Columbia Valley Pioneer - January 29, 2026

VALLEY VIEWS

VALLEY NEWS Panorama racer readies for Olympics

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Panorama alpine ski racer Cassidy Gray is an Olympian once again.

Gray will ski for Canada at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games in four separate alpine events — the downhill, the super giant slalom (super-G), giant slalom (GS), and the women’s team combined race.

It will be the second Olympics for Gray, who burst onto the World Cup alpine scene with an outstanding debut in 2021 and then participated in the Beijing Winter Games in 2022.

Gray, who just turned 25 earlier this week, may already be an Olympic veteran, but she said it’s still a big deal to be named to the Canadian team (the alpine racers heading to the Games for Canada were officially announced on Monday, Jan. 26).

“The first time (at Beijing), I was really excited about going to the Olympics. It was a dream come true. This time, when we found out (the team) I was so excited for my teammates,” Gray told the Pioneer. Of the eight women racing for Alpine Canada, five have been to the Olympics before and three are going for the first time. One of those three — Kiki Alexander — has been one of Gray’s best friends since both were 10 years old. The pair grew up racing together and are often roommates when they travel with Team Canada.

When the team was announced “she (Alexander) turned to me and whispered, ‘I’m going to the

Olympics.’ We looked at each other for a moment and then we both started crying,” said Gray.

Last winter Gray had a decent World Cup season (as well as a 20th place finish in the super-G at the world championships). At the start of this season, she knew that a few good results would be enough for her to meet the Olympic qualification criteria. So far her 2025-2026 season has been mixed, with DNFs (did not finish) in a few races, but solid finishes in others.

Those solid finishes, it turns out, were more than enough to earn a spot in Italy.

Milano Cortina will be a much different Olympic experience than Beijing. For one thing, Olympians were mostly confined to the athlete’s village during the Beijing Games, as China still had strict COVID-19 restrictions in place.

For another, most of the 2026 alpine events will be held at Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre in the Dolomites — a spot the skiers already know well, since it’s an established stop on the World Cup circuit. The course at the Beijing Games, on the other hand, is not a World Cup stop, and was almost brand new, having been purpose-built for the 2022 Olympics. The unfamiliar and tricky terrain there resulted in DNFs for many alpine racers (including Gray in the women’s GS).

But “I’ve been to Cortina quite a few times. It’s a familiar place for me. I like the course,” said Gray.

Continued on page 4

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Local Olympian ready to compete in Games

Continued from page 3

She’s doesn’t want to set a goal of getting a certain place at the Games (such as top 15 or top 10), but rather is focused simply on her own performance. “What I want to do is ski my best. I can’t control how fast or how well others ski, but I can control what I do. And I don’t want to feel any doubt about whether or not I put it all out. I want to know I did the absolute best I possibly could,” she told the Pioneer.

Gray initially lived in Calgary, but moved to Panorama Mountain Resort as a kid with her family. She was always naturally athletic and as a youngster did many sports — skiing, obviously, but also soccer, gymnastics, volleyball and more.

As she became a teen, her interest in ski racing got more serious, and her ability grew stronger. She raced as part of Team Panorama, then was part of the national development team and the Alberta provincial team, before doing a season of collegiate racing at the University of Colorado.

In 2021 she pressed pause on her university career to focus solely on skiing with the senior Canadian national team. It was a move that paid dividends as she broke onto the World Cup circuit

with verve and hasn’t looked back since.

Gray initially raced mostly GS, but now also does the ‘speed’ events (the super-G and the downhill).

“My style, the way I like to ski, fits all those disciplines. I like the speed and power mixed with the technical aspects of turns,” she said.

Despite the DNF in the GS in Beijing, Gray had a great time at the 2022 Games, with particularly fond memories of the closing ceremony and of the way veteran Olympians banded together at the athletes village, in light of the COVID-19 restrictions, to make the Games extra special for the Olympic rookies such as Gray. She’s keen to add new Olympic memories at Cortina.

Gray will ski in the downhill on Feb. 8 at 11:30 a.m. Italian time (3:30 a.m. in Invermere); in the women’s team combined event on Feb. 10 at 10:30 a.m. Italian time (2:30 a.m. in Invermere); in the super-G on Feb. 12 at 11:30 a.m. Italian time (3:30 a.m. in Invermere); and in the GS on Feb. 15 at 10 a.m. Italian time (2 a.m. in Invermere).

“I’m really grateful to have grown up in the Columbia Valley. The people here are so supportive — my family, coaches and teachers of course, but also the larger community. I’m a product of that support,” said Gray.

Invermere skier set for Olympic slalom

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Invermere alpine ski racer Amelia Smart is returning to the Olympics.

Smart raced in the women’s slalom at the Beijing Winter Games in 2022 and will be on the start line for an Olympic slalom for a second time at the upcoming Milano Cortina Games.

When the Pioneer spoke with Smart last week, she was in the Czech Republic preparing for a World Cup race and waiting to find out if she would make Canada’s Olympic team. She had reasonably decent finishes through last winter and then a mixed bag of results in the first part of this season, which left her feeling she was “on the bubble” of getting to the Games.

Olympic qualification can be complicated, including not just a given racer’s results, but her or his country’s overall results as a team, and — consequently — the number of spots that country is allocated at the Games.

“It’s been a bit of a struggle for me,” Smart said of this year’s World Cup season. She was sick before the first race, then didn’t do well in the second race. Then she cranked out back-to-back top 25 performances (both of which earned her World Cup points) in the third and fourth races of the season.

