Issuu

Wednesday, June 3, 2016 The Valley Echo

ALLEY CHO

The Invermere

15 8

Webcams proliferating W iin Columbia Valley

Hole-in-one repeated 14 years later

invermerevalleyecho.com A1 Dancers with United Dance in Invermere were showcased on Friday, May 27th in Freedom, the studio’s year-end performance that took place at David Thompson Secondary School. One hundred and twenty dancers performed 45 numbers for a captive audience. See page 9 for a profile of United Dance co-owner Michelle (Meesh) Jensen. PHOTO BY NIKKI FREDRIKSON

05 INCLUDES GST

PUBLICATIONS MAIL REGISTRATION NO. 7856

Invermere improves accessibility by Kinsmen Beach STEVE HUBRECHT steve@invermerevalleyecho.com The District of Invermere recently improved accessibility around Kinsmen Beach, a move welcomed by former Invermere councillor and community accessibility champion Spring Hawes. Paving work was undertaken and completed in mid-May, resulting in new or extended paved paths around the eastern parts of the Kinsmen Beach and Dorothy Lake area. The paved paths in the area now extend in a complete circle from the tennis courts north of the old Canadian Pacific Rail Lodge down to the lakeshore near Pynelogs, and then up along the lake to the Kinsmen Beach playground and parking lot. In addition, a grate was added under the west side of the old CPR Lodge, eliminating a gap that had previously interrupted the path. “It looks great and I’m really happy to see it,” said Hawes.

New paving work from the Kinsmen Beach parking lot to the amenity building that was recently completed has made the area much more accessible for people in wheelchairs. PHOTO BY ERIC ELLIOTT Invermere mayor Gerry Taft told The involved with improving accessibility, Echo that council members had been to see firsthand what challenges existaware there were some issues with ac- ed. (The session involved, for instance, cessibility in the beach area since last council members trying to get around fall, when they met there with Hawes, the area in wheelchairs.) Katie Gibbs and other local residents “Basically, we promised we’d put it

(improvements) in the 2016 budget and that’s what’s been done,” said Taft, adding he wasn’t sure of the exact cost of the work, but estimated it to be less than $20,000. “I think it’s going to make things a lot easier, not just for wheelchairs, but also for strollers, bicycles, everything,” he said, adding the connection from the parking lot to the amenity building (which houses the Kinsmen Beach Concession) was a particularly important part of the work. The district has also put a sign up on the amenity building, informing locals and visitors alike about the accessible beach chair kept at the building, which is available for public use. “The concession operator can get the beach chair, and the MobiMat (a mat that can be rolled out over sand to create a harder, more accessible surface), if they are requested,” said Taft. “It provides another form of accessibility.” See A4

R E A C H Art Show High School Artists May 31st to June 12th Open daily from 11 to 5 pm Visit columbiavalleyarts.com for our current events calendar, or call 250-342-4423 · Pynelogs Cafe - Open Tuesday to Saturday 11 to 4 pm

A2 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, June 1, 2016 The Valley Echo

Y E L AL

Snapshot

OFF-ROAD RACING… Almost 400 competitors participated in the first-ever Panorama Hare Scramble at Panorama Mountain Resort on the weekend. Hosted by the Windermere Valley Dirt Riders club, the event was action-packed and thrilling for spectators — the overall winner is the rider who maintains the highest speed throughout the race. Another Hare Scramble is already in the works for 2017. PHOTO BY NIKKI FREDRIKSON

LOCAL NEWS

New community hall considered for Radium NIKKI FREDRIKSON nikki@invermerevalleyecho.com The Village of Radium Hot Springs is in the early stages of planning a new project for the community. The village council is looking to build a new community hall to replace the existing hall that was partially built in 1967. The current hall was built as a part of a Centennial project and has been added to over the years. New community hall plans include demolishing the old hall and building a new facility. Council has just gone through the first request for proposal (RFP) stage of the project, receiving 15 submissions of interest for the design of the new hall. “We’ve narrowed it down to four. Our planner Arne Dohlen is starting to dig deeper with those four prospects,” said Councillor Ron Verboom. The four design teams that council has chosen are working on designs that fit the community’s vision for a new hall. Council hopes the new hall can include

a 200-person capacity, a kitchen and a basement level. If the budget allows, the plan will be to have the Radium Public Library go into the lower level of the hall. “This is totally preliminary. We have a certain budget for it and we’re seeing what these designers will come up within that budget limit,” said Verboom. The project will also take into consideration the recently passed Wood First resolution and bylaw and the design of the community hall will include as much wood as possible. Council is hoping to see this project begin construction in spring 2017. Verboom estimates that if all goes as planned, the construction of a new hall would take six months to complete. “Next steps are basically to get the response back from the top four

choices we’ve made and then make a decision as to which one we’re going to go with,” said Verboom. Once a decision has been made on the designer submission, council will work alongside them to ensure the new community hall will meet the needs of the Village. The new hall will be built at the existing hall location of 4863 Stanley Street.

Geoff Hill

MaxWell Realty Invermere

250-341-7600

connect@geoffhill.ca Invermere-RealEstate.com

The building of Radium’s Community Hall Centennial in 1967. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VILLAGE OF RADIUM HOT SPRINGS

Wednesday, June 1, 2016 The Valley Echo

OCAL

EWS

invermerevalleyecho.com A3

Docks bylaw huge win for Canal Flats developer ERIC ELLIOT eric@invermerevalleyecho.com After years of uncertainty surrounding the developments near Columbia Lake in the Village of Canal Flats, town council is moving forward on amending a bylaw to allow property owners to once again place docks in the water. Amendment bylaw 45, as it’s known, was enacted in June 2008 by the Village of Canal Flats and mandated that no new docks were to be put in the lake by property owners. Any existing docks were allowed to remain in the water and were considered grandfathered. This development caused problems for property developers in the area, including Mike Vernon and his Painted Ridge subdivision. Vernon, owner of 391043 Alberta Ltd, has been working

on his development existing bylaw. He “Obviously my since applying in recommended that development will 2005 but has hit a council amend the number of road- bring significanttax dollars bylaw to provide blocks along the clarity on docks in way, one of the most to the municipality if they Columbia Lake and notable ones being had docks.” allow new docks to MIKE VERNON be put into the wahis inability to allow DEVELOPER, PAINTED RIDGE ter to bring in addiprospective property owners to put docks in the water. tional revenue to the village. “If I didn’t have docks, who’s going “I just asked for it to be more conto want to own a waterfront piece of sistent and them to revisit it,” Vernon property and not allowed to have a said. “Obviously my development will boat or canoe out there?” he said. “The bring significant tax dollars to the muvalue of my properties would go down nicipality if they had docks.” substantially.” Council considered his viewpoints Vernon’s company provided a presen- and brought in amendments to the bytation to council on September 14th, law to allow lakefront property owners 2015 regarding the letter he had sent to have docks on their property in addicouncil a week earlier that laid out tion to communal docks for properties the problems and unfairness with the in the subdivisions not located on the

lake. These docks will conform to the Ministry of Environment’s standards and will also fit within the parameters laid out in the Columbia Lake Shoreline Management Guidelines, which were established by the RDEK in 2010. “It’s a huge win for me but it’s also a huge win for the tax base of the municipality,” Vernon said. “If we get starting to build places down there, hopefully I’ll start selling these and get building going, it’s going to employ people down there.” Mayor Ute Juras echoed Vernon’s sentiment about the increased tax base and said that a majority of those who came to the public meetings were in full support. The amendment is scheduled to be passed by council at their next meeting on June 13th.

BC NEWS

New school curriculum to launch in September NIKKI FREDRIKSON nikki@invermerevalleyecho.com After allowing teachers to voluntarily implement the new B.C. school curriculum for the 2015-2016 school year, the Ministry of Education is preparing to launch the full curriculum for students in grades K to 9 starting in the fall. “The new curriculum highlights, really, the continued focus on the basics reading, writing, and arithmetic. Those core competencies are paramount in the curriculum, but we want to make sure that we’re doing it in a way that makes sure students learn the skills they need to succeed after high school,” said Minister of Education Mike Bernier in a teleconference. Major changes to the current curriculum that students, teachers, parents and guardians will notice are in assessments, reporting and the graduation program. The new curriculum will allow for parents and guardians to be part of the consultation on how they receive information and what they want to know about their child’s progress. Grade 10 to 12 students’ provincial exams will go from five exams down to two exams in mathematics and literacy. The other three areas previously tested in a provincial examination — sciences, social studies and language arts — will no longer be tested province-wide; they will be tested in class instead. Graduation requirements will change from the completion of Planning 10 to the completion of Career Education, a class focused on linking classroom knowledge to everyday. “It’s always been and it always will be important for our education system to have system-wide measures of effectiveness, at the school, district and provincial level. This doesn’t change that. We are all concerned about ensuring we have students graduating with strong literacy, numeracy, as well

as social responsibility and career development skills. Specific subject area content remains important, but teachers are in the best position to evaluate success in that regard,” Rocky Mountain School District No. 6 superintendent Paul Carriere told The Echo. The new curriculum focuses on literacy and mathematics as the foundation then builds to deeper thinking and problem-solving skills with an emphasis on communication, thinking, personal and social competency. Allowing students to develop the skills they need to be successful in life, the new program will follow a Know-Do-Understand model to ensure students are learning the proper material, understanding what they’re learning and can apply the learning. The “know” portion of the formula outlines the topics that students will be learning and what level of understanding they should have at each grade level. “Do” stands for curricular competencies, subject-specific, and it’s the skills and process that students will develop through their education. “Understand” stands for the key concepts students will learn and understand by the end of each grade level. According to the Ministry of Education, the Know-Do-Understand model allows for students to engage in active learning and have a more flexible learning environment. The new curriculum allows for teachers to choose how they want to deliver the information to students. Rather than telling teachers how to teach the information, teachers will instead be told what needs to be taught. This gives teachers the flexibility to teach students the required learning concepts but in a way that best fits the students’ learning styles. “Teachers know their students best and choose a method to evaluate them that takes into account their strengths and their challenges, rather than having a provincial exam where every

student is looked at simultaneously, being graded at the same level on the same issue. This allows flexibility for teachers to really focus in on student strengths,” said Bernier. By fall 2017, every school and every classroom in British Columbia will be

using the new program. The new program for grades K to 9 officially will be implemented in September 2016 when the draft phase will be introduced for grades 10 to 12. The new curriculum can be found online at https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/ .

