your greatest investment is worth a second opinion!

Glenn Pomeroy

MaxWell Realty Invermere 1214-7th Avenue, Invermere, B.C.

glennpomeroy@shaw.ca

Cell: (250) 270-0666 Office: (250) 341-6044 Fax: 866-600-0673

Cell: 250•341•1395 Toll Free: 1•888•258•9911 pglassford@telus.net www.PaulGlassford.com

Hamber Park

Commercial Recreation, Guided Angling, Access, Transportation, Boat Rental, Hiking, Privately Owned Structures

Mount Assiniboine Park

Commercial Recreation, Education and Training

Whiteswan Lake Park

Commercial Recreation, Guided Angling

Commercial Recreation, Mechanized Skiing, Heli-hiking, Climbing and Mountaineering If you have any questions concerning this notification, please contact BC Parks (Ministry of Environment) at (250) 489-8540.

COLUMBIA VALLEY REAL ESTATE

Buying or selling…

Activity

Bugaboo Park

Ms. Wood’s aim is to help creative people break free from their cubicles and avoid working out of coffee shops to help foster a unique space for professionals.

“We’re providing a workplace that fosters peer-to-peer learning and collaboration among entrepreneurs and freelancers,” she said. “The next project is going to be probably having a couple of pop-up days to bring people together to work just to get the excitement going… we’re looking at a location that’s right downtown so people can walk or bike there easily. We want to create an awesome community.”

For more information about MiCasa Coworking, contact Ms. Wood at 250-688-9663 or visit www.micasacoworking.ca.

Your Local

Name of Park

Professionals

Wende Brash Broker/Owner

RE/MAX Invermere Independently Owned and Operated 1022B - 7th Avenue, Box 459 Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0 E-mail: wendebrash@telus.net Fax: 250-342-9611

Office: 250-342-6505 • Cell: 250-342-1300

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 19, 2016

HERE TO SERVE YOU SERVICES

SERVICES

Kitchen cabinet & counter top SpecialiStS

www.valleysolutions.ca valleysolutions@shaw.ca

Judy: (250) 341-1903

Westridge Cabinets Dealer ~ Granite and Quartz Counter Tops

SOLUTIONS FOR THE VACATION HOME OWNER SINCE 2006

Come visit our showroom,

492 arrow rd., unit 1b 250-342-hoMe (4663)

• House Checking • Complications • Details

THE VALLEY’S LARGEST WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM • Roller Shades • Roman Shades • Cellular Shades

• Pleated Shades • Horizontal Blinds • Shutters

• Vertical Blinds • Automation • Residential & Commercial

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

Come visit our showroom,

492 ARROW RD., UNIT 1B 250-342-HOME (4663)

FILTER - IT

ROSS‛S POOLS & SPAS Commercial – Residential Installation – Maintenance – Repairs

Darren Ross Box 72, Canal Flats, B.C. V0B 1B0

Cell: 250-341-7727 • Fax: 1-778-523-2426 • poolman-911@hotmail.com

Serving the Columbia Valley

Registered with the Canadian Water Quality Association Filtration• Purification • Reverse Osmosis • UV

Chris Jones

Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. 250-345-6231 or 250-688-1325 chris.filterit@hotmail.com • www.filterit.ca

www.horizonridgeranch.com

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

NEW SEWER CAMERA

• • •

Complete sewer/drain repairs • Reasonable rates – Seniors’ discount • Speedy service – 7 days a week

A well maintained septic system should be pumped every 2-3 years Avoid costly repairs

Bruce Dehart 250.347.9803 or 250.342.5357

www.diamondheatingandspas.com

LAMBERT-KIPP

P H A R M A C Y LT D .

Come in and browse our giftware

J. Douglas Kipp, B. Sc. (Pharm.)

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

Your Compounding Pharmacy Open Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

250-342-6612

Your Weekly Source for News and Events Plumbing • Heating • Electrical

“Proven and successful Management and Marketing Services for your Vacation Home” “Trip Advisor Vacation Rental of the Year 2011, 2012 and 2013”

Rigid Plumbing Ltd. Andy Charette

PH: 1-888-711-ESCAPE (3722) • WEB: www.cobblestonecreek.ca

Phone: 250-342-7100 Email: info@diamondheatingandspas.com

385 Laurier Street, Invermere, B.C.

PHARMACY

Septic Tank Pumping Portable Toilet Rentals

BOUTIQUE VACATION HOME MANAGEMENT RENTAL SERVICES

Call or visit online

• FURNACES • HEAT PUMPS • AIR CONDITIONING • FIREPLACES • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE

PLUMBING

Flo ral De si g n W ed d in g s E ve n ts Karen Babin • Horizon Ridge Ranch Naturals 250.688.0143 • mkranch@xplornet.com

WETT Certified

N E W S PA P E R

Quality you can see!

E: rigidplumbing@hotmail.ca P: 250-341-5179

#8, 1008 - 8th Avenue PO Box 868, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Amanda Nason

Advertising Sales

Ph: 250.341.6299 • Cell: 250.341.1111 www.columbiavalleypioneer.com advertising@invermerevalleyecho.com

February 19, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

HERE TO SERVE YOU LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING

design@gldlandscaping.com • 250-688-0757 w w w. g l d l a n d s c a p i n g . c o m

INSURANCE

FOOTCARE

ELECTRICAL

Lambert

Scott Postlethwaite

Free Estimates

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

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

CONTRACTING

CONTRACTING

WINDERMERE 250-342-6805

• • • •

250-342-5682

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

5077 FAIRMONT RESORT RD., FAIRMONT BC EMAIL: fairmontridge@telus.net

250-341-1182

Box 424, Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0

Serving the Columbia Valley

www.cabincare.ca

• • • •

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

Scott Wilisky

Renovations Decks Finishing Interior/Exterior Painting David Gulbe Mike Bernicot

New Home Construction

• Journeyman Carpenter • Contracting • Framing/Siding/Finishing • Timberframe • Custom Log Railing & Decks

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

FAIRMONT RIDGE RENOVATION

Doors Windows Flooring Painting/ Interior/Exterior • Kitchen Renovations

CONTRACTING Invermere and East Kootenay Region

SHOLINDER & MACKAY EXCAVATING Inc.

