July 29, 2021 Vol. 19/Issue 7
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1 Febeuary 17, 2022
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February 19-21, 2022
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February 17, 2022 Vol. 19/Issue 7
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1
Your Weekly Source for News and Events
February 17, 2022
The Columbia Valley
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RADIUM BIGHORNS
03 POLAR PLUNGE
05 OLYMPIC SPIRIT Local residents out and about, skating, strolling, gliding and dog walking on the Lake Windermere Whiteway. This Saturday, Feb. 19, the Whiteway will be the site of the sixth annual Polar Plunge hosted by the RAD Recreation Adaptive Society. Read about it on page 5.
21
Photo by Ryan Watmough
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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
February 17, 2022
Bruno’s Plumbing Service Mike Sylvestre 250.342.5105 brunosplumbing@shaw.ca
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On Saturday, Feb. 12 at Kinsmen Beach, Tanelle Bolt of the Recreation Adaptive (RAD) Society (blue vest) helped show Kate Gibbs (red coat) the new classic Nordic ski-style “Eskaip,” designed by Tessier Adaptive Sports. To help keep the Windermere Whiteway accessible to everyone, Revolution Gear, on 7th Ave in Invermere, manages the world’s only rental Eskaip and the RAD Society manages rentals of the Mountain Trike. RAD describes itself as a not for profit society with the goal of making outdoor recreation possible for people living with limited mobility. Find out more at www.radsociety.ca.
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Local residents out and about, skating, strolling, gliding and dog walking on the Lake Windermere Whiteway. Photos by Ryan Watmough
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February 17, 2022
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3
VALLEY NEWS
Radium bighorns continue to generate discussion By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The issue of bighorn sheep fatalities in Radium in alarming numbers continues to generate attention and plenty of provincial government officials, local government officials, Parks Canada staff, and concerned citizens are working toward solutions. In the meantime, however, sheep are still being hit, with a total of eight having been killed since the start of the new year, and the man perhaps most dedicated to their cause is stepping back from the increasingly emotionally charged, chaotic atmosphere that is starting to surround some of the sheep fatalities. Radium Bylaw Officer Kent Kebe has also worked with the provincial Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNRO) on contract to track and help Radium’s resident bighorn sheep for three decades. A big part of that work has included picking up dead bighorns on the highways and roads in and around the village, particularly on Radium Hill, immediately south of the village on Highway 95/93. But at last week’s Radium council meeting, on Wednesday, Feb. 9, Kebe told council “I will no longer be going to the hill. I will no longer be picking up dead sheep. I just can’t keep doing it.” Kebe relayed to council that just the night before, on Tuesday, Feb. 8 there was another bighorn fatality, after a sheep — a pregnant ewe — was hit by a vehicle on the hill. He described the scene, noting that there were many
vehicles pulled over at the side of the road, while traffic continued to whip by on Highway 93/95 at high speeds, and that some people were even trying to hold the sheep while it lay dying and kicking. “You need a break. You need to find some peace. The drama and emotions that go along with this have been intense,” said Radium Mayor Clara Reinhardt, adding she had heard descriptions of the scene from others, who called the chaos around the dying sheep “a gong show.” Radium Councillor Dale Shudra mentioned that he had driven past the accident site and said it was “unsettling.” Kebe noted that both the provincial Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) and FLNRO are working hard on the bighorn issue, but said that if incidents continue as chaotically as they did on Feb. 8 “in the end I worry there’s going to be a tremendous accident. There’s going to be a human fatality.” Reinhardt noted that online donations for a wildlife overpass near the Radium Hill and wildlife fencing stretching between Radium and Dry Gulch have now reached $34,000 (just three days after the option to donate went live on the village’s website), but “that is a long term solution...we have to get through the season, and it can’t all be on one person.” The bighorn traffic fatality on Feb. 8 was the fourteenth one since the sheep’s fall rut started in late November. It is also the eighth traffic fatality since the start of January. The number is strikingly high, considering that Radium averaged 10 sheep vehicle fatalities per calendar year up until 2021 (the first year there were TransCanada
closures), when there were 15. That grim record seems poised to be shattered this year, with eight vehicle fatalities already in 2022, barely a month and half into the year. “And that’s just what we’ve recorded. There’s almost certainly more, possibly a lot more, sheep getting hit, that we don’t know about,” said Kebe, adding that “April will be another high mortality month” because that is when the green-up of the grass on Radium Hill happens, and it coincides with the planned spring TransCanada closure. Councillor Mike Grey asked Kebe how many sheep are in the Radium bighorn herd, and Kebe replied there are roughly 130. “So 14 sheep killed this winter. That’s 10 per cent in vehicle strikes in just the last six weeks. That is insane,” said Grey. “It is quite high,” agreed Kebe. “And not sustainable,” chimed Reinhardt. Grey later addressed Kebe, “I can see in your eyes how difficult this is. If I could give you a hug, I would. The world ‘love’ is an understatement for how much you care for that herd.” Kebe may step back, but bighorn fatalities in Radium will still be tracked by the local Conservation Officer Service and by Mainroads (which is the contracting company that does highway snow clearing and maintenance). Anybody who sees a bighorn get hit should call the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline 1877 952 7277.
Fall TransCanada closure sees increase in local RCMP calls By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The Columbia Valley RCMP were busier than normal through the fall and into early winter, due at least partly to the fall TransCanada closures that rerouted all cross country-bound vehicles through the Columbia Valley, dramatically increasing the volume of traffic on local highways here. The news was not surprising, and came during quarterly RCMP reports delivered by Columbia Valley RCMP Sergeant Darren Kakuno to both Invermere council, on Tuesday, Feb. 8 and Radium council, on Wednesday, Feb. 9. The October to December quarter “certainly has been a busy time for us,” Kakuno told Invermere council., noting that calls for service in the valley were 985 in that timeframe, a big jump from 739 calls during the same quarter the year before. “The highway diversion is certainly part of that,” he said. There were 105 traffic complaints during this past fall’s TransCanada closure (which lasted from Sept. 21
to Nov. 30), as compared with just 58 during the same time period the year before (when there was no TransCanada closure). There were 69 traffic collisions during the fall closure, as compared with 40 during the same time period the year before. “The majority (of collisions) occurred in Kootenay National Park,” Kakuno told Invermere council. Kakuno explained that the Cranbrook RCMP’s highway patrol had been helping out during the closure, and spent a cumulative total of more than 1,000 hours on patrol on Columbia Valley highways between Sept. 21 and Nov. 30. The next TransCanada closure will be this coming spring from April 19 to May 20. Closures are expected to continue every spring and every fall until at least the end of 2024, when the Kicking Horse Canyon Project on the TransCanada, between Field and Golden, is complete. The TransCanada detour is not the only thing driving up calls to the RCMP, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic also playing a role. Continued on page 7...
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SECURITY Est. 2005
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• On Monday, Feb. 7 Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of a theft of a green EZ-Go all-terrain vehicle from a golf resort in Fairmont Hot Springs. Video footage confirmed the theft of the utility vehicle occurred on Friday, Feb. 4 at about 10 p.m. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbia Valley RCMP or Crimestoppers. • On Thursday, Feb. 10 at about 10 p.m., an officer was conducting patrols on Highway 93/95 near Invermere when he clocked a Toyota Scion travelling at 146 km/h in a 90 km/h speed zone. The driver was issued a
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violation ticket for excessive speed and his vehicle was impounded for seven days. • On Saturday, Feb. 12 at about 3 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP attended a two vehicle collision on 7th Avenue in Invermere. Officers spoke to the drivers and established the driver of a Ford F150 had rear-ended a Porsche Cayenne after being blinded by the sun. No injuries were reported and both vehicles were drivable. • On Sunday, Feb. 13 at about 12 p.m., emergency crews responded to a two vehicle collision on Highway 93 near Numa Falls in Kootenay National Park. Witnesses reported the driver of a Lexus RX450 had slowed to turn into Numa Falls when the driver of a Toyota Tacoma swerved in order to avoid rear-ending the Lexus, which resulted in the Toyota rolling onto its side. A passenger in the Toyota was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. The Toyota had to be towed from the scene.
www.lakeambassadors.ca
Lake Windermere Pulse Check Submitted by the Whiteway Ambassadors
Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C.
February 17, 2022
The Lake Windermere Whiteway, Lake Lillian Whiteway and Johnson trails have been operating in full force the past month. With the weather we’ve had in January, it feels as though we’ve been skating on a roller coaster as opposed to a lake. However, our fantastic team of Whiteway operators have been out navigating the storms in full force. From dusting after a windstorm, to plowing the skating trail before the warm weather so the ice can melt into perfection, these guys are magicians. Thank you for all your hard work out there, Brad and Paul! Considering the rough start we had at the beginning of the season with a layer of water below the ice, the Whiteway Skating trails have smoothed out after the warm weather. However, like always there are some areas of caution due to cracks in the ice, bumps from cars driving over etc. Special Areas of caution include the Windermere beach area, which is quite bumpy.
We are halfway through the 2022 Whiteway Winter Challenge, which is a community lead challenge where teams and individuals work to achieve their goal distances throughout the Whiteway season. This year the virtual community expedition is heading South, as we skate, ski, run, walk, skip, and get pulled by our dogs, towards Antarctica. Together, the Winter Whiteway Expedition has traveled a total of 4962.84 km and as we speak, are moving our way across Central America. If my calculations are correct, we’re roughly about 11,702 km from teaching penguins how to skijor! Up to date conditions can be found on our Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club Facebook page, or by using our new Nordic Pulse App. The app shows up to date conditions of the Whiteway skating trails and all the Tri-Area Nordic trails in the Valley, which includes the Toby Creek Nordic Club, Panorama, and Nipika Resort trails. We encourage the community to get out there, have fun, and play safe!
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250-341-4002 • www.copperpointresort.com
February 17, 2022
Frosty fundraiser set for this weekend Local man plans a polar plunge with a unique, extra chilly twist
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
but dropped the idea before pursuing it seriously. After graduating from DTSS, Feleke, who speaks both English and Dutch, returned to the Netherlands to attend university. After which, he worked for various Dutch companies as a mechanical engineer. In 2019, he decided to move back to the Columbia Valley. “I missed the mountains,” he said. Feleke said the idea for his unique fundraising twist is inspired partly from his love of outdoor activities (especially running), partly from his love of taking polar plunges in winter, and partly from his experience recovering from his childhood injury, which he explained gave him insight into what it is like to face mobility restrictions. His love of dipping in cold water began with traditional Dutch new year dips into the ocean. “It’s a thing in the Netherlands. Of course, the ocean there is not actually frozen solid into ice, like Lake Windermere is, but it’s pretty cold, usually about four or five degrees Celsius,” said Feleke. “It’s like an ice bath, and there are actually quite a few benefits attached to ice baths or polar plunges: it can help your cardio system, it can help your immune system, it can even help with depression.” Feleke will start his run at Kinsmen beach at 11 a.m., heading out in a loop on the lake, and ending back at the RAD Polar Plunge, which starts at noon.
