Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine January 2022 issue

2022 Mountaineer calendar pullout. p · 16.

Short-term rentals plans change. p · 22.

Canuck Splitfest. p · 26.

RPAC winter season. p · 30.

JANUARY/���2

FREE

revelstokemountaineer.com

COVER PHOTO: Revelstoke skier JJ Vinet takes a run down a spine in the Revelstoke backcountry while on a filming mission with partner Kim Vinet and photographer Olly Hogan. Photo Olly Hogan.

Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine is a free monthly publication featuring the best of Revelstoke outdoor life, food, style, visitor experiences, lifestyles, entertainment, home style and healthy living.

We are an independent, locally owned publication dedicated to showcasing our amazing mountain town and the great people who create the stoke.

Each issue we distribute over 3,000 free copies to over 200 public venues across Revelstoke, including hotel rooms, shops, restaurants, cafes, community centres — everywhere people meet.

For all inquiries, please contact us at info@revelstokemountaineer.com For Revelstoke daily news online, please see our sister publication www.revelstokemountaineer.com · 250 814 8710 info@revelstokemountaineer.com 606 Railway Avenue. Revelstoke, B.C. P.O. BOX 112 · V0E 2S0

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Aaron Orlando aaron@revelstokemountaineer.com

EDITOR Aaron Orlando aaron@revelstokemountaineer.com

STAFF JOURNALISTS Bailey Gingras-Hamilton bailey@revelstokemountaineer.com

EDITORIAL DESIGN/ADVERTISING DESIGN Sonia García sonia@revelstokemountaineer.com

WEBSITE Chris Payne chris@revelstokemountaineer.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Heather Hood,

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS & ILLUSTRATORS Olly Hogan, Bailey Gingras-Hamilton, Aaron Orlando, Sean Cochrane, Nick Khattar

CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Benji Lowclass

New realities in 2022 I'm writing this just before Christmas in 2021, the day B.C. announced another round of new COVID-19 restrictions and set a daily record for infections with 1,308.

It was a familiar theme in 2021: one disaster after another in quick succession. We had a pandemic wave in the spring, a national awakening on the horrors of the residential schools system, a wildfire season that badly impacted summer in Revelstoke, another COVID-19 wave, then a B.C. flooding disaster without precedent, followed by yet another pandemic wave. And that's leaving out a lot of other bad news.

Good riddance, 2021.

But personally, my 2021 was much better than 2020. I spent the most time outdoors in years, racked up lots of rides on my bike, swims in the lake, and generally had a better time of things, despite it all. It's made me feel a bit off-beat for a lot of the year.

Getting over the initial shock of the 2020 shutdown was part of it, but for me it had more to do with adjusting to new realities. A virus is a reality. The climate crisis and the real hardships that it will continue to deliver during our lifetimes is a new reality, and the destruction of B.C.'s highways a manifestation of that new, ever-lurking reality.

As humans, we have a variety of reactions to these crises, and with the pandemic, we've seen a range of extreme reactions when we are confronted with a new reality. While they are all natural reactions, some of them are helpful,

but many are of questionable utility, both for the individual and everyone else.

One common response is to argue over things, often without any plan to arrive at a consensus, new paradigm, or shared understanding. It's often just arguing for the sake of arguing and winning fights.

The context of communication matters and it's not surprising that social media formats we use result in the problematic behaviour we see.

In part, it creates a desire to substitute rhetoric for reality. One can argue elegantly that 2+2=5, but that does not make it so, and it should be apparent that time spent making the argument is not helpful to the person making it, nor anyone else.

I don't offer advice, just a personal observation meant to be helpful: 2021 has shown B.C. that we are dealing with new realities that are transformative. Being clear-eyed and accepting realities, such as washed-out bridges, establishes a basis for future action, such as fixing the bridges. Denying they are broken doesn't lead to a resolution.

Sometimes, when you face up to the problem, you also realize just how challenging it will be to overcome. However, once you've accepted the challenge, you can take action that is meaningful and productive for you and others.

Best wishes on your journey in 2022.

—Aaron Orlando, BA, MJ; Creative Director, Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine, revelstokemountaineer.com

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CONTENTS 08

NEWS BRIEFS News happenings from the month of December 2021.

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AROUND TOWN A new food truck for Revy, volunteer award winners, and a successful drive for a new X-Ray machine at Queen Victoria Hospital.

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JANUARY EVENTS CALENDAR Find out what's happening around town in Revelstoke in January. Don't forget to add your community event online at revelstokemountaineer.com for free!

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2022 REVELSTOKE MOUNTAINEER CALENDAR PULLOUT We teamed up with Benji Lowclass to create a 2022 calendar that is dying to be ripped out of the magazine and stuck on your fridge.

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SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT We checked in on plans to upgrade Revelstoke's problematic sewage treatment plant.

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SHORT TERM RENTALS Revelstoke has abandoned a proposed new short-term rentals plan, instead opting to explore a new plan that would limit short-term rentals to specific neighbourhoods only.

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SCHOOL VENTILATION CHECK Healthy indoor ventilation is one pillar of COVID-19 mitigation. In this Q&A interview, we checked in with School District. No. 19 to find out the state of ventilation systems in Revelstoke's school buildings.

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CANUCK SPLITFEST 2022 Canuck Splitfest is the annual gathering of the splitboard tribes in Revelstoke, B.C., with an emphasis on avalanche safety. We checked in to find out about the January 2022 event.

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ARTS BRIEFS Arts briefs from around Revelstoke in the month of January.

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RPAC PREVIEW The Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre has announced its winter schedule, which features Canadian icons like Fred Penner and cutting edge dance and performance presentations. Find out what's on here.

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Stories about the remarkable people and places in the Basin. stories.ourtrust.org

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NEWS BRIEFS

Masked protesters block the Akolkolex FSR on Nov. 29, 2021, as part of a protest against logging in the area. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine.

A paving crew lays asphalt on the Coquihalla Highway on Dec. 19, 2021. The highway reopened to commercial traffic on Dec. 21, 2021, following extensive damage caused by the flooding events in mid-November. Photo: Ministry of Transportation image

Roadblock on Akolkolex FSR to protest old-growth logging

Coquihalla reopens to commercial traffic, Highway 3 opens to non-essential travel

ROAD BLOCK ORGANIZERS SAY ACTION WAS TO STOP ONGOING OLDGROWTH LOGGING

By Aaron Orlando.

By Aaron Orlando.

Environment group Old Growth Revylution blockaded the Akolkolex Forest Service Road south of Revelstoke on Nov. 29, 2021, saying its goal is to stop ongoing logging in the area, including on the Holyk and Pulley Forest Service Roads (FSR).

The Akolkolex FSR branches off Revelstoke’s Airport Way where it turns from asphalt to dirt, and leads to the Akolkolex River area, McCrae Lake Recreation Trail, Sproat Mountain Recreation Trail and to a network of logging roads that run south towards the Arrowhead area.

The protesters erected a large tripod and also put logs and rocks on the road at another spot nearby where it branches off from Airport Way. Old Growth Revylution (OGR) is an informal group that first came to notice when they launched the ongoing blockade at the Bigmouth FSR on July 7, about 125 kilometres north of Revelstoke east of Highway 23N, where ongoing forestry road-building was brought to a halt.

The group says it is launched the blockade, “in order to stop logging in the area, notably on Holyk and Pulley FSRs. These two drainages are near the already deferred and ecologically unique Incomappleux drainage and include ecosystem markers that mirror those of the Incomappleux.”

The group criticized Downie Timber specifically, saying the ongoing logging is ‘disappointing.’

In its media release, OGR says that cutblocks being actively logged in the area “overlap” with areas identified as highest value old growth forests by the Ministry of Forests Technical Advisory Panel.

Nick Arkle is the CEO of the Gorman Group, a forestry and milling company that owns and operates Downie Timber.

He said he didn’t believe that Downie or its subcontractors is harvesting in the high value old growth areas identified in the OGR media release, and that the company had tried to get members of the protest group to meet to better understand its concerns, but hasn’t been successful. He said he was told the group doesn’t have a set leader and that he wanted to meet with protesters to review the maps and find out more about their specific concerns.

“It’s very difficult to communicate with people when you don’t know who they are and what they’re about,” Arkle said. “We need to get the right people sitting in the room,” Arkle said, adding that the forthcoming deferral decisions have long-term consequences for the community and he wanted to work with people who would be accountable for them.

In response to questions from Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine, the B.C. forests ministry said that Downie Timber has two previously approved cutting permits in the Akolkolex area that “include blocks that overlap with the areas identified as priorities for deferral by the Old Growth Technical Advisory Panel.”

