Columbia Valley Pioneer - December 4, 2025

VALLEY VIEWS

• Transportation Endorsement December 8 | $199

• Cooking Class: A Night in Morocco Dec 4 | $89 + GST

• Mix and Mingle: Festive Mocktails For The Holidays Dec 6 | $89 + GST

• Farmhouse Brunch December 7 | $89 + GST

• Basic First Aid December 15 | $199 + GST

STR concentration, enforcement

Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

The concentration of short-term rentals (STRs) and their enforcement continue to be a bone of contention for some residents in the Columbia Valley.

That was evident during recent presentations to the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK).

The first delegation consisted of Greg Wood and Linda Pfeiffer who talked about strengthening enforcement of STR temporary use permits.

They said residents are “deeply concerned” that many STR operators continue to do business without complying with the regulations. Therefore, residents want to ensure there is accountability and meaningful consequences.

The delegation noted that while a reporting hotline and a complaint form/fine system have been estab-

“The growing number of shortterm rentals have reduced housing options for local workers.”

- RDEK delegation

lished, “enforcement remains inadequate.”

According to Wood and Pfeiffer, the hotline is plagued with repeated technical problems and failures such as “application error . . . goodbye.”

They also raised a concern about bylaw enforcement relying on voluntary compliance, with fines not being the primary means. However, this soft approach is not working, they pointed out.

STR operators are given up to two months to comply, but penalties are needed long before 60 days, they lamented, adding that affected residents deserve prompt action.

“Sixty days is a lifetime for residents (that’s an entire summer),” they said, noting there needs to be a shift from voluntary compliance to active enforcement.

They also pointed to the fine system, saying it needs to be reviewed since “current fines ($200 to $400 per infraction) are not sufficient to deter non-compliance.”

Garbage is another problem, according to Wood and Pfeiffer, who alluded to community safety being jeopardized with the attraction of bears. They added there are no consequences for leaving garbage outdoors unless it’s a condition of the temporary use permit.

RDEK director Thomas McDonald said these points are valid and recommended they have a discussion with staff (in December) about these issues.

The second delegation was presented by Colleen Roberts and Mara King from the Windermere Community Association regarding the concentration of STRs in the valley.

They noted that STRs play a valuable role in the tourism sector but “have become increasingly concentrated within single-family residential neighbourhoods.” This, they pointed out, has created ongoing challenges relating to parking, noise, waste management and housing availability.

They also said STRs are changing the character and cohesion of communities, with areas becoming “transient with negative impacts.”

“The growing number of STRs have reduced housing options for local workers . . . they (STR buyers) can outbid local people, affecting housing prices and reducing affordability.”

According to Roberts and King, the rapid clustering of STRs has outpaced enforcement capacity and the intent of local servicing systems. They pointed to the proliferation of STRs on the east side of Highway 93/95, and cited that one Mountainside resident is completely surrounded by STRs. They also pointed to clusters in Timber Ridge and Merlo Road.

They recommended pausing STR approvals in areas where STR density is high.

Roberts reiterated by saying they understand the value of STRs to the economy but they need to reach a “balance” to accommodate operators while protecting neighbourhoods.

Area F director Susan Clovechok agreed they need to have a deeper conversation with staff to deal with the density issues.

United front to return lands to Shuswap stewardship

Submitted

The Shuswap Band, in partnership with North Rock Holdings and Columbia River Properties, is proud to announce a landmark agreement that will see the return of important reserve lands to full Shuswap Band stewardship.

This milestone represents a significant step forward in reconciliation and reflects a commitment to honouring the spirit of the land and the people who have cared for it since time immemorial.

and partners thanked Shuswap Band for a very special relationship of more than 20 years.

“North Rock Holdings and Columbia River Properties recognize the importance of this agreement to the Shuswap membership, and congratulate the Band leadership for their wisdom and good faith approach to making this deal a reality. We wish the Band and its membership much success with their future plans.”

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Call or Text:

Serving Invermere, Fairmont, Windermere, Radium & area

Locally Owned. Reliable. Insured. Whether you’re gone for a weekend or the whole season, we’ve got you covered.

Christ Church Trinity presents a

Christmas Celtic

With: The O’Sullivans

Carolyn Rogers

Greg Constable Jessica Hansen

Tanya Dubois ...and many more Sunday, December 14 - 7:00pm

Christ Church Trinity 110 - 7th Ave, Invermere Admission by Donation

Through open dialogue and a commitment to doing what is right, all parties came together to reach an agreement centered on responsibility and long-term community benefit. The outcome reflects a mutual recognition of the importance of restoring Shuswap stewardship over our reserve lands and ensuring they are protected and managed for future generations.

“This is more than a land transfer,” said Chief Barbara Cote. “We are grateful to our partners for walking this path with us because it was the right thing to do. This partnership shows what’s possible when communities, governments, and companies work together in good faith.”

Pedro Cebulka, president of North Rock Holdings and Columbia River Properties, echoed Chief Cote’s comments and on behalf of himself

With the agreement now in place, Shuswap Band will regain full stewardship over the lands previously held by third parties such as North Rock Holdings and Columbia River Properties. The restoration of Shuswap’s stewardship reaffirms the Band’s role as caretakers of the territory and ensures that future land use and management decisions are guided by Shuswap values, culture, and long-term vision.

Shuswap Band views this as a historic moment that lays the foundation for a more just, collaborative, and sustainable future.

Shuswap Band is committed to honouring existing operations and lease agreements. Tenants and sub-lessees are invited to contact Sierra Stump, director of Lands, Public Works and Utilities with Shuswap Band, by phone at 250-3413678 (ext. 1014), or by email at sstump@shuswapband.ca with any questions regarding existing tenancy agreements.