Local MLA supports fewer exams STEVE HUBRECHT steve@invermerevalleyecho.com The provincial government recently announced that students will be writing fewer provincial exams, an effort lauded by local Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald as one that will be welcomed by many teachers. The announcement is part of the province’s revamped curriculum that is set to be launched next school year, and although Macdonald was positive about fewer exams, he was quick to add that the change to the new curriculum will be bumpy unless the provincial government ponies up more funding. “With the exams, I think there will be a lot of educators who say it’s a move in the right direction” said Macdonald. “Most educators will likely be able to use more effective assessment tools than exams.” Macdonald was a teacher and principal for two decades prior to becoming an MLA in 2005, and during part of his time in office, he served as the NDP’s education critic. The changes were announced by the Ministry of Education on Thursday, May 26th and will see students writing two provincial exams (focusing on core math and writing skills) instead of five, with in-classroom assessment for students instead of provincial exams in classes such as science, social studies and languages.

“It’s on the plus side, but it does make me wonder why they (the B.C. Liberal government) had for a long time a lot of rhetoric around the importance of these exams, and are now stepping away from their stated direction,” he said. “But the bigger issue for schools is that they (the provincial government) simply haven’t put the resources into making the implementation of the new curriculum effective.” Some summer schools will start implementing the new curriculum in a few months’ time, while most schools will start implementing it this fall. “There’s a complexity to it and it’s highly improbable that it will go smoothly without putting resources into it,” said Macdonald, adding that although he’s disappointed, he’s not particularly surprised. “Public education is just not their (the Liberal government’s) thing. In my time as MLA, it’s never seemed that they’ve listened carefully to those in the system when making decisions about education,” he said, adding the result has been chronic underfunding, which impacts students and teachers. “School districts across the province are strapped to provide the services students need,” said Macdonald. “And there was the mass of school closure we went through 10 years ago.” Macdonald recently announced his desire to step down as MLA for the 2017 provincial election and return to teaching.

A4 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, June 3, 2016 The Valley Echo

COUNCILBRIEFS

COMMUNITY

CastleRock community without working fire hydrants

Good turnout to Fairmont, Columbia Lake planning meeting

ERIC ELLIOTT eric@invermerevalleyecho.com Members of the CastleRock Community Association attended the District of Invermere council meeting on Tuesday, May 24th to discuss with councillors the state of the fire hydrants in their community that have been out of operation since December. Ray Schoepfer, a member of the community association, brought forward his opinion on the issue in hopes of getting a formal timeline on when the hydrants would be repaired and whether or not the lack of fire hydrants would affect residents’ insurance rates. Council planned to move forward by checking in with the District of Invermere’s insurance company to determine if it had contacted the CastleRock homeowners’ insurance companies before the community association’s annual general meeting that will take place on June 11th. If at that point there is no definitive timeframe for immediately fixing the problem, Coun. Greg Anderson motioned to produce a letter to homeowners to make them aware of the current situation. His motion was passed.

Invermere Housing Corporation Council also passed a motion for Chris Prosser, Chief Administrative Officer, to act as director of the Invermere Housing Corporation and hold office until the next annual general meeting. The Invermere Housing Corporation was created in 2007 as a structure that would facilitate affordable housing in the future, but has not been used to date. Special events Special events coming to the Invermere area were authorized during the council’s meeting. This includes the Calgary Sport Car Club (June 3rd to 5th), Permanent Ceranium Lake Pictures filming of Suck it Up (May 25th to June 15th) and Ktunaxa Nation Council’s Columbia Salmon Festival (September 10th). Rural Dividend grant application Councillors authorized the submission of an application to the BC Rural Dividend Program for a Community Economic Development Co-ordinator. Councillors are submitting the application through the District of Invermere but the Development Co-ordinator would work for the whole valley, complementing the Resident Attraction Strategy that the District of Invermere has already set in motion. Mayor Gerry Taft said the hope is

to get 60 per cent of the approximate $250,000 funded through the Dividend Program. He said that because many people are unprepared to meet the program’s first deadline of May 31st, 2016, the District of Invermere gains a strategic advantage by being one of few proposals to be submitted this early. Urban Farming in Invermere Calista Pruden, Invermere resident, brought forward the idea to council of turning the Community Heritage Garden near Kinsmen Beach into her own urban farm enterprise. Pruden has an educational background in permaculture and has been doing some of her own urban farming on her own property recently. She wants to create a business where she can grow herbs, vegetables and other produce and sell it on a stand while also running tours to educate residents in Invermere about the benefits of urban farming. Councillors were interested in the idea but wanted Pruden to establish a business plan or proposal for them to consider before moving forward with the idea. Versions of urban farming are going on across the country in cities like Calgary and Vancouver, but also closer to Invermere in Kelowna.

ACCESSIBILITY BY KINSMEN BEACH from A1 Hawes had written to council earlier in May, asking where things stand with regard to an accessibility policy for the district, pointing out that council had publicly committed to a leadership role on accessibility some time ago. Taft told The Echo that creating an Accessible Communities Framework is one of council’s official Strategic Priorities, but that it is in the “next” category on the list, behind

the half-dozen or so priorities on the main part of the list (which includes projects such as the new multi-use centre and upgrades to the Athalmer boat launch). “At this stage, it hasn’t really changed much, but it’s still on the list,” said Taft. “At this time, with so much attention and resources going to the multi-use centre and other unfinished projects, we don’t really have the resources to implement it (an

SUBSCRIPTION RATES Annual Subscription Rates (incl. tax) UÊ V> Ê > > Ê >ÌÃÊÌ Ê-« >V ii ®Êf{x°Îä UÊ"vwÊViÊ* V 1«ÊfÎ{°xä UÊ > >`>ÊfÈÓ°ÈäÊÉÊ ÌiÀ >Ì > Êf£nÓ°ää UÊ-i ÀÃÊ V> ®ÊfÎ{°xäÊÉÊ-i ÀÃÊ > >`>®ÊfxÈ°ää

Accessible Communities Framework) properly.” Taft added that council is also struggling with whether or not such a policy should be generic or really specific. “To do it properly there needs to be some public consultation. It’s not something council should just go and do on its own,” he said. The topic will likely be discussed by council during its next strategic planning meeting in June, said Taft.

REGIONAL DISTRICT OF EAST KOOTENAY Submitted Approximately 55 people attended an introductory public meeting Wednesday (May 25th) night to learn more about a new Official Community Plan (OCP) process for the Fairmont Hot Springs and Columbia Lake area. “I was pleased not only with the turnout, but also the willingness of those who attended to engage in meaningful discussions about where they live and what they value about their community,” said RDEK Electoral Area F director Wendy Booth. During the meeting, RDEK planning staff kicked things off with a brief overview of what an OCP is and how it will develop a new one for the area over the next 18 months. “The most important part of the evening was getting feedback from residents about what they love about their communities, along with their concerns and vision for the future,” said Booth. The introductory meeting was the first in what will be a series of opportunities for residents and property owners within the proposed plan area to participate in the process. “Community engagement is critical to the success of planning projects,” Booth explained. “The next public meeting will be a Visioning Workshop later this summer. I really hope to see a strong turnout at that event as it is aimed at refining the community’s vision for the future.” The Fairmont Hot Springs and Columbia Lake Area Official Community Plan will replace the existing Fairmont Hot Springs OCP and extend south to the Electoral Area F boundary. For more information, visit the Fairmont and Columbia Lake OCP page at www.rdek.bc.ca

Correction Brent DuBois is planning on running horse-drawn wagon rides through downtown Invermere twice a week (plus during special events) this summer, not twice a month (plus special events) as reported in the May18th edition of The Echo.

InvermereValleyEcho

@TheValleyEcho

Six Month Subscription Rates (incl. tax) UÊ V> Ê > > Ê >ÌÃÊÌ Ê-« >V ii ®ÊfÓ °{ä UÊ-i ÀÃÊ V> ®ÊfÓÓ°nä

INVERMEREVALLEYECHO.com

Wednesday, June 1, 2016 The Valley Echo

ALLEY CHO

The Invermere

invermerevalleyecho.com A5

HUMOUR Something on your mind? The Valley Echo welcomes all letters to the editor and submissions from community and sports groups, as well as special community columns. Please keep your signed, legible submissions under 500 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity, taste, legal reasons and brevity. Each submission must contain a daytime phone number and place of residence. Send email submissions to editor@ invermerevalleyecho.com.