Septic Systems Installed ~ Pumped ~ Repaired Prefab Cement Tanks Installed Water Lines Dug and Installed Basements Dug

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

BOX 2228 BOX 459 742 - 13th STREET 7553 MAIN STREET INVERMERE, BC. RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BC V0A 1K0 V0A 1M0 PHONE: 250-342-3031 PHONE: 250-347-9350 FAX: 250-342-6945 FAX: 250-347-6350 Email: info@invermereinsurance.com • Toll Free: 1-866-342-3031

stwcarpentry@live.ca • cell 250 270 0745

Phil Bibby Journeyman Carpenter

250.341.1995 philbibby@live.ca New Homes • Custom Builds • Renovations Big Or Small

Call Amanda Nason to advertise your business in our Here To Serve You section.

Ph: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 1-888-377-0312 • info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

N E W S PA P E R

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 19, 2016

Akisqnuk man digs into work safety issues

By Breanne Massey Pioneer Staff After a six-metre trench collapsed on a work site near Canmore on June 21st, 2014 Jason Nicholas was buried alive for roughly five minutes.

The now 34-year-old Akisqnuk First Nation resident — who is still recovering from nerve damage — has been travelling to schools, and informing students in trades programs at Interior Heavy Equipment (IHE) school in Innisfail, Alta. and at the Smooth Operators school in Calgary, about the importance of work safety.

Mr. Nicholas emphasizes the right to refuse unsafe work to help prevent others from enduring the same life lessons that have occurred in his own life.

“You always hear stories on different work sites about people getting buried at work, but I always fig-

ured it wouldn’t happen to me,” he explained. “All of those stories took place in the ’80s. I always thought it wouldn’t happen to me and then when it did, my first thought was, ‘As if that just happened to me. I can’t believe that just happened right now,’ and then the seriousness of it all set in when I couldn’t move an inch at all.”

Mr. Nicholas believes that a small pocket of oxygen, which was created when his hard hat fell in front of his face, may have saved his life.

At the time of the accident, three labourers on Mr. Nicholas’ work crew promptly began clearing rocks and debris from the area where he had fallen to free him.

“I ran out of oxygen right away and I could hear my crew running around and asking where I was so they could dig in the right spot,” he explained.

Continued on page 28 . . .

BURIED ALIVE — Jason Nicholas is helping others take workplace safety seriously after his harrowing experience being buried alive on a work site.

Photo submitted

HERE TO SERVE YOU CONTRACTORS

Dale Elliott Contracting Interior Finishing Kitchen and Vanity Cabinets • Countertops • Small Renovations • Decks and Interior Railings

CONCRETE

CONTRACTORS

Skandia I N P U R S U I T O F Concrete EXCELLENCE

Spray Foam InSulated ConCrete FormS

• •

pennerinsulation.com • 250-270-0284

250-341-7098 Invermere, B.C.

Box 802 | 422 – 14th Street | Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0

CONCRETE • Ready Mix Concrete • Commercial concrete sealer • Concrete Pumping retarder for exposed • Over 50 colours available aggregate and in stock • DeliveReD ON TiMe • Concrete stamps for rent at a fair price • Full range of coloured release • Full range of sand and agents for stamping gravel products.

Phone: 250-342-5833 • Cell: 250-270-9444 All products are available at 9120, Hwy 93/95 which is five kilometres north of Tim Hortons

• Manufactures & suppliers of quality • Environmentally responsible concrete & gravel products • Steamed aggregate beds for top • Experience, professional operators quality year round concrete supply and the right equipment to get your • We stand behind our service, job done quality and products • Serving the valley for over 30 years • Office: 250-342-6500 • Batch plant: 250-342-2812 • Toll Free: 1-888-341-2221

CARPET CLEANING

Your search for quality and dependability ends with us.

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialists Truck Mounted System • Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

Dean Hubman

Toll Free: 877-342-3052

Certified Technician

Invermere, BC V0A 1K3 odysseyrestoration@telus.net

250-342-3052

READY MIX CONCRETE 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)

Residential & Commercial Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Bus: 250-342-9692 Cell: 250-342-5241

RR#4 2117 - 13 Avenue Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K4

Fax: 250-342-9644 rugclean@telus.net

www.ptarmigan-invermere.com

February 19, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

Pioneer Classifieds

• • • •

ANNOUNCEMENT

SUITE FOR RENT

MISC. FOR SALE

For rent: Black Forest Village Apartment, 2-bdrm, 2 bathrooms.

W/D, D/W, $875/mo. Ph. 250-3423790.

Nordic Track E14.5 Elliptical Machine. It is a couple years old but hasn’t been used much due to knee injury. Google for more information or come and see it.

Paid $2,800 with taxes and will take $2,000 or best offer. 250-3415313.

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

COMMERCIAL SPACE

Big Cheers to Kicking Horse Coffee, Cheers to the best assistant a their Café, and the Circle Café for person could ask for! Not sure sporting our colourful OurTrail what I would do without you! I shirts, and doing a great job getting appreciate you listening to me CHEERS &vent.

JEERS the word out!

Happy Halloween ;) haha!

Happy 60 th

Sponsored by

For Sale: Invermere Medical Clinic. Fully leased medical clinic.

Excellent central downtown location Invermere, BC. 5% Cap. Further details: please contact Sharon at 250-688-1365 or playgreen@hotmail.com.

to the Queen of Bum Darts!

Love M&M and friends.

Alcoholics Anonymous. If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. All meetings are at 8 p.m. For more information, please call 250-342-2424. Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at the BC Service Building, South End – 624 4th St., Invermere.

Radium Friendship Group: Friday at the Catholic Church, East Side of Main St. With the exception of Tuesday, all meetings are open.

Al-Anon. Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us. Al-Anon meets EVERY Monday in Invermere at 7:15 p.m. at the Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church, 712 – 12th Ave (behind the Invermere hospital). For information, please call 250-3428255.

CHEERS & JEERS Jeers to directionally challenged spouses.

The Canal Flats Youth Group sends a big Cheers to Pierre and Jethro of Roy Bailey Construction for the generous donation of the proceeds from the raffle held during Canal Days.

Cheers to the young couple walking on Westside Road who mooned us as we drove by. You made a great dash-cam video for YouTube!

A huge Cheers to the wonderful town of Invermere! Spent two months here on a placement and met so many awesome people both at the Invermere Hospital and the Invermere Medical Clinic.

Cheers to Staff Sgt. Marko Shehovac for providing the most entertaining RCMP reports I’ve ever read.

Congrats on your retirement!

Cheers to Mrs. Myers at WES. If bricks equalled awesome, you would have a big pile of bricks!

Jeers to Jack Frost for splitting town and heading east. If I drown skating on the lake, I’m holding you liable.

Lawyer up.

Cheers to everyone who has Welcome signs for all the groups coming to our town for group events. That’s how to be known as a friendly small community.

Cheers to the friends of CMFP for helping him through yet another Duran Duran phase.

