Columbia Valley Pioneer - July 16, 2026

VALLEY VIEWS

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Learn to Swim

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Local MLA speaks out for nursing staff

Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Scott McInnis is speaking out in support of nurses during their job action in BC.

In a video posted to Facebook, McInnis said nurses are “fed up and at the breaking point” in trying to get a fair contract with the provincial government.

He noted that nurses have faced violence in the workplace and unsafe staffing levels for some time. He also stated that complaints have been made to the labour relations board highlighting many reports of intimidation towards nurses by their employer. “I just find that to be a shock, to say the least.”

McInnis said job action is the last thing nurses need because they want to get back to work doing what they do best —taking care of peo-

ple by keeping them healthy and safe. But they shouldn’t have to do that by risking their own safety, the MLA pointed out.

McInnis said a constituent came into his office with a letter praising the care that her elderly father received recently.

“She was just very grateful of the world-class care that her father received over the last number of months.”

McInnis said the public obviously stands behind the nurses in this dispute.

In the meantime, nurses have been escalating job action (and picket lines) at major hospitals and health centres. They are banning non-nursing duties and restricting unnecessary overtime in their call for better wage increases and improved workplace safety measures to address staffing shortages.

The BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) says bargaining has reached an impasse and wants the prov-

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ince to intervene. A special mediator has been assigned to help resolve the impasse.

The union says nurses are participating in lawful job action but have received more than 2,300 reports alleging intimidation, coercion and threats relating to refusing non-nursing duties. Nurses have been threatened with discipline and warnings about complaints to the BC College of Nurses and Midwives, according to the union.

“Nurses should never be threatened or intimidated for exercising their legal rights,” said BCNU president Adriane Gear. “Instead of listening to nurses and working with us to resolve this dispute, health employers have chosen to challenge the very people who keep our hospitals running,” Gear added.

The union makes it clear that essential services (urgent and emergency care) will remain in place during its job action.

Fire burns at landfill

A fire at the Columbia Valley landfill was a bit of a mystery last week.

Jon Tames, deputy chief of the Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Service, reported the small blaze was discovered amongst a garbage pile.

“We were able to quickly get water on it, and with the assistance of the contractor on site, spread the garbage out to ensure all the hot spots were wet down and the fire was fully extinguished,” he said.

The call came in at approximately 11:30 p.m. and nine firefighters responded with two pieces of apparatus. No injuries were reported.

“Everyone did an excellent job of ensuring the fire was confined to the site of origin and did not spread,” Tames pointed out

The cause of the fire was unknown at the time.

Two dead after collision

Columbia Vallay Pioneer

A head-on collision between two vehicles on Highway 93 in Kootenay National Park on July 8 claimed the lives of the two drivers.

Columbia Valley RCMP were notified at approximately 5:36 p.m. that a serious motor vehicle incident occurred near Simpson Monument.

The initial investigation determined that a westbound vehicle crossed the centre line while negotiating a corner and collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle at highway speed. Both vehicles were occupied only by their drivers, who

were pronounced deceased at the scene. A third vehicle was involved but the two occupants were believed to have sustained minor injuries.

The BC Coroners Service was notified and attended the scene. Highway 93 remained closed until 1:05 a.m. on July 9.

“This was a tragic incident that resulted in the loss of two lives,” said Cpl. Brett Urano, RCMP spokeperson. “Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the deceased as they navigate this difficult time.”

The investigation continues and no criminality is suspected at this time.

War bumps up village's sewage costs

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The ongoing war in Iran may seem far off, but its implications reach all over the globe, including here in the Columbia Valley where the Village of Canal Flats now has to pay more for its sewage treatment plant upgrades.

Canal Flats councillors recently awarded the contract for the work to Cranbrook-based Gally Equipment Services Ltd. for $1.69 million.

The upgrades will include a new geotechnical liner – the current one is quite old and the provincial Ministry of Environment and Parks has issued three notices during the past decade directing the village to replace it.

The liner lines the lagoons where wastewater is held for treatment.

Canal Flats chief administrative officer Cynthia White pointed out the village could face a hefty fine from the ministry if untreated wastewater escapes from the lagoons due to the aged liner.

The village secured a federal Investing in

Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) grant in 2023 to help pay for the work, but must use the grant by January 2027.

At the Canal Flats council meeting during which the sewage upgrades were discussed, councillor Paul Marcil asked if the budget included a contingency for potential cost overruns. White said it would be in the contract “for sure” and that such contingencies are usually around 25 per cent of the total project cost. Marcil thought this prudent, saying that “prices are varying so much with everything that’s happening in the world.”

His comment was a reference to both the war between the U.S. and Iran, which has restricted global oil supply and caused energy (and transportation) costs to spike, as well as the tariff and trade battles between the U.S. and other countries (including Canada), which have affected the prices of all sorts of materials.

White agreed with Marcil, pointing out that “our engineers tried negotiating with Gally . . . we had anticipated getting a lower price. But the cost

of the liners has gone up because they’re very oil based.”

