Columbia Valley Pioneer - March 5, 2026

VALLEY VIEWS

UPCOMING COURSES

• Grant Writing: From Idea to Application Saturdays March 7 & 14 | $125 + GST

• AI for Beginners

March 11 | $69 + GST

• Red Cross Emergency First Aid March 16 | $199

• Dinner for Friends: A Communal Feast March 26 | $89 + GST

• Spring Flavors: From Market to Table April 11 | $89 + GST

• Practical Italian for Beginners Mondays & Thursdays April 13 – May 4 | $89 + GST

Invermere council allows STR more guests

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

A short-term rental (STR) in Upper Invermere has been allowed a couple more guests.

The STR is on 5th Street and is owned and operated by local resident Ryan Neal, who initially applied for a temporary use permit (TUP) for up to 12 guests back in late 2024. At the time Invermere councillors limited the STR to a maximum of eight guests, and gave a TUP for a one-year term (instead of the normal three-year term), calling it a sort of “probationary” trial.

Neal applied at the end of January for a new three-year TUP for 10 guests, pointing out he’s had no complaints during the past year of operating, and that his house easily can accommodate more than eight people since it has six bedrooms and seven parking spaces.

The new TUP application drew six letters of opposition, and three letters of support. The letters opposed raised concerns about traffic, parking, safety and the impact on a quiet residential neighbourhood. The letters in support were signed by different neighbourhood residents but were identical in wording and outlined there’s been no issues so far with noise, garbage, parking or neighbourhood disruption.

Invermere planner Rory Hromadnik explained during the Tuesday, Feb. 24 council meeting (when the new TUP application was considered), that district staff recommend council keep the limit for the 5th Street STR at eight “for consistency.”

Several councillors disagreed.  Councillor Theresa Wood said that, with the one-year probationary TUP in 2024, “last time, we said ‘prove yourself.’ It seems you have.” Wood added that in her opinion allowing 10 guests at the 5th Street STR was a “one-off” and doesn’t — in her mind — set a precedent.

“I’ve mulled this over a lot. I’ve been back and forth,” said Invermere mayor Al Miller. “I do feel we did put a deal out there — prove it (with the one-year TUP) and I’ve not heard of any issues with this particular STR. I think he (Neal) is running a good shop.”

At least one councillor wanted to stick with a guest limit of eight.

The 5th Street STR has “a long history,” said councillor Grant Kelly. “I’m kind of settled on (a maximum guest number of) eight. That’s where I’m going to stand.”

In the end council voted four-toone to give Neal a TUP for 10 guests. Kelly was the only vote against.

“The overall conversation about STRs is very divisive,” said councillor Gerry Taft after the vote, noting that on one side there are STR owners angry (in some cases, very angry) about the recent rise in STR licence fees, while on the other side there are a number of people who are staunchly opposed to having any STRs in Invermere at all. It sometimes feel there’s no middle ground between these two poles, Taft continued, adding that allowing an extra two guests at an STR that has not generated any complaints in the past year is perhaps an example of where such middle ground might lie.

Invermere mayor Al Miller says the STR operator has proven that he's running a "good shop."

AGM

March 14th -10:30 am

Groundswell Greenhouse

Refreshments provided

Seeking new board members with a passion for community and gardening!

More info: groundswellnetwork.ca

VALLEY SOLUTIONS

HOME CHECK SERVICES • COLUMBIA VALLEY

Peace of mind while you’re away

Services include:

• Regular home checks

• Storm & weather damage inspection

• Maintenance reporting

• Keyholder service

Call or Text: 250-341-8443

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.

Annual

General Meeting

Valley Fitness Society

Secondary suites encouraged

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Invermere councillors adopted zoning bylaw changes last week in the hope of making it easier to create secondary suites here.

The move is meant to help alleviate Invermere’s housing crunch, and in particular the acute lack of long-term rentals.

NEW DATE & LOCATION:

Wednesday, March 11, 6:30pm Columbia Valley Centre 646 - 4th Street, Invermere BC

Meeting Purpose

Receiving Reports

Election of Directors

• Appointment of Accountant

• Special Resolution to amend the Society’s bylaws

Only members in good standing as of March 4, 2026 are eligible to vote. Please submit proxy vote intention, questions, and commitment to attend to teresa@valleyfitnesscentre.ca by March 4, 2026.

Notice period compliance: 20 days notice of AGM, 14 days are required in accordance with the VFS Bylaws.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER

The amendments allow secondary suites in single-family and multi-family residential buildings; they remove size limits and restrictions on just how much of a building’s habitable floor area a secondary suite can take up; and they remove principal residency requirements.

“The idea is to open an opportunity to create more housing,” Invermere planner Rory Hromadnik told councillors during their Tuesday, Feb. 24 meeting.

