Issuu

FREE

Serving the Upper Columbia Valley including Akisq’nuk and Shuswap First Nations, Spillimacheen, Brisco, Edgewater, Radium, Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats

PIONEER THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

Paul Glassford

PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

250-341-1395

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

VOLUME 23 / ISSUE 39

2517 Cobblestone Trail

$1,299,900

F AIR R EALTY

Geoff

HILL

Show & Shine

Personal Real Estate Corporation

The Columbia Valley Classics Show & Shine in Radium took a lot of people's breath away last weekend. More inside. PHOTO CHRIS MOSELEY

250-341-7600 SKIER SPEAKS OUT AGAINST RACY ADS

3 LOCAL BOYS HOPE TO FORM TEAM

5 SALMON FESTIVAL

19 LUXURY RECREATIONAL AND LEGACY PROPERTIES

ROGGEMAN.CA

SEAN ROGGEMAN Personal Real Estate Corporation Connect Directly

250-341-5445 SEAN@ROCKIESWEST.COM

Rockies West Realty Independently owned and operated

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

Bruno’s Plumbing Service Mike Sylvestre 250.342.5105 brunosplumbing@shaw.ca

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

VALLEY VIEWS

Serving The Columbia Valley

Auto Glass Replacement & Chip Repair Shower Doors | Windows | Mirrors & Railings 250-342-3659 info@invermereglass.com

Notice of Tax Sale 2026 In accordance with Section 645 of the Local Government Act, the following properties, together with improvements situated thereon, will be offered for sale by public auction at the Annual Tax Sale on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 10:00am in Council Chambers at the Village of Radium Hot Springs office, unless delinquent taxes with accrued interest are paid prior to the start of the Tax Sale. Folio No. Property Address 567-02200.082 314 - 4765 Forsters Landing Rd.

Legal Address Upset Price LOT 82, $6,380.30 PL NES2402, DL 3947 KOOTENAY DISTRICT

Village of Radium Hot Springs

P.O. Box 340, 4836 Radium Blvd, Radium Hot Springs, B.C., ph: 250-347-6455 fax: 250-347-9068

Best friends - At top, fishing buddies on Alces (Moose) Lake. At right, Spook sitting by the Columbia River at sunset. TOP PHOTO SYD DANIS RIGHT PHOTO SUE COY

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER

TICKETS

radium E R B F O EST T K O BEER · MUSIC · FOOD

OCTOBER 3 | 2PM - 10PM LEGENDS FIELD, RADIUM

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

VALLEY NEWS Local skier weighs in on controversy By Steve Hubrecht

steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Hollywood actress Sydney Sweeney was at the centre of a media firestorm last week after appearing mostly nude in an advertising campaign for Novig, a sports betting platform of which she is part owner. In the ads, Sweeney is either scantily clad or not clad at all, but always has sports equipment such as basketballs, footballs or a tennis racquet strategically placed so as not to be completely revealing. This prompted a backlash from top female athletes across the globe, many of whom said the ad sexualizes women in sports and comes as a slap in the face to girls and women who frequently need to battle to be taken seriously in the traditionally male-dominated sports industry. Sweeney appeared to defend herself on social media by posting images of magazine covers showing other female athletes posing in little clothing, such as the ESPN ‘Body Issue’.

“I wanted to make a point to young girls, and to young guys: that is not what a female in sports needs to look like.” - Cassidy Gray Among those chiming in was Panorama alpine World Cup skier and two-time Canadian Olympian Cassidy Gray, who took to Tik Tok and called the ad “senseless.” “If you don’t understand why a woman in sports is (upset) about this ad, that tells me you never had to get ready in a closet while all the boys got ready in a changeroom. That tells me you never felt out of place or (that) you didn’t belong in a sports environment,” said Gray. “That tells me you didn’t have to fight tooth and nail for every step of your career, just to prove you deserve it just as much as men.” Perhaps Sweeney felt the ad was funny, suggested Gray. But “it’s not a joke when you’re a female athlete and being sexualized or not taken seriously or not given the same opportunities (as

males) and then you see one of the most famous actresses in the world going and completely wiping away all the work that you have done to be taken seriously,” she added. Gray’s comments caught plenty of attention, and ended up being broadcast nationally by CBC. A few days later, the Pioneer caught up with Gray, who was in South America training for the upcoming World Cup ski season. Gray told the Pioneer she felt compelled to say something about the Sweeney ads because “I really don’t want younger female athletes, say 13 to 18 years old, to see that (the ads) and not see any response.” Aspiring athletes often look up to role models, consciously or unconsciously, and they can easily be swayed by what they see online or in the media, which makes it all the more important they have good role models, outlined Gray. “I wanted to make a point, to young girls — and to young guys: that is not what a female in sports needs to look like,” she told the Pioneer. “Sports is a celebration of what you can do. Not what you look like. There is no specific body type that is ‘right’ for a given sport, or for anything for that matter. Take pride in who you are, not what you look like.” Gray said she wasn’t expecting her Tik Tok video to “blow up” (attract attention) quite as much as it did, and explained she’s gotten plenty of negative comments online as a result, many of them personal and hateful, but said she’s also received plenty of positive feedback. She explained the ‘getting ready in a closet’ comment refers to an actual incident when she was a teenager and played hockey on a boys’ team, since at the time there was no girls’ team for her (at least not at the level she wanted to and was capable of playing at). Her own hockey teammates and coaches were very supportive of her, but it was sometimes a different story when her team played away games. Gray said she’s heartened that much progress has been made in the past decade when it comes to women in sport and was optimistic those strides forward will continue.

Local alpine skier Cassidy Gray speaks out against racy sports ads that sexualize women. PHOTO GARY YEE

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

SECURITY Est. 2005

• Uniformed Guards • Mobile Patrol • Alarm Response • Property Checks

www.valleyhawk.com Licensed & Insured

250-688-HAWK

Invermere & Surrounding Areas

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: 250-946-7326

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.

UPCOMING COURSES INVERMERE CAMPUS • Chainsaw Operator October 3 – 4 & October 17 – 18 | $469 • Lead to Inspire and Empower October 13 | $79 + GST • Fly Fishing Series October 17 – 18 | $175 + GST • Airbrakes October 17 – 18 | $349 • Running Effective Meetings Tuesdays October 20 – 27 | $99 + GST • Transportation Endorsement October 23 | $199

cotr.ca/ConEd | 250-342-3210

Big show - Last weekend's Columbia Valley Classics Show & Shine in Radium was a sight to behold, as this drone photo proves. PHOTO DALLAS DOYLE

October events in Radium Columbia Valley Pioneer staff Radium Hot Springs is gearing up for a pair of new(ish) events this October. The village will get a Bavarian makeover when it hosts its first-ever Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 3 at Radium Hot Springs Centre. The event will feature live music, cold beer, good food, games and activities, and other fall fun. “We’re so excited,” said Tourism Radium director of industry and destination development Colin Carson. “We’re looking forward to bringing our community and visitors together to celebrate and enjoy the best of fall in the Columbia Valley.” Attendees are encouraged to dress the part, so don your dirndls and lederhosen, and there will be a prize for best costume. There will also be a beer stein-holding competition, and a yodelling contest, as well as live music from Mocking Shadows, European Touch Band, and L8. Proceeds from the event will help support the Radium Hot

DON’T LOSE YOUR LOCAL NEWS Find a digital replica of the print edition of the Pioneer online, available early morning every Thursday at columbiavalleypioneer.com

Springs Rotary Club. Later in the month, Radium Hot Springs Centre will host the second annual Columbia Valley Wedding Expo on Saturday, Oct. 24. The expo aims to bring local wedding experts together to help couples plan their special day. “We’re so excited to gather an amazing group of local vendors for the second annual Columbia Valley Wedding Expo and welcome couples who are planning their special day in the mountains,” said Columbia Valley Tourism marketing and community engagement manager Weronika Bobka. Vendors at the expo will include photographers, caterers, décor rental companies, and more. “I truly believe the Columbia Valley is such a hidden gem for weddings. From the incredible mountain views and lakes to the beautiful venues we have throughout the valley, there are so many amazing backdrops for couples to celebrate their day,” said expo vendor Tyla-Anne White from Goldie Events.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

Local boys hope to form biking team By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

A pair of Invermere teens made a mark in the British Columbia-wide Dunbar Summer Series downhill mountain biking circuit this summer. They hope to push even further in the future by forming a team. David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS) students Taylor Deneau, 14, and Jude Cochrane, 13, took part in the series for the first time this year and posted some decent results. Taylor finished 14th in his first-ever Dunbar race in early July, then followed that up with a fourth-place finish in the Dunbar race in Rossland over the Labour Day long weekend. Jude also rode to 14th in his first-ever Dunbar race at Sun Peaks near Kamloops in July (a race that also doubled as the Canadian national championships), and was set to also ride in the Rossland race along with Taylor, but suffered a concussion during a training ride and so missed the event. Both Taylor and Jude competed in the U15 (under 15 years old) category, the youngest age group at the Dunbar series. Their performance is impressive given that both are rookies to formal competitive racing, and even more so when you learn that a number of the teens they lined up against came from established youth teams in places such as Whistler. Those teens rode $10,000 high-end bikes and had veritable pit crews attending to them and their bikes under special team tents on race day. Jude and Taylor, on the other hand, participated as independents, rode their own downhill bikes, and their ‘support crew’ was their parents. “It was pretty exciting,” Taylor told the Pioneer. The courses on the

Dunbar series were “a lot steeper than at Panorama (Mountain Resort), but it was a lot of fun.” How steep? Enough that “I was not thinking about how I would place, but more about just making it down,” said Jude. Taylor began mountain biking when we was a kid and was quickly hooked. “I just loved it,” he said. As Taylor got older he tried a few, smaller-scale local races and enjoyed those. “Once you start, you get addicted,” he said. So when Taylor heard about the Dunbar series, he was keen to try. Taylor told Jude, and Jude was eager to give it a shot too. The two got summer season passes for Panorama and spent as much time practising there as possible, perfecting their skills. The Dunbar series consists of eight races around British Columbia, including several in the Kootenay region. Taylor and Jude hope to bump up their participation and ride in more than just two Dunbar races next summer, but they want to do so in a more organized fashion. “We’re trying to make a team in Invermere and get a coach,” said Taylor. The difference that can make was apparent to the teens even on the course walk-throughs ahead of the races. “Their coaches would be there, (on the walk-through) talking over the different lines they could take on certain sections, and what the advantages were,” added Jude. Anyone interested in helping out or volunteering as a coach (or with tips on other folks who may be interested) can contact Taylor’s mom Allegra Newill at windermerefire@gmail.com

