Columbia Valley Pioneer - May 7, 2026

VALLEY VIEWS

VALLEY NEWS

CVBA concerned about moratorium

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The Columbia Valley Boating Association (CVBA) recently outlined its concern over several issues affecting Lake Windermere – specifically the local ?akisq'nuk First Nation’s call for a moratorium on development on the lake until an overarching lake stewardship plan is created; and the ?akisq'nuk’s opposition to proposed upgrades and repairs at the Athalmer boat launch.

The CVBA expressed its opinions on these topics in a letter sent to British Columbia Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Randene Neill in mid April. The District of Invermere, the ?akisq'nuk First Nation, the local Shuswap Band First Nation and several other groups and agencies were copied on the letter, which became public during last week’s April 28 Invermere council meeting.

“It is particularly concerning to the members of our association that the ?akisq'nuk First Nation, a First Nation that as of 2019 had only 379 members, and only 100 that live locally on the reserve are requesting to lead a lake stewardship plan that would impose a moratorium on foreshore development and maintenance on marinas, docks and foreshore infrastructure. This is a very small number of people who are asking to control governance on multiple lakes that would affect tens of thousands of other stakeholders, and potentially in a very negative way,” wrote the CVBA in the letter.

The CVBA wrote that it represents 550 households, and that some of its members have collected information about boating traffic for 30 years and “are ostensibly the most experienced lake users of anyone alive ... however, we have not yet been included in any proposed stewardship plan.”

Based on sales information from the two commercial marinas on Lake Windermere, the CVBA calculated that there were no boats on the lake 290 days of the year, “low boating activity” for 20 days, “moderate boating activity” for 30 days, and “high boating activity” on 25 days.

The letter did not give a definition of how many boats constitute ‘low’, ‘moderate’ and ‘high’ boating activity.

The CVBA wrote it is worried about what it called a “lack of transparency and lack of communication from the ministry” about how and when decisions on the lake are being made. It wondered if there is in fact already a moratorium in place on the lake, writing that it’s had no communication from the B.C. government to that effect, but that its members were not issued permits for regular maintenance.

The association also wrote it’s concerned that proposed repairs to the Athalmer boat launch have been “unduly and unfairly delayed by opposition from ?akisq’nuk and other First Nation groups.”

As reported in the previous issue of the Pioneer, the District of Invermere has spent a few years trying to get the necessary provincial permit to fix the concrete part of the boat launch (It already has the required federal permit.)

The ?akisq’nuk expressed their opposition to the upgrades and repairs in a recent letter of their own, citing concern over what they see as a lack of access control and management at the launch, and the area’s environmental and cultural significance to the First Nation.

“The association is very concerned that regulatory decisions are not taking into consideration the rights of residents, property owners and boat owners ... it is very distressing to see priority on regulatory decisions given to one very vocal, very small group. Residents, property owners and boaters number in the tens of thousands in the Columbia Valley,” wrote the CVBA, later adding that “recreational boating is a cornerstone of the tourism industry in the Columbia Valley. Eliminating or restricting recreational boating will have dire economic consequences for the entire region.”

During discussion on the CVBA letter at the April 28 council meeting, councillor Gerry Taft expressed frustration that the district often seems stuck on its own in the hot seat over the boat launch.

“Yes, we have the boat launch. But most of the lake is outside our (District of Invermere) boundaries. Most of the lakefront properties, most of the foreshore, most of the tax base, and probably most of the

boat owners are in or from parts of the Regional District (of East Kootenay), outside our boundaries,” said Taft. “We need to get the RDEK involved, and hopefully take the lead on this.”

Invermere mayor Al Miller re-iterated his opinion that it is more environmentally harmful to leave the boat launch in its current crumbling state than it is to repair it.

The Lakeview Manor Society

Annual General Meeting

Tuesday, May 26th at 7 p.m.

Lower meeting room of Lakeview Manor. Questions? Call Al Larratt at 250-688-7656

Trio of hooligans cause big spike in RCMP cases

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The Columbia Valley RCMP was much busier than usual this winter, thanks to just a few less than law abiding citizens.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 11:00am at the Columbia Valley Food Bank 201B 7th Avenue, Invermere

All are welcome!

Site Maintenance Contractors Required

Recreation Sites and Trails BC is seeking two qualified contractors - one for the Invermere area and one for the Kootenay-White area - to provide regular maintenance services at recreation sites.

