Invermere Valley Echo, April 22, 2015

VE

The Invermere

ALLEY CHO Co

ys

lu

It’s an exciting time of year in the Columbia Wetlands as thousands of birds return on their spring migration.

Eagle Eye Tours co-owner Cam Gillies led a group on a birdwatching mission on Saturday, April 18th to check out the action. Turn to page 10 for a first-hand account by a first-time birder.

PHOTO BY NICOLE TRIGG

nd

April 22 2015

A pollinating plant: the crocus correction

6

1 Vo l . 59 Issue

6

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

of the Rockies 3 College presents five-year plan

1

$

05 INCLUDES GST

Maxwell Realty Invermere

PUBLICATIONS MAIL REGISTRATION NO. 7856

FEATHER FASCINATION

Invermere hoping to boost multi-use centre funding STEVE HUBRECHT steve@invermerevalleyecho.com The District of Invermere (DOI) is pursing a multi-million dollar grant to help fund the new multi-use centre as well as some other community projects.

Invermere council resolved unanimously during its Monday, April 13th meeting to submit a $6 million grant application to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Strategic Priorities Fund for capital funding for the multi-use centre; another for $1.8 million for revitalization work on 13th Avenue; and still another for $65,000 to help develop an Infrastructure Priorities Replacement Plan.

“The ask (for the multi-use centre application) is for $6 million, but if we’re lucky we’ll get $2 million,” said DOI chief administrative officer Chris Prosser, saying it is rare for applications to get the full amount asked for

from this grant. cause this year the final say on applicaHe pointed out that the total amount tions comes from UBCM staff, not from of the fund is $120 million and that al- a federal government minister (as had most every single one of the more than previously been the case).

180 municipalities in B.C., as well as re“So theoretically the application will gional districts, will apply to the grant be decided solely by the scoring it gets for at least one project, if not more. from UBCM staff, not by any political If the funds were distributed equally, considerations such as trying to curry the amount coming favour and get votes to each municipality in a particular riding It’s extremely would be less than by approving certain unlikely to get the projects,” said mayor $1 million, he continued, but added that full amount.

Gerry Taft, who also CHRIS PROSSER asked if it might be the multi-use centre CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER application should more prudent to pare be a strong contender, since projects back the amount asked for in the grant must be regional in nature to quali- and direct the funding to a specific asfy (which the planned new centre is) pect of the planned multi-use centre, and should correspondingly be scored rather than ask for the full amount for quite highly by UBCM staff. the whole project.

“There is a genuine regional compoMr. Prosser replied that it is strateginent, particularly with the recreation cally smarter to ask for the full amount. and tourism aspects,” said Prosser, “Right now, it’s a stronger application who expressed further optimism be- than it would be if we broke it down,

hived it off and asked for less,” he said.

Councillor Greg Anderson asked what would theoretically happen in the event that the district was granted the full $6 million, if it would mean the district (and its taxpayers) would use the grant funding to build the community centre without borrowing the $5 million approved for the district to borrow by voters in a 2013 referendum.

“It’s extremely unlikely to get the full amount, but if we did I think we would then have to have a discussion on whether or not to include additional phases (several phases are planned for the multi-use centre) and achieve economies of scale in construction,” responded Prosser.

The 13th Avenue revitalization application is a request for money to help replace sewer and water lines on the avenue between 14th Street and Georlich Road, and to do some road See A4

Shields Johnson Fielding Trio LIVE at Pynelogs Saturday April 25th at 7:30 pm

Art From the Heart at Pynelogs

What does ART April 7th to 26th · Gallery Open daily from 11 to 5 pm mean to you?

Call for more info 250.342.4423

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

HAPPy BIrTHdAy To PynELogS!

1914 - 2014

Celebrating 100 years

A2 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 The Valley Echo

Y E L L A

V

Snapshot

LAKE LOVELINESS... Thank you to Mary Lawrie for this beautiful photo of a calm Lake Windermere taken from Kinsmen Beach last week.

PHOTO BY MARY LAWRIE

LOCAL NEWS

COTR unveils strategic plan to Invermere BREANNE MASSEY breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com

BDO HELPS YOU TACKLE TAX SEASON BDO is pleased to offer tax assistance in our Invermere office this spring on Wednesdays and Thursdays (8:30 AM - 4:30 PM) from March 4 until April 30.

To book an appointment, please call: 250 342 3383 Assurance | Accounting Tax | Advisory 906 – 8th Avenue Building 2, Lower Level Invermere BC V0A 1K0

Roughly 40 community leaders gathered together at the Lions Hall on Saturday, April 11th to hear a guest presentation from COTR president and CEO David Wallis and his team about the upcoming plans that have been envisioned for students in the Columbia Valley.

The meeting followed on the heels of the April 1st rollout by the college of a new five-year long strategic plan to engage communities with the opportunity to have an enriching education.

“I think the biggest challenge has been waiting to get the framework in place so that we can focus on what’s important,” said Wallis.

“Then, we wanted to make sure that we’re working together. The team I’ve got is very active and their engagement, as opposed to working individually, has been more important than people going off and being stars and doing different things. It’s about recognizing the need to work as a team because we have limited resources and we’ve got to focus on the investment we make so that it brings a return back to the college.”

The plan to recruit students from far and wide began to take shape in late 2013 when the Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) formed with 14 members from students, faculty, support staff, middle and senior management along with the Board of Governors to evaluate the needs of everybody and create a show of solidarity at COTR. There were also information sessions with citizens held in Fernie, Cranbrook, Kimberley, Golden and Creston.

In total, more than than 200 people attended sessions to provide feedback about ongoing programs and set priorities for the future.

“What came out of the initial consultations with COTR

in Invermere, when we had those meetings a year ago, we are looking at developing a full-time program here,” said Doug Clovechok, general manager of COTR Invermere campus.

“Right now, we don’t have a full-time base funded program, so we’re looking at possibilities (such as) health care, tourism recreation management and First Nations programs. There’s lots on the table right now.”

Wallis explained the process to come up with the strategic plan came from consultations internally and externally to ensure communities throughout the valley could get behind the five-year plan by investigating COTR’s history and future by looking at its strengths, weaknesses.

“I want to make sure that students in Invermere understand what COTR is and that we have multiple campuses,” Wallis explained.

“We need to make sure the potential students understand what it is we have to offer and we can counsel them. In the end, it may be that we’re not counselling them to take a program here, but maybe we’re telling them the advantages of going to Calgary to take a program compared to us, so that they can make an informed decision.”

Clovechok added it’s important to address the needs of the Invermere community and to improve the Invermere campus to help serve those needs appropriately.

“I think we want to do two things,” said Clovechok.

“We want to provide our own students, here in the valley, an opportunity to stay in the valley. Let’s look at an education that makes sense for them in relationship to the jobs that are available — we live in this amazing, beautiful place and this could be such an international place, whether it’s for tourism or health care — whatever it’s going to be to promote this area internationally, which not only brings in students but also brings in (tourism).”

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 The Valley Echo

LOCAL NEWS

Regional conference comes bearing food for thought Breanne Massey breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com

There’s an opportunity for local politicians to improve governance by working together in a collaborative nature.

District of Invermere mayor Gerry Taft, Radium Hot Springs mayor Clara Reindhart, Village of Canal Flats mayor Ute Juras and Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Area F director Wendy Booth and Area G director Gerry Wilkie will be making the journey to attend the Association of Kootenay and Boundary Local Governments (AKBLG) annual general meeting (AGM) in Nakusp between Wednesday, April 22nd and Friday, April 24th.

This year’s AGM theme is encouraging municipalities to change, challenge and collaborate with the entire Kootenay region — a goal that has become a talking point for many Columbia Valley representatives.

Taft, who is currently sitting on the executive as the interim vice president of the AKBLG, is eager to encourage his peers to make waves.

“One of the biggest things we’re trying to do this year is to prioritize the resolutions so throughout this conference every year, we usually vote on resolutions,” explained Taft.

“Those go forward to the Union of B.C. Municipalities and what we’re trying to do this year is to encourage the Kootenay membership to decrease the number of resolutions and improve the quality. Then, we want to take the next step and see the top five (resolutions). Our hope is to make the resolutions more effective.”

The idea behind taking this approach to work together cohesively could be for the greater good.

“Trying to change the resolutions is definitely an attempt to change,” Taft explained. “It’s a challenge to get it right, and if we do get it right, then we’ll have collaboration too… It always turns out that whatever challenge we might have, we’re not the only ones facing it, even though we think we’re all unique — the issues are often really common.

“Even if it’s a smaller or bigger place, we all face the same challenges, it all comes down to money, infrastructure, staffing — we’re all in the same business so a lot of the challenges are the same.”

The importance of transparency and good local government motivate the many delegates who plan to attend the AKBLG. Ultimately, said Reindhart, the AKBLG is typically viewed as a safe place to find common ground with other municipalities and come up with problem-solving strategies. It will be Reindhart’s sixth trip to the AKBLG and she is eager to return.

“It’s a good opportunity to compare notes with the other municipal leaders in the Kootenay Boundary region because we spend a fair bit of time in the Columbia Valley,” she said.

She believes the opportunity to learn and share from one another could help benefit everyone.

“I think one of the things that is always interesting is the theme that they choose, and their theme this year is Change, Challenge and Collaborate,” said Reindhart. “I think that’s going to set the tone and I think that there’s a recognition by all communities that the status quo isn’t working. Everything around us is changing and there’s a lot of communities who have been trying to go it on their own — and it’s not working.”

However, she laughed in jest about the term collaboration, noting it was going to start losing its meaning soon.

“It’s an overused word,” said Reindhart. “In fact, I went to one conference where they said, ‘the next person who says collaboration is going to buy drinks,’ but collaboration is key because there are areas where we can work together and then there are other areas where we can’t because we want to maintain our individuality. I think that’s going to be a really interesting theme and it’s already starting to exist in the Columbia Valley.”

The opportunity to collect information from other municipalities, build up a network, discuss hypothetical solutions to ongoing regional and municipal challenges are critical factors for local government authorities who are still learning how to work together for the greater good.

“I view this as a learning opportunity,” Booth replied in an email from the road. “There are several sessions that interest me, Water and Sewer infrastructure, conflict of interest and the recent Tsilhqot’in Nation decision and how that impacts the duty to consult with First Nations from a local government perspective.”

Juras agreed with the sentiment that the AKBLG is an opportunity to learn from others.

“The cutbacks at the (Canfor) mill (in Canal Flats) are in the forefront of our minds,” explained Juras. “I’m looking forward to talking to other communities that have a resourcebased industry in their towns and seeing what they are doing to diversify.”

However, Juras added, Canal Flats won’t be bringing any resolutions forward at the AKBLG AGM. “There’s always a lot to learn when you go,” said Juras. “For me, the networking is very important, so I look forward to speaking to other mayors and councillors in the area to see what their issues are and to see how they’re handling their challenges. It helps a lot to bring that (information) back to council and discuss it.”

Village of Radium Hot Springs councillor Tyler McCauley will also be attending the AKBLG AGM.

invermerevalleyecho.com A3 NOTICE OF INTENT RE: LIQUOR CONTROL AND LICENSING ACT

APPLICATION FOR A LIQUOR PRIMARY (LP) AMENDMENT An application to increase the capacity for the licensed patio area has been received by the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch from the Station Inn Pub located at 1701 6th Avenue in Invermere.

The current licensed hours are 10:00 am to Midnight Monday to Thursday, 11:00 am to 1:00 am Friday to Saturday and 11:00 am to Midnight on Sunday. (No change) The proposed patio expansion capacity will increase the establishment’s overall occupant load from 118 (Interior and patio) to 150 (Interior and patio).

