Columbia Valley Pioneer - June 18, 2026

Bruno’s Plumbing Service

FATHER'S BIG DAY

Dad relishes pedal power

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

for them.

How does Page do it all (and do it all to such a large degree)?

There’s dedicated dads and then there’s Christophe Page.

The Invermere teacher has three big passions in life: his young family; inspiring students to fall in love with the French language; and riding on his bicycles.

Page is not one for half measures, and he pursues each of those passions with gusto. Just ask his Grade 6 intensive students, many of whom call him the world’s best teacher. For biking, look him up on the popular Strava fitness tracking app, and take a minute (or 10) to digest the mindboggling number of kilometres he pedalled last year. And as for his devotion to his daughters and wife, the Pioneer spoke with them for this year’s Father’s Day feature and they explained just how awesome their dad is and how he’s always there

Well, he starts each day early. Very early. At 3 a.m., to be precise, wheeling his bike out of the driveway and onto the Columbia Valley’s highways and backroads in the dark. He pounds the pedals for a few hours, typically churning out 150 to 200 kilometres, before arriving back home before his daughters Lila and Lauren wake up, in time to help them through breakfast and off to school. After he’s done teaching, he’s there for whatever extracurricular activities the girls have, and on weekends the family is out camping, hiking or nordic skiing.

During the winter, when the roads are icy and cold, Page is still up at 3 a.m, but cranks out the kilometres indoors on a bike trainer.

Continued on page 3

There is no better joy than being with family in the great outdoors, especially in the Columbia Valley.

Devoted father just 'funny, silly, odd'

Continued from page 2

“He loves to spend time with the kids,” Page’s wife Shea explained.

Lila loves to bike almost as much as her dad — the two often go to races together, and Page volunteers for the youth cycling group Lila is part of. But Lauren is less interested in cycling (to put it mildly) so Page bought fishing gear (Lauren likes to fish) and takes her to Zimmer ranch in Windermere to check out the animals.

“He’s pretty goofy and fun. In some ways, he's just a big kid. I think that’s part of the reason he connects really well not just with the girls, but with his students too,” said Shea. Whatever Page is focused on, he is completely focused on, she noted, whether it’s his own kids, his students, or his cycling, which she said is “absolutely an obsession.” (In case you are wondering, Page racked up 38,000 kilometres on his bikes and trainer last year. The equatorial circumference of the Earth, in com-

parison, is 40,000 kilometres. Put another way: distance-wise, Page almost biked around the world in 2025).

Lila used the adjectives “funny, silly, odd, kind” to describe her dad, while Lauren used “funny, energetic, bikes, kind, happy, excited.” Lauren added that “it’s kind of hard to believe (now), but he used to have hair. Long curly hair. They called him Krusty the Klown.”

Page grew up in Montreal, then had a career as a professional hockey player in the minor leagues before moving to Legal, Alberta, where he met Shea. They lived in Canmore for a while, then moved to the Columbia Valley two years ago.

The family has no particular plans yet for Father's Day, which this year coincides with the summer solstice on Sunday, June 21, but they’ll almost certainly spend the day outdoors somewhere, and if there’s time, Shea hopes to make Page’s favourite dessert — cheesecake — to celebrate.

Washroom Relief since 1990

Thank you to the District of Invermere for the renovations.

-From a grateful user

Notice of Annual Report and Meeting

The Annual Report for the Village of Radium Hot Springs will be presented during the June 22nd, 2026 Regular Meeting of Council. The meeting will take place at 4:00 pm in the Council Chambers located at 4836 Radium Boulevard, Radium Hot Springs, BC.

Council invites submissions and questions concerning the Annual Report. In order to be considered they need to be submitted to the Village Office before 4:00 pm on Monday, June 22nd, 2026. Please email submissions, questions, or comments to cao@radiumhotsprings.ca

Copies of the Annual Report are available for public inspection at:

• Village of Radium Hot Springs webpage: www.radiumhotsprings.ca

• Village of Radium Hot Springs Village Office located at: 4836 Radium Boulevard, Radium Hot Springs, BC V0A 1M0 P. 250-347-6455 (copies are available during business hours, 8:30am to 4:30pm).

