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PIONEER THE COLUMBIA VALLEY
AUGUST 27, 2026
VOLUME 23 / ISSUE 35
1313 13th Ave, Invermere
NEW LISTING
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F AIR R EALTY
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HILL Personal Real Estate Corporation
250-341-7600 A PROUD RIBBON CUTTING
3 FORMER TEACHER FOUND GUILTY
Lia Blackett from Dry Gulch will compete in an ancient sport very soon. See story on page 4 and 7. PHOTO BILL EDGAR PHOTOGRAPHY
4 LOCAL INDUCTED INTO SKI HALL OF FAME
5
Paul Glassford
PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION
250-341-1395
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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
Bruno’s Plumbing Service Mike Sylvestre 250.342.5105 brunosplumbing@shaw.ca
AUGUST 27, 2026
VALLEY VIEWS
Serving The Columbia Valley
Auto Glass Replacement & Chip Repair Shower Doors | Windows | Mirrors & Railings 250-342-3659 info@invermereglass.com
The Columbia Valley Rockies are currently looking for families interested in becoming billet families for the upcoming hockey season. The team is in need of permanent billet families for the full season, as well as 10 temporary billet beds available until the middle of September. Families will receive a monthly stipend of $850 to help offset the cost of housing a player. If you’re interested in becoming part of the Rockies family and making a difference in a player’s season, or would like more information please reach out to cvrockies.coach@gmail.com.
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DON’T LOSE YOUR LOCAL NEWS Find a digital replica of the print edition of the Pioneer online, available early morning every Thursday at columbiavalleypioneer.com
At top, local residents beware: bears are active in towns and lower elevations of the Columbia Valley earlier than normal this year, perhaps due to drought like conditions drying out berry crops. Shown here is a black bear and her cubs along the Westside Legacy Trail. At right, an osprey fledgling strikes a serious pose for the camera. TOP PHOTO PAUL HOLSCHER RIGHT PHOTO SYD DANIS
AUGUST 27, 2026
THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
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VALLEY NEWS Ribbon cut on new ?Akisq'nuk building By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The new ?Akisq’nuk First Nation multi-purpose building is officially open following a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week. Several dozen people gathered on the afternoon of Friday, Aug. 21 as ?Akisq’nuk Nasu?kin (Chief ) Donald Sam, ?Akisq’nuk councillors, ?Akisq’nuk members, local officials and other valley residents celebrated the formal opening of the building — a major milestone for the local First Nation. The building is located beside the Columbia Lake Recreation Centre and will serve as a new band hall, administrative centre, health centre, and community gathering place. Sam explained to those at the ceremony that efforts to create the building stretched back to before his time as Nasu?kin. He added the new building is part of larger ?Akisq’nuk nation rebuilding efforts, which include expanding capac-
ity to better address community needs. “We’ve been growing,” he said. Sam also commended the collaborative nature of the project, noting “there’s no one way to heal, and there’s also no one way to build a building” but that working together is the best way to try. The ribbon was cut by ?Akisq’nuk elder Amelia Danyluk, ?Akisq’nuk chief administrative officer David Bach, and younger ?Akisq’nuk member Magazu GreyCloud-Sam, symbolizing the nation’s past, present and future. The eye-catching new building is roughly 20,000 square feet (4,500 square metres) with plenty of natural elements such as wood and stone in the design, blended with steel and glass. The new administrative centre stretches to the west, and the new health centre stretches east; they are joined by a soaring, circular shaped atrium in the middle that is the new community gathering place.
People gather outside the new building in anticipation. PHOTO STEVE HUBRECHT
REAL ESTATE IN THE ROCKIES
250-342-1146 BRENDA@ROCKIESWEST.COM
#2-450 Sarah Rd., Invermere, BC V0A 1K3
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST Property Management Services The Shuswap Band is inviting qualified property management companies to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to provide property management services for our off reserve properties that include: • Parson School – Parson, BC • Two Residential Homes – Invermere, BC Services include regular property inspections, preventative maintenance coordination (lawn care, snow removal, seasonal maintenance), contractor coordination, emergency response, and property reporting. Interested proponents should submit a company profile, relevant experience, references, proposed management approach, and fee schedule. Submission Deadline: September 3, 2026 For additional information or to submit an Expression of Interest, please contact: Shuswap Band – Lands Department Email: sstump@shuswapband.ca
?Akisq’nuk elder Amelia Danyluk, ?Akisq’nuk chief administrative officer David Bach, and younger ?Akisq’nuk member Magazu GreyCloudSam cut the ribbon, flanked by ?Akisq’nuk Nasu?kin (Chief) Donald Sam (right). PHOTO STEVE HUBRECHT
The Shuswap Band reserves the right to accept or reject any or all submissions and is under no obligation to proceed with this Expression of Interest.
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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
SECURITY
RCMP
• Uniformed Guards • Mobile Patrol • Alarm Response • Property Checks
Est. 2005
www.valleyhawk.com Licensed & Insured
250-688-HAWK
REPORT
Invermere & Surrounding Areas
Est. PDQ Window Tinting 2005
Free Consultations
AUGUST 27, 2026
Residential & Commercial Troy Anderson
Former teacher found guilty Columbia Valley Pioneer staff
Owner / Operator
Email: pdqtroy@hotmail.com 250-270-0095
Lifetime Warranty
pdqtinting.com LLumar.com
ROSS’S POOLS & SPAS Commercial – Residential Installation – Maintenance – Repairs
Darren Ross Box 72, Canal Flats, B.C. V0B 1B0
Cell: 250-341-7727 • Fax: 1-778-523-2426 • poolman-911@hotmail.com INVERMERE PUBLIC LIBRARY Bookmobile Schedule September 3
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10-11am - Windermere Hall
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September 4
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9:45-10:45am - Edgewater Hall 11:15-12:15 - Brisco Hall 12:45-1:45 - Beeland in Spilli
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September 10
9:45-10:45 - Fairmont Lion’s Den 11:15-12:15 - Village Social, Canal Flats
For more info: 250-342-6416
THANKS
to 75 volunteers and 1,950 book lovers
The 2026 Big Book Sale raised $18,000 for Invermere Public Library programs.
Special thanks to the District of Invermere, Invermere Home Hardware, Lake Windermere & District Lions Club, Gerry Taft, Kinsmen Club of Windermere Valley
A former teacher at David Thompson Secondary School has been found guilty of sexual exploitation of a child. The RCMP initiated an investigation in January 2024 following allegations that teacher Jason Walker had engaged in inappropriate communication with a student. The BC Prosecution Service subsequently approved three Criminal Code charges including exploitation for a sexual purpose, making sexually explicit material available to a child under 18 years of age, and telecommunication to lure a child under 18 years of age. Following a trial that began on September 16, 2025 in BC Provincial Court, Walker was found guilty on all three charges on June 23, 2026. RCMP say a pre-sentence report is scheduled to be heard in October.
