Columbia Valley Pioneer - March 26, 2026

VALLEY VIEWS

Eagle-Eye Tours

Operations Manager

Eagle-Eye Tours is seeking a highly organized, people-focused Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of our specialty tour company. Based in Invermere, we are Canada’s largest birding tour operator.

Core responsibilities include:

• Supervising and supporting our Tour Managers

• Recruiting, onboarding, allocating, and managing our tour guides

• Using client, guide and other feedback to constantly improve our tours and processes

Requirements include:

• Leadership experience

• Strong organizational and project management skills

• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills

• Ability to manage competing priorities

• High attention to detail

• Experience in travel preferred

This is an opportunity to play a key role in a growing, mission-driven travel company. We offer a competitive wage, benefits, flexibility, interesting work, and a collegial positive work environment. We anticipate work beginning as soon as you are available.

Please see eagle-eye.com/careers for more information and to apply. Application deadline is April 1st by 5 pm.

Volunteers Needed

Above, otters utilize their keen ice fishing skills on Lavington pond. At right, a Canada goose casts a wary eye during nesting in Wasa.

PHOTOS SYD DANIS

VALLEY NEWS

Property owners question moratorium

Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

Members of the Columbia and Windermere Valley Property Owners Society continue to raise concerns about a proposed Indigenous stewardship plan that would place a moratorium on all shoreline development.

In a recent letter to the Regional District of the East Kootenay (RDEK), the Society questioned the ?akiskq’nuk First Nation’s announced stewardship plan for Lake Windermere and surrounding water bodies (including Columbia Lake). This means the potential suspension of all new and currently proposed development on the shoreline until the plan is implemented.

The Society says the moratorium would have significant implications on Society members’ rights and ability to use and enjoy their properties.

“The lack of monitoring and enforcement has created a perception of lawlessness.”

- ?akisq'nuk First Nation

“Consequently, the Society is concerned that decisions which would have a direct and material affect on our members’ rights have already been made or are in the process of being made without the opportunity for our members and the public to be heard and participate,” the Society stated.

The activities that ?akisq’nuk First Nation requests be suspended include dredging activities, dock installations or expansions, boat launch installations or upgrades, marina developments or upgrades, mooring placements, and new commercial lake-related ventures.

Another concern raised by the Society is the request for disciplinary action against non-compliant or unauthorized developments.

The Society, which includes residential landowners, businesses, and neighbourhood associations, says members’ rights consist of the ability to carry out necessary maintenance and replacing aging infrastructure.

“Further, based on the experi-

ence of our community, it appears that there may already be a de facto moratorium in place with respect to any dredging operations while the Trethewey Beach Society project is before the BC Supreme Court, as well as delays in approval of improvements to the Invermere boat launch.”

The Society also raised issue with the lack of communication from the provincial government regarding the stewardship plan and potential moratorium. In addition, no public forum to seek local input.

The group adds that Society members anticipate applying for development permits, but without clear communication, “our members face untenable uncertainty about potential delays or restrictions causing significant distress.”

As a result, the Society requests inclusion in all discussions, access to all information, and notification of decisions.

In a letter to the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, the ?akisq’nuk First Nation outlines its stance, including its inherent jurisdiction as stewards of its traditional territory.

“If developments are not put on hold in the interim period, we are very concerned that irreparable harm to our rights will occur,” the band notes.

According to the band, both Lake Windermere and Columbia Lake are experiencing severe environmental strain. “Their shallow depths make the lakes particularly vulnerable to cumulative recreational pressures, including boating, shoreline development, and infrastructure.”

The band adds that neither of the lakes are suitable for the current level of development and use that is occurring. “The lack of monitoring and enforcement has created a perception of lawlessness. The lakes have become a destination for those seeking to exploit the lack of oversight. This is unsafe for users and deeply harmful to the Lakes' ecological integrity.”

The band points to the Lake Windermere Carrying Capacity Study that highlights the waterbody’s physical and chemical composition is being pushed beyond sustainable limits, placing aquatic ecosystems and water quality at serious risk and

irreversible ecological degradation.

Furthermore, ?akisq’nuk First Nation says it continues to hold Aboriginal title over the (sacred) lands and waters (including the lakes) within its territory and have been stewards of them since time immemorial.

Today, there is an Indigenous-

led initiative to Bringing the Salmon Home with a vision of returning salmon stocks for Indigenous food, social, and ceremonial needs.

“We are concerned that the significant efforts made by this initiative will be in vain if the health of the lakes are not improved.”