Liners jumped $50,000 in price and that was “just in the month and a half during negotiations,” she added.

The contract with Gally is for $1.69 million, but the total cost of the project is $1.78 million, including contract management and quality assurance and control activities by Urban Systems Ltd., which did the project’s engineering. The ICIP grant will pay for $931,000 of the total cost, gas tax reserves will pay for $364,000, asset management reserves $235,000, sewer reserves $100,000, and $154,000 will be borrowed.

Councillor Andrew Weitzel cautioned that “this is really taking a huge chunk out of our reserves. They’re depleting almost all of them.”

White, in her report to council, concurred that “given the village’s limited reserve funds there may be an impact on emerging projects” but noted that there is no impact to any projects currently identified in the village’s five-year capital plan.

Radium calls for CHF reinstatement

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The Village of Radium Hot Springs will take a resolution to this fall’s Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM), calling on the B.C. government to immediately reinstate the provincial Community Housing Fund.

Like many other communities, Radium has been squeezed hard by a shortage of affordable housing and long-term rental housing. The gap was emphasized as one of Radium’s biggest challenges by the village’s latest housing needs report .

The village has taken significant steps to address this shortfall over the past couple of years, purchasing land and developing plans to create more housing in Radium, most notably with the proposed Ridge Road rental housing project in north Radium.

But this past February the government announced it was reallocating  $1.4 billion from its housing strategy. That move entailed suspending the Community Housing Fund.

This came as a big surprise — and a considerable blow — to multiple housing project across the province that had spent hundreds of thousand of dollars on planning

work and land purchases.

The Ridge Road project in Radium is one of these projects that now needs to rethink funding.

That’s the reason Radium is putting forward the resolution to the UBCM. The resolution says the end of the Community Housing Fund has essentially “stranded affordable housing projects ... leaving municipalities and non-profit housing partners with sunk costs, delayed projects, and reduced capacity to meet community housing needs and non-market provincial housing targets.” It asks the provincial government to honour applications and provide stable funding.

Radium mayor Mike Gray explained to the Pioneer that the Ridge Road project would have sought significant capital funding through the Community Housing Fund, likely around $5 million.

The suspension of the fund was particularly puzzling since in the years prior the B.C. government heavily encouraged local governments to increase affordable housing, he noted.

“To have it removed all at once left us in an odd spot (with Ridge Road),” added Gray.

There are not very many other funding options for large-scale affordable housing projects and the

Community Housing Fund’s sudden stop “really shifts the finances” of Ridge Road, he noted.

Gray pointed out that Radium residents have voiced a desire for more affordable housing and more rental housing several times through various avenues of public feedback, and that the village remains committed to trying to complete the project.

That could mean higher than hoped building costs, even if the

village secures other funding, and those higher overall costs may ultimately get passed on to Ridge Road residents in the form of higher rents. Gray is none too pleased about that, but ruefully noted that “unfortunately there may be no choice. That may be the only option.”

Gray was unsure what effect the UBCM resolution may have (saying “I don’t know where this will go”), but maintained it’s a point very much worth making.

The Regional District of East Kootenay, Town of Golden, and Columbia Shuswap Regional District Area A are gathering public input on time observance through a regional survey.

This survey will gather broad public feedback to help inform future decisionmaking. The results will not determine the outcome on their own. Any future decision will also need to consider other factors, including legislative and implementation considerations.

Stay safe

There is enough tragedy in this world without adding motor vehicle fatalities, most of which are preventable.

Last week’s head-on collision that killed two drivers on Highway 93 in Kootenay National Park was a sombre wake-up call to all motorists — you can’t be too careful behind the wheel. In two seconds it can be all over.

How many times have you nearly dozed off due to lack of sleep? How many times did you almost cross the centre line while texting or reaching for something? Imagine how many near-death experiences occur while driving every day.

No need to rattle off statistics because you’ve heard it all before, thinking you will never become one of ‘them’. Wonder if the two deceased motorists thought the same thing last week? What families did they leave behind? Were they on vacation? Driving home from work? Sadly, there is no rewind button to take the vehicle back before it crossed the centre line. But you can prevent another needless tragedy, possibly your own, by treating every trip like a first-time driving test.

Your checklist should be:

• If you are tired and have only slept a few hours, don’t drive.

• Even if you’ve had one alcoholic drink, don’t even think about it.

• Don’t make a call or answer the phone while driving; it’s not worth it. Even hands-free calling is risky because it is still distracting.

• Dropped something on the passenger side floor? Pick it up when you have stopped.

• Always drive in defensive mode because you can’t trust other drivers with your safety.

• Someone cuts you off? Let it go without retaliation. Besides, it’s embarrassing seeing yourself on Youtube under the title ‘road rage.’

• Don’t be a tailgater; everyone hates them.

• Don’t be tempted by a risky pass (unless you’re on a sanctioned race track).

• The faster you drive, the harder it is to maintain control. You only get there a few minutes earlier, anyway.