#8, 1008 8 Avenue • P.O. Box 70 Invermere, B.C., Canada V0A 1K0 Phone: 250-341-6299

invermerevalleyecho.com

Published by Black Press Ltd. at Cranbrook Daily Townsman 822 Cranbrook St. N. Cranbrook, BC

PUBLISHER

EDITOR

Dean Midyette

Nicole Trigg

publisher@

invermerevalleyecho.com

editor@

invermerevalleyecho.com

REPORTERS

EDITORIAL

Curriculum relies on cutting-edge teaching NICOLE TRIGG nicole@invermerevalleyecho.com

Eric Elliott eric@

invermerevalleyecho.com

Steve Hubrecht steve@

invermerevalleyecho.com

Nikki Fredrikson nikki@

invermerevalleyecho.com

ADVERTISING SALES

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Amanda Nason

Amanda Murray

advertising@

invermerevalleyecho.com

customerservice@

invermerevalleyecho.com

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT: Reproduction of any or all editorial and advertising materials in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without the written consent of the publisher. It is agreed by the advertiser requesting space that the liability of The Valley Echo, owned by Black Press Ltd. in the event of failure to publish an advertisement or in the event of an error appearing in the advertisement as published, shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for only the one incorrect insertion for the portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect or omitted items only and that there shall be no liability in any event greater than the amount paid for such advertising. BC PRESS COUNCIL – The Valley Echo is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province's newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent within 45 days to B.C. Press Council, PO Box 1356, Ladysmith,B.C. V9G 1A9. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www. bcpresscouncil.org

CMCA AUDITED

verifiedcirculation.ca

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

2009 2009 WINNER

An overhauled education curriculum for B.C.’s school system has been long-awaited and now that it’s finally being introduced, there is a lot for parents and students to look forward to. Essentially, a more customized, individualized approach that will take into account parents’ “need to know”, be based on ongoing assessment and introduce an innovative learning environment that, hopefully, will result in generations of young people entering adult life having mastered basic

life skills with a foundation upon which to build a successful future. But the success of the program relies on teachers delivering it in an optimized way. And without the necessary support and funding, this will be extremely hard to do. The B.C. Liberals continue to dodge accusations that public education is under attack under their leadership all the while trumpeting a new curriculum reliant on teaching excellence. As MLA Norm Macdonald points out, the new direction is a good one but without more funding, it’s “highly improbable” imple-

menting the revamped curriculum will go smoothly. Introducing a new learning model and taking away standardized testing for three major subjects means more work will be falling in the laps of B.C.’s public educators, who are waiting to find out if the Supreme Court of Canada will support them in their quest to bring class size and composition back into their contract negotiations, ultimately resulting in smaller classroom sizes. Now, wouldn’t that make introducing a new curriculum that caters to students’ learning styles much more feasible.

OPINION Reporting on progress in Canal Flats Time is flying very quickly and we are already heading into June. A lot has happened since my last message to you. At the end of March, council received a letter from the Environment Health Officer of Interior Health notifying us that the Boil Water Advisory for the Eagles Nest subdivision has been lifted. The boil water notice had been in place since 2003 due to the health risk that existed due to not being able to adequately disinfect the surface water source. In his letter, the Health Officer writes: “I would like to congratulate and recognize the Village of Canal Flats for their diligence and perseverance in making the necessary infrastructure improvements and expansion to bring safe drinking water from the Village of Canal Flats Wa-

ter System to the residents of nesses. We will be receiving the Eagles Nest area and sub- preliminary reports shortly. sequently to the Painted Ridge Check the council meeting area.” In addition, the new wa- agendas in the newsletter or ter system provides adequate online for more information. fire flow for the entire Village. We are also working closeCouncil has passed the ly with the Ministry of Jobs, 5-Year Financial Tourism and Skills Regional Plan and Tax Training as well UNDOWN Rates for this year. as the Ministry of We have worked Forest, Land and diligently to keep Natural Resources the taxes reasonon grants that are able in light of the available. One of mill closure. We which is the Rualso saw a signifral Dividend. To TE icant decrease in date, we have apour recreation tax plied for a $10,000 due to this being planning grant. the first year of us being part We have also asked that we of the Columbia Valley Recre- would be considered a Speation Service Area. cial Circumstance CommuniIn the meantime, our Eco- ty, which means we would be nomic Development Liaisons able to apply for grants under have been working with the this program at any time, not community and local busi- just during the regular intake

U JURAS

times. At the last council meeting on May 24th, 2016, the Waterzone Amendment Bylaw received third reading and will be adopted at the next meeting. We have made some changes to the bylaw reflecting the suggestions received at the public hearing. Coming up, we will be receiving a draft concept plan for the Tilley Memorial Park. Thank you to those who participated in the survey and the open house. This is also the time for Canal Days again. The committee has been working very hard planning the event and it promises to be a lot of fun for young and young at heart. Ute Juras is the mayor of Canal Flats and can be reached at 250-489-9070 or by e-mail at ujuras@gmail.com.

A6 invermerevalleyecho.com

PINION

Wednesday, June 1, 2015 The Valley Echo

BC Liberal budget choices do not reflect our values The Spring Session of the B.C. Legislature ended last week, and on the final day we completed the process of estimates, which stretched over most of the four-month session. Estimates debate is where each Minister is questioned on the budget for their individual ministry. I voted against this B.C. Liberal budget because I know that people in this area understand that a budget is about choices. In the communities that I represent, we believe our priority should be to look after our children and our seniors. We believe that we need to look after our land and water. And that these choices should come well before providing tax breaks to B.C.’s wealthi-

est two per cent. This budget has no MLA EPORT The choices made in this significant funding for budget do no reflect the the four-laning of the values of the people of CoTrans-Canada Highway. We lumbia River-Revelstoke. will see increases in BC HyTherefore, it is my respondro rates, Medical Services sibility to vote against it. Plan payments and ICBC So, not only did this rates. And the B.C. Liberbudget continue with tax als continue to underfund ORM breaks for the wealthy, it inproper protection of public creased funding for private lands. schools while underfundThe government’s rhetoing public schools. ric around the budget is intentionally This budget created shortfalls for misleading. For example, talking about seniors’ care. Is there anyone in this B.C. being debt-free while the governregion who would defend tax cuts for ment is actually increasing debt at rethe wealthy over adequate funding for cord levels. The provincial debt was seniors? $36 billion when the B.C. Liberals took

N MACDONALD

power in 2001, and now, with contractual obligations, is up to $168 billion. Ask anyone in this area what their budget priorities are. Would they say more money for rich people? Would they say underfunded classrooms? Would they say skyrocketing debt? No. The only people who I know that are willing to defend this B.C. Liberal budget are B.C. Liberals themselves. This is why I did not support this budget. I voted against this budget because the people of this province deserve better. Norm Macdonald is the NDP MLA for Columbia River-Revelstoke. He can be reached by phone at 1-866-870-4188 and by email at norm.macdonald.mla@leg. bc.ca.

OPINION

Donald Trump for prime minister? We’ve heard him say and do some pretty breathtakingly idiotic things. He claimed Barack Obama’s birth certificate was a fraud. He declared that he would build a wall across the southern United States border. He’s made racist remarks on a national stage seem as casual as another 30-second sound bite. The most important thing about Donald Trump, though, is that he’s also galvanized enough attention to become the official presidential candidate for the Republican Party ahead of this year’s U.S election. All the while he’s gained support, many Americans and U.S residents have pledged to flee the country for Canada if or when Mr. Trump gains office. It begs the question, could a Donald Trump-like candidate, or Trump himself, ever achieve this level of power in Canada? To this, a recent Abacus Data poll confirms the solemn integrity of Canada’s democracy. Abacus Data surveyed

Oﬀ the 2,000 Canadians online ECORD E COR CORD RD over the age of 18 from a random sample of over 500,000 Canadians. The moral of the story is simply that if the U.S election were to happen on Canadian soil, Canadians, nation-wide, would adopt an “anything but Trump” mantra when taking to the polls. They found that if it were between Hillary Clinton, the likely Democratic nominee, and Trump, Hillary would dominate the polls, capturing 80 per cent of the popular vote. Even if it were hopeful Democratic nominee Bernie Sanders, Canadians would still reportedly vote Trump down with only 18 per cent of the vote. Among Conservative voters in Canada — those most likely to align their political affiliation with the Republican Party — Abacus Data reported that Trump would re-

ceive only 39 per cent of the vote if Clinton were the opposing nominee. In the data there are some predictable explanations for the lack of Trump-fandom north of the border. More than 80 per cent of respondents doubted that Trump RIC would make the world a safer place with the maLLIOTT jority also thinking that he is “certainly” or “probably” a racist when it comes to his views of some minority groups. It truly does make you wonder what’s going on with our country’s closest ally. In many ways, Canadians regard Americans as one with our own way of life. They share our customs, culture, traditions and multiple sporting leagues. Americans are so much like Canadians in many cases that the only way in diffentiating them in many cases would be

to simply ask. Yet here we are: five months away from watching Trump, a candidate Canada would apparently never elect, gain power in what’s arguably the world’s most influential office. At one time, it seemed unthinkable to suggest Trump becoming the president was even in the realm of possibility. Despite the data from the recent survey, it would be naïve to assume Canada, a country Americanized in so many ways, is immune to this thinking forever as well.

The moral of the story is simply that if the U.S election were to happen on Canadian soil, Canadians, nation-wide, would adopt an “anything but Trump” mantra when taking to the polls.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK Do you like the horse-drawn wagon rides in downtown Invermere this summer?

NEXT WEEK’S QUESTION: Have you completed the census?