The Invermere contract includes 44 site visits across three recreation sites. The Kootenay-White contract includes 30 site visits across ten recreation sites. Site visits typically occur between May and September, with potential for additional project work. Duties include painting and minor repairs of recreation infrastructure, removing litter, cleaning outhouses, removing deadfall along access roads and within recreation sites, updating signage, reporting safety or maintenance concerns, and other related tasks as directed by the recreation officer.

How to Apply: Applications must be received by May 15, 2026. For NRQ (Non-Binding Request for Quote) packages and further information, reference:

Invermere Maintenance contract: RC27.258.0001

Kootenay-White Maintenance contract : RC27.258.0003

Contact: Tara Robinson – Tara.Robinson@gov.bc.ca

Detachment commander Sgt. Jeff Witzke gave two quarterly reports last week, one to Radium Hot Springs and another to Canal Flats council, (a third report to Invermere councillors will follow).

Witzke outlined the local detachment dealt with 717 files in the January-March quarter of 2026, about 100 more cases than during the same time period the previous year.

“Those 100 (extra) files were generated by three specific individuals,” Witzke told both Canal Flats and Radium councillors.

The incidents caused by the trio were mostly in Invermere, but did also involve a car chase in Radium that resulted in a rammed police car.

The three were “all apprehended and arrested last month,” explained Witzke, adding one of them had more than 20 charges pending.

Currently one of the three is still in jail, one is in treatment, and one is under 24-hour house arrest.

“They were a menace to the valley for the better part of two or three months,” Witzke told Canal Flats council.

The Columbia Valley RCMP recently hired a new member, bringing the detachment up to full strength for the first time in a long time. But it will soon lose a different member, who has been with the force for several years, but is moving to Fort Nelson to be with her fiancé.

Still, despite soon being down one member, the Columbia Valley RCMP typically has much better staffing levels than most British Columbia detachments, Witzke pointed out.

“A lot of our members are actually (at) 15 years of service or up. They want to stay here for

the rest of their career,” said Witzke.

At both Radium and Canal Flats council, Witzke outlined the Columbia Valley RCMP are involved in a pilot project with Interior Health to use a new digital app — HealthIM — in rural police forces in B.C. (it has already been explored in bigger cities). The app is meant to help police officers de-escalate situations and get individuals (who need mental health assistance) the right kind of care more quickly.

Radium councillor Erin Palashniuk asked if mental health is a “big piece” of local police work. Witzke replied “it is largely what we deal with on a daily basis” but added that in the Columbia Valley “we’re very fortunate. It’s not as bad as many other places.”

Witzke explained the RCMP have continued their efforts to check in on those in the Columbia Valley who have been released on probation, release orders, and conditional sentence orders (CSO). Most of these are curfews or 24-hour house arrests.

When the police started ramping up these compliance checks months ago, they caught multiple people breaching conditions. But as the checks continued “their compliance got way better. They are getting the message that we will be checking,” said Witzke, adding the program will continue next year too.

During the Canal Flats quarterly report, chief administrative officer Cynthia White asked if the RCMP saw any local effects from the provincial government’s move to end decriminalization of small amounts (up to 2.5 grams) of certain illegal drugs (including opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and ecstasy) at the end of January 2026.

Witzke said the local detachment didn’t see a huge difference mostly because “by and large we don’t have a big drug use culture or community here ... we know there is recreational use here. We have drug dealers in town, but they’re not on a very big scale at all.”

Canal Flats adopts new ATV bylaw

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Canal Flats adopted its new offhighway recreational vehicle bylaw last week.

The bylaw outlines which streets and avenues ATVs and other offroad vehicles such as dirt bikes and dune buggies can use in the village.

As reported previously in the Pioneer, the village has worked on the bylaw for months. A fair number of local residents and visiting tourists do drive ATVs through the village. Canal Flats officials want to allow that, but also want to keep the ATVs from driving all over the community.

The exact routes ATVs can travel in the village have been tweaked slightly since the Pioneer last reported on the topic.

The map included in April 13 Canal Flats council documents indicated that ATVs would be allowed on the frontage road parallel to Highway 93/95, on parts of Grainger Road (running north-south through the village) and on Baille Grohman Avenue, Burns Avenue and Beatty Avenue (which all run east-west across the village).

The overall effect was of a ‘main trunk’ running up and down Grainger Road — albeit with a jog onto the Kootenay Forest Service Road (FSR) to bypass the heart of downtown Canal Flats — and several ‘branches’ stemming out.