Avid downhill mountain biker Taylor Deneau from Invermere wants to form a team to further the sport locally. PHOTO SUBMITTED

Offering Extended Hours

Please visit our website or call 250-342-0415

We are now open

SATURDAYS Gina Mannheimer Krinna Limbachiya Evan Waterhouse

Invermere Physiotherapy www.inphysio.ca HEALTHY COFFEE • FUNCTIONAL DRINKS • GRAB-AND-GO FOOD

GRAND OPENING SEPTEMBER 24 10 AM - 5 PM

Copper Point Resort

RIBBON & CAKE CUTTING

LIVE MUSIC

FREE TASTERS & SNACKS

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

OPINION

Get to know Historical Lens candidates It’s encouraging to see some new challengers in the valley’s upcoming municipal elections; hats off to those seeking to make a positive difference on council, the regional district, and the school board. There will be no race for the mayor’s chair in Invermere since Al Miller will be acclaimed. Apparently nobody wants the job and is content with Miller’s leadership. (He would be hard to beat, anyway.) Same goes for Electoral Area G director Roberta Schnider who will also be acclaimed. But in Area F newcomer Quentin Randall will go up against director Susan Clovechok at the polls. Let’s see who has the best answer for housing development, short-term rentals, and potential boating restrictions on Lake Windermere. In Radium, mayor Mike Gray has a challenger in Cris Leonard, who wants to hold the reins for a while. Again, short-term rentals, housing affordability, infrastructure upgrades, and wildfire resiliency will be important topics on the table. Over in Canal Flats, mayor Mark Doherty will face competition from Maddi Taylor, who believes the village needs a new perspective from a different leader. The biggest issue in that community is water quality and its treatment, which is going to cost a lot of money. Can Doherty continue to lead the way, or will Taylor pull the rug? Meanwhile, each municipality has a slate of candidates chomping at the bit to fill a number of councillor seats up for grabs. Voters will have to do some careful sifting to see which candidates will best serve the interests of the community. Don’t know who to vote for? Jot down some questions and attend the all-candidates meetings for the answers. If there is an issue you feel passionate about, ask the candidates where they stand on it. Also, you can follow the Pioneer for its election coverage to help you decide. Remember, voting in an election is the only time you have the power (that many people often complain they don’t have). So, be sure to vote on October 17. Lyonel Doherty, editor

Logs piled outside Wapiti mill on Houlgrave Road on The Benches in 1978-81. PHOTO WINDERMERE AND DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY

No anti-boating agenda I would like to clear up several false statements in the letter written by Mike Dubois on behalf of the Columbia Valley Boating Association (CVBA) found in the September 10 issue of the Pioneer. His concern about certain groups having an anti-boating agenda is simply not true. There has never been any intention of banning boats on Lake Windermere or Columbia Lake. He talks about misleading information being disseminated by environmental groups. However, it seems he is the one misleading the public perception with inaccurate and unsupported statements. Environmental groups are urging caution around the use of wake boats in wake-surf mode, which can generate substantially larger and more powerful waves than conventional recreational

boating. Concerns have been raised about the potential effects of these waves on shorelines, aquatic habitat, water quality, and other lake users, particularly when wake-surfing occurs close to shore or in shallow water. Most other types of recreational boats and boating have been used for years on the lakes with little concerns and without conflict with other lake users. Now, the larger and more powerful boats and the irregular waves caused by wake boats are disturbing to other users who no longer feel safe swimming or paddling. The size and power of the wakes in a small lake, like Lake Windermere, are causing shoreline degradation, swamping bird nests, sediment resuspension and the release of phosphorus and nitrogen into the water. Continued on page 7

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

is independently owned and operated, published weekly by Amanda Nason, President and Publisher, Nason Publishing Limited. Box 868, #4A, 1014 - 8th Ave., Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Phone: 250-341-6299 | Toll Free: 866-496-8047 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com | www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Amanda Nason President/Publisher Ext. 102

Lyonel Doherty Editor editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Steve Hubrecht Magazine Editor/Reporter Ext. 105

Katlyn Williams Office Administrator Ext. 101

Chris Moseley Graphic Design & Production Ext. 107

The Columbia Valley Pioneer is available free of charge at 13 essential businesses in the Upper Columbia Valley, limited to one copy per reader. This publication has been made possible by the support of our advertisers and is published every Thursday. The Columbia Valley Pioneer may be distributed only by its authorized contractors and employees. No person may, without the prior written consent of The Pioneer or its Publisher, take more than one copy of each issue of The Pioneer. The content is protected by copyright. Reproduction by any means is prohibited except with the permission of the Publisher.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

LETTERS/OP-ED

People want peace and quiet on lake Continued from page 6 The downward propulsion of the prop scours the soft sediments of the lake and releases previous buried toxins back into the water column as well as pulling harmful nutrients from the lake bottom, especially phosphorus and nitrogen, that contribute to excessive plant and harmful algae growth, disrupting the natural water chemistry. This is not fear mongering. There are photos of the sediment disturbance that Mr. Dubois refutes happening, and there are many more in the literature. See the Lake Windermere Recreational Impacts Report 2024 for an extensive list of additional scientific based references. Mr. Dubois argues that windgenerated waves and wake-boat waves behave differently in Lake Windermere. This would need to be supported with lake specific data demonstrating it. Because Lake Windermere is narrow in many areas, there may be insufficient lateral distance for large wake waves to fully dissipate before reaching shorelines. This can deliver substantial wave energy to shallow shorelines, potentially exceeding the energy delivered by ordinary recreational boat traffic and, under some conditions, contribute significantly to shoreline disturbance. Lake Windermere's elongated north-south orientation means that winds with a northsouth component usually generate waves that travel along the length of the lake, with their exposure and development influenced by the available fetch. Unlike wind-generated waves, which are primarily controlled by wind direction and fetch, boat wakes are generated along the vessel's path and can approach shorelines from multiple angles. Turning or circling wake boats can further distribute wave energy toward different shorelines. The NNMA study Mr. Dubois refers to in his letter, concludes that wake surfing causes minimal shoreline and lakebed impacts if kept 200 feet (61 metres) from shore and in 10 feet (three metres) of water. This has been heavily criticized by experts and real-world field studies for methodological flaws and under-

estimating environmental damage. The study relies entirely on theoretical modelling done on computers without field testing or sensor data from real lakes. Real-world studies from organizations like the University of Minnesota and the Water Sports Industry Association show that actual wakeboat waves retain significantly more height and energy at 200 feet than the NNMA model predicts. It is notable that the study was published in a lesser-known online journal with professional reviewers left unnamed, raising conflict-ofinterest concerns since the research was industry-funded. Independent field research indicates that wake boats operating in surf mode disturb lake bottoms at depths well past three metres, recommending a depth of eight to nine metres or more to prevent sediment resuspension. Lake Windermere has an average depth of three to four metres (I0 -13 feet) and at its deepest, is 6.5 metres (21 feet) in a very small area off Fort Point. A recreational impact study of boating was carried out two years ago by Ecoscape Environmental Consultants Ltd. and Larratt Aquatic Consulting (LAC) on Lake Windermere. A lake suitability index was created for several lakes in the Okanagan region and Lake Windermere, meant to direct boaters to lakes suitable for large power boats and wake-surf boats. They used peer-reviewed lake wake research and recent and well supported limnological research. Lake Windermere was rated at the extreme risk level, meaning that modern wake surf boats are unsuitable. It is important to note that Transport Canada, in recognition of the unique potential for lake damage from wake-surfing, has introduced a separate category in the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 to allow regulating wake-surf boats on bodies of water without restricting other boats. It seems that Mr. Dubois is advocating for waiting until the damage is done and irreversible before any preventative measures are put in place. He warns of "dire consequences" if boating activities are restricted. The only consequences I see is that many of the people who

now avoid the lake and are deterred by the noise and choppy unpleasant waves, would now flock to the lake. In fact, considering that only a tiny percentage of the general population owns a wake-surf boat, it seems that most people would love to see wake-surf boats regulated so that the lake can be enjoyed again, the way it was for generations before. Ask anyone who does not own a wake surf boat how they feel about

them, and I think the various surveys that have been conducted will be corroborated. The Chamber of Commerce's Vital Signs survey question about the number one reason secondhome owners come to the valley; for 83 per cent the response was "nonmotorized water sports". Peaceful, quiet pursuits are what most people would like to enjoy at the lake. Taoya Schaefer, Invermere

HEALTH CARE WORKERS like care aides, clerical, trades and security are a vital part of the team delivering health care in B.C.

Happy Labour Day from the Hospital Employees’ Union Working to make health care better for everyone

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

Dog owner organizes 'golden' gathering By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavallepioneer.com There’s dog lovers, there’s dedicated dog lovers, and then there’s the couple of hundred people who will get together in Golden this coming weekend to celebrate their golden retrievers. The first annual Golden Tail Gathering is the work of Radium Hot Springs resident Andrea Tubbs. It’s a one-of-a-kind event being billed as the biggest golden retriever meetup in western Canada. Tubbs is ‘mom’ to a pair of golden retrievers — Ruger and Sterling — and had heard of the ‘Goldens in Golden’ destination event in Golden, Colorado, which has run for seven years and which attracts more than 5,000 dogs and more than 16,000 people each year. She wondered, how about goldens in Golden, British Columbia? Tubbs reached out to Tourism Golden and the marketing organization loved the idea. The Golden Tails Gathering is set for Saturday, Sept. 26 and is already exceeding organizers’ ex-

pectations. They’d been hoping for 100 furry participants, but more than 250 are already signed up. There will be plenty of golden retrievers (along with their owners) from Invermere, Windermere, Radium, and Edgewater and other parts of the Columbia Valley there, and obviously a good number from Golden, but there will also be a lot from Calgary, and some will come from as far away as the Okanagan and even Saskatchewan. It will be a one-day, on-leash dog festival, including dog-centred activities and contests, photo opportunities, vendors, food trucks, socializing with other dogs, space to run around, a swimming pond, and the highlight — a signature group photo dubbed ‘The Big Sit’. Golden retrievers “always put a smile on people’s faces. They are friendly, happy-go-lucky, and smart,” Tubbs told the Pioneer. But she was quick to clarify that dogs of any kind and their owners are also welcome, as are families, couples, friend groups, photographers, content creators, and anyone else who simply enjoys dogs