Christmas Shopping in the Valley

Clarification on research

Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

In the November 20 issue the Pioneer reported how school kids from Liphook C. of E. Junior School researched and honoured two Columbia Valley men — Ernest ‘Dapper” Ede (who served in the First World War) and his son Ron Ede (who served in the Second World War).

The local Royal Canadian Legion Windermere District Branch 71 and retired Lieutenant-Colonel Lee Villiger played an important role in that research.

In addition, they put Liphook school representatives in touch with the Ede men’s descendants in the Columbia Valley.

December 6, 2025

Congratulations Rick & Cherrie Burke

Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary!

Fifty years of love, laughter, and memories—what an incredible milestone. May your hearts remain as full as the day you said “I do,” and may the years ahead be filled with continued joy, health, and togetherness.

Congratulations on 50 beautiful years!

Love

Your Kids, our Partners, Grandkids & Fur Babies!

Whenever taxpayers hear that elected officials are considering giving themselves a pay raise, you can’t blame them for getting their backs up. Pay raise?

Where’s my pay raise? I didn’t get no stinking pay raise!

But before you continue that tirade, step into the shoes of a town councillor or an RDEK director who puts in many hours on the job that most people wouldn’t want in the first place.

It’s a steep learning curve, and you have to have a few elevated brain cells to understand what you are doing. There’s a ton of reading involved in more documents than you can shake a stick at.

The Pioneer recently reported that the RDEK has begun discussions on a panel report that recommends an increase in remuneration for directors. The suggested increase from 2026 to 2027 is quite significant - from about $34,000 to $49,600. Some people might exclaim this is exorbitant, but again, it’s like a full-time job, with some directors spending more than 40 hours a week doing the work. For example, they have to get information and answer questions for residents, they have to read endless reports on everything from development permit applications to zoning bylaws, they have to attend open houses and public hearings, they have to chair meetings, some of which are drier than the Atacama Desert, and they have to learn something new every day. Are you willing to do all of this? Didn’t think so.

An increase in remuneration isn’t out of line when you consider what has to be done to represent local taxpayers and run a multi-million dollar district and all of its infrastructure and services. It’s a monumental and daunting task for the uninitiated, and it’s the kind of job that is hard not to take home with you.

As terms expire and directors age out, the district needs new blood to step in and run the show, but if the remuneration is lacking, you won’t get many people to fill those seats.

Residents are encouraged to tune in (online) to the monthly meetings to see for themselves what directors actually do on the board. While it’s not nearly as fun as watching Family Fued, it’s informative and educational.

Perhaps you’ll want to run for director next time to see what kind of difference you can make on the board.

Lyonel Doherty, editor

Worth a raise Band condemns vandalism

Recent vandalism to signage on public lands near Invermere has raised serious concern within the Shuswap Band community and among its leadership.

Graffiti bearing messages that appear to reference Indigenous land rights, including suggestions that Shuswap Band is involved in or supportive of the defacement, has prompted the Band to issue a clear and unequivocal statement.

Shuswap Band Chief and Council (Kukpi7 Barb Cote, Tkwamipla7 Mark Thomas, Tkwamipla7 Richard Martin) wish to firmly state that the Band does not support vandalism of any kind, nor does it condone the destruction of property, public misinformation, or any action that could damage relationships with our neighbours, local governments, and the surrounding community.

“Our Nation does not engage in, encourage, or support vandalism, period,” said Chief and Council in a collective statement. “Acts like these do not reflect our values, our laws, or our responsibilities to the land.”

Over the past year, public attention has grown around Indigenous land claims, landmark legal decisions affirming Aboriginal Title, and Shuswap Band’s own Specific Claim settlement regarding lands within our Traditional Territory. While these issues are important and ongoing, Shuswap leadership stresses that any individual or group using such matters as an excuse for

defacing public property is misrepresenting the Band and harming the very relationships the community works hard to strengthen.

“Indigenous rights are protected through legal, diplomatic, and community-led processes,” the statement continues. “Using our history or our title rights as justification for vandalism dishonours the work of our ancestors and disrespects the meaningful dialogue we are engaged in today.”

The Shuswap Band is encouraging anyone who witnesses vandalism or sees false messages suggesting Indigenous support for illegal acts, to report these incidents to the appropriate provincial authorities such as RCMP, Front Counter BC, BC Parks, or conservation officers overseeing wildlife and trail management.

Chief and Council emphasize that collaboration, education, and lawful stewardship of the land are key to protecting the environment and upholding Indigenous rights. Defacement of public signage harms the land, creates division, and undermines the important work communities are undertaking together.

“We take pride in caring for the land and working with our neighbours to do so responsibly. These acts are not ours, and they do not speak for the Shuswap people."

Shuswap Band Chief and Council

Another step towards STR fee increase

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Invermere council took another step last week toward increasing fees for licences to operate short-term rentals (STR) here.

The step came during council’s Tuesday, Nov. 25 meeting, when it gave third reading to bylaw amendments that will see initial STR licence application fees jump from $400 to $700, and renewal fees go from $150 to $500.

Planning consultants proposed the fee hikes during a committee of the whole meeting earlier this fall. Council then gave first and second readings to the amendments during a council meeting in late October before the third reading followed last week. The amendments are not on the books yet, however, as they still need to be officially adopted at a future council meeting.

Several Invermere residents spoke against the increases during the November 25 meeting.

Local teacher Christina Paolini outlined that although the fee increases may be easily absorbed by full-time STR operators, they are much more significant for people who simply rent out their home for a handful of weeks here and there each year.

Paolini is one such person, usually renting her home as an STR for a collective total of about three weeks a year, when she has time off as a teacher (i.e. during summer break).

The money Paolini gets from renting her home “allows me to supplement my income,” she explained. She’s not getting rich from it, and in fact it helps her afford a home in the first place.

