Invermere Valley Echo, August 26, 2015 by Black Press Media Group

A tribute to celebrate the life of deceased 15-year-old boy Richard Benn, who was commonly known as CrisQo to his friends and family, drew a crowd to the Mount Nelson Athletic Park for the ninth annual Ride for CrisQo skateboard competition on Saturday, August 22nd.

The Invermere

ALLEY A CHO

New Ride the Runway event for roadies

TEAMRAVEN.CA Offices in Panorama, Invermere & Fairmont

6 August 2 2015

Vo 59

DA A N CA S

E T O V 5

BERNIE RAVEN CHRIS RAVEN 1-866-598-7415

Valle

Ser ing th

b lum

PHOTO BY BREANNE MASSEY

201

MP 3 Kootenay-Columbia candidates in the news

05 INCLUDES GST

Maxwell Realty Invermere

PUBLICATIONS MAIL REGISTRATION NO. 7856

Wage subsidy program inviting applications KEVIN NIMMOCK kevin@invermerevalleyecho.com Businesses and organizations around the valley can once again hire students through the Columbia Basin Trust’s (CBT) School Works program. The program provides a wage subsidy of $8 per hour to encourage small businesses, non-profit groups and First Nations organizations to provide part-time employment for full-time high school and post-secondary students. “During the school year, there are few other wage subsidies that allow employers to hire a student, so we identified that as a need to encourage employers to hire students outside of the summer months,” said Lisa Kilpatrick, CBT’s senior manager for the delivery of benefits. “The program has been increasing in popularity over the last four years and we have had more demand each year.” According to Kilpatrick, many young people move to other provinces and regions to look for work because of a perceived lack of employment opportunities in the valley. “This program is a lot about retaining our youth and

showing them that there are a lot of valuable job opportunities here,” Kilpatrick said. Several local businesses have used the program in the past to hire employees they would have otherwise been unable to afford. The Invermere Public Library has hired three students through the program. Library Manager Nicole Pawlak said she is hoping to hire a fourth this year.

The program is about retaining our youth and showing them that there are a lot of valuable job oppotunities here. LISA KILPATRICK CBT DELIVERY OF BENEFITS SENIOR MANAGER

“The students provides us with a lot of programming support,” Pawlak said. “They have prepared crafts for our weekly story times, and they help us with day-to-day support in shelving books and maintaining the library. They do the stuff that we do not always have time to get to.” Pawlak said the program’s benefits are two-fold. In addition to the library receiving much-needed sup-

port through an extra employee, the employed students get to develop their working skills for later in life. “I think it is great work experience for them,” Pawlak said. “We try to give them the chance to do a little bit of everything around here, so it is a great for them when they move to careers and more permanent positions.” This year, CBT is offering an identical subsidy program for first-level apprenticeship positions related to construction, electrician, carpentry, heavy duty mechanic and automotive service technician programs. “There is an indication that first-level apprentices have a hard time finding local placements and are having to leave the area,” Kilpatrick said. “Once they leave the area, they stay away.” If the apprenticeship program works successfully, Kilpatrick said it would be renewed for future years like the School Works program. Application forms are now available at cbt.org/ schoolworks2015 and will be accepted on first come, first served basis. Call 1-800-505-8998 for more information.

For details, visit

TourismKimberley.com

A2 invermerevalleyecho.com

Y E ALL

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 The Valley Echo

SUP SILHOUETTES...

Competitors in the 1st Annual Invermere Standup Paddleboard Races on Saturday, August 22nd standup paddleboard races set off from Kinsmen Beach under sunny skies. The event was put on by Columbia River Paddle. PHOTO BY BREANNE MASSEY

Snapshot

Lake Windermere Pulse Check* www.lakeambassadors.ca

Returning Lake Ambassadors volunteer Shawn Wernig met us early on August 18th, thankfully remembering to bring the sun with him. Have you felt evening temperatures dropping lately? The lake has, measuring an average of 19.5 C. Get your swimming in while it’s still warm! Otherwise, results were fairly routine, with healthy oxygen levels and low turbidity. Shawn has volunteered at outreach events and shoreline cleanups put on by the Ambassadors, but this was his first initiation to sampling on Lake Windermere: “It opened my eyes to how much of the lake is developed, and how little of it the public has access to.” Monitoring continues into September every Tuesday morning. Sign up to join us on the lake. Email info@lakeambassadors.ca or call us at 250-341-6898.

Volunteer of the Week: Shawn Wernig, Invermere, B.C.

ART WALK

Invermere on the Lake Every Friday evening from 5 to 8 pm

What does ART Nine galleries from Cross Roads Collective to mean to you? Pynelogs Art Gallery · Come walk the walk… Visit columbiavalleyarts.com for our current events calendar, or call 250-342-4423.

Happy BirtHday to pynelogs!

1914 - 2014

Celebrating 100 years

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A3

CANADA VOTES!

Liberal candidate expounds on value of debates Kevin Nimmock kevin@invermerevalleyecho.com As the marathon federal election campaign period races on across Kootenay-Columbia, the riding’s candidates are working to make their policy points and commitments clear. Liberal candidate Don Johnston recently put himself squarely in the debate about debates, previously waged in the riding primarily by NDP candidate Wayne Stetski and Conservative incumbent candidate David Wilks. “Our communities share goals and principals and understand that a fair government recognizes the needs of all constituents,” Johnston said in a press release. “That is why we are working hard to ensure most communities can host a debate. We won’t be putting roadblocks in the way for political gain.” A member of Johnston’s team has been working on a committee with representa-

tives from the Green Party and the NDP to co-ordinate debates across the riding. Recently, Wilks announced he would only be participating in debates hosted and organized by Chambers of Commerce, which Johnston said is unfair to other non-partisan organizations. “So far, the Conservatives have avoided efforts to communicate or reach consensus, but we are confident that each community will have the opportunity to learn more about (the Liberal) candidate,” Johnston said. Using ammunition from a different sort of debate, Johnston also took a shot at the Conservative Party in his statement. “I was really pleased with the leaders debate,” Johnston said. “It allowed Justin Trudeau to dispel many of the impressions being painted by simplistic Conservative ads. Voters are grownups. They deserve better and the debate provided that.” The ad Johnston primarily referred to

is called The Interview, which features the famous line: “He’s just not ready.” It has received over 420,000 views on YouTube. “We expect the Conservatives will continue to run negative ads regardless of who is leading the latest poll, so we are pleased that, after seeing Justin Trudeau discuss real change, people are beginning to see why they feel they need to spend their money that way,” Johnston said. “Liberal policy and the Liberal team are the real threat to (the Conservatives) keeping their jobs.” For Johnston, that policy can be defined in three succinct categories: fairness, change, and environment and economics. “Kootenay voters know that governments cannot separate sound environmental policy from sound economic policy,” Johnston said. On the topic of fairness, Johnston said the 11-week campaign period is

unfair to taxpayers across the country. The extended period will cost taxpayers over $125 million extra to support Elections Canada’s activities. “It is a real testament to a team that excels at politics, but fails at managing an economy,” Johnston said about the Conservative Party’s push for the long campaign period. “This riding can do better.” The debate schedule is becoming clearer. The first confirmed all-candidate forum titled “Peace, Security and Climate Change” is in Nelson on September 16th. Since it is hosted by the Mir Centre for Peace at Selkirk College, Wilks will not be in attendance. In Invermere, a proposal has been launched by the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce, but a final confirmation from the candidates has not yet been received. Editor’s note: The Echo did not receive any press releases from Wilks’ team this week.

Green earns conservation award Kevin Nimmock kevin@invermerevalleyecho.com Kootenay-Columbia Green Party candidate Bill Green travelled to Portland, Oregon on August 17th to receive a conservation award from the American Fisheries Society. Green accepted the William E. Ricker Resource Conservation Award on behalf of a cross-border coalition of First Nations and Tribes that have showed leadership in protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems in order to return salmon to the Columbia and Kootenay River systems. “Our target is to have salmon running at Trail and Castlegar within five years, then soon after into the Arrow Lakes and the Slocan,” Green said. “(We) are working to have salmon as far upstream as the headwaters at Columbia Lake by 2040.” Green is the founder and executive director of the Ca-

nadian Columbia River Inter-tribal Fisheries Commission, which was established in conjunction with the Ktunaxa and Secwepemc Nations to return salmon to their historic passage ways in the area. “It has been an incredible honour and learning experience over the past 20 years to work with the Ktunaxa and Secwepemc communities,” said Green, who is a fisheries biologist. “Bringing back the salmon is of profound cultural importance to them, and will produce ecological and economic benefits for all people.” Salmon runs were cut off from the upper Columbia area in the 1940s when the Grand Coulee dam was built in Washington state. To start the reparations, Green’s organization has negotiated agreements with the Columbia Power Corporation to provide fish passageways at their hydro plants. “This is not just about salmon,” Green said. “Bull trout, sturgeon, burbot and other native fish species will also benefit.”