RCMP REPORT

Local RCMP see benefits in expanded HealthIM

Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

An expanded mental health crisis program in the Kootenays has found its way into the Columbia Valley RCMP with optimism.

involving a person experiencing a mental health crisis may use HealthIM on scene to guide trauma-informed questions related to risk, behaviour, and immediate needs.

The initiative, called HealthIM, is a digital risk assessment tool that supports frontline officers during mental health and substance use calls. It guides officers through a structured series of riskscreening questions during an interaction, helping them assess safety, risk, and next steps.

The program allows information to be shared with emergency department staff when a patient is transported to hospital.

“I believe this program is a step in the right direction,” said Sgt. Jeff Witzke, commander of the Columbia Valley RCMP. “It will definitely be an asset once it’s being used to its full potential,” he told the Pioneer

For example, an officer responding to a call

The tool helps improve situational awareness and officer confidence while ensuring important details are documented accurately. If health care is required, the hospital receives clear, relevant information in advance, allowing clinicians to better prepare for the incident, reducing the need for the patient to repeatedly recount their experience.

RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Brett Urana said HealthIM helps create a shared language between police and health care professionals, strengthens safety for officers and patients, and improves the efficiency of emergency department handovers without replacing officer judgment.

Commercial office proposed in Athalmer

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

A new development proposal in Athalmer aims to add commercial office space in Invermere for local contractors and professionals.

The development, called Lighthouse Park, is led by local resident and Lighthouse Development Coop founder Eden Yesh. It would be located at 305 2nd Avenue in Athalmer, next to Valley Spas, and would be one of the first commercial developments people encounter when entering Invermere over

the Athalmer bridge, making it function as a sort of ‘gateway’ into the community.

Yesh outlined the project to Invermere councillors during last week’s March 10 committee of the whole meeting.

He explained there is limited commercial space in the Columbia Valley, especially for local contractors, and that many contractors here are keen to expand their operations, but do not have space to do so and do not want to develop that extra space on their own.

The Lighthouse Park development would act as a hub for these

contractors, giving them not only office space but possibly public showrooms as well.

The project already has a list of more than 30 prospective tenants, said Yesh.

It could also contain retail spaces, including ones fronting onto Laurier Street. The building would be two storeys high.

Yesh sought council’s thoughts on a variance for setbacks, an engineered above-ground septic system (since the municipal system is at capacity in Athalmer), and advice on a parking spot shortage. He wondered if some deal could be struck for park-

ing using the 25-foot long District of Invermere-owned laneway immediately to the west of the property.

“Council felt good about it (the proposal),” Invermere mayor Al Miller told the Pioneer, speaking after the meeting. “The development would be good ... it will help fill a need because there really is a shortage of commercial space right now. We really don’t have anything (commercial) to rent.”

Miller said district staff will discuss the variance requests (including the parking situation) with the developers in the future.

Mental health

Gone are the days that RCMP only dealt with law enforcement and general complaints.

Today, however, the new normal is a plethora of mental health crises, addictions, and homelessness, all of which add more stress to police officers who now have to be walking experts in psychology. Sadly, a sign of the times.

Because of the way society has changed, we continue to expect more from the police; maybe too much. And then we are quick to criticize when they do their jobs under hazardous conditions.

But thanks to programs like Mobile Integrated Crisis Response and HealthIM, the RCMP are better able to cope with calls, such as mental health emergencies.

The recent announcement that HealthIM has expanded into the Kootenays is welcome news, particularly for the Columbia Valley RCMP. In fact, local detachment commander Sgt. Jeff Witzke says the program is a step in the right direction and will definitely be an asset once they see its full potential.

Local officers responding to mental health and substance use calls will benefit from real-time risk assessments, allowing critical information to be securely shared with emergency departments. Authorities on the matter say this will improve officer safety and enhance the care for vulnerable individuals in crises.

Regions and communities using HealthIM report positive results, including reduced hospital wait times and better access to appropriate health care.

This collaboration between police and their health care partners is long overdue in supporting people in crises and keeping members of the RCMP safe in a job that is often unpredictable and volatile.

Chief Supertindendent Shawna Baher (southeast district) is so right when she says members in smaller departments often have limited resources and large response areas. So, having a program like HealthIM gives them the information they need up front to make better decisions in helping people in need.

It is comforting to know that a coordinated approach in the Columbia Valley will make a big difference in how mental health patients are treated. Hopefully this will also ease the burden on the RCMP.

Lyonel Doherty, editor

OPINION

Stars

Implement cap on STRs

The following numbers were culled from the RDEK short-term rental (STR) website and forwarded to the RDEK in November of 2025, with a request that the board at the very least implement a cap on the number of STRs permitted per residential street.