But the new map in the April 27 council documents (when the bylaw was adopted) shows more of a loop. ATVs are still allowed on the Highway 93/95 frontage road, parts

of Grainger (and the jog onto the Kootenay FSR), Baille Grohman Avenue, Burns Avenue and Beatty Avenue, but also a north-south stretch of Shaughnessy Street.

The bylaw limits ATVs (and other recreational vehicles) to 30 kilometres per hour, requires all drivers to buy a permit (which is valid for a year and will be available to purchase at the Black Sheep Kootenay River campground), and mandates helmets for drivers and passengers.

“It’s a pilot project. (Village) staff are going to be keeping track of any complaints we receive from the public,” Canal Flats chief administrative officer Sylvie Hoobanoff explained at the April 27 meeting.

Hoobanoff expressed concern that some drivers may choose to simply race around the loop.

But other officials were less worried. Councillor Andrew Weitzel pointed out that, with a speed limit of 30 kilometres per hour, racing around the loop would be boring to most ATV drivers.

“This didn’t really go out to the public. And not everybody owns an ATV, and not everybody’s going to appreciate the ATV route. So I think we have to be prepared that there may be some pushback from the non-ATV users, if there’s noise or if there’s people going up and down (village streets),” added Hoobanoff.

Canal Flats mayor Mark Doherty said municipal officials in Kimberley and Creston are watching the Canal Flats ATV bylaw with interest, possibly with the idea of developing similar regulations for their own communities.

Radium Community Chipping Day

Radium will hold its annual Community Chipping Day again in 2026, on Thursday, May 21st. This program is free of charge and allows residents to remove combustible vegetation from their properties, with the chipping crew handling the debris removal. Residents can place FireSmart debris out up to 10 days before May 21st for removal on the 21st. Registration is required, as the crew will only visit the addresses on its list.

To register, email village@radiumhotsprings.ca or call 250 347 6455 and provide your name, civic address in Radium and a contact number. For more information, email Steve at firesmart@radiumhotsprings or visit the village webpage at www.radiumhotsprings.ca and search for FireSmart.

Chipping guidelines:

• The preferred branch length is one to two and a half metres, and a maximum diameter of 13cm.

• Piles must be placed 1.5 - 2m back from the edge of the road and must not obstruct any drainages or culverts.

• Piles must not be placed earlier than the indicated start date.

• The thickest end of the branches should be facing towards the road.

• Do not include rotten wood, as it cannot be put through the chipper.

• Only tree and shrub materials will be chipped (no construction materials/treated wood, leaves, needles, or bark chips).

• Do your best to keep your piles tidy and easy to pull apart.

• Make multiple 1m wide piles rather than one huge one.

• Consider thinning the trees up to a 3-metre tree spacing, and limbing the branches up to 2 metres.

Stewardship plan dilemma

It’s not surprising that the Columbia Valley Boating Association is speaking out against the ?akisq’nuk First Nation and its call for a suspension of all shoreline development on Lake Windermere and Columbia Lake.

If you were a property owner, you might be miffed too at being told you cannot develop or maintain your interests until an Indigenous-led lake stewardship plan has been implemented.

But if you read the reason behind the band’s call, you might understand the urgency here. It states that both lakes are experiencing severe environmental strain due to cumulative recreational pressures, including boating and shoreline development. The band argues there is a lack of monitoring and enforcement undermining the lakes’ ecosystem, water quality, and returning salmon stocks.

These are all valid points. You can’t continue to put pressure on a lake and expect it to be sustainable for years to come without detrimental effects. As stewards, we need to be proactive to protect the lakes before irreversible harm is done. Dredging, dock expansions, marina developments, and boat launch upgrades all have an impact on a lake’s health and need to be controlled to some degree.

But the boating association has legitimate concerns too. It says a small group of people is wanting to control the governance (via a moratorium) of two major lakes affecting thousands of stakeholders.

Another concern is the fact the association and its members have not been included (yet) in any proposed stewardship plan. One would think that such a plan would surely involve boaters and property owners. Let’s hope that more transparency is forthcoming.

One more concerning factor is the District of Invermere cannot proceed with repairing its public boat launch due to opposition from the band. This needs careful intervention to address ecological values as well as boater safety.

Lyonel Doherty, editor

Clarification

In the Pioneer's April 30 cover photo titled 'Library Leopard', the face painting artist was Stephanie Mack of Stephanie's Face Painting.

Families indeed impacted

Last week’s time zone letter to the editor that "moving the clock doesn't help families” obviously was said without the experience of parenting a neuro-diverse child.

That twice a year change is one of the worst times for families - having to convince a child

to wake up an hour earlier when they refused to go to bed an hour earlier the night before. That struggle can go on for a number of days. So yes, families are impacted.