Cheers to the Martells for getting my nephew and I out of a very tight jam up near Pedley Pass on Valentine’s Day. You guys may have not thought it was much to dig out two snowmobiles, that also had trouble starting, but you were a godsend. Cheers also to Cam McIntosh for checking on us and letting my brother-in-law know that we were alright.

Cheers to the Blue Dog Cafe for donating a great selection of organic looseleaf teas to Ivy House for our Valentine’s tea party!

LOST AND FOUND

NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE 24 x 36 shop power included, propane heat at tenant’s expense, $650/mo first and last D.D. required. Contact Newhouse Multi Storage 250-342-3637.

Lost: Backpack with a Patagonia jacket, Nikon camera, a pair of gloves and a toque. From Nipika on Sun. Feb. 7th. Call Tim 250-3450191.

For lease: 2,000 sq.ft. office and warehouse space. Located at #5 108 Industrial Road #2. Presently occupied by the Invermere Vet. Phone Leo at 250-342-1177.

Lost: A pair of black prescription glasses on Windermere beach area.

250-342-9283.

Retail/Shop for sale: Two levels total 2700 sq. ft. Please call 250270-0216 or 250-270-0405 for more details.

Cheers to DJ Daven for the awesome party! Much appreciated, you rock!

Found: Small adult black cat near Safta’s on January 21st, 2016.

Spayed female pure black, short hair. Thought to be about 2 years old. Call ICAN 250-342-7888.

STORAGE NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climate-controlled units.

Call 250-342-3637.

STORAGE SPACE – assorted sizes, easy access, immediate availability, long-term or short-term. Deck Properties Warehouse, Industrial Park: 250-342-3166.

Storage space for rent. Downtown, secure, heated, always accessible.

Call Sharon 250-688-1365.

Second floor office space in Radium starting at $250/mo. 403-5599625

SUITE FOR RENT Radium: Fully furnished units for rent. Bedsitting, 1-bdrms, 2-bdrms.

N/S, pets negotiable. Call Joan at 250-342-7517 to view and check availability. Rent includes heat, hydro, cable and all linens.

STARTING AT $500/mo.

Windermere 4-plex: Bright lower level recently renovated 2-bdrm suite available immediately. All appliances. Large yard and ample parking. Two blocks from beach with lake views. Call/text 250-4097435 or email shellimilley@gmail. com.

Phone: 250-341-6299 Fax: 1-855-377-1312 Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

For rent in Radium, 2-bdrm, 2 bath, lower level suite, W/D, dishwasher, N/S, N/P. $750/mo. Call 250-3423790.

HOUSE FOR RENT 3-bdrm upper suite Windermere, close to school, large yard, $950/ mo + utilities. Call 250-342-8662 for details.

TOWNHOUSE FOR RENT Fully furnished Townhouse for rent, across from Tim Horton’s. $950/mo + hydro. 1-778-214-1744.

CONDO FOR RENT For rent in Radium, 2-bdrm, 4 bath, ground level condo. Beautiful views, backs on to The Springs golf course. All appliances, fireplace, fully furnished. 2 car garage. N/S, N/P, references please. $1650/mo, call 250-342-3790.

Cozy 1-bdrm condo for rent in Radium. Fully furnished with 7 appliances, underground parking, pool and hot tub. $750/mo + $400 D.D. Available immediately. Call 403-880-9719 or 403-512-2168.

2-bdrm furnished condo in the heart of Invermere. N/P, on-site laundry. Call 403-710-8994.

CONDO FOR SALE PERFECT CONDO FOR 2 FAMILIES! Loft sleeps 8! Located at the Peaks in Radium, this unit has 2-bdrm plus a loft, 3 full sized bathrooms, 2 decks, Underground Parking and Storage.

Use of Outdoor Pool and Hot Tub. With or without furniture. View Today! $230,000 Contact Greg at 780-951-4347 or greg@cookfamily. ca for more information.

Circular 42” glass top table plus 4 Superior Ratton Padded Chairs.

Never used. $600. 250-342-2480.

BEDS

King, 2 Extra Long Twins, SOFA HIDEABED Two seater, DRESSER, TABLE 36” Round wooden with chairs.

250-341-3988.

FIREWOOD Support Rockies Hockey firewood.

Larch, fir, and pine split and delivered. Call 250-342-6908.

Pine Firewood, $200/cord. Split and delivered. 250-342-1586.

Dry/split firewood for sale. Big or small volumes. Free local delivery.

403-404-1577, 250-342-3040 or aranwood@hotmail.com.

VEHICLES FOR SALE 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe TR3 Sport.

2.4L, 4 Cyl. FWD. Loaded, 7,500kms. $20,500. 250-342-2480.

FOR SALE: 1979 Buick Regal, 2 door hardtop. V-8, 350. 87,300kms, mint condition, $3,500 O.B.O. 250-3429636.

SERVICES Triple J Services * Window Cleaning * Gutter Cleaning * Residential snow plowing * Weekly insurance inspections * Work Safe and fully insured Call Jim Detta 250-349-7546.

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

SERVICES

SERVICES

Shannon’s Blinds & Designs Thank you for your votes - Best of Business Awards! We are grateful and appreciative of your support and loyalty “Blinds, Drapery, retractable screen doors and more.” 250-342-5749.

Heaven’s Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning.

Environmentally friendly products.

Dry in 1 hour! Call 250-688-0213 or visit www.heavensbest.ca .

Interested in fresh, nutrient rich, Creston Valley fruits and veggies delivered to Invermere?

Please take the survey at www.kootenayproduced.ca I appreciate your feedback!

Edden Yesh Owner/Operator Kootenay Produced

Organic brain and energy supplements. Enhance your cognitive functions and overall health. 403-519-8268 or patyesh@ gmail.com to order or for a fantastic home business opportunity.

Please email classified ads to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Fiona Millar, AEP Intuitive Reader

250-342-1713 fiona@fionapsychic.com • www.fionapsychic.com

Rockies West Realty Independently Owned and Operated

492 Highway 93/95, Invermere, BC

Kim Collens

Representative

toll free: 1.877.342.3427 cell: 250.342.1671

kim@rockieswest.com www.kimcollens.com

Recipe Of The Week FRANK’S REDHOT BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP 1 pkg (250g) Cream Cheese, softened 2 cups Chicken, cooked and diced ½ cup Frank’s Redhot Cayenne Pepper Sauce

½ cup Ranch or Blue Cheese Salad Dressing ½ cup shredded Mozzarella or crumbled Blue Cheese Assorted fresh vegetables or crackers

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix all ingredients in a deep baking dish until smooth.