Kootenay-Columbia Green Party candidate Bill Green received the American Fisheries Society’s 2015 William E. Ricker Resource Conservation Award on behalf of BC’s Ktunaxa and Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nations. Photo submitted

NDP focus on natural disasters Kevin Nimmock kevin@invermerevalleyecho.com NDP leader Tom Mulcair recently announced a plan to assist provinces and territories in fighting wildfires and other natural disasters. The plan focuses on co-ordination, training and infrastructure. If elected on October 19th, Mulcair said the NDP would restore $7 million in annual funding to a Joint Emergency Preparedness Program, which bolsters training and equipment for natural disasters. Additionally, he said his government would provide $2 million annually for civilian disaster training programs, which was discontinued by the Conservative government. “The Kootenay-Columbia region is experiencing worsening conditions for forest fires, and we know the problem will be made worse by

climate change,” NDP candidate Wayne Stetski said in a press release. “It is no secret that government resources and first responders are being stretched to the limit this summer. The NDP is taking action to ensure Canadians and their homes are safer with an effective and modern approach to coordinated disaster assistance.” To date, there have been 538 fires across the Southeast Fire Centre, which includes much of the Kootenay-Columbia riding. Stetski said cutbacks by the Conservative government have made fires more dangerous locally. “The Harper Conservatives have increased the risk to residents of the Kootenays by cutting training in emergency preparedness,” Stetski said. “Tom Mulcair understands the importance of a strong national plan on wildfires to help the Kootenays. That is the kind of leadership that Canada needs.”

Apply Now! Get in touch with us about applying for a grant.

Deadlines - 1 p.m. PT Social: Oct 5 Environment: Oct 19 Youth: Nov 2 cbt.org/socialgrants /environmentgrants /youthgrants

We are currently accepting applications for projects which will benefit youth, the environment or social well-being in the Basin. Visit our website or call 1.800.505.8998.

Connect with us

A4 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 The Valley Echo

LOCAL NEWS

New deputy fire chief, fire ban discussed in Radium Breanne Massey breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com Graham Kerslake will be joining the Radium Hot Springs Volunteer Fire Department as the deputy fire chief. Radium Hot Springs Volunteer Fire Department chief Dave Dixon appointed Kerslake at the regular August 12th council meeting at the Village of Radium Hot Springs. “Graham has been with us for eight years (as a volunteer firefighter) and he has worked hard for us during that time,” Dixon told council. “He was quite responsive to take over (the) position in both training and deputy fire chief duties. In conjunction with the deputy fire chief duties, I would also like to recommend that I go through the process of appointing Graham as the local assistant to the fire commissioner because we only have two in the village… so having another one is not a bad idea.” Kerslake will oversee fire safety and emergency management strategies for the Radium Hot Springs Volunteer Fire Department team effective immediately. The recommendation was unanimously supported by Village of Radium Hot Springs mayor Clara Reinhardt and council. “Welcome, Graham,” said Reinhardt. “I think we will also benefit from your training as a new Emergency Medical Responder and the instructor status that you’re trying to achieve.” In addition, Dixon provided an update on the provincial fire ban to council. “It’s still on,” he said about the fire ban. “In talking to Wildfire BC on Tuesday, August 11th, they did not anticipate taking it off anytime soon.” Village of Radium Hot Springs councillor Ron Verboom queried Dixon about the differences between municipal, provincial and federal practices for burning. Verboom added his daughter Kelsey Verboom and the Canyon RV Resort & Campground have both asked him for clarification about the what’s acceptable during the fire ban. He noted the bans remained during the heavy precipitation and rainfall that have recently occurred in the Columbia Valley. “We are tourism-based here and if we have happy campers, they’re going to come back and it’s good for the town,” he explained. “I think when we have situations where, quite openly, it’s different than a lot of PERMISSIVE TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR 2016 Applications may be submitted by organizations which might be eligible for a Permissive Tax Exemption at the Municipal Office, 8866 Grainger Road. A Permissive Tax Exemption is a means for Council to support organizations within the community which further council’s objectives of enhancing qualifty of life and delivering of services economically. A Permissive Tax Exemption is strictly at the discretion of the Village of Canal Flats Council. The application are for a full or partial tax exemption for 2016 property taxes as per regulations set out in the Community Charter. To be eligible, nature of the organization must be: - Not for profit organization - Charitable or philanthropic oranization - An athletic or service club or association - Partner of the municipality by agreement under s.225 of the Community Charter - Other local authority - Organization eligible under s.220 statutory - exemption (eg public worship, senior home) Deadline for the receipt of applications is September 9, 2015. Please call our office at 250-349-5462 if you require any additional information. Brian Woodward, Director of Finance

New pipeline will connect Dutch Creek to Fairmont water Steve Hubrecht steve@invermerevalleyecho.com Dutch Creek will soon have a new water system, ensuring the small community will have water that meets provincial water quality regulations. Homeowners from the subdivision voted on Saturday, August 1st to draw water from the new wells in Fairmont Hot Springs, using a pipeline that will run along the Highway 93/95 to Dutch Creek. Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Area F director Wendy Booth was not a part of the discussion since she is a property owner in Dutch Creek and wanted to avoid any conflict of interest. Booth was able to, however, speak to the issue as a homeowner, saying the decision will provide the community with compliant Interior Health drinking water,

SUBSCRIPTION RATES Annual Subscription Rates (incl. tax)

other parts of the province, or even the southern half of the Kootenays. Here, we can make our own decisions, and it’s not a big or onerous task to lift or install a fire ban, and put it back in place.” Dixon urged Verboom and council to continue to follow the provincial guidelines about fire bans. “We’ve already had four complaints,” Dixon said, noting there would be too much confusion to regularly change the municipal rules about fires. “Why would you want to put yourself in jeopardy by allowing fires in the community Graham Kerslake when all around you (they’re) still not in effect? We had a situation just south of Skookumchuck last week. It was an illegal fire that got away and 19 hectares later, air tankers, helicopters and crews with a bill of probably $50,000 or $60,000. Why would you want to put yourself in that situation?” Village of Radium Hot Springs councilor Karen Larsen expressed a strong sense of support for Dixon’s explanation about fire safety and emphasized the importance of looking after the community as a whole. “I stand behind (Dixon’s) recommendation,” said Larsen. “I think taking a fire ban on and off and on and off will confuse the situation. Considering where we live in this location, we’re putting ourselves at risk — and for every really responsible person that’s out there, there’s always the clowns. We can’t police that, and we don’t want to see anybody in jeopardy, so it’s unfortunate but fall is just around the corner and the ban will be off soon.” “I think campfires are a privilege, not a right,” said Reinhardt about the discussion. “I think what I’m hearing is that we could have a motion on the table (to put a policy in place about burning) but if it were to pass and we (gave) the chief the latitude (to lift fire bans locally), he’s pretty clear on his position, so it was a good discussion.” Alternatively, Dixon suggested the village could explore the option of establishing a weather station to improve access to information. “It captures temperature, humidity, wind direction, speed and rainfall over 24 hours and they’re all plugged into the table to come up at the fire station,” said Dixon. “In my experience with dealing with fire weather for Canfor and Slocan for 25 years, they’re very conservative in how they’re accessed.” His recommendation was accepted as information.

• 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

which is something the Dutch Creek community has been trying to achieve for a number of years. “Drilling wells was determined not to be feasible, in addition with the Dutch Creek changing course a few years ago, the intake was at risk. This decision makes sense as it provides compliant water in a reasonable timeline and cost. A big thank-you goes out to Len Luders and Bill Beamer from the community for all the work to bring this proposal forward,” said Booth. The Echo attempted to contact Luders and Beamer for comment on the issue, but was unable to reach them prior to press deadline. Fairmont Hot Spring Ltd. consultant Richard Haworth told The Echo the current Dutch Creek water system sometimes has problems with turbidity, which is why it doesn’t meet the provincial standards. See A7

InvermereValleyEcho

@TheValleyEcho

Six Month Subscription Rates (incl. tax)

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

INVERMEREVALLEYECHO.com

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 The Valley Echo

The Invermere

ALLEY CHO

invermerevalleyecho.com A5

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

Published by Black Press Ltd. at Cranbrook Daily Townsman 822 Cranbrook St. N. Cranbrook, BC

PUBLISHER

EDITOR

Dean Midyette

Nicole Trigg

invermerevalleyecho.com

publisher@

editor@

REPORTERS

EDITORIAL

Breanne Massey

Steve Hubrecht

invermerevalleyecho.com

breanne@

REPORTER

steve@

ADVERTISING SALES

Kevin Nimmock kevin@

Amanda Nason

advertising@

invermerevalleyecho.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN / PRODUCTION

ADMINISTRATION

Safe in our slice of paradise

s columnist Tom Fletcher points out, not all of B.C. is up in flames. We are lucky in the Columbia Valley to have experienced an unusually wet summer. Any heat waves have quickly been followed by rain, and any fires sparked by lightning have been quickly extinguished by fire crews working in the area, aided by the on-and-off-again precipitation that really distinguishes this summer from ones in recent years. Many visitors to the valley this summer have remarked on how green the scenery is, and have expressed surprise that water restrictions are the furthest thing from anyone’s mind. Sprinklers on timers watering a yard dur-

ing a rainstorm are a fairly regular sight in these parts, but as of July 20th, the Lower Mainland has been in Stage 3 of the Water Shortage Response Plan. Under Stage 3, car washing is not permitted. Nor are private pools, kiddie pools, hot tubs and ponds able to be filled, refilled, or topped-up. Watering one’s lawn is also illegal. On the other side of the Rockies, Calgary has had its own share of extreme weather: hail the size of golf balls, flash floods and tornadoes. Though there have been some monster thunder and lightning storms complete with tropical-like downpours, the valley has had a welcome respite from damaging

weather events (none of the flooding or landslides that happened in recent years), and local gardeners and farmers are loving the incredible growing conditions. Seems like paradise amid climate change catastrophe — worldwide, July was the hottest July on record since 1880, and there’s more warming yet to come. Meanwhile, global stock markets are tumbling, the price of oil keeps dropping, and the direction Canada will take through these troubling times is about to be determined on October 19th. Make sure you cast your vote and have your say. There may never be an election as important as the one coming up.