Residents and owners of businesses located within a 0.5 mile (0.8 km) radius of the proposed site may comment on this proposal by 1) Writing to: THE GENERAL MANAGER C/O Licensing Analyst LIQUOR CONTORL AND LICENSING BRANCH PO BOX 9292 Victoria, BC V8W 9J8 OR 2) By email: lclb.lclb@gov.bc.ca PETITIONS AND FORM LETTERS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED To ensure the consideration of your views, your comments, name and address must be received on or before the deadline date for public response is Friday May 8th. Please note that your comments may be made available to the applicant or local government officials where disclosure is necessary to administer the licensing process.

From our heart to your community Apply now for the FCC AgriSpirit Fund Since 2004, we’ve given $8 million for nearly 900 community projects across Canada. This year, your project could be added to the list.

Apply online by May 18.

FCCAgriSpiritFund.ca

BIG BAND DANCE

32nd Annual DTSS Big Band Dance

“Come to dance or come to listen.”

Saturday, April 25th Cocktails at 7:30 p.m.

Dancing at 8:00 p.m.

Buffet at 10:15 p.m.

Tickets $2500

Tickets Available at Lambert Kipp Pharmacy, Majestic U-Brew, any Senior Stage Band Student or call 250-342-9213 ext. 136. Dinner Catered by Anne Riches

VE

The Invermere

ALLEY CHO

@TheValleyEcho

Invermere Community Hall

Follow & friend the Valley Echo www.facebook.com/ InvermereValleyEcho

A4 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 The Valley Echo

COUNCILBRIEFS

Invermere may need to tighten future society spending STEVE HUBRECHT steve@ invermerevalleyecho.com

Invermere council at its most recent council meeting executed several fee for service agreements and discussed a request from a resident to improve the traffic and the roads around the local museum and library.

The fee for services agreements included $30,000 for the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce; $25,000 for Columbia Valley Arts (CV Arts); $12,500 for the Windermere District Historical Society; $10,000 for the Lake Windermere Ambassadors; $6,000 for the Columbia Valley Hospice Society; and $5,000 for the Toby Creek Nordic Society.

All were unanimously approved by council during its Monday, April 13th meeting.

“I’m glad to see the Hospice Society getting a bit more this time. They’ve made big strides and are doing great things,” said councillor Greg Anderson.

Councillor Al Miller said he was glad for similar reasons to see the Historical Society receive more this time around.

Councillor Justin Atterbury launched a discussion on whether or not the district should start warn-

ing these societies that the district might have to tighten its spending in future when it begins to pay for the new multi-use centre.

“I think we need to get that message out. I think when September comes we’re going to have to do some slashing in our budget. I think we need to prepare people for that,” he said.

Other councillors agreed the district may need to tighten spending, but said they hoped regional district funding will help keep funding for these societies at current levels.

“Most of these groups have services extending well beyond the district boundaries,” said Invermere mayor Gerry Taft.

“We do get some regional district funding, but it’s often ad hoc, one-off and not operational. The idea of an economic service area (for the Upper Columbia Valley), which has been discussed, would address that and provide a consistent funding stream.”

No Parking signs requested Council received a letter from Invermere resident Shirley Campbell at the April 13th meeting, requesting the district reconfigure the roads around the museum and library.

She said in her letter that it’s getting unsafe to

Regional District of East Kootenay BYLAW 2551 & 2552 Public Hearing Notice - Bylaw Amendment Columbia Lake The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an application by 1817796 Alberta Ltd. to amend the Fairmont Hot Springs Area Official Community Plan and the Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw. If approved, the bylaws will amend the OCP and Zoning designations of the subject property to accommodate a proposed subdivision creating approximately 16 single family residential parcels. The subject property is located on Columbia Lake Road as shown on the attached map.

Bylaw No. 2551 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Fairmont Hot Springs Area Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1734, 2004 – Amendment Bylaw No. 26, 2014 (Columbia Lake / 1817796 Alberta Ltd.)” will amend the designation of Lot 2, District Lot 4596, Kootenay District, Plan 2929 from GC, General Commercial to R-SF, Residential Low Density.

Bylaw No. 2552 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 294, 2014 (Columbia Lake / 1817796 Alberta Ltd.)” will amend the designation of Lot 2, District Lot 4596, Kootenay District, Plan 2929, from C-2, Service Commercial Zone to R-1, Single Family Residential Zone.

A public hearing will be held at:

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort (Birch Room) 5225 Fairmont Resort Road Fairmont Hot Springs, BC Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 7:00 pm

The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F, Electoral Area G and the 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 Jean Terpsma, Planning Technician, at 250-489-0314, toll free at 1-888-478-7335, or email jterpsma@rdek.bc.ca.

19 - 24th Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8 Ph: 250-489-2791 • 888-478-7335

have the upper road by the library and the lower road both exiting on a curve onto 7th Avenue at the top of a hill.

She pointed out that this all happens on 7th Avenue opposite a daycare facility and what will eventually become the new multi-use centre.

Campbell also requested the district put No Parking signs on parts of 6th Avenue.

Invermere chief administrative officer Chris Prosser said he’s perplexed by what Campbell envisages on 6th Avenue, but surmised it might be a reference to a parking stall behind Lake Auto which should never have been painted in the first place and which will be deleted this spring.

Prosser added that museum/library road issue is on the district’s radar.

“There are some dollars that will need to go into it,” he said.

“It’s a busy little parking lot there, but we own it and that’s the key piece because it means we can do something with it.”

“It’s an accident waiting to happen there. As traffic increases in the area, it will only get worse,” said Anderson.

No action was taken following the discussion, but district staff said they would contact Campbell.

LOCAL NEWS

Canfor employee career fair cancelled STEVE HUBRECHT steve@ invermerevalleyecho.com A career fair that was meant to help Canal Flats Canfor mill employees was cancelled last week, with organizers worried not many people would attend.

The job fair was co-organized by Canfor and the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce and was to have been held on Thursday, April 16th at the Canal Flats arena from noon to 5 p.m., but after another employment-related information session held the week before drew just 15 people, it was decided to cancel the fair.

“The Canfor transition team felt they just wouldn’t get attendance. I was really disappointed it didn’t go ahead, but I understand why it was cancelled,” said chamber of commerce executive director Susan Clovechok. “It’s hard for the prospective employers who were to be at the fair to spend the time and resources if it doesn’t seem they’ll be talking to many potential employees.”

Clovechok said the chamber is keen to work with Canfor to help find other options and solutions for the issue. She added she’s also happy to have mill employees call her, so she can point them in the direction of those looking for new employees.

Mill employee Daniel Bybee expressed frustration at the situation.

“My feeling is the production workers aren’t getting a whole lot of sympathy,” he said, pointing out the the fair and the prior information session were held during working hours, limiting the ability of employees to actually attend.

“It (the fair) was only promoted through word of mouth,” said Bybee, adding many of the employees on his shift didn’t know about it until after it had been cancelled.

“The feeling here is apathy. People have given up and are just counting down the days. It’s tough,” he said.

More than 80 mill employees are facing mass layoffs on May 4th.

Mill employees interested in contacting Clovechok can reach her at the chamber at 250 342 2844.

INVERMERE from A1

rehabilitation and create a segregated pathway for students walking to Eileen Madson Primary (EMP) school to use.

The Infrastructure Priorities Replacement Plan is a long-term plan stipulating when and how infrastructure should be upgraded and having one would make district planning for such measures more effective.

The Strategic Priorities Fund is doled out every few year, most recently in 2011. In 2011, the DOI had submitted an application to the grant, but did not receive any money.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A5

LOCAL NEWS

Former Invermere CAO named in top five in Canada Breanne Massey breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com

had a very good way of communicating and motivating people who were around him.

“All of the people I talked to spoke about how Robert was able to communicate and the way he After serving the Invermere community as a could motivate people.” chief administrative officer (CAO) for a number Former mayor of Invermere, Mark Shmigelsky, of years, Robert Earl’s dedication to ensuring the who worked directly with Earl, echoed these municipality and its daily operations ran smoothsentiments. ly has been rewarded.

“I think that 99.9 per cent of the people (who) Through an extensive research project at Brock are employed by local governments, their first inUniversity, Earl was selected to be featured as one terest is making sure they’re doing what’s best for of the top five CAOs in Canada in a book entitled the community,” said Shmigelsky. “We were very Leaders in the Shadows, according to political scilucky to have Robert and his family in Invermere ence professor David Siegel. with us for as long as we did.”

“I’ve spent my career looking at researching and But the memory of Earl’s resignation has not teaching about local government and public adfaded from Shmigelsky’s memory. ministration,” explained “I know that I was really sad when he showed Siegel. “Then, I realized up with a six-pack at my door,” said Shmigelsky. that the chief administra“I think it was Christmas time and the first questive officer, administraBrock University political science professor David Siegel tion when I opened the door was, ‘Where are you tor or town manager has a very important role, in hopes aspiring CAOs will read his book, which features former going?’ There were only two communities at the Invermere chief administrative officer Robert Earl. time that could’ve taken him from Invermere and terms of executing coun Photo submitted those were Whistler and Banff; and I think that’s a cil decisions, and making sure that the day to day operations of the administration credit to Invermere... It says good things about the valley and good things about work is done in an efficient way — and I knew that was him and his family, as well.”

Earl went on to become the town manager for Banff, a role he still occupies toan important role, but I felt that people didn’t always unRobert Earl derstand what was involved in that role. That was one of day. His municipal career began in Port Edward in 1993.

The book describes Earl’s leadership role in improving the economic developthe reasons I wanted to (write) it.”

He remains optimistic young municipal administrators with aspirations to be- ment and planning of all three municipalities for which he’s been the CAO — Port Edward, Invermere and Banff. come CAOs may treat the book as a template for their career paths.

“I’d like to think this sort of thing will be incorporated into classes and that “I wanted (young people) to see what successful people in this career were like and therefore give them an idea of what they had to do to model themselves and people who are aspiring to be CAOs will buy the book and read it on their own as well,” said Siegel, noting the follow in the footsteps of sucThere were only two communities at the time that could’ve book was published by the Unicessful people,” said Siegel. versity of Toronto in February.

Earl, who served as CAO of Intaken him from Invermere and those were Whistler and Banff; He opted to focus on the imvermere from 1998 until 2004, and I think that’s a credit to Invermere.

Mark Shmigelsky portance of municipal adminishas been featured in Leaders in Former mayor of Invermere, trators to explore the challenges the Shadows as an example for and opportunities of working as a public servant. Siegel plans to incorporate this how to become a successful municipal leader.

“Robert was identified as a successful leader, meaning he was interested in book into some of his upcoming classes for students taking political science at making changes in the organizations that he was involved with,” said Siegel. “He Brock University.

“The city manager is one of the most important people in the municipality who seemed to be the sort of person who always questioned the status quo and always improved on the status quo. I was also told by people around him that he determines the quality and kinds of services delivered to residents,” he added.

COMMUNITY Authors shortlisted for BC Book Prizes visit Invermere students Breanne Massey breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com Young bookworms will be pleased to have the opportunity to meet two authors who have been shortlisted for the BC Book Prizes.

BC Book Prizes authors Kevin Chong and Heather Tekavec are visiting students at David Thompson Secondary School and JA Laird Elementary School in Invermere today (on Wednesday, April 22nd).

The shortlisted nominees will also be visiting students in Hope, Merritt, Sicamous, Revelstoke, Golden, Cranbrook, Kimberley, Creston and Castlegar

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

during the southern leg of their tour.

Chong has been nominated for the Hubert Evans Non-Fiction Prize for his book Northern Dancer: The Legendary Horse that Inspired a Nation.

Tekavec is vying for the Christine Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize for her book, Stop, Thief!

The authors will be signing copies of their books for students at the free guest readings.

However, these readings are not open to the public.