Bake for 20 minutes until hot and bubbling.

Serve with fresh vegetables, crackers or tortilla chips for dipping.

Makes about 4 cups.

See all my recipes at recipes.kimcollens.com

Home Of The Week Looking for the Beach?

Great 4 bedroom Tretheway Beach cabin is ready for you to enjoy. Associate membership allows use of the boat launch, park area and beach all within a short stroll of your front door.

$599,000

MLS® 2406025

February 19, 2016

SERVICES

kimberleyrae.ca

photography studio picture framing passport photos …look for the red door behind the Invermere Dry Cleaners!

250-342-5102 VOLUNTEER/DONATION Volunteer Opportunity Immigrant new comers need your help. Please consider volunteering as a mentor or join our list of occasional translators.

English tutoring volunteers with EAL training are welcome. The average contribution is 2 hours a week. Contact CBAL Settlement Worker Hannah Wong for more information, 250-341-7188 or windermerevalleysettlement@ cbal.org.

HELP WANTED Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is seeking outgoing and enthusiastic “Event Ninjas” to assist with Resort events during our busy times.

You will be working directly with our Special Events Coordinator to assist with festivals and familyfriendly events located at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. The work will be on a casual basis (weekdays/ weekends) and YES you will be compensated for your time. This is a great opportunity for any youth looking for some work experience.

Interested applicants can contact our Special Events Coordinator at ptolchard@fhsr.com, be sure to outline what makes you the ideal Ninja for the job.

Strands Old House Restaurant is accepting applications for a cook/chef two to three years experience in casual fine dining preferred. Evenings and weekends.

Apply to Tony Wood at tony@ strandsrestaurant.com or 250-3426344.

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Re/Max Invermere Administrative Position available. Please send resume to remaxinvermere@telus. net.

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.

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.

Fuze Food and Smoothies Hiring F/T and P/T Pizza Cook/Line cook. Must have minimum 2 years kitchen experience. Wage dependent on experience. Perks such as free food and benefits. Email Sarah at fuzefood@gmail.com.

Spur Valley Golf Course has one F/T and one P/T seasonal positions.

Applicants must be physically fit, have own transportation and able to work weekends. Experience preferred but willing to train the right person. Wage depending on experience. Send resume to k_g@ shaw.ca attention Kelly or call 250347-6500.

SUMMIT HUT (2770 m) Panorama Mountain Resort, B.C., Canada.

Seeking F/T Cook. Located at summit of Panorama Resort, the huts offer a full cafe and BBQ menu and après ski fondue programs.

Successful applicant must be great in a BUSY kitchen, strong skier or boarder and have a min. 2 years of experience in a busy Café. Great attitude and love of the mountains also required. Wages begin at 13/ hr. plus performance bonus. Perks include ski pass, fresh tracks, good tips and great views. Email jaqandray@telus.net with resumes and references.

Caretaker Position Mountain Creek Properties is accepting resumes for a caretaker position at a large condominium property located in Invermere, BC. The Ideal candidate will have excellent customer service and communications skills, work well in a team environment, be mechanically inclined with handyman skills, be physically fit, detail oriented and able to work without supervision and have a valid driver’s licence. Previous experience is an asset, and having a certified swimming pool operator certificate is preferred. If you are interested in the above opportunity, please send your resume to: Mountain Creek Properties Ltd., PO Box 909, Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0.

House Cleaner - Leadership Position • Competitive wages • Mon- Fri 30-40hr weekly weekends off! Year round work.

• Residential Home Cleaning only • Must have Drivers License • Office Location - Fairmont If you love cleaning and have a willingness to learn, a good work ethic and are looking for a longterm job this is the position for you!

Email resume: columbiavalley cleaning@mail.com.

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934

Summer Students Parks Labourer(s)

The District of Invermere is accepting applications for up to two (2) Summer Students to work as part of our Public Works Staff as Parks Labourers.

These positions are within the CUPE Local 2982 bargaining unit and are temporary, full‐time, 40 hours per week position.

Minimum Qualifications: • You must be attending school, college or university during the last school term and returning to your studies in the subsequent academic year. VERIFICATION WILL BE REQUIRED • Excellent customer service skills are required.

• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s License. Submission of a Drivers Abstract is required.

• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and rain and perform physical labour which includes walking, lifting, and maintenance work with a shovel and rake.

• Knowledge of small engines would be an asset.

• Ability to work weekends.

General Hours of work: • 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday. Weekend work and shift changes will be required.

Employment Term: • Employment will commence in early May and will terminate in late August.

Pay Rate: • $16.49 per hour Applicants are invited to submit their resumes until the position has been filled: District of Invermere Attn: Chris Prosser, Chief Administrative Officer PO Box 339, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Fax: 250-342‐2934 Email: cao@invermere.net

February 19, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27

Looking for a way to spend the summer at the lake and get paid doing it?

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

Associate Manager

Benefits/dental/medical Days/Nights/Weekends No previous experience required.

Key-Holder

Permanent. No previous experience required.

Days/nights/weekends Apply to 471 Arrow Road, Invermere B.C.

O B J E C T I V E , C R E AT I V E ,

GOLF GROUP

BC’s #1 Golf Destination

NOW HIRING FOR THE 2016 SEASON

Pro Shop Attendants Outside Guest Services Attendants Club Ambassadors

I N F O R M AT I V E !

Read us online at:

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

N E W S PA P E R

E-mail: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com Phone: 250-341-6299

There is an opportunity for you at Lakeshore Resort and Campground as long as you have a positive attitude, physically fit, a superior work ethic, team focus and the ability to laugh; you may enjoy being a part of our team.

Cooks

Restaurant Servers Beverage Cart Servers Halfway House Servers Grounds Maintenance

RadiumGolf.ca Radium Hot Springs, B.C. • 1.800.667.6444 • 250.347.9311

WHEN YOU WORK WITH FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS RESORT We offer unlimited golfing for golf course staff during the 2016 season.

Join our team, apply today to the attention of David Sheedy at hr@fhsr.com

Didja know?

We can employ you year round!

Many of our teammates who work in golf, stay for the winter season at the ski hill

FairmontHotSprings.com 1.800.663.4979 Have something to say? Letters to the editor can be e-mailed to news@columbiavalleypioneer.com

We have openings for full time seasonal as well as part time seasonal and require persons that are available evenings and weekend shifts, with a performance bonus available at the end of the season.

Closing date to apply for one or more of these positions is March 5th, 2016.

