Columbia Valley Pioneer - October 9, 2025

Rural rep busy during UBCM meeting

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbivalleypioneer.com

Last week the Pioneer reported on the efforts of Columbia Valley mayors during the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) convention in Victoria at the end of September, but the valley’s rural electoral area representatives were busy there too.

Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Area F director Susan Clovechok met with officials from the provincial Ministry of Water, Lands and Resource Stewardship (WLRS) about wake surfing regulations. The RDEK has thrown its support behind creating standardized wake surfing regulations across Canada, and in the meeting with WLRS, Clovechok asked the ministry to work with its counterparts across the country to that end. Regulations would ideally be “on water bodies where it (wake surfing) is not appropriate” and would “create specific criteria, based on specific characteristics of water bodies.” WLRS was “certainly open to that conversation,” reported Clovechok.

“We're trying to secure ongoing operational funding to make sure the airport is sustainable.”

- Susan Clovechok

A resolution from the RDEK on wake surfing regulations was set to be debated and voted on by UBCM membership during the meeting, and Clovechok was set to speak to the issue, but that part of the convention wrapped up before the resolution reached the floor. This means it will be considered instead by the UBCM executive and Clovechok is “very optimistic” the executive will endorse it.

Clovechok also met with British Columbia’s Deputy Minister of Finance to discuss funding for the Fairmont Hot Springs Airport. The airport is managed by the nonprofit Columbia Valley Airport Society (CVAS), but under Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) rules, donations for

airports are not eligible for tax receipts, in part because airports are of benefit to private users as well as the general public. Clovechok said that, as she understands, the rule about airports was created in the past to prevent money laundering.

The problem is that the rule also hinders the CVAS’s ability to raise funds to run the airport, outlined Clovechok. There are plenty of grants available to help the society with capital projects, but money for regular ongoing maintenance is harder to come by, and that’s where tax breaks for donations would come in handy.

“It’s a unique problem, and it involves several ministries and agencies,” said Clovechok. “We’re trying to secure ongoing operational funding to make sure the airport is sustainable . . . the airport is very important in our region, especially when it comes to fighting wildfires.”

Clovechok also met with the provincial Ministry of Citizens’ Services to talk about broadband internet challenges in the Columbia Valley. The issue is that broadband access involves using BC Hydro power lines and the Crown corporation charges for each pole used.

“It’s incredibly expensive when you add them all up,” said Clovechok. “I’m optimistic it will be addressed, but it will be a long process.”

Clovechok met with the B.C. Minstry of Public Safety and Solicitor General about funding for victim services initiatives; as well as with the provincial Ministry of Environment and Parks (MEP) about tweaking the Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) recycling policy to make it more affordable for small businesses in rural areas, such as the Columbia Valley.

She also met with the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) about Crown land range tenures, and about the commission “spending more time on the land when it gets an application to see what’s being discussed instead of just looking at a report. Seeing the specifics of a situation firsthand can give insight that you simply can’t get reading a paper," Clovechok said.

Drivers receptive to RCMP

Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

The commander of the Columbia Valley RCMP is quite happy with the response to their ‘burnout’ enforcement during the recent classic car show in Radium.

“The extra police presence accomplished the main goal of overall safety, and only two vehicles were impounded for doing burnouts, one of which was a pickup truck not related to the car show,” said Sgt. Jeff Witzke. “The RCMP can say that, of all the vehicles stopped, the drivers were very receptive, polite and understood the police's position on this matter.”

Witzke noted that ‘stunting’ is defined in the Motor Vehicle Act of British Columbia, adding that losing traction and spinning tires is directly referenced as this can cause crashes resulting in serious injury, death and damage to public roadways.

Regarding the ‘Friday night burnouts’ during the car show weekend, the RCMP needed to take a stance with road and spectator safety in mind, Witzke pointed out.

The commander said the RCMP is mindful of the show’s long history and understands the importance that the event holds for attendees. He added the event, which started out 35 years ago as a local gathering, has now grown to more than 1,000 vehicles.

“To speak specifically of last year, the RCMP fielded multiple complaints regarding this event, which ranged from speeding, loud exhaust, burnouts, and a plethora of vocalized safety concerns,” Witzke said. “Our members tried to maintain presence in the hopes of curbing some of the issues, but they were outnumbered and unable to effectively lessen the safety concerns.”

After much deliberation and consultation with the Village of Radium Hot Springs and car show organizers, the Columbia Valley RCMP rec-

ognized the only effective response would be zero tolerance, the commander said. “This was not an easy decision to make. The RCMP is responsible for public and road safety and saw no alternative with how the event is currently structured.”

He noted the event has grown to hundreds if not thousands of spectators lining the streets; some sitting in chairs on sidewalks and near the curbing, mere feet from the passing vehicles.

“The RCMP understand the frustration and disappointment that the extra police presence had, but it must be realized that there were no other choices that could be safely made.”

Witzke said the RCMP anticipates that alternate planning may be discussed in the future, and that police are more than willing to collaborate with all stakeholders for appropriate solutions.

In a recent Facebook posting, the Columbia Valley Classic Car Club said it has never organized burnouts as part of its events. “While we know some people enjoy them, they’ve always taken place outside of our planning.”

The club said it has looked into possible safe locations (for burnouts), including airports, but the insurance and liability make it “impossible for us to host them officially.”

The group worked hard to make sure everyone was aware of the issue ahead of time, sharing information about the RCMP’s ‘zero tolerance' stance on burnouts via social media, posters, signage, and through local businesses.

“The RCMP presence is outside of our control, but their focus is on public safety (as outlined in their previous statement in the Columbia Valley Pioneer).”

The club said it’s important to remember that it is a small group with only 32 members, all volunteers, who “put a lot of time and heart” into organizing the show each year. It always welcomes ideas or help with planning to make the event even better.

Modest crowd for housing-OCP gig

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

A public open house on Invermere’s latest housing needs report — or more specifically how the District of Invermere hopes to incorporate the report’s findings into its Official Community Plan (OCP), drew a modest crowd last week, but the turnout left organizers happy.