OPINION Theresa Kains

production@

invermerevalleyecho.com

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

UBCM gives local government a voice

am looking forward to the the provincial government Regional UNDOWN U Union of BC Municipalities for consideration. (UBCM) Annual Convention in These resolutions are vetVancouver which will be held ted by the UBCM Resoluthe third week of September. tions Committee and genElected officials from all erally call for government the municipalities and reaction on matters of provingional districts in B.C. are cial or regional significance. invited to the convention I find the debate and discusERRY and, because of the large sion during these sessions number of delegates who (which is often intense) of participate, the convention great interest because every is generally held in Vancouver or other mayor, councillor and regional district larger centres. director in the province can be involved The UBCM Convention is an important in shaping provincial policy through event for local governments because their votes on the resolutions. they can meet face to face with Cabinet Aside from the business side of the Ministers and senior government staff Convention, there is also a wonderful who are there to listen to local issues opportunity to network and exchange and concerns. views with the delegates from around In addition, all delegates have the op- the province. portunity to discuss and vote on a large This year, the Convention’s theme is number of resolutions that are sent on to “Excellence in Action” and there will be

G WILKIE

many examples for elected officials to learn from as we look for new ways to maximize the value to taxpayers in the services and programs we provide. An important forum for me will be a general discussion of our relationship with the First Nations in B.C., including: treaty negotiations, agreements, and especially reconciliation. Representatives of First Nations, and of federal, provincial and local governments, who have been working on this issue will discuss the importance of reconciliation and building relationships. The Regional District of East Kootenay Directors (RDEK) are looking forward to hosting regional community-to-community forums later in the year with the Ktunaxa Nation and Shuswap Band in the interest of building our relationships and working together more effectively in the East Kootenay. See A6

A6 invermerevalleyecho.com

THE

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 The Valley Echo

TREET

How has the valley’s smoky sky affected you?

“It has not really affected me. I have been able to smell it, but that is about it.” Dawn Schulz

“Today I decided to walk to town because the weather alert said you should not do any strenuous activity. I often bike ride.”

“It has not changed much; we just can’t see the sun. Maybe it has caused some dry eyes.” Eric, Delee and Nathan Zeller

Gavin Jacobs

LETTERS

Senate scandal a sorry state of affairs

Dear Editor: The emails emerging from evidence at former Conservative Senator Mike Duffy’s criminal trial in Ottawa send a chill down the spine. They implicate the Prime Minister’s Office, senior Conservative senators and other high-level Conservative Party operatives in cover-up scenarios that bring Watergate to mind. Stephen Harper should never have appointed Mike Duffy as a Prince Edward Island senator in the first place, given that Duffy had lived in Ontario for decades and visited PEI only on occasion. But, once again, Harper bent the law to suit his political purposes, and now he’s got to face the music as his subordinates’ shenanigans become public. As PEI senator, Duffy made168 Conservative fundraising appearances across the country in 2010 alone, leaving me to wonder when he had time to fulfill his senatorial duties to the Canadian public. It doesn’t matter a whit whether Harper knew in advance about Nigel Wright’s secret $90,000 payment to Duffy. The central question in my mind is this: do we want a prime minister who employs, appoints and consorts with people of this calibre? If we, as citizens, are to clean up this Parliamentary web of deceit and lies, and the stain of corruption and sense of entitlement, we need to carefully choose who we send to Ottawa. If senior Conservatives in the PMO and Senate can try to cover up repayment of $90,000 in dubious expense claims by one senator, how can we trust them to tell us the truth about the state of the economy, federal government finances, and the urgent needs around climate change? It would be very easy to simply walk away in disgust from what our Parliament has become, but we need to clean up this mess and elect representatives who can start changing the culture and the way our government is run. We owe it to our children and grandchildren. ANDY SHADRACK KASLO

SMOKY SKIES...

Mountains became invisible from downtown Invermere on August 24th due to smoky skies caused by large fires in Washington state and Mount Midgeley, B.C. The Minister of Health issued a Smoky Skies Advisory on August 20th for the Kootenay region. PHOTO BY KEVIN NIMMOCK UBCM from A5 I’m also attending a forum on Backcountry Access Management. An overview of the recent Off-Road Vehicle Act, Natural Resource Roads (commonly known as Forestry Roads), legislation and implementation of a Provincial Trails Strategy will all be discussed. These issues are of particular concern in the Columbia Valley because, unlike other regions in the RDEK, we have no Access Management Plan and the intensity of outdoor recreation pursuits on the land base is ever-increasing. The Convention is managed by the remarkable staff at the UBCM who work with the executive (made up of elected officials from all over the province including Invermere mayor Gerry Taft and Area F director Wendy Booth) to advance policies coming out of the Convention to the provincial government. Gerry Wilkie is the Regional District of East Kootenay director for Area G, and can be reached at gdwilkie@cyberlink.bc.ca.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

��

Have you had any issues with the taste of the District of Invermere’s tap water this summer?

25%

NEXT WEEK’S QUESTION:

Do you agree people should be prohibited from camping in provincial parks if they violate campfire restrictions? (See story on page 16.) INVERMEREVALLEYECHO.com

Yes

75%

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A7

LOCAL NEWS

Ktunaxa may take case against Jumbo to Supreme Court of Canada Steve Hubrecht steve@invermerevalleyecho.com

The original petition argues the approval of the resort infringes on an area held sacred by the First Nation, known as Qat’muk, and correspondingly violates the Ktunaxa’s right to freedom of religion. It also argued that the provincial government’s consultation with The Ktunaxa First Nation’s long-running legal case against the crethe Ktunaxa regarding their constitutionally protected Aboriginal ation of Jumbo Glacier Resort may eventually wind up in the highest rights was not reasonable. court in Canada. “Vitally important Ktunaxa spiritual practices and beliefs are at The Ktunaxa First Nation’s petition for judicial review of the prostake for us if this ski resort is built,” said Teneese in the press revincial government’s approval of the proposed resort was dismissed lease. “Those spiritual practices and beliefs are central to the Ktuby the B.C. Supreme Court in April 2014. naxa, our society, identity and sense of well-being. But the Court of More recently, its appeal of the initial ruling was dismissed in the Appeal ultimately decided that our spiritual practices and beliefs B.C. Court of Appeals. Kathryn Teneese should not be protected when their protection might impact other A press release from the Ktunaxa indicated the First Nation is now people. Despite the court ruling, we continue to believe that our Charter rights considering taking the matter to the Supreme Court of Canada. “We have opposed this project for almost 30 years, and will continue to do so,” are meant to be protected.” “The court ruling also means it was okay for the Minister said Ktunaxa Nation Council Chair Kathryn Teneese in the press release. We are working closely (of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations) who approved the ski resort to ignore our Charter right to free“We are working closely with our legal team to analyze with our legal team to dom of religion even though we expressly raised it several the ruling and other developments to determine what our analyze the ruling and other times with him in writing,” continued Ms. Teneese. “The next steps will be.” minister didn’t even mention our Charter right in his writShe then said that one of those steps could be an appeal developments to determine ten decision to approve the ski resort. From our perspecto the Supreme Court of Canada. what our nexts will be. tive, the court also has allowed the government to make When the B.C. Court of Appeal announced its decision KATHRYN TENEESE KTUNAXA NATION COUNCIL CHAIR significant errors in consultations with us.” earlier in August, Ms. Teneese issued a short statement The press release did not mention when the Ktunaxa and promised a further response, which came a few weeks later in the form of the press release, which reiterated the Ktunaxa’s First Nation would decide whether or not to proceed with an appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. disappointment.