Questions concerning the content of the Annual Report may also be addressed to Village staff by email, telephone call, or in person.

Edgewater pupil praised for artistic talent

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

An Edgewater student’s artistic talent earned provincial recognition recently.

Edgewater Elementary School (EES) Grade 3 student Everett Tegart won third place in all of British Columbia for a Remembrance Day poster contest.

Everett created the black and white poster using pencil, depicting flags, a cross and other Remembrance and memorial symbols. He entered it in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 199 (Edgewater) contest for Remembrance stories, poem or pictures. Everett won that contest, so his poster was entered in the zone contest, which covered

the entire East Kootenay. There he won again, so his poster moved on the provincial contest, where he came third.

The Royal Canadian Legion B.C./Yukon High Command sent a letter to Everett, commending his efforts, and he also got cash prizes and certificate both from the local branch and the zone.

Legion Branch 199 president Noreen Lang and poppy committee chair Lois Elliott recognized Everett with a small ceremony last Friday, June 12.

“To be able to draw like that in Grade 3 is incredible,” said Elliott.

“It’s pretty impressive coming out of small community such as Edgewater,” added Lang. “It’s a huge achievement.”

Indigenous learning continues to grow

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

With National Indigenous Peoples Day — June 21 — coming up, those involved with the 4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning program have taken a moment with the Pioneer to reflect on the spectacular growth of an initiative that started small in the Columbia Valley and has since expanded to reach all over Turtle Island (a traditional name used by many Indigenous people to describe the North American continent).

The program was launched five years ago through the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN)’s social enterprise, Outdoor Learning School and Store (OLS).

OLS director of Indigenous learning Jenna Jasek explained that the idea for 4 Seasons started with discussions between her and CBEEN executive director Duncan Whittick about the major educational gap that exists in supporting people toward truth and reconciliation.

“I wanted change,” Jasek told the Pioneer. “I really wished others could learn the truth about Indigenous people.”

The program — open to everyone and anyone — was launched with a simple, but powerful idea: using Indigenous leaders to help teach online courses, highlighting important aspects of Indigenous life, experience, and learning.

That recipe proved a hit, and since it started

more than 20,000 people have participated in at least the first season of learning. Many were keen to go further, so organizers added more seasons of learning. “We quickly realized one year was not enough,” said Jasek.

This June the first cohort of learners (more than 200 in total) graduated from the fourth season.

The program has worked with more than 100 Indigenous leaders, partners and educators.

“The more people learn about who Indigenous people really are, the more we can make changes big and small,” said Jasek.

To have more than 200 learners finish all four seasons of learning “really does make me want to cry,” she added. “I had no idea it would get this big. At the start, we really were just hoping we’d get a small handful of people who cared and were interested.”

Some program participants have joined in from as far afield as the Czech Republic, Chile, and eastern Asia.

The first season of Indigenous learning is meant to be foundational and includes a look at the history and current reality of Indigenous people on Turtle Island, including discussion about residential schools, colonialism, the Indian Act, intergenerational trauma and more, as well as touching on respectful relationships and terminology, and what truth and reconciliation can mean on a personal and collective level.

The second season focuses on learning from the land; the third on building reciprocal relationships with and between Indigenous people and the land; and the fourth on reflecting on how to take action toward truth and reconciliation.

“A lot of people say, ‘ I don’t know what to do next.’ With season four we hope to give people some ideas,” explained Jasek.

But with all 4 Seasons mapped out, the learning isn’t quite over.

“We can’t just say, well, we’re done,” said Jasek, adding the 4 Seasons team is now launching a Beyond 4 Seasons ongoing learning community.

“I’m grateful for everyone who has taken part. But I also wish more people were putting more thought into truth and reconciliation,” said Jasek.

Visit outdoorlearning.com/4-seasons/ to learn more about 4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning and about Beyond 4 Seasons.

