Invermere Valley Echo, December 23, 2015 by Black Press Media Group

The Invermere

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Church homeowner digs into local history

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Max Kelly strikes a pose with a snowman at the third annual Winter Celebration held by the Nature Conservancy of Canada on Sunday, December 13th at the Marion Creek Benchlands Conservation Area on the west side of Columbia Lake. See page 2 for more on this gathering that gives the public a chance to harvest their own Christmas tree . NCC PHOTO

LOCAL NEWS Resident retention plan grows Fairmont, Dutch Creek and Ogilvy Wills water systems merge GREG AMOS Special to The Valley Echo

STEVE HUBRECHT steve@invermerevalleyecho.com The water system of three communities in the Columbia Valley will soon merge, with the end result that all will now have Interior Health standards compliant drinking water. The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board of directors unanimously decided at their Friday, December 4th meeting to approve Community Works Funds grants for the private Fairmont Hot Springs Utility Ltd.: $39,000 for extending its services to Ogilvy Wills (the community across Highway 93/95 from Fairmont Hot Springs Resort and north of the Riverside golf course development), $145,000 for extending its services to Dutch Creek, and $555,000 for the utility’s groundwater source development program. “This is a good solution as we’ll have all three communities (Ogilvy Wills, Dutch Creek and Fairmont) drinking (Interior Health standards) compliant water,” RDEK chair Rob Gay told The Echo, adding Ogilvy Wills had long had problems with its water because its wells are so shallow, and Dutch Creek has had problems with its water intake because the creek it draws from tends to change its course. See A3

What does ART mean to you?

As local population declines in the wake of Canfor’s Canal Flats mill closure in November, the village is adding its presence to the valley-wide Resident Attraction and Retention Advisory Committee to seek some new residents. “This is a valley-wide program; we should be at that table,” said Coun. Paul Marcil, who has been appointed as Canal Flats’ alternate representative on the committee. Mayor Ute Juras has been appointed as Canal Flats’ main representative. The Village of Canal Flats currently has 715 residents, though that number has likely already decreased as a result of the Canfor mill closure in November. (The 2006 census — the most recent official measurement of the population of Canal Flats — puts the official population at 700 people.) In November, a $50,000 implementa-

tion contract for the resident retention plan was awarded to Calgary companies MDB Insight and Splash Media Group, who previously created a Resident Attraction and Retention Plan for Salmon Arm, which helped that municipality’s growth go from being static to increasing by nine per cent. The resident retention plan arose from the now-defunct Columbia Valley Directed Funds Committee of the RDEK. Though the committee is finished, the valley-wide initiative to increase the region’s full-time population has been funded so far with leftover money from the committee, meaning taxpayers in valley municipalities and rural areas are financially off the hook for it. The Resident Attraction and Retention Advisory Committee will meet once more under local government direction, before it is turned over to the valley’s business community to continue the project.

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Wednesday, December 23, 2015 The Valley Echo

FIRESIDE FUN...

Gathering around a bonfire while enjoying Kicking Horse Coffee and treats from Konig’s and the Invermere Bakery was just one of the highlights of this year’s Winter Celebration at the Marion Creek Benchlands Conservation Area on the west side of Columbia Lake. NCC PHOTO

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Snapshot COMMUNITY

Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy ‘postcard’ day at Winter Celebration LESLEY MARIAN NEILSON Nature Conservancy of Canada.

On Sunday December 13th, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) welcomed winter revellers to the Marion Creek Benchlands Conservation Area, on the west side of Columbia Lake. The third annual Winter Celebration was an opportunity to spend time outside with the local community. Some lucky guests were even able to harvest Christmas trees from the excess fir and pine that are a legacy of a past tree farm operation. People came from up and down the Columbia Valley to celebrate the season and enjoy the outdoors

A division of

with skating and hockey, Christmas tree gathering or simply gathering around the warm bonfire. Kicking Horse Coffee, Konig Meat and Sausage Co., and the Invermere Bakery generously supplied the hot beverages and snacks. Despite the warm weather in the days leading up to the Winter Celebration, Sunday dawned cold and crisp, with clouds burning off to reveal perfectly blue skies, warm sunshine and ice for skating on the pond. “It really felt like a Canadian winter postcard out on the pond — this event brightened one of the shortest light days,” said Chad Townsend, who attended the event. The Nature Conservancy of Canada would like to thank Kicking Horse Coffee, Konig Meat and Sausage

Co. and the Invermere Bakery for their generosity and everyone who attended for a wonderful afternoon. It was a perfect beginning to the holiday season! About NCC The Nature Conservancy of Canada is the nation’s leading land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain. Since 1962, NCC and its partners have helped to protect more than 2.7 million acres (over 1.1 million hectares), coast to coast. Almost one million of the acres (400,000 hectares) are right here in British Columbia. Visit www.natureconservancy.ca/bc.

Wednesday, December 23, 2015 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A3

RDEK BRIEFS

HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS

Lake Ambassadors seek funding Steve Hubrecht steve@invermerevalleyecho.com Several items of interest to the Upper Columbia Valley came up during the most recent Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board of directors meeting in Cranbrook. A delegation from the Lake Windermere Ambassadors made a presentation to the Columbia Valley directors during their Columbia Valley Services meeting on Thursday, December 3rd, asking for $10,000 a year in operational funding. The board supported the grant, but decided more work needed to be done before the grant could be finalized, and asked RDEK staff to outline several potential options on how to fund the grant. “The Lake Windermere Ambassadors have been conducting water quality monitoring on Lake Windermere for a number of years, which is great. In addition, they have provided support to the Columbia Lake Stewardship Society for the same work on Columbia Lake,” RDEK Area F director Wendy Booth told The Echo. “This data is important to be able to measure how the lakes are changing over time. Secure funding to continue to do this work, along with other projects, is fantastic for the entire valley.” The Lake Windermere Ambassadors began more than a decade ago with a mandate to steward Lake Windermere, and have since expanded operations to help out with Columbia Lake. Grants given out The RDEK directors also gave several discretionary grants in aid, including $2,500 from the Area F account and $2,500 from the Area G account for the Columbia Valley Community Foundation for its Vital Signs Initiative; as well as $1,000 from the Area F account and $1,000 from the Area G account to Recreation Sites and Trail BC to help fund the organization’s Forster Creek Trail Host program for the coming winter season.

FAIRMONT from A1 All these approvals came with the condition that the RDEK receives confirmation from the water rights comptroller that the private utility is restricted from paying any profits to shareholders. “It is a bit odd since Fairmont (Utility Ltd.) is a private utility and we are giving public money to a private company, but they (Fairmont Utility Ltd.) function more as a social enterprise than as a true private operator. Extra money goes back into the utility for future upgrades, rather than to shareholders’ pockets.” said Gay. “So we feel we’re on good ground here. It’s just a new way of doing business.” The community associations of both Ogilvy Wills and Dutch Creek had previously voted unanimously to have Fairmont Utility Ltd. extend its water system to their

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“To be able to provide support to this group (the Community Foundation) for the Vital Signs Initiative is really important. The report that will be produced from the initiative will benefit so many different groups in the Columbia Valley,” said Booth, speaking about the Community Foundation grant. About the Trail Host grant, she added that “after a successful first year of this initiative, it is great to support this program continuing. It demonstrates that successful partnerships do work.” Vital Signs is a Canada-wide program being undertaken by community foundations across the country that attempts to measure the vitality of communities and support action to improve the quality of life in these places. The trail host program was established as a trial project last winter. Host Tania Halik and her avalanche rescue dog Summit were a presence in the Forster Creek area — which sees plenty of recreational use of multiple varieties — answering questions, improving safety and helping guide different user groups to the appropriate parts of the area. Valley-wide visitor services During the Columbia Valley Services Committee meeting, the Columbia Valley directors also discussed funding options for Columbia Valley-wide visitor services. “While final decisions are still pending, it is great to see the Columbia Valley Directors working together and recognizing that we all benefit from a valley-wide visitor services approach. Whether we have tourism assets or our residents work in the tourism industry, each community benefits from a regional approach,” said Booth. A report from RDEK staff on the matter suggested that a Columbia Valley economic development services area (which is currently in the process of being developed) could be one avenue to fund valley-wide visitor services. Another option is to have each municipality or rural area contribute.

communities. The other option to get compliant water to the communities was to have the RDEK build its own public system for each community, but Gay said this would have taken at least three years and would likely have carried higher costs than extending the Fairmont system. The current Ogilvy Wills and Dutch Creek water systems are also privately operated. “We’re quite pleased and we will probably see the Dutch Creek and Ogilvy Wills systems come on stream in the spring,” he said, adding the reservoir is almost complete, the wells are in place and all that really left to do is to lay the pipes. Gay said the pipe work could be tricky, as the pipes need to go under the Canadian Pacific Rail tracks and under Dutch Creek, but said that shouldn’t slow the project down.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

The Invermere

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Ho l i d a y Classified Deadlines

Please taken note that our advertising deadlines will change due to Christmas and New Year holidays. Deadline for Dec 30th paper Monday Dec 28th at noon.

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Wednesday, December 23, 2015 The Valley Echo

LOCAL NEWS

Have a Zamboni, Edgewater GREG AMOS Special to The Valley Echo

Feeling unbalanced?

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Looking for Vitality?

Look no further! The Columbia Valley's ﬁrst health and wellness magazine, Vitality, will be available starting December 30th at select locations from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats. Packed with information and advice from local experts, Vitality is the valley's go-to guide for getting healthy and staying healthy. Pick up a copy and turn over a new leaf for the new year!

