Vol14issue02

January 13, 2016 Vol. 14/Issue 2

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

The Columbia

Valley

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1 January 13, 2017

P ioneer

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Stephen Kaufman (left) and Rob Guy (right) enjoyed a leisurely cross-country ski on the Lake Windermere Whiteway on Sunday, January 8th. As of January 10th, the Whiteway’s ice depth was 14 inches and the skate and classic ski tracks were scheduled to be re-set on the new snow on January 11th.

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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January 13, 2016

VALLEY VIEWS Hardcore kids

The 3rd annual Dragon Tail Loppet descended on the Panorama Nordic Centre on Saturday, January 7th. A fun cross-country ski race open to all ages and abilities, the loppet offered distances starting at 300 metres for kids under six years old, and up to 11.5 killometres for adults.

About 50 hardy athletes braved the cold, including (counter-clockwise from top left) Christopher Dehart, 12, who placed second in the male two-kilometre distance; Masha Stich (#1408), 13, who was the only competitor in the female 4.5-kilometre distance; Lilla Gillies, 6, who placed first in the female 300-metre distance, and Jack Joy, 4, who placed second in the male 300-metre distance.

Photos by Cam Gillies

January 13, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS

Valley home assessment values remain consistent

By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff Property assessments will soon be mailed out, and although staggering rises in assessed property values may be grabbing attention in coastal and urban parts of B.C., local homeowners can expect to see things here in Upper Columbia Valley stay more or less the same as the previous year.

The increase in assessed value in urban areas of the province is reportedly as high as 50 per cent in some cases, but the deputy provincial assessor based in the Kootenay region says housing prices here are a different story.

“There’s nothing really similar. The market is quite different between (the urban areas on the coast) and us.

It’s a completely different market. We are more tied with the Okanagan and other remote parts of B.C.,” Kootenay-Columbia deputy assessor Ramaish Shah told The Pioneer, adding the market here this year is relatively

consistent when compared with last year, with most communities seeing increases or decreases of no more than 10 per cent in their average assessed property value.

“Last year was a similar story; no large increases or decreases,” said Mr. Shah.

The 2016 provincial assessments are based on a given property’s assessed value as of July 1st, 2016.

Across the Kootenay region, the average assessed value of residential single detached homes varies from a five per cent drop to a 10 per cent increase this year as compared with last year, depending on the exact communities. Residential strata units (mostly condominiums) vary from a 10 per cent drop to a 10 per cent increase, depending on community. Commercial properties vary from a five per cent drop to a 10 per cent increase, depending on community. Light industrial properties vary from a five per cent drop to a 10 per cent increase, depending on community.

Mr. Shah said all of these rises or drops are considered minor by BC Assessment, and that they paint an overall picture of consistency in comparison with 2015 assessed values.

Looking at specific municipalities within the Columbia Valley, the average assessed value of single family residential properties in Invermere rose 2.4 per cent from $371,000 in 2015 to $380,000 in 2016. In Radium Hot Springs, the average assessed value of single family residential properties fell seven per cent from $328,000 to $305,000. In Canal Flats, the average assessed value of single family residential properties dropped 16.5 per cent from $176,000 to $151,000.

Typically in the Kootenay region, the newer a house and the more waterfront access it has, the higher its assessed value, Mr. Shah told The Pioneer, although this does vary from community to community, he added.

Continued on page 14 . . .

Local MLA candidates debate new housing measures

By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff The provincial government has recently come out with several measures designed to help homeowners.

In early January, the government announced the new BC Home Owner Mortgage and Equity Partnership program, which aims to help first-time homeowners with a mortgage down payment.

The program will see the government provide up to $37,500, or up to five per cent of the purchase price, through a 25-year loan that is interest-free and payment-free for the first five years.

A week later, the government announced it is increasing the home owner grant threshold to $1.6 million, a move provincial Finance Minister Michael de Jong said will help keep property taxes affordable for families.

The grant can help reduce property tax on principal residences by as much as $570 per property (or as much as $770 in northern and rural areas, including the Columbia Valley).

The two Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA candidates for next spring’s provincial election took opposing views on the announcements.

NDP candidate Gerry Taft felt the measures miss the larger picture by not addressing affordable housing. “(Premier) Christy Clark has failed to deliver affordable housing for British Columbians. For years, she has been denying that there is a problem, and now, right before an election, her government is scrambling to apply band-aids. A small number of people may be able to take advantage of the lower down payment scheme, but they must still have incomes that are high enough to qualify for mortgages, and they will be saddled with additional debt,” said Mr. Taft. “The BC Liberal government has done nothing to improve access to housing after more than a decade in power. In fact, life has become less and less affordable in all aspects, including increases to BC Hydro, Medical Services Plan and ICBC rates. The majority of British Columbians continue to suffer under our big business-focused government. The change in the maximum value for the Home Owner’s Grant is another example of Christy Clark’s government reacting instead of leading.”

Continued on page 21 . . .

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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This past week, things seemed to get back to the normal “off season” in the Columbia Valley as the RCMP responded to approximately 60 calls for service.

The following is a small sample of a few of those calls.

• On Wednesday, January 4th, RCMP received a complaint of a theft of a Summit Youth Centre donation jar holding approximately $50 from the River Gems store in Invermere. RCMP reviewed some evidence with staff and quickly determined who was responsible. The culprit was confronted and quickly agreed to pay the money back. This was agreed to by the complainant and the matter was resolved informally.

• In the very early morning hours of Friday, January 6th, Columbia Valley RCMP received report of some people riding on snowmobiles on the Bighorn Meadows golf course in Radium. RCMP attended to the area and located two parked snowmobiles alongside the fence at the northwest side of the golf course. Police also located two individuals nearby who were obviously the owners of the machines. RCMP educated them on area sledding etiquette, advising them the course was private property and they were trespassing. Additionally, the operators admitted to consuming alcohol earlier in the evening, but did not seem intoxicated. In public interest, RCMP gave the pair a ride back to their vacation residence and strongly urged them to either pick up the sleds in the morning or locate a definite sober person to drive the sleds back; they agreed.

• On Sunday, January 8th at about 3:30 a.m. in the morning, RCMP received a report of a van in a ditch near Numa Falls on Highway 93 in Kootenay National Park. It was reported that there were no injuries but a tow truck was required. RCMP attended, the weather was cold as it was around -25 C and the roads had dry sections, sections of black ice, and compact snow. Sure enough, police found the vehicle buried deep in the ditch. Luckily the driver, the only occupant, was not

injured. The driver admitted that sleep deprivation may have played a role in the off-road adventure. The driver hopped in the patrol car and the RCMP gave the driver a ride home where he would be warm and safe.

• Later that afternoon, Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of a male skier with an injured leg near Olive Lake off of Forester Side Road close to Radium Hot Springs. The weather was cold and considered life-threatening so the RCMP activated the Provincial Emergency Program and Search and Rescue in hopes the services could locate the individual in an expedient manner. Personnel within the Search and Rescue team were familiar with the people skiing and knew the injured male and therefore had an idea where to look.

With the aid of helicopter, Search and Rescue located the injured male and extracted him, eventually flying him to Invermere Airport where BC Ambulance was waiting. They then transported him to the Invermere & District Hospital with an injury to the left knee (or, as my seven year old affectionately calls it, the leg elbow).

• During the late evening hours of Sunday, January 8th, Columbia Valley RCMP responded to a single vehicle motor vehicle incident on Panorama Road by Industrial Road #2, where a pickup had missed the corner and struck a hydro pole. Although the truck could have been driven out, the driver did the right thing and contacted police because of the unknown damage to the power pole and uncertainly of power line integrity. BC Hydro quickly attended to the scene, assessed damage and deemed the power lines safe and the truck could be moved. Luckily there were no injuries and no signs of alcohol/drug use from driver and only occupant. The main contributing factor is believed to be poor weather as Invermere was experiencing heavy snowfall and limited visibility at the time. There was no tow required as the driver was able to drive out of the ditch with ease.

• Other interesting statistics from the week: 12 traffic incidents; three abandoned 911s; two fraud investigations (Internet-based); and one impaired operation of a motor vehicle.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

Fairmont family lucks out with Ellen that Ellen was even more mesmerizing in person than she was on TV. “You don’t expect someone who is such an idol to actually be real. And she was even better than I could have imagined!”

There are few people who are able to say that On November 10th, the family made their way they’ve seen Ellen DeGeneres, one of the most famous to California for the airing of the show, planning to television hosts in the world, on her show in person. return to their home in the Columbia Valley only two Fewer still are in the lucky group of people who are a days later. Ms. DeGeneres had other plans, however, part of her 12 Days of Giveaways show. allowing one of her guests to play a game that would The Walstrom family of Fairmont Hot Springs win the entire audience a prize. After winning the can check off both of those boxes, though. game, it was revealed that the prize was Day 1 of the “It was Kirby’s birthday weekend getaway for us 12 Days of Giveaways — a staple of her talk show durso ultimately it was just to go to the show,” Kym said. ing the holiday season for years.

“Who knew it would be the gift that just kept on giv“As soon as Ellen said we all won the 12 Days of ing? They just said, ‘You are invited back,’ and the whole Giveaways, the whole crowd went nuts,” said Kirby’s crowd got to go back. You have 400 people cheering, sister Bailey. “People were hugging and crying and hugging, crying and laughing and high-fiving.” screaming, it was awesome.”

To be part of the audience in the first place, the Receiving the unexpected gift of a family vacation Walstrom family needed a certain degree of luck. A GIFTED FAMILY — The Walstrom family (left to right) of dad Many times Kym had visited the Ellen website look- Wes, sisters Bailey and Kirby, and mom Kym lucked out in November in California for a week, they would have to wait until ing for tickets to the show, but had always received the as audience members of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Photo submitted the following Thursday to receive their Giveaway gifts discouraging, “fully booked” response. In August, though, she was surprised to see that at a second show though. After spending their days shopping, watching movies while tickets were available so she quickly submitted her request for four tickets in hopes of giv- enjoying the sun and visiting Disneyland, they were rewarded at the Ellen show with the giveaway of a lifetime. ing her daughter Kirby the ultimate present for her 30th birthday.