“I felt like I was getting into a groove,” she said.

But after that, the next few races included a pair of DNFs (did not finish) and a race that did not go well.

potential for the last couple of years. I’ve had some good races, and some not-so-good races. That’s how it goes (in alpine racing). But I think I have more to give that I have been showing lately,” said Smart.

Slalom racing has always appealed to Smart more than the ‘speed’ alpine racing events — such as super giant slalom (super-G) and downhill — because “I’ve always been a technical skier,” she said. Smart’s parents were both ski instructors and ski coaches, and they “made me a good turner,” she added with a laugh.

were tested every day, and any positive test would’ve meant no racing. Smart didn’t want to take any chances, and so skipped the opening ceremonies.

“Obviously it was still really amazing. But yes, this (Milano Cortina) will probably be more of the full Olympic experience, with the opening ceremony, meeting athletes from other countries, and all that,” she said.

Smart is 28 and said 2026 could be her last Olympics.

“It’s been an up and down season,” Smart told the Pioneer. “I have been skiing well and training well, but I haven’t been able to make it click consistently in races yet. That is frustrating, but it’s part of the sport.”

Smart grew up in Invermere and skied at Panorama Mountain Resort as a kid. She got into alpine racing and attended the University of Denver on an alpine racing scholarship. After graduating in 2021, she moved up to ski for the senior national alpine team.

She managed a top 30 result in the women’s slalom in the Beijing Games in 2022 (she finished 27th) but was somewhat disappointed. “I had a really good season that year, with some great results. Unfortunately (the Olympics) was one of my worst races,” she said.

Even so, just being at the Olympics was an amazing experience, and participating in them was a dream come true.

“There was a buzz, an excitement about going to Olympics for me,” Smart told the Pioneer. The second time around, however, she’s more seasoned and “I’ll definitely be looking for more from myself at this Olympics, in terms of my own performance.”

She’ll be happy with a top 15 result, but feels she’s even capable of a top 10 finish.

Smart skied very well the winter after the Beijing Olympics — the 2022-2023 World Cup season — and managed an eighth place finish in one race. But the following two World Cup seasons were tougher.

“I haven’t performed at my

“Slalom is a love or hate thing for most racers. It’s really demanding because the turns are so tight ... I like the precision you need to both ski fast and make the turns. There’s something about skiing a really good slalom run ... to really do it well, your timing has to be perfect the whole way down. When you finally nail it, it’s such a great feeling,” explained Smart.

When Smart first started alpine racing seriously, she mostly raced giant slalom (GS). Later she took an interest in slalom, and the more she focused on the discipline, the better she became.

Cortina will be a much different Olympic experience than Beijing was in 2022. In China, tight COVID-19 restrictions meant the Olympians were in effect isolated in the athlete’s village.

“It was very challenging beforehand. If you tested positive (for COVID-19) you were not allowed to go. So you’ve worked your whole life to get to the Olympics, you’ve qualified, and you’re worried that if you catch COVID-19 you’ll have to wait another four years,” explained Smart. “I was super vigilant, even when I was visiting my family. Everyone was wearing masks around the house.”

Even at the Games, athletes

“For me, I could be getting near the end of my career. I could probably do another Olympic cycle if I wanted, but I do have a lot of other things I want to do with my life,” she said.

Being a World Cup alpine ski racer is a full-time commitment. Although the races happen through the winter, the training, the travel and dealing with injuries take up every available hour and then some. Even in the so-called ‘off-season’ in summer, World Cup racers are training, working out, and endlessly talking with coaches.

Pursuing athletic dreams to a world-class level means putting almost everything else on hold. Racers often stay away from participating, even at a recreational level, in certain other sports for fear of risking injury.

When Smart does call it quits on World Cup racing, she’s keen to pursue a career somewhere in the hydrology field. Over the past several years she’s completed a Master’s degree in water security to that end. She’d also love to ski — for fun instead of racing — in Alaska and South America, and spend a few months being a beach bum and rock climbing in Southeast Asia.

Smart will ski in the slalom on Feb. 18 at 10 a.m. Italian time (2 a.m. in Invermere).

OPINION

Rapid change

Albeit rare, canoeing on Lake Windermere on Christmas Day is a novel and fun thing to do. (The last time it happened was a century ago, but back then nobody worried about climate change or global warming.)

Today, however, it’s top of mind for many people, including directors on the RDEK board who recently voted to adopt the Climate Action Plan.

For paddlers Alex Weller and Ryan Thomas, their no-ice adventure was pure bliss, but for cli mate change watchers, it could be a little discon certing.

With the effects of global warming becom ing more pronounced each decade, it's a sad (de pending on how you look at it) possibility that Christmas holiday canoeing on Lake Windermere may become a lot more common in the near fu ture. It may also become more common to see the annual Bonspiel on the Lake being held indoors instead of on Taynton Bay.

While there are deniers out there, we are seeing the effects of climate change all around us: devastating wildfires, catastrophic flooding, droughts, melting ice fields, etc. Fortunately, many governments are seeing the writing on the wall and planning ahead by cutting emissions, using clean energy, transitioning to electric ve hicles, creating evacuation plans (like the RDEK), and reducing their carbon footprint.

Individuals (that means you) can also battle climate change by reducing energy use at home. For example, wash clothes in cold water, install solar panels, bike to work or use public transit, fly less, switch to an electric vehicle, reduce waste by composting and recycling, grow your own food, and choose a bank that doesn’t fund fossil fuels.