“The Columbia Valley RCMP would like to acknowledge the courage of the victim in coming forward and the strength demonstrated throughout this lengthy process,” the RCMP said in a press release. “We also thank all those who assisted throughout the investigation and court proceedings.” The RCMP previously reported that the offences took place over the Internet, specifically social media. Steve Wyer, assistant superintendent for Rocky Mountain School District No. 6, previously told the Pioneer that they learned about the charges from the BC Prosecution Service. Wyer said since the board of education became aware of the charges, Walker had been on a leave of absence. Wyer added that the school district fully cooperated with the RCMP during the investigation.
Archer off to the Games By Steve Hubrecht steve@columnbiavalleypioneer.com It’s not literally riding off into the sunset at the end of a western film, but it’s probably as close as Lia Blackett can get in this day and age. The Dry Gulch resident is in Kyrgyzstan getting ready to participate in horseback archery as part of Team Canada at the biennial World Nomad Games. Blackett touches down in Kyrgyzstan the exact day this issue of the Pioneer hits newsstands, arriving a few days ahead of the start of the Games, which run from August 31 to September 6. She’s one of the best in Canada when it comes to the ancient practice of shooting arrows while riding a galloping horse. It’s a skill that stretches back millennia, and it’s still a modern sport, even if few people outside of the steppes of Central Asia realize that. Blackett grew up in Kingston, Ontario, but moved to Nova Scotia when she was 18. There she saw horseback archery for the first time. “I thought ‘Oh my goodness, I want to learn that’,” she recalled. “I’m a huge fantasy nerd. I loved ‘Lord of the Rings’ growing up and I wanted to be an elf that could shoot arrows from a horse. I just didn’t realize at the time that was something you actually could try.” Blackett was already quite accomplished at riding when she got to Nova Scotia, but had zero experience with arrows. She tried a horseback ar-
chery clinic, and bought a bow, but didn’t really pursue the sport very seriously. It was fun, nothing more. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit and, like everyone else on the planet, Blackett suddenly had a lot more time on her hands than ever before. Horseback archery was not only a great way to fill the time, but it also by default met every social distance protocol you could think of. “I started to really love it, and I ended up getting really good that year,” said Blackett. “It’s a totally addictive sport. As soon as you start regularly hitting the target, you realize there’s a few small things you can do to be just a bit better. So you practice, and you get better. Then you realize there are just a few more things you can do to get still better. So you do them, and get better, and so on and so on.” In 2022, she moved to the Columbia Valley, taking a trail riding job at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. She figured that moving to a rural part of British Columbia with a relatively small population would mean the end of horseback archery in her life. But she was wrong — there are two local horseback archery outfits here: Spur Valley Mounted Archery in Spur Valley and Rocky Mountain Mounted Archers in Brisco. Thrilled, Blackett continued to develop her skills, competed all over the continent, and is now ranked fourth in Canada by the Canadian Federation of Mounted Archery. Continued on page 7
AUGUST 27, 2026
THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
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After a dedicated career of alpine racing, Manny OsborneParadis will be inducted into the Ski Hall of Fame. PHOTO SUBMITTED
Local alpine racer in Ski Hall of Fame By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Longtime Invermere resident Manny Osborne-Paradis will be inducted into the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame this fall. The alpine ski racer is a four-time Olympian and three-time World Cup gold medallist. He will officially enter the hall during a ceremony in Banff this November, along with five other inductees. The Canadian Ski Hall of Fame was established in 1982 near Mont Tremblant, Quebec, to honour people who have advanced snow sports in the country, either as athletes or “builders” (i.e. coaches, resort pioneers, and others who help develop snow sports behind the scenes). Osborne-Paradis and the other 2026 hall inductees will be enshrined in a special ceremony on November 7. He told the Pioneer he is humbled and honoured by the distinction. “It’s a surprise. It’s not really something I ever thought a lot about when I was racing,” said the skier, who retired from alpine racing in 2020. “Then (after retiring), your world becomes work, kids, summer holidays, daily life, and so this sort of comes out of the blue ... it’s a very cool treat.” Osborne-Paradis broke onto the World Cup circuit in January 2005, and remained there for nearly a decade and a half, competing in the downhill and Super giant slalom (Super G). Across this career he won World Cup gold twice in the downhill and once in the Super G,
took four World Cup silvers (all in downhill), and four World Cup bronze (also all in the downhill). He also hit the podium at the World Championships, with a Super G bronze in 2017; twice finished in the overall top five for the season in the World Cup downhill (fifth overall in 2009, and fourth overall in 2010); and competed in the Winter Olympic Games in Torino (2006), Vancouver (2010), Sochi (2014), and Pyeongchang (2018). But it’s not just race results that got OsborneParadis into the Ski Hall of Fame. He was also nominated for his humanitarian and charitable efforts, including founding the Mike and Manny Ski Camp with fellow Canadian racer Mike Janyk in 2007, raising more than $300,000 to help 200 financially disadvantaged young skiers; and acting as a Right To Play Ambassador for global youth programs. He told the Pioneer that throughout his time on the World Cup circuit, he (like every other alpine racer) was always hyper focussed on the next race, the next season, and all the small improvements he kept chasing to elevate his skiing further (which is a big deal in a sport where milliseconds matter). Constantly thinking about each and every possible tweak left little room for career-long reflection. “You may, every now and then, take a moment to celebrate after a great race, but for the most part you immediately pulled up your socks and started getting ready to compete again next week,” said Osborne-Paradis. “So it’s a bit surreal, now that I can’t actually do anything about
my (ski) career any more, that someone is saying ‘hey, what you achieved is actually pretty great’. It’s really nice. It feels like a cap on the career.” Osborne-Paradis said it will be a particular honour to be in the Ski Hall of Fame alongside legends such as Ken Read, Steve Podborski, and Erik Guay. “I’ll be in a club with these racers I always looked up to,” he said. Since leaving alpine skiing, Osborne-Paradis went back to school, graduated, and now works as an investment advisor, and with his wife Lana is raising his daughter Sloane and son Toby here in the valley. He first moved to Invermere when he was in Grade 10, to be part of the B.C.provincial ski team and train under coach Dusan Grasic. The valley has been home for Osborne-Paradis ever since, and he says he could “never have been a world class skier without the community in Invermere and Panorama being so supportive. “There are so many people who gave so much to me.”