It started with each guest receiving a $250 gift card to Nordstrom and $500 to Opening a wrapped framed picture of Ellen DeGeneres on her big day, Kirby found out that she would get the chance to see Ellen, one of her lifelong idols, in person in early GlassesUSA.com, before being given the Solo3 wireless Beats headphones. In addition, each guest received two return tickets from Southwest Airlines, which could be used at November with her mom Kym, her sister Bailey and father Wes. Continued on page 14 . . .

“It was one of those things that you didn’t think could ever happen,” she said, noting

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Participants must meet the following eligibility criteria: • Unemployed • Aged 55 – 64 (in some circumstances, unemployed workers aged 50 – 54 or 65 and up may also participate) • Be legally entitled to work in Canada • Require new or enhanced skills for successful integration into new employment • Live in an eligible community/region • Be ready and committed to returning to work

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Panorama opens its slopes to National Ski Day

By Eric Elliott Pioneer Staff Skiers and snowboarders looking to catch a great deal on a thrilling ride will have the perfect chance this weekend at Panorama Mountain Resort as part of National Ski Day on Saturday, January 14th.

This will be the third annual CIBC National Ski Day with 17 resorts including Panorama participating across the country.

Panorama has participated for all three years and the day has been wildly successful each year said Laura Matthew, media relations at Panorama Mountain Resort.

“Panorama has a proud ski racing history and as a certified Alpine Canada National Training Centre, we are strong supporters of our national athletes every chance we get,” she said. “This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to enjoy a great day on the slopes with National Ski Day ticket sales going towards the Canadian Ski Teams.”

Those interested in getting together with friends or simply going out to enjoy the slopes themselves can purchase their tickets beforehand for 50 per cent off the original price at $46 for an adult day ticket. Through hitting the slopes, your money will go towards supporting Canadian ski teams all the while enjoying yourself and saving your wallet.

Tickets are available for purchase directly through the Alpine Canada website at www.alpinecanada.org/nationalskiday by Friday, January 13th (today) at 11:30 p.m. to receive the discounted price.

6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 13, 2016

PERSPECTIVE

Historical Lens

That’s valley with a ‘V’

By Nicole Trigg Pioneer Staff

Every journalist and editor in Canada adheres to The Canadian Press Stylebook. It’s actually labelled “A Guide for Writers and Editors” that’s introduced in J-school and delineates such rules as when to capitalize a profession and how to punctuate lists in a sentence. It’s the reason you see “noon” instead of “12 p.m.” and the “First World War” instead of “World War 1.” And it’s also the reason why your local papers have resolutely refused to use an upper case “v” whenever “the valley” has been referenced in any submitted content. Since the Columbia Valley, a widely recognized geographic region, is a proper noun, it warrants the use of the upper case “C” and “V”, just as in the “I” in Invermere and the “C” and “F” in Canal Flats. But, according to The Stylebook, we must “lowercase generic terms standing alone”. The examples supplied include the “Rocky Mountains”, which, when shortened, must read as “the mountains”. Applying this logic to the “Columbia Valley”, “the valley” must then remain lower case.

But herein lies the issue: in columns, guests articles, letters to the editor, submissions, and any and all content that gets sent to us for publication, “the Valley” is being referred to with an upper case “V” with alarming regularity.

At one point does local sentiment override national standards? Well, it’s happened before, with The Pioneer’s use of Mr., Mrs. and Ms., an old-fashioned formality that flies in the face of The Stylebook’s insistency to refer to people objectively by their last names. So rather than wasting time stemming the tide, the people have spoken and “the Valley” it is, joining the ranks of “the States” and “the Interior” (uppercase approved since the generic term is “conventionally used as a short form of the proper noun”). But we’re putting our foot down when it comes to “the Lake”. Sorry Lake Windermere, but our rebellion against the conventions of Canadian journalism can only go so far.

Barbour boys In this photo circa 1910, the Barbour boys pose with a dog, their rifles and their shot birds. The boys are, left to right, Ed, Harry, Bert and George Barbour. The photo was supplied by Dorothy Barbour. If you have any more information, e-mail us at info@columbiavalleypioneer.com.

Photo (A180) courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society

Poems to the Editor

In last week’s January 13th edition, The Pioneer published a poem penned by astronomy columnist Brian Fenerty titled ‘Coal train three mountains long’, which has inspired two more poems in response, causing us to wonder if a new Poems to the Editor section is needed. See page 8.

Benches resident supports trail system Dear Editor: After the latest comments about the Barbour area trail proposal, I have to respond. As a Toby Bench resident, professional trail builder, avid mountain biker and horseback rider, I am excited about the proposal and have talked to other residents who are as well.

I am upset another resident feels my profession and recreation of choice is to rip up the Crown land when the exact opposite is true. We choose terrain that will have the least impact, but will provide the best experience. The proof is in the already authorized trails in the area. They require very little maintenance and are enjoyed by many different user groups.

This is not a debate about environmental and wildlife impact, but an ideology about the uses of Crown land. Recreational trail development has had a positive economic and healthy impact. Is this not what we need for our Valley?

Darcy Lehr Invermere

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

Eric Elliott Reporter

Amanda Nason Advertising Sales

Emily Rawbon Graphic Design/ Associate Publisher

Amanda Murray

Office Administrator/ Classified Sales

January 13, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

LETTERS Trails are needed in digital age Dear Editor: In response to the letter submitted by Norm Hendricks and published in the January 6th issue: Anyone purporting to know what others think is the height of arrogance.

Further, one opinion is not representative of a group. I bike; does this make me a biker and what does this mean? My entire family rides bicycles as a favorite pastime. Most people I know engage in this wonderful activity. In most areas of the world, bicycling is encouraged. It is a mode of transportation and a pleasurable recreational exercise.

Public lands are available for the use of everyone and, as far as I know, this is not likely to change. People may choose where they live, however. Does this give them domain of adjacent land, public or private? I think not. There will always be naysayers and NIMBYs to everything, however, it is my opinion that public lands should benefit the entire community. Shared trails are used in many locations in the Columbia Valley, including the Johnson and Kloosifier sanctioned trails near Lake Lillian.

Access to public lands is a right and outdoor activity for growing families is very beneficial, especially in our digital age. Having this opportunity close to town is an absolute necessity for families to access trails and lakes after a working day.

Those who no longer enjoy community and the enterprises that support the growing recreational activities may want to make other choices.

Local roads need more attention In response to the January 6th article about “Mainroad CEO visits East Kooteany in wake of complaints”: I have been meaning to write and complain for some time about winter road clearing and care in this immediate area of the RDEK. I drive the Panorama Road daily. It is not cleared on a timely basis after a snowfall and it does not receive adequate sanding at all.

Access to Lower Lakeview Road from Athalmer Road is a hazard all winter long, in spite of two vehicles going over the embankment last winter, including a tow vehicle.

Access to lower Baltac is also a hazard all winter long.

These reflect my personal experiences on roads in this area and I hope that some more attention be paid to provide the public with safer conditions.

Richard Unger Invermere

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.

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January 13, 2016

Wildlife feed stations worth a try

Dear Editor:

No matter how much fur or feathers they wear, those bitterly cold nights have got to be miserable for our wildlife. Mortality is high. Especially if they can’t find enough to eat. In this land of plenty where we waste 40 percent of our food, you’d think communities could organize food banks for wildlife.

Urban wildlife… is it that they moved into town, or they always lived here, and we just stuffed more houses, condos and golf courses around them? Regardless, I think wildlife can be conditioned to move out of town if provided with a reliable food supply. A Pied Piper with a grain bucket, if he knew what he was doing, could round them all up and move them out. But why would you want to? This is a Disney movie.

So what’s government policy on urban wildlife?

When they get too many complaints, they simply have the animals killed. How many experiments and research did they do before that conclusion? Not much.

If you think wildlife feed stations are worth a try, get government going on it. Insist! They won’t do anything until you tell them.

Coal Train Quatrain A rich man’s curse, desire for times When life flowed on like simple rhymes.

A nostalgic yen for life ere trains When man was one with dust again.

Sparwood, Sparwood Land of Coal Taxes, jobs pay the B.C. public toll Prosperity, prosperity everywhere Houses, schools, roads and pools

No longer do achievements flow No longer aspirations grow.

No distant raging hell to feed A world consumed with want and need.

Grass, trees and soil off they come Outcomes the coal and unto the rails Strong union jobs blaze the trails Soil, grass and trees go back One can barely see a track Critters and deer there on roam Returned is their pristine mountain home

A house, a truck, a lemonade sip, A brand new phone with YouTube clip.

Much more than jobs, the strings of coal Provide the keys that free the soul.

The ridge, the shore, the distant crest We chart the paths to travel west.

We build the port, we lay the track The same route brings our TVs back.

A common voice to make the rules Commands the hand that guides the tools.

A broader view reflects the light That makes coal trains a precious sight.

Jamie Fisher Windermere

Bryan Stawychny Edgewater

Weekly DEALS and much more!

Sparwood Splendour

On the train the coal it flows Through B.C.’s pristine land it goes Moving the product with a non-polluting hand Off it goes to Japan Land Not to burn out of hand But steel and cars to make Thus giving both our lands a stake.

If you think this cannot be Come to our Sparwood Valley and you will see.

Walter Benstead Panorama (formerly of Sparwood)

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer Page•99

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

MUSIC • VISUAL ARTS • DINING • BAR SCENE • ENTERTAINMENT • PERFORMANCE ARTS LOCAL’S DAY

Panorama Mountain Resort hosted the Rockstar Energy & Syndicate Rail Jam on Saturday, January 7th with 30 competitors churning out tricks on the rail, including Panorama’s Zach Fowler, 22, who placed first in the Open Snowboard ages 16+ category.

Jib Jam

Photo by Andrew Brown

PAGE 12

SNOWFLAKE FEST

PAGE 15

Out & About Your weekly guide to what’s happening around the Columbia Valley PAGE 11

Tim Williams live at Pynelogs

Guitarist of the Year 2012 Calgary Blues Music Association love it live Concert series - sat. Jan. 28th - 6 pm Tickets on line at columbiavalleyarts.com Visit columbiavalleyarts.com for our current events calendar, or call 250-342-4423

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 13, 2016

New Columbia Valley website launched

By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff A new website promoting the Columbia Valley has been recently launched by the Columbia Valley Co-op Marketing Project, which is gearing up for an important stakeholder meeting later this month.