The revisions mean Invermere’s rules on secondary suites now better align with those in the

BC Building Code (which saw updates related to secondary suites in 2019), added Hromadnik.

The principal residency requirements that councillors voted to remove stipulated that the property owner must live in either the main building or the secondary suite on the property.

Councillor Gerry Taft noted that, in practice, the principal residency requirement had not really been enforced.

“I think this (the changes) make sense,” said Taft. “At this point in time, we need and want more rental housing of any type.

Taft felt the zoning amendments probably won’t result in existing housing being converted to secondary suites, but rather will make adding secondary suites to new builds “more viable.”

The changes could in the future even allow for secondary suites in townhomes and row homes, he noted.

Board approves new course

Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

Rocky Mountain School District has approved a new course called ‘Cultural Connections 12’ which focuses on the teachings of local Indigenous culture.

The four-credit, 120-hour course will be available to all secondary schools in the district as part of a partnership between the alternate and Indigenous education teams.

School superintendent Aaron Callaghan and assistant Steve Wyer said the course will be a “positive step in building relations with local Indigenous people and rights holders,” adding it

aligns with the district’s overall pursuit of advancing ‘truth and reconciliation.”

The course was developed by Lisa Tenta and Jenny Reid. It encourages Indigenous youth to connect with their cultural heritage through experiences outside of the regular classroom setting. Students will deepen their understanding of local Indigenous traditions by participating in community-based projects that allow them to showcase their own abilities. Teachers, elders, and knowledge keepers will educate the students on medicinal botany, Indigenous art, local traditions, and understanding ‘truth and reconciliation.”

Teen has chance to study judo in Japan

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

An Invermere teen has the chance for the trip of a lifetime to study judo in Japan, and is hoping the Columbia Valley community can help send him across the Pacific.

David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS) Grade 9 student Konnor Cavanagh has been doing judo with the Invermere Judo Club since he was six years old.

Konnor’s dad, Joe Cavanagh, did judo as a kid and loved it. “So we put Konnor in, just to see how he’d like it,” explained Konnor’s mom, Ruth Fast. “He loved it, and eight years later he’s very full into it.”

Indeed, as this issue of the Pioneer went to press, Konnor was headed to Trail to participate in the B.C. Winter Games. It will be Konnor’s second time at the Games, having also been at the last B.C. Winter Games in Quesnel two years ago.

Konnor told the Pioneer he loves the physicality of judo, and how “it teaches you discipline and respect. It’s super fun, and you meet a lot of great people. There’s a really good community in judo.”

He’s also part of the provincial judo team, and is working hard to get ‘promoted’ to British Columbia’s ‘Provincial A’ squad.

“My final goal is to try out for the Canadian international team, one day hopefully representing my town and country,” explained Konnor.

Perhaps the most exciting moment in Konnor’s judo career so far came earlier this winter at the Saskatchewan Open in Regina in January. Konnor won bronze in the under 16, under 66 kilogram category. But the real highlight, as far as Konnor is concerned, came when he and his parents met Kelowna-based sensei Joe Andres.

Andres runs an annual trip to Japan, taking talented teens to spend a few weeks studying judo in the land

where it originated, and to immerse themselves in Japanese culture. After chatting, Andres invited Konnor to join this year’s trip in July.

“I was very surprised and pretty excited,” Konnor conceded. “It would be amazing. I want to see how Japan is different than Canada, and how judo in Japan is different than it is in Canada.”

The Japan trip could be a big boost for Konnor to help eventually realize his dream of representing Canada. It will include two weeks of training at nine different dojos (traditional martial arts training schools) in the Kansai area, followed by a week taking in some of the most iconic parts of Japan, including the ancient capital of Kyoto, the Great Buddha and the deer park at Nara, Osaka, Kobe, Himeji castle and some of Japan’s famous hot springs.

“I know that this training will improve my techniques,” explained Konnor.

Outside of judo, Konnor is “a very caring kid. He never complains. He looks out for those younger than him, and likes to help the little kids at the judo club. He likes to try new things, and he likes to give back,” said his mom Ruth.

For instance, he recently jumped into the icy waters of Taynton Bay during the annual Recreation Adapted (RAD) Society Polar Plunge to help raise money to increase outdoor recreation options in the Columbia Valley for those who face mobility challenges.

“It’s something he’s wanted to do for a while, it’s for a good cause, and so he went for it,” said Ruth.

The Japan trip will cost $5,000 and Konnor is seeking sponsorship from local businesses, groups or individuals to help offset the hefty price tag. To find out more, or to become a sponsor, email invermerejudo@gmail.com  with ‘Japan Trip’ in the subject line.

The real heroes

For many people, death is not an easy topic to deal with, especially for Larry.

His father Dave died in hospice care before Dave could cradle his two granddaughters, and now Larry’s mother-in-law was dying in a hospice bed eight hours away.