Regional District of East Kootenay PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE - BYLAW 2662 Bylaw Amendment - Panorama / Marshall The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an application by Philip Marshall to amend the text of the RES-3(TP), Resort Tourist Pension Zone in the Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw. Bylaw No. 2662 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 308, 2015 (Panorama / Marshall)” will amend the text of the RES-3(TP), Resort Tourist Pension Zone to: eliminate the requirement for dining reservations; permit take-out food service; and, increase the maximum permitted number of seats in the restaurant from 8 per guest room to 14 per guest room. The bylaw will also limit the size of the food service area to a maximum of 37 m2 of gross floor area per guest room. A public hearing will be held at: Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce 651 Highway 93/95 Invermere, BC Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at 7:00 pm The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F and Electoral Area G. If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaw, you may prior to the hearing: • inspect the Bylaw and supporting information at the RDEK office in Cranbrook from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays; • mail, fax or email written submissions to the addresses/numbers shown below; or • present written and/or verbal submissions at the hearing. SUBMISSIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING All submissions will form part of the public record and will be published in a meeting agenda posted online. Personal contact information such as phone and email will be removed from written submissions. Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335. This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw. For more information, contact Jean Terpsma, Planning Technician, at 250-489-0314, toll free at 1-888-478-7335, or email jterpsma@rdek.bc.ca. 19 - 24th Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8 Phone: 250-489-2791 • 1-888-478-7335 Email: info@rdek.bc.ca • Website: www.rdek.bc.ca

Canal Flats’ older Zamboni is finding a new home at the outdoor Frank’s Rink in Edgewater, after a long-running discussion between the two communities. A new Zamboni was added to Canal Flats’ fleet after a $1.3 million upgrade to the Canal Flats arena in 2013, bringing into question the fate of the older unit, which the village had kept for spare parts and as a backup unit. After inquiries were made this fall by Edgewater Recreation Society president Tammy Tutte and RDEK Area G director Gerry Wilkie, and a green light was given by Canal Flats arena manger Matthew Fournier, it was left up to council whether to donate or simply loan the old machine to Edgewater. “Possible use of the zamboni has been discussed with Mayor Juras during our past RDEK Columbia Valley directors meetings,”

wrote Wilkie in a letter to Canal Flats council. The subject was well-known to the village council, who were happy to put the question to rest at their December 14th council meeting. Juras noted that “it’s now become the Zword” at regional district directors meetings. Both Canal Flats and Edgewater are members of the RDEK’s Columbia Valley Recreation Service Area, a new entity since 2012 that has replaced several communities’ own recreation functions, including the village’s former Canal Flats Recreation Service Area. In October 2013, the Canal Flats Zamboni had a minor mechanical failure and emitted a noticeable level of carbon dioxide in the Canal Flats arena, causing the building to be evacuated during a hockey tournament. Carbon dioxide emissions won’t likely be a problem in Edgewater, where the arena is outdoors. For Edgewater, the full-size Zamboni replaces what was “basically a tractor with a homemade unit on the back of it,” said Tutte.

BC NEWS

New regulations helps B.C. residents get debt-free

BREANNE MASSEY breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com A strong desire to bolster the balance sheets has encouraged the Government of B.C. to regulate the debt settlement industry to ensure borrowers can pay off what they owe. B.C. residents could benefit from additional cost certainty and having the guesswork taken out of debt repayment rules when changes are made to the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act (BPCPA) effectively taking place on April 1st, 2016. “British Columbia families and individuals need to be confident that when they are making tough money decisions, they’re getting the right advice and that they have certainty over what they’re being charged,” said Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton in a recent press release. “These new regulations will help those people in debt understand their rights, and help ensure they do not get taken advantage of during a vulnerable time in their life. These changes will also help keep as much money as possible in the pockets of British Columbians.” The Province will be restricting the fees that debt settlers can charge, which means companies will not be able to charge clients in debt until the creditor and the debtor have agreed to the terms of repayment. “These changes are needed in British Columbia,” said Scott Hannah, president and CEO of Credit Counselling Society of BC, in a recent press release. “We know that debt can put an enormous amount of stress on people, particularly families. The new rules mean families and individuals facing

financial strain are able to make informed choices about their money and debt repayment. We at the Credit Counselling Society look forward to employing these regulations while we work to help B.C. residents become debt-free.” Before this change was proposed, some companies could charge large, non-refundable fees up front in order to negotiate a lump-sum payment — this action forced many consumers to stop paying their debt on the condition of making a lump sum payment to the creditor while negotiating fees to the debt settlement agency, which caused many people to miss their payments, thus ruining their credit score. “These changes strengthen protections for British Columbians who are looking for help with debt issues,” said Rob Gialloreto, president and CEO of Consumer Protection BC, in the release. “As the regulator for the debt collection and debt repayment industries, we are committed to implementing these changes effectively and supporting our existing licensees in their understanding, while ensuring that consumers have access to information about their rights.” As of April 1st, 2016, debt settlement companies will now only have two options, restricting how much they can charge for fees: A) If the debt will be repaid within 90 days, debt agents may only charge a fee of up to 10 per cent of the total amount of debt being repaid; B) If you need 90 days or longer to repay your debt, debt settlement companies may charge a fee of up to 15 per cent of the total amount repaid, plus a onetime service fee. See A5

Wednesday, December 23, 2015 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A5

REGIONALNEWS

Jensen steps in as new CBT board chair, Deck retires Nicole Trigg editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

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The service fee can be no more than the cost of one average monthly payment. These companies will now also be forced to be transparent about the risks associated with debt settlement. All contracts will be required to contain a disclosure statement that indicates while the debt may go away, the debt settlement process will not improve their credit rating, compared to the old system which allowed some companies the option to counsel customers to avoid calls from credits, which can easily worsen the situation. Now, debt settling agents will be prohibited from offering this advice to their clients. “The new rules just make sense,” said Blair Mantin, VP of Sands and Associates, Trustees in Bankruptcy, in the release. “They mean everyone will be on the same page about what the rules are, what consumers can be charged for, and how much. So many times I hear from those in financial distress that high fees charged to manage their debt are what have kept them in debt.” Moving forward, the new rules in B.C. will align with those that exist in other areas of the country.

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News

Rick Jensen, former president and CEO of Panorama, has replaced Greg Deck as chair of the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT). Radium Hot Springs’ first mayor and current mayor of Jumbo Glacier Resort Mountain Resort Municipality, Deck has been on the Board since the Trust’s inception in 1995, serving as vice-chair from 2008 to 2012 and chair from 2013 to 2015. “On behalf of the Trust’s Board and staff, I would like to thank Greg Deck for his contributions to the formation and growth of the Trust,” said Jensen. “For over 20 years, he has been an instrumental part of this organization and has dedicated his efforts to the well-being of our region and its residents.” Jensen, who is from Cranbrook, is replacing Deck as chair as of January 1st, 2016. He joined the Trust Board in 2013 and served as vice-chair in 2015. He is the chair of New Dawn Developments, a director of New Dawn Restorations, president of the Canadian Institute of Excellence and a director of Columbia Power Corporation. “The Trust has achieved remarkable success, and I’m confident Rick Jensen, Laurie Page and the rest of the

Board will carry this success forward,” said Deck, who is now retiring from the CBT. “This is a solid team committed to an extraordinary organization that will continue to serve the Basin well.” Nakusp’s Laurie Page, who joined the Board in January 2012, is being reappointed until December 2018 and is taking over as vice-chair. She also served as vice-chair from 2013 to 2014. “I’d like to thank Greg Deck for his years of dedicated service and leadership as chair of the Trust, and for all the help, sound guidance and advice he has shared with me personally as a resident of the Columbia Basin and in my work as an MLA and minister,” said Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett in a press release. “I’d also like to welcome Rick Jensen and Laurie Page to their new roles. I look forward to working with them and the rest of the Board as they continue to invest and deliver benefits to the Basin, improving lives, communities and the environment.” The Trust’s 12-member Board consists of individuals appointed by the provincial government: six from the five regional districts and the Ktunaxa Nation Council, and six others. All directors must live in the Basin. For more information about the Board, and to read highlights and minutes from Board meetings, visit www.cbt.org/board.

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The Invermere

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Wednesday, December 23, 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.

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

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Dean Midyette

Nicole Trigg

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REPORTERS

EDITORIAL

Carrying on the Christmas tradition

Breanne Massey

Steve Hubrecht

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steve@

ADVERTISING SALES

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GRAPHIC DESIGN / PRODUCTION

ADMINISTRATION

DEAN MIDYETTE publisher@invermerevalleyecho.com Every family has their own traditions around Christmas. My Christmas Eve was always spent at a large family gathering, alternating each year between the maternal and fraternal sides of the family. It was usually the only time of the year I got to visit with most of my cousins. After waking up really, really early on Christmas morning and watching the clock tick toward 7:30 a.m. (the “official” time when my brother and I were allowed to leave the confines of our bedrooms),

we would wake my parents so that we could start unwrapping presents. After cleaning up the wrapping paper, we enjoyed a filling brunch before heading to church. After the service, we would travel to enjoy Christmas dinner with the other side of the family. Fast-forward 40 years. My grandmothers were the magnets for our family and, since their passing, I rarely see my uncles, aunts and cousins. The day has evolved to become more about our immediate family and local “orphans” — people who have recently moved to the valley and have no fam-

ily of their own with whom to spend the day. The celebrations still begin on Christmas Eve and continue throughout Christmas Day, involving stockings and chocolate oranges, presents, and an incredible feast prepared lovingly by my wife and shared by our family and our aforementioned orphans. It’s a time to share stories, laughter and camaraderie and to remember members of the family who are no longer with us. May your family enjoy the holidays with your own unique traditions, and may 2016 bring health and prosperity. Merry Christmas!

OPINION Theresa Kains

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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

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2009 2009 WINNER

Rundown of Radium’s accomplishments

It has been a year since the Jack sewer pump station. Regional UNDOWN U new council for the Village • Staff have almost comof Radium Hot Springs was pleted the transition to a new elected, and I am pleased accounting program — very to report that we have been time-consuming for everyone busy working on your behalf. in the office who is involved There has been a learning in some aspect of finance. curve for our newest coun• Council members have cillor Tyler McCauley, as well attended a number of trainLARA as for myself in my new role. ing workshops around the We are grateful for the supregion as well as Karen, Tyler port of the rest of council and I attending the UBCM in — Ron Verboom, Todd Logan and Karen Vancouver in September. Larsen and all of the Village Staff. • The community hosted a number of Some of the work which is happening successful internal and external events includes: due to the hard work of our events co• A new strategic plan to guide our work ordinator, Patrick, and the amazing team and keep us focused. at the Visitor Centre. • The plans for the new Community As you wander around the village there Hall are taking shape — we hope to have are seasonal lights up in Rotary Park at the some concept drawings for you to review four-way stop, the Hospice Society of the in the spring. Columbia Valley’s Tree of Lights is up in • Public works completed the Whiskey front of the coffee shop, many businesses

C REINHARDT

are lit up, and the solar lights on the trees along the highway have magically been rehung after the sheep and pruners undid last year’s work. All we need is some snow and it will look a lot like Christmas! Enjoy the Peace in Radium as well as the rest of the Columbia Valley this holiday season, and I hope to see you all in 2016. Clara Reinhardt is the mayor of the Village of Radium Hot Springs and a Regional District of East Kootenay director for the Columbia Valley.