The website — www.travelcolumbiavalley.com — went live last week on Thursday, January 5th and features the valley’s new logo and brand, including the catchphrase “Columbia Valley: Relax. It’s time to unwind.”, along with a bevy of eye-catching photos and visuals, and a wealth of information on things to do in the valley, complete with plenty of links to further information.

“It is the first major public piece (of the co-op marketing project). We’re excited to have something to show people for the last 12 months of effort,” Co-op Marketing Project team member Andrea Tubbs told The Pioneer. “It’s formatted as a website, but we are calling it a micro-site, since it acts as a jumping off point for visitors to find more

information on existing websites within the valley. It’s meant to answer some of the challenges that were identified during research conducted in early 2016, which indicated that some visitors feel that (when it comes to the Valley), they’ve been here and done it all, and that some visitors feel there really is nothing to do to start with.”

The website was put together with help from design company CULT Collective, which has been the contractor working with Co-op Marketing Project since the beginning.

“The feedback so far has all been positive,” said Ms. Tubbs. “This is the first version of the site, it’s apt to grow and change along with the project, and the seasonality of it will change as the year goes on.”

The site groups attractions and things to do in the valley into four broad destination areas — Radium Hot Springs; Panorama Mountain Resort; Invermere on the Lake; and Fairmont Hot Springs — but tourism and business operators in small centres outside these main areas need not worry, as they are included as well (Beeland in

Spillimacheen, for instance, is on the micro-site), categorized in with the nearest big area.

“It’s for the sake of ease of usability,” said Ms. Tubbs, adding that the majority of attractions fit within one of the main destinations.

Funding for the Columbia Valley Marketing Co-op project comes from Destination BC, and the group has applied to Destination BC for matching funds for the second year of the project. They expect to hear back on the matter by early February.

The project group, along with CULT, will host a town hall update meeting for all tourism industry stakeholders at Copper Point Resort on Thursday, January 26th from 1 to 3 p.m.

“It will be a general update on all the pieces we’ve been working on to date and a look ahead at what’s coming up before the end of the fiscal year in March, as well as a chance to remind people about the brand and what we’re all about,” said Ms. Tubbs, adding their group is currently Continued on page 14 . . .

WE VALUE YOUR PROPERTY AS MUCH AS YOU DO. If you’re among BC’s approximately 2 million property owners, you should receive your 2017 property assessment in the mail early in January. If you haven’t, call us toll-free at 1-866-valueBC. Access and compare property assessment information using our free e-valueBC service on bcassessment.ca. The 2017 assessments are based on market value as of July 1, 2016.

If you have questions or want more information, contact us at 1-866-valueBC or online at bcassessment.ca. The deadline to file an appeal for your assessment is January 31, 2017.

For more property information, assessment highlights and videos visit

bcassessment.ca We Value BC

Have something to say?

Letters to the editor can be e-mailed to news@columbiavalleypioneer.com

January 13, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

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, January 13th

Sunday, January 15th • 1:30 p.m.: Carpet Bowling at Radium Hot Springs Community Hall every Sunday.

Monday, January 16th • 10 a.m.: Senior Singalong Group meets every Monday at Garden Village.

• 1 - 3 p.m.: Brain Injury Support Group meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at Columbia Garden Village. Contact Debbie for more info 250-344-5674.

• 6:30 p.m.: Duplicate Bridge at Invermere Senior’s Hall, $2. Everyone welcome. Every Monday.

• 7 p.m.: Bingo at the Canal Flats Civic Centre, 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.

Buying or selling?

• 1 p.m.: Duplicate Bridge at Invermere Seniors Hall, $2. Everyone welcome. Every Friday.

• 1 p.m.: Canasta at Canal Flats Seniors Hall every Friday.

• 3 - 5 p.m.: Summit Youth Centre Outdoor Games (weather permitting). Call 250-342-3033 for more info.

• 6 p.m.: Bingo at Shuswap Band Hall every Friday.

Doors open at 6 p.m., Bingo starts at 7 p.m.

• 9 p.m. - close: Live Music with Smoking Rays at Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill in Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Also Saturday January 14th.

Saturday, January 14th • Local’s Day at the Ski Area of Fairmont Hot Springs Resort with $2 Lift Tickets all day! Family friendly fun & games. Valid for residents from Brisco to Canal Flats.

• CIBC National Ski Day - Panorama is 1 of 17 resorts across the nation participating in the event and is offering guests 50% off lift tickets for the day (adults are just $46) with the proceeds going to support Canadian Ski Teams. Buy your tickets online before January 13th at http://alpinecanada.org/nationalskiday.

• 10 a.m.: Lego for all ages at the Radium Public Library every Saturday.

• 11 a.m.: Preschool Story Time at the Invermere Library with stories, songs and crafts. Every Saturday.

• 11 a.m.: 16th Annual Snow Golf Tournament on the lake at Kinsmen Beach. Registration for the scramble format begins at 11 a.m. at The Station Neighbourhood Pub and the event kicks off with a shotgun start at noon. Entry is $35 and can be purchased ahead of time by calling 250-342-5557.

• 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.: Drop-in LEGO Club at Invermere Public Library. All ages welcome (under 8 accompanied by an adult please). Weekly building challenges will be awaiting you! Activity is free.

• 6:30 p.m.: Meat Draw and 50/50 at Branch 71 Legion in Invermere. Every Saturday.

• 7 - 10 p.m.: Summit Youth Centre Fresh Film Nights - newly released films or crowd favorites every Saturday.

Thursday, January 19th • 10:30 a.m.: Preschool Story Time at the Invermere Public Library with stories, songs, and crafts. Every Thursday.

• 1 p.m.: Play Cribbage at Invermere Seniors Hall every Thursday.

• 1:15 p.m.: Play Cribbage at Canal Flats Seniors Hall every Thursday.

• 1:30 p.m.: Carpet Bowling at Radium Hot Springs Community Hall every Thursday.

• 4:30 - 6 p.m.: Summit Youth Centre Chef-It-Up. Every Thursday. Learn to make delicious food on a budget. Call 250-342-3033 or visit their Facebook page for more information.

• 5 - 6 p.m.: Wine tasting in the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort lobby every Thursday. Enjoy four B.C. wines with the in-house Sommelier. Everyone welcome. $15 per person or $25 for two.

• 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.: Wild Ideas at Circle Café, hosted

by Wildsight. January’s topic is the first in the “community building” series – Investing in Ourselves with Eden Yesh. For more info visit www.wildsight.ca/ wildideasinvermere.

• 6:30 p.m.: Texas Hold Em’ Tournament at the Invermere Legion every Thursday. $35 buy in.

Friday, January 20th Cell: 250•341•1395 Toll Free: 1•888•258•9911

Tuesday, January 17th • 1:30 p.m.: Carpet Bowling at Canal Flats Seniors Hall every Tuesday.

• 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Options for Sexual Health is operating a drop in clinic in the Public Health Unit next to the Invermere Hospital the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month. Call 250 342 2360 for more information.

• 7:30 p.m.: Enjoy local hockey as the Columbia Valley Rockies host Golden Rockets at Eddie Mountain Arena.

Wednesday, January 18th • 8 a.m.: Radium Hot Springs Sunrise Rotary meets for breakfast every 1st and 3rd Wednesday from November thru March at Higher Ground Cafe.

• 11:45 a.m.: The Rotary Club of Invermere meets every Wednesday at the Curling Rink.

• 1 p.m.: Duplicate Bridge at Invermere Senior’s Hall, $2. Everyone welcome. Every Wednesday.

• 2 p.m.: Genealogy Group meets at Columbia Gardens Coffee Room the 3rd Wednesday of the month.

• 6:30 p.m.: Columbia Valley Search & Rescue Annual General Meeting at Pynelogs Cultural Centre. For information call David at 250-688-2504 or email columbiavalleysar@gmail.com.

• 7 p.m.: Card night at Canal Flats Seniors Hall every Wednesday.

• Invermere Caregiver’s Support Group monthly meeting on the 3rd Friday of each month. Contact facilitator Leanne Brooks at 250-341-5683 for more information.

• 1:30 - 3 p.m.: The Invermere Public Library is hosting a 4 week LEGO Club for students in KindergartenGr. 4 running weekly from Friday January 20th until February 10th. Due to limited spaces please call 250342-6416 to pre-register for the free program.

• 4 - 8 p.m.: Snowflake Festival and Taste of the Valley at Kinsmen Beach with live music, bonfires, all finishing with fireworks. The Bonspiel on the Lake starts at 4 pm. The event is free to attend, passports for Taste of the Valley are $10 available for purchase at the event entrance. See story on page 15 for details.

• 6 - 9 p.m.: Columbia Valley Cycling Society is holding a Barbour Rock Recreational Trails Public Open House at the Invermere Lions Hall. An opportunity to learn about the approval process for recreation projects on Crown Lands and/or voice your concerns. Also on Saturday January 21st from 1 - 6 p.m. at Invermere Lions Hall.

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.

Radium Hot Springs Library Hours • Tuesday: 6 - 8 p.m.

• Wednesday and Thursday: 1 - 4 p.m.

• Saturday: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 13, 2016

Locals can enjoy day of leisure at Fairmont ski area Fairmont Resort’s director of sales and marketing. “For those that haven’t visited the ski area for some time or for For the third consecutive year, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Ski those who have never skied here, it is the perfect time Area is pleased to offer Local’s Day to experience everything our this Saturday, January 14th.

For one single Toonie per perski area offers.”

Each year, it seems more son, guests can enjoy a day on the slopes or in the tube park with and more locals are taking Fairmont up on its offer. same-day access to the hot springs included as well (same-day access “Last year, in total there were 285 skiers and 185 tuto the hot springs is only valid with NEED FOR SPEED — Fairmont’s tube park was bers who took advantage of a same-day ski lift ticket — not bustling during the 2016 Local’s Day. File photo the Toonie offer,” said Ms. tubing). And with the recent fresh snow, in addition to the ski hill’s manmade snow, the ski Hetherington. Those numbers represented a 30 per cent conditions are in excellent shape. increase over 2015.

“Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Area is a significant part To qualify as local, patrons must live between Brisco and Canal Flats and provide ID with proof of a local of the community and is perfect for families. Offering skiing or tubing for a Toonie is an affordable outing for a address.

“Local’s Day is a chance for the Resort to provide the family and a good way to give back to the community,” opportunity for locals to come out for a fun day of skiing added Ms. Hetherington.

Continued on next page . . . and tubing for a great price,” said Nancy Hetherington,

By James Rose Special to The Pioneer Business & Computer Training

Leadership Bootcamp Jan 24, 2017 - Apr 4, 2017 Module 1 - Build Self Module 2 - Build Others Module 3 - Build Business Each module is 12 hours in length and each course within a module is 3 hours Tuesdays, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM $595.00 Contact the Invermere campus today: 250-342-3210

cotr.bc.ca/Invermere

Did you Know?

- 35% of survey respondents rated RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES as the #1 response to “Which services/programs would improve your quality of life?” (Columbia Valley’s Vital Signs, 2016) - Much of the proposed Barbour Rock Recreational Trails is in an area earmarked for Recreation and Trails by the Toby Benches OCP - Learn more at www.columbiavalleycyclingsociety.org/barbour-rock

BARBOUR ROCK RECREATIONAL TRAILS PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE

Want to know more about the approval process for recreation projects on Crown Lands?

Concerned about the future for sustainable, legally approved recreational trails in the Columbia Valley?

Then plan to join us!

Date & Time: Location:

January 20, 6pm-9pm January 21, 1pm-6pm Invermere Lions Hall

“Dedicated to growing the sport of cycling for the health and wealth of our community, through a sustainable trail network and respect of public and private land.”

columbiavalleycyclingsociety.org

January 13, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

Village of Radium Hot Springs

NOTICE OF BY-ELECTION AND ASSENT VOTING PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY given to the electors of the Village of Radium Hot Springs that a by-election by voting is necessary to elect one Councillor for the remaining term, ending December 2018, and for assent voting to determine if the municipality may borrow funds for the construction of a new Community Hall and Library.

The assent voting question is: Are you in favour of the Village of Radium Hot Springs borrowing up to $3.2 million, amortized for up to 30 years, to help fund the new Community Hall and Library, as described in Loan Authorization (Community Hall) Bylaw No. 425, 2016?

The persons for whom votes will be received for the position of Councillor are:

COUNCILLOR – One to be elected

SHARING INSPIRATION — Previous Wild Ideas gatherings included Jackie Lysak leading a discussion on Tiny Homes in July 2016. The first Wild Ideas of 2017 will be on the topic of ‘Investing in Ourselves’ led by presenter Eden Yesh at the Circle Cafe on January 19th.

Photo by Pat Morrow

Surname

Usual Names

Residence

Gray Osborne Shudra

Mike Tamara Dale

Yoho Drive Hwy #95 Jaeggi Rd. Pine Cone Lane

VOTING DATES AND LOCATIONS GENERAL VOTING: Saturday, January 14, 2017 8:00 am and 8:00 pm Radium Community Hall, 4863 Stanley Street.

Enhancing community building in the Valley

ADVANCE VOTING: Wednesday, January 4, 2017 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Radium Village Office 4836 Radium Blvd.

ELECTOR REGISTRATION

Submitted by Wildsight Invermere

There is no need to pre-register to vote as the registration of electors (mail ballot voting excluded) will take place at the time of voting. You will be required to make a declaration that you meet the following requirements:

It’s no secret the Columbia Valley has great people. Yet, a healthy, connected community is so much more than the sum of its parts. With the New Year upon us, the time is ripe for fresh ideas and new motivation to make a difference in our community.

Wildsight’s monthly informal discussion evenings, Wild Ideas, is returning in January with exactly this focus: Community Building.

For the next three months, local Community Builders will be leading casual discussions focused on coming together and sharing ideas about how to make the Valley even more connected and thriving for all. We will be talking about an innovative approach to “investing local”, discussing the results of the Vital Signs Survey and what they mean for us going forward, and exploring the concept of “Sense of Place” in our beautiful little mountain town. Join us for three fun and thought-provoking evenings — and if you like, get involved in the discussion! Everyone is welcome to attend Wild Ideas from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Circle Café on the third Thursday of each month.

For more information, contact Kim Urbaniak at 250-341-6898 or kim@wildsight.ca.

• January 19th: Investing in Ourselves, with Eden Yesh • February 16th: Vital Signs Survey Results, with Laurie Klassen • March 16th: Sense of Place, with Kim Urbaniak Wild Ideas is a casual discussion evening where people come together to share ideas over food and drink. We come together to talk about environmental issues, social justice, or local initiatives — it’s informal, inclusive and stimulating.

Wild Ideas Invermere is always free! Food and drinks available for purchase.

• • • •

. . . ‘Locals’ from previous page From noon to 4 p.m., DJ Wild Bill will be playing at the Ski Area lodge and other activities include face painting, campfire s’mores, find Monty on the Hill, and more.

“We encourage locals to come out and take advantage of skiing for a Toonie and enjoy a day on the slopes and all the activities.”

For more information visit www.fairmonthotsprings.com/ski-area.

•

18 years of age or older Canadian citizen resident of BC for at least 6 months immediately preceding voting day resident of OR registered owner of real property in the Village of Radium Hot Springs for at least 30 days immediately preceding voting day, and not otherwise disqualified by law from voting.

Resident electors will be required to produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a signature). Picture identification is not necessary. The identification must prove both residency and identity.

Non-resident property electors must produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a signature) to prove identity, proof that they are entitled to register in relation to the property, and, if applicable, written consent from the majority of the property owners. Only one person can vote per property.

MAIL BALLOT VOTING Qualified electors may vote by mail if they: • have a physical disability, illness or injury that affects their ability to vote at a voting opportunity, OR • expect to be absent from the Village of Radium Hot Springs on both the general voting day and the advance voting opportunity.

REQUESTING A MAIL BALLOT PACKAGE: Before 4 pm on January 12th, 2017 you must submit an Application to Vote by Mail to the Village office in person or by mail (PO Box 340, Radium Hot Springs, BC V0A 1M0), fax (250-347-9068) or email (Mark.Read@radiumhotsprings.ca). Applications are available at the Village office, upon request, and on the Village website (www.radiumhotsprings.ca). Mail ballot electors will be required to submit a completed Elector Registration Form and consent from the majority of the property owners if they are seeking to register as a non-resident property elector.

To be counted, your mail ballot must be received by the Chief Election Officer no later than 8 pm on Saturday, January 14th, 2017.

SYNOPSIS OF PROPOSED BYLAW Loan Authorization (Community Hall) Bylaw No. 425, 2016 empowers Council to borrow a sum not exceeding $3.2M, for a maximum amortization term of 30 years, so as to undertake the construction of a new Community Hall and Library.

TAKE NOTICE that the above is a synopsis of the proposed bylaw and that this synopsis is not intended to be and is not to be understood as an interpretation of the bylaw. The full bylaw may be inspected at the Village of Radium Hot Springs office, during regular office hours, or on the Village website at www.radiumhotsprings.ca .

Mark Read, Chief Election Officer (250) 347-6455

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer . . . ‘Valley’ from page 3 “For instance, in Invermere there is a lot of waterfront there, and people build a fair number of new homes there.

I’m in Nelson, and we have some nice waterfront here and some new homes here, but they just don’t seem to sell for as much (as in Invermere),” he said.

Mr. Shah said those wanting to learn more can visit BC Assessment’s website at www.bcassessment.ca, where they can access to the free online e-valueBC service that allows anybody to search, check and compare property assessments anywhere in the province.

“Property owners can find a lot of information on our website including answers to many assessment-related questions, but those who feel that their property assessment does not reflect market value as of July 1st, 2016, or see incorrect information on their notice, should contact BC Assessment as indicated on their notice as soon as possible in January,” said Mr. Shah.

If property owners are still concerned about their assessment after speaking to a BC Assessment appraiser, they can pursue the matter further by submitting a notice of complaint/appeal by January 31st, to have an independent review done by a Property Assessment Review Panel. . . . ‘Fairmont’ from 5 12 international destinations including Moon Palace Jamaica Grande, an all-inclusive resort that Ellen included in the giveaway package.

Kym said the family intends on using the allinclusive trip to Jamaica together next November while taking advantage of the glasses gift card in the near future. More than the giveaways though, she said the family will never forget the gift that kept on giving.

“It was just a whirlwind adventure for us,” she said. “What started out as a fun family getaway turned out to be an extraordinary experience for us. It was just so exciting, and so thrilling and we felt so blessed.” . . . ‘New’ from page 10 in the process of launching a paid advertising campaign in Calgary that will run through the end of March.

“It is a multi-pronged approach focusing on radio and digital advertising,” she said, adding it is essentially a spring campaign, and that if the group is successful in securing funding from Destination BC, it will also run a similar fall campaign.

The Columbia Valley Co-op Marketing Project team consists of Ms. Tubbs, Katie Wells, Becky Green, Brian Schaal, Charmaine Richter, John Rouse, Kara Cassidy, Ken Wilder, Nancy Hetherington and Val Bracken.

January 13, 2016

Keeping the frozen lake pristine Watershed Wanderings

By Megan Peloso Pioneer Columnist Adapted from an article by Brian Nickurak, BC Lake Stewardship Society.

In 2014, Lake Windermere gained international recognition as the host of the world’s longest skating trail. The Whiteway has quickly become a source of winter excitement and pride in the community. As folks go out to enjoy sports and activities on the frozen lake, neither visitors nor locals care to encounter waste. So as we don our skis, skates or fishing gear this winter, let’s keep these useful tips in mind so we can all enjoy the benefits of a pristine ice surface.

Pack out garbage To help prevent garbage and other debris left behind on the lake from freezing into ice and eventually melting into the water we swim in, make sure to pack out everything you pack on to the lake. Keener folks might join forces with a few neighbours to create a citizens’ patrol to monitor the ice or to organize a winter clean-up. To help remove anything that might wash onto the beaches after the ice melts this spring, plan to join the Lake Windermere Ambassadors on their shoreline clean-up in March.

survive.