Local resident Bemnet Feleke will be bringing a new level of commitment to the Recreation Adaptive Society (RAD) Polar Plunge fundraiser happening this weekend. As the Polar Plunge unfolds on Saturday, Feb. 19, Feleke will not only jump into the frigid waters of Lake Windermere through a hole cut into the ice in Kinsmen Bay as other participants do. But first, he will run 10 kilometres along the frozen expanse of the Lake Windermere Whiteway wearing only his bathing suit, running shoes and some gloves on his hands. After he’s finished this icy run, he’ll jump into the lake, but then plans to stay submerged up to his neck for a full 10 minutes before getting out. Feleke was originally born in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. When he was four years old he was hit by an SUV, causing a good deal of internal damage. With no access to the kind of medical knowledge and equipment to properly deal with Feleke’s injuries, his family searched for a family in a wealthier country to adopt him, with the hopes that this would allow him to get proper treatment. In the end the Paagman family, then living in the Netherlands, adopted him. He would sometimes spend months in the hospital, with various tubes and machines strapped to his body, but he eventually recovered. When he was 10 years old, the Paagmans, along with Feleke, moved to the Columbia Valley, settling in a home on the Toby Benches. Feleke attended J.A. Laird Elementary School and David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS), greatly enjoying all the outdoor activities he could pursue while living in the mountains. He particularly relished alpine ski racing, which he did competitively for a number of years at Panorama Mountain Resort. At one point he gave thought to possibly trying to represent Ethiopia at the Winter Olympics as an Feleke takes his 2020 New Years dip, adhering alpine skier, knowing that he wouldn’t to Dutch tradition to take a cold plunge on Jan. face much competition (as there aren’t 1. Located where Lake Windermere meets the many alpine ski racers from Ethiopia), Columbia River, at Pete’s Marina in Invermere.
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5
Westbench Recreation Site Maintenance Contract Recreation Sites and Trails BC is looking for a contractor to do regular maintenance on recreation sites in the Invermere/ Westbench area. The contract will include 143 visits to 24 recreation sites and trailheads. Most site visits are scheduled between May – September. Some additional projects will be available. Duties include painting and minor repairs of recreation infrastructure, removal of litter, cleaning of outhouses, removal of deadfall along access roads and within recreation sites, updating signage, reporting safety or maintenance concerns, and miscellaneous tasks as discussed with the Recreation Officer. For the Invitation to Tender packages and more information, please visit BC Bid document no. RC23-258-001, or contact Trevor.Hann@gov.bc.ca or Kelsey.Knoll@gov.bc.ca (ph. 250-805-6767).
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The District of Invermere encourages residents to stay busy this Family Day Weekend with fun activities and contests that encourage families to get outdoors, get creative and to get active from February 18th-21st, 2022. Local prizes to be won! See full activity details on
www.invermere.net and Invermere BC Events on Facebook! Sponsored by:
Feleke takes a polar plunge at Lake Lillian.
Submitted photos
6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
February 17, 2022
PERSPECTIVE
Rethinking the freedom movement The planet isn’t mad, just disappointed
By Pioneer staff info@columbiavalleypioneer.com The recent Canadian-based movement, the Freedom Convoy, has gained global attention over the past few weeks, as the protest at Parliament Hill in Ottawa continues to be the go-to site for those to speak up against the recently implemented vaccine mandates, particularly regarding those within Canada’s transport workers. Although the cause began with positive intentions, it has since evolved into something more— arguably something much more dangerous. Though maybe not for the reasons you are currently thinking. Currently the fight is for free choice, emphasized by portraying a lack of faith in our present government. But my question is: how can we fight for one’s rights to live, if there is no planet left to live on? The cold hard truth of the matter is that our planet is already rejecting humans as a species, evident in the increasing amount of natural disasters and extreme weather patterns. Yet, for the most part, humanity continues to push on, comfortable in a routine lavish with luxuries, and not equipped with the will or knowledge on how to sacrifice such comforts. The United Nations say that the last decade was the warmest on record. They add that in a 2018 report, “thousands of scientists and government reviewers agreed that limiting global temperature rise to no more than 1.5°C would help us avoid the worst climate impacts and maintain a livable climate. Yet the current path of carbon dioxide emissions could increase global temperature by as much as 4.4°C by the end of the century.” According to the Government of Canada’s website, “transportation is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases in Canada, accounting for about 24 percent of all emissions,” with heavy-duty vehicles being “comparable to emissions from Canada’s nine coal-fired power plants.” Yet, Canada’s first response to the issue at hand wasn’t to approach it with tact, providing helpful solutions to those with the power to change; Rather, it was to turn on all the vehicles we own, drive with no destination, and perpetuate a different ongoing issue: climate change. Keep in mind; This isn’t said with hate or malice, just worry for the future, and a melancholic nostalgia for an era we haven’t lived. One where impending doom or potential apocalyptic disasters don’t consistently reign top 10 on Netflix. Our ability to hold peaceful protests and speak our mind is what makes Canada home, so it only makes sense that we continue to do that, regardless of one’s personal stake in the issue at hand. But protesting for more freedom becomes controversial when it contributes to increased emissions that could be detrimental to future generations’ ability to fight for their own freedoms.
Historical Lens James Albert Barbour, has his picture taken in front of two-storey building on his wedding day. Located in Wilmer, C1878, April 28, 1928, courtesy of Windermere District Historical Society
Vision for the future Dear Editor, The headlines are filled with worry. The pandemic, climate change, the opioid crisis, supply chain bottlenecks, infrastructure failures, skyrocketing anxiety and depression, waves of desperate migrants, unprecedented political polarization…. and it’s all amplified by a 24-hour news cycle and a very unhealthy addiction to social media. Our 21st century civilization is amazing and wonderful in many ways, but it is becoming clear that we aren’t headed in a good direction. What we are doing is not going to make us healthy and happy or keep the planet whole. The time has come to start thinking as a species, about where we need to go in the long term. We can’t just drift into the future any longer. The Aspen Group, a small think-tank in ru-
ral British Columbia, has spent some time thinking about what it would take for humans to live in balance with this planet’s ecosystems and with each other. We have managed to describe the necessary conditions in a succinct document, just over 200 words in length, and have posted it on a webpage at www.aspenproposal.org We humans need to have conversation about this. Whether the Aspen Group vision of the future is the best or not remains to be seen. We would love to see some others. But we really do need to start being clear about where we are going or the problems that millions of activists around the world are struggling with, will just get worse. Kent Goodwin, Kimberley, BC
The Columbia Valley
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February 17, 2022
Officials talk with Radium about traffic safety
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
Provincial contractors and officials involved with the Kicking Horse Canyon project presented to the Radium council recently. The project representatives outlined plans for the next (fourth) phase of the project, and the TransCanada closure it entails, from April 19 to May 20, which will send another huge surge of traffic to the Columbia Valley. Radium councillors posed many questions about the risks involved in the traffic rerouting, with Councillor Mike Grey noting that many local Columbia Valley residents are afraid to drive on Highway 93 South through Kootenay National Park during the diversions. “A lot of the TransCanada is the same type of two-lane road (as Highway 93
Radium’s signature bighorn sculpture. ...Continued “RCMP” from page 3 “I’m seeing more mental health calls. It’s been increasing since the pandemic started, and it’s definitely an issue,” Kakuno told Invermere council, adding that other B.C. RCMP detachments are seeing similar trends. At the Radium council meeting, Kakuno addressed the Radium bighorn sheep, which have been suffering traffic fatalities at a record clip so far this winter. “One of the issues is that the sheep, they’re very comfortable on the highway,” he told Radium council. Kakuno added that he recently parked on the Radium Hill to observe drivers and sheep, and noted that a Tesla came within a foot of hitting a sheep. “He was going about 60 kilometres per hour, so speed wasn’t the issue
South). And unfortunately you do see that same bad driver behaviour you’re seeing now in the park on the two lane parts of the TransCanada,” said provincial Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) representative Mike Lorimer. “There is no question it is happening. There is some bad behaviour out there, in terms of semi and passenger vehicles that is not safe.” Lorimer suggested enforcement officers such as the RCMP need to be tough on that kind of behaviour. Radium Mayor Clara Reinhardt asked if there is an extra danger to school buses whose routes fall along highways used by the rerouted traffic. “To my knowledge, nothing out of the ordinary,” replied Lorimer. MOTI representative Arthur McClean said he had followed school buses down Highway 95 and observed bad driver behaviour, but that such behaviour existed before the TransCanada closures. “So not good news in the sense that there is bad behaviour, but good news in the sense that things are not getting worse for school buses with the detour,” said Reinhardt. Pioneer file photo there (the speed limit was 80 kilometres per hour). When I pulled him over, he said he didn’t see the sheep because he was too focussed on the police car,” he said. “This is not to say that speed enforcement isn’t part of the answer for the sheep. It is. But it may indicate that speed enforcement alone might not solve the problem.” Radium Councillor Dale Shudra asked Kakuno if the local RCMP have experienced any small-scale protests or acts of civil disruption related to the freedom convoy in Ottawa, and similar large vehicle blockade type events in Ontario and Alberta. “We haven’t had any major issues,” replied Kakuno. “We are monitoring it, because things can change quickly. But all we’ve had so far is some complaints about honking. If that’s the worst, we’re doing okay.”
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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7
8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer DISTRICT OF INVERMERE
914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Tel: (250) 342-9281 • Fax: (250) 342-2934
Request for Quotation SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF ROAD LINE PAINTING The District of Invermere (the “Owner”) invites quotations for the 2022-2026 Supply and Delivery of ROAD LINE PAINTING. Contract documents may be viewed at or obtained from the District of Invermere Municipal Office located at 914 - 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC, or at the District of Invermere website www.invermere.net or on the BC Bid website www.bcbid.gov. bc.ca. Quotations shall be delivered not later than 2 pm local time, Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022, clearly marked SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF ROAD LINE PAINTING in a sealed envelope. Quotations received after the stipulated time will be rejected and returned to the individuals unopened. Faxed or e-mailed quotations are not acceptable and will be rejected. The Owner reserves the right not to award a contract at all, and the lowest quote or any quote will not necessarily be accepted. For additional information please contact Kindry Luyendyk, Corporate Officer at 250-342-9281 or corporateservices@invermere.net
February 17, 2022
Sonshine daycare resumes normal operations By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Sonshine Children’s Centre daycare and preschool is back operating as per normal, following disruptions last week. As the Pioneer reported in last week’s edition, the centre was closed on Monday, Feb. 7 and Tuesday, Feb. 8, after staff from the daycare centre protested provincial health order requirements made in January that all early childhood educators (ECEs) must wear masks. The closure on Feb. 7 came because that was the day the protest was held and the closure on Feb. 8 came because the Sonshine Children’s Centre Operations Team (SCCOT), which is the board that oversees the daycare, opted to hold discussions with the staff that day. The centre was back open on Wednesday, Feb. 9, although one daycare staff member had resigned, and operations continued as normal for the rest of the week. “The educators were adamant, and I think with good reason, that they didn’t want to wear masks because they feel it inhibits their ability to relate to the kids,” Lake Windermere Alliance Church pastor Josh McCallum told the Pioneer. McCallum adding that he played a mediator and counselling role between SCCOT and the daycare staff during the closures. The daycare, and SCCOT, operate
CHILDREN/YOUTH’S GRIEF AND LOSS SUPPORT GROUP
under the umbrella of the church. “But we as a daycare don’t have the authority to ignore provincial health orders. It’s not something we can negotiate,” he said. McCallum was quick to add “it wasn’t a thing of deep hostility between the board and the staff.” The discussion between SCCOT and Sonshine staff on Feb. 8 led to finding common ground, said McCallum, and that common ground is that the provincial health order requirements allow daycare staff to not have their masks on at certain times, such as when trying to communicate with the kids at the centre in situations when verbal communication alone may not be sufficient. “So we found a place where the educators believe they can function under the mandate,” said McCallum. “We as an oversight team trust our staff will be using this discretion responsibly.” The pastor acknowledged that the closures were disruptive to families whose kids attend the daycare, and said the board, staff and parents will work to rebuild trust. In terms of parents’ opinions on the closures, McCallum said “there are parents on all ends of the spectrum. Some want to fight the (masking) requirements. Some strongly support the order and want masks on staff at all times. And, of course, there are a lot of parents with opinions in the middle of the spectrum. There are also a number of parents that expressed that they really just want their kids back in daycare.” McCallum said he feels a safe, constructive atmosphere for all sides to express themselves has been established, and that the need for clearer communication between centre staff, SCCOT, and parents is apparent. In terms of losing one staff member to resignation, McCallum said “we’re not completely short staffed as a result, but we are one step closer to potentially being short staffed. Obviously that’s something we’ll need to address, but for now, and for the coming weeks we will be able to operate our daycare at full capacity.”
Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley is offering a NEW Children/Youth Support Group Using the Rainbows International Program model the course is designed to provide support to young people as they navigate grief and heal from loss, whether from death, divorce/separation, move, or other challenges.rainbows.org The free 12-week program will cover topics such as understanding feelings, exploring the ‘why my family’ questions, developing positive coping skills, and helping others. Each group will be age appropriate and be guided by two trained and qualified facilitators. The first group is scheduled to start on Tuesday, March 8th at 3:30 pm. Pre-registration is required by February 28th. Please contact Amy at 250-280-3091 for more information, contact her at alange@telus.net or drop in the office at #103- 926-7 Avenue Invermere.
www.hospicesocietycv.com
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Fairmont Plaza, 5 5019 Fairmont Resort Rd. • 250-345-6807 Open: 11 am - 5 pm, daily and 11am - 3 pm, Sunday
A total of 15 to 20 early childhood educators (ECEs) and concerned citizens gathered in downtown Invermere on Monday, Feb. 7 to protest mask mandates for Early Childhood Educators. Photos by Heather Smythe
February 17, 2022
Canal Flats chief administrative officer steps down
job for more than four years and three months. “I’ll miss the people in the village office and the people in the community. People here have been really kind Veteran Canal Flats Chief Administrative Officer to me,” Bergles told the Pioneer. “Some of the successes Adrian Bergles will be stepping down from his role later we’ve had here came down to having a strong team. The this spring, and the village is currently looking for a re- people here in Canal Flats are its biggest strength.” placement. Major projects and initiatives undertaken during The news of Bergles’s departure became public a few Bergles time at the village include the Shore to Shore weeks ago, and Canal Flats began its search for a new pathway, redevelopment of the official community plan, Chief Administrative Officer shortly thereafter. Bergles arena improvements and upgrades, park improvements, will stay in the role until the end of March. extensive tree planting efforts, trail planning, the new Canal Flats Mayor Karl Sterzer announced the daycare centre, sewer system improvements, and inchange “with a heavy heart” on the village’s Facebook creased bylaw enforcement. page. “There are a lot of projects going on in Canal Flats. “We as a council have some big boots to fill at this It’s been good to be busy in that way,” said Bergles. time,” wrote Sterzer, later noting that Bergles has worked The efforts of the village’s administrative team unthrough some challenging times and big projects during der Bergles were recognized at the 2019 Union of British his time with the village, including the municipality’s ef- Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) convention, where forts to recover from the mill shutdown, the development Canal Flats won an excellence in governance award. of an economic recovery strategy, a new official commuAlthough Bergles is leaving Canal Flats, he is not nity plan, several key zoning bylaws, a drive leaving the Columbia Valley, and will be for clean-up and beautification of the village, taking up the Chief Administrative Officer and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. role at the Village of Radium Hot Springs. “I think that overall he (Bergles) has done Sterzer explained in his post that Bergles an amazing job, and wish him only the best in had been headhunted for the role in Radihis promising future,” wrote Sterzer. um, and could not pass up the opportunity. The mayor mentioned that he and Ber“Radium council reached out to me gles have discussed the coming change, and and offered me an opportunity that I hapthat Bergles and other village staff are compily accepted. My welcome in Radium has mitted to a smooth transition and will be Adrian Bergles. been warm and I’m excited to begin workdoing everything they can to accomplish as Pioneer file photo ing there,” said Bergles. “The village (of Ramuch as possible prior to Mar. 31. dium) has a long history of strong councils Bergles has been Chief Administrative Officer for and administration. I’m looking forward to building Canal Flats since December 2017, and when he finishes from that success and helping the village (of Radium) his tenure at the end of March, he will have been on the continue to grow in new and exciting ways.” By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypionee.com
Opportunity for Review and Comment BC Timber Sales – Kootenay Business Area 2022-2027 Forest Stewardship Plan #914
BC Timber Sales (BCTS), Kootenay Business Area, hereby gives notice that its proposed 2022 to 2027 Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP) #914 is being made publicly available for review and written comment before it is submitted for approval to the delegated decision maker for the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. This FSP will replace the currently approved FSP #601. The FSP is a landscape-level plan that identifies how the holder of the plan will be consistent with government objectives for managing and protecting forest and range values through the results, strategies and measures proposed in the plan. The FSP also provides a means to solicit and consider the expectations of the public and stakeholders and to consult with First Nations concerning the use of Crown/public land and resources. Once approved, the FSP will guide future forest development including road construction, timber harvesting and silviculture activities.
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9 DISTRICT OF INVERMERE
914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Tel: 250=342-9281 • Fax: 250=342-2934
Request for Quotation SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF ASPHALT PATCHING The District of Invermere (the “Owner”) invites quotations for the 2022-2026 Supply and Delivery of ASPHALT PATCHING. Contract documents may be viewed at or obtained from the District of Invermere Municipal Office located at 914 - 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC, or at the District of Invermere website www.invermere.net or on the BC Bid website www.bcbid.gov. bc.ca. Quotations shall be delivered not later than 2 pm local time, Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022, clearly marked SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF ASPHALT PATCHING in a sealed envelope. Quotations received after the stipulated time will be rejected and returned to the individuals unopened. Faxed or e-mailed quotations are not acceptable and will be rejected. The Owner reserves the right not to award a contract at all, and the lowest quote or any quote will not necessarily be accepted. For additional information please contact Kindry Luyendyk, Corporate Officer at 250-342-9281 or corporateservices@invermere.net
DISTRICT OF INVERMERE
914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Tel: (250) 342-9281 • Fax: (250) 342-2934
Request for Quotation SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF CRACK SEALING PROGRAM The District of Invermere (the “Owner”) invites quotations for the 2022-2026 Supply and Delivery of CRACK SEALING PROGRAM. Contract documents may be viewed at or obtained from the District of Invermere Municipal Office located at 914 - 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC, or at the District of Invermere website www.invermere.net or on the BC Bid website www.bcbid.gov. bc.ca. Quotations shall be delivered not later than 2:00 pm local time, Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022, clearly marked SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF CRACK SEALING PROGRAM in a sealed envelope.
FSP #914 applies to BCTS’ planning and proposed operations, licences and permits within the Rocky Mountain Natural Resource District and the Selkirk Natural Resource District and includes forest development units covering the Boundary, West Kootenay and East Kootenay regions.
Quotations received after the stipulated time will be rejected and returned to the individuals unopened. Faxed or e-mailed quotations are not acceptable and will be rejected.
BCTS is following the provincial direction on old growth deferral areas. Until direction is received from government following consultation with First Nations, timber sale licenses will be developed to exclude any verified overlap areas, either by removing them completely from blocks or placing them in reserves.
The Owner reserves the right not to award a contract at all, and the lowest quote or any quote will not necessarily be accepted.
The draft FSP #914 will be available to the public for review and comment from February 17, 2022 to April 18, 2022 and can be viewed online at: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/bc-timber-sales/fsp Written comments may be submitted to the address below or sent by email to TKO.FSP@gov.bc.ca; please include “FSP” in the subject line of all correspondence. Comments must be received on or before April 18, 2022, to be considered. Paper copies of the draft FSP are also available upon request.
Where to BC Timber Sales - Kootenay Business Area Planning Officer, 1907 Ridgewood Road, Nelson,recycle? B.C., V1L 6K1
For additional information please contact Kindry Luyendyk, Corporate Officer at 250-342-9281 or corporateservices@invermere.net
Where to recycle?
250 825-1100
Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia www.rcbc.ca
Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia 604-RECYCLE (732-9253) 1-800-667-4321
Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR
Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR
C
10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
February 17, 2022
OUT OF OFFICE… tion (CVCF) piloted a program in November 2021 to provide microgrants to encourage kindness around the Valley. The response to this pilot was outstanding with over $9,000 in funding requested by a variety of individuals and organizations.
Volunteers delivering baskets for healthcare workers
Random Acts of Kindness Day Submitted by the Columbia Valley Community Foundation To spark more joy in the community, the Columbia Valley Community Founda-
We look f o r ward to repor ting on the comSuccessful proposals received up to $500 in pleted projects funding. Microgrant recipients stewarded here in the Pioa variety of projects ranging from thanking neer next month healthcare workers to bringing a community and on social media together for a spaghetti dinner and putting (please follow along smiles on faces through random flower deliv- on Facebook and Instaery. These small acts added up, impacting gram). 855 people, not to mention the warm hearts If you have an idea to inspire experienced by those doing the giving. kindness in our community, To keep the momentum, the CVCF has just and require a little help, stay awarded another round of microgrants to cel- tuned for the next round ebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day—which of microgrants in the is TODAY, February 17th! So, watch for our fall to celebrate World microgrant recipients out in the community Kindness Day in CONTACT US spreading some more joy. We encourage you November. TODAY AND to get out there and spread a little too! HAVE YOUR
BUSINESS FEATURED 250-342-2844
February 17, 2022
cvevents cv events.ca .ca WHAT’S HAPPENING? POWERED BY THE COLUMBIA VALLEY CHAMBER
Friday, February 18 • 7 p.m.: GLOW SKATE – Meeting at Kinsmen. BYO - Light and Smore supplies! There will be a fire and Hot Chocolate provided after the skate! • 6 p.m.: ROTARY ONLINE BINGO. It’s a fundraiser! Play online, find us on Facebook for more details.
Saturday, February 19 • 12 noon: 6th ANNUAL POLAR PLUNGE fundraiser for the RAD society. Get freezin’ for a reason! Meet us at Kinsmen Beach and donate $20 for a good cause: www.radsociety. ca
Sunday, February 20 11 a.m.: GREAT COLUMBIA VALLEY KILT SKATE. Kinsmen Beach. Bring your own kilt, bagpipes, and sausages/hotdogs. We are joining a Canada-wide annual kilt skate celebration and bringing it to our Columbia Valley! Check out the annual event here.
Tuesday, February 22 • TUTU TUESDAY (on the 22, 2022) at the Station Pub. Wear a tutu for 22% off your food!
Friday, February 25 • 12-1 p.m.: Soup for Lunch. It’s back - at the Edgewater Community Hall. Take away available - bring your own thermos or jar and a container for bun and cake. $8 per person for hearty soup. If you’re masked and have proof of double vaccination, you’re welcome!
Ongoing Events
Thursdays • 9 a.m.: Thrift Store donation Drop Off.