To Larry, life sucked. Watching his loved ones dying right in front of him tainted his spirit. It wasn’t fair and he became bitter. Even his longtime colleagues on the fire department were dy ing. It became so uncomfortable for him that he didn’t want to visit them in the hospital because he didn’t know what to say. After they passed, he felt guilty for not saying goodbye.

But there was one saving grace that he ob served: the nurses and volunteers in the hospice program were angels from heaven. They treated the dying with so much compassion that some times it seemed like death had no place there. Life was celebrated; death was forgotten . . . for now.

Larry’s father was dying of prostate cancer but the nurses took away the pain and treated his dad like a king. They treated the family like their own and pulled out all the stops to make everyone feel comfortable.

Larry will never forget the week before Dave died when the family was gathered around the hospice bed reminiscing about old times. And there was Dave with a contented smile on his face; lost in la-la (drug) land pretending he was fishing — one hand holding the rod and the other working the reel. He seemed happy, and that’s the way Larry remembered him during his final days. Guilt and sadness washed over him for not spending more time with ‘Pops,” but the good memories were soon all that were left.

Alone with his dad, just after he passed, Larry tried to cry a river, but he couldn’t; he wasn’t that kind of guy. But he kissed Dave’s head and said farewell, noting they would see each other on the river again, catching trout until dusk.

Today, Larry has a profound respect for every hospice staff member and volunteer for their dedication to end-of-life care.

For more information on how to get involved or be somebody’s angel, contact the Columbia Valley Hospice Society. It recently helped launch a new program called W.E.C.A.R.E. and needs volunteers.

Lyonel Doherty, editor

OPINION

Cadets appreciate support

The 2756 Invermere RCACC has long benefited from the continued support of the Invermere Legion #71 and the Edgewater Legion #199. Their commitment has enabled the sustained development of many of our activities – including a pipe and drum band program.

Through collaboration with the Calgary Highland Shoppe, the Invermere Cadets Sponsor Committee — together with Bill Hawes and Pieter Jansen of the Kimberley Pipe Band — successfully secured the necessary equipment to support

ongoing training for cadets. This investment ensures long-term opportunities for instruction and program continuity.

The cadets, staff, and Sponsor Committee of 2756 Invermere RCACC extend their sincere appreciation to past president Marius Hoofd of the Invermere Legion #71, Noreen Madden Lang of the Edgewater Legion #199, and the wider community for their invaluable support in making this initiative possible.

Capt. Megan McConnell, RCACC

OPINION/OP-ED

RDEK formally adopts accessibility plan

Submitted

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has formally adopted its Accessibility Plan.

The process started in 2023 with the establishment of the East Kootenay Accessibility Advisory Committee, which was comprised of 11 regional representatives, Electoral Area G director Roberta Schnider, and staff liaisons from the RDEK and partner municipalities: the City of Cranbrook, the District of Invermere, and the Village of Canal Flats.

“From the outset of this project, the Accessibility Committee recognized the importance of ensuring residents are able to access services and spaces in our region with dignity and ease. It was from this lens we worked to develop an Accessibility Plan framework to help guide the RDEK and partner municipalities in the creation of their respective Accessibility Plans,” explains Advisory Committee Chair Roberta Schnider.

The framework was presented to the board in early 2025 to ensure it aligned with the RDEK’s vision and

long-term goals.

Following the review and further consultation, staff prepared the RDEK Accessibility Plan, which was adopted by the RDEK board on February 13, 2026.

“This Plan will have a lasting, positive impact on how people experience the RDEK for years to come. It gives us a roadmap to follow so residents of all abilities can access our programs, services, and facilities with dignity and confidence. I want to acknowledge and thank the Accessibility Committee

for the time, care, and lived experience they brought to this work. Their contributions have been significant, and this plan is stronger because of it,” adds Schnider.

The Plan will be reviewed and updated at least every three years to maintain its relevance and effectiveness.

In addition, a dedicated accessibility page will remain active at engage.rdek.bc.ca/accessibility and features an online reporting link for feedback and issue reporting.

Input sought on Area G park management

Submitted

The Regional District of East Kootenay is currently working on Park Management Plans for two of its parks in Electoral Area G and is looking for community input as part of the planning process.

“Staff is currently working on management plans for the Edgewater school path and the Wilmer Community Park,” says RDEK Electoral Area G director Roberta Schnider. “Though both sites are unique, one thing they have in com-

mon is their importance as community assets. We would like to hear from residents about things they would like to see considered as part of the management plans.”

Park Management Plans are intended to provide strategic direction and guidance for the RDEK, community associations, and stewards of the parks for the next 15-20 years.

To help gather resident feedback, a project page has been set up, and comments are being taken until 4:30 p.m. on March 13. Those without computer access can contact the

Nominate champion

Submitted by Wildsight

Do you know a woman who has made an outstanding contribution to protecting nature or environmental education? Celebrate their commitment to nature by nominating them for the 2025 Ellen Zimmerman Award.