The Lake Windermere Ambassadors try to keep doggie bags in stock at major entrances to the lake. Give us a heads up at 250-341-6898 if you notice they are running low or empty.

In fact, we love winter so much that this year, the Ambassadors will have an ice shack located at Kinsmen Beach where we will happily answer questions about winter use (find us on Saturdays) and, as always, advance stewardship efforts to promote a healthy Lake Windermere. Come say hello, share your lake stories, and bring your water questions!

The Lake Windermere Ambassadors are a B.C. Society with charitable status representing a cross-section of community stakeholders, including local businesses, tourism, seasonal and year-round homeowners, First Nations, youth and non-government organizations who share the vision of a healthy Lake Windermere. We thank all those who supported us in 2016. Happy New Year!

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.

Accessing the Lake Take care when accessing a frozen lake for skating, skiing or snowmobiling. Vegetation and banks under the snow can be damaged by winter traffic, so it’s best to use summer access trails to get to the lake, rather than cutting direct paths over the snow.

Cleaning up after dogs There are a number of reasons to pick up after our dogs — not the least of which is that none of us particularly cares to encounter dog poop while enjoying a nice ski or skate. In addition to aesthetic reasons, there are health-related and ecological motives for cleaning up after our beloved canine companions.

1) It is well-known that feces contain pathogenic (disease-causing) microbes that make people sick. Lake Windermere is a drinking water source, and it is not uncommon for beach-goers (especially kiddos) to ingest water while swimming. In the winter, young kids and animals delight in sneaking tastes of freshly fallen snow.

2) Nutrients found in dog waste cause imbalances in a lake’s natural ecosystem. Excess nutrients lead to the degradation of overall lake water quality. This is because nutrients from fecal matter can lead to increased algae growth, disturbing oxygen levels and other physical characteristics that fish and other animals need to

POOCHES’ PLAYGROUND — No one loves the frozen lake more than our canine companions but the Lake Windermere Ambassadors’ remind dog owners that it’s their responsibility to pick up after their fun-loving pets.

Photo by Nicole Trigg

January 13, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

Snowflake Festival returns for 8th year Amongst the skating, curling and general winter excitement, local band Valley Forged will be performing at Kinsmen Beach prior to the fireworks show that will take place at nightfall. Event organizer TheAfter weeks of chilling cold weather in the Coresa Wood said the fireworks show organized by the lumbia Valley, the highly anticipated Snowflake Fessame group that does the Canada Day show is always tival will be making its return to Invermere on Friday, one of the highlights for those in attendance.

January 20th at Kinsmen Beach in Invermere.

“Everyone likes fireworks,” she said. “Especially A free event planned for the whole community, in winter with all the mountains on a clear night, the 8th Annual Snowflake Festival will coincide with they really highlight the mountains and you can hear the widely popular Taste of the Valley event and the the sound echo off them all and it’s really neat.”

34th annual Bonspiel on the Lake that will start on In addition to the event’s traditional activities, Friday evening and carry on into the weekend.

WildSafeBC and the Lake Windermere Ambassadors This year, food connoisseurs will be able to enjoy are going to be hosting some family-friendly actividishes from nine different local restaurants includties from 2 to 4 p.m. ing Elements at Copper Point Resort, Bear’s Paw and The WildSafeBC booth will be set up on the Grill, Invermere Bakery, Cliffhanger Restaurant at TEMPT YOUR TASTEBUDS — The Invermere Bakery will be Grey Wolf, the Horsethief Creek Pub and Eatery, Piz- back with its delectable offerings for this year’s Taste of the Valley beach with information on wildlife activity during zeria Mercato, Copper City Saloon, Konig Meat and (pictured here in 2015) along with eight other local restaurants. the winter months as well as tracking activities. Ad File photo ditionally, families can visit the Ambassadors’ ice fishSausage Co., and Columbia River Café.

Those interested in sampling food from all nine restaurants can do so by pur- ing hut for information on what the lake looks like under the ice at this time of year chasing a passport for $10 at the event entrance. The passport allows you to have a and for colouring activities for the kids.

The main event will kick off at 4 p.m. on Friday and run until about 8 p.m. with sample from each station while also providing coupons to use at the restaurants on your own time after the festival is over — don’t be late, these tend to sell out quickly. the only cost being optional for people who want to purchase Taste of the Valley With the weather having been well below freezing for nearly two consecutive passports. Ms. Wood said she hopes the weather will remain cold for the event so months, there should be plenty of ice for people to enjoy with skating and the ongo- they can have another successful Snowflake Festival.

“If you want a really great small town mountain winter event, come on down ing Bonspiel tournament. Additionally there will be multiple fire pits set up along the beach so that people looking to just hang out with friends are able to stay warm. because the whole community turns out,” she said.

By Eric Elliott Pioneer Staff

Bonspiel on the Lake ready to rock

By Eric Elliott Pioneer Staff

said. “If they have vehicles on the lake and one drives by and the ice shifts, your rock can do a lot of different fun things.”

Ms. Dow said that teams have come from In addition to the delectable dishes being all over the country and even south of the borserved as part of the Taste of the Valley and the der from places like Seattle to compete in the 8th Annual Snowflake Festival, curlers from tournament, with many now bringing their across the continent will be throwing their kids for a family event. Each year, she said, rocks outdoors to kick off Invermere’s annual more and more make sure they return.

Bonspiel on the Lake on Friday, January 20th.

“I think it’s just the fun they have at this Running in its 34th year, the annual Bonevent,” she said. “The guys from Seattle, I spiel on the Lake will be bringing in 64 teams would be shocked if they didn’t come back beof curlers this year to compete on eight sheets cause they love it so much. They just have a of ice located on the frozen lake just off Kinsblast. Just being outside and the atmosphere of men Beach. If the weather remains as cold as being outside and seeing people who you meet it’s currently predicted, this will be the first year year after year. It’s just a unique, fun event.” since 2014 that curlers will be able to take adWhile not the biggest Bonspiel in Canavantage of the tournament outdoors instead of HURRY HARD! — Curlers are anticipating returning to the outdoor da or in the world — that honour goes to The inside the Invermere Curling Club facility.

“It’s hard to put into words until you’ve ex- rinks for this year’s Bonspiel, like was the case in 2014 when the weather Forks in Manitoba — Invermere’s Bonspiel on File photo the Lake still competes among the largest and is perienced it,” said event organizer Judy Dow. cooperated perfectly.

“If it’s inside, it’s still a fun event, but being outside is just amazing. You’re out always an exciting experience year after year, Ms. Dow said. there on the ice, the cook shack is out there, you can smell the burgers cooking and Those interested in spectating are encouraged to make their way down to Kinsmen Beach to enjoy the food and cheer on the curlers in the tournament. Ms. Dow it’s the way curling was invented — out on the lake.”

One of the unique elements of the Bonspiel is that it’s not catered towards said the Curling Club is still looking for volunteers for the event to prepare the ice super competitive curlers, she said, adding that the lake can be a great equalizer next week in addition to volunteers during the Bonspiel on the weekend. Those in terms of its temperature and natural elements that make it a fun atmosphere. looking to volunteer are encouraged to contact the curling club at invermerecurling “Curling is really fun because you never know what’s going to happen,” she @shaw.ca.

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 13, 2016

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SERVICES

Commercial – Residential Installation – Maintenance – Repairs

Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS

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

Scott Wilisky

Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700

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

stwcarpentry@live.ca • 250-270-0745

unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca

Kitchen cabinet & counter top SpecialiStS

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

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

Westridge Cabinets Dealer ~ Granite and Quartz Counter Tops Come visit our showroom,

Call for your FREE consultation and estimate

WETT Certified

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

Snow Removal • Lawn Maintenance Commercial

• FURNACES • HEAT PUMPS • AIR CONDITIONING • FIREPLACES • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE 385 Laurier Street, Invermere, B.C.

• Vertical Blinds • Automation • Residential & Commercial

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

www.diamondheatingandspas.com

Resdential

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

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

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

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

PHARMACY

BOUTIQUE VACATION HOME MANAGEMENT RENTAL SERVICES

LAMBERT-KIPP

Everett Frater Enterprises

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

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

Lambert

Call or visit online

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

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

January 13, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

HERE TO SERVE YOU CONCRETE

PLUMBING

READY MIX CONCRETE

Plumbing • Boiler Systems

Concrete Pump • Sand & Gravel Heavy Equipment Rentals • Crane Service

Rigid Plumbing Ltd.

Proudly Serving the Valley for over 50 years

Quality you can see!

Andy Charette

For competitive prices and prompt service, call: 250-342-3268 (plant) 250-342-6767 (office)

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

Christopher Jones Drainage Specialist

MrRooter.ca/kootenays mrrooter.kootenays@gmail.com

250-345-0216

Indpendently Owned & Operated Franchise Licensed • Insured

(Formerly Dehart) NEW SEWER CAMERA

• • •

• Septic Tank Pumping • Portable Toilet Rentals

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 CONTRACTING

• 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

SPECIAL OFFER

Purchase 1 metre of concrete and receive 1 metre of Birdseye aggregate (1/4”washed rock) (Used as decorative rock, backfill and bedding)

FREE!

Value $18.75/m or $12.50/tonne. Pickup at Skandia (trucking extra)

1756 Hwy 93/95 Windermere B.C.

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

CONTRACTING

CONTRACTING

Phil Bibby

Scott Postlethwaite

Journeyman Carpenter

250.341.1995 philbibby@live.ca

Free Estimates

New Homes • Custom Builds • Renovations Big Or Small

• • • •

250-342-5682

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

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

invermereelectric@gmail.com

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

FAIRMONT RIDGE RENOVATION

Doors Windows Flooring Painting/ Interior/Exterior • Kitchen Renovations

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

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

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

• •

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

250-341-7098 Invermere, B.C.

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 13, 2016

Mr. Rooter sprouts up in the Valley

operated Filter-It, also located in the Valley.