CORRECTION: In “Group encourages Kootenay cannabis industry” in the Wednesday, December 9th edition of The Valley Echo, the name of the presenter at the Women Grow event is Jim Leslie (not Wesley).

Wednesday, December 23, 2015 The Valley Echo

THE

invermerevalleyecho.com A7

TREET

Will you be going to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens this holiday season?

“Yes, I’m especially excited about seeing JJ Abrams putting his spin on the classic story.”

“No, because I already had the ending spoiled for me.”

Cory Price

Justin Curry

Wes Funk

COLUMNIST

How much is my house worth?

“H

ow much is my house worth?” This is Real Estate is ASY A the number one question sellers ask Realtors. It’s one of the most important questions that needs to be answered as well. Any complete marketing plan will include price as one of the most important factors. We all know there are houses out there that are asking a bit more and that’s OK. Perhaps a seller isn’t in a hurry and the client and their agent have agreed to “test the market.” When you own something, it’s your right to ask for it what you like, just as it’s a buyer’s right to pay what they will. While setting a price, we have to keep in mind that buyers have access to information these days like they’ve never had before. There is an overwhelming amount of information available from tax records to sale prices and listing histories and so on. They’ll be comparing your home to every other house out there so you better make sure you’ve got a good price and the data to back it up if you want to sell. Pricing a home without the proper information can be a downward spiral. Listings that sit on the market for long periods of time create long-standing inventory and this type of listing can have some negative effects on buyer confidence and eventually lead to fewer sales, which puts pressure on pricing for everyone as sellers drop their prices to compete for buyers. Let’s say you want to sell your house, so you start thinking about what it might be worth. You notice the house down the street is listed. You’ve been in it a few times and you think you have a pretty good idea of how much your home is worth compared to it. A couple quick calculations for your rose-patterned wallpaper and bonus carpet in the bathroom and voila — there’s your price! You’re confident

“It’s sad. We elected to come ski in God’s country instead so Star Wars will have to wait until January. Take that BB8!”

because the features you’ve got are things a buyer is going to love. Are you priced fairly? The answer is maybe. I’ve worked with sellers and we often agree on price, but the steps I take to get there are different. Just understanding your home’s features compared to others isn’t enough. You’ve got to understand what buyers are looking for as well, things like what features make them put EOFF pen to paper, and does your home have these compared to the other listings? Are there things you can do to the house to increase its value in the eyes of a buyer? Understanding value in the eyes of the buyers is key. I know, I know. Real Estate is easy and sometimes it seems like everyone’s an expert, but the best thing that can happen when you’re figuring out the market value of your home is to get someone to help you who has no emotional attachment to the property, who knows what buyers in your area are looking for, and who has a good understanding of what features are worth in the current market. *This column is for entertainment only and not intended to be construed as advice in any way. Information should be independently verified and all sellers and buyers are encouraged to contact their Realtor for help with buying and selling. This is not intended to solicit business. No kittens were harmed in the writing of this column. Geoff Hill is a licensed Realtor with MaxWell Realty Invermere holding a trading services licence since May 2008. Originating from West Vancouver, he came to the valley for the snow and stayed for the people and lifestyle. Geoff enjoys volunteering with the local fire department and roller derby team as well as playing roller derby and many other sports himself.

G HILL

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Have you ever used the Columbia Valley Food Bank?

Snowplow safety MAINROAD GROUP Submitted Winter is here so we’re reminding everyone to please drive safely especially when approaching a highway maintenance vehicle. When drivers attempt to pass a plow truck, they put themselves, their passengers, the truck operator and the driving public at risk. Keep a safe distance and always stay alert. Though you see the plow truck, the plow truck operator might not see you. • Snowplows move at much slower speeds than other vehicles. On the highway, snowplows normally don’t travel faster than 60 km/hr when plowing or spreading winter abrasives. • Drivers may not be aware that plows are wide and can extend across the centre line of the highway. • On some highways and bridge structures, two or more snow plows may be staggered across multiple lanes with the plow in front pushing snow towards the plows behind. This is an effective See A23

� � No

NEXT WEEK’S QUESTION:

Are you among the number of Canadian borrowers for whom rising household debt is an increasing problem?

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100%

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Wednesday, December 23, 2015 The Valley Echo

THE

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

WEDNESDAY, DECE 23RD

on the long running cartoon series for those 5-14 years old, children 4 and under free. Gratuity included GST Asterix. • 2 p.m.: Bishop’s Book Store and extra. Reservations recommended Coffee Lounge, Local author Scott call 1-800-663-2929. Visit www. for Hay will be showcasing his memoir panoramaresort.com/events/ menu details. Bleeding Hearts. • 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.: Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Skating party at our rink (weather permitting).

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28TH

• 11:45 a.m.: The Rotary Club of • 9 :30 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Snow Snake Hunt Invermere meets every Wednesday at on Fairmont Ski Hill. the Curling Rink. • 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Elf Cookie Decorating. Come decorate cookies THURSDAY DEC 24TH with our Fairmont Hot Springs Resort • 9 - 10:30 a.m.: Pancake breakfast with Christmas Elf at Misty Waters Café. Santa at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, • 10 a.m.: Bavin Glassworks show $5/person. and sale, next to Canadian The Spirit • 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Find the Elf on of Totems featuring artwork by Fairmont Ski Hill for prizes. renowned local artists Pat and Ryan • 5:30 - 7 p.m.: 30th annual Torchlight Bavin. Parade at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Family Ski Area, dozens of TUESDAY DECEMBER 29TH skiers and their blazing torches • 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Library on shortened wind down the slopes through the hours Dec. 29,30,31 and Jan.2. darkness during this annual event – a cherished tradition that kicks • 12 - 2 p.m.: Skating party at Fairmont off the holiday season at the resort. Hot Springs Resort rink (weather permitting). Fireworks at 6 p.m.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25TH

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15TH

• 9 p.m.: Bear’s Paw & Grill at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Join us for live • 9 p.m.: Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill at music by Swillbillies with blues, folk Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. No and pub-style tunes. cover charge. A New Years Eve Glow Party with festive drink specials, TUSEDAY JANUARY 19TH champagne at midnight, music by • Columbia Lodge No. 38 meets every DJ Wild Bill and a selfie booth in the 3rd Tuesday at 8 pm. Sept through lobby. For more information email June. 1301 7th Ave, second floor above ptolchard@fhsr.com or call 250-345Lambert Kipp. 6063. • 7:30 p.m.: Florian Hoefiner Group at • 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.: Edgewater Recreation Pynelogs Cultural Centre. Tickets are Society presents a New Year’s Eve $20, $10 for students and are available event with Jaydee Hypnotist. Tickets at Tiffany’s Thredz and at Pynelogs. $20 in advance includes New Year’s Call 250-342-4423 for more bling, midnight hors d’oeuvres and champagne, sold at Brisco Store, Pip’s Store, Simple Pleasures and Little Treasures, Home Hardware and the Trading Post.

• 10 p.m.: Fairmont New Year’s Eve Fireworks at the Historic Indian Baths.

• 11 p.m.: Family Neon Nye Party at Panorama Mountain Resort. Prizes for Best Neon Costume, Best glowing lip sync artist, and best neon guitarist. Free handouts, like kids pop, glow • 8 p.m.: Annual Christmas Eve • 6 - 8 p.m.: Lego Club every Tuesday sticks and glow jewelry, appy bites ﬁreworks, Conrad Kain Park Wilmer. at Radium Public Library. and jello shots (non-alcoholic) and Bonﬁres and free hot chocolate.If you Full bar open for Adults. WEDNESDAY DEC 30TH would like to make a donation please call 250-342-9470. • 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Library on shortened

show your support. Snacks and refreshments will be served.

hours Dec. 29,30,31 and Jan.2.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1ST

HOURS

• 7 - 10 p.m.: Fresh Fridays Open Mic • 7 p.m.: Texas Hold ‘em Tournament at Pynelogs. Showcasing young talent INVERMERE LIBRARY • Legion Closed till December 29. moved to Wednesday 30th at from the valley. All ages, licensed bar. • Tuesday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m • 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.: The 8th annual Invermere Legion. $35 buy in. First Friday of every month. • Wednesday: 10 a.m - 8 p.m. Christmas Day Soak at Fairmont Hot • Thurs – Saturday: 10 a.m - 5p.m. THURSDAY DEC 31ST SATURDAY JANUARY 2ND Springs. Free entry with donation to the Columbia Valley Food Bank. • 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Library on shortened • 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Library on shortened

• 5 - 7 p.m.: Radium Feastival, a village Christmas dinner at LaCabina Ristorante in Radium Hot Springs Best Western Plus Prestige Inn. Visit www. radiumhotsprings.com for details.

SATURDAY, DEC. 26TH • 39th Annual Invermere-Radium Christmas Bird Count. For more Information call Randy at 250-6886694 or email at inc-bc@outlook.com • 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Hockey Day at Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill. Canada vs USA.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27TH • 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Elf Cookie Decorating. Come decorate cookies with our Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Christmas Elf at Misty Waters Café. • 2 - 7 p.m.: Screening of Asterix: The Mansions of the Gods at Pynelogs Cultural Centre. $5 for children, $12 for adults. A feature length ﬁlm based

hours Dec. 29,30,31 and Jan.2

hours Dec. 29,30,31 and Jan.2.