The housing report was finished in late 2024, and the district is obliged (like all British Columbia municipalities) to tweak its OCP by the end of 2025 to reflect the report. Planning consulting company WSP Global Inc. came up with some proposals on just how to do that earlier this fall, and then presented those

ideas to the public at Columbia Valley Centre on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Some of the proposed changes include encouraging live-work housing units (and other nonindustrial uses) in light industrial areas such as Athalmer; greater flexibility in zoning (for instance, encouraging more carriage houses and secondary suites and allowing duplexes in what have typically been single family residential neighbourhoods); and streamlining the number of designated land uses in the OCP. One chart at the open house suggested dropping the number of designated land uses from 17 down to 12, combining several of the old designations into new broader ones.

The open house drew about 25

to 30 people.

“It’s certainly less than our bigger open houses, but I’m still pleased with the turnout,” said Invermere mayor Al Miller. Similar sentiments were echoed by WSP senior municipal planner Katy Walsh and Invermere planner Rory Hromadnik.

Most questions from the public centred around how exactly the proposed changes will work, said Walsh, adding that short-term rentals (STRs) and increasing housing density were the topics residents hit upon most frequently.

“Most people do seem to understand that there is a real need for more housing in Invermere,” said Walsh.

The latest housing report uses

data from the 2021 national census, whereas the previous report used data from the 2016 census. Hromadnik is curious what the next census (in May 2026) will bring.

“As the years go by (since 2021) it gets a little more speculative. We know we’ve grown as a community since then, but we don’t know for sure exactly how,” he said.

The 2021 census came in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and so reflects population trends that could have since changed drastically.  For instance, second homeowners have historically accounted for 35 to 40 per cent of homes in Invermere. During the last census that dipped to 24 to 26 per cent.

Continued on page 8 Last week’s Invermere open house on incorporating the latest housing needs report into the Official Community Plan (OCP) drew about 30 residents.

Burnouts risky business

The first finger to be pointed if there was a burnout injury at the Radium car show would be aimed at the host and the RCMP.

Where were they? Why did they allow this to happen? These would surely be the queries following such a preventable accident that could easily take the life of a child or an adult, or injure them at the very least.

This is what happened in Abermain, Australia earlier this year. A young man was performing a burnout when he lost control and struck two parked cars, resulting in injuries to six people, including two children. The driver was seriously assaulted in retaliation. This summer a 53-year-old man was killed in New South Wales when a driver lost control during a burnout. Two women were also injured.

Some people question the Columbia Valley RCMP’s enforcement of burnouts in Radium every year. Well, the above examples are proof they had no choice considering the stunting that occurred last year. Fortunately, only one vehicle was impounded for doing a burnout relating to this year's event. A second vehicle was also impounded but the burnout was not related to the car show. So, in all, there was good compliance this year due to the enforcement and the previous zero tolerance messages that were sent out.

It should be noted that the car club does not sanction or condone burnouts at any time, but it does encourage people to step on the gas and volunteer for the show. Better yet, join the club and offer your ideas on how to make the event better.

There have been suggestions that the car club set up a separate area for burnouts where these stunts can be closely monitored to ensure public safety, but the club has stated that the insurance and liability would be too much to bear.

While it may seem that the RCMP are spoiling all the fun, they must be commended for doing their job and being pro-active to ensure everyone goes home safe after two days of ‘classic’ fun. All it would take is one tragic incident to potentially end the show and cause a lifetime of grief.

Lyonel Doherty, editor

OPINION

Historical Lens

Ticket prices too high

As a faithful fan of the Columbia Valley Rockies for many years, I am writing to express my feelings about this year’s ticket price increase.

The Rockies are now charging the highest prices for tickets in the KIJHL. Since last season, the prices have increased from $12 for adults and $10 for seniors to $16 for adults and $14 for seniors.

Last year, Rockies president Brett Holt was quoted as saying that even with last year’s price increase, “we are still the lowest in the KIJHL.” Well, now he will be able to boast that we are the highest in the KIJHL.

Our crowds are some of the lowest in attendance. Last week’s Pioneer reported that fans

“packed the arena” for the home opener. Three hundred and twenty people is hardly a packed arena. Two hundred and thirty eight at the next game was even worse. Maybe this has something to do with our ticket prices.

As a senior, I am not sure I will be able to be as faithful as in previous years due to this increase. Unfortunately, I am not the only one to have these concerns.

The other disappointing thing is that our local hometown girl (Stephanie Stevens) will no longer be reporting the Rockies news. She did an awesome job and will be missed.

Marion Anderson, Invermere

Pre-loved clothing market fit perfectly

Submitted

The community environmental group Less to Landfill CV have just held their first pre-loved clothing market that took place on September 26 at Columbia Valley Centre.

The aim of the event was to bring the community together to create a space for residents of the valley to buy and sell their quality pre-loved clothing items.

The main goal was reducing fast fashion and keeping textile waste out of the landfill.

Stall holders priced their own items and kept the profits from their sales. This gave sellers an

opportunity to sell items that might have been sitting in their wardrobes unworn, when it could be back in circulation.

The Friday night event saw shoppers raring to go when doors opened at 5 p.m. Attendees also had the opportunity to connect with their community while enjoying music and food and beverage options available for purchase.

The event wasn’t just about shopping, it was about getting out and about meeting new people face to face.

Feedback from stall holders and buyers was that they would love to see an event like this happen more than once a year.

With this in mind, Kirsty and Amy from Less to Landfill CV have begun planning the next preloved clothing market that will be held in spring 2026.

Stalls for this event sold out within two weeks of the event being announced.

Those who are interested in being a stall holder at the spring event should join the Less to Landfill CV emailing list at https://less2landfillcv. wixsite.com/less-to-landfill-cv to be the first to know when stall registration will open.

For more information follow on social media at: Instagram - @less2landfillcv Facebook - Less to Landfill CV.

• Intermediate First Aid Oct 15&16 | $349

• Settings to Shooting Photography Workshop Oct 17 | $129 +GST

• Board Basics (2 part series) Saturdays Oct 18-Oct 26 | $125 +GST

• Confidentiality Training Oct 23 | $199 +GST

• Spanish Class Mondays & Wednesdays from Oct 27-Nov12 | $129 +GST

• Conflict Resolution Oct 28 | $149 + GST

Open house draws small Invermere crowd

Continued from page 5

Presumably that’s because during the pandemic, as remote work exploded, people chose to relocate from larger urban centres such as Calgary, and live instead in quieter rural towns such as Invermere, said Hromadnik. What were once second homes became first homes.