Area F

Copper Point Way: 6 approved - 50 guests; Timber Ridge Road: 18 approved - 155 guests; Timbermont Road: 4 approved - 38 guests; Merlo Road: 5 approved - 46 guests; Hilltop Road: 6 approved - 50 guests; Akiskinook Road: 27 approved - 172 guests; Columbia Lake Road: 6 approved - 48 guests; Panorama Drive: 7 approved - 62 guests; Greywolf Drive: 9 approved - 78 guests.

Area G

Radium Golf Course Road: 7 approved - 52 guests.

The number of guests being approved on residential streets is deeply concerning. It seems that when granting individual TUPs, the board may not have fully considered the cumulative impact that this growing number of short-term visitors has on established neighbourhoods. Despite requests from many communities (see “Stronger action needed” in the December 15, 2025, Columbia Valley Pioneer), there does not seem to be any action from the RDEK to protect those of us who have made this our full-time home.

STR renters for the most part are individu-

als who own two homes yet argue that they must rent their second properties to “offset ownership costs,” as stated in the February 5, 2026 issue of the Columbia Valley Pioneer under “Local councils address STRs again.”

At a time when many families are unable to afford even a single home, it is difficult to feel sympathetic toward second-home owners facing such challenges.

The RDEK should take note of the February 19, 2026, Columbia Valley Pioneer article regarding Radium’s OCP outline. The Radium village council should be applauded for placing its residents at the forefront and taking proactive steps to protect established neighbourhoods from encroachment. It was noteworthy that several STR owners alleged the public feedback sessions were unbalanced, favouring full-time residents over part-time residents and second homeowners. However, it seems reasonable that those who have chosen to make this community their primary home should carry greater weight in such discussions than individuals who live elsewhere and use the area primarily for personal benefit.

The RDEK must review not only the number of STRs granted, but also the number of allowable guests, and establish a reasonable cap (or better yet, follow Radium village’s OCP) to help protect full-time residents.

Judy Fowler, Area G

VALLEY NEWS

Local 'Cowboy' Cole wins NorAm gold

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Panorama moguls skier ‘Cowboy’ Cole Carey turned around a frustrating season and put in a solid gold performance at the NorAm (North American) finals earlier this month.

Carey won the NorAm finals dual moguls event on Sunday, March 8 in Stratton, Vermont, after narrowly missing the podium the day before with a fourth-place finish in the single moguls on Saturday, March 7.

For the 21-year-old Carey the gold was vindication and proof positive of his potential after a winter of otherwise disappointing results.

“It’s been a tough season, but winning (gold) solves a lot of problems. .. I feel like I’ve been knocking on the door trying to get that breakthrough, and now that it’s here, there’s so many emotions ... there’s a lot of relief and I’m stoked,” Carey told the Pioneer. “It’s a good feeling.”

‘Cowboy’ Cole gets his nickname because he wears a black Smith cowboy hat, cowboy boots, jeans, and button-down shirt pretty much everywhere he goes. Carey’s family is, in his own words, a genuine ‘western’ family and have volunteered at the Calgary Stampede for four generations.

Carey has been skiing in NorAm races for five years and is in his second season on the Canadian national freestyle ski team.

But, as Carey pointed out, that past NorAm experience and his place on the national team come with high expectations on the continental level. “Being on the national team, wearing that Team Canada jacket, I should be at the top or near the top of the (NorAm) tour ... but the results really haven’t fallen my way. I thought I’d be able to

win most of the races, but up until now I didn’t even podium in any of them,” he said.

Carey was at least somewhat close to the podium in NorAm races early on this winter, with fifth and sixth place finishes, but then also came ninth, 20th, 25th and — following a crash — 51st, which was his worst-ever NorAm result.

As avid Olympic viewers already know, in freestyle mogul competitions, skiers do timed runs down a mogul-filled slope, turning extremely rapidly between the bumps, and pulling tricks off jumps en route. It’s a judged event, with 50 per cent of competitors scores based on how well they turn through the moguls, 25 per cent based on what kind of tricks they perform off the jumps (and how well they execute these moves), and 25 per cent based on their times.

The single moguls event sees competitors ski on their own, with the overall winner being the one with the highest score. In the dual moguls event, skiers compete knockout-style, going head-to-head on parallel courses. The skier with the higher score moves on to the next round, while the other is eliminated. This continues until the entire field has been whittled down to just two skiers who compete for gold and silver.

Despite the dearth of good results this season, Carey has been skiing well in training. It was just a matter of putting it all together in a competition. That happened in Stratton.

In the singles moguls event in Vermont on March 7, Carey felt his performance deserved better than fourth “but there’s always some controversy. That’s part of moguls being a judged sport. It was frustrating to just barely miss the podium when I probably should have been on it,

but that flipped a switch and lit a fire under me for the duals (event) ... I was out for blood,” said Carey.