The ministry statement added that, “Downie is not cutting in those areas, but is focusing its harvesting in permit areas that do not have old growth and do not overlap with priority areas that do not have old growth and do not overlap with priority areas identified by the TAP, and that the company is working with the community and local First Nations to create winter harvesting plans.”

The B.C. government has announced the Coquihalla Highway, which was damaged by flooding and washouts at over 20 sites during the Nov. 14, 2021 flooding events in B.C., has reopened to commercial traffic starting the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 21.

The change also means that Highway 3, the other main route from the Lower Mainland to the Interior, will have traffic restrictions lifted, meaning nonessential traffic can now use the route again. Since the flood, Highway 3 had been restricted to essential traffic, mainly commercial vehicles.

Travel restrictions have also been lifted on Highway 99 between Pemberton and Lillooet; however, the route remains under weight restriction of under 14,500 GVW, limiting commercial traffic.

The reopening of the Coquihalla to commercial traffic comes ahead of schedule. Originally, the transportation ministry estimated a limited reopening to the Coquihalla to commercial traffic would come in late January 2022.

“The people who build and maintain roads in B.C. have a reputation second to none, and their response to the recent disaster has been remarkable,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Ministry teams, maintenance contractors and hundreds of workers going flat out in challenging conditions have allowed us to reopen the Coquihalla Highway today, giving B.C.’s commercial drivers a safe, efficient route between the coast and Interior.”

The transportation ministry warned travellers to expect delays on the routes and to be prepared and check highway information before travelling. It also reminded drivers to be prepared for winter conditions combined with possible delays.

The ministry said over 300 workers using 200 pieces of heavy equipment repaired the damage in about 35 days.

The repairs to the Coquihalla Highway are temporary and included reduced speed limits and traffic pattern changes.

The repairs are temporary in nature and the B.C. transportation ministry says it is making plans for permanent repairs to the Coquihalla.

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An October 2021 survey by the BC Caribou Recovery Program lists woodland caribou herds according to their population trajectory. Image: BC Caribou Recovery Program.

The parking lot at the entrance to the Boulder Mountain snowmobiling area.

Photo: Aaron Orlando.

Caribou recovery update: Columbia North herd increasing, Frisby/Boulder decreasing

Landslide and washouts close Boulder Mountain snowmobile area

By Aaron Orlando.

THE REVELSTOKE SNOWMOBILE CLUB REOPENED BOULDER MOUNTAIN TO SNOWMOBILE ACCESS ON DEC. 10, FOLLOWING A MUDSLIDE AND WASHOUT ON DEC. 2.

In its December update, the BC Caribou Recovery Program (BCCRP) reports the Columbia North mountain caribou herd, whose range is located north of Revelstoke near the Mica Dam, has increased to 184 animals. Meanwhile, the Frisby/Boulder herd nearer to Revelstoke has declined in population, with only six remaining. The Columbia South herd is also listed as 'decreasing' with an estimated four animals remaining.

The numbers were derived from an October population estimate undertaken by the BC Caribou Recovery Program (BCCRP), which conducted 23 surveys to calculate the subpopulation sizes for 15 herds in B.C. The Columbia North herd is one of three herds in B.C. that changed classification, moving from 'stable' to 'increasing.'

The BCCRP says the Columbia North herd is continuing to increase at a rate of 1.9% growth per year, and it lists the reasons for the increase as prey management ongoing since 2003 (which includes reducing moose populations by increasing hunting levels), predator reduction from 2017-2021 and the maternity pen, which was in place from 2014-2018 as reasons why.

For the two herds closer to Revelstoke that continue to decrease, the BC Caribou Recovery Program predator reduction from 2017-2021 as the actions taken. It says the rate of decline has decreased for these herds, but that it continues to decline.

PREDATOR REDUCTION ENGAGEMENT

The BC Caribou Recovery Program says it received over 15,000 responses to a recent engagement survey on predator management.

The B.C. government is hunting and killing mountain caribou predators such as wolves and cougars, pointing to scientific studies that say interim predator management is a necessary short-term intervention to prevent more extirpations of mountain caribou herds.

The BCCRP says 312 wolves have been killed in an area that includes Columbia North and several other herds outside the area, and that 21 cougars have been killed in the Columbia North and Central Selkirks areas.

Through its engagement, the BCCRP says 37% were in support while 59% were opposed to predator reduction for mountain caribou recovery. The topic is a contentious one. In October, environmental group Pacific Wild presented a petition with over 500,000 signatures opposing wolf hunt practices in B.C., including against the killing of wolves for predator management.

Since the B.C. government faced pressure from the federal government to take more action on mountain caribou in the past few years, there has been significant activity, but the B.C. government has kept a low public profile in the Revelstoke region.

Early in 2022, the BCCRP plans to create a "decision support procedures” process that it hopes will provide “transparency, purpose and rigour in decision-making for recovery action.” The plan is to created web-based information the public and stakeholders can access that explains government’s decisions on caribou recovery.

By Aaron Orlando and Bailey Gingras-Hamilton.

Boulder Mountain reopened to snowmobilers on Dec. 10, following a week-long closure due to a mudslide and washout triggered by a third atmospheric river.

The Revelstoke Snowmobile Club (RSC) announced the reopening of the Boulder Mountain snowmobile area on Dec. 9. The popular recreation spot closed on Dec. 2, following a mudslide and washout on the Jordan River Forest Service Road.

Like most forest service roads, the Jordan River FSR occupies Crown land.

The RSC co-operates on the Jordan River FSR and maintains the road during the winter using grooming machines. The RSC also maintains snowmobile trails along Frisby Ridge, which were not affected by the storm.

“We are lucky compared to a lot of snowmobile clubs,” said Teena Rumak, general manager of the RSC. She noted that the November 2021 B.C. storms have impacted several snowmobile clubs.

She said the Coquihalla Snowmobile Club has essentially cancelled its season, and that the Fernie Snowmobile Association experienced bridge washouts impacting its trails in mid-November.

“It’s going to have a big impact on snowmobile tourism in the province,” Rumak said of the storms. A recent economic impact study from the RSC estimates that snowmobile tourism brings approximately $31.2 million to Revelstoke annually.

Although Boulder Mountain reopened after much-needed snowfall, the conditions reflected the plummeting freezing levels associated with atmospheric river events.

According to an RSC announcement, the Bezanson required "three to four feet of snow" for reopening. West Trail opened but “[could not be] groomed due to low snowpack."

Despite repairs on the Jordan River FSR, conditions are variable. The RSC is asking sledders to park at the main lot and ride from the ticket booth.

For trail updates at Boulder Mountain, check the RSC's grooming report at sledrevelstoke.com/grooming-reports.

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AROUND TOWN

In addition to the typical risks of opening a new business, Charlotte Sit faced manufacturing delays and highway closures to get The Lucky Pup food truck to Revelstoke. Photo: Bailey Gingras-Hamilton.

Amal and Farhan Alsowwan take a break from volunteering to strike a pose at the Community Connections food bank. Photo: Bailey Gingras-Hamilton.

The Lucky Pup's journey to Revelstoke

Community Futures Revelstoke celebrates volunteers with Spirit of Revelstoke Awards

AFTER FACING CONSTRUCTION DELAYS, FLOODS, AND HIGHWAY CLOSURES, THE LUCKY PUP FOOD TRUCK SERVED ITS FIRST BANH MI AT BIG EDDY GLASS WORKS IN DECEMBER.

By Bailey Gingras-Hamilton.

Opening a new business is always filled with risks and challenges. Despite the name of Charlotte Sit's new food truck, her experience opening The Lucky Pup was filled with obstacles, and sheer bad luck. The road to opening wasn’t just rocky – it was flooded.

The Lucky Pup Food Truck served its first Banh mi on Dec. 1 at Big Eddy Glass Works. The new food truck takes a unique approach to Asian fusion cuisine, combining pan-Asian flavours with the Banh mi sandwich, a staple Vietnamese street food.

While Sit was aiming to open The Lucky Pup this summer, COVID-related supply shortages pushed manufacturing timelines months behind. After facing months of delays, Sit finally arrived in Vancouver in late November to pick up her food truck. However, in a stroke of bad timing, historic rainfall hit the lower mainland immediately after she arrived. All highways closed and Sit faced a hectic trip back to Revelstoke.

"I've never even driven with a trailer before, and here [I am] driving across the province during the winter time. It was an exciting journey," she exclaims.

Despite the intensity of the situation, Sit laughs when explaining the trip. It made the opening more rewarding, she says.

Sit uses flavours from across Asian cuisines and places them alongside traditional Banh mi toppings. For example, Sit pairs Chinese-style barbeque pork with a crunchy baguette, juicy meats, crisp pickled vegetables, and a kick of jalapeno.