REGIONALNEWS

Last tuition free semester offered at COTR

Breanne Massey breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com The quickest way to update your brain’s software might be a free semester of upgrading through programming geared toward adults. College of the Rockies (COTR) is offering adult students free tuition to upgrade courses that boost basic education and prepare for employment opportunities this fall. Adult upgrading has been offered tuition-free at COTR and other schools since 2008. The Ministry of Advanced Education gave learning institutions the option to start charging tuition as of January 1, 2015. The COTR will be charging tuition beginning in January 2016, at which point grants will be available for low-income students to assist with tuition and oth-

er costs from studying. “Adult upgrading courses provide opportunities for adults wishing to complete their high school education, improve their high school grades, upgrade their skills for entry into the workforce or to complete missing requirements for other college or university courses,” said Stan Chung, College of the Rockies’ vicepresident of education, in a recent press release. “We encourage students at any of our campuses to take advantage of this last semester of tuition-free adult upgrading courses.” The goal is to focus on literacy, basic academic upgrading and employment preparation.

NEW from A4 “We will be extending a line from Fairmont out to Dutch Creek once all our new wells are completed in Fairmont,” said Haworth. “They’ll (Dutch Creek) likely come on line in February 2016. It will all come together quickly because even though it’s a long pipeline, nearly three kilometres, it is fairly simple.” The vote in favour of joining up with the Fairmont Hot Springs water system came during the Dutch Creek Homeowners Association’s annual general meeting.

During the September semester, the COTR Cranbrook main campus is offering classes in biology, chemistry, English, math and physics. However, the course selections at satellite campuses — such as Invermere, Golden, Fernie

and Creston — may vary. To learn more about adult upgrading and available grants, contact an Education Advisor at your nearest campus. For more information about adult upgrading, visit cotr.ca/abe.

Geoff Hill MaxWell Realty Invermere

250-341-7600

connect@geoffhill.ca Invermere-RealEstate.com

In partnership with

SAVE ANYWHERE. In partnership with In partnership with

SAVE SAVE ANYWHERE. ANYWHERE. ANYWHERE. In partnership with

Introducing the New Save.ca Mobile Cash-Back Feature. With exclusive offers for the brands you love & $5 cash-out minimums through PayPal, you’ll never go shopping without your smart phone again!

Introducing the New Save.ca Mobile Cash-Back Feature. Introducing the New Mobile Feature. With exclusive offers for theSave.ca brands you loveCash-Back & $5 cash-out minimums With exclusive offersnever for thegobrands youwithout love & $5 cash-out minimums through PayPal, you’ll shopping your smart phone again! Introducing the New Save.ca Mobile Cash-Back Feature. through PayPal, neverBack go shopping yourSteps smart phone again! Getyou’ll Cash in 3without Easy With exclusive offers for the brands you love & $5 cash-out minimums through PayPal, you’ll never go shopping without your smart phone again!

Cash Back inReceipt 3 Easy Steps 1. Browse &Get Shop 2. Upload 3. Get Cash Back!

Get Cash Back in 3 Easy Steps

Browse the mobile app Take a photo of your Once you reach just $5, 1. Browse & Shop 2. Upload Receipt Get Cashyou Back! for your favourite brand’s andin submit it 3.the money save will Get Cash receipt Back 3 Easy Steps mobile app 2.Take a photo ofapp your Once youCash reach just $5,your 1.Browse Browse & Shop Upload Receipt 3. Get Back! offers, andthe purchase through the be transferred into for your favourite brand’s receipt and submit it the money you save them at any store app PayPal Browse the mobile Take a photo of your Once you reachwallet justwill $5, offers, and 1. Browse &purchase Shop for your favourite brand’s them at any store offers, purchase Browse theand mobile app at anybrand’s store for yourthem favourite offers, and purchase them at any store

through the app 2. receipt Upload Receipt and submit it

through the of app Take a photo your receipt and submit it through the app

be into your 3.transferred Get Cash the money you saveBack! will PayPal wallet beOnce transferred into your you reach just $5, the PayPal moneywallet you save will be transferred into your PayPal wallet

Visit save.ca/cashback to Learn More Visit save.ca/cashback to Learn More Visit save.ca/cashback to Learn More

Visit save.ca/cashback to Learn More

invermerevalleyECHO.com

A8 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 The Valley Echo

REGIONALNEWS

Distillery boasts colourful spirits and flavours Breanne Massey breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com

There’s no shortage of ideas brewing in the East Kootenay for a smooth taste to toss down your gullet. Kimberley locals Wade Jarvis and Erryn Turcon recently opened Bohemian Spirits, a new craft distillery, to push hand-crafted cocktails regionally sourced ingredients to the region. “We love where we live, and think it’s one of the best spots with some of the best people in the world,” said Turcon. “We wanted to do our part to add a little more good cheer here, so we started down the road of distilling some uncommonly tasty spirits.” The flavour of Bohemian Spirits is focused on making each drink as unique as the people from the East Kootenay by using a wide variety of versatile products. “There are lots of drinks that are devoid of taste or character, made in industrial plants the size of pulp mills,” said Jarvis. “We’re small and versatile and that means we can make products that are remarkable and distinct. The Kootenays and Rocky Mountains are a distinct region. We want our spirits to reflect that.” The distillery began making Vagabond Vodka early this summer and has begun distributing it throughout the Kootenay region. It is available at select private stores and farmers’ markets. “Our vodka’s wheat comes from Creston, and the forthcoming gin’s botanicals are a unique collection of some of the finest natural herbs and plants our region has to offer,” said Jarvis. “We’re fortunate to live in an area that is ecologically diverse. It’s exciting to use the flavours as an expression of where we live.” For more information about the distillery or future tasting events, visit www. BohemianSpirits.com.

Wade Jarvis and Erryn Turcon recently started Bohemian Spirits, a new craft distillery near Kimberley that is currently producing vodka and will soon release a gin. Photo submitted

LOCAL NEWS

Columbia Cultural Tourism Association takes on collaborative role in local arts and culture scene Steve Hubrecht steve@invermerevalleyecho.com

The Columbia Cultural Tourism Association (CCTA) may not have grabbed many headlines in recent months, but the group is still chugging ahead, contributing to multiple projects around the Upper Columbia Valley. When The Echo last reported on the association, it was trying to raise $20,000 in funds, which was a requirement to keep a $100,000 grant given to the association by the Columbia Valley Directed Funds Committee. “We approached a lot of different industry people, trying to raise that $20,000,

255 Third Avenue Invermere, B.C 250-342-3575

www.aw.ca

but in the end we couldn’t make that happen, so we agreed to reallocate the grant back to the directed funds committee with the intent that the money would go to other collaborative efforts to further build on what we have in the valley,” said association member Pat Bavin, adding that the association now has a seat on the valleywide branding and marketing initiative committee. In addition, the as- Art Walkers can enjoy DJ music, hors d’oeuvres sociation has been and speak to local artists every Friday night. building ties with the The weekly event is one the CCTA helped start. Photo by Kevin Nimmock Columbia Valley Community Foundation, helped start up the Friday evening Artwalk in Invermere, is working with other groups on developing more tourismbased signage around the valley, and is contributing to the ongoing push to create a Columbia Valley food corridor. “We’ll continue to network, to sit at the table on the (marketing and branding) committee and to help establish a large collective of cultural-tourism focused groups here in the valley,” said Bavin. “There’s a substantial shift taking place in the valley and we’re right in the middle of it. It’s really exciting; a lot of the collaboration, communication, coordination and cooperation we’ve been trying to build is starting to bubble up.” The association is also working with Kootenay Rockies Tourism on a tourism planning workshop. “With Kootenay Rockies Tourism, we are building some new blocks and reconstructing some old blocks,” said Bavin. “It should be interesting.” To learn more, email columbiaculturaltourism@gmail.com.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 The Valley Echo

SPORTS

invermerevalleyecho.com A9

COMMUNITY

Back-to-school anxiety? Submitted by BC Children’s Hospital

With students heading back to school in September, BC Children’s Hospital is sharing tips on how to help children deal with anxiety and stress. While some children and youth embrace back-to-school excitement, others need help easing into the school-year routine. Some common worries for children include difficult classes, making new friends and meeting and adjusting to a new teacher. These worries are normal when introducing your child to a new school experience or changing their routine. Dr. Jane Garland, a psychiatrist with BC Children’s Hospital, recommends parents plan ahead to help ease the back-to-school transition. Whether it is your child’s first day at school, or if they are having a hard time adjusting after summer break, gradually exposing them to their environment can make a big difference. “Taking time to expose your child to their new routine one to two weeks before school starts can help lower their anxiety and help instil excitement,” said Garland. “This could involve simple things like planning and packing lunches together, building a school supply list or visiting the school playground for a picnic.”