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K R ET A M ON MAIN
JUNE 26 - SEPT 4, 2026 MAIN STREET WEST, RADIUM HOT SPRINGS
Your local guide to all things real estate
Nancy Hetherington
REALTOR® | Licensed Strata Manager
250-688-1458
492 Highway 93/95 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 250.342.5599
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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
AUGUST 27, 2026
OPINION
Get tough There are a couple of important issues that are negatively affecting residents and visitors in this province. First is the increasing (and downright scary) fire hazard that continues to threaten life and property. Everyone saw this in Summerland recently with the Bald Range wildfire that resulted in many structures lost, the death of one senior, and the evacuation of the entire community. While the cause has not been determined, it may have been human in origin. In fact, data shows that approximately 40 per cent of all wildfires in BC every year are caused by human activity, while the remaining 60 per cent can be attributed to lightning. This 40 per cent average must change. Currently, defying a campfire ban in BC results in a $1,150 fine. This amount should be doubled or tripled and carry an individual ban on campfires for one year. This may seem harsh but consider the devastation that a wildfire can cause. Taking this a step further, new regulations and bans should be imposed on ATV operators who ride in the backcountry during extreme fire hazards. One spark is all it takes to start a fire, so there is nothing wrong with trail closures and seasonal bans to protect livelihoods. The second issue causing grief is dogs off leash, which is a ‘bone’ of contention for many. Do you have care and control of your dog at all times? Unless you are in a designated dog park, you should. There are many canine owners who are very diligent about keeping their pet on a leash, while other owners allow their dogs to run helter skelter during walks. Not everyone wants a strange dog bounding up to them during a leisurely stroll, so the best rule of thumb is keep your dog leashed. This is especially important on wilderness hiking trails where unleashed dogs can create dangerous conflicts with wild animals, such as deer and bears. Deer can easily become aggressive and attack you and your dog, which was the case in Invermere recently. For your own safety and that of your beloved pet, take the advice from the conservation officer service and always control your pet with a leash in the backcountry. Perhaps a new fining mechanism will change attitudes.
Historical Lens
A log loader (jammer) being operated at H.H. Moore's logging landing on Steamboat Mountain in 1949. PHOTO WINDERMERE AND DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Lyonel Doherty, editor
CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013
is independently owned and operated, published weekly by Amanda Nason, President and Publisher, Nason Publishing Limited. Box 868, #4A, 1014 - 8th Ave., Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Phone: 250-341-6299 | Toll Free: 866-496-8047 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com | www.columbiavalleypioneer.com
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The Columbia Valley Pioneer is available free of charge at 13 essential businesses in the Upper Columbia Valley, limited to one copy per reader. This publication has been made possible by the support of our advertisers and is published every Thursday. The Columbia Valley Pioneer may be distributed only by its authorized contractors and employees. No person may, without the prior written consent of The Pioneer or its Publisher, take more than one copy of each issue of The Pioneer. The content is protected by copyright. Reproduction by any means is prohibited except with the permission of the Publisher.
AUGUST 27, 2026
THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
VALLEY NEWS
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Horseback nomad stoked for Games Continued from page 4 This ranking comes across two main styles of mounted archery – one in which there is a central target in the middle of the track and archers can hold arrows in their hand and shoot as many arrows as they like (this style favours a slower moving horse), and a second style which has multiple targets, and in which archers must pull arrows from a quiver and shoot only one arrow per target (this style favours fast horses and very precise archers). Her strong national ranking means she’s off to Kyrgyzstan, a small mountainous republic in Central Asia, sandwiched between Kazakhstan and the wild, windswept reaches of western China, and a place with a long history of nomadism and horses and archery. That history is perhaps why Kyrgyzstan has hosted four of the six editions of the Nomad Games held so far, each time at the town of Cholpon-Ata on the northern shore of the large Lake Issyk-Kul (Kazakhstan has hosted the Games once, and Turkey has also hosted once). This is Blackett’s first time at the Nomad Games and she says she’s “super excited.” Aside from horseback archery there are plenty of other traditional games (some physical
or skill-based and some more strategic), all with origins in nomadic culture. These include horseback wrestling; arm wrestling; horse races; tug-of-war; several kinds of unique martial arts; competitive hunting with eagles and falcons; a game in which goat or sheep ankle bones are flicked at each other (somewhat like in a game of pool), and another in which the ankle bones are used like dice in what resembles a type of board game; and the ferocious kokboru, which is a kind of polo played by teams of riders mounted on horses. Each team is trying to wrest control of a headless dead goat or sheep carcass and deposit the carcass in a hole or basket-like goal fervidly guarded by the other team. There are very few rules, matches can be intensely physical, and (as you can imagine with horses charging around) serious injuries such as broken bones and dislocated shoulders are common. Dry Gulch horseback archer Lia Blackett is in Kyrgyzstan to take part in the World Nomad Games. “I’m really looking forward to PHOTOS BILL EDGAR PHOTOGRAPHY getting to experience the Games, learn about sports I didn’t even know existed, and meet a lot of people from around the world that are into the same things I am,” said Blackett. The mounted archery events Blackett participates in are on September 4 and September 5.
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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
AUGUST 27, 2026
Local youth moving up in kart racing world Columbia Valley Pioneer staff There’s Nintendo’s Super Mario Kart, and then there’s Windermere’s Super Gage Kart. While Gage Pasowisty doesn’t expel bananas or turtle shells to thwart his rivals, he merely passes them to win races. The student from David Thompson Secondary School is moving up in the junior kart racing world which he has been a part of since age 5. He is now a contender with
the Calgary Kart Racing Club, which recently hosted the 2026 Rotax Western Canadian Finals. In the western finals, Gage finished second among 19 junior competitors. He was last year’s champion and has a commanding lead in this year’s championship season. Now, the best junior drivers in the world are getting ready for the Rotax Grand Finals in Portugal in November. The Pioneer reached out to Gage but was unable to get a comment by press time Monday.
Volunteering in the Valley Columbia House • Gardeners are needed to do light watering, weeding and planting. There are no set days or times it would be entirely based on volunteer’s availability. • BINGO callers are needed (Mondays @ 2:00PM and Fridays @ 10:30AM) • Local arts programs are looking for any artists who could run very simple arts and crafts programs with the residents (weekly, biweekly or monthly). • Have you been on an interesting or exotic adventure, and would like to share stories from your travels, expeditions, or even some local history with the residents? Presentations are always welcomed! • Volunteers are needed to facilitate a reading program where residents and volunteers read in small groups for about an hour a week.
Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley
• Walk and Talk program volunteers (young people are more than welcome) needed to visit with seniors in the Healing Gardens on Wednesdays from 1:30-2:30 pm. • Navcare/WeCare volunteers needed to provide social support to those who have life limiting diagnosis/illness. • Musicians needed for Sunday entertainment in the Healing Gardens from 10-1.
Columbia Valley Food and Farm
• Volunteer drivers are needed to deliver prepared meals to seniors in their homes once a week for the Nourish program.