"That's actually a recipe, a flavour from my childhood that I really like," she explains. "I think it works really well in a Banh mi sandwich, but it's definitely not a traditional Banh mi filling."

For now, The Lucky Pup will be making pop-up appearances until it opens full-time in May 2022. Despite the challenges and even disasters along the way, Sit hopes that the food truck can help turn the Big Eddy Glass Works into a "hub within the Big Eddy community."

To get a taste of The Lucky Pup's Asian-fusion Banh mi's, visit theluckypupfoodtruck.com to see the food truck’s upcoming winter appearances.

AMONG THE WINNERS OF THE 2021 SPIRIT OF REVELSTOKE AWARDS IS AMAL ALSOWWAN, A SYRIAN REFUGEE WHO IS SHARING HER CULTURE THROUGH THE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS FOOD BANK.

By Bailey Gingras-Hamilton.

Since 2012, Community Futures Revelstoke has celebrated volunteers with the Spirit of Revelstoke Awards. While many notable volunteers were nominated in 2021, one recipient has made a big impact in this community in a short period of time.

Amal Alsowwan, who is being recognized for her volunteer work with the Community Connections food bank, came to Revelstoke in 2019. After being displaced by the conflict in Syria for several years, she arrived in Revelstoke alongside her husband Farhan Alsowwan and their two sons, Hamza and Mohammed.

"I know that Amal goes out of her way to show her culture to those that she works with at the food bank," said Mayor Gary Sulz in his dedication speech.

As Amal explains, volunteering is her way of saying "thank you" to the community that welcomed her family with overwhelming support in 2019.

At the Community Connections Outreach Centre, I met with Amal to talk about volunteering and her recent accomplishment. Our conversation was aided by a translation app on Amal's phone, peppered with unassisted answers that demonstrate her growing vocabulary. The food bank has given Amal more opportunities to practice her English, she says.

"It was a very wonderful thing for me," she says, nodding and accenting her phone's translation with words of confirmation. "I promised myself that as long as I live in Canada, I will volunteer."

Volunteering is an integral part of Syrian culture and Muslim values, Amal elaborates. Acts of charity are one of the five pillars of Islam, according to the Quran.

Beyond volunteering with the food bank, Amal hopes to attend culinary school to "get more people involved with" Arabic flavours and culture. However, the simple interactions that Amal shares as she exchanges food leave the largest impression.

"When I see their smiles, [it] washes away all the worries in my heart," she says, adding that these moments share universal meaning beyond language barriers. "[Volunteering] is a big part of my life."

Monday $16 Burger & Beer Thursday & Sunday Live DJs and music for après 2:30-5:30 pm Friday Live music 7:30-9:30 pm

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Queen Victoria Hospital, seen on a misty late-November afternoon.

Photo: Bailey Gingras-Hamilton.

A rendering of the proposed 24-unit apartment at 2914 Victoria Road West. Photo: City of Revelstoke meeting department

RDHF fundraiser nets $53,520 for new X-ray machine

Apartment building proposed for Victoria Road West

THE REVELSTOKE DISTRICT HEALTH FOUNDATION EXCEEDED THEIR FUNDRAISING GOAL OF $53.221 IN ONLY FOUR DAYS, SECURING ENOUGH DONATIONS FOR NEW EQUIPMENT AT QUEEN VICTORIA HOSPITAL.

REVELSTOKE DOESN'T SEE APPLICATIONS FOR MULTI-FAMILY BUILDINGS OFTEN DUE TO ZONING

By Bailey Gingras-Hamilton.

The Revelstoke District Health Foundation (RDHF) raised over $53,000 for a new X-ray machine, bringing upgraded testing and imaging capacity to Queen Victoria Hospital.

The four-day RDHF fundraiser began on Nov. 26 and finished on Nov. 30.

According to the RDHF, the organization raised $53,520 in the short timeframe, exceeding the original fundraiser goal of $53,221. Thanks to these generous donations, the RDHF can purchase a second Carestream DRX-1 X-ray machine for the Queen Victoria Hospital in Revelstoke. This upgrade will improve efficiency and increase local testing capabilities, say RDHF officials.

"It's been a difficult year for non-profits and charitable organizations, but I believe that people in Revelstoke understand the challenges related to [being in a] insolated community," says RDHF chairman Steven Hui. Originally, the RDHF planned to raise money for the X-ray machine throughout December. The initial four-day fundraising blitz was a kick-off for the initiative, explains Hui. While the RDHF expected to raise $10,000 to $15,000 from the fundraiser kick-off, Hui says local support exceeded expectations.

Four companies made particularly sizable donations, highlights Hui. The Revelstoke Community Forest Corporation, Stella Jones Canada Ltd., Downie Timber Ltd., and Louisiana-Pacific Canada Ltd. each donated $10,000 to the effort, bringing in $40,000 total and reaching the fundraiser goal.

Beyond offering improved X-ray imaging resolution, the fundraised X-ray machine is safer for patients and more efficient for healthcare providers.

As Hui explains, the new Carestream DRX-1 X-ray machines expose patients to less radiation than previous models. Additionally, the machines' Wi-Fi capabilities accelerate the speed that medical imaging is transferred. This means shorter test times and higher daily testing capacities.

According to the RDHF, the organization will keep all leftover donations in a separate account for future purchases in the imaging and emergency departments. With $53,520 raised, the organization exceeded fundraiser goals by approximately $300.

By Cara Smith.

Revelstoke may soon be getting a bit of a break in its ongoing housing issue as plans for a new apartment building work their way to city council.

In December, planning staff brought a rezoning and development permit application for the construction of a 24-unit apartment building at 2914 Victoria Road West to the city’s Advisory Planning Commission.

The Advisory Planning Commission provides comments or recommendations for Revelstoke City Council’s consideration on proposed development permit applications.

The staff report named the owner and applicant as Tyler Delaurier and Selkirk Planning and Jason Roe. The proposed building would be built off Victoria Road West and fall within the Farwell / Mountainview neighbourhood.

The application details proposed amenities the building will include, like landscaping around the perimeter of the building; balconies for each unit; underground, secure hanging bike racks and storage lockers; as well as a rooftop patio. The building would include 15 one-bedroom, one-bath units and nine two-bedroom, two-bath units.

The plans include taking advantage of Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) financing. This would require that the building have at least five units that respond to a need for rental supply. It would also require that at least 20 percent of overall units have rents below 30 percent of the median total income for families in the area or that the proposal be approved under another affordable housing program.

The report also included some details about the proposed design of the building. The building would include modern architectural features with building articulation and projecting canopies.

The Advisory Planning Commission makes recommendations about whether the building permit application is consistent with city policies and should be moved forward.

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CALENDAR JANUARY 2022 WEEKLY EVENTS MONDAY REVELSTOKE RAINBOW DROP-IN

@ Community Connections · 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

This meet-up is a safe space for LBTQIA2S+ to connect, discuss support in the community, share information, or just chat and hang out.

Call 250-837-2920 to register for this free event.

TUESDAY REVELSTOKE READS - FAMILY STORY TIME

@ Online · 10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Join Vanessa, Sasha and Stacy on Zoom for super fun stories, songs and rhymes. Register once to get Zoom invitation for all sessions. Visit the events page at orl.bc.ca/revelstoke for more information.

COMMON THREADS NEEDLECRAFT CLUB

@ Okanagan Library Revelstoke Branch · 6:30 p.m. 8 p.m.

Enjoy a relaxed evening connecting to other crafters while sharing skills, patterns, projects and ideas. All skill levels welcome - please bring your own supplies.

WEDNESDAY FREE MEDITATION

@ Balu Yoga · 7:30 a.m. - 8 a.m.

Free meditation every Wednesday morning at Balu Yoga. No experience needed. To view the in-studio COVID protocol visit baluyoga.com.

WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE

@ Community Connections · 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Enjoy coffee, light snacks and conversation about everything woman. Call 250-837-2920 for more information.

THURSDAY RAINBOWS & ALLIES LGBTQIA2S+ YOUTH SPACE

@ Community Connections · 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

On the last Thursday of every month, come to a safe space for queer youth for conversation, food and fun. This event is hosted in partnership with Stoke Youth Network.

TAKE OUT LEGO SURPRISE

@ Okanagan Library Revelstoke Branch · 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Get everything you need for a fun, creative afternoon of Lego exploration. On the fourth Saturday of every month, drop by the library and get a bagged kit with a selection of Lego pieces, and Lego challenge cards.

WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY & SUNDAY INTRODUCTION TO FLAME WORKING 101: GLASS BEADS

@ Big Eddy Glass Works · 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

In this beginners class you will work on the torches to create your very own glass beads (approx.