The award winner will receive a cash award to support their ongoing work and a commemorative art piece..

Ellen Zimmerman was a key leader for Wildsight and a tenacious champion for nature conservation in the Columbia Valley for more than 40 years until her passing in 2020.

Ellen was a friend to the environment, and embodied everything

we at Wildsight hold dear.

To honour Ellen’s contributions and incredible legacy, the Ellen Zimmerman Award was established to shine a light on conservation heroes working in the Columbia Headwaters region (stretching from Canal Flats to the Mica Dam).

Past recipients have included biologists, water protection advocates, wildlife champions and strong leaders in the local environmental community.

The 2025 recipient was Dr. Suzanne Bayley, a Columbia Valley resident who has dedicated her life to water health and protections.

This award is for female-identifying individuals. Nominations are due March 31: www.wildsight.ca/ellenzimmerman

RDEK directly and ask to speak to Ryan Penney, planner.

“Having the input from area residents will help make these plans stronger, so I encourage people to visit the project page and leave their comments and ideas,” adds Schnider. Management plans ad-

dress topics such as site planning, development, recreation, access management, public safety, maintenance, control of invasive plants, threats from wildfire and more.

To view the project page, visit: https://engage.rdek.bc.ca/areagparks

COLUMBIA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

OUT OF OFFICE…

CVCC President’s Message

Serving as a volunteer on the Board of Directors for the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce for more than a decade has been one of the most meaningful ways I’ve chosen to give back to our community. Alongside running the local branch of Sun Life Financial, I’ve dedicated time and energy to supporting local business growth and connection. As I finish my second year as President, I will be passing the torch at our March AGM, and I warmly invite the community to attend and register at www.cvchamber.ca

Throughout my tenure, I focused on helping business owners answer a simple but important question: Why should I join the Chamber? The answer starts with the practical benefits—access to group benefits through the Chamber Plan, advertising opportunities,

discounts, learning events, and networking. These perks create real value, but beyond that, the Chamber provides something even more important: a seat at the table within our business community.

One of the additional roles I hold within the Chamber sphere is being the Exclusive Advisor for Chamber Group Insurance Plan. Group benefits play a critical role in attracting and retaining employees and allows me to support local employers in a tangible way. Participation also helps fund the Chamber itself, meaning businesses are supporting both their teams and the broader business community at the same time.

While annual events such as the Business Excellence Awards and the Best Ball Golf Tournament are always highlights, one initiative launched during my presidency that I am especially proud of is Chamber Connections. This monthly, casual networking event—typically held on the second Tuesday— has created welcoming opportunities for business owners to connect, learn about each other’s services, and strengthen relationships across the valley.

I was also fortunate to attend two provincial AGMs hosted by the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce, first in Kelowna and then in Nanaimo. Seeing the advocacy work happening across the province was both inspiring and eye-opening. Policies driven by local Chambers—including rural priorities— are debated and voted on, and I was proud to see how strongly our region’s voice carries. Advocacy truly is one of the Chamber’s most powerful roles:

“Currently, our Policy and Advocacy Committee is developing a policy resolution to bring forward to the upcoming BC Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting, focused on strengthening how BC Transit engages with rural communities. In recent

months, the committee has met with local elected officials and stakeholders and reviewed existing surveys and reports to better understand community concerns. A consistent theme has emerged: rural communities often have limited opportunities for early, structured input into transit planning decisions that directly affect workforce mobility, tourism access, and local business operations. The resolution seeks to improve communication processes and ensure stronger rural representation in transit planning.”

-Rose-Marie Roxburgh, Chair of Policy & Advocacy Committee, CV Chamber Member at Large

One of the greatest pleasures of my time as President has been working alongside the dedicated Chamber team and volunteer board members who generously give their time to support local business. As I transition into the role of Past President, I encourage business owners to connect with our incoming board and share how we can continue to support you.

It has been an honour to serve these past two years. I deeply value our #valleystrong spirit and hope I’ve contributed, in my small way, to helping our local businesses thrive.

-Rhiannon Tutty, President, Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Thursday March 5

10:00-11:00am - Seniors Fitness Invermere Seniors Hall . 30914th St. Invermere. 10 am - $2 drop-in.

1:00-5:00pm - Job & Volunteer Fair – Columbia Valley Centre. (Free to attend).

1:30pm - Floor Curling at the Invermere Seniors Hall. 6:45pm - Texas Hold'em Poker Invermere Legion, $30 buy-in.

Friday March 6

1:00pm - Duplicate Bridge at the Invermere Seniors Hall.

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

7:00pm - World Day Of Prayer at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere. An inter-church event. Prepared by a committee of Christian women of Nigeria. All people of good will are welcome. Join us and stay to visit after and enjoy Nigerian meat pies and treats.