• Shoulder check your shoulder check.

News media like the Pioneer does not enjoy publishing reports of motor vehicle fatalities. It’s depressing, but hopefully readers learn from these sad stories and never become complacent.

Lyonel Doherty, editor

OPINION

Historical Lens

LETTERS/OP-ED

Then and now: a mountain's journey back

If you’ve ever been up Jubilee Mountain, you already know there’s something special about that place. The road climbs through the forest, the views open up, and before long, you find yourself looking out over some of the most beautiful country the Kootenays have to offer.

I recently took a ride up to the old fire lookout tower, a place I’ve visited many times over the years. This time, though, the mountain told a different story.

On July 31, 2023, fire swept across a large section of Jubilee, leaving behind a landscape that was both shocking and strangely beautiful. The towering trees that once filled the hillside were replaced by blackened trunks standing like reminders of what happened. The scars of the fire are still easy to see, but so is the beginning of something new.

The old logging road, once tucked away and almost hidden by the forest, is now wide open

and easy to spot as it cuts through the large clearing. Around it, the burned trees remain standing while fresh green growth pushes its way back through the forest floor. It’s a landscape caught between the past and the future—part wildfire history, part new beginning.

From the top, the view is still as incredible as ever. In a way, the burned trees have become part of the scenery, adding another layer to the natural artwork that makes Jubilee such a special place. Nature has a way of turning even destruction into something with its own kind of beauty.

The old fire lookout tower still stands above it all, watching over the valley as it has for decades. The bright red tower is now closed and locked, but the memories of those who visited and enjoyed the view remain.

One welcoming sight was the restored log bench near the lookout. Once charred completely black, it has been cleaned up and is usable

Jubilee Mountain's transformation from 2023 to 2026 is amazing when you consider what the wildfire did to the landscape.

PHOTOS JUSTIN SAIN

again—a small but meaningful sign of recovery. The memorial plaque on the bench, destroyed by the intense heat, has also been replaced. The new sign reads again:

In loving memory

Raymond Bird

October 26, 1943 – April 14, 2015

While standing at the top, overlooking the valley, it was impossible not to notice the contrast. The blackened trunks tell the story of the fire, but the green growth tells the story of survival.

Jubilee has taken a hit, but it is far from defeated. The forest is returning one small plant, one young tree, and one season at a time. The mountain is healing, and it will continue to welcome riders, hikers, locals, and visitors who make the trip up to enjoy its beauty.

The view has changed, but the spirit of Jubilee Mountain remains the same.

Justin

Sain, Spillimacheen

It takes a valley!

Riding bikes to the beach after school, summer jobs at the ice cream shop, and skiing Friday afternoons because school is out at 1:00pm. Life is good for kids in the Columbia Valley. Life is lived outside, like we remember it. In fact, Radium Hot Springs is home to Canada’s only year-round, outdoor swim club. From taking care of our toddlers to celebrating them at graduation, the Columbia Valley shows up for our youth.

Education starts early with several highly qualified childcare centres in the Columbia Valley. With the growing need for childcare, two new centres have opened in recent years. Headwaters Academy in Canal Flats in 2023. In 2026, School District #6 in partnership with Windermere Valley Childcare Society secured funding from the Columbia Basin Trust and an additional $9 million from the province to open the new Rocky Mountain Childcare Facility. Located right next to the primary school in Invermere, it has 24 infant toddler spaces, 100 spaces for 30 months to school age, and 24 space for school-age children. The new centres have been well received by both early childhood educators, and even more so by parents. Throughout the valley you will find childcare to meet your needs, from larger centres to home based care, and speciality supports.

Once in school, kids can attend the early years in communities throughout the Columbia Valley. From north to south; there is Edgewater Elementary (K-7), Eileen Madson Primary (K-3) and J.A. Laird (4-7) in Invermere, Windermere

Elementary (K-7) in Windermere, and Martin Morgeau (K-7) in Canal Flats. In grade 8, Columbia Valley kids graduate to David Thompson Secondary School in Invermere to finish for their high school education. For information on schools in the area, visit www. sd6.bc.ca.

Outside of school the activities are endless. Multiple ski and snowboard clubs at both

Fairmont Resort and Panorama Mountain Resort. If you prefer the flat(ish), Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club might be your place. Lakes used for swimming, paddling, and fishing in summer become meccas for skating, snowmobiling, and ice fishing in the winter. Like every Canadian town, we have hockey.

There is also plenty of non-sport activity. The Columbia Valley Youth Hub in Invermere is open for kids drop in, gaming, snacks, and general hanging out. They also operate in Edgewater and Canal Flats on a rotating schedule. The Columbia Valley Youth Network provides programming throughout the region where kids 12-18 can enjoy activities such as zip lining, cookie decorating, mini golf, and so much more!

Highschool graduation is a big celebration in Invermere. Every year, people line main street Invermere and celebrate the graduating class as they walk down the street to their graduation dinner. The Grand March is a favourite event for many. We as a community have watched these kids grow into amazing adults. We can’t wait to see them explore the world, and, hopefully move back to the area where they grew up.