“There were a lot more folks in town, for sure. But how many have gone back (to the city) now?” he asked. Anecdotal evidence from sources such as BC Assessment suggests some have left Invermere and the second homeownership rate has bounced back up, but the next census will paint a clearer picture, noted Hromadnik.

It’s important to get a good handle on that because “it really does change the dynamic (of Invermere.)

In the past we’ve had 1,500 to 1,700 homes occupied year round. If we have 10 per cent more occupied year round, that changes everything, especially when it comes to housing and rental availability,” said Hromadnik.

Invermere resident Genevieve Sellers attended the open house with her husband and their new daughter Ruby. They came because “we want to stay in the know on the changes that will affect our neighbourhood and our community,” said Sellers. She nodded toward Ruby and said “we want to advocate for her future . . . we want young families to stick around. We want the community to continue to be vibrant.”

Sellers grew up in the valley and moved back several years ago, but

noted her family was able to get a toehold in the Invermere housing market in part because her father passed away. There needs to be better ways to help young homeowners move here, she pointed out, so “it is affirming to see language (in the proposed OCP tweaks) that does reflect the housing changes happening here in the community and across the province. Language around trying to make it more affordable to own a home . . . it’s good to see the gears of bureaucracy are turning on it and that there’s a plan.”

A Wilmer resident at the open house said she was glad to see locals attending the hearing, and was generally happy with the proposed OCP tweaks (“there’s a lot of positive things here”), but said she struggles to wrap her head around the prevalence of out-of-town homeowners and STRs in Invermere.

“We need ways to keep housing affordable for local families. It’s a huge challenge,” she said. “STRs are not helping with that, nor are large homes sitting empty.”

Attendees at the open house stuck their anonymous comments on post-it notes right on the placards outlining the planned OCP changes. Beside the suggestion to create a temporary emergency shelter one resident had written: “build it and they will come from out of town.”

By the idea of having more livework units in Athalmer, another resident had written: “be more honest about (the) Athalmer sewer. This cannot be implemented until the sewer is fixed.”

Tiny tots with 'Bright' minds trot for Terry

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

A troupe of tiny tots trotted their fastest for Terry Fox last week during the Bright New Minds daycare’s annual run to honour the iconic Canadian.

Every year multiple groups and schools throughout the Columbia Valley organize runs to mark Fox’s famous efforts to raise awareness of cancer and to raise funds to combat it. For much of the past decade some of the youngest runners have been those taking part in the Bright New Minds event.

This year the tykes were at it again, with 33 children aged between 14 months and five years running a loop along 10th Avenue and 9th Avenue in the northern end of Upper Invermere along with early childhood educators, parents and volunteers on Monday, Sept. 29.

“It went really well,” said run organizer and Bright New Minds educator Ms. Fifi. “The kids had a blast.”

Ms. Fifi was delighted that Invermere Terry Fox Run coordinator Donna Scheffer was able to join in the Bright New Minds run. “She’s been a huge supporter of Bright New Minds and of Terry Fox through the years, so it was great to have her,” said Ms. Fifi.

Through the past decade Bright New Minds has held its own Terry Fox run seven times (there were a few hiatuses for the COVID-19 pandemic and when organizers were away on maternity leave) and in that time the daycare has raised more than $7,100 for the Terry Fox Foundation. This year the run raised more than $1,100 (and Ms. Fifi noted that donations are still coming in).

Ms. Fifi pointed out those totals are proof positive that tiny feet can make big strides, and that small contributions add up.

Several Bright New Minds educators dedi-

The Randy’s A’s softball organization, led by Gage Martin, Coaches Jason Nicholas and Kevin Gabriel, and all of our incredible players wish to express our sincere gratitude to our sponsors and all donors who made it possible for this talented Indigenous team to participate in the NIAA All-Native Nationals Tournament in

cated their run this year to a fellow staff member who is on leave with colorectal cancer. Ms. Fifi said it made this year’s event more meaningful, adding that “we’re missing her and keeping her in our hearts today.” She added that the educators are not alone in this regard and that “we all know someone who has been affected by cancer.”

Aside from raising money, the run is “a great way to bring the community together for a good cause” as well as an excellent learning opportunity for the kids at the daycare, explained Ms. Fifi.

The children learn about Fox before the run takes place, and in the past Bright New Minds has brought in amputees to talk with the youngsters and show them their prosthetic limbs.

“They (the kids) are usually really interested and it helps them learn to focus on ability instead of disability. It helps them normalize that not everyone looks the same, that everybody’s different,” said Ms. Fifi.

COLUMBIA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

OUT OF OFFICE…

Business Excellence Awards Finalists

It’s Finalist time for the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards! Get your tickets now (cvchamber.ca) for the October 24th Gala – let’s glam it up!

Community Builder This award honours a business, non-profit or organization that actively pursues community involvement and betterment as a core tenant of their business activities in the valley.

Columbia Valley Social Groundswell Network Society

Kvanraay Art

Rhythm by Nature

Screamers Ice Cream Cafe

Environmental Stewardship This award honours a business that demonstrates leadership in sustainable business through practices, products and or processes, and acts as a steward of environmental awareness within our region.

Columbia River Paddle

Green Leaf Tree Services Ltd

Old Blue Truck Farms

Radius Retreat

Steamboat Collective

Tourism Impact This award honours a business that has excelled at making the valley a premier travel destination by providing a tourism experience worth shouting about!

Black Sheep Camp

Mountain Home Productions

Toby Creek Adventures

Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club

Valley Vibes Shuttles

Employer of the Year This award honours a business that demonstrates a commitment to a healthy workplace culture and employee prosperity

through professional development, advancement opportunities and employee recognition.

Aisling Baile

CBEEN

Columbia River Paddle

Columbia Valley Vet Clinic

Screamers Ice Cream Cafe

Youth Entrepreneur This award honours an individual (25 years old or younger) who demonstrates initiative, exceptional entrepreneurial skills, significant community engagement and a passion for creating their own path in business.

Bryce Lam

Findlay Whittick

New Business of the Year This award honours a new business (opening after January 1st, 2024) that has achieved outstanding business performance in a short period of time, demonstrates exceptional promise of continued growth and a commitment to the community.