For more information about the southern leg of the BC Book Prizes On Tour, visit www.bcbookprizes.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

VE

The Invermere

ALLEY CHO

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 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

Dean Midyette

Nicole Trigg

invermerevalleyecho.com

invermerevalleyecho.com

publisher@

editor@

REPORTERS

EDITORIAL Breanne Massey

Steve Hubrecht

invermerevalleyecho.com

invermerevalleyecho.com

breanne@

steve@

ADVERTISING SALES

Amanda Nason

advertising@

invermerevalleyecho.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN / PRODUCTION

Theresa Kains

production@

invermerevalleyecho.com

ADMINISTRATION

Renice Oaks

customerservice@

invermerevalleyecho.com

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, PO Box 1356, Ladysmith,B.C. V9G 1A9. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

CMCA AUDITED

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

2009 2009 WINNER

Crocus correction: to bee or not to bee

NICOLE TRIGG editor@invermerevalleyecho.com Several weeks ago, I ran photo on the cover of The Valley Echo that featured two young boys happily holding crocuses they had discovered while biking in Juniper Heights.

The photo was the first of several that had been submitted by community members excited to discover crocus flowers blooming earlier than usual this year as a result of the early warm, spring weather.

At the time, it seemed like a great idea to publish them all together in The Echo as a picturesque demonstration of the community’s connection to nature.

A great idea, that is, until I heard from readers who thought otherwise — readers who preferred to see the crocuses stay in the ground and be appreciated from afar rather than plucked from the earth and prevented from performing their vital role.

This came as something of a surprise. I had obviously underestimated readers’ committment to conservation and sustainability. It hadn’t even occurred to me (nor, no doubt, to the boys or their mother who took the photo) that something as small as a crocus could be a symbol for something so much bigger. On a walk this past weekend, I was musing this over when I happened upon a large patch of crocuses, many of them in full

bloom. As I stopped to take a photo of one (the one on this week’s cover), a little bee landed in the middle of its outreached petals just as I was about to snap the shot.There it was, right in front of me — the proof that this little flower was exactly where it needed to be. Thank you to the boys and conscious readers for the lesson learned.

And Happy Earth Day all.

CORRECTION In the “Radium looks to raise taxes” council brief on page three of the April 15th Valley Echo, the first three (not two) readings of the Tax Rates Bylaw No. 412, 2015 were passed.

OPINION

A review of Radium’s current Public Works projects

A

lthough it hasn’t always with plastic pipe at an estimatRegional UNDOWN U felt like spring over the ed cost of $200,000. The iron last few weeks, some very pipe was originally installed in spring-like activities are hap1982. This work was identified pening around Radium Hot as necessary as we have been Springs. Many thanks to the having corrosion problems event co-ordinators and volunresulting in leaks, due to electeers who put together a very trolysis where the pipe passes successful Easter Egg Hunt in through moist areas.

LARA the Park — we hope to make • The Whiskey Jack sewer this an annual event. pump station is another projIf you haven’t been to Radiect currently underway. This um lately, it would be well worth your while is replacing an aging asset and the project to come and take a stroll past the Rotary value is approximately $300,000.

Community Gardens behind the Parks Can• There are rumours floating around about ada offices (the old school). our water metering project. These meters As reported in last week’s Valley Echo, this will independently monitor water flows to is a collaboration of many funders, volun- four separate areas of the municipality. The teers, Rotarians and local contractors. objective is to improve our information of Less glamorous but fundamental to the water flows to assist in management of the running of our Village, are the Public Works water distribution system (ie. water capacprojects which are occurring right now: ity for future growth, fire flows and leak de• A water main repair project to replace ap- tection). This is a $200,000 project. We are proximately 500 metres of ductile iron pipe not metering residential households!

R

C REINHARDT

• In January 2015, we received the Road Capital Investment Plan that had been contracted to Urban Systems to complete. We learned that of the 17 kilometres of roadways in the Village (approximately eight kilometres) do not require any work. Approximately six kilometres require crack sealing and minor patching. The remainder have more serious problems and require overlays or reconstruction. Therefore, we are proceeding with year one of a six-year roadway capital investment plan totalling $714,000 in estimated expenditures.

Other 2015 projects include: • The new public works garage/storage/ workshop.

• Replacement of aging water reservoir pending notification of the Build Canada grant. The estimated replacement cost is $1.2 million.

Clara Reinhardt is the mayor of the Village of Radium Hot Springs and a Regional District of East Kootenay director for the Columbia Valley.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 The Valley Echo

THE

invermerevalleyecho.com A7

S

TREET

What does Earth Day (April 22nd) mean to you?

“Earth Day means not littering garbage.”

“Nothing.”

“Respecting the Earth.”

Joe Lucas

Lachlan MacDonald

Leo Webster

OPINION

OPINION

M

E

BC Liberals can’t be trusted Birth control method is bad news when it comes to land deals

tural Land Reserve (ALR). y report this week is about land: MLA EPORT E Municipal zoning decisions, for exthe value of land, the way govample, are made by elected and acernment decisions on land can benefit countable officials in a very public their friends, and the way that zoning process following strict rules. This is of land can drastically affect its value. the way every zoning decision should Recently, the Opposition brought forbe made. ward facts around the massive sell-off And this is why so many people are of government lands on Burke Mounconcerned about the BC Liberals’ tain — lands that were sold primarily ORM meddling in the ALR. Decisions made to balance the provincial budget. around releasing lands from the ALR in Selling off surplus lands as a way of the Kootenays are no longer required to making ends meet is short-term thinking that few citizens would support. This becomes meet a strict standard. The rules for changes are now even more questionable when it is discovered that ill-defined and do not put agriculture as a top priority.

Land released from the ALR can increase signifithese very valuable lands were sold at hugely discounted prices to a friend of the BC Liberals. cantly in value, so these decisions must be made These lands were valued through a government- with the greatest of care.

But to add further fuel to the fire, the people who commissioned assessment at $128 million. Instead of following the advice of the real estate profession- will make these important decisions are political als to keep the lands on the market for the length appointees who will operate without clear guideof time needed to ensure a full value offer, the BC lines, public process, or oversight. This could result in decisions that do not put the best interests of the Liberals decided to stop the sale.

The whole parcel was then purchased for only $83 public first.

So much depends on governments developing million. That’s $43 million dollars of revenue to the legislation and processes that ensure that public inCrown that was lost.

But who was the successful bidder? A BC Liberal terest is paramount.

Unfortunately, that has not been the record of this donor who has donated nearly $1 million to the party.

This situation reminded me of the importance of government.

Norm Macdonald is the NDP MLA for Columbia River proper oversight of all government’s dealings with real estate, and the dangers of our current system Revelstoke. He can be reached by phone at 1-866-870for managing changes to lands within the Agricul- 4188 and by email at norm.macdonald.mla@leg.bc.ca.

R

N MACDONALD

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

verybody knows there are risks Off the ECORD any time a new form of medication is used to repair the biology of our bodies.

There is a physical cost with all medications when we begin tampering with nature, and it’s important to decide if that cost — those new symptoms — will be less harmBREANNE ful than the ones being masked or MASSEY subdued.

The anger women around the world feel about the death of Erika Langhart at the mere age of 24 from a pulmonary embolism has been illustrated in full colour following her tragic death in Virginia, U.S. after roughly four years of using the NuvaRing prescription.

According to Vanity Fair, the NuvaRing’s manufacturer, Merck, has made $623 million in sales of the flexible ring that’s inserted vaginally to release a combination of hormones. There were 830,000 women using the NuvaRing contraceptive method by 2010, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which is a non-profit that focuses on advancing sexual and reproductive health worldwide.

In fact, there are 10.5 million women using hormonal birth control pills for a plethora of reasons.

However, Merck is facing 3,500 lawsuits — including one from Erika Langhart’s mother, Karen, who is now on a quest to raise awareness about the product that killed her child through a non-profit she created in Erika’s memory for women using the potentially fatal contraceptive.

See A14

R

��

Do you go out of your way to support local food production, either by gardening yourself or buying from local producers?

Yes

33.3%

NEXT WEEK’S QUESTION:

Should additional phases be built now if the District of Invermere succeeds in getting the full amount it has applied for through the UBCM’s Strategic Priorities Fund?

INVERMEREVALLEYECHO.com

No

66.7%

A8 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 The Valley Echo

THE

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

April 22nd - 28th 22ND: WEDNESDAY

• 10 - 11 a.m.: Preschoolers and Parents, Plant and Play. Runs every Wednesday morning for 6 weeks.

Ends May 13th. By donation, preregistration requested. www. groundswellnetwork.ca • 4 - 5:30 p.m.: Summit Youth Centre (SYC) Employment Readiness program. Must pre-register. Email summit.centre@gmail.com or call 250-342-3033.

• 6 - 7:30 p.m.: SYC Skills for life program.

• 6 - 8 p.m.: Gardening 101 workshop: Landscapes and Flowers, with the Invermere Public Library. Preregister with a beginner gardening question you would like answered by Saturday April 18th. Visit invermere. bclibrary.ca for more information.

23RD : THURSDAY

• 4 - 6 p.m.: SYC Graphic design program. Must pre-register. Email summit.centre@gmail.com or call 250-342-3033.

• 4 - 8 p.m.: SYC open gym.

24TH : FRIDAY

• 4 - 6 p.m.: SYC Graphic design program. Must pre-register. Email summit.centre@gmail.com or call 250-342-3033.

25TH : SATURDAY

event at the CPR Lodge.

• 7 p.m.: SYC Movie and popcorn night.

• 7:30 p.m.: Shields Johnston Fielding Trio performing live at Pynelogs Cultural Centre. Tickets $20, students $10, available at Tiffany’s Thredz and Pynelogs or call 250-342-4423.

• 7:30 p.m.: Invermere Rollbots are hosting a women’s clothing swap at Arrowhead Brewery to raise money for the upcoming season. $10 a bag, provided.

• 7:30 p.m.: DTSS Big Band Dance at Invermere Community Hall. Tickets $25, available at Lambert Kipp Pharmacy, Majestic U-Brew or call 250-342-9213 ext 136.

groundswellnetwork.ca • 4 - 5:30 p.m.: Summit Youth Centre Employment Readiness program.

Must pre-register. Email summit. centre@gmail.com or call 250-3423033.

• 5:30 - 9 p.m.: L’il Peeps Art show artist opening event at Pynelogs Art gallery. For more infomation visit columbiavalleyarts.com • 6 - 7:30 p.m.: SYC. Skills for life program.

• 7 p.m.: Valley Gogo Sisters presents Sharon Henderson, one of twenty two Canadian Grandmothers who visited Ethiopia and S. African Stephen Lewis Foundation communities and projects. VGGS members and guests welcome.

TH : SUNDAY Columbia Garden Village. Admission 26 • 9 a.m.: Daffodil Dash. Run to fight by donation. cancer at Mount Nelson Athletic 30TH : THURSDAY Park, Invermere.

• 4 - 6 p.m.: SYC Graphic design program. Must pre-register. Email 27TH : MONDAY • 4 - 5:30 p.m.: SYC Employment summit.centre@gmail.com or call Readiness program. Must pre- 250-342-3033. register. Email summit.centre@ • 4 - 8 p.m.: SYC open gym.

• 6 - 9 p.m.: Panorama Adaptive Snow gmail.com or call 250-342-3033.

• 6 - 7:30 p.m.: SYC Skills for life Sports Society AGM at Invermere Health Unit. program.

• 6:50 p.m.: Ladies Night Out, with Jani Goudy at Lake Windermere MAY 2ND : SATURDAY Alliance Church. Tickets $10 • 5 p.m.: Hospice Society 3rd available at Canterbury Flowers 250- Annual Butterfly Gala at Radium 342-0383.