Renowned environmental activist David Suzuki was quoted as saying that humanity has lost the fight against climate change, but this doesn’t mean giving up in despair. We must adapt to these changes in climate and learn how to be resilient against extreme weather events. Our communities need to be prepared for these catastrophes because they are the new normal. It is naive to think we can stop these wildfires and floods, and that we can stop global warming in its tracks; sorry, it’s not going to happen. But we can all do our part to address the root causes and make a difference, no matter how small.

Lyonel Doherty, editor

'Friends' looking for space

The Friends of the Invermere Public Library are turning to the community to ask for assistance.

We have enjoyed our present location at the Book Donation Centre (across from the library) for several years but are now searching for a new space to collect, sort and hopefully store the donated books.

As many of you know, we help raise funds for the Invermere library by holding book sales, including the very popular BIG book sale each summer.

Since 2008, we have donated almost $300,000 to the library. Over the year, our group of dedicated volunteers empties the gently used books from our donation bin daily and sorts the books into appropriate categories so that once the sales come around, we can display them in a way that makes book hunting a bit easier.

We have been looking for a suitable site in Invermere but have been unsuccessful to date. We are hoping to find a secure, accessible space, approximately 350-450 square feet with electricity for lights and heat. It would be ideal if the public could still drop off their donations at a new location so our volunteers can easily access them for sorting. We would like to be able to sort and store the books in one location, but our priority is a welcoming place for our volunteers to work.

We are grateful to the Akisq'nuk First Nation for generously allowing us the use of the present location for the Book Donation Centre.

If you think you might be able to help us with this search, please leave your contact information at the Invermere Public Library. As always, thank you for your support of the 'Friends' and our library.

Friends of the Invermere Public Library

OPINION/OP-ED

Communities prepare for wildfire season

Wildfires are a recurring risk in the Columbia Basin, making local preparedness essential to protecting people, homes and critical infrastructure.

To support that effort— particularly in small and First Nations communities — Columbia Basin Trust is providing nearly $1.4 million for 32 projects that will help communities prevent and respond to wildfires, including purchasing specialized equipment and training local staff and volunteers.

“The changing climate is increasing the likelihood of wildfires, and these projects show how seriously Basin communities are taking preparedness,” said Kris Belanger, senior manager, Delivery of Benefits, Columbia Basin Trust.

“By strengthening local fire departments with better training and equipment, they’re helping make the region more resilient to climate change, Belanger said.

Projects may focus on buying

Don't

equipment like chainsaws and hoses, offering firefighters courses like first aid and wildland fire fighting, or doing essential planning.

Volunteer fire departments receiving support say the funding is making a practical difference on the ground.

“The priorities of the fire department and the volunteer firefighters are to reduce the risks to life, property and environment,” said Stephanie Whitney, chief of Winlaw Volunteer Fire Department.

“Bolstering our wildfire-related equipment inventory allows the department to be more effective in achieving these priorities.”

Since fall 2022, over 135 projects have received more than $6.3 million in Trust support.

To learn more about the program and see previously approved projects, visit ourtrust.org/wildfirereadiness.

create hazard

With cooler temperatures it is a good time for a friendly reminder.

NOTICE OF INTENT FOR FIRST READING OF: ZONING AMENDMENT BYLAW NO. 1686, 2026

The Council of the District of Invermere gives notice that First Reading of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1686, 2026 will be considered at the Regular Meeting of Council on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026, at 7:00 pm MT, at the District of Invermere Municipal Office located at 914 – 8th Avenue, Invermere, B.C.

The intent of Bylaw No. 1686, 2026 is to amend the Secondary Suite regulations in Zoning Bylaw No. 1145, 2002 to align with the BC Building Code.

Amendments include:

• removal of size limits.

Also, plugging multiple power bars into one wall outlet, or linking them together will create a fire hazard.

Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Services

Please do not plug space heaters or heating elements of any kind into surge protectors or power bars. They are best utilized for home electronics only, and can be overloaded by the amount of electrical wattage and current needed by heating appliances.

Clarification

• removal of principal residency requirements. removal of Section 219 Land Title Covenant requirements. permitting secondary suites in additional residential building types, where allowed by the BC Building Code.

Copies of the proposed bylaw and related documents may be inspected online at the District of Invermere website at https://invermere.net/news/ or by request to Meghan Faries, Development Coordinator by telephone: (250) 342-9281 extension 1257 or email: dpcoordinator@invermere.net

Persons who wish to comment on the proposed bylaw can submit them in one of the following ways:

• By mail or hand delivery to the District of Invermere Office at 914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0. Provided they are received no later than 12:00 p.m. (noon) MT, Friday, February 6th, 2026.

By Email Send to info@invermere.net by 12:00 p.m. (noon) MT, Friday, February 6th, 2026.

By Attending the Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. MT at the District of Invermere Office, 914 – 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC

Written comments received will be distributed to Council for their consideration at the February 10th, 2026, Council meeting. All written submissions will form part of the public record. Members of the public attending the meeting may make presentations to Council or present written submissions respecting matters contained in the proposed bylaw.

If you have questions or require more information, please contact the District of Invermere at (250) 342-9281 or by email to: info@invermere.net.

Meghan Faries Development Coordinator

BEYOND THE BLUE LINE Rockies shock first place Nitehawks

STAGELINE 75 STAGEPARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

The District of Invermere is inviting a local nonprofit organization to become the official operator of the Stageline 75 mobile stage a community asset featured at beloved local events including the Snowflake Festival, Locals Live in Pothole Park, Bull Riding in the Rockies, and Canal Flats Fest.