INVERMEREVALLEYECHO.com

NO 33.3%

YES 66.7%

Wednesday, June 1, 2016 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A7 WFP/Dina El Kassaby

COLUMNIST

Real estate and loyalty Last column I talked about the Real Estate is ASY agency obligations and how your Realtor works for you. Buying or selling real estate is a big venture and poses many risk, which is exactly why using a professional to help you through the process is a great idea. Having said that and knowing your agent has an obligation of loyalty to you, maybe you’re wondering what you may owe the agent. To be blunt, unless you’ve got a contract with them either as a seller or buyer, then technically you don’t really owe them anything. Sounds a bit like a one-way street, though. I’ve dealt with many sales people in my life as buyer and seller and I can tell you right now that although you owe no more obligation to your Realtor than you’d owe to your mechanic or banker, there’s a great reason to be loyal to them — commitment. Remember that most Realtors do not charge buyers up front for any services. They will spend hours and days searching out resources and finding information on properties and other aspects of a home or condo a client is interested in to help them make a decision. Then, they will help that client figure out pricing and other negotiating tactics and, once a deal is reached, they help the client with removing their conditions such as financing and home inspection. Finally, once the buyer’s conditions are removed then everyone waits for the transaction to close and the buyer to take possession of the property. Only at this last step does the Realtor know they are getting paid. Up until that point, they have no promise of being compensated for their time and effort. If the deal falls through during this time, it’s back to the drawing board. In the business world this is known as risk and, specifically for a Realtor, the risk of not being paid is huge. As an agent, we have to put our clients’ needs above our own constantly, and that includes our need to be compensated. I always tell people, and I’m sure many other agents do, that I’m here to help you make the right decision and if that decision is not buying or selling, that’s fine. Of course, I won’t be compensated in any way for helping you arrive at that decision but if it’s the right thing for you and your family then it’s the only decision that can be made. Not being compensated for this is totally fine and I chose this career with an understanding that this happens. On the other side of the not-being-compensated coin, we have a term in real estate called “the ugly call”. That’s when you spend lots of time and effort with a client and then they write their offer on a property, which you may have helped them find and learn more about, with another agent. The other agent gets compensated through the buyer writing a contract with them, but the original agent gets nothing. Maybe the client has good reason and there was conflict in the relationship, which, again, is totally fine. You need to work with someone you trust, but

sometimes it does boil down to the buyer not understanding the compensation structure or simply just not returning loyalty to their agent despite the agent’s best efforts. As a buyer, or any client for that matter, you have the right to expect a certain level of service EOFF from your agent. Typically in a selling capacity, you’ve got all the obligations between both parties defined in a listing agreement. It outlines exactly what the agent will do, what the seller will do, and how much will be paid should a successful deal be reached. This contract doesn’t eliminate the risk of not being compensated for the efforts, but it does create an understanding between both parties. There is also now a contract called an exclusive buyer’s agency agreement. This contract is very similar to a listing agreement whereas it identifies the parties (in this case, a Realtor and their buyer), defines among other things what each party will do and the level of compensation should a deal be reached. This contract does not necessarily charge the buyer for anything up front, but it does help the parties understand the road map ahead together and it’s a great opportunity to ensure that your expectations as a buyer are being met. Perhaps you want weekly phone calls or email updates? Well, this is the place to put all that in. Sometimes loyalty is a lost word in a world where everyone is out working for themselves. I have been exceptionally lucky that while earning the business and trust of my clients, I have also earned their loyalty. Developing a relationship with someone who will help you through one of the largest financial transactions in your life seems like a no-brainer and I encourage all buyers and sellers to understand that working with their Realtor is a partnership. In any partnership, there are going to be some challenges, but ensuring you work with someone you trust and who does rightly have your best intentions at heart is critical. In any relationship, trust and loyalty are important and one of the best ways to make sure that your agent is working their butt off for you is to return that trust and loyalty to your agent. *This column is for entertainment only and not intended to be construed as advice in any way. Information should be independently verified and all sellers and buyers are encouraged to contact their Realtors for help with buying and selling. This is not intended to solicit business. No chipmunks were harmed in the writing of this column. Geoff Hill is a licensed Realtor® with MaxWell Realty Invermere, holding a trading services licence since May 2008. Originating from West Vancouver, he came to the valley for the snow and stayed for the people and lifestyle. Geoff enjoys volunteering with the local fire department and roller derby team as well as playing roller derby and many other sports himself.

G HILL

They lost their past but they don’t have to lose their future. WFP is helping Syrian children go back to school in Syria, Jordan and Lebanon by providing daily school meals. WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian agency providing food asssistance to some 80 million people in 80 countries.

Join us on Facebook

We’re investing in them. We’re investing in Syria. wfp.org/Syria Text RELIEF to 45678 to donate $10

Visit www.invermerevalleyecho.com for new stories, photos and more!

Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land Take notice that Columbia Valley Hydro Ltd. of 6890 Columbia Lake Road, Fairmont Hot Springs, BC, V0B 1L2 has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), Kootenay Region, for an Investigative Licence (Water Power - investigative phase) situated on Provincial Crown along Dutch Creek near Fairmont Hot Springs, BC and containing 680 hectares more or less. The Lands File for this application is 4405689. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to FrontCounter BC, 1902 Theatre Road, Cranbrook BC V1C 7G1 or email to: AuthorizingAgency.Cranbrook@gov.bc.ca. Comments will be received by MFLNRO up to July 1, 2016. MFLNRO may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the website at http://arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp ->Search>Search by File Number:4405689 for more information. Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit http:// www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

A8 invermerevalleyecho.com

OMMUNITY

Wednesday, June 1, 2016 The Valley Echo

Invermere golfer repeats hole-inone feat STEVE HUBRECHT steve@invermerevalleyecho.com

In the November 6th, 2002 edition of The Valley Echo, Jim Jenkinson’s first hole-in-one on the 15th hole of the Windermere Valley Golf Club was lauded as the shot of the year and won him a substantial cash prize. Jenkinson recently repeated the feat on the same hole last week on May 23rd. ECHO ARCHIVE

NOTICE OF INCREASE TO CONTRIBUTION IN AID OF CONSTRUCTION CHARGE EFFECTIVE MAY 20, 2016 Notice is hereby given that PARR UTILITIES LTD. is seeking approval from the Comptroller of Water Rights for an incease to its Contribution in Aid of Construction Charge. On May 18, 2016, PARR UTILITIES LTD. applied to the Comptroller of Water Rights for an increase to its Contribution in Aid of Construction Charge (Schedule B, Water Tariff No. 3) from $3,500.00 to $8,000.00 for each unit qualifying as authorized premises. The Contribution in Aid of Construction Charge is applicable to new customers (developers) applying to become part of the authorized service area of the utility and to the subdivision of lots within the existing service area. By direction of the Deputy Comptroller of Water Rights, comments on the application are to be forwarded to Rick Couroux, Secretary to the Deputy Comptroller of Water Rights, to be in his hand on or before June 17, 2016 with a copy to PARR UTILITIES LTD. Submissions can be mailed, emailed or faxed using the information below. Rick Couroux Secretary to the Deputy Comptroller of Water Rights PB Box 9340 STN PROV GOVT Victoria, BC V8W 9M1 Via Email: Rick.Couroux@gov.bc.ca Via Fax: (250) 953-5124

PARR UTILITIES LTD. 1161 Windermere Loop Road Invermere, BC V0A 1K3 Via Email: mlawrie@windermerewater.com Via Fax: (250) 432-6998

A copy of the application is available for viewing at the PARR UTILITIES LTD. office

Invermere resident and avid golfer Jim Jenkinson just made the shot of his career — for the second time. Jenkinson could hardly believe it when he made a hole-in-one on the 15th hole at the Windermere Valley Golf Club during the men’s club championship in September 2002. That shot won him $10,000 and another $1,000 for the charity of his choice, as the hole was sponsored (for the event) by Invermere Glass. Earlier last week, on Monday, May 23rd, Jenkinson and his wife were golfing with Invermere Glass owners Jeff and Lynn Watson at the Windermere Valley Golf Club, and as the two couples approached the 15th hole, they began reminiscing about Jenkinson’s amazing shot, 14 years earlier. To everybody’s surprise, Jenkinson then repeated his performance, scoring another hole-in-one. “Same golf course, same hole, same iron, same brand of ball and the pin was almost in the exact same place,” Jenkinson told The Echo. “We were actually talking about the prize I won last time, and about how Jeff and I had done a photo for The Echo marking the hole-inone (in 2002) with our kids standing in front and us standing in the back. We were joking that if it were to happen again, we’d be the ones standing in front, since all of our kids are taller than us now. And then, 30 seconds later, I go and hit the hole-in-one again.” The couples’ main reaction was to laugh and giggle, according to Jenkinson. “The odds of this happening have got to be off the charts,” he said. “There’s no $10,000 prize this time, but it is still nice to get another hole-in-one.” Upon realizing he’d sunk the hole-in-one in 2002, Jenkinson had shouted out, “We’re going to Disneyland” (a common cliche used by winning professional sports teams at the time), and then kept true to that by using the prize money to take his kids there. He donated the $1,000 to the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS UTILITIES LTD. Notice of Application to the Comptroller of Water Rights Under the Water Utility Act and The Utilities Commission Act

Leave your impression

Notice is hereby given by Fairmont Hot Springs Utilities Ltd. that an application has been made to the Comptroller of Water Rights for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the proposed construction and operation of a waterworks distribution system to serve residents in the area of Lots 2, District Lot 4596, Kootenay District Plan NEP 20033 Any person wishing further information in connection with this application should apply directly to Fairmont Hot Springs Utilities Ltd. 5225 Fairmont Hot Springs Road, Fairmont Hot Springs, BC V0B 1L1 Any objections to this application are to be forwarded to Rick Couroux, Secretary to the Deputy Comptroller of Water Rights, Water Utility Act, PO Box 9340 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria BC V8W 9M1, or by email: rick.couroux@ gov.bc.ca or by fax (250) 953-5124 to be received in this office on or before: June 27 , 2016 Fairmont Hot Springs Utilities Ltd.