“I feel disproportionately affected by this ... (it’s) super frustrating. You are not considering people like me at all,” Paolini told council. “I’m not going to spend that (extra) money (for the fees). I won’t recoup it in the short time I rent my house out.”

Paolini knows other Invermere residents in similar positions, such as seasonal wildfire fighters, who rent their houses out for a few weeks during the winter when they are not in Invermere. They too are affected.

Invermere planner Rory Hromadnik explained, as he had at previous meetings, that the fee hikes are simply meant to help District of Invermere staff cover the costs of dealing with STR business licences and temporary user permit (TUP) applications.

In response to a question from the public gallery Hromadnik said the initial level the district set the STR licence and permit fees at, back in spring 2024, was simply a best guess as to what those processing costs would be. But the reality is this guess was far too low, he added.

“The application process and time involved is onerous” in part because numerous checks (such as examining fire systems) are required by district staff, explained Hromadnik.

Councillor Gerry Taft had sympathy for Paolini, and said — as he had in past meetings — that he feels the fee hikes are too much.

“A lot of other communities are lower (STR licence and permit fees) than this,” said Taft, add-

ing the renewal fee in particular seems high.

“STRs are a controversial issue ... there are people in town that do not like them at all ... there’s a perception that people are renting out large homes and making money hand over fist ... but there are a lot of other stories out there,” said Taft, indicating Paolini.

Other councillors were less certain and said that a range of factors combine to make the issue a complex one.

STRs had started out as part of the “sharing economy” and mostly involved renting out a spare, unused room in an already occupied house, but now “it’s become something else. It’s an industry,” said councillor Theresa Wood.

Councillor Grant Kelly conceded that as the district formed its STR regulations in 2023 and 2024, he realized some people would be caught in the regulations, especially those renting their homes out purely for supplemental income, as Paolini does.

But, Kelly pointed out, “we had to make some kind of (regulatory) structure that fits for the masses. Some people do rent (out their homes as STRs) a lot and to them it’s a drop in the bucket. For others it’s a lot. But that happens with a lot of things in life. Vehicle insurance, for instance.”

Invermere chief administrative officer Dean McKinley explained that when it comes to processing STR licences and permits the district’s administrative costs are fixed, and that consequently its fees are based on those fixed costs rather than on a given STR’s income potential.

“What we have to keep in mind is that STRs are not permitted in most residential zones,” said Hromadnik, adding that Invermere’s STR licence fees need to be set at cost-recovery levels in part because that’s required by the provincial Local Government Act. In that respect “you’ve got to go through the process, and it’s not our process. It’s the province’s,” he said.

Taft disagreed with that assessment, saying “to say we have no choice in this — we do. We are the ones that chose to use business licences and TUPs to manage STRs.” He continued “there is a big difference between someone who is renting

out their home a few times a year and someone who is renting out their house full time ... is there maybe a more equitable way to do this?”

Local resident and STR owner Ryan Neal outlined that there are about 100 fewer STRs in Invermere since the district implemented its regulations back in May 2024. Neal estimated that loss of accommodation (and the loss of tourists who would otherwise stay in those STRs) could cost local non-accommodation businesses, such as the downtown shops, as much as $13 million to $15 million in lost revenue.

The drop in STR numbers is more pronounced in Invermere than in neighbouring communities, said Neal. “Is that a result of Invermere’s regulations? I don’t know, but it’s worth considering.”

Wood wasn’t entirely sure, noting that some Invermere businesses reported record levels this year, despite local hotel occupancy being around 80 per cent.

Taft wasn’t certain the drop off in STR numbers in Invermere was entirely related to the regulations. He said the shifting perceptions of would-be STR owners play a bigger role. At one point people, many of them from out of town, saw buying a home in Invermere and renting it out as an STR as a smart investment and a sure-fire way to generate some decent income.

“This view has really worn off. People see it’s not just a cash cow … they see that to buy property here purely as an (STR) investment does not always make financial sense, and there’s a lot more work in it than they thought,” said Taft. “So I think some of this (drop in STRs in Invermere) is a natural rebalancing. The (STR) regulations and fees may have had some impact, but I think for most people it’s not the biggest factor ... and it’s not unhealthy to see things balance out.”

Panorama Adaptive Sports Society

Annual General Meeting

Teams Meeting Link: https://teams.live.com/meet/9396655419325?p=otz9BHFHknvuAYbYig

Meeting ID: Passcode: 939 665 541 932 5 GP6cg7

Thursday, December 10, 2025, 6pm via Teams ALL WELCOME

If interested in attending or learning more about PASS, email Nicole Morgan: nemorgan13@gmail.com

Edgewater votes no to commercial space

Requests For Proposal

Kinsmen Beach Concession Operations

The District of Invermere invites qualified individuals or businesses to submit proposals for the operation of the Kinsmen Beach Concession for up to a five (5) year term beginning January 1st, 2026, and ending October 31, 2030.

The standard operating season for the concession is June 1 to September 15 each year.

The Contractor will be responsible for supplying all materials, equipment, staffing, and for carrying out all necessary work required for the operation of the concession.

Proposal documents and submission instructions can be found on the District of Invermere website at invermere.net/procurementopportunities/ or scan the QR Code below.

Closing Date: December 12, 2025

Closing Time: 12:00:00 PM MDT

Kinsmen Beach Water Sports

The District of Invermere invites proposals from qualified individuals or businesses for the operation of Kayak and Stand-up Paddle Board rentals at Kinsmen Beach during the summer seasons from 2026 to 2030. The term of the contract shall be for up to five (5) years, beginning July 1, 2026, and ending October 31, 2030.

The standard operating season is July 1st to September 15th each year.