As the stage owner, the District will continue to handle inspections, safety requirements, and long term maintenance. Four District staff are certified operators, and new operator training will be provided to the selected nonprofit.

What the Nonprofit Will Do

• Carry liability insurance for events

• Safely transport the stage to and from event sites

• Manage setup, takedown, and on site operation

• Retain all stage rental revenue to support your programs

Sponsorship opportunities Businesses and organizations can also support the Locals Live summer concert series through sponsorship, helping sustain vibrant live entertainment in the community.

Why This Matters

This is a rare chance for a nonprofit to help shape local cultural experiences, keep a valued community asset active, and build revenue for its own mission. If a suitable operator or sponsor is not found, the District may consider selling the stage, making community partnership even more important.

Interested parties are invited to submit inquiries or expressions of interest to:

Deadline: January 29, 2026

Contact: Kindry Dalke corporateservices@invermere.net | 250

By Columbia Valley Rockies

The Columbia Valley Rockies dug deep, stood tall, and delivered a statement weekend on the road as they continued their push toward the final playoff spot. January 23 in Beaver Valley the Rockies rolled into a hostile soldout barn to take on the first place Beaver Valley Nighthawks and left with two massive points. Columbia Valley struck first when Chance Cole buried a beauty off feeds from Mitchell DeCoste and Ethan Cerone to open the scoring. Despite being outshot 16-11 in the opening frame the Rockies skated into the dressing room with a 1-0 lead and plenty of momentum.

“They were fired up to play at home on a Saturday night. Our powerplay was great.”

-

Head coach Tucker Braund

The second period turned into a battle. Beaver Valley ramped up the physical play trying to bully the visitors off the puck but the Rockies refused to bend. Even while being outshot 11-5, Columbia Valley limited quality chances and surrendered just one goal sending the teams into the third deadlocked at 1-1. That’s when the Rockies went to work. At 9:27 of the third period  Evin Bossel electrified the building and silenced it moments later by splitting the defence and ripping a top shelf finish past the Nighthawks’ goaltender to give Columbia Valley a 2-1 lead. From there, it was lockdown hockey. Backstopped by a spectacular performance from Piet Mierau who stopped 38 of 39 shots, the Rockies clamped down defensively and shut the door the rest of the way to steal a massive road victory against the division leaders.

Less than 24 hours later the battered and bruised Rockies were back at it in Nelson against the Leafs and once again rose to the occasion. Nelson opened the scoring on the powerplay but Columbia Valley answered just under two minutes later

when Parker Cutts buried an unassisted powerplay marker to tie the game. The Rockies grabbed the lead when Cole King danced across the slot and snapped home a slick finish off assists from Lachlan Hanton and Danil Timchuk. Nelson responded before the intermission and the teams headed to the break tied 2-2.

Special teams continued to fuel the Rockies in the second period as Ethan Cerone cashed in on the powerplay converting a feed from Peter Godley and Cutts to give Columbia Valley a 3-2 edge heading into the final frame. The third period was all about structure, sacrifice and discipline. Goaltender Ryan Tamelin stood tall between the pipes while the Rockies clogged shooting lanes, won battles along the boards and protected the middle of the ice. No goals were scored in the final 20 minutes as Columbia Valley locked down another massive road victory.

Head coach Tucker Braund praised his group’s effort following the weekend sweep. “Great weekend on the road. We played a great game Friday night in a very tough barn to win in. We haven’t had much success there over the years so I was very happy with that,” said Braund. “Piet Mierau played very well. He’s been working extremely hard and it’s great to see him having success.”

Braund also highlighted the team’s strong showing in Nelson and the impact of several key contributors. “Saturday in Nelson was another great game. They were fired up to play at home on a Saturday night. Our powerplay was really good. Parker Cutts had a great game, and Danil Timchuk has been a big help on our backside since joining us at the deadline along with Luke Lawford.”

With injuries forcing the Rockies to skate short, Braund was especially impressed with affiliate call-up Jake Gramlich. “We played two short and brought in local AP Jake Gramlich. He’s only 16 but he didn’t shy away from the physicality at all and even created some offensive chances along the way.”

The Rockies now sit just one point out of the final playoff spot.

Friday January 30

12:00 Soup Day Edgewater Community Hall. $10 per person. All welcome. Soup or chili, cornmeal muffins, desserts, coffee & tea. Hosted by Edgewater Seniors.

Tuesday February 3

6:30 Second Winds Community Band Our band practises every Tuesday at Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church in Invermere. New members welcome!

Please include: • Date • Start and end times • Event name & description

A Tribute to Maple

Our good friend, Maple, passed away on January 21, 2026, after her battle with PIMA, a rare autoimmune disease.

Maple was born in April 2017 and was a shy but rambunctious puppy. Over the years, she grew into a reserved but loving companion; one whose love was selective, but special. Maple spent her years running trails, paddleboarding, camping, and lounging in front of the fire. She ate thousands of ice cubes (her favourite crunchy treat) and danced many dances with her mom in the kitchen. She played in the ocean, birdwatched on the wetlands, and hiked across Wilcox Pass. She was there through all of her parents’ major milestones, from serving as an emotional support dog during COVID to being the Dog of Honour at their wedding.