Align Spin + Movement

Radium Trading Co

Scallywags Galley

The Columbia Valley Social Valley Vibes Shuttles

Non-Profit/Association of the Year This award honours a non-profit organization or association that is providing outstanding contributions to our region through community improvement, inspiring & mobilizing others and effectively promoting their mission.

Columbia Valley Search and Rescue

Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley Invermere Health Care Auxiliary Society Lake Windermere Ambassadors Society Summit Trail Makers Society

Small Business of the Year (1-10 Employees) This award honours a business that demonstrates continual business excellence through positive business growth, displaying a commitment to the community, exemplifying superior customer service and embracing an outstanding commitment to quality.

Black Sheep Camp

Four Points Books

Hearthstone Counselling

Rhythm by Nature

The Local

Large Business of the Year (11+ Employees) This award honours a business that demonstrates continual business excellence through positive business growth, displaying a commitment to the community, exemplifying superior customer service and embracing an outstanding commitment to quality.

Aisling Baile

Columbia Valley Freight

Home Hardware

Kicking Horse Coffee

Little Badgers Early Learning

Outstanding Customer Service This award honours a business that is a leader in providing exceptional customer service.  The winner of this award was decided by public voting!

AlignSpin + Movement

Blooming World Cannabis

Carm Haven Studios

Columbia Valley Veterinary Clinic

Dara’s Dolphins Transportation

Four Points Books

Ridgeview Resort

Screamers Ice Cream Cafe

Treasures in the Wind

Unleashed Pet Services

COLUMBIA

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Thursday, October 9

10:00am-12:00pm: Financial Literacy Workshop Series – Financial & Tax Compliance with Marloes Van Lent from Day2Day Books. Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce. Join us for a practical workshop on Financial & Tax Compliance for Small Business Owners and learn how to stay on top of your books, avoid costly penalties, and keep more money in your pocket. Each session is $25 ($35 for non-members). Register at cvchamber.ca.

• 10:15am-12:15pm: Tech Time with CBAL. Invermere Library. A volunteer with CBAL will be available for one-on-one 1 hour appointments to try and answer your tech related questions! Contact the library to book your time! Time slots available are 10:15, 11:15 or 12:15. Please be sure to bring your charged devices and any questions you may have!

• 10:30am-11:30am: Senior’s Fitness Columbia Valley Centre, $2 dropin.

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

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

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

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

Friday, October 10

• 3:00pm-7:00pm: Thanksgiving Food & Artisans Market. CV Centre. Handmade goods, home décor, photography, bath and beauty, artisan food and beverage, apparel, woodworking, artwork and more. Enjoy food vendors and live music. Free entry!

• 5:00pm-8:00pm: Thanksgiving Dinner at Traders Lounge. Eagle Ranch Resort. Join us at Traders Lounge for a traditional three-course Thanksgiving dinner, crafted by Chef Chris. $52 per adult and $26 per child.

• 10:30am-11:30am: Friday Family Storytime. Invermere Public Library. Join us in the Children’s Area of the library for stories, songs & a craft! Geared towards preschool age, but all welcome.

• 1:00pm-2:00pm: Tennis for Everyone. Rotary Ball Park and Tennis Courts. “Tennis for Everyone" - CV Mixed Doubles Tennis. Everyone is welcome! New Time for October!

• 2:00pm-3:00pm: Friday Fundays! Invermere Public Library. Friday Fundays are back! Join us for various STEAM and Craft projects. Registration is required for Friday Fundays this year! Contact the

Invermere Library to register. Must register by the day before a program, at the latest. Drop-off for ages 7+ (ages 5-6 must be with a guardian). This week: Paper Mache Pumpkins Part II.

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

Saturday, October 11

• 9:00am-3:00pm: Art From the Attic: A Gently Used Art Sale Fundraiser!. David Thompson Secondary School - 1535 14th St. 100's of pieces of all kinds of art!

• 10:00am-4:00pm: Thanksgiving Food & Artisans Market. CV Centre. Handmade goods, home décor, photography, bath and beauty, artisan food and beverage, apparel, woodworking, artwork and more. Enjoy food vendors and live music. Free entry!

• 5:00pm-8:00pm: Thanksgiving Dinner at Traders Lounge. Eagle Ranch Resort. Join us at Traders Lounge for a traditional three-course Thanksgiving dinner, crafted by Chef Chris. $52 per adult and $26 per child.

• 10:30am-11:30am: Saturday Family Story Time. Invermere Public Library. Join us in the Children’s Area of the library for stories, songs & a craft! Geared towards preschool age, but all welcome. Fridays and Saturdays!

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

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

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

Sunday, October 12

• 11:00am-8:00pm: Thanksgiving Dinner at Traders Lounge. Eagle Ranch Resort. Join us at Traders Lounge for a traditional three-course Thanksgiving dinner, crafted by Chef Chris. $52 per adult and $26 per child.

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

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

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

Monday, October 13

• 10:00am-11:00am: Senior's Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, Invermere. $2 drop in, open to all seniors.

• 1:00pm-2:00pm: Tennis for Everyone. Rotary Ball Park and Tennis Courts. “Tennis for Everyone" - CV Mixed Doubles Tennis. Everyone is welcome!

Tuesday, October 14

• 5:30pm-7:30pm: Chamber Connections. Radius Retreat in Radium. Our September Chamber Connections is at Radius Retreat in Radium Hot Springs – there will be campfires and refreshments and good times; BYOL (bring your own light) – it might be dark by the time we pack it in! No registration required, and at least two board members will be in attendance! Let's talk business!

• 10:30am-11:30am: Senior’s Fitness. Columbia Valley Centre, $2 drop-in.

• 10:30am-11:20am: Home School Meet Up. Invermere Public Library. Weekly Meetup. Drop-in, all ages programming with STEAM play, group activities and art projects. Contact the Invermere Library to get on the Homeschool Email list! STEAM Play (Tech, robots & Osmo). This week: Paper Masquerade Mask-Making

• 7:30pm: Families on Tuesday. Zoom meeting with host Ben Postmus. Families connecting, Families Sharing, Families Supporting Families: Support, Listening, Sharing, Connecting. diversefamilyroots@gmail.com

Wednesday, October 15

10:00am-11:00am: Senior's Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, $2 drop-in. 1:00pm-2:00pm: Tennis for Everyone. Rotary Ball Park and Tennis Courts. “Tennis for Everyone" - CV Mixed Doubles Tennis. Everyone is welcome!