“I love the plumbing business and think that this is one of the best ways to Local business owner Christopher help people in our community,” Mr. Jones Jones took a large step forward by purchassaid. “Everyone needs a plumber. I believe ing a Mr. Rooter Plumbing company to that having a Mr. Rooter Plumbing system serve Fairmont Hot Springs and surroundin place is the best way to service those ing communities in the Columbia Valley. who have any plumbing needs.”

The local Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Mr. Rooter Plumbing is an expert the Kootenays is part of the Mr. Rooter plumbing company with years of experiPlumbing franchise, which has more than ence, offering commercial and residential 300 locations operating worldwide.

Christopher Jones plumbing in addition to drain cleaning “We aim to provide local homeowners services. Mr. Jones said that people in the and businesses with a reputable 24-7 repair Valley should expect top-calibre customer service when service at a fair and reasonable price,” Mr. Jones said.

Originally from the U.K, Mr. Jones moved to the Co- working with his company in the near future.

“When we come out to the properties, everything is lumbia Valley in 2008 after being named Britain’s Favourite Plumber for the three-year period of 1999-2002, a title done professionally and clean,” he said. “We wear unirecognizing the skills and service provided by the very best forms and we’re there to treat their properties like we of Britain’s plumbers while raising the importance of main- would treat our own properties and our homes.” taining the highest standards of public health and safety.

“Mr. Rooter is a premier choice for plumbing and He started in the industry in 1983 working with drain cleaning service,” said Doyle James, president of larger companies before he established his own business Mr. Rooter Plumbing, in a press release. “We’re delighted and began working in the domestic plumbing market. that Mr. Rooter Plumbing of the Kootenays has joined Before purchasing Mr. Rooter Plumbing, he owned and our team, and we know they will provide customers in

By Eric Elliott Pioneer Staff

Your Local

BEST IN BRITAIN — Christopher Jones, who just purchased the Mr. Rooter Plumbing franchise for the Columbia Valley, was named Britain’s Favourite Plumber for three years in a row from 1999-2002.

Photos submitted the local area with excellent customer service, while using the latest plumbing technology.

Outside of his professional life in plumbing, Mr. Jones enjoys spending time in the Columbia Valley with his wife and three kids.

“I love the Valley,” he said. “It’s got a great atmosphere that’s good for the family with all the activities that you can do together. What we love about it, too, is the community spirit as well.”

COLUMBIA VALLEY REAL ESTATE

Wende Brash Broker/Owner

ROCKIES WEST REALTY

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

492 Highway 93/95 Invermere, BC VOA 1K2

CELL: 250-342-5935 BUS: 250-342-5599 dk@rockieswest.com www.TeamRice.ca

Professionals RE/MAX Invermere

Glenn Pomeroy

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

glennpomeroy@shaw.ca

Independently Owned and Operated

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

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

HERE TO SERVE YOU CONTRACTING

250-341-1182

Box 424, Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0

Serving the Columbia Valley

www.cabincare.ca

• • • •

Renovations Decks Finishing Interior/Exterior Painting David Gulbe Mike Bernicot

CARPET CLEANING

Your search for quality and dependability ends with us.

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

Dean Hubman

Certified Technician

250-342-3052

Toll Free: 877-342-3052

Invermere, BC V0A 1K3 odysseyrestoration@telus.net

CARPET CLEANING

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

January 13, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

Pioneer Classifieds

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

LOST AND FOUND

THANK YOU

THANK YOU

ANNOUNCEMENT

CHEERS & JEERS

Lost: Key ring with about 12 keys including Toyota key with FOB lost on December 26th at either Edgewater dump or Radium pool. $150 REWARD. Contact David at 780-814-4330.

The Kinsmen Club of the Windermere Valley

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TATAFRIEND! Thanks for being born, you fantastical minx. Luff you with the force of a thousand suns. XOXO!!!!!!

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.

Lost: Designer silver purse at Strands Restaurant lobby. If found please call 250-342-0488.

S

would like to thank all those who supported our Christmas Tree Pickup this year.

Your donations will be sent to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

See you again next year.

OBITUARY

S

Gordon Alfred Ede 1928 – 2017

With heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of our beloved father, father-in-law, and grandfather, Gordon Ede, age 88, of Invermere, BC. We will miss his love, kind and gentle spirit, thoughtfulness and wonderful sense of humour.

Gordon was born to pioneering homesteaders, Winifred and Ernest (Dapper) Ede. He lived his early years in Windermere, BC with his 5 siblings Ron, Heather, Joyce, Eleanor and Myrtle.

In 1951 Gordon met the love of his life, Alice Hickson, at a local dance. They were married on May 3, 1952 at St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Windermere (the famous Stolen Church) and together they raised six children in the valley.

Gordon was a true family man, a wonderful husband and father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and always a true gentleman. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his children: Karen (Ralph) Wilson, Theresa Harrison (Len), Judy (Terrence) Curran, Cheryl (Philip) Brick, Cindy (Dale) Nicholson and Patrick (Wendi) Ede; his grandchildren: Sheena Wilson (James), Leanne Hutchison (Robert), Allan and Phillip Curran (Eleanor), Alicia Polachek (Jason) and Korrina (Robert), Kristopher and Kevin Ede; great-grandchildren: Trent McGraw, Taye Jackson, Evan and Austin Curran; special friend Wendy Harris and his coffee crew and the staff at A&W and all who ‘adopted’ him as family over the years. Gordon is survived by his sister Myrtle Wilder and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Drs. Louw & Weber as well as the nurses and lab staff at the Invermere Hospital. At Gordon’s request there will not be a funeral service. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in honour of Gordon may do so to the East Kootenay Foundation for Health; MRI: An Image of Health campaign.

ANNOUNCEMENT 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.

CHEERS & JEERS

Cheers to our counselors that hired a Cheers to the person who so genuine hardworking Public Works thoughtfully cleared our driveway Foreman. Bruce has the knowledge in Canal Flats on Willow Ave. We and experience. He has been very are new residents and what a dedicated and working incredible surprise it was to see when we hours caring for our community. pulled up with our U-Haul on Dec. Cheers Bruce, you have the respect 27th! The great welcome is much CHEERS & appreciated!

JEERS of us and great appreciation!

Sponsored by

CHEERS & JEERS Jeers to the people and or event organizers that never hesitate to ask for free stuff, donations and support from local businesses but never come into those business and support them in turn. It’s shameful and happens far to often.

S OBITUARY S Donna Mae Baines (nee Davies) 1933-2016 Donna passed away peacefully at Columbia House in Invermere B.C. on December 25, 2016.

Born and raised in Rossland B.C. Donna was an avid skier from an early age. She loved the outdoors and spent much time birdwatching, hiking, skiing, camping and fishing with her family. In 1985 Donna and her husband Ken moved to Edgewater B.C. to be closer to their children.

Donna was a devoted wife, sister, mother, and grandmother and a friend to many. She loved her family with all her heart.

No request was ever unanswered.

She will be missed always by her children, Kim (Sharon) Baines and Diane (Ren) Gallacher, grandchildren Kaitlyn, Crystal, Shannon, Ian and Graham, brothers Ron (Tess), Allan (Maryann), Edward (Deyanne) and Brian and nieces and nephew Mariah, Shane and Laura.

As requested, no service will be held. Donations in Donna’s name may be made to Columbia House or the charity of your choice.

Cheers to our anonymous and generous community benefactors who make it possible for students to participate in extra-curricular activities! You know who you are!!

Jeers to temperatures below -20C and double Jeers to not being able to text with gloves on.

HUGE CHEERS to all the Radium Fire Dept. for the fantastic firework display, it gets BETTER every year.

You all go above and beyond to get our Ooows and Ahhhs and deserve every one of them.

Cheers to Lori at Sign Artists for helping me out in a pinch.

S OBITUARY S

In Loving Memory

Hallford, Lucy HALLFORD Lucy, (née Bubovich), passed away peacefully, with her loving husband Bruce holding her hand as she desired and her very close friend, Ken Fowler at her side, on Monday December 5, 2016 at the age of 63, at Invermere Hospital in British Columbia. She was a loving mom of Chandler (Erin) and grandson Griffin, and a loving stepmother of Erin (Steve) and Ryan (Emilie) and grandchildren Callie and Joshua. She is survived by sisters Valentina (Bert), Ellen (Peter), Anna (Serge) and brother Paul, brothers-in-law Stephen (Nancy), Ian (Irene), sister-in-law Trish (Scott) and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday January 27, 2017 at 5:00 pm at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Ski Chalet. Reception to follow.

She lived! She loved! She laughed!

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 13, 2016

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

STORAGE

SUITE FOR RENT

FIREWOOD

Jeers to the RCMP for saying they are going to crack down on seat belts when fentanyl is running rampant in this town and people are dying.

Everybody knows who the drug dealers are around here so why can’t you do something about it?

Cheers to Pat, Shawn and all of the volunteers who make the Christmas Eve fireworks in Wilmer such a fantastic event!!!!

Jeers to those who think only road conditions cause accidents.

NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climate-controlled units.

Call 250-342-3637.

Rustic log cabin. Partly furnished, references please, mature tenants only. Call 250-342-9636, leave message.

Support Rockies Hockey firewood.

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

Cheers to the Rockies for providing some great entertainment on New Year’s Eve for our family.

Big Cheers to Justin from Radium for helping unload the food for the Village New Year’s Eve party. You always have a smile and a helping hand. Much appreciated!

A BIG Cheers to all the grocery stores and health food stores that have increased their specialty foods, LOCAL, organic and nongmo sections! It’s the way of the future. Much appreciated!!

Cheers to Brady from Wolfe Mining who stopped and picked up 2 stranded motorists in the park when our car broke down. It was dark and SUPER cold and even though it was going to make you late for work, you took the time to drive us to Radium so we could call a tow truck. Your kindness is appreciated!

A huge Cheers with icing on top to Dairy Queen for their special ambulance cake. The Invermere paramedics were very appreciative for this great treat!

Cheers to the CrossFit community for your energy and support during my first week.

Cheers to the sledders who stopped in at the Olive Hut on January 7th and left the firewood alone. Jeers to being on the Catamount Glacier in the first place - you’re a month early.