Family Dynamix
• Volunteers are needed for the Better at Home program, spending time visiting with seniors, taking them to medical appointments or helping them with their daily or weekly errands. If any of these opportunities appeal to you, or you would like more information on volunteering in general, please reach out to Joshua Estabrooks, Volunteer Coordinator for the Columbia Valley: Joshua Estabrooks Volunteer Coordinator Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley 250-688-8012 volunteer@hospicesocietycv.com This week’s opportunities are sponsored by:
Local kart competitor Gage Pasowisty (left #257) has become a contender on the race track. PHOTO SUBMITTED
Pump track work begins By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Ground broke on the upgraded and soon-tobe paved pump track at Mount Nelson Athletic Park (MNAP) last week, just as project organizers make their final fundraising push. The old MNAP dirt pump track is only 13 years old, but has seen plenty of wear and tear on its relatively rudimentary design, and has been in need of revitalization for a while. The Columbia Valley Cycling Society (CVCS) has been talking about upgrading to a paved pump track for about four or five years, and began striving hard to get the project going about a year and a half ago. Work is underway now, with local Indigenous contractors Kenpesq’t doing site prep, removing organic materials (ie. all that dirt) and putting in a new structural pad. After that, at some point in September, Swiss company Velosolutions — one of the top pump track designers in the world — will come in to create two new asphalt tracks. The main track will be more beginner-focussed, kid-friendly and more accessible (great for scooters, wheelchairs, and roller blades as well as bikes and mountain bikes), while the second track will be for older kids (or adults who are still kids at heart) wanting to push their skills a bit further. The tracks will be made with softer-feeling, more durable asphalt, and will include Velo’s Vorld App technology, which uses sensors to allow users to track how much they cycle (and will also allow the District of Invermere to monitor just how much the tracks get used). CVCS volunteers Matt McDonald and Lorraine Blancher have both championed the project, and both are glad to see shovels in the ground. “It’s amazing,” said McDonald. “It’s super exciting,” added Blancher. “Locals will love it, and it will also be a destination quality
recreational asset, similar to ones in other mountain towns such as Revelstoke.” The project has evolved and grown into a fourway partnership between the CVCS, Greenways Trail Alliance, Rocky Mountain School District No. 6 (which owns the land on which the track sits), and the District of Invermere, with contributions from other local groups, businesses and community members. The total project cost is around $620,000, and so far $510,000 has been raised. A total of $150,000 came from Invermere-Panorama’s resort municipality initiative (RMI) funds, and $330,000 came from the Columbia Basin Trust. Project partners are working to secure the final $110,000. “It’s been a true community push ... we are so grateful for support,” said Blancher. Visit greenways.ca to donate and help get the MNAP pump track project over the finish line.
Work is underway to replace the old dirt pump track in MNAP (shown here) with a new paved one. PHOTO TRISTAN PROCTOR
AUGUST 27, 2026
THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
Thursday August 27
Saturday August 29
10:00 -11:00am - Seniors Fitness Columbia Valley Centre. Doors open 9:30 for warm-ups and indoor walking $2 drop-in. Please note: classes may be moved to Invermere Seniors Hall when the Columbia Valley Centre is booked for larger events. 1:00pm - Storytime in Edgewater - Edgewater Community Park. Join us for stories, songs and a craft. Geared towards preschool age, but all welcome to attend. 1:45 - 2:45pm - Summer Reading Club in Edgewater - Edgewater Community Park. For kids in grade 1-7. One-time registration required. Free program with crafts, games and fun! 1:30pm - Floor Curling at the Invermere Seniors Hall. 6:00pm - Read It and Eat Cookbook Club - This month we’re cooking from Every Salad Every by Greta Podleski. Stop by the library to choose a recipe, make the dish at home, and then join us for a potluck style meal! All adults welcome to attend. 6:45pm - Texas Hold'em Poker Invermere Legion, $30 buy-in. 7:00 - 9:00pm - Adults Drop-In Improv Theatre - Thursday nights at the Invermere Seniors Hall. It’s pay what you can with a suggested minimum of $10. All levels of interest and experience welcome, including people who have never tried it before.
Friday August 28 9:00am - Tennis for Everyone - Columbia Valley Mixed Doubles Tennis, Rotary Park Tennis Courts. 10:30-11:00am - Pop-Up Storytime - Groundswell Greenhouse. Join us for stories, songs and a craft. Geared towards preschool age, but all welcome to attend. 1:00pm - Duplicate Bridge at the Invermere Seniors Hall. 6:30pm - Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion. Members and guests welcome.
10:30 - 11:30 - Story Time - Invermere Public Library. Join us for stories, songs and a craft. Geared towards preschool age, but all welcome to attend. 11:00am - 12:30pm - Lego Club at the Invermere Public Libray.. Drop in for free play with Lego and Duplo. This is not a supervised event. 4:00 - 6:00pm - Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion. Members and guests welcome.
Sunday August 30 2:00pm - Cribbage and Darts Come to the Legion and have some fun! Members and guests welcome.
Monday August 31 9:00am - Tennis for Everyone - Columbia Valley Mixed Doubles Tennis, Rotary Park Tennis Courts. 10:00 -11:00am - Seniors Yoga Columbia Valley Centre. Doors open 9:30 for warm-ups and indoor walking $2 drop-in. Please note: classes may be moved to Invermere Seniors Hall when the Columbia Valley Centre is booked for larger events. 1:30pm - Cribbage & Darts at Invermere Seniors Hall. 6:30pm - Fun Bridge at Invermere Seniors Hall. At Dark - Movies in the Mountains - Starts at dark. Enjoy free movies every Monday evening throughout July and August in Pothole Park. Presented by the District of Invermere. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and cash for the on site concession.
National Forest Week
SEPTEMBER 20-26, 2026
Forest Pathways: Innovation & Sustainability
AD SIZES AND PRICING
Established in 1920 as Forest Fire Prevention Week, National Forest Week exists as a challenge to individual Canadians to learn more about their forest heritage and support greater recognition of this valuable resource. Book your spot in this special feature in the Columbia Valley Pioneer, which will include content focusing on fire prevention, the path forward, a day in the life of a forestry worker, and waste reduction.
Business Card 2 col. (3.044”) x 2” $73.40 1/8 page - 3 col. (4.65”) x 3” $165.15 1/4 page - 3 col. (4.65”) x 7” $385.35 1/2 page - 6 col. (9.45”) x 7” $770.70 Full Page $1391.66 BOOKING AND COPY DEADLINE: September 17, 2026
PRINT RELEASE: September 24, 2026
For more information or to participate contact Amanda Nason at 250-341-6299 ext 102 or e-mail advertising@columbiavalleypioneer.com
Tuesday September 1 10:00 -11:00am - Seniors Fitness Columbia Valley Centre. Doors open 9:30 for warm-ups and indoor walking $2 drop-in. Please note: classes may be moved to Invermere Seniors Hall when the Columbia Valley Centre is booked for larger events. 2:00 - 3:30pm - Summer Reading Club - Invermere Public Library. Free program with crafts, games and fun! One-time registration required. Ages 5-8 @ 11am-12:30pm (5 year olds must be finished kindergarten to attend) Ages 9-12 @ 2pm-3:30pm. 6:30 - 8:00pm - Second Winds Community Band Practises every Tuesday at the Catholic Church in Invermere. New members are welcome.
Wednesday September 2 9:00am - Tennis for Everyone - Columbia Valley Mixed Doubles Tennis, Rotary Park Tennis Courts. 10:00 -11:00am - Seniors Yoga Columbia Valley Centre. Doors open 9:30 for warm-up and indoor walking-$2 drop-in. Please note: classes may be moved to Invermere Seniors Hall when the Columbia Valley Centre is booked for larger events. 1:00pm - Duplicate Bridge at the Invermere Seniors Hall. 2:00 -3:00pm - Sewcial Hour - Invermere Public Library. Drop in with your textile projects or join us and have a cup of tea while you socialize with other makers. All welcome! No registration required. 6:30pm - Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion. Members and guests welcome.