ANNUAL MEETING AND 2025 REPORT

Pursuant to Section 98 of the Community Charter (BC), the Annual Meeting and presentation of the 2025 Annual Report for the District of Invermere will be presented during the June 23, 2026 Regular Meeting of Council. The Annual Meeting will take place at 7:00 pm in the Invermere Council Chambers located at the District of Invermere Municipal Office at 914 – 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC, VOA 1K0.

Invermere Council invites submissions and questions concerning the 2025 Annual Report. In order to be considered by Council, submissions and questions need to be submitted to the Municipal Office before 4:30 pm on June 22, 2026.

Please email submissions, questions, or comments to info@invermere.net

Copies of the 2025 Annual Report are available for public inspection at: District of Invermere webpage

District of Invermere Facebook page

District of Invermere Municipal Office located at 914 – 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC VOA 1K0

Tel: 250-342-9281

Fax: 250-342-2934

(copies are available during regular business hours, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm).

Questions concerning the content of the 2025 Annual Report may also be addressed to District staff by email: info@invermere.net, telephone call to 250342-9281, or by in-person visit at the Municipal Office.

Dean McKinley Chief Administrative

Office

OPINION

Carry on graduates

The time has come for the class of 2026 to move on to the next exciting stage of their lives.

After 12 years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, our graduates can proudly celebrate this remarkable achievement.

Throughout their school journey, students have created memories that will last a lifetime. If ever they feel sad or lost, they can reach into their memory bank and pull out the ones that make them happy, giving them strength to carry on regardless of the challenge.

Many will remember special moments with friends, lessons learned in the classroom, and the teachers who made a lasting impact on their lives. These experiences have helped shape the people they are today and will continue to guide them in the years ahead.

As they leave the halls and begin new adventures, whether in higher education, the workforce, or other pursuits, they carry with them the knowledge, skills, and values they have developed over the past 12 years.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year's graduates and their families. We also thank the dedicated staff members who have supported and encouraged these students every step of the way. These educators have been so influential in teaching our children what they need to know to build their foundation for success.

Not all of the grads will change the world, because they don’t have to. But our hope is they find true happiness so they can spread more of it around. Remember, it’s not just about you, it’s also about helping others on the same journey.

To the class of 2026, we wish you a future filled with joy, health, success, and opportunity. Don’t be afraid to take risks because that’s where you will find the best rewards. May you approach every new challenge with confidence and determination, and may your next chapter in the book be the most read.

Congratulations, graduates!

Amanda Nason, publisher

Historical

Where

is

the STR balance?

Recent changes to how short-term rental (STR) Temporary Use Permit (TUP) applications are handled in Area F raise important questions for residents.

The RDEK board now makes all decisions on these applications. However, these decisions are being made without a clear and consistent approach to STR density.

The province has determined that STR density is an issue in residential areas and has provided STR density management tools, along with the authority and expectation that local governments use them.

In November 2025, the board directed that STR density be considered in decisions and that a consultant be hired to develop STR density thresholds.

On January 23, 2026, a staff report stated there were not enough resources to proceed and the work was delayed until August 2026.

In response, the Fairmont and Windermere Community Associations researched and developed measurable STR density thresholds and presented them to the RDEK on May 7. The work was well received, with comments from directors on the quality of the work and research.

However, instead of adopting these STR

density management tools as a pilot project, the board chose to require the community associations meet with STR operators/property managers, other stakeholders, RDEK staff and the Area F director. To date, no meeting has been scheduled and no agenda set.

STR density management has now been deferred to the future business licensing system, which is not expected until 2027. Until then, there is no defined approach to how STR density will be managed. Decisions continue without a consistent way to consider its impacts.

The Fairmont and Windermere Community Associations recognize the economic value that STRs bring to the tourism economy. We have provided measurable and practical tools to the RDEK to manage STR density in single-family residential areas. These provide a balanced approach between tourism and housing availability, community cohesion, and residential character.

Your input is needed to ensure these tools are adopted now. Attend the Area F RDEK meeting on Thursday June 18 at 7 p.m. at the Windermere Community Hall or contact the Area F director Susan Clovechok.