Saturday March 7

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

7:30-9:30pm - Alex MacKenzie's Never Been Better Tour. Columbia Valley Centre. High-energy, interactive, and hilarious! Tickets: Eventbrite.ca

Sunday March 8

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

7:30pm - Mountain Home Productions Presents Valdy! Canadian Folk Legend – Columbia Valley Centre.

Tickets: https://www.showpass.com/valdy-in-invermere/

Monday March 9

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 10

10:00-11:00 - Seniors Fitness Seniors Fitness Invermere Seniors Hall 309-14th St, Invermere $2 drop in fee.

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

6:30pm - Bingo – at the Invermere Seniors Hall. Entry $25, Jackpot $300.

Wednesday March 11

10:00-11:00am - Seniors Yoga Columbia Valley Centre. Doors open 9:30 for warm-up and indoor walking-$2 drop-in. Please note: classes may be moved to Invermere Seniors Hall when the Columbia Valley Centre is booked for larger events.

1:00pm - Duplicate Bridge at the Invermere Seniors Hall.

2:00-3:00pm - Sewcial Hour Invermere Public Library. 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.

6:30pm - AGM - Valley Fitness Centre, Columbia Valley Centre

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

Students have 'Soul' in the 'Machine'

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

‘Soul Machine’ — the David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS) jazz band — is set to make some sweet melodies at a fundraising concert next week.

The band is now in its second full year and continues to flourish. For many years DTSS was without a band program of any kind, until new music teacher Bryant Olender picked up the conductor’s baton and started Soul Machine in 2024. One the biggest highlights for the band so far was attending the BC Interior JazzFest in Kelowna in April 2025.

This year’s band students are keen to make the same trip, and to help raise the money needed to get to the 2026 edition of the festival, they’ll perform at the DTSS theatre on Thursday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m.

This year there are actually two DTSS bands — the full Soul Machine ensemble, as well as a standalone quintet comprised of senior

band members who will play several more difficult jazz arrangements, explained Olender.

“We’re going to be playing jazz standards and pop music. We’ll do ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’, ‘Sir Duke’ by Stevie Wonder, ‘Green Onions’, ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’ and a whole lot more. It’s going to be fun,”

Olender told the Pioneer.

Soul Machine currently numbers 24 students in total, including seven or eight who are new to the band this year.

“Going to (JazzFest) was incredible last year, and it will be incredible again this year. Especially for the new students,” said Olender. “Being in a band is like being on a team. You get to experience being an important part of something bigger than yourself.”

At the festival that experience is amplified even more so, as the students get to see other high school bands from across British Columbia, he added.

Olender said seeing the band program return to DTSS “has been awesome. Parents have been so

grateful the school district is bringing it (the band) back, and all the kids have been delightful to teach. They really want to learn and they really want to play music. They just dive right into the tunes.”

The March 12 concert will be one hour and will include solos from the band’s vocalists.

To help send Soul Machine to Kelowna, please bring a donation to the show, or send a donation to Rocky Mountain School District 6 and clarify that it’s for the DTSS band.

The BC Interior JazzFest in Kelowna will he held April 16 to April 18.

BETTER AT HOME

BETTER AT HOME COMMUNITY CONNECTOR

COMMUNITY CONNECTOR

SENIORS: Need Help at Home?

SENIORS: Need Help at Home?

• Light Housekeeping

• Light Housekeeping

BETTER AT HOME COMMUNITY CONNECTOR

BETTER AT HOME COMMUNITY CONNECTOR

• Rides to Appointments

SENIORS:

VOLUNTEERS URGENTY NEEDED: Give a Little, Help a Lot!

VOLUNTEERS URGENTY NEEDED: Give a Little, Help a Lot!

• Give Your Time & Care

• Give Your Time & Care

• Support Seniors

SENIORS: Need Help at Home?

• Rides to Appointments

Need help at home?

• Friendly Visits & More!

• Light Housekeeping

• Friendly Visits & More!

• Light housekeeping

• Rides to appointments

• Friendly visits & more!

• Support Seniors

VOLUNTEERS URGENTY NEEDED: Give a Little, Help a Lot!

• Training Provided!

VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY NEEDED: Give a little, help a lot!

• Training Provided!

• Give Your Time & Care

• Give your time & care

• Support seniors

• Training provided!

SPORTS

Nordic ski club glides to successful season

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

There hasn’t been a ton of cold or snow this winter, but there’s been enough of each for the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club (TCNSC) to pull off another successful season.

The warmer temperatures mean that the world-famous Lake Windermere Whiteway and its Lake Lillian counterpart, both maintained by the club, has had a limited season, but the club has plenty else going on beyond it’s most wellknown amenity, and with a membership of 375 it continues to be one of the biggest recreational groups in the Columbia Valley.

