Invermere Valley Echo, September 10, 2014 by Black Press Media Group

The Invermere

ALLEY A CHO C

er 10 Septemb 2014

the

bi V

Twirlers tap their toes in Valley Life

BERNIE RAVEN CHRIS RAVEN 1-866-598-7415 TEAMRAVEN.CA Offices in Panorama, Invermere & Fairmont

SMART RUNNING

FEATURE: Gang 4 GANG activity down in valley

Around 100 orienteers competed in B.C. Orienteering Championships this past weekend and the adventure begun in Invermere on Saturday, September 6th. Competitors then headed south for more orienteering challenges in Kimberley and Cranbrook later that day and on Sunday. The sport forces competitors to find the most efficient route from point A to point B, with unfamiliar geographic obstacles throughout each course.

INCLUDES GST

Maxwell Realty Invermere

PHOTO BY DAN WALTON

PUBLICATIONS MAIL REGISTRATION NO. 7856

New stewardship program has eyes on Columbia Lake ERIN KNUTSON Special to The Valley Echo The Columbia Lake Stewardship Society (CLSS) presides over the Columbia Lake and promises to take their stewardship seriously by preserving the natural ecosystems and beauty inherent to Columbia Lake. The passionate conservationists formulated a new stewardship group in the East Kootenay after establishing there was growing concern by several residents and landowners on the lake. “We officially incorporated as a non-profit organization, initiated lake monitoring every two weeks including water sampling and co-sponsorship with the communities of Culmer, Timber Spring, Spirits Reach, Columbia Ridge and Canal Flats,” said Tracy Flynn, founding member of CLSS. After receiving a grant, the water activist group started working on stewardship activities for promoting awareness

of their group by developing a tool-kit the communities around the lake have for lake users, clean-up initiatives, and shown their support with financial dodistribution of educational materials on nations and in supplying volunteers for protecting and preserving the lake from the water monitoring program.” foreign plant species (invasives) to CoThe formative catalyst for the solumbia Lake residents and users. ciety originated with the community “We received $3,400 in funding from meeting “Columbia Lake and Our Wathe Regional District of the East Koo- tershed,” which received support and tenay (RDEK) re c o g n i t i o n through the from fellow Columbia water conValley Local servators the Conservation Lake WindFund, in order ermere Amto purchase bassadors. water quality The success monitoring of the meetColumbia Lake is now under the watchful eyes ing inspired equipment and to finance of the Columbia Lake Stewardship Society that a vision and formed earlier this year. FILE PHOTO water testa mission ing for 2014,” said Ms. Flynn. “We also statement that helped establish conreceived funding from the RDEK elec- tact with local stewardship organizatoral Area F discretionary grant-in-aid tions dedicated to lake monitoring. in the amount of $2,100 to cover our “CLSS will act as a citizen-oriented, first year’s operational expenses — water stewardship group for Colum-

VJ (Butch) Bishop Owner/Operator 4846 Holland Creek Ridge Rd. Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

bia Lake by encouraging activities and strategies which oversee, monitor, and help sustain its ecology — our vision is to preserve the pristine nature of the lake for the benefit of present and future generations,” said Ms. Flynn. As part of forming a fully comprehensive strategy, CLSS will be consulting with other networks in the regional watersheds, such as the BC Lake Stewardship Society, CBWN, Living Lakes Canada and the Lake Windermere Ambassadors. “We’ve had a great first year and we are thankful for all the support we’ve been given — especially for the mentorship and guidance we received from the LWA,” Ms. Flynn said. “On beautiful mornings, it’s easy to put into words why I love the Columbia Lake and think it’s worth protecting and caring for — the deer are heading down for a drink and it’s picture perfect beautiful. We are lucky to have an unspoiled water source at our doorstep and it’s so important to keep it that way.”

• Excavators • Mini-Excavators • Bobcats • Dump Trucks • Water Trucks • Snow Plow • Sanding Equipment • Crane Truck • Road Building • Land Clearing • Controlled Burning • Rock Walls • Rip Rap • Top Soil • Sand & Gravel CONTRACT OR HOURLY MACHINE RENTALS AVAILABLE

A2 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, September 10th, 2014 The Valley Echo

Y E ALL

Snapshot

TURQUOISE DOUBLE-TAKE...

Local photographer Dani Tschudin (visualexposures.ca) shares one of his favourite perspectives on the Upper Dunbar Lakes (known locally as Shangri-La) in the Purcell Mountains. PHOTO BY DANI TSCHUDIN

Lake Windermere Pulse Check #9* www.lakeambassadors.ca

It was a treat to set out on volunteer Gavin Jacobs’ speedy boat on September 2nd for the last sampling of the season. An important part of our weekly check-up is measuring turbidity, or lake clarity. Along with a Secchi disc which is used to manually measure depth, we also use a turbidimeter to indicate whether algae, silt or detritus (dead organic material) is blocking light penetration in the water. Low turbidity rates in recent samples are a good sign, since greater particulate matter can increase drinking water treatment costs and reduce photosynthesis needed to create oxygen for aquatic organisms. We think Gavin captured it succinctly when he said, “Some things can only be seen from the Lake.” If you missed the opportunity to join us and would like to volunteer at upcoming events, check out our website www. lakeambassadors.ca or e-mail us at the address listed below! Volunteer of the Week: Gavin Jacobs

*To volunteer, call (250) 341-6898 or email info@lakeambassadors.ca

(MJHP TZY \JJPQ^ Ć^JWX

ICAN – Invermere Companion Animal Network

Available for Adoption

Y COWBO

CHESTER

Sponsored by:

Hi! We’re COWBOY and CHESTER, and we’re looking for our very own home! At 5.5 months old, we’re full of vim and vigor and we’ll entertain you for hours, but then it’s lap time. Wouldn’t you love to have the two loudest purring kittens on this side of the Rockies on YOUR lap?

Geoff Hill MaxWell Realty Invermere

AND SAVE!

Check weekly flyers flyers (MJHP TZY \JJPQ^ Ć^JWX Check out out weekly (MJHP TZY \JJPQ^ Ć^JWX and SAVE! and SAVE! AND SAVE! Browse flyers from your favourite national and local retailers

AND SAVE!

Browse nationaland andlocal local retailers Browseﬂyers ﬂyersfrom from your your favourite favourite national retailers

Browse ﬂyers from your favourite national and local retailers Browse ﬂyers from your favourite national and local retailers

250-341-7600

connect@geoffhill.ca Invermere-RealEstate.com

Adoption Fee: $100 (to help offset spay/neuter and vet bills)

250.341.6299 Featured Retailers Featured Retailers

Featured Retailers

4992 Fairmont Frontage Rd. 250-345-6133

250-341-7888

Featured Retailers

Photo courtesy of Tanya De Leeuw Photography

Featured Retailers

www.icanbc.com www.facebook.com/icanbc

This week’s feature:

The Invermere

ALLEY CHO

asks you to...

GMC goes to the...

Yukon!

drivewaycanada.ca

News delivered to you! Subscribe to the valley echo today!

Visit Visit ﬂyers. deals.savings savings tips. ﬂyers.coupons. coupons. deals. tips. Visit

ﬂyers. coupons. deals. savings tips.

Visit Visit ﬂyers. coupons. deals. savings tips.

Wednesday, September 10th, 2014 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A3

LOCAL NEWS

Timeshare owners sued by management company Dan Walton dan@invermerevalleyecho.com A decision allowing Northmont Resort Properties Ltd. to impose large fees on the owners of Sunchaser Villas has been overturned in the B.C. Court of Appeal, but that hasn’t stopped the property managers from going ahead with collecting what’s owing to them. And while the legality over imposing massive fees on timeshare owners in Fairmont Hot Springs is being disputed before the courts, the property managers have gone ahead and filed legal action against 270 owners. Owners are being sued mostly for five figure sums. “[The plaintiff] has been invoiced for an amount of $13,881.90, the sum of which is currently outstanding,” reads a notice of civil claim between Northmont Resort Properties Ltd., which manages the resort, and one of the fractional owners at Sunchaser. The claim states that Northmont is entitled to annual interest rate of nearly 27 per cent beginning on January 31st, 2014, and demands an additional $3,470,

which brings the total relief sought to $17,352. This claim was one of 270 that have been issued under Northmont’s name. The vast majority of these claims were filed within the past three months, however a few date back to 2012. The legitimacy of those claims is still in legal limbo. A court ruling from November 2013 sided with Northmont in allowing the company to retroactively impose fees for a backlogged renovation project, but that ruling was taken to the Court of Appeal where it was struck down. Kirk Wankel, Northmont Resorts chief executive officer, told The Valley Echo that Northmont won’t be expending the resources needed to appeal the outcome of the timeshare owners’ appeal, but will press ahead with seeking payment. “From a legal perspective, this turned ‘yes’ into ‘undecided,’ not a ‘yes’ into ‘no’,” he said. “We will pursue collection from them like any other account. The owners are still bound by their contacts and we’re still enforcing them.” A class action lawsuit is being filed against Northmont by approximately 950 of the owners.

LOCAL NEWS

Invermere business benefiting from School Works Program ERIN KNUTSON Special to The Valley Echo

The Columbia Basin Trust’s School Works program was initiated again this year to encourage businesses and organizations in the Basin to take advantage of an opportunity that offers financial support for employing students on a part or full-time basis. Several valley businesses opened their doors to eager young hopefuls and have gleaned the benefits. “It’s been a great program for the Summit — we typically employ one full-time employee plus myself, along with a couple other part-time sales associates. However, my ideal would be to have two sales associates on the sales floor at all times to ensure the quality of customer service,”said Jocelyn Brunner, co-owner of Summit Footwear in Invermere. The School Works program and others like it allow businesses to procure more staff at a lower

cost, which is an asset in an uncertain economy, according to Ms. Brunner. Confirmed applicants received a maximum wage subsidy of eight dollars an hour per student, which includes high school and post-secondary attendees. Facilitated by College of the Rockies, the much-needed program is open to small businesses, non-profit organizations, First Nation and public sector enterprises in the Basin on a first come, first served basis. “Challenges have included finding qualified students — there seems to be a shortage of professional, outgoing, hardworking full-time students in our valley, but over the past couple of years of posting the position and interviewing, we were lucky to find three amazing young ladies,” said Ms. Brunner. “They proved to be great team members and have been an asset to the sales team.” She acknowledged the enhanced quality of her store through the innovative program.

SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: (250) 342-9281 • Fax: (250) 342-2934

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

CEMENTING OILFIELD OPERATORS

Wildfire Operational Treatment – Block 10

Apply today to work over the winter months earning great money and benefits! Sanjel – an employee focused, safety first Oilfield Service Company – is looking for experienced Class 1 drivers with clean driver’s abstract.

The District of Invermere invites Proposal submissions from qualified Companies / Individuals for: Management and Implementation of Interface Fire Fuel Reduction Treatments. The Request for Proposal will be evaluated based on experience and success in implementation and full scope management of Interface fire fuel reduction treatments, specifically management strategies and requirements related to the UBCM Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative grant funding for Community Wildfire Fuel Reduction.

The Invermere

ALLEY CHO

Upcoming FeatUres

showcase your products and services in any or all of these popular features in september • September 17th: Show and Shine • September 24th: Meet the Rockies Will oUr readers see yoUr ad?

Cheryl Williams 250-341-6299

advertising@invermerevalleyecho.com

Sanjel_Seasonal_BC_14-0901

For more information, or to submit resumes and abstracts, e-mail seasonal@sanjel.com or call 1-800-972-6535.

sanjel.com/seasonal

“The program enables us to provide an exceptional customer experience to our locals and valley visitors by ensuring there is enough staff to help each customer — if the valley wants to have guests return and refer this beautiful place to other potential visitors, customer service is critical,” she said. School Works has a track record for being a success with both employers and students, allowing local businesses and organizations financial support, while upping employment opportunities for students interested in establishing a platform for extra income, while securing invaluable work experience throughout the school year, according to Lisa Kilpatrick, Columbia Basin Trust Senior Manager, Sector Initiatives in a press release statement. “Programs like these make it financially feasible for local businesses to provide the service that our customers crave and deserve,” said Ms. Brunner. To learn more about School Works, visit cbt.org/ Funding and search under “Programs”.