Colleen Roberts, Windermere Community Association

Rockies players need billet homes

Submitted

The Columbia Valley Rockies are asking the community to help provide one of the most important elements of a successful Junior A hockey season: a place for our players to call home.

As preparations continue for the 2026-27 season, the Rockies are launching a billet recruitment campaign with a goal of securing 25 permanent billet beds for roster players and an additional 10 temporary billet beds during training camp and exhibition season.

For many of our players, arriving in the Columbia Valley means leaving behind family, friends, and the comforts of home to pursue their hockey dreams. These young men, aged 17 to 20, come from communities across BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, and they rely on billet families to provide a safe, supportive environment while they live, work, study, and compete in our community.

More than a place to stay Billet families do far more than provide a bedroom. They offer stability, guidance, encouragement, and a welcoming home environment during an important stage of a young person's life.

"Having a home away from home during the season is really vital to the players," one Rockies billet

family shared. "The players are busy six days a week between practice, training, home and away games, and many of them either have jobs or are still in school, so they need that solid, welcoming home base."

Billet families provide a private bedroom, meals, and access to ingredients so players can prepare their own breakfast and lunches. Players are expected to contribute to the household through chores and by respecting family rules and routines, just as any family member would.

Many billet families describe the experience as one of the most rewarding ways to support the Rockies. Lifelong friendships are often formed, and many families remain connected with former players long after their hockey careers move on.

More billet beds needed

While the Rockies require 25 permanent beds for players who make the regular season roster, the organization is also looking for 10 additional temporary beds during training camp and exhibition season.

These temporary homes are crucial to the team's ability to properly evaluate players competing for roster spots. In the past, limited housing availability has occasionally forced difficult decisions before players had been fully assessed.

Having additional billet capac

ity allows the Rockies to bring in prospective players, evaluate talent more thoroughly, and make better hockey decisions without immediately having to move players in and out of homes. Ultimately, it helps the organization build the strongest team possible while providing a better experience for the athletes involved.

Compensation

Billet families receive $850 per month to help offset the costs associated with hosting a player.

There is a stipend to help cover food expenses, and the Rockies provide clear guidelines outlining expectations, responsibilities, and support systems for both players and host families.

The organization works closely with billet families throughout the

season to ensure the experience is positive and rewarding for everyone involved.

Join the Rockies family

The success of the Columbia Valley Rockies is built on more than wins and losses. It is built on the dedication of volunteers, sponsors, fans, and billet families who invest in the development of young athletes.

By becoming a billet family, you can play a direct role in helping a young player pursue their goals while creating memories and relationships that often last a lifetime.

If you have a spare bedroom and would like to learn more about becoming a billet family, we encourage you to contact us today the billet coordinator at cvrockies.billet@gmail. com.

MOUNTAIN BIKES FOR COLUMBIA VALLEY YOUTH

The CVCS’s new Youth Mountain Bike Access Program can lend three (3) trail-ready mountain bikes and gear — for a full year — to Columbia Valley youth aged 11–17 who may not otherwise have the chance to ride.

No formal application. Apply by email, phone, written note, or referral.

Deadline: July 10, 2026

Contact: lorraine@cvcs.ca

Scan for full program details

Made possible by the Columbia Basin Trust ReDi Grant and our local bike shop partners:

Applications open for youth to obtain mountain bikes

Submitted

Three Columbia Valley youth will receive annual access to quality mountain bikes this summer through the new Youth Mountain Bike Access Program from the Columbia Valley Cycling Society (CVCS).

Applications are open now until July 10.

The program lends each selected youth a complete kit — a trailready, full-suspension mountain bike, helmet, eye protection, gloves, lock, and basic tools — annually, running March to March.

Each bike also comes with scheduled maintenance and support from a local bike shop, so families are never left on their own.

All three Invermere bike shops — Columbia Cycle & Ski, Elemental Cycle, and Lakeside Bike Co. — have partnered on the program.

Funding comes through a Resident Directed Grant (ReDi Grant), a program of the Columbia Basin

Trust delivered by the Regional District of East Kootenay.

