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Vol. 6/Issue 2

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The Columbia

Valley

P ioneer

January 9, 2009

Year Round Dining!

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Serving The Upper Columbia Valley including Spillimacheen, Brisco, Edgewater, Radium, Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats

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3 DRUNKS LOCKED OUT

9 FIRST 2009 ENTRY

Our 2008 Travel Contest Winner!

Cassie Woelfle, daughter of Neil and Coralie Woelfle of Radium, is the winner of two tickets to a Calgary Flames game and a night in a Calgary hotel. Here she accepts her prize from Russ Daggett, owner of Travel World.

See Page 10 for more on the 2008 contest.

Photo by Cayla Gabruck

19 If this is your idea of a savings plan, we really need to talk.

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 9, 2009

S ol i d W o od Bl i n d s Call The Blind Guy!

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Valley NEWS Local conservation fund will go to work this summer

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Vision To encourage and teach participants how to improve their quality of life through walking, running and other life sports.

Winter Outdoor Fitness Clinics Starts week of January 12th – 18th • • • • • • • •

Nordic Pole Walking Running Clinics – All Levels Vancouver 1/2 and Full Marathon Clinics Winter Boot Camp Snowshoe Trail Hikes Certified Coaches Personal Training and Fitness Testing Available Snowshoes and Walking Poles are Provided Call Michelle Taylor at 250-342-8737 or go to columbiavalleylifesports.com

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff The Local Conservation Fund is one step closer to being active.

Last month, directors of the Regional District of East Kootenay voted in favour of the bylaw enacting the fund.

Now Shawn Tomlin, the regional district’s chief financial officer, says residents will be billed for the approximately $20 parcel tax in May or June.

“The conservation fund tax will be a new line item on 2009 tax notices,” Mr. Tomlin said.

Residents who live in Invermere, Canal Flats and Radium Hot Springs The valley’s natural beauty is almost more spectacular in winter. will see the tax on their Photo by Wayne Collens municipal bill.

The Columbia Valley is the first community in the Those in Area F and Area G will notice it on the country to establish a fund tax specifically for water bill issued by the Provincial Surveyor of Taxes. protection, wildlife and habitat conservation, and the In a November referendum, 54 percent of Columpreservation of open spaces. bia Valley residents voted to pass the Local Conserva“The Local Conservation Fund sets a Canadian tion Fund, an initiative of the East Kootenay Conserprecedent for conservation financing,” said Dave Hillvation Program.

The fund invests $2 million in conservation proj- ary of the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

“Its establishment bodes well for a healthier future ects over its nine-year term.

Discussions are underway to appoint a board that for the people of the Columbia Valley.”

The United States has taken on a similar initiawill determine which projects, from Spillimacheen to tive.

Canal Flats, will benefit from the fund.

In a referendum held during the November presi“Our natural systems are under a lot of stress and our collective future depends on how we deal with dential election, U.S. voters passed 62 out of 87 conservation finance measures. this,” said Gerry Wilkie, director of Area G.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

January 9, 2009

Valley NEWS

Invermere to lower business taxes

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff Invermere businesses may be given a leg up by the district in their 2009 taxes.

At a January 7th meeting, council and staff discussed lowering commercial and industrial tax rates to three times the residential tax rate for 2009.

Director of Finance Karen Coté explained that previously, the commercial rate was 3.5 times residential, and the industrial rate was as high as six times the residential rate.

“We compared our rate with provincial, East Kootenay and resort development communities. With the shift downward, we will have the second lowest industrial rate in the East Kootenay,” Ms. Coté said.

Also, residential taxes would not increase in 2009.

“By lowering the commercial rate and the industrial rate, it shows good faith that we are trying to attract businesses, without putting any onus on the regular taxpayer,” said councillor Al Miller.

The downward shift fits into the District of Invermere’s budget because council has introduced a new construction tax. This increased revenue will make up for potential losses in commercial and industrial revenue.

“This year, with the additional income we will receive from new construction, it was a good year to make that adjustment,” said councillor Ray Brydon.

“If we didn’t have the new construction increase, we would have to do something different,” added councillor Bob Campsall.

Invermere businesses are welcoming the planned decrease in taxes.

“I think it’s a good, proactive move in today’s economic climate,” said Paul Christy, chairperson of the Invermere Business Committee.

“Anything to encourage businesses that are here or new businesses coming in is a good thing,” he added.

However, Mr. Christy is cautious about handing the tax to new construction.

“Any time we talk about making developers pay, it places pressure on the cost of housing,” he said.

The freeze on residential taxes was first discussed by council during initial budget considerations in October. This recommendation would make it official.

“We discussed a residential increase, but we felt with the economic conditions across Canada that maybe this would be the year to hold a tax increase on residential taxes,” said Mr. Brydon.

“We will have to increase utility rates, so we recommend holding the residential tax at a zero-percent increase for 2009.”

He pointed out that residents could still see an increase on their tax notice.

“We don’t know yet what the school district and the Regional District of East Kootenay taxes will do, so there could still be an increase. But it won’t be from the District of Invermere.”

Bob Campsall wants residents to bookmark the potential decision.

“We hope that taxpayers remember next year that they got their presents this year,” he said.

Council will vote on the recommendations at their regular meeting on January 13th.

Water and sewer breaks cost $25,000

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff Emergency repairs to water and sewer lines in Invermere will cost up to $25,000 and close 7th Avenue for two days next week.

Three incidents over the holiday season have seen District of Invermere staff rush to mend breaks and blockages in pipes in three separate locations.

The first break occurred on December 23rd on 13th Avenue between 15th and 17th Streets.

“It started as a small leak and was addressed with throttling the water main to reduce the leak and defer a very disruptive repair, with associated road closures and water outages,” said Brian Nickurak, director of municipal works.

On January 5th, 13th Avenue was closed so the pipe could be excavated and repaired. The project is expected to cost $10,000.

The age of the pipes is thought to have caused this rupture.

“This line is over 40 years old and is on the district’s priority replacement list,” Mr. Nickurak said.

“Unfortunately, other works necessary in the same area are being coordinated with this replacement to work best with economies of scale.”

The second incident was a blockage in a sewer line, also on 13th Avenue, but this time near the intersection with 9th Street.

The blockage was related to the new sewer main, Mr. Nickurak said, which means the District of Invermere is not responsible for the repair costs.

“It involved contract work performed with installation of the new sewer main, and will be covered by the contractor’s warranty,” he said.

The blockage was repaired on December 30th.

Lastly, the water service to Artym Gallery was disrupted by a break in the line on 7th Avenue.

The issue was reported on December 27th, but district staff were reluctant to excavate at that time.

“The repair was deferred for two days with throttling of the water main to prevent extensive disruption downtown and the closure of 7th Avenue on the busiest week of the year for local businesses,” Mr. Nickurak said.

Emergency repairs were undergone on December 29th, but more extensive maintenance will be completed next week.

For two days from January 13th to 15th, 7th Avenue will be closed between AG Valley Foods and Artym Gallery, including the sidewalk.

The repairs are estimated to cost up to $15,000.

Mr. Nickurak said works staff are unsure what caused the break.

“It is likely imperfect installation or faulty service connection fitting, though age is a factor at over 25 years old,” he said.

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 9, 2009

Life Time Warranty on all Blinds Call The Blind Guy!

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RCMP Report

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On December 30th, Constable Michaud received a report of a break-and-enter at a seasonal residence in Windermere. The complainant said that sometime between November 11th and December 26th, the house was broken into.

The westside window was pried open and several items were stolen. Among them were two wall clocks, three handset telephones, one stereo, two electric grills, several bottles of alcohol and a potato peeler.

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to contact the RCMP at 250-342-9292 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Overtaking vehicle crashes

On December 30th at noon, RCMP were called to a single-vehicle accident on Highway 93/95 about four kilometres north of Fairmont Hot Springs.

On the scene, witnesses told police that a snowplough was clearing the southbound lane of the road at about 50 kilometres per hour, when a white Ford Explorer pulled out to pass him.

While the Explorer accelerated, it lost control and spun into the guard rail before coming to a stop in the northbound lane.

The driver, a 28-year-old Calgary woman, had burn marks to her face from the airbags deploying. No other injuries were noted and the Explorer occupants declined medical attention. No charges were laid.

Yellow light causes crash

On December 30th at around 8:30 p.m., RCMP were called to a two-vehicle crash that occurred at the intersection of Highway 93/95 and Athalmer Road in Windermere.

A 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe was northbound on Highway 93/95, turning west onto Athalmer Road.

The driver, a 64-year-old Calgary resident, said he was turning on a yellow light when a southbound vehicle hit him head on. The passenger of the Sante Fe told police she had minor injuries to her head, hip, foot and knee.

Meanwhile, police also spoke with the driver of the second vehicle. That driver, a 35-year-old Calgary resident, was operating a 2006 Range Rover. Neither he nor his single passenger had any injuries.

According to information from the driver of the Range Rover, they were southbound on Highway 93/95, approaching the intersection. When it was about 10 yards away, the light turned yellow and the Sante Fe turned in front of him and they hit each other.

Continued on Page 17 . . .

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

January 9, 2009 SPREADING CHEER – Don Pawlyshyn from the Columbia Valley Food Bank received a cheque for $2,951 from Lake Windermere District Lions Club members Dave Fassnidge, left, and Al Lynch, right.

The Lions Club raised money for the food bank through its annual Twoonie Draw.

The Lake Windermere District Lions Club thank the community for supporting this worthwhile project.

Foundation Skills Assessment: What parents need to know Foundation Skills Assessment testing doesn’t help students learn or teachers teach. Instead, FSA results are used by the Fraser Institute for American-style ranking of schools that only erodes confidence in public education.

Teachers teach their students everyday. We care passionately about their success. We believe in regular assessment and testing, and working with parents to improve learning.

With so much to learn and so many challenges facing our children, why is the provincial government wasting valuable classroom time on a discredited approach to testing?

If the government really wants to improve student achievement, they should keep their promise to reduce class size and improve support for students with special needs.

When will they learn?

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Hampers made a better Christmas

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff Residents of the Columbia Valley have rallied to answer the calls of more than 190 families and individuals this year, making sure each and every one of them had a Christmas to remember.

This past holiday season, the Columbia Valley Christmas Bureau received 192 applications for Christmas hampers – 25 more than last year.

“It reflects the unemployment situation that does exist,” said Gail Hoffmann, co-chair of the Christmas Bureau, speaking of the increase.

The application period for Christmas hampers begins in November for those feeling the weight of the slowing economy.

The hampers were available for pick-up by residents around the valley on the afternoon of Friday, December 19th.

“Applying for a Christmas hamper doesn’t mean that a person is always needy,” Gail said.

She explained that many families feel the holiday crunch for cash in early December, and a Christmas hamper is a way of ensuring that they can still provide gifts and a good meal for their family.

A typical hamper consists of basic food items, including ingredients for a traditional Christmas dinner.

There is also a food voucher for any of the local grocers, so that recipients can pick out a meat product or other perishables of their choice.

The work of the Christmas Bureau is made possible by the generous individuals and businesses within the valley who donate, as well as volunteers.

This year, the organization had the help of more than 20 volunteers. They collected cash donations and enough food and gift items to fill 192 hampers to the brim.

“The valley has been fantastic about this,” Gail said.

This is the Christmas Bureau’s 13th year with consistent membership and every year a few new devotees are added to the bunch.

The bureau’s loyal group of volunteers work tireless hours every year to prepare and collect the hampers. But they do not do it for recognition.

“You see lots of people coming in with tears . . . they are just grateful that it is going to be a real Christmas,” Gail said. “That’s the best part of Christmas as far as the bureau is concerned.

“Just knowing how many people gave their hearts, time, and skills is fantastic.”

6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

perspective

The pen mightier than the sword

January 9, 2009

Historical Lens

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Publisher Now that the holidays are over are we are hunkering down until spring, take the time to write a Letter to the Editor.

A few simple rules apply. We won’t publish letters targeting individual businesses or people, unless they are in public office. Politicians should be able to ignore criticism, or use it constructively.

We also won’t publish anything longer than 500 words. That sounds like a lot, but you’d be surprised how many people can’t stop writing once they get wound up about something. Our belief is that if you can’t make your point in 500 words, you need to rethink your position.

It’s always a pleasure to open our mailbox, and we know our readers love to hear from you as well.

Email letters to upioneer@telus.net, or drop them at our office, 1008-8th Avenue, Invermere.

Four fish are displayed by an unknown girl on the left, and Sinclair Craig on the right. Mr. Craig, who lived in Windermere, worked as a blacksmith and was an ardent fisherman. The photo, which also features an interesting fence made out of sharpened stakes, was taken sometime in the 1930s. If you have any more information about Photo A810, email the Windermere Valley Museum at wvmuseum@cyberlink.bc.ca.

Photo courtesy of Windermere District Historical Society

Veteran says oil is driving conflict overseas Dear Editor: It is nice to know that Kelly Ferguson is enjoying her career in the military. I would agree with her that the Canadian soldier is as good as any in the world when the situation requires being a soldier.

Most, if not all, the deaths of our military have been caused by roadside bombs – no fighting involved.

The fact that their morale is so good shows their strength of character. Can you imagine going on patrol every day/night not knowing if you are going to be blown away?

We are fighting a foe that is inspired by a religious ethic and consequently there will be no victory. Who can come to the table and sign a peace treaty that will have the support of the Sunni, the Shiites, and the Kurds – let alone the Taliban?