Maple loved her yard, where she would play with her soccer ball, run circles around her dad, and smell the flowers her mom picked for her. She loved ripping wrapping paper to shreds and then spitting the chunks into the air. She had a knack for finding a loose stitch in any toy and surgically removing all the stuffing with impressive precision. The one toy she most treasured was her hamburger, and that’s because she could never find the loose stitch. She did not like long car rides, fire alarms, or the neighbour’s cat... but somehow, it always got away.

Maple is fondly remembered by her loving grandparents, who always told her how beautiful she was and stuffed her full of treats. She was loved by her uncle, who played hard to get but had a secret soft spot for her. Maple lives on in the heart of her Aunt Bean, who loved Maple through all stages of her life and knew the exact spot behind her ears to scratch in order to get her to smile. She will be missed by her brother, Todd the tortoise, and her good friend, Max, who was her dearest canine pal. But most significantly, she is remembered and cherished by her parents, Jess and Joe, who loved her deeply and whose lives were made better because of her.

Maple’s family sends a heartfelt thank you to the community for helping give Maple the best chance at recovery. With your support, they were able to spend an extra month with her, and had the opportunity to say goodbye. They send their most sincere gratitude. Thank you all.

NOTICE OF PROPOSED OFFICAL COMMUNITY PLAN AND ZONING BYLAWS

Notice is hereby given under section 94 of the Community Charter that the Council of the Village of Radium Hot Springs is considering new Village of Radium Hot Springs Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 527, 2025 and new Village of Radium Hot Springs Zoning Bylaw No. 528, 2026.

The proposed bylaws affect all properties in the Village of Radium Hot Springs.

Village of Radium Hot Springs Bylaw No. 527, 2025 Official Community Plan (OCP) is a statement of objectives and policies that guide planning and land use management in the Village of Radium Hot Springs. The OCP impacts the community’s sustainability and resilience, regulates short-term rentals, and outlines long-term development plans for the community.

Village of Radium Hot Springs Bylaw No. 528, 2026 Zoning is a bylaw that divides the Village of Radium Hot Springs into zones and regulates the use of land, buildings, and structures, and prohibits the use of tourist accommodations as dwelling units.

A PUBLIC HEARING on proposed Bylaw No. 527, 2025 Official Community Plan and proposed Bylaw No. 528, 2026 Zoning will be held:

Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 - 6:30 p.m.

Radium Hot Springs Centre

4863 Stanley Street

Radium Hot Springs, B.C. By Zoom

Join Zoom Meeting - https://zoom.us/ Meeting ID: 882 123 4110

Passcode: Radium

All persons who believe that their interest in property is affected by the proposed bylaws may submit written presentations to the Village of Radium Hot Springs, PO Box 340, Radium Hot Springs, BC, V0A 1M0 or Fax: 250-347-9068 or email: cao@radiumhotsprings.ca prior to the date and time of the hearing. Persons may also present written and/or verbal submissions at the public hearing. Submissions will not be received after the public hearing has been adjourned.

The full bylaws may be inspected on the Village website: https://radiumhotsprings.ca/ourpathforward/

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

Olympian sidelined by big knee injury

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Windermere World Cup ski cross racer Courtney Hoffos will unfortunately not be at the Cortina Milano Winter Games after all.

Hoffos started this World Cup ski cross season with a silver medal in Val Thorens, France on December 11. The silver followed on the heels of strong results last season, including multiple podiums and ‘big finals’ (i.e. top four finishes) and collectively this meant Hoffos was guaranteed a spot at the Olympics in Italy this February.

But not even a week later, on December 16, Hoffos crashed in the semifinal of a World Cup race in Arosa, Switzerland. In the semifinal heat, part way down the course, Swiss star Fanny Smith had pulled into the lead. A few yards back Hoffos, French racer Mylene Ballet Baz and Swiss racer Talina Gantenbein were skiing in a very tight pack, vying for the second through fourth places in the heat.

Just before the trio launched off a large feature, Hoffos and Ballet Baz appeared to brush skis, causing Hoffos — who was on the far left hand side of the course — to clip a gate. Hoffos sailed through the air off balance and crashed as she landed.

Ski patrollers took Hoffos off the

slope in a toboggan. Hoffos managed a wave to the crowd gathered at the finish line, but her injuries were serious, and a few days later she had knee surgery to fix her meniscus, medial collateral ligament and tibial plateau.

The injury will keep Hoffos from participating in what would have been her second Olympics. She finished sixth at the Beijing Winter Games in 2022.

“Gutted to say my season is already over,” Hoffos posted on Instagram a week after the crash. “I’ve honestly avoided fully thinking about how different the next few months will look compared to my plan A. Getting injured in an Olympic season is devastating, not only because of the prep that my team and I have done, but that I won’t get the chance to show up for Canada on the biggest stage we worked so hard to get to.”

Hoffos emphasized that her style is to “push in every heat” of each race, instead of taking “the safe route” of skiing a little more cautiously during the lead up to the Games, in an effort to avoid injury.

“I’m on the mend after a successful surgery,” she wrote, adding she’s grateful for her team, her family, and the hospital staff in Chur, Switzerland.

Last weekend's Nipika Panorama Loppet was a blast, thanks to Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club that hosted the event.

Volunteers are all around us and play a huge part in what makes our region an incredible place to live. Help us celebrate and recognize their efforts by nominating them as an Electoral Area Volunteer of the Year. Nominees must be a resident of an Electoral (rural) Area and make voluntary contributions to the spirit, culture or people of the community.