The approved funding, for approximately 72 hectares, is confirmed and may commence upon award. The project must be fully complete prior to March of 2016. Project information can be obtained by contacting Rory Hromadnik, 250-342-9281 extension 1235, planning@ invermere.net or at the District of Invermere Municipal office, 914 8th Avenue, Invermere B.C. during regular business hours 8:30 am to 4:30 pm September 2, to September 15, 2014. Sealed proposals marked “Wildfire Operational Treatment – Block 10”” will be received up to 2:00 pm MST, Monday September 15, 2014. There will be no public opening for this request for proposal. Proposals will be opened privately by the District of Invermere after the closing time specified. The project award date will be dependent on the Council meeting schedule. If you wish to contact the District of Invermere in response to the awarding, please do so after the closing time specified. The District of Invermere reserves the right to waive formalities in any proposal, or reject any or all proposals, or accept the proposal deemed most favorable in the interest of the municipality. Rory Hromadnik, Development Services District of Invermere, Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 250-342-9281 ext 1235 planning@invermere.net

A4 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, September 10th, 2014 The Valley Echo

FEATURE

Columbia Valley police preserve peaceful gang-free period DAN WALTON dan@invermerevalleyecho.com

Gang presence has waned in the Columbia Valley after a period of relative unrest between 2010 and 2012. Members of one gang based out of the Prairie provinces, identifying as the Street Kings, were flagrantly operating in the valley during that period, profiting largely through the drug trade, said Cpl. Brent Ayers of the Columbia Valley RCMP. Despite a lack of competing gangs in the region, Cpl. Ayers said that the Street Kings were driven out of the community as a result of their own business practices. “Other [dealers] had better people skills or a better product line — it’s no different than retail business,” he said. “Their way of business was too rough and too edgy for what this valley wanted.” As an alternative to supporting gang activity, sometimes friends will pool money for a large quantity from a large city such as Calgary, he said.

> MYTH: Gangs are only a “lower-class”, ethnic, or male problem. Reality: Gang members in B.C. come from every socioeconomic background and all ethnicities. While racial, ethnic, and gender composition can vary by locality or type of gang, gangs are often as diverse as our communities and many do not restrict who joins as long as they can make money for the gang.

> MYTH: Gangs have formal organization and structure. Reality: By and large, few youth gangs evolve into adult criminal organizations and most gangs are loosely structured, with transient membership and easily breached codes of loyalty. With many gang members being arrested or murdered, membership is usually in a constant state of flux with internal competition for leadership roles.

> MYTH: The public is powerless against gangs. Reality: Be engaged and part of the solution. If you see something suspicious, whether it’s in a restaurant, mall parking lot, or in an isolated place, please phone 9-1-1 immediately so the police can investigate. Only with a community that cares and stands up to gangs and gang violence will we make a difference so our communities are safer.

> For more information, visit cfseu.bc.ca

While the RCMP make every effort to eradicate all illicit drug trafficking, more focus is applied to preventing gangs from entering the business, as increased levels of petty crime are frequent byproducts of gang activity. “We’d like to think that the drugs are being diminished, but the reality is drugs, like any contraband, has always been in society,” he said. “Ultimately we just try to keep it safe. The Street Kings with their business structure, they weren’t making the streets safe.” There are still people associated with members of the Street Kings residing in the valley, but the group’s presence is no longer active. “Having been here nine years, I can confidently say that gang violence in the past year has definitely gone down,” he said. As criminals work hard to keep the police “out of the loop,” Cpl. Ayers said that the local detachment is approachable on a personal level, and crime can be mitigated through a good relationship with those involved. “We can sometimes work together to ensure that violence doesn’t come into the population.”

‘Significant decline’ in gang killings in B.C. JEFF NAGEL Black Press A recent drop in gang violence now has B.C.’s antigang police unit looking to the courts for closure on several major outstanding cases. Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit chief officer Kevin Hackett said the “significant decline” in organized crime homicides comes after a series of high-profile investigations leading to charges, as well as new initiatives to prevent or reduce gang membership. His comments were published Monday in the unit’s 2014 annual community report. It can be found online at bc-anti-gang.com. The number of gang-related killings in B.C. fell to 13 last year from 18 in 2012 and has been cut by almost two-thirds from the 36 gang murders committed in 2009. Nearly 100 organized crime figures or gang-related individuals were arrested and charged last year with more than 270 offences in close to 30 B.C. communities, Hackett said. The report’s release came after the province announced policing cuts that will pare the CFSEU budget by $2.8 million. Much public attention has focused on the Surrey Six murder trial, which concluded in early July. A decision is expected to be handed down Oct. 2 in the case against two of the men accused of killing two innocents along with four other targeted victims. But a separate murder conspiracy trial for Red Scorpions gang member Jamie Bacon is slated to begin next May for his alleged role in the Surrey Six slayings. And there could be two other major gang murder trials in 2015 as well. A trial is expected to begin next year in Kelowna, where Jonathan Bacon was gunned down three

years ago. Jujhar Khun-Khun, Michael Kerry Hunter Jones and Jason Thomas McBride face first-degree murder charges as well as four counts each of attempted murder. CFSEU officials say next year could also see the start of a trial against Cory Vallee, accused in two murders – the 2009 shooting in Langley of Red Scorpion Kevin LeClair and the 2008 shooting in Burnaby of Jonathan Barber, who was mistakenly targeted because he was installing a stereo in a car owned by a Bacon brother. Vallee, who was arrested in August in Mexico and quickly returned to B.C., also faces conspiracy charges in relation to a UN Gang plot to kill the Bacon brothers. Hackett said a joint CFSEU-IHIT investigation also led to murder conspiracy guilty pleas last year against six UN Gang members and associates. He said the gangsters had been “ruthlessly hunting” members of the Bacon crime group in 2008-09, a period during which police efforts also prevented at least two more murders. “They displayed blatant disregard for public safety in what Crown counsel referred to as ‘human safaris’ while they targeted their rivals.” The six received sentences of seven to 14 years each and although UN Gang leader Barzan Tilli-Choli could be out late in 2018 due to time served, he is expected to then be deported to Iraq. Hackett was optimistic the CFSEU’s edgy End Gang Life campaign (endganglife.ca) will help persuade more gang members to reform. It plays on the emotions of gangsters with imagery of loved ones left behind after they’re dead. The annual report includes statistics on the ethnicity of gang murder victims, where the bodies are typically found (31 per cent inside a car, 20 per cent inside a residence), as well as seasonal patterns in gang violence.

Help shape our role in the Basin. Together we can find the best ways to support people and communities now and into the future. You could win $1,000 to donate to a local non-profit group of your choice. For ways to participate in person or online, visit:

Wednesday, September 10th, 2014 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A5 > MYTH: Once kids join a gang there’s no hope for them. Reality: With quick family, school, and police intervention, a youth can leave the gang without any serious consequences. The key is a coordinated and collaborative intervention as soon as some of the warning signs appear. Better yet, everyone needs to work together to prevent youth and young adults from joining gangs.

> MYTH: Girls and women aren’t allowed to join gangs. Reality:

Campaign to End Gang Life catching on COMBINED FORCES SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT UNIT - BRITISH COLUMBIA Special to The Valley Echo End Gang Life is quickly becoming the ubiquitous term mentioned by police and others when it comes to gang prevention and anti-gang public engagement strategies, not only here in B.C. but across Canada. Posters appear in hundreds of bars and restaurants, decals on police cars in every corner of the province, and investigators can even attest to seeing End Gang Life material in gangsters’ houses and being discussed online. Suffice to say, the End Gang Life campaign is getting noticed and is having an impact. Launched in December 2013, the End Gang Life campaign is an emotional and visually impactful anti-gang strategy that uses engaging and powerful imagery with language that aims to give youth a fresh perspective on what gangs really are, give communities a rallying point around which they can mobilize against gangs in their neighbourhoods, and make gangsters reconsider their life choices. The first wave of products included three posters and corresponding television and radio public service announcements. The visuals used in the campaign target everyone from youth, parents, siblings, peer groups, members of communities across B.C., as well as gang members and their friends and families. Despite popular belief, no one is immune to the violence that is a product of the gang lifestyle. This broad spectrum of ongoing public outreach and education efforts, that target all members of society, serves to bring attention to gangs and stimulate discussion about gangs, while demystifying, and ultimately eliminating misperceptions about gangs. The glamourized version of gang life that is all money, fancy cars, and beautiful women is propagated by popular culture, and nothing like the reality of living in perpetual fear of being killed, being unable to go outside without looking over your shoulder, and in many cases, not being able to leave your home because of the target placed on your back. The specially created webpage, www.endganglife.ca, will house all of the products. People can view the anti-gang PSA’s, obtain information about how to exit gangs, research, prevention information, and obtain other educational tools. CFSEU-BC wants End Gang Life to be a rallying point — a call to action. There is no doubt that End Gang Life is having an impact, will continue to be a vital tool in dissuasion as the campaign unfolds, and will play a significant role in changing current and future behaviours.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES Annual Subscription Rates (incl. tax)

• Local (Canal Flats to Spillimacheen) $45.30 • Ofﬁce Pick-Up $34.50 • Canada $62.60 / International $182.00 • Seniors (local) $34.50 / Seniors (Canada) $56.00

Girls are joining gangs across Canada and there are many documented reports of them being extremely violent. Girls are often used to hold and/or transport drugs and/or guns because the girls and the gangsters don’t think that the police will stop the girl…they are wrong. Girls in gangs are also more likely than their non-gang peers to have been sexually assaulted. In one study, researchers found that 62 percent of female gang members had been sexually abused or assaulted, and three-fourths said they had been physically abused.

> MYTH: Selling or transporting a “little bit” of drugs isn’t a big deal and my gang will help me set up my “business”. Reality: Generally speaking, the majority of gang and crime-related murders are related directly to drugs. Many transporters, or “mules” as they’re called, and dial-a-dopers find themselves the victims of violence. If you’re not murdered, you’ll be assaulted and ripped off, incur massive debts and be responsible for paying them back, be arrested and have your property seized, and have very little money to show for your criminal activities. You alone are responsible for the creation and management of your illegal networks. This often involves having drugs fronted from already established members who in turn may even secretly rob you and expect you to pay back the money and start over again.

> For more information, visit cfseu.bc.ca

InvermereValleyEcho

@TheValleyEcho

Six Month Subscription Rates (incl. tax)

• Local (Canal Flats to Spillimacheen) $29.40 • Seniors (local) $22.80

INVERMEREVALLEYECHO.com

A6 invermerevalleyecho.com

The Invermere

ALLEY CHO

Wednesday, September 10th, 2014 The Valley Echo

HUMOUR Something on your mind?

#8, 1008 8 Avenue • P.O. Box 70 Invermere, B.C., Canada V0A 1K0 Phone: 250-341-6299

The Valley Echo welcomes all letters to the editor and submissions from community and sports groups, as well as special community columns. Please keep your signed, legible submissions under 500 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity, taste, legal reasons and brevity. Each submission must contain a daytime phone number and place of residence. Send email submissions to editor@ invermerevalleyecho.com.

invermerevalleyecho.com

PUBLISHER

EDITOR

Rose-Marie Fagerholm

Nicole Trigg

invermerevalleyecho.com

publisher@

editor@

REPORTERS

Dan Walton

Steve Hubrecht

invermerevalleyecho.com

dan@

Cheryl Williams

Dean Midyette

invermerevalleyecho.com

cv-pioneer.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN / PRODUCTION

ADMINISTRATION

Silena Ann Ewen

Renice Oaks

advertising@

production@

NICOLE TRIGG editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

steve@

ADVERTISING SALES

invermerevalleyecho.com

EDITORIAL The challenge ahead for Columbia Lake’s stewards

ads@

customerservice@

invermerevalleyecho.com

Sheila Tutty

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT: Reproduction of any or all editorial and advertising materials in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without the written consent of the publisher. It is agreed by the advertiser requesting space that the liability of The Valley Echo, owned by Black Press Ltd. in the event of failure to publish an advertisement or in the event of an error appearing in the advertisement as published, shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for only the one incorrect insertion for the portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect or omitted items only and that there shall be no liability in any event greater than the amount paid for such advertising. BC PRESS COUNCIL – The Valley Echo is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province's newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent within 45 days to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby Street, Nanaimo, B.C., V9R 2R2. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

CMCA AUDITED

verifiedcirculation.ca 2009 2009 WINNER

ety, are absolutely necessary. Yet protection must balance with recreational needs that ultimately form the basis of tourism destination economies, and while Lake Windermere is a laudable example of such a balance, management of Columbia Lake — with its largely undeveloped setting and scarce motorized activity — should aim even higher. Maintaining the $20 user fee for the Canal Flats public boat launch (while potentially offering valley residents a locals’ discount) and looking at alternating days for motorized and non-motorized lake users — something once considered for Lake Windermere — could form the basis of a plan that would protect the Columbia’s source from so many of the problems that plague recreational lakes in B.C. today.