RADIUM LIBRARY

• Tuesday: 6 - 8 p.m.

• 11:15 a.m.: Invermere Library Pre- • 11:15 a.m.: Invermere Library Pre- • Wed - Thursday: 1 - 4 p.m. school Storytime drop in for stories school Storytime drop-in for stories • Saturday: 10 a.m. - 1p.m. and a craft. and a craft.

• 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.: Invermere Library FRIDAY JANUARY 8TH Lego Club. Drop in to build something • 9 p.m.: Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill at great. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Join us • 3 p.m.: Village of Radium’s 25th for live music by Smokin’ Ray & The Birthday Celebration and New Year’s Detectors. Blues, R’s n B and more. Eve Party at Brent’s Shack, Legends Field and Radium Hot Springs Seniors SATURDAY JANUARY 9TH Hall. Hot chocolate, hot dogs, chili and birthday cake. Visit www. • 9 p.m.: Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Join us radiumhotsprings.com for details. for live music by Smokin’ Ray & The • 6:30 p.m.: Radium Hot Springs New Detectors. Blues, R’s n B and more. Year’s Eve Fireworks at Springs Driving Range. Visit www.radiumhotsprings. TUSEDAY JANUARY 12TH com for details. • 7 - 10 p.m.: Fairmont Hot Springs • 6:30 p.m.: Westside Legacy Trail Open House at Fairmont Hot Summer pool party. Springs Resort, Pine Room. Come • 7:30 p.m.: New Year’s Eve Dinner at and experience what the WLT is, Panorama Great Hall, Dinner pricing is how it will impact the valley, and $54.95 for those 15+ years old, $19.95

WINDERMERE VALLEY MUSEUM • Tuesday: 12 - 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. FREE tutoring available and volunteer tutors needed. Contact the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy wvcoordinator@cbal.com

Wednesday, December 23, 2015 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A9

I TH THE YULE LOGS CRACKLING ON AN OPEN FIRE, FAMILIES GATHERING TOGETHER FOR WINTER FUN, PRESENTS UNDER THE TREE READY FOR

VIEW MIRROR, THE

VALLEY ECHO

CHRISTMAS

MORNING AND

2015

SOON TO BE IN THE REAR-

INVITED READERS TO SUBMIT THEIR PERSONAL YEAR- END MESSAGES TO THEIR

COLUMBIA VALLEY. PROCEEDS FROM THE VALLEY ECHO’S 2015 TOWARDS THE COLUMBIA VALLEY CHRISTMAS BUREAU. WE, TOO, WISH YOU A

FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS ACROSS THE

SIGNATURE

PAGE WILL BE GOING

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Santa Claus is on his way, It’s going to be a bright and a happy day! So pass on the happiness to every person you meet, brighten up their day and touch their lives beneath.

VEALLEY CHO

The Invermere

N E W S PA P E R

The staff at the Echo and Pioneer wish you all a very Merry Christmas and health and prosperity in the coming year. !

A10 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 23, 2015 The Valley Echo

Seasons Greetings Invermere residents are helping change lives Breanne Massey breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone who has supported the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary this year.

The holidays aren’t necessarily the happiest time of year for people around the globe. World Vision is thanking the 11 Invermerians who donated $1,400 worth of gifts to its humanitarian cause in developing countries this winter. “The Gift Catalogue is a really fun way Canadians like to bring charity into their holiday celebrations, to make them more meaningful,” said Genevieve Barber, World Vision gift catalogue spokesperson. “By choosing a tangible donation you give as a gift — things like

clean water, valuable livestock and education options — you help a family in the developing world, and share the change being made with the big-hearted person on your gift list. Because the donations are so tangible, you and the person receiving it as a gift, immediately know the impact that this gift is having.” The Evangelical Christian humanitarian aid, development and advocacy organization recently announced that over 8,000 residents from B.C. contributed essential items from the World Vision Gift Catalogue — tangible donations for children and families in developing countries like livestock, clean water, access to education and medical supplies — to celebrate the holiday season this year. Previously, British Columbi-

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:14

ans have purchased more than 8,800 essential items from the World Vision Gift Catalogue to help others during the holidays last year. A recent survey conducted by Ipsos Reid in October 2015, investigates Canadians attitudes towards charitable gift giving and reveals that holiday giving can pay off. They found that 79 per cent of people from B.C. prefer to give a gift that helps someone in need. The survey revealed that a belief in the spirit of giving to support the needy is an attitude that B.C.’s deeply supports rather than following a consumerist shopping agenda to buy clothes and electronics. World Vision encourages people to make a donation in someone’s name and give them a gift over the holidays this season to mark the start of a new tradition for the big-hearted person on your gift list. For more information, visit www. worldvisiongiftsnews.ca.

Luke 2:14

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250-342-6293 Everett Frater Enterprises 250-342-6293 Snow Removal • Residential & Commercial Phone: 250-347-9228 • Cell: 250-342-5645

Wednesday, December 23, 2015 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A11

Seasons Greetings A Christmas message from the B.C. Legislature C

hristmas and New Year celebrations are a wonderful part of winter here in Columbia River-Revelstoke. And the early snow we experienced this year means that we have plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy this holiday season. Many of us will also take the opportunity to gather with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. It is a time when generosity of spirit is very apparent in our communities. It is important that we work together to make sure that everyone has food and company. We need to be generous with those around us. We also have many people in the region who are working hard to welcome refugees to our country. Whether it is a community group that is sponsoring a family, or groups of neighbours that are gathering supplies to be shared with families

arriving in larger centres, this is something we can all be part of. It is this desire to help people who we’ve never met that speaks to what is best about the human spirit. I want to wish you all the best for the holiday season. Enjoy the great outdoors, travel safely, and share whatever you are able. Norm Macdonald MLA Columbia River Revelstoke

Holiday wishes from Parliament Hill

would like to wish all the constituents of the Kootenay-Columbia riding a safe and happy holiday season. As we prepare for the New Year and all the potential it brings, I want to say one thing: thank you. Thank you for putting your trust in me to serve as your Member of Parliament. My staff and I will work hard — every single day — to earn that trust and get results for our families. In October, Canadians voted for change. As part of Tom Mulcair’s progressive opposi-

tion team, you can count on me to hold the new government to account — and ensure they deliver the change they’ve promised. My door is always open. Don’t hesitate to be in touch if you need assistance with a federal program, or if you just want to talk about how we can build a better community together. Happy Holidays and best wishes for 2016, Wayne Stetski MP Kootenay-Columbia

WE HOPE YOU

MERRY CHRISTMAS

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FULL OF FAMILY AND FUN.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

and a happy New Year!

From the Mayor, Council and staff of Box 159, 8866 Grainger Rd., Canal Flats, B.C. V0B 1B0 Ph: 250-349-5462 • Fax: 250349-5460 village@canalflats.ca

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A12 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 23, 2015 The Valley Echo

Seasons Greetings Christmas came early for four Columbia Valley non-profits Steve Hubrecht steve@invermerevalleyecho.com

Community Foundation total more than $16,000, with $1,000 going to the Columbia Valley Arts Council to help it purchase a point-of-sale and invenThe Kootenay Savings Credit Union tory management software system is getting into the festive season, and (replacing the current handwritten inhas been giving out donations and voices); $5,816 going to the Columbia grants to various regional organizaValley Community Foundation for its tions, including some here in the Upvarious projects; $5,000 to Greenways per Columbia Valley. to help build the Westside Legacy The credit union distributes the Trail; and $5,000 for Columbia Valley money through its Kootenay SavSearch and Rescue. ings Community Foundation and, The credit union established the last week, announced $23,000 in new Kootenay Savings Community Foungrants given to Kootenay organizadation in 2000 with the aim of suptions as well as a total donation of porting non-profit organizations and $50,000 to be shared among local educational, health and social projKootenay Community Foundations. Kootenay Savings Credit Union Invermere branch staff present Columbia Valley Search There were 16 groups in total that re- and Rescue with their $5,000 grant. Representing Kootenay Savings, from left to right, are ects. Since it started, it has given out ceived the funding, and four of them Fiona Stockley, Trish Raven, Amber Lutz and Terri Lightfoot. Representing Search and almost $4 million in various grants, are from the valley, including the Co- Rescue are Steve Talsma and Stephen Suh. Photo submitted endowments and bursaries. Projects or organizations seeking lumbia Valley Arts Council; the Greenways Trail Alliance; Columbia Valley Search and Rescue; and the Columbia Valley funding from the Kootenay Savings Community Foundation should apply through its website at www.kscu.com/Community/CommunityFoundation. There are two Community Foundation. Kootenay Savings community liaison Aron Burke said in a press release that the application deadlines each year: March 31st and September 30th. The Kootenay Savings Credit Union is a member-owned financial co-operative donations were “in keeping with the credit union’s proud tradition of investing in organization with branches throughout the Kootenay region, more than $1 billion the well-being of those that live, work and play in the Kootenay region.” The donations and grants to valley organizations from the Kootenay Saving in assets, more than 39,000 members and more than 200 employees.

Seasons Greetings

from everyone at the Invermere Campus College of the Rockies

From Our Family to Yours ...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Stuart and Rhiannon Tutty Stuart Tutty Financial Services Ltd.