But the fight going on in Iraq and Afghanistan is an occupation started by the Bush administration to consolidate the oil resources of the region and had nothing to do with bringing a better life to the people of the region. Until the occupation ran into the religious roadblock, the oil resource was the object. The moral crusade became the excuse for the casualties. Well over 100,000 civilians have been killed – do you really think they will forget?

If it were not for oil, the places would only be an article in the National Geographic as having a unique culture. If Zimbabwe had oil, Mugabe would have suffered the same fate as Saddam Hussein.

The cost of maintaining a military presence in the region will bleed our financial resources. It is a little ludicrous that we are building schools, roads, etc. at enormous cost in Afghanistan, when here in

Canada we are at our wit’s end to find financing to take care of the same here.

America has a big stick because a lot of countries are financially dependent on the States. Bases in Italy, Turkey and Germany, to name a few, hire a great many civilians. Local politicians would be very reluctant to lose the business. This includes Canada.

The American military is reluctant to leave, and in fact will not leave completely. The U.S. is building a large consulate building in the green zone.

Besides, in today’s economy, throwing a bunch of soldiers into the civilian job market is not too appetizing to Obama.

Incidentally, I am a veteran of World War Two, with ten years in the post-war militia.

Don Thompson, Invermere

The Columbia Valley

Pioneer is independently owned and operated and published weekly by Abel Creek Publishing Inc. Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Phone (250) 341-6299 · Fax (250) 341-6229 Email: upioneer@telus.net · www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

The material, written or artistic, may not be reprinted or electronically reproduced in any way without the written consent of the publisher. The opinions and statements in articles, columns and advertising are not necessarily those of the publisher or staff of The Columbia Valley Pioneer. It is agreed by any display advertiser requesting space that the newspaper’s responsibility, if any, for errors or omissions of any kind is limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the space as occupied by the incorrect item, and there shall be no liability in any event greater than the amount paid for the advertisement.

Elinor Florence

Sally Waddington

Cayla Gabruck

Dave Sutherland

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Michele McGrogan

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

January 9, 2009

Logging roads have worst effect on grizzlies Dear Editor: The Ktunaxa state that their chief concern in Jumbo is the grizzly. Might not big game hunting, logging, mining, ranchettes, urban sprawl and/or poaching be problems worth looking at? Nope, it’s a single ski area that will doom the bears.

Study after study has refuted the arguments of opponents, including the recent letter claiming that Jumbo is a critical wildlife corridor. It is not.

Why do they single out a ski project as the prime threat to grizzly? Opponents blindly oppose Jumbo, ignoring all else, and discredit everyone who disagrees with them. They threaten confrontation unless they get their way.

The biggest threat to the environment, and our economy, is this kind of blind ideology. One eminent physicist and mathematician, Freeman Dyson of Duke University, concluded that “environmentalism has replaced socialism as the world’s dominant secular religion . . . anyone that dares oppose the consensus is labeled a heretic.”

An October 2008 study from the University of Alberta concluded that the presence of forestry roads has the largest negative effect on Alberta’s grizzlies.

“We should work on controlling road access, by either gating roads, decommissioning roads or minimizing new road development. By doing so, the species would probably rebound within the next decade, back to a level that would be more viable, sustainable in the long term,” said Dr. Scott Nielsen.

The proposed resort project is accessed through existing roads, and that one ski area road produces the same economic benefit as thousands of forestry roads.

What would happen if they shut a local pulp or lumber mill? Can Wildsight save us? But what is their plan?

Has anyone heard it? When mills shut on Vancouver Island, the families mostly moved to Alberta’s oil patch – is that the answer? It’s easy to oppose – not so easy to propose.

But now even the struggling oil patch can’t save B.C.’s economic refugees. When the mills closed on Vancouver Island, the empty homes were bought up by retirees. Schools started closing and no one seemed to worry that new generations of taxpayers had fled. Already generations of British Columbians have been forced to move due to environmental campaigns to reduce logging: this forced thousands of job cuts, and nothing to replace them with.

Opponents always revert to the argument that the majority simply does not want the proposed resort. They base their claim on a biased poll. If 67 percent oppose it, why are there only 2,000 signatures on a worldwide petition after 17 years? And ultimately, why would the environmental movement want to have decisions based on opinion polls rather than on the merit of a project – does that mean that a favorable opinion poll would persuade them to desist from their attacks?

The competition for the tourist dollar is going to get fierce. A Jumbo/Panorama team of resorts, would, in my opinion, be a powerful combination. It would help ensure a viable international tourism industry for the valley and would clearly assist in saving grizzlies, mountain caribou and so on. Blind ideology won’t save them.

Ian McKenzie Regina

Corrections In our article on Kelly Ferguson on January 2nd, we mentioned that she was in Canal Flats visiting her parents, Lloyd and Lois. Actually, Lloyd passed away 11 years ago. Also, on the cover we used the phrase “Life in the army.” Kelly is actually in the Cana-

dian Armed Forces, air force division.

If you see something in The Pioneer that isn’t accurate, we want to know so we can publish a correction. Our goal is to be 100-percent accurate. Call us at 250-341-6299 or email us at upioneer@telus.net.

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8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

VALLEY VIEWS

January 9, 2009

Message from the Mayor of Invermere

By Gerry Taft Mayor of Invermere With the “festive” season over, I would like to wish everyone a happy, prosperous, and safe New Year.

Although the weather and the economy for 2009 remain unpredictable, what can be guaranteed is that it is going to be a very busy year for local government.

In January, District of Invermere council is continuing discussions regarding: “tax class multiples” (the proportion of tax raised by different types of property, basically the relationship between residential and commercial taxes); completion of the 2009 operational budget; finalization of a five-year capital plan; and funding finalization of “Measuring Up” to improve accessibility in the community.

At the January 13th regular meeting of council, there will most likely be a decision regarding the Bud’s patio liquor licence application.

In February, the newly-elected members of council will attend an “Elected Officials Training Seminar” in Nelson from February 17th to 19th.

The course includes a lot of information, and expert speakers and covers many topics, including meeting procedures, community planning, budgeting, local government law, and conflict of interest rules.

On February 20th and 21st, council will have our own “Strategic Planning” session where we will work on the roles/responsibilities of council, team building, the decision-making process, values/objectives, and develop action plans and priorities for the three year term.

Also in February, it is hoped that negotiations over the terms of reference and first steps of the “Area F/Columbia Valley” governance study will begin between the Regional District of East Kootenay, Invermere, and the Ministry of Community Development.

It is anticipated that upon agreement over the terms of reference, the Ministry will then seek proposals from consultants who will undertake the study.

The consultation and study work could conceivably start as soon as May 2009.

The intent of the study is to understand the current governance situation, and explore and investigate the feasibility and desirability of different options for local government in the Columbia Valley. Some possible options are to keep things as they are, to create a valley municipality, many small villages, or several larger municipalities.

One of the most exciting parts of the Mayor’s position has been the appointment to the Regional District of East Kootenay board. On December 10 and 11th the new Columbia Valley directors received training, and on the evening of 11th, and the morning of the 12th we rolled into our first committee and board meetings.

The regional district is involved in many activities directly related to Invermere and the Columbia

Valley. For 2009, regional staff have prepared a work plan which indicates some of the key projections and activities. A sampling of the ones of interest include: Implementation of a Climate Action Strategy, funding agreements for the local conversation fund, many new and improved water and sewer services in the valley (such as Rushmere, Windermere and Edgewater), standardized fire equipment and vehicle purchasing policy and bulk buying power for fire departments in the East Kootenay (we have also begun discussions regarding the Columbia Valley sharing an articulated aerial platform “ladder truck”), finalization of the Lake Windermere Management Plan, support for Area F Governance planning, and potential creation of a regional park at the crossroads ball diamonds.

There are a lot of meetings and discussions taking place over the next several months. To help your elected officials make the most of these decision making opportunities, and to represent you as effectively as possible – ask us questions, give us feedback, and if you are interested, read information and attend meetings.

Local government can be confusing and full of unique language of lingo and abbreviations; it can be viewed as being intimidating, and seem impossibly boring. Your town council is here to help you decode it all.

Regular council meetings are the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m. at the District of Invermere office.

You can contact me by email: mayor@invermere. net, or cell phone 250-341-1202.

‘Disgraceful’ deportation must be stopped Dear Member of Parliament Jim Abbott: Regarding the deportation of Mikhail Lennikov and family this February: recently the CBC broadcast an article regarding the deportation of the Lennikov family.

You may recall that Mikhail Lennikov and his family came to Canada to escape Russian authorities as Mr. Lennikov had been involved with the KGB in his younger years. When the demands of the KGB became unbearable, Mr. Lennikov resigned.

Upon arrival in Canada, Mr. Lennikov informed Canadian authorities of his involvement in the KGB and his reasons for leaving the organization.

Mr. Lennikov has pursued an academic career, is well-liked in his community, and has a considerable support group.

Likewise, his teenage son has the support of his classmates and friends as he would likely be conscripted by the Russian military and be subject to hazing, which may result in his death.

When I first learned of this situation in March 2007, I wrote to Stockwell Day, [federal Minister of Public Safety]. One year later, I received a non-committal response to my complaint. Now the Canadian Services Border Agency considers Mr. Lennikov a “sleeper agent.”

Because they admit to having no proof of this allegation, I am requesting that the Minister of this department intervene and stop this deportation from occurring.

If the Lennikovs are forced to return to Russia and if the Lennikovs’ teenage son is conscripted into the Russian military, and if harm comes to that

young boy, the citizens of Canada will have to live with the shame of such disgraceful action on behalf of our government agencies.

Note to readers: If you are interested in stopping the deportation of the Lennikov family, please write a letter to: Honourable Peter Van Loan, Public Safety Minister of Canada, Room 209-S Centre Block, Ottawa, Ontario.

K1A0A6 Or e-mail: vanloan.p@parl.gc.ca Or sign an online petition: www.ipetitions.com/petition/Lennikov/ Helen Kipp Windermere

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

January 9, 2009

Tougher penalty for drunk drivers

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff Drunk drivers in British Columbia will receive harsher penalties from February 1st.

In 2005, the province introduced the ignition interlock program for people convicted of three or more impaired driving charges.

The interlock system is a dashboard device installed in the vehicles of offenders. Before their car will start, the driver has to blow into the device so the sample can be tested for the presence of alcohol. If it is clear, the vehicle will start.

Now, Solicitor General John van Dongen has expanded the interlock program to include first-time offenders. Those with a single impaired driving conviction, two 90-day administrative driving prohibitions, or three 24-hour roadside suspensions within a fiveyear period, will be required to participate.

And the program works, according to Andy Murie, chief executive officer of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. There are 11,000 interlock participants across Canada. In 2007 alone, the program recorded 193,000 breath samples with an elevated blood alcohol level.

That means each participant tried to start their vehicle while impaired at least once every three weeks.

“It’s very effective,” Mr. Murie said. “Bring in the technology, make it mandatory, make it easy to use,

and make people prove they can separate drinking and driving.”

Participants pay the $1,560 bill to install interlock, and must participate for at least 12 months.

“It needs to be on for long enough to change drinking patterns,” Mr. Murie said. “If they continue to drink, they will learn they can’t drive the morning after, either.”

Staff-Sergeant Doug Pack of the Columbia Valley RCMP agreed that interlock changes the pattern of impaired driving.

“The key is to break the cycle – and the interlock program is a tool that can do this because it requires the participating drivers to change whatever routine they normally followed when drinking alcohol and driving a vehicle,” he said.

However, Staff-Sergeant Pack was quick to add the all impaired drivers have made a series of choices to land themselves in trouble.

“Impaired driving is a crime. It’s not a ‘mistake’ or an ‘error in judgement’ or whatever other excuse one might offer,” he said.

“There are two conscious decisions a person has to make in order to commit this crime. One: to consume alcohol to the point where their ability to drive a motor vehicle is impaired; and two: to drive a motor vehicle. There is only a single choice to be made to prevent it: don’t drink, or don’t drive.”

Once impaired driving offenders have learnt to make the right choice in that situation, the interlock has done its job.

“The interlock program can be an effective means of holding repeat offenders accountable until such time as they learn to make a wise choice and they can demonstrate their willingness to drive a vehicle safely in accordance with the Criminal Code and the Motor Vehicle Act,” Staff-Sergeant Pack said. “Provided they do so, their privilege to drive a motor vehicle may continue.”

According to Andy Murie, it’s about time British Columbia got in line with the rest of the country.

When the technology was introduced in 2005, this province was the only one to have it apply to thirdtime offenders only, rather than first-time offenders.

“B.C. was slow to embrace the program, but we are thrilled they are doing it now,” Mr. Murie said.

But interlock participants need to take care not to replace one substance for another.

Maxine Jones, Youth Addictions Counsellor for East Kootenay Addiction Services, says the interlock program doesn’t protect against all impaired driving.

“My concern is that the program is only looking at alcohol, but drugs can significantly impair a driver as well. I don’t want people thinking that because they haven’t been drinking alcohol, they’re okay,” she said.

“But anything that stops people from driving when they are impaired is a good thing.”

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10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 9, 2009

Travel Photo Contest runaway hit

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Publisher The Pioneer’s Travel Photo Contest has become a community custom.

Started in January 2007, the contest’s first year drew more than 200 entries from families and individuals who remembered to pack a copy of The Pioneer, take it with them on their holidays, carry it to some interesting location, have themselves photographed, and send their picture to our office.

By this time last year, we were still getting entries from people who wanted us to keep the contest running in 2008.