Resort. Tickets $50. 3 - course meal, • 7 p.m.: SYC Philanthropy Project. live entertainment by Bruce Childs • 7 p.m.: Columbia Valley Community and Valley Forged. Silent, live and Foundation AGM at Lake Windermere dessert auction.

Lion’s Hall.

• 9 p.m.: The Killer Rollbots presents Fantastic Four at Station Neighbourhood Pub. $5 cover, live 28TH : TUESDAY • 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Wings over the music, Raffle Prizes and the official Rockies Art Show at Pynelogs Art release of Kick Ass Coffee Cream Ale Gallery from April 28th to May from Arrowhead Brewing Company.

10th. For more infomation visit columbiavalleyarts.com MAY 4TH : MONDAY • 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.: L’il Peeps Art show • Wings Over the Rockies Festival at Pynelogs from April 28th to May from May 4th to10th at the Pynelogs 10th. For more infomation visit Cultural Centre & Art Gallery and columbiavalleyarts.com various locations throughout • 4 - 5:30 p.m.: SYC Employment the Columbia Valley. For more Readiness program. Must pre- infomation visit columbiavalleyarts. register. Email summit.centre@ com gmail.com or call 250-342-3033.

• 6 - 7:30 p.m.: SYC Skills for life MAY 5TH : TUESDAY program.

• 7 - 8:30 p.m.: Get Started on Vegetable Gardening at Groundswell’s April 29th - May 5th Community Greenhouse at 15th Ave and Westridge Dr. For more information email info@ 29TH : WEDNESDAY • 10 - 11 a.m.: Preschoolers and groundswellnetwork.ca or phone Parents, Plant and Play. Runs every 250-342-3337.

• 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Prevention of Violence Against Women Open House & Garage Sale at the Women’s Resource Centre. Food and Music

by Smarty Pants and Friends. All proceeds go to the Family Resource Centre.

• 12 - 3 p.m.: CV Cycling Society is offering a free Basic Bike Fit and Maintenance course at the Lions Hall at the Crossroads. All ages welcome.

Get the most comfort and efficiency from your bike. Learn to do your own basic trail repairs and maintenance.

Bring your bike. Blaine Nester 250-342-8784.

• 2 - 5 p.m.: Steamboat Mountain Music Society is hosting a launch party to start the buzz for Edgewater’s Steamboat Mountain Wednesday morning for 6 weeks.

Music Fest later this summer. Ends May 13th. By donation, preAdmission is free for this afternoon registration requested. www.

COMING SOON… MAY

6TH : WEDNESDAY

MAY

7TH : THURSDAY

MAY

9TH : SATURDAY

MAY

12TH : TUESDAY

• WIngs over the Rockies Bighorn Sheep virtual tour and educational presentation at Radium Hot Springs visitor centre. To register visit wingsovertherockies.org • 10 - 11 a.m.: Preschoolers and Parents, Plant and Play. Runs every Wednesday morning for 6 weeks.

Ends May 13th. By donation, preregistration requested. www. groundswellnetwork.ca

• 5 - 6 p.m.: Every Thursday evening, enjoy the Wine Tasting in the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Lobby.

Learn about BC wines from our inhouse sommelier $10 per person.

• 6 - 8 p.m.: Pooch Plunge at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.The pool goes to the dogs in support of GALS and the SPCA Bring your family and doggie out for some fun. $ 10/ dog, registration required 1-800-663-4979 ext 6056. Visit fairmonthotsprings. com or call 250.342.6030 for more information.

• 7 - 8:30 p.m.: Rot On! Competent Composting at Groundswell’s Community Greenhouse 15th Ave. and Westridge Dr. For more information email info@ groundswellnetwork.ca or phone 250-342-3337.

HOURS INVERMERE LIBRARY

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

• Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

RADIUM LIBRARY

• Tuesday: 6 - 8 p.m.

• Wednesday - Thursday: 1 - 4 p.m.

• Saturday: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

WINDERMERE VALLEY MUSEUM • Tuesday: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

INVERMERE THRIFT STORE

• Thursday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• Friday - Saturday: 1 - 4 p.m.

RADIUM THRIFT STORE

• Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Friday - Saturday: 12 - 4 p.m.

SUMMIT YOUTH CENTRE

• Tuesday: 5 - 9 p.m.

• Wednesday: 4 - 9 p.m.

• Thursday: 5 - 9 p.m.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A9

Happy Earth Day! Recycling 101 - The Basics

Recycling Electronics & Appliances

Did you know you can use ANY yellow bin you see around the East Kootenay? With over 600 bins available, recycling has never been easier!

The environmental handling “fee” you pay on electronics in BC are managed by Encorp and a wide range of electronics are accepted for recycling.

Here are some quick tips to remember for the yellow bins and blue bag curbside program in Invermere: • All plastics MUST be clean and have a number between 1 and 6. That number must be in the triangular recycling symbol. If there is no number, it should go in the garbage if it can’t be reused.

• All plastic grocery/shopping bags can be recycled -- even if they don’t have a number on them. All other plastics must be numbered.

• Styrofoam CANNOT be recycled in the yellow bins (even though it’s marked #6), but can go to the MMBC packaging area at the Cranbrook Bottle Depot.

• Tin cans should be well rinsed with labels removed, if possible.

• Cardboard should be flattened to save bin space.

• Foil covered or waxy papers cannot be recycled in the yellow bins.

Milk cartons can be taken to the MMBC Packaging area at the Cranbrook Bottle Depot for recycling.

Where to Take Used Paint Paint and aerosol paints can be taken to the Invermere Bottle Depot (133 Industrial Rd #2) and RONA Northstar Hardware & Building Supplies (410 Borden Street).

Containers must be sealed in paint containers and clearly labeled. If paint cans are dried out and there is no liquid left, the cans can go in the garbage.

What to do with Packaging Multi-Materials BC is a non-profit stewardship organization that oversees the new product stewardship program for printed paper and packaging.

Their only depot in the East Kootenay is the Cranbrook Bottle Depot. They take paper/cardboard products, aluminum and tin*,glass, styrofoam*, and plastic packaging (including film/wrap*). *Some items in these categories are not accepted in RDEK yellow bin program Visit http://recyclinginbc.ca/program/can-recycled

Learn More About Earth Day Earth Week is a great time to think about what each of us can do to make a positive difference. Reducing, reusing and recycling really add up.

This year, they have a “Make it Count” Challenge, which focuses on four categories: eat, grow, transform and share.

The electronics recycling depot is: Invermere Bottle Depot 133 Industrial Rd #2 Phone: 250-342-7272 They accept a wide range of electronics, including: • Televisions • Earphones • Computers & peripherals • Microphones (keyboard, mouse) • Telephones • Monitors • Discman, walkman • Fax machines • Radios • DVD/VHS players • Cable, satellite and PVR boxes • Scanners • Vehicle audio and video systems • Stereos, MP3 players, Speakers The Cranbrook and Fernie Bottle Depots are the only locations to recycle small appliances, these include: • Blenders • Microwaves • Food Processors and mixers • Bread makers • Coffee grinders

• Bathroom scales • Clocks and timers • Ironing Boards and irons • Portable fans • Portable heaters

Batteries & Cellphones

Alkaline and rechargeable batteries as well as cellphones are recyclable. The drop off locations for old batteries and cellphones include Staples, The Source, Cranbrook Photo, Canadian Tire and Kootenay Communications. For more information, visit: www.call2recycle.ca

Fluorescent Lights Can Be Recycled LightRecycle is the BC residential light recycling program. Accepted products include incandescent lights, LED’s, compact fluorescent and tube fluorescent light bulbs.

There are two LightRecycle depots in the area are: Invermere Home Building Centre 9980 Arrow Rd. Invermere

Skyway Distributors 304 Slater Road NW Cranbrook

For more information, visit www.lightrecycle.ca

Pesticides, Herbicides, Gas & More

• Step-by-step guides that kids, teachers & group leaders can use

The only household hazardous waste depot in the RDEK is the: Cranbrook Bottle Depot 1125 Industrial Rd #3 Phone: 250-417-0306

• Tips and activities for individuals, groups and businesses to work together to keep commitments www.earthday.ca

They accept household paints, and certain flammable liquids, gasoline and domestic pesticides. We strongly recommend you visit www.regeneration.ca prior to going to the Bottle Depot, as they do have some restrictions as to what they will accept.

The 2015 Earth Day challenges offer:

Visit www.regeneration.ca for information

For more information, contact the RDEK at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335

ValleyEcho

A10 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 The Valley Echo

TICKET LAUNCH PARTY

Saturday, April 25 2 – 5 p.m.

CPR Lodge Invermere th

Steamboat Mountain

MUSIC FESTIVAL

FEATURE

Free Entertainment – a Taste of Steamboat Refreshments

Buy your Early Bird Tickets – only $30 • Memberships – Volunteer Sign-up

Get ready for Edgewater’s Festival – July 25th-26th

VE

The Invermere

ALLEY CHO

@TheValleyEcho

Follow & friend the Valley Echo www.facebook.com/ InvermereValleyEcho

Follow & friend the Valley Echo

www.facebook.com/ InvermereValleyEcho

4 th B i -A n n u a l

Ladi es Cloth i ng Swa p Drop off your spring and summer clothing at Her Public (Park Place, downtown) April 20-24 from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Come shop Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 pm Arrowhead Brewing Company $10 per shopping bag Fundraiser for the Killer Rollbots thekillerrollbots@gmail.com

Clockwise from top: birdwatching tour guide Cam Gillies (orange jacket) sets up his telescope as the rest of the tour gets a head start on species spotting through their personal binoculars; thousands of birds are returning to the Columbia Wetlands as part of their spring migration; the groups sets out to Ritchies Point just past Wilmer.

PHOTOS BY NICOLE TRIGG

The Columbia Wetlands: an international destination NICOLE TRIGG nicole@invermerevalleyecho.com I’ve never been a birdwatcher.

I mean, I watch birds all the time. But the thought of actively looking for them, binoculars and bird book in hand, never particularly appealed to me. Maybe because it always seemed a little, well, slow. I’m drawn to action sports — scrambling, biking, skiing, snowboarding... but when Wildsight Invermere president Baiba Morrow extended an invitation to join a birding excursion led by Cam Gillies, co-owner of Eagle Eye Tours, I couldn’t say no. Cam is highly respected for what he does and Earth Day was coming up, so I felt it was the right thing to do. A little reluctantly, I agreed to give up my lazy Saturday morning sleep in and meet a group of eager birdwatchers at Ritchies Point parking lot along Westside Road just north of Wilmer this past Saturday morning.

With sleep still in my eyes, I rolled up in my car at 8:31 a.m. feeling a little out of sorts because I hadn’t left enough time to grab my morning coffee, only to realize I was the last person to arrive.

But the energy level of the group — there were about 15 of us — was high and you couldn’t have asked for a more spectacular day. The sun was bright, the deep blue of the sky was beautifully reflected in the wetlands, and the peace and calm of the scenery was interrupted only by the excited chatter of our group, the faint sound of the breeze brushing through the trees and dried grass, and the occasional bird call, or song.

A call was different from a song, I quickly learned, and experienced birders know how to distinguish between the two. Only males sing, said Cam, either to defend their territory or attract females. It turns out the male’s song (I think he was talking about thrushes) was a familiar sound….

CHEESE (high sound) bur-ger (low sound), whereas the call … chickadeedeedee… is more of an intergroup communication done year round by both males and females.

See A15

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A11

COMMUNITY

High school students do more than their fair share for Earth Day Nicole Trigg nicole@invermerevalleyecho.com

Leave it to the David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS) Leadership class to take over their school on Earth Day in order to share ideas on how to help make the world a better place.

The class, comprised of about 20 Grade 10 to 12 students, were assigned the project of holding an Earth Day event today (on Wednesday, April 22nd) to educate their fellow students, teachers, and school staff about solutions that address climate change in a fun, positive way.

