March 17, 2017 Vol. 14/Issue 11
Your Weekly Source for News and Events
The Columbia
Valley
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1 March 17, 2017
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16 CULINARY KUDOS B.C. Premier Christy Clark was in the valley on March 8th to announce that the Westside Legacy Trail would be receiving a $1 million grant from BikeBC and to participate in a budget discussion hosted by Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett at the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce. Left to right are Greenways’ Mark Halwa, Bill Bennett, Premier Christy Clark and Area F Director Wendy Booth. See page 10 for more on the Legacy Trail, and pages 3 and 8 about the Premier’s visit and the budget presentation.
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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
March 17, 2017
Errant trailbuilder’s court case begins
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Parks staff the areas of the trail that he had done work on. Emails brought forward by the Crown show that Mr. Pacey and Ms. Klafki continued to discuss his concerns about The Honourable Judge L. Doerksen heard arguments the condition of the path and it was clear to Parks staff from Crown Prosecutor Rebecca Smyth in Invermere he continued to work on the trail despite their warnings. Court on Thursday, March 9th regarding the David Pacey In an email, Ms. Klafki said, “I would like to repeat you case. Mr. Pacey is facing two counts of damaging flora, cannot undertake trail work in Kootenay National Park”. fauna or a natural object, which is a contravention of the The next time Parks staff would meet with Mr. Pacey Canada National Parks Act. was April 20th, 2016 when park wardens Paul Friesen Mr. Pacey was found, on April 20th, 2016, using and Victoria Moran were on patrol and drove by Kindera Swede saw to remove a sapling tree from the path on sley Pass. Mr. Friesen recognized a parked car and, after a the Kindersley Pass Trail in Kootenay National Park. The search of the Canadian Police Information Centre, found Crown brought forward four instances where Mr. Pacey the licence plates registered to Mr. Pacey. Knowing that engaged in conversation with Parks Canada employees re- Mr. Pacey had not received a work permit for the park, the garding Kindersley Pass Trail, his work on the trail, and pair decided to walk up Kindersley Pass Trail and found two instances of being approached by park wardens while Mr. Pacey actively cutting a tree. conducting the work. “I asked him to collect his tools, leave the trail and put The first incident Crown brought forward was May his tools in the trunk of his car,” said Ms. Moran. 5th, 2015 when park warIt was seven days later dens Paul Friesen and Vicon April 27th, 2016 that “He said he was fixing up trails because of the toria Moran responded to state of the trails. He was taking gravel from the Ms. Moran would again a call that a man was on encounter Mr. Pacey when parking lot.” Kindersley Pass Trail with she conducted an interview a wheelbarrow. When they with him at the RCMP dePaul Friesen, Kootenay National Park Warden approached the man, who tachment in Invermere. The was identified by his licence interview was a voluntary inas David Richard Pacey, he informed the wardens of his terview in which Mr. Pacey stated to Ms. Moran that his concern for the condition of the trail. morals took over; he felt it necessary to do work on the trail. “He said he was fixing up trails because of the state of During the proceeding, the Crown argued that Mr. the trails. He said he was taking gravel from the parking Pacey’s work in the park was a safety concern, not only lot,” Mr. Friesen told the court. for other visitors, but also himself. Crown’s argument alMr. Pacey was transporting gravel from the parking lot leged that Mr. Pacey was working on the trails during a to the base of the trail, taking it about 100 metres in, accord- time of restricted activity order, specifically the group of ing to the wardens. Mr. Friesen recognized that Mr. Pacey four restrictions. Parks Canada group of four restrictions was trying to improve the situation, but the two wardens is enacted during times that there is grizzly bear activity informed him that what he was doing was illegal and that on the trail; the restriction allows for larger groups of four he needed to get a permit signed by superintendent Melanie or more people to hike the trail. Having a larger group Kwong to continue working in the park. The wardens sug- of people on the trail creates a louder disturbance, which gested that Mr. Pacey get in touch with park management gives animals warning hikers are approaching. During staff and Mr. Pacey was issued a written warning. Ms. Moran’s investigation, she uncovered a timeline of External relations manager Jenny Klafki became Mr. Pacey’s work through email correspondence that sugaware that Mr. Pacey had some interaction with the park’s gests he was working during that restricted time. law enforcement. She became involved with the case to Mr. Pacey’s argument during the proceeding was that look into volunteer opportunities that may be available he was making changes to the park based on the Parks within the park for Mr. Pacey. On July 6th, 2015, Ms. Canada trail specification guidelines, expanding the trail Klafki joined park superintendent Melanie Kwong, Mr. from 18 inches to four feet wide. Due to the amount of Pacey and Wayne Lyons with the Summit Trail Makers evidence and witnesses, the Crown brought forward Mr. Society on a hike along the Kindersley Pass Trail. During Pacey, who was unable to take the stand on March 9th, their 3.5-to-four-kilometre hike, Mr. Pacey showed the but will as the court continues for this case on April 5th. By Nikki Fredrikson Pioneer Staff
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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3
Valley NEWS
B.C. premier meets with local Chamber By Nikki Fredrikson Pioneer Staff This year marks the fifth consecutive balanced budget the province of British Columbia has announced and on Friday, March 10th, B.C. Premier Christy Clark joined East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett at the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce building at the Invermere Crossroads to discuss the budget and its impact on rural B.C. The Premier started her speech by discussing the importance of job creation, stating that when her government introduced the BC Jobs Plan, the province was ninth in jobs creation in Canada, but “today we’re number one in job creation in Canada.” “I believe a job is the most important life-changing element in most people’s lives. If you don’t have a
job, you don’t have the ability to look after the people you love, you don’t have the ability to provide for the people who depend on you,” said Premier Clark. She went on to say the province’s economic prosperity has not been spread evenly and rural communities have felt the downturn of commodity prices more than other people have in Vancouver, Kelowna, Victoria. The provincial government understands that rural communities need support to sustain workers and wealth during an economic downturn, she said. “Our rural economic development strategy, which Bill (Bennett) was crucial in helping design, is a $3.6 billion investment building vital infrastructure across the province; over 26,000 jobs for rural British Columbians,” said Premier Clark. Continued on page 28 . . . Premier Christy Clark at the Lions’ Hall.
Photo by Nikki Fredrickson
Jumbo petition presented in provincial legislature By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff The long-proposed Jumbo Glacier Mountain Resort project may be at a standstill, but the issue continues to draw attention, most recently on March 14th when it was subject of what may be the largest single petition ever presented in the provincial legislature. More than 61,000 signatures adorned a petition presented by Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald and Nelson-Creston MLA Michelle Mungall (both members of the opposition NDP) during question period in Victoria on Tuesday. The day prior, the petition had been presented by local environmental group Wildsight and apparel company Patagonia Inc. (the two entities that organized the petition) to Transboundary Ktunaxa Nation leadership in Cranbrook. The Ktunaxa maintain that the upper Jumbo Valley is part of
Qat’muk, an area they hold sacred. The petition is making headlines as a judgment from the Supreme Court of Canada is pending on the Ktunaxa’s legal case against the B.C. government’s decision to create the as-of-yet unbuilt Jumbo resort. The petition asks Premier Christy Clark to say no to any development in the Jumbo Valley and give the area permanent protection. “It was an incredibly powerful moment,” Wildsight executive director Robyn Duncan told The Pioneer, speaking from Victoria shortly after the petition had been officially presented. “They’ve said they think it is the largest (petition to the provincial government) ever.” About 100 to 150 people — including many longtime Jumbo opponents from the Columbia Valley — gathered in Cranbrook on March 13th to see the petition presented to the Ktunaxa; and about 30 people Continued on page 19 . . .
PETITION PUSH — RDEK Electoral Area G Director Gerry Wilkie, District of Invermere mayor and Columbia River-Revelstoke BC NDP candidate Gerry Taft, and Jumbo Creek Conservation Society director Jim Galloway were among many from the Columbia Valley at the petition ceremony in Cranbrook on March 13th. Photo by Pat Morrow
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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
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During the past week the Columbia Valley RCMP detachment received about 65 calls for service. The following is a small sample of those calls. • On Friday, March 10th at about 6:30 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP received report of a moving van that had gone off the road on Lower Lakeview Road in Invermere and was teetering on the edge of a steep cliff. Members attended and noted that a tow truck was already on scene. At the time, the occupants were unable to get out of the vehicle as it was on the verge of going down an embankment and there was a risk of serious harm to the occupants inside if there were any significant shifts in weight. Fortunately, the tow truck was able to anchor the van to a nearby tree, stabilizing the van enough for the occupants to get out safely. The tow truck was then able to pull back the moving van onto the road without damage or personal injury. Mainroad then came to the scene to sand the road, preventing any other vehicle meeting the same fate. • During the very morning hours of Saturday, March 11th, RCMP stopped a Ford Focus on Upper Lakeview Road in Invermere after noting the vehicle failed to stop at an established check-stop on Athalmer Road. When confronted, the driver displayed obvious signs that he had been drinking before getting behind the wheel of the car. The young man was demanded to provide samples of his breath to be analyzed roadside. He complied and provided two breath samples, which both registered a “fail” reading. The young man was served a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition from driving and the vehicle was impounded for 30 days. • Later on Saturday, March 11th at about 4 p.m., this same young man called to report issues between him and his roommate. As it turned out, the male was driving his roommate’s vehicle when it was impounded and they had been fighting ever since. The roommate, in anger, had put the young man’s items outside with a “Free” sign and locked him out of the home. When police respond-
ed, they could not find the roommate. Police were able to lend some assistance and eventually departed, only to be called back when RCMP were advised that the male’s vehicle in the driveway was now on fire. Police re-attended the home where the fire department was already on scene. The front seat of the male’s car sustained fire damage and contents inside were covered in smoke damage. This time the roommate was at home and, when spoken to by police, admitted that he started the blaze, but eventually called 911 as he was feeling guilty about the damage. Police continue to work with the two males. • Saturday, March 11th continued to be busy as at about 9 p.m. an Invermere business owner contacted Columbia Valley RCMP to report that he could hear footsteps on the roof of his business where he was currently working. RCMP responded to the scene and observed two youths fleeing the area. After a short chase, the males gave up and were subsequently detained for investigation. The young males admitted to being on the roof doing “parkour” over the pipes and ducting. The RCMP member explained how dangerous their actions were and how they could harm themselves. Furthermore, he explained the heightened risk assessment of police believing a robbery was about to take place. The kids were transported to their homes where the appropriate corrective actions could be better established by their parents. • During the late evening hours of Sunday, March 12th, Columbia Valley RCMP were on patrol on 7th Avenue in Invermere when they noted a grey car that was observed parked outside a local bar for hours leaving its parking spot. RCMP members conducted a traffic stop to check for valid documents and ensure the sobriety of the driver. The young woman operating the car admitted to consuming a glass of wine 20 minutes before departing in her vehicle. A roadside screening device was administered and resulted in two “warns”. The female’s driver licence was seized for three days while the members used their discretion and did not impound the vehicle; she then walked home.