Russ Daggett, owner of Travel World who co-sponsored the contest, agreed to extend it for another year, and we wondered if the second year would garner such enthusiasm.

Well, it did. In 2008, we had another 200 entries!

From John Niddrie, who took his Pioneer to the top of the Swiss Alps, to Andy Stuart-Hill, who carried his copy

CLUB HOUSE

to the depths of the Amazon rainforest, our readers carried and photographed themselves with their copy of The Pioneer.

Again, we were astonished by the places people get to. Disneyland is still a favourite family vacation and this year, we even had a photo of Pluto with Lee, Charlyse, Jordyn and Karen Ranger holding The Pioneer. Parker, Nathan and Zoe McGrath had their photo taken with Shrek at Universal Studios in California.

Although many valley folks, like most Canadians, love to travel to warm climates found in Mexico, Cuba, Hawaii and the Caribbean, there are some serious travellers who took their Pioneer farther afield.

Christine Keshen and Mike DuBois took their Pioneer to the top of Table Mountain in South Africa. Skip and Connie Watson took The Pioneer on safari in Kenya. Sandy McIlwain took his Pioneer to the Great Wall of China.

Rod and Christine Turnbull took their

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Pioneer as far as Dubai. Chris and Charleen Evans cruised the Zambezi River in South Africa with their Pioneer.

Alice Hale took The Pioneer when she visited her son David in Malawi, Africa; Lyle and Lee-Ann Barsby took The Pioneer on their 40th wedding anniversary trip to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador; and Ellie and Arthur Wittenborn, with friend Gunter Rapp, took The Pioneer to Lima, Peru. Reg and Clara Reinhardt took their Pioneer to San Andres, Columbia. Bill and Georgina DuBois took their Pioneer to Iguazu Falls in Argentina; while Bonnie and Don Merrin took their Pioneer as far as Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Scott Sauermann and friend Todd Gulevich took The Pioneer on a 3,700kilometre road trip to Oregon, California and Arizona to see their favourite team, the Flames (sorry we couldn’t give you the free tickets, guys!)

Barry Hamilton, Arthur Wittenborn and George Saringer took The Pioneer with them when they rode their motorcycles almost 10,000 kilometres from Invermere to Guadalajara, Mexico and back again.

The newspaper visited New Zealand, Australia, and plenty of European countries including Switzerland, Germany, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, Holland, Hungary, Russia, Italy and Greece.

And of course, The Pioneer travelled around Canada, as far east as Leading Tickles, Newfoundland, with Bob and Sheila Hanley; and as far east as the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island, with Kelly Brown, Steve Wilson, T. J. Neault, Megan Macadam, Ryan Olson, Kimberley Olson and Lainey Frederickson; and as far north as Nunavut with Georgina Wilks.

Groups and teams also enjoyed setting up for their Pioneer shot. Fifteen valley women were photographed around this time last year on an airplane heading home from Las Vegas; the 15 team members of the Invermere Eagles along with their two coaches took The Pioneer with them when they played hockey in Chase; and the high school’s Youth Action Team took The Pioneer to a conference in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

And there were some really funny shots. Lynne and Gord Askey were pho-

tographed on stage with The Pioneer while performing at the Soggy Mountain Bluegrass Festival in Quartzite, Arizona. The Gaspar family dressed in Western clothes to have their photo taken with The Pioneer in Tombstone, Arizona.

Ashley and Melissa Hecher fooled us, almost, by having their Pioneer photo taken with two very lifelike wax models of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie at Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum in Las Vegas.

One of our favourites was the picture of Deanna, Jamie, Tyson and Blake Krebs holding The Pioneer on a daring ride called Journey to Atlantis, in Sea World Adventure Park at San Antonio, Texas, while every hair on their heads stood on end.

Jamie and Devin Hemmelgarn were photographed in full regalia holding The Pioneer on their wedding day in Cancun, along with 21 friends and guests at their nuptials.

For sheer advance planning, though, nobody can beat Pete Furgeson, who actually printed up a mock front page of The Pioneer and had it laminated at Palliser Printing before he left for Mexico and his wedding to Norma Hansen.

That’s so it wouldn’t get wet when Pete and Norma went scuba diving and had their photograph taken underwater with their Pioneer.

It would be cruel to end this contest now, when everyone is so involved. We can’t possibly let this tradition die, and neither can Russ Daggett, the genial owner of Travel World in Invermere.

He has generously offered to extend the contest during 2009.

So the 2009 Pioneer Travel Photo Contest is hereby launched. Don’t forget to pack The Pioneer, take it with you, and send us your travel photos.

Anyone who entered last year is eligible to enter again in 2009.

All photographs will be published.

Conditions for winning are that you must be a valley resident or homeowner, and that you must be travelling outside Western Canada.

If you are sending digital photos, remember to create them at high-resolution, or else your picture in the paper might be small.

Send them to upioneer@telus.net.

We look forward to your entries!

> >>>

Encore

Page 11

What’s Happening in the Columbia Valley

Music • visual arts • dining • Bar Scene • entertainment • performance ARTS MOVIE REVIEW

PAGE 12

SYMPHONY TICKETS

PAGE 12

Out & About Richard Jenkins, left, stars in The Visitor, the next Cinefest movie to be shown on Tuesday, January 20th at Pynelogs.

See Page 13 for more information.

Symphony of the Kootenays · Christ Church Trinity Symphony of the Kootenays January 25, 2009 at Christ Church Trinity.

Call 250-342-4423 for tickets.

What does ART mean to you?

Cinefest@Pynelogs • Pynelogs Cultural Centre

Cinefest at Pynelogs Cultural Centre Tuesday, January 20, featuring the film The Visitor. Doors open at 6 - Movie at 7. Call (250) 342-4423 or (250) 342-7071 for tickets and more information.

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

Your Weekly Guide to What’s Happening Around the Columbia Valley Page 13

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 9, 2009

Music • visual arts • dining • Bar Scene • entertainment • performance ARTS

Movie Review: Pineapple Express

Reviewed by Dave Sutherland Seth Rogen and James Franco star in the demented stoner buddy-flic Pineapple Express. Produced by the prolific Judd Apatow ( The Forty Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up ), Pineapple chronicles the adventures of perpetually-stoned process server Dale Denton ( Rogen ) and his perpetually-stoned pot dealer, Saul Silver ( Franco ).

You have to wade through a fair bit of silliness before getting to the meat of the story, a complicated chase that ensues when Denton witnesses the murder of a drug dealer by a rival, and he and Saul have to run for their lives. Then the real silliness begins. The plot unfolds in a Tarantino meets Cheech and Chong fashion, with the dumbfounded duo pursued by cops, crooked cops, murderous drug dealers, and murderous Asian ninja-drug-dealers.

Pineapple Express segues from pot-head humour

Expect chaos when Seth Rogen and James Franco pair up.

to over-the-top violence without missing a beat, and along the way takes some hilarious jabs at the buddyflic genre. You just might cringe while you laugh at some of the male-bonding scenes.

Danny McBride is a stand-out, in a stand-out cast, as Red, a mid-level dealer who’s abused, beaten, shot and left for dead several times, and, is it just me, or does Kevin Corrigan, as the baddie Budlofsky, seem to channelling Christopher Walken?

The film was co-written by Canadian Seth Rogen, which may explain why the climactic action scenes take place in a huge, underground, Diefenbunker-like pot-growing facility. If harebrained humour and deranged action are what you’re looking for, Pineapple Express is sure to fit the bill.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

January 9, 2009

Music • visual arts • dining • Bar Scene • entertainment • performance ARTS Saturday, January 10th:

Out & About Please call 250-341-6299 or Email us at upioneer@telus.net to enter your event in our FREE listings.

• 2:30 p.m.: Big 5 Après Ski Series at Panorama. Live music in the Great Hall and Gladiators and Goddesses party at the T-Bar. For more: 250-341-4194.

• 7:30 p.m.: Columbia Valley Rockies vs. Fernie at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.

Sunday, January 11th:

Toby Theatre • 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7-10: Twilight • 7:30 p.m. Jan. 14-17: Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

Invermere Thrift Store hours: • Thursdays: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Friday-Saturday: 1-4 p.m.

Invermere Library Hours:

• 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Family Fishing Derby for Kids with Cancer at Horseshoe Lake. All proceeds go to benefit Canadian Cancer Society programs for kids with cancer. Adults $10, children and seniors $5. For tickets or donations, contact Shane at 250-489-0930 or Scotty at 250-489-1109.

• Sunday Brunch at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort includes free hot pool admission. Adults $21.95; seniors $15; children $10.95; four years and under, free. For reservations, call 250-345-6015.

Monday, January 12th:

• Tuesday and Friday: 10 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.

• Wednesday: 12 p.m.- 8 p.m.

• Thursday: 12 p.m.- 5:30 p.m.

• Saturday: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Radium Library Hours:

featuring the film The Visitor. Movie starts at 7 p.m.

For more: 250-342-4423 or 250-342-7071.

Saturday, January 24th: • 2:30 p.m.: Big 5 Après Ski Series at Panorama Mountain Resort. Live music in the Great Hall and Halfway to Summer party at the T-Bar. For more: 250-341-4194.

Saturday, January 24th: • Nipika Loppet at Nipika Mountain Resort. For more: www.zone4.ca.

• 7 p.m.: Syndicate Rail Jam at Panorama Mountain Resort, Great Hall Deck. For more: 250-341-4194.

Saturday, January 24th-Sunday, January 25th: • Bonspiel-On-The-Lake, Invermere. For more: 250342-3315 or invermerecurlingclub@shaw.ca.

Sunday, January 25th:

• 6 p.m.: Running clinics start through Columbia Valley Lifesports. All levels welcome. To register, call 250-342-8737 or go to www.columbiavalleylifesports. com.

• 2 p.m.: Columbia Valley Arts’ Symphony of the Kootenays performs at Christ Church Trinity. Call 250-342-4423 for tickets.

• Tuesday: 6-8 p.m.

• Wednesday: 2-4 p.m.

• Thursday: 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.

• Saturday: 10 a.m.-noon.

• Sunday: 2-4 p.m.

Thursday, January 15th:

Saturday, January 31st:

• 6 p.m.: Nordic Pole walking starts through Columbia Valley Lifesports. All levels welcome.

To register, call 250-342-8737 or go to www. columbiavalleylifesports.com.

• 10:30 a.m.: Toddlers’ program at Radium Public Library. Story-reading and songs. For more: 250347-2434.

Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena:

Saturday, January 17th:

Public skating schedule: • Sunday: 5:45 p.m.-6:45 p.m. all ages.

• Friday: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. adults.

• Friday: 12 p.m.-12:45 p.m. parents and tots.

• 10:30 a.m.: Toddlers’ program at Radium Public Library. Story-reading and songs. For more: 250347-2434.

• 2:30 p.m.: Big 5 Après Ski Series at Panorama Mountain Resort. Live music in the Great Hall and Ugly Sweater party at the T-Bar. For more: 250-3414194.

• 5: 30 p.m. and 8 p.m.: Supper and Sounds at Meet on Higher Ground Coffee House in Radium. The menu is Belated Ukrainian Christmas Dinner, and music is provided by Golden singer/songwriters Sarah Osadetz and Laura Shaw. Tickets are $20; children under 12 are $10. For more: 250-347-6567.

• Mondays 6:30-8 p.m.: Yoga at Radium Seniors Hall. $10, drop-in welcome. For more: Jody at 250270-0377.

• Wednesdays 1 p.m.: Ladies’ Day at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Ski Hill.

• Fridays 3:30 p.m.: Snowshoe and Sushi Tour at Panorama. For more: 250-341-4194.

• Wednesdays 10 a.m.: The Red Hat-Foxy Red Bonnets of Invermere meet at Tim Hortons for coffee. If you would like to join, call Denise at 250688-0198.

• Mondays 8:30-10 p.m.: Men’s basketball at David Thompson Secondary School. $20 for the year or $2 drop-in. Contact Jared Enns at 250-342-5588.

• Wednesdays 6 p.m.: Weight Watchers at the Windermere Community Hall.

Weigh-in and registration at 6 p.m., meeting at 6:30 p.m. For more: 1-800-682-8011.

Friday, January 9th: • 7:30 p.m.: Columbia Valley Rockies vs. Revelstoke at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena. Go Rockies Go!

Friday, January 9th-Saturday, January 10th: • David Thompson Secondary School Junior Girls Basketball Tournament. First game at 3 p.m. on Friday at the school, continues all day Saturday.

Come cheer on the Lakers!

Tuesday, January 20th: • 6 p.m. Cinefest at Pynelogs Cultural Centre,

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14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 9, 2009

Comedy is back

JANUARY 31ST

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20TH Chris Gordon &

Trent McClellan Show starts @ 8:30 pm

St. Pierre vs. Penn at your UFC Headquarters

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G R E AT D R I N K & A P P I E S P E C I A L S TUESDAY • 375 Highballs • $475 Caesar • $600 Personal Pizza $

WEDNESDAY • 4 Domestic Pints • Half Price Wings

THURSDAY • 4 Bottles of Kokanee • Half Pound of Dry Ribs $ 75

FRIDAY • 4 Corona • $375 Jager $ 75

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ADAPTIVE SKIING COMES TO PANORAMA – Kate Gibbs and Spring Hawes, seated, participated in Panorama Mountain Resort’s Adaptive Snow Sports program on New Year’s Day. Accompanying them in the photo are, from left: Judy Gibbs; Nick De Ruyter; Drew Bragg, representing the School of Skiing and Snowboarding; Catrien Dan-

air, Adaptive Snow Sports organizer; and Byron Leinor.

A Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing instructor course will be held at Panorama from January 9th to 11th. Anyone interested can sign up at the ski school desk at Panorama or in town at Spring Health Foods. The cost is $50. For more info, call Catrien at 250-341-5125.

To our 2008 Sponsors who graciously ‘gave’ to the Columbia Valley Arts Council to further the arts in our community: • Alice Hale • Artym Gallery • Bavin Glassworks • Bob & Barb Shaunessy • Chuck Newhouse Storage • Fairmont Hot Springs Golf Management

• Gerry’s Gelati • High Country Properties • Home Hardware • Invermere Business Comm • Invermere Vet Hospital • Lake Windermere Pointe of View

• Marble Canyon Development • Monkey’s Uncle • Natural Art/Brad Hill • Ray Ferguson Realty • Palliser Printing • Pamper Yourself Spa

• Panorama Mountain Village • Peppi’s Pizza • Resort at Copper Point • Smoking Water Coffee • Sobeys • Tony’s Greek Grill

Special thanks to our Charter Sponsors: Donations (both monetary and in-kind) are another very important source of support for CV Arts and we extend a heartfelt thank you to all our 2008 donors. Thank You to the following agencies that provided grant funding to CV Arts: Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) • Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) • District of Inververe (DOI) • BC Touring Grant • BC Gaming Commission Canada 2010 Legacies Now: Arts Now • Fairmont Hot Springs Resort • Union of BC Municipalities • Columbia Valley Community Foundation • Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA) • Human Resources Skills & Development Canada (HRDC)

Special thanks to our Partners: Wings Over the Rockies Bird Festival

On behalf of the Columbia Valley Arts Council Board of Directors, Seasons Greetings and a Happy New Year!

Chris Evans Mona Johns Cam Berry

Alec Fleming Louise Gagne Christine Turnbull

Ken Mallett Jackie Anderson Lynda Tutty

Nan & Frank Jones Lynne Grillmair Dee Conklin

Connie Watson Morley Winnick www.columbiavalleyarts.com · 250-342-4423

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

January 9, 2009

The who’s who behind Snow Scene Submitted by Cheryl Willard The Snow Scene column launched mid-November and we immediately had a stampede of writers wishing to contribute. We’ve also heard a lot about ski racing in recent weeks. The Rockies area is the only spot in Canada with reliable snow conditions prior to Christmas, so a lot of high-level events take place. Now race workers rest while the focus shifts to Europe for the World Cup, and other parts of North America for the Nor-Am series and the lower level races.

The weekly writing roster for Snow Scene is organized by me, Cheryl Willard, and Mike Meadus, Sigrid Sharp and I are contributing writers and mainstays of the column.

Mike Meadus is program director of the Panorama Mountain Freeride Club.

Mike has an extensive background in ski racing, as well as being a “freerider.”

Sigrid Sharp is Head Coach-Entry Level for Team Panorama Ski Club and has an extensive background in racing.

My background is in ski racing as well, as a Level 3 Alpine Official and a former Director of B.C. Alpine Ski Association.

We all did lots of snow sports during the holidays, thanks to the new Whiteway on Lake Windermere I’ve never seen so many people out enjoying the opportunity for fresh air and exercise. Nick Berzins from Greenways and the members of the Toby Creek Nordic Club have been largely responsible and there are a number of thank-yous that need to go out: Darren Tamelin, Glenn Kubian, Max Fanderl, Joe Hildes, Lyle

Wilson, Penny Powers, Brad Kitching, Jordan Kirk, Beva Kirk, Buck Braund, the Invermere council and staff, the Regional District of East Kootenay and Area F Director Wendy Booth, the Columbia Basin Trust and Community Liaison Katherine Hamilton. Three cheers to all of you!

You can help keep this initiative going by taking out a membership to the Toby Creek Nordic Club and/or making a donation to the club to help with the expense of operating the equipment to clear the ice. See www.tobycreeknordic.ca for more information.

During the past six weeks, we’ve mentioned a couple of local ski racers who’ve climbed to the top of the sport.

National Ski Team member Manny Osborne-Paradis picked up his first podium of the season before Christmas, finishing third in the Downhill in Val Gardena, Italy. Check www.fisalpineworldcup.com from January 14th to 18th to see live timing and get up-tothe-minute results of the next World Cup event in Wengen, Switzerland.

Also with the National Ski Team, Team Panorama alumnus Brad Spence is having a successful return to snow, capturing a podium by finishing third in GS at the Panorama Nor-Am Series.

There was another local in the NorAm: Ben Thomsen, formerly of the B.C. Ski Team, had his best finishes in Super G, settling in 15th spot both days.

Roc Spence, Race Chairman of the Panorama Nor-Am Series, would like to extend his warmest thanks to the locals who came out in the bitter cold to help with the races.

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NOTICE TO ALL DOG OWNERS All dogs over the age of four months residing in the District of Invermere require a dog licence.

If you live within the District of Invermere and own a dog, please drop by the municipal office at your earliest convenience to pick up a dog tag. Fees are as follows:

UNSPAYED FEMALE DOG UNNEUTERED MALE DOG SPAYED FEMALE DOG NEUTERED MALE DOG

$35 $35 $15 $15

Impound fees are as follows:

1st OFFENCE 2nd OFFENCE/YEAR 3rd OFFENCE/YEAR EACH SUBSEQUENT OFFENCE/YEAR

$65 $90 $140 $190

For dog control issues within the municipality, please contact our office at 250-342-9281.

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 9, 2009

Panorama builds new terrain park

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff Panorama Mountain Village is in the process of upgrading the Showoff Terrain Park – a special run equipped with jumps and other challenges for skiers and snowboarders – as part of their commitment to have the biggest and best terrain park in the Kootenay Rockies region.

Even though the terrain park is not complete, Hayley Wilson, marketing coordinator for Panorama Mountain Village, said that the Village has received great feedback from riders.

“It has been excellent – park riders love the park,” Hayley said. “They love how it has been built, they love the new rails we’ve installed this year, and they are all looking forward to the opening of the top.”

The new terrain park is located directly underneath a high-speed chair lift known as the Mile One Quad, so everyone can see it.

Changes were made in order to facilitate the progression of novice riders from an area known as Silver Platter to the Mile One Quad.

Hayley said that the movement of the terrain park from a run called Powder Trail – the entry point for a number of novice runs – to its new spot under the chair lift, was made in order to separate advanced free-

Showoff Terrain Park will feature a big-air jump. style riders and novice riders, giving the novices more confidence and room to learn. It is also necessary to give them easier access to runs that start on Powder Trail.

Aside from the location, the biggest difference from last year’s terrain park is the layout of the course, built this year by Eric Lange, owner of Syndicate Boardshop.

Last year, the one-kilometre-long park was split into two sections: an upper section composed of fixed horizontal metal bars called rails; and a lower jump section. Riders could hit a maximum of six rails and

six jumps in a single run.

Now, they have completely changed how the park is built. Instead of being split into a top and bottom section, rails and jumps run parallel to each other, all the way down the run, making the number of consecutive hits down the jump or rail line twice as many as last year.

“This way, riders won’t have to go to the lower section to hit a jump,” Hayley said. “They can do it all the way down.”

When completed, the Showoff Terrain Park will also include a permanent big-air jump.

Next week, Panorama is also due to complete upgrades on their entry level terrain park, located underneath the Toby chairlift.

This run is composed of considerably smaller rails and jumps, designed for riders who are not familiar with parks and would like to learn how to ride in a park.

“They can progressively build up to larger jumps and it is less intimidating because no one is watching,” Hayley said.

Although there is not an Olympic Freestyle team yet, Hayley is optimistic about the possibilities the new terrain park brings to the mountain.

“We will probably have future Olympic athletes coming through the park,” she said.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

January 9, 2009 Continued from Page 4 . . .

RCMP located two independent witnesses. One said that he heard the collision and that it didn’t appear that the vehicles were speeding. The other witness merely confirmed that the light was yellow north/southbound when the collision occurred.

B.C. Ambulance and Windermere Fire & Rescue were on the scene and checked all persons involved in the collision. Despite the information gathered at the scene, RCMP could not proceed with charges as it was unclear who, if anyone, should be charged.

Driver hits sheep

On December 31st at 6:45 p.m., RCMP received a report that a vehicle had struck a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in the northbound lane of Highway 93/95, approximately one kilometre south of Radium Hot Springs. The driver of the vehicle did not stay at the scene and the complainant asked if the RCMP could attend and put the sheep down, as it was not yet dead.

RCMP patrolled the area, but could not locate the sheep. The complainant was contacted by police and RCMP learned at that time that a passing motorist had stopped and put the animal out of its misery.

National Parks and the B.C. Conservation Office were advised.

Car damages lakeside property

On January 1st at about 11 a.m., the RCMP learned of a traffic-related incident just off Lower Lakeview Drive, Invermere, that occurred sometime overnight.

Police attended and noticed a gray 2001 Impala had attempted to get from Lake Windermere to Lower Lakeview Drive via a private lake access from a residential property.

The Impala made several attempts to climb the incline but, as it was unable to do so, it slid backwards over a canoe, into a fence and stopped after hitting a tree. Police noticed that someone, presumably the driver of the car, had written a note to the homeowner explaining what had happened.

As it happens, the car’s owner lived in the area and he arrived on scene while the RCMP investigator was still there.

While speaking to the owner, the officer noted several signs of alcohol impairment on him (strong odour of liquor on breath, slightly unstable on feet and slightly slurred speech).

Through his investigation, the officer formed the opinion that at the believed time of the crash, the driver’s ability was affected by alcohol.

However, since he could not determine the time of the offence, which is required by law, he could not form the reasonable and probable grounds required to make a Breath Demand under the Criminal Code.

However, he could suspend the owner’s driving privileges for the subsequent 24 hours, and did so.

Tractor-trailer hits moose

On January 2nd, Columbia Valley RCMP received a call regarding a tractor-trailer unit that had jack-knifed in Kootenay National Park. RCMP found the unit had gone off road right on Highway 93 near McLeod Meadows.

The vehicle was unattended but a few minutes later a tow truck arrived, apparently at the driver’s request. The driver arrived on scene shortly after. The driver told police that on New Year’s Day at around 8 p.m., he hit a moose and slid off the road. No further details are known.

Boy involved in dispute

On January 2nd at about 6:30 p.m., RCMP responded to a domestic assault at Panorama Mountain Resort. According to information learned by police, a male and female were physically fighting. Their son, age 11, stepped between the two to try to break them up.

RCMP investigators at the scene spoke to the boy, who told them that his mom was yelling at her fiancé and then began to strike him. The young boy stepped in the middle to stop them from fighting, but was forcefully pushed away by his mother.

There are currently court orders in place relating to the young child’s custody status and to make matters more complicated, all parties are from Alberta and the mother is permitted bi-weekly access and her fiancé is not permitted to be alone with him.

The mother, aged 43 years, was arrested for assault and taken to the detachment cells for the night for fear of repetition. RCMP contacted the Ministry for Children and Families who took the young boy into their care until his father could come to Invermere to pick him up.

The mother was released from police custody the following morning on a Promise to Appear in Invermere Provincial Court on March 24th.

2009 PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS

IMPORTANT NEWS

Assessment Notices have been mailed to all BC property owners.

For this year only, your Notice shows the market value of your property as of both July 1, 2007 and July 1, 2008.

The lower of these two values is your official 2009 property assessment and will be used to calculate your 2009 property taxes.

If you have any questions about your assessment, or you have not received a Notice by January 20, contact your local BC Assessment office.

For contact information, please consult your telephone directory, Assessment Notice or visit www.bcassessment.ca

GET PUMPED TODAY Why should we pump out septic tanks?

- Avoid costly repairs, regular maintenance is cost effective compared to replacing your septic system - It could stop working at the most inconvenient time (middle of winter, or a party, etc) - Save the environment, a full (or malfunctioning) tank could saturate and pollute the surrounding area, including creeks, ponds, and lakes. This could give off a foul smell, affecting the neighbourhood - Tanks close to the surface could freeze during the winter months if not used regularly - Septic tanks not used regularly also tend to fill quicker as the bacterial action stops working when not used (part time user should have their tanks pumped just as often as full-time users) - Your septic system is designed to last a very long time if maintained properly

TANKS SHOULD BE PUMPED EVERY 3 YEARS For More Info:

Contact Bruce of Dehart Sewer & Drain Ltd. 250-347-9803

COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

PAYMENT OPTIONS WE ARE ACCEPTING

• Call our Office Manager, Michele at 250-341-6299 with your Visa or Mastercard number.

• Pay in person at our office with credit or debit card at 1008 - 8th Avenue, Invermere.

• E-mail us at upioneer@telus.net or visit our website for more details at…

w w w. co l u m b i ava l l ey p i o n e e r. co m

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 9, 2009

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE Tel: (250) 342-9281 • Fax: (250) 342-2934

INVITATION FOR TENDERS The District of Invermere (“Owner”) invites Tenders for the 2009-2014 Downtown Garbage Pickup Contract.

This contract involves the pick up of garbage from approximately 15 garbage receptacles in the core Invermere area on an as needed basis. The current contract pays a set monthly fee with a premium for fuel costs.