Wednesday, December 23, 2015 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A13

Seasons Greetings Historical reads on wheels Breanne Massey breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com Vancouverite David Ellis opened up a new chapter of his life when he began travelling the province in a white van meticulously filled to the brim with First Nations historical books and documents to sell. He took over the destination-based book selling business from his father, Bill Ellis, nearly three decades ago. “I’ve been coming to Invermere for 24 years now to see schools and First Nations,” said David, noting he caters to both the Shuswap and Ktunaxa Nations as well as some of the schools in the Columbia Valley. “I have a huge collection for (the Columbia Valley), just like I do for all the small towns and First Nations in B.C. — the oldest, and rarest books.” David estimates that during a typical trip to sell books and documents, he travels with 1,200 items in stock with information that is specific to each area. However, he said that while “precision-book selling” might only take him on the road for about two months of the year, it’s a full-time job to acquire, sort and set up daily meetings within his province-wide network. “I take very precise trips,” he explained, “and it’s what they call ‘precision-book selling’ so every day I have an appointment — or two appointments — with all the books sorted out for each destination.” Previously, he has met with aq’am Community Councillor Marty Williams (a Ktunaxa community) and Shuswap Indian Band Chief Barbara Cote in the East Kootenay, along with many other First Nation community leaders throughout the province. He visits bookstores in every community and shops online to pick up new inventory to sell on his trips. Once he has amassed a new collection, David sets up a stock that is specific to each area at local Chambers of Commerce, public libraries or band offices. “When I’m moved in, I see the people and hopefully, they buy some books,” he explained, while expressing a strong desire to plan a sale in the Columbia Valley this spring. “I would like to have a pop-up sale at the library… with the help from the museum, we might be able to have a sale there for about three days.” However, David is waiting for safe driving conditions to make the journey from Vancouver to the Columbia Valley — as well as to hear from bookworms in the community to see if they’re interested in meeting with him. “It’s up to me to decide a date, but I don’t want to go there any time before March,” he said, while encouraging readers with an interest in his cause to contact him. To contact David by phone, call him at 604-222-8394 or 604-916-6081. For those who prefer to chat online, send David an email at davidellis@lightspeed.ca or visit the “David Ellis Bookseller” page on Facebook.

Season’s Greetings For your loyal support, we are deeply grateful.

Holiday Greetings With best wishes for a Merry Christmas! THANK YOU for visiting us this year!

David Ellis travels B.C. in a van selling historical First Nations books and documents. Above is text from the book The Publications of The Champlain Society: The Journal of Alexander Henry the Younger (1799-1814). Photos submitted

celebration never goes out of style arb

ayna & B

From D

Happiness Peace Hope Love

On Earth

Happy New Year

Happy Holidays!

Our heartfelt wishes for all of the valley!

Merry Christmas!

Thank you so much to all of our valued clients. Celebrate, relax and enjoy this holiday season!

Peace

Merry Christmas

The beauty of the winter season reminds us of how blessed we are in so many ways, including the friendship of neighbors like you.

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Wednesday, December 23, 2015 The Valley Echo

Seasons Greetings Valley’s mining history inspires a historical novel Steve Hubrecht steve@invermerevalleyecho.com A Wilmer man with an extensive mining background is busy writing a novel set during the great Kootenay silver rush. Al Farmer worked around the world and as a mining executive before deciding to settle down in the valley 15 years ago. He and his wife Patricia bought and renovated the St. Andrews Church in Wilmer, turning it into a home, before Al wrote a book about his experience in the gold industry and took up blogging. To cap it all off, Al is now writing a new book, about the valley’s mining past. Patricia and Al were living in Canmore when, during a trip to the valley, Patricia — who is an artist — saw the 110-year old St. Andrews Church and had a vision of renovating into a house. “She thought she could do something with it, and so six weeks later we were here in the valley,” said Al. “I doubt we’d take on a project like that (the church) now, but we were younger then. It was a lot of work, but it was also a lot of fun.” The Farmers — employing only local contractors from Wilmer and Invermere — enlarged the church and added on to it. “We made the new part look just like the old part, and even got the same kind of flooring,” said Al. “We made the new part just a decade and a half ago, but it sure looks like it’s been around a lot longer than that.” The couple even had to get two occupancy permits for the building — one for the new part and one for the old part. Not content to sit around once the house was finished, Al began working on a book — Sell the Pig: Stories of an Accidental Gold Miner — detailing his time running a gold mining company in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Sell the Pig was published in 2014.

Christmas Greetings to all our customers around the Globe from our staff (250) 342-6978

“It’s a look at how a mine was found, built and lost,” said Al. “There’s nothing like making a few millions and then losing a few millions.” The gold mine Al was involved with would eventually go on to produce more than 2.5 million ounces (70 million grams) of gold and make more than $100 million dollars. Since moving to the valley, Al has found no shortage of mining history here and it has inspired him to start work on a historical novel set in Wilmer more than a century ago, when the com- Above, St. Andrews Church (second building in from the back) in the middle of the munity — originally called Wilmer townsite in 1911 or 1912 (photo courtesy of the Windermere Valley MuPeterborough — was at the seum). Below, St. Andrews Church today — now the home of Al and Patricia Farmforefront of the Kootenay re- er. Al is writing a book inspired by the area’s mining history (photo submitted) gion’s silver mining boom. “I’m in the middle of it (the new book) right now. My last book was non-fiction and this is fiction, which is quite different. It was easy to get started, but now I’m on the third rewrite,” he said. The silver rush was at its height at about the same time the community changed its name, in 1902. Apparently having a small town called Peterborough in B.C. while at the same time having a larger town also called Peterborough in Ontario was cause for confusion in the Canadian postal system, so the postmistresses in Peterborough, B.C. was asked to come up with a new name for her community. See A15

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Wednesday, December 23, 2015 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A15 DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

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

IMAGINE INVERMERE COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY PLAN Seeking Members for The Imagine Invermere Implementation Committee The District of Invermere is looking for up to three (3) members of the public to volunteer for a two (2) year term to guide the implementation of the Imagine Invermere Integrated Community Sustainability Plan, (ICSP). Imagine Invermere (II) is the District of Invermere’s Integrated Community Sustainability Plan that was developed to provide guidance towards a sustainable and resilient future for our community. The II ICSP identifies community priorities and strategies which guide decisions and actions towards the sustainability goals. Membership on the committee will be for a two (2) year term from the date of appointment. To be eligible, you must be a resident of the District of Invermere. Successful candidates must possess a strong sense of community service, willingness to work respectfully as part of a team and have good communication skills. The Imagine Invermere ICSP Implementation Committee duties shall include:

Above, a historical photo of the Paradise Basin Mine buildings and below, the Delphine Lodge in Wilmer, which is still standing to this day. Photos courtesy of the Windermere Valley Museum VALLEY’S from A14 “At that time, everything, including the mail, came upriver from Golden on paddlewheel steamers. The mail got unloaded at Athalmer, which was called Salmon Flats then, and the postman would pick it up and bring it up to Peterborough. The postman’s name was Wilmer, so they would write Wilmer on all the mail going to Peterborough,” said Al. “So the postmistress decided just to rename the town Wilmer. That’s how Wilmer got its name. And so I decided to write a novel about what Wilmer was like then. I figured I could look up what I could and then make up the rest.” Delving into the valley’s silver mining history, Al has become familiar with some of that time period’s intriguing characters, and, in his opinion, perhaps none is as interesting as Delphine, a highly successful French Canadian female prospector.

“She was a big name around here, since she was a female prospector, which was not common at the time, and also because she was one of the first prospectors here to become really wealthy,” said Al, adding he has yet to ascertain if Delphine was her first name or last name. Both the Delphine Lodge in Wilmer and Delphine Creek (where her silver claim was located) were named after her. The silver boom in the Kootenays began in the mid to late 1880s, shortly after the Canadian Pacific Railway was finished. Prospectors eager to try their luck came by train to Golden, disembarked and then headed up the Columbia River. “You didn’t need to be a genius to find silver, you simply followed creeks and streams up to their sources and looked for streaks on the rocks in the area, which indicated that there may some kind of minerals — zinc, lead, silver — there,” said Al. “That’s how Delphine found her claim and if you go up the Delphine Creek you can still see the streaks on the rocks there.” Peterborough (Wilmer) quickly became a boom town as prospectors, eager to replicate Delphine’s success, flooded in and mines were established, with some (including the Mineral King and Paradise mines) lasting decades. The silver rush spread to other parts of the Kootenay region, creating other booms towns in Argenta, New Denver and, eventually the biggest find of all, the Sullivan Mine near Kimberley. “It wasn’t gold that made B.C. rich, it was silver, and it all started here with Delphine Creek,” said Al, adding that the Sullivan Mine in particular — which he said sits on a incredible silver, lead and zinc deposit — generated a phenomenal amount of wealth. Al does not have a projected publishing date for his new book, but, in the meantime, Sell the Pig can be purchased on www.amazon.ca.

• Recruiting community partners for Imagine Invermere and for meeting with existing partners to communicate success stories and to look for ways to move Invermere closer to its vision of sustainability; • Reviewing the action inventory priority list (a component of Imagine Invermere ICSP) and making recommendations for action implementation • Organizing local activities and actions that promote sustainability and or move Invermere closer to its vision of sustainability contained within the ICSP • Liaising with residents who wish to discuss Imagine Invermere and its constituent parts including its sustainability objectives, community priorities, strategy areas and associated descriptions of success statements, action inventory implementation and monitoring • Planning the monitoring and annual reporting on Imagine Invermere • Considering sustainability issues or concerns referred to it by Council Detailed terms of reference are available for review at the District office or at www.invermere.net The Imagine Invermere ICSP policy document is also available for review on the Districts web site or can be made available at the DOI oﬃce. Interested persons are invited to submit written applications on or before December 31, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. to: Chris Prosser, Chief Administrative Officer 914 – 8th Avenue Box 339, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Email: cao@invermere.net • Phone: 250-342-9281 ext 1225

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A16 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 23, 2015 The Valley Echo

KIJHL Standings

KIJHL WHL Standings

Rockies win two for two

Breanne Massey breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com EddIE MountaIn dIvISIon TEAM GP W x-Kimberley Dynamiters 33 26 Creston Valley T. Cats 32 19 Fernie Ghostriders 32 19 Col. Valley Rockies 35 19 Golden Rockets 34 4

L 4 10 10 16 27

T OT 0 3 1 2 0 3 0 0 1 2

PTS 55 41 41 38 11

GF/A +68 +39 +27 0 -107

S W1 L1 L1 W3 L3

nEIL MurdocH dIvISIon TEAM GP W x-B. Valley Nitehawks 32 24 Castlegar Rebels 32 21 G. Forks Border Bruins 35 15 Nelson Leafs 34 14 Spokane Braves 34 5