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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5
Brewer area,” said Mr. Adams. “In November, she came back to town and has been there all winter.” The other deer that came back did so by a much more A recent update report on the East Kootenay urban meandering route, going all the way up Dutch Creek to mule deer trial translocation study that began last winter its headwater and then crossing into the upper Toby valley shows anything but a single clear trend. (just south of Jumbo Valley). The trial involved capturing urban deer living in several “We were curious to see if, when winter came, she East Kootenay communities last winter, including Inver- would retrace her steps to Lavington Creek or go down the mere, and relocating them to backcountry areas nearby. As Toby Creek and end up in Invermere. She did the latter,” he many of the deer as possible were fitted with GPS radio col- said. “But it’s important to point out these deer are not right lars, and biologists have tracked their movements ever since. downtown. They are not Pothole (Park) deer. They are stayLead study biologist Ian Adams emphasized that the ing on the edges of Invermere — one is on the south end of results so far have been incredibly variable, with some deer town, the other is in Pineridge. having moved tremendous distances, and other having “Invermere is built on mule deer winter range, so havnot moved at all; and with some deer having chosen to ing deer come here from the high country in November is stay in their new natural habitats and others having ei- normal. Some of the urban deer in Invermere maintain this ther found their way back to the municipality from which pattern — they go to high alpine areas in summer and only they were captured or having come back low to winter range found a new urban commuin the fall; it just happens that “Invermere is built on mule deer winter nity to call home. their winter range is Inverrange, so having deer come here from the high “There’s no, ‘This is what mere. But other urban deer country in November is normal.” deer do when you move stay in Invermere year round them.’ You could practically — that is not normal. We are Ian Adams, Lead Biologist write a separate story about curious to see what these two each deer,” Mr. Adams told deer do next summer. To be The Pioneer. honest, I’ll be surprised if the Panorama deer doesn’t return A total of 13 deer were relocated from Invermere to to Panorama. We’ve already seen her come back to Inverthe Lavington Creek area, near Findlay Creek west of Canal mere once, but she left on her own quite quickly. But the Flats, during the study; seven of them fitted with radio col- Upper Toby deer, we don’t know what she’ll do.” lars. They initially stayed together as a group through spring A number of the deer relocated from other communibefore, for the most part, dispersing into differing high el- ties (such as Cranbrook and Kimberley) were released in the evation areas in May, as mule deer are supposed to. Koocanusa area, and many of these deer roamed quite widely Of the seven with radio collars, two have since been – several of them crossing the border and finding new homes killed by predators (one likely by wolves in Upper Find- in urban communities in Montana, one as far south as Libby. lay Creek), three went up into the alpine near the release Some were aggressive enough that they had to be put down. site and then returned to lower winter range in the Find“We said from the outset that we didn’t want to simply lay Flats-Lavington area in the fall, and the other two each move problem deer to other communities, much less export made separate long solo journeys that eventually brought them across the border,” said Mr. Adams, adding that the colthem back to Invermere, at least for some time. lared deer have shown a 50 per cent survival rate, as compared “The first deer came to Invermere quite quickly, com- with an 80 per cent survival rate for urban mule deer living in ing up Dutch Creek, past the Hoodoos (conservation area), East Kootenay communities over the same time period. He and up Westside. However, she only stayed in Invermere also said concerns that urban deer would be predator-naïve for a few days before heading up to Panorama (Mountain when moved to the backcountry seem to be unfounded, as Resort) for the rest of the summer. She was right on the predation rates are quite similar to non-urban mule deer. ski runs and spent a lot of time on the ridge leading to the Continued on page 28 . . . By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff
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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
March 17, 2017
perspective
Resident retained By Nicole Trigg Pioneer Staff
It would appear the Columbia Valley’s Resident Attraction and Retention Strategy is working. When I moved to the valley in April 2012 to become The Valley Echo’s editor, I thought I’d live here for a fun one to two years before moving onto my next career stint. But then I was offered the position of magazine editor with The Pioneer, and eventually I found myself as the editor of both The Pioneer and The Echo as well as all the magazines our office produces. Somehow five years have flown by — and I’m still here. As The Pioneer’s editor for the last three years, I’ve had the privilege and great pleasure of meeting countless people through my work; collaborating with most, if not all, of the valley’s community groups; and being part of a creative media team that has become like family. But recently I’ve struggled with one aspect of living in the Columbia Valley: where to go next professionally? Not quite ready to leave the valley, but more than ready to take on the next challenge in my career, I’ve been torn, thinking my only choice was to return to the urban life where career options abound. However, the valley landscape, community and lifestyle have become so deeply engrained in me that any opportunities I’ve had to move away and start anew have paled in comparison to what I would be leaving behind. So although I’m ending my tenure as the editor of the Pioneer and Echo as of March 31st, I’ll still be calling the Columbia Valley home, joining the ranks of the selfemployed to offer marketing, communications and project management services on a contract basis. I’m excited to put my skills to work for local businesses and organizations — please contact me through my website (www.netwaves.ca) or directly (nicole@netwaves.ca). You’ll also find me teaching the noon hour yoga class at the Valley Fitness Centre on Tuesdays and assisting new immigrants in the valley as the part-time Invermere Settlement Worker with the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy, plus you may spot my occasional byline in the local newspapers as a freelance contributor. Thank you — for the tremendous positive feedback I’ve received over the years (it’s been inspiring) and the scathing criticism, too (it’s kept me on my toes). I’m looking forward to what the future will bring; and if anyone’s keeping tabs on the statistics of residents coming and going, go ahead and add me to the column of “successfully retained”.
Historical Lens Old race track In this image circa 1912, a four-man team (ranch men from Fairmont) with a wagon and two horses are at the Athalmer Race Track, now the Industrial Park. If you have any more information, e-mail us at info@columbiavalley pioneer.com. Photo (C168) courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society
Nurses need more appreciation Dear Editor: Nurses are a vastly under-appreciated profession. Just having spent four days in the Kelowna General Hospital recuperating from spinal surgery, I am more aware than ever how overworked and undercompensated they are. The nurses were the brightest spot in an otherwise arduous experience. They were endlessly patient and caring, compassionate, efficient, knowledgeable, etc. with me and with all the other patients in the ward full of people recuperating from body trauma and in great pain and helplessness. I wish we could all lobby our government to make the nursing profession in B.C. more appealing, so that there could be more nurses, better paid and working shorter hours. I understand they are the lowest paid in the country. Shameful for a rich province like ours. Obviously, the government has other priorities; we need to change that. Thank you to nurses everywhere. Ellen Zimmerman Golden
The Columbia Valley
CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013
Pioneer
is independently owned and operated, published weekly by Misko Publishing Limited Partnership. Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Ave., Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Phone: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 1.855.377.0312 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com
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March 17, 2017
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7
LETTERS
Shocked by horse abuse Dear Editor: I was shocked to read that an RCMP Riding Master was removed from the RCMP Musical Ride Unit over horse abuse allegations. Sgt. Major Marc Godue had been a riding instructor with the Musical Ride since 1990 and was promoted to Riding Master in 2014. Having been a member of the RCMP Musical Ride in 1956, 1957 and 1958, performing in Canada, USA and Great Britain, I never saw any abuse of horses by our members. John Ginter with “Jerry Chicago” in 1956. I travelled with the horses by boat from Glasgow, Scotland, by train across and a lead horse called “Jimmy” in 1958. Jimmy was a helpful guide — if I forgot the USA and Canada, and by truck. I was an active rider in our perfor- to make the proper turns, he always chose mances in 1956 and 1957 and a lead the right one. This year, the Ride is performing rider in 1958. Having lived on a farm and working with horses, I was quite at ease across Canada — I wish them “good riding and working with horse. I was con- luck” and dream upon the time I was a sidered a “soft” rider, working with my member performing before large crowds mount as we performed our drill. During in the world. our time in England, we performed the ride three times for the Queen. I rode a John Ginter horse called “Terry” in 1956 and 1957 Radium Hot Springs
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Thank you for the coverage concerning propane gas use in our valley. The elephant in the room is this: Why don’t we have natural gas piped into our valley? It would help the big users of fossil fuel here. It would also make other businesses wanting to move here more competitive. I would love to have natural gas in my home. What a great issue for the upcoming election!
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March 17, 2017
East Kootenay MLA presents provincial budget to local Chamber By Nikki Fredrikson Pioneer Staff On Friday, March 10th, MLA of East Kootenay Bill Bennett presented the B.C. provincial budget at the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce. The event was a chance for Chamber members to hear from both Mr. Bennett and Premier Christy Clark on how the budget will affect rural communities. Mr. Bennett emphasized to the crowd that the province will continue to have a provincial debt, but the government is working hard to pay off the operating debt. “What we’re trying to do in B.C. is we’re trying to pay the operating debt off that we’ve had since the early 1980s and we’re getting close. By 2020-2021, we hope to have the operating debt paid back. It will be the first time since I think about ‘81 or ‘82 that B.C. has been without an operating debt,” said Mr. Bennett. Once the operating debt has been paid off, the province will still hold a debt. According to Mr. Bennett, it’s debt that’s based on building infrastructure, and that infrastructure has a lifespan of 20 to 50 years, and in some cases, like Site C, it’s 90 years. During his presentation, Mr. Bennett announced millions of dollars that the province will be spending on projects such as education, housing, health, mining, and combating invasive plants. The province is investing $740 million into the K-12 public education sector with $320 million being
used to reduce class sizes and to hire more teachers. The province is also committing to spend $700 million on first-time homebuyers to help make purchasing a home more affordable for British Columbians. “There’s some housing money there, $700 million for first-time homebuyers, raising the threshold. You know your houses aren’t cheap in Invermere or in Fernie or in my riding so that threshold might help a bit here,” said Mr. Bennett. The B.C. health care budget will be increasing significantly with $4.2 billion being spent over the next three years. “Here’s something I love saying because it’s true and I don’t get to say it very often, about every four years when there’s an election. I get to say this: I’ve been an MLA for 16 years, we’ve increased the health budget every single year for 16 years. Every single year we have increased the health budget and not by a little bit, by a lot,” said Mr. Bennett. Mr. Bennett also announced $18 million to be spent on mines permitting and oversight as well as $10 million for invasive plant management. The East Kootenay MLA spoke on the importance of smart spending, staying competitive with the province’s exports, and reducing debts for future generations. “If we’re borrowing money for operating costs, what we’re doing essentially is living off their future, we’re saying we can’t afford to pay our way today, but don’t worry about it because our kids and our grandkids will pay it off later,” said Mr. Bennett.
H
ere are a few limericks and jokes to get you in the mood for the day of the year that celebrates everything Irish, especially the famous Irish sense of humour. An amoeba named Max and his brother, Were sharing a drink with each other, In the midst of their quaffing, They split themselves laughing, And each of them now is a mother. There once was a girl named Irene, Who lived on distilled kerosene, She started absorbin’, A new hydrocarbon, And since then has never benzene.
“What’s wrong with Murphy?” asked Father Green. “I dunno Father. Yesterday he swallowed a spoon and he hasn’t stirred since”.
“Lá fhéile Pádraig sona dhuit!” “Did you know”, said Murphy, “there’s twice as many eyebrows in the world as there are people”. Two Irishman are standing on opposite banks of a river. The first one yells, “How do you get over there?” to which the other yells back, “You are over there!”
March 17, 2017
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9
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10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
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March 17, 2017
Massive funding boost for Legacy Trail Submitted by Greenways Trail Alliance On Friday, March 10th, Bill Bennett and Premier Christy Clark jointly announced the Westside Legacy Trail project will receive a $1,000,000 BikeBC grant towards construction of the trail, which will link the communities of Invermere and Fairmont Hot Springs. “If you think there is an echo because you keep hearing the Westside Legacy Trail just received a large grant, your hearing is fine — the project did receive two large grants in the last seven days totalling $1,500,000”, said Mark Halwa, executive director of Greenways. “With construction set to begin next month and the project is now 80 per cent funded, we are loving this March momentum boost!” The $1,000,000 grant, the largest to date, was made possible by many people working together to ultimately benefit the entire Columbia Valley. The project officially began in late 2014 when eight landowners were asked and later donated their land to create the multi-use trail. Over the past two years, route planning, surveying, engineering and fundraising has led to a Valley-wide movement on behalf of many to make the trail a reality. Applying for large grants and navigating through government permitting is a lot easier with guidance from those who know government best and the project has many people to thank. The RDEK led the way by taking the necessary steps to ensure the trail
would be maintained as part of its regional trail network, which required support from Radium, Invermere and Canal Flats councillors, as well as both RDEK Area Directors Wendy Booth and Gerry Wilkie. Richard Haworth compiled hundreds of pages of documentation for the Agricultural Land Commission process and guided Greenways to receipt of the permit to begin trail construction. Doug Clovechok helped locate and introduce Greenways staff to many people within the B.C. government responsible for the myriad of permits and authorizations required. Doug was a previous Greenways director and has assisted like he never left. And finally, between the Fundraising Committee, the Construction Committee and the Greenways Board, another 38 people have provided ongoing assistance to get the project to the construction stage, which begins in April. None of these people have been paid for any of their time, yet collectively they have donated over $400,000 of their personal funds to the trail. “The RDEK is very excited and grateful for the generous grant from BikeBC. We are also proud to be working so closely with such a dedicated group as the Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance to create a world-class cycling path and recreational amenity that will be a benefit to the entire region,” said RDEK Vice-Chair Wendy Booth. For project information, donation or volunteer opportunities, please visit www. ourtrail.org.
Are You Highly Sensitive to Smoke?
Êtes-vous extrêmement sensible à la fumée?
Kootenay National Park has a Smoke Notification List for those who are extremely sensitive to smoke and would like advance warning of prescribed burn operations.
Le parc national Kootenay tient une liste de personnes extrêmement sensibles à la fumée qui aimeraient être prévenues en cas d’opérations de brûlage dirigé.
We are currently updating our list, if you would like to be added, please contact the Fire Communications Officer at 250-347-6153.
Une mise à jour de cette liste est en cours. Si vous voulez y faire ajouter votre nom, veuillez communiquer avec le bureau des communications sur le feu au 250-347-6153.