Request for for Request proposals proposals

Demande de de Demande propositions propositions

Parks Canada is accepting proposals Parks is accepting proposals for theCanada use of salvaged masonry, for the recordings use of salvaged masonry, digital and other materials digital recordings andPass other materials collected from Abbot Hut in collected from Abbot Pass Hut in commemorative projects. commemorative projects. Proposals will be accepted until November Proposals will be accepted 1, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ABT. until November 1, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ABT. An optional, online information session An online information willoptional, be held on October 8, 2026, session will be held on October 8, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. ABT.2026, Prospective from 2:00 toor 3:00 p.m. ABT. Prospective proponents their delegates are welcome. proponents or their delegates are welcome. For proposal guidelines or to register for For guidelines to register for the proposal information session,or please contact: the information session, please contact: LLYKsuperintendent-directeurLLYK@pc.gc.ca LLYKsuperintendent-directeurLLYK@pc.gc.ca

Parcs Canada sollicite des propositions Parcs Canada sollicite des concernant l’utilisation de propositions la maçonnerie concernant l’utilisation de la maçonnerie récupérée, des enregistrements numériques récupérée, des enregistrements et d’autres matériaux provenant numériques du et d’autres matériaux provenant Refuge-du-Col-Abbot, en vue de du leur Refuge-du-Col-Abbot, en vuecommémoratifs. de leur intégration dans des projets intégration dans des projets commémoratifs. Les propositions seront acceptées jusqu’au Les seront 1er propositions novembre 2026, à 23acceptées h 59 HAB.jusqu’au 1er novembre 2026, à 23 h 59 HAB. Une séance d’information en ligne facultative Une auraséance lieu le 8d’information octobre 2026,endeligne 14 hfacultative à 15 h HAB. aura lieu le 8 octobre 2026, de 14ouh leurs à 15 h HAB. Les soumissionnaires potentiels Les soumissionnaires ou leurs représentants sont lespotentiels bienvenus. représentants sont les bienvenus. Pour obtenir les lignes directrices relatives aux Pour obtenir ou les pour lignesvous directrices aux propositions inscrirerelatives à la séance propositions pour vous inscrire à laavec séance d’information,ouveuillez communiquer : d’information, veuillez communiquer avec : LLYKsuperintendent-directeurLLYK@pc.gc.ca LLYKsuperintendent-directeurLLYK@pc.gc.ca

Abbot Pass Hut Abbot Pass Hut Salvaged masonry and Salvaged masonry heritage materials and heritage materials

and community events. The event doubles as a fundraiser, with proceeds going to help three dog-focused Canadian nonprofit groups: Golden-based Little Mittens Animal Rescue, Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS) in Calgary, and the Canada-wide Golden Rescue.

“For us, the rescue component is an important part of the event,” said Tubbs. “This is a joyful day, but it is also an opportunity to give back and support organizations doing important work for dogs across Canada.” Visit goldentailsgathering.ca to find out more.

Refuge-du-Col-Abbot Refuge-du-Col-Abbot Maçonnerie récupérée et Maçonnerie récupérée et matériaux patrimoniaux matériaux patrimoniaux

Ruger and Sterling can't wait for the 'Golden Tail Gathering' in Golden this weekend. PHOTO SUBMITTED

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

Thursday September 24

Saturday September 26

10:00 -11:00am - Seniors Fitness Columbia Valley Centre. Doors open 9:30 for warm-ups and indoor walking $2 drop-in. Please note: classes may be moved to Invermere Seniors Hall when the Columbia Valley Centre is booked for larger events. 1:30pm - Floor Curling at the Invermere Seniors Hall. 6:45pm - Texas Hold'em Poker Invermere Legion, $30 buy-in. 7:00 - 9:00pm - Adults Drop-In Improv Theatre - Thursday nights at the Invermere Seniors Hall. It’s pay what you can with a suggested minimum of $10. All levels of interest and experience welcome, including people who have never tried it before.

Friday September 25 10:00am - Tennis for Everyone - Columbia Valley Mixed Doubles Tennis, Rotary Park Tennis Courts. 10:30-11:30am - Storytime at the Invermere Public Library. Join us for stories, songs and a craft. Geared towards preschool age, but all welcome to attend. 12:00pm - Soup Day - Edgewater Community Hall. $10 per person. All welcome. Soup or chili. Buns/Biscuits. Cornmeal muffins. Desserts. Coffee/Tea. Hosted by Edgewater Seniors. 1:00pm - Duplicate Bridge at the Invermere Seniors Hall. 6:00pm - Rockies Home Opener at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena, vs Kamloops. Puck drop by Mayor Al Miller at 7:00pm. Tailgate party starts at 6:00pm, with a road hockey game, and hot dogs supplied by The Legion. 6:30pm - Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion. Members and guests welcome. 7:30pm - All McCartney Live at the Columbia Valley Centre, Invermere. A live celebration of Paul McCartney’s music. Presented by Mountain Home Productions.

9:00am - 1:00pm - The Invermere Hospital Care Auxiliary Fall Halloween Sale! A fall and Halloween-themed pop-up thrift sale at the Invermere Seniors’ Hall. Everyone is welcome. Admission: Free entry; cash preferred. 10:00 - 11:30am - Future Ready Families: Let’s Talk Climate Change. Columbia Valley Centre, Invermere. A creative community event in Invermere bringing parents, caregivers, and their children together for positive activities, crafts, and conversation focused on climate change. 10:00am - 2:00pm - Fall Fest. 13th St in Downtown Invermere. Local vendors, entertainment and fun for the whole family. Presented by the Invermere Legion and District of Invermere. 10:30 - 11:30 - Story Time - Invermere Public Library. Join us for stories, songs and a craft. Geared towards preschool age, but all welcome to attend. 11:00am - 12:30pm - Lego Club at the Invermere Public Libray.. Drop in for free play with Lego and Duplo. This is not a supervised event. 1:00 - 4:00pm - 50th Anniversary Party - Pynelogs Cultural Centre. Retrospective Exhibit, Book Launch, Live Music, Art Project, Door Prizes, 50th Anniversary Cake, and Light Refreshments.

Sunday September 27 2:00pm - Cribbage and Darts Come to the Legion and have some fun! Members and guests welcome. 4:00 - 6:00pm - Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion. Members and guests welcome.

Monday September 28 10:00am - Tennis for Everyone - Columbia Valley Mixed Doubles Tennis, Rotary Park

Tennis Courts. 10:00 -11:00am - Seniors Yoga Columbia Valley Centre. Doors open 9:30 for warm-ups and indoor walking $2 drop-in. Please note: classes may be moved to Invermere Seniors Hall when the Columbia Valley Centre is booked for larger events. 11:00am - 3:00pm - Know what's in your Supply: Ankors drug testing. Shuswap Band Health Centre. . 9975 Kinbasket Trail 1:30pm - Cribbage & Darts at Invermere Seniors Hall. 6:30pm - Fun Bridge at Invermere Seniors Hall.

Tuesday September 29 10:00 -11:00am - Seniors Fitness Columbia Valley Centre. Doors open 9:30 for warm-ups and indoor walking $2 drop-in. Please note: classes may be moved to Invermere Seniors Hall when the Columbia Valley Centre is booked for larger events. 6:30 - 8:00pm - Second Winds Community Band Practises every Tuesday at the Catholic Church in Invermere. New members are welcome.

Wednesday September 30 10:00am - Tennis for Everyone - Columbia Valley Mixed Doubles Tennis, Rotary Park Tennis Courts. 10:00 -11:00am - Seniors Yoga Columbia Valley Centre. Doors open 9:30 for warm-up and indoor walking-$2 drop-in. Please note: classes may be moved to Invermere Seniors Hall when the Columbia Valley Centre is booked for larger events. 1:00pm - Duplicate Bridge at the Invermere Seniors Hall. 2:00 -3:00pm - Sewcial Hour - Invermere Public Library. Drop in with your textile projects or join us and have a cup of tea while you socialize with other makers. All welcome! No registration required. 6:30pm - Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion. Members and guests welcome.

PERMISSIVE TAX EXEMPTION BYLAW No. 1697, 2026 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 227 of the Community Charter that Council for the District of Invermere proposes to exempt by Bylaw the following properties from municipal property taxation for the following terms below:

914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Tel: (250) 342-9281 Fax: (250) 342-2934

Estimated Property Tax Property Folio

Civic Address

Facility

Term

% Exempt

5.015 29.010 34.010 36.000 45.055 100.010 106.010 106.020 106.030 113.056 113.060 118.050 119.001 122.012 126.053 128.015 137.101 137.102 137.103 142.000 152.001 154.020 155.028 174.381 232.042 232.050 232.377 239.000 270.000 435.005

1720 - 4th Avenue 1317 - 7th Avenue 525 - 13th Street 509 - 13th Street 722 - 14th Street Suite A, 910 - 8th Avenue 1008 - 8th Avenue 1014 - 8th Avenue 1020 - 8th Avenue Unit 27, 606 - 9th Avenue Unit 28, 606 - 9th Avenue 750 - 6th Avenue 600 - 6th Avenue Unit 1, 505 - 7th Avenue 222 - 6th Avenue 120 - 7th Avenue Upper 201B - 7th Avenue Lower 201A - 7th Avenue 201A - 7th Avenue 1231 - 7th Avenue 218 - 10th Avenue 320 - 10th Avenue 326 - 10th Avenue 712 - 12th Avenue 1610 - 10th Avenue 1714 - 10th Avenue 1714 - 9th Avenue 1309 - 14th Street 325 Mullock Street 455 Panorama Drive

Pynelogs Cultural Centre Family Dynamix Association (Office) Royal Canadian Legion #71 Invermere District Curling Club Valley Fitness Centre District of Invermere (Satellite Office) Family Dynamix Association (Residences) Family Dynamix Association (Residences) Family Dynamix Association (Residences) Provincial Rental Housing Corp. Provincial Rental Housing Corp. Mt. Nelson Place Lake View Manor Family Dynamix Association (Office) Windermere Valley Museum Christ Church Trinity Columbia Valley Food Bank Columbia Valley Maker Space Summit Youth Centre Invermere Thrift Store Carriage Court Apartments Bright New Minds Child Care Society Lake Windermere Alliance Church Canadian Martyrs Catholic Parish Family Dynamix Association (Residence) Family Dynamix Association (Residence) Family Dynamix Association (Residence) Invermere Senior’s Hall Nature Conservancy of Canada (Athalmer) Invermere Companion Animal Network (ICAN)