ALLEY CHO

The Invermere

250-341-6299 advertising@invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, June 1, 2016 The Valley Echo

EATURE

invermerevalleyecho.com A9 United Dance co-owners Meesh Jensen (second from left) and Melyssa Hecher (second from right) with their first dance instructors at the Freedom showcase on May 27th at DTSS. PHOTO BY NIKKI FREDRIKSON

From dance studio kid to dance studio co-owner NIKKI FREDRIKSON nikki@invermerevalleyecho.com From a tiny ballerina starting out in Invermere to an accomplished hip-hop dancer training in Calgary, Michelle (Meesh) Jensen has transformed from a studio kid to the co-owner of Invermere’s United Dance studio. “Originally I did ballet, tap, jazz, the whole full-on studio kid. It wasn’t until I was about 19 when I switched and started training in hip hop,” said Jensen. After graduating high school, Jensen figured she would not continue with dance, but after getting accepted to the dance program at the University of Calgary, that all changed. She began her studies at University of Calgary, during which time her teacher opened her own hip-hop studio in Calgary. Jensen was offered a position to start teaching kids’ programs at the new studio, which she did for two years. During her time at the hip-hop studio, Jensen began her own training in hip-hop, which led to a mentorship opportunity. “Through the same studio she (Jensen’s dance teacher) brought in a guest teacher from Toronto named Lenny Len and from there, he sorta hand picked some dancers from that studio who he wanted to train further. So he put this crew together called the TOMORROWS. I was part of it and started training under him,” said Jensen. For Jensen, the mentorship was an opportunity she had dreamed of only a year prior to being asked to join the TOMORROWS. “I remember the year prior to that thinking, ‘Oh, it would be so amazing to be mentored by Lenny, I wish I could do that.’ Then a year later he came up to us and said I want to start this crew to further train the dancers that I’ve noticed are ready for it,” said Jensen. The dance crew wasn’t a competition-based team, but rather a performance group that travelled around Calgary and Edmonton. The TOMORROWS provided Jensen with some unique opportunities and experiences she wouldn’t have gotten if she had stopped dancing after high school. “They brought us out to Edmonton to dance backup

“Melyssa called me and said, ‘Hey I’m moving back to Invermere, I’m going to start a studio,’ and so we decided to go in on it together just by fluke it completely worked out so it’s been quite a year. MEESH JENSEN UNITED DANCE CO-OWNER

Looking back at her dance career, Jensen has two standout performances as her favourites, both ballet numbers that were performed in back-to-back years while Jensen was in high school. The first one was a bat dance where the dancers had to climb on a scaffolding. The other was an Egyptian-themed dance where the dancers wore intense glittery makeup. Now as an instructor, Jensen says her favourite dance is the senior hip-hop class’ dance titled The One. “All of our kids have come a long way, but it’s been really cool to see. When we first taught them that choreography, it was quite a struggle and now they have it and it looks incredible,” said Jensen. From starting out as a four-year-old dancer and evolving into a dance crew member and now to a dance studio co-owner, Jensen’s dance career has been extensive. Looking to the future, she is preparing for the second year at United Dance to provide future generations the opportunity to try dance. “I want to be able to give them opportunities that didn’t exist in this town when I was a kid,” said Jensen. United Dance registration for next season opens June 1st. The class list is available at www.unitedancebc. com/#!classes/c1t44.

for a singer; her name is Inez Jasper. That was always my dream, to dance with a touring artist and we also did several video shoots, which was one of the coolest experiences I’ve probably ever had, to be on set with professional videographer and director doing what you love,” said Jensen. Since returning home to Invermere, she has stopped training with the dance crew and now focuses her energy on training the next generation of dancers. Jensen was exploring her options to return home and continue doing what she loved when she got a phone call from Melyssa Hecher. “Melyssa called me and said, ‘Hey I’m moving back to Invermere, I’m going to start a studio,’ and so we decided to go in on it together just by fluke it completely worked out so it’s been quite a year,” said Jensen. The co-owners of United Dance train 120 students, 40 of which are competing at different competitions in Calgary and Banff. Four of those Communications Contractor 120 students have been students of Jensen’s since she was a teacher’s asREQUEST FOR PROPOSALS sistant at Aspire Dance Studio when The Rocky Mountain Trench Ecosystem Restoration she was in high school. Program is seeking a contractor to design and deliver “I had developed those relationships with them early on and then I a multi-year communications and outreach program. started dancing in Calgary. I would Request for Proposal information packages are come back once or twice a year and available from dgmurphy@telus.net set some choreography on them so Proposals must be submitted by June 13, 2016. to a certain extent I was always a For more information about the ER Program: www.trench-er.com. teacher to them,” said Jensen.

A10 invermerevalleyecho.com

THE

Wednesday, June 1, 2016 The Valley Echo

STREET

Are webcams a vital part of the community atmosphere to promote valley life?

“I think so because we need tourists for our town to bring money in and people like it.”

“I think it helps people stay connected with the community when they’re away so it’s good.”

Erna Bukobnik

Theresa Wood

“I don’t think it matters. I think people will still come here if they know about it. I don’t think a webcam is going to make that big of a difference, honestly.” Cassy Campbell

EMEMBER WHEN? R A look back through The Valley Echo's archives over the last 50 years

years ago (1966): The new water irrigation system for Invermere — the Paddy Ryan Lake System — was nearing completion with residents just days away from gaining access. Lakes Marion, Audrey, Allison and Gordon were taken into the new system.

years ago (1971): After 10 years of collecting artifacts, the Windermere District Historical Society was expanding to a larger building. The Historical Society had obtained the former Legion building. Once repaired and decorated, it was to become the historical museum.

years ago (1976): Motorized boats were banned from use on East Kootenay lakes. Peckhams, Garbuts, Horseshoe and Jim Smith lakes were all protected by the ban.

JUNE 2010 - Bill Hancock and Dan Cox row their sinking duct tape boat in the 2010 duct tape boat challenge. ECHO FILE PHOTO

years ago (1981): The B.C. Cattlemen’s Association annual meeting was held in Kamloops. B.B. Ranchers raised concerns over

decreasing beef prices — the high price for meat was 87 cents.

years ago (1986): The 1986 B.C Summer Games cycling team selections were made after a two-day competition. Evan Bueckert and Doug Hagen were selected for the Kootenay Team after competing in a 70-kilometre road race, 15-kilometre time trial and 30 high speed laps of 0.7-kilometre course.

son Secondary School (DTSS) Leadership Class hosted a seniors’ ball, giving seniors in the community the opportunity to have a fun evening of dancing. Co-organizers of the event were Rachel Griffth, Natalie Gagatek, Holley Kohurst, Kelsie Verboom, Melissa Macala and Macavley Deck.

years ago (1991): The Windermere Valley Swim Team travelled to Cranbrook for their first-ever swim meet. Both Kylea and Scott Sheen won their heats.

years ago (2006): The District of Invermere launched a water restriction bylaw. The bylaw’s purpose was to protect, preserve and maintain the water supply. Brian Nickurak reported that the bylaw was derived from the town’s 2005 drought management plan.

years ago (1996): The Regional District of East Kootenay got support from the District of Invermere on a proposal to hire a weed control officer. Council voted three to two supporting the government-funded noxious weed control officer position.

years ago (2001): The David Thomp-

years ago (2011): The DTSS Golf Team won the East/West Kootenay championship in “AA” golf. The team’s win came after 13 strokes above the second place team. The DTSS athletes advanced on to the B.C. provincial championships. Compiled by Nikki Fredrikson

Wednesday, June 1, 2016 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A11

THE

Have an event you’d like listed? Email it to: production@ invermerevalleyecho. com

• 6:30 p.m.: Pork Schnitzel Dinner at Branch 71 Legion in Invermere. $17.50. Reservations recommended. Call 250342-9517. Meat Draw and 50/50.

• 6:30 p.m.: Canal Days Barbecue FRIDAY JUNE 10TH Steak Dinner at the Canal Flats Civic Centre. • 7 p.m.: Columbia Valley Car • 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.: Canal Days Dance Club meeting at Rocky River Grill • 7 to 9 p.m.: Invermere Roller Rink at the Canal Flats Civic Centre breakfast room at the Super 8. All car opens at the Curling Centre. Every with music by Steel Wheels from enthusiasts welcome! For more info, call Vicki at 250-342-1257. Friday. Also Sundays 2 to 5 p.m. Cranbrook. Tickets $12. Admission is $5.

MONDAY, JUNE 6TH

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1ST • 8 a.m.: Radium Hot Springs Sunrise Rotary meets for breakfast every first and third Wednesday from April thru October at The Springs golf course. Breakfast $10. Everyone welcome. • 10 a.m.: The Valley Go Go Sisters will be hosting Cheryl Fraser, with Kelowna Grandmothers for Africa, for a special presentation at the Columbia Garden Village activity room. Call Marilyn at 250-342-6488 for more details.