March 17, 2017
The Columbia Valley Pioneer 11 Page•11
What’s Happening in the Columbia Valley
Music • visual arts • dining • Bar Scene • entertainment • performance ARTS AUCTIONED OFF
PAGE 14
ACTION ART
PAGE 15
Members of Eileen Madson Primary’s Little Jiggers dance group (pictured left to right are Emma Murray, Breanna Murray, Anisha Waite and Noah Jans) danced up a storm at the Metis Kitchen Party at DTSS on March 8th. Turn to page 12 for more photos. Photo by Nikki Fredrikson
Gettin’ jiggy with it
Love It Live Concert Thursday March 17th at 6 pm
Silver Screen Scoundrels
Tickets on line www.columbiavalleyarts.com Visit columbiavalleyarts.com for our current events calendar, or call 250-342-4423
Out & About Your weekly guide to what’s happening around the Columbia Valley Page 13
12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
March 17, 2017
Metis night David Thompson Secondary School chef in training Grade 11 and 12 students cooked a traditional dinner for community members who were in attendance at this year’s Metis night. The night was filled with traditional cuisine, dancing, music and artifacts. Starting from top left working clockwise: Community members showcase their dance moves; Lewin Bentley and Avary Goldsmith, members of the Little Jiggers dance troop, perform for the crowd; Metis artwork, DTSS chef in training Grade 11 and Grade 12 students; family artifacts displayed. Photos by Nikki Fredrikson
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March 17, 2017
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13
Music • visual arts • dining • Bar Scene • entertainment • performance ARTS
Out & About Please call 250-341-6299 or e-mail us at info@columbiavalleypioneer.com to enter your event in our FREE listings.
Submissions must be received by the Monday prior to publication. We may only run an entry for two weeks prior to the event. Please limit your submission to 30 words. Priority is given to one-off events, so weekly events may only run occasionally.
Friday, March 17th • High Notes Music Festival at Panorama Mountain Resort. Line up includes Jim Byrnes, Barney Bentall, Leeroy Stagger, Shred Kelly, Speed Control, The Lion The Bear The Fox and 100 Mile House plus local talent Raven McAllister, L8, Small Town Dirtbags and Elk Run & Riot. Visit www.panoramaresort.com/HighNotes/ for schedule details and tickets. Also Saturday March 18th. • Canal Flats hosts the 8th annual Canal Flats Curling Bonspiel, a fundraiser for the Canal Flats Community Society. For more information or to register please call the arena at 250-349-5617. Meal only tickets for the Saturday night dinner are $15. Event runs Friday through Sunday March 19th. • Invermere Caregiver’s Support Group monthly meeting on the 3rd Friday of each month. Contact facilitator Leanne Brooks at 250-341-5683 for more information. • 1 p.m.: Duplicate Bridge at Invermere Seniors Hall, $2. Everyone welcome. Every Friday. • 1 p.m.: Canasta cards at Canal Flats Seniors Hall every Friday. • 6 p.m.: Bingo at Shuswap Band Hall every Friday. Doors open at 6 p.m., Bingo starts at 7 p.m. • 6 p.m.: Mac Ramsey opens for The Silver Screen Scoundrels, an award winning duo who revive the spirit of the silent film era as part of the Love it Live Concert Series. Tickets are $25 and available at Pynelogs, online at www.columbiavalleyarts.com or at the door.
Saturday, March 18th • 10 a.m.: Lego for all ages at the Radium Public Library every Saturday. • 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.: Artym Gallery presents Serge Dube & Steve Tracy Exhibition. Show continues until March 24th. • 2 - 4 p.m.: Valley GoGo Sisters Annual St. Patrick’s Tea and Bake Sale at Christ Church Trinity in Invermere. All proceeds go to the Stephen Lewis Grandmothers Campaign.
• 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.: Drop-in LEGO Club at Invermere Public Library. All ages welcome (under 8 must be accompanied by an adult). Activity is free. • 6:30 p.m.: Meat Draw and 50/50 at Branch 71 Legion in Invermere. Every Saturday. • 7 - 10 p.m.: Summit Youth Centre Fresh Film Nights.
Sunday, March 19th • 8:30 - 11 a.m.: Enjoy Breakfast at the Edgewater Community Hall and support Kelsey’s Room to Read campaign - a fundraiser raising awareness and money for education in developing countries. $5 small plate, $6 large plate. Purchase at the door. • 11:30 a.m. - close: Give Back Sunday at Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery in Radium, 15% of today’s net food sales will be donated to the Radium Public Library.
Buying or selling?
and Tuesday March 28 to Friday March 31. • 6 - 8 p.m.: Pynelogs hosts “Confluence”, an evening devoted to an exploration of the Lake Windermere watershed. The evening will include a video commissioned by the Lake Windermere Ambassadors, with guest host Martin Carver, a Nelson based water expert. Tickets are $10 and available at Circle Cafe, Pynelogs or at the door with tickets including one free drink. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. • 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Options for Sexual Health is operating a drop in clinic in the Public Health Unit next to the Invermere Hospital the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month. Call 250-342-2360 for more information.
Wednesday, March 22nd • 11:45 a.m.: The Rotary Club of Invermere meets every Wednesday at the Curling Rink. • 1 p.m.: Duplicate Bridge at Invermere Seniors Hall, $2. Everyone welcome. Every Wednesday. • 7 p.m.: Play cards at Canal Flats Seniors Hall every Wednesday.
Thursday, March 23rd
Cell: 250•341•1395 Toll Free: 1•888•258•9911
Monday, March 20th • 10 a.m.: Senior Singalong Group meets every Monday at Garden Village. • 1 - 3 p.m.: Brain Injury Support Group meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at Columbia Garden Village. Contact Debbie for more info 250-344-5674. • 7 p.m.: Bingo at the Canal Flats Civic Centre, 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.
Tuesday, March 21st • 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.: Early childhood education program community playgroup at Eva Joseph Learning Centre. A 10 week free program beginning Feb. 7th for families to come with their children. Runs every Tuesday and Thursday. Students of the program will be developing natural play spaces for children, primary language that will be spoken is ktunaxa. To participate please contact aboriginal head start/out of school coordinator Nancy Phair at nancy.littlebadgers@gmail.com. • 1:30 p.m.: Carpet Bowling at Canal Flats Seniors Hall every Tuesday. • 2 - 4 p.m.: Spring Break Crafternoons at Invermere Public Library. Drop-in crafts for school-age children Tuesday to Friday both weeks of spring break. Crafts are free. Everyone welcome. Under 8 years accompanied by an adult. Runs Tuesday March 21 to Friday March 24,
• 1 p.m.: Play Cribbage at Invermere Seniors Hall every Thursday. • 1:15 p.m.: Play Cribbage at Canal Flats Seniors Hall every Thursday. • 2 p.m.: Seniors Tea at the Invermere Library the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. Tea and a light snack is provided over friendly conversation. If you would like to attend but do not have transportation, please contact the library at 250-342-6416. • 4:30 - 6 p.m.: Summit Youth Centre Chef-It-Up. Every Thursday. Call 250-342-3033 for more info. • 5 - 6 p.m.: Wine tasting in the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort lobby every Thursday. Enjoy four B.C. wines with the in-house Sommelier. $15/person or $25 for two. • 6:30 p.m.: Texas Hold Em’ Tournament at the Invermere Legion every Thursday. $35 buy in.
Invermere Library Hours • Tuesday to Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. • Story Time: Thurs. 10:30 a.m. and Sat. 11 a.m.
Radium Hot Springs Library Hours • Tuesday: 6 - 8 p.m. • Wednesday and Thursday: 1 - 4 p.m. • Saturday: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Windermere Valley Museum Hours • Tuesday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Invermere Thrift Store Hours • Thursday - Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Radium Thrift Store Hours • Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Friday and Saturday: 12 - 4 p.m.
14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
March 17, 2017
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ART DEAL — Rosemary and Ron Clarke present their donation to the Centre (a Jack King Painting that was auctioned off for $9,000) to Invermere mayor Gerry Taft. Ruth Fast/Painted Sun Photography
Look how far we’ve come! All about our
CENTRE Look how far we have come! It is hard to believe that we are only months away before the opening of the Columbia Valley Centre. It is slated for opening this June if all goes according to plan! The hard work from the District staff, the contractor and all the trades are the reason for the success of the building. It will be wonderful to hear those final words: “On time and on budget”! But as you are all aware, there are still a few extras that we need to purchase. We
have been relentless in our fundraising efforts and we can’t stop just yet. Let’s see if we can find creative ways of helping our community out. For example, Ron and Rosemary Clarke donated a Jack King Painting and auctioned it off for $9,000. Now that is community spirit! We still have Theatre Seats for sale, along with trees and shrubs. Thanks to everyone who has donated to date. Remember it is a new tax year and the tax savings are very generous! For more information, contact Justin Atterbury at 250-342-5271 or visit www. columbiavalleycentre.ca For more information and to donate, visit www.columbiavalleycentre.ca.
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PICTURE OF PROGRESS — A photo of the Centre last November (below) versus this past weekend when the siding was going on (above). Ruth Fast/Painted Sun Photography
March 17, 2017
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15 3.25” x 2.7”
Outdoors art featured at Artym By Candice Blakley The Artym Gallery March is a time for new growth and spring skiing. The Artym Gallery’s newest exhibition is based around this beautiful time of year. Feature artists are Serge Dubé, with his contemporary landscapes, and Steve Tracy with his highly energetic skiers and also textured landscapes. The exhibition opens Saturday, March 18th and the gallery will be open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Steve Tracy is a much diversified artist; at times it is hard to believe that he has accomplished so much in so many different styles. He has mastered multiple mediums as well as different subject matter. His high performance skiers painted in acrylics showcase the energy of the athlete and the movement of the snow in their surroundings. Then, Tracy switches gears to calm and quiet landscapes of the Canadian Shield. These pieces depict the brilliant colours of the boreal forest with the granite formations that are truly Canadian. Serge Dubé is a very stylized artist. He is featured in corporate collections as well as appealing to first-time buyers. Serge is a trained watercolour artist and has developed his own way of making acrylic paint behave similar to watercolour paint, but with a very different outcome. His fluid landscape paintings depict the beauty of the high alpine in the foreground, then transition into
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QUINTESSENTIALLY CANADIAN —Paintings by Serge Dubé and Steve Tracy are the focus of the Artym Gallery’s next exhibit starting March 18th. Images submitted Dubé’s “ghost mountains” — the majestic, quiet sentinels of Western Canada. These paintings may be of a recognizable landmark, or a dramatic scene created by Serge in his studio. Either way, they evoke a powerful connection to the outdoors, and also a sense of romance. Serge’s new works will be accompanied by a video demonstrating his technique. The exhibition opens Saturday, March 18th and continues until Friday, March 24th. If you are unable to visit in person you can view the show online at www. artymgallery.com.
connect with us
DISTRICT OF INVERMERE
914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934
Request for Quotation 2017 ASPHALT PROGRAM The District is seeking quotes for its 2017 Asphalt Program. Specifically, the proposed program will include the following: • Paving of the Columbia Valley Community Facility parking lot and access road; • Asphalt overlay of Panorama Drive from Borden Street to the Toby Creek Bridge; • Intersection paving at 7th Avenue, 14th Street and 14A Crescent; and • Miscellaneous pathways in and around Pothole Park. The Request of Quotation must be presented or delivered to the District of Invermere clearly marked Request for Quotation: 2017 Asphalt Program. Completed quotations must be received no later than April 4, 2017 at 2 pm MT. Completed quotes must be received at: District of Invermere PO Box 339, 914 8th Avenue Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 All Inquiries related to this Request for Quotation shall be directed to: Chris Prosser, Chief Administrative Officer District of Invermere Phone 250-342-9281 e-mail cao@invermere.net
Serge Dubé & Steve Tracy Exhibition Opens Saturday March 18th 10 – 5:30 pm Show continues until March 24th View all works online at artymgallery.com downtown Invermere 250-342-7566 ~ info@artymgallery.com
Myth: Change your ads all the time. Readers get tired of the same thing. Reality: Develop a good campaign, or theme for your ads. Stick with that one campaign, and only make small changes of headlines or details. Call Dean or 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 Fax: 1-855-377-0312
www.columbiavalleypioneer.com • info@columbiavalleypioneer.com
16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
March 17, 2017
Lake Windermere Ambassadors launch video By Nikki Fredrikson Pioneer Staff As Canada Water Week approaches, the Lake Windermere Ambassadors have been planning an official release of their new video. The film is 3.5 minutes long and seeks to appeal to the connection between humans and the lake. As the Lake Windermere Ambassadors program coordinator, Megan Peloso sees the opportunity that visual technologies offer as a way to reach a broader audience; in turn, allowing for further literacy around the lake. “Water has a message on its own, and it is a great deal more resonating when an audience can actually see and hear water speak for itself; this video ambitiously seeks to portray the connection between human and watershed health and to inspire a renewed passion for stewardship in our community, which relies on it for exploration, adventure, spirituality, drinking, recreation, and play,” said Ms. Peloso. According to Ms. Peloso, the purpose of the film is to build on strong water stewardship ethic and inspire leadership in the general public by connecting water with a sense
of place and pride in the Columbia Valley. “It is meant to inspire audiences to view themselves as Ambassadors of the Lake Windermere watershed and to get involved in the lake they love. It features local and seasonal residents, representatives of local districts, First Nations,” said Ms. Peloso. For videographer Yana Kehrlein from Kimberley, getting to know Lake Windermere was important before they began filming the video. “When I started the project, something that we wanted to see and something we wanted to show was to make the lake a character,” said Mr. Kehrlein. “Character with its history, with its life, its texture, its sound, its visual. Filming it and talking about it with other people with the people involved and being on it, being next to it, spending time with it, definitely helped me learn more about it as a living thing.” The film will be shown at the Lake Windermere Ambassadors’ “Confluence” event being held on March 21st at Pynelogs. The evening event is set to host guest speaker Martin Carver, who is a Nelson-based water expert. “Martin Carver will be speaking about a new CBT
report that he put together, called Water Monitoring and Climate Change in the Upper Columbia Basin. It will be a chance to hear what the experts are saying about changes to water resources in our local area, and discuss what we can do to prepare and have a positive impact,” said Ms. Peloso. The Lake Windermere Ambassadors have a goal for the film after the official release — to see the film go viral on social media. “After we launch it at the confluence event, we want to see it go viral, if we can, on social media in B.C. and elsewhere because there are lots of visitors to Lake Windermere that aren’t from B.C. who will recognize the area featured on the film,” said Ms. Peloso. The Canada Water Week Confluence event and video are supported by Columbia Basin Trust, Real Estate Foundation of BC, District of Invermere, Regional District of East Kootenay, and Kicking Horse Coffee. Tickets are available for $10 at Circle Cafe or at the doors at Pynelogs Cultural Centre. Each ticket includes one free drink and doors for the event open at 5:30 p.m. with the evening activities starting at 6 p.m.