The class decided a multi-faceted approach was best and in true leadership style, enlisted the help of other classes, the student council and school staff to create an Earth Day worth remembering.

Leadership students Amira Elwakeel, Taylor Hart and Anna Arif took some time on Monday (April 20th) to explain to The Valley Echo what they had in store.

What will first strike students and staff who walk through the school doors will be the different signs posted around the school, each one with a different fact about everything from water consumption (like taking shorter showers) to energy efficiency (walking to school instead of driving).

“People don’t realize how much water use goes into everything,” said Amira.

With grant money from the DTSS Parent Advisory Council, the class purchased some glass and plastic water bottles from local businesses Circle Health and Bicycle Works, which they will be handing out for free.

“We want to promote students using reusable containers,” said Anna. The Leadership class will also be serving free green ice tea to anyone with a reusable container.

Anyone who plans to eat lunch at the cafeteria (known as the Rocky Mountain Cafe) is in for a surprise eco-friendly meal. The cafe, which is run by students in the Cook Training program and already features healthy, multi-cultural cuisine on

4

DAYS ONLY!

a regular basis, is providing a special Earth Day lunch featuring raw and locally grown food.

The menu consists of zucchini noodles with a creamy pesto sauce (served cold, not cooked) and local greens, a salad of local greenhouse greens, a vegetable lettuce wrap (sandwich option), tomato cucumber Gazpacho (soup option) plus strawberry apple chia pudding for dessert.

The lunch special will be served on glass plates instead of the paper plates that the cafeteria normally uses, and students are invited to enjoy the lunch in the school’s courtyard, which will be opened up for student use for the first time, and will remain open for the rest of the year (previously it was just by just staff and teachers).

“People can eat lunch outside,” said Taylor. “It has a nice atmosphere.”

The DTSS student council helped the Leadership class clean up the courtyard for the Earth Day opening, and the council will be taking care of it for the rest of the year, with plans to bring in more benches by working with the Woodshop class to build some furniture.

Another Earth Day initiative has been in the works since before spring break, when the Leadership class — using the community greenhouse adjacent to the high school — planted a variety of plants in yoghurt containers (sweet peas, mint, parsley, etc.), one for each teacher and school staff member, which came to about 30 in all.

Last but not least, Leadership students have been spreading the word for everyone to wear green for Earth Day. Anyone who shows up wearing green will be invited to take part in a group photograph that will be taken in the newly opened courtyard at lunch.

“Overall, we want to raise awareness,” said Taylor.

To learn more about global Earth Day awareness and initiatives, visit www. earthday.ca.

THURSDAY TO SUNDAY APRIL 23 RD TO APRIL 26 TH

THURSDAY ONLY! APRIL, 23 RD Receive a

50

$

Promo Card

When you spend $200 or more before taxes in store.

Promo card valid from April 24 th to April 30 th.

SPRING SALE

A12 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 The Valley Echo

SPORTS

Panorama plays host to major race on short notice Steve Hubrecht steve@invermerevalleyecho.com

The Windermere Valley Ski Club pulled together at the last minute to host a FIS (International Ski Federation) race in the final week Panorama Mountain Resort was open.

The race was to be held at Whistler and Grouse Mountains, but with poor snow conditions in both those locations, the event was moved to Panorama just three days before it was to take place, from Monday April 6th to Thursday April 9th.

“We only got notice of the race coming here on Friday (April 3rd),” said Windermere Valley Ski Club volunteer race director Dave Barlass.

“Despite the short notice it was really successful. The kids were extremely happy to be here.”

The event involved two days of slalom racing and two days of GS (giant slalom) racing and drew more than 150 participants (92 boys and 63 girls) from nine countries.

The racers ranged in age from 17 to 51 (for the masters’ category), although the majority were young skiers, hoping to one day qualify for provincial or national teams.

“The kids were excited. It was great to see how happy everybody was with everything, and it was great to see the club pull together for such A ski racer in one of the GS events during the FIS race that took place at Panorama Mountain resort from April 6th a short time frame,” said Barlass. to 9th. The race was supposed to take place at Whistler and Grouse Mountains but poor conditions forced it to move See A19 and Panorama reaped the benefits.

Photo submitted

Cracking the curber code…

When Walt says, “It’s a real bargain...”

He means, “If you ignore the unpaid lien!”

(32% have a recorded lien)

Get a vehicle history report! Buy from a licensed dealer!

Find out how at WatchoutforWalt.com

Geoff Hill MaxWell Realty Invermere

250-341-7600

connect@geoffhill.ca Invermere-RealEstate.com

Got something to say?

Send your comments and letters to:

i n v e r m e r e va l l e y

EC HO.com

editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

VE

The Invermere

ALLEY CHO

asks you to...

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 The Valley Echo

OPINION

Land sales leave lingering odour

T

planning and preparation,” wrote he B.C. Liberal government’s B.C. IEWS one citizens’ services bureaucrat. sale of Crown properties to “Unfortunately we don’t have unhelp balance its election budget limited time – our goal is to have was the dominant story in the legFor Sale signs up by Oct. 31 with islature last week, as the NDP resales proceeds in the bank by vealed evidence of a “fire sale” that March 31, 2013.” may have left millions on the table.

Then came a disclosure about a They started with Burke Mountain, property in Surrey that had been the biggest single deal involving 14 OM bought as a potential hospital site. view properties in Coquitlam. The Once the existing hospital was exbuyer was a prominent developer panded, that property was declared whose array of companies happened to donate nearly $1 million to the B.C. Lib- surplus. Indeed, de Jong featured this property to promote the government’s plan to stimulate eral Party since 2000.

The $85 million price tag was similar to the B.C. local economies with private sector investment Assessment Authority value on these forested on unused land. The Surrey deal closed for $20.5 properties, but an outside appraisal concluded million on March 21, 2014, just days before the they could have fetched an additional $43 mil- end of the fiscal year. NDP leader John Horgan lion if they had spent more time on the hot Low- pointed to an outside appraisal of $23.5 million, er Mainland real estate market. (This sale made and an assessment for tax purposes of $27.2 milheadlines last fall for the province’s $8 million lion. The appraiser also recommended that the buyout of the local First Nation’s undefined ter- “highest and best use” for the Surrey land was to ritorial claim, when it was revealed the chief of hold it until had been rezoned for commercial, the tiny Kwikwitlem First Nation pocketed an retail or office development. De Jong cited another big health property in Vancouver that sold $800,000 commission.)

The government’s defence of the sale went for more than its appraised and assessed value. from wobbly to weak. Citizens’ Services Minister It’s only the actual market that determines worth, Amrik Virk was caught flat-footed and tried to he insisted.

But it’s now clear that these and perhaps other get by on platitudes rather than retreat and find some answers. Premier Christy Clark weighed in, sales were done with arbitrary deadlines that arguing that the budget would have balanced had everything to do with the B.C. Liberals’ need without the property sale, and that some sales to balance the books. When elections are a batclosed too late to help the election-year budget. tle of sound bites, perception matters more than Finance Minister Mike de Jong stressed that all reality. It’s also worth recalling that the budget these asset sales were detailed in three succes- deficits prior to the 2013 election were largely a sive budgets. They downplayed the notion of result of the B.C. government’s costly undoing of land sales being rushed.Then the NDP produced the harmonized sales tax, rather than the harsh a string of emails sent between senior officials forces of international finance.

Surplus asset sales have a long tradition in B.C., responsible for selling two big properties across where the government owns more than 90 per the street from the legislature.

“To be part of the sale and development of over cent of all land. But after this round, full discloeight acres of Victoria’s beautiful inner harbour sure will be demanded.

Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter for Black Press. area is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. An opportunity that normally would warrant years of Contact him at tfletcher@blackpress.ca.

V

T FLETCHER

2015 Annual General Meeting Monday, April 27, 2015 @ 7:00 pm Lake Windermere Lion’s Hall 651 Hwy 93/95, Invermere, BC ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Members of the Foundation are invited to the Regular Annual General Meeting to conduct the affairs of the Society as follows:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Report of the Directors Report of the Treasurer Appointment of accountants Amendments to the bylaws of the Society Election of directors Grant recipients presentations

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lifetime membership is free. Join your Foundation today.

For more information contact: Roberta Hall, Chair * 250-347-6404 info@valleyfoundation.ca * www.ValleyFoundation.ca

Building legacies in our Valley communities

VE

The Invermere

ALLEY CHO

asks you to...

invermerevalleyecho.com A13

COMMUNITY

Steamboat Fest launch party SUBMITTED Steamboat Mountain Music Society

Come join the fun! The Steamboat Mountain Music Society is hosting a launch party to start the buzz for Edgewater’s Steamboat Mountain Music Fest later this summer. Admission is free for this afternoon event at the CPR Lodge on Saturday, April 25th from 2 to 5 p.m. A few of the musicians who have been booked for the festival have been invited to jam at the launch party, and refreshments will be served. Early Bird Tickets will be on sale at the affordable rate of $30. Membership and volunteer rosters will be on hand for those who would like to join up and help make SMMF 2015 the best one yet! Mark your calendars -— the festival date is the weekend of July 25th and 26th.

Free income tax assistance offered SUBMITTED Invermere Public Library Need a hand with your 2014 Income Tax Return?

The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) is now available at the Invermere Public Library.

If you have a simple tax situation and could use some assistance with filing your taxes, trained volunteers will meet with you to help you through the steps.

There is no charge for the service. Please contact the Invermere Public Library at 250-342-6416 or publiclibrary@invermere.net to make an appointment with a volunteer. Additional information about CVITP can be found online at www.cra.gc.ca/volunteer.

Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land.

Take notice that Brent and Susanne Bracken, of Calgary, AB, have applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), Kootenay Region, for a Crown Grant, for Recreational Residential purpose,, situated on Provincial Crown foreshore located on Windermere Lake, BC, and containing 0.06 hectares more or less.

The Lands File for this application is 4405576. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Front Counter BC, 1902 Theatre Road, Cranbrook BC, V1C 7G1 or email to: authorizingagency.cranbrook@gov.bc.ca. Commments will be received by MFLNRO up to May 21, 2015. MFLNRO may not be able to consider comments received after this date.

Please visit web at: http:arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp → Search → Seach by File Number: 4405576 for more information Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit: http://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

A14 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 The Valley Echo

PROFILE

Hospice director shortlisted for immigrant award Breanne Massey breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com Maria Kliavkoff has been shortlisted as one of the finalists for the seventh annual Royal Bank of Canada’s (RBC) Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards.

The 49-year-old Radium resident, who immigrated from the United States of America, has been living in Canada for a decade now.

The RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards are a unique way to recognize inspirational immigrants who have relocated to Canada and made a positive difference while living here. It is a peoples’ choice award to feature the efforts of community advocates, volunteers, entrepreneurs and cultural icons based on an online voting system.

“The whole nature of this makes me feel deeply honoured,” said Maria about becoming one of 75 nominees to move onto the next round.

She is in the race until May 11th, when the polls for online voting close on the Canadian Immigrant website.

“I was informed the top 25 finalists who win this award would also be eligible to win $500 to give to their preferred charities… my declared charity is the Hospice Society of Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley director Maria Kliavkoff is honoured to be nominated for RBC’s the Columbia Valley,” she said. “It would be lovely to be a Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards.

Photo by breanne massey vehicle whereby another $500 comes to the society.

“And what the award means to me, well, I don’t know how to explain what it means huge challenge for me.