The Contractor shall be solely responsible for the provision, delivery, maintenance, and storage of all equipment, safety gear, and materials required for the operation of the Kayak and Stand-up Paddle Board rentals.

Proposal documents and submission instructions can be found on the District of Invermere website at invermere.net/procurementopportunities/ or scan the QR Code below.

Closing Date: December 12, 2025

Closing Time: 12:00:00 PM MDT

Submitted

A new commercial space service for residents in the Edgewater area will not proceed after eligible electors voted not to establish the service.

On Nov. 22, the community was asked if they were in favour of setting up a new service to enable the construction and operation of a modular building that could be leased for use as a post office or other agencies, and borrowing money to fund it.

“The request for us to look into this service came from residents of the proposed service area, and I am grateful to everyone for taking part in the process and casting their ballots,” said RDEK Electoral Area G director Roberta Schnider.

“We were asked to provide details on what a proposed service

would look like and cost. We gave electors the opportunity to decide, and the process worked as intended. The voters considered the question and made a clear choice.”

The results have now been officially declared by the Chief Election Officer. There were 352 valid ballots cast in assent vote, and the results were: yes - 86, no - 266.

"Since a service will not be established, there will be no new tax.  The costs incurred to bring the question forward will be covered by the electoral area administration budget, which is paid for by all rural property owners in the RDEK,” Schnider noted.

Moving forward, it will be up to the postmaster and Canada Post to look at postal service options for the community.

Learn more and submit your input via bcleg.ca/consultations, scan the QR code, or call 250-356-2933 / toll-free 1-877-428-8337 Deadline: 2pm, December 18, 2025

Calling all birders: count and help science

Submitted

Join tens of thousands of participants who will soon be part of the world’s longest-running wildlife census that contributes invaluable data to bird population research.

The National Audubon Society invites birdwatchers to participate in an important scientific survey, the annual Christmas Bird Count.

On Sunday, Dec. 14, birders and nature enthusiasts in Invermere, Wilmer, Windermere, and Radium will take part in this tradition.

“It’s really cool to be part of a tradition that has been going on for a jaw-dropping 126 years!" says count organizer Gareth Thomson. "And in this valley – with its Wings over the Rockies festival, and so on – it absolutely makes sense for us to continue to be part of such an important citizen science initiative.”

Thomson noted they always have a potluck dinner on the day of the count, and everyone enjoys the “big reveal” when they share some interesting findings about rare bird species or unusual bird numbers observed during the day.

"We've had some unusually

warm weather this fall – I'm interested to see if this means we'll see more birds attempting to overwinter here.”

This year, the event will mobilize nearly 80,000 volunteer bird counters in more than 2,600 locations across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America. The count utilizes the power of volunteers to track the health of bird populations at a scale that scientists could never accomplish alone.

Birders in the greater Invermere area will record every individual bird and bird species seen in a specified area.

“The Christmas Bird Count is a great tradition and opportunity for everyone to be a part of 126 years of ongoing community science,” said Yousif Attia, Canadian lead of the Christmas Bird Count.

“Adding your observations helps scientists and conservationists discover trends that make our work more impactful," he said. "Participating in the Christmas Bird Count is a fun and meaningful way to spend a winter for anyone and everyone.”

Continued on page 14

COLUMBIA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

OUT OF OFFICE…

Joy, Light, and Shopping Local!

It’s time to be festive! This is the time of year where we bask in the light and joy of the season; it’s a time of giving and thoughtfulness and community. This season, the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce is helping to create that community feeling with several holiday events filled with joy and light and shopping local!

First up is the annual Holly Jolly Holiday market that is always a wonderful time – this year we are adding a little something extra with a First Peek Sip and Shop event on Friday (Dec 5th) night! There are limited tickets, so get yours today! You’ll get snacks from the Food and Farm Nourish Food Recovery program, a gift bag of goodies and a fun time with friends to shop before the crowds descend on Saturday (10-4) and Sunday (10-2).

December 5th is also the first Friday of three Downtown Invermere Starlight shopping nights, where Invermere businesses will be open late until 8pm, there will be fire pits and gift wrapping and festive joy! Shop local and meet and greet local non-profit groups and get the gifts you find wrapped at either Westland Insurance (Dec 5 & 12 – proceeds going towards mental health) or Kootenay Savings (Dec 12 – proceeds to ICAN & you can decorate sugar cookies!).

The annual Friday Fairmont Shopping event is on Friday December 12th this year! Pick up a bingo card between 11am and 7pm at participating businesses or at the Lions Den, visit each business on the card and see their incredible in-store specials and activities and events! Take a festive horse drawn

sleigh-ride through Fairmont (2-6pm), partake of the Lion’s Club fundraiser bake sale, and check out the Outdoor Holiday Market (from 4-7pm). Turn in your completed card to the Lion’s Den by 7pm to win amazing prizes!

We at the Chamber love to lift everyone up during the holiday season, so we are hoping you will join us for our annual Chamber Holiday Mixer at Ullr on Wednesday December 10th from 5-7pm. You can get your ($30) tickets now at cvchamber.ca which includes delicious Ullr snacks. It is a cash bar, and we would love to see you there! Networking can be festive, we’ll prove it!

-Deanna Berrington

COLUMBIA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Thursday, December 4

10:00am-11:00am: Senior’s Fitness. Columbia Valley Centre, Invermere. $2 drop in, open to all seniors. Doors to the hall will be opening at 9:30am for indoor walking.

11:30am-12:30pm: Little Lambs Baby Group. Radium Public Library. Stories, rhymes, and songs for babies and their caregivers! Every Thursday!

6:45pm: Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Invermere Legion. $30 buy-in.