‘Green Shores’ program piloting on Lake Windermere By James Rose Special to The Pioneer The Stewardship Centre for BC, a provincial nonprofit that aims to strengthen ecological stewardship across the province, is rolling out a new program called Green Shores for Homes. The program, which focuses on helping communities take positive steps towards reducing the impact of residential development on shoreline ecosystems, will be implemented on Lake Windermere and pioneered for the first time in B.C.’s Interior. Green Shores for Homes is a two-year voluntary program that helps waterfront homeowners restore natural shorelines and enjoy the many recreational, scenic, environmental and shoreline-protection benefits they bring. The program applies to both new development, and renovations and modifications of existing structures, and to both whole-site development and riparian/shoreline development alone. “Green Shores for Homes is ultimately a community engagement tool meant to increase watershed literacy in our community,” said Megan Peloso of the Lake Windermere Ambassadors. “It (along with Canada Water Week) is about highlighting the connections between land-use management, water quality and public involvement in
lake stewardship, that all play a role in supporting the diversity of lake uses we enjoy and derive benefit from.” “For example, hard armouring of shorelines — adding riprap and bulkheads or sea walls — can alter the natural flow of water and sediment along shorelines that can lead to increased erosion in nearby areas and can lead to lessened access to the shore and lower habitat values for fish and wildlife,” said DG Blair, the executive director for the Stewardship Centre. “Green Shores encourages ‘shore friendly’ practices that address concerns like erosion and flooding while maintaining access and habitat values.” The majority of Lake Windermere’s foreshore is developed for railway and for housing. “From the lake, you can see there is a mix of shoreline landscaping, with many properties opting for concrete walls and grasses,” said Ms. Peloso, adding “the GSH program offers tools and incentives to incorporate natural shoreline features that improve the water’s edge experience by eliminating drop-offs and improving access, while securing against erosion and flooding, supporting high water quality and aquatic systems, and bringing in elements that add beauty, interest and aesthetics.” Ms. Peloso indicated the Lake Ambassadors will contribute to the project by being on the program’s local advisory committee and supporting the pilot field-based
training course to be held on Lake Windermere through promotion, workshop venues and other support as needed. Local governing bodies supporting the program include the District of Invermere, Columbia Basin Trust, and the Regional District of East Kootenay. “The support of local government aims to enhance the capacity of staff and elected officials who work with landowners and other stakeholders in shoreline planning and protection through the Green Shores program,” said Ms. Blair. “This work is especially important in light of climate change adaptation and the need to effectively implement strategies to integrate Green Shores with other key planning and community engagement processes.” Ms. Peloso thinks the Green Shores program fits well within the mandate for the Lake Windermere Ambassadors to work with local government and to inform the public of regulations and best practices. “It also has the potential to open doors to work with seasonal homeowners who are interested in this type of land-use stewardship program,” she said. According to Ms. Blair, the ideal outcome of the program would be an “increased restored habitat along the shores of Lake Windermere providing great benefits to both the property owner and fish and wildlife.” To get involved, visit www.greenshoresforhomes.org.
March 17, 2017
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17
Monitoring for Lake Health: a case study By Christine Mettler Canadian Freshwater Alliance Editor’s note: The water monitoring program for Lake Windermere recently caught the attention of the Canadian Freshwater Alliance, which published a blog about the program in February, based on an interview with Lake Windermere Ambassadors program co-ordinator Megan Peloso. Here are excerpts from that blog (reprinted with permission): The Town of Invermere sits nestled between the Purcell and Rocky Mountain ranges in southeast British Columbia. The town straddles Windermere Lake, a mountain lake in the headwaters of the Columbia River. The striking beauty and recreational opportunities offered by the Lake Winderemere region draws thousands to the area each summer. Although the official population of Inveremere and the surrounding area is around 5,000, the summertime population is exponentially larger. Given these population pressures, the community around Lake Windermere has had concerns about impacts of development and human activities on water quality, which is also a drinking water source for some residents. In 2005, Wildsight started the Lake Windermere Project to protect and enhance the quality of the lake by fostering cooperation, conducting scientific water quality monitoring, and undertaking public education and outreach. When the project ended, a group of community members banded together to carry on the work, forming the Lake Windermere Ambassadors (LWA) as a non-profit society. Over 11 years, the robust community-based watershed monitoring program has produced a wealth of data about the lake. How does the community-based program work? The program depends on one staff person (the Program Coordinator), a student intern who joins the team during the summer months, a team of volunteers including board members representing different community interests, and citizen scientists. The Program Coordinator works with the intern to train about 15 to 20 citizen scientists each year. Every Tuesday from June until mid-September, a staff member and one or more citizen scientists head out in a boat donated by the District of Invermere to take water samples at north, south and mid-points in the lake. They record indicators like air and water temperature, water depth, pH, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen. Results are posted on their Facebook page, and in a newspaper column called Pulse Check, published weekly in the Inveremere Valley Echo
newspaper. The monitoring team also sends water samples to a lab on a monthly basis in the summer time to check for nutrients like phosphorous and nitrogen. Additionally, LWA and citizen scientists do water flow and velocity monitoring at Windermere Creek — the largest tributary to Lake Windermere — once a month as partners in the Columbia Basin Water Quality Monitoring project. How do volunteers participate in the program? Of the 15 to 20 citizen scientists that participate in the program each year, most of them are new to communitybased watershed monitoring. “We try to actively recruit new people, but there are some people who love coming out for sampling, and want to make it part of their summer, so we would never turn them away,” Megan laughs.
Most volunteers get in touch with LWA because they hear about the project through word of mouth, or they read about it in The Echo’s weekly Pulse Check column. In addition to listing sampling results, the Pulse Check column does a weekly profile on each volunteer citizen scientist. The column includes a picture of the volunteer, and a quote about what they enjoyed or learned. “It’s a fun way to bring attention to the program,” Megan notes. What information has the program produced? With over a decade of good data, the monitoring program points to some trends. For example, temperature data suggest that the lake is tending toward warming earlier in the season, and that it typically isn’t frozen as much or as long as in years past. Freshet also seems to be taking place earlier, especially in the springs of 2014 and 2015. The depth of the lake tends to be lower earlier in the summer season than 10
years ago, and Megan has noticed that boaters seem to be removing their boats from the lake earlier as well. In 2014 to 2015, the same years when freshet happened earlier and more intensely than usual, LWA observed an upward trend in nutrients like phosphorous and nitrogen entering the lake. “We’re very sensitive to monitoring this,” Megan explains, “since it can be hard to reverse or restore a lake once it has become eutrophic” (i.e. oversupplied with nutrients). Historically, Lake Windermere is oligotrophic (i.e. low in productivity), so a large increase in nutrients could upset the balance. So, we’re monitoring this on a regular basis and encouraging industry and homeowners to adopt land use practices that minimize nutrient inputs into the lake,” she says. How is the data used? In addition to posting weekly sampling results on their Facebook page and in Pulse Check, LWA creates an annual report that summarizes the data and analyzes trends. The reports are publicly available on their website (www.lakeambassadors.ca/ stewardship/lake-monitoring-results/). LWA also sends the report to staff at local government offices and First Nations. Data collected from the monitoring program has been used by the B.C. Ministry of the Environment to help refine its water quality parameters for Lake Windermere. And local government used the information to inform the Lake Windermere Management Plan that was adopted by the Regional District of East Kootenay and District of Invermere in 2011. Data derived from the water quality monitoring program also informs LWA’s education and outreach program, which engages residents, tourists, and students throughout the year. What are the program’s biggest accomplishments? Because there is such high citizen engagement in LWA, Megan observes that LWA has a pretty positive reputation in Invermere, and the Columbia Valley. “We’re seen as representing the interests of the community,” she says. “It’s not a special interest group. It’s driven by a long list of people in the community, some of whom don’t always agree!” Despite the many different perspectives held by residents in the Lake Windermere area, LWA is helping to usher in a growing consensus that a healthy lake makes for a healthy and happy town. To read the original blog in its entirety, visit http://www. freshwateralliance.ca/monitoring_for_lake_health.
18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
March 17, 2017
Competitive gymnasts
DISTRICT OF INVERMERE
Local gymnasts from the Glacier Peaks Gymnastics Club competed at the Key City Gymnastics Competition in Cranbrook the weekend before last. There were 11 teams from across the Kootenays and southern Alberta. The Glacier Peaks (GP) athletes competed very well and won numerous awards. Clockwise from bottom left: GP athletes who competed in Junior Olympics Level 3; GP athletes who competed in Junior Olympics Level 1; Lauren Irwin on beam; Megan Bell competing on uneven bars; Maren Gillies on floor. Photos submitted
914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION For the Supply and Delivery of Banquet Tables and Chairs The District is seeking a firm to supply and deliver Banquet Tables and Chairs for the new Columbia Valley Community Centre. The new Columbia Valley Community Centre will require new tables, chairs, table truck/dolly, and stacking chair cart/dolly designed for 500 people. The Request of Quotation must be presented or delivered to the District of Invermere clearly marked Request for Quotation: Supply and Delivery of Banquet Tables and Chairs. Completed quotations must be received no later than March 23, 2017 at 2 pm MT. Completed quotes must be received at: District of Invermere PO Box 339, 914 8th Avenue Invermere, B.C . V0A 1K0 All Inquiries related to this Request for Quotation shall be directed to: Chris Prosser, Chief Administrative Officer District of Invermere Phone: 250-342-9281 e-mail cao@invermere.net
Home is where the heart is After placing third in the World Championships in Switzerland last month, Invermere-based pro ski racer Manny Osborne-Paradis returned to the Valley and held a Race Celebration at Panorama Mountain Resort last Sunday. The day’s activities began with the opportunity to meet Manny at the Summit for a group ski from top to bottom, followed by a meet and greet barbecue social on the Great Hall Patio where $1 of every barbecue purchase went towards the Panorama Foundation. Check next week’s Pioneer for an update on Manny’s recent races. Photo submitted
March 17, 2017
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19
. . . ‘Jumbo’ from page 3 (some of them coastal residents with second homes in the Kootenay region) gathered for a rally outside the provincial parliament on March 14th. Mr. Macdonald confirmed in a press release that Victoria may never have seen such a petition, saying he and Ms. Mungall “brought forward two large boxes of signatures to the provincial legislature, easily the largest petition I’ve seen during my time as MLA.” Ms. Duncan told The Pioneer that longstanding BC Liberal support for the project may no longer matter, and that with work on the project halted at the moment, the party may simply walk back from its position on the resort, especially with a provincial election looming in May. “I think we’re at a new point in the campaign. It’s not so much that I’m hopeful about the B.C. government, although there may soon be some big changes in the political arena in B.C., but I feel the tide is turning in Canada. I think there’s
a recognition that there’s a need for reconciliation, and a need for a new model for conservation that honours spiritual values as well as ecological values,” she said. “All signs point to the (Jumbo) project being dead in the water. What we want now is permanent protection to seal the deal.” “The fight to protect our remaining wild spaces and spiritual connection to the land has stirred global attention. The stacks of petition signatures from around the world, juxtaposed against familiar faces in the crowd at the Ktunaxa offices on Monday (March 14th), brought home to me the universal significance of the Jumbo Valley. The question now is whether the BC Liberal government will listen, respect and finally say no to this waste of taxpayers’ money,” said Wildsight Invermere branch president Baiba Morrow. A decision from the Supreme Court of Canada case is expected later this spring, sometime between April and June.