Pam

Meunier, Wilmer

VALLEY NEWS

Report summarizes ADU consultation

Following a recent round of consultation to gather feedback on whether there should be further amendments to allow additional dwelling units (ADUs) on rural properties, the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has prepared a detailed report summarizing the input received.

“I want to thank everyone who took the time to participate, whether through in-person or online workshops, by filling out a survey, or engaging in one-on-one conversations,” said RDEK planner Sarah Baines.

“The feedback was extensive and will play an important role in shaping proposed bylaw changes related to ADUs.”

Over the course of the four-month consultation, 13 open houses, three online workshops, a public survey and a series of one-on-one meetings were held and approximately 580 residents shared their priorities, questions, ideas, and concerns about permitting UDUs, referred to as small or additional homes on private properties used for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes.

The report is available for viewing and download on the project page: https://engage.rdek. bc.ca/housing. Hard copies can also be sent on request for those without computer access.

Early this summer the RDEK will be hosting a series of community meetings to review the proposed bylaw changes with residents.

“We look forward to continued engagement at the upcoming meetings and will share details as they become available,” said Baines.

RDEK encourages residents to be prepared

Emergency Preparedness Week takes place May 3–9, and the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is encouraging residents to take simple steps now to be better prepared for emergencies and to help build stronger, more resilient communities in the process.

“Preparedness starts at home,” said RDEK communications manager Loree Duczek.

“When individuals and families are ready for an emergency, they are in a better position to support friends, neighbours, and the broader community. Research continues to show that strong social connections can reduce the impacts of emergencies and help communities recover more quickly.”

One of the most important steps residents can take is to sign up for the Regional Evacuation Notification System (ENS) and confirm that their property is pinned accurately. Powered by Voyent Alert!, the ENS sends notifications when a resident’s pinned location is affected by an evacuation alert or order. Residents and property owners can sign up to receive alerts by landline, mobile phone, text message, or through the Voyent Alert! app. Instructions for registering are available at www.

rdek.bc.ca/ENS.

“The ENS is used only for evacuation alerts and evacuation orders during critical events,” said Duczek.

“It is an important tool that helps us notify affected areas as quickly as possible when every minute counts.”

The RDEK is encouraging residents to register for the ENS by Sunday, May 10, ahead of a region-wide test of the system on Monday, May 11 at 2 p.m.

Residents who have already registered are also encouraged to log in and confirm their property is pinned in the correct location, especially if they originally registered using a postal code rather than a precise address or map pin.

For those using the Voyent Alert! app, the RDEK is also reminding residents to make sure the app is still active on their phone.

“Many mobile devices automatically offload apps that haven’t been opened in a while,” added Duczek.

“Because people hopefully do not need to use the app often, this is a good time to check that it is still installed and active.”

Throughout Emergency Preparedness Week, the RDEK will also be sharing information and resources to help residents prepare for a

range of emergencies. This includes practical steps such as building an emergency kit, making a household plan, and practising how to respond if an evacuation is required.

Toolkits, guides, and preparedness resources are available at www. preparedbc.ca.

A number of Emergency Preparedness Week events are also tak-

ing place across the region, including a wildfire preparedness open house on May 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Invermere fire hall.

For event details and more emergency preparedness information, visit the emergency information page at www.rdek.bc.ca/beprepared.

COLUMBIA VALLEY

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

OUT OF OFFICE…

Spring has sprung!

Maybe. Ok, maybe not. April was a trip!

Chamber Connections on May 12th is a bit special this month – it will be at Coy’s Par 3 Golf and Bistro for the third time! Always wonderful hosts, Coy’s never fails to impress, with good food, good company and a surprise or two! For those unfamiliar with Chamber Connections, don’t worry, you are invited! These monthly gatherings are meant to offer local networking opportunities – the host (or hosts, as the case may be!) are Chamber members that would like to showcase or feature what they do as a business. While you do need to be a member to host, everyone is welcome to attend; attendance is free (although you will often have the opportunity to support your host!) and there is no registration required. Chamber Connections runs throughout the year, and (with only a few exceptions) lands on the second Tuesday of the month. Join us, and let’s talk business!