2027 2030 2027 2036 2036 2030 2032 2032 2032 2033 2033 2036 2031 2033 2027 2027 2029 2029 2029 2031 2031 2028 2027 2027 2034 2034 2034 2036 2033 2030

100% 100% 100% except for bar/lounge 100% except for bar/lounge 100% 100% of Suite A 100% residential portion only 100% residential portion only 100% residential portion only 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% of land surrounding building 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% of land surrounding building 100% of land surrounding building 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Karen Coté - Director of Finance

2027

2028

2029

$12,428.39 $10,103.84 $1,360.80 $10,546.99 $7,504.02 $2,143.31 $4,830.71 $2,073.08 $1,376.99 $1,999.04 $2,193.85 $10,863.02 $14,134.07 $3,422.60 $11,064.00 $1,949.91 $6,809.75 $579.05 $7,843.77 $7,703.45 $15,299.26 $4,842.84 $1,587.49 $2,740.89 $3,307.46 $3,277.11 $3,313.53 $6,925.20 $327.71 $3,814.05

$13,049.81 $10,609.03 $1,428.84 $11,074.34 $7,879.22 $2,250.48 $5,072.24 $2,176.73 $1,445.84 $2,098.99 $2,303.54 $11,406.17 $14,840.77 $3,593.73 $11,617.20 $2,047.40 $7,150.24 $608.00 $8,235.96 $8,088.62 $16,064.23 $5,084.99 $1,666.86 $2,877.94 $3,472.83 $3,440.97 $3,479.20 $7,271.46 $344.10 $4,004.75

$13,702.30 $11,139.48 $1,500.28 $11,628.06 $8,273.18 $2,363.00 $5,325.86 $2,285.57 $1,518.14 $2,203.94 $2,418.71 $11,976.48 $15,582.81 $3,773.42 $12,198.06 $2,149.77 $7,507.75 $638.40 $8,647.76 $8,493.05 $16,867.44 $5,339.24 $1,750.20 $3,021.83 $3,646.47 $3,613.02 $3,653.16 $7,635.04 $361.30 $4,204.99

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

Tryg Strand wins championship trophy again Submitted “The Windermere Valley Golf Course Mens Club held their annual championship September 12-13. A total of 109 golfers registered for the two-day event. Players competed in five flights, as well as for various skill prizes, including six opportunities for $10,000 holes-in-one. Tryg Strand carded the low gross score while Gary Pattison recorded

the low overall net score. Club Captain Bob Wallace commended all the participants for a great year and thanked management and staff for great service, great food, and excellent playing conditions, especially the firm and fast greens. Wallace presented the Club Championship trophy to Tryg, who has won this honour for the third year in a row. Congratulations, Tryg!

Club champion Tryg Strand (left) is seen here accepting the trophy from Club Captain Bob Wallace. PHOTO SUBMITTED

NOTICE OF SHORT-TERM RENTAL TEMPORARY USE PERMIT APPLICATIONS UNDER RDEK BOARD CONSIDERATION The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering the following applications for Short-Term Rental Temporary Use Permits (STR TUP) listed in the table below. The Board will consider the proposed Permits at its meeting on October 9, 2026 at the RDEK office at 19 - 24 Ave S in Cranbrook, BC. PERMIT NO. STR 61-26 STR 62-26 STR 69-26

ADDRESS 5177 Juniper Heights Road (North of Windermere) 4981 Mountainview Drive (Fairmont Hot Springs) 3200 Hawke Road (Dutch Creek)

PARCEL ID 013-424-378 023-143-797 016-334-311

# OF GUESTS 10 6 24

All persons who believe they are affected by any of the Short-Term Rental Temporary Use Permits are encouraged to submit their concerns in writing to the RDEK office at 19 - 24 Ave S. Cranbrook, BC or by email to planningdept@rdek.bc.ca prior to 4:30 pm on September 28, 2026. All submissions should include your name and address. Please be advised that any written submissions will become part of public record. The permits are available for viewing by email request, on the RDEK website (www.rdek.bc.ca/meetings_events/publichearings) or at the RDEK Offices between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. To search for properties online, visit: www.rdek.bc.ca/departments/mapping. For more information contact planning department staff at planningdept@rdek.bc.ca or 250-489-2791. All written submissions are public information pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. All submissions will form part of the public record. Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335.

NOTICE – BYLAW AMENDMENT – Bylaw 3482 – Rushmere The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an application to amend the text of the zoning bylaw to allow for a cabin on the subject property. There is currently a dwelling on the property. The property is located at 1080 Westside Road on the northwest side of Windermere Lake (Rushmere area), as shown on the attached map. Bylaw No. 3482 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 3255, 2023 – Amendment Bylaw No. 38, 2026 (Westside / Bartlett)” will amend the text of the zoning bylaw to permit a cabin on Lot 1 District Lot 4616 Kootenay District Plan NEP4602. A public hearing for the proposed bylaw will not be held pursuant to Section 467 of the Local Government Act which states that a local government must not hold a public hearing if: a) An Official Community Plan is in effect for the area that is the subject of the proposed bylaw; b) The bylaw is consistent with the official community plan; c) The sole purpose of the bylaw is to permit a development that is, in whole or in part, a residential development, and; d) The residential component of the development accounts for at least half of the gross floor area of all the buildings and other structures proposed as part of the development. Bylaw No. 3482 is consistent with the Lake Windermere Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2929, 2019. The Official Community Plan designation for the subject property is SH, Small Holdings which supports rural residential land uses. Bylaw No. 3482 will be considered for 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings and adoption by the RDEK Board of Directors on October 9, 2026. If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaw, you may: • inspect the Bylaw and supporting information by requesting that an information package be emailed to you by contacting sbaines@rdek.bc.ca. Information packages may be requested up until Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 4:30 pm. • mail or email written submissions to the addresses shown below before Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 4:30 pm. SUBMISSIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE DEADLINE. All submissions will form part of the public record and will be published in a meeting agenda posted online. Personal contact information such as phone and email will be removed from written submissions. Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335. This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw. For more information, contact Sarah Baines, Planner at 778-761-1785 or toll free at 1-888-478-7335 or email sbaines@rdek.bc.ca.

19 – 24 Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8 | 250-489-2791 | 1-888-478-7335 | info@rdek.bc.ca | www.rdek.bc.ca

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

Fairmont Airport sees record turnout Submitted The Columbia Valley Airport Society celebrated another successful Open House and Fly-In at the Fairmont Airport on September 12, with this year’s event drawing a recordbreaking 883 attendees along with 25 aircraft. The 5th annual event definitely showcased the important role that the airport plays throughout the Columbia Valley and beyond. A major highlight of the day was the incredible air display by Neil Harris Aerosports, whose spectacular aerobatic performance in his Giles200 captivated the crowd and provided a thrilling centrepiece to the festivities. “This event simply would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, sponsors, community partners and the many people who came out to support the airport," said Pascal van Dijk, president of the Columbia Valley Airport Society. "The record attendance shows that the Fairmont Hot Springs Air-

port is valued not only for events like this, but for the essential services it provides year-round to communities across the Columbia Valley.” The Fly-In is designed to give residents and visitors an inside look at the Fairmont Airport while highlighting its role as an essential regional transportation and emergency response facility. The airport supports medical evacuations, wildfire response, search and rescue operations, military training and private aviation. Over the last five years, the airport has facilitated an annual average of more than 60 medical evacuations (emergency air ambulance service), with patients travelling from communities throughout the region, including as far away as Golden. The airport has also become an important operational base during wildfire season, providing a strategic location for aircraft operations and fueling. With wildfire activity increasing throughout British Columbia, the airport’s ability to support aerial firefighting operations remains an increasingly valuable resource for the region.

The Fairmont Airport Open House and Fly-In on September 12 was another sky-high success with a record 883 walk-in attendees and 25 aircraft. PHOTOS ANNMARIE DEAGNON

This year’s Open House featured a wide range of activities, displays and community partners. Visitors had the opportunity to meet representatives from Inflight Robotics, Aero One, WildSafe Columbia Valley, RDEK, FireSmart Columbia Valley, Angel Flight East Kootenay, local first responders and the airport’s amazing volunteers. There was a chance to learn more about aviation, emergency preparedness, wildfire mitigation and services operating throughout the region. Guests also enjoyed information booths, community activities, a 50/50 draw, a human slot machine, food and refreshments, silent auction items and door prizes throughout the day. The Columbia Valley Airport Society would like to recognize and thank the many volunteers, Fly-In organizing committee, sponsors, community organizations and local businesses whose contributions helped make the 2026 event such a tremendous success. Their continued support allows the Society to direct funds raised through the event toward the ongoing operation,

maintenance and improvement of Fairmont Airport, and costs that continue to increase each year. The Society also extends a special thank you to Neil HarrisAerosports, the Lake Windermere & District Lions Club, the Fairmont District Lions Club, Columbia Basin Trust, Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Services volunteer members, and all of the participating vendors and organizations for helping create a memorable day for the community. The Society is also encouraging the community to support Fairmont Airport by purchasing the 2027 Airport calendar, featuring aviation photography and highlights from the airport. All proceeds from calendar sales go toward the ongoing operation, maintenance and future needs of the airport. Calendars, along with the Society’s airport merchandise, are available for purchase through the Society’s website — or keep an eye out for our volunteers at local markets and community events in the next few months.