Thursdays • 10 a.m.: Parent and Tot Connect. Parent and Tot Connect program by Family Dynamix for children ages 0-6. Pre Registration is required, contact Contact mferster@fdx.family or text 250-341-8678. • 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Drop-in Seniors Fitness Class at the Columbia Valley Centre. $2 per class. Proof of vaccination required. • 1:30 p.m.: OKO/Po-Keno. . $2 (plus some nickels) Senior’s Hall. Must be fully vaccinated. • 3 p.m.: Youth Drop-In Fun. The Summit Youth Hub is back open for FREE after-school fun! Grades 7 to 12 are invited to come for free food, safe hang out areas, Friday skate nights, virtual reality, gaming computers and our music room! MASKS ARE MANDATORY.
Fridays • 9-10:30 a.m.: Momfit and Preschool Group at the Columbia Valley Centre. Proof of vaccination required for caregivers. Invermere Public Library Storytime to follow at 10:45 a.m.. • 10:30 a.m.: Story Time with the Invermere Public Library. Join us for stories, songs and a take-home craft! • Wing Day at the Edgewater Legion. Every Friday is Wing Day at the Edgewater Legion! 12 p.m. Take Out, 5p.m. Dine In! www.facebook.com/RCL199 or call 250-347-9725. • 1 p.m.: Duplicate Bridge. $2. Senior’s Hall, Must be fully vaccinated. • 4 to 8 p.m.: Pub Grub at the Invermere Legion, Every Friday and Saturday, Wings & Things, Pub Grub in the Branch. • 5 p.m.: Magic the Gathering, Come for Friday Night Magic and play Magic the Gathering! 5:30 p.m. start. Entry: $10-40 depending on format. Call 250-342-3440 for details. No registration required, but space is limited. Ages 10+. • 6 p.m. Rotary Community Bingo. Must be 19+ to play. Online live bingo games with the purpose to raise money for various community charities, organizations and businesses who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Choose to support a local Rotary Club with your ticket purchase! • 7:30 p.m.: Beer League Hockey, Canal Flats. If you are interested in participating in a non-contact BEER league season please send us an email at badgershockey2019@gmail. com and we can fill you in on the details. Carpooling from Invermere available.
Saturdays
• 4 to 8 p.m.: Pub Grub at the Invermere Legion, Every Friday and Saturday, Wings & Things, Pub Grub in the Branch.
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11
Sundays
• On Sundays and Mondays, the Rotary Club or Kinsmen Club collects refundable bottles and cans at the Invermere Transfer Station! We sort and deliver for refund - this money goes “right back into the community” through our Projects and Initiatives! • 1:30 p.m.: Crib. $2. Senior’s Hall. Must be fully vaccinated.
Mondays • 10:30 a.m.: Rhyme Time. If you are a parent or caregiver of a child under 2 years old, come and learn some fun songs, rhymes and stories with us! Email skalesnikoff@cbal. org for the Zoom link. • 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Drop-in Seniors Fitness Class at the Columbia Valley Centre. $2 per class. Proof of vaccination required. • 1:30 p.m.: Carpet Bowling. $2 Senior’s Hall Must be fully vaccinated. • 6 to 9 p.m. LGBTQ+ and Allies Youth Group. LGBTQ+ and Allies are invited to attend the Summit Youth Hub’s weekly drop-in for youth. Every Monday, ages 12 to 18. Snacks and a safe space!
Tuesdays • Tech Time Thursdays: Invermere Library, 10:15am-1 pm. Radium Library 1:30 to 4 p.m.. Need some help with your computer, phone or tablet? Make a Tech Time appointment for FREE one-on-one tech support! CBAL will be at the Invermere Library on Thursdays from 10:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please call the library at 250-342-6416 to book an appointment. • 10 a.m.: Parent and Tot Connect. Family Dynamix will be running an indoor Parent and Tot Connect program for children ages 0-6. Pre-registration is required, contact mferster@fdx.family or text 250-341-8678. • 6-10 p.m.:Youth/Teen Drop in Fun - Invermere. NEW this year, the Summit Youth Hub is taking our youth centre on the road to Edgewater and Canal Flats! We will be bringing our mobile skate park, BBQ, tunes and so much more! This is where you can pick up your Summer Snack Pack too!
Wednesdays • 10:30 to 1:30 a.m.: Family Dynamix hosts a Catch-up Cafe for the Columbia Valley every Wednesday morning on ZOOM for those isolated and unable to get out as much because of COVID-19.Tricia at patkin@familydynamix.ca
WHITEWAY WINTER CHALLENGE On now until February 28 Register as a single or a team Tobycreeknordic.com/challenge
12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
February 17, 2022
We’re Hiring
SUMMER STUDENTS Join our team from May to August in one of these positions: • Business/Systems Analyst, CBBC • Communications Assistant • Delivery of Benefits Research Assistant
APPLY BY FEBRUARY 27
ourtrust.org/careers
Columbia Basin Trust operate in the unceded traditional territories of the Ktunaxa, Lheidi T’enneh, Secwepemc, Sinixt and Syilx Nations.
District of Invermere
TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN The District of Invermere needs to update its Transportation Master Plan (TMP). The updated plan will shape the future of all transportation modes in Invermere, building from the recommendations provided in the 2006 Transportation Study and the recently completed Joint Active Transportation Plan (JATP) developed in partnership with the Shuswap Band. The TMP is being updated to identify and prioritize current transportation needs and address projected growth and development in the community. A virtual public information session will be held on March 2, 2022 from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. The session will expand on work completed to date, the proposed network improvements, and next steps. People will be able to ask questions during the session. Following the event, there will be a follow-up online survey open from March 3 to 14, available on the District’s website. Please visit https://invermere.net/invermeres-transportation-master-plan/ for more information on the TMP project and the upcoming session!
VIRTUAL PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION:
March 2, 2022 | 3:30pm - 4:30pm
The Pioneer Get your FREE copy every Thursday on newsstands near you!
Snowy bird count a big success
Columbia Valley residents contribute to world’s big citizen science effort By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleuypioneer.com
feeders) managed to tally a total of more than 44.5 million birds (including 3.5 million in Canada). The Columbia Valley has been conducting an annual Christmas bird count since the 1970s, and this past December, a new organizer, Wilmer resident Gareth Thomson, stepped in to lead the local effort. The local bird count saw 13 observers count 1,100 birds from 41 different species. “All of these numbers are lower than the average for our area, but are quite respectable considering the conditions we had, and the fact that we only had 13 observers,” Thomson told the Pioneer. The volunteer observers in the field put up with blowing snow and temperatures ranging from minus 5 to minus 10 degrees Celsius. “It certainly was snowy, and it snowed continuously. And that definitely does affect the bird count, because, well, it’s harder to see the darn things,” said Thomson. “However, it still is a really important citizen scientist activity. It’s a great way to get a feeling for the number of birds in their natural winter range, and because it happens consistently, in the same place, year after year, it is very helpful in determining long-term population trends.” Plenty of nearby East Kootenay towns also hold Christmas bird counts, including Golden just to the north and Cranbrook just to the south.
In spring, summer and fall the Columbia Valley is a bird watcher paradise, with the Columbia River wetlands playing host to plenty of bird species making their way up or down the Pacific Flyway, in addition to those that make the Rockies their home. Bird watching in winter is perhaps a little more unorthodox, and certainly a good deal snowier, but for participants in a local bird count earlier this winter, it was just as interesting. The Columbia Valley’s own Christmas bird count, held on Dec. 17, was one of hundreds of Christmas bird counts across Canada organized under the umbrella of the nonprofit National Audubon Society (which is dedicated to birds), and which, along with other Christmas bird counts elsewhere in the Western Hemisphere, constitute the biggest, and longest-running, citizen science project anywhere in the world. The Audubon Society began the Christmas bird count way back in 1900, with 27 bird watchers in 25 locations across North America picking a day in late December 1900 or early January 1901 to head out and count as many birds, and identify as many different species as possible. They tallied some 18,500 birds total, from 90 different species. The idea was for the count to replace Christmas traditions popular at the time in which people would try to shoot as many birds as they could, Continued on page 14... mostly just for the sport of it, rather than for food or any other use. Fast forward one century and two decades, and the tradition of trying to kill as many birds as possible, without nary a thought to the idea of ‘limited take’, has, thankfully, disappeared (alas, not before the passenger pigeon also disappeared). But the Christmas bird count, on the other hand, is still going strong. Results for the 2021-2022 count have not yet been totalled, but the 2020-2021 count (the first one to occur during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic) happened in 2,459 locations (including 451 in Canada, 1,842 in the U.S., and 166 in Latin America, the Caribbean and several Pacific Islands). Some 72,815 participants (including 10,741 Canadians who went out and counted birds in the field and another Gareth Thomson counts birds in the Wilmer wetlands 4,586 Canadians who count- during the annual Christmas bird count. ed birds at their backyard bird Photo by Rob Orchiston
February 17, 2022
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13
Invermere alpine racer nails solid Olympic slalom result
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Invermere alpine racer Amelia Smart continued her hot streak with a solid result in the Beijing Olympic women’s slalom. The local skier had come into the Olympics following a string of consecutive top-30 results in World Cup races, and kept that streak going at the Games by finishing 27th in the slalom on Wednesday, Feb. 9. The Invermere racer completed her first run in 55.26 seconds, which put her in 28th place after the first run. She was little bit faster the next time, finishing her second run in 54.06 seconds (which was the 26th fastest time for a second run). Her overall total time was one minute and 49.32 seconds, which put her in 27th place overall. The Pioneer was not able to reach Smart in China for comment on her result. Of a field of nearly 90 skiers, only 50 managed to finish both their first and second run without being disqualified. Among those disqualified was superstar U.S. women’s alpine racer Mikaela Shiffrin. Shiffrin is one of the
biggest names in alpine skiing and one of the highest pro- racer Courtney Hoffos, who takes part in the women’s file athletes in Beijing, having won gold in the women’s ski cross on Thursday, Feb. 17. and Cassidy Gray who alslalom at the 2014 Olympics and then won the gold in ready participated in the GS on Monday, Feb. 7, but who the women’s giant slalom (GS) at the 2018 Olympics. She will ski again on Saturday Feb. 19 as part of the parallel was surprisingly disqualified from the GS on Monday, mixed team event. Feb. 7 early in her first run, and the shock was compounded when the same thing happened in the slalom on Wednesday, with Shiffrin again missing a gate just a few turns into her first run. Some social media attention has centred around whether the Ice River course at the Yanqing National Skiing Centre about 100 kilometres outside of Beijing is troublesome, owing to an almost total lack of natural snow, but other skiers interviewed said the Ice River was not particularly difficult, and Austria’s Katharina Liensberger, who won the sliver in the slalom on Feb. 9, in fact called it “a really easy course.” Three other Canadians were in the top-30 in the women’s slalom with Erin Meilzynski in 16th place, Laurence St-Germain in 17th place, and Ali Nullmeyer in 21st. Other Columbia Valley Olympians to Amelia Smart preparing for the slalom event at the Beijing Olympics, watch out for include: Windermere ski cross where she placed 27th overall on Feb. 9. Photo by GEPA
DISTRICT OF INVERMERE
914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934
NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION AND ENGAGEMENT MEETINGS The District of Invermere is holding Information & Engagement Meetings on February 17, 2022, to seek public input on a proposal to dedicate municipal owned lands in the 600 & 700 blocks of 7th Avenue to help support the development of a new Seniors Housing Complex across from Pothole Park (see site map below).