The club’s annual night-time Lantern Ski over the Family Day long weekend keeps growing, and this year brought an estimated 200 nocturnal nordic skiers to the Panorama Nordic Centre; the Nipika Panorama Loppet in January drew dozens of participants; the Ski-Athon fundraiser held last weekend was a smash success; and the club’s youth program goes from strength to strength.

“The energy around the club and youth team —including attendance, and local and regional race participation — is really high,” explained TCNSC general manager Quentin Randall.

The TCNSC’s youth team numbers 32 this winter, ranging in age from pre-school up to 11 years old.

Randall outlined that the team’s primary focus is helping young athletes feel like part of a team and helping them develop as skiers.

That approach was proven when the TCNSC won the Team Spirit Award at the Teck B.C. Track Attack Championships in Kelowna on Saturday, Jan. 24.

At the same event, TCNSC skier Lincoln Ryles won gold, and Isla Courtliff won the technique award. A week later at the Western Canadian Championship in Canmore on Saturday, Jan. 31 and Sunday, Feb. 1, Lincoln earned silver and Isla grabbed bronze. The club also had plenty of other skiers with podium finishes at the Teck Kootenay Cup Loppet in Kimberley, at the Nipika Panorama Loppet here in the Columbia Valley, and at the Huckleberry Loppet in Golden.

This winter is Lincoln’s first season with the TCNSC, and he joined the club despite living in Cranbrook, meaning he commutes more than an hour each way to training sessions in the Columbia Valley.

For Lincoln, the drive is worth it. “There’s a very positive energy at this club. I really like it,” Lincoln told the Pioneer. “It’s very inclusive.”

Lincoln said there’s been many highlights to this season, but pressed to pick his absolute favourite, he chose the Track Attack Championship in Kelowna, and described the whole team travelling to the event together in a van as “a lot of fun.”

The Ski-Athon fundraiser on Saturday, Feb.

28 saw young TCNSC athletes ski as many laps as possible around the training loop at the Panorama Nordic Centre. Nearly 20 young skiers participated, and in one hour, they collectively managed to ski a staggering 543 laps of the 300-metre long training loop. That’s 162. 9 kilometres in total — enough to ski from Invermere to Moyie Lake (if heading south), or enough to ski from Invermere to Parks Canada’s East Park entry gate between Banff and Canmore (if heading east).

“It was great. Really fun,” 11-year-old SkiAthon participant Naveen Gautam told the Pioneer. “(Nordic) skiing is really good exercise.”

The money raised supports the club’s youth programs (including helping the club get ski equipment to rent to kids at affordable rates). Those wanting to help out can visit the TCNSC Nordiq Canada fundraising page at www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/nordiq-canada/p2p/ Annual-Club-Fundraiser-26/page/toby-creeknordic-ski-club and donate up until March 31.

Randall extended thanks to Nipika Mountain and Panorama Mountain Resort for their help with the club with the loppets, and to Panorama’s Guy Paulsen, Daniela Krtickova, and Sarah Langlois for their efforts with the Lantern Ski.

He outlined that this winter has been a season of positivity, team camaraderie, and much growth.

Left and bottom photos: The Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club youth team at the Teck Kootenay Cup loppet in Kimberley in January. At right, the recent Ski-Athon.

LEFT, BOTTOM PHOTOS SUBMITTED RIGHT STEVE HUBRECHT

2026-2027

ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION ANNUAL PLAN & OPERATION MAP

The Rocky Mountain Trench Ecosystem Restoration Program and partner agencies and organizations would like to inform the public that the activities planned for Grassland Ecosystem Restoration are available for public viewing at the following website: https://www.trench-er.com and select Current Plan Link.

The 2026-2027 Annual Plan document identifies the project leads and their contact information should the public have concerns or questions about individual projects.

Deadline for comments or concerns is April 15, 2026

Funding projects approved

The following projects were approved for funding from the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund for 2026:

• Wetlands initiative: Low-tech process-based restoration in the Columbia Valley - $10,000

• Bat roost habitat enhancement and monitoring in the Columbia Valley - $24,438

• Columbia Valley bank swallow habitat conservation – $19,996

• Lake Windermere monitoring and education - $16,500

• Restoration of wetlands and wildlife habitat

- $22,000

In addition, the following projects have been approved for multi-year funding:

• Columbia Lake bighorn sheep project year 1 of 3 - $19,263

• Columbia Lake water monitoring and education program: Year 1 of 3 - $16,000

• Kootenay River headwater restoration: Year 2 of 3 - $7,500

• Reimagining the 'Ties that Bind' wildlife conservation to farming: Year 1 of 3 - $5,000

• Leafy Spurge control year 2 of 3 - $11,455

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

GERRY TAFT

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 Invermere Glass for excellent customer service fixing windshield chips. A wonderful experience allround; which renewed my faith in humanity.