7:30pm: Families Housing that Fits. Zoom meeting with host Ben Postmus. Inclusive and supportive housing in your community. diversefamilyroots@gmail.com

7:30pm: Trivia Night Windermere Whitehouse Pub. Host Mandi Cox $3/person, teams of more than 6 will be split into two groups. Ages 19+

the holiday season. This fun, hands-on class will show you easy recipes, presentation tips, and creative twists to impress your guests, all without the booze. Leave with recipes, inspiration, and the confidence to host a mocktail party of your own! Please register!

11:00am-12:30pm: LEGO/Duplo Club Invermere Public Library. We'll have Lego, Duplo, big blocks & more out to play with on Saturday mornings! All ages welcome.

12:00pm-3:00pm: Drop-in Open Gym for Teens. DTSS Gym.  FREE to attend for all youth 12-18 registered at the Summit Youth Centre. Free sport program coached by Valley Sport Hub and sponsored by Jumpstart.

3:00pm-4:30pm: Buddy Reading. Invermere Public Library. Practice reading aloud one-on-one with a staff member to build skill, confidence and a love of reading! 30 minute sessions at 3:00, 3:30 or 4:00 pm. By Appointment Only!! Contact Invermere Library to sign up. 6:30pm: Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion! Members and guests welcome!

10:00am-11:00am: Indoor Walking. Radium Hot Spring Centre. The Radium Recreation Committee is hosting an indoor walking activity starting on Tuesday, November 18th, from 10-11am at the Radium Hot Springs Centre. The walking group will run for the next 4 weeks. All ages welcome. Please bring a pair of clean indoor shoes for this activity. Enjoy a fun and social event, while burning some calories!

10:30am-11:30am: Home School Meet Up. Invermere Public Library. Weekly Meetup. Drop-in, all ages programming with STEAM play, group activities and art projects. Contact the Invermere Library to get on the Homeschool Email list! This Week: Madlibs, Drawing, & Storytelling Games.

• teams of more than 6 will be split into two groups. Ages 19+

Friday, December 5

5:30pm-8:00pm: Starlight Shopping. Downtown Invermere. Join participating downtown Invermere businesses for a festive downtown shopping experience – with gift wrapping stations, fire pits by local non profits and entertainment, Starlight Shopping is the best way to Shop Local!

6:00pm-9:00pm: Holly Jolly Sip & Shop. CV Centre. An exclusive Holly Jolly night with food, drinks, live music, and shopping. Food is being prepared by Columbia Valley Food and Farm and a portion of every ticket will go towards their food recovery program. Ticket includes appetizers, non-alcoholic beverage, live music, and welcome bag. Cash bar. 19+ only, we will ID at the door

2:00pm-5:00pm: Drop-in Open Gym for Teens. DTSS Gym.  FREE to attend for all youth 12-18 registered at the Summit Youth Centre. Free sport program coached by Valley Sport Hub and sponsored by Jumpstart.

2:00pm-3:00pm: Friday Fundays! Invermere Public Library. Friday Fundays are back! Join us for various STEAM and Craft projects. Registration is required for Friday Fundays this year! Contact the Invermere Library to register. Must register by the day before a program, at the latest. Drop-off for ages 7+ (ages 5-6 must be with a guardian). This week: Switcheroo Painting Circle

6:30pm - close: Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion! Members and guests welcome!

welcome!Saturday, December 6

9:00am-6:00pm: Red Apple’s Fill a Sleigh for the Christmas Bureau. Red Apple. Please help Red Apple fill a sleigh full of gifts for kids to seniors. Your generosity will help make Christmas a little brighter for many in the Columbia Valley.

10:00am-2:00pm: Santa Pet Photos. Bosley’s by Pet Valu. Annual Santa Pet Photos for $10 per sitting. All proceeds are for the ICAN cats and kittens. Bosley's is taking reserved time spots, but walk-ins are always welcome. To reserve your time, please call: 778-526-9534. We are looking forward to seeing everyone. Special Xmas treats are available for the fur-babies. Pictures will be emailed.

10:00am-4:00pm: Holly Jolly Market. Columbia Valley Centre. Invermere's Jolliest Holiday market returns! Shop local at the Holly Jolly Market featuring crafts, gifts, food and more!

11:00am-5:00pm: Pet Photos with Santa. Detailing Utopia. Pet Photos with Santa. All proceeds go to Global Animal Lovers Society (GALS). Bake Sale, Carving for Critters, Hot drinks and Santa!! All pets are welcome (and kids too :))

1:00pm-4:00pm: Mix and Mingle: Festive Mocktails For The Holidays. College of the Rockies. Learn how to shake, stir, and garnish delicious non-alcoholic cocktails just in time for

1:00pm-3:00pm: Afternoon Social & Gaming Gathering. Radium Hot Springs Centre. There will be a crib board, dominoes, Mexican train set, Uno, SkipBo, and a Phase 10 card game. We encourage anyone who is familiar with these games or who wants to bring a favourite game of their own, to come and share some fun with your neighbours. We look forward to making this a fun weekly event.

• 6:30pm: Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion! Members and guests welcome!

Sunday, December 7

10:00am-2:00pm: Holly Jolly Market. Columbia Valley Centre. Invermere's Jolliest Holiday market returns! Shop local at the Holly Jolly Market featuring crafts, gifts, food and more!

10:00am-1:00pm: Cooking Class - Farmhouse Brunch. College of the Rockies. Rise and shine for a festive farmhouse brunch. Learn how to master perfectly poached eggs, creative sides, and beautiful baked goods. You’ll leave with recipes and inspiration for holiday mornings and weekend brunches worth waking up for. Please register!

11:00am-3:00pm: Pet Photos with Santa. Detailing Utopia. Pet Photos with Santa. All proceeds go to Global Animal Lovers Society (GALS). Bake Sale, Carving for Critters, Hot drinks and Santa!! All pets are welcome (and kids too :))

2:00pm: Cards, Cribbage and Darts Come to the Legion and have some fun! Members and guests welcome.