Also celebrating its third anniversary is the Fairmont Community event Picnic

Palooza on Saturday May 23 from 11am-4pm! Growing bigger and better every year, this free event organized by the Fairmont Business Committee boasts local vendors in an outdoor market, the BOOKMOBILE, games, demonstrations, live music, food and a beer garden hosted by Coy’s Par 3 Golf and Bistro! What a great day to head out to Fairmont and enjoy what there is to offer – thank you to the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort for the use of their property by the big Fairmont sign including the concrete pad that’s perfect for our vendors! The live music lineup includes Slone, Emma Kade and Brad Lawrence on the Home Hardware Stage. A big thank you as well to Columbia Valley Sewer and Drain for providing… relief as only they can, and amazing support and funding from the Fairmont Community Association! Come for the day and cruise the shops too – it’s worth the drive!

-Deanna Berrington

Thursday May 7

10:00-11:00am - Seniors Fitness at Seniors Hall. Doors open 9:30 for warm-ups and indoor walking $2 drop-in.

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

6:45pm - Texas Hold'em Poker Invermere Legion, $30 buy-in.

7:00pm - Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival - Columbia Valley Centre. Signature Evening Event: Special Film Screening – The Art of Adventure. Tickets and event details: wingsovertherockies.org

Friday May 8

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.

1:00pm - Tennis for Everyone - Columbia Valley Mixed Doubles Tennis, Rotary Park Tennis Courts.

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

2:00-3:00pm - Friday Funday at the Invermere Public Library. STEAM and art activities geared towards kids aged 6-9, but all welcome to attend. Drop off for ages 6+. Registration required

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

7:00pm - Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival - Columbia Valley Centre. Signature Evening Event: Live Music with The Wardens Tickets and event details: wingsovertherockies.org

Saturday May 9

10:00am-3:00pm - Mother's Day Market Invermere Legion. Just in time for that last minute gift for Mom! Come and see the artistic creations made just for you.

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.

4:00-6:00pm - Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion. Members and guests welcome.

5:15-6:45pm & 9:00-9:30pm - Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival - Columbia Valley Centre. Book Signing with Adam Shoalts. Stop by to meet Adam and get your books signed! We'll be bringing his entire lineup, so you can fill any gaps in your collection.

6:00pm - Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival - Columbia Valley Centre. Signature Evening Event: Wings Gala Celebration and Keynote Presentation with Adam Shoalts Ph.D. Tickets and event details: wingsovertherockies.org.

Sunday May 10

10:00am-12:00pm - Mother's Day Pancake Breakfast & Seed SaleEdgewater Community Hall. Complimentary Breakfast for Mothers. Adults $10.00 Children under 12 $5.00 Children under 5 Free. Hosted by Edgewater Seniors.

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

Monday May 11

10:00-11:00am - Seniors Yoga Seniors Hall. Doors open 9:30am for warmup and indoor walking-$2 drop-in.

1:00pm - Tennis for Everyone - Columbia Valley Mixed Doubles Tennis, Rotary Park Tennis Courts.

1:30pm - Cribbage at Invermere Seniors Hall.

6:30pm - Fun Bridge at Invermere Seniors Hall.

Tuesday May 12

10:00-11:00am - Seniors Fitness at Seniors Hall. Doors open 9:30am for warm-ups and indoor walking $2 drop-in.

10:30-11:30am - Baby Goose at the Invermere Public Library. Come and learn songs and rhymes, listen to stories, and meet new friends! This program is free for babies and their caregivers! Hosted by CBAL. Registration required.

4:00-5:00pm - Youth Zone at the Invermere Public Libary. Programming for kids aged 9-14. A variety of art and STEAM activities. Registration required.

6:30pm - Bingo Seniors Hall. Entry $25, Jackpot $300.

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

7:00pm - Book Talk at Four Points Books, featuring Son of Nobody by Yann Martel and what we're reading now. All are welcome even if you haven't read the book. Sign up on our event page www.fourpointsbooks.ca/events

Wednesday May 13

10:00-11:00am - Seniors Yoga at Seniors Hall. Doors open 9:30am for warm-up and indoor walking-$2 drop-in.

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

1:00pm - Tennis for Everyone - Columbia Valley Mixed Doubles Tennis, Rotary Park Tennis Courts.

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

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

6:30-8:30pm - Book Launch at the Invermere Public Library. Join us to host local author Maureen Thorpe to launch her latest novella, Mistress Meg: Witch Detective, A Knotty Problem.

Local author launches new book series

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Secret romance, political intrigue, a powerful magician, and a witch detective trying to unravel the mystery of a body with a ring that clearly doesn’t fit the pallid finger it’s on.

All this is set in the tumult of 15th century England, with the chaos caused by the Hundred Years War, the confusion and bloodshed of the royal cousins vs. royal cousin civil War of the Roses, and the rise of the Tudors (certainly one of the most fascinating English dynasties) as backdrop. There’s a telepathic cat, too.