To apply for one or more of these positions, please submit your cover letter and resume to:

Please submit your resume to: employment@radiumgolf.ca

219 OPPORTUNITIES TO GOLF THIS SUMMER

- Campground Attendants - Customer Service Clerks - Security Staff – (May Long Weekend)

LAKESHORE RESORT & CAMPGROUND ATTENTION: KAYLENE EARL 3050 HIGHWAY 93/95 WINDERMERE, B.C. V0B 2L2 Phone: 250-342-6301 ext 3808 Fax: 250-342-9693 Email: lakeshore@akisqnuk.org

HOUSEKEEPING MANAGER We’re currently seeking an energetic individual to provide leadership to our housekeeping team.

We have a 123 unit luxury condo resort located in Radium Hot Springs on the Springs Golf Course.

The successful candidate will possess strong organizational skills and housekeeping management experience. The ability to manage a team is necessary and experience working in a condo resort environment will be considered an asset.

Primary responsibilities will include: • Manage the day-to-day activities of the housekeeping department.

• Plan, schedule and organize resources and work to ensure proper coverage.

• Ensure policies and procedures are followed.

• Manage human resources for the housekeeping department (training, hiring and inspiring).

• Participate in the preparation of the annual departmental operating budget and financial plans which support the overall objectives of the Resort.

• Purchasing and inventory control.

• Clear and timely communication of objectives to team.

• Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with other departments.

• Project management.

• Perform other duties as assigned. May also serve as manager on duty.

Position Requirements: • Detail oriented, focused on customer satisfaction and able to work under pressure.

• Strong knowledge of WHIMIS. • Excellent communication and effective listening skills.

• Demonstrated ability to respond in emergency situations.

• Proficiency in Word, Outlook and Excel a MUST. Knowledge of computer accounting programs, math skills as well as budgetary analysis capabilities required.

• Individual should be flexible, dependable and punctual.

• Must possess excellent customer service skills and be able to work independently.

• At least three years in housekeeping management with progressively higher levels of responsibility.

• Candidate must be able to work a variety of shifts including weekend and holidays.

• Work shifts will ideally be Thursday to Monday.

Compensation: • Salary commensurate with experience and/ or education.

• Health benefits plan.

• Advancement opportunities available.

• Education allowance.

Interested candidates please forward resume with cover letter to:

generalmanager@bighornmeadows.com Only successful applicants will be contacted for interviews. Please DO NOT APPLY if you do not have a valid work permit for Canada as we will not obtain one for you.

28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

HELP WANTED WINDERMERE VALLEY YOUTH CENTRE SOCIETY YOUTH CENTRE PROgRAM CO-ORDINATOR Do you have passion and a vision to participate in the development of local youth centre services?

Experienced Youth Worker required to coordinate Windermere Valley Youth Centre (Summit Centre) in Invermere.

To develop activities and new initiatives based on the needs of local and young people aged 12 to 18 which will involve evening and weekend work on a regular basis.

Hours: Full time Starting Date: April 1, 2016 Salary: Dependent upon experience Qualifications: The successful candidate will demonstrate: • Experience working with youth ages 12 to 18 years,

• strong inter-personal and intra personal communication skills, • demonstration of leadership qualities, including organization and planning, • and able to work independently as well as collaboratively within the community and board.

Additional requirements: Successful criminal records screening and references.

For more information and full job description: Please contact Sherry Doerr 250 342 2661 or email doerrs@gmail.com with your resume Closing Date: February 29th, 2016 (only potential successful candidates will be contacted)

February 19, 2016

“They were right above me, so I had about two or three guys’ extra weight right on top of me, which didn’t help at all, but if it wasn’t for them acting quickly, I wouldn’t even be alive. I just remember when all three of them jumped into the ditch, right on top of me to start digging it out, it was really heavy.”

His hand was the first body part to surface in the dig.

“One of my arms was up in the air when I got buried,” he explained, “so the first thing that got hit when (my crew) was digging was my hand.”

He remained conscious throughout the experience and was relieved to be found, but continually worried if the work crew would be able to dig him out in time.

“I remember the whole thing,” said Mr. Nicholas, noting the experience felt like a horrible dream. “Then, there was this horrible feeling, like it wasn’t a dream at

all. It felt like I was still buried. I had to live through it twice, which was scary and the next thing I remember was my crew putting me into the bucket of the excavator to get me out of the trench because I couldn’t stand by myself. I had a broken leg and a shattered pelvis.”

In addition, Mr. Nicholas suffered a fractured leg, internal bleeding and five broken ribs. He is currently living in the Columbia Valley on disability as it remains unclear to doctors whether or not the nerve damage that occurred as a result of the accident will be permanent.

He believes that a trench box could have prevented the accident that changed his life forever and he is striving to ensure that a positive can come from the negative — even if that means it helps someone else.

“I wish that I would’ve refused the unsafe work, that’s what I wish we would’ve done differently,” he concluded while adding it’s important for trades students to focus on safety at work.

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

. . . ‘Akisqnuk’ from page 24

JOIN OUR WINNING TEAM!

IT’S NEVER TO EARLY TO START THINKING ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT TO DO THIS SUMMER! Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is now hiring for our busy season and we love having Valley locals work here, as we know that it’s the people that make this Valley so special. We want to hear from you, and we’ve got tons of positions available: • Front Desk Agents • Housekeeping • Golf Turfcare & Groundskeeping • Golf Shop Attendants • Guest Services • Player Assistants • Lifeguards • RV Resort Attendants • Retail Sales People • Food & Beverage Servers • Cooks • Sous Chefs • Kitchen Help & Bussers • Baristas • BC Rockies Adventures Camp Counselors • Estheticians • Night Waterers Most of our positions start in April & May, though we might have a few immediate openings if you want to check with us. We provide competitive wages, health & dental benefits after 6 months, staff pass access to amenities, and of course the best view in the Valley.

Why not send a resume over right now to the attention of: David Sheedy at hr@fhsr.com or you can fax it to 250-345-6616

part-time & Didja know? We hire both best for you

full-time. Let us know what works te you. and we’ll make a schedule to accommoda

FairmontHotSprings.com 1.800.663.4979

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934

Summer Students

914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934

Summer Students Gardener(s)

Administrative Support Staff The District of Invermere is accepting applications for a Summer Student to work within the Municipal Office providing frontline customer service and general administrative support.

This position is within the CUPE Local 2982 bargaining unit and is a temporary, full‐time, 35 hours per week position.

Minimum Qualifications: • You must be attending school, college or university during the last school term and returning to your studies in the subsequent academic year. VERIFICATION WILL BE REQUIRED • Excellent customer service skills are required.

• Knowledge of word‐processing, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, social media, graphic design and records management would be an asset.

• Consideration may be given to candidates enrolled in business administration courses or a related field or with municipal experience.

• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s License. Submission of a Drivers Abstract is required.

General Hours of work: • 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Employment Term: • Employment will commence in early May and will terminate in late August.

Pay Rate: • $16.49 per hour Applicants are invited to submit their resumes until the position has been filled: District of Invermere Attn: Chris Prosser, Chief Administrative Officer PO Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Fax: 250-342‐2934 Email: cao@invermere.net

The District of Invermere is accepting applications for up to three (3) Summer Students to work as part of our Public Works Staff as Gardeners.

These positions are within the CUPE Local 2982 bargaining unit and are temporary, full‐time, 40 hours per week position.

Minimum Qualifications: • You must be attending school, college or university during the last school term and returning to your studies in the subsequent academic year. VERIFICATION WILL BE REQUIRED • Excellent customer service skills are required.

• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s License. Submission of a Drivers Abstract is required.

• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and rain and perform physical labour which includes walking, lifting, and maintenance work with a shovel and rake.

• Preference will be given to applicants with experience in landscaping, gardening or working towards Horticultural Certification.

• Ability to work weekends.

General Hours of work: • 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday. Weekend work and shift changes will be required.

Employment Term: • Employment will commence in early May and will terminate in late August.

Pay Rate: • $16.49 per hour Applicants are invited to submit their resumes until the position has been filled: District of Invermere Attn: Chris Prosser, Chief Administrative Officer PO Box 339, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Fax: 250-342‐2934 Email: cao@invermere.net

February 19, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

. . . ‘Slow Food’ from page 16 and the consumer, why not encourage more purchasing of what is grown locally? The producer earns more and the consumer pays less.

Local food also means more food security. Ms. Bell sited the example of when the Alberta floods stopped transport trucks from arriving in the Columbia Valley a few years ago. Milk and other items disappeared fast from the shelves.

Alison Bell, the leader of Slow Food Columbia Valley since its inception in 2006, revealed the group’s plan to host the Slow Food in Canada 2016 National Summit in Invermere from April 6th to 10th.

She expects 50 to 70 delegates from across Canada to arrive and they are planning for 150 people to attend their evening events. All food served at the Summit functions will be locally sourced. Ms. Bell said they are looking for volunteers and one benefit will be the great tasting food. She can be contacted at slowfoodcv@gmail.com or 250-341-1491.

The February 11th meeting was well-attended, with more than the usual representation from farmers and ranchers. Susan Clovechok, executive director for the local Chamber, said agriculture is a business like any other, noting that: “A lot of lights went on for people who were there that were not from the food industry… they made that connection.”

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934

Gardener 2 The District of Invermere is accepting applications for an individual to work as part of our Public Works Staff as a Gardener.

N E W S PA P E R

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

This position is within the CUPE Local 2982 bargaining unit and is a permanent, seasonal, 40 hours per week position.

Minimum Qualifications: • Horticulture Certificate(s) or equivalent experience is required.

• Excellent customer service skills are required.

• Working knowledge of WorkSafe BC Regulations and safe work procedures is preferred.

• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s License. Submission of a Drivers Abstract is required.

• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and rain and perform physical labour which includes walking, lifting, and maintenance work with a shovel and rake.

• Preference will be given to applicants with experience in landscaping, gardening or working towards Horticultural Certification.

• Ability to work weekends.

General Hours of work: • 8:00am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday. Weekend work will be required.

Employment Term: • Employment will commence on April 18, 2016 and will terminate on October 14, 2016.

Pay Rate: • Probationary Rate: $26.33 per hour. Upon successful completion of the probationary period, the pay rate will increase to $27.12.

Applicants are invited to submit their resumes by 4:30 pm on Friday March 4, 2016 to: District of Invermere Attn: Chris Prosser, Chief Administrative Officer PO Box 339, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Fax: 250-342‐2934 Email: cao@invermere.net

Tony’s Greek Grill 5009 Hot Springs Rd., Fairmont Hot Springs

Tony’s Greek Grill in Fairmont Hot Springs is accepting resumes for the following positions:

First InCook/Head FairmontChef

Duties: Prepare and cook individual dishes and foods. Ensure highest quality of food prepared, determine appropriate size of food proportions, prepare dishes for customer with food allergies and intolerances, work with minimal supervision, supervise kitchen staff and helpers, order all food products and supplies, manage food costs, work with specialized cooking equipment (deep fryer, etc).

Must have a minimum of 3 years experience in Mediterranean/Greek Cuisine. $16 per hour.

Full-time (40 hours per week) commencing April 1st, 2016

Prep Cook

Duties: Assist the first cook/chef in preparation of individual dishes. Prep all ingredients required for the preparation of dishes. Ensure highest quality of food prepared, work under the supervision of the first cook/chef, work with specialized cooking equipment (deep fryer, etc).

Must have a minimum of 1 year experience in Mediterranean/Greek Cuisine. Wage: $14 per hour.

Full-time (40 hours per week) commencing April 1st, 2016.

Please Email resume to tonysgreekgrillresume@gmail.com

JOB FAIR Tuesday, March 1st, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Eagle Ranch Clubhouse

SUMMER JOB OPPORTUNITIES “Casting Call For Service STARS!” We are looking for motivated individuals with great attitudes to join our cast of fun, friendly, passionate and exciting actors. Join the cast of this Block Buster Feature Film – “Eagle Ranch Golf Resort” and have a great summer of work at PLAY! Full and part-time seasonal employment from April 1st until October 15th, 2016.

*Possibility of earlier and later start and end dates depending on department

Screening for the following roles: Golf Service Attendants, Golf Shop Associates, Volunteer – Course Ambassador, Building Maintenance, Turf Care Specialists, All Culinary Positions - Cooks, Servers, and Hostesses.

Please, submit your cover letter and resume and state in the subject line of your e-mail, which position(s) you are applying for.

Golf Services (Golf Shop, Outside Guest Services and Volunteer Course Ambassador) email Brent Taylor at btaylor@eagleranchresort.com.

Turf Care (Grounds crew) email Mike Warriner at mwarriner@eagleranchresort.com.

Food & Beverage (Cooks, Kitchen Helpers, Servers, Beverage Host, Bartenders, and Hostess) e-mail Carla Schneider at cschneider@eagleranchresort.com.

Benefits Include: • Fun, exciting work environment “We Work at PLAY!” with monthly team activities including golf lessons, kayaking, softball, bowling and more!

• FREE golf privileges with golf shop and restaurant discounts. Discounted staff meals and an extensive uniform program.