7:00pm: Live Music Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery. Accompanied minors are permitted. No cover.

7:30pm: Dads Matter. Zoom meeting with host Ben Postmus. Dads connecting, Dads Supporting, Dads Inspiring. Do you have a son or daughter with Diverse Abilities? So do I. diversefamilyroots@gmail.com

Monday, December 8

8:30am-4:30pm: Transportation Endorsement College of the Rockies. An endorsement for WorkSafeBC recognized Basic and Intermediate first aid attendants. This course trains certified attendants to confidently transport an injured worker to a place of medical treatment. This endorsement is not valid unless a current WorkSafeBC OFA level basic, intermediate, or equivalent certificate is maintained. Note: Must bring Photo ID and a certificate that is recognized by WorkSafeBC or completed the OOJ.

10:00am-11:00am: Senior's Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, Invermere. $2 drop in, open to all seniors. Doors to the hall will be opening at 9:30am for indoor walking.

3:00pm-4:30pm: Buddy Reading. Invermere Public Library. Practice reading aloud one-on-one with a staff member to build skill, confidence and a love of reading! 30 minute sessions at 3:00, 3:30 or 4:00 pm. By Appointment Only!! Contact Invermere Library to sign up.

Tuesday, December 9

10:00am-11:00am: Senior’s Fitness. Columbia Valley Centre, Invermere. $2 drop in, open to all seniors. Doors to the hall will be opening at 9:30am for indoor walking.

6:30pm-8:00pm: Second Winds Community Band Practice. Invermere Catholic Church. New members are welcome!

7:00pm-8:00pm: Words & Wine. Radium Library. Join us for deep dives into famed poems by celebrated poets. Explorations of what this powerful literature reveals about love, death, loneliness, hope, fear, beauty, power, faith and doubt, relationships, the search for truth, and endless other subjects that speak to what it means to be human. Participate in or simply listen to thoughtful and lively conversations with a community of fellow learners.  You must be over 19. No familiarity with poetry required! No pre-registration needed. 7:30pm: Families on Tuesday. Zoom meeting with host Ben Postmus. Families connecting, Families Sharing, Families Supporting Families: Support, Listening, Sharing, Connecting. diversefamilyroots@gmail.com

Wednesday, December 10

5:00pm-7:00pm: Chamber Holiday Mixer. Ullr Bar. We at the Chamber love to lift everyone up during the holiday season, so we are hoping you will join us for our annual Chamber Holiday Mixer at Ullr on Wednesday December 10th from 5-7pm. You can get your ($30) tickets now at cvchamber.ca which includes delicious Ullr snacks. It is a cash bar, and we would love to see you there! Networking can be festive, we’ll prove it!

6:00pm-7:00pm: Write On! Writers Group Invermere Library. A monthly writing group to share work, receive feedback, and build writing skill and confidence. Contact the library to get on the Write On! email chain. All welcome to attend. This month’s Challenge: Write a piece based on change. Join us at the library or tune in with Zoom

7:00pm-8:00pm: Second Winds Community Band Holiday Concert. CV Centre. Second Winds Community Band is performing live at the Columbia Valley Centre on December 10th! FREE entry with donations to The Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley & Columbia Valley Food Bank will be gratefully accepted. Cash concession run by Bright New Minds Childcare Society. Presented by the District of Invermere. Enjoy an evening of festive music while supporting wonderful local causes. See you there!

10:00am-11:00am: Senior's Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, Invermere. $2 drop in, open to all seniors. Doors to the hall will be opening at 9:30am for indoor walking. 11:30am-12:30pm: Storytime. Radium Library. Join us for stories, songs, and a craft every Wednesday. Geared towards preschoolers but all are welcome.

2:00pm-3:00pm: Sewcial Hour. Invermere Public Library. Bring your textile or fiber arts projects and come and enjoy a cup of tea and connect with other makers! All welcome to attend, no registration necessary.

6:00pm-9:00pm: Wednesday Dinners & Meat Draw & 50/50 Invermere Legion. All welcome.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BUYING OR SELLING?

Serving

Invermere & Area cell 250-341-1202 gerry@gerrytaft.ca

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.

Al-Anon. Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? For more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship, please call 250-878-2448 or 250-342-8392

Cheers to Stephanie S. at Invermere Post Office. I mistakenly put the wrong box number on my order. The parcel would have gone to the wrong person if she hadn’t called me to confirm. Talk about great customer service. Small town living at its best.

Cheers to Crystal’s Creations. She has done it again folks. She makes the best nougat ever! Try some, you won’t be disappointed.

Cheers to Creations by Cheri. I bought your new 2026 calendar. It is packed full of great photos. You have an eye for taking good shots.

Cheers to Karel Wood for the great butter tarts and cinnamon buns. You know how to bake!

Cheers to Darlene at Crossroads Esso for being a friendly smiling face.

Cheers to Nidhi of The Baking Bee. What great cookies! I highly recommend her for any of your baking needs.

Cheers to wonderful co -workers that make my work environment enjoyable with a listening ear, laughter, kindness, gifts and goodies! Appreciated more than you know.

Cheers to our Legion here in Invermere. A great place to eat; the food is excellent, and the people are friendly. A great place to socialize. Cheers to all.

Cheers to Margaret Crawford for always being so helpful to seniors.

Cheers to Harv for having a big birthday, so that we could contribute 85 lbs of food and some cash, to the local food bank. Cheers everyone! And Happy 75th Birthday Harv.

A banquet hall full of Cheers to the current outgoing and incoming executive for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 71 in Invermere. It's amazing how much the volunteers bring to the community.