“Having grown up in the United States, the right to representation in the govto be an immigrant in another country. Many people think that if you’re immigrating from the United States of America, it’s not (such) a lengthy process), but the reality ernment and to have your voice heard is something that I treasure. Moving to is an immigrant in a new country is an immigrant in a new country, no matter where Canada, which is a country that shares the same value and attitude about the you’re old country is. There are different cultures, there are different attitudes. It’s all people’s right to voice their opinion and be represented, but not to have that voice because you’re not a citizen and yet you live there, well, that’s a right that about finding your place in a new home and becoming part of that society.”

The concept of relocating has always been a prominent part of Maria’s life. Her my ancestors fled their homeland in order to be able to have.”

Maria believes the life experiences she’s had make her a compassionate listener parents escaped Bulgaria during the uprising after the Second World War in 1956.

A visit to Bulgaria as a child played a role in shaping Maria’s perspective on the and a curious person.

“Life is such an up and down proposition,” she concluded. “We go through difworld around her.

“I’m first generation American,” she said. “My father is Bulgarian and my mother ferent processes and we all experience many of the same processes’ for instance, is Hungarian, and at a very early age (on a visit to Bulgaria) when I was nine, I dis- the dying or grieving process, but we each experience it in our very own, indicovered what it is not to have rights within a country. I was thrown out of Bulgaria vidualized way.”

Maria has a master’s degree in fine arts from the University of Calgary and a with my mother and my brother even though we had visas — and it was after a bachelor of arts in psychology and theatre arts from Hunter College in New York. week of experiencing what it is to be terrorized.”

In addition, she has completed personal development training in Victoria.

She added the experience is still etched vividly in her mind.

But the idea of bringing rural communities together with patience and kindness “The part of my family that lives in Bulgaria… I will never forget going to that plane and being desperate to get to that plane, but looking back and seeing my is now Maria’s focus.

She is the founding executive director of the Hospice Society of the Columbia family and by some stroke of fate and the courage of my ancestors, I got to get on Valley and remains determined to help others grieve. that plane,” said Maria. “I got freedom and they couldn’t.”

“It is such an honour and a privilege to live in and serve this community, and to The journey of coping with the stark reality of having family who live in an Eastern European country with a devastating history wasn’t always an easy one, she bring my life experience to this job and to this work,” said Maria. “I have landed, after all of the places that I have lived, in such a beautiful part of the world… the added. It’s a big part of why Maria’s life took shape in Canada.

“Before you become a landed immigrant, there’s a big process,” she explained. community of the Columbia Valley is unlike any community that I have ever lived “I came (to Canada) as a student. The time when I was on a student visa and then in before, and I have a great passion for the people.”

To vote for Maria, visit www.canadianimmigrant.ca/canadas-top-25-immigrants/ a landed immigrant visa before I became a citizen of Canada — and that was a 10-year process — and not being able to vote in the country that I lived in was a vote before May 11th. The top 25 winners will be announced on June 23rd.

BIRTH from A7

Merck may have offered the Langhart family a $100,000 settlement in damages, but that’s not enough.

Karen declined the settlement from Merck and believes the manufacturer of the NuvaRing should be held accountable for failing to warn women about the risks at hand. The Langhart family even printed “Cause of Passing: Massive, Double Pulmonary Embolism — a direct result of the NuvaRing” on programs at Erika’s funeral to urge others to avoid using this contraceptive.

It is quite suspicious given the similarities found in patients using this form of birth control, especially when Merck has been under fire in the media since 2011.

And then there were the problems faced by Megan Henry, who was also derailed by the diagnosis of blood clots developing in her lungs from the NuvaRing less than a year after Langhart’s death.

It is ironic that both girls knew each other but did not know the risks involved with using the NuvaRing.

Henry collapsed while training for the Olympics in Utah, U.S. and had an appointment with a pulmonologist after being prompted to question the incident by her family.

While it is inevitable to acknowledge that there are freak accidents of nature floating around the universe, the NuvaRing still poses an unfathomable 56 per cent increased rate of blood clots when compared to typical birth control pills.

I also realize the importance of modern medicine and how using it is at times unavoidable and necessary, but choosing a contraceptive remains an uphill battle that women continually need to fight.

The heightened risk of blood clots that have been linked to the NuvaRing have not yet forced Merck to pull its product from the market, so it’s important for the discussion about the lack of safety from using these hormones to continue in the public sphere, as it holds the potential to hear the whole story from Merck — and to make health care a safer place for women everywhere.

Breanne Massey is a reporter for The Valley Echo and can be reached at breanne@ invermerevalleyecho.com.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A15

THE COLUMBIA from A10

Another interesting fact — the CHEESE bur-ger song is only heard in the spring, right around now.

Cam was full of facts and figures that he was quick to share. For instance, there is a very small bird called a Blackpoll Warbler that weighs just 12 grams. Data scientists put tiny geo locaters on the backs of these birds that keep track of the sunset, sunrise and length of day so they could tell where the bird was on the planet (GPS are too heavy). What they discovered is that these warblers go to the Eastern seaboard (Newfoundland, Nova Scotia) in fall migration, double their weight, then fly straight to Venezuela in 72 hours. Amazing.

“Everybody suspected this is what these warblers were doing,” explained Cam, “but nobody had cold, hard evidence that they could do it in three days, non-stop.”

The tour continued with the more experienced birdwatchers in the group occasionally pointing in a general direction while exclaiming excitedly. Cam would swivel his Swarovski spotting scope and zoom in on the target, then step away and allow the rest of us a close up glimpse of whatever fascinating bird it was, from swans to Mergansers to American pipits.

I’d never even heard of a pipit. These gorgeous little colourful creatures breed in the Alpine and the Arctic tundra, and manage to thrive in pretty harsh condi-

tions. One was walking through the grass on a ridge about 50 feet away, and with the help of Cam’s Swarovski scope, I could see it picking insects or seeds out of the ground.

A popular international destination, the Columbia Wetlands attract species of birds from all the countries in South and Central America.

“We probably don’t get any migrants from Chile,” said Cam. “It’s really different habitat.”

Three kestrels flew into view (a type of falcon that eats small mammals) and proceeded to battle it out in the sky, then a Western Meadowlark perched on top of a nearby tree and began to sing his heart out.

“Because he’s singing here, he plans to breed,” explained Cam. I’d walked out to this point many times before and had relished in the gorgeous river and mountain views, but this time was different.

As I listened to Cam’s educational banter and continued to take my turn peering through the scope, I began to feel as though a layer was being pulled away from the familiar scene before me, revealing a startlingly different landscape than the one I was used to, one with so much more context and depth — and life.

Now I’m in the market for a set of binoculars, and maybe, just maybe, I’ll invest in a bird guide. Then again, there’s this great app I was told about…

Nicole Trigg is the editor of The Valley Echo and a newly anointed birder.

EMEMBER WHEN? R A look back through The Valley Echo's archives over the last 56 years

April 2010 — Members of the Jumbo Creek Conservation Society got a jump on Earth Day activities as they got together to cleanup Pothole Park in Invermere.

ECHO FILE PHOTO

50

years ago (1965): Attendance figures for the Radium Hot Springs pools and for Kootenay National Park for the April 1964 to March 1965 financial year were down as compared with the previous financial year. In the April 1964 to March 1965 financial year 190,411 vehicles carrying 548,515 passengers passed through the park gate in Radium, while 255,728 admission tickets were sold to the pools (then called the aquacourt). The previous financial year (April 1963 to March 1964) 195,047 vehicles with 567,291 passengers passed through the Radium park gate, while 287,924 bathers visted the pools.

45

years ago (1970): Local school bus drivers were honoured for their service at a luncheon. Particular acclaim went to Mrs. A. M. Falconer for her 30 years of safe driving.

40

years ago(1975): Okanagan-Kootenay MP Howard Johnston

spoke to valley residents during a dinner hosted by the Windermere District Chamber of Commerce at Radium Hot Springs.

Topics touched on during the converstaion included the increased fees being chaged for entry into national parks, the Columbia River Treaty, the redistribution of federal election ridings, Canada’s immigration policy and its recent adoption of the metric system for measurement.

30

years ago (1985): The Invermere fire department upgraded its technological capability and made response times faster by upgrading its old fire siren (used to summon fire fighters to the hall) to a system involving radios and pagers. The new radio-pager system cost $23,000

20

years ago (1995): The valley’s two major nonprofit business organizations — the Invermere Business Association and the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce — decided

to merge into a single entity. As part of the merger the association officialy became a subcommittee of the chamber.

15

years ago (2000): The District of Invermere announced plan to turn the infamous natural pot hole (located just west of the north end of the main street, 7th Avenue) into a park.

The pothole is a naturally occuring sinkhole that drains a signficant part of Invermere’s runoff. Estimates of its age put it at around 10,000 years old.

Plans to turn it into a park had been discussed for more than three decades before action was finally taken.

10

years ago (2005): The Columbia Valley Range Patrol celebrated its 21st anniversary and heard from local RCMP Corporal Dale Morgan at its annual general meeting. Cpl Morgan commended the patrol for its diligent effort in monitoring the backcountry in partnership with the RCMP.

B

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

S

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 The Valley Echo

GAME

CLUES ACROSS 1. Limited period 5. PC graphics file format 8. Coarse file 12. Smooth and lustrous 14. Equal, prefix 15. Waxplant genus 16. One who puts up with 18. H. Potter’s BFF 19. Strays 20. Night flight 21. Over the counter (abbr.)

22. Salt Lake state 23. DWTS’s oldest judge 26. A way to cut off 30. Hunted beings 31. Sacred tobacco pipe 32. Electronic data processing 33. # of nativity kings 34. Nebraska’s largest city 39. School spirit rally 42. 20th Greek letter 44. Belonging to Greek Mother Earth 46. Daisy tanacetum 47. Skilled in many areas 49. Mures river city 50. Brew 51. Extreme fear 56. Ethiopian monetary unit 57. Cardboard box (abbr.)

58. Esoteric 59. Sword similar to a foil 60. __, you!

61. Grass tree 62. Queen of Sparta 63. Major division of geological time 64. Supply with nourishment

25. Storage warehouse 26. Play a role 27. Humbug 28. Single Lens Reflex 29. Billiards stick 35. Parts of an hour (abbr.)

36. A.K.A. opt key 37. Tool to work the soil 38. Not or 40. Pain in the middle or inner ear 41. Collection of Psalms for liturgical use 42. Int’l. news organization 43. High Ottoman official 44. Equipped with gears 45. __ Doria, ship 47. Informal complaint 48. Kurt Weill’s 1st wife, Lotte 49. Cain and __ 52. Canadian flyers 53. contest 54. At some prior time 55. Make sense of language

W eekend WEATHER Friday

April 24

Cloudy with showers Temp: 14oC o

Feels like 14 C

Low: 5oC

Saturday April 25 Answers to last week

CLUES DOWN 1. Czar 2. Czech River 3. Nev. Senator since 1987 4. Person of ancient Media 5. Russian meat pie 6. Atom with the same atomic # 7. Harmony 8. Watery discharge from the eyes or nose 9. Arteries 10. “Breaking the Silence” author Katrina 11. Crushing blow 13. Florida state dessert 17. Della __, singer 24. Meshlike fishing device

Cloudy with showers Temp: 10oC o

Feels like 9 C

Low: 4oC

Sunday April 26 A mix of sun and clouds Temp: 17oC o

Feels like 17 C

Low: 4oC

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, your imagination is running wild, and that can be a good thing. You are full of inspiration and fun ideas this week, which only makes you more charming.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, use this week as a time to conduct some personal inventory. Opportunity awaits around the corner, and your work this week will help you make the most of this new development.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, you have a lot of energy this week. Put that bounce in your step to good use by fixing up something around the house or beginning a new fitness regimen.

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, you may need to open new lines of communication to complete an important project this week. Don’t be afraid to engage others as your deadline nears.

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, make this week all about spending time with your significant other. Plan a date night or sit and snuggle. Enjoy every moment you get to spend together.