A huge Cheers to Chris for saving our Christmas dinner - lots of love from his family!

Jeers to the person who took my brand new designer silver purse from Strands Restaurant lobby on New Year’s Eve evening. I put it down to put on my jacket and forgot to pick it up when I left.

When I came back for it, it was gone and nothing was turned in to the servers. If you have it please return it to Strands Restaurant.

Cheers to Aaron at the Source. I came to you in a panic and was more than upset. You calmly and sensitively helped to solve a major problem for me. Much appreciated and know that your store will get my business before any other in your field from now on. You are a valuable local resource.

Cheers to Lisa at a Fairmont shop for answering a rude customer’s questions and getting flak in return - you handled yourself well! Don’t take it personally and keep up the good work!

THANK YOU TOBY CREEK NORDIC SKI CLUB

Thank You

Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club would like to thank the following organizations for their support in our fundraiser, The 2017 Best of Banff Mountain Film Festival.

• Panorama Mountain • Lusti’s Resort • Nipika Mountain Resort • Copper Point Resort • Columbia River Paddle • Peppi’s Pizza • Max Paragliding • Home Hardware • All the wonderful • District of Invermere volunteers • Crazy Soles The Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club

Cheers to my sister for being born.

When I was just an embryo, I put a message in a discarded can of Fanta Grape and threw it into the ocean of amniotic goodness. It read, “Any fetus-es-es that succeed me must totes be the coolest person in like, 4 ev’s.” And so it was. xoxoxOMGxoxo Big Cheers to Stan at the Rink for finding my phone/wallet when it fell out of my pocket and for calling me! Your integrity is what makes this such a great place to be!

Jeers to the little black car lurking around Wilmer at 4 to 5 a.m. Just so you know, we are watching you and Wilmer residents beware!

COMMERCIAL SPACE 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.

1490 sq. ft. of shop/retail space in Athalmer, 2 large overhead doors!, $1272/mo, all utilities included.

Newhouse Multi Storage, 250-3423637, newmulti@telus.net.

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

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

SUITE FOR RENT

CONDO FOR RENT

2-bdrm apartment, close to downtown. Balcony, free laundry, N/S, small pets considered, $825/ mo. + utilities, cable TV included.

Available Feb. 1st. 250-426-9853.

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.

Invermere: 1-bdrm furnished basement suite. Utilities and cable included. $850/mo, laundry available. No-pets. Call 250-3421587 after 5 p.m.

Akiskinook Resort, 1-bdrm upgraded furnished condo, includes utilities, Wi-Fi/cable, N/S, N/P. Rec center. $1299/mo or $600/ wk, 403-293-3870.

Walkout basement suite. Roomy 1-bdrm, walking distance to downtown. Utility, refrigerator, own laundry. N/P and N/S. Single $675/mo. Double $850/mo. available Feb. 1st. Call 250-3423474.

Unique large 2-bdrm apartment in Radium, $850/mo., utilities included, available immediately.

Call 250-342-6904.

For rent in Radium: Modern 2-bdrm, lower level suite. W/D, D/W, N/S, N/P. $850/mo, utilities included. 250-342-3790.

THANK YOU

You Thank Thank Youhank You nk You T Tha The Nokleby Johnson Nicholas family would like to thank

Pat Cope and Family Dynamix Karel and Mike from Pip's Tim, Shelly, Ursula and Owen for the great banana bread The Edgewater Elementary staff,

Radium: Motel Bavaria, low low rates, daily, weekly, monthly.

Kitchenettes available. Call 250347-9915.

Babes on Blades Columbia Valley Oldtimers Hockey Association The RCMP First Responders

All of the doctors, nurses and support staff, who helped Jamie through her difficult journey over the years. We'd also like to thank the pallbearers: Al Autterson, Greg Ruault, Mason Berry, Conrad Hollowink, Cheyenne Jimmy and Gaston Lalonde also for his comic relief on a very cold day. Thanks to Theresa Kains for everything and everyone who was there for us during this terrible time.

Pine Firewood for sale. Call 250342-1586.

SHARED ACCOMM. Looking for a roommate to share a house. Personal bath, bedroom not furnished. Must be very clean and help cleaning around the house. Dog negotiable if super well behaved. Has to be fun and active.

West side park area. N/S in the house. $625/mo utilities included, D.D., long term preferable. Please call if interested 778-252-1167.

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE 0.42 acre undeveloped treed lot on Nelles Crescent, Windermere. 403616-9659.

January 13, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

FITNESS

SERVICES

HELP WANTED

STRONG HIIT Classes – Julie Parent LET’S KEEP FIT IN THE NEW YEAR!!

STRONG HIIT classes resume for the New Year. Wednesday January 4th.

Classes are held at J.A. Laird Elementary School Gym Wednesday and Valley Fitness Centre. Friday at 5:30 p.m. For more information regarding this HIIT class please contact Julie Parent at 250-3415474.

Heaven’s Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

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.

Zumba Fitness – Julie Parent LET’S KEEP FIT IN THE NEW YEAR!!

Zumba Classes resume for the New Year Thursday January 5th, 2017.

Classes are held at J.A. Laird Elementary School Gym Mon and Thurs at 5:30 p.m.

Contact Julie Parent at 250-3415474 for more information.

Environmentally friendly products.

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

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.

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

Dental office in Invermere B.C. is currently accepting resumes for a full-time

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.

Starting in February 2017.

Odyssey Restoration and Cleaning is now accepting resumes for experienced F/T workers. Please send resumes to odysseyrestoration@telus.net.

HELP WANTED

Certified Dental Assistant

If you are a motivated team player we are looking for you. Please drop off resumes to Drs. O’Sullivan and Bartoletti at 602 14th St. Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0 or email to dental5lakeview@gmail.com or fax 250-342-3561.

LEGAL ASSISTANT REQUIRED We are looking for a full-time Legal Assistant to join our Invermere team. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3-5 years of legal and/or professional services industry experience, be energetic and outgoing and will be comfortable working in a fast paced environment. Responsibilities may include providing administrative support to the lawyers and other senior staff, client communication, incoming and outgoing mail/faxes, filing, correspondence, answering phones, scheduling appointments and a variety of general office duties. Proficiency in Microsoft Word is required and a working knowledge of PC LAW and/or eConvey would be an asset. Rockies Law Corporation provides competitive remuneration in a progressive and flexible work environment.

Please forward your resume with covering letter and references to steve@rockieslaw.com.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

F/T help wanted. Please drop off resume at Lucky Strike Gas.

Don’t Miss an Issue!

N E W S PA P E R

Read us online:

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Old phrases explained Curator’s Corner

By J.D. Jeffery Museum Curator Happy New Year! The museum staff and volunteers want to take this time to wish you a happy 2017.

Throughout last year, I had many people approach me on how much they enjoyed the articles. My goal is to continue to bring you things of interest from the museum so you can learn more about the people who came before us and why some things are called what they are.

One of the topics I know you enjoy is the names of landmarks — I will continue this with a little bit more focus on mountains as they are the year’s theme.

I also had people point out they enjoyed the origin of phrases and proverbs we used to hear. I will have those in this column and in future articles; so, if you have a phrase you may have heard and you don’t know where it started, let me know by emailing wvmuseum@shaw. ca, or tell me when we meet and I will look into it. . . . ‘Local’ from page 3 “Nothing significant has been done to address housing and affordability issues in British Columbia.

What we need is a real plan for affordable housing,” added Mr. Taft.

Liberal candidate Doug Clovechok had a different view.

“Buying your first home is one of the most exciting life experiences. I remember vividly my first home that had the most amazing wood burning fireplace. I can still recall the joy when I walked into my own house for the first time,” said Mr. Clovechok. “Owning a home is the dream of many British Columbians, but getting there can be tough. Getting a down payment together is often the hardest part, especially without help from family. To help hard-working British Columbians achieve that dream, B.C. has put into place the new BC Home Partnership.

The program is specifically for buyers who are entering the market for their

“Like water off a duck’s back” has a meaning of not letting criticisms or insults show how much they affect you. Ducks have oily feathers so when water lands on them, it can’t get through and just beads up and rolls off the duck’s back. If you have a negative comment expressed to, you don’t react and let the comment roll off of you just like water on a duck’s back.

“Straight from the horse’s mouth” refers to getting information from the highest authority or the source. In horse racing, tips of a likely winner came from people who handled the horses — stable hands, trainers, etc. If you got it from the horse’s mouth, you got it from an even higher source than the inner circle, the horse itself.

I love hearing your comments and suggestions that let me know what you want to read about. If you have something you would like highlighted in Curator’s Corner, let me know and I will try to include it when I can.

Learn more about what’s happening at the museum by visiting www. windermerevalleymuseum.ca. first home and will provide eligible homebuyers — who have been preapproved for an insured first mortgage from a lending institution — with a 25-year loan of up to five per cent of the purchase price, to a maximum of $37,500, with no interest and no payments for the first five years.

“This innovative program will help thousands of British Columbians come to understand, as did I, that there is no place more delightful than one’s own home — especially with a fireplace!”

Applications for the Home Owner Mortgage and Equity will open on January 16th. To learn how to apply, visit https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Housing_ Campaign_HOME.pdf, or for more details on the program see https:// homeownerservices.bchousing.org/.

For more information about home owner grants, visit www2.gov.bc.ca/ gov/content/taxes/property-taxes/ annual-property-tax/reduce/homeowner-grant/under-65.

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 13, 2016

Regional District of East Kootenay PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE - BYLAWS 2744 & 2745 Bylaw Amendment - Rushmere / 1129759 Alberta Ltd. The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an application by 1129759 Alberta Ltd. to amend the Lake Windermere Official Community Plan and the Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw. If approved, the bylaws will amend the OCP and Zoning designations of part of the subject property to accommodate subdivision. The subject property is located at Westside Road in Rushmere as shown on the attached map.

Bylaw No. 2744 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Lake Windermere Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2061, 2008 – Amendment Bylaw No. 20, 2016 (Rushmere / 1129759 Alberta Ltd.)” will amend the designation of that part of Lot 1, District Lot 4596, Kootenay District, Plan NEP88930 except EPP43962 from RR, Rural Resource to SH, Small Holdings.