Three big cheers to Jaye and the friendly staff at Selkirk Cellular, Their service and attention to our recent purchase was outstanding. Local shopping at its best!!!

Cheers to Riley at Red Apple- personal greeting and so nice to be taken to / rather than sent to find what I couldn’t find. Great service.

A comic book full of Cheers to Japhy Hunt for bringing a Shine to the Invermere Library - always smiling and full of fun.

HOUSE FOR RENT

Large Home For Rent

Part 1

1100 square ft. Fully furnished and equipped one bedroom unit

Located over a 3-car garage. This long-term rental goes for $1350.00 per month and has a $100.00 per month utility inclusion. It also offers a garage space behind the single garage door as an inclusion. Address 5162 Columbia River Rd. Fairmont Hot Springs BC. Call Garry at 1-250-341-7304

Or email gazzerthompson001@gmail.com

Part 2

Large home, 5 bedrooms

3 baths 2 garage parking spaces included. Also has RV parking S. side front yard. 2760 sq. ft.

Nicely apptd. Rental rate is $2700.00 per month incl a $200.00 utility allowance. Has AC, has wood burning fireplace. School bus o/s front door. 250-341-7304. Email shown above.

Post dated cheques required for both rentals.

A bushel full of cheers to Hopkins Harvest for always leading the charge in helping the community. Great place to shop, too!

Cheers to Audrey and Steve Mantyka for all you do to help the Wilmer Fireworks fundraising efforts. You two are amazing to support your community in such a generous way.

Cheers to the volunteers behind the Christmas Eve Wilmer Fireworks. There were thousands of folks there last year, and we would expect more this year. Looking forward to a great show again this year.

Cheers to all the fabulous crafters, bakers and makers. What tremendous talent you folks have. Keep up the good work!

Cheers to the folks behind the Invermere Film Festival Movie Nights. Every month they bring great films to the valley and save us highway driving for big screen time.

FOR SALE

Creations by Cheri 2026 Photo Calendars $25

Tiny house on wheels $14,000 obo. Beautiful little cabin on wheels. 20' long 8' wide, 12' height. Solid and cozy. Built for mountain winters. Has an electrical panel. Easily plugs in. No running water. Email stephanieoconnor@ gmail.com or call/text Ian at 250-688-9565 for photos and additional info.

Available now at The Pioneer office., or email: cherihann9@gmail.com SERVICES

&

Please call Kevin 250-688-2897

Bird count needs you

Continued from page 9

When combined with other surveys such as the Breeding Bird Survey, the Christmas Bird Count provides a picture of how the continent's bird populations have changed in time and space over the past hundred years.

The long-term perspective is vital for conservationists. It informs strategies to protect birds and their habitat, and helps identify environmental issues with implications for

people as well. Bird count data have been used in more than 300 peerreviewed articles.

Birders of all ages and abilities are welcome to contribute to this fun community science project on December 14. Birders can follow a route to count birds, or report the birds they see at their birdfeeder. You need to register in advance. To sign up for the local count, please contact Gareth Thomson at Gareth@ biosphereinstitute.org.

TUP renewed but no guest increase for STR

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

A short-term rental (STR) in the Wilder subdivision in Invermere got a new temporary use permit (TUP), but did not get the increase in guests the owners sought.

The STR, at the southwestern end of 9th Avenue in Wilder, initially got a one-year TUP to operate in November 2024, but the permit capped the number of guests at eight (which is the limit for most STRs under the District of Invermere’s regulations). The owners had wanted to be allowed to have up to 14 guests.

This year, instead of renewing their TUP for eight guests, the owners applied for a new TUP for 10 guests.

During last week’s council meeting, Invermere councillor gave the 9th Avenue STR owners a TUP for a further three years, but held firm to a limit of eight guests.

A representative from Endless Property Es-

sentials, which manages the 9th Avenue STR on behalf of the owners, was at the Tuesday, Nov. 25 meeting and told councillors that the owners want 10 guests at the STR because the house has five bedrooms, meaning there would be two guests per bedroom.

“Under our management we have strengthened accountability,” said the representative, adding this includes screening guests.

The TUP application attracted three letters of concern. The letters cited noise complaints, the presence and location of the hot tub in front of the house, the cumulative number of STRs in Wilder, and broader concerns about the effect of higheroccupancy STRs on residential neighbourhood character and housing availability.

At the meeting Invermere planner Rory Hromadnik said that within the past year a ticket was issued to the 9th Avenue STR owners for “occupancy issues,” but that this was then “challenged and disputed by the owners and the housing company ... it was a little bit of ‘she said’-‘he said’.

There was no proof with photos, so it (the ticket) was dropped.”

Councillor Grant Kelly pointed to the presence of other STRs in the neighbourhood, on the same street as well as on the adjacent 8th Avenue and 10th Avenue.

“I’m somewhat concerned about what we call ‘clustering’. It’s been brought up in the past in Wilder,” said Kelly. “When you have a few (STRs) on one street, on a long weekend when all the STRs are full, it can start to feel a bit like a ‘party’ area ... it compounds the problem.”

Pursuant to Section 494 of the Local Government Act, public notice is hereby given that the RDEK is considering the Short-Term Rental Temporary Use Permits (STR TUP) listed in the table below. Issuance of the permits will be considered by the delegated staff person at 10:00 am on December 17, 2025 at the RDEK office at 19 - 24 Ave S in Cranbrook, BC.

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 December 11, 2025. All submissions should include your name and address. Please be advised that any written submissions will become part of the public record. The permit is 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.

Canadian families throw out an estimated 25-45% more garbage on average over the holiday season. With a little creativity, we can all do our part to cut down on that waste. Reusable wrapping paper and napkins are a good start. Skip the disposable dishes and cutlery. Avoid delivery packaging by shopping local. Give an experiential gift instead of something that may be underused or unwanted. Little changes can really make a huge difference.