The public information and engagement meetings will take place as follows:
Background: The Lake Windermere District Lions Club in collaboration with the Lakeview Manor Society have asked the District of Invermere to consider the proposed dedication of these lands to support construction of 60-70 residential units for seniors, in a building consisting of five storeys with potential retail commercial uses at the sidewalk level (see concept illustration above-right).
Rory Hromadnik, Director of Development Services District of Invermere, Email: planning@invermere.net Telephone: 250-342-9281 extension 1235
Thursday, February 17, 2022 (from 12 noon to 8 pm) Columbia Valley Centre at 646 – 4th Street, Invermere, BC Presentations by representatives of the Lake Windermere District Lions Club and Lakeview Manor Society will take place at: 12 noon, 3 pm, and 6 pm Please RSVP for a 45-minute time slot To RSVP, please contact: Cortney Pitts, telephone: 250-342-9281 ext. 1232, email: events@invermere.net Please RSVP to register for a time slot – this will help ensure maximum capacity limits of 100 attendees are followed. Health protocols will be in place to help ensure the safety of all attendees. If you are unable to attend the meetings but would like to obtain background information, please contact the following:
Andrew Young, MCIP, RPP, Chief Administrative Officer District of Invermere, Email: cao@invermere.net Telephone: 250-342-9281 extension 1225
14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
February 17, 2022 ...Continued “bird count” from page 12
HIRE YOUTH WITH JOB FUNDING AND TRAINING SUPPORT Work for a greener future Apply at ECO.CA
PUBLIC NOTICE – PARCEL TAX ROLLS The Regional District of East Kootenay is updating parcel tax rolls for the following service areas: • Tie Lake Water Level Control • Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund • Elko Water • Moyie Water • Moyie Water – 2006 Project • Lazy Lake Water Level Control • Wasa/Ta Ta Creek/Skookumchuck Mosquito Control • Rushmere Water • Edgewater Sewer
• Edgewater Water • Windermere Water • Windermere Water Treatment • Holland Creek Sewer • Holland Creek Water • Spur Valley Water • Baltac Sewer • Timber Ridge Water • Wasa Recreation Contribution
may not look rugged, but it’s out there all winter. That’s tough.” Thomson noted many bird species in the Columbia Valley manage to stay here in the winter thanks to the considerable help of many resident’s backyard bird feeders. “Bird feeders are great. Just make sure you only use them when bears have already started hibernating,” he said. Thomson is already excited about next winter’s Christmas bird count and advised anybody interested in participating to keep their eye on Wildsight’s Facebook page in late November or early December for the call for volunteer counters.
“Primarily at this time of year, we’re seeing nonmigratory birds, but because we’re a relatively warm part of Canada, at least in comparison to the Prairies or the northern regions, and because there is usually some kind of open water somewhere in the Columbia River and Columbia wetlands, we do often get to see birds that are unusual for this area during the Christmas count,” said Thomson. “Open water is a magnet for birds because it tends to entail tiny pockets of unfrozen ground in which they can find food.” This year the volunteers saw killdeer, snipe, sparrows, rough legged hawks, and northern harriers among many more species. “It really does make you appreciate how tough the birds are that stay here all winter. I mean, we were out there with hats, mitts, sweaters, down jackets and all the rest and we were pretty cold and quite ready to come inside when it was done,” said Thomson. “But you take the chick- Columbia Valley bird count organizer Gareth Thomson (left) and adee, which is this volunteer Rob Orchiston (right) braved the elements during the anreally small bird. It nual citizen avian tally earlier this winter. Photo by Gareth Thomson
Owners of property located in these parcel tax areas may request that the roll be amended, in relation to their own property, on one or more of the following grounds: • there is an error or omission respecting a name or address on the assessment roll; • there is an error or omission respecting the inclusion of a parcel; • there is an error or omission respecting the taxable frontage of a parcel (for water or sewer service areas that use frontage for taxation); and • an exemption has been improperly allowed or disallowed.
BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FIS ALPINE JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
The parcel tax rolls are available for inspection, at the Regional District of East Kootenay office in Cranbrook during regular office hours.
We are looking for your help to make this great event a success!
Requests for amendments must be made in writing to the Regional District of East Kootenay, 19 - 24th Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8, on or before Tuesday, March 8, 2022 @ 12:00 pm. If requests are received, a Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel will meet at 1:00 pm on Friday, March 11, 2022 in the RDEK Board Room.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL The Regional District of East Kootenay is seeking requests for proposals for the supply, delivery and installation of three stationary compost mixer and discharge conveyor units for composting operations. All documents will be posted to BC BID. Kevin Paterson, Environmental Services Manager kpaterson@rdek.bc.ca
19 – 24 Ave S, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8 | 250-489-2791 1-888-478-7335 | Fax: 250-489-3498 | info@rdek.bc.ca | www.rdek.bc.ca
love a good photo submission. SHUTTER BUGS WeIf you have a snapshot to share, email info@columbiavalleypioneer.com WELCOME
We have the following positions available during the event:
Sandwich Artist Resort Cook Diswasher & more positions available Competitive wages + one lift ticket for every full day of work. Conditions apply
For a full list of positions and descriptions visit PanoramaResort.com/Employment or email Julie.McSweeney@panoramaresort.com to apply.
February 17, 2022
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15
T
Lake Windermere District Lions are building a Campground and really need your help:
he Lions are spending $500K to build a 50 site campground south of the Chamber of Commerce building on Highway #93/95. In addition, the Lions Members will be providing more than 2,000 volunteer hours towards the building of the Campground. Once completed, the profits from the campground will exceed $150K @ 75% occupancy. These profits will be donated to individuals and organizations in the communities that we serve. How will the LWD Lions pay for the Campground? • LWD Lions savings • Grants from government sources • Profits from Phase One • Donations from organizations, businesses and individuals • Volunteer hours and in kind donations If you are able to help in any way – financially or through volunteer hours, please contact Lion, Dennis at dennis.zuko@gmail. com or Lion, Raylene at 250-345-0171. Please become a sponsor!
Lake Windermere District Lions Campground planned features: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
50 large sites: (150 – 200 M2) Open to RV’s (motor homes and trailers) and (tents and tent trailers) Winter camping planned Water and 30 amp service to each site 17 sites with full hook up – including sewer Sani-dump on site for RV use Fire pit and picnic table at each site Children’s playground and BMX park on site Adult play areas on site Secure camping – the entire site will be fenced Ladies and men’s washrooms and showers on site Washer / dryer available to campers Cookhouse on site Firewood and ice will be available for purchase Raised bed gardens for campers use on site Solar panels on all campground buildings $25K planned for landscaping and new trees Total capital budget of $500K Phase one (33 sites planned opening July 1, 2022) Phase two (17 sites will be built as we raise the funds)
Lake Windermere District Lions Club Campground sponsors:
All sponsors will be recognized in the following ways:
The following organizations have already contributed or made an in-kind commitment to the campground:
• Diamond sponsor: Donations greater than $25,000 • Platinum sponsor: Donations greater than $10,000 • Gold sponsor: Donations greater than $5,000 • Silver sponsor: Donations greater than $1,000 or 50+ volunteer hours • Bronze sponsor – Donations greater than $500 or 25+ volunteer hours
• A permanent sponsors sign to be located at the campground • Recognition on our social media accounts – Facebook & Instagram • Permanent mention on LWD Lions Campground website • Recognition and mention in future newspaper articles • Invitation to bi-monthly Lions dinner
Platinum Sponsor:
Diamond Sponsor: Lake Windermere District Lions Club Columbia Valley Community Foundation
Gold Sponsor:
Invermere Home Hardware Lions Club International Foundation
Silver Sponsor:
Ralph Stewart and Babich Building Inc.
16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
HERE TO SERVE YOU
CONCRETE I N
P U R S U I T
CONCRETE
READY MIX CONCRETE
O F
EXCELLENCE Skandia Concrete • Manufacturers & suppliers of quality concrete & gravel products • Experienced, professional operators and the right equipment to get your job done • Serving the valley for over 30 years
February 17, 2022
Concrete Pump • Sand & Gravel Heavy Equipment Rentals • Crane Service Proudly Serving the Valley for over 50 years
For competitive prices and prompt service, call: 250-342-3268 (plant) 250-342-6767 (office)
• Environmentally responsible • Steamed aggregate beds for top quality year-round concrete supply • We stand behind our service, quality and products
1756 Hwy 93/95 Windermere B.C. Office: 250-342-6500 • Toll Free: 1-888-341-2221
CONTRACTING
• Ready Mix Concrete • Commercial concrete sealer • Concrete Pumping retarder for exposed • Over 50 colours available aggregate and in stock • DELIVERED ON TIME • Concrete stamps for rent at a fair price • Full range of coloured release • Full range of sand and agents for stamping gravel products.
Phone: 250-342-5833 • Cell: 250-270-9444
All products are available at 9120, Hwy 93/95 which is five kilometres north of Tim Hortons
CONTRACTING
Kekuli Bay Cabinetry
Richard Vernon – Master Plumber & Gasfitter
kekulibaycabinetry.com
250-688-4868
ST
BROAD
LTD
PLUMBING &CON T R A C T I N G
CONTRACTING
rvbroadstreet@gmail.com broadstreetplumbing.com
• Trusses • Engineered Floors • Wall Panels Tel: 250.341.6075 Fax: 250.341.3427 Email: info@duskbuildingsystems.com www.duskbuildingsystems.com
1320 Industrial Road #3 Box 159, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0
INTERIOR • EXTERIOR • WALL COVERINGS
Gary’s
Seniors Discounts
Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood. • Fireplaces • Commercial and residential • New builds • Renovations.
Professional Painting & Decorating Ltd. 1978 FREE Estimates
Local Resident
CUSTOM WOOD FINISHING FAUX FINISHES JOURNEYMAN RED SEAL
A licensed, registered and bonded company
We also offer roundthe-clock service calls.
• Authorized dealer • Designer • Installer
Dale Elliott Contracting
25 years experience installing cabinets Custom Woodwork and Finishing Serving the Columbia Valley for over 40 years.
403-650-4622 • garysptg@gmail.com
Give us a call! James, 250-688-1267 or Jerry, 250-342-5299 Email: jeffersoncontractingltd@gmail.com
dale@decontracting.ca • 250-341-7098
CARPET CLEANING
CARPET CLEANING
PHARMACY
Enjoy life, we’ll clean it up!
TILE AND GROUT CLEANING Business: 250-342-9692
RR#4 2117–13 Ave. Invermere, BC V0A 1K4
Cell: 250-342-1273
ptarmiganrugclean@gmail.com
Call NOW:
250-688-0213
• Carpets dry in 1 hour • Environmentally friendly products • Disinfectant kills COVID-19 • Fresh clean scent – no steam • Area rugs and upholstery • Protector • 100% guarantee • Prompt reliable service Visit www.heavensbest.com for more information
LAMBERT-KIPP
PHARMACY (2019) LTD.