The course was slushy, but fast, and Carey easily knocked off his opponents, first in the Round of 64, then the Round of 32. In the Round of 16 his opponent actually got down the course first, but was “messy” on his run, so Carey had a better overall score and moved on to the quarterfinals.

“You have to ski clean, get your jumps good, and be fast. You can’t just be fast,” explained Carey.

He continued his hot streak in the quarterfinals and semifinals, reaching the final. In the final Carey

was matched against Sam Goodison,  a fellow Canadian teammate and good friend.

Goodison is leading the overall NorAm moguls tour this year, and every time Goodison and Carey had previously gone head-to-head, Goodison came out on top.

That changed on March 8, as Carey skied to his second ever NorAm gold.

His first gold came two years ago in Deer Park, Utah. “But this one (gold) meant so much more to me because it has been a big struggle and hard road to get this one,” explained Carey.

Continued on page 10

Thursday March 26

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.

1:30pm - Floor Curling at the Invermere Seniors Hall.

5:00-8:00pm Spring Pre-loved Clothing Market. Presented by Wildsight Invermere. Columbia Valley Centre Free entry, food and drinks available for purchase. More information at: https://wildsight.ca/events/spring-pre-loved-clothing-market-invermere/ 6:45pm - Texas Hold'em Poker Invermere Legion, $30 buy-in.

Friday March 27

12:00pm - Soup Day Edgewater Community Hall, $10 per person. All welcome. Soup or chilli. Cornmeal muffins. Desserts. Coffee/Tea. Hosted by Edgewater Seniors.

1:00pm - Duplicate Bridge at the Invermere Seniors Hall. 6:30pm - Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion. Members and guests welcome.

7:30pm - Invermere Comedy Classic (Produced by Jokers Canada)– Columbia Valley Centre. Tickets: Eventbrite.ca

Saturday March 28

6:30 - Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion. Members and guests welcome.

Sunday March 29

1:00pm - Sunday Bingo Doors open at noon. Bingo starts at 1pm. 4858 Cordillera , Edgewater.

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

Monday March 30

10:00-11:00 - 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.

1:30pm - Cribbage at Invermere Seniors Hall.

Tuesday March 31

10:00-11:00 - Seniors Fitness 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.

6:30-8:00 - Second Winds Community Band Practises every Tuesday at the Catholic Church in Invermere. New members are welcome.

Wednesday April 1

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

Club chases boost

in big fundraiser

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club is double poling full steam ahead in an effort to secure an extra fundraising boost.

The Pioneer reported earlier this month on the club’s Ski-Athon fundraiser, outlining how the club’s young athletes managed to ski 543 laps of the 300-metre training loop (for a collective 162.9 kilometres) at the Panorama Nordic Centre in just one hour to raise money to support the club’s youth programs.

Although the laps have been skied, online donations can still be made up until March 31, and the club is hoping a boost in the next few days can push them onto the fundraising podium.

The fundraiser is run through Nordiq Canada and the three clubs across Canada that raise

the most money will see their fundraising matched (i.e. doubled) by an anonymous donor. Toby Creek is currently in fourth place.

“What makes that especially exciting is that we’re one of the smallest clubs in the running, competing with much larger programs across Canada. It’s a great reflection of the pride and support that exists within our club and community,” outlined club general manager Quentin Randall. “Every contribution helps support youth nordic skiing at Toby Creek Nordic, from coaching and athlete development to the equipment and programming that keep our young skiers on snow.”

To push the Toby Creekers onto the fundraising podium visit www. canadahelps.org/en/charities/ nordiq-canada/p2p/Annual-ClubFundraiser-26/page/toby-creeknordic-ski-club and donate before March 31.

Centre is booked for larger events.

1:00pm - Duplicate Bridge at the Invermere Seniors Hall. 2:00-3:00pm - Sewcial Hour Invermere Public Library. Bring your textile projects. Come and enjoy a cup of tea and connect with other makers. All welcome to attend.

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

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS INTRODUCING

Our NEW Weekly Events Listing!

Want to see your community event listed in the Pioneer? Submit event details to admin@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Please include:

• Date

• Start and end times

• Event name & description

Copper City Dental is pleased to announce that we will be moved to our new office, conveniently located beside our old office, at 510 14th St. Invermere B.C. The move

'Cowboy' Cole bounces back with gold

ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR

PART TIME (0.25 FTE ), IN-PERSON, FLEXIBLE)

The Administrative Coordinator supports smooth day -to-day operations and assists with community programs, events, and communications The ideal candidate is proficient in using Microsoft Office tools and familia r with the Columbia Valley and the non -profit sector.