The runway at the Canadian Rockies International Airport will provide the course for Ride the Runway, an event for road cyclists participating in this year’s Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo. Photo by Kevin Nimmock

Cranbrook airport hosts pre- Gran Fondo cycling event Steve Hubrecht steve@invermerevalleyecho.com Road cyclists frustrated by the small shoulders and fast traffic on many of the paved roads in the Columbia Valley will relish the open-tarmac opportunities presented by a new event near Cranbrook. Ride the Runway will give 50 cyclists the opportunity to take a spin on the tarmac of the Canadian Rockies International Airport on Friday, September 11th, the day before the Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo on Saturday, September 12th. “This is not only the first event of this sort that has come to the East Kootenay, but also the first time an event of this kind has ever been done at a commercial airport,” said airport managing director and passionate cyclist Tristen Chernove. The 50 spots in the Ride the Runway will go, on a first come, first served basis, to cyclists signing up for the Grand Fondo. Chernove is hoping that adding this new event is the first step in growing the Grand Fondo into a week-long bike festival. “With some of the best road, mountain, backroad and trail riding in the world, we could see a week easily filled with worldclass events,” he said. “We hope to slowly add more and more events in the future.” The airport and the airspace will be closed for two hours for Ride the Runway, with cyclists riding a two-kilometre competitive trapezoid course on runways A and B. Rider will race to complete as many laps of the course as possible in 45 minutes, and every fourth lap will be a “bell lap” with a dedicated

prize for the first cyclist to cross the line for that lap. “It will be really exciting for spectators,” said Chernove, adding they will be able to easily watch from both in the airport or outside. “We did a test run. It will be the experience of a lifetime for a cyclist,” said Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo chairperson Glenn Dobie in a press release. “It’s wide and dead flat — and it’s beautiful. It’ll be like a horse race where a cyclist can average 30 to 35 kilometres per hour.” Dobie said the airport race will help draw even more attention to the third annual Gran Fondo, which is a charitable fundraiser. “We welcomed the (Ride the Runway) idea with open arms, it’s such a unique event,” said Dobie in the press release. Chernove was also impressed after the test ride, and said cyclists who participated in it said they “felt as if they were flying on the incredibly smooth and the super wide track, which made it great for banking corners. There are no sidewalks, no vehicles and no obstacles of any sort. And then there are the remarkable views.” Airports make great venues for a wide variety of social and community events and are often under-utilized in that regard, according to Chernove. “Airports are not for just take offs and landings,” he said. “I’d really like to see the airport become a hub of community activity. We could have live music here, trade shows, and many other things.” For more details on the event, contact Chernove at 250-426-7913 or chernove@ cranbrook.ca.

Tips for parents and caregivers • Introduce children to the school year routine one to two weeks before school starts • Plan for transitions – getting to school, returning to school after breaks • Provide regular routines – morning, school, homework, bedtime • Provide clear expectations, limits and consequences • Hold realistic expectations that are right for your child’s age • Help your child identify his or her feelings – nervous, intimidated, shy • Pay attention to your child’s feelings • Ask your child if they have ideas or solutions for a particular concern • Show yourself identifying your own feelings, problem solving and being brave • Remain calm when your child is anxious • Praise and reward even their small accomplishments Consider seeking more help if your child: • Attempts to remain at home or with a caregiver • Refuses to attend school on certain days (field trips) • Refuses to eat in public • Refuses to use public bathrooms • Constantly worries • Constantly seeks comfort and reassurance • Shows extreme shyness, avoiding social situations or events • Has physical complaints with no medical explanation (stomach aches, headaches, difficulty catching breath) • Throws tantrums, cries or screams excessively. Visit anxietybc.com for information on how anxiety can express itself and effective strategies to address it in children, youth and young adults. www.sd6.bc.ca

www.sd6.bc.ca

School District No. 6 (Rocky Mountain)

School District No.6 (Rocky Mountain) P.O. Box 430, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Phone: (250) 342-9243 • Please check our website for information for students and parents about going Back-To-School on September 8, 2015 www.sd6.bc.ca

A10 invermerevalleyecho.com

OPINION

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 The Valley Echo

Is B.C. really burning? Not really

B.C. n a recent drive through might think that B.C. is IEWS the B.C. Interior, I on pace to match that passed through McLure and terrible summer. Barriere, communities north You would be wrong. of Kamloops that were devasAs of last week, area tated by wildfire in 2003. burned and money While these communities spent by the B.C. Wildhave recovered, blackened fire Service had only tree trunks are still visible just exceeded the totals OM where fires burned for 75 for mid-August during days and forced the evacualast summer’s fire seation of 3,800 people. son, which were high With the early start to this year’s fire but not remarkable. season, the media attention and efThe number of individual fires is fects of an unusual spring drought, you higher this year, but that’s mostly a re-

T FLETCHER

sult of lightning storm patterns. Spending has topped $200 million, as it did last year at this time before finishing just below $300 million. The 2003 total was above $400 million, and the 2009 season was slightly below that. Forests Minister Steve Thomson cautions that there are still many weeks to go and hot, dry conditions are expected for much of that. Once the damage is done for the year, the ministry reviews the impact on forests and begins assessment of which areas should be replanted and which should be left to regenerate naturally.

Pine forests need fire to regenerate, and the strategy in recent years has been to allow fires to burn out naturally and contain them to protect people and property. Decades of fire suppression, based on viewing Crown forests strictly as a timber resource, helped create conditions for the beetle epidemic that has left vast quantities of dead wood to fuel more fires. The 2003 fire season set the tone for political debate on forest fire policy that has continued since then. See A15

EMEMBER WHEN? R A look back through The Valley Echo's archives over the last 55 years

2011 — Columbia Valley ice skaters pose with then Vancouver Canuck Mason Raymond in front of their new dry land training facility, The Garage. ECHO FILE PHOTO

years ago (1960): Four candidates debated during the Windermere District Board of Trade’s all-candidates forum for a spot in B.C.’s Legislature. The eager competitors were Gordon Rad, Progressive Conservative; Herbert Blakley, Liberal; Richard Orr Newton, Social Credit and Robert Harris, Co-operative Commonwealth Federation.

years ago (1965): The Norman MacKenzie Alumni Scholarship for the district was awarded to Car roll Vivian Weppler, 16, of Invermere. Weppler graduated from DTSS with the highest mark in the province in Math 30. She recieved $350 in total to pursue her education at UBC.

years ago (1970): An extensive renovation program began at Panorama Ski Mountain. The day-lodge was relocated and placed on a 2,100 square foot basement, and a 850 square foot addition was added

to serve as a kitchen and shop. Manager Guy Messerli said the improvements were necessary to accommodate the increased number of people looking to use the mountain.

years ago (1975): In memory of Chief Pierre Kinbasket, a traditional feast was held at the home of Thomas Armstrong at Stoddard Creek. Over fifty friends and relatives sat around tables laden with meats of buffalo, deer and salmon.

years ago (1980): Edward Schreyer, Governor General General of Canada, visited Invermere. An evening reception was held at the Invermere Community Hall, hosted by Mayor Henry Delesalle.

years ago (1985): Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh, presented a plaque designating Canada’s four National Parks in B.C. and Alberta — Banff, Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay

as the Canadian Rockies World Heritage Site.

years ago (1995): The Edgewater Fire Department held its sixth annual Kenducky Derby. The duck race raised $1,000 for the department. Faux-ducks sped from atop the Edgewater flume down seven kilometers where spectators were waiting. Every duck was built differently, using materials ranging from empty plastic bottles to fruit.

years ago (2005): Greywolf Golf Course in Panorama was rated ‘Best Course in B.C.’ by Score Golf readers. In addition, the course’s signature hole, No. 6 (Cliffhanger) was voted best par 3 in B.C. during Score Golf’s 2005 Golfer’s Choice Awards. Eagle Ranch also recieved an award for ‘Best Course Conditioning in B.C.’ For Greywolf, the awards came on the heels of a placement on Golf Digest’s list of the top 100 courses outside of the United States.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A11

THE

WEEKLY Beat SUNDAY, AUGUST 30TH Have an event you’d like listed? Email it to: production@ invermerevalleyecho. com

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26TH

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH

• 9 -11 a.m.: Pancake breakfast every • 12 p.m.: Senior’s Lunch at the Sunday at the Edgewater Legion. Invermere Legion. $5 at the door. • 2 - 5 p.m.: Glow Roller Skating. All RSVP by calling 250-342-9281 ext 1227 or emailing events@invermere.net ages $5 at Invermere Curling Club.