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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
AUGUST 27, 2026
Flats Fest brings musical talent together
NOTICE OF SHORT-TERM RENTAL TEMPORARY USE PERMIT APPLICATIONS UNDER DISTRICT OF INVERMERE CONSIDERATION Pursuant to Section 494 of the Local Government Act, public notice is hereby given that the District of Invermere is considering the Short-Term Rental Temporary Use Permits (STR-TUP) listed in the table below. Issuance of the permits will be considered by council or a delegated authority at the Invermere District office at 914 - 8th Avenue in Invermere, BC, at the corresponding date and time as listed below:
Consideration by DELEGATED AUTHORITY - SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 at 10:00am APPLICATION NO.
ADDRESS
PARCEL ID
# OF GUESTS
STR232.900.26
746 TAYNTON DRIVE
029-426-995
8
All persons who believe they are affected by any of the Short-Term Rental Temporary Use Permits are encouraged to submit their concerns in writing to the Invermere office at 914 - 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC, or by email to planning@invermere.net prior to Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 10:00AM. All submissions should include your name, address, and contact information. All written submissions are public information pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. All submissions will form part of the public record. Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250342-9281. For more information regarding the above applications contact the Invermere Planning Department at 250-342-9281 or by email at planning@invermere.net or at the Invermere Office between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.
PO Box 339, 914 - 8th Ave, Invermere BC V0A 1K0 250-342-9281 info@invermere.net www.invermere.net
This year's Flats Fest Music Festival in Canal Flats was a blast with much talent on display. PHOTOS SYD DANIS
AUGUST 27, 2026
THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
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NOTICE OF INTENT RE: LIQUOR CONTROL AND LICENSING ACT APPLICATION FOR A LIQUOR PRIMARY LICENSE PUBLIC NOTICE: FOREST OPERATIONS MAP REVIEW
Application for a liquor primary license has been received by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch from Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena located at 502 13th Street in Invermere BC V0A1K4. Proposed licensed hours are: 10:00 AM – 12:00 Midnight daily.
In accordance with the Forest and Range Practices Act, Canadian Forest Products Ltd. (Canfor)
Person capacity will be limited to 800 persons interior.
invites the public to review its Forest Operations Map (FOM ID: 3403) in the Rocky Mountain and
This proposed license is event driven.
Selkirk Natural Resource Districts. The FOM describes areas proposed for Cutting Permit and Road
Residents located within a 0.5 mile (0.8 km) radius of the proposed site may comment on this proposal by:
Permit development within the next three years starting on August 25th, 2026, and ending on
1) Writing to:
August 24th, 2029. We welcome your comments and feedback during the review period starting
The General Manager C/O Senior Licensing Analyst Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch PO Box 9292 Victoria, BC V8W 9J8
August 25th, 2026. Please submit your comments by September 24th, 2026. The map is accessible for review and comment submission online at: https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects Alternatively, in-person review and comments can be completed by appointment only at the
2) Email to: LCRB.SLA@gov.bc.ca
following location during office hours (Monday to Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm):
PETITIONS AND FORM LETTERS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED
1000 Industrial Road 1, Cranbrook, BC, V1C4J7 Comments may also be submitted by mail to the above address or by phone at 604-773-3490 or to ashleigh.harvison@canfor.com
To ensure the consideration of your views, your comments, name and address must be received on or before September 27, 2026. Please note that your comments may be made available to the applicant or local government officials where disclosure is necessary to administer the licensing process.
NOTICE OF SHORT-TERM RENTAL TEMPORARY USE PERMIT APPLICATIONS UNDER RDEK BOARD CONSIDERATION The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering the following applications for Short-Term Rental Temporary Use Permits (STR-TUP) listed in the table below. The Board will consider the proposed Permits at its meeting on September 11, 2026 at the RDEK office at 19 - 24 Ave S in Cranbrook, BC. PERMIT NO. STR 56-26 STR 62-26 STR 64-26 STR 67-26
ADDRESS 9317 Kimpton Road, Windermere 4981 Mountainview Drive, Fairmont 2124 Panorama Drive, Panorama 2141 Panorama Drive, Panorama
PARCEL ID 013-424-319 023-143-797 013-154-311 013-152-815
# OF GUESTS 6 6 8 10
All persons who believe they are affected by any of the Short-Term Rental Temporary Use Permits are encouraged to submit their concerns in writing to the RDEK office at 19 - 24 Ave S. Cranbrook, BC or by email to planningdept@rdek.bc.ca prior to 4:30 pm on September 1, 2026. All submissions should include your name and address. Please be advised that any written submissions will become part of public record. The permits are available for viewing by email request, on the RDEK website (www.rdek.bc.ca/meetings_events/publichearings) or at the RDEK Offices between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. To search for properties online, visit: www.rdek.bc.ca/departments/mapping. For more information contact planning department staff at planningdept@rdek.bc.ca or 250-489-2791. All written submissions are public information pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. All submissions will form part of the public record. Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335.
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE – Local Government Initiated ALR Exclusion Application The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has received a request by the following landowner to make an Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) exclusion application on their behalf. RDEK is considering making applications under section 29 of the Agricultural Land Commission Act. The intent of the application is the exclusion of land from the ALR as identified in the table below: GENERAL AREA
CIVIC ADDRESS
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
AREA PROPOSED TO BE EXCLUDED
ALC Application ID
Brisco
4930 Dorney Road That Part of District Lot 10733 shown on Reference Plan 83511I Kootenay District
0.546 ha (1.35 ac)
108383
The public hearing for the above noted property will be held via Zoom Webinar on: Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 4:00 pm The public hearing has been delegated to the Directors for Electoral Areas F and G. Prior to the public hearing you may: • inspect the exclusion application at the RDEK office in Cranbrook from August 17, 2026, to August 31 2026, between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays; • mail, fax or email written submissions to the addresses/numbers shown below; or • present verbal submissions at the public hearing. You must pre-register in order to attend and provide verbal presentations or make comments at the hearing. The deadline to register is Monday, August 31, 2026, at 4:30 pm. Register in advance for this webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tj4zJSeTRvy2G0f90kqjEQ Submissions cannot be accepted by the RDEK after the public hearing. All correspondence following the public hearing can be directed to the ALC quoting the applicable ALC Application ID. All submissions will form part of the public record and will be published in a meeting agenda posted online. Personal contact information such as phone and email will be removed from written submissions. Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335. For more information, contact Ryan Penney, Planner 1 at 778-761-1783, toll free at 1-888-478-7335 or email rpenney@rdek.bc.ca.
19 – 24 Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8 | 250-489-2791 | 1-888-478-7335 | info@rdek.bc.ca | www.rdek.bc.ca
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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
AUGUST 27, 2026
Here to Serve You SERVICES
SERVICES
SERVICES
TREE-MENDOUS
FREE ESTIMATES
Tree Specialists
Quality sheds for all uses!