Responsibilities

• Neighbourhood Small Grant (NSG) Program Coordination

• Administrative & Office Support

• Event & Meeting Coordination

• Communications Support

Key Skills and Qualifications

• 1 -2 years of office experience (non -profit experience an asset)

• Strong skills in Microsoft Office, CRM systems, and data management

• P roject management with strong planning and organizational ability

• Proficient with Canva and WordPress

• Valid Class 5 driver’s licence

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Works well independently and in a team

• High attention to detail and accuracy

• Adaptable with strong problem -solving and decision -making skills

• Demonstrates discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment and commitment to high ethical standards

• Lived experience or knowledge aligned with the Foundation’s purpose

Working Conditions

• Starting pay is $26 -28/hour, depending on experience

• 0.25 FTE (10 hours per week) with growth in hours expected within 12 months

• In -person in a shared office environment

• Flexible scheduling

• Evening or weekend work may be required for events

Interested in this opportunity? Please email a cover letter & resume to executivedirector @valleyfoundation. ca by 11:59 pm on March 29 , 202 6

Continued from page 7

The NorAm season has wrapped up, but Carey has one more race left — the Canadian senior national championship in Saint-Sauveur, Quebec on Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28. There, Carey will compete against the biggest names in the country, including Milano Cortina 2026 and Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic dual moguls gold medallist Mikaël Kingsbury. SaintSauveur is Kingsbury’s home ski hill, and Freestyle Canada will also celebrate its 50th anniversary at the race, so it’s bound to be a festive affair.

After the national championships, Carey will be home in Panorama for a few weeks, then he’s off to a Whistler training camp to begin preparing for next season.

Carey still lives at Panorama, but spends a lot of the summer training in Whistler, and much of the winter flying out to various points around the continent for events.

He’ll compete on the NorAm circuit again next year, aiming for better results, and hoping to eventually make it to the World Cup circuit full-time (he’s skied one World Cup race so far, coming 43rd at Val St. Combe, Quebec in February 2025), and then it’s the 2030 French Alps Olympics.

Carey grew up at Panorama Mountain Resort in a house literally across the road from the ski hill. He started skiing when he was just oneand-a-half years old. As a youth he skied with the Freestyle Panorama Ski Club but also played competitive hockey. But the more closely he focused on moguls, the better he did. He qualified for some Canada Cup races,and did well, then qualified for the Canadian selections and did well. Carey even managed to qualify for a NorAm race while still skiing with Freestyle Panorama (an uncommon accomplishment), then made the British Columbia provincial freestyle team.

“Once I got on the B.C. team, I kind of realized that I should probably stick with this (instead of hockey). It just kept snowballing up and getting bigger and bigger, and I haven’t really looked back ... that’s why I feel that I didn’t choose moguls, so much as moguls chose me,” said Carey.

He extends a huge thank you to his parents, sister, girlfriend, grandmas and other friends and supporters cheering him on this winter.

“They are there with me through highs and the lows, and this year there were a lot of lows to get through. I couldn’t do this without them” said Carey.

Bike It Forward offers free bicycles

Submitted

Bike It Forward is again offering free bicycles to full-time residents of the Columbia Valley (Canal Flats to Spillimacheen).

We always like to get bikes out to the children of the valley but we do have a lot of full size bikes avail-

able for the bigger kids (adults too) to ride.

If you are not in the position to buy a new bike from one of our local stores please contact us via Messenger (Invermere Community Share on Facebook) and we will try to match you up with a bike.

NOTICE – BYLAW AMENDMENTS – Bylaws 3439 & 3440 – Columbia Lake (West Side)

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an application to amend the Fairmont Hot Springs & Columbia Lake Area OCP and the Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw for a 0.2 ha portion of the subject property to facilitate a two lot residential subdivision. The subject property is located on Columbia Lake Road on the west side of Columbia Lake, as shown on the attached map.

Bylaw No. 3439 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Fairmont Hot Springs & Columbia Lake Area Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2779, 2017 –Amendment Bylaw No. 20, 2025 (Columbia Lake West Side / Shybunka)” will amend the OCP designation of that part of Lot A District Lot 139 Kootenay District Plan EPP48471 from RR, Rural Resource to SH, Small Holdings.

Bylaw No. 3440 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 3255, 2023 – Amendment Bylaw No. 31, 2025 (Columbia Lake West Side / Shybunka)” will amend the zone designation of that part of Lot A District Lot 139 Kootenay District Plan EPP48471 from SH-1, Small Holdings Residential Zone to R-1, Single Family Residential Zone.