That in a nutshell is the premise of the novella ‘A Knotty Problem,’ the first book in local author Maureen Thorpe’s new ‘Mistress Meg: Witch Detective’ series.

Many local residents are familiar with Thorpe’s popular ‘Annie and Rosamund’ series starring time-travelling midwife and hereditary witch Annie Thornton. That five-book series wrapped up more

than two and a half years ago, with Annie happily married with kids — the kind of stage of life that might stop a main character from jumping around in place and time from Roman Britain to 10th century Byzantium to William Shakespeare’s London and back again.

So Thorpe decided to spin off a new series featuring Mistress Meg, who is Annie’s ancestral aunt and who appears in all five of the ‘Annie and Rosamund’ books.

What starts as a suspicious discovery in the forest outside a Yorkshire village in 1420 quickly entangles Mistress Meg in a web of murky happenings in the highest corridors of power in England.

While Thorpe’s fiction is always engrossing, plenty of the most complex facts in ‘A Knotty Problem’ are indeed true-to-life tidbits plucked from the annals of actual history.

“I was fascinated by the reallife story of how the Tudor dynasty got its name ... just researching it, it took me forever to work it out,” Thorpe told the Pioneer

How and why?

Well, you’ll need to pick up ‘A

Knotty Problem’ to find out.

“It’s completely quirky, but very enthralling,” said Thorpe.

Based on the brief synopsis Thorpe gave the Pioneer, there’s enough twist and turns to put most soap operas to shame.

Thorpe will officially launch

‘A Knotty Problem’ at the Invermere Public Library next week on Wednesday May 13, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and will include a presentation on Windsor Castle and the history of how the Tudor dynasty began.

Invermere author Maureen Thorpe will launch ‘A Knotty Problem’ next week at the Invermere Public Library.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

CVSAR adds new addition to fleet

Submitted by CVSAR

Columbia Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR) is pleased to announce a significant new addition to our rescue capabilities.

Columbia Valley Search and Rescue is now able to use heli-sling rescue or officially “Class D Fixed Line” or CDFL for short.

This is a specialized rescue method in which a trained rescuer is attached to a 100-foot line beneath a helicopter to reach a subject in difficult or inaccessible terrain. This is a safer and faster alternative to conventional ground-based rescue, particularly in steep, remote, or hazardous environments where time is critical.

During a CDFL rescue, CVSAR conducts a reconnaissance flight to confirm that conditions are safe and suitable for this type of rescue. If the mission is a “go,” the helicopter lands in a safe place nearby in order to rig the CDFL equipment. Rescuers are then attached to the end of the long line extending from the helicopter and flown to the subject’s location. After landing, the rescuers disconnect from the line and assist the subject.

medical care more quickly. Until now, CVSAR has relied on neighboring SAR teams with this capability to assist, which often resulted in delays. Having this resource locally will significantly improve response times and safety for our region.

CVSAR wishes to thank Boost Human External Cargo Systems for their guidance, equipment support, and three days of excellent training delivered April 24–26. A big thank you to Certainteed Gypsum and Gary Ruault for allowing CVSAR to conduct our CDFL training on their land.

We also acknowledge the many CVSAR members who contributed to the application process, planning, and implementation of this project. Their dedication made this achievement possible.

This project was generously supported by multiple funders. CVSAR gratefully recognizes:

• Columbia Basin Trust

• Panorama Foundation

• Columbia Valley Community Foundation (directed donor donation)

• RDEK Discretionary Grant-inAid

• BC Gaming

Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Village of Radium Hot Springs is considering third reading and subsequent adoption of Bylaw No. 538, 2026 Bylaw Offence Amendment at the Regular Council Meeting to be held:

Monday, May 11th, 2026 at 4:00 PM

Council Chambers – Village Office

4836 Radium Blvd.

Radium Hot Springs, BC

The proposed new bylaw will affect clauses in the Business Licence and Regulation Bylaw No. 244, 2001 (repeal clauses 4.02 (a-g) and 4.03 (1-3), and clauses in 11 other Village bylaws relating to municipal ticketing and offences and replace those clauses with updated and standardized wording.

All persons who consider themselves affected by the adoption of the proposed Bylaw No. 538, 2026 Bylaw Offence Amendment may make representations to Council by:

1. Providing a written submission by mail, fax or email to be received by 10:00am on Thursday, May 7th (contact information below); or by

2. Presenting written and/or verbal submissions at the Council meeting.

There will be an opportunity to attend the Council meeting virtually, with details provided on the Council meeting agenda, which will be posted in the Document Centre on the Village website on Thursday, May 7th, 2026.