DISTRICT OF INVERMERE
914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION For the Supply and Install of an Operable Partition System The District is seeking a firm to supply and install an operable partition system in the new Columbia Valley Community Centre. INCLUDES: • Supply and install new operable partition system • Optional work includes acoustical sound enclosure above and around new wall and track system, including closures at each end as required to create acoustical rating specified. The Request of Quotation must be presented or delivered to the District of Invermere clearly marked Request for Quotation: Supply and Install Operable Partition System. Completed quotations must be received no later than March 23, 2017 at 2:00 pm MT. Completed quotes must be received at: District of Invermere PO Box 339, 914 8th Avenue Invermere, B.C . V0A 1K0 All Inquiries related to this Request for Quotation shall be directed to: Chris Prosser, Chief Administrative Officer District of Invermere Phone: 250-342-9281 e-mail cao@invermere.net
Scholarship established and made possible by the generous donations of family, friends, local governments and organizations. There will be $10,000 The family of Neil Muth available to support two to four and the Columbia Basin Trust applicants this year. are pleased to announce a new “This scholarship will be scholarship for people who have awarded to people who are detriumphed over adversity and termined to pursue their goals want to pursue post-secondary and have overcome or face adeducation. versity or barriers,” said Johnny The Neil Muth Memorial Strilaeff, Trust President and Scholarship honours Neil Muth, Neil Muth Chief Executive Officer. the Trust’s president and chief Anyone who has graduated or will be executive officer from 2005 through 2016, who passed away last November. Neil valued graduating from a secondary school, alternate and supported perseverance and continuous school or other institution that grants Ministry learning. He encouraged his children, staff and of Education-recognized graduation diplomas others to be curious, to seek their own path, in the Columbia Basin or Grand Forks is eligible to apply. Applicants must plan to enter or and to never give up. “We want to express our heartfelt thanks continue full-time studies at a Canadian recogto everyone who contributed to the scholar- nized post-secondary institution. For details on ship fund. Our goal is to honour Neil’s passion the scholarship eligibility and application profor life-long learning, and the generous dona- cess, visit www.ourtrust.org/scholarship. The tions made by everyone has made this a reality deadline for applications is April 20th, 2017. Donations to the scholarship fund are still — thank you,” said Cathy Muth, Neil’s wife. The scholarship is awarded by the Muth welcome and can be made to: CIBC account family, administered by Columbia Basin Trust 05070/45-51311 c/o Columbia Basin Trust. Submitted by Columbia Basin Trust
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20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
March 17, 2017
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PO Box 340, Radium Hot Springs, BC V0A 1M0 • Ph: 250-347-6455 • Fax: 250-347-9068 The Village is seeking a dynamic, self motivated individual with proven skills and experience to act as an Administrative Clerk (full-time). The successful candidate will excel at communication, and will be comfortable dealing with the public in a role that requires tact and diplomacy. Financial accounting and computer experience (emphasis on Microsoft Excel) is required, as well as the ability to work with confidential information while exercising considerable independence within established policies and procedures. A full job description is available upon request by emailing Karen.Sharp@radiumhotsprings.ca . Applications must be received at the Village office (paper, email or fax acceptable) no later than 4 p.m. Friday March 31st, 2017. If you thrive in a busy environment, are skilled at managing multiple priorities, while providing exceptional customer service – this may be the opportunity you have been waiting for! We thank all applicants in advance; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Regional District of East Kootenay EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Operator 1 (C/V) - Temporary
The Regional District of East Kootenay has an excellent opportunity for a qualified and motivated individual to work within the Engineering Services Department as an Operator 1 (Temporary) located out of the Columbia Valley Office commencing on or about May 1, 2017. This temporary employment term is expected to be up to one year to cover a Parental Leave. Working under the supervision of the Senior Operator, the Operator 1 (Temporary) performs duties primarily related to water and sewer systems; and may assist with maintenance of solid waste. Essential Qualifications: • Experience maintaining water and sewer systems, preferably in a local government setting. • Water Treatment 1 and Water Distribution 1 Certificates. • Wastewater Collection 1 and Wastewater Treatment 1 Certificates. • Chlorine Handling Certificate. • Valid British Columbia Driver’s Licence. • Thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance of water and sewer systems. • Excellent communication and organizational skills. • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, external agencies, other staff, and the public. This is a temporary, full-time (35 hours per week) Union position with a starting hourly rate of $26.18. Qualified individuals interested in this opportunity are invited to forward a resume including a cover letter, in confidence, prior to 4:30 pm, Thursday, March 23, 2017 to: Lori Engler, Human Resources Manager Email: hr@rdek.bc.ca [MS Word format or PDF] Please quote: Engineering-10 Information on our organization and a complete job description are available on the RDEK website (www.rdek.bc.ca/careers) We thank all who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. The RDEK is committed to reducing our environmental impact so will run this competition as a paperless process. Please submit your application via email.
19 - 24th Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8 Ph: 250-489-2791 • 888-478-7335 Fax: 250-489-1287 Email: info@rdek.bc.ca Website: www.rdek.bc.ca
Have something to say? Letters to the editor can be e-mailed to news@columbiavalleypioneer.com
Valley resident scores high at renowned cooking school By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff A valley resident with creative culinary flair recently made waves at one of the most prestigious cooking schools in the world, and is setting his sights high for his cooking career. Lucas Ruault spent last fall attending the Ballymaloe Cookery School, which is based on an organic farm near Shanagarry at the southern tip of Ireland. While honing his already considerable kitchen skills, he enjoyed 4 a.m. morning tromps to visit the cows and pick fresh garnishes — and scored some of the highest grades the school has ever given out. “It’s not a long course, but it was intensive. Essentially they squeezed everything you’d learn in a two-year course into a few months,” Mr. Ruault told The Pioneer. “It’s been ranked as the sixth best cookery school in the world and it really is of the utmost quality. You really get a solid theory of organic fundamentals; almost all the ingredients are from the farm or are locally sourced. The ratio of teachers to students is six-to-one, which is by far the best ratio at any high-end cooking school, and a lot of restaurants seek out Ballymaloe students.” Mr. Ruault is currently working at From Scratch in Fairmont Hot Springs, as he did before going to Ballymaloe. From Scratch owner Lara McCormack is a past Ballymaloe graduate, which helped Mr. Ruault get a foot in the door, but he said getting accepted to Ballymaloe was not as difficult as he had thought, mostly because the considerable cost deters many would-be students. “It’s expensive, but I really think it’s a bargain based on what you learn” he said, speaking with a distinct Irish lilt in his voice, showing that he picked up more than culinary knowledge at Ballymaloe. “It’s kind of embarrassing. People have commented on it,” he said of the accent. “I did chum a lot with the locals, so I probably got it that way.” After graduating from David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS) in 2014, Mr.
Ruault first went to art school in Calgary, but when he starting cooking for himself for the first time, he found a new passion. “My dorm room overlooked the Southern Alberta Institute of Training (SAIT) cooking class training room,” he said. “I ended up staying in my room all day, forgetting art school classes and cooking all day, getting further and further down the rabbit hole. And I haven’t looked back. I’m just really driven in terms of everything culinary. I actually wake up with new menu plans and thinking about how I can incorporate what’s in season.” His fellow Ballymaloe students would typically get up at 6:30 a.m., start classes shortly thereafter and continue until about 9 p.m., and then collapse into bed. Mr. Ruault, however, got into the habit of waking two and a half hours earlier, heading out to see the cows and plucking herbs to use as garnishes in the day’s dishes, “not because I wanted to get the highest marks, but because it was an opportunity that was available to me. It’s pure passion.” He said he is creative by nature, loves to serve and entertain, and is stubborn enough to love the challenge of cooking. “Everything in each dish has to be perfect, pretty, in season and have a purpose. It’s a borderline unhealthy obsession,” said Mr. Ruault, adding that, in terms of future plans, he has his eye on working at a Michelin star restaurant, likely in Germany, or the French Laundry — a Napa Valley restaurant in a converted stone farmhouse run by renowned chef Thomas Kelly and labelled by celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain as the “best restaurant in the world, period”. “Hopefully at some point in the future I’ll open my own restaurant,” he said. “Going to Ballymaloe has boosted my confidence and ambition. I’m excited to see what happens next.” Mr. Ruault will likely be working at From Scratch for the rest of this year, if not into early next, before heading off on the next step of his career — leaving valley residents some time to sample his work while they still can.
March 17, 2017
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21
Regional District of East Kootenay PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE - BYLAWS 2768 & 2769 Bylaw Amendment - Fairmont / Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Ltd.
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE - BYLAW 2774 Bylaw Amendment - Panorama / Panorama Mountain Resort
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an application by Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Ltd. to amend the Fairmont Hot Springs Area Official Community Plan and the Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw. If approved, the bylaws will amend the OCP and Zoning designations of the subject properties to accommodate a zipline facility. The subject properties are located at Fairmont Resort Road in Fairmont Hot Springs, as shown on the attached map.
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an application by Panorama Mountain Resort to amend the Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw. If approved, the bylaw will amend the zoning designation of the subject properties to bring into compliance a portion of the existing skiing facility and to permit an expansion of the skiing facility. The subject properties are located in the Panorama area, as shown on the attached map.
Bylaw No. 2768 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Fairmont Hot Springs Area Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1734, 2004 – Amendment Bylaw No. 29, 2017 (Fairmont Hot Springs / Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Ltd.)” will amend the designation of that part of Sublot 11, District Lot 4596, Kootenay District, Plan X32 except part included in Plan 4197 from RR, Rural Resource to RES-R, Resort Recreation.
Bylaw No. 2774 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 327, 2017 (Panorama / Panorama Mountain Resort)” will amend the designation of that part of District Lot 4596, Kootenay District, being unsurveyed Crown land and that part of District Lot 17108, Kootenay District except Block A from A-1, Rural Resource Zone and W-1, Watershed Protection Zone to RES-2, Resort Recreation Zone.
Bylaw No. 2769 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 326, 2017 (Fairmont Hot Springs / Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Ltd.)” will amend the designation of: Lot 2, District Lot 4596, Kootenay District, Plan 4197; that part of Sublot 11, District Lot 4596, Kootenay District, Plan X32 except part included in Plan 4197; that part of Sublot 38 District Lot 4596, Kootenay District, Plan X32 except part included in Plan 4197; and, that part of District Lot 4596, Kootenay District being unsurveyed Crown land from A-2, Rural Residential (Country) Zone and W-1, Watershed Protection Zone to RES-2, Resort Recreation Zone. A public hearing will be held at: Fairmont Hot Springs Resort (Birch Room) 5225 Fairmont Resort Road Fairmont Hot Springs, BC Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 4:00 pm The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F and Electoral Area G. If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaw, you may prior to the hearing: • inspect the Bylaw and supporting information at the RDEK office in Cranbrook from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays; • mail, fax or email written submissions to the addresses/numbers shown below; or • present written and/or verbal submissions at the hearing. SUBMISSIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce 651 Highway 93/95 Invermere, BC Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 7:00 pm The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F, Electoral Area G and the District of Invermere. If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaw, you may prior to the hearing: • inspect the Bylaw and supporting information at the RDEK office in Cranbrook from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays; • mail, fax or email written submissions to the addresses/numbers shown below; or • present written and/or verbal submissions at the hearing. SUBMISSIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING.
All submissions will form part of the public record and will be published in a meeting agenda posted online. Personal contact information such as phone and email will be removed from written submissions. Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335. This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw. For more information, contact Jean Terpsma, Planning Technician, at 250-489-0314, toll free at 1-888-478-7335, or email jterpsma@rdek.bc.ca.
A public hearing will be held at:
All submissions will form part of the public record and will be published in a meeting agenda posted online. Personal contact information such as phone and email will be removed from written submissions. Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335. This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw. For more information, contact Jean Terpsma, Planning Technician, at 250-489-0314, toll free at 1-888-478-7335, or email jterpsma@rdek.bc.ca.
IMPORTANT NOTICE Effective 11:00 pm Monday, March 27, 2017 a Boil Water Notice will be in effect for the Holland Creek Water System. The scheduled Boil Water Notice is being issued at the direction of Interior Health due to work being conducted by Corix Utilities on behalf of the Kinbasket Water System. The BOIL WATER NOTICE will be in effect from 11:00 pm Monday, March 27, 2017 until the required lab results are confirmed (expected to be March 29). Water intended for drinking, washing fruits or vegetables, making juice or ice, or brushing teeth should be boiled at a rolling boil for at least ONE MINUTE.
There will also be no water service between 11:00 pm March 27 and 5:30 am March 28 while the work is undertaken. We apologize for any inconvenience and will notify the community door to door, with posters at the Rec Centre, via our Holland Creek Email Group and on our website once the Boil Water Notice has been lifted. For More Information Contact: Norm Thies, RDEK Senior Operator (250) 342-0063
REGIONAL DISTRICT OF EAST KOOTENAY Phone: 250-489-2791 Toll Free: 1-888-478-7335 Email: info@rdek.bc.ca Website: www.rdek.bc.ca
22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
March 17, 2017
HERE TO SERVE YOU CARPET CLEANING
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Bus: 250-342-9692 Cell: 250-342-5241
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• Trusses • Engineered Floors • Wall Panels Tel: 250.341.6075 Fax: 250.341.3427 Email: info@duskbuildingsystems.com www.duskbuildingsystems.com
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March 17, 2017
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23
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INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.