Bylaw No. 2745 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 325, 2016 (Rushmere / 1129759 Alberta Ltd.)” will amend the designation of that part of Lot 1, District Lot 4596, Kootenay District, Plan NEP88930 except EPP43962 from A-1, Rural Resource Zone to SH-2, Small Holding Semi-Rural Zone.

A public hearing will be held at: Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce 651 Highway 93/95 Invermere, BC Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at 7:00 pm The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F, Electoral Area G and the District of Invermere.

If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaw, you may prior to the hearing: • inspect the Bylaw and supporting information at the RDEK office in Cranbrook from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays; • mail, fax or email written submissions to the addresses/ numbers shown below; or • present written and/or verbal submissions at the hearing.

SUBMISSIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING. All submissions will form part of the public record and will be published in a meeting agenda posted online.

Personal contact information such as phone and email will be removed from written submissions. Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335.

This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw. For more information, contact Jean Terpsma, Planning Technician, at 250-489-0314, toll free at 1-888-478-7335, or email jterpsma@rdek.bc.ca.

The RDEK is on the hunt for the 2017 Electoral Area Volunteers of the Year Nomination Deadline is Wednesday, February 15!

If you know an outstanding volunteer in one of the rural areas in the region, the RDEK wants to hear from YOU! Nominees must be a resident of an Electoral Area and make voluntary contributions to the spirit, culture or people of the community.

Nomination forms are now available at our Cranbrook & Columbia Valley RDEK offices and on our website at www.rdek.bc.ca.

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

Local Food Bank is busier than ever Nations, 13 per cent as Metis, and 26 per cent as having diabetes, food allergies or special food requirements. Currently, 51 per cent of our clients claim Invermere as their home.

Why do people need extra help in putSubmitted by the ting food on their tables? The most comColumbia Valley mon reason is unemployment (the case for Food Bank 71 per cent of the heads of household), Editor’s note: This is the first of four along with the related issues of low or seaquarterly reports submitted by the Columbia sonal employment and low wages. Those Valley Food Bank in 2017 to help illuminate who experience unexpected expenses, the role it plays in the local community. changes in benefits or social assistance, sickness and other health issues, changes Since its inception in 2000, the Co- in family arrangements, or simply arrive lumbia Valley Food Bank (CVFB) has in the valley with high hopes for a better been providing access to healthy food for life than what they experienced where they individuals and famiwere, but haven’t yet lies from Spillimacheen discovered it, are also to Canal Flats. For our included in our clienfirst quarterly report, tele. we’d like to provide inIn the face of these formation and numbers increased demands, we about who our clients continue to rely on the are and why they need generous individuals, to access our services. visitors, community or2016 was the busiganizations, churches, est year the CVFB has services clubs and busiexperienced. In our nesses in the valley that previous busiest year, Above: Food Bank chair Lawrie Mack provide food, services, 2012, we prepared 828 receives a donation from Inspire Floral opportunities and cash hampers to feed 1,893 Boutique owner Alita Bentley. Below: donations to enable us people. Last year, we Roxann Rad representing CUPE Local to improve the quality put together 921 ham- 40 presents a food bank donation. of life for many locals. pers to feed 2,459 indi- We also rely on Photos submitted viduals. Compared to the volunteers who last year, the number put time and effort of hampers is up 17 per into completing the cent and the number of many tasks required to individuals up 26 per keep us operating. Our cent!

“Volunteer Cheer” for Based on recent stathis month goes out tistics, 52 per cent of the to Judy Rea, our head heads of the household shopper and shelver, collecting hampers are who every week premale, and 48 per cent pares and submits the female. The hampers reshopping list of received vary in size from one-person (44 per quired food, verifies the shipments when cent) and two-person (25 per cent) to five delivered, and gets them appropriately or more persons (six per cent). stored or shelved in preparation for the Of the individuals benefitting from next client day. Thanks Judy! the hampers given out, 33 per cent are unFor more information, or should you der 19, 24 per cent over 50, and nearly 10 wish to donate or volunteer, please contact per cent over 60. Other numbers of note the CVFB at 250-342-0850, or the conare that 24 per cent self-identify as First tact Chair Lawrie Mack at 250-342-5092.

January 13, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

FAITH

Living a joy-filled life

By Pastor Wayne Frater Radium Christian Fellowship Church With 2016 behind us with all its problems and heartache, and 2017 ahead of us — a New Year, a fresh start, a year when many of our dreams can be fulfilled if we give the Lord a chance in our lives. If we place Him first in all we say and do.

A while back, we were talking about living a joyful life, and we spent some time studying Nehemiah 8:10.

The NKJ says: “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” The NLT tells us: “Don’t be dejected and sad... ” and the amp says: “And be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold.”

This is the kind of joy we need to fulfill all our Lord has planned for us this year, and for years to come, nothing on the outside having control over us, no matter what life, or the enemy may throw at us, we can have that inner peace and joy of the Lord our Saviour and our King.

So how does this work, how do we live this joy-filled life? Not sorrowful, not dejected and sad, not grieved or depressed, but full of the Lord’s joy?

First the joy comes from being in the Lord’s presence. David had it figured out and he tells us in Psalms

16:6-9 NKJV: “The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance.

I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope.”

Every thought of David was filtered through the Lord, if we also are always thinking of the Lord, if we also remain constantly in the presence of the Lord, we also can have a glad heart full of His joy.

The joy of the Lord will also be built up in us, as we spend time with other Christians, at Church, Bible Study, prayer meetings, or just fellowshipping together.

I believe we are to come to God’s church each and every Sunday to let the Lord work through us to build each other up in Him. To be strengthened by each other, sharpened and tuned. We are strengthened when we are in one accord, when we are in unity, when we work together. As we are strengthened we will have joy, We will have the joy of the Lord.

Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4-7 NKJV: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Have a Blessed and joy-filled 2017!

Share and share alike The RDEK recently replaced the Zamboni at its Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena in Invermere and donated the old Zamboni to the Wasa Lions for the outdoor rink.

The Wasa Outdoor Rink is a muchloved hub of activity in the Wasa area, thanks to the efforts of the Wasa Lions and community volunteers who maintain it all winter.

As you can see from the attached photo, the Zamboni is already hard at work in Wasa and the rink looks fantastic!

Photo by Tanya Yost-Munro

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Sunday, January 15th 10:30 a.m. Worship and Life Instruction, “Practical Faith – Faith And Endurance” … Pastor Trevor Hagan ministering.

“K.I.D.S.” 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 Ave, Invermere • 250-342-9535 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 Ave., 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

Soccer AGM 7:00 PM Wednesday, January 25

at the College of the Rockies

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 13, 2016

YOUR MONEY

Helping first-time homebuyers The B.C. government is offering to help first-time homebuyers cover the cost of a mortgage down payment with an interest-free loan. Here are the details.

What is the program?

The program is called the BC Home Owner Mortgage and Equity (HOME) Partnership. The goal of the program is to assist people who can afford mortgage payments on a new home, but are challenged to make the down payment. In order to qualify, the buyer must be a first-time homebuyer. Applications open January 16th, 2017 and the program ends March 31st, 2020.

How does it work?

The HOME Partnership would offer a 25-year loan, interest-free and payment-free for the first five years, as long as the home remains one’s principal residence. If the loan is not repaid during that time, a repayment schedule over the remaining 20 years at the prime lending rate plus 0.5 per cent would apply.

The funds provided must be matched by the borrowers. For example, a person with five per cent saved can double their downpayment to 10 per cent.

The program’s maximum matching loan is $37,500, which represents five per cent of a $750,000 home purchase, the maximum purchase price allowed. Home buyers must also have combined gross household in-

come of $150,000 or less.

What is the process?

First, applicants must be pre-approved for an insured high-ratio mortgage for at least 80 per cent of the home’s purchase price. Then they are eligible to apply to the HOME program for assistance. Next, the applicant would make an offer on their desired home, subject to financing. Finally, the applicant would take the HOME commitment to their bank, get final approval for an insured mortgage, and purchase the home.

The government would put a second mortgage on the property to reflect the amount it loaned.

How is the program funded?

The program will be paid for by property-transfer tax revenues, the 15 per cent foreign homebuyer’s tax and the luxury tax on homes priced at over $2 million.

B.C. is forecasting a budget surplus of more than $2 billion, due largely to property revenues.

Should people use the program?

Critics argue that the HOME Partnership program could increase home prices, as it may cause people to spend more on houses than they should. They also note that it undermines the federal government’s attempts to curb risky lending.

Still, for financially prudent people, the HOME

Partnership can provide an opportunity to save on interest costs. For example, a person who qualifies for the full $37,500 and borrows it interest-free from the government as opposed to financing $37,500 through their mortgage at three per cent interest would save $5,201 over the first five years, but only if they paid off the loan at that point.

Those who struggle with money might be better off avoiding the program. For example, the HOME Partnership program only requires a buyer to have a 2.5 per cent downpayment, as the program will top up the other 2.5 per cent to reach the minimum five per cent threshold. This begs the question, should a person with only 2.5 per cent down buy a home now, or should they wait until they are more financially stable?

Where is their financial buffer if something went wrong in their life?

Further, future interest rates are uncertain. Interest on the HOME loan is calculated as Prime + one per cent, making it a floating rate debt.

If we get a lot of inflation and higher interest rates in the future, the HOME loan could end up costing borrowers a lot more than anticipated if they are not prepared to pay it off. Therefore, while HOME loans will help many B.C. residents get into the real estate market, sound financial judgement should be used to determine suitability.

Investments, Insurance & Financial Planning Brendan Donahue BCOMM, CIM, FCSI

Senior Investment Advisor Insurance Agent

Sara Worley CIM®, FCSI®

Investment Advisor Insurance Agent

Bringing Manulife’s extensive estate planning resources to our community

GIC Rates

as of January 9th

1 yr 2 yr 3 yr 4 yr 5 yr

1.47% 1.66% 1.78% 1.91% 2.01%

*Rates subject to change without notice.

Holly’s Financial Tips “Be careful with back-end loaded mutual funds” Please visit our website to find out why: Holly Jones

invermereadvisors.com

BA,

Investment Associate, Insurance Agent

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