Shop Local

Cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, shipping envelopes can all can pile up quickly. While those packages are recyclable, it is even better to not generate that waste in the first place. By shopping local, you get to support amazing businesses in your community while cutting down on excess packaging that comes from online orders. Trade your trip to the recycling depot for a trip to the local shops.

Give the Gift of Experience

Sometimes you just don’t know what they want. What size do they wear? Do they still like the colour blue? Many gifts come from a place of caring, but are unwanted by the receiver. This season give the gift that creates memories that will last. Take someone to a concert, have a weekend get-away, go to the theatre. Gifts are a great zero-waste way to show how much you care.

Resort readies ski hill amid questions

Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort (FHSR) ski hill has taken steps in recent weeks to prepare for the upcoming winter season, although some local residents continue to doggedly question if things will be as normal.

For weeks earlier this fall rumours swirled that the ski season at Fairmont would be either delayed or significantly altered after multiple senior ski hill staff resigned from their positions.

In late October the resort took to social media and said the ski hill is “scheduled to open as usual” and then announced it had hired Stan Kelly as its new director of ski and

golf.

Kelly’s previous experience includes more than 40 years at Whistler Blackcomb Resort, where he was senior manager of grooming and trails.

These posts elicited some comments of excitement, but also some pointed questions, with commenters wondering about hiring staff, whether or not the resort’s popular ski school programs for kids will run this year, about getting the chairlift operating, making artificial snow, and about the rental shop.

In late November the resort made a series of social media posts depicting what it’s doing to get open.

A post on Wednesday, Nov. 19 outlined that early bird season passes

are still on sale until December 15.

This drew some ‘thumbs up’. But Shannon Weaver Root asked when she would be contacted regarding ski lessons, outlining that she’s tried calling, emailing, and asking through social media but that front desk staff “only comments there’s no one to speak to and they have no answers other than the hill will open.”

The November 19 post also prompted Tim Liuni to ask when the chairs would be installed on the chair lift. The resort replied that “the team is up there preparing the hill now. We normally open the skill hill around Dec. 21 each year.”

On Thursday Nov. 20 the resort posted five photos showing resort staff placing the chairs on the lift

cable amidst misty conditions. Then on Friday, Nov. 21 FHSR posted four photos of gear in the rental shop, writing that “our new rental equipment is getting prepped and polished!”

Ruus Adams responded to the chairlift post just 15 minutes after it went up, writing “Excited for some family ski time! Can you please confirm if and when the annual TSBC (Transport Safety Board of Canada) inspection for the chairlift is being done prior to hill open? With the lift being older and the change of hands for the resort. Just looking for confidence given all the chair lift issues around the world in recent years.”

BEYOND THE BLUE LINE Rockies roll through roaring Thunder Cats

By Columbia Valley Rockies

The Columbia Valley Rockies hit the road last Friday night for a key showdown against the second place Creston Valley Thunder Cats and returned home with a statement victory.

The Rockies set the tone early when Johnny Lozeman buried the game’s opening goal in the first period, finishing a crisp setup from Carter Velker and Harrison Todd.

Creston pushed back in the second, capitalizing on a powerplay to even the score as the teams skated into the third locked at 1–1.

The final frame turned into a late offensive surge the Rockies controlled. At 15:44, Luke Masters broke the deadlock on the powerplay, converting a feed from Velker and Daniel Betcher to put Columbia Valley ahead 2-1. From there, the Rockies executed perfectly with the Creston net empty.

First, Cole King found the back of the net on a heads-up play assisted by Peter Godley, and moments later Evin Bossel added another emptynetter to stretch the lead to 4-1. Creston managed a late goal with 34 seconds remaining, but the Rockies slammed the door 13 seconds later when Isaac Sommer scored to seal a

commanding 5-2 victory.

Back home at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena on Saturday, the Rockies hosted the Castlegar Rebels in a spirited matchup. Lozeman continued his standout weekend, striking on the powerplay in the first period off a setup from Todd and Parker Cutts.

Just 58 seconds into the second, Lozeman struck again, another powerplay marker, this time assisted by Todd and Betcher, giving the Rockies a 2-0 cushion.

Castlegar clawed one back late in the period and after a tight checking third in which the Rebels scored the lone goal, the teams headed to overtime tied 2-2.

In the extra frame, it was Castlegar who found the winner, handing the Rockies a tough 3-2 OT loss, but not before Columbia Valley showed grit, structure, and resilience in a back-and-forth contest.

The Rockies also celebrated major achievements this week, recognizing Ethan Cerone, Carter Velker, Carter Hensch and Johnny Lozeman for reaching the 100 game mark in the KIJHL.

Ethan Cerone also earned a league spotlight of his own, being named the Syndicate Player of the Month for October, a testament to

his consistency, work ethic and impact at both ends of the ice.

Lozeman, who not only hit the milestone but delivered a threegoal weekend reflected on both the team’s progress and his personal accomplishment: “Thought we played two pretty good games, the better of the two against Creston. But I feel like we are trending in the right direction.” On reaching 100 games in the league, Lozeman added, “It really flys by, feels like yesterday I was playing my first game. But just grateful to have been able to spend this much time in the league and in Invermere.”

The Rockies return to home ice on Friday, Dec 5, when they host the Merritt Centennials, and this one will be more than just hockey. The game will be held in partnership with the Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley.

Fans are encouraged to bring socks, mittens, or cash donations to support local families in need. Everyone who donates will be entered to win a Rockies prize pack.

Puck drop is 7 p.m. Come out, pack the Eddie and support your Columbia Valley Rockies while helping support the community this holiday season!