BOX 2228 BOX 459 742 - 13th STREET 7553 MAIN STREET INVERMERE, BC. RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BC V0A 1K0 V0A 1M0 PHONE: 250-342-3031 PHONE: 250-347-9350 FAX: 250-342-6945 FAX: 250-347-6350 Email: info@invermereinsurance.com • Toll Free: 1-866-342-3031
• FURNACES • HEAT PUMPS • AIR CONDITIONING • FIREPLACES • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE 385 Laurier Street, Invermere, B.C.
Commercial – Residential Installation – Maintenance – Repairs
Phone: 250-342-7100 Email: info@diamondheatingandspas.com
www.diamondheatingandspas.com
Darren Ross Box 72, Canal Flats, B.C. V0B 1B0
Cell: 250-341-7727 • Fax: 1-778-523-2426 • poolman-911@hotmail.com
• • • •
Residential and Commercial installation of HVAC Commercial service of all walk-in coolers, freezers, beer coolers and ice machines Installation of walk-in coolers and freezers Servicing of all commercial line coolers and freezers
• • • •
Scott Wilisky
stwcarpentry@live.ca • 250-270-0745
Commercial service on Make up air systems, packaged heating and cooling units and kitchen exhaust systems Preventive maintenance service contracts Garage heater installations Installation of residential air conditioning
• •
Installation of Mitsubishi and Fijitsu ductless split heat pumps We can also do site visits to give estimates and project layouts
1-403-452-7076
24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
Your Local
March 17, 2017
COLUMBIA VALLEY REAL ESTATE
Professionals
Wende Brash Broker/Owner
ROCKIES WEST REALTY
INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED
492 Highway 93/95 Invermere, BC VOA 1K2
CELL: 250-342-5935 BUS: 250-342-5599 dk@rockieswest.com www.TeamRice.ca
RE/MAX Invermere
Glenn Pomeroy
MaxWell Realty Invermere 1214-7th Avenue, Invermere, B.C.
glennpomeroy@shaw.ca
Independently Owned and Operated
Cell: (250) 270-0666 Office: (250) 341-6044 Fax: 866-600-0673
1022B - 7th Avenue, Box 459 Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0 E-mail: wendebrash@telus.net Fax: 250-342-9611
Office: 250-342-6505 • Cell: 250-342-1300
HERE TO SERVE YOU SERVICES
SERVICES
THE VALLEY’S LARGEST WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM • Roller Shades • Roman Shades • Cellular Shades
• Pleated Shades • Horizontal Blinds • Shutters
• Vertical Blinds • Automation • Residential & Commercial
• Air Conditioning/Heat Pumps • Fireplaces • Full Heating and Ventilation Systems Call for your FREE consultation and estimate
Come visit our showroom,
492 ARROW RD., UNIT 1B 250-342-HOME (4663)
WETT Certified
Sales ~ Service ~ Installation
Kitchen cabinet & counter top SpecialiStS
Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700
Westridge Cabinets Dealer ~ Granite and Quartz Counter Tops
UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS
Come visit our showroom,
unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca
492 arrow rd., unit 1b 250-342-hoMe (4663)
Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
UPHOLSTERY
BOUTIQUE VACATION HOME MANAGEMENT RENTAL SERVICES
Scott Postlethwaite
Free Estimates
“Proven and successful Management and Marketing Services for your Vacation Home” “Trip Advisor Vacation Rental of the Year 2011, 2012 and 2013”
Call or visit online
PH: 1-888-711-ESCAPE (3722) • WEB: www.cobblestonecreek.ca
250.439.8074
goldenupholstery1960@gmail.com
Box 53, Brisco, B.C. V0A 1B0
Residential, Commercial Electric Furnace and Hot Water Tank Repair and Service For All Your Electrical Needs invermereelectric@gmail.com
1710 10 Avenue – Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 th
Pioneer Classified Advertising 250-341-6299
www.columbiavalleypioneer.com Phone: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 1-855-377-0312 • Email: ads@columbiavalleypioneer.com
N E W S PA P E R
March 17, 2017
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25
Pioneer Classifieds
• • • •
ANNOUNCEMENT
ANNOUNCEMENT
cheers & jeers
We invite you to attend a series of Gospel Services in the Chamber of Commerce. 651 Hwy 93 & 95, Invermere, Sundays 2:30 p.m. Everyone Welcome. J. McFadden, P. Dicaire.
AL-ANON
Alcoholics Anonymous. If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. All meetings are at 8 p.m. For more information, please call 250-342-2424. Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at the BC Service Building, South End – 624 4th St., Invermere. Radium Friendship Group: Friday at the Catholic Church, East Side of Main St. With the exception of Tuesday, all meetings are open.
celebration of life
Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us. Al-Anon meets EVERY Monday in Invermere at 7:15 p.m., at the Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church, 712 – 12th Ave (behind the Invermere hospital). For information, please call 250342-8255.
garage sale Early Bird Garage Sale:
Friday March 17th, 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday March 18th, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 5032 Mountainview Place, Fairmont Hot Springs.
s In Memoriam s
Please join us for tea on March 18th, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Windermere Community Hall to celebrate the life of
Hilda Byman
cheers & jeers Jeers to the “thrift store troll” (and not the cute kind from the movie) who feels it is ok to buy things such as a child’s cars table just to turn around and sell it for more online. Our son gave up his cars table because he wanted to see a less fortunate family receive it and instead you bought it and are selling it for a cost that a less fortunate family may not afford. It saddens me that you feel it is ok to do something like that when a less fortunate family may have been ecstatic to receive such a special toy. We will continue to teach our children about generosity even if people like you feel the need to take away from the experience of giving.
s In Memoriam s
Phone: 250-341-6299 Fax: 1-855-377-1312 Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com
cheers & jeers
Cheers to Dahlia and Caleb for up JEERS to me for being a distracted righting our garbage can on your driver on Sat. Thank God the other way to school. Such kind and drivers were paying attention. So amazing kids to have in our Sorry! What a bonehead move neighborhood! CHEERS & learned JEERSmy lesson in an instant. Sponsored by
Cheers to Peter, 11th Ave. loves you! Jeers to the local BC Liberal Candidate, this candidate apparently thinks it’s okay to spend “constituency association” money on feeding the Elk, so he can later hunt them in the fall and fill his freezer. If he wants to feed the Elk he should use money from his own pocket!
Cheers to the RCMP Officer at the check stop around midnight on March 10th. I’m ‘the Mom’ who gave the bad advice.... you are amazing. You changed so many things for the good by how you handled what could have been a disastrous situation for my relationship with my amazing son. I will never forget your kindness!
s obituary s Elmer H Spiry August 1st, 1933 – March 2nd, 2017
Marion Mae Irvine 87 wonderful years
We remember with love the life of our dear mother/grama who passed away peacefully in Invermere, B.C. with family by her side on Friday, February 24th, 2017. Dr. Johnson, Dr. Fleet, hospital staff, home care and ambulance services… we can’t thank you enough for your kindness and compassion during these last few difficult months. Our family have so many wonderful memories at our cabin in Windermere since 1963. Mom is survived by her children Jim Irvine (Karen), Joanne Irvine (Vernon), Judy Gibbs (Nick) Jeff Irvine and grandchildren Stephanie (Nelson), Kate, Natalie, Janelle (Austin), Andrew and Ted. Mom will also be missed by her furry companions, Sophie and Annie. We will remember mom/grama fondly as a sweet soul, a true friend and her lifelong devotion to the love of her life, our amazing Dad, Don who passed away June 16th, 2014.
We will miss you both so very much. You are always and forever in our hearts.
In memory of
Deon Shane Wheeler They say memories are golden Well maybe that’s true, But we never wanted memories, We only wanted you. You never said “good-bye” to us. Perhaps it’s just as well. We never could have said goodbye, To the one we loved so well. They say that time heals all, We know that is not so, Because it hurts as much today as it did a year ago. Lovingly remembered by Dad; Grandma W; Aunts, Sandra and Linda; Uncles David and Gerald; Cousins, Michael, Brandi, Michelle, Shaylynn and Hurley.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our favourite cowboy, Elmer Spiry. Elmer had been a resident of Columbia House for the past 10 years where he received excellent care from the assisted living nurses, nurses and staff. He is survived by three sons; Mike, Don and Alan and one daughter Kathy. He will be missed by many family members and friends. Special thanks to Helen Wynder, Darla Spiry and Vivian Bond who ensured he was well cared for since the death of long-time companion, Wanda Wynder. A service for Elmer will be held at a later date.
May he rest in peace.
26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
March 17, 2017
cheers & jeers
storage
suite for rent
misc. for sale
help wanted
Cheers to Pip’s Store, Mountainside Market, The Lost Bell Singers, Donators, Bakers, Helpers and last but not least all who attended the Edgewater-Radium Health Care Auxiliary’s St. Patrick’s Day Tea. You all made it a huge success.
NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE Various sizes available. Now with climate-controlled units. Call 250-342-3637.
Windermere 4-plex: Bright recently renovated 2-bdrm suite, April 1st. Pet friendly, all appliances. Large yard, 2-blocks from beach. Call/text 250-409-7435 or email shellimilley@gmail.com.
Exercise Bike, $50. Total Gym, $100 O.B.O. Weight Bench with 150 lbs., $100. Brand New Truck Ramps, $60, O.B.O. Call 250-688-1544.
JOIN OUR WINNING TEAM!
condo for rent
Support Rockies Hockey firewood. Larch, fir, pine and poplar split and delivered. Call 250-342-6908.
Jeers to the Columbia Revelstoke Liberal Candidate. As a longtime Liberal supporter, I was furious that Liberal money was being spent on the Candidate’s personal interests. Liberal supporters donate cash and time to get their candidate elected in hopes that they will win and represent them in Victoria, a feat that eluded this candidate in the last Provincial Election. Cheers to AG Valley Foods for their support in providing space for local fundraising drives. Our table in support of the BC Kidney Foundation raised greatly needed funds for research and related clinical education, services for individuals living with kidney disease and promoting organ donation. Also Cheers to all donors no matter how big or small the amount. Cheers to coworkers with incredible computer skills. Jeers to the BC Liberal Candidate. Evidently the local Liberals have so much money that they can afford to give it away to a Special Interest Group. When I made my donation to the Liberal Party, I thought it was to get the local candidate elected. If this is a sneak peek of how he would spend the public’s money you can count me out. I encourage other Liberal supporters to send their hard earned cash to a charity that will use the money for what it was intended. Cheers to the person who picked up my hand snow blower on 13th Ave. at J.A. Laird. Good things will come to you. Cheers to Brandon at Fairmont Jewelers. You are a super Goldsmith and I love my newly designed ring. Jeers to the Liberal candidate for the ridiculous amount spent on feeding wild ungulates. Whatever happened to the laws of nature and natural selection?
STORAGE SPACE – assorted sizes, easy access, immediate availability, long-term or short-term. Deck Properties Warehouse, Industrial Park: 250-342-3166. For Rent: Storage space. Sizes vary, 218 - 7th Ave. Inquire at 250-3425797.
commercial space
For rent in Radium, 2-bdrm, 4 bath, ground level condo. Beautiful views, backs on to The Springs golf course. All appliances, fireplace, fully furnished. 2 car garage. N/S, N/P, references please. $1650/mo, call 250-342-3790.
Akiskinook Resort:
NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE 24 x 36 shop power included, propane heat at tenant’s expense, $650/mo first and last D.D. required. Contact Newhouse Multi Storage 250-342-3637.
Ground level larger end unit, 1-bdrm fully furnished condo, newly renovated, indoor pool, hot tub. $775/mo includes cable. Call 403-281-3991 or email myronk@ telus.net.
1490 sq. ft. of shop/retail space in Athalmer, 2 large overhead doors!, $1272/mo, all utilities included. Newhouse Multi Storage, 250-3423637, newmulti@telus.net.
0.42 acre undeveloped treed lot on Nelles Crescent, Windermere. 403616-9659.
For lease: 2,000 sq.ft. office and warehouse space. Located at #5 108 Industrial Road #2. Phone Leo at 250-342-1177. For Lease: Upper unit, 218 - 7th Ave. 1629 sq. ft. commercial/office space. Inquire at 250-342-5797.
lot/acreage for sale
house for sale House For Sale in Radium: Clean, Well Maintained, 4-bdrm, 2100 sq. ft., 2.5 bathrooms. See Kijiji AD ID#1242469022. 250-347-9978. $337,900.
business for sale
FOR RENT: 700 sq. ft., $400/mo + GST, Utilities, D.D. Unit behind Dry Cleaners. FOR RENT: 990 sq. ft. - Reception area + three offices. $600/mo + GST, utilities, D.D. By Back Door Wine Cellar, the blue canopy. Call 250-342-6790 for both. Available immediately.