OPINION

A collective approach for the Columbia Valley

PUBLISHER IN ABSENTIA

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

t came as a pleasant surprise to learn that Lake Windermere’s neighbour to the south — Columbia Lake — has its own equivalent to the Lake Windermere Ambassadors, formed organically out of a perceived need to protect this incredibly unique and precious lake. Unlike Lake Windermere, development around the shores of Columbia Lake has been curtailed, in part due to large lakeside tracts of conservation lands, in part geography and a smaller population base. But as we’ve read in Canal Flats Mayor Ute Juras’ recent Regional Rundown column, the Village of Canal Flats is looking at rebranding itself to attract more residents and visitors to de-

velop the necessary infrastructure that a small community needs in order to grow. And one of the most appealing and marketable features of Canal Flats is its extraordinary location at the source of the mighty Columbia. The fourth largest river in North America, the Columbia produces the most hydroelectric power with 14 dams plus more on its tributaries. But from its source at Columbia Lake, the Columbia doesn’t encounter its first dam until it reaches the Mica Damnorth of Revelstoke, making this first section more pristine than any other on its long journey. And given this section is home to the internationally recognized Columbia Wetlands, protection is indisputable, and groups like the Lake Windermere Ambassadors, and now the Columbia Lake Stewardship Soci-

he Valley Echo editor sugwould like to complete some of Regional UNDOWN U gested the final column the current RDEK projects I’m in the Regional Rundown seinvolved in: the Agricultural ries be directed to the upcomPlan, a strategy for economic diing local government elections versifiction and social stability in November this year. in the Columbia Valley, a ComThis gives me the opportunity munity Forest, planning for to announce I’m putting my hat recreational use of Crown in the ring for re-election as the Land, and improving the comERRY director for Area G, representmunity bus service. ing the communities and ru The RDEK directors in the Coral areas of Wilmer, Dry Gulch, lumbia Valley have worked well Edgewater, Brisco and Spillimacheen on the together in beginning to establish the socioBoard of Directors of the Regional District of economic benefits of a collective Columbia East Kootenay (RDEK). Valley approach to provision of some servicOver the years, I have been pleased to get to es. So far, this has resulted in a new manageknow many of the people in the region and ment arrangement known as the Columbia share their appreciation of the rural way Valley Rural Fire and Rescue Service for the of life, their knowledge of the land base, Windermere, Fairmont, Edgewater and Panand their understanding of the importance orama Fire Departments, and amalgamation of conserving and sustaining the resourc- of the Canal Flats and Invermere Arenas and es we depend on amid the stunning environ- the Edgewater outdoor rink under the Columment of the Columbia Valley. In this respect, I bia Valley Recreation Service Area.

G WILKIE

A study of amalgamating other recreation facilities such as ball fields, soccer fields, beach parks and trails into a valley-wide service is underway. In the spirit of provision of valley-wide services and after consulting with people in our communities, a commitment has been made by myself, Area F director Wendy Booth and the Councils of Radium and Canal Flats to a modest tax contribution (in Area G on an average property tax assessment of $200,000, it’s about six dollars per year or three cents per $1,000) toward funding of the new Columbia Valley Centre in Invermere. This funding is for five years only, after which it must be reviewed. The multi-use facility will benefit the entire valley in providing a building large enough to hold conventions and conferences, touring and local performing arts productions, high school graduation dinners and other valley-wide events. As in the past, operational funding for the community halls in Brisco, Edgewater and Wilmer will continue. See A11

Wednesday, September 10th, 2014 The Valley Echo

THE

invermerevalleyecho.com A7

TREET

Bears are back in town preparing for hibernation — have you seen any and what’s your reaction?

“We’ve seen the bears around, and I like them.” Yara Annina Branger Switzerland

“Yes, every night here there are three little bears and they eat all the apples.”

OPINION

Maximilian Habler Germany

“I’m from Edgewater and we keep a perimeter fence around our property. If they come into town it can be a danger and precaution should be taken.” Alanna Frater Edgewater

LETTERS

100 per cent behind B.C.’s teachers Give blame the boot EPORT E A

s a former teacher and principal, MLA the first week of September has always involved going back to school. As your MLA, I have often chosen my first September MLA report to talk about the value of public education because I believe strongly that an accessible, fully-funded public education system is one of the most important things a government must provide for its citizens. It is the most valuable gift we can give to all of our children. But this September, we are not celebrating a return to the classroom, and I believe that Premier Clark is 100 per cent to blame. I want to declare my unequivocal support of our teachers. There is a right side to this dispute, and a wrong side. Teachers and parents are on the right side.The BC Liberals clearly do not believe in public education, and they are doing everything they can to harm our system. Public education offers opportunities to all and creates social cohesion. Private schools are, by their very nature, exclusive, and that exclusivity is not based on talent or ability. It is exclusion based on family wealth, religion and/or gender. Premier Clark’s support for private schools over public schools is demonstrated very clearly by the fact that she uses taxpayers’ money to pay BC Liberal MLA Marc Dalton $15,000 a year to promote private schools. The BC Liberals also use taxpayers’ money to fund private schools to the tune of $250 million a year. Premier Clark’s assault on the public education sys-

tem began in 2002 when she was the Minister of Education under Gordon Campbell. Under her watch, the BC Liberals tore up the teachers’ contract. Clark got rid of the provisions that protected your children’s learning conditions, class size and composition. B.C.’s Supreme Court has twice declared that the BC Liberals’ removal of ORM class size and composition from the teachers’ contract was unconstitutional.The courts said that what Clark and the BC Liberals did to teachers was illegal. Now Premier Clark wants teachers to agree at the bargaining table on an escape clause that will allow the government to ignore the ruling of the courts. This demand is what is keeping your children out of school. In order to return to the classroom, teachers will have to sanction the government’s illegal action against them.They will have to sign away their rights that have been confirmed twice by the Supreme Court.And your children would lose any possibility of having the government reinvest in properly supported learning conditions in their classroom. Teachers are fighting for the survival of properly funded public education. For me, there is no grey area. I am 100 per cent in support of B.C.’s teachers. I support quality public education for all of B.C.’s children. Norm Macdonald is the NDP MLA for Columbia River Revelstoke. He can be reached by phone at 1-866-870-4188 and by email at norm.macdonald.mla@leg.bc.ca.

N MACDONALD

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Dear Editor:

There are very few times that Norm Macdonald and I agree on things, but I have found a few exceptions. As a former teacher myself, I believe in a strong public education system. I respect and value our teachers and applaud them for how hard they work and the value they bring to the lives of our children. I believe that teachers deserve an affordable raise and that our children deserve all that can possibly be given in terms of class size and composition. That said, I find it extremely disappointing that, recently, Mr. Macdonald has taken an opportunity to politicize this very serious provincial situation by trying to have us believe that there is a “right side and a wrong side”, that the Premier supports private over public schools and that she is “100 per cent to blame”. These statements are simply irresponsible, inaccurate and misguiding with the expressed intent of inspiring nothing more than emotional responses from constituents who deserve far better.

��

Do you think enough is being done to mitigate animal-vehicle collisions in Kootenay National Park? NEXT WEEK’S QUESTION:

Mr. Macdonald neglects to acknowledge that negotiation never labels a right or a wrong side nor will the process ever assign blame to a single person. Mediated negotiation recognizes opposing sides and the differing opinions held and promote collaboration as both sides work toward a mutually agreeable settlement. His need to assign blame neglects to mention that the BC Teachers Federation (BCTF) continues to struggle with the concept of concession, which is a key element of any bargaining process, or that it is puzzling why the BCTF continue to reject the government’s offer to reopen schools while mediation/negotiation continues. Disturbingly, Mr. Macdonald chose not to reference the fact that the BCTF actually refused to let teachers vote on suspending the strike during continued mediation or, equally puzzling, why the BCTF seems to want to force government to legislate teachers back to work knowing that this will result in the same dysfunctional relationship that has been the B.C. experience for the past 30 years. Mr. Macdonald believes that it is fair for the BCTF to demand more money than has been awarded to See A9

Will the provincial government agree to binding arbitration as a solution to its ongoing labour dispute with B.C.’s public school teachers? INVERMEREVALLEYECHO.com

Yes

66.7%

33.3%

A8 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, September 10th, 2014 The Valley Echo

THE

WEEKLY Beat rocket-mass-heater-workshop. • 6 - 9 p.m.: CV Recreation Sign Up Night at the Invermere Community Hall. Sign up for sports, recreation and leisure activities in the Columbia Valley. • 6 - 11 p.m.: Karaoke night at the Summit Youth Centre.

Have an event you’d like listed? Email it to: production@ invermerevalleyecho. com

13TH : SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 10

th -

10TH : WEDNESDAY

• 11:45 a.m.: The Rotary Club of Invermere meets every Wednesday at the Curling Rink. • 2:15 p.m.: Seniors’ Day at the Invermere Library on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. Bus provided. For more information or to pre-register, contact 250-342-6416. • 4 - 9 p.m.: Bring your ideas for the Entrance Beautiﬁcation Project at the Summit Youth Centre. • 6 p.m.: PJ Story Time at the Invermere Library. Runs the second Wednesday of each month. To pre-register, contact 250-342-6416 or visit invermere.bclibrary.ca. • 6:30 - 8 p.m.: Traditional Knowledge Sharing at Lake Enid. The Stevens family from the Shuswap Band will lead an interpretive walk as part of Wildsight’s ongoing Lake Enid Restoration Project. Free event. Meet at the main parking area at Lake Enid. For more information, contact invermere@ wildsight.ca.

• 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Final Invermere Farmer’s Market of the season, downtown Invermere. Come out and support your local vendors. • 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Salmon Festival at Kinsmen Beach. Free festival includes a selection of local musicians, Ktunaxa Dance Troupe, salmon information pavilion, guest speakers, cultural demonstrations, face painting, BBQ and more. Visit columbiasalmonfest.ca. • 12 - 3 p.m.: Drop-off of gently used stuff for the Wilmer Garage Sale at the Wilmer Community Hall. Also September 16th and 18th, 5:30 - 7 p.m. For more information or to volunteer: Pam Meunier, 250-342-2019 or Mary Jolicoeur, 250-341-6272. • 6 - 11 p.m.: Movie night and popcorn at the Summit Youth Centre.

14TH: SUNDAY

• 7:30 a.m.- 2 p.m.: Pinto Mountain: Scramble through Geologic time with Andrea Petzold. A Wild Nature Tour, hosted by Wildsight. Carpooling to Pinto Mountain from Sobeys. $40/person. For details and to register, visit wildnaturetours.ca. • Fall Equinox Mini Sporting Clays 11TH : THURSDAY • 12 - 1 p.m.: Ask a Librarian / Drop- at the Lake Windermere District in tech support at the Invermere Rod & Gun Club. For more info, visit lwdrodgun.com or call 250Public Library. Every Thursday. • 5 - 6 p.m.: Wine tasting with Erin 341-3254. in the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort lobby every Thursday. Sample four 15TH : MONDAY B.C. wines for $10/person. Ages • 7 p.m.: Bingo at the Canal Flats Civic Centre, 1st and 3rd Monday 19+, registration not required. • 7 p.m.: Adult Drop-in Ultimate Fris- of each month. bee, at the DTSS ﬁeld every Thurs16TH : TUESDAY day. Free, beginners welcome. • 5 - 9 p.m.: Video Game Drive sign up at the Summit Youth Centre. 12TH : FRIDAY • 8 a.m.: Rocket Mass Heater • 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.: Competent ComWorkshop, presented by Ground- posting workshop at the Communiswell and DirtCraft Natural Build- ty Greenhouse, hosted by Grounding. Two and a half day workshop swell. Monthly, April through runs through to September 14th, September. $30. Registration online 5 p.m., during which you will at groundswellnetwork.ca. help construct a full-scale and • 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.: OPT clinic at the fully operable RMH for heating a Invermere Health Unit. 1st and large greenhouse at Edible Acres. 3rd Tuesday of each month. Con$295, includes lunches. Only 14 ﬁdential service: low-cost birth spaces available. Register online control, and STI testing. at groundswellnetwork.ca/event/

SEPTEMBER 17th - 23rd 17TH : WEDNESDAY

• 4 - 9 p.m.: Entrance Beautiﬁcation Project at the Summit Youth Centre. • 6 p.m.: Writers’ Workshop at the Invermere Library. Join this monthly group to inspire your creative writing. Sign up by contacting the Library: 250-342-6416. • 7 - 9 p.m.: Artist opening at Pynelogs. Feature artist show includes Claire Dibble, Anne Aitken Anderson, Kathleen Stead, Patrick Yesh, Susan Fahrni and Silena Ewen/Maegan Stanbury’s pysanky/painting collaborations. Show runs until September 28th.