4 - 6 beads.) This workshop will teach you the introductory steps to flame working. Sign up at bigeddyglassworks.ca.

JANUARY EVENTS MONDAY, JANUARY 3 ALPINE CLUB OF CANADA COLUMBIA MOUNTAINS SECTION YOUTH SKI TOURING SESSION

@ Location TBA · 8:30 a.m - 3 p.m.

Groups of four youth will be accompanied by an Alpine Club of Canada guide and amateur leader.

Ski touring adapters and skins provided. Location will be determined based on avalanche conditions and group abilities. This session is for ages 11 to 15.

Avalanche Canada is hosting the 12th annual Canuck Splitfest from Jan. 7 until Jan. 9.

Photo: seerevelstoke.com

KRISTA STOVEL

REGISTERED CLINICAL COUNSELLOR PROFESSIONAL ART THERAPIST

778 252 HELP (4357)

cedarandbirchcounselling@outlook.com cedarandbirchcounselling.com

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Comedians Debra DiGiovanni, Pete Zedlacher, Dan Quinn and Paul Myrehaug will perform at The Roxy Theatre on Jan. 30 as part of the Snowed In Comedy Tour. Photo illustration by Bailey Gingras-Hamilton.

VISIT REVELSTOKEMOUNTAINEER.COM/CALENDAR TO SUBMIT YOUR EVENT FOR FREE. WE INCLUDE A SELECTION OF THOSE EVENTS HERE IN OUR MONTHLY PRINT CALENDAR.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 4

FRIDAY, JANUARY 7

REVELSTOKE GRIZZLIES VS. SICAMOUS

REVELSTOKE GRIZZLIES VS. PRINCETON

JANUARY 7 – JANUARY 9

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8

CANUCK SPLITFEST

REVELSTOKE GRIZZLIES VS. CHASE

@ Revelstoke Forum · 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

The Revelstoke Grizzlies are Revelstoke's premier hockey club, playing in the Revelstoke Forum, our cozy vintage arena. Their home games attract a lively crowd seeking the joy of the smalltown hockey experience. New provincial COVID-19 restrictions have capped capacity at 50% until at least Jan. 18.

@ Online Delivery · Full day event Avalanche Canada is proud to host the 12th annual Canuck Splitfest. The event has evolved over the years but keeps true to Wade’s intentions of connecting the mountains, the industry and the people to spark creativity and collaboration. Registration for online presentations costs $25, visit canucksplitfest.com to learn more and sign up.

@ Revelstoke Forum · 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

The Revelstoke Grizzlies are Revelstoke's premier hockey club, playing in the Revelstoke Forum, our cozy vintage arena. Their home games attract a lively crowd seeking the joy of the smalltown hockey experience. New provincial COVID-19 restrictions have capped capacity at 50% until at least Jan. 18.

@ Revelstoke Forum · 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

The Revelstoke Grizzlies are Revelstoke's premier hockey club, playing in the Revelstoke Forum, our cozy vintage arena. Their home games attract a lively crowd seeking the joy of the smalltown hockey experience. New provincial COVID-19 restrictions have capped capacity at 50% until at least Jan. 18.

Glass Blowing in Revelstoke Shop our studio Watch us blow glass Check out our workshops 1-250-837-9696 1741 Celgar Rd www.bigeddyglassworks.ca

Open Every Day from 11am - 6pm

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Calendar

Variation Hamletique is a comedic retelling of Shakespeare’s classic performed entirely in French.

Photo courtesy of Arts Revelstoke.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 15

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22

REVELSTOKE GRIZZLIES VS. KAMLOOPS

REVELSTOKE GRIZZLIES VS. 100 MILE HOUSE

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26

REVELSTOKE GRIZZLIES VS. CHASE

MOVIES IN THE MOUNTAINS PRESENTS: THE ALPINIST

@ Revelstoke Forum · 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

The Revelstoke Grizzlies are Revelstoke's premier hockey club, playing in the Revelstoke Forum, our cozy vintage arena. Their home games attract a lively crowd seeking the joy of the small-town hockey experience. New provincial COVID-19 restrictions have capped capacity at 50% until at least Jan. 18.

@ Revelstoke Forum · 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

The Revelstoke Grizzlies are Revelstoke's premier hockey club, playing in the Revelstoke Forum, our cozy vintage arena. Their home games attract a lively crowd seeking the joy of the small-town hockey experience. New provincial COVID-19 restrictions have capped capacity at 50% until at least Jan. 18.

@ Revelstoke Forum · 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

The Revelstoke Grizzlies are Revelstoke's premier hockey club, playing in the Revelstoke Forum, our cozy vintage arena. Their home games attract a lively crowd seeking the joy of the small-town hockey experience. New provincial COVID-19 restrictions have capped capacity at 50% until at least Jan. 18.

@ Location and time TBA The Movies in the Mountains season begins with The Alpinist, which follows the journey of MarcAndré Leclerc, a young Canadian visionary climber who blazed his own trail on rock and ice. More information will be released closer to the event at artsrevelstoke.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19

FRIDAY, JANUARY 28

SCRABBLE SCRAMBLE ONE HOUR RELAY

REVELSTOKE GRIZZLIES VS. SICAMOUS

@ Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club · 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

The Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club invites you to collect a letter each time you complete a lap on Wednesday, January 19th for their second Headlamp Hero’s 2.0 event. Which team can create the highest value word? Registration costs $2, and is from 5:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21 REVELSTOKE GRIZZLIES VS. 100 MILE HOUSE

@ Revelstoke Forum · 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

The Revelstoke Grizzlies are Revelstoke's premier hockey club, playing in the Revelstoke Forum, our cozy vintage arena. Their home games attract a lively crowd seeking the joy of the small-town hockey experience. New provincial COVID-19 restrictions have capped capacity at 50% until at least Jan. 18.

@ Revelstoke Forum · 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

The Revelstoke Grizzlies are Revelstoke's premier hockey club, playing in the Revelstoke Forum, our cozy vintage arena. Their home games attract a lively crowd seeking the joy of the small-town hockey experience. New provincial COVID-19 restrictions have capped capacity at 50% until at least Jan. 18.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 30 SNOWED IN COMEDY TOUR

@ The Roxy Theatre · 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Comedians Debra DiGiovanni, Pete Zedlacher, Dan Quinn and Paul Myrehaug come together for an unforgettable night of stand-up comedy. The Snowed In Comedy Tour has become a Canadian success story, with 13 years running. Tickets are available at snowedincomedytour.com

TUESDAY, JANUARY 11 VARIATION HAMLETIQUE

@ Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre · 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

A fringe theatre performance offering a sideways telling of Hamlet by William Shakespeare, performed entirely in French. Puppets, clowning, odds and ends, sound effects, and a lot of humour breathe new life into this tragic tale. The play is condensed into a wild and cinematic 60 minutes that will have you on the edge of your seat. Tickets are available at artsrevelstoke.com.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 14 REVELSTOKE GRIZZLIES VS. SUMMERLAND

@ Revelstoke Forum · 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

The Revelstoke Grizzlies are Revelstoke's premier hockey club, playing in the Revelstoke Forum, our cozy vintage arena. Their home games attract a lively crowd seeking the joy of the small-town hockey experience. New provincial COVID-19 restrictions have capped capacity at 50% until at least Jan. 18.

Kicking off Arts Revelstoke’s Movies in the Mountains season, The Alpinist follows the story of nomadic free-soloist Marc-André Leclerc. Photo: Jonathan Griffith/Red Bull Media House

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Small Groups. Big experiences.

Snowshoe Rentals Traditional & Modern styles Child $10/ Adult $30

Wild Wednesday Family Night Special: Deal: $30 for up to 6 pairs

Snowshoe Tours Snowshoe & Fondue Adventure Snowshoe & Sauna Snowshoe & Brew

Wilderness Medicine Courses

WELCOME TO YOUR

CLASSROOM

WAFA, WFR, bridge & recert courses.

Jan. 19-27th & Apr. 19-27th Limited spaces

Visit The Snowshoe Shack at The Revelstoke Campground/ 2411 Koa Road

www.flexpeditions.com/ 1-866-939-3539 for details & booking

ARTIST DEADLINE !?!

TOURISM MANAGEMENT DIPLOMA Come live, work and study in Revelstoke.

PRODUCED BY

Featuring over 30 artists, LUNA brings art and energy to downtown Revelstoke What are we looking for?

This year the theme for LUNA is FLIGHT Outstanding and creative art pieces (think BIG and outside the box!)

Installation based artworks interactive and immersive incorporates new and alternative media Site-specific artwork that utilizes overlooked spaces and back-alleys

Call for Submissions Now Open

Artist Applications: lunafest.ca Deadline: January 28, 2022 5pm

Advance your tourism career through Okanagan College’s Tourism Management Diploma and gain real-world knowledge and skills in a dynamic, four-season mountain resort environment.