L 5 10 17 19 25

T OTL PTS 1 2 51 1 0 43 0 3 33 0 1 29 0 4 14

GF/A +57 +37 -29 -22 -82

S W7 L2 W1 L1 W1

doug BIrKS dIvISIon TEAM GP Kamloops Storm 36 100 Mile H. Wranglers 34 Chase Heat 32 Revelstoke Grizzlies 31 Sicamous Eagles 33

L 9 9 10 14 22

T OTL PTS 0 4 50 0 4 46 3 1 40 1 2 31 1 4 17

GF/A +26 +31 +21 0 -66

S W1 L1 L1 W1 W1

oKanagan dIvISIon TEAM GP W L T OTL PTS Osoyoos Coyotes 31 23 7 0 1 47 Summerland Steam 32 21 10 0 1 43 Kelowna Chiefs 33 16 14 2 1 35 N. Okanagan Knights 34 9 20 1 4 23 17 Princeton Posse 33 8 24 0 1

GF/A +58 +36 +3 -34 -63

S L1 W1 L2 W3 L1

Scoring Leaders Player Team 1. Rainer Glimpel OSO 2. Jason Richter KIM 3. Cole Keebler FER 4. Jared Marchi KIM 5. Alec Wilkinson CVT 6. Eric Buckley KIM 7. Jordan Busch KIM 8. Micheal Cardinal CVR 9. Zach Befus FER 10. Carson Cartwright CVT

PTS 50 49 48 47 47 46 45 43 41 40

PIM 32 4 10 18 28 77 26 73 41 22

W 23 21 18 14 6

GP 31 31 24 33 31 33 33 33 30 31

G 17 25 24 16 9 15 6 19 20 22

A 33 24 24 31 38 31 39 24 21 18

Goaltending Leaders (min. four games played) Player Team GAA SP W 1. Tallon Kramer BVN 1.75 .949 4 2. Jacob Mullen SUM 1.75 .936 10 3. Matthew Huber SUM 1.83 .926 10 4. Brett Soles OSO 1.89 .937 15 5. Tavin Grant KAM 1.90 .931 8 6. Tyson Brouwer KIM 1.94 .930 20 7. Joshua Tetlichi KEL 2.20 .913 6 8. Joseph Mcleod CGR 2.25 .934 13 9. Spencer Eschyschyn KAM 2.28 .910 11 10. Nic Bruyere CHA 2.29 .928 14

L 0 4 4 4 3 4 4 6 8 7

T 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 2

SO 0 0 6 3 1 5 3 5 3 1

x = clinched playoff spot *Does not include SIC at KEL (Sunday, Dec. 20)

cEntraL dIvISIon TEAM GP Rockies W L OTL trounce SL PTS GF/A S Rockets Red Deer Rebels 33 22 11 0 0 44 +27 W1 Calgary Hitmen 21 12 Rockies 1 1 44won +8 8-5 against W1 The Columbia35Valley the Golden Lethbridge Hurricanes 32 21 11 0 0 42 +33 W1 Rockets in the Golden Arena on Friday, December 18th. Edmonton Oil Kings 34 13 18 3 0 29 -20 L4 Medicine Hat Tigers 32 11 18 2 1 25 -26 W3 In spite there was no Kootenay Ice of two 34penalties 6 26 2 in0 the 14 first -80 period, L10

scoring done then, but the second made up for that with

EaSt dIvISIon TEAM GP the W ice. L OTL SL PTS GF/A S lots of action on Brandon Wheat Kings 32 19 10 1 2 41 +30 W1 Rockets player Andrew Dunn scored an Prince Albert Raiders 32 18 11 2 1 39 +1 L3unassisted goal Moose Jaw Warriors 31 16 10 4 1 37 +11 W1 to mark the start of14the was Regina Pats 33 15 2 game, 2 34 which -11 L1 promptly folSaskatoon Blades 30 11 16 3 0 25 -37 W1 lowed up with his teammates — Darion Nordick and Riley Swift Current Broncos 32 10 18 3 1 24 -25 L1

Barnes — moving down the ice for the Junior B team’s

B.c. dIvISIon second goal. GP W L OTL SL PTS GF/A TEAM S Kelowna Rockets 32 24 7 1 0 49 +35 W1 But Rockies player Nolan Menard scored Prince George Cougars 32 20 10 1 1 42 +19 W2 Victoria 20 10 Kellen 1 1 42 +37 L1 to Royals an assist 32 from Kamloops Blazers 29 15 10 3 1 34 +14 W3 Vancouver Giants which 33 10 19 2 the 2 24 -26 W1 Marchand, opened

gates for him. Mr. Menard u.S. dIvISIon TEAM GP W L OTL SL PTS used that success Seattle Thunderbirds 31 18to 11score 2 0 a38 Everett Silvertips 29 earning 17 10 0 the 2 36 natural hattrick, Spokane Chiefs 31 16 12 2 1 35 Portland Winterhawks 31 goals 15 16 0of the 0 30 team’s first three Tri-City Americans 32 13 18 1 0 27

GF/A +12 +16 0 +5 -23

S L2 W2 L2 L2 W2

Scoring Leaders Then, Rockies Player Teamplayer GP Colby G A 1. Sherlock Tyson Baillie scored KEL again, 32 bring21 33 2. Brayden Burke LET 32 8 40 the Rockies into a314-220lead25 3. ing Dryden Hunt MJW 4. Reid Gardiner PAR 32 20 24 against the Rockets. 5. Adam Brooks REG 33 16 28 6. Jon Martin St. Jean SCBbrought 30 26that17 Ryan 7. Brayden Point MJW 19 18 25 8. up Mathew SEA 25the 9sec-34 byBarzal to 5-2 before 9. Ivan Nikolishin RDR 33 18 24 10.ond Radelperiod Fazleev came CGY to an 33 end. 14 28

PTS 54 48 45 44 44 43 43 43 42 42

PIM 40 16 18 24 12 39 8 31 8 20

evening.

a goal, thanks

DuringLeaders the (min. third, Rockets Goaltending 600 min played) Player Team GAA SP W L OT SO Kelly,1.90 who.928 was17 1. players Carter Hart TravisEVT 9 2 6 2. assisted Ty Edmonds by Kyran PGC 2.17 .932 11 5 1 2 Karol and 3. Coleman Vollrath VIC 2.31 .916 16 Rockies 9 1 1 forwards Doan Smith (#17) and Micheal Cardinal (#21) were two of the goal4. Tanner Logan Thompson BWK .910 9 1 0 0 Wit, scored a2.38 goal. scorers in the home game against Creston on December 19th when the Rockies won 6-5. 5. Jackson Whistle KEL 2.62 .918 17 4 1 1 KuleSittler Rosolowski 6. Jayden LET quickly 2.69 .911fol- 9 5 0 1 Photo by Breanne Massey 7. Rylan Toth RDR 2.73 .909 17 9 0 2 suit with an assist from10 9 3 8. lowed Jordan Papirny BWK 2.77 .896 2 9. Mr. LoganKelley, Flodell bringing SEA 2.86 score .892 11 7 5-4 2 for 0 the Rockies. amount, they want to change the way they’re playing and the up to 10. Patrick Dea EDM 2.88 .905 10 12 2 0 *Does not includeplayer games from Wednesday, Dec. 16 scored the team’s next play the easier way which is not making simple, hard Rockies Kellen Marchand goal during a power play. The Rockets, then, scored their final goal before the Rockies stepped up to the task of winning the game. The night concluded with two more goals from the Rockies, the first scored by Doan Smith and the second scored by Harrison Davies, for the win.

Geoff Hill MaxWell Realty Invermere

250-341-7600

connect@geoffhill.ca Invermere-RealEstate.com

gest challenge at this point of the season is staying focused during the games. “We let them get back into it and it ended up being a game at the end, which it shouldn’t have been but at the end of the day, we got the two points at that’s huge.” During the first period, Rockies player Nick Hoobanoff scored a goal with assists from Micheal Cardinal and Nigel Swab, pushing the team into a 1-0 lead early on, but the Thunder Cats quickly tied up the game. Moving into the second, the Rockies scored three goals thanks to Colton Sandboe (who scored two goals during that period, including one during a power play) and one by Cardinal. During the third, the game got close. “I think teams have a tendency, when they’re up by that

Close game between Rockies and Thunder Cats The Columbia Valley Rockies narrowly beat the Creston Valley Thunder Cats 6-5 at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena on Saturday, December 19th. “We had a pretty good strangle hold in this game,” said Wade Dubielewicz, while saying the Junior B team’s big-

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Rank 81 81 83 83 85 85 85 88 88 88 91 92 93 93 95 95 97 97 97 97 97 102 102 102 105 105 107 107 109 109 111 111 111 114 114 116 117 117 119 120 120 122 123 123 123 126 126 128 129 129 129 132 133 134 135 136 136 136 136 140 141 142 142 142 142 146 146 148 148 150 151 151 153 153 155 156 157 158 159

Team RACO7 +2 Akisqnuk’s Rez Raiders +5 Sportsmom3 +4 Choda Boy + DQ 18 +3 Goalieguy +3 Sumokordic R.O.P +6 Duane G +2 KM 10 +2 Drinkin n Thinkin +2 Gama’s Guys 2 Gone Postal + FC 09 Hair Haven +3 Little fast guy +5 Tala’s Mom 2 “BOAT” Texas Mick 810 +2 Don43 +3 ZR 20 +2 Skeeter 31 +2 MRN31 +2 Last Call Young Guns +5 HSB +5 Brake Sticks 20 +3 Grampa 4 +2 Kelley Neale +3 Buster’s Rez Raiders I +3 Merrymen +2 Y-O-N-N-Y +2 Freddy Kruger +3 Berg’s Pens +3 Night Hawks +4 NH 08 +2 Philip on tacos + I’m Gonna Lose +3 WEG +3 Hair 3 +2 Lynal +2 JD Radium +4 Hockey Life 5 +3 Nolan “What” Watt +2 Life After Licic + Casss +6 N4CER +2 Nick was Here +3 Guessing Game Again +4 Rylie’s Mom +4 Moose Drool +3 NWT 1 +3 RGM 10 +6 Woodsy +2 Nelly +3 Buster’s Team +5 The Cuptenders +5 Spencer +5 BBD +3 White +3 Team Canada +2 20.20 luke +7 Gwen’s Gimmies +2 WR 15 +3 Sept 27/2015 +3 Wolpack 13 +6 Canucks Suck +2 M + L +7 Trich Monas + Lucky + Finnipeg +2 Westside Dan +2 Sumpkin +3 Y-lime +5 2010 Bruins + RT 04 +5 Crew Slut +6 Zacksmum +5 Anaphylaxis +4