Tender Documents may be obtained from the Municipal office at 914 8th Avenue Invermere, B.C. Tenders must be sealed in an envelope marked “2009-2014 Downtown Garbage Pickup Contract” and delivered no later than 12:00 noon local time, Friday, January 16, 2009 to the attention of the Director of Municipal Works at the following address: District of Invermere 914 – 8th Avenue Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

FINAL ENTRIES IN THE 2008 PIONEER TRAVEL CONTEST – Top, Karen Reid from The Natural Home furnishings store in Invermere, in Salvadore, Brazil. Left, Rod and Christine Turnbull with niece Kristine Bretall spending Christmas in Sun Valley, Idaho. Make sure to enter the 2009 contest and thanks for your entries!

It is the sole responsibility of the Tenderer to ensure that its Tender is received at the location, and by the time, stipulated. Tenders received after the stipulated time will be rejected and returned to the Tenderer unopened.

Faxed Tenders are not acceptable and will be rejected.

Tenders will be opened in public on January 16, 2009 at 12:00 noon local time.

The Owner reserves the right not to award a contract at all, and the lowest or any Tender will not necessarily be accepted.

The Tender Documents are this Invitation for Tenders and the Contract Agreement.

Public Information BOARD OF DIRECTORS INVERMERE PUBLIC LIBRARY Are you an avid reader?

Are you excited about the library’s expansion?

Would you like to be a part of your library’s future?

“The Invermere Public Library is searching for an enthusiastic individual resident to fill a volunteer Trustee position. The Position will be for a length of 2 years.”

To be considered for a position, the applicant must be a resident or elector of the District of Invermere and cannot be an employee of the District of Invermere or Library Board. Those holding positions at the time of advertisement are welcome to reapply for an additional term.

Interested persons are requested to submit letters of application and brief resumes including reasons for interest and related experience to: Mayor and Council District Of Invermere P.O. Box 339 914 – 8th Avenue Invermere, B.C., V0A 1K0 or to kdalke@invermere.net Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. Friday, January 9th, 2009

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OCP and Zoning Bylaw Amendment

NOTICE is given of a Public Hearing to be held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, January 20, 2009, in the Council Chambers at the District of Invermere Office, 914 - 8th Ave., in the District of Invermere, to amend Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1085, 2001 and Zoning Bylaw No. 1145, 2002.

Bylaw No. 1391 will change the Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1085, 2001 and Bylaw No. 1392 will amend the Zoning Bylaw No. 1145 as follows: •

•

By amending the Land Use Plan – Residential as referred to in section 3.2 of Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1085, by designating Parcel A (SeeXC1829), Block 1, DL 1092, KD Plan 1052 from CD-2 COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT ZONE 2 to RR-1 RURAL RESIDENTIAL and RR-2 RURAL RESOURCE By amending the designation of the following lands CD – 2 COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT ZONE 2 to RR-1 RURAL RESIDENTIAL and RR-2 RURAL RESOURCE FOR Parcel A (SeeXC1829), Block 1, DL 1092, KD Plan 1052

The above synopsis is not intended to be, nor should it be interpreted as the full text and content of the proposed “Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1391, 2008” and “Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1392, 2008”. A copy of the proposed bylaws and relevant background documents may be inspected at the District of Invermere municipal office 914 - 8th Ave., Invermere from January 5, 2009 to January 20, 2009. Office hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

All persons who believe that their interest in the property is affected by the proposed “Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1391, 2008” and “Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1392, 2008”. may: • Send written briefs to the District of Invermere prior to the hearing • Fax written briefs to the District of Invermere prior to the hearing; or • Present verbal or written briefs at the hearing.

NOTICE is also given that the Council will not accept any written or verbal presentations after the close of the public hearing.

Rory Hromadnik Director of Development Services

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

January 9, 2009

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE Tel: (250) 342-9281 • Fax: (250) 342-2934

INVITATION FOR TENDERS The District of Invermere (“Owner�) invites Tenders for the 2009-2014 Trapping Contract.

This contract involves the trapping of muskrat and beaver within the Municipality’s water reservoir, known locally as the Paddy Ryan Lakes (the “reservoir�) and other waterbodies within the District from time to time.

The trapping will be undertaken primarily during the regular trapping season, although some trapping may be necessary in other months of the year.

Tender Documents may be obtained from the Municipal office at 914 8th Avenue Invermere, B.C. Tenders must be sealed in an envelope marked “2009-2014 Trapping Contract� and delivered no later than 12:00 noon local time, Friday, January 16, 2009 to the attention of the Director of Municipal Works at the following address: District of Invermere 914 – 8th Avenue Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 It is the sole responsibility of the Tenderer to ensure that its Tender is received at the location, and by the time, stipulated. Tenders received after the stipulated time will be rejected and returned to the Tenderer unopened.

Faxed Tenders are not acceptable and will be rejected.

Tenders will be opened in public on January 16, 2009 at 12:00 noon local time.

LET THE 2009 TRAVEL PHOTO CONTEST BEGIN – These cheerful vacationers are the first to enter this year’s travel contest. From right: Joe Lucas, Larry Meadows, Heather Meadows, Sandra Boot and Bruce Stroud at Isla Espiritu Santo in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico. Enter your travel photos to win two tickets to an as-yet unspecified prize from Travel World in Invermere. Send entries to upioneer@telus.net.

The Owner reserves the right not to award a contract at all, and the lowest or any Tender will not necessarily be accepted.

The Tender Documents are this Invitation for Tenders and the Contract Agreement.

Your Local

TEAMRAVEN.ca

Professionals Mountain Creek Properties Ltd.

Paul: (250) 341-5300 paul@rockieswest.com

Strata, Rental & Commercial Property Management

Sean: (250) 341-5445 sean@rockieswest.com

Invermere Offi ffice – 230 Laurier Street Fairmont Offi ffice – #4, Fairmont Village Mall PAUL ROGGEMAN

Phone (250)342-5599 • www.rockieswest.com

SEAN ROGGEMAN

Rockies West Realty Independently Owned & Operated

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For professional management of your strata corporation or rental property, overseen by a Certiďƒžďƒžed Property ManagerÂŽ, please contact Bill Weissig CPMÂŽ, RI, RPA, CPRPM, CLO, SMA, CRES. Our property managers are licensed under the Real Estate Services Act of B.C. For more information regarding their extensive qualiďƒžďƒžcations and experience, please visit our web site at http://www.mountaincreek.ca.

Phone: 250-341-6003

Email: bweissig@mountaincreek.ca

Sales Consultant

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John McCarthy

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Invermere, Windermere, Panorama, Fairmont and Radium Hot Springs

Daniel Zurgilgen

Glenn Pomeroy glennpomeroy@shaw.ca

Independently Owned and Operated

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 9, 2009

YOUR MONEY

After the RRSP: understanding your options Your RRSP must mature at the end of the year in which you turn 71, and if you roll it into an RRIF account you must start taking money out in your 72nd year. So what happens next?

Canadians generally face three options: cash out the RRSP in its entirety; purchase a term or life annuity; or roll over their RRSP assets into a Registered Retirement Income Fund, also know as a RRIF (or some combination of the above).

There is also a new option that is similar to the annuity option, called a variable rate annuity. Let’s take a closer look at each of these options, so you can understand what’s the best choice for you.

Option #1: Cashing out

The first option, collapsing your RRSP and paying applicable taxes immediately, is probably the simplest to understand. It is also the least viable: the tax man will deal with a huge lump-sum payout severely, potentially walking away with almost half of your nest egg.

If you have little or no income when you retire for a year or two, this option can make a lot of sense for tax planning by taking money out of the RRSP and paying very little or no tax on the amount.

If you have a decent amount of work pension and CPP that you are collecting, this move will only make sense if you defer your pensions for a year or two and live off of the RRSPs first.

Option #2: Purchase an annuity

Purchasing an annuity is probably a better alternative. Annuities can be purchased from most major insurance companies and can provide a guaranteed income level for life.

A number of options exist: for example, you may want to index your annuity to account for inflation, or you may wish to permit a beneficiary (such as your spouse) to receive the annuity for a given time after you die. The downside? An annuity does not allow you to control your own investments; however well the markets may be performing, your income level is set for as long as you live. You will also leave no lump sum to your estate.

The third option is to simply roll over your RRSP assets into a RRIF. In most instances, an RRIF behaves exactly like an RRSP: eligible investments are similar, and individual investors can control how and in what they invest. You can withdraw as much as you’d like from a RRIF, but there is a pre-determined minimum withdrawal schedule. For those with a large RRIF, these minimum withdrawals could push you into the highest tax bracket.

This method is relatively new and combines the

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While every investor has different needs, a good choice is to combine options two and three. By purchasing an annuity with a portion of your retirement savings, you reduce the risk of outliving your nest egg.

By retaining control over another portion of your assets, you’re free to pursue the best possible investment opportunities, wherever they may be.

Before your RRSP matures, be sure to seek some professional guidance.

With so much riding on it, you want to make sure the years after the RRSP are as financially healthy as possible.

Set up your Tax Free savings account now!

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Life Insurance Critical Illness Disability Accident & Sickness Segregated Funds Annuities

What should you do?

Option #3: Roll assets into a RRIF

Option #4: Roll assets into an RRIF, and buy a variable annuity

safety of annuity with the control and potential market growth of a RRIF. Variable annuities guarantee investors a minimum income stream on an insured sum of money, while allowing them to control the investments inside the annuity.

If the products do well and grow faster than the withdrawals, then the variable annuity grows and the investor has more money than they started with. If the markets perform terribly, then the annuity payments are the worst that the investor can do.

The variable annuity can make a lot of sense for investors who like security and potential market growth.

Sara Worley Insurance Agent

Call us for local, friendly, professional free consultations!

Insurance products and services are offered through Manulife Securities Insurance Inc. (a licensed life insurance agency and affiliate of Manulife Securities) by Manulife Securities Advisors licensed as life agents.

250-342-2112 • 712-10th Street, Invermere

Brendan Donahue Investment Advisor Phone: 250-342-2112 GIC Rates*

cashable 90 days 1 yr 2 yrs 3 yrs 4 yrs 5 yrs

as of January J y 6th

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Services RRSP Loans, Mortgage Referrals, Pension Transfers, Group RRSPs

Planning Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Income Splitting, RESPs, RRIFs

Ask about our FREE consultations.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

January 9, 2009

Old Zone: hockey south of the border

By Harold Hazelaar Pioneer Columnist Some of you who read this column regularly will know that whenever I am away visiting some place warmer than Invermere, I am constantly on the lookout for evidence of Canada’s greatest game. I am extremely pleased to report that I have found it.

Costa Rica, a small democratic country in Central America, is home for many Canadians and Americans who can no longer tolerate the winter deep freeze.

Maybe one day Donna and I will be in their midst from, say, Thanksgiving to Easter. Sounds about right!

Anyways, there is an OldTimers’ type of hockey being played here.

At the moment there are two full-size surfaces to play on. One is in San José and the other in Alajuela.

The only difference between theirs and ours is the ice is plastic!

You wear normal equipment, including skates, and instead of seeing a Zamboni with Hi Heat Insulating advertised on it, you see a machine that looks like a quad which has a contraption on it to melt the plastic and fill in the grooves cut by the skate blades.

Sounds weird, but you do what you have to in order to play our favourite pastime.

There are three or four teams and they allow pickups to play, so pack your skates next time you come to Costa Rica!

There is even a real ice surface somewhere here in the higher elevations, but I’m not sure where. Apparently it is about a third of the size of a normal rink.

However, it is used year-round.

I had a random thought while writing this article and – who knows? – it might fly, so I’ll run it up the pole for you: The District of Invermere, Regional District of East Kootenay and the Village of Radium must be getting tired of me ranting about a new rink all the time, so maybe it will be wise for them to pool some money together and finance a more in-depth study of this plastic ice.

Since I’m here, I would apply for the job. Who knows how much money could be saved if we didn’t need the refrigeration equipment in my proposed new rink? Zambonis are expensive, too!

If there is any interest, Elinor knows where to reach me!

Or they can just send money for me to stay away.

How much should it cost to remove a thorn in your side?

While they decide, Donna and I will continue to explore the beaches, rainforests and, of course, shops. looking for other cost-saving ideas that can be used at home when we get that new rink.

Adios.

ANNOUNCING A New FAIrmONt HOt SprINGS trADItION…

SUNDAY BrUNCH, SwIm & SOAK!

Need Blinds? Best Quality Call The Blind Guy!

Interior World

(250) 342 4406

Invermere’s RUNNING & YOGA STORE Groups Runs SATURDAY’s 9 a.m.

Meet us at the store

Bring in the New Year with a Healthy New Look!

Yoga/Gym/Running/XC Skiing Clothing and Gear Professional Shoe Fitting and Service (Try out Snowshoe Running ~ we have loaner snowshoes)

Call 250-342-2074 January Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Located next to Bavin Glassworks (Near Home Hardware)

Most people review their Investment portfolio regularly!

When was the last time you reviewed your Life Insurance Portfolio?

I

n our ever changing world it is important that your insurance is reviewed constantly to ensure that it is the best and most appropriate coverage available.

As one of the valley’s only truly independent Life Insurance brokers, I have access to most of the major

carriers and can help you to ensure that you have the best products to suit your needs.

For a complimentary review and to see if we can lower your cost or improve the quality of your existing coverage call me at 250-342-5052 or just stop in to the Manulife Securities office and ask to see Jason.

Jason Elford

Certified Financial Planner, Insurance Advisor Suite 2, 526 13th Avenue, Invermere, BC.