They say raising kids takes a village. Here, we say it takes a valley.

Thursday July 16

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. 10:15am - 1:00pm - Tech Time with CBAL. Invermere Public Library. Contact us to book a one-on-one tech help appointment.

1:00pm - Storytime in Edgewater. Edgewater Community Park. Join us for stories, songs and a craft. Geared towards preschool age, but all welcome to attend.

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

1:45 - 2:45pm - Summer Reading Club in Edgewater. Edgewater Community Park. For kids in grade 1-7. One-time registration required. Free program with crafts, games and fun!

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.

Friday July 17

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

10:30-11:00 - Pop-Up Story Time - Groundwell Greenhouse! Join us for stories, songs and a craft. Geared towards preschool age, but all welcome to attend.

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

Bull Riding in the Rockies Columbia Valley Rockies Premier Summer Event & Biggest Fundraiser: https://www.rockieshockey.ca/bull-riding-in-the-rockies

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

Saturday July 18

9:00am - 1:00pm - Valley Appreciation Day. Downtown Invermere. Presented by the District of Invermere and sponsored by Travel Columbia Valley. Free pancake Breakfast hosted by local community service groups and main stage entertainment on 13th St, Downtown activities and interactive booths and Invermere Farmers and artists Market in the Lakeview Parking Lot ( Behind Arena/BMO). No overnight Parking after bull Riding on 13th st and Lakeview Parking Lot. Vehicles must be moved by 6am.

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.

Sunday July 19

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

Scavenger Hunt - Free Breakfast/ Free to all event. Prizes. Play as a group or as a single Register at the District office or at the Legion. More details are available at the Legion or the District of Invermere office

Monday July 20

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.

1:30pm - Cribbage & Darts at Invermere Seniors Hall. 6:30pm - Fun Bridge at Invermere Seniors Hall. At Dark - Movies in the Mountains - Starts at dark Enjoy free movies every Monday evening throughout July and August in Pothole Park. Presented by the District of Invermere. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and cash for the on site concession.

Tuesday July 21

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. 11:00am - 12:30pm - Summer Reading Club - Invermere Public Library. Free program with crafts, games and fun! One-time registration required. Ages 5-8 @ 11am-12:30pm (5 year olds must be finished kindergarten to attend) Ages 9-12 @ 2pm-3:30pm.

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

Wednesday July 22

10:00 -11:00am

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

MHP bringing Etheridge, 54.40 to town

Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

Melissa Etheridge and 54.40 fans have a big reason to celebrate as the two legendary acts make their way to Invermere on July 27.

But first, Blue Rodeo returns with special guests Barney Bentall and the Devin Cuddy Band on July 24. Both concerts start at 4 p.m. at Lakeview parking lot.

Promoter Stephen Raaflaub from Mountain Home Productions (MHP) told the Pioneer that Etheridge is taking time out from her US tour with Wynonna Judd to play in Invermere, her only western Canada stop this year.

“For our little town to have that (is amazing),” Raaflaub said.

The promoter noted that 54.40 will be the opening act for approximately 70 minutes before Etheridge comes out for a two-hour set.

Etheridge is currently bringing her new highly anticipated album ‘Rise’ to the masses. It features 11 new heartfelt songs, including ‘The Other Side of Blue,’ which brings a

powerful message to a cause that is close to her heart — the Wounded Warrior Project that highlights military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. She reminds people that music can “soothe those demons.”

In true Etheridge fashion, she brings attention to many issues that she feels very passionate about. Just listening to her songs unveils strong images of life, love and resilience that people can relate to and appreciate.

Raaflaub said the Grammy winning rock star has been using her distinct voice to entertain fans for many years.

“What is so great about these shows is seeing all the smiling faces and energy (that the fans exude),” he said.

Raaflaub told the Pioneer that MHP is bringing about 2,000 people to the parking lot in Invermere, adding there will definitely be economic spinoffs for the community.

For tickets, visit www.mountainhomeproductions.com

District of Invermere redesigns website

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The District of Invermere’s website redesign is underway.

Municipal staff signed a contract with Calgary-based digital marketing agency Upanup Studios for the work a few weeks ago, and the new website should launch sometime later this fall or early in the winter.

The district is also now using a new email notification tool, through Quebec-based software company Cyberimpact.

In early 2025, Invermere councillors allocated up to $100,000 in the budget for a new website.

At the time, a couple of residents raised their eyebrows at the price tag, as did Invermere councillor Gerry Taft, but all nevertheless agreed the current district website really does need a refresh to become more user friendly for both the general public and for district staff.

Invermere chief administrative officer Dean McKinley explained that many B.C. municipalities spend between $90,000 and $120,000 on website revamps and noted that while a simple WordPress site is inexpensive, “if you want something a little more functional for people using it, it quickly becomes more complicated.”

Upandup has worked on other B.C. website redesigns in recent years, including for the Town of Golden.