19TH : FRIDAY

• 4 - 8 p.m.: Rockin’ on Main at the Radium Visitor Information Centre. Market and live entertainment by 60 Hertz (5 - 8 p.m.). • 6 - 11 p.m.: Tight & Bright (No white after Labour Day) Party at the Summit Youth Centre. • 7 - 9 p.m.: Registration for the Columbia Valley Classics 25th annual Autumn Car Show & Shine at the Radium Seniors Hall. Live entertainment by Blues Brothers Too. Visit radiumcarshow.com. • 7:30 p.m.: Jake’s Gift, the moving story of a WW2 veteran’s reluctant return to Juno Beach, at Pynelogs Cultural Centre. Written and performed by Julia Mackey, directed by Dirk van Stralen. Also Saturday, September 20th. Tickets $15, available at Pynelogs and Tiffany’s Thredz. Call 250-342-4423 for more information.

radiumcarshow.com. • 12 - 4 p.m.: Rockin’ on Main at the Radium Visitor Information Centre. Market and live entertainment by Marty & Eli (1:30 - 3 p.m.). • 4 p.m.: Cruise to Invermere, as part of the 25th annual Show & Shine (Not a Car Club sanctioned event) Please follow trafﬁc control - police presence with zero tolerance. Visit radiumcarshow.com. • 6 - 11 p.m.: Movie night and popcorn at the Summit Youth Centre. • 8 p.m. - 1 a.m.: Dance, with the music of Metro Beat, as part of the 25th annual Show & Shine. At the Invermere Curling Centre. $25/person. Dress up in 50/60sstyle costumes for a chance to win a prize. For more information, visit radiumcarshow.com.

21ST: SUNDAY

• 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Windermere Fall Fair and Scarecrow Festival at the Windermere Community Hall. Scarecrow parade, kids’ zone, market vendors. Contests for baking, ﬂoral, horticulture, photography, scarecrows and more. For more information, contact Pat van Regen at 250-342-3857, windermerecommunityassoc@ gmail.com. • 7 p.m.: Movie at the Museum. Visit windermerevalleymuseum. ca or call 250-342-9769.

HOURS INVERMERE LIBRARY

• Tuesday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Wednesdays: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

RADIUM LIBRARY

• Tuesday: 6 - 8 p.m. • Wednesday - Thursday: • 7 - 10 a.m.: Pancake breakfast at 1 - 4 p.m. the Radium Seniors Hall, part of • Saturday: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. the 25th annual Show & Shine. $5/ • Sunday: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. person. Hosted by the Radium Fire Department. Visit radiumcarshow. WINDERMERE VALLEY MUSEUM com. • Daily: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. • 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Wilmer Fall Saleabration, a fun garage sale and NVERMERE HRIFT TORE I T S community celebration. Dona• Thursday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. tions of items welcome. All pro• Friday and Saturday: 1 - 4 p.m. ceeds go to ﬁnal renovations of the Wilmer Community Hall. For RADIUM THRIFT STORE more information or to volunteer: • Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Pam Meunier, 250-342-2019; Mary • Friday and Saturday: Jolicoeur, 250-341-6272. 12 - 4 p.m. • 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Columbia Valley Classics 25th annual Autumn UMMIT OUTH ENTRE S Y C Car Show & Shine at The Springs • Tuesday: 5 9 p.m. Golf Course driving range. Live entertainment by Blues Broth- • Wednesday: 4 - 9 p.m. ers Too, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Visit • Thursday: 5 - 9 p.m. • Friday and Saturday: 6 - 11 p.m.

20TH : SATURDAY

Wednesday, September 10th, 2014 The Valley Echo

OPINION

Making our lives happen in the most effective way

watched a documentary the In a Google search, “to make” Grow Your IFE other day that referenced brings up 7,580,000,000 results. We the world being approximately are makers. 4.5 billion years old. Billions of I reached my destination on the years old! Other sources place lake. I was a little wet and my musour planet history in the milcles were fatigued. As I rested my lions. As I sat in my kayak out paddle, I pulled out some snacks on the lake thinking about this, from the dry bag. As I ate my nuts I fell into an awe-struck place and fruit, the wind and waves slowLIZABETH of wonder and gratitude for ly began to turn my kayak sideways. Mother Nature once again. With a few adjustments, I pointed I don’t begin to pretend that the nose towards home and alI can even comprehend the enormity of mil- lowed the kayak to be pushed from behind. lions or billions of years of constant change. It wasn’t a free ride. I still had to correct my As I continued to think and ponder, I paddled course with my paddle, but I knew where I was south, down the lake. The wind and waves going and it was obviously much easier being were up, so I had to put some muscle into it. I in the flow of the water. knew where I wanted to go and I was making I took in the beautiful scenery as I floated it happen. along and my mind put the pieces of my My mind drifted to our human history, our thoughts together. What can we continue to place on this ancient planet. Our time here learn from Mother Nature; how can we be has been, relatively speaking, short; yet our more effective makers in our lives and who do impact, significant. We have made so much we get to be to make our lives and the lives of progress and continue to make things happen; others more in the flow of the journey? we make a difference, make inventions, make Elizabeth Shopland is a horticulturist for a play, make believe, make a date, make it up, Homefront Essentials Gardening, a Certified Somake meals, make love, make a name, make a lution Focused Coach, author and speaker, and goal, make a deal, make a wish, make money, the owner of Banyan Tree Solutions. She can be and the list goes on. reached at 250-342-8978 or btswellness.com.

invermerevalleyecho.com A9

O NE E R I I P E H S

E SHOPLAND

GIVE from A7

any other B.C. public employee and then, on top of that, throw in a $5,000 teacher signing bonus. Sound fair to you? Mr. Macdonald wants you to believe that the Premier favours private education, which is again puzzling considering B.C. has one of the highest rated public education systems in Canada with some of the best educational outcomes in the world! Further, he neglects to acknowledge that the BCTF wants to go back to the old rigid ratios and formulas that in the past defined class size and composition knowing full well that no other province in Canada manages its classrooms this way. Why? They are inefficient, ineffective and highly discriminatory towards students with special needs. Mr. Macdonald, you need to understand that blame is a waste of time and takes the focus off what is most important — getting kids back into classrooms. Norm, for the sake of B.C. students, start acting like an MLA and do something. Meet with and encourage your BCTF pals, telling them that they need to negotiate a solution rather than offering irresponsible nothought solutions like binding arbitration. You need to do everything you can to get the BCTF back to the bargaining table and, if you do this, you will demonstrate with measurable effort that you do unequivocally support teachers, public education and, most importantly, kids. DOUG CLOVECHOK FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS, B.C.

Access to Jumbo blocked by bridge work

N E W S PA P E R

Come help The Echo celebrate our friend’s 10th anniversary and join us for cake!

Friday, September 12th, 2014 at the Pioneer/Echo office (#8 1008 - 8th Avenue, Invermere) 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Preventing gang activity in BC ▾ MYTH: Once kids join a gang there’s no hope for them: Reality: With quick family, school, and police intervention, a youth can leave the gang without any serious consequences. The key is a coordinated and collaborative intervention as soon as some of the warning signs appear. Better yet, everyone needs to work together to prevent youth and young adults from joining gangs.

Read more by downloading your copy of the CFSEU-BC Community Report at www.cfseu.bc.ca and on your Black Press website at: bc-anti-gang.com

BC’s ng a Anti-lG Po ice Report: mmunity 2014 Co n

io Prevent agement lic Eng and Pub

Dear Editor: I was recently visiting friends in your beautiful town and we drove up to hike at Jumbo, which I had heard is an astounding wilderness area. Unfortunately we were stopped on the road by some people with equipment who told us we could not get in there because they were building a bridge. I have heard there are plans for a corporate municipality up there. Considering the majestic wild surroundings, I sure hope the new mayor of Jumbo is a grizzly bear. MARY MACDONALD PRINCE GEORGE, B.C.

IT ENT UN FORCEM IAL EN ES SPEC D FORC COMBINE

MBIA SH COLU - BRITI

COMBINED FORCES SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT UNIT - BRITISH COLUMBIA

A10 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, September 10th, 2014 The Valley Echo

ALLEY IFE

SOMEWHERE IN THE VALLEY Top row: Competitors in the B.C. Orienteering Championships found some direction in the sports champion tournament in Invermere on Saturday, September 6th. Clockwise from left of second row: The fourth annual Parkinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Superwalk at Pothole Park attracted supporters, including Columbia Valley-Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald (Photos by Dan Walton); Enthused square dancers kicked up their heels at the Columbia Valley Twirlers Square Dance in Radium on Saturday, September 6th (Photos by Kristin McCauley); Children enjoy the freedom of their extended summer vacation in Invermere on Saturday, September 6th (Photo by Dan Walton); Attendees enjoyed the stars at Kootenay Savingsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Outdoor Movie Night in Radium on Saturday, September 6th (Photo by Kristin McCauley).

Wednesday, September 10th, 2014 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A11

COLUMNIST

Train coal dust and its impact on Lake Windermere

impacts of coal are only present when it is leased into the atmosphere, a spray-on substance called a ike in many other B.C. towns, Invermere Beneath the URFACE taken out of the ground. The Navajo have surfactant is applied to the trains before they leave. BNSF has a Canada Pacific Rail (CPR) line traditionally believed that coal is the liver Rail (a company that operates mainly in the U.S. and running through it. CPR is not required to of the earth, a belief that is actually backed B.C.) claims that the use of surfactants reduces escaping disclose the cargo they are transporting to up by science. When left in the ground, coal coal dust by up to 85 per cent. the public (only to the municipalities), but Assuming that is correct, 15 per cent of 80,645 pounds is acts as a filter. As water percolates through as can be seen from the open rail cars, coal it, coal seams trap heavy metals and toxins, still 12,094 pounds of coal that is being released into the is commonly shipped through our town. The and actually improve water quality. However, environment. And that’s just one train. An average of 20 fact that the cars are open to the air begs the it is when the coal is mined, shipped, and trains pass through Invermere each day. question of how much coal dust might be LLA Even though studies on this topic began early in the last burned that these metals and toxins are alblowing out of the cars, and into the air and lowed to escape into the environment. In century, relatively little research has been done on the enwater. The train runs right along the shore of the mining process, the impacts on water vironmental impacts of coal dust. Accurate information Lake Windermere, so anything that blows out of the cars could get into the whole lake. This article ex- quality vary based on method. In the Powder Basin in on the regulations around controlling the dust can be plores what we know and what we don’t know about the Montana, for example, strip mining is used, a technique difficult to locate. It’s up to us to push for the best posthat is so destructive it can alter watersheds. Burning coal sible regulations and research to keep our lake clean and impacts of coal dust on lake ecosystems. Coal dust has been shown to negatively affect aquatic produces the most impact worldwide. Aside from lib- healthy for generations to come. Ella Swan is the Lake Windermere Ambassadors’ Sumecosystems in some instances. Most of the documented erating potentially toxic heavy metals such as uranium impacts have been physical effects. These include the and thorium, the chemical smoke can produce acid rain mer Student. She can be reached by phone at 250-3416898 or by email at intern@lakeambassadors.ca. actual particles in the water, which cloud the water and (“Formation of Acid Rain”, Ha, J.). The shipping of the coal is a more direduce the amount of light that can reach the bottom. This can diminish the ability of plants to photosynthesize, rect concern for Lake Windermere. BeA COLLECTIVE from A6 producing less oxygen for the fish and other organisms. cause of the way that trains carry coal, Coal dust in aquatic environments has also been shown to large amounts of coal dust can simply The most important part of my job has been working with people, smother, abrade and clog breathing and feeding organs in blow out of the cars. both individually and with their communities, in dealing with RDEK As in Invermere, trains always carry fish (Ahrens and Morrisey, 2005). services, bylaws and policies and the often overlapping provincial Data has been available about these impacts for a long coal in open cars, allowing the potential policies and statutes. I have been fortunate in establishing a very good time. As early as the 1930s,a study was released that linked for dust to escape. In 2009, a BNSF Rail relationship with the knowledgable, committed and helpful staff fish mortality in freshwater streams to irritation caused by representative testified that over a 400throughout the RDEK departments. Please call me at 250-347-9841 coal dust (Pautzke, 1938). A 1979 study reported that the mile journey, approximately 645 pounds or email gdwilkie@cyberlink.bc.ca. I would be pleased to discuss spawning success of fathead minnows was reduced from of coal dust per car are lost. With an avRDEK issues and services with you at any time, and I look forward to 90 per cent to 36 per cent because of PAH (polycyclic ar- erage of 125 cars in a train, that’s 80,645 representing Area G for another term. omatic hydrocarbon) contamination from coal (United pounds of coal dust on one trip — that’s Gerry Wilkie is the Regional District of East Kootenay director for Area 200 pounds per mile per train. States Environmental Protection Agency, 1979). G, and can be reached at gdwilkie@cyberlink.bc.ca. To reduce the amount of coal dust reIt is important to note that the negative water quality

E SWAN

BC NEWS

Public consultation for the 2015 provincinal budget announced

The all-party Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services has announced plans for the public consultations on the 2015 provincial budget. The consultation period formally opens this month in conjunction with the release of the Budget 2015 Consultation Paper prepared by the Ministry of Finance. This year’s consultations will include public hearings in 17 communities throughout the province, and a video-conference session covering an additional three locations. British Columbians are also invited to participate by making a written submission, sending an audio or video file, or completing an online survey. “The consultations provide a very good opportunity for British Columbians to

provide their input into the budget-making process,” said committee chair Dan Ashton. “The committee will give careful consideration to all of the submissions and issue a report to the Legislative Assembly in November containing recommendations for Budget 2015.” A public hearing is scheduled for Cranbrook on Monday, September 29th at the Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort (209 Van Horne Street) from noon to 4 p.m. Further information on how to participate, including the locations and times for all the scheduled public hearings and information on the work of the committee, is available on the committee’s website at leg.bc.ca/cmt/finance. Registration for the public hearings opened on Monday, September 8th at 9 a.m. To register to make a presentation, please contact the Parliamentary Committee’s Office by phone, 1-877-428-8337, or by email FinanceCommittee@leg.bc.ca.