STARTS FALL 2022 APPLY NOW For details visit: okanagan.bc.ca/tmd

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FEATURE

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Revelstoke Report

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REVELSTOKE REPORT

The Revelstoke sewage treatment plant nearby the industrial park, pictured during wildfire smoke in the summer of 2021.

Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine.

By Aaron Orlando.

REVELSTOKE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT UPGRADE UPDATE THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS ON THE REVELSTOKE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT UPGRADE IN 2021. HERE’S THE CONDENSED VERSION TO BRING YOU UP TO DATE ON WHAT’S HAPPENING.

There were several developments on plans to upgrade Revelstoke’s sewage treatment plant in 2021, and it should result in construction of an upgraded facility in the coming years.

Generally, it’s a Revelstoke good news story from 2021, something we could all use a little more of.

The sewage treatment plant needs an update due to operational and capacity issues.

It has had problems that led to terrible acute smell events that eroded quality of life for neighbourhood residents.

The most recent was in 2018, when eyewatering smell permeated as far as downtown.

For months, neighbourhood residents endured horrible smells caused by the malfunctioning system. It had happened several times before that.

The lagoon system uses bacteria to break down waste through aerobic digestion; however, if the chemistry isn’t working properly, it can start digesting waste through anaerobic digestion, which produces the smelly gases.

What was wrong with the old sewage treatment plant?

We’ve been following the story sewage treatment plant for years and can offer a general summary. First of all, the plant was completed in 1973 and was both old and no longer able to deal with capacity. An upgrade in the early 1990s updated the diffusers, which pump air into the pools to drive biological processes. The upgrade may have caused new issues as it affected churn in the pool, possibly leading to more sludge buildup that led to

anaerobic events. In the past decade, the city has done a number of upgrades. One was a new filter on the headworks building that cut down on smell from the sewage pipes. The city also upgraded diffusers, added mixers, and adjusted the operations of the plant, such as trying new chemical formulations to boost digestion. Generally, since many different factors play into operations, city engineers have been reluctant to point to one thing as the cause or solution, but there hasn’t been an extreme smell event since 2018. Nevertheless, the system is at capacity, preventing further growth.

The planned upgraded plant At the start of the year, a select sewage committee had been meeting to develop plans to update the facility. Over meetings staring in January and into summer engineering staff and consultants presented reports and some decision points at Revelstoke city council meetings.

Plans for the new plant were developed in early 2018, and the process essentially adopted that plan.

Generally, the planned new treatment plant will use the existing location but add new technologies to help improve the system.

There are many new details, including adding a lift station to redistribute sludge, increasing aeration capacity, new screening, adding a bioreactor unit, adding a new chlorine contact tank, installing sludge collection manifolds, and extending the outfall into the Illecillewaet.

“The phased approach utilizes features of the existing lagoon configuration to the extent

possible by combining them with additional advanced technologies to upgrade certain aspects of treatment as part of the overall treatment strategy to meet specific regulatory objectives and population growth,” notes an engineering report.

The current timeline is for construction to happen in 18-24 months, with many preliminary steps happening before then.

What about the mechanical plant option?

The option of what’s often referred to here as a ‘mechanical’ plant was ruled out due in large part to cost, which city engineering director, Steve Black, estimated could run up to $100 million. In an interview, Black said a mechanical plant would need “four or five” new operations staff, making it costprohibitive, saying modernizing, expanding and using the existing system was economical and met capacity requirements.

One key detail is the plant is intended to be operated for about 20 years, which is a relatively short period, indicative of a lowercost interim approach.

$9.8 million federal funding In August, the federal government announced it was giving a $9.8 million grant towards the treatment plant. At the time, the cost of the plant was estimated to be $14.6 million.

Total increased $17 million budget In November, city council approved the first

Revelstoke Report

step of a borrowing bylaw that will ask to borrow $7 million to augment the almost $10 million federal grant, bringing the total to $17 million. Originally, the city planned to borrow about $3.6 million and is now planning to borrow $7 million.

Black said the increased borrowing ask was in part to anticipate potential overruns, saying that the borrowing process is time-consuming and they didn’t want to come up short. "We anticipate the number will be less than that,” Black said of the final budget.

One concern he mentioned is construction cost inflation, which is generally much higher than consumer product price inflation. Pandemic-related increases to costs such as shipping have inflated construction costs by about 15% per year in the region, Black said. The longer one waits, the more expensive it becomes.

Federal environment discharge warning I followed up on documents referenced in a city report and received a federal environment inspection report of the facility, and a February 2020 written warning from the Enforcement Branch of Environment and Climate Change Canada. It noted the treatment plant was in excess of its discharge limits for biochemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids. The report noted testing had recorded violations since 2015, including in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. It also listed a series of potential escalating fines that could run into the millions.

Aside from the environmental concern, the situation is problematic for development. Revelstoke already has several large developments on the

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go that will increase volume. If the situation continued, fines and possibly restrictions on further development are a possibility.

However, in other correspondence Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine received in response to our request, it appears that both the city and the federal government is focused on the upgraded sewage treatment plant as the solution to the issue.

Linking planning to Development Cost Charges Who’s going to cover costs? The city’s Development Cost Charges (DCCs) are out of date, meaning that the cost of the replacement project, which was needed in part due to recent increases in sewage flow created by new development, is subsidized by existing ratepayers because new developments are underpaying what they should to support infrastructure costs.

The current council has promised to update the DCC bylaw, but in an update late in the year, completion of the bylaw may not be completed during this council term in 2022.

Black said a key part of establishing DCC rates for sewage infrastructure was completing plans that formalize the costs. During the process leading to the sewage treatment plant upgrade, the city’s engineering department completed its Stage 3 Liquid Waste Management Plan. The three-stage plan had been in development for over a decade, but was paused at late stage 2. Significant work was needed to complete the process.

Black said that work — the long-term planning — allows the long-term costs to be formalized and then used to calculate their portion of DCC fees.

There was unrest in Revelstoke in the summer of 2018 when Revelstoke’s sewage treatment plant wafted noxious odours all over the Southside neighbourhood and into downtown. It was one of the worst smell seasons in recent years and there have been several. This fed-up resident voiced their concerns through DIY bumper stickers.

Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine

What about consultation with affected neighbours?

The city is using new digital engagement platforms but lags in marketing them, including consideration of stakeholder equity. A total of 61 people responded to a public engagement survey in 2021, a third of them Southside residents affected by smell. So, only about 20 neighbours provided feedback, which seems very low since it’s a huge neighbourhood issue for hundreds of people. The time allowed for engagement was short, likely due to time pressure vis-à-vis federal grants. Better consultation could have built confidence in the plan.

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NEWS

DOWNTOWN, REVELSTOKE MOUNTAIN RESORT, MACKENZIE VILLAGE NAMED IN PRELIMINARY STAFF REPORT.

By Aaron Orlando.

REVELSTOKE CITY ABANDONS SHORT-TERM RENTALS BYLAW, PROPOSES NEW PLAN TO LIMIT RENTALS TO SPECIFIC NEIGHBORHOODS Revelstoke will be looking to limit short-term rentals to neighbourhoods with existing tourist downtown, near RMR, and Mackenzie Village, as it starts anew developing a new short-term rentals plan.

This new approach replaces the previous short-term rentals plan discussed in the past few months, which has now been abandoned.

At the December 9, 2021 meeting of the City of Revelstoke’s Committee of the Whole, members endorsed a staff-recommended option that plans to limit short-term rentals to specific Revelstoke neighbourhoods.

A staff report mentions downtown, Revelstoke Mountain Resort and Mackenzie Village. The plan is to develop a new plan based on an outline presented in a report to the committee.

Two other staff options were left behind.

The first was to continue with the short-term rentals bylaw with improvements based on feedback. That means the bylaw that has been up for discussion in the past few months has failed and has been set aside, including commitments to specifics.

The other abandoned option was to shelve the project for a while until the B.C. government updates its short-term rentals policies, possibly in 2022.

The committee opted to move ahead with the neighbourhood-specific option. Or Option 3.

The wording of the staff recommendation endorsed by the committee reads: Proceed to review feasibility of draft regulations for STR that would be permitted in specific areas of the City that have existing zoning to permit tourist accommodation The next steps are to develop the plan, prepare a report, identify costs, develop a new policy, and to head back into public engagement, then zoning bylaw amendments. A preliminary report is scheduled for January.

By all appearances, the new process seems likely to take at least a few to several months, maybe more.

One councillor opposed Coun. Jackie Rhind was the only vote against limiting to specific neighborhoods. She spoke strongly against unequal rules, while others countered that zoning by area is standard.