The Cyberimpact email notification tool Invermere is now using is the same one currently used by the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK).

Local residents can sign up for the new notification system to be more quickly informed about things such as water system advisements, boil water advisories, or unfolding local emergencies, should these arise.

“You don’t need to rely on social media updates,” said Invermere corporate officer Kindry Dalke.

The new website is meant to help improve communication between the district and the public, and give residents better and quicker access to local services and information.

NOTICE OF PARKING LOT CLOSURE

NOTICE OF PARKING LOT CLOSURE

NOTICE OF PARKING LOT CLOSURE

NOTICE OF PARKING LOT CLOSURE

Productions will host the MHP 2026 Concert Series at the Lakeview Parking Lot, featuring Blue Rodeo on Friday, July 24 and Melissa Etheridge + 54-40 on Monday, July 27.

DATE TIME STATUS

Wed–Thu, July 22–23 From 8:00 AM PARTIAL LOT

July

Please note:

Sat–Sun, July 25–26

Please note:

• All local businesses remain OPEN – pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

• All local businesses remain OPEN – pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

• Partial closure days (July 22–23 & 25–26): approximately 2/3 of the lot remains open for parking.

• Partial closure days (July 22–23 & 25–26): approximately 2/3 of the lot remains open for parking.

bus move-in

Please note:

• Full closure days (July 24 & 27): please remove vehicles before 8:00 AM to avoid towing. Signage and pylons will be laid out the day before each full closure as a reminder.

Monday, July 27 8:00 AM – 11:59 PM FULL LOT CLOSED – Concert: Melissa Etheridge + 54-40

• Full closure days (July 24 & 27): please remove vehicles before 8:00 AM to avoid towing. Signage and pylons will be laid out the day before each full closure as a reminder.

All local businesses remain OPEN – pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

• The fire lane remains clear day and night. Business deliveries and pick-ups are available as needed during the day; after 3:00 PM on show days, call Stephen at 403-554-0658 to arrange access.

• The fire lane remains clear day and night. Business deliveries pick-ups are available as needed during the day; after 3:00 PM on show days, call Stephen at 403-554-0658 arrange access.

• Noise: soundcheck runs approx. 1:00 – 4:00 PM and concerts run 6:00 – 10:00 PM on show days.

• Noise: soundcheck runs approx. 1:00 – 4:00 PM and concerts – 10:00 PM on show days.

Partial closure days (July 22–23 & 25–26): approximately 2/3 of the lot remains open for parking.

• RESIDENT DETOUR: 4th Avenue will be closed at 13th Street during the event. Residents can enter and exit the neighbourhood via 10th Street / 6th Avenue.

• RESIDENT DETOUR: 4th Avenue will be closed at 13th Street during the event. Residents can enter and exit the neighbourhood via 10th Street / 6th Avenue.

Full closure days (July 24 & 27): please remove vehicles before 8:00 AM to avoid towing. Signage and pylons will be laid out the day before each full closure as a reminder.

• ALTERNATE PARKING (shown in BLUE on the maps below): large lot off 8th Avenue between 10th & 12th Street, plus marked on-street parking along 12th Street, 13th Street, 7th & 8th Avenue. FULL CLOSURE DAYS (July 24 & 27) – Alternate

• ALTERNATE PARKING (shown in BLUE on the maps below): large lot off 8th Avenue between 10th & 12th Street, plus marked on-street parking 12th Street, 13th Street, 7th

The fire lane remains clear day and night. Business deliveries and pick-ups are available as needed during the day; after 3:00 PM on show days, call Stephen at 403-554-0658 to arrange access.

Noise: soundcheck runs approx. 1:00 – 4:00 PM and concerts run 6:00 – 10:00 PM on show days.

RESIDENT DETOUR: 4th Avenue will be closed at 13th Street during the event. Residents can enter and exit the neighbourhood via 10th Street / 6th Avenue.

ALTERNATE PARKING (shown in BLUE on the maps below): large lot off 8th Avenue between 10th & 12th Street, plus marked on-street parking along 12th Street, 13th Street, 7th & 8th Avenue. FULL CLOSURE DAYS (July 24 & 27) – Alternate Parking

Questions or concerns? Stephen Raaflaub Mountain Home Productions 403-554-0658 stephen@promechmanagement.com

Thank you for your pateience and support - we look forward to a great concert series!

The Shuswap Band is inviting qualified property management companies to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to provide property management services for our off reserve properties that include: • Parson School – Parson, BC • Two Residential Homes – Invermere, BC

Services include

or to submit an Expression of Interest, please contact:

Shuswap Band – Lands Department Email: sstump@shuswapband.ca

The Shuswap Band reserves the right to accept or reject any or all submissions and is under no obligation to proceed with this Expression of Interest.

Sinclair Canyon upgrade project underway

By Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

Work is underway on a major infrastructure upgrade project in Kooteny National Park, very close to the park’s boundary with the Village of Radium Hot Springs.