Phone: 250-342-5052

You can remember someone special with your gift to the Canadian Cancer Society (also known as the BC Cancer Society)

experIeNCe tHe BrUNCH BUFFet & eNjOY FREE HOt pOOLS ADmISSION! The grand buffet features breakfast items, made-to-order omelettes, salads, hot entrées, seafood, and a dessert table with a flowing chocolate fountain! Reservations are recommended for the 9:30, 11:00 and 12:30 seatings — call 250.345.6015.

To donate In Memory or In Honour: www.cancer.ca | 250-426-8916 or call toll-free 1-800-656-6426 or mail to: P. O. Box 102 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Please include: Your name an address for tax receipt Name of the person being remembered Name and address to send card to

Adults $21.95 · Seniors (65+) $15.00 · Children (5-12) $10.95 (4 and under Free).

Present your brunch receipt at the Pools for free same-day admission.

Let’s Make Cancer History

www.cancer.ca

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 9, 2009

HERE TO SERVE YOU Septic! NewFailing?

System?

• 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

Reserve before March 1st for a free inspection, estimate and 50% off Planning fees.

Ecoflo Biofilter and Peatland Community Systems Certified ROWP

Call (250)347-6361 or e-mail fairco@shaw.ca

www.valleysolutions.ca • valleysolutions@shaw.ca

HOUSE CHECKING

• Beverage Re-Stocking • Kitchen Re-Stocking • Clean-up • Handyman Chores • Complications • Details

Call Judy: (250) 341-1903

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS ESSO

Julie St.Amand

Automotive Repairs

Serving the Columbia Valley

7 days a week

MODULAR MATES 40% OFF

GAS • PROPANE • DIESEL

Contact me for a FREE Custom Kitchen Organization Consultation and receive a FREE Modular Mate.

Freight & Passenger Depot

Phone: 250-342-5564

7507 Main St. West, Radium Hot Springs

Email: JulieStAmand@my.tupperware.ca Web: www.my.tupperware.ca/juliestamand

250.341.5889

250.688.3334

“TEMPORARY WORK AGENCY” The Columbia Valley’s Manpower Solution Centre #7 – 1008, 8th Avenue, Invermere (right next to the Pioneer)

250-342-3478

(250) 347-9726

NEW AND USED ARCTIC CAT SNOWMOBILES AND ATVS REPAIRS, PARTS, SALES, WARRANTY, FINANCING

250-342-5047 1-888-357-4449

LIFE’S BRIGHTER under the sun.

Pierre E. Trudel Bus 250-270-0363 Fax 250-347-6948 pierre.trudel@sunlife.ca 4798 Selkirk Ave. Box 108 Edgewater BC V0A 1E0

Quality Hand-crafted Steel • Structural Steel • Welding • Fabricating & Machining • Custom railings and ornamental iron #117 Industrial Rd. #2, Invermere, BC Ph: 250-342-9926 • Fax 250-341-3956 e-mail: txn@telus.net

Serving Invermere and the Columbia Valley

• Topsoil • Sand • Gravel VJ (Butch) Bishop Owner/Operator

4846 Holland Creek Ridge Rd. Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

HEAT PUMPS Sales and Service

Call today 250.342.1167

READY MIX CONCRETE Specializing in Custom Drapery, Blinds, Shutters & Flooring Residential & Commercial Interiors Brenda E. Werbisky, C.I.D., Interior Designer For appointment call

(403) 861-8782

brenda@cardellsdesign.com

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

For competitive prices and prompt service call:

342-3268 (plant) 342-6767 (office)

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

January 9, 2009

HERE TO SERVE YOU LAMBERT-KIPP

250.342.4426 Cell: 250.341.7227 Toll Free: 1.877.342.4426 Fax: 250.342.4427 redeye48@shawbiz.ca

next to Skookum Inn

1484 Hwy 93/95 Windermere, BC V0B 2L1

250-342-0450

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

Dean Hubman

342-3052

JZ

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

342-6612

ing & Ltd. t n i a P ating r o c e D

RV • Truck • Car Wash Open 7 days a week

Jay Gebara Co-Owner

Lube Shop open Monday to Saturday RV Supplies open Monday to Saturday Sani-Dump

Gary Hogarth

Phone 250-342-8774 1361 Industrial Rd. #4 Invermere, BC

We aren’t the cheapest, JUST THE BEST!

Renovation Specialist at Large

• Kitchens • Bathrooms • Basement Development • Additions (Start to Finish) • Excavating also available.

250-342-1657

Come in and browse our giftware

Open Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

RR3, 4874 Ridge Cres.

Invermere, BC V0A 1K3

Certified Technician

Excellent Security Measure Make it look like you’re home Kirk & Karen Davis Invermere BC Local and Residential Only. when you’re not!

Fullyy Insured

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

Laura Kipp, Pharm D. Your Compounding Pharmacy

Your search for quality and dependability ends with us.

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688-0213

• Carpets dry in about 1 hour!

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• Low Moisture • No Steam • No Sticky Residue • Upholstery • Area Rugs • Wood & Tile Floors • Vehicle Interiors • Free Estimates See more online at www.heavensbest.ca

Specializing in ALL types of stone!

• Residential • Commercial • Jesse Vader – Ken Johnson Call:

NEW

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Sewer/Drain Cleaning

Septic Tank Pumping Portable Toilet Rentals • FURNACES • HEAT PUMPS • AIR CONDITIONING • FIREPLACES • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • SERVICE & MAINTENANCE 385 Laurier Street, Invermere, BC Phone: PO Box 86, Athalmer, BC V0A 1A0 email: info@diamondheatingandspas.com Fax:

(250) 342-7100 (250) 342-7103

www.diamondheatingandspas.com

• Complete sewer/drain repair • Reasonable rates - Seniors’ discount • Speedy service - 7 days a week • A well-maintained septic system should be pumped every 3-5 years • Avoid costly repairs

Bruce Dehart 347-9803 or 342-5357

Complete Automotive Repairs

(Beside the Petro Canada Car Wash)

Phone:

342-6614 • www.autowyze.com

PO Box 767, Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0

• • • • • •

Commercial Residential Renovations Firestop Attic Upgrades Parkade Spray

Rob Smith • 250-342-5011 • 250-341-7272 • 1-866-513-9626 • www.frictioninsulation.com

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 9, 2009

HERE TO SERVE YOU CLUB TOWING

• Snow Removal & Sanding • Trucking • Piles & Posts

Kari & John Mason

• All Grading • Under Slab work • Mini Track Hoe

D&D POOLS and SPAS Commercial and Residential Installation - Maintenance - Repairs Duane Huether

)&"7: "/% -*()5 508*/( "/% 3&$07&3: :FBST 4FSWJOH UIF 7BMMFZ

250-341-SPAS (7727)

8931 Hwy 93/95 RR#2 Invermere, BC V0A 1K2

780.970.7040 250.270.0821

Darren Ross

250-341-POOL (7665)

poolman-911@hotmail.com

Immaculate Homes

4999 Eagle Brook Court • Riverside Golf Resort 250-345-9113 • Cell: 250-270-0058

Lambert

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

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

H O M E S

250-342-5832

FURNITURE QUALITY BY FURNITURE BUILDERS Contact Dale Elliott • 250-341-7098 www.kekulibaycabinetry.com

• New Roof • Re-Roof • Service and Inspections • Insured Servicing the Invermere and surrounding areas.

Cell: 250-342-1622 • Fax: 250-342-3799 Email: jrsadler@shaw.ca

INVERMERE GLASS LTD. •Auto • Home • Commercial • Mirrors • Shower Doors • 27 years glass experience

Fine Homeservices Sales • Services • Repairs Jeff Watson

Phone: 250-342-9207

Serving the Valley for over 11 years • #3, 109 Industrial Road #2, Invermere

Deep Connective Tissue/Fascia Bodywork

• Locally Owned and Operated • Guaranteed Workmanship • Free Estimates

Structural Balance

H E L L E R W O RK

Our Specialties‌

• Paving • Patching • Seal Coating • Saw Cutting • Grading • Site Prep • Road Building • Power Sweeping • Consulting • Project Management

Jean-Luc Cortat CertiďŹ ed Hellerwork Practitioner @ Renaissance Wellness Centre Box 185 / 505 – 7th Avenue, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 • 342-2535

Telephone: 342-3659

“Serving the Columbia Valley�

RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL

• Driveways • Parking Lots

CALL 250-341-5895 or 1-888-342-7284

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

January 9, 2009

Fireworks were community effort Dear Editor: The Wilmer Community Club would like to express thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the Christmas Eve fireworks display.

First, thanks to the community as a whole for their generous financial support.

We would also like to thank individual sponsors: Franz Feldman; Sobey’s; Kicking Horse Coffee; Interior World; J.R. Enterprises; Teck

Cominco Mine, Sparwood; and the Dollar Store.

Special thanks goes to the Fireworks Crew – Shawn Murray, Pat Hemmelgarn and helpers – and to David Murray for use of his garage for the set-up.

Many people contributed lots of time to help make this another wonderful success.

You are all appreciated.

Sharon Wass Secretary, Wilmer Community Club

This home in Panorama has a perfect sheath of snow. To check snow conditions at Panorama Mountain Village, go to www.panoramaresort.com.

Photo by Dani Tschudin; www.visualexposures.ca

HERE TO SERVE YOU HAPPY FEET

Specializing in Pedicures & Massage

Shonese Hogarth Licensed Hairstylist Licensed Esthetician Licensed Massage Therapist Ask about Pedicure Parties 250-347-2244 shonese_hogarth@yahoo.com

Need Blinds?

Interior World

window fashions

Call Bill Cropper (250) 342 4406

DCS Plumbing & Heating • Plumbing, Repair and Installation • Drain Lines • Hot Water Tanks 24 hour emergency service

341-8501

Senior Discount

REFERENCES AVAILABLE

1422 12A Avenue, Invermere B.C.

attheshop@live.ca

LICENSED

250-341-5096

SHOLINDER & MACKAY EXCAVATING Inc.

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

WINDERMERE 342-6805

Invermere Dry Cleaners Ltd. Dry Cleaning • Laundry • Alterations Repair • Bachelor Service

Phone: 342-6610 • 507A - 7th Ave., Invermere

• Drinking Water Systems • Water Softeners • Whole House or Specialised Filtration NEW Duct Cleaning Service Call (250) 342-5089 385 Laurier Street Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 9, 2009

P ioneer C lassifieds BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT

LOST

THANK YOU

COMMERCIAL SPACE

SUITE FOR RENT

House FOR RENT

Glenn & Shanli Andruschuk’s little boy, Creston Knox was born Christmas Day, 2008 in Calgary.

Thrilled Grandparents Rick & Pat Andruschuk.

Lost on Friday, January 2nd , red & black Eskimo power auger on Lake Windermere. Call Robert Speta, 250-347-6334.

The family of the late Arthur Stringer would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to the many people who sent cards, flowers and food during our recent bereavement.

We are fortunate to live in a community that is so dedicated to compassion, friendship and support.

May consider compatible tenant to share space with Sunsations Day Spa! Very busy intersection, excellent location!!! Great parking! Huge private deck facing south overlooking lake Windermere & the Rocky Mountains! Newly renovated.

Attention: all therapists, doctors, naturopath or Chinese doctors, chiropractors, massage therapists, architects, accountants, business consultants. If you are a happy positive professional & are passionate at what you do, I may be willing to share my space with you. Contact Bonnie-Lou, 250-688-7798 or email escape@ sunsationsdayspa.com or www. sunsationsdayspa.com

Affordable accommodation in Radium. $425.00 and up. Call 250-341-7022.

FOR RENT

Invermere 2 bdrm, bright walk-out includes, hydro, utilities, cable, internet, new W/D & appliances, BBQ and yard maintenance, large windows.

N/P, N/S, no partiers, quiet single, or couple, long-term, close to beach & amenities.

Everything $1100.00, available Feb. 1st . 250-342-6899 or 250688-7798.

for seasonal or long term rentals or go online at

announcement

Connect to Your Own Power Find answers to your questions and explore your intuition thru Angel

January 17 & 18, Inverm www.cindysmithatp.com loveangels@telus.net 604.483.5223

Thank you so much, Marjorie Stringer and Family.

CHEERS & jeers CHEERS: to DR Sports for helping put smiles on our minor hockey initiation players!

Private consultations Jan 16, 1

Obituary

storage Donald Salanski 1949 – 2008 The family of Donald Salanski sadly announce his passing on December 30, 2008 in Cranbrook, British Columbia.

Donald was born on July 18, 1949 in Fernie, British Columbia. He was a loving father who was always there when his family needed him, and will be greatly missed. He was a cub scout leader, a boy scout leader, coached ladies fastball, enjoyed the outdoors, was an avid camper, loved fishing, off road motorcycling and country music. For the majority of his adult years, Donald was a truck driver for the Columbia Brewery. He was nicknamed “Dipper” and loved being on the open road. Donald had recently retired and was living in Cranbrook. He loved his new found “spare-time” and spent the great majority of it with his grandkids.

Donald is survived by his children Jolene and Jim Salanski; his mother Florence; his sister Marian Salanski; as well as many relatives and friends.

A celebration of Donald’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2009 from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm at the Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort in the grand ballroom.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.

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

NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climate controlled units.

Call 250-342-3637 380 square foot garage available Jan. 1st. Great contractor location. Call Mom’s Upholstery, 250-342-0355.

COMMERCIAL SPACE Invermere Fantastic Location!

1000 sq ft up to 3000 sq ft possible! Excellent parking, private decks facing south overlooking Lake Windermere & the Rocky Mountains.