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

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

BEYOND THE BLUE LINE

Rockies fall but score big for food bank

By Columbia Valley Rockies

The Columbia Valley Rockies came out firing in front of a lively home crowd October 4, but despite a hard-fought effort, they dropped a nail biter 5–4 to the visiting Revelstoke Grizzlies in Junior A hockey action.

The night also carried special meaning off the ice as fans showed their generosity during the “Stock the Shelves” drive in support of the Columbia Valley Food Bank. In total, five bags and one cardboard box of non-perishable food items were collected, along with more than $200 in donations, proving once again that Rockies fans support both their team and their community.

On the ice, it was an action-packed opening frame. The Rockies set the tone early when Carter Velker lit the lamp with help from Cohen Carlson

and Isaac Sommer. Revelstoke answered back with two quick markers, but the Rockies refused to fold.

At 19:19 of the first period, Cole King fired home a shorthanded goal to even things up 2–2 heading into the intermission.

The Grizzlies regained the lead with a lone second-period tally, putting the Rockies down 3–2 after 40 minutes.

The third period exploded with energy. Just 27 seconds in, Carter Hensch buried a powerplay goal, assisted by Velker and Lukas Masters to tie the contest.

Less than three minutes later, Ethan Cerone struck on another powerplay, set up by Johnny Lozeman, giving the Rockies a 4–3 edge and sending the home fans into a frenzy.

But Revelstoke had the final push. The Griz-

zlies scored back-to-back goals to reclaim the lead at 5–4, and despite several high-quality chances in the dying minutes, the Rockies couldn’t find the equalizer.

Head Coach Tayler Sincennes praised his group’s effort but knows there’s more to be done: “I thought we played a solid game on Saturday and didn't get rewarded with the result we were looking for. We had a couple of breakdowns part way through the first that cost us but outside of that I thought we had our fair share of opportunities to take the game over. Heading onto the road next weekend we will be looking to manage the puck a little bit better at times and capitalize on our grade A scoring opportunities.”

This weekend the Rockies hit the road for a tough three-game swing with stops in 100 Mile House, Williams Lake, and Quesnel.

HARVEST MARKET

SATURDAY OCTOBER 11

Our Harvest Market celebrates the last day of the season here at Winderberry on Saturday October 11th. Mark your calendars. Garlic Braiding station, organic veggies, cafe specials, soups and take home meals for the fall.

Salmon make historic return to river

Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

The ‘Bringing the Salmon Home’ initiative, led by the Syilx Okanagan, Secwépemc, and Ktunaxa Nations, is proud to announce a historic achievement — sockeye salmon released as fry in the upper Columbia River have returned as adults this year (as far upriver as fish passage currently allows).

The Columbia’s headwaters in BC’s Kootenay region, once the spawning grounds of the world’s greatest salmon runs, have been blocked to returning salmon since the downstream construction of Grand Coulee Dam over 86 years ago. Through the Columbia River Salmon Reintroduction Initiative, two tagged sockeye salmon that were released in the upper Columbia as juvenile fry in 2023 were detected returning into the Columbia River as adults this summer. The fish completed a remarkable journey down through a dozen major dams to the ocean and back toward their ancestral waters.

One adult sockeye was tracked making its way upstream past Wells Dam in Washington State as of June 30. The second adult sockeye was detected passing through the nearby Rocky Reach Fishway on July 7. There were no further detections beyond these points.

“This is a powerful affirmation of what our Elders and Knowledge Keepers have always told us,” said kal?ùpaq'n Chief Keith Crow, Lower Similkameen Indian Band, Syilx Okanagan Nation. “Our Peoples have never stopped working

together across colonial borders to call the salmon back. The salmon belong here, and with ceremony, Indigenous knowledge combined with western science and determination, we are bringing them home.”

Mark Thomas, Shuswap Indian Band Councillor (Secwépemc Nation) and chair of the Bringing the Salmon Home executive working group said: “This proves that, given the chance, the salmon know where they need to go. This moment is cause for celebration, reflection, and renewed commitment. We do this work for our grandchildren, for the river, and for all of our relations.”

Jason Andrew, ?aq'am councillor, Ktunaxa Nation, added: “Our ancestors taught us that salmon are part of who we are. Their return signals hope, healing, and responsibility. We will continue advocating for the necessary resources until ultimate fish passage is secured and salmon once again thrive in the upper Columbia.”

Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, said the return of adult sockeye salmon to the Columbia River is a meaningful reflection of what can be achieved through collaborative effort. She noted this work honours Indigenous leadership and knowledge, and supports ecological restoration efforts to benefit salmon.

BC’s Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Randene Neill said the initiative confirms the success of collaborative reintroduction studies and the resilience of salmon lifecycles once thought lost from these waters. “This is a vital step in restoring salmon populations

integral to the entire Pacific salmon ecosystem and communities.”

The Columbia River is over 2,000 kilometres long. With almost 40 per cent of the river’s length originating in BC, the upper Columbia is key to the success of transboundary salmon reintroduction. Through the modernized Columbia River Treaty

Duration Schedule

Agreement-In-Principle, Canada and the US have agreed to new measures for salmon restoration and ecosystem health, supporting the Bringing the Salmon Home initiative.

For more information, see the ColumbiaRiverSalmon.ca website.

September 15 - October 31 2025 th st

Weekdays 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Our team will be conducting routine maintenance of our water system by flushing distribution lines in sections.

You may experience a temporary disruption when the team are flushing in your area, during scheduled times.

Decrease of water pressure, as we open & close valves

Discoloured or cloudy appearance from the agitated sediment.

Regular treatment & testing will continue as normal. Water quality is not affected.

FPW focuses on lithium-ion battery safety

Submitted by RDEK

This year’s National Fire Prevention Week campaign, which runs from October 5 to 11, is “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”

It highlights safe purchasing, charging, and recycling of lithiumion batteries.

Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day, like smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys are powered by lithium-ion batteries.