Nomination forms are available at our Cranbrook & Columbia Valley RDEK offices and on: engage.rdek.bc.ca/volunteer NOMINATION DEADLINE is 12pm, February 2, 2026

ReDi

Apply by 4pm (MST) February 9, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted. engage.rdek.bc.ca/redi

Bar hosts big 'back to school' fundraiser

By Steve Hubrecht

steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Grown-ups keen to go to the head of the class — get ready, Ullr Bar is holding a fundraiser that will send adults back to school.

The event is set for Saturday, Feb. 7 and will see parents and other adults hit the books once again as they are tested by questions — quiz show style — from local teachers and principals.

“Sometimes you hear parents tell kids ‘you have it easy in school compared to when I was young’ Or they say that being a kid is easy compared to being a parent. Well now they (the parents) have a chance to prove it,” said event co-organizer and Ullr co-owner Richard Mat-

thews, with a laugh.

The event will raise funds for the J.A. Laird Elementary School Parent Advisory Council (PAC) and for the David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS) dance.

“The money goes to help kids in our community, so it’s very worthwhile,” said Matthews. “It will be a lot of fun and you’ll get to test yourself.”

The exact details are yet to be ironed out, but the ‘test’ questions will be offered by teachers and principals from J.A. Laird and DTSS. These two schools collectively cover Grade 4 through Grade 12.

To ‘graduate’ again, adults taking the test need to answer five questions at each grade level (45 questions in total). Questions will span different subjects taught

in the schools — English, history, chemistry, physics, and so on.

Participants will start with the Grade 4 questions, then move on to Grade 5, then Grade 6, and so on.

“So it will get harder as you go along,” explained Matthews.

To help make the ‘school’ atmosphere as realistic as possible several teachers will be on hand to make sure participants don’t cheat.

Cheating is frowned upon, yes, but outright bribery is a different matter. If you’re really stumped by a particularly tricky question, well, an extra donation to the fundraiser may get one of the teachers to offer a few hints.

Entry to the ‘test’ is $20 per person, and the top scoring couples stand a chance to win some awesome ‘staycation’ options around

the Columbia Valley, from Fuze, Stingers, Toby Creek Adventures, Inspire Floral Boutique, Birchwood restaurant and more.

You must register in advance to participate. Email info@ullrbar. com to sign up or find out more.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

NEW BROKERAGE! NEW TEAM! ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS

GERRY TAFT 250.341.1202

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

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

CHEERS SERVICES

Cheers to Dr. Linda and staff at Lifepath Dental for the amazing help you give to locals in need.

Steamboat Mountain Music Society

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Edgewater Community Hall 7:00 pm Friday, February 20, 2026

• Membership Renewal

• Report on Society Activities

• Bursary Report

• Financials

• 15th Annual Festival Plans

• Election of Directors

• Coffee/Tea Dessert

• Music & Mingle

Cheers to the person who picked up my cash that fell out of my pocket at Sobeys. Cheers for turning it into customer service. There are still good people around.

Cheers to the lady (sorry I didn't catch your name) at No Frills who offered to take my shopping cart back inside. She could see I was in pain and struggling to walk with my cane. How incredibly kind. Something that might have seemed so small and easy was not small to me. It made my whole day.

Cheers to Gwen Stewart for being a very dear friend to me. Although you are small in stature, you have the biggest heart, and no request is too much. You are an angel in disguise.

Cheers to Steve Kuffler for once again coming to my rescue these past few days. When everyone else was too busy to assist me, you took time from your busy schedule to help. Much appreciated.

Cheers to Ken Hann for dropping off baked goods at the office on Thursday morning. So thoughtful.

Cheers to Brianne at Lifepath Dental. You are always friendly and helpful when I call the office.

Cheers to Bob Stewart for going above and beyond for a friend.

Cheers to Jaye at Selkirk Cellulars for all your help and patience dealing with this old gal who is technologically challenged. This is why I choose to shop local. You don’t get this kind of service from a big box store or from Amazon. I highly recommend this business; the staff are great.

Cheers to the amazing Family Dynamix, especially their management - Cari and Ute. Not only does the agency do so much good for our community, the management treats the staff so well and always makes them feel supported and loved. We are so fortunate to have them in our community!

Cheers to Kristen at CIBC for your help with our accounts and getting set up with online banking. Much appreciated.

Cheers to Fabienne -new Swiss Bakery at Windermere Petro Can - ahmazing homemade breads and sweets; thick delicious sandwiches ‘n soups; super prices. Delightful new entrepreneur. Welcome!

Cheers to Karen at Lambert Kipp Pharmacy for going the extra mile to find me a wall calendar. Talk about great customer service!

Grateful cheers to Navi at Invermere Travel World for her cheerful and professional assistance with our Spring travel plans! We are looking forward to our trip and feel much better prepared.

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

ACCOMMODATIONS WANTED

Looking for long term 2-bedroom rental for midFebruary. Furnished or unfurnished. Preferably Invermere, Wilmer, Windermere.

I am a non-smoker, employed, clean, quiet male. References on request. Phone 250-342-1657

with

FOR SALE

Position: Gardener I

CAREERS

Department: Public Works

Status: CUPE - Seasonal

Classification: Gardener I

The District of Invermere has an opening for a Gardener I position in the Public Works Department.

Under the general supervision of the Public Works Supervisor and under the daily direction of the Gardener II, the Gardener I performs horticultural tasks in construction and maintenance of District parks, landscapes, floral displays and shrubs. The position involves physically demanding work in all weather conditions.