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

Clovechok wants to help landowners Columbia Valley Pioneer staff Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Area F director Susan Clovechok is seeking a third term in this fall’s municipal election, saying she cares deeply about the communities in the area and wants to continue supporting responsible

growth. “Growth is inevitable, and it must be managed with a deep understanding of our community and the tools available to local government. My goal is to help landowners pursue their aspirations without negatively impacting neighbours, and ideally, in ways that enhance

NOTICE OF ELECTION BY VOTING 2026 LOCAL GENERAL ELECTION

Public Notice is hereby given to the electors of the Village of Canal Flats that an election by voting is to be held to elect a Mayor, four (4) Councillors and a school trustee, and that the following persons are candidates for each office: Mayor – One (1) to be elected Surname Doherty Taylor

Councillor – Four (4) to be elected

Usual Names Mark Madeline (Maddi)

School District No. 6 (Rocky Mountain) Trustee Electoral Area 4 -One (1) Trustee to be elected (Village of Canal Flats Electors) Surname Byklum Dunlop Stanbury

Surname

Usual Names

Dixon Gresiuk Kapsha Kobza Reed Trepanier Weitzel

Kevin Tanner David Anora Patricia Denise Andrew

our community,” said Clovechok. She has lived in Dutch Creek (an unincorporated community in Area F southwest of Fairmont Hot Springs) since 2007. Before becoming Area F director in 2018, Clovechok was a partner in Smoking Water Café, and then executive director at the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce. Public safety remains a top priority for Clovechok, and she emphasized the importance of proactive decision-making to prevent tragedies. She pointed to a couple of projects she’s worked on in that vein, including helping secure annual funding for the Fairmont Airport (which is the site of Medivac services and wildfire response, and offers evacuation capabilities), and funding for Angel Flight East Kootenay, a nonprofit group that helps Colum-

bia Valley and other East Kootenay residents access medical appointments in Kelowna by air, letting them bypass lengthy and hazardous winter drives over Rogers Pass. She underscored a commitment to carefully evaluating development proposals, and pointed out that she was the sole RDEK director to vote ‘no’ on the initial application for the Heritage Heights project in Windermere. Clovechok then worked directly with proponents and government agencies to ensure community needs—such as sewer systems and highway access—were addressed before final approvals could be granted. “I believe in making informed decisions that serve the best interests of our community,” said Clovechok.

Usual Names Amber David Cory

GENERAL VOTING DAY will be open to qualified electors of the Village of Canal Flats on Saturday, October 17, 2026 between the hours of 8:00 am and 8:00 pm at the Columbia Discovery Centre (Village office) 8866 Grainger Road. ADVANCE VOTING will be available to qualified electors as follows: Wednesday, October 7, 2026, between the hours of 8:00 am and 8:00 pm -andThursday, October 15, 2026, between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm at the Columbia Discovery Centre (Village office) 8866 Grainger Road If you are not on the list of electors, you may register at the time of voting by completing the required application form available at the voting place. To register, you must meet the following qualifications: • 18 years of age or older; • Canadian citizen; • resident of BC for at least 6 months immediately preceding voting day; • resident of OR registered owner of real property in the Village of Canal Flats on the day of registration; • not otherwise disqualified by law from voting. Resident electors will be required to produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a signature). Picture identification is not necessary. The identification must prove both residency and identity. Non-resident property electors will be required to produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a signature) to prove identity, proof that they are entitled to register in relation to the property, and, if there is more than one owner of the property, written consent from the majority of the property owners. School Trustee Elector – A person may only register as an elector in one trustee electoral area in one school district. Only Canal Flats electors are eligible to vote in Canal Flats. Area F electors may vote at the RDEK Electoral Area F general voting dates and locations. Sylvie Hoobanoff Chief Election Officer

Incumbent Area F director Susan Clovechok loves the challenge of serving on the RDEK board. PHOTO SUBMITTED

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

Show & Shine boasts amazing rides

Vintage car and truck buffs had plenty of eye candy to absorb in Radium on the weekend. PHOTOS JUSTIN SAIN

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

The Columbia Valley Classics Show & Shine in Radium last weekend was a vintage car lover's dream. In photo below, Cody Conway from Vegreville, Alberta puts the shine on his 1951 Pontiac Chieftain 8. PHOTOS CHRIS MOSELEY

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

2026 GENERAL LOCAL ELECTIONS NOTICE OF ELECTION BY VOTING & ADVANCE VOTING OPPORTUNITIES – ELECTORAL AREA F PUBLIC NOTICE IS given to the electors of Electoral Area F of the Regional District of East Kootenay that an election by voting is to be held to elect one (1) Electoral Area Director and that the following persons are nominated as candidates:

ELECTORAL AREA E DIRECTOR – ONE (1) TO BE ELECTED SURNAME CLOVECHOK RANDALL

USUAL NAMES Susan Quentin

JURISDICTION Fairmont Hot Springs Windermere

GENERAL VOTING DATE AND LOCATIONS GENERAL VOTING will be open to qualified Electoral Area F electors on:

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm at the following locations: Fairmont Lions Den Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce - Lions Hall

5003 Hot Springs Road, Fairmont Hot Springs 651 Hwy 93/95, Invermere

ADVANCE VOTING DATES AND LOCATIONS ADVANCE VOTING will be open to qualified Electoral Area F electors on:

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2026, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm - and - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2026, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm at the following location: Fairmont Lions Den

5003 Hot Springs Road, Fairmont Hot Springs

ELECTOR REGISTRATION If you are not on the list of electors, you may register at the time of voting by completing the application form available at the voting place. To register you must meet the following qualifications: RESIDENT ELECTORS: • 18 years of age or older on the day of registration; • a Canadian citizen; • a resident of BC for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration; • a resident of Electoral Area F; • not be disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election and not otherwise disqualified by law. NON-RESIDENT ELECTORS: • 18 years of age or older on the day of registration; • a Canadian citizen; • a resident of BC for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration; • a registered owner of real property (land) in Electoral Area F for at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration; • not be entitled to register as a resident elector; and • not be disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election and not otherwise disqualified by law.

In addition, for non-resident property electors: • The only persons who are registered owners of the property, either as joint tenants or tenants in common, are individuals who are not holding the property in trust for a corporation or another trust. • If more than one individual is registered owner of the property, only one of those individuals may, with the written consent of the majority of the individual owners, register as a non-resident property elector. In addition, to register at time of voting: Resident electors must produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a signature). Picture identification is not necessary. The identification must prove both residency and identity. Non-resident property electors must produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a signature) to prove identity, proof that they are entitled to register in relation to the property, and, if there is more than one owner of the property, written consent from a majority of the property owners.

MAIL BALLOT VOTING REQUESTING A MAIL BALLOT PACKAGE: Before 4:00 pm on October 15, 2026, you must submit the following information to the RDEK office in Cranbrook by mail (19-24 Ave. S., Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8), telephone (250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335), or email (elections@rdek.bc.ca): 1. Full name, 2. Residential address, 3. Address of the property in relation to which you are voting (for non-resident property electors), 4. Method of delivery of your mail ballot package: (a) pick up at the RDEK office in Cranbrook, OR (b) regular lettermail through Canada Post to residential address, OR (c) regular lettermail through Canada Post to an alternate address that you provide when requesting the mail ballot package, 5. If you are not on the list of electors, to ensure you receive the correct registration application form in your package, you must indicate whether you are going to be registering as a resident or non-resident property elector. You will be required to submit identification with your request. The RDEK will send out mail ballot packages commencing on or about September 28, 2026. To be counted, your mail ballot must be received by the Chief Election Officer or designate no later than 8:00 pm on October 17, 2026. More detailed information about mail ballot voting, including the Mail Ballot Request form, is available on the RDEK website at https://engage.rdek.bc.ca/elections. For further information, please contact: Tina Hlushak, Chief Election Officer, or Nikki Bradshaw, Deputy Chief Election Officer, at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335 or elections@rdek.bc.ca.

www.rdek.bc.ca/elections | 1-888-478-7335 | elections@rdek.bc.ca

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

NOTICE OF ELECTION BY VOTING & ADVANCE VOTING OPPORTUNITIES TRUSTEE ELECTORAL AREA 4 — (RDEK Electoral Area F and Village of Canal Flats) PUBLIC NOTICE IS given to the electors of School District No. 6 (Rocky Mountain) Trustee Electoral Area 4 that an election by voting is necessary to elect one (1) School Trustee, and that the following persons are nominated as candidates:

TRUSTEE ELECTORAL AREA 4 – ONE (1) TRUSTEE TO BE ELECTED SURNAME BYKLUM DUNLOP STANBURY

USUAL NAMES Amber David Cory

JURISDICTION Canal Flats Windermere Fairmont Hot Springs

GENERAL VOTING DATE AND LOCATIONS GENERAL VOTING will be open to qualified Trustee Electoral Area 4 electors on: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm at the following locations: RDEK ELECTORAL AREA F ELECTORS VILLAGE OF CANAL FLATS ELECTORS Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce - Lions Hall 651 Highway 93/95, Invermere Village of Canal Flats Office 8866 Grainger Rd., Canal Flats Fairmont Lions Den 5003 Hot Springs Rd., Fairmont Hot Springs

ADVANCE VOTING DATES AND LOCATIONS ADVANCE VOTING will be open to qualified Trustee Electoral Area 4 electors on the following dates and at the following locations: VILLAGE OF CANAL FLATS ELECTORS RDEK ELECTORAL AREA F ELECTORS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2026, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm - and WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2026, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm - and THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the following location: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2026, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm at the following location: Village of Canal Flats Office 8866 Grainger Rd., Canal Flats Fairmont Lions Den 5003 Hot Springs Rd., Fairmont Hot Springs

ELECTOR REGISTRATION If you are not on the list of electors, you may register at the time of voting by completing the application form available at the voting place. To register you must meet the following qualifications: In addition, for non-resident property electors: RESIDENT ELECTORS: • The only persons who are registered owners of the property, either as joint tenants • 18 years of age or older on general voting day; or tenants in common, are individuals who are not holding the property in trust for a • a Canadian citizen; corporation or another trust. • a resident of BC for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration; • If more than one individual is registered owner of the property, only one of those • a resident of Trustee Electoral Area 4; individuals may, with the written consent of the majority of the individual owners, • not disqualified under the School Act or any other enactment from voting in a trustee register as a non-resident property elector. election or be otherwise disqualified by law. In addition, to register at time of voting: NON-RESIDENT ELECTORS: Resident electors must produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a • 18 years of age or older on general voting day; signature). Picture identification is not necessary. The identification must prove both residency and identity. • a Canadian citizen; Non-resident property electors must produce 2 pieces of identification (at least • a resident of BC for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration; one with a signature) to prove identity, proof that they are entitled to register in relation to • a registered owner of real property (land) in the Trustee Electoral Area 4 for at least 30 the property, and, if there is more than one owner of the property, written consent from a days immediately before the day of registration; majority of the property owners. • not be entitled to register as a resident elector; and Note: A person may only register as an elector in one trustee electoral area in any • not disqualified under the School Act or any other enactment from voting in a trustee one school district. election or be otherwise disqualified by law.