"Every kid in this valley should have the chance to ride," says Justin Keitch, youth club coach and CVCS board director. "The trails are right here, and the only thing standing between some kids and the sport is the cost of a bike. This program removes that barrier."

The program is open to youth aged 11–17 (Grades 6–11) living in RDEK Areas F or G, or in the District of Invermere, who face a barrier to accessing a bike.

Applying is simple: there is no formal application. Families can send a short email, drop off a written note, or be referred by a school, coach, or community organization.

For more details, visit https:// columbiavalleycyclingsociety.org/ wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ CVCS_Youth_MTB_Access_Program_FINAL-2026.pdf

To apply or refer a young rider, contact Lorraine at lorraine@cvcs. ca by July 10.

Thursday June 18

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

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

6:00 - 7:00pm - Read it & Eat Cookbook Club Invermere Public Library. This month we’re cooking from Cool Pasta by Tom Jackson. Stop by the library to choose a recipe, make the recipe at home and then join us for a potluck style meal. All adults welcome to attend. Registration required.

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

7:00 - 9:00pm - Adults Drop-In Improv Theatre - Thursday nights at the Invermere Seniors Hall. It’s pay what you can with a suggested minimum of $10. All levels of interest and experience welcome.

7:00pm - Staff Picks Night - Four Points Books. Our booksellers will be sharing a few of our favourite books of the season and what made them rise to the top of our list, always a fun night! Sign up at www.fourpointsbooks.ca/events

Friday June 19

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.

10:00am - 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.

Our Creation Story speaks of the giant, Naⱡmuqȼin, and a prophecy from the Creator that would create all the human beings in the world.

Before humans, the land was occupied by the animals. At that time, there was a disturbance caused by a water monster known as Yawuʔnik who killed many creatures.

Spirit Animals formed a war party to destroy Yawuʔnik , and the party (led by Naⱡmuqȼin) pursued Yawuʔnik through the Kootenay & Columbia river systems.

Saturday June 20

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.

10:00am - 12:00pm - Tennis Day in Canada - Invermere Tennis Courts

Free Event open to all ages and abilities. Try, Learn and Play some tennis with the Columbia Valley Tennis Club and help us celebrate Tennis Month in Canada and meet new friends. Prizes and Fun Games. Contact: ColumbiaValleyTennisClub@gmail.com

Sunday June 21

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

Kid Outdoor Rock-Climbing ages 6 -12. Come join the ACC Bugaboo Section trips for some outdoor rock climbing.

When: June 21.

Cost: $20 for ages 6-12.

Limited spots. Must be a ACC member or sign a waiver. https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1987861389929?aff=oddtdtcreator

Monday June 22

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

10:00am - Tennis for Everyone - Columbia Valley Mixed Doubles Tennis, Rotary Park Tennis Courts.

After many adventures, and much cooperation between the Spirit Animals, Yawuʔnik was killed and butchered. His meat was distributed among the Spirit Animals so that everyone was fed.

Yawuʔnik ’s organs were removed and became the various races of people, scattered throughout the world.

These events placed the Ktunaxa People here, in our ancestral homelands, as stewards of the land.

The lakes and waterways are a testament of this feat, as are Yawuʔnik ’s ribs, now known as

1:30pm - Cribbage & Darts at Invermere Seniors Hall. 6:30pm - Fun Bridge at Invermere Seniors Hall.

Tuesday June 23

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

2:00 - 3:00pm - Novel Idea Book Club - Invermere Public Library. This month we’re reading Black Water by David A. Robertson. Stop by the library to pick up a copy of the book today

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.

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

Wednesday June 24

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

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

11:00am - Tennis for Everyone - Columbia Valley Mixed Doubles Tennis, Rotary Park Tennis Courts.

2:00 -3:00pm - Sewcial Hour Drop in with your textile projects or join us and have a cup of tea while you socialize with other makers. All welcome! No registration required.

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

The Hoodoos

When the prophecy was fulfilled, Naⱡmuqȼin, in all his excitement, rose to his feet, stood upright, and hit his head on the ceiling of the sky, knocking himself dead.