More details on the preliminary plan The city staff report contains more detailed bullet points on what they hope to do, so if you’re following along with the short-term rentals issue in Revelstoke, you can find this story online at revelstokemountaineer.com and find links to the report.

The preliminary plan will require council approval at some point. The report does say a preliminary report could come in January 2022.

Analysis: Back to the drawing board After two years of study, reports, plans and meetings, the city’s proposed short-term rentals bylaw has crashed and burned and the city is rebooting the process, starting from scratch with a new plan to limit short-term rentals to certain areas.

There has also been change in the development services department.

Currently, the development services director is on leave, and a former interim CAO has been retained to lead the department in some capacity.

Revelstoke city communications staff didn't provide information on what is happening, saying it is a 'personnel' issue so they wouldn't comment.

Officially, the city has spent $17,532 on the process so far, but that doesn’t include staff time and other resources sapped away from other pressing business.

In one way or another, the city has been trying to get a handle on the short-term rentals issue more or less since Revelstoke Mountain Resort opened, but especially in the past decade since online vacation rental bookings surged.

The city has not met with success in its saga. First, tentative steps were taken to pursue violators in court, but that proved to be costly and mostly fruitless, and was abandoned. Next, the city tried a spot-zoning process that fell apart after city council meetings began resembling The Jerry Springer Show tapings as applicants battled it out with neighbours over individual vacation rental applications. That was abandoned. Now,

23 In this file photo, a downtown Revelstoke heritage building. The proposed new short-term rentals plan is looking to limit short-term rentals to certain areas of town, such as downtown.

Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine

the latest attempt, the basement-suites-only option, has come to an end.

The city plans to try again and run the process again, placing faith in its linear approach in the face of financialization of the housing market and exploding home prices, in part driven in Revelstoke by the city’s ongoing lack of enforcement of its core mandate to regulate use.

This has commercialized residential properties, jacking up their value in an already molten Canadian market. The city will close that barn door one day, just you wait.

In the meantime, the look-the-other-way approach presides, the frenzy continues, and more fins are circling, including a new sector of large commercial real estate holding companies snapping up investment property in Canada.

An interesting anecdote from the meeting came from Coun. Tim Palmer, who floated the idea that if the city moved ahead with the plan to limit short-term rentals to downtown and near the resort, it could also explore grandfathering in existing non-permitted vacation rentals that are outside the proposed zones. The idea is based on a municipal legal concept that if ‘existing nonconforming’ land uses are not allowed a way to operate legally, there is a case for grandfathering them in. It was quite the dangle to existing short-term rental owners as we head into an election year. Whether the concept will be incorporated in the plan unclear, but Palmer did go out of his way to get it on the record.

The other wildcard in 2022 is what the province will be doing on the short-term rentals issue. The province has faced pressure from UBCM to establish a provincial framework and rules. However, municipal governments have been pressuring the province to do something about the short-term rentals issue for the better part of a decade, but no provincial silver bullets have been spent so far, so place your faith in government authority taking effective action on the market-driven short-term rentals portfolio where you may.

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News

Students arrive at Revelstoke Secondary School and undergo screening in September of 2020 for the first day of in-person classes for the 202/21 school year after pandemic disrupted school in earlier in 2020. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine.

LOCAL CHECK UP: HOW IS THE VENTILATION IN REVELSTOKE SCHOOLS? IN OUR Q&A INTERVIEW, WE ASKED THE REVELSTOKE SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR DETAILS ON THE STATUS OF VENTILATION IMPROVEMENTS LOCAL SCHOOLS IN LIGHT OF COVID-19 MITIGATION.

By Aaron Orlando.

One of several pillars of viral transmission prevention identified by agencies like the B.C. government and the B.C. education ministry’s Safe Schools program is proper ventilation in buildings, including school buildings.

Schools are public facilities where many gather.

The B.C. education ministry has committed to making ventilation improvements in schools as part of ongoing pandemic mitigation work.

To get an overview of the status of the ventilation systems in Revelstoke schools, we checked in with Mike Hooker, the Superintendent of School District #19 (Revelstoke).

The focus of our questions are on ventilation system and building-health related questions, to the exclusion of other pandemic-related topics.

We decided to use a Q&A format because we thought it would produce an accessible overview and update. We limited each response to about 250 words to make it more concise.

To summarize, the district says it benefits from a high school and elementary school that are in newish buildings and that recent HVAC upgrades are complete in two older elementary school buildings. The district also has operational policies like maintaining filtration systems, opening windows as needed, and more.

For a detailed update on the status of ventilation systems in Revelstoke schools, please see this Q&A interview with Mike Hooker, the Superintendent of School District #19 (Revelstoke). revelstoke mountaineer: What is the status of ventilation at K-12 school buildings in Revelstoke now? mike hooker: The systems are considered fairly new, by industry standards. The oldest two systems are in the two newest schools, Begbie View Elementary (BVE) and Revelstoke Secondary School (RSS), which means they are now nine and 10 years old respectively.

(RSS celebrated their 10-year anniversary with cupcakes and karaoke on November 17). Arrow Heights and Columbia Park schools have both had their HVAC systems replaced in the last six years as a part of capital projects funded by the provincial government. So essentially, when considering what needed to be done, we were in an excellent position to respond when ventilation became part of the safety plans to mitigate the risks associated with Covid. rm: Focusing on ventilation and school building health, what’s been done so far in Revelstoke schools, and what still needs to be done? mh: With increased attention on ventilation, our engineering consultant reviewed the systems to confirm they were working as intended and to make any recommendations that may enhance the HVAC operations. Two areas were identified. First, there is an increased emphasis on the balance between fresh air intakes and recirculated air and second, a focus on both the quality of filter and the replacement schedules associated with the cleaning component of the systems. It is less energy efficient to bring more fresh air in during the cooling and heating season, but it provides for healthy conditions indoors. So, in addition to bringing in more fresh air, our air exchangers, which normally shut down at the end of the school day for the night, start earlier in the morning and finish later in

the evening than they did during pre-pandemic times. This has some small cost and efficiency impacts, but it ensures that the air quality is being attended to.

In terms of cleaning that air, we use the industry standard “MERV” rating scale to guide our filter use and replacements. Most systems take the “13” rated filters which filter down to 0.1-1.0-micron particle size. Filters in our systems are changed at a maximum of three months, and more frequently when needed, as the air quality conditions in Revelstoke can change depending on local factors. Our maintenance staff complete routine inspections of the HVAC systems, which are being done with more frequency than in our pre-March 2020 world.

Staff open doors or windows in their classrooms when they find it necessary, however, we know that this impacts the functionality of the HVAC systems. We appreciate that there is a balance between comfort and efficiency, so teachers are able to monitor that for themselves and their students. If it feels like the window should be open, then open it is. rm: Over the course of the pandemic, provincial and federal governments have announced various funding supports to help school districts with COVID-19-related costs and challenges. Generally, can you explain how funding for any identified or potential capital upgrades to improve ventilation in Revelstoke schools works? If funding is a constraint, what is needed to resolve the issue? mh: The provincial grants were available for districts with old or inefficient systems.

Because our systems are modern and wellmaintained, funding for capital upgrades was not an issue. We are grateful for that since capital upgrades are disruptive at schools because we can’t close off a space when construction takes place or shut down the building. Both Arrow Heights and Columbia Park have had major upgrades in the past couple of years, and while we appreciate how hard the trades people try to minimize construction noise and associated mess, it does impact day to day life in a building that is already full of energy and activity! rm: On the topic of school building ventilation, what are the district’s goals and what needs to be done to achieve them? mh: Our goal will be to keep our systems functioning as intended to ensure our students and staff are working and learning in the best environment(s) possible. Our board has been very fortunate in the past to have been able to secure significant capital funding for our schools. Anyone with experience in other districts and schools in the province knows that our schools are some of the brightest, modern, healthy spaces anywhere. In addition to that, our students are never more than a few steps from a natural environment that is the envy of most urban area residents.

The ventilation systems are playing a small role in our district as it relates to life in a pandemic. The most important goals we are focused on include the health and well-being of students and staff, and the important connections that exist with our families.

These are the factors that will help us during difficult times.

News

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OUTDOORS

2022 CANUCK SPLITFEST: BUILDING THE DIGITAL SKIN TRACK the 12th annual canuck splitfest is back at it with a stellar speaker lineup set for january 7, 8 and 9. After a record-breaking year in both attendance and fundraising for Avalanche Canada as its first-ever “virtual” Splitfest, the team has decided to go virtual again this year.