• 7 - 10 p.m.: Fresh Fridays Open Mic at Pynelogs. Showcasing young talent • 6:30 p.m.: Duplicate Bridge at from the valley. All ages, licensed Invermere Senior’s Hall, $2. Everyone bar. First Friday of every month. welcome. Every Monday. • 7:30 p.m.: La Cafamore performs • 7 p.m.: Bingo at the Canal Flats Civic Music From the Movies and other Centre, 1st and 3rd Monday of each Internet Lies at Christ Church month. Trinity. Tickets available at Avenue. TUESDAY JUNE 7TH Adults $15, students and seniors $12, children under 12 are free. • Women’s Golf Day at Greywolf Golf Course. A one-day, four-hour, SATURDAY JUNE 4TH . free event open to all ladies with an • Rocky Mountain Rally in Invermere. interest in golf. Visit panoramaresort. Visit rockymountainrally.com for com/event to register. details. Also Sunday June 5th. • 1:30 p.m.: Carpet Bowling at Canal

• Fairmont & District Lions Club • 11:45 a.m.: The Rotary Club of 27th Annual Golf Fun Day at Coy’s Invermere meets every Wednesday Par 3. Prizes, Silent Auction. Golf at the Curling Rink. & Dinner $30, Dinner only $15. Two • 6 - 9 p.m.: REACH DTSS Student Art shotgun starts at 12 and 2:30 p.m. Party at Pynelogs Cultural Centre. Tickets available at Coy’s. Proceeds Includes silent auction and music supporting three local charities. Call by students Mackenzie Dubois and Coys at 250- 345-6504 for more details. Jocelyn Taylor. • 8 a.m.: Canal Days kick-off with a • 7 p.m.: Card night at Canal Flats Pancake Breakfast from 8-10:30 a.m. Seniors Hall every Wednesday. Parade and Kiddies Parade at 11 a.m. featuring The Cranbrook Bugle Band. THURSDAY JUNE 2ND Afternoon events include music by • 1:15 p.m.: Play Crib at Canal Flats Marty Beingessner from 1-4 p.m., baseball, face painting, sandpit coin Seniors Hall every Thursday search, Lego contest and more. Draws • 5 - 6 p.m.: Wine tasting with Erin and awards at 4:30 p.m. RCMP “Cram in the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort the Cruiser” for the Canal Flats Food lobby every Thursday. Sample four Bank accepting food and donations B.C. wines for $10/person. Ages 19+, along the parade route and at the registration not required. Civic Centre after. • 6:30 p.m.: Texas Hold Em’ • 9:30 a.m.: Windermere Valley Saddle Tournament at the Invermere Legion Club Fun Day. Three Events, $5 entry every Thursday. $35 buy in. fee per event. Prizes, pony rides, • 7 p.m.: Canal Days Bingo at the Canal “How to Lunge” and more. All ages Flats Civic Centre. Doors open at 5:30 welcome. For more details call Amber p.m. $500 Bonanza, $500 Free Game. at 250-347-9933. For details call 250-349-5447. • 10 a.m.: Crazy Soles Nipika Trail • 7 p.m.: The Truth About Cancer Run at Nipika Mountain Resort. Single Series, Q & A with Ty & Charlene. DTSS track run with distances for the Theatre. Admission by donation. whole family. Register beforehand at new.zone4.ca. Prizes and barbecue FRIDAY JUNE 3RD included. Contact Crazy Soles or • 1 p.m.: Duplicate Bridge at Invermere nipika.com/events for details. Senior’s Hall, $2. Everyone welcome. • 6 p.m.: Mountain of Hope Cocktail Every Friday. Gala. An evening of great food,

• 1 p.m.: Canasta cards at Canal Flats beverage service, live music, dancing and silent and live auctions benefitting Seniors Hall every Friday • 6 p.m.: Canal Days Youth Bingo at the Mountain of Hope Society. Held the Canal Flats Civic Centre. Doors in Panorama’s Great Hall. Email open at 5:30 p.m. Ages 8 to 16. Lots of mountainofhopesociety@gmail.com or visit panoramaresort.com/events. Prizes to be won.

Flats Seniors Hall every Tuesday. • 2 p.m.: Branch 71 Legion Open Golf Tournament at Copper Point Ridge. $50 includes golf, cart, club voucher, prizes. RSVP by May 30th to thorsr@ connect.ab.ca or 250-342-2589. • 5:45 p.m.: Toonie Tuesday running and biking event along the Johnson Trail at Lake Lillian. Run or bike one lap or as many laps as you can complete in an hour. Registration from 5:45 to 6:15 p.m. with a cost of $2; event begins at 6:30 p.m. Come out and help the running and biking community to grow.

SATURDAY, JUNE 11TH

• 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Invermere Farmers & Artists Market in downtown Invermere. Every Saturday from June 11th until September 10th. • 10 a.m.: 6th Annual Kootenay Krusher Mountain Bike Race presented by Nipika Mountain Resort and Bicycle Works. A 50 km single track mountain bike race at Nipika offering a variety of distances. Must pre-register. Post-race barbeque and awards ceremony at Nipika Day Lodge included with race registration and additional tickets can be purchased on site. • 5 - 8 p.m.: A family friendly street party will be held on 8th Ave in front of Peppi’s to celebrate the life of Tim Goldie. Bring your own lawn chair. Parking limited.

HOURS INVERMERE LIBRARY • Tuesday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m • Wednesday: 10 a.m - 8 p.m. • Thurs – Saturday: 10 a.m - 5p.m. • Story Times: Thurs. 10:30 a.m. Sat. 11 a.m.

• 6 p.m.: Burger Barbeque at Branch 71 RADIUM LIBRARY Legion in Invermere. $10/person. • Tuesday: 6 - 8 p.m. • 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.: OPT clinic at the • Wed - Thursday: 1 - 4 p.m. Invermere Health Unit. 1st and 3rd • Saturday: 10 a.m. - 1p.m. Tuesday of each month. Confidential service: low-cost birth control, and WINDERMERE VALLEY MUSEUM STI testing. • Mon - Friday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8TH

INVERMERE THRIFT STORE

• 11:45 a.m.: The Rotary Club of • Thurs - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Invermere meets every Wednesday at the Curling Rink. RADIUM THRIFT STORE • 4 - 7 p.m.: CN Future Links Junior Skills Challenge event at Copper Point Driving Range for ages 11 to 14. $25 entry includes prizes, hot dogs and refreshments. Email cjohnson@ copperpointgolfclub.com to register.

THURSDAY, JUNE 9TH

• Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Fri - Saturday: 12 - 4 p.m.

SUMMIT YOUTH CENTRE • Tuesday: 5 - 9 p.m. • Wednesday: 4 - 9 p.m. • Thursday: 5 - 9 p.m. • Fri - Saturday: 6 - 11 p.m.

• 12 p.m.: Seniors Luncheon at FREE tutoring available and Branch 71 Legion in Invermere. $5. volunteer tutors needed. Contact the Reservations Required. Please call Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy wvcoordinator@cbal.com 250-342-9281 ext 1227.

A12 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, June 1, 2015 The Valley Echo

RAIN

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. Figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers named, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

GAME

CLUES ACROSS 1. Businessmen 5. Million barrels per day (abbr.) 8. From a distance 12. Ruth’s mother-in-law 14. Performer __ Lo Green 15. Drug for Parkinson’s disease, L-__ 16. Composure 18. Broadcasts cartoons (abbr.) 19. Used for baking or drying 20. About alga 21. Food grain 22. Not messy 23. Super Bowl-winning Bronco 26. Egg-shaped wind instrument 30. Get rid of 31. Being enthusiastic 32. A bird’s beak 33. Pores in a leaf 34. Time of life 39. Yuppie status symbol 42. Parasitic fever 44. Gallantry 46. Put this in soup 47. Small dog 49. Malay people 50. Third-party access 51. North winds 55. Peruvian mountain 56. Annual percentage rate 57. Mourning garments 59. Network of nerves 60. Guided 61. Nests of pheasants 62. DJ Rick 63. No seats available 64. Patty

17. White (French) 24. Singer Charles 25. Ancient Mesopotamian 26. Canada and the U.S. are members 27. Cognitive retention therapy 28. Much __ About Nothing 29. Georgia rockers 35. Cologne 36. The products of human creativity 37. Brazilian city (slang) 38. Honorific title in Japan 40. They can die 41. Candy is inside this 42. Verizon bought them 43. Semites 44. Marine mollusk 45. Entertains 47. Made of crushed fruit or vegetables 48. Town in Apulia, Italy 49. Unresolved root or sum of roots 52. Invests in little enterprises 53. Spanish city 54. Search 58. Midway between south and southeast

Answers to last week

CLUES DOWN 1. Tennis player Ivanovic 2. __ Nui, Easter Island 3. Cotton pod 4. Air pollution 5. The real __, the genuine article 6. Taken to 7. Holds artificial teeth 8. Greek mythical figure 9. Small depressions in the retina 10. Vertical position 11. Shout at length 13. Conceivable

W eekend WEATHER FRIDAY

June 3

A Mix of Sun and Clouds Temp: 24oC Low: 12oC

SATURDAYJune 4 Mainly Sunny Temp: 27oC Low: 13oC

SUNDAY

June 5

Sunny Temp: 31oC Low: 16oC

HOROSCOPES ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, you may desire to be somewhere else this week, but responsibilities keep you close to home. You can still have a good time and make lasting memories.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, realizing your dreams is fully within your capabilities. Make a commitment now and stick with it. You have to work hard to get what you desire, but it’s within reach.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, you may have reached a turning point in a romantic relationship. Now is the time to fan those flames so that the relationship can grow into something special.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, you initially felt good about choices you just made a few days ago, but now you’re not so sure. Ask around for advice before making any final decision.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, after running the show, it’s now time to hand over the reins to someone else. Surrender some control and enjoy this respite from being the go-to guy or gal.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Keep riding this creative wave you seem to be on, Capricorn. It will take you far and in many different directions. Trust in your dreams and put a plan to realize them into action.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Lately you are more willing to take risks, Gemini. It’s fine to want to try new things, but always let reason guide you. You do not want to bite off more than you can chew.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, your energy is focused on too many things at the moment. Focus your attention on just one thing for the time being, and your main goal will be realized.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, assert yourself a little more at work so that you get the respect and the recognition you deserve. When you state your case, others will see your perspective.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, the solution to a lingering problem is on the horizon, and you will get some closure. This week you will push past it all and finally move on.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, you may not be up to too many trivial tasks right now, so immerse yourself in a creative project that’s more about the big picture than the small details.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, you tend to see the best in everyone and that is why you are such a good friend to so many people. Maintain your positive outlook.