His feet lay northward in a place we call Ya·qawiȼⱡi·ki in the Yellowhead Pass vicinity. His head went south and rests near Ya·qawiȼǂam ki (Yellowstone Park in the State of Montana), and his body is now known as the Rocky Mountains.

LEARN MORE: www.ktunaxa.org/about/history/

www.aqam.net www.tobaccoplains.org www.lowerkootenay.com

We’re going to be in pictures!

There has been a lot of movie buzz in the Columbia Valley lately, and for good reason.

All Night Wrong, starring Zach Cherry and Maria Bakalova was filmed entirely in the Columbia Valley in the fall of 2024. It premiered this month at SXSW London, receiving positive reviews. Mashable called it a “genre-bending ride,” praising its originality and energy. Many local businesses and individuals were involved in the production of All Night Wrong, and we can’t wait to see it on the big screen.

Stranger in Town, which filmed in Invermere and Canal Flats, has also reached an exciting milestone. The film has secured international sales representation through UK-based company Reason8. According to Screen Daily, the story is “set within a Canadian fundamentalist community” and follows “a woman attempting to flee the community after an explosion of violence.” It’s another example of Kootenay productions gaining traction well beyond our mountain communities.

Of course, none of this happens by accident. With the help of provincial funding, and our partnership with the Kootenay Film Commission, we recently hosted a familiarization (FAM) tour with a production team from Canada and the US, showcasing

communities from Fernie through to Golden. We spent several days introducing them to the places, people, businesses, and landscapes that make this region special. The Kootenays and the Columbia Valley offer landscapes that are second to none. In addition to the

views, other locations such as restaurants, streetscapes, and even back alleys might be just what they are looking for.

“The Columbia Valley is such a cinematic region - everywhere I went I kept seeing different scenes and moments that I’d love to create here.” -Jason James, Director, All Night Wrong

We’re also seeing more inquiries come through as our reputation grows. Each production brings opportunities for local businesses, contractors, accommodations, caterers, artists, and residents looking to build careers in the industry. Film is complimentary to industries we already have, especially tourism. It extends seasons, diversifies our economy, and brings new investment into the region.

We’re still in the early chapters of this story, but it’s an exciting one to be part of. If you would like to get involved, whether you are currently working in the industry, or curious about a future career, please reach out to ced@investcolumbiavalley.ca

School board mulls French immersion

Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

Rocky Mountain School District 6 is looking at the feasibility of offering a French immersion program in the Windermere zone. But it's not going to happen anytime soon.

Last week the board reviewed a report by assistant superintendent Steve Wyer, who said offering French is a ‘choice program’ that board members have to weigh carefully while considering that English programming is the district’s primary responsibility.

He noted “there is no good argument against offering this type of program to students.” But he did say that offering French immersion would impact the district’s current operations.

“It is important to ensure that offering a French immersion program does not negatively impact the English program,” Wyer stated.

The consideration comes after a request from the public earlier this year for the board to survey the local community about offering the French program, which is already available in Golden beginning in Grade 4. The Rocky Mountain district does offer a core French program in all zones.

The major goal of French immersion is to give non-francophone students the opportunity to be-

come bilingual. It is suggested the program start in the Windermere zone in Grade 4.

Wyer said the French program would replace the current intensive French program that starts in Grade 6 at J.A. Laird Elementary School. Looking at enrolment projections, the French program would consist of six spaces for students from Windermere Elementary, three spaces for Martin Morigeau Elementary, 14 for students transitioning from Eileen Madson Primary to J.A. Laird, and five spaces for Edgewater Elementary School.

In the report, Wyer points out that implementing the French immersion program at the Grade 4 level would decrease enrolment at other elementary schools with Grade 4 programming in the Windermere zone. Wyer said recruiting qualified French immersion teachers is highly competitive because they are in demand within a limited candidate pool. This, of course, will require a recruitment budget and funding for teachers’ salaries (borne by the district).

The report indicates that one Grade 4 French immersion class and teacher will cost approximately $150,000. Total costs for the first year would be approximately $278,000.