• 5 p.m.: Edgewater Royal Canadian Legion European dinner and Cocktails. Advance tickets only $18. Available at Pips Country store in • 3 - 5 p.m.: Columbia Basin Alliance Edgewater, Mountainside Market in MONDAY AUGUST 31ST for Literacy Open House, everyone Radium, Lambert-Kipp Pharmacy • 6:30 p.m.: Mondays in August, drop- welcome at 712B - 10th Street in Invermere. Call 347-0044 for more information. in Ultimate Frisbee for adults/youth Invermere. There will be cake. (15+) at Laird Elementary Field. Free WEDNESDAY SEPT 16TH FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11TH of charge & beginners welcome. No equipment required. • 5 - 8 p.m.: Invermere on the Lake • 7 p.m.: Christmas Bureau of the • 9 p.m.: Movie in the Mountains at Art Walk from June 19 to September Columbia Valley at Christ Church Pothole Park, featuring the ﬁlm The 11 every Friday. For more information Trinity. If you are interested in volunteering please attend. Great Outdoors. visit theartwalk.ca

• 6:30 - 8 p.m.: Little Badgers Early learning program open house. We have an open door policy for anyone who wishes to visit our centre and discover what we are about. Please call 250-342-6331 for more information TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1ST or to register your child for the fall. • 5:30 - 7 p.m.: Dragonﬂy Discovery centre open house. Come see our THURSDAY AUGUST 27TH new gym, animals, learn about our • All Day at A&W, MS Fundraiser. Buy preschool and afterschool programs. a Teen Burger and $1 will be donated Refreshments and popcorn will be to help end Multiple Sclerosis. served. For more information visit • 5 - 8 p.m.: Free Live Music at Pothole www.dragonﬂydiscoverycentre.com. Park every Thursday. RD

• 6 p.m.: Cocktails and Italian Night FRIDAY SEPT 18TH at the Invermere Legion with live • 4 - 9 p.m.: Columbia Valley Classics music by Ted Alexander. $15/person. Autumn Show & Shine. Market open Reservations recommended. Call 250at 4 p.m. Rocking on Main featuring 342-9517. Meat draw and 50/50. Marty Belngessner & Friends. • 7 - 9 p.m.: Glow Roller Skating. All Registration from 7 - 9 p.m. at Radium ages, $5 at Invermere Curling Club. Seniors Hall.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH • 6 p.m.: Cocktails and Roast Beef

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 3 • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Invermere Farmers • 6:30 p.m.: Texas Hold Em’ and Artists Market, downtown Tournament at the Invermere Legion • 5 - 8 p.m.: Free Live Music at Pothole Invermere. Park every Thursday. every Thursday. $35 buy in. • 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Windermere Fall Fair FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 4TH and Scarecrow Festival at Windermere FRIDAY AUGUST 28TH Community Hall. Adults $5, kids 6+ $2, • 5 8 p.m.: Artym Gallery shows • 4 - 9 p.m.: Radium’s Music and pets free. For more information visit Market on Main every Friday until Artym Artist Gala Exhibition. windermerecommunity.ca. August 28. Music on Main starts at • 5 - 8 p.m.: Invermere on the Lake Art 7 p.m. Visit www.radiumhotsprings. Walk from June 19th to September 11th • 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.: 5th Annual Columbia every Friday. For more information Salmon Festival at Kinsmen Beach in com for details. Invermere. For more information call • 5 - 8 p.m.: Artym Gallery shows visit theartwalk.ca. 250-489-2464. People’s Choice exhibition August • 6 p.m.: Cocktails and pork rib dinner at the Invermere Legion. $15/person. • 12 p.m.: Invermere Legion Golf 28 - 29. Tournament at The Ridge at Copper • 5 - 8 p.m.: Invermere on the Lake Reservations recommended. Call 250Point. Call 250-342-9517 for more 342-9517. Meat draw and 50/50. Art Walk from June 19 to September information. 11 every Friday. For more information • 7 - 9 p.m.: Glow Roller Skating. All • 6 p.m.: Cocktails and Steak Sandwich ages, $5 at Invermere Curling Club. visit theartwalk.ca dinner at the Invermere Legion with • 6 p.m.: Cocktails and Steak Sandwich SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 5TH live music by Ted Alexander. $15/ dinner at Invermere Legion. $15/ • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Invermere Farmers person. Reservations recommended. person. Reservations recommended. and Artists Market, downtown Call 250-342-9517 Meat Draw and Call 250-342-9517. Meat draw and 50/50. Invermere. 50/50. • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Invermere Farmer’s • 8:30 p.m.: Kootenay Savings Credit • 7 - 9 p.m.: Glow Roller Skating. All Market at the Agri Park across from Union free Outdoor Movie Night at ages, $5 at Invermere Curling Club. Black Forest Restaurant on Highway Legends field featuring the film Inside TH Out. Visit KS on Facebook or call 25093/95. SATURDAY AUGUST 29 368-2683 for more information. • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Invermere Farmers and • 11 - 2 p.m.: Canal Flats Family Pantry • 9 p.m.: Mud Sweat and Tears Sept Artists Market, downtown Invermere. Customer Appreciation Day. Free 12th to 13th at Panorama. Visit Crafts, baking, used books, hot dog Burgers, smokies and pop with lots of panoramaresort.com for more details. draws and giveaways. concession and more. SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13TH • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Original Invermere • 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Artym Gallery artist Farmer’s Market at the Agri Park demonstration. • 9 -11 a.m.: Pancake Breakfast every across from Black Forest Restaurant • 8:30 p.m.: Free Moonlight Movie at Sunday at the Edgewater Legion. Mountainside Golf Course featuring on Highway 93/95. • 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.: Invermere Farmer’s • 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Thanksgiving in the film How to Train Your Dragon 2. Market at the Agri Park across from August at Home Hardware. Try 3 types SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 6TH Black Forest Restaurant on Highway of grilled turkeys and BBQ’d ham and 93/95. pineapple. Donations accepted for • 9 -11 a.m.: Pancake Breakfast every • 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.: The 4th Annual Sunday at the Edgewater Legion. STARS air ambulance. • 2 - 5 p.m.: Glow Roller Skating. All Columbia Salmon Festival is taking place at Kinsmen Beach in Invermere. ages $5 at Invermere Curling Club.

• 2 - 5 p.m.: Glow Roller Skating. All Ages $5 at Invermere Curling Club.

Dinner at the Invermere Legion. $15/ person. Reservations recommended. Call 250.342.9517 Meat Draw and 50/50. • 7 - 9 p.m.: Columbia Valley Classic Car Club Autumn Show and Shine registration and live entertainment. visit www.radiumhotsprings.ccom for details. • 7 - 9 p.m.: Glow Roller Skating. All ages, $5 at Invermere Curling Club.

HOURS INVERMERE LIBRARY

• Tuesday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m • Wednesday: 10 a.m - 8 p.m. • Thurs – Saturday: 10 a.m - 5p.m.

RADIUM LIBRARY

• Tuesday: 6 - 8 p.m. • Wed - Thursday: 1 - 4 p.m. • Saturday: 10 a.m. - 1p.m.

WINDERMERE VALLEY MUSEUM • Everyday: 10 p.m. - 4 p.m.

INVERMERE THRIFT STORE

• Thurs - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

RADIUM THRIFT STORE

• Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Fri - Saturday: 12 - 4 p.m.

SUMMIT YOUTH CENTRE

• Tuesday: 5 - 9 p.m. • Wednesday: 4 - 9 p.m. • Thursday: 5 - 9 p.m. • Fri - Saturday: 6 - 11 p.m.

A12 invermerevalleyecho.com

CROSSWORD

RAIN AIN

SUDOKU

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

HOROSCOPES

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 The Valley Echo

GAME

CLUES ACROSS 1. Encase a gift 5. Tonsillitis bacteria 10. Pre-1972 British trial session 12. Family Upupidae 14. Five & dime pioneer 16. Public prosecutor 18. Actress Farrow 19. Household god (Roman) 20. Indian dresses 22. Misjudge 23. Actress Zellweger 25. Remove flour lumps 26. Obtain 27. Modeled 28. Juan, Francisco or Antonio 30. Indian territory, Daman and ___ 31. Owl sound 33. A slab of stone or wood 35. Of the largest continent 37. Napped leather 38. Spoke wildly 40. Comically strange 41. Fed 42. Baglike structure in a plant or animal 44. Snakelike fish 45. Bishop’s official seat 48. Bash ____ Falls, N.Y. 50. Bay Area Eating Disorders Assoc. 52. Driver compartment 53. Emitted coherent radiation 55. Radioactivity unit 56. Former CIA 57. And (Latin) 58. Disintegrate 63. “Desperado” band 65. Makes into law 66. Attentiveness 67. Skillful hand movement

13. Enlightened 15. Unnaturally pale 17. Acutely insightful and wise 18. “French Kiss” actress Ryan 21. “Alien” director 23. Long-tailed rodent 24. A way to ingest 27. Sound units 29. Relating to the nose 32. Cereal grass 34. Sticky or hot-cross 35. Productive land 36. Englut 39. Apply with short strokes 40. Indian corn genus 43. Stroke 44. Flowed in contrary directions 46. Comforts 47. Point that is one point S of due E 49. Shrub fence 51. Organ of balance 54. Proofreading symbol 59. CNN’s founder Turner 60. Smallest whole number 61. Airforce of Gr. Britain 62. A subdivision of a play 64. Exclamation of surprise

Answers to last week

CLUES DOWN 1. Point midway between W and SW 2. 2011 animated macaw movie 3. A word element meaning nitrogen 4. Shot 5. Coasts 6. Hill (Celtic) 7. Decays 8. Hebrew dry measure 9. Venice river 10. Ablaze 11. Duskiness

W eekend WEATHER Friday August 28 A mix of sun and clouds Temp: 25oC o

Feels like 26 C

Low: 13oC

Saturday August 29 A mix of sun and clouds Temp: 25oC o

Feels like 27 C

Low: 11oC

SundayAugust 30 Chance of shower Temp: 20oC o

Feels like 20 C

Low: 11oC

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, your mind is racing a mile a minute. Although it may be challenging, you have to find a way to slow down and focus on one thing for the time being.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, you have a lot on your plate at the moment, so shelve some immediate plans you had. Right now you don’t have the time to devote to them..