Irena Shepard, B.Sc. (Pharm.)., Tannis Hartwig, B.Sc. (Pharm.)., Laura Kipp, Pharm D. Your Compounding Pharmacy
Open Mon. – Sat., 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sun., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere
250-342-6612
SHUTTER BUGS WELCOME We love a good photo submission. If you have a snapshot to share, email info@columbiavalleypioneer.com
February 17, 2022
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17
Minor Hockey Minutes
The U15 team travelled to Creston where the team won 7-3. The game was tied after 2 periods, after goals by Tegegn Booth and Cameron Charette. Then Brayden Roe decided he had had enough. Brayden scored 3 goals (a hat trick) in 2 min and 30 seconds making the score 5-3. Dawson Archer and Carson Scheffer scored the last two goals. Assists were by Cimone Zimmer, Cameron, Brayden, and Calden Stanbury. The U11 team played Golden at the Eddie with an
exciting game that ended in a 6-6 tie. Goals were scored by Hudson Lapointe, Pistol Keith, Jack Joy, Jack Hildes, Bryan Wood, and then the tying goal by Tegan Wolfenden with 4 minutes to go. Assists were by Bruce Bush, Oakley Atterbury, Jack Joy (2) and Benjamin Saunders. On Sunday, the U13 House Team played Kimberley at home, losing by a big score. Ethan Dewey and Crosby Vernon scored the locals two goals with one assist by Brayden Rice. Saturday, the U13 Rep team travelled to Cranbrook to play the Cranbrook-Kimberley tier 3 team. They won
the game 6-3, with Jake Gramlich scoring a hat trick in the first two periods. Other goals were by Brent Siedl, Ryker Chasse, and Tobin Donahue. Gramlich had an assist as did Memphis Martin, Jordan Maville, and Lane Warriner. The Cranbrook-Kimberley team came to Invermere for a game on Sunday where they won a see-saw battle over the locals 4-3. Goals were scored by Ryker Chasse, Memphis Martin, and Cooper Cote. Assists went to Cooper, Ryker, Gage Nyuli, and Liam Galloway.
INSURANCE
INSURANCE
SERVICES
Submitted article
HERE TO SERVE YOU (Servicing the Valley since 1999)
INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.
BOX 2228 742 - 13th STREET INVERMERE, BC V0A 1K0 P: 250-342-3031 F: 250-342-6945 info@lambertinsurance.ca
P.O. Box 130 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Office: 250-342-2175 • Fax: 250-342-2669 Cindy.mackay@kootenayinsurance.ca
www.kootenayinsurance.ca
BOX 459 7553 MAIN STREET RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BC V0A 1M0 P: 250-347-9350 F: 250-347-6350 TOLL FREE: 1-866-342-3031
THE COLUMBIA VALLEY’S CHOICE FOR
C E R T I F I E D TreeT Pruning REE EXPERTS Tree Removal Stump Grinding FireSmart Treatmemts Certified. Insured. WCB Coverage
GET YOUR QUOTE AT WWW.GREENLEAFTREE.CA INFO@GREENLEAFTREE.CA
NEW SEWER CAMERA
• • •
•
Complete sewer/drain repairs Reasonable rates – Seniors’ discount Prompt service
A well maintained septic system should be pumped every 2-3 years to avoid costly repairs
250-347-9803 • Interior/Exterior Painting • Staining • Clear Coat • New Construction • Renovations
LANDSCAPING
WINDERMERE, BC 250-341-7029
• Septic Tank Pumping • Portable Toilet Rentals
GOLDEN, BC 250-344-0188
HOW WE ROLL Gerard Rehman 4950 Hot Springs Rd. Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. V0B 1L1
Ph: 250-688-ROLL (7655) LetUsRoll4U@Gmail.com
20 years experience • Satisfaction guaranteed!
R O O T E D I N T H E C O L U M B I A VA L L E Y S I N C E 2 0 0 7
SERVICES
Scott Postlethwaite
WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM • • • •
Doors Windows Flooring Painting/Interior/ Exterior • Kitchen Renovations • Window Coverings
• Bathroom Renovations • Additions • Decks • Finish Carpentry • Basement Renovations
Residential, Commercial Electric Furnace and Hot Water Tank Repair and Service For All Your Electrical Needs
Free Estimates
invermereelectric@gmail.com
1710 10th Avenue – Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0
KITCHEN CABINETS & COUNTER TOPS
915 7th Avenue, Unit B, Invermere • EMAIL: fairmontridge@telus.net • 250-342-4663
SERVICE EXCELLENCE IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY
SINCE 1991 ICBC Glass Repair Out of Province Vehicle Inspections Auto Body Repairs • Painting • Quality Parts
We give all students 15% off with valid student ID
North American Warranty All Makes and Models Tire Sales and Installation
141 Industrial Rd. 2 • 250-342-9424 • Open Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Have an opinion? Email your letter to the editor to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com
Beat the fall rush ~ clean your Chimney this spring! ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHIMNEY SWEEPS LTD. 804 Almberg Road, Golden, BC V0A 1H2 CELL: 250.272.5599 OFFICE: 250.344.7323 todd@rockymountainchimneysweeps.com rockymountainchimneysweeps.com
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE ON ALL WOOD BURNING APPLIANCES • WETT INSPECTIONS
Sales ~ Service ~ Installation
UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700
unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca
Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential
18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
February 17, 2022
P ioneer C lassifieds S
OBITUARY
S
Harvey, Thora Yvonne (Atkinson) July 23, 1935 – February 5, 2022 Thora Yvonne (Atkinson) Harvey (86) passed away peacefully on February 5, 2022 in Invermere, BC. Born in Springwater, Saskatchewan on July 23, 1935 to Elizabeth (Elsie Jamieson) and Robert (Bob) Atkinson, she grew up on the family farm, homesteaded by her grandfather. Thora was a great fastball player, both pitcher and hitter, winning the provincial championship. She was also a competitive track athlete as a teenager, sprinting and high-jumping. Thora enjoyed curling, playing cards, games, and winning the local rolling pin throwing contest; a true GOAT. She married Geoffrey (Jeff) Harvey on March 16, 1957, moving to Calgary where they raised four children. Thora spent many years working in the fast food industry, starting at Burger Baron and moving on to A&W. She did many evening shifts, taking care of the children during the day while Jeff worked and studied for his accounting designation. Thora became a manager for A&W, working in several locations throughout Calgary until 1988, achieving Store of the Month time and again. Jeff and Thora then built a home in Columere Park, Columbia Lake, BC. She worked at nearby Coy’s Golf Course for several years. Later, she purchased Gone Hollywood where she enjoyed serving her customers in Invermere, until closing in 2014. She brought her high energy and cheerful banter to every workplace. In retirement, Thora continued watching all her favourite sports, cheering on her Saskatchewan Roughriders, and having lots of laughs with family and friends. Thora was predeceased by her parents, Jeff (2001), siblings Roy (Betty) Atkinson, Margaret (Frank) Storey, Lavone (Asbjorn) Stokke, Elsie (Earl) Hill, Louise (Neil) Cox, Blair Atkinson, Doris (Fred) Curths, David Atkinson, and sibling-in-laws Earl (Jock) Storey, Bob Harvey, Joan (Jack) Beiber, Doris (Mike) Beiber, Evelyn (Robert) Collin. Thora leaves to mourn her children, Derek Harvey, Rocky Mountain House, AB, Dawn Harvey, New Westminster, BC, Robert Harvey, Fairmont Hot Springs, BC, and Wayne (Angela) Harvey, Halifax, NS; grandchildren Kara (Mike), Ryan (Kachiri), Britta (Desmond), Mack, Ben, Jason, Christine (Joshua), Matt (Jory), Kate (Ben), and Jon (Emily); great-grandchildren Chanel, Leah, Enna, Cohen, Hazel-Mae, Eldon, Elliott; greatgreat-grandchild Theo. She is also survived by sister Roberta Storey, sister-in-laws Vera Atkinson (J.R.), Phyllis Atkinson, and Theresa Harvey, as well as many special nieces and nephews. The family would especially like to thank Dr. Shannon Page, doctors, nurses, and support staff at Invermere & District Hospital, for their kindness, expertise, and compassion during this difficult time. A private celebration of life will be held at 2 pm on Friday, February 11th, 2022, with Kelley Hurley officiating. Interment will be held at Windermere Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation, Canadian Lung Association, or a charity of choice.
N E W S PA P E R
For all your advertising needs, call Amanda at 250-341-6299
ANNOUNCEMENT
ANNOUNCEMENT
Alcoholics Anonymous. If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. All meetings are at 8 p.m. Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the BC Service Building, South End – 624 4th St., Invermere. Please call 250342-2424 for more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship.
Al-Anon. Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us on a “ZOOM” meeting every Monday at 7 p.m. For more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship, please call 250-342-8255.
Please email classified ads to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com
LOST/STOLEN Men’s 21 speed bike, bright yellow, medium frame, no fenders, soft seat. Only means of transport! I need it back! Call Ken 250-341-1956
S OBITUARY S
• Phone: 250-341-6299 • Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com • Web: www.columbiavalleypioneer.com
CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS
CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS
Cheers to Columbia Valley Freight! They delivered a cherry cheesecake from Invermere to Joseph Creek Senior Facility in Cranbrook for my dad, Joe Taylor’s 93rd birthday and he was so impressed! “Not a single cherry fell off”, he said. Cheers to Columbia Valley Freight for your on-going great service.
Cheers to Jason at Woody’s Plumbing as he came through for us and prevented a small plumbing issue from becoming a major issue by taking the time to give us a hand. The excellent and timely service is much appreciated.
Cheers to Nancy Wilfley for being awesome! Cheers to Mark in the Radiology department for following up.
Cheers to Inspire Floral Boutique. Always a pleasure to shop in your store. Great customer service! Cheers to Richard at J2 Ranch for supplying us with a side of wagyu beef. It is so delicious.
S OBITUARY S
Godlien, Eric Wesley September 25, 1952 – February 10, 2022
With broken hearts and an empty saddle, we announce the passing of Eric Wesley Godlien on February 10, 2022. Eric was born on September 25, 1952 in Invermere, BC to Ray and Lillian Godlien. Eric grew up in Wilmer with his predeceased older brother Gerry (Patsy) and older sister Carol (Mark). Eric left us on his terms and his way after a courageous 6 year uphill battle with cancer. He was a true mountain man and horseman to the core. His love of the outdoors took him into some of the most picturesque and rugged mountains in BC and the Yukon. Eric made friends everywhere he went. There wasn’t anything Eric couldn’t do or figure out how to do. An electrician by trade, he also spent time as a logger, trapper, guide outfitter, rancher and fencing contractor. He was a husband, father, grandpa, uncle and best friend to so many. Eric had a way of telling stories that made everyone stop and listen. He had incredible life adventures. He was a proud man who looked after his family and had an incredible bond and innate ability to communicate with his horses, mules and dogs. It was truly magic to see first hand. The family would like to express their most sincere gratitude for the exceptional care and compassion provided by Dr. Mannheimer and Dr. Geddes. They worked miracles and gave Eric 6 more years with his family. Dr. Maslowska, the nurses in Home Care, the Acute/ER and lab went above and beyond for Eric always with a smile and laugh making his visits a lot more tolerable. Eric will be deeply missed by his family. He leaves to mourn, his wife, Irene (Pat) Godlien, his son Micky (Teena), granddaughters Jessica and Rachael Godlien, his sister-in-law Sandi Ruault (David Fuller), Cody (Kristi), Shane (Sarah), many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Eric reunites with his son Lawrence, who most certainly greeted him with a cold beer and a “whoop, whoop!!! A small family gathering to celebrate Erics’ incredible life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Hospice Society or Ladies Auxiliary.