OVER
35
• Pruning and Removal of ALL Trees and Shrubs YEARS EXPERIENCE • Stump Grinding • Fully Insured & WCB Covered
Chimney and Eavestrough Cleaning and Repair Specialists
You name it, I’ll take care of it!
250-254-2417 www.kootenaysheds.ca
Fully Insured & WCB Covered
Please call Steve - a real local you can trust, with the most experience and best prices in the valley!
FREE ESTIMATES • Tree removal • Tree pruning • FireSmarting • Stump grinding
WCB Covered Fully Insured
250-342-1791
Be ready for winter - clean your chimney this fall!
Spring Clean-up | Lawn Maintenance
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHIMNEY SWEEPS LTD. 804 Almberg Road, Golden, BC V0A 1H2 CELL: 250.272.5599 OFFICE: 250.344.7323 todd@rockymountainchimneysweeps.com rockymountainchimneysweeps.com
Serving the Valley for over 26 years! Commercial
Residential
KRIS CHASSE
Everett Frater Enterprises
www.flyinnfallin.com
250-342-5645 | efrater@telus.net | fraterservices.com
250-688-1625
SERVING ALL THE KOOTENAYS
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE ON ALL WOOD BURNING APPLIANCES • WETT INSPECTIONS
POWER PAVING
Your go-to for complete plumbing services. We are committed to fast and friendly service.
FURNACES | HEAT PUMPS | AIR CONDITIONING Over 40 Years of Experience FIREPLACES | HOT TUBS | SWIM SPAS | CHEMICALS NAPA AUTOPRO NO logo JOB TOO BIG - NO JOB TOO SMALL SERVICE & MAINTENANCE | WETT CERTIFIED
LICENSED · REGISTERED BONDED
Driveway & Patching Specialists Driveway Sealing
on a light background
385 Laurier Street 250-342-7100 Invermere, BC info@dhspas.com www.diamondheatingandspas.com
Toll Free: 1-888-670-0066 powerpavingrick@gmail.com
SERVICE EXCELLENCE IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY SINCE 1991 ICBC Glass Repair Out of Province Vehicle Inspections Auto Body Repairs Painting Vertical option
141 INDUSTRIAL RD #2
Quality Parts
250-342-9424
OPEN
North American Warranty All Makes and Models Tire Sales and Installation
Mon-Fri: 8:30am-5:30pm Sat: 9:00am-4:00pm
Hydronic Download theHeating media| Commercial kits at | Residential
New Construction | Renovations | General Repairs uapinc.com/en-ca/media-kits
SERVICE CALLS AVAILABLE
250-341-5179 rpplumbing599@gmail.com
Under New Ownership! New Direction, New Services
Looking forward to seeing everyone in the spring! Same location, same phone number.
250 342 0252 frasermarineservice@shaw.ca 149 Industrial Rd #2, Invermere
House Washing Window Cleaning Horizontal option
Eavestrough Cleaning Tyson Tufts
250-688-7707
These versions of the logo are to be preferred.
office@radiantresidential.ca
These one-colour versions of the logo can be used as alternatives to the two-colour versions.
Two-colour reproduction: official blue and yellow.
The blue version is to be preferred for one-colour reproductions.
If reproducing the official colours is not possible, use a one-colour version.
If reproducing the official blue is not possible, use the black version.
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AUGUST 27, 2026
THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
13
Here to Serve You CARPET CLEANING
CARPET CLEANING
CARPET CLEANING
FAST & RELIABLE (250)342-9692 (Business) (250)342-1273 (Cell)
Carpets Dry in 1 Hour
INVERMERE, BC
• Residential & Commercial Carpet Cleaning • Upholstery Cleaning • Tile and Grout Cleaning • Furnace, Dryer and Duct Cleaning • Insurance Claims
24 Hour Emergency Flood Service ptarmiganrugclean@gmail.com
Water, Fire, Wind, Sewer Emergency Services & Residential & Commercial Carpet Cleaning OFFICE
250-342-1158
24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE
250-342-3052
INSURANCE
Call NOW
250-688-0213
• Fastest Dry Time on the Market • Stain Removal Specialists • Carpet, Upholstery, Area Rugs • Citrus Based - No Steam • Environmentally Friendly Products • Prompt Reliable Service • Serving the valley since 2006 Visit www.heavensbest.com
CONCRETE
READY MIX CONCRETE
Concrete Pump • Sand & Gravel Heavy Equipment Rentals • Crane Service Home, Auto and Business Insurance 101A – 1028 7th Ave, Invermere, BC 250-342-2175
Proudly Serving the Valley for over 50 years
‘Protection for What Matters’
www.kootenayinsurance.ca
For competitive prices and prompt service, call:
250-342-3268 (plant) 250-342-6767 (office)
SERVICES
• Ready Mix Concrete • Concrete Pumping • Over 50 colours available and in stock
Phone: 250-342-5833
• DELIVERED ON TIME at a fair price • Full range of sand and gravel products.
Cell: 250-270-9444
We are located at 9120, Hwy 93/95, which is five kilometres north of Tim Hortons CONTRACTING
CONTRACTING
COMPLETE FRAMING SOLUTIONS
BC Corp
Complete Drywall Services
• Insulation • Boarding • Taping • Texturing • Ceiling Detail • Mouldings • Cultured Ceilings • Custom Detailing
250-409-5186
infoBC@greatwesterninteriors.com
Scott Dubielewicz BUILDING SYSTEMS
TRUSSES | ENGINEERED FLOOR SYSTEMS PREFABRICATED WALL PANELS WHOLESALE LUMBER | FRAMING CREWS
250 341 5985 Serving the Invermere area and beyond since 2007
gt_plumbing@hotmail.com
Tel: 250.341.6075 1351 Industrial Road #3, Invermere, B.C. Email: info@duskbuildingsystems.com www.duskbuildingsystems.com
Renew Windows Limited
Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood.
ENERGY STAR
• Vinyl Window Sales and Installation • New Construction and Renovation • Professional Installation
250.270.0086 • 20+ years of experience
• Fireplaces • Commercial and residential • New builds • Renovations. A licensed, registered and bonded company
Emergency Service calls available
Give us a call! James 250-688-1267 or Jerry 250-342-5299 Email jeffersoncontractingltd@gmail.com
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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
AUGUST 27, 2026
PIONEER
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
CLASSIFIEDS 250-341-6299
admin@columbiavalleypioneer.com
OBITUARY
OBITUARY
250-341-6299 admin@columbiavalleypioneer.com OBITUARY
Rohrick, Lenore Lenore Rohrick, age 89, of Invermere, passed away on August 7, 2026, in Invermere. She was born on September 24, 1936, in Regina, Saskatchewan. Lenore loved being a homemaker and mom, pouring her life into her family. She was known for sharing cookies, roast beef dinners, and pies, pies and more pies! She also answered the phone and kept the books for Dan’s appliance repair business. Lenore was an active member of Lake Windermere Alliance Church, where she served as volunteer secretary for over 45 years. Her fun included curling, golf, and playing the piano. She also learned to ski and ride a motorbike, but that was more about being with her family than enjoying the activities! Lenore is survived by Dan, her husband of 69 years, son Larry (Karyn) & three grandsons, daughter Lisa, and by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Harold and Lillian Botly. We would like to thank Dr. Brown and the team at Invermere and District Hospital for their excellent care of Mom in her final days. She is now home with Jesus where she longed to be. A Memorial Service was held on August 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., Lake Windermere Alliance Church, Invermere. Memorial Donations may be made to The Alliance Canada, Leader and Church Endowment Fund: https://thealliancecanada.ca/leader-and-church-fund
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
GE! NEW BROKERA NEW TEAM!