The position is responsible for the care and maintenance of seasonal flower beds and pots, shrub beds, rock gardens as well as hedge trimming.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND REPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs a wide variety of horticultural tasks across all District of Invermere properties including, propagation, design and planting, plant health care and integrated pest management, pruning, irrigation and weed control.

• Plans and completes flower bed preparation and planting.

• Performs flower and shrub bed maintenance

Stick your neck out and be seen by thousands of readers in print and online!

Call Christina at 250-341-6299 ext 101 to promote your business in the Pioneer

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

with

with

Stick your neck out and be seen by thousands of readers in print and online!

• Planning and conducting work to meet maintenance expectations efficiently and safely.

• Presents and maintain a professional, positive and tactful attitude when dealing with internal and external stakeholders.

• Provides excellent services to the community, ensuring professional, friendly, and efficient interactions with community members

• Ensure all work sites are set up and work procedures conducted in accordance with all District Policies & Procedures and WorkSafe Regulations.

• Providing training, technical guidance, and motivation to assigned work crews.

• Inspecting and assessing plant health needs, making recommendations, and completing corrective actions.

• Plan and conduct work efficiently, meeting maintenance expectations within budgetary requirements.

• Assist other staff and municipal departments, and perform related work as required

A job description for this position is available upon request or on the career opportunities section of the District of Invermere website.

This position is within C.U.P.E. 2982 bargaining unit. The current wage rate for this position falls within the range of $33.73-34.73 per hour plus benefits as detailed in the Collective Agreement. The Gardener I position is expected to work 40 hours per week Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm from April 15th to October 15th each year. Some weekend work will be required.

Stick your neck out and be seen by thousands of readers in print and online!

Stick your neck out and seen by thousands of readers in print and online!

Persons interested in applying for this position are invited to submit their resumes by 2:00 pm on Thursday, February 19th to:

District of Invermere

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

Email: corporateservices@invermere.net

Call Christina at 250-341-6299 ext 101 to promote your business in the Pioneer

Call Christina at 250-341-6299 ext 101 to promote your business in the Pioneer

Call Christina at 250-341-6299 ext 101 to promote your business in the Pioneer

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE – Bylaw Amendments No. 3434 & 3435 – Windermere

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an application to amend the Lake Windermere OCP and the Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw for portions of three subject properties from a small holding residential zone to a rural residential zone to make the zoning consistent on the properties as they are currently split zoned. The subject properties are located on Windermere Loop Road and Westroc Road in the Windermere East area, as shown on the attached map.

Bylaw No. 3434 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Lake Windermere Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2929, 2019 – Amendment Bylaw No. 18, 2025 (Windermere East / Halverson & Maurer)” will amend the OCP designation of those parts of Lots 2, 3 and 4 of District Lot 4596, Kootenay District, Plan EPP112076 from SH, Small Holdings to RR, Rural Resource.

Bylaw No. 3435 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 3255, 2023 – Amendment Bylaw No. 30, 2025 (Windermere East / Halverson & Maurer)” will amend the zone designation of those parts of Lots 2, 3 and 4 of District Lot 4596, Kootenay District, Plan EPP112076 from undesignated and SH-3, Small Holdings Rural Zone to A-2, Rural Residential (Country) Zone.

A public hearing will be held via Zoom webinar conference on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 6:00 pm

The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F and the District of Invermere. If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaws, you may prior to the hearing:

• inspect the Bylaws and supporting information by requesting that an information package be emailed to you by contacting kgilbert@rdek.bc.ca.

Information packages may be requested up until Monday, February 2, 2026 at 4:30 pm; mail or email written submissions to the addresses shown below before Monday, February 2, 2026 at 4:30 pm; Present verbal submissions at the public hearing You must pre-register to attend and make a verbal presentation or comment at the hearing.

• The deadline to register is Monday, February 2, 2026 at 4:30 pm Register in advance for this webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XtFDbwAOS3uNEUTLXyuZDA or by visiting www.rdek.bc.ca (Meetings/Minutes, Meetings & Notices page).

Please note that a question and answer period will not occur during the Zoom webinar conference. You must address any questions relating to the bylaws to the Planning Technician prior to the above date. SUBMISSIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING.

All submissions will form part of the public record and will be published in a meeting agenda posted online. Personal contact information such as phone and email will be removed from written submissions. Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335. This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaws. For more information, contact Krista Gilbert, Planning Technician at 250-489-0314, toll free at 1-888-478-7335, or email kgilbert@rdek.bc.ca.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE – Bylaw Amendment No. 3413 – Fairmont Hot Springs

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering a housekeeping amendment to the Fairmont Hot Springs & Columbia Lake Area Official Community Plan Bylaw to reflect the actual use of a portion of Lot 11, District Lot 4596 Kootenay District, Plan X32, located in the Fairmont Hot Springs Area. Bylaw No. 3413 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Fairmont Hot Springs & Columbia Lake Area Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2779, 2017 –Amendment Bylaw No. 19, 2025 (RDEK / Misc) will amend the OCP designation of a portion of the parcel from RR, Rural Resource to RES-R, Resort Recreation. A public hearing will be held via Zoom webinar conference on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 4:00 pm

The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Areas C and F. If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaw, you may prior to the hearing:

• inspect the Bylaw and supporting information by requesting that an information package be emailed to you by contacting rpenney@rdek.bc.ca. Information packages may be requested up until Monday, February 2, 2026 at 4:30 pm;

• mail or email written submissions to the addresses shown below before Monday, February 2, 2026 at 4:30 pm;

• Present verbal submissions at the public hearing You must pre-register to attend and make a verbal presentation or comment at the hearing.