Winser, Valney (Val) June George 1936 – 2022
Valney (Val) June George Winser, 85, of Invermere passed away peacefully at home on February 4, 2022. Val was born on June 15, 1936 in Rock Creek to Fink and Alberta Winser. He moved to Invermere in the 60s and worked in forestry and road building until his retirement. Val loved the outdoors, camping and fishing. He especially loved prospecting with his friend Art Louie. They had many claims and enjoyed looking for the big cache. He would often speak of taking his nephews hunting and fishing when they were young. Val had no children of his own and loved his time with his nephews. He loved to camp with his partner Kate McIntosh and after her passing, he was blessed to find a kindred spirit with his partner Avril Bourquin. They also spent many happy days camping and fishing. Val was a kind and generous man. Avril lived with her father Henry and Val welcomed him into his home as well, and they had a wonderful family life. Sadly, Val lost Avril in 2017 and he missed her greatly. He was lucky to reconnect with a friend that he had known for years, Julie, and she was a constant companion for the rest of Val’s time. Val was predeceased by his parents, older sister Edna Hintz, companions Kate McIntosh, Avril Bourquin and Avril’s father Henry Bourquin. He is survived by his older brother Wallace (Wally) Winser, nephews Larry Winser and his wife Wally, Daryll Winser, Arlie Hintz and his wife Jay, Steve Winser, Niece Brenda Basso, sister-in-law Myrna King and special friends Julie McIntosh and Barry Lightfoot. As per Val’s wishes there will be no service, but his friends and family will take him fishing one last time this summer.
February 17, 2022
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19
CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS
CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS
Heartfelt praise to the couple who stopped on Tuesday late afternoon to retrieve a sheep from the middle of the road that was hit by a semi-truck on the Radium hill. That big truck continued on its merry way as if nothing happened but my thoughts still remain with you as I can’t stop remembering what it was like to watch you struggle emotionally while we both watched this ewe struggle on the side of the road, still alive. I’m sure you lost sleep last night, as did I, at the senselessness of it all.
Special Cheers to UTE JURAS - Invermere Councillor, Lake Windermere Ambassador, longtime dedicated member of Client Care Team at Invermere Veterinary Hospital, and many other “hats”...Thank you for your dedication, time, knowledge, care and love for our beautiful community. The world is a better place because of you. [Popo (cat) loves you!]
Cheers to the wonderful young fat tire bike rider who headed off my deaf, 13 year old, miniature Golden Doodle on Lake Windermere February 6. He got turned around and was desperately trying to find us but continued to quickly go the wrong direction. Cheers to the local Abbatoire for processing our delicious beef. What a great facility. Cheers to Pat Allen for her homemade baking she drops off at our office. We love it!
Cheers to Elk Park Homes and their excellent work.
LISTINGS NEEDED! I WANT TO SELL YOUR HOUSE!
WHY LIST WITH GERRY? ✔ Website/Social Media ✔ 3D Tour, YouTube, Drone ✔ Responsive, Local, Expert
LIST WITH GERRY: FOR RESULTS! *Not intended to solicit those already working with an agent.
BUYING OR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202
gerrytaft.ca Personal Real Estate Corporation
Rockies West Realty Independently owned and operated
Cheers to Jennifer of Family Dynamix for coming to the rescue of two seniors after my husband fell. The wheelchair you loaned to us was a life-saver and we very much appreciate you going out of your way last weekend to obtain it for us. Cheers to our friend, Steve Fear, for building a ramp on quick notice so that my husband can comfortably use his wheelchair. There are not enough words in the dictionary that could explain our gratitude to you for everything you have done for us. You are one in a million! Cheers to Kristi Fremlin for moving to the Columbia Valley to set up her Invermere massage practice. She has great “hands” and an excellent understanding of human anatomy. Book an appointment with her, and say goodbye to your aches and pains. Life is too short to live in pain. Cheers to those who understand that a flag flown upside down is a signal that the country is in distress.
MISC. FOR SALE
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
For Sale: Power Seat Massager – Total back massaging system. Use at home, office or car. Comes with A/C-Auto adapter and controller. $40. 250-341-6299 ext. 104.
General Carpenter Finish Carpenter Jack-of-all-Trades If you are looking for a change, or a new start, The Home Renovation Centre is looking to add some new, permanent staff to our team. Transportation is required. Call David 250-3425682.
0911611 BC Ltd. O/A Tim Hortons 496 Highway 93/95, Invermere BC, V0A 1K2
SERVICES B.B.’s Home & Design Services Handyman Services & Renovation’s, Blinds & Installation, Tiling, Painting, House checks/Cleaning, Dump runs, Snow removal. Over 35 year’s experience. Call 250-688-2897. Kootenay Country Electrical Qualified Electrical Service Licensed, Bonded, Insured Highly skilled electrician Call Dean 250-342-5516 THE HEARTFELT COMPANION: Services for Seniors Since 2014 we’ve provided kind and compassionate nonmedical care, transportation to Cranbrook, overnight care, meal prep, grocery shopping and more. Excellent local references. 250-341-5683 Heartfeltcompanionservices. com
BUYING OR SELLING? I specialize in rural, recreational, farm and ranch properties.
BARRY BROWN-JOHN “Rocky Mountain Land Man”
Call or text
250-342-5245
b.brownjohn@gmail.com Elkhorn Country Estates Phase 4 now selling 3.2 to 5.7 acre parcels. Only 3 lots left. Private yet close to town. Individual wells. Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-342-1268 www.elkhornranches.com
WANTED Wanted to Buy Used Piano Phone 250-342-9636
Building 8 units in Kicking Horse and 10 at Panorama. Hiring framers, plumbers, tile setters, top wages. Permanent hire or by the job. Contact provincewideconstruction@ gmail.com
Permanent, full-time, part-time, shift, weekend, day, night, evening. $16 per hour + benefits • Start Date: ASAP Please apply via email at timhortons.invermere@gmail.com or in person at 496 Highway 93/95 Invermere, BC
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES The Shuswap Band and Kenpesq’t Holdings Limited has five incredible career opportunities currently available.
Project Manager Executive Assistant/Bookkeeper Social Worker Family Support Worker Manager of Public Works and Utilities
1609 Lower Lakeview Lane $2,350,000 MLS# 2461991
• 1/52 ownership of the “beach” lot • Erin Reid Designed Lake Home. www.InvermereLakefront.RealEstate
If you are interested in joining our growing community and amazing team, check out these positions by visiting www.shuswapband.net/employment-opportunities/ We offer a wide variety of perks including:
Geoff Hill PREC* REALTOR® Fair Realty
250-341-7600
www.geoffhill.ca
HELP WANTED Wanted 2 F/T Restaurant Cooks, Rocky River Grill, 8888 Arrow Road, Invermere, B.C. Permanent, F/T shifts, overtime, weekends, days and evenings, $16/hour for 40 hours per week. Overtime after 40 hours. Minimum several years’ experience and completion of secondary school. DUTIES: Prepare and cook full course meals, prepare and cook individual dishes and foods, ensure quality of food portions, work with minimal supervision, prepare dishes for customers with food allergies or intolerances. Inspect kitchens and food service areas. Please forward resume to Justin Atterbury by fax 250-342-8889 or email: justatterbury@ hotmail.com
FOOD COUNTER ATTENDANTS
The Farside Pub is looking for front-end staff, as well as kitchen staff. Apply with resume at the Farside in Fairmont. 250345-6106. Dreaming of Summer?
The BEST properties sell with Geoff!
LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE
Tim Hortons Invermere is currently looking for
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Generous vacation including 2 weeks paid holiday over Christmas Employer matched pension plan Extensive health and benefits package Bi-weekly healthy food box Dynamic work environment
How to Apply We value diversity and welcome all qualified candidates to apply. If interested, please email your resume to nmorgan@shuswapband.ca
Brainard Custom Contracting is growing again! We are hiring for Skilled Labourers / Journeymen Carpenters to join our team. Now is your chance to join a local company, right here in the Columbia Valley! Wages will be negotiated depending on experience. • • • • •
What we have to Offer YOU: Top wages in the valley Fun, no-stress workdays Monday to Friday, no weekends Flexible schedule to assist with personal and family needs An employer that respects and values you!
What you need to Offer US: • Must be reliable and respect hard work • Must want to be part of a team and have a great attitude • Must have own vehicle for work within the Columbia Valley
Please recycle this newspaper
Please email list of qualifications to BrainardCustom@gmail.com or call 250-341-7421. Have questions? Ask! We look forward to working with you!
20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
February 17, 2022
S C H O O L D I S T R I C T N O. 6 ( R O C K Y M O U N TA I N )
• COMMUNITY LINK SUPPORT WORKER • PERMANENT NOON HOUR SUPERVISORS • TEMPORARY TRADES I • CASUAL CUSTODIAN & CASUAL BUS DRIVER
Box 159, 8866 Grainger Rd., Canal Flats, B.C. V0B 1B0 Phone: 250-349-5462 • Fax: 250-349-5460 • village@canalflats.ca
Further position details can be found at: https://www.sd6.bc.ca/careers
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
If you are interested and qualified for these positions, please submit a cover letter, resume, and two professional references:
“Why Canal Flats?”
hr@sd6.bc.ca
Canal Flats is an innovative village on the rise, situated at the headwaters of the Columbia River, in scenic Columbia Valley. Incorporated in 2004 and home to approximately 700 people, the village is located in the Kootenay Region, one hour north of Cranbrook and the Canadian Rockies International Airport. Additionally the village is situated between Columbia Lake and the Kootenay River, surrounded by crown land, making it home to world class recreation for outdoor enthusiasts. The village is seeking an enthusiastic professional Chief Administrative Officer capable of working with Council to continue its amazing journey in reaching this community’s full potential as one of the most upcoming, vibrant, innovative places in western Canada. This is a very exciting time for the village, which has seen substantial investment and development, even receiving honourable mention from the UBCM for Excellence in Governance for its Official Community Plan, and Zoning Bylaw in 2019. Poised for substantial growth over the next few years, our community is seeking a strong team player with great communication skills, a willingness to champion new growth, positive change, community spirit, and coordinate the team of dedicated staff.
The Timber Ridge Community Association is seeking to hire a
Business Manager The individual hired will be responsible for: • Society and community records management • Communications and events management • Book-keeping and financial records management
Send resume or inquiries to info@timberridgebc.ca
This role will require the CAO to provide strategic guidance and professional advice to council. Additionally to support Council in developing, as well as implementing policy, and strategic objectives that address the current and future needs of the village. The CAO will also need to have balanced skills to interact with staff on an operational basis, and residents. This is a full-time permanent position which also includes the responsibility of Director of Finance, and Approving Officer with internal supports and the ability to delegate these responsibilities as budget allows. A wide range of educational and professional backgrounds will be considered; however the ideal candidate will have: • • • • • •
We’re Hiring
Join our team of passionate staff working together to strengthen the places we love.
Currently Recruiting:
• • •
A degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related area. A senior certificate awarded by the board of examiners, or a willingness to complete a certificate in Local Government Service Delivery from a recognised post secondary institute within 24 months of employment. Minimum of three to five years in progressively more responsible leadership roles in municipal government, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Experience with long term strategic planning, the ability to identify opportunities and emerging trends in sustainable growth management. Excellent proven interpersonal and communication skills to interact with the community, council, staff, as well as other levels of government. Business acumen, sound comprehension of financial management; statements, reporting, and budgets. Strong leadership, and human resource skills. Ability to manage complex and diverse projects General experience and skills in a wide variety of local government responsibilities.