The project includes rehabilitating the Sinclair Canyon Bridge, repairs to the Sinclair Creek rock tunnel near Radium Hot Springs pools, and fixing up the retaining wall at the southwest end of Sinclair Canyon.

The work began in June and is expected to continue until October.

Sinclair Canyon is the dramatically narrow gap through which Highway 93 South enters and exits the Columbia Valley, and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the area.

Vehicles heading through it could be reduced to single lane alternating traffic during peak periods, with potential waits of up to 45 minutes.

The hot pools will remain open throughout the project, but the pedestrian sidewalk through Sinclair Canyon is closed.

PIONEER CLASSIFIEDS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BROKERAGE! NEW TEAM!

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.

IN

MEMORIAM

In Memory of Greyson James Tufts

Five years of being Forever One Short. Always loved and missed. The Clan

Celebration of Life for Peter Bartman

Sunday July 26 from 2pm- 4pm Columbia Ridge Rec Centre

Evelyn Marie McGilvery (Bourassa)

April 12, 1933 – June 11, 2026

Evelyn Marie passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026, at 93 in Invermere, British Columbia, with family by her side. Born near Hafford, Saskatchewan, she was a proud Michif/Métis woman whose resilience, generosity, and adventurous spirit shaped a long and meaningful life.

In 1953 she married James “Streak” McGilvery, and together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and community. Evelyn embraced the outdoors—hunting, hiking, skiing, and camping until she was 85. She competed in the Canadian Senior Games, volunteered with the Red Cross and Invermere Auxiliary Thrift Shop, and dedicated nearly 32 years to nursing in Invermere, where she was the first Indigenous nurse, touching countless lives with her compassion and skill. Ev’s legacy of love, family, strength, humour, and community will continue to guide all who knew her.

She is lovingly remembered by her children Debra (Ken) Fisher, James “Jimmy” McGilvery, and Roxane (Galt) Baalim; bonus daughters Ruth (Jerome) Thorne and Verna (Donna) Jones; grandchildren Shawna (Andrew) Weaver, Monica (Glenn) Fisher, Scott Fisher (Cienna), and Emma Baalim; great-grandchildren Hayden Weaver and Ainsley Fisher; bonus grandchildren BrookLynn Mason, Katy and Jerome Jr. Thorne, Janine, Carly, Emily, Gracy, Jamie Jones and their children.

Evelyn was predeceased by her husband Streak; her parents Joseph and Alvina Bourassa; siblings Wilfred, Irene, and Edmond.

The change of guard has begun for the next generation.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 2 pm at the Columbia Valley Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations to ICAN are appreciated.

Cheers to Lisa Kraig for offering great advice and having a positive attitude.

Cheers to my neighbor Dan for checking in and looking out for me. You are the best!

Wanda Marie Seel

December 9, 1930 - July 5, 2026

It is with sorrow and much love that the family of Wanda Marie Seel announces her passing on July 5, 2026, at the age of 95.

Wanda was born in Winnipeg on December 9, 1930, to John and Bernice Paprocke. She spent her youth in Winnipeg studying music. Her main instrument was the violin, which she learned under the tutelage of John Waterhouse, who was a fellow with the London School of Music. After graduating from high school, she taught music at a music school started by teachers from the Bornoff School of Music. It involved teaching not only in Winnipeg, but also Dryden, Kenora and Keewatin, Ontario. She taught violin, piano, steel guitar and tap dance. Together with her younger sister, Sophie, she also choreographed dances for different theatres.

When she was in her late teens, she followed her parents west and moved to Radium Hot Springs, B.C. She met and fell in love with Eugen Seel, and they were married in 1951 in Edgewater, B.C., where they built their home. They had five children – Darcy, Rodney, Randall, Carl and Denise. She was active in the family business of Seel Forest Products by being the office manager, supervising sales, dealing with brokers and looking after the bookkeeping.

Concurrently, she was deeply involved in the cultural scene of the Columbia Valley. She started a tap- and music studio in Invermere and Edgewater. Together with Eileen Madson, who accompanied on the piano they entertained at banquets and conventions. She created and directed theatre productions. In 1975 she started playing as a violinist for the Kootenay Chamber Orchestra in Kimberley/Cranbrook, which later changed into the Symphony of the Kootenays. She played for them for many years.

Locally, she was also a member of the Lockwood Quartet, which consisted of Barry Moore on piano, Dr. Lorne Bueckert on cello, Sharon Morgan on flute and Wanda on violin. They organized and performed at many concerts in the Columbia Valley.

During the 1960’s and 1970’s she started a music program at the Edgewater school. She also taught piano privately out of her home to many students in the area.

Aside from music Wanda enjoyed gardening and was a vivacious reader who, in her later years read a great volume of books until her eyesight failed her just a few months before her death. She had a long and fulfilled life as a supportive partner to her husband, a loving mother and grandmother, and an accomplished artist.