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, understand that others do not necessarily have your thick skin. Consider your words carefully before delivering some constructive criticism to a friend or loved one.

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, put some thought into your long-term financial goals. Planning now will help you realize your goals down the road. Don’t put off a meeting with your advisor.

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, continue to work hard and rewards will come to you in the professional arena. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed, and soon this will be made clear to you.

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, your attention to detail can make your projects take much longer than others’, but that’s what separates you from the pack. If it’s worth doing, it is worth doing right.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, you will get another crack at an opportunity that recently passed you by. Just be patient and prepare for the chance that awaits you in the near future.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, you are anxious to announce plans for a new chapter in your life. But you might want to table your enthusiasm for the time being until these plans are confirmed.

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Words come easily to you this week, Aquarius. It may be worth your while to negotiate a raise or debate an issue that has been bothering you lately. Your point of view will be heard.

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 You need to find ways to relax, Cancer. Schedule time to unwind, whether it is dancing, listening to music or practicing yoga. Make the most of your elevated energy levels.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 Your ideas carry a lot of weight at your job and within your circle of friends, Scorpio. This week you may be called on to come up with a few new thoughts on getting things done.

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, you may know how someone close to you is feeling even before they confide in you. Your intuition is on fire this week.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 The The Valley Echo Wednesday, August 26,Valley 2015 Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A13 www.invermerevalleyecho.com A13 <our community. <our classi¿eGs.

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

AGREEMENT

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

DISCRIMINATORY LEGISLATION

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

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

ON THE WEB:

Announcements

Employment

Information

Accounting/ Bookkeeping

Education/Trade Schools

Help Wanted

Medical/Dental

BOOKKEEPER

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

Advertise in the 2016 - 2018 BC Hunting Regulations Synopsis ✱Largest Sportsman’s publication in BC.

Please call Annemarie 1.800.661.6335 or email: ﬁsh@blackpress.ca CANADA BENEFIT Group Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888511-2250 or www.canadabenefit.ca/free-assessment. Spur Valley Golf Course has an Immediate opening for a seasonal, full time maintenance person. Apply in person to Kelly at 250-6884456 or k_g@shaw.ca

Lost & Found Lost: Blue down (Recreation Co-op) sleeping bag in a red bag. Name Hahn on tag, lost on Hwy 93/95 between Invermere and Cranbrook. Please call 250-342-9233. LOST: During one of the wind storms... black Phase 5 Danielo Diamond Surf Board was reported found by Fort Point but owner hasn’t been able to locate it. Any info greatly appreciated - reward offered. Please contact Shadybrook Marina. 250-342-8799.

WHERE DO YOU TURN

when your pet is lost? Community Newspapers We’re at the heart of things™

Travel

Timeshare

Full-time permanent required for Cobblestone Creek & Lodging Co. in the Columbia Valley. Come join our award winning company that offers guests, home owners and our employees a different experience in the tourism industry. Requires: 4-5 yrs experience in clerical accounting; Good knowledge of current accounting and bookkeeping practices; federal taxes and CRA requirements, BC Provincial taxes and employment standards; Proficiency with Quickbooks and Microsoft Office is essential. Will require some assistance with guest bookings. We offer competitive wages, health beneﬁts, 3 weeks vacation per year, company cell phone, company paid courses and leisure allowances! Please submit your resume and cover letter to: careers@ cobblestonecreek.ca before September 7, 2015 www.cobblestonecreek.ca For full details visit: www.LocalWorkBC.ca

Business Opportunities GET FREE vending machines can earn $100,000 + per year. All cash-locations provided. Protected Territories. Interest free financing. Full details call now 1-866-668-6629 Website www.tcvend.com. HIP OR knee replacement? Arthritic Conditions/COPD? Restrictions in walking/dressing? Disability tax credit $2,000 tax credit $20,000 refund. Apply today for assistance: 1-844-453-5372.

Career Opportunities

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.

MEDICAL Transcriptionists are in huge demand! Train with Canada’s top Medical Transcription school. Learn from home and work from home. Call today! 1-800-4661535 www.canscribe.com or info@canscribe.com.

Place of Worship

START A new career in Graphic Arts, Healthcare, Business, Education or Information Tech. If you have a GED, call: 855-670-9765

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

• Residential Care Workers • Vocational Workers

Are you looking for a challenging and rewarding career offering competitive wages/benefits and flexible hours? CSCL is actively seeking caring, driven individuals for casual work in our Residential and Vocational Services. Join our team and make a difference in someone’s life! Apply with resume to: hr@cranbrookscl.ca or Fax: 250-426-7990 www.cranbrookscl.ca

Obituaries

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

Experienced Buckerman required by busy logging and hauling company. Competitive wages based on experience. Health insurance benefits included.

Please forward resume to the email address or mailing address above.

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!

Become a GREEN SHOPPER!

www.pitch-in.ca

Help Wanted

Stevenson, Vivian Joy August 28th, 1924 – July 28th, 2015 Vivian was born August 8th, 1924 in Enchant, Alberta, and passed away on July 28th, 2015 in Invermere B.C., at the age of 90. She spent much time volunteering in the community with the Lions, Hospital Aid, United Church Womens Society and the Brisco Recreation Society. She is survived by her daughter Jeannette Lautrup (George), sons Dallas (Joy), Dennis (Cindy), 13 grand children and 15 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Bill Stevenson, son Ron Stevenson, grandsons Kyle and Michael Stevenson. Service to take place on August 30, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Brisco Hall. There will be a private Family interment prior to the memorial. Donations can be made to the Cancer Society.

Place of Worship

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 Year-round Employment Excellent Medical/Dental Beneﬁts Food Service Supervisor Permanent, Shift

Food Counter Attendant Permanent, Shift

No education required One to two years experience required. Nights/early mornings/weekends $12.40/hour + medical/ dental/group beneﬁts.

No education or experience required. All shifts available – nights/overnights/ early mornings/weekends $11.50/hour + medical/ dental/group beneﬁts.

Apply in person or via email (timhortons.invermere@gmail.com) for both positions.

Place of Worship

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

LAKE WINDERMERE VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY ALLIANCE CHURCH 326 - 10th Ave., Invermere Hwy. 93/95, 1 km north of Windermere 250-342-9535 250-342-9511 Lead Pastor: Trevor Hagan Pastor: Murray Wittke Asso. Pastor: Matt Moore lakewindermerealliance.org valleychristianonline.com August 30th 10:30 a.m. Sunday Service Celebration Sunday 10 a.m. Worship & Word “Summer Full of Miracles Kid’s Church Provided - The Ultimate Miracle” Pastor Trevor Hagan Sharing Truth Ministering. Showing Love The Lord’s Supper will be Following the Spirit served

A14 A14 invermerevalleyecho.com www.invermerevalleyecho.com Services

Rentals

Financial Services

Apt/Condo for Rent

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 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 don’t rely on credit, age or income. Call Anytime 1-800-639-2274 or 604-430-1498. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca

2BDRM, 1 1/2 BATH apartment for rent, in Canal Flats. Great view, 2parking spaces, stainless steel F/S, D/W microwave, Washer, hardwood and carpet. $775/mo + utilities & D.D. N/S, pets negotiable. Available September 1/15. Call (250)489-8389.

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.

Household Services KOOTENAY Duct Cleaners . Locally owned & operated , affordable , professional and insured Duct Cleaning services We offer Pressure washing and Softwash services too. Toll Free 1-844-428-0522 (Free Estimates ) KOOTENAY Duct Cleaners. Locally owned & operated, affordable, professional and insured Duct Cleaning services. We offer Pressure washing and Softwash services too. Toll Free 1-844-428-0522 (Free Estimates )

Merchandise for Sale

Auctions AERO AUCTIONS Upcoming Auctions. Thurs., Aug. 27 & Oct. 22, Edmonton. Live & On-Line Bidding. Mining excavation & transportation equipment, rock trucks, excavators, dozers, graders, trucks, trailers, misc attachments & more! Consignments welcome! Visit: aeroauctions.ca. 1-888-6009005.

Firearms FIREARMS. All types wanted, estates, collections, single items, military. We handle all paperwork and transportation. Licensed Dealer. 1-866-9600045. www.dollars4guns.com.

Heavy Duty Machinery A-CHEAP, LOWEST PRICES STEEL SHIPPING Dry Storage Containers Used 20’40’45’53’ and insulated containers all sizes in stock. 40’ containers as low as $2,200DMG. Huge freezers. Experienced wood carvers needed, full time. Ph Toll free 24 hours 1-866-528-7108 or 1778-298-3192 8am-5pm. Delivery BC and AB www.rtccontainer.com

Misc. for Sale In Invermere: Catamaran sailboat (Sea Spray) and trailer. New trampoline, extra parts and sails. Fast and fun. $400.00. 250-342-2941.

Mobile Homes & Pads Windermere: Trailer pad #13 in Williams Trailer Park. Available Sept. 1st. Phone 250-342-9390.