"Almost everything that’s rechargeable uses this type of battery,” says Elk Valley & South Country Rural Fire and Rescue Service Chief Michael Hockley. “If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode," he points out.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps people understand the importance of using these batteries correctly to prevent fires in the home and to follow the buy, charge, and recycle safely approach.

These three steps start with buying only listed products. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized

testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards.

"Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire,” says Columbia Valley Rural Fire and Rescue Service Chief Drew Sinclair.

Next is to charge devices safely, using cords that came with the product, following the instructions from the manufacturer, and keeping cords in good condition.

The third step is recycling batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire.

Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit www.call2recycle.ca to find a recycling spot near you.

For further fire prevention tips or to learn how you can become a part of the RDEK’s rural fire and rescue service, contact your local fire department.

The annual firefighter recruitment drive is on now. Learn more at www.rdek.bc.ca.

(L-R): Deputy Chief Fire Sherri Cline, Emmy Farrell, Bill Lake, Jadyn Farrell, Deputy Chief Medical Leisha Lake, Fire Chief Zacc Farrell, Ella Byklum, Janis Larson, Marvin Hoppe, Carol Boechler

Not in photo: Glen Afonso, Pauline Chevanne

Drew

Not in photo: Emily Compton, Jesse Sutherland, Jon Tames, Thomas Dobbin

We’re The Valley Shiners — the Columbia Valley’s newest premium window & exterior cleaning crew. This Fire Prevention Week, we’re proud to thank the crews who keep our valley safe year-round. To show our support, we’re pledging 25% of proceeds from spring 2026 jobs booked through this ad to local fire rescue crews.

Book now at valleyshiners.com/fire-aware Use code AWARE to lock in your spot.

columbiaextreme.ca

Back row (L-R): Philip Boyer, Archie Santini, Keith Andestad, Luke Anderson, Lee Tan, Brian S Stringer, Cody Gambacourt, Darcy Elder

Front row (L-R): Kari Wood, Trinity Sears, Brent Woodard, Michelle Porteous, Flo Gomez Quinteros, Aaron Bose

Not in photo: Carol Boechler, Wayne McKeown, Dan Wilson, Corwin Boechler, Tamara Detta, Earl Olsen, Ryan Battaglini, Sherri Cline, Steven Gill

FAIRMONT

Back row (L-R): Erik McLaughlin, Colin Matheson, Doug Hagen, Joel Neizen, Ed Jones, Tyson Hagen, Robert Porteous, Michael Hecken, Dustin Murray, Jason Roe, Ben Hoult

Front row (L-R): Lloyd Fyke, Jordan Smith, Will Ewald, Isabella Roberts, Peter Fordham, Sam Kazakoff, Olex Tovpinets, Katie Hoult

Not in photo: Tom McNeil, Nick Melnyk, Jake Jacobsen, Ryan Denis, Aly Ashauer, Geoff Hill, Andrew Davies, Brendan Garies, Cass Dearlove, Matt Shelson, Jess Fry

Back row (L-R): Jason Smith, Claire Henshaw, Doug BergmameSmith (recruit), Thomas Dolezal, Cam Beaudry, Logan Johnson, Alex Mangotich

Front row (L-R): Jan Melnzin (recruit), Marcin Majczak, Micah Crawshaw, Franki Vesely (recruit), Lads Markalous, George Bolton, Ben Stewart (recruit), Wilson Gran (recruit)

Not in photo: Neil Carey, Stephen M, Brett Leman, Bettina Dyck, Bowen Oliver, Connon McFarlane, Scott Chaffey , Jon Tames, Thomas Dobbin, Drew Sinclair

- Larry Brown

Back row (L-R): Bram Rossman, Mieka Artz, Topher Burke, Nate Bryson, Luke Anderson, Mike Bladon, Josh Devins, Bowen Oliver

Front row (L-R): Thomas Dobbin, Alex Sinclair, West Tan, Eisley Tan, Scott MacDonald, Dave McCarthy, Doug Sinclair

Not in photo:Jon Tames, Ken Becker, Cass Dearlove, Dan Cox, Allegra Newill, Mitch Sherar, Wendy Rockafellow, Michael Bainbridge, Lee Tan, Jay Wilisky

Reflecting on 'truth and reconciliation'

By ?akisq? nuk Nasu?kin and council

akisq? nuk First Nation would like to acknowledge and reflect on National Truth and Reconciliation Day (September 30).

We would like to firstly commend our community for their strength and resilience, as well as acknowledge and congratulate their continued efforts towards healing.

The impacts of colonialism and the residential school system continue to affect our survivors,

families, and communities. Our warriors and allies who continue to fight for change, equality, and fairness also have our gratitude and support.

Our voices continue to grow stronger and our values and language are being heard in political forums here in ?amak?is Ktunaxa and across the globe.

We are proud of and hopeful for the continued progress our people have made to overturn the systemic barriers and obstacles that have prevented us from advocating for ourselves, our land, and our traditional ways.

We call on the Government of Canada and the governments of British Columbia and Alberta, on which our traditional and unceded territory lies, to continue to implement the 94 Calls to Action promised by Truth and Reconciliation Day and redouble their efforts to rectify the actions and injustices committed by the leaders of the past.

Truth and Reconciliation Day is a day for reflection on the atrocities committed on Indigenous Peoples, an opportunity to identify injustices and areas for continued improvement, and a celebration of the progress that has been won.

Ski swap whets appetite for season

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The first snowfall isn’t far away. If you haven’t gotten all the skis, snowboards, jackets, toques and mitts you need for winter yet (and want to do so at very reasonable prices) the Windermere Valley Ski Club’s annual Winter Gear Swap is just around the corner.

The swap has been going on for decades and has become a staple event on the community calendar. It lets local residents buy and sell used winter clothing and sports equipment while raising funds for the nonprofit Windermere Valley Ski Club (WVSC). This year it is set for Saturday, Oct. 18 at Columbia Valley Centre, and if past years are any indication, hundreds of eager shoppers will swarm in the second the doors open, keen to be the first to snap up the best deals.

Last year the swap had more than 1,200 items for sale, and drew an estimated crowd of about 500 or so, explained organizer Nada Courtliff. She added that the exact number of shoppers has always involved some guess work but this year will be tracked for the first time.