Consultants, therapists, doctors, dentists, accountants, architects, food & bev? Many options. Contact Bonnie-Lou, 250-342-6899 or email escape@ sunsationsdayspa.com or www. sunsationsdayspa.com Financial professional looking for other professionals to share space with. I have a great location with excess room.

Please call 250-270-0270.

Office space available February 1, 2009. Spectacular Purcell views in Radium hot Springs.

Newly renovated and upgraded, east side main street in Radium.

High exposure to the prairie traffic. Please call David to discuss, 250-347-2460 (office) or 250-342-1524 (cell).

SHARED ACCOMMODATION Furnished room in Westside Park, available immediately. Call 250-688-7787.

D/T Invermere fully furnished bdrm in large home. Cable, all utilities, private entrance, computer, internet, parking.

Long or short term, no partiers, $500/month, 250-342-8651.

SUITE FOR RENT CONTRACTORS: Self contained cabins by the week or month.

(250) 345-6365 Fairmont Bungalows.

Invermere, 13th Ave., 3 bdrm main floor, bright, clean, $1175.00 all inclusive, 250-2700788, available Feb. 1st .

2 bdrm, 2 bath, upper suite in Black Forest Heights, Invermere.

All appliances, including dishwasher, large lot & deck, N/S, N/P, $1050/month, heat & utilities included. Available immediately, 250-342-9770.

Beautiful, bright, basement suite in Windermere. Totally renovated, new hardwood floor, brand new exotic wood kitchen, 2 large bedrooms, W/D hookup, fireplace, large yard, shared garage, $1200.00 all inclusive, available immediately. Call Jaqueline, 250-270-0508 after 5:00 pm..

Radium, bright, clean, 2 bdrm walk-out, large covered patio, extra parking, 9’ ceilings, in floor heating, laundry, cable, N/S, N/ P, $1100.00 + DD and 1/3 hydro.

Available Feb. 1st , 403-2560694 or 250-342-5159 2 bdrm suites available in Windermere, 2 blocks to beach, all appliances, $775/month & 1000/month, 403-241-8598 or email sillymilleys@shaw.ca Must See! Bright 1 bdrm suite in Wilmer. Separate entrance, high ceilings, new hardwood & carpet, new W/D, $700.00, utilities included, 250-3420035.

Contact

250-342-5914 www.EricRedeker.com “Available Now” Rockies West Realty Independently Owned & Operated

EXCELLENT LOCATION. Very nice Invermere home on quiet cul-de-sac, walking distance to Kinsmen Beach and Downtown, 3 bdrm up, 2 down, large private backyard, wood and electric heat. Dishwasher, Stove, Fridge, W/D included. Available Feb 1st, $1600.00 + util. 250-270-0270 Brand new 1200 sq. ft. house with garage, 2 bdrm, minutes to Invermere, quiet neighborhood with beautiful view. N/S, N/P, no children. References required, $900/month + utilities, 250345-2104.

House in Radium, $875.00, includes all utilities. Call 250341-7022.

Executive Invermere home, centrally located, 3 bdrm, 3 bath, very spacious, bright, beautiful yard and wonderful location.

Available Feb. 1st , $1350.00 + util. 250-341-7092.

3 bdrm mobile home for rent.

Close to town, $900/month.

Call 250-342-6813.

2 bdrm house on ½ acre, close to town, $900/month + utilities.

Available Jan 15th , 250-3429466.

House in prestigious Timber Ridge Phase III on ½ acre lot.

3 bdrm, 2 bath, 5 appliances, access to private beach, tennis courts, boat launch, some furniture, N/S, N/P. Reasonable pricing for this home, available immediately, 403-685-3134 or 403-615-3134.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27

January 9, 2009

P ioneer C lassifieds House FOR RENT

condo FOR RENT

HOUSE FOR SALE

MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE

ACREAGES/LOTS FOR SALE

Misc. for Sale

Available immediately, yearround, newly renovated 2 bdrm mobile home in Windermere.

4 appliances, large lot, N/P, references, 250-342-5201.

Windermere Point, 2 bdrm + den, 2 bath, facing lake, fully furnished, underground parking. $1300/month or $600/week.

Call 403-561-0111.

HERITAGE RANCH HOUSE,

3 Bdrm mobile home, new chimney and woodstove, 12’ x 14’ addition. Eager to sell, $39,900.00. Call Ken, 250-3413365 (home), 250-342-0300 (work).

Top quality Hay,

2 bdrm plus, 1 bath older home in Radium, large yard, N/P, N/S, $1200/month + security deposit, references required, 780-633-0595 (home), 780993-1579(work).

Adjoining C1 lots in Tretheway Beach subdivision, Windermere.

2 @ 60’ x100’, 1 @ 105’ x 100’.

Private beach, park, playground, marina and boat stall. Will sell all or part, 250-342-7111.

Fully furnished 2 bdrm condo at Heron Point. Rent includes cable and hydro, short or long term considered, N/S, N/P. Call Ken, 250-342-1165.

ACREAGES/LOTS FOR SALE

RESORT PROP. FOR SALE

4 bdrm, 2 bath house in Canal Flats. Partially furnished, W/D, pets neg. $1000.00 + utilities + DD, available Feb 1st . Call Casey, 250-349-7511.

condo FOR RENT Lakeview Meadows 3 bdrm, fully furnished unit with gorgeous mountain view, $1500/month + util. Available February 1st , heidilp2005@gmail.com 2 bdrm, 2 bath + den condo in Radium. Granite, counter tops, fireplace, hardwood floors, top floor, wrap around balcony, newly furnished, short or longterm. Call 403-861-7754.

3 bdrm, 1 ½ bath, 1600 sq. ft. townhome in downtown Invermere for rent, W/garage, $1350/month. Call 250-3411182.

Walk everywhere! Downtown location, new 3 bdrm, 2 bath apt. style condo, N/S, N/P, 6 appliances, upgrades throughout, large private deck w/storage. A MUST SEE! $1400.00 + DD, references required. Ideal for professional couple, 403-457-4037 or 250342-6366.

2 bdrm, 2 bath in Radium, The Peaks, end unit, 2nd floor, 7 appliances, A/C, hot tub, swimming pool, underground parking, N/P, N/S. Available immediately,$1150.00including utilities, 403-801-4356.

Sable Ridge, 2 bdrm, 2 bath + den, granite, A/C, pool, hot tub, heated underground parking, $1195/month. Call Roger 403256-0694 or 403-650-5503.

VACATION RENTALS 1 bdrm Mountainside Villas time share rental from February 2128, 2009. $475.00, all amenities included. Call Carolyn, 250-3459572, 403-246-1334.

Call us at 250-341-6299 to place your classified ad.

completely renovated house on 2.5 acres located outside of Windermere, in Elkhorn Country Estates, an exclusive private gated community, one of only 11 estates included in phase I. 4 bdrm, 2 bath, security system, working shutters, all services underground, all furniture included, $485,000.00. Phone Elkhorn Ranch at 250-342-0617 or 250-342-1268.

Beautiful house in Radium. Well suited for investment, vacation, or home, with legal walk-out secondary suite. 3200 sq. ft. finished interior area, 700 sq. ft. covered deck and patio, 600 sq. ft. double garage/shop.

5 bdrm, 3 full baths, 2 full kitchens, reading nook/office, media room, dining nook, open loft and 3 livingrooms. Open concept with high end wood finishing throughout. Far too many details and features to list.

A must see! $595,000.00, 250342-5159.

house for sale

FOR SALE BY OWNER

Luxury Alpine Villa at Castle Rock Estates 24 2600 Riverrock Way, Invermere

Priced to sell at $499,000 Call 403- 818-5330

Spectacular Private Gated Acreage One of only 10 prestigious 3 plus acre estate lots in this private community. On a hill with 360 degree mountain views, minutes from Windermere beach. See welist.com Invermere. 250-3425367.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Golden www.adlerdevelopment.ca 250-344-8447 billy@adlerdevelopment.ca

CAREERS

Alfalfa, grass mix, round bales $160/bale. Call Elkhorn Ranch, 250-342-0617.

Majestic elk head, huge rack, much below cost, $1550.00. Slip tank with pump, $100.00. 1000 gal. plastic water tank, approx.

10’ x 4’, $550.00. Call Bob, 403861-2309.

VEHICLE FOR SALE Well-maintained 4x4, 1995 Pathfinder, $4500.00. Call 250342-5564.

28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 9, 2009

P ioneer C lassifieds SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 6

services

BUSINESS FOR SALE

Subdivision?

Light & Heavy Auto Towing Business for sale. We have 2 large 30 ton tow & recovery units, 1- 3 ton tow recovery unit, all related towing & recovery equipment. Have served in the Columbia Valley for 13 years.

Interested parties only, please call 250-342-9551.

We can help Phone 250-347-6361 Email fairco@shaw.ca

Phil’s Carpentry – Everything from roofs to decks, completion of basement and bathrooms.

Phone 250-341-8033 cell or 250-342-8474 home. Not on valley time.

Flooring Installations, lino, carpet, laminate and hardwood.

30 years experience. Call 250347-9192 or 250-341-1235.

ASSISTED LIVING CARE AID Experienced and compassionate; certified.

Available short or long-term.

Call 250-342-7352.

Sonshine Children’s Centre has openings in the Infant, Toddler, Kindercare, and Out of School programs. Please call the Centre for more information, 250-3416224.

FREE painting estimates. 30 years experience. Call 250-3479305. All work guaranteed.

HOMESTAYS NEEDED

Employment Resources for the Valley 1313 – 7th Ave • 250.341.6889 • cvec@cyberlink.bc.ca The Government of Canada has contributed funding for this initiative.

Columbia Villa Management currently has an opening for a:

Maintenance Labourer

careers

COLUMBIA VALLEY ROCKIES Store Clerks

are looking for odd jobs or part-time work.

Call the coach @ 250-688-1515.

Hauling, yard work, no job too big or too small!

International Student Program

School District No. 6 (Rocky Mt.) requires host families in Invermere to accommodate International students for David Thompson Secondary School immediately and also for January 2009. Placement until June 2009. Host families provide a family environment with a private bedroom, three meals a day, a study area, transportation assistance and high speed internet access.

Remuneration of $600.00 per month per child is paid for hosting a student.We need your support now! Homestays are required to submit a criminal records check.

If interested please contact Lori Sluth (Homestay Coordinator Invermere) at 250-346-3377

Perform a wide variety of electrical, plumbing, welding, carpentry, painting, general building maintenance, and repair functions related to the care and maintenance of the resort’s buildings and facilities. Be able to respond to situations independently.

needed.

Columbia Villa Management currently has an opening for a

Recreation Coordinator

Qualifications and Requirements

Must be enthusiastic and enjoy people. $13/hour, store discounts and advancement opportunities. Apply in person to Invermere Petro-Canada.

Housekeeper required. Fulltime, part-time at Fairmont Bungalows. Call 250-345-6365, fax 250-345-6348, or email bungalows@shaw.ca WANTED on-site handyman to coordinate project/exchange for rent. First phase to upgrade 3 – 2 bdrm cottages in remote setting near Radium. Call 780485-5166, fax 780-485-5140.

The Maintenance Labourer must possess the following knowledge and skill requirements: • Be aware of occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of work assigned.

• Training is ongoing.

• Perform skilled and semi-skilled maintenance activities depending upon area of assignment.

• Maintain logs and records of work performed and materials and equipment used.

• Respond to call-outs and emergencies such as floods, propane leaks, and other hazards.

Interested applicants can forward their resume with references to: Human Resources – Cherrie Burke.

E-mail: cherrie@fairmontvillas.com or fax (250) 345-6250

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is now accepting applications for the position of:

LIFEGUARDS This position is responsible for ensuring the safety of guests at our natural hot pools complex. Junior and Senior Lifeguard positions are available. NLS Certification is required. Full-time or part-time.

Experienced bobcat operator/ labourer required for year-round work. Drivers abstract required.

Call John, 780-970-7040.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort offers a competitive salary and benefit package with access to all Resort amenities.

Experienced server for La Cabina Restaurant. Call 250-347-2340 or email lacabina@nanonow.ca

David Sheedy: e-mail hr@fhsr.com, fax 250.345.6616, or call 250.345.6004

Front desk manager wanted.

Some computer skill, flexible hours. Call Chalet Europe, 403660-6162.

Interested applicants should forward their resume with references to:

fairmonthotsprings.com

A Recreation Coordinator’s (RC) role is to organize and run activities for the enjoyment of the owners and guests at the resort. The RC must have an ability to engage with all age groups in all settings as required: ex., crafts with toddlers, sports with adolescents, card games with seniors, and hiking with families.

In addition, but not limited to, the RC is responsible for: • • •

leading indoor activities such as crafts, poker tournaments, and food events with a thoughtful and enthusiastic spirit; leading outdoor activities such as hikes, soccer games, and golf tournaments while projecting a fun and responsible attitude; performing administrative duties such as returning phone calls and emails, keeping event statistics, helping maintain recreation equipment, and keeping inventory.

Qualifications and Requirements The Recreation Coordinator must possess the following knowledge and skill requirements:

• • • • • • • •

a diploma in Tourism or Outdoor Adventure preferred; experience is an asset; fluent written and spoken English basic word processing and email; energetic and personable; excellent customer service skills, time management skills, and organizational skills; must be physically active; valid BC drivers license (class 4 an asset); Level 1 First Aid and AED endorsement; Foodsafe and Serving It Right certificates.