A public hearing will be held via Zoom webinar conference: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 7:00 pm

The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F and the Village of Canal Flats.

If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaws, you may prior to the hearing:

• inspect the Bylaws and supporting information by requesting that an information package be emailed to you by contacting kgilbert@rdek.bc.ca. Information packages may be requested up until Monday, March 30, 2026 at 4:30 pm;

• mail or email written submissions to the addresses shown below before Monday, March 30, 2026 at 4:30 pm;

• present verbal submissions at the public hearing.

ӹ You must pre-register in order to attend and provide verbal presentations or make comments at the hearing.

ӹ The deadline to register is Monday, March 30, 2026 at 4:30 pm.

ӹ Register in advance for this webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ebdKStlMSderCtzThvluSA or by visiting the RDEK website, About, Meetings & Notices. SUBMISSIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING.

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. This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaws. For more information, contact Krista Gilbert, Planning Technician at 250-489-0314 or toll free at 1-888-478-7335 or email kgilbert@rdek.bc.ca.

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering 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 April 10, 2026 at the RDEK office at 19 - 24 Ave S in Cranbrook, BC.

23-26

24-26

25-26 4725 Copper Crescent, Windermere South 014-453-843

All persons who believe they are affected by the Short-Term Rental Temporary Use Permit are encouraged to submit their concerns in writing to the RDEK office at 19 - 24 Ave S. Cranbrook, BC or by email to kgilbert@rdek.bc.ca prior to 4:30 pm on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. All submissions should include your name and address. Please be advised that any written submissions will become part of public record. The draft permit is available for viewing by email request, or at the RDEK Cranbrook Office between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. For more information contact Krista Gilbert, Planning Technician at 250-489-0314 or by email at kgilbert@rdek.bc.ca

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 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.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

NEW BROKERAGE! NEW TEAM! ANNOUNCEMENTS

GERRY TAFT 250.341.1202

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

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.

Cheers to The O’Sullivans. We were at the Legion on March 14th. First time hearing your band play. You are very entertaining. The crowd loved it! What a fun night.

Cheers to Randy B. for your kindness. You are a good person.

CHEERS

Cheers to Sobeys, Stolen Church and Mountainside for their generous donations to our St. Patrick’s Day tea!

Cheers to the Sparks, Embers and Girl Guides who were great singers and helpers. Cheers to all that attended!! So much fun.

Edgewater/Radium Hospital Auxiliary .

Today’s sermon at Lake Windermere Alliance Church was a truly inspiring experience, cheers to Devin’s thought-provoking message. As one of our talented pastors, he has a gift for connecting with his audience, and I feel blessed to be part of the LWAC family!

Cheers to Amanda M. at Invermere post office for your efforts trying to locate a missing Xpresspost envelope that contained my passport. You helped put my mind at ease by giving me the correct steps to locate it. You are awesome!

Cheers to Topher B. for facilitating the safeTALK course. A lot of great information. I am glad I attended.

Cheers to Invermere Legion for the great party on Saturday March 14th. We had a great time. So much fun.

Cheers to Dwayne Elliot at the Radium Landfill. What an awesome employee, so kind and helpful!

Cheers to everyone who supported local hockey players for their trip to Kitimat for the BC U13 Provincials. A great event along with weather challenges for the trip home made for an unforgettable experience for the kids!

LEGAL NOTICE

Legal Notice Peaks Storage Solutions Location: 1311 Industrial Rd. #3, Invermere, B.C.

Notice is hereby given under the Warehouseman’s Lien Act of the auction of the contents of units 175, 185, and 207, occupied by Mary E. O’Brien, to be held on https://bid13.com on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Terms: E-transfer or cash only. Cash deposit required. See website for full terms and conditions.

BUSINESS FOR SALE

Established Cleaning Business for Sale – Turnkey Opportunity

Profitable and well-established cleaning business in Golden BC, with a loyal client base and strong reputation. Generating consistent revenue with low overhead and reliable subcontractors in place. Ideal for an owneroperator or investor looking for immediate cash flow. Includes client list, systems, and training support for a smooth transition.

Serious inquiries only. Contact: 647-335-9595

Email: kickinghorsecleaning@hotmail.com”

OFFICE SPACE

Need office space?

Self-contained furnished offices available on monthly & weekly basis. Downtown location suitable for professionals; lease includes security, weekly janitorial, internet & utilities.

BWDproperties1@gmail. com or 250-688-1946

OBITUARY

SHOVAR, Lucille May

January 23, 1951 ~ March 15, 2026

Lucille May Shovar (née Nicholas) was from ʔAkisq̓nuk First Nation, a strong and proud Ktunaxa woman and an Indian Residential School Survivor.