The swap is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for WVSC, and the money it generates helps support racing programs for kids and teens, and helps pay for coaches and equipment for the young alpine ski racers.

“It’s a way to kick off winter, get excited for the ski season, and bring people together,” Courtliff told the Pioneer. “It’s (WVSC) a local grassroots club that’s been around for decades, so it’s a great cause. But skiing is more than just a sport. It’s a way to get outdoors and be active during the winter, and it’s something you can do with the whole family;

there’s certainly a social side to skiing, and that’s part of the spirit of the club: to help kids make friends and become part of the larger ski community, and to encourage a love of the outdoors.”

WVSC kids will be running their own bake sale at the swap, with proceeds going to team events. The club will have a table at the swap to answer questions from the public, as will the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club and Panorama Mountain Resort. Syndicate Boardshop and Columbia Valley Cycle and Ski will also be on hand to answer any questions about equipment.

Gear intake from those wanting to sell their used equipment is on Friday, Oct. 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, Oct. 18 (before the swap) from 8:30 to 11 a.m. If you’re selling in the swap, you can speed up the intake process by filling out an online form beforehand.

This year the club will charge a small admission fee  — $2 per individual and $5 for families – to those entering the swap as shoppers, instead of charging $1 per item for those entered to sell in the swap as the club has done in the past.

The doors will open to shoppers at noon.

To find out more, to sign up as a volunteer, or to fill out an intake form in advance, visit www.windermerevalleyskiclub.com/ski-swap.

It's a great way to buy and sell used winter clothing and sports equipment.

PHOTOS

Childcare centre nearly done

Callaghan said once the landscaping is completed, the Windermere Valley Child Care Society can move ahead with licensing and then apply for government subsidies. Staff hope the facility (located adjacent to Eileen Madson Primary School) will open in January 2026. The new childcare centre adjacent to Eileen Madson Primary School

The new Rocky Mountain Childcare centre in Invermere is nearing construction completion. District superintendent of schools Aaron Callaghan reports that all of the classroom, office, and staff room furniture has been delivered and

ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS

BUYING OR SELLING?

Serving Invermere & Area

cell 250-341-1202 gerry@gerrytaft.ca

Alcoholics Anonymous. If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. All meetings are at 7 pm. Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the BC Service Building, South End624 4th St. Invermere. Please call 250-342-2424 for more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship.

ATTENTION

ASPIRING MUSICIANS from Parson to Canal Flats

Applications are open for the Carol Wilkie Memorial Steamboat Mountain Music Bursary Musicians of all levels and any age may apply. Funds may be used for: workshops, music camps, lessons, master classes, college, or university music programs.

Deadline: November 15

Download application: www.steamboatmtnmusicfest.ca

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

Cheers to the Windermere Fire Department for the incredible response time and putting out the RV fire in Windermere September 19. It is amazing the damage that was prevented, and the residents around are all very thankful to you!

Cheers to Cafe Allium for catering at the CV Metis community engagement session. The food was amazing!!

Cheers to Shelli at Selkirk Cellulars for the great customer service.

Cheers to Gerald Hofferd for being an all-around great guy.

Cheers to Crystal’s Creations for making the best turtles. Even better than the real thing!

Cheers to the organizers of the CV Metis community engagement session. A lot of work went into it. We appreciate your efforts.

Cheers to K-5 Mechanic for squeezing my Buick in for repairs, in spite of their busy schedule. Great job! Much appreciated!

Cheers to Kelsey at Red Apple for the great friendly service.

Cheers to Heather at Flourishing Health. I look forward to my monthly appointments. You are a wealth of knowledge and have healing hands.

Cheers to Chad Peterson of Running Wrench Automotive. It is so convenient to have you come to the house to do an oil change. Great and thorough service too.

Cheers to Steve and Audrey Mantyka for the unlimited generosity and help you are providing to a senior who is going through a rough patch. There are some people who are kind, some who are caring and some who just want to help. You fit all three categories.

Cheers to Ian and Nick of East Kootenay Electric for going out of their way to help a senior get her furnace up and running before the snow arrives. You did a great job.

Cheers to Murray at Zen Technology for returning my call and taking time out of his busy schedule to come to my home and unlocking my email so that I could send and receive messages that had been frozen for two days. You are a gentleman and do excellent work.

Cheers to our dear friends who housed us during our trip to beautiful British Columbia. My husband and I were able to enjoy all the beauty that surrounded us. From an elderly Ontario couple.

TINY HOME

Tiny house on wheels $14,000 obo. Beautiful little cabin on wheels. 20’ long 8’ wide, 12’ height. Solid and cozy. Built for mountain winters. Has an electrical panel. Easily plugs in. No running water. Email us at stephaniekoconnor@gmail.com for photos and additional info.

LEGAL NOTICE

Sentinel Storage Located at: 1508 Hwy 93/95 Windermere BC

Hereby gives notice under the Warehousemans’s Liens Act of auction of a: 2011 Fourwinns Horizon Boat and Trailer # J43 D Coulter Auction to be held on www.ibid4storage.com on Thursday October 17, 2025

Terms are debit or credit only. Cash deposit required. See website for terms and conditions.

SERVICES

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

Firewood For Sale Dry 16” fir. Delivered. $400 per cord 250-688-0373

HELP WANTED

Dusk Building Systems is hiring motivated labourers for onsite construction projects. Responsibilities include framing, construction and material handling, site cleanup, and general labour support. Previous construction experience is an asset. Competitive pay offered. Send your resume to info@ duskbuildingsystems.com

LOST & FOUND

Found at James Chabot Park ZENCHANF1 remote controller Call Chriss 250-341-3688

Join us for a CELEBRATION OF

In loving memory of VERNON SATTMANN

October 25th from 2-5 Wilmer Community Hall

Celebration of Life for Dolly Kashuba will be held October 26, 2025 at Radium Community Hall at 12 pm CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Husqvarna 21” AWD selfpropelled lawn mower $350 obo Phone 780-399-0142

Ashworth, James (Jim)

On September 23rd, in his 107th year, James (Jim) Ashworth passed away peacefully with family at his side. A cherished husband, father, father-in-law, uncle and friend to so many. Born in Cranbrook in 1919, Jim moved to Invermere when he was three. He left to join the war effort in 1941, training as a pilot in Canada before shipping off to Scotland. He was assigned to the Royal Air Force 20 Squadron in India, where he flew Hurricanes against enemy forces. After the war, Jim continued to serve in the RCAF, working at NORAD and as the Commanding Officer at the Tofino Radar Station. In 1965, while stationed in St Hubert, Quebec, Jim met and married his wife Gaetane. He retired shortly afterwards, and brought her home to the Columbia Valley in 1966. Their daughter Valerie was born the following year.