More OCP Update: Imagine Invermere Over the past few months we have been actively updating the Official Community Plan (OCP) to align with the Imagine Invermere 2030 Integrated Community Sustainability Plan and other recently completed DOI policy. Dialogue with the community has been an important part of this process and we want to continue the lively conversation we have had to date. To review and discuss our progress, please drop by: September 18th (10am-5pm) or September 19th (10am-2pm) We will be holding a community BBQ on September 18th between 11:30am and 1pm Lake Auto Garage – 1005 7th Avenue

Come see our progress!

VALLEY ECHO STAFF

A12 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, September 10th, 2014 The Valley Echo

COMMUNITY

Moth makes an impression

The Invermere

ALLEY A CHO

Wilmer man honoured by China

BERNIE RAVEN CHRIS RAVEN Offices in Panorama, Invermere & Fairmont

Salmon Arm resident Dorothy McIntosh contacted The Valley Echo after spotting the beautiful photograph of a moth on our July 23rd cover. A friend of hers had captured one of these moths a couple of years ago and Dorothy took several pictures of it (photo to the right) before they released it, unharmed. She thought readers might be intersested to learn more and included the following information courtesy of the E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum of the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta.

MOTH MOMENT

1-866-598-7415 TEAMRAVEN.CA

VALLEY ECHO STAFF

Edging ahead with improved infrastructure

05 INCLUDES GST

This eye-catching image of a moth was taken on the steps of a residence in Columere Park by Gill Horbachewski, who could not resist capturing the moth’s beautiful wing design with her camera. PHOTO BY GILL HORBACHEWSKI

PUBLICATIONS MAIL REGISTRATION NO. 7856

Maxwell Realty Invermere

Court appeal doesn’t deter Sunchaser property owners DAN WALTON dan@invermerevalleyecho.com Despite an appeal against a court decision last month which ruled in their favour, the property managers at Sunchaser Villas are still expecting their renovation fees. The decision that was overturned on Friday, June 13th came in November 2013, when the BC Supreme Court ruled in favour of the property managers right to impose extensive renovation fees upon all timeshare owners at the resort. Owners were given two options: pay $4,195 to keep each timeshare unit, or pay $3,168 to part with the asset. The fees were calculated by a consulting firm hired by Northwynd Resort Properties Ltd., the development company that purchased Sunchaser after it defaulted in 2009. Kirk Wankel, the chief executive officer of Northwynd Resort Properties

Scientific name: Antheraea polyphemus (Cramer) Common name: Polyphemus Moth Habitat: Deciduous boreal forest in central and northern Albera, local in the parkland and prairie river valleys. See A13

Regional District of East Kootenay

Ltd., said that obligatory maintenance “It’s hard to say what effect this’ll have duties and upgrades had been neglect- on [owners not involved in the lawsuit]. ed by the previous owners — Fairmont Renovation operations are based on the Resort Properties Ltd. — and a back- fees collected by the resort… people we log of issues have to be addressed. hoped would stop being in default will And even though the BC Supreme likely be in default longer.” Court reversed November’s ruling There are 18,950 time share units that last month, Mr. Wankel said all own- are part of the property, and the issue ers with outstanding wound up in court The owners are because about 950 accounts are still on the hook for the still bound by their of the owners filed a renovation fees. contracts and we’re still class-action lawsuit. “From a legal perAs legal experts figspective, this turned enforcing them. ure out who’s right, KIRK WANKEL ‘yes’ into ‘unde- NORTHWYND RESORT PROPERTIES LTD. owners with outcided’ – not a ‘yes’ standing accounts into a ‘no’,” he said. “We will pursue are being charged interest by the propcollection from them like any other erty management company. account. The owners are still bound Northwynd could take the issue by their contracts and we’re still deeper into legal limbo, but the propenforcing them.” erty management company won’t be But he admits the recent appeal will appealing the appeal, Mr. Wankel said, make it more difficult to convince own- as the decision would be tied up for ers they rightfully owe the money. years in the Supreme Court of Canada.

BYLAWS 2546, 2547, 2548, 2549

The number of time share units at the resort will be less after the completion of the renovation program, as many owners will choose to opt-out, he said. As many owners are still fighting the decision, it is not currently known how many units will still be part of the resort after the renovations. In an online forum used by many Sunchaser owners, skepticism has been expressed towards Northwynd’s longterm commitment to the resort, worrying some owners that the thousands of four-figure renovation fees could be collected before the bulk of the work is completed. “If we were going to run away with the money, why would we set up a $100-a-month payment plan?” Mr. Wankel said. “If we were going to cut and run, we would have already.” Renovations are currently taking place in the 300, 400, and 800 buildings at Sunchaser. See A3

Bylaw Amendments - Medical Marihuana

We are feeling...

! D E H S FLU

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering amendments to the Steamboat – Jubilee Mountain Official Community Plan, Lake Windermere Official Community Plan, Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw, and Fairmont Hot Springs Area Official Community Plan to introduce regulations and land use policies with regard to medical marihuana production facilities in Electoral Area F & G. Regional District of East Kootenay is gearing up for its regular maintenance work on the Edgewater and Holland Creek • Excavators • Mini-Excavators • Bobcats • Dump Trucks • Water The Trucks VJ (Butch) Bishop The amendments are in recognition of the change in howPlow Medical Marihuana Owner/Operator • Snow • Sanding Equipment • Crane Truck sanitary sewers to remove settled and accumulated material. 4846 Holland Creek Ridge Rd. is regulated by the Federal Government. Effective• Road AprilBuilding 1, 2014,• Land the Clearing production • Controlled Burning Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 This maintenance is scheduled for the week of September 15-19, 2014. shifted from small scale individual producers to large scale commercial • Rock Walls • Rip Rap • Top Soil • Sand & Gravel production. Under the new regulation commercial producers are required toCONTRACT OR HOURLYDuring this process, the contractor will be setting up their flushing apparatus at each service access (manhole) in the roadway MACHINE RENTALS AVAILABLE comply with local government bylaws. and releasing pressurized water through the sanitary sewer main pipe to remove buildup. The following bylaws will be presented: A bubbling and/or vacuum effect may be noticed in your drains and toilets due to this maintenance Bylaw No. 2546 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Steamboat – flushing. It is recommended to keep toilet seats closed and cover any floor drains. Jubilee Mountain Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1926, 2006 – Amendment Bylaw No. 9, 2014 (Medical Marihuana/RDEK)”. Internal plumbing consists of “P” Traps, which hold a volume of water to prevent sewer gasses from migrating into a home. During the flushing process, this water could be drawn out of the traps. For that reason, it is important to refill all plumbing Bylaw No. 2547 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Lake Windermere Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2061, 2008 – Amendment Bylaw No. 17, 2014 traps by running the water in your sinks and floor drains after the work is complete. (Medical Marihuana/RDEK)”. This preventative maintenance process is necessary to reduce the potential for a sanitary sewer main backup which could result Bylaw No. 2548 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia in damage to property. The RDEK would like to thank you for your patience during this regular maintenance. Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 293, 2014 (Medical For more information on the flushing program, contact: Marihuana/RDEK)”. Joel Bilodeau, RDEK Senior Operator - 1-250-342-0063 or jbilodeau@rdek.bc.ca. Bylaw No. 2549 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Fairmont Hot Springs Area Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1734, 2004 – Amendment Bylaw No. 25, 2014 (Medical Marihuana/RDEK)”. A public hearing will be held at: Windermere Community Hall 4726 North Street, Windermere BC Monday, September 29, 2014 at 7:00 pm The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F, Electoral Area G, Village of Radium, District of Invermere, and Village of Canal Flats. 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 written submissions are public information pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw. For more information, contact Michele Bates, Planner, at 250-489-0311 or toll free at 1-888-478-7335.

Sanitary Sewer Flushing Edgewater and Holland Creek

HAZARDOUS WASTE ROUND UP

Get rid of your unwanted, hard-to-get-rid-of household hazardous wastes!

Saturday, September 20, 2014 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

District of Invermere Public Works Yard (1101 Industrial Rd #1)

This is your chance to get rid of old aerosols, flammable liquids, poisonous products, corrosives, oils, antifreeze, paints, pesticides, herbicides and solvents in one location. From nail polish remover and furniture polish to rat poison and pool acids, we will take a wide range of household products. For a complete list of what is accepted, visit www.rdek.bc.ca Household Residential Only No Commercial or Industrial Products. No Explosives, Ammunition, Biomedical or Radioactive Waste

19 - 24th Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8 Phone: 250-489-2791 Toll Free: 1-888-478-7335 Email: info@rdek.bc.ca Website: www.rdek.bc.ca

Wednesday, September 10th, 2014 The Valley Echo

Seasonality: Adults are found primarily from late May to late June. Identification: No other species can be confused with this distinctive moth. The tan colouration with the transparent eyespots on the fore- and hind-wings are unique. There is some variation in the ground colour of the wings, with some individuals tending to a darker grey-tan and little or no pink band on the outside of the subterminal line. Life history: Overwinters as a pupa in a large, silken cocoon. Although the oval-shaped cocoons usually fall to the ground with the host plant leaves they are wrapped in, they can occasionally be found in the winter still attached to the host plant by a small amount of silk thread. These moths typically rest suspended from a branch or twig during the day, with their wings folded above their back. The undersides of the wings are surprisingly cryptic for such a large moth. If these moths are disturbed when at rest, they often drop to the ground, and flap their wings once giving the appearance of a sudden ‘jump’. With the eyespots exposed, this makes an impressive display which may startle potential predators. Polyphemus was a giant cyclops in greek mythology, and the polyphemus moth presumably received its name to reflect the large eyespots on its wings. Conservation: Although there is some variation in the year-toyear abundance of this species, it is usually common. Diet info: McGugan (1958) reports larval collections from 26 different trees and shrubs, but over half of the records were obtained from White Birch (Betula papyrifera). Larvae also feed on Trembling Aspen, Red Osier Dogwood, and occasionally Pin- and Choke Cherry, Hawthorn, and Serviceberry. Other confirmed host plants in Alberta are willows (Salix bebbiana and Salix discolor). Range: The polyphemus is the most widely distributed silkmoth in North America, occuring coast to coast in southern Canada and the U.S., south to Arizona. Known as far north as Zama City in extreme northwestern Alberta. Visit entomology.museums.ualberta.ca to learn more.

BC NEWS

Have your say on provincial electoral boundaries

Valley Echo Staff The ninth independent and non-partisan British Columbia Electoral Boundaries Commission wants your input on the area, boundaries and names of provincial electoral districts to be used for the next two provincial general elections. “Now is the time to have your say and shape your province,” states Commission Chair Justice Tom Melnick. “This democratic process is a unique opportunity for British Columbians to provide their views about how their communities are represented geographically in the Legislative Assembly.” Starting on Monday, September 2nd, the commission began holding public hearings in 29 communities throughout B.C. to hear views and receive presentations and submissions. This input will inform the commission’s Preliminary Report to the Legislative Assembly which they are mandated to submit before May 9th, 2015. For a complete schedule of public hearing dates, locations and times, visit the commission website at bc-ebc.ca. The closest public hearing for Columbia Valley residents will be in Cranbrook on

Tuesday, October 7th at the St. Eugene Golf Resort, located at 7777 Mission Road. The meeting will take place in the Chief David Room and start at 6 p.m. Views, submissions and presentations may also be Commissioner Justice made through an Tom Melnick (Chair) online submission form on the commission website (bc-ebc. ca), by email to info@bc-ebc.ca or by mail to PO Box 9275 Stn. Prov. Govt, Victoria, B.C., V8W 9J6. All submissions must be received by the commission by Sunday, November 16th, 2014. Following the publication of the Preliminary Report, British Columbians will have the opportunity to provide input and views on the proposed provincial electoral district areas, boundaries, and names. Visit the commission’s website to learn about the commission, how to join a public hearing, view current electoral district maps and provide input at bc-ebc.ca.