Wednesday, June 1, 2016 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A13

Browse more at:

To advertise in print: Call: 250-341-6299 Email: customerservice@invermerevalleyecho.ca Self-serve: blackpressused.ca Career ads: localworkbc.ca

A division of

INDEX IN BRIEF

Announcements

Information

Obituaries

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS TRAVEL EMPLOYMENT BUSINESS SERVICES PETS & LIVESTOCK MERCHANDISE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE RENTALS AUTOMOTIVE ADULT ENTERTAINMENT LEGAL NOTICES

AGREEMENT It is agreed by any display or Classified Advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event of failure to publish an advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. Used.ca cannot be responsible for errors after the first day of publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors on the first day should immediately be called to the attention of the Classified Department to be corrected for the following edition. Used.ca reserves the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the Used.ca Box Reply Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisement and box rental.

DISCRIMINATORY LEGISLATION Advertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminates against any person because of race, religion, sex, color, nationality, ancestry or place of origin, or age, unless the condition is justified by a bona fide requirement for the work involved.

Al-Anon - Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us. Al-Anon meets EVERY Monday at 7:15 PM and Thursday at 1:15 PM at the Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church, 712 - 12th Ave, (behind the Invermere hospital). For information, please call 250-342-8255 ALCOHOLICS Anonymous If alcohol is causing problems or conﬂict in your life, AA can help. Call 250-342-2424 for more information. All meetings are at 8 p.m. Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday groups - Columbia United AA at the BC Services building, south end, 625 4th Street Invermere. Radium Friendship Group: Friday, Catholic Church. All meetings are open with the exception of Tuesdays.

CANCEL YOUR TIMESHARE. NO Risk Program STOP Mortgage and Maintenance Payments Today. 100% Money Back Guarantee. FREE Consultation. Call Now. We Can Help! 1-888-356-5248

Tomalty, Faye Emily (Nee Campbell) 1941–2016

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Faye Tomalty, who passed peacefully, in the loving arms of her husband, on May 16 in Kelowna, British Columbia after a hard-fought battle with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome at the age of 74. Faye was born on the 16th of June, 1941, in the small town of Bell Falls, Quebec. She was raised there by her loving parents Gilbert and Jane Campbell. Growing up, Faye liked to play sports in school and worked in her family’s general store until she met and fell in love with her would-be husband Robert (Bob) Tomalty. They first settled down in his hometown of Brownsburg and started a family, welcoming their two sons Dana and David into the world. After 12 years in Brownsburg, Faye and her family began to move west. First they moved to Kincardine, Ontario, and eventually to Calgary, with a short stay in Lloydminster before eventually retiring in Invermere. In Invermere she worked at Penner’s shoe store and the Lambert-Kipp Pharmacy until permanently retiring. During her retirement she enjoyed volunteering for the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary Thrift Shop, exercising at the Valley Fitness Centre, spending time with her family, and travelling with her husband. Together the couple spent their winters in Palm Desert and summers travelling back and forth to their cabin near their childhood homes in Quebec. She was predeceased by her parents Gilbert Campbell and Jane Campbell (Nee Fox), brothers Harvey, Charlie and Leslie, and sisters Ella and Helen Young. She is survived by her sons Dana (Victoria) and David (Kelly), grandchildren Jesse, Carson, Morgan, Conor and Maeve, brother John Campbell (Audrey), sister Margaret Cavanaugh (Ronnie) and husband Robert (Bob) Tomalty, to whom she was married for 57 years. Faye was kind and compassionate to a fault and a true example of why you can never love too much. Her love touched many but most of all her family and, she will be fiercely missed by them. There will be no service or viewing as per her wishes but, a celebration of life is to be arranged. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation or a local charity of your choosing.

COPYRIGHT Copyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of Used.ca. Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

KGH Foundation 250-862-4438 Or mail Kelowna General Hospital 2268 Pandosy St. Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 1T2

ON THE WEB:

TRY A CLASSIFIED Place of Worship

Place of Worship

CHURCH SERVICES DIRECTORY ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN MISSION OF INVERMERE 100 - 7th Ave., Invermere 250-426-7564 Pastor Rev. David Morton Worship Services Sundays 1:30 p.m. Christ Church Trinity, Invermere

RADIUM CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER FELLOWSHIP DAY SAINTS #4 - 7553 Main Street W, ANGLICAN-UNITED 5014 Fairway, Radium Fairmont Hot Springs 250-342-6633 100-7th Ave., Invermere Confession: 1/2 hr. before Mass 250-341-5792 250-347-6334 250-342-6644 Canadian Martyrs Church Reverend Laura Hermakin President: Adam Pasowisty 712 - 12 Ave, Invermere Worship Service wvsm.ca Columbia Valley Branch Saturdays, 5 p.m. Sundays, 10 a.m. Worship, Every Sunday:10:30 a.m. Sundays, 9 a.m. Worship Services Bible Studies Children and Youth Sunday School Sundays St. Joseph’s Church Wednesdays, 7 p.m. at 10:30 a.m at Christ Church 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Hwy. 93-95, Radium Hot Trinity, Invermere Kids’ Church Springs 1st and 3rd Sunday, March - Dec. 9 Edgewater Hall Sundays, 11 a.m. a.m. at All Saint’s, Edgewater Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. St. Anthony’s Mission 2nd Sunday, 7 p.m.: June - Oct. at Loving God, Corner of Luck and Dunn, St.Peter’s Windermere Loving People Canal Flats Saturdays, 4:30 p.m. WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 250-342-6167 Pastor: Father Gabriel

LAKE WINDERMERE VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY ALLIANCE CHURCH 4814 Hwy. Drive, 1 km north 326 - 10th Ave., Invermere of Windermere 250-342-9535 250-342-9511 Lead Pastor: Trevor Hagan Pastor: Murray Wittke Asso. Pastor: Matt Moore lakewindermerealliance.org valleychristianonline.com Sunday is Worship Services 10:30 a.m. Sunday service. 10 a.m. Worship & Word Kid’s Church Provided Sharing Truth Showing Love Following the Spirit K.I.D.S Church for children age 3 to Grade 1; and grades 2-7, during the morning service.

A14 invermerevalleyecho.com Services Employment

Wednesday, June 1, 2016 The Valley Echo Services

Business Opportunities

Paving/Seal/ Coating

CANADA BENEFIT GROUP - Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888-511-2250 or www.canadabene¿t.ca/free-assessment

NOTICE

HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT? Arthritic Conditions/COPD? Restrictions in Walking/Dressing? Disability Tax Credit $2,000 Tax Credit $20,000 Refund. Apply today For Assistance: 1-844-453-5372. HIGH PROFIT HIGH CASH PRODUCING LOONIE VENDING MACHINES. All on Locations Turnkey Operation, Perfect Home Based Business. Full Details CALL NOW! 1-866-668-6629, WEBSITE WWW.TCVEND.COM.

Financial Services TAX FREE MONEY is available, if you are a homeowner, today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts. We don’t rely on credit, age or income. Call Anytime 1-800-639-2274 or 604-430-1498. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca

BLACKTOP NOW! NO JOB TOO SMALL

Driveways & Parking Lots 1-888-670-0066 CALL

Household Services KOOTENAY DUCT CLEANERS Duct Cleaning EVERYONE can afford $250 whole home $150 mobile home No hidden costs! Professional & Insured Locally owned & operated Toll free 1.844.428.0522

421-1482

FREE ESTIMATES!

CALL NOW!

POWER PAVING

SERVING ALL THE KOOTENAYS Financial Services

Reach A Larger Audience

Pets & Livestock

Lessons/Training Summer Piano/theory lessons! Stimulation, fascination, recreation and more. All ages, levels, musical styles. arnesahlen@hotmail.com or 250427-2159, call/text 250-5404242.

Merchandise for Sale

Heavy Duty Machinery

$750 Loans & More NO CREDIT CHECKS Open 7 days/wk. 8am - 8pm

1-855-527-4368 Apply at:www.credit700.ca

Education/Trade Schools INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT SCHOOL. Hands-On Tasks. Start Weekly. GPS Training! Funding & Housing Avail! Job Aid! Already a HEO? Get certiﬁcation proof. Call 1-866-399-3853 or go to: iheschool.com START A NEW CAREER in Graphic Arts, Healthcare, Business, Education or Information Tech. If you have a GED, Call: 855-670-9765

Help Wanted

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com

A-Steel Shipping Storage Containers. Used 20’40’45’53’ insulated containers. All sizes in stock. Prices starting under $2,000. Modifications possible doors, windows, walls etc., as office or living workshop etc.,Custom Modifications Office / Home” Call for price. Ph Toll free 24 hours 1-866528-7108 or 1-778-298-3192 8am-5pm. Delivery BC and AB www.rtccontainer.com

If you see a wildﬁre, report it to

1-800-663-5555 or *5555

Misc. Wanted

on most cellular networks.

999 COINS & BARS. 250-864-3521, I want to buy the coin collection also buying everything gold or silver. Todd’s Coins 250-864-3521

Help Wanted

Explore Your Path to Career Success x x x x x

The Average Canadian Will Spend Their Last Ten Years In Sickness.