The Spilli Bean coffee shop is surrounded by stunning views & relaxing atmosphere. Located in the Old Forestry Building in Spillimacheen. For more information Contact Sharon 250346-3058.
For Lease: Rare space in Park Side Place. Desirable Main St. frontage, great location, approximately 1000 sq. ft. Available May 1st. Call 250688-0271.
Beautiful Gift and Souvenir business for sale located on Main Street in Radium Hot Springs. For more information contact Angie 778-527-0027 or 250-341-2013.
suite for rent
wanted
Radium: Motel Bavaria, low low rates, daily, weekly, monthly. Kitchenettes available. Call 250347-9915.
Looking to buy used BABY CRIB. Please provide photo and the price you are asking to my email address; mrselle@shaw.ca.
firewood
vehicles for sale 2008 Buick Allure CXL, heated leather, sunroof, 143000 kms, extra tires and rims, $6700, Jay 250-3418105.
services Heaven’s Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Environmentally friendly products. Dry in 1 hour! Call 250-688-0213 or visit www.heavensbest.ca. Shannon’s Blinds & Designs Thank you for your votes - Best of Business Awards! We are grateful and appreciative of your support and loyalty. “Blinds, Drapery, retractable screen doors and more.” 250-342-5749.
lessons/training INTRODUCTION TO PAINTING LIKE A PRO, weekend workshop. Seven rules of dominance and color theory. Call Patrick 403-5198268 for more information. Free introduction night Fri. Mar. 24th, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Art classes, PAINT LIKE A PRO. Private and group. All ages, all levels. A color theory and composition. Call Patrick at 403519-8268.
help wanted Looking for P/T, F/T baristas, cooks, front counter attendants at Gerry’s Gelati, Invermere starting March 13th. Year round and seasonal opportunities. Fast pace environment, fun atmosphere to work in, free meals and coffee! Wage dependant on experience. $11 - $16/hour + gratuity. Submit resume to crystal@box100.com.
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is accepting applications for the position of:
RETAIL STORE ASSOCIATE We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to work in our Poolside Shop! You’ll be doing things such as assisting the manager in achieving retail goals; receiving, quality checking & pricing goods; identifying invoicing errors; doing daily cash deposits, opening/closing the store and much more. If you have strong interpersonal skills, are customer oriented, open-minded and a team player—send us your resume today. Interested candidates can contact David Sheedy by sending a resumé to hr@fhsr.com, or faxing resumé to 250.345.6515
Didja know? Staff & their families receive discounts on meals, equipment, clothing & more from
25-40% off
FairmontHotSprings.com 1.800.663.4979
March 17, 2017
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27
S C H O O L DI S T R IC T NO. 6 (ROC KY M OUNTAIN)
NOON HOUR SUPERVISOR PART-TIME (4 HRS/WK) School District No.6 (Rocky Mountain), Eileen Madson Primary School, is now accepting applications for a permanent, part-time (4 hrs/wk) Noon Hour Supervisor position, effective April 10, 2017. This is student supervisory work performed under the direction of a School Administrator or designate during lunch time. Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent, experience in working with youth is desirable. Rate of pay: As per Collective Agreement 440, $18.60/hour. If you are interested in this position, please submit a resume by 4pm on Friday, March 31, 2017 to: Meghan O’Neill Human Resources Coordinator School District No.6 (Rocky Mountain) P.O. Box 430, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Phone: (250) 342-9243 e-mail: hr@sd6.bc.ca
Are you a team player and enjoy working with the public? We have two unique
911611 BC Ltd. O/A Tim Hortons 496 Highway 93/95, Invermere BC, V0A 1K2
Food Counter Attendant Full-time/Shift Work
Afternoon/Evening Shift, Weekends and Weekdays. $11.50/hour + medical/dental/group benefits
Apply via email: timhortons.invermere@gmail.com
GOLF GROUP
BC’s #1 Golf Destination
True Key Hotels & Resorts Ltd at Bighorn Meadows Resort in Radium is currently seeking the following full-time seasonal positions:
NOW HIRING FOR THE 2017 SEASON
Outside Guest Services Attendants Course Ambassadors Restaurant Servers Restaurant Supervisors
Beverage Cart Servers Halfway House Servers Grounds Maintenance Sous Chef/Cooks Golf Shop Attendants
• House Person • Room Attendant • Housekeeping Supervisor • Maintenance • Guest Services
Please submit your resume to: employment@radiumgolf.ca
For more details on these positions, visit our website at www.truekey.ca or forward your resume to hr@truekey.ca
Radium Hot Springs, B.C. • 1.800.667.6444 • 250.347.9311
Benefits include complimentary access to both golf coures, 50% off meals, and retail discounts. Limited onsite staff accommodation is available.
RadiumGolf.ca
JOIN OUR WINNING TEAM! If you are an enthusiastic & hard working individual looking for an organization which focuses on energizing & engaging its employees, send us your resume today! COOKS | SOUS CHEF | RV RESORT ATTENDANTS | GOLF GUEST SERVICES FRONT DESK ATTENDANTS | SERVERS | BARISTAS | & MORE AMAZING POSITIONS! We offer a competitive salary & benefits package with access to all Resort amenities, including golf, hot springs & skiing. Please send your resume to David Sheedy at hr@fhsr.com or fax to 250.345.6616.
FairmontHotSprings.com 250.345.6070
employment opportunities available. The candidate will need to operate around a flexible schedule, have reliable transportation and be comfortable dealing with the public. We’re looking for people with the right attitude and work ethic. We offer an excellent wage with bonus structure based on experience. Potential for management opportunities. Rental accommodations available in Fairmont.
Contact Vernon or John, 250-345-6233 or email fairmontpizza@hotmail.com
JOIN OUR WINNING TEAM!
Successful applicant will be subject to a criminal record search.
FULL-TIME SEASONAL POSITIONS
full-time and year-round
time Didja know? We hire fulldule to & part-time. We’ll make a sche accomodate you!
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is accepting applications for the position of:
GROUP SALES COORDINATOR Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is looking for an enthusiastic and friendly individual with strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Duties include managing group accounts, with a focus on weddings, from initial contact to developing quotes, contracts and obtaining payments. This position will be responsible for communicating event details with various resort departments, conducting venue inspections and site tours, and overseeing the execution of group functions. This position reports directly to the Group Sales Supervisor to drive group sales, generate new group business, and successfully execute group functions at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. The successful candidate will have the following qualifications: • A professional and positive attitude • Strong time management skills • Attention to detail with the ability to work without supervision • Ability to take charge, “think on your feet” and solve problems in high pressure situations • Experience working within a team environment • Strong communication and interpersonal skills • Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel & Outlook • Confidence in generating new group business by contacting external clients • Group sales experience is an asset • Available to work evenings & weekends as required • Valid driver’s license Fairmont Hot Springs Resort offers a competitive salary & benefits package with access to all Resort amenities. Please send your resume to David Sheedy at hr@fhsr.com or fax to 250.345.6616.
Didja know? After 6 months, you & your family can have health coverage and we pay the
premiums.
FairmontHotSprings.com 1.800.663.4979
28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
March 17, 2017
help wanted
help wanted
help wanted
Helna’s Stube is looking for P/T dishwasher and kitchen help. Email resume to mail@helnas.com or call 250-341-5546.
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.
Borrego Signs & CNC is hiring!
Radium Subway is seeking F/T or P/T positions. Drop off resumes at the Radium Subway. Fields is looking for P/T help, have to be able to work days, nights and weekends please bring your resume in and drop it off with management. P/T, F/T positions at Leo Burrito/ Gerry’s Gelati in Radium starting April 15th. Wage dependant on experience. $12 to $18/hour + gratuity. Looking for cooks and front counter attendants. Year round and seasonal opportunities. Fast pace environment with many perks including free meals, coffee and mini-golf! Submit resume to info@leoburrito.com.
Invermere Petro-Can is currently accepting resumes for F/T and P/T employment. Apply in person to 185 Laurier Street, Invermere between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
We design/assemble/manufacture signs, stickers, beer taps. We are searching for someone who can: - Work independently - Use small and large hand tools - Lift heavy goods - Take instruction - Work well with their hands Assets: - Knowledge of wood / woodworking - General computer knowledge Wages dependent on experience. Please send resume c/o Karen to: accounting@borregosigns.com.
Black Forest Restaurant is looking for a full time Server. Previous experience required in a busy, upscale restaurant. Email, call or drop off resume. 250-342-9417, careers@blackforestrestaurant. com.
Passion or interest for Beer, Wine and Spirits?
is accepting resumes.
In front of Canadian Tire
We are looking for great people to join our team. Supervisory and Sales Associate positions available. We are looking for people who will: • Maintain a high level of customer service • Maintain a high level of product and service knowledge • Generate sales • Participate in merchandising and promotional activities • Ensure accuracy in all transactions, inventory, and procedures • Participate in all manners of store maintenance
• Stock shelves with product • Work in partnership with Store Managers and other employees to maximize store sales and in-store presence • Maintain a professional appearance, demeanor, and attitude at all times • Rate established based on position and experience
Experience in retail and/or hospitality would be an asset but not necessary. We offer professional and personal growth through educational opportunities. If you are interested in working in a fun productive environment submit resume to: Jennifer McLennan invermereliquorstore@gmail.com or hand deliver to Invermere Liquor Store, Attn: Jennifer McLennan
Let us hammer out the details
N E W S PA P E R
For all your advertising needs, call 250-341-6299
. . . ‘B.C.’ from page 3 Premier Clark announced a $40 million investment in broadband access to rural communities so rural areas have equal access to jobs in the tech business. “We know that tech is a lifestyle-driven business; people come in the tech industry when they can have great skiing opportunities and fishing opportunities and they can live somewhere they love,” said Premier Clark. “The only thing that limits people in being able to do that anywhere in the province is broadband internet access.” Another announcement Premier Clark made is a billion dollar investment in lowering taxes with the government committing to cut MSP (medical services plan) premiums by 50 per cent for almost all households. Two million households don’t pay MSP now; another two million British Columbians will only pay half MSP. For the remaining 800,000 in the province, the government’s intent is to eliminate MSP all together in the next term, she explained. “We don’t want to get rid of MSP by raising your taxes. On the other side, we want to make sure this tax cut we deliver is a genuine reduction in the overall amount that comes out of people’s pockets,” said Premier Clark. Premier Clark and BC Liberal candidate for the Columbia River-Revelstoke riding Doug Clovechok spoke to The Pioneer after the presentation regarding rising BC Hydro rates and the potential of a cost increase in propane for Columbia Valley residents. Regarding hydro rates, the Premier stated the government has made requests with the British Columbia Utilities Commission and is hoping for a positive deci. . . ‘Relocation’ from page 5 “We’re hesitant to call the study a success at this point. Capture and moving went well. Koocanusa, however, is a major release site and deer released there went on to recreate problems in other towns. So it becomes an issue of where else do we release the deer?” said Mr. Adams. “We have to release them on winter range, and in this area that means on the Rocky Mountain Trench bottom. But that’s exactly where we humans tend to build our homes. There are limited release sites. The other issue is the lower survival rate for the translocated deer. Are people willing to accept that? Maybe some will say no, but
sion that will change pricing. “I think it would be the fair thing to do for rate payers,” she said. “The current system of BC Hydro works for the vast majority of the province. I don’t think it works here, because of the issue with respect to access to natural gas,” Premier Clark continued. “We’re hoping this decision will come down soon and we’re hoping it will be positive. If it’s not positive, we’re going to have to reassess and we’re going to have to re-think another plan.” Regarding propane prices, Mr. Clovechok said residents have got to take the initiative and say, “no, that’s not good enough” when it comes to pricing. “I’m one of those propane users and you just have to really, really negotiate your rates with these companies… I use LoCost so there is a third one (in addition to Superior Propane that is proposing to purchase CanWest). I negotiate my rate with them every year. It’s something we’ve really got to stress to people, negotiate,” said Mr. Clovechok. The premier was unable to comment on Jumbo Glacier Resort as it is currently in court proceedings, but she spoke to the importance of creating tourism opportunities. “Let’s think about all the other tourism projects we can get working on, identify them, bring the community together behind them, find a way to find them and build them, I think that’s where we need to go,” said Premier Clark. Also, at the Chamber of Commerce event, Premier Christy Clark and MLA Bill Bennett jointly announced $1 million of funding for the Westside Legacy Trail on behalf of BikeBC (see page 10 for the Greenways statement). maybe some will say it’s better than culling them. Unfortunately, there’s no definitive answer, no easy ‘yes translocation works, let’s do it.’ But we do want to continue to collect more data.” “It would seem that translocation is like all the other deer management tools — it’s not perfect. There is no one solution that will make everybody happy and is cost-effective,” Invermere mayor Gerry Taft told The Pioneer. “I’m open to further translocation study. It’s worth continuing.” The study will be translocating 15 to 20 more deer in the coming weeks, but these deer will only be moved from Cranbrook and Kimberley, not Invermere, mostly for logistical reasons.