Homes for Rent CHARMING 2 BEDROOM HOUSE! Excellent location, Valley view. W/D, DW, $850 + utilities. Available. Call Jeff 250-688-1105

Suites, Lower Invermere: Bachelor suite, $620/mth, includes cable, internet, heat and lights. Partially furnished, N/S,N/P, no partiers. Suited for one person only. Three blocks from downtown. 250-342-6178. INVERMERE bright 2 Bedroom Basement Suite, 5 appliances in Wilder. Separate entrance. $850/mo utilities/cable included. N/S. DD. Call 403-819-8121.

PINT OF

BLOOD

CAN SAVE

UP TO

STEEL BUILDINGS. “Summer madness sale!” All buildings, all models. You’ll think we’ve gone mad deals. Call Now and get your deal. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422 www.pioneersteel.ca

Misc. Wanted WANTED kitten, call 250-3411153 or 250-341-5146.

Real Estate

LIVES Help a stranger today and donate.

Houses For Sale DON’T OVERPAY! rtmihomes.com “Your smart housing solution” Canada’s largest provider of manufactured housing. Text or call (844-3342960). In stock 16’/20’/22’ Homes on sale now!

1.888.236.6283 www.blood.ca

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 The Valley Echo Wednesday, August 26, 2015 The Valley Echo

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A15

IS from A10 The opposition points to recommendations from former Manitoba premier Gary Filmon that removing fuel from around communities is the best protection. This task has proven impossibly big, especially as rural community tax bases shrink, but the ideological dance continues in Victoria. The NDP campaigned in 2013 on a promise to double tree planting, and their general approach is to spend more money and hire more staff. Speaking of political dances, Premier Christy Clark has made a couple of appearances at fire sites where homes and businesses have been threatened or destroyed. (Today’s big-city media formula is to emphasize danger and promote attacks on premiers of all stripes. If they don’t visit disasters, they are callous and uncaring. If they do, they’re exploiting the situation for photo ops.) In her first fire scene appearance this summer, Clark warned that drought and huge fires may be “the new normal” for B.C. as climate warms and shifts. This is great positioning for the government’s plan to attend the latest global climate doom festival in Paris this fall, but it’s not borne out by recent forest fire results. In terms of dollars spent and area burned, the years 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 were all well below average. Last year and 2009 were substantially above average, but 2008 and 2013 were among the quietest years on record. Is drought the “new normal” too? The B.C. government’s own climate change forecast is for increasing overall precipitation, albeit with more rain and less snow. Snowpacks for southern B.C. were indeed the lowest on record this past winter, but that record only goes back 31 years. And when were high snowfall records last broken? That would be 2011. Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. Find him on Twitter @tomfletcherbc. Email tfletcher@blackpress.ca.

1988

SHORELINE SNACK... Local wildlife photographer Bonnie-Lou Ferris got a little lost in the weeds of the Columbia Wetlands earlier this month, resulting in a ten-hour kayak expedition that landed her many amazing photographs, including this one of a Great Blue Heron enjoying a little snack on the shoreline. Photo by BONNIE-LOU FERRIS

2013

INDERMERE ALLEY Golf Course

TURKEY BUFFET with all the trimmings

Wed. August 26, 5 p.m. till 8 p.m. $16.95 Rune Barck Memorial Tournament September 10th Ironman scramble (Call Pro Shop for details)

Windermerevalleygolfcourse.com • 250-342-3004 for tee times To advertise, call: To advertise, call: 250-341-6299 250-341-6299

Serving the Valley

Septic Tank

Cranbrook PumpingP 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

Certified & Licensed Certified Licensed for for Pesticide Sale Pesticide Application Application &&Sale

Got ants or NEW R • Complete sewer/drain repairs Thermal Imaging EWE wasps? S Thermal I Cranbrook P RA

• Reasonable rates - Seniors’ discount • Speedy service - 7 days a week 100% Money www.cranbrookpestcontrol.com www.CRANBROOKPESTCONTROL.com • A well-maintained septic system should be pumped every 2-3 years Ba info@cranbrookpestcontrol.com .cr anbrookp infor@cranbrookpestcontrolcom www • Avoid costly repairs 100% Guarantee 100% Money Money Back Guarantee

CAME

Certified & Li Pesticide Appli

infor@cranbrookp 250-426-9586 250-426-9586 • 1-888-433-5695 1-888-371-6299

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:

Portable Cer tified & L Rentals PesticideToilet Appli

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

Bruce Dehart 250-347-9803 or 250-342-5357 250-426-9586 • 1 Thermal I

Sholinder & MacKay

100% Money Ba

Sand & Gravel

www.cr anbrookp infor@cranbrookp

250-426-9586 • 1 Complete line of aggregate products for construction and landscaping

Office:

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

A16 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 The Valley Echo

BC NEWS

Careless driving, smoking penalties on way TOM FLETCHER Black Press

difficult for public understanding or review.” The five-year plans are supposed to be approved after measurable and verifiable results and strategies are established and public input is obtained. Many have been extended without further public review and more are due for extension or renewal in the next year, the board says. The board conducts independent investigations of Crown forest licences. Its reports and results of the latest province-wide investigation can be found at www.bcfpb.ca.

The B.C. legislature is being recalled Sept. 28 for a fall session that will likely deal with increasing penalties for distracted driving and careless smoking. The B.C. government has signalled its intention to increase penalties in both areas. Justice Minister Suzanne Anton announced preliminary results of public consultation on distracted driving penalties at the end of June, with 90 per cent of respondents calling for stiffer penalties for using Southern B.C. to lead growth smartphones while driving. B.C.’s economy will grow at a Anton said the current $167 “modest” 2.7 per cent this year, ticket for distracted drivers is not then accelerate above three per sufficient for repeat offenders, cent as major projects in northern who could have their vehicles imB.C. get going in late 2016, accordpounded. Saskatchewan has introing to the latest forecast by Central duced a one-week seizure of the 1 Credit Union. vehicle for drivers who get two Low interest rates, a low dollar distracted driving tickets less than and recovering demand in the U.S. a year apart. will help the Vancouver and southAfter dry conditions sparked an ern B.C region’s export and service early start to the B.C. forest fire industries most this year, said Bryseason, Forests Minister Steve Thomson announced a review of Premier Christy Clark and the rest of B.C. politicians will be back in the legislature at the end an Yu, senior economist with the penalties for violating campfire of September. Black Press files trade association for B.C. credit unions. Manufacturing, tourism, bans and tossing lit cigarettes. Thomson appointed Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris, a former RCMP TV and film and agriculture are expected to lead the way. Slow global demand, particularly from China, is expected to dampen growth in superintendent, to lead a similar review of those penalties. Morris said he was considering the vehicle impoundment option for careless tossing of cigarette northern B.C. and the Kootenays, where mining and resources are key drivers. “Northern B.C. is poised to grow at a faster rate in late 2016 onwards with the butts, and prohibiting people from camping in provincial parks if they violate start of one liquefied natural gas terminal and pipeline, the Site C dam and other campfire restrictions. Fire bans allow use of camp stoves or barbecues with briquets for cooking, major projects,” Yu said. While B.C. residents working in the oil sands are at greater risk, low oil prices but conservation officers continue to find people lighting wood fires that give off are generally positive for the B.C. economy, with lower costs for businesses and sparks and can spread in dry conditions. The fall session will complete an unusually busy year for the B.C. legislature, consumers. which was recalled in July to authorize a project development agreement for the Liquor stores collect for fire fund Pacific Northwest LNG gas export project proposed for Prince Rupert. B.C. Liquor Stores have begun collecting donations from customers to help people evacuated and burned out by forest fires. Forest stewardship plans failing Loss of homes and evacuations in the Rock Creek and Oliver areas prompted The B.C. government’s forest stewardship plans for Crown land are unenforceable, lack measurable results and are not producing innovative forest manage- the Red Cross to ask government liquor stores for help, as they did in the 2003 forest fires that affected the Okanagan and Thomson regions. ment, according to an investigation by the Forest Practices Board. Recovering from a disaster is “usually a long and expensive journey,” said KimThe board reviewed 43 stewardship plans from all regions of B.C., prepared under provincial law by tenure holders including forest companies and communi- berley Nemrava, Red Cross provincial director for B.C. and Yukon. Customers are asked to add donations of $2, $5 or any multiple of those to their ties. There has been “no improvement” in problems identified by a similar review purchases. Proceeds will be used for blankets, food and water, reuniting resiin 2006, said Forest Practices Board chair Tim Ryan. “We are recommending that government not renew or approve any forest stew- dents with family member and assisting with longer-term needs such as replacing ardship plans that don’t meet the standards set out in the Forest and Range Prac- equipment to return to work and helping with rent. Since 2010, B.C. Liquor Stores have collected $1.9 million for Red Cross disaster tices Act,” Ryan said. relief efforts at home and abroad, including $208,000 earlier this year for earthThe investigation found that many of the plans cover “vast and overlapping areas of the province, and were written using legal language that makes them very quake relief in Nepal.

Job Market Trends. Just one of the reasons to follow LocalWorkBC.ca on Twitter. /localwork-bc

@localworkbc