www.rdek.bc.ca/elections | 1-888-478-7335 | elections@rdek.bc.ca

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

BEYOND THE

BLUE LINE Rockies take lumps but show progress Submitted by Columbia Valley Rockies The Columbia Valley Rockies got their first taste of the Junior A grind last weekend - two games, two tough Interior Division opponents, plenty of adversity, and a glimpse of the fight this team intends to bring all season. The Rockies opened the 2026-27 campaign Friday night in Kamloops before travelling to Merritt for the second half of the weekend set on Saturday. A 7-1 loss to the Kamloops Storm followed by a 5-2 setback against the Merritt Centenni-

PERMISSIVE TAX EXEMPTION Pursuant to s. 224 of the Community Charter, the Council of the Village of Radium Hot Springs will consider Bylaw No. 540, 2026 Permissive Tax Exemption (2027) for adoption at the Council Meeting on September 28, 2026. Bylaw No. 540, 2026 Permissive Tax Exemption (2027) exempts from taxation for the year 2027 the following land and/or improvements. Exemptions for 2028 and 2029 are dependent on eligible organizations applying for exemption before the due date. ESTIMATED TAXES

OWNER

LEGAL DESCRIPTION

Roman Catholic Bishop of Nelson

7528 Main St. East Folio# 03760.010 PID# 027-729-761 Lot 1, Plan NEP87941 DL 2580, Kootenay District

$11,050 $11,490 $11,950

Roman Catholic Bishop of Nelson

7520 Stations Dr. Folio# 03760.030 PID# 027-729-788 Lot 3, Plan NEP87941 DL 2580, Kootenay District

$1,920 $2,000

$2,080

Roman Catholic Bishop of Nelson

7534 Stations Dr. Folio# 03760.040 PID# 027-729-796 Lot 4, Plan NEP87941 DL 2580, Kootenay District

$1,590 $1,655

$1,720

Roman Catholic Bishop of Nelson

7566 Redstreak Park Rd. Folio# 03760.050 PID# 027-729-800 Lot 5, Plan NEP87941 DL 2580, Kootenay District

$1,170 $1,215

$1,265

2027

2028

2029

Copies of the bylaw are available at the Village Office, 4836 Radium Blvd., Radium Hot Springs, BC, or on the Village website: www.radiumhotsprings.ca Village of Radium Hot Springs P.O. Box 340, 4836 Radium Blvd, Radium Hot Springs, B.C.

als were not what Columbia Valley was looking for. But over the course of 120 minutes, there were also signs of progress. And by Saturday night, the response was already beginning to show. Opening night against Kamloops was an immediate introduction to the pace and pressure of Junior A hockey. The Storm struck three times in the opening period and added four more in the second, taking control of the game before the Rockies could find their footing. Columbia Valley’s lone goal came at 6:11 of the second period when Cole King finished a play set up by Trae Lees and Tyson Ross. Kamloops finished the night with a 49-28 edge in shots and converted twice on the powerplay. The night also turned physical as the game wore on, with both clubs pushing back in a penalty-filled third period. It was not the opening result the Rockies wanted. But less than 24 hours later, they had another chance to respond. If Friday was a difficult lesson, Saturday offered a glimpse of the resilience this Rockies group will need throughout the season. Merritt opened the scoring early and built a 5-0 lead through two periods, but Columbia Valley refused to fold. The Rockies came out with their strongest stretch of hockey in the third. At 6:06, Cole King scored for the second straight night, finishing a setup from Graydon Proctor to get Columbia Valley on the board. Just under four minutes later, the Rockies struck again. Parker Cutts converted on the powerplay at 9:54, trimming the deficit to 5-2 and giving Columbia Valley two unanswered goals in the final frame. The scoreboard ultimately remained there, but the third period mattered. After being outshot heavily through the opening two periods, Columbia Valley generated 12 shots in the third and outscored Merritt 2-0 over the final 20 minutes. Merritt finished with a 48-27 advantage in shots overall. That response may prove more important than it looks. Goaltender Ivan Tourin was tested constantly Saturday night and answered with 43 saves on 48 shots. With Merritt generating sustained pressure, Tourin kept battling and gave the Rockies a chance to regroup. It was the kind of workload that tests a goaltender early in a season and the kind of performance that can help establish confidence in the crease. One of the clearest positives from opening weekend was the start of veteran forward Cole King. King scored in both games, giving him two goals through the first two contests of the season. His Saturday goal came as part of the Rock-

ies' strongest period of the weekend and helped kick-start the late push in Merritt. Parker Cutts also found the scoresheet with his first of the season and was named the Rockies representative among Saturday’s three stars. For a team establishing its identity, getting early production from key players matters. If there was one thing the opening weekend established, it was the pace and intensity of the hockey ahead. Both games were physical. Both included extended special-teams situations. And both demonstrated how quickly momentum can turn when mistakes pile up. The Rockies were assessed 56 penalty minutes Friday and another 43 on Saturday. That created difficult stretches against two teams capable of making opponents pay with the man advantage. The Rockies showed they are willing to compete physically. The next step will be making sure that edge works for them, not against them. Opening weekend also marked something bigger than two road games. A new season of Junior A hockey is officially underway for the Columbia Valley Rockies. This team represents Invermere, Lake Windermere and communities throughout the Columbia Valley, and over the coming months local fans will have the chance to watch this group grow together. The road ahead will not always be easy. Junior hockey rarely is. But if opening weekend showed anything, it is that this group has some fight in it. Now the challenge is turning that fight into results. Two games are in the books. Forty-eight remain. And the Columbia Valley Rockies' season is officially underway.

The Columbia Valley Rockies are determined to find their footing. PHOTO ERIN TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

Honouring salmon to bring them home Shuswap Band staff Saturday, Sept. 12 ended up being one of those beautiful September mornings that felt just right for the annual Salmon Festival where not a cloud dotted the sky. After the ceremony, everyone made their way down to Kinsmen Beach for the start of the canoe brigade over to James Chabot Provincial Park. This year was a special one for Shuswap Band because it was the first journey for our new canoe, “Iswell”, which means “loon” in Secwepemctsín. We are thankful to Panorama for the canoe sponsorship, so that we are now able to paddle in our own canoe. Chief Barb Cote was in the canoe brigade, along with Chief Don Sam from ?Akisq'nuk First Nation and many other paddlers. Seeing the canoes together on the water that morning was one of the most memorable and meaningful parts of the day. As the canoes made their way across the lake, you couldn’t help but think about how long our people have travelled these waters and how they used to be filled with salmon. When the canoes reached James Chabot, drummers and singers were waiting on shore to welcome everyone in with ceremonial song. ?Akisq'nuk Councillor Faro Burgoyne and Shuswap Band Junior Salmon Chief Devin Capilo MC'd the festival, and Shuswap Band’s Salmon Chief Mark Thomas was there as well. We were also joined by the Salmon Warriors, Darrel Draney and Kukpi7 Roseanne Casmir from the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, along with Elders, families, community members and visitors who came out to spend the day with us and share in the salmon feast, generously prepared by Rocky River Grill. At the heart of the festival, though, is the salmon. There was a time when salmon

came all the way back into the Upper Columbia from the ocean. Our ancestors gathered along these rivers when the salmon returned. They fished, prepared food, visited with one another and passed knowledge down to their children. Salmon were part of everyday life here and an important part of our connection to the river and waters of this area. With the damming of the river, salmon no longer make it back here. Many of us today have never had the chance to experience the salmon come home. Salmon have been absent from the Upper Columbia for generations, but the connection to them has never really left our heart or way of being. The stories are still here. The knowledge is still here. And now there is a lot of work happening to try to bring them home again. That is why this festival means so much. Shuswap Band and ?Akisq'nuk First Nation come together for the Salmon Festival every year because this is a history we share, but it is also about what we want for the future, our future, our children's future. We want our children and grandchildren to know why salmon matter so much. More than that, we hope there comes a day when they don't have to learn about salmon in the Upper Columbia only through stories told but through the lived experience. We hope they get to see them, fish them and prepare food like we once did along these rivers. There is still a lot of work ahead of us, and bringing salmon back to these waters is not something that will happen today or tomorrow. But we have hope, and our continued efforts will hopefully get us there. Maybe one day our children and grandchildren will stand along these same shores and watch the salmon return once again. Until then, we will keep gathering, keep sharing the stories and keep doing the work to bring the salmon home.

Shuswap Band members take to the water during the annual Salmon Festival on September 12. PHOTOS KOLTON JOHNSTONE Columbia Valley Classics Car Society would like to

THANK YOU!

The Columbia Valley Classics Car Society would like to thank the following businesses for their support of the 2026 Show & Shine: Radium Golf Group Napa Auto Parts Village of Radium Hot Springs Tourism Radium Travel Columbia Valley Universal Doors & Exteriors True Key Hotels & Resorts Canfor Radium A&W Restaurant All Cool Rides Appraisals Alpen Motel Apple Tree Inn Arctic Spa Azure Massage & Wellness Bavin Glass Studios Bighorn Meadows Resort by True Key Black Forest Restaurant Black Star Studios Blooming World Bosley’s by Pet Valu Brigade Snow, Ice & Grounds Cabin Cannabis Canadian Tire Invermere Cantina at Spur Valley Canyon RV Resort Cedar Motel Chevron Windermere Choppers Pet Supplies Cleanline Automotive Columbia River Paddle Conrad’s Kitchen Coy’s Par 3 Crossroads Esso Detailing Utopia Diamond Plumbing & Heating Divine Curiosities Edgewater Hilltop Golf Course Fairmont Broadway Burgers and Shakes Fairmont Goldsmiths Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Fairmont Pizza & Ice Cream Fairmont Riverside, Mountainside & Creekside Golf Courses Fire Vixen

Funky Junk Stained Glass Funtasia Fairmont Fun Park Fuze Food & Smoothie Bar Gables Motel Goat Street Golden Skybridge / Pursuit Collection Home Hardware Hopkins Harvest Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery Huckleberrys Family Restaurant Inside Edge Sports Store Inspire Floral Boutique Invermere Bakery Invermere Brewing Invermere Liquor Store Invermere Nutrition Hub Ion2 Progression Suspension Kanata Invermere Kicking Horse Coffee Kinbasket Konig Meat & Sausage Co. Kootenay Coffee Works Kootenay River Runners Kootenay Savings - Radium & Invermere Lakeside Bike Co Lambert & Kipp Pharmacy Lido Motel Lifepath Dental Local View Printing & Design Inc MacDonalds Invermere Made in the Mountains Main Street Fun & Games MaxWell Rockies Realty Mineral Mountain Zipline Mister Tire Mountain Springs Motel Mountainside Market Fairmont Mountainview Resorts & Suites OK Tire, Invermere Old Salzburg Restaurant OM Organics Skin Care Online Auto Repair Oriental Palace Palliser Printing & Publishing Ltd