The board discussed the report and agreed to receive and file it.

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Invermere library hosts more book sale events

cent to the Invermere Farmers and Artisans Market.

Summer means flowers and boating and picnics, but in Invermere it also means book sales.

For many residents, part-timers and visitors, used book sales are important summer events.

The Friends of Invermere Public Library have this year’s book sales organized to keep book lovers happy –and to financially support the library.

The first Pop Up Book Sale on Saturday, June 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. will be staged in the parking lot adja-

The sale features popular authors, mysteries, gardening books and children’s books for kids of all ages.

The Pop-Up sale is a teaser for the 'BIG Book Sale' that features books sorted into 40 categories.

Save the date for the 19th annual BIG Book Sale on Saturday, August 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Columbia Valley Centre in a climate-controlled atmosphere.

Thousands of gently used books, donated by generous community members, will be offered at very low prices.

All proceeds support Invermere Public Library programs.

The Friends of the Library welcome new members and book sale volunteers. Please leave your name at the library or email publiclibrary@invermere.net.

CLASSIFIEDS

of Life for Richard Lake on Saturday June 27th at the Royal Canadian Legion in Inver-

from 12 pm- 3pm

GERRY TAFT

250.341.1202

ROBIN SHMIGELSKY

250.342.1548

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.

AGM

Rural Range Resource Patrol. 7-9 pm, June 23 Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce Building.

LANDSCAPING HELP NEEDED

Full-time all summer, can start immediately. Competitive wages. Apply at terravistagm@gmail.com

Child & Youth Mental Health Counsellor

Position: Term Position – 1 year

Start Date: TBD

Hours: 20.5 hours per week

Salary: $40.03/hour

Shift schedule: Flexible days Monday to Friday

Duties

Looking for a friendly, responsible, selfmotivated individual with a professional appearance and technical ability. Preference will be made for a candidate with knowledge of hot tub maintenance/ repair, however, training will be provided to the right applicant.

Must have a valid BC Driver’s License.

Please email resume to: info@diamondheatingandspas.com

Diamond Heating and Spas 385 Laurier Street Invermere, BC VOA 1K7

Cheers and tears for the lovely Mya who has crossed the rainbow bridge recently. She was always the welcoming body greeting clients and we miss her furry affectionate greeting. Sadly, we send sympathy to her owner and trust happy memories of her loving pet will always be there.

Cheers to the amazing staff at Invermere hospital, especially Teena, Janice and Sienna and the Dr. on call. You were all so very kind and caring and made me feel very comfortable during a very scary and painful situation.

Cheers to the two ambulance attendants that took such great care in getting me to hospital on Saturday morning. You are both so very kind and caring, and made a frightening situation for me much better.

Cheers to John and Valarie May for coming to the rescue of a senior who had a fall in her garden. Am sure glad that you stopped to help me. Your act of kindness is very much appreciated.

Cheers to Mountain Home Productions. The Shania Twain Tribute Show was off the charts! What a great evening.

Child and Youth Mental Health Outreach Counsellor will provide counselling services to children and youth under 19 years of age experiencing mild-moderate mental health difficulties. The focus of the CYMH Outreach Counsellor is to assist children and youth with mental, emotional, and behavioral concerns as well as their families and/or caregivers. All service provisions will reflect risk reduction, build capacity for natural existing support systems, and ensure access to timely service.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related human/social service field with two years related experience. Other appropriate combinations of education and experience may be considered. A valid B.C. driver’s license is essential.

Application Process

Submit a resume to Cari Stewart, Director of Program Management via email at cstewart@fdx.family or Box 2289, Invermere, BC., V0A 1K0

All applicants will be considered. Union membership is required.

June 20 8:30a - 12:30p Rain or shine 12B

traditional Swiss bread, generator, tools, antiques, jewelry, plants, yard art, decor, vintage creations, birdbaths, wind chimes, furniture, bed frame & much more.

Garage Sale Canada Day!! All July long weekend! 4716 Mercury Street Windermere Wednesday, July 1 Noon -4 pm Thurs thru Sun July 2-5 10 am to 4 pm