A BIG HUGE Cheers to Colin for taking time on his days off to help 2 seniors with a building project that will help us with mobility! So grateful!!

Cheers to all who made possible the outstanding musical theatre performance by Windermere Elementary School held recently at the CVC! To the students who bravely took the stage and entertained the audience with songs and dances based on the soundtracks from popular movies. To teachers and staff who must have spent many hours in and outside of classroom to prepare the students. To WES Parents Advisory Committee who worked hard to raise the funds to make it happen. Finally, to Bryant Olender who chose the music, taught the songs to children and infused a sense of enjoyment of singing. Kids were having fun and must have been proud of themselves!

CHEERS

Cheers to the people who recovered my wallet at the “Rockin” Talent show the other night. Especially Charleen who went out of her way to get it to me. Got to love our small town for its great talent and honest citizens.

Cheers to Mainroad Contracting for keeping the highway clear between Dutch Creek and Invermere. Great job done!

Cheers to Leanne and Lisa at Invermere post office for keeping calm when your printer was having problems.

Cheers to Robin at The Brick for the great service when I was making my purchase. I’ll definitely shop there again.

Cheers to those that respect the dignity of seniors. From Beverley S. in Invermere.

OFFICE SPACE

CHEERS SERVICES

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

ACCOMMODATION WANTED

Long time valley residents. Myself and my 87 year old father are looking for a longterm rental home between Edgewater and Canal Flats for this spring/summer. We have 2 dogs, 1 very small, 1 medium who are very well behaved. Ph 250-341-5959

Email: 4kbbaker@gmail.com

FIRE WOOD

Firewood For Sale Dry 16” fir. Delivered. $425 per cord 250-688-0373

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

HELP WANTED

Dragonfly Discovery Children’s Centre

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

We are seeking a qualified Small Systems Operator (up to Level 2) for our Invermere, BC operations. Candidates must hold valid water and wastewater certifications, be able to travel and work independently, and have a clean driver’s abstract with fewer than three violations in the past three years. Email: jay@ sampsonwaterservices. com

914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339

Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

Tel: (250) 342-9281

Fax: (250) 342-2934

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Summer Students

Exciting Summer Job Opportunities in Invermere!

Looking for an active and rewarding summer job working outdoors? The District of Invermere is hiring Summer Students for Parks Labourer, Garden Labourer, and Events Labourer positions within our Public Works Department!

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience, work as part of a fun and dynamic team, and make a real impact in your community. Positions are running from May to the end of August and are full-time (up to 40 hours per week) or part-time.

Why Join Us?

• Work outside and stay active all summer.

• Competitive pay within the CUPE Local 2982 bargaining unit

• Flexible work options – full-time or part-time opportunities available

• Build valuable skills in landscaping, maintenance, event support, and more! AVAILABLE POSITIONS

Parks Labourer

Love working outdoors? As a Parks Labourer, you’ll be helping to keep Invermere’s parks and green spaces in top shape. Duties include:

Landscaping and maintaining parks & cemeteries

Garbage pickup, painting, and pothole filling

Graffiti removal and general upkeep

Driving and operating basic equipment

Typical shitis: Monday to Friday, 8-hour shitis (start times may vary between 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.). Some weekend shifts required.

Garden Labourer

If you have a passion for plants, this role is for you! As a Garden Labourer, you’ll work on:

• Planting and maintaining beautiful flowerbeds

• Weeding, pruning, fertilizing, and general garden care

• Supporting the upkeep of various trees, shrubs, and plants

Typical shitis: Monday to Friday, 8-hour shitis (start times may vary between 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m., depending on weather & activities). Some weekend shitis required.

Starting Pay Rate:

The current starting wage for a student is $22.55. Who Should Apply?

• A valid Class 5 Drivers License is required.

• Must be enrolled in high school or post secondary school. We’re looking for motivated, hard-working students who enjoy working outdoors, take pride in their community, and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty! Whether you’re interested in landscaping, gardening, or event planning, there’s a role for you.

Apply today and make the most of your summer in Invermere!

If you are interested in this position, please send a cover leter and resume outlining your qualifications and experience to corporateservices@invermere. net or the address below quoting “Summer Student 2026 – the position you would like to apply for”.

District of Invermere

Attn: Kindry Dalke, Director of Corporate Services Box 339, Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0

Tel: (250) 342-9281

Fax: (250) 342-2934

Email: corporateservices@invermere.net

This opportunity will remain open until it is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted. Additional information about this opportunity may be requested by contacting the District.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Engineering/Planning Summer Student

The District of Invermere is accepting applications for an Engineering or Planning undergraduate student to work as part of our Public Works and Planning Departments. This is a temporary full-time or part-time position within the CUPE Local 2982 bargaining unit starting in May until the end of August. This position works 35 hours per week.