Submissions cannot be accepted after the Council meeting.

The Bylaw is available for inspection at the Village Office, 8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays) and on the Village website: www.radiumhotsprings.ca

Village of Radium Hot Springs

PO Box 340, 4836 Radium Blvd.

Radium Hot Springs, BC, V0A 1M0

Ph: 250-347-6455

Fax: 250-347-9068 Email: cao@radiumhotsprings.ca

Once the subject has been assessed and prepared for the flight out, the helicopter returns and rescuers attach themselves and the subject (who is in the appropriate rescue harness or platform) and flies them to a safe landing.

Each year, CVSAR is faced with missions where CDFL is the preferred rescue tool because it reduces risk to rescuers and gets subjects to

• RK Heliski

CVSAR is extremely grateful to the many individuals, associations and businesses that regularly donate to our 100 per cent volunteer organization.

Collectively, the immense community support that CVSAR receives is what enables us to continue to serve our community.

All persons who believe they are affected by any 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 May 14, 2026. All submissions should include your name and address. Please be advised that any written submissions will become part of the public record. The permit is 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.

Emergency Preparedness Week

Hazards like wildfires and floods can happen with little warning and affect every community differently. Take time to learn the risks where you live, work, and travel. Check local hazard maps, follow updates from your local government and emergency services, review trusted BC emergency information, and talk with your household about what could happen in your area. Learn more: www.preparedbc.ca

SCHEDULED

TEST OF THE EVACUATION NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

2PM - MAY 11 The Regional Emergency Notification System keeps you informed in case of evacuation orders or alerts affecting your home or property during critical events such as wildfires, floods or hazardous materials incidents. Register today: www.rdek.bc.ca/ENS

The What We Heard Report for the Accessory Dwelling Unit Planning Process is now available at engage.rdek.bc.ca/housing

Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback with us.

Upcoming community meeting dates on proposed changes will be announced in May

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BROKERAGE! NEW TEAM!

TAFT

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

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

Cheers to Heather Fischbuch for the great treatment. You hav e healing hands!

Cheers to Pheb Goulet for the great job promoting Metis culture in our local schools.

Cheers to Tracy L. at Chisel Peak Medical for always being patient with me and answering all my questions.

A big cheers to Joanne (at the Brick store) - who is a fabulous Sales Associate and patiently listens to my tales of kitchen equipment breakdowns. (A few too many lately!)

A big Cheers to the EKVC Invermere 16U girls volleyball team for their great result at the Edmonton tournament this past weekend!

As manager of Lakeview Manor, I would like to say Cheers to Lula & Taylor from “Painting to Perfection” for all the hard work they have provided to us. The best painters and customer service ever! I highly recommend.

CHEERS SERVICES

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

Autumn Angel Beaulieu

March 4, 2005 — May 9, 2025

This year has been filled with firsts we never wanted and moments Autumn should have had.

Time hasn’t eased the pain; it’s only made us realize how long we’ve been without her and how loud that silence has become.

We miss her presence, friendship, and laughter—her hugs, the wild stories she told, the jokes she shared, and the little sayings that were so uniquely hers. Most of all, we miss her kindness, which continues to shape and influence our lives.

We find her in the little things now—dragonflies, bumblebees, and butterflies, in pink skies, and in the music she loved that finds us when we need her most.

Yet even in the heaviness, we hear her in her blunt unmistakable voice telling us to keep going, pushing us forward when it feels impossible: “Put on your big girl pants, fight like a man, and stop feeling sorry for yourself!” That was Autumn—her actual words. She was strong, brave, fierce, resilient and unforgettable.

Our hope is that others live in a way that reflects Autumn’s spirit and honours her memory by living as she did by choosing to be caring, include others and to live life to the fullest. Say what matters. Hug tighter, laugh louder, love harder. Make time for each other. Don’t wait for tomorrow, because tomorrow is never promised.

Autumn, your memory is a source of strength and inspiration. Your life and story continue in ways and places that would amaze you, touching lives and inspiring others in your name. Nothing is the same without you—you are deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

We are so grateful you were part of our lives, and for the gift of knowing and loving you.

Hope you’re catching lots of fish up there in heaven.

May you rest in gentle peace until we meet again. We love you.