NOW AVAILABLE: FORGOTTEN WINDERMERE 120 pages of historic photos documenting the early history of the Windermere Valley, from Bisco to Canal Flats including Invermere, Radium and Fairmont. Forgotten Windermere is available at: • Four Points Books • Lambert- Kipp Pharmacy • Pharmasave • Windermere Museum • Crossroad Market/ Esso • Radium Hot Springs Visitor Centre
GERRY TAFT 250.341.1202 ROBIN SHMIGELSKY 250.342.1548
Joanne Patricia Broadfoot January 11, 1963 - August 13, 2026 It is with great sadness that the Broadfoot family announces the passing of the much-loved Joanne Patricia Broadfoot. Joanne lost her battle with cancer and went peacefully with loved ones by her side at the lnvermere & District Hospital on August 13, 2026. Joanne was born in lnvermere, BC on January 11, 1963 to Dwain and Shirley Clark. They also, in time, welcomed her baby sister, Sandy. Joanne lived, worked and raised her children most of her life in lnvermere. She graduated from DTSS in 1981 and met the love of her life, Michael Broadfoot in 1980. Michael and Joanne were happily married in 1984 and they were delighted to welcome two sons into their lives, David in 1984 and James in 1985. The family called lnvermere home until they made the move to Brisco, BC in the Summer of 2005, fulfilling their dream to live out of town. Joanne (aka Jojo) will always be remembered for her energetic, vibrant, kind, friendly personality and her love for God. She had a special gift for making friends and strangers, alike, feel like they were the most important person in the room. She loved to serve others and make them happy; this is what brought her the greatest joy! Joanne lived passionately whether it was quilting, camping, exploring the great outdoors (there was always another bend in the road to see), working in floral design, gardening, crafting or caring for those she loved. She is survived by her husband, Michael Broadfoot; sons David (Savana) Broadfoot, James Broadfoot; grandchildren Roman and Lexi Broadfoot; sister Sandy Clark (Larry); mother-in-law Ruth Broadfoot; sister-in-law Elizabeth Young; brother-in-law Doug (Michelle) Gatehouse; much loved aunties, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and many, many friends. She is pre-deceased by her parents Dwain and Shirley Clark; father-in-law David Broadfoot; and nephew Ryan Young. A come-and-go Celebration of Life will be held at the lnvermere Legion on Friday, September 4, 2026 from 11 am - 2 pm. All are welcome.
ANNOUNCEMENTS Alcoholics Anonymous. If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. All meetings are at 7 pm. Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the BC Service Building, South End624 4th St. Invermere. Please call 250-342-2424 for more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
In Loving Memory Kathryn “Kathy” Petrunia (née Schmidt) May 18, 1948 — August 16, 2026
Kathryn “Kathy” Petrunia (née Schmidt) was born in Taber, Alberta, and raised on the family farm south of town. After attending the Galt School of Nursing, she moved to Calgary, where she worked at Macleod Dixon and the University of Calgary Library. There she met Tom Petrunia, whom she married in 1975. Together they raised three sons, Marc, Trent and Eric. Kathy had a gift for recognizing where she could make a difference. She helped establish a lasting lunch program at Braeside Elementary and, later, a diabetes support group in Taber with community nurse Lori, who became a cherished lifelong friend and, in Kathy’s later years, a steadfast advocate for her health and well-being. After Tom’s death from cancer in 1992, Kathy raised their three sons on her own while working full-time, meeting difficult years with determination and resilience. Later in life, Kathy moved to the Columbia Valley, fulfilling a dream she and Tom had once shared. At the foot of the Rocky Mountains, in the place she called “God’s country,” she transformed an old family log cabin into her home and found happiness in the quiet of country life and her beloved garden. Kathy is survived by her sons Marc, Trent and Eric; daughter-in-law Tiffany; and granddaughters Shea and Tenley. She was predeceased by her husband, Tom; brother, Ben; and parents, Wayne “Bud” and Lois Schmidt. She will be remembered for her independence, perseverance, care for others, and the family, community and garden she nurtured throughout her life.
Al-Anon. Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? For more information or to CHEERS speak with someone from our fellowship, please call Cheers to Gersh Detailing 250-878-2448 for the great job cleaning or 250-342-8392 my car. It looks brand new!
THANK YOU Thank you Dr. Walsh, Invermere District Hospital Staff, Cranbrook Regional Hospital Staff, Kelowna Cancer Society from the family of Joanne Broadfoot.
SERVICES
K. B. Creations Handyman services, Renovations, Masonry, Plumbing, Drywall & Painting. Cheers to Erica at Subway Please call Kevin for resolving a problem 250-688-2897 when I was accidentally overcharged on my order. Great customer service!
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AUGUST 27, 2026
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LEGAL NOTICE
PROTECTED A THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
C1 PROTECTED A PROTECTED A
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HELP WANTED
CREDITORS, HEIRS, AND OTHER CLAIMANTS NOTICE TO NOTICE CREDITORS,TO HEIRS, AND OTHER CLAIMANTS
EDITORS, HEIRS, AND OTHER CLAIMANTS In the Matter of the Indian Act, R.S.C. 1985 c. I 5 as amended, and in the matter of the Estate of
In Beatrice the Matter of the Indian Act, R.S.C. 1985 c. I 5 as amended, and in the matter of the Estate of Martha Stevens
Beatrice Martha ?Akisq'nuk t, R.S.C. 1985 c. INo. 5 as172(01), amended, and in First theNation matter of the EstateStevens of
e Martha Stevens
in the Province of British Columbia, DECEASED
No. 172(01),
?Akisq'nuk First Nation
Notice is hereby given pursuant to section 8 of the Indian Estates Regulations that all creditors, heirs and other claimants having claims or demands against the Estate of the said ?Akisq'nuk First Nation Beatrice Martha Stevens who died on or about June 24, 2026 , are required to send by post prepaid or to hereby deliver on or beforeNotice Augustis31, 2026 given pursuant toto:section 8 of the Indian Estates Regulations that all creditors, heirs and other
in the Province of British Columbia, DECEASED
the Province of British Columbia, DECEASED
claimants having claims or demands against the Estate of the said GayleEstates Michel Regulations nt to section 8 of the Indian that Martha all creditors, heirs and other Beatrice Stevens mands against the Estate of the said 3251 93/95 Hwy who died on or about June 24, 2026 , are required to send by post prepaid or to Martha Stevens deliver on orBCbefore to: August 31, 2026 Windermere V0B 2L2 4, 2026 , are required to send by post prepaid or to their names and addresses, full particulars to:of their claims, statement of their accounts, and the nature of the 31, 2026 Gayle Michel securities (if any) held by them.