• Subsidized staff accommodation is available at an attractive rate at lakewindermerepointe.com (fully furnished beach-front condos, pool, hot tub, gym etc.).

• Plus, plus, plus….

eagleranchresort.com | 9581 Eagle Ranch Trail, Invermere, BC V0A 1K3 | 877.877.3889

30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 19, 2016

Drawing attention to the sounds of outer space

By Brian Fenerty Pioneer Columnist The sweeping night overlooking Lake Windermere seen from Taynton Bay is a vista I have recommended before, but another good location convenient for many is Westside Road, where it overlooks the lake towards Windermere. In some ways, the lights along the far shore interfere with star-watching night vision, but in an important way they actually help us consider how the sky up there and we down here have intimate connections.

The variegated sparkling band, like white and gold jewels spread along the eastern shore, is technically energy which, one way or another, originated in the sun and stars.

As Sagan once reminded people (about atoms arising from previous super-nova heavy element production): “we are star stuff.” Those lights across the way are “star energy.” . . . ‘Dr. Jumbo’ from page 9 With his keynote speech at the forum, Mr. Owens says he is “hoping to inspire people to consider the big picture within which this (environmental assessment) process is undertaken in a time when we are struggling to find ways to support opportunities for people to make a living, while addressing daunting challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, and genuine reconciliation with indigenous peoples.”

In his dissertation, Mr. Owens frequently points out that his is just one of many voices on the issue and that he doesn’t have a privileged view of the matter, but he did tell The Pioneer he does have something to offer.

“Many of the people at this conference will have much more knowledge than I about this place, the project, this process.

(But) I do have one unique advantage,” he said. “I was able to sit across the table from dozens of these people — many of whom were featured in the (Jumbo Wild) film — and learn from their perspectives and could then spend time, some of it incredibly frustrating and some of it incredibly rewarding, trying to make sense of it all.”

The forum in Cranbrook requires registration, but the film screening and keynote speech — both held at the Cranbrook College of the Rockies campus — are open to the public, with tickets available for a small fee and the door opening at 6:30 p.m.

After 9 p.m. or so, bright Jupiter climbs over the Rockies to look upon our scene. So bright, yet so far from us, yet not so remote. With special equipment, astronomers can listen to the strange fascinating sounds the strong magnetic fields of Jupiter emit.

Closer, our Sun also can be “listened to.” Its surface vibrations reveal what goes on around the backside, telling us of sunspots that will be rotated later towards us.

A probe that crashes on the moon? Scientists listen to how the moon rings like a bell with hints of inner structure.

So we have been hearing the sky — even Jupiter over Windermere — not just seeing.

In the news recently is confirmation of another, and remarkable, way of hearing the night sky — via gravitational waves: Einstein’s space-time continuum subtly, but detectably, shaken by massive “black holes” interacting.

One researcher was so excited that he proclaimed we now don’t just look, we hear (forgetting we already listen — to Jupiter, Sun, Moon). Even so, it opens special methods to study the elusive ways in which our cosmos works.

Allowing a momentary nod to future-gazing, maybe

gravitational waves could open doors to detecting possible ET (extra-terrestial) communications that somehow piggyback signals on gravity rather than “old fashioned” (to them) radio waves. Young column readers today may find out if this has any practicality for distant civilization researchers, say 10, 20 years from now.

Back to the present, as we contemplate the distant band of Windermere lights like some marvellous necklace, and then the connections Jupiter and now gravitational waves all bespeak, the night sky is not so remote as tiny stars might first suggest.

Humans have long felt the close connection. Sun positions definitely have connections, say, for farmers. Astrologers went further, charting how sky positions supposedly indicated prosperity. Well, our dark skies, astrology or not, do carry a message about prosperity for our valley!

Our sky can lift our spirits in many ways. So when you have the chance, welcome visitors and ask them what they think of our night skies. That thought may just stick — even bring us more residents, and business! It’s in our stars.

Brian Fenerty is a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Contact him at fenertyb@telus.net.

Can you hear the ice orchestra?

Watershed Wanderings

By Megan Peloso Pioneer Columnist

Ping! Boom-ba-doom.

Crrrrrack. Pop! What’s making all the racket?

Hint: it’s not your bowl of Kellogg’s Rice Krispies. Second hint: It moves without us noticing (most of the time) and makes unpredictable noises, from highpitched to thunderous. Some sounds can be more than a little unnerving...

It’s the frozen lake!

The source of the sound is temperature change. As the temperature changes, the ice expands and contracts, sometimes producing fissures. If not for the audible sounds and resulting evidence in the cracks, this movement would probably not be noticeable at all.

Anyone who uses the lake in the winter is familiar with the sounds of the frozen surface. But did you know that different ice produces different resonance, much like instruments in an orchestra?

Deeper, heartier sounds might be expected where the snow has fallen and frozen into the lake surface, creating opaque ice. Lighter, tinnier sounds are more likely to occur on a surface of clear lake ice. Like a drum or a cymbal, when pressure is put on the ice surface, a vibrato can erupt and ripple in directions to be heard far from where it was initially struck.

In late January, I had the privilege of speaking with

folks who were ice fishing at Bayshore and taking in a rare clear morning of warm sun. Who could be any more likely to receive an earful of orchestrated lake symphonies (other than the fish themselves)?

Some were habituated to the sounds, but others weren’t as comfortable with the lake’s noisy exterior, noting there are some unreliable and open spots in the lake, even this late in the winter.

Kris and Rylan, guides for Reel Axe Adventures, told us that this year’s ice thickness is average, but well below what it has measured during previous winters (up to 32 inches!). Even as veteran ice fishermen, they admitted to at least one fearful moment: “I remember once, Rylan and I were fishing and suddenly a crack formed right beneath our shack! You should have heard the noise it made... I swear we could feel it.

We literally flew out of the shack and turned around to watch, half expecting the whole thing to disappear into the lake. When we were sure it wasn’t going anywhere we finally went back, feeling pretty ridiculous about ourselves.” ~ Kris Deren, Reel Axe Adventures Cracks in the ice don’t necessarily mean the ice is thinning or weakening, even if the sound is unsettling.

That said, always tell a friend when you’re venturing out on the ice (even if you’re not alone), and keep an eye out for telltale signs of areas where ice may be less reliable, such as slush, pools, nearby creeks, and of course pay attention to actual warning signs posted around the shore.

Take care and be aware! (Source: http://cottagelife.com/ environment/noises-made-from-a-frozen-lake) Megan Peloso is the Program Co-ordinator for the Lake Windermere Ambassadors.Email her at info@ lakeambassadors.ca or call the office at 250-341-6898.