Wanda was predeceased by her parents, Bernice Paprocke (1974) and John Paprocke (1975), her sister Sophie Sim (2002), her brother Edward Paprocke (2011) and her husband Eugen Seel (2016). She is survived by her children, Darcy Seel (Laurie Ruault), Rod Seel (Birgit Koster), Randy Seel (Sherry), Carl Seel (Rozel), Denise Tegart (George), as well as 11 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 8 step great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cheers to Steve Kuffler for the generosity and kindness you show to me. I can always count on your help. Happy Birthday on July 15th. Huge Cheers to Edwin who helped up out when we locked our keys inside our car. God answered our prayers by sending you to us! Many blessings to you!

Cheers to Four Points Books, Stolen Church and the Local View Printing for their support of the arts at DTSS! Cheers also to the generous anonymous donor who gave to our Drama Department. What a wonderful community we have supporting our creative kids!

Cheers to French Irene for always being a ray of sunshine and brightening my day.

to my friend Cheri for dropping off beautiful flowers from your garden.

Cheers to Dr. Nikirk and her staff at Invermere Optometry for the great service. You helped me choose fashionable frames and worked within my budget. Cheers!

In Loving Memory of

Dan Leon Wall

October 29, 1962 – July 3, 2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dan Leon Wall on July 3, 2026, in Radium, B.C., at the age of 63. Born in Chilliwack, B.C., on October 29, 1962, Dan lived a life filled with connection to family and friends.

Dan will be greatly missed by his beloved dogs, Ace and Mays, who were his faithful companions. He leaves behind a loving family, including his sisters, Trudy (Ed) Skiffington and Holly (Norm) Price; his brothers, Allan (Linda) Wall and Glen (Marilyn) Wall; his aunt, Joyce Kiselbach; and special friend, Bev. He is also survived and fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a large circle of friends.

Dan was predeceased by his wife, Debbie Neault; his mother, Marg Gibson; his father, Del Wall; his stepfather, George Gibson; and his brothers, Rodney Wall and Mark Wall.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to honor Dan’s memory.

Career Opportunity Recreation Coordinator

The Village of Radium Hot Springs seeks an organized and self-motivated person with a passion for community recreation as its Recreation Coordinator.

Primarily using Village indoor and outdoor public spaces, the Recreation Coordinator enthusiastically and creatively organizes all aspects of recreation planning and delivery, focusing on customer service and safety.

The ideal candidate will hold a grade 12 diploma at minimum with additional certifications considered an asset. A valid class 5 BC driver’s licence and a satisfactory criminal record check are requirements of the position.

In return the Village offers a wage of $28 to $32 per hour depending on experience and based on an anticipated 25-hour work week with opportunity for additional hours as required. Some evening and weekend work is an expectation of the position.

The position offers an opportunity to grow and learn with the organization and comprehensive benefits including a defined benefit pension through BC’s Municipal Pension Plan.

The position is a one-year term position with potential for extension for the right candidate.

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the successful candidate will represent the Village in a positive, professional, and friendly manner. Creating welcoming, inclusive, fun, safe, and engaging experiences for participants of all ages and fitness levels.

A monthly recreation calendar will be developed in advance and marketing and communications, including web and social media, will be important elements of the position.

Desired knowledge includes:

• Basic knowledge of the Village’s recreation assets

• Sound knowledge of recreation programs, practices, and objectives

• Ability to organize, lead, and participate in recreation programs and activities

Demonstrated athletic aptitude and related experience in delivering programs and activities for diverse audiences

• Ability to establish and maintain effective communications with different publics of all ages and abilities

Personality is key! Awesome candidates should submit a resume and cover letter by Friday July 17, 2026 to:

Jill Logan, Corporate Officer

HELP WANTED Help Wanted

Part-Time Front Desk Administrator

We are looking for a friendly, reliable, and organized Part-Time Front Desk Administrator to join our team, with the possibility of full-time.

Responsibilities:

• Greet and assist clients in a professional manner

• Answer phones and respond to inquiries

• Schedule appointments

• Process payments and maintain accurate records

• Perform general administrative and office duties

Qualifications:

• Excellent customer service and communication skills

• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities

• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office and email)

• Previous front desk or administrative experience is an asset

• Attention to detail is a must

Position Details:

• Part-time

• In-office position

If you enjoy working with people and have strong administrative skills, we’d love to hear from you!

Please send your resume to advertising@columbiavalleypioneer.com or apply in person at The Columbia Valley Pioneer, Invermere, BC, or call 250-341-1111.

SERVICES

K. B. Creations

Handyman services, Renovations, Masonry, Plumbing, Drywall & Painting.

Please call Kevin 250-688-2897

HOUSE FOR RENT

Non-smoking, 2 bedroom. Beautiful view garden $2030 per month. 250-409-5424 Available immediately.

SWIM LESSONS

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

Village of Radium Hot Springs jill.logan@radiumhotsprings.ca

The Village of Radium Hot Springs thanks all applicants for their interest. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

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

NOTICETOCREDITORS,HEIRS,ANDOTHERCLAIMANTS

IntheMatterofthe IndianAct,R.S.C.1985c.I 5asamended,andinthematteroftheEstateof No.