• The deadline to register is Monday, February 2, 2026 at 4:30 pm. Register in advance for this webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Vi1hS52ETM-g2BH8p_Yw4A or by visiting www.rdek.bc.ca (Meetings/Minutes, Meetings & Notices page).

Please note that a question and answer period will not occur during the Zoom webinar conference. You must address any questions relating to the bylaws to the Planning Technician prior to the above date.

SUBMISSIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING.

All submissions will form part of the public record and will be published in a meeting agenda posted online. Personal contact information such as phone and email will be removed from written submissions. Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335. This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw. For more information contact Ryan Penney, Planner 1, at 778-761-1783, toll free at 1-888-478-7335, or email rpenney@rdek.bc.ca.

RURAL TRANSFER STATION OPTIMIZATION PROJECT

The RDEK Board of Directors has requested that a report be prepared that presents potential options to optimize and modernize our rural transfer station system. In order to effectively do that, all perspectives need to be considered. So we are seeking feedback from the public on how the rural transfer stations are used and what services are important to those who use them.

A PUBLIC SURVEY IS NOW OPEN at: engage.rdek.bc.ca/RuralTransferStations

The survey will remain open until 4:30 pm on February 9, 2026

ONLINE: Throughout the process we will be updating a public engagement page at engage.rdek.bc.ca/RuralTransferStations This page will contain related documents, background information, a Questions and Answers portal as well as a map that shows where the rural transfer stations are located.

EMAIL UPDATES: Regular email updates will be sent out throughout the process with information on progress as well as to highlight ways that the public can engage and provisde feeback. Please sign up for the email list to stay up-to-date at: www.rdek.bc.ca/EmailGroup

Radium to host hearing

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The Village of Radium Hot Springs will hold a public hearing on zoning bylaw amendments proposed in conjunction with the village’s official community plan (OCP) update.

Village officials, staff and planning consultants have worked to refresh Radium’s OCP for the better part of two years now, and a draft version of the update that was made public in late 2024 was sweeping in scope, covering a wide range of issues, including STRs, housing, and growing and strengthening the village’s downtown.

The public hearing will be held at Radium Hot Springs Centre on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 6:30 p.m. Those unable to make it in person can attend online by Zoom.

The zoning bylaws would essentially “put into practice the things we talked about in the OCP,” Radium mayor Mike Gray told the Pioneer.

The amendments will tweak how the village deals with STRs, something Gray is keenly aware will attract plenty of attention.

“We know it’s a big topic. We’ve heard from both sides. There are people in Radium who want no STRs in the village period. The other side wants to have completely unregulated STRs forevermore. And, of course, there are a lot of people in the middle who are understanding that the village needs some STRs, but feel there should be some restrictions.”

The zoning changes will more clearly delineate where STRs can operate, and will also differentiate between what Gray termed “STR minors” (which include smaller scale STRs, such as secondary suites in houses that the owners live in as primary residents) and “STR majors” (which include larger scale STRs, such as an entire single family residence being operated purely as a business).

There will be a transitional period for many of

the changes envisioned for STRs. It was initially to be three to five years, but Gray explained that will now stretch to seven years. During the transition period, STR licences will not be transferred if the dwelling is sold or otherwise changes ownership.

The longer transition period will “allow the (STR) market to have more gradual, natural attrition, instead of having a ‘cliff’, where the effects of the changes are more sudden,” said Gray. “This should make the transition smoother.”

Other amendments that will also garner attention deal with single room occupancy buildings such as hotels and motels.

“We want to make clear that, fundamentally, hotels are not meant to be long-term accommodation. We realize there may be demand for that, and there is certainly redevelopment opportunities (to turn hotels and motels into long-term rentals),” said Gray. “But what we don’t want to see is single room occupancy buildings operating as long-term rentals when they (the buildings) are not properly suited to that.”

Several such cases around B.C. have had unfortunate outcomes, noted Gray.

Some of the zoning changes will also be for the property the village purchased on Ridge Road in the northern part of Radium, with the intent of creating purpose-built long-term rentals there.

“It’s something we want to see for our community,” said Gray, adding the project would include a community park, and that the long-term rental housing building would be “the same height, the same style and the same feel as other buildings in the neighbourhood.”

Gray said “we understand projects like this (the purpose-built long-term rental housing) take time and, of course, we will do proper consultation, which always takes time. That said, we’re going as quickly as we can on it.”

Radium has an acute lack of long-term rentals “and we want to see a solution soon. Not in 10 years,” he added.

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

While you are with us, you are always welcome to join us. Sunday at 10:30 am 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 | www.lwac.ca

WINDERMERE VALLEY

SHARED MINISTRY (Anglican - United) Sundays at 10:30 either in-person or online (the link is available on our website – wvsm.ca) Minister: Brent Woodard 110 - 7th Ave. in Invermere 250-342-6644

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY

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

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

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

RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

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

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Worship Service, Sunday, 11 a.m. Sunday School, 10 a.m. President Kendyn Mackensie • Columbia Valley Branch • 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs 250-439-9041

CHURCH OF CHRIST (Iglesia ni Cristo)

Worship Service: Sunday 9 a.m., Thursday 7:45 p.m. Chamber of Commerce (Lions Hall) For inquiries: 250-688-1643 250-270-2208 or 250-688-0629

For more info about the church, you can Google online at incmedia.org or pasugo.com.ph