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, the Student Engineering position will work on a variety of projects including development of maintenance programs, assistance with development applications, sourcing quotations for projects, information research, records updates, involvement with civil construction project and other tasks as assigned. The days will consist of 7 hour days, with a start time of 8:30 am, Monday to Friday.

EMPLOYMENT TERM

Employment will commence in early May and will terminate in late August.

STARTING PAY RATE

The current starting wage for a student is $29.83.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

1. You must be attending school, college or university and enrolled in a Civil Engineering or Planning undergraduate during the last school term and returning to your studies in the subsequent academic year.

2. Knowledge of word-processing, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, and records management would be an asset.

3. Knowledge of municipal operations would be an asset.

4. Knowledge of Occupational Health & Safety Regulations as related and appropriate.

How to apply:

If you are interested in this position, please send a cover letter and resume outlining your qualifications and experience to corporateservices@invermere. net or the address below quoting “Summer Student 2026 – Engineering/Planning”.

District of Invermere

Attn: Kindry Dalke, Director of Corporate Services Box 339, Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0 Tel: (250) 342-9281

Email: corporateservices@invermere.net

This opportunity will remain open until it is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted. Additional information about this opportunity may be requested by contacting the District.

Submitted

A total of $1.23 million of the Growing Communities Fund grant has been re-allocated to Edgewater Water System upgrades, Edgewater Sewer System upgrades, and the East Side Lake Windermere Water System watermain replacement and utility master plan projects.

The funds became available for re-allocation after the Cold Spring Creek Debris Flow Mitigation Project was completed under budget.

FAITH

When fasting meets justice

By Brent Woodard Windermere Valley Shared Ministry

The Muslim season of Ramadan and the Christian season of Lent coincide this year, which is kind of neat. This only happens about every 30 years. Ramadan shifts earlier each year, meaning it can occur in winter, summer, spring or autumn. Both Ramadan and Lent encourage fasting and devotional practices – inviting people to be more aware, intentional and present in their daily lives. This is good. Having times of being more disciplined and reflective is commendable.

Still, it is good to reflect on a passage in the Jewish/Christian Bible that says God cares more about acts of compassion and justice than about acts of personal piety. Isaiah 58 quotes God as saying “…Look, you serve your own interest on your fast day and oppress all your workers … is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them and not to hide yourself from your own kin? … if you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil, if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday.”

Justice is a pervasive theme in the Bible. Many biblical passages say and reveal that God cares about justice. I recently heard the line “Justice is

not a distraction from the gospel; it is a demonstration of the gospel.” What is justice? It is the moral order of how we live in community. It is how we live in right relations. It is how we make wrongs right. It is how we restore right relations. It is the social form of compassion. If there is no compassion, no moral order, no living in right relations, no ability to restore relations to a sense of right, then there is no justice.

Perhaps I live in a country that is relatively just. Perhaps because I’m a privileged person, I have been allowed to not give justice much attention. But lately, my appreciation for justice has greatly increased. In a world where pedophiles are protected, where state agents inflict cruelty and murder without accountability, where wealth transfers to the rich, and where the environment is disregarded, justice matters greatly.

A story which highlights the difference between personal acts of piety and communal acts of justice is the story of John Newton. In the middle of the 1700’s, John Newton was a captain of slave ships. At a point in his life, he began believing in God. He then led his fellow sailors in church services on the upper deck of his slave ships. Below deck were human beings in chains – suffering, dying and being shipped to life-long bondage. At that time in his life, Newton didn’t notice the discrepancy between his acts of piety and his participation in cruelty and injustice. In time, blessedly, he did. He left the slave industry and joined William Wilberforce in seeking to end the slave trade. He eventually wrote the words that became the hymn Amazing Grace; “I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind, but now I see.”

Join World Day of Prayer

Submitted

On March 6 there will be an evening gathering for the World Day of Prayer (WDP) at Christ Church Trinity in Invermere.

This is an international, inter-church event that began 100 years ago bridging social, geographic, and political barriers in 146 countries. Together we pursue justice, peace, and reconciliation by standing together in prayer and action; uniting to pray for relevant issues affecting women and children.

The 2026 service is especially interesting as it was prepared by a committee of Christian women of Nigeria. During the gathering we will be encouraged to learn and reflect on the history and

challenges faced by this area as citizens struggle for security, peace and independence as well as the efforts that women have made during changes in ruling influences over the last century. The WDP Nigerian committee has woven together their cultural wisdom with the universal need for rest. We will also include a few readings that bring attention to International Women’s Day, which is a global day on March 8 to recognize and celebrate women’s and girls’ social, economic, cultural, and political achievements.

The gathering is on Friday, March 6 at 7 p.m. A virtual option of ZOOM is also available with the link available through wvsm.ca. Please consider joining us and stay to visit after and enjoy Nigerian meat pies and treats.

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