Paragraph Mercantile Peacock Embroidery Peppi’s Pizza Petro Canada, Radium Petro Canada, Windermere Pharmasave Invermere Piccadilly Motel Pieter Scheffer Pizza 2 Go Pizzeria Mercato & Poutine Queen Prestige Radium Hot Springs Resort Purple Cow Gift Shop Radium Brewing Radium Mountainside Market Rainbow Donkey River Gems Gallery Saunders Family Farm SC2 the Gym Screamers Ice Cream Cafe Sobey’s Invermere Spur Valley Golf Resort Starbucks Invermere Stolen Church Coffee Summit Footwear & Fashion Syndicate Board Shop Taynton Bay Spirits Tea Etc The Brick, Invermere The Crescent Motel The Gateway Motel The Local The Snack Bar Radium The Trading Post Specialty Foods Three Bears Gift Shop Tim Horton’s Invermere Ullr Bar Valhalla Pure Outfitters Valley Alley Bowling Lanes (Canco) Valley Fitness Valley Zipline Adventures Vessano Pizza Wildside Pizzeria Windermere Valley Golf Course Windsor Plywood Zen Technologies

ColumbiaValleyClassics.ca ColumbiaValleyClassics@gmail.com

@ columbiavalleyclassics

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

Here to Serve You SERVICES

SERVICES

Your go-to for complete plumbing services. We are committed to fast and friendly service.

POWER PAVING Driveway & Patching Specialists Driveway Sealing

LICENSED · REGISTERED BONDED

Over 40 Years of Experience

Hydronic Heating | Commercial | Residential

NO JOB TOO BIG - NO JOB TOO SMALL

New Construction | Renovations | General Repairs

SERVICE CALLS AVAILABLE

SERVICES

Toll Free: 1-888-670-0066

250-341-5179

powerpavingrick@gmail.com

rpplumbing599@gmail.com

Be ready for winter - clean your chimney this fall! ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHIMNEY SWEEPS LTD. 804 Almberg Road, Golden, BC V0A 1H2 CELL: 250.272.5599 OFFICE: 250.344.7323 todd@rockymountainchimneysweeps.com rockymountainchimneysweeps.com

BC Corp

Complete Drywall Services

• Insulation • Boarding • Taping • Texturing • Ceiling Detail • Mouldings • Cultured Ceilings • Custom Detailing

250-409-5186

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE ON ALL WOOD BURNING APPLIANCES • WETT INSPECTIONS

infoBC@greatwesterninteriors.com

Snow Removal Serving the Valley for over 30 years! Commercial

Residential

Download the media kits at

NAPA AUTOPRO logo on a light background Everett Frater Enterprises

uapinc.com/en-ca/media-kits

250-342-5645 efrater@telus.net fraterservices.com

FREE ESTIMATES

SERVICE EXCELLENCE IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY SINCE 1991 ICBC Glass Repair Out of Province Vehicle Inspections Auto Body Repairs Painting

141 INDUSTRIAL RD #2

Vertical option

Quality Parts

250-342-9424

OPEN

• Tree removal • Tree pruning • FireSmarting • Stump grinding

North American Warranty All Makes and Models

WCB Covered Fully Insured

Tire Sales and Installation

KRIS CHASSE

250-688-1625

Mon-Fri: 8:30am-5:30pm Sat: 9:00am-4:00pm

www.flyinnfallin.com FREE ESTIMATES

These versions of the logo

Chimney and Eavestrough Cleaning and Repair Specialists

You name it, I’ll take care of it! Fully Insured & WCB Covered

TREE-MENDOUS Tree Specialists

OVER

• Pruning and Removal of ALL Trees and Shrubs YEARS EXPERIENCE • Stump Grinding • Fully Insured & WCB Covered

These one-colour versions

are to be preferred. Please call Steve - a real local of the be used as alternatives 385 Laurier Street 250-342-7100 youlogo cancan trust, to the two-colour versions. Invermere, BC info@dhspas.com with the most experience and best prices in the valley! www.diamondheatingandspas.comTwo-colour reproduction:

250-342-1791

official blue and yellow.

The blue version is to be preferred for one-colour reproductions.

If reproducing the official colours is not possible, use a one-colour version.

If reproducing the official blue is not possible, use the black version.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

Here to Serve You SERVICES

SERVICES

INSURANCE

SERVING ALL THE KOOTENAYS Quality sheds for all uses!

House Washing Window Cleaning Eavestrough Cleaning

Home, Auto and Business Insurance

Tyson Tufts

250-688-7707

office@radiantresidential.ca

CARPET CLEANING

250-254-2417 www.kootenaysheds.ca

101A – 1028 7th Ave, Invermere, BC 250-342-2175

www.kootenayinsurance.ca

CARPET CLEANING

FAST & RELIABLE (250)342-9692 (Business) (250)342-1273 (Cell)

Carpets Dry in 1 Hour

INVERMERE, BC

• Residential & Commercial Carpet Cleaning • Upholstery Cleaning • Tile and Grout Cleaning • Furnace, Dryer and Duct Cleaning • Insurance Claims

24 Hour Emergency Flood Service ptarmiganrugclean@gmail.com

Water, Fire, Wind, Sewer Emergency Services & Residential & Commercial Carpet Cleaning OFFICE

250-342-1158

Call NOW

24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE

250-688-0213

250-342-3052

• Fastest Dry Time on the Market • Stain Removal Specialists • Carpet, Upholstery, Area Rugs • Citrus Based - No Steam • Environmentally Friendly Products • Prompt Reliable Service • Serving the valley since 2006 Visit www.heavensbest.com

CONCRETE

CONTRACTING

• Ready Mix Concrete • Concrete Pumping • Over 50 colours available and in stock

Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood. • Fireplaces • Commercial and residential • New builds • Renovations. A licensed, registered and bonded company

‘Protection for What Matters’

Emergency Service calls available

Phone: 250-342-5833

• DELIVERED ON TIME at a fair price • Full range of sand and gravel products.

Cell: 250-270-9444

Give us a call! James 250-688-1267 or Jerry 250-342-5299 Email jeffersoncontractingltd@gmail.com

We are located at 9120, Hwy 93/95, which is five kilometres north of Tim Hortons

Renew Windows Limited

READY MIX CONCRETE

ENERGY STAR

• Vinyl Window Sales and Installation • New Construction and Renovation • Professional Installation

250.270.0086 • 20+ years of experience

Concrete Pump • Sand & Gravel Heavy Equipment Rentals • Crane Service Proudly Serving the Valley for over 50 years For competitive prices and prompt service, call:

250-342-3268 (plant) 250-342-6767 (office)

COMPLETE FRAMING SOLUTIONS

BUILDING SYSTEMS

TRUSSES | ENGINEERED FLOOR SYSTEMS PREFABRICATED WALL PANELS WHOLESALE LUMBER | FRAMING CREWS Tel: 250.341.6075 1351 Industrial Road #3, Invermere, B.C. Email: info@duskbuildingsystems.com www.duskbuildingsystems.com

SAVE

HERE TO SERVE YOU Business Directory

SAVE

10%

15%

20%

BRONZE

SILVER

GOLD

$66

$62

$5872

per insertion (4-12 consecutive insertions)

per insertion (13-51 consecutive insertions)

per insertion (52 consecutive insertions)

Contact Amanda Nason at 250-341-6299 x102 or advertising@columbiavalleypioneer.com

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

PIONEER

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

CLASSIFIEDS 250-341-6299

admin@columbiavalleypioneer.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS

OBITUARY

GE! NEW BROKERA NEW TEAM!

“Our best selling book of the summer” — Grant Hofer, owner Four Point Books, Invermere

GERRY TAFT 250.341.1202 ROBIN SHMIGELSKY 250.342.1548

120 pages of historic photos documenting the early history of the Windermere Valley, from Bisco to Canal Flats including Invermere, Radium and Fairmont.

GARAGE SALE

Premium RV site, nestled in the picturesque Creekside in the Canyon, Radium in a welcoming community. Spacious lot, access to on-site amenities heated swimming pool, gazebo, large deck, shed and campfire. Accommodates large lifetime trailer or park model. Private site with breathtaking views up the creek. $140,000

Garage Sale September 26, 9am - 2pm Huge amount of items Windermere Valley Shared Ministry Church @ 110 7th Ave Invermere Garage Sale 2A Juniper Heights Mobile Home Park Sunday, September 27 10-3

• Year-round position • Part-time to start, potential to turn into full-time • Competitive wages

CHEERS

Great big cheers to Rod Miles at No Frills, Invermere. His customer service to over and above, he goes out of his way to find my Al-Anon. Are you con- product every single time. cerned about or affected by We are lucky to have him. someone else’s drinking? Thanks Rod! For more information or to Cheers to Gwen S. For bespeak with someone from ing such a kind, faithful, our fellowship, please call friend to me during this 250-878-2448 rough patch that I am havor 250-342-8392 ing. You are a very big part of my adopted family and I CHEERS appreciate everything you A whoop-whoop-whoop- are doing to help me. Fore! Cheers to Glacier Cheers from the VolunHelicopters for their supteers to all the people who port of the Golf Ball drop came and had a blast at fundraiser for the Columbia the Airport Open House House Healing Garden. this weekend! Your support Cheers to Cynthia at A&W. has been overwhelming Excellent customer ser- and we are truly blessed to vice! Your cheerful attitude be a part of this great combrightened my day. munity!

RV SITE FOR SALE

MAINTENANCE HELP NEEDED

WHILE QUANTITIES LAST

Thank you to Heather at the CV Social for your creative skills and for promoting our Open House event! A big thank you to the anonymous donor who covered our advertising costs.

admin@columbiavalleypioneer.com

HELP WANTED

AVAILABLE AT: • Four Points Books • Lambert-Kipp Pharmacy • Pharmasave • WIndermere Museum • Crossroad Market/Esso • Radium Hot Springs Visitor Centre

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.