SWIM LESSONS

John Angelo Sant

Join us in celebrating the life of John Sant Saturday, May 9 | 1:00–3:00 PM

Radium Golf Course, 8100 Golf Course Road (Room at Hole 19, near the snack shop) Casual, just the way he would’ve liked it. Bring your best story!

Multi Family Garage Sale

Saturday, May 9th 9:00-3:00 pm 109 Industrial Park, #2 Athalmer

SWIM LESSONS at Fairmont Hot Springs with Rocky Mountain Swim Lessons. Book online at www. rockymountainswimlessons.ca

In search of person to help with flowers 4 days per week

In search of person to help with flowers 4 days per week

Watering, pruning, etc.

Watering, pruning, etc.

Apply at terravistagm@gmail.com

Apply at terravistagm@gmail.com

SALE

& FOUND

in Invermere on April 30. Silver drop earring with turquoise stone. Has sentimental value. If found, please call Shirley: 236-330-1230

The herds and the leaders

By Brent Woodard Windermere Valley Shared Ministry

In part, humans are herd animals. We have a deep desire for social connection. Our safety and survival come from being together instead of being isolated. Because we do things together, we can achieve wonderful accomplishments and find great satisfaction while doing so.

I would like to suggest that the successful mission of Artemis II, of sending humans around the moon and back, is an example of humans as herd animals at its best. The four astronauts exemplified not only how well humans can live and work together, but how satisfying it can be when they do so. Astronaut Reid Wiseman said “we launched as friends and we came back as best of friends.” He described the connection among the four crew members as “the closest four humans can be and not be a family.” He said “every single person on that crew lifted each other up the entire time.” The crew’s close relationship was seen as a key factor in the success of the mission, which they described as a “special thing to be human” and “powerful together.”

I believe only a person who is good at getting along with others would be chosen as an astronaut. This would be true for all the people involved at every level of this mission. It was inspiring to watch humans mirror the best of us.

In contrast to this was the horrific drama unfolding down on earth. At the same time as the space mission, the President of the United States was threatening to destroy “a whole civilization,

never to be brought back again.” This raises one of the great liabilities of humans being herd animals – poor leaders.

In the Bible, the metaphor of humans being sheep is often used. This highlights our herd nature. The point is made that sometimes there are “thieves” and “bandits” who want to “kill” and “destroy” the sheep. They take advantage of the weakness or vulnerability of humans being herd animals. In contrast to them is the good shepherd.

I asked A.I. why humans, as herd animals, are prone to following bad leaders. The answers I got are as follows: “In scary or uncertain times, people crave strong, authoritative figures to provide comfort. In these times humans are prone to valuing confidence over competence. Dissent is silenced and unethical or destructive behaviour is accepted. Humans may confuse arrogance, narcissism, or bullying for true strength. Humans are often mentally lazy and use shortcuts to manage complex decisions. People often follow bad leaders if they believe they will get personal benefits, such as promotions, power, or validation.”

When I watched the Artemis II mission, I felt inspired. I would love to have the personal, social and relational intelligences of the astronauts. I would love to work as well as they did with others to accomplish something important. And, when I watch leaders be so cruel and do so much damage, I grieve.

My wish for humanity is to have the upside of being herd animals, having self-actualized individuals who work well collectively, and who choose wise and kind leaders.

Post occupancy extended

The RDEK has approved an additional extension of the occupancy of the Edgewater Post Office building (through August 31, 2026) to provide time for the postmaster to set up a new location for postal services within the community.

“This extension will give the postmaster the time needed to set up the new space while ensuring as smooth a transition as possible for residents,” said Electoral Area G director Roberta Schnider. “Having said that, safety remains our top priority and regular inspections will continue at the existing location with a number of condi-

tions in place.”

The conditions include a satisfactory report from the professional structural engineer permitting occupancy through August and no other significant changes in the building.

The current post office building and former credit union building are both in failing condition and need to be decommissioned. An occupancy extension was approved last fall and plans were in place to demolish the buildings this spring, however, those plans will now be pushed to the fall of 2026.

Columbia Valley Churches

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

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

WINDERMERE VALLEY

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

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY

Pastor: Justin Furse

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

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

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

RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

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

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Worship Service, Sunday, 11 a.m. Sunday School, 10 a.m.

President Kendyn Mackensie • Columbia Valley Branch • 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs 250-439-9041

CHURCH OF CHRIST (Iglesia ni Cristo)

Worship Service: Sunday 9 a.m., Thursday 7:45 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce (Lions Hall) For inquiries: 250-688-1643 250-270-2208 or 250-688-0629

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