Event details Friday evening will kick off with a pre-game theme encompassing the likes of packing, preparing and gear Macgyver-ing. The first speaker on deck is Brin Alexander who most recently graced the cover of Snowboard Canada Magazine and released an edit “Into the Tantalus.” Brin will be decoding what went into filming a human-powered traverse filled with big lines and basecamp living. Following the exposed behind the scenes, a Panel

including Robin Van Gyn, Nick Khartt and Justin Lamoureux will explain and welcome questions related to all things packing, prep and gear hack for day tours, sled access touring, mountaineering objectives and overnighters.

Progression session on Saturday gets into the guide's mind on how to elevate your splitboarding. Splitboard ACMG guides Joey Vosburgh, Jennifer Godbout and Conor Halliwell are ready to share their journey and help you progress your splitboarding for whatever objectives are next!

Opening up the night is splitboard OG and founder of Spark R and D, Will Ritter.

Sunday’s keynote speaker remains a secret that will be dropping soon.

Keep eyes on the Canuck Splitfest socials for the anticipated release.

Breaking Trail in the Digital Backcountry Landscape Logging onto Zoom with a few hundred others may not instantly seem like a “community-building event” but last year the Canuck Splitfest proved that virtual events do unite our backcountry community. Let’s talk about it.

The obvious barrier to entry for the event is of course the location.

Undoubtedly proud of its Revelstoke roots and local founder Wade Galloway, the event is no longer a meet-up in Rogers Pass — although clinics can be booked through Capow! to explore the passes offerings with other splitboarders over the duration of the calendared event days.

The intention of connecting and growing the community remains at the core of the event, along with education. Through a digital platform, splitfest can inspire, educate and remove the location barrier. Ideas, tips, hacks and stories that are universal to splitboarders and all backcountry users for that matter can now be absorbed by anyone willing to make the $25 donation to Avalanche Canada providing access to the digital event.

Incognito attendance alleviates imposter syndrome, welcomes the curious, soothes anxiety for introverts and makes skiers feel less stand

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“HERE TO GROW, SUPPORT, EDUCATE, UNITE AND AMPLIFY THE SPLITBOARD COMMUNITY.” Contributed by Canuck Splitfest.

Mini-profile: Connecting the community in the mountain west SPLITBOARD MANUFACTURER BREAKS DOWN BARRIERS TO ENTRY WITH COMMUNITY CONNECTION AND EDUCATION EXPERIENCE APPROACH.

By Aaron Orlando.

Weston Snowboards, one of the sponsors of Canuck Splitfest, will be raffling a splitboard with graphics by artist Jess Gilbert at the 2021 event. Gilbert, a Whistler-based artist, recently had an exhibit at the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre.

One of the features of Canuck Splitfest is its a gathering of the splitboard tribes of the mountain west, bringing enthusiasts together for the weekend event.

I met Sean Eno, Director of Marketing with Denver, Colorado-based Weston, which manufactures splitboards, snowboards, and skis, at the 2019 event and followed up to find out what's new this year.

Guide program

Left: Weston rider and Revelstoke guide with Capow, Adam Zok. Photo: Sean Cochrane Top: Manufacturer Weston will be auctioning a new baord with graphics by Jess Gilbert, who was recently featured in a show at the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre. Weston will also be hosting an in-person event at Chubby Funsters on Jan. 7. Photo: Contributed by Weston

out. Opportunities to ask questions and engage in a traditional speaker to audience exist through the scheduled panel discussions taking place on Friday and Saturday this year.

“Last year we had one night with three panels and it was a big engagement success! Well-rounded questions and lots of them made us realize that panels pull our community together and still give the audience a way to interact despite not being able to participate physically.” Says Abby Cooper the event organizer.

Craving the in-person minglers? Have no fear, there are still opportunities to connect in person in Revelstoke during Splitfest this year! Thanks to Capow Guiding and Weston Snowboards that is! The two have partnered for an in-person event Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Chubby Funsters called “Thirsty First”.

To enter the event you’ll need to pre-purchase a 2022 Canuck Splitfest ticket online and show proof of purchase or make a $25 donation at the door to Avalanche Canada. At the gathering, they will stream the 2022 Canuck Splitfest broadcast and host a raffle for a limited-edition Weston Splitboard with Graphics by local artist Jessa Gilbert. Capow! is also hosting in-person clinics for touring in the Revelstoke area.

A cornerstone event for connection and fundraising, Avalanche Canada is honoured to bring splitboarders together for this cause once again. Of course, with much appreciation for the incredible sponsors that make this event possible including title sponsors MEC, Eagle Pass Heli and Co.

The snowboarding world's ethos and marketing is traditionally focused on a young resort demographic. However, the Denver, Colorado-based splitboard company is breaking a different trail, focusing on partnering with the backcountry guiding community in mountain communities in the U.S. and Canada.

They currently have 27 listed partners, including Revelstoke-based Capow, in its guide program, which connects riders with affiliated guiding operations.

"When you look at splitboarding specifically, it kind of draws a specific crowd, that being someone who is a little bit more mature," Eno said, saying the strategy is part helping people into the sport of splitboarding, which has many high barriers to entry, including training, equipment cost, access to terrain, avalanche safety knowledge and skills, and more. Eno said that early on Weston recognized potential customers needed services to help them overcome the barriers. "How can we break down those barriers to helping people enjoy the backcountry?" Eno asked.

Eno said that backcountry education has been a foundation of the company since it started in 2012.

In an interview alongside Eno, Weston rider and employee Ben Hilley, originally from Texas, looks back on his early experiences in the backcountry as an enthusiastic newcomer. "I am blown away by what I didn't know," he said. "A foundation of Weston is backcountry education," he said. "We always made it a part of what we do."

Revelstoke-based guide Adam Zok, who guides in the area including for Capow, is sponsored by Weston, in part for their "community-centred approach."

In Revelstoke, awareness and participation in avalanche training courses is high, a positive thing for sure.

However, Zok said taking guided experiences can augment your skills in the backcountry, including avalanche safety skills and knowledge. He lists skills like decision-making on setting tracks, identifying knowledge gaps, fine-tuning routes, making field observations, adapting plans to observed conditions, and planning descents for efficiency as skills that can be built in the field. There are a lot of personal skills that can make for a better day in the backcountry. He said it's about, "developing some of that intuition you can't get without being there."

For details on the splitboard giveaway contest, and other Canuck Splitfest events, check out canucksplitfest.com

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ARTS & CULTURE

Team Hell Bent wins first place at the Cross Eye Photo Competition awards ceremony.

From left to right: Ollie Hogan, Andrew Jackson, Claudia Simon and Charles Morin.

Photo contributed by Nick Khattar.

Zep World graphic novel and film adaptation creators at the Revelstoke Adventure Film Festival at the Roxy Theatre. From right: writer Nolan Cross, illustrator Benji Andringa, and sound designer Declan Saville. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine.

New contest challenges 'snow porn' culture in snowboard photography

The Zep World: Local graphic novel makes screen debut

THE CROSS EYE PHOTO COMPETITION CHALLENGED SNOWBOARD PHOTOGRAPHERS TO CREATE A PHOTO ESSAY ON A RANDOMIZED TOPIC

By Bailey Gingras-Hamilton.

A local photo contest is fighting “snow porn” culture by challenging snowboard photographers with a creative photo essay approach.

The Cross Eye Photo Competition challenged photographers to shoot a photo essay anywhere within 50 kilometres from of Revelstoke. Each team was assigned a random topic for the essay. Nick Khattar, a Revelstoke-based videographer and photographer, hosted the contest alongside local snowboard crew Wasted Youth. The winners were announced at an awards party on Nov. 27.

In addition to technical composition and overall aesthetics, photographers were judged on photo-essay storylines and “outside-the-box” thinking.

“I was trying to find a way to get people to think outside the box and approach snowboard photography in a different way than your standard, what would be called ‘ski porn’ kind of thing,” elaborates Khattar.

Although Khattar doesn’t “necessarily believe in competing with art [sic],” the assigned judges chose winners nonetheless.

First place went to Hell Bent by Olly Hogan, with riders Andrew Jackson, Charles Morin and Claudia Simon. The photo series used the Judas Priest song of the same name as inspiration, featuring leather, fire and motorcycles as prominent imagery.

Coming in second was Smoke on the Mountain, shot by Hywell Williams with riders Seb Grondin, Tristan Hansen, Kate Ediger and Danny Leblanc. The eerie lucid photos feature foggy, backlit night shots in a burnt-out forest in the Monashees.

Third place went to Horrifying Appeal, shot by Alex Fortin with riders Nic Houle, Alexis Morin and Isaac Steensma. This urban-snowboarding essay incorporated iconic Revelstoke locations, like the forestry museum, with “a sparkling of graphic design artwork overlaid on the photos.”