250-341-6299

terravistagm@gmail.com

CHEERS

HELP WANTED

A large valley golf clap to Copper Point Golf Club for hosting the Golf Ball drop fundraiser for the Columbia House Healing Garden.

Office Administration and Sales & Service

FREE Free Decomposed Organic Hay for Composting or Garden Mulch Looking for someone with a truck/dump trailer and a pitchfork to shovel a pile of organic compost. Will pay cash. Contact: 250-342-0152

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

Local established fast paced business in Invermere is looking for a full-time detail-oriented self-starter, extremely flexible, up-beat professional to provide administration support and customer service/sales to start as soon as possible. • Ideally, you have a few years behind your belt working in a fast-paced environment, performing standard and a variety of administrative tasks. • Good knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook & Internet. • Simply Accounting and QuickBooks experience is a bonus. • Your strong time-management skills will allow you to multi-task in our fast paced and ever-changing environment. • The ability to see what needs to be done and go for it. • If you are an honest, dependable, professional individual who likes a challenge, you will be the perfect fit. • Ability to prioritize daily, week and monthly tasks. • Comfortable working independently when needed but being part of a team. • Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including strong spelling, grammar and punctuation. • Commission on hot tub sales. • Be able to troubleshoot and resolve day to day office issues. • Your outstanding customer service skills are essential for communicating with our clients – via the phone, email and in person. How to Contact: Please email resume to info@diamondheatingandspas.com or drop off at 385 Laurier Street, Invermere

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER 914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Tel: (250) 342-9281 Fax: (250) 342-2934

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN AS FOLLOWS:

NOTICE OF ELECTION BY VOTING An election by voting is to be held to elect four Councillors and one School Trustee, and that the following persons are candidates for each office: COUNCILLOR – Four (4) to be elected Surname

Usual Names

Residential Address

Topliff Wood Neal Becker Kelly Read

Mark Theresa Ryan Kayja Grant Sue-Rose

Invermere, BC Invermere, BC Invermere, BC Radium Hot Springs, BC Invermere, BC Invermere, BC

SCHOOL TRUSTEE – One (1) to be elected Surname

Usual Names

Residential Address

Chapman Woodman

Matthew Justin

Invermere, BC Invermere, BC

VOTING DATES AND LOCATIONS GENERAL VOTING DAY will be on: Saturday, October 17, 2026, between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm Location: Columbia Valley Centre Address: 646 – 4th Street, Invermere, BC

• be a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration (at time of voting); • be a resident of the District of Invermere on the day of registration (at time of voting); and • not be disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or assent voting and not otherwise disqualified by law. NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY ELECTORS: To register as a non-resident property elector you must: • be 18 years of age or older on general voting day October 17th, 2026; • be a Canadian citizen; • be a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration (at time of voting); • be a registered owner of real property in the District of Invermere for at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration (at time of voting); • not be entitled to register as a resident elector; and • not be disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or assent voting and not otherwise disqualified by law. In addition, for non-resident property electors: • The only persons who are registered owners of the property, either as joint tenants or tenants in common, are individuals who are not holding the property in trust for a corporation or another trust. • If more than one person is registered owner of the property, only one of those individuals may, with the written consent of the majority of the owners, register as a non-resident property elector. In addition, in order to register at time of voting: To register, resident electors must produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a signature). Picture identification is not necessary. The identification must prove both residency and identity. To register, non-resident property electors must produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a signature) to prove identity, proof that they are entitled to register in relation to the property, and, if there is more than one owner of the property, written consent from the other property owners. MAIL BALLOT VOTING

ADVANCE VOTING will be held as follows: Wednesday, October 7th, 2026, between 8:00 am to 8:00 pm -andThursday, October 15th, 2026, between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Location: District of Invermere Office Address: 914 – 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC ELECTOR REGISTRATION There is no need to pre-register to vote as the registration of all electors for this election will take place at the time of voting. In order to register at the time of voting, you will be required complete the application form available at the voting place and to make a declaration that you meet the requirements to be registered as set out below: RESIDENT ELECTORS: To register as a resident elector you must: • be 18 years of age or older on general voting day October 17th, 2026; • be a Canadian citizen;

REQUESTING A MAIL BALLOT PACKAGE: Mail ballot applications are available and can be submitted to the District of Invermere office between September 22nd, 2026, to October 15th, 2026 at 4:00 pm. If you would like to receive a mail ballot and submit it to the office an application must be submitted to the District of Invermere office by October 15th, 2026, at 4:00 pm. Applications are on the District of Invermere website at www.invermere.net, or can be requested by email corporateservices@invermere.net and the municipal office located at 914 – 8th Avenue. To be counted, your mail ballot must be received by the Chief Election Officer no later than 8:00 pm on Saturday, October 17th, 2026 of General Voting Day. Those electors who may require some assistance as a result of physical challenges are invited to contact the Chief Election Officer as soon as possible to facilitate their voting experiences. Kindry Dalke Chief Election Officer

Drummers and singers gather on shore at James Chabot Provincial Park to honour the salmon during the annual Salmon Festival in Invermere on September 12. PHOTO KOLTON JOHNSTONE

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

Columbia Valley

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN AS FOLLOWS:

Churches

NOTICE OF ELECTION BY VOTING An election by voting is to be held to elect a Mayor and four Councillors, and that the following persons are candidates for each office: MAYOR – One (1) to be elected Surname GRAY LEONARD

Usual Name Mike Cris

Residential Address Edgewater, BC Radium Hot Springs, BC

COUNCILLOR – Four (4) to be elected Surname BLAKLEY COLLIN FERGUSON-HUSTON HILL PALASHNIUK SHUDRA

Usual Name Jessie Carey Christi Jessica Erin Dale

Residential Address Radium Hot Springs, BC Radium Hot Springs, BC Radium Hot Springs, BC Radium Hot Springs, BC Radium Hot Springs, BC Radium Hot Springs, BC

VOTING DATES AND LOCATIONS GENERAL VOTING DAY will be: Saturday, October 17, 2026, between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm 4836 Radium Boulevard, Radium Hot Springs, BC ADVANCE VOTING will be held as follows: Wednesday, October 7th, 2026, between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm 4836 Radium Boulevard, Radium Hot Springs, BC

ELECTOR REGISTRATION There is no need to pre-register to vote as the registration of all electors for this election will take place at the time of voting. In order to register at the time of voting, you will be required complete the application form available at the voting place and to make a declaration that you meet the requirements to be registered as set out below: RESIDENT ELECTORS: To register as a resident elector you must: • be 18 years of age or older on general voting day [October 17, 2026]; • be a Canadian citizen; • be a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration (at time of voting); • be a resident of the Village of Radium Hot Springs on the day of registration (at time of voting); and • not be disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or assent voting and not otherwise disqualified by law. NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY ELECTORS: To register as a non-resident property elector you must: • be 18 years of age or older on general voting day [October 17, 2026]; • be a Canadian citizen; • be a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration (at time of voting); • be a registered owner of real property in the Village of Radium Hot Springs for at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration (at time of voting); • not be entitled to register as a resident elector; and • not be disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or assent voting and not otherwise disqualified by law. In addition, for non-resident property electors: • The only persons who are registered owners of the property, either as joint tenants or tenants in common, are individuals who are not holding the property in trust for a corporation or another trust. • If more than one person is registered owner of the property, only one of those individuals may, with the written consent of the majority of the owners, register as a non-resident property elector. In addition, in order to register at time of voting: To register, resident electors must produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a signature). Picture identification is not necessary. The identification must prove both residency and identity. To register, non-resident property electors must produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a signature) to prove identity, proof that they are entitled to register in relation to the property, and, if there is more than one owner of the property, written consent from the other property owners.

MAIL BALLOT VOTING REQUESTING A MAIL BALLOT PACKAGE: Before 4:00pm on Thursday, October 15th, if you wish to vote by mail, you must submit the following information to the Village of Radium Hot Springs office by mail (PO Box 340, 4836 Radium Boulevard, Radium Hot Springs, BC V0A 1M0), telephone (250347-6455), fax (250-347-9068) or email (ap@radiumhotsprings.ca) no later than Thursday, October 15th, 2026: (1) Full name, (2) Residential address, (3) Address of the property in relation to which you are voting (for non-resident property electors), (4) Method of delivery of your mail ballot package: • pick up at office and, if you wish, name of person you authorize to pick up package for you, OR • regular letter mail through Canada Post to residential address, OR • regular letter mail through Canada Post to an alternate address that you provide when requesting the ballot package, and (5) If you are not on the list of electors, to ensure you receive the correct registration application form in your package, you must indicate whether you are going to be registering as a resident or non-resident property elector. To be counted, your mail ballot must be received by the Chief Election Officer no later than 8 pm on Saturday, October 17, 2026, General Voting Day. Those electors who may require some assistance as a result of physical challenges are invited to contact the Chief Election Officer as soon as possible to facilitate their voting experiences. Jill Logan, Chief Election Officer

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH While you are with us, you are always welcome to join us.

Sunday at 10:30 am 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 | www.lwac.ca

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY (Anglican - United) No Sunday services in July and August Minister: Brent Woodard 110 - 7th Ave. in Invermere 250-342-6644

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Pastor: Justin Furse Sunday 10 a.m. Worship Service 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 | www.vcachurch.net

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats: Saturday, 4 pm Canadian Martyrs’, Invermere: Sat 5 pm, Sun 9 am St. Joseph’s, Radium: Sunday 11 am Father Francis Dela Cruz | 712 -12th Ave., Invermere 250-342-6167 canadianmartyrs.ca

RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater | 250-342-6633 #4, 7553 Main St. Radium | 250-347-9937

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Worship Service, Sunday, 11 a.m. Sunday School, 10 a.m. President Kendyn Mackensie • Columbia Valley Branch • 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs 250-439-9041

CHURCH OF CHRIST (Iglesia ni Cristo) Worship Service: Sunday 9 a.m., Thursday 7:45 p.m. Chamber of Commerce (Lions Hall) For inquiries: 250-688-1643 250-270-2208 or 250-688-0629 For more info about the church, you can Google online at incmedia.org or pasugo.com.ph

JESUS IS LORD CHURCH, INVERMERE Sunday Service: 10:30am 1310 7th Ave Invermere (Invermere Inn Hotel) Pastor: Barkley Bayani 250-341-5160