March 17, 2017
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29
Learn to be a leader eadership
on-the-go Submitted by Elizabeth Shopland
Greetings and welcome to this new column! Leadership, both in our personal lives and in our work, is never still. It is a dynamic, powerful and ever-changing practice. Now, more than ever, we have up to five generations represented in our workforce, associations and foundations, and on our committees. Your leadership may already be great, and there may be room for it to get even better. Over the past 20-plus years, I have focused my professional development on leadership. For 14 years, I have owned and operated a business in the Columbia Valley, instructed at the College of the Rockies since 2003, and I spent the first 15 years of my career in management positions for non-profit and for-profit companies. I have invested in, studied with, been mentored
and coached by some of the top leaders in North America. Currently, I am working with Convergency Systems and delivering the Living As A Leader Leadership Development System across North America. As a certified Professional Coach and Leadership Facilitator, I am very honored and excited to be a contributor to this newspaper. The “Leadership on the Go!” column will provide insights, skills, tips and thought-provoking questions on the topic of growing your leadership. Leadership is a balance of accountability (results or outcomes) with inspiration (bring out the best and care for your team). Many leaders may be so focused on accountability that they lack connection with their team. Other leaders may have the inspiration skill set and avoid holding their employees accountable. The research shows that the more balanced leaders are with accountability and inspiration, the higher the levels of productivity and overall employee engagement. These skills become even more important when leading across the generations that are represented on your teams. Continued on next page . . .
20 YEARS = 20% OFF!
LETHAL DRUGS ARE out there
Find out how you can save a life. Every day, people are losing their lives to overdoses in BC. These deaths are preventable. Many illegal drugs, including party drugs, have been found to contain deadly fentanyl. And even more toxic carfentanil is now being detected in BC. Not using drugs is the best defence — using alone is the greatest risk. If you use drugs or know someone who does, help is available. Learn about treatment, and where to find naloxone and overdose prevention sites in your area by calling 8-1-1 or visiting www.gov.bc.ca/overdose. Your knowledge, compassion and action can save a life.
Have you ever been to Paradise? Now’s your chance! Come celebrate our 20th Anniversary with a 20% locals discount on all Paradise Basin Tours Proof of residency required. Valid until the end of the 2017 Snowmobile Season.
Call to reserve, 250-342-5047 info@tobycreekadventures.com
Learn more at gov.bc.ca/overdose
Carry a Naloxone Kit
Call 9-1-1
#stopoverdose
30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer . . . ‘Learn’ from previous page In this column, I will condense the information I’ve learned and collected over the past two decades and I’ll provide you with simple yet effective ways to expand your leadership to be more current in today’s marketplace. Your business financial success, brand loyalty, employee retention, customer satisfaction ratings, productivity and communication at all levels (to name a few) are all — to some degree — a mirror of where you and your team are on the topic of leadership. I look forward to serving and supporting you. Elizabeth M. Shopland is the owner of Nature Inspired Living Co., and a Certified Leadership Facilitator and Coach. Visit her website at www.natureinspiredlivingco. com.
March 17, 2017
Be a citizen scientist, keep an eye on bats By Leigh Anne Isaac Kootenay Community Bat Project Fortunately for the bats of B.C., it has been a quiet winter. The Kootenay Community Bat Project (KCBP), in collaboration with the Province of B.C., is on the lookout for signs of White-Nose Syndrome (WNS). WNS is a fungal disease harmless to humans, but responsible for the deaths of millions of insect-eating bats in eastern North America. WNS was first detected in Washington State in March 2016. To monitor the spread of this disease, Community Bat Program co-ordinators have been collecting reports of unusual winter bat activity across southern B.C. and ensuring that dead bats are sent to the Canadian Wildlife Health Centre lab for disease testing. To date, no WNS has been reported in the province. But spring conditions mean increased bat activity — and an increased chance of detecting the disease. As bats begin to leave hibernacula and return to their summering grounds, our chances of seeing live or dead bats increases, and the KCBP is continuing to
HELP BATS — A little brown bat with fungal growth, associated with White-Nose Syndrome, on its muzzle. Photo by Larisa Bishop-Boros ask for assistance. “We are asking the public to report dead bats or any sightings of daytime bat activity to their local Community Bat Project (CBP) as soon as possible (contact 1-855-922-2287 ext. 14 or kootenay@bcbats.ca),” said Mandy Kellner, co-ordinator of the BC Community Bat Program. Reports of unusual bat activity will help focus research, monitoring and protection efforts.
Never touch a bat with your bare hands as bats can carry rabies, a deadly disease. Please note that if you or your pet has been in direct contact with a bat, immediately contact your physician and/or local public health authority or consult with your private veterinarian. Currently there are no treatments for White Nose Syndrome. However, mitigating other threats to bat populations and preserving and restoring bat habitat may provide bat populations with the resilience to rebound. This is where the KCBP and the general public can help. Funded by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, the Province of BC, and the Habitat Stewardship Program, with regional support from the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund and the Columbia Basin Trust, the KCBP works with the government and others on public outreach activities, public reports of roosting bats in buildings, and our citizen-science bat monitoring program. To contact the BC Community Bat Program, see www.bcbats.ca, email info@bcbats. ca or call 1-855-922-2287. Leigh Anne Isaac is the Coordinating Biologist for the Kootenay Community Bat Project. Email kootenay@bcbats.ca.
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March 17, 2017
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31
FAITH
Spring, new beginnings By Pastor Wayne Frater Radium Christian Fellowship Church On Sunday, Linda and I went for a walk. It was a beautiful day, I counted 30 swans as well as numerous other birds in the wetlands; and as I write this a south wind is blowing, it is 6 C, the snow and ice is melting, winter is finally over. In John chapters 13 to 17, at the last supper Jesus is preparing His followers for His death and resurrection. At Easter, just a month away, we are reminded that Jesus defeated death, took our sins and makes a way for eternal salvation, and so much more. In John 16:33 NKJV, He tells us: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” And in Psalms 103:1-5…
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” And 116:1-2… “I love the Lord, because He has heard My voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.” Spring truly is a time of new beginnings, a time of freshness, a time to celebrate new life, a time to stop, look around, and decide were we are going in life. For me, the choice is clear; Jesus did it all, and I know that no matter what this year brings, what the world throws at me, with Jesus I can have peace, and I can be of good cheer. Why? Because I know the rest of the story, Jesus spells it out in John 14:6. Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
Lions lend a hand Submitted by Claude Oram Lake Windermere District Lions Club The Invermere Juvenile Girls curling team, representing East and West Kootenays, have advanced to the Curl BC Juveniles U18 provincial playdowns in Nanaimo March 16th to 19th. The Lake Windermere District Lions are seen presenting a donation of $1,000 to assist with their travel. Pictured are (left to right) Claude Oram, LWD Lions; Holly Jones, coach; Kaitlyn Hessel, skip; Alexa Von Niessen, 3rd; Anna Stevens, 5th; and Raylene Oram, LWD Lions president. Missing are 2nd Lily Flamand, lead Abigail Wells and coach Patricia Phillips. The Invermere Boys Juvenile curling team have again won the Kootenay Region playdowns and are heading to the U18 B.C. Championships in Nanaimo March 16th to 19th. The Lake Windermere District Lions are pleased to present them a $1,000 donation to assist with their travel. Pictured are (left to right) Raylene Oram, LWD Lions; Joe Evanoff, coach; Tyler Powel, 3rd; Jordan Geiger, 2nd; Claude Oram, LWD Lions president. Missing are the skip, Matt Schieman from Vernon, and lead, Jacob Umbach from Vancouver.
LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Sunday, March 19th 10:30 a.m. Worship and Life Instruction, “Practical Faith – Warning To The Rich” … Pastor Trevor Hagan ministering. “K.I.D.S.” Church, for children Age 3 to Grade 1; and Grades 2-7, during the Morning Service. Lead Pastor Trevor Hagan • Associate Pastor Matt Moore 326 - 10th Ave, Invermere • 250-342-9535 Windermere Valley Shared Ministry ANGLICAN-UNITED Worship every Sunday, 10:30 a.m. Children & Youth Sunday School at 10:30 a.m. Christ Church Trinity, Invermere 1st and 3rd Sunday, March - Dec. 9 a.m.: All Saint’s, Edgewater 2nd Sunday, 7 p.m.: June - October at St. Peter’s Windermere Reverend Laura Hermakin 110 - 7th Ave., Invermere • 250-342-6644 • www.wvsm.ca Valley Christian Assembly Sunday 10 a.m.: Worship Services. Pastor Murray Wittke 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com Roman Catholic Church Saturday, 4:30 p.m.: at St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats. Saturday, 5 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m.: at Canadian Martyrs’ Church in Invermere. Sunday, 11 a.m.: at St. Joseph’s Church in Radium. Father Gabriel 712 -12th Ave., Invermere • 250-342-6167 ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN MISSION OF INVERMERE Worship services every Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Christ Church Trinity, 110 - 7th Ave., Invermere Pastor Rev. David Morton • 250-417-5017 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 Rick Daniels • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs • 250-421-3756
You can remember someone special with your gift to the Canadian Cancer Society To donate In Memory or In Honour: www.cancer.ca | 250-426-8916 or call toll-free 1-800-656-6426 or mail to: #19, 19th Avenue South Cranbrook, B.C. V1C 2L9 Please include: Your name and address for tax receipt Name of the person being remembered Name and address to send card to
Let’s Make Cancer History
www.cancer.ca
32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
March 17, 2017
YOUR MONEY Debt by the numbers
Anyone who follows the news knows that debt is a hot topic in Canada. Record low interest rates have encouraged borrowing across all sectors. Here are some of the details. Consumer debt As of June 30th, 2016, Canada achieved a new milestone: for the first time ever, the level of debt held by Canadians exceeded our country’s GDP at 100.5 per cent, up from 98.7 per cent during the first quarter. In the third quarter of 2016, Statistics Canada reported that the ratio of credit market debt to disposable household income climbed to 167 per cent. Total household creditmarket debt reached just over $2 trillion, with $1.31 trillion in mortgages and the rest in credit cards, car loans and other personal loans. Low interest rates have expanded the average Canadian’s borrowing capacity, therefore encouraging more spending and discouraging saving. But this love affair with low interest rates will come back to bite us when rates start moving upwards again. Make no mistake: it’s not if, but when, interest rates go up, debt will cost people more, and some will be caught in an unfavourable situation. To avoid problems, Canadians should try to reduce their debt levels, and avoid adding any new debts. Further, the best time to pay down debt is when interest rates are low, because more of each dollar paid goes towards the principal.
Student debt Statistics Canada says undergraduate students paid average tuition fees of $6,191 for the 2015/2016 school year, with dentistry students paying $18,934. Those in graduate programs, such as the master of business administration program, paid $28,567. And these are just tuition fees, exclusive of books, lodging, food and other university expenses. Average student loan debt is currently estimated at around $25,000 per graduate, split between federal student loans and provincial or private loans. As federal student loan debt in Canada now totals $16.6 billion, it’s safe to say that total student debt in Canada is probably closer to $30 billion. These costs rise by about three per cent annually. Further, the Council of Ontario Universities reports that the average salary two years post-grad has remained at $49,000 since 2008. If these figures are true, student debt could be in bubble territory, with the price of the asset rising (tuition and other costs) while the value of the asset (the graduate’s future income stream) is stagnant. While people are certainly encouraged to attend post-secondary school, they can help mitigate student loan debt by saving money from their summer or parttime jobs, watching their spending and being mindful of the sort of program they are taking. Will their future earning potential outweigh the cost of their education?
Government debt According to a recent study by the Fraser Institute, combined provincial and federal government debt is an astonishing $1.4 trillion. Further, interest payments in 2016 on all government debt totaled $62.8 billion. This amounts to $1,752 for each Canadian, or $7,000 for a family of four. Of the $62.8 billion in interest charges, about $25 billion represented federal debt, which is almost as much as the 2016/2017 projected budget deficit. Final thoughts Some experts argue the debt problem in Canada isn’t due to increases in borrowing, but rather to stagnant wages. While this is certainly part of the problem, people should adapt their behaviour to match current realities. When discussing debt in general, three things are certain: the more money spent on interest payments, the less there is available for other things. Second, inflation has a way of lowering the value of debt over time, but only if that debt is not added to; and third, inflation usually leads to higher interest rates, causing debt to cost more. Those who feel their debt may become unmanageable should speak with their financial advisor or a credit counsellor to figure out which options are available to them.
Investments, Insurance & Financial Planning Brendan Donahue BCOMM, CIM, FCSI
Senior Investment Advisor Insurance Agent
Sara Worley CIM®, FCSI®
Investment Advisor Insurance Agent
Bringing Manulife’s retirement planning resources to our community
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