February 19, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31

FAITH

Down to the river to pray

By Rev. David Morton, Associate Pastor, St. Peter’s Lutheran Mission of Invermere In the book, Acts of the New Testament in the Bible, there is an interesting turn of phrase: “On the Sabbath, we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer.”

A bit of research reveals that, at the time of Jesus, for orthodox Jews, if a synagogue was not available it was understood they would gather down by a certain bend in the river and there they would share the prayers, songs and readings they would have had at the synagogue. From this river meeting, we read of the conversion to Christianity of Lydia and her entire household.

It is no accident that this all came about from meeting at a riverside. The Bible is filled with significant events that take place at the banks of a river, on the shore of a lake or even along the seashore. In most cases, there is a change that takes place with the person or people involved.

For example, the Israelites crossing the Red Sea, and

Jacob wrestling with God just before crossing the Jabbok river — he is a new man, Israel, when he crosses the other side; the Jacob he is no longer is left behind.

A significant event in history that involved a river was the crossing of the Rubicon by Julius Caesar in 49 BC. This changed history for a magistrate crossed over into his own borders. Caesar forfeited his role as commander-in-chief — he had committed act of treason and insurrection. The famous phrase “the die is cast” was apparently uttered as he passed through the shallow muddied waters.

The most significant event at the Jordan in the New Testament is the baptism of Jesus. Jesus, who knew no sin, is baptized by His cousin, John, before being led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness where He is prepared for His earthly ministry to God’s people. Jesus is baptized as He is, in the course of time, to take the sin of the world upon Himself, while He knew no sin. He also is the fulfillment of all righteousness, and being baptized accomplishes one aspect of Jesus fulfilling the law.

Our heart is like the Rubicon or Red Sea of our spiritual journey. When we face that “dark night of the soul,” the desperate prayers, they cross us through the muddied shallow waters to wrestle with a faith we may not otherwise have considered. This time of year, deep into winter, many people face the darkest, lowest times of their lives. God invites you through Jesus to come down to the river to pray and let the Holy Spirit bring you to new life in Him.

Local Rotarian Honoured District 5080 Assistant District Governor Vlad Sasaman (right) presents John Tames of Rotary Club of Invermere with the “Major Donor Award” recognizing his contributions to the Rotary Foundation. The Rotary Foundation funds thousands of projects and initiatives worldwide including clean water projects, the eradication of polio, education and health initiatives for women and children, emergency and disaster relief and much much more. Find out more at www.rotary.org.

Photo submitted

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Sunday, February 21st, 10:30 a.m.

Worship and Life Instruction “Follow Me - Disciple’s Confession”

Pastor Trevor Hagan ministering.

KIDS Church for children Age 3 to Grade 1; and Grades 2-7, during the Morning Service.

Lead Pastor Trevor Hagan • Associate Pastor Matt Moore 326 - 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lakewindermerealliance.org

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

Children & Youth Sunday School at 10:30 a.m.

Christ Church Trinity, Invermere 1st and 3rd Sunday, March - Dec. 9 a.m.: All Saint’s, Edgewater 2nd Sunday, 7 p.m.: June - October at St. Peter’s Windermere Reverend Laura Hermakin 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 Saturday, 4:30 p.m.: at St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats.

Saturday, 5 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m.: at Canadian Martyrs’ Church in Invermere.

Sunday, 11 a.m.: at St. Joseph’s Church in Radium.

Father Gabriel • 712 -12th Ave., Invermere • 250-342-6167 ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN MISSION OF INVERMERE Worship services every Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

Christ Church Trinity, 110 - 7th Ave., Invermere Pastor Rev. David Morton • 250-417-5017 RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • 250-342-6633 No. 4, 7553 Main St. Radium • 250-347-9937 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Worship Service, Sunday, 10 a.m. • Relief Society, 11:15 a.m.

President Adam Pasowisty • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs • 250-341-5792

You can remember someone special with your gift to the Canadian Cancer Society To donate In Memory or In Honour: www.cancer.ca | 250-426-8916 or call toll-free 1-800-656-6426 or mail to: #19, 19th Avenue South Cranbrook, B.C. V1C 2L9 Please include: Your name and address for tax receipt Name of the person being remembered Name and address to send card to

Let’s Make Cancer History

www.cancer.ca

32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 19, 2016

Environmental Assessment Certificate Application Review of the Proposed Baldy Ridge Extension Project Open House and Invitation to Comment Teck Coal Limited (Teck) is proposing to extend the working life of Elkview Operations with the Baldy Ridge Extension Project (proposed Project).

The proposed Project would be located approximately 2.5 km east of Sparwood, British Columbia, and would produce an estimated 7 million tonnes of clean coal per year and sustain Elkview Operations’ existing workforce.

Teck must obtain an Environmental Assessment Certificate (Certificate) before any work can be undertaken on the proposed Project. Teck has submitted the application for a Certificate (Application) to the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO).

EAO has determined that the Application contains the required information and accepted it for detailed review. The review of the Application will occur over a 180-day period, starting February 15, 2016.

Open House EAO invites the public to attend an Open House about the environmental assessment process, the proposed Project and content of the Application.

The Open House will be held: Sparwood Seniors Centre 101 4th Avenue, Sparwood (Next to Lilac Terrace Seniors Housing) on: March 10, 2016 from: 4 pm until 8 pm

at:

EAO and Teck will be present to provide information and respond to questions about the Application at the Open House.

Invitation to Comment EAO seeks public comments on the Application. The intention of seeking public comments is to ensure that all potential effects— environmental, economic, social, heritage and health—that might result from the proposed Project are identified for consideration as part of the assessment process.

The 35-day comment period will begin on Monday, February 29, 2016 and end on Monday, April 4, 2016. EAO will consider all comments related to the Application received during this period.

An electronic copy of the Application and information regarding the environmental assessment process are available at www.eao.gov.bc.ca.

DVD copies of the Application are also available at these locations during the comment period (Feb 29–April 4, 2016): •Sparwood Public Library (110 Pine Ave, Sparwood, B.C.) •Teck Community and Aboriginal Engagement Office (116 Centennial St, Sparwood, B.C. Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.–4 p.m.)

•Elkview Operations Main Gate (RR 1, Hwy 3, Sparwood, V0B 2G1) EAO accepts public comments through the following means: •By online form: http://www.eao.gov.bc.ca •By mail: John Antill Project Assessment Manager Environmental Assessment Office PO Box 9426 Stn Prov Gov Victoria, B.C. V8W9V1 •By fax: 250-387-2208

NOTE: All written submissions received by EAO during the comment period in relation to the proposed Project are considered public and will be posted to the EAO website.