172(01), Beatrice Martha Stevens

Beatrice Martha Stevens ?Akisq'nuk First Nation

intheProvinceofBritishColumbia,DECEASED

Noticeisherebygivenpursuanttosection8oftheIndianEstatesRegulationsthatallcreditors,heirsandother claimantshavingclaimsordemandsagainsttheEstateofthesaid

June 24, 2026

August 31, 2026

whodiedonorabout ,arerequiredtosendbypostprepaidorto deliveronorbefore to: theirnamesandaddresses,fullparticularsoftheirclaims,statementoftheiraccounts,andthenatureofthe securities(ifany)heldbythem.

3251 93/95 Hwy

Windermere BC V0B 2L2

AndtakenoticethataftersuchlastmentioneddatetheAdministratorwillproceedtodistributetheassetsof thedeceasedamongthepartiesentitledthereto,havingregardonlytoclaimsfiledbeforethatdateorwhich theMinisterordersmaybelaterreceived,andthatthesaidAdministratorwillnotbeliableforthesaidassets oranypartthereoftoanypersonorpersonsofwhoseclaimsnoticewasnotfiledbythatdateunlessthe Ministerordersitmaybelaterreceived.

Datedat , ,on

Administrator/Executor

Annual report prompts questions about projects

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The District of Invermere recently adopted its annual report.

The report summarizes district activities and projects in 2025, and elicited a written inquiry from an unidentified member of the public. Municipal staff, led by Invermere chief administrative officer Dean McKinley, responded to the questions posed in the inquiry, essentially providing an update on a number of ongoing projects of note within the district.

The writer referenced the district’s curbside composting program, which launched last summer and which encountered a serious snag in late fall when the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK)-run compost processing facility in Athalmer was shut down for the winter season. Invermere officials had not realized the facility would close for winter, so the compost had to be temporarily stockpiled at the Columbia Valley landfill until the Athalmer facility re-opened in spring.

What will happen in the future? The writer wanted to know.

“A decision regarding the future of the processing facility has not yet been made, and there is no council-directed timeline at this time,” replied McKinley. “The district will communicate publicly once a path forward has been determined.”

The writer also wanted an update on the planned new Fort Point Bridge, asking about cost estimates, scheduling, design details (and whether these will allow for potential future twinning of the railway tracks underneath), and whether it will have a bike lane.

McKinley replied that the project will be out to tender within three weeks.The 2026 budget includes $3 million to replace the Fort Point Bridge ($2.9 million through reserves, and $100,000 through grants); and that as far as the district knows Canadian Pacific Kansas City Rail (CPKC) has no immediate plans to twin the tracks, but wants to preserve the right to do so, which the bridge design will take into account.

In terms of a bike lane, McKinley wrote that what ultimately happens depends on costs and on

exactly how much wider the bridge can be made. If the new bridge can accommodate a multi-use pathway (for bikes, pedestrians and other modes of transport) that will be incorporated. If not, there will likely be a sidewalk with a parapet rated for cycling.

The writer noted that at the end of 2025, the district was searching for potential thirdparty operators for its mobile stage, and wondered what happened, and if the stage had perhaps been sold.

McKinley replied the stage was not sold and that, in terms of operation, after reviewing applications from interested third parties, Invermere council decided it best that the district continue to maintain and operate the stage itself.

The writer also asked for more information about the new Lakeview parking lot washroom and ‘end of trip facilities’ (which include ebike charging, bike parking, a bike servicing and repair station, and bike washing equipment); and about the electrical vehicle charging hub BC Hydro had been interested in building on the northern part of the old community hall site.

McKinley replied that the Lakeview parking lot and end-of-trip facilities should be fully complete by the end of July. The washroom and facilities (paid mostly through a B.C. Active Transportation grant) were initially going to be part of the proposed EV hub at the community hall but were moved to the Lakeview parking lot in part to keep the old community hall site open for future opportunities. The location change saved money, and allowed for shade sails and solar panels to be added. The grant could also be used at additional spots, resulting in 12 new e-bike charging stations in Invermere — two at the Columbia Valley Centre, four at Pothole Park, two at Mount Nelson Athletic Park (MNAP), and four at Kinsmen Beach.

The EV hub itself has also been shifted in location to the Lakeview parking lot.

“This spring, BC Hydro advised the district that while our site made the cut for suitability, the project is not a 2026 priority for them. They have indicated a possible revisit in 2027,” wrote McKinley.

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)

No Sunday services in July and August except for Sunday July 26 1pm service at All Saints in Edgewater 7pm service at Stolen Church in Windermere 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)

Invermere needs a new Fort Point Bridge (old one seen here). The project will be out to tender this summer.

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

JESUS IS LORD CHURCH, INVERMERE

Sunday Service: 10:30am 1310 7th Ave Invermere (Invermere Inn Hotel)