In return we offer the opportunity to be a key part of this high profile emerging community with a competitive salary, a thirty five hour work week, and comprehensive benefit plan. Interested individuals are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume, in confidence by February 28.2022. We would like to thank all applicants, however, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Karl Sterzer, Mayor The Village of Canal Flats 8866 Grainger Road PO. Box 159 Canal Flats, BC V0B 1B0 ksbcgov@icloud.com.
• Senior Manager, Network Operations & Planning • Community Liaison • Summer Students
ourtrust.org/careers
Columbia Basin Trust operates in the unceded traditional territories of the Ktunaxa, Lheidi T’enneh, Secwepemc, Sinixt and Syilx Nations.
Myth: One big ad will make a big impression. Reality: The same money invested in a regular series of small ads will yield bigger results. Call Amanda at 250-341-6299 to find out more.
N E W S PA P E R
8, 1008 8th Ave. Invermere, B.C. Ph: 250-341-6299
www.columbiavalleypioneer.com • info@columbiavalleypioneer.com
February 17, 2022
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21
Columbia Valley shows Olympic pride
A group of local families and friends, spearheaded by Invermere resident Tara Whittick, gathered for an Olympic skate on the Whiteway on Tuesday Feb, 8, wearing Team Canada Olympic gear and showing support for three Olympic athletes from the Columbia Valley. Photos submitted by Christine DuBois.
Columbia Valley Search and Rescue Launches Fundraising Campaign Submitted by CVSAR Columbia Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR) is excited to launch its first- ever annual fundraising campaign. The organization is raising funds to replace aging equipment. Specifically, CVSAR needs two replacement 4×4 trucks and an all-terrain vehicle. The Columbia Valley Search and Rescue team is 100 per cent volunteer, and this equipment will improve incident response: increasing a victim’s chance of survival and ensuring the safety of the rescue team. “Our response area is large with few paved roads,” says Scott Chaffey, President of Columbia Valley Search and Rescue. “Most of our access is by backcountry roads that require highclearance and 4-wheel drive. Having reliable 4×4 trucks and an ATV will provide us dependable access increasing our chances of a successful mission.” Additionally, the need for these committed and highly trained volunteers is increasing. The Columbia Valley has an outdoorsy and active population, and increased visitation to the area is resulting in more rescue calls. CVSAR is graciously seeking donations towards this needed equipment. These donations will also help CVSAR apply for grants that require the organization to have 50 per cent of the equipment costs. Donations are accepted online at https:// columbiavalleysar.ca/. From the website select, Donate online. Donations may also be sent to Box 2123, Invermere or by e-transfer to giving@ columbiavalleysar.ca. Tax receipts will be issued for all donations. About Columbia Valley Search and Rescue: CVSAR is our local mountain search and rescue team dedicated to saving lives through search, rescue, emergency disaster response, and mountain safety education. CVSAR is tasked through requests from the RCMP, the BC Ambulance Service, local fire departments or the BC Coroner Service. CVSAR is used when specialized skills are required when accessibility into the backcountry is limited. The CVSAR team is 100 per cent volunteer and available to help in search and rescue situations anywhere in the Columbia Valley.
Cape to Cairo Overland Expedition Submitted by Andy Stuart-Hill, Invermere local
Tribal Hospitality- chapter 7
Further north, as the thick jungle was thinning out, four of us again took to sitting on the roof of the vehicle as we travelled through the thick Ituri Forest. A hatch had been cut in the top of the roof - permitting access for viewing. We clambered out and placed a mattress next to the hatch so that two of us could view the passing thick jungle below. However, we were dodging the trees and on one occasion we saw several wild animals, but we were not able to identify them. After a while it became dark, so we clambered back down back into the vehicle. Afterward we realized we had left the mattress on the roof and it had blown down onto the road. Stopped the vehicle and as Basil and I were the last ones on the roof, we were selected to try and retrieve the mattress. We set off back down the road in the gathering gloom, thick bush on either side. After about half a mile we found the mattress lying on the road, picked it up, and then carried it on our shoulders between us. By this time the gloom had turned to darkness and we could hear many different animal noises in the surrounding bush. We had no idea what they were but certainly added to our nervousness as we imagined them to be large animals on the hunt. Eventually, way in the distance, we could see the tail light of the truck. By this time our nervousness was so great, we almost dropped the mattress and ran helter-skelter to the truck - noone around! Very unusual, as we had left all our party there. So being good Boy Scouts we found matches and by ‘matchlight’ began looking for signs on the ground. I heard Basil say “aarggghhh” and he fainted. I lit a match and saw a pair of big black feet following them higher I saw a huge Congolese gentleman grinning at me. It turned out, through sign language, that he was suggesting that we follow him - we did this and in a short while came across the clearing in the thick bush. There was a roaring campfire surrounded by our group, as well as Congolese natives.We deduced what had happened. When our truck engine noise had stopped it attracted the Tribal Head man and they came to find out what was happening. Again, through sign language, was somehow told about the two idiots that had gone back to look for the mattress. He then invited the group to his village whilst they waited for us. Further, our party could come to his campfire and they would entertain us. This is exactly what they did.We sang songs and they did a dance, during the course of which, Basil and I decided, that as we were so relieved to be in the safety of this group and being so exuberant, we did our own dance and leaped spread-eagled over the flames. Our group, roaring with laughter, dubbed this our African ‘infertility’ dance!
Jambo- chapter 8
Leaving the Park, we climbed the tortuous road to the Kabasha escarpment. Some of the passes are so long and narrow that natives with drums are employed to control traffic. Here a single-track road rises four thousand feet in fourteen miles. Our drivers informed us that we averaged one gallon of diesel per mile over this pass. Near the summit we again were stopped by a single native - and by sign language indicated their road safety system by banging on a loud drum - then listening for the replay from his buddy stationed a few miles further on the single road pass - sure enough, moments later we heard a ‘double thump’ repeated twice - which was the ‘all clear signal’ to proceed. We gave him half a box of our cornflakes as a tip - once we showed him how to eat it, he was ecstatic. There was no way on earth that two vehicles could pass each other on this very narrow mountain road, often with vertical drops of hundreds of feet on the side. The Belgian Congo in 1955 gave an impression of peace and contentment and the natives seem to be a happy crowd. Whenever we passed through a village, they all came out and waved us, huge smiles and calling ’Jambo’. Perhaps they thought we were a passing circus because by this time we did look a picture with half-grown beards and very grubby. Whenever we stopped in a town or village natives would crowd around. The upstairs section seemed to fascinate them, no doubt because they could not see what was going on there except for a figure popping out of the roof every now and then- “whiteman’s magic”. Meals were a bit of a problem, the arrangement was that one good meal would be provided every day at a hotel or restaurant and the rest of the time we were to have snacks made up while we travelled. The only catch being there were not many hotels in the middle of the African bush. Those that do exist were not exactly of the five-star variety either, however, we always seemed to manage. I’m sure the odd hotel managers must have been pleased to see 14 hungry travel-stained tourists depart. We were like a swarm of locusts. Often, we had not had a meal for the previous 24 hours, and not knowing where the next one was coming from, we had to take advantage of the opportunities as they presented themselves. Due to extremely hot weather catering on the bus was very difficult, bread dried out in a few hours, and butter flowed like oil. Most of the supplies were quite unsuitable. Of course, cornflakes are not much good without milk. To read previous chapters, search ‘Cape to Cairo Overland Expedition’ on columbiavalleypioneer.com To be continued in a future Pioneer…
22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
FAITH
February 17, 2022
What is love?
LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH
By Josh McCallum, Lake Windermere Alliance Church
Now open for in-person services. Sundays at 10:30 a.m. 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lwac.ca
WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED Sunday Services, 10:30 a.m., are currently online only, using Zoom. To access the zoom link, please visit our website at wvsm.ca. Or call 250-342-6644 to leave a message.
VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service Pastor Murray Wittke 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats., Canadian Martyrs’ – Invermere, St. Joseph’s – Radium. Canal Flats: Saturday, 4:30 p.m. Canadian Martyrs, Invermere: Saturday 5 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. St. Joseph, Radium: Sunday 11:00 a.m. Father Jojo Augustine • 712 -12th Ave., Invermere 250-342-6167
ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Sunday 1:30 p.m. Worship Service at Valley Christian Assembly 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere lutheranstpeter@gmail.com
RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • 250-342-6633 No. 4, 7553 Main St. Radium • 250-347-9937
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Worship Service, Sunday, 10 a.m. Relief Society, 11:15 a.m. President Kendyn Mackensie • Columbia Valley Branch • 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs 250-439-9041
Recently at Lake Windermere Alliance Church, I shared a message about the need for love in times like these. Jesus told his followers that as his return came closer, “the love of many will grow cold,” encouraging them to endure in love (Matthew 24:12). I’d like to share some thoughts from that message. If you’d like to watch the whole thing, you can find it on our website. One of the most oft-quoted chapters in the Bible is the “love chapter,” 1 Corinthians 13. We talk about love being patient and kind at weddings, however this text wasn’t intended to be romantic… it was written to a messy church, full of selfishness and division. Right now, it’s hard to ignore that the church is full of these things as well. We see people taking sides on masks and vaccines and everything else, each side saying the other group is foolish, ignorant, or rebellious. Unfortunately, when we get passionate about our views, we often belittle those
who would disagree while justifying ourselves—since we are indeed ‘right.’ The Bible speaks to this by telling us the way of Jesus, who lived the perfect love of God. In God’s eyes, we may have good information, strong convictions, and be making personal sacrifices, but without love, these are “nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Good words and actions must come from somewhere, and the most beneficial motivation is love. So, what is love? The Bible defines love this way: “Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 CSB). If I had to summarize, I would say that love is the opposite of selfishness—it is offering ourselves for the sake of others. Now, that certainly doesn’t mean we must give up all our convictions and positions to love others, but it does drastically change how we interact with people. A little bit of understanding can go a long way, just like a little bit of arguing can go a long way (in the wrong direction). If this love becomes something we filter our thinking through, I expect the atmosphere would feel a little bit lighter.
Rockies weekly roundup- Week 18 Submitted by Mark Teterenko Week 18 wraps up with the Rockies going 0-1 with their loss against the Kimberley Dynamiters on Friday, Feb. 11. The Rockies only had one game this week, but it was a very important game nonetheless. The Kimberley Dynamiters and the Columbia Valley Rockies have been trading positions at the top of the Eddie Mountain division all year long, and with only a handful of games remaining in the regular season, this game had a high chance of dictating who would come out on top. The Rockies had a hard fought back and fourth period but the Dynamiters had the only goal of the first period scoring very late on the power play. After a regroup in the intermission, forward Kyran Gromnisky (25) tied the game at 1 a piece off of
a pass from Vaughn Strutt (17). Following that, the game remained intense, but it seemed as if the Rockies just couldn’t find the back of the net. The Dynamiters scored once more before finding yet another late period goal before the second intermission. The third period was another hard-fought period but after pulling the goalie late, Kimberley capped off the game with an empty net goal ultimately giving the Rockies a 4-1 loss. This coming week is the final week of the regular season for the Rockies. They play on Friday Feb. 18 in Fernie against the Ghostriders before hosting the Golden Rockets on Saturday at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena in Invermere. Keep a close eye on the standings as this week determines the winner of the division and the first round playoff matches.
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Goaltender Scott Thompson tracks the play en route to a win against the Golden Rockets on Feb. 6. Submitted photo