NOTICE OF POWER OUTAGE PARSON We will be making electrical system improvements in Parson on September 18, 2014. To ensure the safety of our work crews, it will be necessary to interrupt electrical service for approximately 4 hours. Where: Hwy 95 - 2 km North of Spillimacheen, North to Birchlands Road, including Parson and all side roads. When: Thursday, September 18, 2014 Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MDT To prepare for this interruption and protect your equipment from damage, turn off all lights, electric heaters, major appliances and unplug all electronics. For the first hour after the power comes back on, please only plug in or turn on those electronics and appliances that you really need. This will help ensure the electrical system does not get overloaded. We are sorry for the inconvenience. We will restore your power as soon as we can. Prepare for outages and stay informed by visiting bchydro.com/outages or bchydro.com/mobile from your handheld device. Please call 1 888 POWERON (1 888 769 3766) for more information.

4344

MOTH from A12

invermerevalleyecho.com A13

A14 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, September 10th, 2014 The Valley Echo

BC NEWS

Kimberley’s tailings ponds to be inspected Carolyn Grant Kimberley Daily Bulletin

Chris Stannell, Senior Communications Specialist with Teck Resources Limited, says the company supports the order from the B.C. government. “We support the steps announced by the BC Government and will work with the As a direct consequence of the tailings dam breach at the Mt. Polley Mine Province to meet all inspection and documentation requirements,” he said. “Nothing is more important than the safety earlier last month, the chief inspector of of people and communities and we have exmines has issued an order to all mining comtensive measures to safeguard the tailings fapanies to conduct a Dam Safety Inspection for cilities at the Sullivan reclamation site. every tailings storage facility at a permitted “Our tailings dams at the Sullivan reclamamine by December 1st, 2014. Under the order, tion site are inspected by technical staff daily, those inspections must be reviewed by an informal dam safety inspections are conducted dependent, qualified, third-party, professional annually by an external Engineer of Record, engineer from a firm not associated with the and third-party reviews by an independent tailings facility. geotechnical expert are performed every five There are currently 98 permitted tailings imto seven years at each facility. The most repoundments at 60 operating and closed metal cent formal dam safety inspection was carand coal mines in B.C. One of those permit holdried out in May 2014.” ers is Teck, which continues to maintain the SulTeck will pay for the external inspection of livan Mine tailings impoundment in Kimberley. its dam facilities, Stannell said. The area of tailings impoundment is approxFormal reclamation activities have been imately 583 hectares, which includes both remediated land and tailings ponds, containA Secwepemc Elder walks through the area devastated by the Impe- completed at the site and care and maining material left over from the mining and pro- rial Metals-operated Mount Polley mine spill that took place in August. tenance activities are conducted regularly, cessing of ore. Photo courtesy of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs he added.

BC NEWS

Province eyes longer school year to offset strike Jeff Nagel Black Press

Education Minister Peter Fassbender says the province may take extraordinary steps to ensure senior secondary students’ school year is not cut short by the teachers strike. That could mean adding days to the school calendar later in the year, he said, to ensure Grade 12 students in particular complete their courses and get all the marks they need. “Do you put it on the end of the year? Do you take it out of Spring Break? Do you take it out of Christmas holidays? My staff are looking at all of the options,” Fassbender said. “It’s going to depend on how long this drags out. Whatever length of time it takes to get this settled, we will do everything we can to make sure the school year is kept whole for those students.” It’s unclear how the government would finance adding extra days of classes later when all of the $12 million per day in strike savings may be consumed by the province’s offer of $40-a-day payments to parents. “If they were accumulating the savings, that would be one thing — they would have a fund,” Vancouver School Board chair Patti Bacchus said. “But they’re giving away the budget right now to parents that would be otherwise available to pay for that.” As of The Valley Echo’s Monday (September 8th) press deadline, 74 per cent of parents of eligible public school children under 13 had signed up for the $40 payments, which are expected to be made as a lump sum after the strike ends. As of 8 a.m. on Monday, 164,400 families had registered representing a total of 225,520 students. Other costs that the province continues to incur while schools are closed include salaries for school administration as well as support staff with other unions that are eligible to be compensated for pay

lost for not crossing teacher picket lines. Support staff costs could hit $5 million a day once all their union locals ratify new contracts. Education ministry officials said school districts would be consulted on any potential changes to the school year to mitigate the strike. But Bacchus said she’s heard nothing so far and

Minister of Education Peter Fassbender speaks to the media from his Surrey podium. Photo by jeff nagel predicted it would be disruptive to families that have booked vacations and made other commitments far in advance. “It’s not going to be easy,” she said, noting changes would also require exemptions from School Act requirements. Talk of calendar adjustments is another sign of possible long-term implications from the strike, even though it has only disrupted the first few days of the new school year. Parents have scrambled for limited space for child care, day camps, tutors and even private school placements for their children.

Stepping up to meet the demand have been independent schools and, increasingly, public school teachers no longer drawing a regular paycheque who are advertising “tutor” services online. “I work for the Surrey School District and I am willing to tutor your child in the comfort of your own home,” reads one Craigslist post from an elementary school teacher. Distance learning through independent online schools is another option. The B.C. Online School run out of Kelowna by Heritage Christian Schools has been swamped with three times the normal number of applications for distributed learning from students across the province as a result of the strike. “We are overloaded with kids coming to us, particularly those in Grade 12 who want to get a particular course and get their requirements for university,” said superintendent Greg Bitgood. The online school, which is half funded by the province, instructed 3,400 students in its summer school — three times the normal number — and turned away another 6,000. Demand has surged again now that the strike has spilled into September and pushed back the scheduled start of classes. Bitgood is weighing whether to hire more teachers in response. But it’s risky because a deal or government legislation could send teachers back to work and students back to regular classes, said Bitgood, who emphasized he also wants the public school shutdown to end quickly. There are only four such independent schools that offer distributed learning to students in the public system, Bitgood said, adding “there’s no way” the industry can meet the demand created by the strike. Another independent online school based in Surrey declined to comment, saying the issue was “too sensitive.”

Wednesday, September 10th, 2014 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A15

BC NEWS

BC Hydro warning of phone scam ARNE PETRYSHEN Cranbrook Daily Townsman

A telephone call in which the caller claims that if you don’t make a payment, your power will be switched off is a scam, according to BC Hydro. The Crown corporation is warning British Columbians about the new telephone scam. BC Hydro customers are receiving calls where the caller claims to represent BC Hydro and says power will be disconnected if a payment is not received. BC Hydro reminds customers that the company does not collect credit card or bank account information over the phone.

“Customers are also reminded that if they receive a call from someone representing BC Hydro and they doubt the authenticity of the call, they should hang up and call back,” the company said. If payment is actually past due on an account, BC Hydro will send notices asking for payment in the mail. It will also use an automated dialer to remind customers to make a payment before electricity supply is impacted. BC Hydro customers are asked to report these calls by calling BC Hydro at 1-800-BC-Hydro, Cranbrook RCMPat 250-489-3471 and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

GOLF NEWS

WINDERMERE LADIES’ GOLF CLUB: • On Tuesday, August 26th, Windermere Ladies took part in the East Kootenay Team Challenge in Golden this year (we hosted it last year). We again came middle of the pack. Cranbrook and Creston were tied and going back nine holes, the winner was Cranbrook by one. • Wednesday, August 27th was our last pin and low net round. Winners were, in first place, Deb Plato; and tied in second place were Pat Andruschuk, Oris Hanson and Helga Boker. Putting Pot was won by Dawn McKinnon. No deuces, so a carryover. August “Trees” was won by Oris Hanson • The September 3rd game was 3 Blind Mice. Winner was Joyce Robinson and tied for 2nd was Raylene Oram, Eileen Rose and Helga Boker. Putting Pot won by Raylene Oram. Deuce Pot was a carryover. SUBMITTED BY HELGA BOKER

EMEMBER WHEN? R A look back through The Valley Echo's archives over the last 50 years

2006 — The annual Windermere Fall Fair and Scarecrow Festival was a photographer’s heaven — with a seemingly endless variety of colourful images, including a smiling foaming suds girl. FILE PHOTO

years ago (1959): An intensive educational program to instruct the public in the safe use of plastic film was the logical solution to the urgent problem of infant smotherings attributed to thin plastics, Dr. Fred W. Jeffrey, a prominent Ottawa pediatrician, told the British Columbia Safety Council.

years ago (1964): The first payments were made in the month of September under the Youth Allowances Act recently by the federal government. The act provided an allowance of ten dollars a month for children 16 and 17 years old, still in attendance at school or unable to attend school because of physical or mental impairment.

years ago (1969): The Paradise School in Invermere was once again operating its kindergarten for mentally challenged children. Enrolment consisted of seven children, three girls and four boys, all five years of age.

years ago (1974): Two Calgary residents were killed suddenly and a third landed at the Foothills Hospital in serious condition. Of the deceased were John K. Neill 80, and his wife Elizabeth 75. Their daugher, who was also the driver of the vehicle, was transported to hospital.

years ago (1984): The spirit of goodwill was evident at the annual Provincial Premiers’ Conference in Charlottetown which potentially signalled the dawning of a new era in federal-provincial relationships in Canada. That spirit was reflected strongly in the communique released at the conclusion of the conference.

years ago (1994): Precautions were taken as bears prepared for hibernation. Bears were out searching for food a bit earlier to prepare for the winter season. Because of the dry summer, conservation officer Richard Hoar said natural food such as berries and

water were not as plentiful, and as a result bears were arriving early to look for food. “Each fall the valley is visited by bears tipping over garbage cans, getting into compost piles and fruit trees,” Hoar said.

years ago (1999): Leadership, education, sports and rememberance. These are the four elements the Royal Canadian Legion focused on in its youth program. Pat Cope was elected to the Pacific Command as chair of the youth committee. She was in charge of ensuring that the programs sponsored by the Legion were in place where they were needed.

years ago (2004): According to weather predictions in The Old Farmer’s Almanac (2005 Canadian edition), winter sports enthusiasts in the East Kootenay could expect good news. In the regional summary, the Farmer’s Almanac predicted: “The southeast will be colder and snowier than normal. The southwest will be be a bit milder.”

A16 invermerevalleyecho.com

CROSSWORD

RAIN AIN

SUDOKU

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. Figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers named, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

HOROSCOPES

Wednesday, September 10th, 2014 The Valley Echo

GAME

17. Lordship’s rights of holding CLUES ACROSS court 1. Branch of Islam 20. Entity designation 5. Spookier 22. Gable’s wife’s initials 11. April holiday day 25. Atomic #18 14. Assumed authorship 26. The woman 15. Skewered foods 27. The art of preaching 18. Mails 29. Manuscripts (abbr.) 19. A millionth of a meter 31. No. Canton, OH college 21. Intentionally so written 34. ‘63 NFL MVP QB initials 23. New Zealand parrot 36. German title 24. A light splash 37. Nautical vertical position 28. Appear to be true 38. Abu __, UAE capital 29. Of I 40. Initials of GE founder 30. 17th Greek letters 43. Anabaptist sect 32. Point midway between S 45. Equally and SE 48. Course of action 33. Stallone nickname 50. Discharge 35. NW German river 51. Psychic medium 36. Possessed 53. Solo vocal piece 39. Common seasoning 54. Open threadwork 41. Integrated circuit 55. Heavenly body 42. Hebrew unit of 57. Attempt measurement 58. Early TV tube 44. Take without consent 59. NYSE for Callaway Golf Co. 46. Enlarge a hole 61. Atomic #33 47. 9th month (abbr.) 49. Animal disease Answers to 52. Afrikaans September 3rd: 56. Fate or destiny 58. Ester of citric acid 60. Levels classified by criteria 62. Rendezvous 63. Lofty nest of a bird of prey CLUES DOWN 1. A large body of water 2. Belongs to “2001” computer 3. A small island 4. Egyptian sun god 5. Saint Anthony’s fire 6. Election Stock Market 7. Atomic #44 8. Writing liquid 9. Mild Dutch cheese 10. Am. Nobel physicist Isodor 12. Am. football wings 13. Boisterous laughs (slang) 16. Hillsides

W eekend WEATHER Friday September 12 Mainly sunny Temp: 15oC o

Feels like 15 C

Low: 2oC

Saturday September 13 Sunny Temp: 16oC o

Feels like 16 C

Low: 4oC

Sunday September 14 Sunny Temp: 19oC o

Feels like 19 C

Low: 4oC

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, reexamine the important relationships in your life. Figure out what you learned from each friendship and acquaintance, and put those lessons to good use.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, some people around you may be especially busy this week while you really don’t have much to do. Think of it as a good omen of things to come.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, there are many entertainment options this week, so it’s difficult to choose how to spend your time. Whatever you choose, it is bound to be a memorable night.