Jim was happiest in the outdoors and worked for many years with Hofert’s Christmas Tree farm - the perfect job. He loved to fish, and built his own smokehouse out of a used freezer and eavestrough pipe. He supported ‘re-use and recycle’ even then. “Deeds, not words” - the motto of the RAF 20 Squadron that Jim took to heart each day. During the pandemic, at the age of 101, he walked 101 blocks to raise money for the local food bank and to also raise the spirits of the local residents.

Jim’s family would like to thank Dr. Mannheimer, the nurses and the staff at the Invermere hospital for the respect, dignity and care that was provided to him. We also want to recognize Karl and the Home and Community Care team for their support prior to and during Jim’s time at the Columbia Garden Village, where he was so happy for the last few months of his life. Sincere thanks to all the care workers and staff for making him feel welcome, safe and well cared for at CGV.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at the Invermere Legion Saturday, October 18th at 2pm, for all who knew and loved him. If you wish to honour his memory, please consider making a donation to the Columbia Valley Food Bank - Jim Ashworth Fund. https:// valleyfoundation.ca/columbia-valley-food-bank-jim-ashworth-fund/

“Through adversity to the stars”

REHAUME, Larry

On September 1, 2025 Larry Fred Rehaume, age 80, left us to go golfing on the greens of heaven from his room in Cold Lake.

Larry was a business owner and known by many in Ardrossan for years as the owner of “The Garden Store” from 1983 to 1995. He was also a member of the Sherwood Park bowling league and bowled twice a week. He then moved to Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. to golf and worked at the Petro Canada station and later was owner of the Invermere Bottle depot from 2001 to 2022. He was a member of the Fairmont Riverside men’s golf club for 25 years, 13 years as the treasurer of the club. He spent the winter months playing darts and pool. His final years were spent with his daughter and grandkids in Glendon, Alberta gardening, watching birds, doing puzzles and watching golf until Alzheimer’s had him move to Cold Lake for care.

Memories of our golfer will live on by his wife of 54 years, Shirley Rehaume & their 3 children, Nicole Dargis, Brett (Crystal Cabelguen) Rehaume & Darcy (Angeline Armstrong) Rehaume; 8 grandchildren, Sophia Dargis, Oliver Dargis, Joshua Dargis, Kayley Rehaume, Aurora Rehaume, Donavan Belcourt, Khaleesi Rehaume & Legacy Rehaume; sister, Joyce (Robert) Buchanan; brothers, Terry (Teeny) Rehaume & Alan Rehaume; brother-in-law, Dean Throness; sister-in-law, Monica Luciuk; numerous nieces & nephews; & special daughter, Shawna (Mike) Rehaume. Larry was predeceased by his parents, Henry & Blanche Rehaume; sister Lucille Throness; sister-in-law, Sharon Rehaume; & brother-in-law, Clinton Luciuk.

Cremation has taken place, and a private celebration will be held by the family at a later date. Please contact larryrehaume@gmail.com or Nicole 780-645-0168 for details.

Special thanks to the nurses at the hospital in St. Paul and the staff of Points West Living in Cold Lake.

If desired, donation can be made to the athletic program at Ecole Mallaig School, Box 90, Mallaig, AB T0A 2K0 to benefit the golf program. To send condolences online, please visit www.gracegardensfuneralchapel.com

GARDENS FUNERAL CHAPEL 5626 -

FAITH

The trouble with empathy

By Brent Woodard Windermere Valley Shared Ministry

The word “empathy” has been in the news lately. In February, Elon Musk said “I believe in empathy. Like, I think you should care about other people, but you need to have empathy for civilization as a whole and not commit to a civilizational suicide . . . the fundamental weakness of western civilization is empathy.” The late Charlie Kirk said in 2022 “I can't stand the word empathy, actually. I think empathy is a made-up, new age term that … does a lot of damage. But it is very effective when it comes to politics. Sympathy, I prefer more than empathy.” Other public figures and influencers have echoed these critiques on empathy.

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

can be fine and is needed at times, but empathy, he says, can also be problematic. People are more likely to have feelings with others who are more like them, or who are attractive to them. They are more likely to have empathic feelings for one person in distress and not for a group of people in need. In that sense, he says, empathy isn’t the best emotional state from which to make careful and thoughtful decisions. He argues for what he calls “rational compassion.”

I’ve done a dive into empathy and, to my surprise, have learned that it is a complicated topic. It seems the word “empathy” was first used in 1909. It eludes an exact definition, but it refers to something like ‘feeling the feelings of another, entering into another’s experience, walking in someone else’s shoes.’ Sympathy is defined as feeling for another, while empathy is feeling with another.

The word empathy does not appear in the Bible. A line from scripture that seems to reflect empathy is 1 Corinthians 12:26. “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it.”

Psychologist Paul Bloom has written a book called “Against Empathy: The Case for Rational Compassion.” In it, Bloom argues that empathy

I sense that some people today argue against empathy because they see it as a soft response to human pain and suffering when a hard response is needed. Musk says if civilization is to survive, we can’t have empathy for everyone. Others who care about right-behaviour, or honour, or retributive justice may believe there are things more virtuous than empathy or compassion. Perhaps those who benefit from the survival of the fittest are not incentivized to be empathetic. It is hard for a predator to have empathy for its prey.

There are those who say empathy is a strength; empathy creates connections; empathy is about understanding the feelings of others; empathy builds bridges and the ties that bind a society together. Leaders with empathy are more likely to inspire trust and long-term commitment.

It is noteworthy that empathetic people often bear the emotional burden of those around them, sometimes at the expense of their own inner freedom, as their feelings become tied to the emotional states of others.

In studying empathy I’ve learned that empathy is a virtue but has its limitations. I’m attracted to the way of rational compassion.

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