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Your words will carry significant weight this week, Capricorn. With that realization comes much responsibility. Make sure you wield your influence accordingly.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, this week is a great time to put plans you have been keeping private in motion. Enjoy this exciting time and don’t hesitate to share your excitement with others.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, your responsibilities beckon this week. You enjoy being responsible, so don’t sweat it when you must make some decisions. Be confident that you will make the right calls.

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, a financial windfall might be headed your way in the weeks to come. Allow yourself some time to splurge, but do your best to save some money as well.

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, your love of competition comes to the forefront this week. This competitive spirit may open new doors for you. Make the most of these opportunities.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, you are ready to embrace the great outdoors and all it has to offer. You never know what adventure awaits you, but you know one is on the horizon.

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Bold action is awarded this week, Pisces. You are one of the few people in your circle willing to take a few chances, and that will pay off soon.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015April The22,Valley The Valley Echo Wednesday, 2015 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

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

Announcements

Announcements

Travel

In Memoriam

Information

Personals

Timeshare

APPLY NOW: A $2,500 Penny Wise scholarship is available for a woman entering the Journalism Certificate Program at Langara College in Vancouver. Application deadline April 30, 2015. Please send applications by email to: fbula@langara.bc.ca. More information available online at: www.bccommunitynews.com/ our-programs/scholarship.

ALL MALE Hot Gay Hookups!

Call FREE! 1-800-462-9090. only 18 and over.

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.

In loving memory of Ted February 3, 1934 - April 24, 2006 If the roses grow in heaven lord, please pick a bunch for me. Place them in my husbands arms and tell him they’re from me. Tell him that I love him and miss him, and when he turns to smile, place a kiss upon his cheek and hold him for awhile because remembering him is easy, I do it every day. But there is an ache within my heart that will never go away. Love you forever. Till we meet again.

TO LEARN WHAT’S ON SALE?

YOUR NEWSPAPER:

The link to your community

Lost & Found Found in Wilmer, gold ring.

Please call to identify & claim.

250-342-1486

Obituaries

~Love Edel ~

WHERE DO YOU TURN

Luyendyk, Phyllis Elizabeth

Passed: April 17, 2015 Invermere, BC

Phyllis Luyendyk, 92 of Invermere, British Columbia passed away peacefully April 17, 2015.

Predeceased by her loving husband Tony and great granddaughter Riley.

Phyllis is survived by her sons John Luyendyk (Marilyn) and Rick Luyendyk (Darcel) and daughter Jo-Ann Stewart (Tony). She is also survived by 8 grandchildren - Adam Stewart (Tracy), Trisha Pitchford (Rob), Megan Sartore (Peter), Dean Luyendyk (Kindry), Mason Stewart (Natasha), Rebecca Luyendyk, Erin Luyendyk, Kayla Luyendyk; 4 great grandsons, Ty, Nolan, Luca, Sam and 4 great granddaughters, Tia, Malin, Colbie, Mateyah.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Services will be held at Christ Church Trinity in Invermere on Saturday, May 2 at 2 PM.

Obituaries

Community Newspapers We’re at the heart of things™ Obituaries

Maude W. W. Kendall Kendall Maude

Born: November November 2, 2, 1924 1924 Cranbrook, Cranbrook, BC Born: BC Passed: April 13, 2015 Radium,BC BC Passed: April 13, 2015 Radium, Maudeage W. 90, Kendall, age Hot 90, Springs, of Radium Mrs. Maude Mrs. W. Kendall, of Radium BC Springs, passed passedHot away suddenlyBC at home on away April 13,suddenly 2015. at home on April 13, 2015.

T h e r will e will a graveside service burial follow There be be a graveside service withwith burial to to follow at View Cemetery in Invermere at 1 p.m.

2015. atMount Mount View Cemetery in Invermere at 1 April p.m. 25, April 25, Celebration of Life, followatatRadium RadiumHall.

Hall.

2015. Celebration of Life, teatea willwillfollow Maude was born in Cranbrook on November 2, 1924. She bornwhen in Cranbrook on November 2, grew up in Maude Waldo, was BC and family moved to Grand 1924. She grew up in Waldo, BC and when family Forks, BC, she married Robert S. Kendall on January 9, moved to Grand Forks, BC, she married Robert S. Kendall on 1944. They were married almost 50 years before Robert’s January 9 1944; They were married almost 50 years before passing in 1993.

Robert’s passing in 1993.

Maudeenjoyed enjoyedcamping, camping,going going drives, playing cards, Maude forfor drives, playing cards, and andspending spending time with family. time with family.

Maude is survived by her daughter Jeanette (Bryan) of Maude is survived by her daughter Jeanette of Revelstoke, sister Margaret of Nakusp, brother(Bryan) Thomas Revelstoke, Margaret Nakusp,Alice brother (Marge) (Marge) ofsister Comox, sisterof in-law of Thomas Kamloops, her of Comox, sister Robert, inlaw Alice of Kamloops, her grandchildren, grandchildren, Michael, (Darlene), Janet (Larry), Robert, Michael, Janet, Karen, and Denise, her Joel, great Karen, and Denise (Brian), her great grandchildren grandchildren Joel, Sammy, Shayne, Joe, Kodi-Lee, Dalyn, Sammy, Shayne, Joe, Kodi-Lee, Dalyn, Kennedy, Justin, Kennedy, Justin, Tianna, Derek, Dakota, Shyann, McKenna, Tianna, Derek, Dakota, Shyann, McKenna, Brenden, Brenden, Hayley, and Keenan and great great grandchildren Hayley,Troy, and Charleigh, Keenan and great great Hunter Hunter Alexandria andgrandchildren Layla; Also numerous Troy, Charleigh, Alexandria and Layla; Also numerous nieces and nephews. Maude is preceded in death by her nieces and nephews.

Maude preceded in deathbrothers by her husband, Robert S. Kendall, sonisRobert W. Kendall, husband, Robert S. Kendall, son Robert W. Kendall, Art and Jack Hammond, grandson Troy R.W Kendall stepJack sisterHammond, Trudy Parsons. brothers Artand and grandson Troy R.W Kendall and step sister Trudy Parsons.

In may be given to In lieu lieu of offlowers flowersmemorial memorialdonations donations may be given Heart & Stroke Foundation. to Heart & Stroke Foundation.

1

PINT OF

BLOOD CAN SAVE

U P

T O

LIVES Help a stranger today and donate.

1.888.236.6283 www.blood.ca

CHURCH SERVICES DIRECTORY ST. PETER’S WINDERMERE ROMAN CATHOLIC RADIUM CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF JESUS LAKE WINDERMERE VALLEY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP ASSEMBLY CHRIST OF LATTER ALLIANCE CHURCH LUTHERAN MISSION VALLEY SHARED CHURCH DAY SAINTS OF INVERMERE MINISTRY #4 - 7553 Main Street W, 250-342-6167 326 - 10th Ave., Invermere Hwy. 93/95, 1 km north ANGLICAN-UNITED Radium of Windermere 5014 Fairway, 100 - 7th Ave., Invermere Pastor: Father Gabriel 250-342-9535 250-342-6633 250-342-9511 Fairmont Hot Springs 250-426-7564 Pastor: Trevor Hagan 100-7th Ave., Invermere Confession: 1/2 hr. before Mass 250-347-6334 Pastor: Murray Wittke 250-341-5792 250-342-6644 Pastor: Rev. Fraser Coltman lakewindermerealliance.org Canadian Martyrs Church valleychristianonline.com Pastor Rev. David Morton Reverend Laura Hermakin President: Adam Pasowisty Celebration 712 - 12 Ave, Invermere Worship Service th wvsm.ca Columbia Valley Branch Sunday April 26 Saturdays, 5 p.m.

Sundays, 10 a.m.

Sunday Service Worship Services Every Sunday: Bacon, Friends 10:30 a.m.

Sundays, 9 a.m.

Sundays Worship Services 10 a.m. Worship & Word Bible Studies & Faith, 9:30 a.m Worship, “A Testimony” 1:30 p.m.

Sundays Kid’s Church Provided St. Joseph’s Church Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

Intern Pastor Jordon Tjart and 10:30 a.m.

Christ Church Trinity, 10 a.m.

1 p.m.

Hwy. 93-95, Radium Hot Alexis Tjart ministering.

Christ Church Trinity, Invermere Kids’ Church Invermere Sharing Truth Springs The Lords Supper will be served Edgewater Hall 1st and 3rd Sunday, 9 a.m.: All Showing Love Sundays, 11 a.m.

Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.

Saint’s, Edgewater Following the Spirit K.I.D.S Church for 2nd Sunday, 7 p.m.: June - October St. Anthony’s Mission children age 3 to Grade 1; at St. Peter’s Windermere Loving God, Corner of Luck and Dunn, and grades 2-7, during the Loving People Canal Flats morning service..

All Saint’s, Edgewater.

Saturdays, 4:30 p.m.

St.Peter’s Windermere

A18 A18 invermerevalleyecho.com www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, AprilApril 22, 22, 2015 The Valley Wednesday, 2015 The ValleyEcho Echo

Employment

Employment

Merchandise for Sale

Rentals

Business Opportunities

Trades, Technical

Misc. Wanted

Acreage

INDUSTRIAL Millwright - Lead Hand. Penticton Lumber reman plant requires Journeyman Millwright with machining, welding, fabrication experience.

Pref. Exp. with European reman machinery, moulders/planers, RF Press, hydraulics, manufacturing. Duties: Mainteinnance, troubleshooting, parts. stall/repair, ordering Team player, works unsupervised, provides direction to mtce workers. USWA contract.

Benefits. Starting wage min $26.13 per hour. Fax resume to 250-493-5152 or email mike@gfp.bc.ca.

Private Collector Looking to Buy Coin Collections, Silver, Antique Native Art, Estates + Chad: 778-281-0030 in town.

WANTED: FIREARMS, all types wanted, estates, collections, single items, military.

We handle all paperwork and transportation. Licensed Dealer. Call 1.866.960.0045 or online: www.dollars4guns.com.

Real Estate Mobile Homes & Parks

Services

Financial Services CASH IN now. Breathalyzers now available in vending. Locations available! Immediate cash flow, secured investment, $7,995. Call for information and sample. 1-844-244-8363; info@selfbreathalyzer.ca HIGH CASH producing vending machines. $1.00 vend = .70 profit. All on location in your area. Selling due to illness. Call 1-866-668-6629 for details.

HIP OR knee replacement?

COPD or arthritic conditions?

The disability tax credit. $1,500 yearly tax credit. $15,000 lump sum refund (on avg) apply today! Call 1-844453-5372.

Career Opportunities MARINE ENGINEERING Officers required for various civilian positions with the Department of National Defence in Victoria and Nanoose Bay, BC. Online applications only through the Public Service Commission of Canada website, Reference# DND14J008698-000051, Selection Process# 14-DND-EAESQ-386803, Canadian Forces Auxiliary Fleet. Applicants must meet all essential qualifications listed and complete the application online: http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/index -eng.htm Le ministère de la DÊfense nationale recherche des agents de la mÊcanique navale pour combler divers postes civils à Victoria et Nanoose Bay en Colombie-Britannique.

Nous acceptons uniquement les candidatures posĂŠes en ligne au site Internet de la Commission de la fonction publique du Canada, numĂŠro de rĂŠfĂŠrence DND14J-008698-000051, numĂŠro du processus de sĂŠlection 14-DND-EA-ESQ-386803, Flotte auxiliaire des forces armĂŠes canadiennes. Les postulants doivent remplir le formulaire de demande et possĂŠder toutes les qualifications essentielles ĂŠnumĂŠrĂŠes. http://jobsemplois.gc.ca/index-fra.htm

Education/Trade Schools INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR SCHOOL. NO Simulators. In-the-seat training. Real world tasks.