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, with so many tasks to complete, you may be tempted to forget about everything and take a mental health day. But everything will still be there tomorrow.

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Share your feelings for someone else with that person this week, Virgo. You may regret your actions if you don’t take that emotional leap.

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Money matters could be taking up a considerable chunk of your time, Capricorn. Focus your concentration on finances and leave other responsibilities on the side for now.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, you’re brimming with excitement about learning something new this week. You may finally be on the cusp of mastering a particularly challenging skill.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, while you are usually the one who plays peacemaker, this week you are in a position to cause trouble. Don’t worry what others think or say.

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, don’t worry if something proves confusing and a challenging nut to crack. Things will sort themselves out in due time, and you will be back on the right track.

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, it may be challenging to settle your thoughts this week. Work is weighing heavily on your mind, but go easy on yourself and you will still get everything done.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 Remember that success comes in many shapes and sizes, Scorpio. Don’t be so quick to consider something a failure. You may just need a new perspective to realize your success.

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 A predicament in your personal life could have you feeling uncomfortable, Pisces. Wait for a clearer picture before taking action.

The Valley Echo Wednesday,10th, September Wednesday, September 2014 10, The2014 Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A17 www.invermerevalleyecho.com A17 <our community. <our classi¿eGs.

250.341.6299 email customerservice@invermerevalleyecho.com INDEX IN BRIEF FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS TRAVEL CHILDREN EMPLOYMENT BUSINESS SERVICES PETS & LIVESTOCK MERCHANDISE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE RENTALS AUTOMOTIVE MARINE

AGREEMENT

It is agreed by any Display or Classified Advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event of failure to publish an advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. bcclassified.com cannot be responsible for errors after the first day of publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors on the first day should immediately be called to the attention of the Classified Department to be corrected for the following edition. bcclassified.com reserves the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisment and to retain any answers directed to the bcclassified.com Box Reply Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisment and box rental.

DISCRIMINATORY LEGISLATION

Advertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminates against any person because of race, religion, sex, color, nationality, ancestry or place of origin, or age, unless the condition is justified by a bona fide requirement for the work involved.

Copyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of bcclassified.com. Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

ON THE WEB:

Announcements

Employment

Information

Accounting/ Bookkeeping

Business Opportunities

Career Opportunities

Education/Trade Schools

FORT St John business has opening for full time Bookkeeper, must have 3 years related job experience. Good understanding of Sage 50, Excel, accounts payable, payroll, bank rec, government remittances. Wage based on experience, benefit plan. Possible relocation assistance. Email:

SOON GOVERNMENT Law will mandate every bar provide a breathalyzer. Learn how to be the first in your area to cash in. Call 1-800-287-3157 ext. 3; breathalyzerineverybar .com

NOTICE

Columbia Valley Recreation Society AGM September 18, 2014 7:00 PM Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena Mezzanine ALCOHOLICS Anonymous If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. Call 250-342-2424 for more information. All meetings are at 8 p.m. Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday groups - Columbia United AA at the BC Services building, south end, 625 4th Street Invermere. Radium Friendship Group: Friday, Catholic Church. All meetings are open with the exception of Tuesdays. BENEFIT GROUP - Suffering from a Disability? The Canadian Government wants to give you up to $40,000. For details check out our website: disabilitygroupcanada.com or Call us today toll-free 1-888875-4787.

Personals MEET SINGLES right now! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now: 1-800-712-9851

Travel

Timeshare

trophymanagement@gmail.com

or fax 778-471-4002

Business Opportunities GET FREE vending machines. Can earn $100,000 + per year. All cash-retire in just 3 years. Protected Territories. Full details call now 1-866-668-6629. Website www.tcvend.com

Career Opportunities EXPERIENCE IS an asset We offer free recruitment services for people aged 45 and over across Canada. Register now at: www.thirdquarter.ca or call toll-free: 1-855-286-0306.

MANAGERIAL POSITIONS We’re growing on Vancouver Island! If you have multiple years’ experience in a managerial role in the grocery business and want to join an innovative & creative group then we would love to hear from you. We offer exceptional beneﬁts, Group RSP and many other incentives. Please send your resume to: Lyall Woznesensky Lyall@Qualityfoods.com QF Director Professional Development.

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-888528-0809 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

Employment Help Wanted An Alberta Oilfield Company is hiring experienced dozer and excavator operators, meals and lodging provided. Drug testing required. 1-(780)7235051. Construction Laborer, experienced framer and carpenter. Full time position to work in the Valley. Contact Ken @ 250-341-1886 Fairmont Bungalows is looking for full or part-time housekeepers. Free living accommodation available. Phone 250-345-6365 or email bunglows@shaw.ca TUG SKIPPER Full time senior & junior positions available. Minimum Limited Master <60GT Certificate required. Apply via email: alertbaytowing@cablerocket.com or by fax: (250) 974-5216

Three million Canadians have a hearing loss. I’m one of them. The Hearing Foundation of Canada funds the only nationally coordinated medical research program to find the cause and cure of hearing loss. To learn more about our programs and how you can help, call 1-866 HEAR YOU, toll free or visit our web site, www.hearingfoundation.ca

CANCEL YOUR Timeshare. no Risk Program stop Mortgage & Maintenance payments today. 100% money back guarantee. Free consultation. Call us now. We can help! 1-888-356-5248

Don Harron

Travel FOY SPA RV Resort has more winter fun for less! Hot mineral springs, events, activities, fitness, entertainment, Canadian friends in southern California www.foyspa.com, or 888-800-0772.

CHURCH SERVICES DIRECTORY ST. PETER’S WINDERMERE ROMAN CATHOLIC RADIUM CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER FELLOWSHIP LUTHERAN MISSION VALLEY SHARED CHURCH DAY SAINTS OF INVERMERE MINISTRY #4 - 7553 Main Street W, 250-342-6167 ANGLICAN-UNITED 5014 Fairway, Radium 100 - 7th Ave., Invermere Pastor: Father Gabriel Fairmont Hot Springs 250-342-6633 250-426-7564 100-7th Ave., Invermere Confession: 1/2 hr. before Mass 250-341-5792 250-347-6334 250-342-6644 Pastor: Rev. Fraser Coltman Canadian Martyrs Church Pastor Rev. David Morton Reverend Laura Hermakin President: Adam Pasowisty 712 - 12 Ave, Invermere Worship Service wvsm.ca Columbia Valley Branch Saturdays, 5 p.m. Sundays, 10 a.m. Worship Services Sundays, 9 a.m. Sundays Worship Services Worship Services Bible Studies 1:30 p.m. Sundays St. Joseph’s Church Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Every Sunday, 10:30 a.m. Christ Church Trinity, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Hwy. 93-95, Radium Hot Christ Church Trinity, Invermere Kids’ Church Springs Invermere Edgewater Hall Sundays, 11 a.m. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. 1st and 3rd Sunday, 9 a.m. St. Anthony’s Mission All Saint’s, Edgewater. Loving God, Corner of Luck and Dunn, 2nd Sunday, 7 p.m. Loving People Canal Flats Saturdays, 4:30 p.m. St. Peter’s, Windermere

LAKE WINDERMERE VALLEY CHRISTIAN ALLIANCE CHURCH ASSEMBLY 326 - 10th Ave., Invermere Hwy. 93/95, 1 km north 250-342-9535 of Windermere Pastor: Trevor Hagan 250-342-9511 lakewindermerealliance.org Pastor: Murray Wittke valleychristianonline.com Sunday, September 14th Sunday Service 10:30 a.m. 10 a.m. Worship & Word Worship And Life Kid’s Church Provided Instruction … with guest speaker, Mr. Matt Wilks. Sharing Truth “K.I.D.S.” Church, during Showing Love the Morning Service. Following the Spirit 7:00 p.m. SING and CELEBRATE Join us for an evening of singing; food; and fellowship!

A18 www.invermerevalleyecho.com A18 invermerevalleyecho.com

Services

Employment

Help Wanted

Financial Services

Home Improvements

Misc. for Sale

Do you have Support Group Facilitation skills, some knowledge of Dementia and local resources? E.K. Seniors Caregiver Network is looking for a Support Group Facilitator in Invermere, 7 hours/month, to provide a regular day time monthly meeting and follow up telephone support with family caregiver’s of an elderly person. A toll free line is available to caregivers and staff for support throughout the East Kootenay region. Call Liz at 1-877489-0803 for more information. E-mail resumes to lizd@shaw.ca

INVERMERE PETRO CANADA

ROCK Construction & Mining requires a Heavy Duty Mechanic for work at various job locations across Canada. The successful candidate must be experienced with hydraulic systems and CAT engines. Preference will be given to applicants with experience in Terex Reedrill and Atlas Copco drills. Must have the ability to work independently and diagnose problems. Competitive wage and benefits package. Please send resumes to: resume@rcmi.ca or fax to (250) 828-1948

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com

FULL SERVICE Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, reliable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. 1800-573-2928

STEEL BUILDINGS. “Giftcard give-away!” 20x22 $4,358. 25x24 $4,895. 30x30 $6,446. 32x32 $7,599. 40x46 $12,662. 47x72 $18,498. One end wall included. Call Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422 or visit online www.pioneersteel.ca

IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: It’s That Simple. Your Credit / Age / Income is not an issue. 1.800.587.2161.

Fruit & Vegetables

formerly 4730 Canyon/ Lister Rd BC

ARE YOU $10K or more in debt? DebtGo can help reduce a significant portion of your debt load. Call now and see if you qualify. 1-800-351-1783

LARGE FUND Borrowers Wanted Start saving hundreds of dollars today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts. We don’t rely on credit, age or income. Call Anytime 1-800-639-2274 or 604-430-1498. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca

Help Wanted

is currently accepting applications for full time and part time employment. Apply in person to 185 Laurier Street, Invermere, BC between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

We’re on the net at www.bcclassiﬁed.com

Resident caretaker wanted with hotel management experience. Duties include front desk, housekeeping and restaurant supervision. Please apply with resume at 551-11th Ave, Kamloops or email: scottsinn@shaw.ca or fax: 250-372-9444

Help Wanted

GENERAL CONSTRUCTION LABOURER required in Invermere, B.C. Wage based on experience. Benefit package available.

Please fax or email resume to 250-342-0212 louise@maxhelmer.ca

Employment

Wednesday, September 2014 The ValleyEcho Echo Wednesday, September 10th, 10, 2014 The Valley Services Merchandise for Sale Transportation

Services

Financial Services

We’re looking for a few good people who are interested in joining our awesome guest service and kitchen teams!

We Offer: • Stable year-round employment • Competitive wages • Benefit plan for full-time staff available after 6 months of employment • Scholarship program for students • Flexible schedules to meet your needs • Uniform and training provided • Friendly and fast paced work place environment • Opportunities for advancement

Apply in person or at www.aw.ca

0911611 BC LTD o/a Tim Hortons 496 Highway 93/95 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K2

Part and Full-time Positions Available Start date: ASAP

Food Service Supervisor Permanent, Shift

Job Description Available in Store 7 positions available No education required One to two years experience required. Nights/early mornings/weekends $12.12/hour + medical/dental/group benefits.

Food Counter Attendant Permanent, Shift

Job Description Available in Store 12 positions available No education or experience required. Nights/overnights/early mornings/ weekends. $11.05/hour + medical/dental/group benefits.

Apply in person, via email (timhortons.invermere@gmail.com) or by fax (250-341-3177) for both positions.

Faraman Farm New location!

3111 Hwy 3 Erickson, BC 250-402-3056

Visit us for apples

Ready now - peaches & Sunrise, Silken, Akane, Gravenstien, Gingergold Apples Starting approx. Mid. Sept,Gala, Mac End of Sept.- Honeycrisp, Sweet 16, Priam, Blushing Susan & Elstar Beginning Oct. - Liberty, Spartan, Jonagold, Creston, Golden Delicious Mid Oct.- Ambrosia & Orin We also have squash, potatoes, carrots & apple juice Bulk orders welcome Closed Sundays

Misc. for Sale

PART-TIME CASUAL YOUTH WORKERS Are you creative, dynamic, energetic and love working with youth? If so, the Windermere Valley Youth Centre Society is currently hiring part-time/casual Youth Workers for the Summit Youth Centre in Invermere. This individual will work with youth ages 12 to 18 years old providing supervision at the Summit Youth Centre and other related programming. Evening and weekend shifts. The successful candidate will be organized, self-motivated, creative and willing to work as a team member. Experience working with youth is an asset, training provided. Wage is commensurate with experience. Clean RCMP criminal record check a must.