Land a Great Job Discover a Career Plan for School or Work Based Training Learn About Funding Available Explore Entrepreneurship

Together we create more survivors with the help from your donations.

All employment services are free, including a self-serve resource area open to all job seekers. Eligibility criteria applies for other employment supports and services.

Start With Us. We Can Help! www.ekemployment.org 250-341-6889 or 1-855-651-3027 2-1313 7th Ave. (Mon-Fri) The Employment Program of British Columbia is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

www.heartandstroke.ca

Wednesday, June 1, 2016 The Valley Echo

BUSINESS

invermerevalleyecho.com A15

Webcams prove important new tool for local tourism ERIC ELLIOTT eric@invermerevalleyecho.com

There are a number of things that go into a local business’ decisions when trying to promote their product or brand. In the past, this was known conventionally as advertising. Today, in a technologically advanced world, it’s manifest in webcams. Potentially known to few, webcams are becoming a popular phenomenon in the Columbia Valley for businesses to spread the associated lifestyle of their products. Take Columbiavalley.com for example, which now has four webcams in the Columbia Valley and are still looking to add more. Their current webcams include views of downtown Invermere and Radium Hot Springs, Copper Point Golf Club’s The Point golf course and as many as 12 webcams north and south along B.C. The webcam on the roof of the Kinsmen Beach amenity and concession building is one of several throughout the highways. Columbia Valley that are proving to be useful tourism tools. PHOTO BY ERIC ELLIOTT Scott Neumann, web developer for Columbiavalley.com, said the success with of the beach that’s able to give viewers a the webcams has led them to prepare for detailed image of the conditions and numadding yet another webcam in the valley ber of people already on the beach. Chris Prosser, Chief Administrative Offiin the near future, but would not disclose RDEK Columbia Valley Water System cer for Invermere, said the webcam hasn’t the location at this point. “They are getting hundreds of new vis- been without its problems in recent histoitors per day,” he said. “They love them. ry, as it’s been knocked out of operation It’s always been well-received by mostly once already. Neumann said webcams like theirs have visitors out of the valley. People who own The RDEK has watering hours on all of its water property here want to check out and see become a great marketing option for local ssystems. Having set watering hours conserves what’s happening here, what the weather businesses. John Newton from Highland water, creates a balance in the system Crossing, a new townhome development is like.” demand and controls costs. Please abide by Neumann said that sponsors are able to currently under construction, recently pay for the webcams to be put in place so wrote to the District of Invermere requestthese watering hours. They are in place for that people are able to view live images ing that Highland Crossing have access the benefit of your community. of what’s happening in the valley. Inspire to the district’s webcam as part of their Floral Boutique sponsors the webcam in social media strategy aimed at promoting Windermere, Timber Ridge, Holland Creek, Edgewater valley life to its condowntown InverWater Systems mere, showing a “It’s the whole social media sumers. Please note: All Water Systems are on the same Council supported south-facing view of thing; that people want to Watering Restrictions - which includes Cenotaph Park with see what is happening this the idea during their last meeting on May the war memorial. “No Watering Fridays” allowing time for the reservoirs very second. ” 24th, but said there Although some to replenish and to conserve water. SCOTT NEUMANN COLUMBIAVALLEY.COM WEB DEVELOPER would be logistics may think the 2016 Watering Times that would need to increase in the Manual Sprinklers: amount of webcams could potentially be worked out, such as a small mainteMorning 6:00am - 10:00am lead to less privacy, Neumann cautions nance fee that would ensure the webcam Evening 7:00pm - 11:00pm that the webcams do not record any pic- is able to operate on a full-time basis. “I think the idea, the concept, if we find tures or video on a hard drive and you Automatic Sprinklers: 3:00am - 8:00am can’t recognize people or licence plates. a technical way of sharing it, it would be EVEN numbered houses may water on Tuesdays, He said this fascination with webcams great to have that go to not only Highland Thursdays and Sundays is all part of the technology movement Crossing but also Invermere, Panorama ODD numbered houses may water on Mondays, and other sources,” Mayor Gerry Taft said across society. Wednesdays and Saturdays “It’s the whole social media thing; that during council’s meeting. At a time when technology is changing people want to see what is happening this very second,” he said. “It’s kind of almost much of modern society, it also enables For more information, contact the RDEK Engineering addictive. I’ve always got one open on a greater advancement in the tourism inServices Department at 1-888-478-7335 or visit my screen and I just kind of say, ‘Oh yeah dustry, which is always a positive event www.rdek.bc.ca for the Columbia Valley, Taft said. town’s looking real busy’ or whatever.” “I think if you can look here and see what Outside of the Columbiavalley.com website, the District of Invermere also has a the weather is doing and see it’s much Regional District of East Kootenay 19 - 24th Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8 webcam set up that focuses on Kinsmen better than Calgary, it might just be that Ph: 250-489-2791 • 888-478-7335 Fax: 250-489-1287 Email: info@rdek.bc.ca Beach. The webcam has been in opera- extra incentive to come out or stay here Website: www.rdek.bc.ca tion since 2011, offering a waterfront view or whatever the case is.”

Regional District of East Kootenay

Watering Hours

A16 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, June 1, 2016 The Valley Echo

BC N

EWS

B.C. sends wildfire crews to Alberta, Ontario Firefighters work on firebreak to contain the Halfway River fire, burning 30 kilometres northeast of Hudsonâ€™s Hope. B.C. WILDFIRE SERVICE PHOTO

If you have yet to visit Ambiente, you are in for a treat! We have practical & pretty items for your home, as well as a wide range of giftware for all the special people in your life. TOM FLETCHER Black Press The B.C. Wildfire Service has sent nearly 200 firefighters and additional support staff to Alberta and Ontario as fire hazard conditions in northeast B.C. have eased. Five unit crews with 98 firefighters arrived in Hinton, Alta. on Wednesday, May 25th for a briefing before heading to the Horse River wildfire near Fort McMurray. Another five unit crews and an incident management team were headed for Thunder Bay, Ont. on Thursday, May 26th to help tackle wildfires in northern Ontario. The deployments are for up to 19 days, and the B.C. personnel can be recalled if fire conditions get worse in B.C. After significant rain and snow in the Peace region, progress has been made in containing three large fires. The Siphon Creek fire was 40 per cent contained as of Tuesday, May 24th with about a third of its estimated 85,000 hectare size having spread into northwestern Alberta. The Beatton Airport Road fire north of Fort St. John was 80 per cent contained , at an estimated size of 15,000 hectares. The Halfway River fire, 30 kilometres northeast of Hudsonâ€™s Hope, was 70 per cent con-

tained at 5,636 hectares on Tuesday, May 24th. Fine for passing school bus more than doubles The fine for passing a B.C. school bus when children are getting on or off is being more than doubled to $368. The previous fine of $167 was one of the lowest in Canada, and a greater deterrent is needed to keep children safe, Transportation Minister Todd Stone said Monday, May 16th at an announcement at the B.C. Legislature. The fine is the same increase as that recently announced for distracted driving penalties. For passing a school bus when its flashing stop lights are activated, drivers already get three penalty points for a first offence. A second offence within a year would trigger a $300 penalty point assessment on top of the $368 fine, plus an automatic review of the driverâ€™s licence that could result in a suspension. From 2009 to 2014, police in B.C. have issued 1,100 tickets to drivers for failing to stop when school bus warning lights indicate. In the same period, 14 children were injured. Peace River North school bus driver Cindy Dettling attended the announcement. Stone and Public Safety Minister Mike Morris credited her with bringing the issue to the governmentâ€™s attention when she saw more drivers putting her passengers at risk.

SERVING THE Septic Tank Pumping Portable Toilet Rentals NEW R SEWERA CAME

t $PNQMFUF TFXFS ESBJO SFQBJST t 3FBTPOBCMF SBUFT 4FOJPST EJTDPVOU t 4QFFEZ TFSWJDF EBZT B XFFL t " XFMM NBJOUBJOFE TFQUJD TZTUFN TIPVME CF QVNQFE FWFSZ ZFBST t "WPJE DPTUMZ SFQBJST

Our purpose is to generate funds to increase services delivered by Family Dynamix, an organization that provides a wide variety of community programs, such as Family Support and Counseling, Womenâ€™s Outreach, Youth Programs, Employment Help, Affordable Housing, Better at Home for seniors & many more. This unique business concept gives you the opportunity to support your community. We also support local, BC & Canadianmade artisans and now have over 20 such suppliers. Our friendly & helpful staff will be happy to point them out to you in the store or check out our Facebook & Instagram pages, facebook.com/ Ambientehde

YOUR SUPPORT IS VALUED & YOUR PURCHASES ARE BENEFICIAL TO THIS COMMUNITY. Located at 926 7th Avenue Frater Landing, Invermere Ph: 250-342-4406

VALLEY

To advertise, call: 250-341-6299

Sholinder & MacKay

Sand & Gravel Complete line of aggregate products for construction and landscaping Office:

Bruce Dehart 250-347-9803 or 250-342-5357

READY MIX CONCRETE t $0/$3&5& 16.1 t 4"/% (3"7&t )&"7: &26*1.&/5 3&/5"-4 t $3"/& 4&37*$&

Proudly serving the Valley for over 50 years. For competitive prices and prompt service call:

250-342-3268 (plant) 250-342-6767 (office)

250-342-6452 r 250-342-3773 Cell: 250-342-5833

to give your business maximum exposure for your advertising dollar?

Call 250-341-6299 for more information.

PHOENIX DRYWALL

1867480ABLTD DRYWALL â€˘ TAPING STEEL â€˘ TEXTURING Tom 250-341-5248 Dan 780-512-3177