Weekly start dates. Job board!

Funding options.

SignUp online! iheschool.com 1-866-399-3853

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

RETIRE IN Beautiful Southern BC, Brand New Park. Affordable Housing. COPPER RIDGE. Manufactured Home Park, New Home Sales. Keremeos, BC. Spec home on site to view. Please call 250-4627055. www.copperridge.ca

TAX FREE MONEY is available, if you are a homeowner, 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 donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rely on credit, age or income.

Call Anytime 1-800-639-2274 or 604-430-1498. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca

Home Improvements 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.

Merchandise for Sale

Heavy Duty Machinery

Rare opportunity to purchase private 150 acres 5 minutes from Cranbrook BC. Borders crown land on 3 sides.

Mixture of timber and fields.

Not in the ALR zoned RR60.

Serious inquiries only, $675,000.

250-489-9234

Seasonal Accommodation For rent: 2 RV Moyie River front lots, fully serviced, side by side, 100x40, at 3 Valley Resort in Yahk, BC, $1000/year each including services. Email for more info: green_thumb_lina@hotmail.com

Misc Services

Misc Services Box 600 Golden, BC V0A 1H0 DHHL@telus.net 250-344-6784

Well established Logging Company currently looking for opportunities in the Golden area.

We offer all phases of logging and conventional or cable logging. We have been in business for years in Golden are 6afe CertiĂ&#x20AC;ed Zith the %C)6C and have completed 6), 7raining Zith L3. We pride ourselves Zith being an eco friendly operation and offer competitive rates.

3lease contact or dhhl@telus.net for more information.

Help Wanted

A-CHEAP, LOWEST PRICES STEEL SHIPPING Dry Storage Containers Used 20â&#x20AC;&#x2122;40â&#x20AC;&#x2122;45â&#x20AC;&#x2122;53â&#x20AC;&#x2122; and insulated containers all sizes in stock. 40â&#x20AC;&#x2122; containers as low as $2,200.

Also JD 544 & 644 wheel Loaders & 20,000 lb CAT forklift. Ph Toll free 24 hours 1866-528-7108 1-778-298-3192 8am-5pm. Delivery BC and AB www.rtccontainer.com

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

Misc. for Sale

Food Service Supervisor Permanent, Shift

New 36â&#x20AC;? Maple Vanity $125 New 300 sq ft 15â&#x20AC;? Laminate tiles $150 New 30â&#x20AC;? Moulded sink/vanity top $50, 42â&#x20AC;? Panasonic plasma TV $200 Call 250-347-9938.

SAWMILLS FROM only $4,397 - Make money & save money with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free info & DVD: www.NorwoodSaw mills.com/400OT or call 1-800566-6899 Ext:400OT. STEEL BUILDINGS. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Spring sales with hot savings!â&#x20AC;? All steel building models and sizes are now on sale. Get your building deal while itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hot. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422 www.pioneersteel.ca

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

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.

Medical/Dental MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-7683362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

MEDICAL Transcriptionists are in huge demand! Train with the leading Medical Transcription school. Learn from home and work from home.

Call today: 1.800.466.1535 or online: www.canscribe.com or email: info@canscribe.com.

YOUR LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SPECIALISTS

Need a Resume?

Looking for Work?

Need Staff? â&#x20AC;Ś our doors are open and there is no cost!

4 OUT OF 5 PEOPLE WITH DIABETES DIE OF HEART DISEASE.

Access FREE Employment Services Today!

Call 1- 8 5 5 - 6 5 1 - 3 0 2 7 F i n d U s i n C r a n b r o o k , F er n i e, G o l d en a n d I n v er m er e L ocal Ce ntre in In verm ere o p en M o n t o F r i a t 2 - 1 3 1 3 7 t h A v e. C a l l 3 4 1 - 6 8 8 9

www.ekemployment.org The Employment Program of British Columbia is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

Better your odds.

Visit getserious.ca

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A19

PANORAMA from A12

According to Barlass, it’s not the first time the club has managed to prepare to host a major event in little more than a weekend.

Panorama has a major advantage when it comes to hosting ski races, since much of the snow at the hill is manmade and is consequently less variable than snow at resorts more dependent on natural snow, such as Whistler or Grouse, he said.

“Panorama is worked as a race hill all winter, so it’s hard, it’s fast, it’s grippy and it’s consistent,” he said, adding that racers love this because it means skiers at the back of the pack still have a decent shot at a good time, because the course doesn’t get too chewed up by the end of a race.

“There’s a focus on ski racing at Panorama and it really pays off,” he said.

The race at Panorama was an important one, since it came late in the season, with racers determined to try to score enough points to qualify for various team next year, according to Barlass.

No injuries occurred during the race, which he takes as testament to a well-set course and the excellent snow conditions at Panorama.

Barlass also pointed out that the focus on ski racing is good business for the resort and for the valley. The FIS races brought not only the racers to town, but also coaches, staff, parents and volunteers — about 250 people total.

“The race certainly helped bump skier day numbers up,” said Barlass. “Racing is a great tourism driver for the ski hill, it fills a lot of beds.”

He estimated that the various alpine races held throughout the year at Panorama amount to about 2,500 bed nights at the resort.

More scenes from the FIS race held at Panorama earlier this month. Panorama has the advantage of consistent course conditions thanks to its reliance on snow-making, which is helping grow its reputation as a premium race hill.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

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

SERVING THE VALLEY Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

VE

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS

The Invermere

ALLEY CHO

Arnold Scheffer

#8, 1008 - 8th Avenue PO Box 868, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

250-342-6700

unidoorext@live.ca unidoorext.ca

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

Amanda Nason

Advertising Sales

Ph: 250.341.6299 • Cell: 250.341.1111 www.invermerevalleyecho.com advertising@invermerevalleyecho.com

Join our Facebook Group: “Summit Youth Centre Events & Updates”

to stay in the loop

Interested in Volunteering? Contact us! painting a brighter future

250-342-3033 summit.centre@gmail.com www.invermeresummityouthcentre.org Upstairs: 709 10th St. Box 133, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

Septic Tank Pumping Portable Toilet Rentals 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

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

Cranbrook Pest Control

• Brakes • Tires • Suspension • Oil Changes • Alignment • Air Conditioners Your Winter Tire Super Store 250-342-4433 • Open 7 days a week NATIONWIDE GUARANTEE

Sholinder & MacKay

Sand & Gravel

Certified & Licensed for Pesticide Application & Sale

Thermal Imaging 100% Money Back Guarantee

www.cranbrookpestcontrol.com infor@cranbrookpestcontrolcom

250-426-9586 • 1-888-371-6299

Complete line of aggregate products for construction and landscaping Office:

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:

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

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

A20 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 The Valley Echo

Nissan LEAF winner announced…

DrivewayCanada.ca |

Welcome to the driver’s seat

From Left to Right: Diane Roberts (BC Scrap-It Program - Chief operating officer), Linda Webster (Winner of 2015 Nissan LEAF), Graham Clegg (General Manager - Nissan), Dennis Rogoza (BC Scrap-It Program - CEO).

Visit the Mazda CX-5 gallery at DrivewayCanada.ca

Family wagon with sporty genes Compact crossovers are perfect competition is a class-above dash for moving families around in and interior. Most of the products comfort and confidence, especialin this class come fitted with ly when equipped with all wheel hard, cheap-feeling dashboards drive (AWD). and utilitarian feeling switches With so many new entries coming and dials. Mazda has invested into the market, challenging the heavily in the interior, producing established frontrunners like a soft touch dash, smooth and the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 looking and feeling Mazda has taken sophisticated and Ford Escape, each manufacswitchgear, all making the cabin the original CX-5, turer needs an angle. Mazda’s more upscale. approach with the 2016 CX-5 which first arrived in On the base model, buyers must is a sporty attitude and upscale 2013 and has given it invest in the $1,900 convenience amenities. Mazda has taken the package to get essential items like original CX-5, which first arrived more features, a new Bluetooth, radio controls on the in 2013 and has given it more front design but kept steering wheel and the new HMI features, a new front design but the same “Zoomcentre control unit that interacts kept the same “Zoom-Zoom” with the 7-inch centre screen.

Zoom”attitude. attitude.

This brings the price to $26,795, placing it right in the middle of Zack Spencer Looks the compact market. The middle The Mazda CX-5 is not as big $29,249 GS trim will be the volume seller, as the CR-V or Nissan Rouge but larger than thanks to a bigger engine and a new height the VW Tiguan or Hyundai Tucson. It is small adjustable passenger seat, two USB connectors enough to make city manoeuvering easy in the centre console, and blind spot monibut large enough for an average family. The toring system. The top $34,895 GT trim (seen updates to the exterior for 2016 include a new, here) adds automatic climate control, standard more bold front grille, reworked front bumper navigation, 19-inch wheels and leather interior. and on the top GT (seen here), LED headlights, Unfortunately, none of the CX-5 models come fog lights and taillights. The GT also gets great with a power tailgate. looking 19-inch wheels, and the lower trim levels are fitted with 17-inch wheels.

Drive Mazda has stuck with the 155hp 2.0L direct Inside What sets the CX-5 apart from much of the injection engine and a manual transmission in

‘‘

’’

the base model. This combo is only available with front wheel drive (FWD). If the base engine is paired with the all wheel drive (AWD) system, then the buyer needs to choose the 6-speed automatic. The middle GS and top GT trim come with the more powerful 184hp 2.5L 4-cylinder. The GS can be equipped with FWD or AWD and all GT models come standard with AWD. What sets this apart from the competition is the handling and dynamic feel Mazda bakes into its products. The CX-5 can be thrown into corners with true confidence but the suspension is never jarring. The GS and GT also come standard with a sport setting for the transmission that is too aggressive for daily use. The base setting works the best and when more power is needed, I tended to flick the transmission to manual mode for a more precise experience.

Surrey resident Linda Webster is now the proud owner of a Nissan LEAF, as the winner of our Plug-In to Win contest.

“I’m so excited because I’ve taken an interest in electric cars for some time but never dreamed I would own one,” said Linda, as she clutched the keys outside of Jonker Nissan, in Langley.

“I’m going to really enjoy seeing how much I can get out of each charge… I’ll let you know!”

With a range of in excess of 120 kilometres on a full charge, Linda figures she will be able to visit friends and family in Vancouver.

British Columbia’s SCRAP-IT Program kindly supplied us with the eco-friendly sedan for the contest, which attracted a record-breaking 34,558 entries, the biggest Black Press contest ever. The five-seater car was displayed at the SCRAP-IT booth at the recent Vancouver International Auto Show, where it attracted thousands of admiring looks.

SCRAP-IT announced its new S C RAP-IT incentive program in Driveway just before the show. It’s offering a $3,000 rebate for electric car purchasers if they scrap a year 2000 or older vehicle.

This is in addition to the newly announced provincial government program.

SCRAP-IT Program CEO Dennis Rogoza revealed: “Vehicles model 2000 or older emit up to 60 times more emissions than later models and electric vehicles have even much lower emissions.”

Qualifying electric vehicles are listed on the SCRAP-IT.ca website. keith.morgan@drivewaybc.ca

Verdict It might not be the least expensive vehicle in this hot compact crossover segment but due to a conventional 6-speed automatic and class above amenities, it’s certainly in the running as a segment leader.

The Lowdown Power: 155hp 2.0L or 184hp 2.5L 4-cylinder Fill-up: 9.8L/7.9L/100km (city/highway) Sticker price: $24,895-$36,995

Linda Webster (Winner of 2015 Nissan LEAF)

zack.spencer@drivewaybc.ca

30 Days Online Exposure.

Just one of the reasons to call LocalWorkBC.ca for all your job recruitment needs.

1-855-678-7833

/localwork-bc

@localworkbc