Join the Invermere A&W Team!

Merchandise for Sale

Apply with resume to: Kelsey Prichard at summit.centre@gmail.com, or by mail: Box 133, Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0. For more information visit our website, www. invermeresummityouthcentre.org, or call 250-342-3033. Deadline for application to be received is Friday, September 12th, 2014. Potentially successful applicants will be contacted for an interview.

A- STEEL SHIPPING DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS Used 20’40’45’ 53’ and insulated containers all sizes in stock. SPECIAL Trades are welcome. 40’ Containers under $2500! DMG 40’ containers under $2,000 each. Also JD 544 &644 wheel Loaders Wanted to buy 300 size hydraulic excavator Ph Toll free 1-866-528-7108 Delivery BC and AB www.rtccontainer.com FIREWOOD Support Rockies Hockey. Fir,Pine, & Larch. Phone 250-342-6908 HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/ newspaper? STEEL BUILDINGS/metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-4572206 or visit us online at: www.crownsteelbuildings.ca.

Misc. Wanted Collector Buying Coin Collections, Native Art, Estates, Gold, Silver + 778-281-0030 FIREARMS. ALL types wanted, estates, collections, single items, military. We handle all paperwork and transportation. Licensed Dealer. 1-866-9600045, www.dollars4guns.com

Real Estate Apt/Condos for Sale BEAUTIFULLY FURNISHED ON LAKE OKANAGAN Turn-key, luxurious, immaculate, 1000 sq. ft. condo in West Kelowna. 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms with fabulous amenities: private beach, marina, pools and so much more! $325,000. Call 250-826-4267

Radium Hot Springs Riverstone Villas Condo, 122-4835 Radium Blvd. 3 large bdrms, 6 appl, cntrl vac, fireplace, hardwood floor in living room, garage, skr. tub, walk-in shower, deck, lots of cupboards, open kitchen/dining. End unit. One owner. $165,000. 250-342-7608.

Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent 2BDRM, 1 1/2 BATH apartment for rent, in Canal Flats. Great view, 2parking spaces, F/S, D/W, W/D, freezer, microwave. $800 + utilities & D.D. Available Oct 1/14. Call (250)349-5306 or (250)489-8389. Windermere Akiskinook Resort 1 bdrm furnished condo, wifi, 42” plasma TV, beach, hot tub, pool. $800/mth + hydro. N/P, N/S. Sept - June. allwest@shaw.ca or 403-293-3870

Graphic Designer

Commercial/ Industrial In Invermere - For rent 503 7th Ave., formerly Valley Spas, 1950 sq. ft., call 250-342-0603 or 250-341-5845.

We have an opening for a graphic designer in our Invermere newspaper office. We are looking for someone with a graphic design background and who has a solid understanding of production principles, advertising design and lay-out.

Transportation

Auto Financing

The selected individual will have knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, including In-Design; be proficient with internet and e-mail/FTP protocols; and have a working knowledge of MAC OS, hardware and software. A selfmotivated individual with high organizational skills is required, with knowledge of pre-press and technical requirements, as well as excellent multi-tasking skills and the ability to do some type-setting and copy writing.

Please send resumé with cover letter by September 12th to: Rose-Marie Fagerholm Publisher PO Box 70, #8, 108-8th Avenue Invermere, BC, V0A1K0 publisher@invermerevalleyecho.com

Boats 12’ ALUMINUM Boat, 5hp Sea King motor, 2 Swivel Seats and 2 Oars $600.00 Contact 250-417-6960

Garage Sales

Help Wanted

We are looking for an individual with strong PR skills and an ability to translate verbal requests to print concepts.

Auto Financing

Auto Financing - Dream Catcher, Apply Today! Drive Today!

1.800.910.6402

BRISCO GARAGE SALE Sat Sept 13th and Sun Sept 14th starting at 10am. 3745 hwy 95, 3 KM North of Spur Valley. Farm Equipment, Horsetack, tools, lawn ornaments, household and outdoor gear. Quad, Snowmobile and much more!

Fight Back. Volunteer your time, energy and skills today.

Wednesday, September 10th, 2014 The Valley Echo

DrivewayCanada.ca |

invermerevalleyecho.com A19

Welcome to the driver’s seat

Visit the GMC Yukon gallery at DrivewayCanada.ca

The Yukon is GMC Yukon territory Inside It’s hard to believe but GMC has never held The long wheelbase model is an ima vehicle launch for the Yukon full-sized posing truck and a favourite of large SUV in the Yukon Territory, until now. families that need the third row of Media from across Canada landed in seating, plus a functional cargo area. Whitehorse and travelled around the The more popular short wheelbase territory recently in the all-new 2015 GMC offers a lot of room as well but when Yukon model, ending up in the famous gold the third row of seats is employed rush time capsule of Dawson City. From the wooden sidewalks to the gravel covered The Denali offers the cargo area is diminished. On all but the base model, the second streets, this preserved part of history looks most of the same and third row of seats can be folded and feels much the way it would when gold features as the more and store electronically. The Denali was first discovered in 1896. The Yukon is is exceptionally well equipped and also a great test for this big truck because expensive Cadillac of the immense stretches of unpopulated Escalade but is more shows great attention to detail, with the aluminum trim around the radio roads with smooth sections, potholes and and heat controls, leather seating loose gravel. The Yukon has it all, including use-friendly and less expensive. with French stitching. What the GMC spectacular vistas, wide-open space and Yukon offers over the Cadillac cousin spectacular scenery. Spending three days Zack Spencer is a simpler dashboard layout with behind the wheel made me realize what traditional rotary knobs and buttons, a good job GMC has done with this truck, whereas the Cadillac has moved to touch sensitive from fuel economy to creature comforts. panels that take time to master. Looks Drive Last year, GM introduced the Chevrolet Silverado and The Yukon is offered with two engine choices, the GMC Sierra full-size pickup trucks. In fact, the Silver5.3L 355hp V8 in the base SLE and middle SLT Yukon ado won the North American Truck of the Year and models and the 6.2L V8 in the Denali. This 6.2L engine the GMC Sierra won the AJAC truck of the year. With is also used in the Escalade. There are several reasons a solid basis, the engineers then went about building to consider the Denali over the base 5.3L engine. the full-sized SUVs based on the truck chassis. They The first is the inclusion of the magnetic ride control include the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, the GMC system that is also available in the Escalade. This sysYukon and Denali, plus the Cadillac Escalade. These tem adapts the suspension up to 100 times per second represent a huge profit centre for General Motors and and performed well on a variety of road surfaces in they needed to get them right. The GMC Yukon is the the Yukon. The second is a noise cancelling system most popular of the bunch with one-in-three full-sized that pumps sound waves through the Denali’s stereo SUV buyers choosing the Yukon, which is opposite system to help eliminate unwanted road and engine to the United States where the Chevrolet trucks noise. The third reason is the mighty 6.2L engine with dominate. The top Yukon Denali model traditionally 420hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque. Because this engine represents about 35 per cent of all Yukon sales but and the 5.3L have direct injection, variable value timin the first few months of sales, it has captured more ing and most importantly, cylinder management, the than 60 per cent.

‘‘

’’

The biggest names in the Forestry Industry recruit using LocalWork.ca

V8 can switch off half of the eight cylinders and lean off the fuel mixture to reduce fuel consumption. With more than 1,000 km driven at a range of speeds, the real world consumption was 12L/100 km, close to the 11.4L/100 km official highway rating with the 6.2L engine. All the current Yukon models are equipped with a 6-speed automatic but the 6.2L engines will get an 8-speed this fall, with the 5.3L following next year. AWD is standard on all but the base model and these trucks can tow up to 3856 kg. Verdict The Yukon is winner on all trim levels. I could find no fault but it is pricey. Starting at $51,800 for the SLE or $60,960 for the SLT and $75,540 for the Denali, this isn’t a cheap prospect. However, the Denali offers most of the same features as the more expensive Cadillac Escalade but is more use-friendly and less expensive. zack.spencer@drivewaybc.ca The Lowdown Power: 5.3L V8 with 355 hp or 6.2L V8 with 420 hp Fill-up: 16.2L/11.4L/100 km (city/highway) Sticker price: $51,800-$75,540

Question of the Week Chrysler is the master at recreating that retro look in its new models such as the Challenger and the Charger. Which Ford or GM car from the past would you like to see reflected in a new version? Go to DrivewayCanada.ca to submit your answer. QUESTION

OF THE WEEK!

Safety Tip: Even if you drive a gas-guzzler, you can still save money on gas: Avoid accelerating and braking hard or jackrabbiting, keep your tires properly inflated, plan your trips and combine errands, turn off your engine when idling and unload extra weight in your vehicle.

r A Free Call Today Fo ing Quote dvertis Recruitment A

3 3 8 7 . 8 7 6 . 5 1.85

A20 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, September 10th, 2014 The Valley Echo

art & Food… excite your senses at pynelogs, Kinsmen Beach

What does ART mean to you? C’mon down and check it out!

Happy BirtHday to pynelogs!

1914 - 2014

Celebrating 100 years

Visit columbiavalleyarts.com for our current events calendar, or call 250-342-4423.

To advertise, call: To advertise, call: 250-341-6299 250-341-6299

SERVING THE VALLEY HAVE A PARTY AND GET FREE JEWELLERY!

Architectural Design

A fun get-together with friends and gorgeous free Sterling Silver Jewellery… What more could a girl want? See how Silpada Designs gives you all that and more ASK ME by booking a Silpada party… about a fun, It’s simple - just give me your guest list and fASt Silpada Designs I’ll do the rest.

• Brakes • Tires • Suspension • Oil Changes • Alignment • Air Conditioners Your Winter Tire Super Store

• New Home Design • Renovation Design • CAD Drafting

facebook Party!

Paul Aubrecht, D. Arch Calgary (403) 874-0483

Rose-Marie Fagerholm Independent Representative

250-342-4433 • Open 7 days a week NATIONWIDE GUARANTEE

250-341-5956 • rosis@telus.net

The WaTer & air Company!

Pefectly Painted

Water Treatment: filtration and purification Furnace and Duct cleaning

Fast, reliable and affordable service for interiors and exteriors

Purify the water you drink and the air you breathe! Kerry Colonna

Beverley Schembri

250-342-5089

Windermere, B.C. and surrounding area

Cell or email for a free estimate Phone: 587-585-6565 email: bevschembri@msn.com

Located in the Diamond Heating & Spa building in Athalmer

Lambert-Kipp Pharmacy Ltd. J. Douglas Kipp, B. Sc. (Pharm.) Laura Kipp, Pharm D. Irena Shepard, B. Sc. (Pharm.) Your compounding pharmacy Come in and browse our giftware! Open Monday - Saturday • 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere • 250-342-6612

Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS

Call 250-341-6299 to inquire about this space.

Radium Hot SpRingS ESSo • Gas • Propane • Diesel • Automotive Repairs • Tires & Batteries • Greyhound

• CAA approved automotive repair •

MECHANICAL REPAIRS AVAILABLE 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 7 Days A Week

250-347-9726 7507 Main Street West

Sand & Gravel

Complete line of aggregate products for construction and landscaping

Arnold Scheffer

250-342-6700

unidoorext@live.ca unidoorext.ca

Office:

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

Septic Tank Pumping Portable Toilet Rentals Advertise your business in Serving the Valley.

Sholinder & MacKay

NEW R SEWERA CAME

• Complete sewer/drain repairs • Reasonable rates - Seniors’ discount • Speedy service - 7 days a week • A well-maintained septic system should be pumped every 2-3 years • Avoid costly repairs

Home Improvements Lawn Maintenance Concierge Services Off-Season Home Checks

Bruce Dehart 250-347-9803 or 250-342-5357

READY MIX CONCRETE • CONCRETE PUMP • SAND & GRAVEL • HEAVY EQUIPMENT RENTALS • CRANE SERVICE

Proudly serving the Valley for over 50 years. For competitive prices and prompt service call:

250-342-6452 • 250-342-3773 Cell: 250-342-5833

250-342-3268 (plant) 250-342-6767 (office)

At Chore Service “We do it for you” Al Kaulback, owner

250-346-3199 250-341-5926 al.kaulback@gmail.com