Despite the difficulties of organizing a photo “competition,” Khattar hopes to bring back the challenge next year.

“It wasn't necessarily meant to create winners and losers as much as it was [meant to] reward people for their efforts and drive progression. Not just in snowboarding, but in action sports photography.”

By Aaron Orlando.

The Revelstoke Adventure Film Festival (RAFF) at the Roxy Theatre hosted a locally made production, The Zep World, at its 2021 festival.

The animated film is an offshoot of a printed graphic novel created by writer Nolan Cross, illustrator Benji Andringa, and sound designer Declan Saville.

The Zep World: Volume One, The Depths of Pandemonium, is the first in a series of planned graphic novels.

Cross worked with Andringa to develop the novel over the past three years, which was released at the RAFF screening.

The novel and the video are an exploration of a noir netherworld filled with violence, confrontation, intrigue, and dark, sometimes adult themes. The novel follows a protagonist through a dystopian maze of underworld characters in a violent quest.

The creative collaboration that led to the first edition and the video adaptation was a three-year process that culminated at the Revelstoke debut.

The first installment lasted under and hour, and eventually they’d like to finish all 12 of the series of graphic novels and video adaptations.

At the screening in late November, Cross said the collaboration had been a great learning experience as he explored the world of writing and creating for publication and video.

By chance, I met Cross a few years ago when he was starting the project and we chatted about it for a bit. He was definiately full of youthful enthusiasm at the time. He is now older — a high school student — and expressed warm memories working with his collaborators on the project, saying they'd all learned a lot about the process. There are lots of ways to learn how to do something new, and one of them is just jumping in and giving it a go, which Cross has done with this project, something he hopes will help pave the way for future work in the field.

"We do hope Hollywood comes knocking one day,” Cross said in a Q&A session at the theatre following the screening, calling it "the ultimate aspiration."

Copies of Zep World are now available for sale in Revelstoke.

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TOURISM TALKS Tourism Revelstoke’s Annual Tactical Plan.

Each year, Tourism Revelstoke submits a tactical plan to Destination BC as part of our commitment to collect the Municipal and Regional District Tax, otherwise known as the hotel tax. Our tactical plan for 2022 was submitted to the province at the end of November, and outlined the following objectives for 2022: Rebuilding the tourism economy with intentional marketing campaigns to drive direct bookings and increase lengths of stay.

We want to ensure that visitation to Revelstoke offers maximum benefit to our businesses and tourism stakeholders, as well as our community. Booking directly with accommodators and activity providers keeps money with our businesses rather than having it go to third party booking sites. Visitors who stay longer get to experience more of what Revelstoke has to offer, develop a meaningful connection with our destination, and contribute more to our economy. Instead of simply attracting more people, encouraging our prospective visitors to stay longer benefits a broader segment of our economy.

Adjusting resource allocations to include Destination & Product Experience Management.

In 2022, we’ll be allocating resources to include Destination & Product Experience Management activities, meaning we’ll be investing more time and resources into developing a plan for the future of tourism in Revelstoke. In 2021, we completed a Destination Management Framework, the first step in working towards a more comprehensive plan for the destination that goes beyond tourism marketing. In 2022, we’ll be mobilizing a Revelstoke Tourism Alliance to jointly lead the process.

We’ll identify baseline research to inform the planning stage, develop a Terms of Reference document, and secure external funding for the full fledged Destination Management Plan.

This direction shift comes directly from our tourism industry stakeholder feedback, to move towards a more holistic picture of tourism, that goes beyond just marketing. We are committed to taking a lead role in the management and development of tourism in our destination.

Photo: Bjorn Patterson

Movement towards a sustainable (and regenerative) tourism model.

The concept of sustainable tourism aims to reduce the negative effects of tourism activities. This has become almost universally accepted as a desirable and politically appropriate approach to tourism development. Regenerative tourism goes beyond that; its aim is to improve Revelstoke through visitation. Managed properly, tourism has the potential to contribute positively to our economy, our community, and our infrastructure.

If you have any feedback or ideas for the future of or ideas for the future of tourism in Revelstoke, please reach out. We welcome community input.

To read previous Tourism Talks columns, check out seerevelstoke.com/about-tourism-revelstoke/

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Arts & Culture

ARTS & CULTURE Tara Cheyenne will perform Body Parts.

Red Sky Performance combines projections and dance.

Kalabante will be RPAC's biggest circus performance.

Talking and Dancing Workshop

Red Sky Performance

Kalabante

The top Indigenous performance company touring Canada today, Red Sky Performance, will perform on Feb. 17. Trace is an impressive show, with stunning projections, live music, dancers and outstanding costumes. Red Sky Performance’s kinetic contemporary dance work inspired by Anishinaabe sky and star stories, offering a glimpse into our origin as well as our future evolution.

Rounding out February is CODA, a feel-good movie about a young woman who is the child of deaf parents (CODA). Ruby navigates how to balance her family responsibilities with pursuing her own dreams, a passion for music.

March is a busy month at the Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre. We are very excited to present Kalabante as part of our Family Series. This will be the biggest and most impressive circus Revelstoke has ever seen. With a huge cast from Quebec and Africa, Afrique En Cirque, features daring acrobatics and original choreography accompanied by live djembe drumming capturing the strength, agility and joy found in the lives of African youth.

In February RPAC offers a Talking and Dancing Workshop with ground-breaking B.C. artists. This workshop welcomes all abilities and is open to anyone who identifies as female. This workshop will focus on celebrating our bodies through sensation, curiosity and pleasure and lean away from ideas which can damage our body image. The next day on Saturday, Feb. 5, Tara Cheyenne will perform her one woman show Body Parts. The audience will be seated on stage for a special, intimate experience.

The show is part stand-up, part Greek Tragedy, part performance and part contemporary dance.

FRED PENNER, RED SKY, KALABANTE’S AFRICAN CIRCUS HEADLINE REVELSTOKE PERFORMING ARTS WINTER 2022 LINEUP Arts Revelstoke is hosting its winter performance series at the Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre, which is back to full capacity for 2022. The winter series features a variety of performers with something for every age and interest. Here are some of the highlights from the winter series kicking off in January 2022.

By RPAC Staff with contributions from Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine staff.

REVY.Live kicks off in January with a hilarious fringe show, a rapid fire, inventive re-telling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet all the way from France and performed in French. Experience something completely out of the ordinary.

The Movies in the Mountains Season launches on the last Wednesday of January presenting the film The Alpinist which follows the journey of Marc-André Leclerc, a young Canadian visionary climber who blazed his own trail on rock and ice.

Arts & Culture

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Siblings Bryan and Silvie Cheng.

The Slocan Ramblers.

Canadian icon Fred Penner.

Cheng2 Duo

The Slocan Ramblers

Fred Penner

Also in March Arts Revelstoke is excited to roll out our baby grand piano for a classical performance by Cheng2 Duo. Siblings Bryan and Silvie Cheng are a dynamic duo on cello and piano who will present a dazzling program ranging from baroque chamber to contemporary arrangements.

Rounding out March RPAC hosts the Slocan Ramblers, a Canadian favourite on the folk and bluegrass circuit. The band has been receiving accolades lately, including the International Bluegrass Music Association Momentum Band of the Year Award in 2020 and a 2019 Juno nomination.

They have a reputation for energetic live shows and intense musicianship on the banjo, mandolin, guitar and stand-up bass. The band combines blazing instrumentals with unique songwriting that creates bluegrass that connects with audiences.

RPAC’s Movies in the Mountains film Beans will screen on Wednesday, March 23. Beans tells the story of the Oka crisis through the eyes of a young Mohawk girl whose life is drastically altered by this historic Oka Crisis, a Canadian stand-off between Indigenous residents and armed government forces.

Fred Penner is the perfect way to end this exciting season of shows.

Fred Penner is a Canadian has been a popular Canadian icon and children’s performer for over 40 years and is known coast-to-coast. Ticket prices have been capped for this show, so it is affordable for families, so grab your kids and come and enjoy this timeless performance.

REVELSTOKE VISUAL ARTS CENTRE www.revelstokeartgallery.ca

WORKSHOPS. WOODSHOP. GALLERY. GIFTSHOP.

POTTERY. ART EVENTS. KIDS CAMPS. EXHIBITIONS.

Connect with Revelstoke’s vibrant visual art community. Take an art class, visit our public art gallery, check out the giftshop, join the woodshop or pottery guild & become a member to support the arts in Revelstoke. There are so many opportunities for all ages, professional artists & beginners alike.

250 814 0261 info@revelstokeartgallery.ca 320 Wilson Street, Revelstoke

Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre gratefully acknowledges the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia and Columbia Basin Trust.

32 P: Hywel Williams S: Seb Grondin

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