Lucille’s career of nearly 60 years was dedicated to the advancement of the Columbia Lake Indian Band, now known as ʔAkisq̓nuk First Nation. She served as Band Ad ministrator for close to 40 years, and her contributions to the continued growth and strength of the Nation are evident today.

In her “retirement,” Lucille continued to serve her community as a Director and Board Member for the ʔAkisq̓nuknik Development Corporation, the ʔAkisq̓nuk Finance and Audit Committee, the Eva Joseph Child Care Society, the ⱡkamnin̓tik Children’s Truth and Reconciliation Society, the ʔAkisq̓nuk First Nation Council, and the Ktunaxa Nation Council Lands Advisory Working Group. For the last 10 years, she also served with the Commissionaires, working as a guard at the local RCMP station. She was a superb athlete and a valued founding member of the Whitehouse Queens and the Columbia Lake Ladies Softball Club, and an avid curler. She was a lover of animals and a lover of people.

Lucille will be remembered for her humour, her warmth, and her ability to bring light into any room. She had a strong spirit, a kind heart, and a sharp sense of humour that stayed with her throughout her life. She was a respected Elder and mentor to many, offering guidance, support, and care to those who needed it.

She was born to Martina Nicholas and Joseph Cote, and raised by Mansell Hall. She was the granddaughter of Alice White and Casimer Joseph, the great-granddaughter of Sophie and Dominic Nicholas, and the great-great-granddaughter of Catherine Sam. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Nicole (Shayne) and Lorne (Katherine); her grandchildren, Dorell (Sierra), Martina (Dino), Justin, Vivienne, and Alexiah; and her great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Fox, Ava, Dominic, and Mace.

Lucille was predeceased by her husband, Dennis Michel; her brother, Joseph Nicholas; her mother, Martina Nicholas; her stepfather, Mansell Hall; and her father, Joseph Cote. As the oldest of her siblings, Lucille carried a natural leadership role within her family. She was known for her strength, kindness, and deep sense of responsibility to those around her.

She is also survived by her brothers and sisters: Lloyd; Martin (Doris); Lillian (Bob); Allan (Sherree); John; David (Cheyenne); Wes (Kristine); Solo; Patrick (Rachelle); Sophie; Barbara (Franz); Sharon (Brian); Diana (Gordon, late); and Joey (Dana).

She is also lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews: Jesse, Jason, Leah, Christopher, Deidre, Natalie, Alicia, Rendall, Ronnie, Payton, Jennifer, Tyler, Lisa, Quentin, Zoe, Marley, Sierra, Wesley, Kaeloni, Lena, Aaron, Nakita, John, Candice, Nicholas, Dominique, Jenna, Smokii, Alex, Zac, Trinda, Michelle (late), Ryan, Clayton, Jayme and Brandon, along with many great-nieces and nephews.

Lucille’s life was one of strength, resilience, and deep connection to her family and community. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched, the laughter she shared, and the guidance she gave.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

SERVICES

K. B. Creations

Handyman services, Renovations, Masonry, Plumbing, Drywall & Painting. Please call Kevin 250-688-2897

Dry 16” fir. Delivered. $425 per cord 250-688-0373 FIREWOOD

Firewood For Sale

& FOUND

LOST- A gold ring with sapphire stones. Sentimental value. $100 reward offered if returned. Please call 250-342-6178 and leave a message.

WILKS, Georgina Gertrud

February 19, 1936 - March 6, 2026

Georgina Wilks passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026.

Subscribe to Georgina’s tribute page at www.MHFH.com to receive updates when the tribute, condolences, memories, and photos are posted with McInnis & Holloway.

STARBUCKS COFFEE

OPENING SOON! STARBUCKS INVERMERE Now Hiring: Baristas and Supervisors

“Our focus is on cultivating a supportive “third place” environment, emphasizing career growth, and community connection.”

If you are interested in a position with us send your resume to invermerestarbucks@gmail.com

Join Our Team for the 2026 Season!

Fairmont Mountain Bungalows is now hiring for multiple seasonal positions.

We are looking for hardworking, reliable individuals to join us in the following roles:

• Housekeeping

• Front Office / Laundry

• Grounds & Maintenance

Starting Wage: $22/hour

Ready to work in a beautiful mountain setting?

Call Jess at 250-345-6365 for more details or to schedule a time to drop off your resume.