And take notice that after such last mentioned date3251 the Administrator will proceed to distribute the assets of 93/95 Hwy the deceased among the parties entitled thereto, having regard only to claims filed before that date or which Minister orders may be later received, and that the said Administrator will not be liable for the said assets Windermere BC V0B 2L2 3/95 Hwythe or any part thereof to any person or persons of whose claims notice was not filed by that date unless the Minister orders it may be later received.
Michel
mere BC V0B 2L2
their names and addresses, full particulars of their claims, statement of their accounts, and the nature of the , British Columbia , on June 26, 2026 securities (if any) held by them. ll particulars of their claims, statement of their accounts, and the nature of the Administrator /Executor m. And take notice that after such last mentioned date the Administrator will proceed to distribute the assets of Dated at Windermere
Gayle Michel
the deceased among the parties entitled thereto, having regard only to claims filed before that date or which h last mentioned date the the Minister Administrator proceed distributeand thethat assets orderswill may be latertoreceived, theof said Administrator will not be liable for the said assets es entitledCONDO thereto,FOR having regard only toGARAGE claims before that date or which orRENT any part thereof to any filed person or persons of whose claims notice was not filed by that date unless the SALE er received, and that the said Administrator not be liable for the said assets Minister orders it may will be later received. son or persons of whose claims notice was filed by that date unless the Yardnot & School Sale Seasonal Rental r received.$1,600.00/month Dated1at Windermere , British Columbia , on June 26, 2026 12 B Wolf Cres
August 29, 9-12 am bedroom end unit condo , on 26, 2026 in the desired Akiskinook Shoes, schoolJunesupplies, backpacks, computer bags, community. fall decor,/Executor jam, baking, & October 1 to April 30.Administrator Plus Utilities. Gayle more Michel Call 403-829-9991 or GARAGE SALE email dan@adriachairs. Saturday Aug 29th com 9am – 4 pm
, British Columbia
2 bedroom, 2 bathroom fully furnished with 2 underground parking stalls at the Pinewood in Radium. Fully secured. $1725 month. Cable and internet not included. Available Sept 1. 403-999-2783
FOR SALE 2006 Hallmark Cargo Trailer 7’x14’ $10,000 MUST SELL due to health issues. Please call 250-341-7529
FIRE WOOD Firewood for Sale Seasoned fir 16" lengths. Competitive pricing. Contact: 250-688-0373
Administrator /Executor Gayle Michel
Sunday Aug 30th 9am – 2 pm 1133-10th St., Invermere Regular, vintage and a bunch of other assorted household items.
RV SITE FOR SALE Premium RV site, nestled in the picturesque Creekside in the Canyon, Radium in a welcoming community. Spacious lot, access to on site amenities heated swimming pool, gazebo, large deck, shed and campfire. Accommodates large lifetime trailer or park model. Private site with breathtaking views up the creek. $140,000
Healthcare in the sky - A medivac plane utilizes Fairmont Hot Springs Airport, which is the region's only 24-hour airport capable of supporting fixed wing air ambulance services. The airport is run by volunteers of the Columbia Valley Airport Society. PHOTO ANNMARIE DEAGNON
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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
AUGUST 27, 2026
FAITH Holy days feed the soul By Brent Woodard Windermere Valley Shared Ministry Henri Nouwen was a Catholic priest who wrote contemplative literature which still touches my heart. In one of his books, Out of Solitude, he points out that in the midst of Jesus being busy and having many demands upon him, there is a line which says, “In the morning, long before dawn, he got up and left the house, and went off to a lonely place and prayed there.” (Mark 1:35). Nouwen goes on to say “surrounded by hours of moving we find a moment of quiet stillness. In the heart of much involvement there are words of withdrawal. In the midst of action there is contemplation. And after much togetherness there is solitude.” I find it striking and beautiful to think of Jesus getting up before others, going out to be by himself, and having a time of peace and prayer. The next verse says that when the disciples woke up and found that Jesus was missing, they went out and hunted for him. “Hunted?” That is an interesting word to use. It is like the disciples were predators and Jesus was the prey. I wonder if it is worded this way because the disciples represented a demanding world that was capable of devouring Jesus. If people were hunting for him, then for sure he needed to put up boundaries. He
needed to take care of himself. We don’t know how many times Jesus went off to be by himself, but if he did it once then maybe it was a common practice. Here we are in the midst of summer. It is a time when many people take holidays – a time of rest, recreation and replenishment. The word “holiday” originates from the Old English word for “holy day.” We can wonder how holidays can be holy days. I like to think that what is holy helps make us whole. Frayed ends are sewn back in. Emptiness is filled. Needs are met. A connection to what gives us life is re-established. Perhaps there are readers of this article who feel that they, too, are hunted. Demands won’t leave you alone. So much is vying for your attention. When one job is done, more jobs lie in waiting. I find it significant that Jesus said “I can do nothing by myself … my aim is to do not my own will, but the will of the One who sent me” (Jn 5:30). And again, “The words I say to you I do not speak as from myself: it is God, living in me, who is doing this work” (Jn 14:10). Perhaps his morning times of solitude gave him time and space to connect to the source from which came wisdom, healing and compassion. May we find ways to connect to that sacred source this summer and have holy days which feed our souls, replenish our spirits and enable us to be vessels of grace in this world.
Columbia Valley
Churches LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH While you are with us, you are always welcome to join us.
Sunday at 10:30 am 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 | www.lwac.ca
WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY (Anglican - United) No Sunday services in July and August Minister: Brent Woodard 110 - 7th Ave. in Invermere 250-342-6644
VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Pastor: Justin Furse Sunday 10 a.m. Worship Service 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 | www.vcachurch.net
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats: Saturday, 4 pm Canadian Martyrs’, Invermere: Sat 5 pm, Sun 9 am St. Joseph’s, Radium: Sunday 11 am Father Francis Dela Cruz | 712 -12th Ave., Invermere 250-342-6167 canadianmartyrs.ca
RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater | 250-342-6633 #4, 7553 Main St. Radium | 250-347-9937
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Worship Service, Sunday, 11 a.m. Sunday School, 10 a.m. President Kendyn Mackensie • Columbia Valley Branch • 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs 250-439-9041
CHURCH OF CHRIST (Iglesia ni Cristo) Worship Service: Sunday 9 a.m., Thursday 7:45 p.m. Chamber of Commerce (Lions Hall) For inquiries: 250-688-1643 250-270-2208 or 250-688-0629 For more info about the church, you can Google online at incmedia.org or pasugo.com.ph
JESUS IS LORD CHURCH, INVERMERE Sunday Service: 10:30am 1310 7th Ave Invermere (Invermere Inn Hotel) Pastor: Barkley Bayani 250-341-5160
Fan base - Well, there's Men Without Hats (the quirky 80s band), then there's women with fans (not so quirky) enjoying each other's company in the valley. PHOTO SUBMITTED