Interested applicants can forward their resume with references to: Human Resources – Cherrie Burke Email: cherrie@fairmontvillas.com or fax 250-345-6250

Remember... it’s a SHORT DRIVE to BIG SAVINGS! See our ad on page 32 for more details.

SERVING SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY Call 341-6299 to discuss your advertising needs.

N E W S PA P E R

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com • E-mail: upioneer@telus.net

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

January 9, 2009

2009 property assessments on their way

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff Property assessments for 2009 are now on their way to Columbia Valley residents and should be received in early January.

Following Premier Gordon Campbell’s announcement in November, property values this year will be frozen at their lowest level from the past two years.

“About 94 percent of property owners in British Columbia will see identical or lower assessed values on their 2009 property assessment notices compared to last year,” said Connie Fair, president of B.C. Assessment.

When homeowners receive their assessments, the notice will show two val-

ues for their property: those recorded on July 1st, 2007, and July 1st, 2008.

Whichever of those two values is lowest will be the figure for 2009’s assessment.

“The goal is to introduce stability in an unstable economic environment,” said Jim Norton of Cranbrook, area assessor for the Kootenay region.

He explained that the small percentage of property owners who do see an increase in their assessment will have earned it through works on their home.

“Those who will see increase only do so because they have made some improvements to their home, such as renovations or subdivision,” Mr. Norton explained.

However, owners who believe their assessment is incorrect can apply for re-

view before February 2nd, which will be conducted by the independent Property Assessment Review Panel.

The median sale price in Invermere reached its peak in the fourth quarter of 2007, when the average property was sold for $445,000.

Between July and September 2008, the median sale price was $375,000.

However, the most sales were recorded between July and September 2007, when 33 properties were sold.

Sales reached a low of six between January and March 2008, before increasing to 31 between July and September.

“Values have remained relatively stable out here,” Mr. Norton said, “whereas in Vancouver values are off quite dramatically.”

Property taxes won’t rise.

To place your Community Classified call The Pioneer at 250-341-6299 or toll free 1-866-669-9222 classifieds@bccommunitynews.com www.communityclassifieds.ca

Automotive

Career Training

Employment Opportunities

For Sale Misc.

ADVANCE ENGINE SUPPLY. Rebuilt automotive diesel and gas engines.

Edmonton toll free 1-877-4652702. We ship to your door anywhere in Canada Free!

BECOME A WEDDING COORDINATOR with the IWPPª online course.

Includes full-colour lesson booklets, DVD’s, practical assignments, personal tutoring and business training. FREE BROCHURE. 1-800-267-1829. www.qcweddingplanning.com.

JOIN AN EXCITING, FUN COMPANY!!

One World United is looking for sales people throughout Canada!

Our product is easy to sell and we provide full training! No INVESTMENT REQUIRED to earn a six figure income working from home! Looking for dedicated, hard working and honest people to work with us. Part/Full-Time, salary plus commission for those selected. Please send resume to: jeff@oneworldunited.com or 110 Longford Ave, Winnipeg, MB R2N 1S9.

ADD AND SAVE on home phone reconnection. Bad credit - no problem! Up to $30. off for new customers, plus lower monthly rates! Call Tembo 1-877-266-6398 or sign up online www.tembo.ca.

Auto Financing # #1 IN CREDIT REBUILDING. Need a car, truck, van or SUV? Auto Credit Fast. Bad credit! No credit!

Bankruptcy, Repossession! No problem. Call today and drive away.

Call Stephanie 1-877-792-0599.

Free delivery anywhere www. autocreditfast.ca.

EAGLE AUTO LOANS. Easy financing.

Good credit, poor credit, divorced, first time buyers, self employed, bankrupt. We finance in-house OAC. Call our credit specialist 1-800-9161723. www.secondchancefinance. ca

Business Opportunities MONEY MAKER - Local route, no selling on your part. For more info call 1-866-821-2569.

WORK AT HOME ONLINE - Start a real home-based business. Work when you want. Apply online and start today! www.wfhbc.com.

Education BECOME A VETERINARY ASSISTANT in 24 weeks at Granville Business College. Specializing in veterinary assistant diplomas for 15 years.

Classes every 3 months. www.vetassistant.com, 604-683-8850.

APARTMENT/CONDO Manager Course. Certified home-study training. 40 jobs currently registered! Thousands of grads working. Government registered.

29 years of success. Information: www.RMTI.ca or 1-800-665-8339, 604-681-5456.

Employment Opportunities

YOUR CRIMINAL RECORD: Professionally removed. Only Pardon Services Canada has been helping Canadians with discrete, efficient service for 20 years.Call 18-NOW PARDON 1-866-972-7366. www.RemoveYourRecord.com.

Financial Services DEBT STRESS? Consolidate & lower payments by 30-40%. End those phone calls & the worry. Avoid bankruptcy. Contact us for a nocost consultation. Online: www. mydebtsolution.com or toll-free 1877-556-3500.

For Sale Misc.

A FREE TELEPHONE SERVICE - Get Your First Month Free. Bad Credit, Don’t Sweat It. No Deposits. No Credit Checks. Call Freedom Phone Lines Today Toll-Free 1-866-8847464.

NEW FULLY LOADED COMPUTER $29.99/month!

IN-HOUSE FINANCING, EVERYONE’S APPROVED. Right to your doorstep from only $29.99/month: MDG Desktop Intel Processor, 2 GB Memory, 500 GB HD, 22” LCD Flat Panel, Windows Vista or 15.4” Notebook! Bonus 20” LCD TV with DVD! (*Call for conditions) 1-800-236-2504.

AT LAST! An iron filter that works.

IronEater! Fully patented Canada/ U.S.A. Removes iron, hardness, sulfur, smell, manganese from well water. Since 1957. Phone 1-800BIG IRON; www.bigirondrilling. com.

Personals ARE YOU LOSING a loved one to substance abuse? Our program has the highest success rate. Help is only one phone call away! 1-877782-7409; www.narconon.ca.

Services

TRAVEL

NOUVEAU CONSTRUCTION & Cabinets. We do rock walls, laneways, shallow servicing, bush clearing, septic, weeping tile, renos, new construction, cabinets, countertops. Phone Al, 250-3067502; www.nouveaugroup.ca.

TIMESHARE FORECLOSURES -- Save 60-80% off Retail! Best Resorts & Seasons! Call for FREE catalogue today! 1-800-597-9347. Browse hundreds of worldwide properties online -- www.holidaygroup.com/ bcn.

LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE matches people with legal concerns to a lawyer in their area.

Participating lawyers offer a 30 minute consultation for $25 plus tax. Regular fees follow once both parties agree to proceed with services. 604-687-3221 (Lower Mainland) or 1.800.663.1919 (Outside LM). DIAL-A-LAW offers general information on a variety of topics on law in BC. 604-687-4680 (LowerMainland)or1.800.565.5297 (Outside LM); www.dialalaw.org (audio available).

ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGES - Book Online at www.canadatravels.com and save more on your vacations.

Use code NCA74327 for discount or call us toll-free at 1-800-563-5722.

WANTED $$$$ WE BUY SCRAP car/truck batteries. $2.00 each. Free P/U anywhere in B.C. Any quantity. Toll Free 1-877-334-2288. Ask for Brad.

Steel Buildings BUILDING SALE!”.... “ROCK BOTTOM PRICES”. BEAT NEXT INCREASE. 25X40 $6,190. 30X50 $7,295.

35X60 $12,400. 40X60 $15,330.

60x100 $36,800. OTHERS! Pioneer Steel Manufacturers. 1-800-6685422. Since 1980.

is Where It’s At!

250-342-2965 See our ad on page 14.

30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 9, 2009

‘Twas a bumper Christmas for retail

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff Local businesses have reported a stable or improved December retail season.

Overall, business was better for most, and at the worst steady, compared to the 2007 Christmas buying period.

But Super Sunday and the rush for Christmas gifts was not the peak. Stores saw the most traffic after December 25th. “Between Christmas and New Year was our busiest time, when the second homeowners were here,� said Judy Koss, owner of Nostalgia on 7th Avenue, Invermere.

At the crossroads, Home Hardware noticed the same trend. “The week between Christmas and New Year’s was fantastic,� said owner Al Miller. “The traffic through the store was tremendous.�

Home Hardware saw a slight decrease over the entire season, but Al explained that the drop in local construction is probably the cause. “Our sales were only off by three to four percent and that wasn’t the retail side. It was our big massive

projects – lumber supplies – that were off,� he said. “Actual, retail sales were excellent. We had an excellent Christmas selling season.�

Like Invermere, there were more people out and about in Radium Hot Springs after Christmas as well. “We had quite a bit of walk-in traffic on the days we were open between Christmas and New Year’s,� said Roberta Hall, owner of Full View Curtains in Radium.

She said overall, the season was on a par with 2007. “It’s been pretty good for us,� said Roberta. “It was about the same as last year.

For Syndicate Boardshop in Athalmer, pre-Christmas was just as busy as post-Christmas. “It was steady all the way through from the weekend before Christmas until New Year’s,� said owner Jeremy Donald. “We weren’t sure what would happen, given what’s going on in the economy at the moment,� he said. “We thought it might be even, but we ended up being 10-15 percent ahead.�

Fairmont Village Gift Shop also noticed a slight drop, but owner Diana Moore blames that on a de-

crease in vacationers at Fairmont. “Overall, December was slower than last year because the number of out-of-area visitors was down,� she said.

However, she saw more Columbia Valley residents in the store. “We saw a significant increase in local customers coming in from up and down the valley,� Diana said. “People were out and about around the valley and stopping into local businesses.�

Mary Frances Shaw, owner of Sears in Invermere, also noticed an increase in sales. “It was probably a bit up on last year,� she said. “I was happy. It could have been better, but it could have been worse as well.�

Toy sales were high mostly before Christmas, as valley Santas stocked up. “Our peak was right before Christmas,� said Paul Christy, owner of Monkey’s Uncle Toy and Gift Company on 7th Avenue. “Overall, I would say it has been about the same as last year,� he said. “It moved up and down, but it levelled out at the end. I am very happy with the season, considering the doom and gloom that was being talked about.�

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31

January 9, 2009

Valley Churches

FAITH

‘Be still and know that I am God’

By Wayne Frater Radium Christian Fellowship Last Sunday we had a testimony service in Radium.

Each of us had a chance to share what God has been doing in our lives, reflect on the past year, and look forward to 2009.

One of the scriptures that was shared was Psalm 46 and the first part of verse 10, where it says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Another piece of scripture that was shared is found in Jeremiah 29:11-13.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

“Then you will call upon me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.

“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”

As we start a new year, I would like to take a mo-

ment to encourage you to take a fresh look at your walk with God. God has promised to give you a future and a hope.

What is your part? Seek Him with all your heart.

God has planted seeds of greatness on the inside of you! God has a plan for you!

Joel Osteen in one of his devotionals challenged me with this, and it is my challenge to you for the year 2009.

“It is time to step out and embrace all that God has for you!

“Are there dreams and promises that you’ve let go of? Are there things that God has placed in your heart, but because of time, because of disappointments, you’ve given up on them?

“Today is the day to give your dreams a new beginning. Today is the day to allow faith to rise in your heart.

“Remember, what’s happened to you is not nearly as important as what’s happened in you, and you are stronger and wiser than ever before.

“It’s your time; it’s your season to move forward into the destiny that God has prepared for you!”

My prayer for you is that you will choose to stand in faith, knowing that God has a plan for your life and that He is working behind the scenes on your behalf.

My prayer is that you will embrace all that God has for you in 2009 and the years to come.

In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Windermere Valley Shared Ministry ANGLICAN-UNITED January 11th: 10:30 a.m. at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere Rev. Sandy Ferguson 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere • 250-342-6644 www.wvsm.info or www.christchurchtrinity.com Valley Christian Assembly Sunday: 10 a.m. Worship and Word.

Children’s Church provided during the message.

7 p.m. Wednesday: Adult and Children’s Programs Pastor T. Scott Peterson • 4814 Highway 93/95, Windermere • 250-342-9511 www.valleychristianonline.com Roman Catholic Church Saturday: 5 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Church in Canal Flats 7 p.m. at Canadian Martyrs Church in Invermere Sunday: 9 a.m. at Canadian Martyrs Church in Invermere 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Radium Father Jim McHugh • 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. Fraser Coltman • 1-866-426-7564 Radium Christian Fellowship Worship service Sunday 10 a.m.

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, 10 a.m. • Sunday School, 11 a.m.

• Relief Society, Noon.

President Barry Pratt • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs • 250-341-5792

Selkirk TV & Appliance • Kitchenaid • Inglis • Whirlpool • Roper

Be aware Outdoor enthusiasts thinking about heading to the back country this weekend should be cautious, as unstable snowpack conditions in the area still exist.

According to the Canadian Avalanche Association, the avalanche risk for the South Columbia area, which includes Invermere, has varied between considerable and high the past few days.

“We are ramping up for a cycle of avalanches.

The potential remains for large natural avalanches to run full path,” according to information on the association’s website.

Those determined to head out to the mountains in the Columbia Valley should check the avalanche forecasts at www.avalanche.ca prior to their departure.

Lake Windermere Alliance Church January 11th: 10:30 a.m. Worship and Life Instruction.

“The Lighthouse.” Pastor Trevor ministering.

Sunday School, pre-school to Grade 7, during service.

7 p.m. Sing and Celebrate.

For sermons online: www.sermon.net/lwac Pastor Trevor Hagan 326 -10th Avenue, Invermere • 250-342-9535

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January 9, 2009

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