Spur Valley Golf Maintenance team has two positions open for the season. One is a weekend shift, and the other one is a Monday/ Tuesday shift. The job runs from the end of April to the beginning of September. Starting wage is $18.25/hr Contact k_g@shaw.ca

Dragonfly Discovery Children’s Centre

Seeking Summer Day Camp Leader June 22 to Sept 4 dragonflydiscoverycentre.com

STRATA GROUNDSKEEPERS

STRATA GROUNDSKEEPER

POSITION SUMMARY – Akiskinook is looking to fill seasonal groundskeeping positions. This is an outdoor hands-on role assisting with lawn maintenance and gardening, as well as care of the marina, beach, tennis courts, boatyard, recreation centre, and overall grounds.

POSITION SUMMARY - Akiskinook is looking to fill a seasonal groundskeeping and gardener position. This is an outdoor hands-on role assisting with lawn maintenance and gardening, as well as care of the marina, beach, tennis courts, boatyard, recreation centre, and overall grounds.

RESPONSIBILITIES – You will be accountable for the overall maintenance of the common areas throughout the resort at a level consistent with the high standards expected of Akiskinook.

RESPONSIBILITIES - You will be accountable for the overall maintenance of the common areas throughout the property at a level consistent with the high standards expected of Akiskinook.

QUALIFICATIONS – The successful candidate must possess the following competencies and experience:

QUALIFICATIONS - The successful candidate must possess the following competencies and experience:

• High attention to detail

• High attention to detail

• Team player

• Team player

• Ability to run and maintain equipment

• Ability to run and maintain equipment

• A love of the outdoors and a great work ethic

• A love of the outdoors and a great work ethic Wage will be determined based on experience and qualifications. Resumes may be submitted to akisk01@telus.net

Wage will be determined based on experience and qualifications. Resumes may be submitted to akisk01@telus.net or faxed to 250-342-0122.

Signs of spring are popping up everywhere in Invermere.

PHOTO CRISANNA MACLEOD

Coordinator hopes to see more FireSmart homes

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The Radium Hot Springs FireSmart coordinator hopes to see more homes getting FireSmart assessments and more homeowners doing upgrades stemming from those assessments this year.

More specifically, Radium FireSmart coordinator Steve Levitt wants to see a 10 per cent increase in the number of FireSmart assessments in the village, and a 10 per cent increase in upgrades that make Radium homes more FireSmart.

Those were among the major objectives for 2026 that Levitt outlined to Radium councillors during their March 9 meeting.

Other objectives included offering and implementing FireSmart assessments for businesses in Radium’s downtown core, making inroads into Radium neighbourhoods that haven’t yet participated in the FireSmart program, and securing future funding from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) and provincial Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) program to make sure the FireSmart program runs next year.

Last year there were 35 FireSmart assessments in Radium. In eight cases, the property owners then applied for a FireSmart rebate to help pay for home or property upgrades intended to reduce fire risks. Another eight of the assessments were for property owned by the Village of Radium Hot Springs.

Levitt pointed out that Invermere had 73 FireSmart assessments last year, which he said was “a significant increase” from the year prior, and added he feels assessments in Radium should be able to bump up as well.

He outlined that Radium, like all other East Kootenay communities, has what he termed a “legacy problem” when it comes to wildland-

urban interface fire risk  — the fact that for many years homes have been built among trees.

Of wanting to implement FireSmart assessments for businesses, Levitt said “we tend to ignore the downtown core, but there is risk ... all those buildings are interconnected.”

The biggest FireSmart challenge in Radium Hot Springs, in Levitt’s eyes, is “the public not understanding the ‘home out’ approach. Members of the public are still more concerned about the (fire) fuel along the roadways, (on) neighbours’ properties, and in areas beyond the 30 metre distance from their structures.”

Councillor Carey Collin (who was previously the Invermere FireSmart coordinator) asked about new firefighting devices, such as mass sprinkler systems.

Levitt replied these are helpful, but not a silver bullet to solve all problems.

“The reality is that even with mass sprinklers, we can’t sprinkle every building in the community,” said Levitt, adding as a further note of caution that when people hear about things such as mass sprinkler systems “many of them then think they don’t need to do anything (to FireSmart their homes). But they do.”

Levitt commended the Elk Park Ranch subdivision in Radium, saying residents have gotten together and undertaken multiple FireSmart initiatives in the neighbourhood.

He also debunked the oft heard idea that having the Columbia River wetlands close at hand protects Radium Hot Springs from wildfires.

“You hear that the wetlands help us. That’s not really true. It certainly doesn’t harm us, but they don’t really help per se, either,” said Levitt.

He added that wildfire risk has gotten worse in recent decades because of a long history of wildfire suppression, saying “I think we’ve made the problem bigger by that exclusion (of wildfire from the landscape).”

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) Sundays at 10:30 either in-person or online (the link is available on our website – wvsm.ca) 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