Total 477 477 476 476 475 475 475 474 474 474 473 471 470 470 469 469 468 468 468 468 468 467 467 467 465 465 464 464 463 463 462 462 462 461 461 460 459 459 458 455 455 454 452 452 452 451 451 450 449 449 449 446 445 443 442 441 441 441 441 438 436 435 435 435 435 434 434 431 431 426 424 424 421 421 418 417 414 392 389

LW 37 40 36 36 41 41 57 44 50 37 44 43 44 41 42 46 45 44 44 37 37 39 39 47 33 47 43 34 42 38 36 43 43 37 39 41 41 40 42 41 38 45 37 41 41 41 37 47 37 38 40 43 43 42 39 40 36 32 36 37 35 34 31 38 44 35 41 25 31 37 32 26 34 35 39 36 23 35 27

GM 74 108 64 53 67 109 49 85 64 72 38 28 56 67 71 67 48 56 76 68 95 103 83 40 114 117 81 64 119 88 78 88 82 63 113 70 71 90 96 61 61 97 88 81 72 121 82 107 103 86 73 92 103 94 87 96 99 107 69 68 89 138 75 100 86 108 80 112 94 86 84 78 78 105 89 82 127 118 119

P/G 0.70 0.73 0.68 0.67 0.68 0.73 0.67 0.70 0.68 0.69 0.66 0.65 0.67 0.69 0.69 0.68 0.66 0.67 0.68 0.67 0.70 0.71 0.68 0.65 0.72 0.71 0.68 0.67 0.72 0.69 0.68 0.68 0.67 0.67 0.70 0.66 0.67 0.67 0.68 0.65 0.65 0.68 0.68 0.67 0.66 0.71 0.66 0.69 0.68 0.66 0.66 0.66 0.67 0.67 0.66 0.67 0.66 0.69 0.64 0.63 0.65 0.69 0.63 0.65 0.65 0.67 0.65 0.66 0.64 0.64 0.62 0.63 0.62 0.64 0.63 0.61 0.65 0.60 0.61

A18 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, December 23, 2015 The Valley Echo

GAME

CLUES ACROSS 1. Russian rulers (alt. sp.) 6. Swedish krona 9. Apothecaries’ unit 13. MN 55121 14. Longer forearm bone 15. Prosperous state of well-being 16. Largest Czech city (alt. sp.) 17. Moss genus larger than Bryum 18. ____ Marie Presley 19. White native of Cape Province 21. Took the same position 22. About Sun 23. Respectful (abbr.) 24. Southeast 25. Rocket launching platform 28. Stake 29. Innermost parts 31. Bowfin genus 33. Past it’s prime 36. Valleys on moon 38. Cheer 39. Abrupt response 41. Leave in disgrace 44. Israeli politician Abba 45. Of an ecological sere 46. Former Kansas Sen. Dole 48. Very fast airplane 49. Blood group 51. This moment 52. Body cavity 54. Patrician 56. Exposing to ridicule 60. Beowulf’s people 61. Gooseberry genus 62. Ali __ & the Forty Thieves 63. A French abbot 64. In a way, nailed 65. His equation predicted antimatter 66. Smaller quantity 67. Danish krone 68. Heartbeat

17. Moundbird 20. Orange-brown antelope 21. Flocks of mallards 23. Hall of Fame (abbr.) 25. Golf score 26. Friends (French) 27. Pickling herbs 29. In a way, dwelt 30. Pierces forcefully 32. Estranges 34. Shooting marble 35. Amounts of time 37. Register formally 40. Explosive 42. Kanza people, ____ Nation 43. Symbolize Shakti 47. Burdock seed vessel 49. Wild sheep of central Asia 50. Am. naturalist Charles Wm. 52. A fencing sword 53. Romanian city straddling the Cibin River 55. Small talks 56. Not well 57. Astronomer Sagan 58. Overgarments 59. Twist together 61. Radioactivity unit 65. Double play

Answers to last week

CLUES DOWN 1. Used for insect sterilization 2. Arabian coffee cup 3. Culture medium & a food gelling agent 4. Finger millets 5. Tin 6. More guileful 7. Tree gnarl 8. Force into place 9. Drawn 10. Sudden attack 11. Donkeys 12. George Gordon __ 14. Behaving in an artificial way

W eekend WEATHER Friday December 25 Mainly sunny Temp: -7oC o

Feels like -9 C

Low: -13oC

Saturday December 26 Mainly sunny Temp: -7oC o

Feels like -11 C

Low: -10oC

Sunday December 27 Mainly sunny Temp: -7oC o

Feels like -8 C

Low: -10oC

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Think about ideas for the future if what you are doing right now does not seem very exciting to you, Aries. A new plan of attack can reinvigorate your motivation.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, a new perspective could help you see that things you thought were a big deal are really mole hills instead of mountains, and that’s an important lesson to learn.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, expect to spend some money this week. Just how much you will spend depends on your ability to find the best bargains and discounts.

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, focus your energy on home-related projects. Procrastination is your enemy in these circumstances and can staunch any productivity you may have achieved..

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, learn how to deal with conflict in a productive way. Otherwise you may be stressed out and full of angst for no reason at all.

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 It can be frustrating when others do not seem to understand your motives, Capricorn. Don’t feel pressured to change your way of doing things, especially if it’s working.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, there is a way out of every situation, even if it seems like all exits are blocked. Swallow your pride if need be and accept the help of others when it’s offered.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Somehow you always manage to pull through even with a ton of things on your plate, Libra. Even though you are successful, remember to schedule some downtime once in awhile.

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, something you have been looking forward to for some time is about to happen. It has been a long time coming but entirely worth it. Enjoy the ride.

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, you will be getting a lot of help with a special project, so expect it to go quite smoothly. Just be sure to pay back the favor when you can.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 Don’t get caught daydreaming too much this week, Scorpio. People at work may think you’re not serious about your efforts when nothing could be further from the truth.

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, stick up for yourself when you need to. You are your biggest advocate, and you will present a strong front when feeling secure.

Wednesday, December 23,December 2015 The The Valley Echo Wednesday, 23,Valley 2015 Echo

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Found: In Dry Gulch. Came to ICAN’s attention in late Oct. Beautiful silver grey short hair tabby. Intact adult male. Very friendly. Call ICAN 250-3417888

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Thank you! FORTIN, Lorraine –1930 - 2015 Frank Fortin and his family would like to thank Dr. Fiona McLelland and the staﬀs of Piccadilly Care Centre and Shuswap Lake General Hospital for their kind and compassionate care of Lorraine and support of our family. We also thank all the family and friends for sharing our sorrow and oﬀering heartfelt support. Your kindnesses were appreciated and will always be remembered.

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Place of Worship

Valentine, Anthony August 17th,1931 – December 13th, 2015 Tony died peacefully at home surrounded by loving family at age 84. Born and raised in Toronto, he completed his education at Ryerson Institute of Technology and the University of Toronto and went on to a successful career in construction project management. Tony was dedicated to family and friends and enjoyed nothing better than sharing good food, drink and time with them. During their lives and wherever they lived, Tony and Ruth gathered around them a network of friends and community beyond compare. Your friendship, love and support is cherished.

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

Tony loved the outdoors, either capturing it on canvas or being active. Earlier days included canoe trips in Algonquin Park with his great friends and life on Healey Lake. To the end he was an avid golfer, fisherman, skier and artist. Tony is survived by Ruth, his loving and devoted wife of 61 years; children Karen Valentine (Ted Braun), Kathy Valentine (John Frazer), Ken Valentine; grandchildren Caitlin Braun, Thea Braun, Brandon Best, Casey Best, Sara Valentine, Alexis Valentine, Samuel Valentine, and Emily Frazer; his sister Shirley Robinson (Paul Robinson) and nephews Michael Robinson (Shannon Robinson) and Tim Robinson (Elizabeth Plowright). Tony was predeceased by his granddaughter Rhiannon Valentine. As per his wishes a send-off and celebration golf tournament will take place in Spring 2016, once the greens thaw out. In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Tony’s involvement in the community, donations of remembrance may be made either to the charity of your choice or to the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary, Box 571, Invermere, B.C., V0A 1K0 to support ongoing improvement of health care services in the valley. Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com

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Place of Worship

hurCh SERVICES erviCeS DIRECTORY ireCtory CHURCH ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN MISSION MISSIoN OF oF INVERMERE 100 - 7th Ave., Invermere 250-426-7564 Pastor Rev. David Morton Worship Services Sundays 1:30 p.m. Christ Church Trinity, Invermere Invermere

RADIUM CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF oF JESUS FELLOWSHIP CHRIST OF oF LATTER LATTERFELLoWSHIP DAY SAINTS #4 - 7553 Main Street W, ANGLICAN-UNITED Radium 5014 Fairway, 250-342-6633 Fairmont Hot Springs 100-7th Ave., Invermere Confession: 1/2 hr. before Mass 250-347-6334 250-341-5792 250-342-6644 Canadian Martyrs Church 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, a.m. Worship, Every Every Sunday:10:30 Sunday:10:30 a.m. Sundays, 9 a.m. Worship Services Bible Studies Children and Youth Sunday School Children and Youth Sunday School Sundays St. Joseph’s Church Wednesdays, at Wednesdays, 7 p.m. at 10:30 10:30 a.m a.m at at Christ Christ Church Church 10 a.m. -- 1 10 a.m. 1 p.m. p.m. Hwy. Trinity, Hwy. 93-95, 93-95, Radium Radium Hot Hot Trinity, Invermere Invermere Kids’ Church Kids’ Church Springs Springs 1st Edgewater Hall 1st and and 3rd 3rd Sunday, Sunday, March March -- Dec. Dec. 99 Edgewater Hall Sundays, 11 a.m. a.m. Sundays, 11 a.m. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. p.m. a.m. at at All All Saint’s, Saint’s, Edgewater Edgewater Thursdays, 6:30 St. Anthony’s Mission St. Anthony’s Mission 2nd 2nd Sunday, Sunday, 77 p.m.: p.m.: June June -- Oct. Oct. at at Loving Corner Loving God, God, Corner of of Luck Luck and and Dunn, Dunn, St.Peter’s Windermere Loving Canal St.Peter’s Windermere Loving People People Canal Flats Flats Saturdays, 4:30 p.m. p.m. Saturdays, 4:30 WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY

ROMAN RoMAN CATHOLIC CATHoLIC CHURCH 250-342-6167 Pastor: Father Gabriel

LAKE WINDERMERE VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY ALLIANCE CHURCH 326 - 10th Ave., Invermere 4814 Hwy. Drive, 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 th th Sunday is Worship December 2024 10:30 a.m. December 2 p.m. Services “Mountain Top” Second Sunday of Advent 10 a.m. Worship & Word Christmas eve Worship and Life Instruction Kid’s 6 p.m. -“ Candlelight” “Advent LOVE (God)” Kid’s Church Provided 7 Christmas eve “Moore Advent Pastor Matt 7 p.m. p.m. Dec. Dec. 24th: 24th: CHRIST” Pastor Trevor Ministering. Christmas Christmas Eve Eve Service Service at at KIDS Church, for children age 3 Hagan ministering at Lake Valley Valley Christian Christian Assembly Assembly - Grade 1; and Grade 2-7, during Windermere Alliance Church 4814 Drive the morning service. 4814 Highway Highway Drive 8:15 p.m. Christmas Eve in Sharing Truth Sharing Truth the “ Great Hall” Panorama Showing Showing Love Love Following Following the the Spirit Spirit

A20 A20 invermerevalleyecho.com www.invermerevalleyecho.com Employment Business Opportunities 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 THE S&A Group is currently looking for a professional and eager Administrative Assistant for a rapidly expanding company in Vancouver,BC! -Data Entry -Schedule meetings Answer and direct phone calls -Prepare scheduled reports -Filing, faxing, scanning, email correspondences -Strong use of Microsoft Office and other office management systems Job Requirements - -Must have Microsoft office experience -1-2+ years administrative assistant experience -Provide exceptional customer service -Must have good organization skills -Multi-task in a fast working environment -Must have experience in Excel -Must be able to pass a full background check -Must be computer literate Starting Pay is $27.00 - $29.00 p/hour. Paid Holidays and benefits after 90 days. Please send your resume to : daveclaerhout11@hotmail.com

Education/Trade Schools HEALTHCARE DOCUMENTATION Specialists in huge demand. Employers prefer CanScribe graduates. A great work-from-home career! Contact us now to start your training day. www.canscribe.com. Call 1-800-466-1535. Email: info@canscribe.com. START A new career in Graphic Arts, Healthcare, Business, Education or Information Tech. If you have a GED, call: 855-670-9765

Merchandise for Sale

Rentals

Trades, Technical

Misc. for Sale 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.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT 1-800-5666899 Ext:400OT.

Heavy Duty Machinery

Apt/Condo for Rent

WATKIN MOTORS Ford, Vernon, B.C. immediately requires an experienced Ford Diesel Technician. Go to watkinmotors.com About us, Employment, to apply and review required qualifications.

Employment

SUTCO seeks US qualified drivers for Super B flat deck division. We offer e logs, benefits, matched contribution pension plan, late model equipment and more. Apply; on line at sutco.ca, email careers@sutco.ca or fax (778)754-4025

Services

Financial Services INCOME TAX PROBLEMS? Have you been audited, reassessed or disallowed certain claims by Canada Revenue Agency? Call Bob Allen @ 1250-542-0295 35yrs. Income Tax experience, 8.5yrs. with Revenue Canada. Email: r.gallen@shaw.ca C- 250-938-1944

Business/Ofﬁce Service HAVE YOU been denied Canada Pension Plan disability benefits? The Disability Claims Advocacy Clinic can help you appeal. Call 1-877-793-3222 www.dcac.ca info@dcac.ca

Become a GREEN SHOPPER!

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!

Professional/ Management

Firewood/Fuel

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

TWO storey condo for rent in Radium Hotsprings ,3 bedrm, 2 bath, fully furnished. $1000/month. Incl utili. Available Jan 2016. Email bu s s i r @ s h aw. c a . Call4038095445

Firewood for sale Delivery available in the Columbia Valley. Please call Mason: 250-345-2171

Help Wanted

Commercial/ Industrial Invermere: Storage space downtown, secure, dry, available January 2016. Please call Sharon at 250-688-1365

Help Wanted

Become a Super hero!

Train Now for Your Career Tomorrow

Talk to us today to find out more about free employment services. You may be eligible for... x x x x

Donate!

Career and Essential Skills Assessments Funding for Skills Training or Short-Term Courses Work Placements Other Financial Supports

Let us help you find work and get employed ! We offer a range of services from self-serve to focused, one-on-one support. A: 2 - 1 3 1 3 7 t h A v e , I n v e r m e r e P : 3 4 1 - 6 8 8 9 / 1 - 8 5 5 - 6 5 1 - 3 0 2 7

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Help Wanted Swimming Pool Operator in Fairmont Area. Part-time contract position from midJune to mid-September. Apply via email to csfoote@shaw.ca

Wednesday, December 23, 23, 2015 The Valley Wednesday, December 2015 The ValleyEcho Echo

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

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Household Services KOOTENAY DUCT CLEANERS Locally owned & operated. Affordable, professional, & insured Duct Cleaning Services & System Sterilizations. Toll free 1.844.428.0522 FREE Estimates

Plumbing

WHATSHAN Retreat is accepting resumes for Caretakers (April 1-Oct 31, 2016). Closing date December 31, 2015. Send to tammy.veriginburk @gmail.com. www.whatchan.com.

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

Help Wanted

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www.bcchf.ca

Wednesday, December 23, 2015 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A21

COMMUNITY

‘Take A One Night Stand Against Cancer’

CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY Southern Interior Region — Cranbrook Office The Canadian Cancer Society is asking residents of the Southern Interior to “Take A One Night Stand Against Cancer.” This campaign encourages people to generously cover the cost of a one-night stay at the Society’s Southern Interior Rotary Lodge for someone fighting cancer. The Society subsidizes the full cost of a night at the lodge so that guests only need to pay $50 per night, plus applicable taxes. For qualifying clients, the fee is covered through the Society’s Financial Support Program. From October 31st, 2014 to October 31st, 2015, residents from the East Kootenay have stayed 1,991

nights at the lodge. Windermere Valley residents accounted for 125 of these nights, while Golden and Revelstoke residents accounted for 137 and 133 of these nights respectively. The average stay at the lodge is about six nights, but often, stays can extend three to six weeks. That’s a long time to be away from home. “With support from people all across the Southern Interior, we are able to provide affordable accommodations for people with cancer and their caregivers,” explained Lori Stevenson, Team Lead of Annual Giving for the Canadian Cancer Society (B.C. and Yukon). “The lodge provides welcoming, comfortable accommodations, with three hot meals and snacks daily and is a home away from home for people fighting cancer. For just $100, people can generously

cover the cost of a night at the Society’s lodge for someone in need of accommodations during cancer treatment.” “With the public’s support of our Take A One Night Stand Against Cancer campaign, we can give patients the comfort they need so they can focus on getting better,” added Stevenson. “Staying at the Rotary Lodge gave me an opportunity to spend time with people who understood my worries and supported me. It was one of the best decisions I made,” said Shelley B. of Cranbrook. To support this initiative, please visit www.cancer. ca/takeastand, drop into your local Cancer Society office, or mail your donation to Take A Stand, Canadian Cancer Society, 19 – 9th Avenue S, Cranbrook BC V1C 2L9.

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

2005 — Grade 3 Martin Morigeau student Layne Gertner shows off his freshly completed Christmas window ornament. ECHO FILE PHOTO

years ago (1960): The Valley Echo printed a special Christmas edition with plenty of holiday trivia. Perhaps the most intresting story detailed the history of Christmas mince meat pies during the Reformation period in England. Prior to the Reformation holiday mince meat pies were rectanglar, to represent the manager, and often contained a little figurine of Jesus. When Puritans came to power this practice was deemed sacreligious and meat pies were banned. Eventually holiday meat pies returned many years later, but they came back in round form, with no figurines.

years ago (1970): The Valley Echo once again published a Christmas special edition that included virtually no news, but contained a heartfelt holiday greeting. The message wished not only for readers’ days to be merry and bright, but for the waters of Lake Windermere to be calm and the fish to be plentiful in the coming new year.

years ago (1975): Radium Hot Springs taxpayers voted decisively in favour of a proposed new sewer system for the community. The new system was projected to cost $625,000. Of the 98 votes cast, 73 were in favour of the new sewer system, and 25 were against it.

years ago (1980): The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) held a referendum in RDEK Area F and RDEK Area G, on allowing businesses to be open on Sundays and holidays. The residents of those areas voted overwhelming in favour of having business open their doors for Sunday and holiday shopping.

years ago (1995): A three-person committee set up to determine pay rates for the next Invermere council, decided the next council should have a substantial pay raise. The next mayor was to get a 30 per cent pay raise to $10,000 a year and

the councillors to get a 55 per cent raise to $6,000 a year. Committee members Leo Kienitz, Laura Green and Grace Chabot said they voted to increase compensation after learning the pay for Invermere municipal officials was drastically lower than in most other B.C. municipalities

years ago (2000): In a display of unChristmas-like spirit, a thief stole two GT snowracers from a home in Invermere. The sleds had been sitting outside freshly waxed and waiting for snow.

years ago (2005): The Canadian nodic ski team spent three days unwinding between World Cup races at Nipika Mountain Resort. The national team included two locals — Panorama resident Beckie Scott and Toby Benches resident Sara Renner — getting ready to ski in the upcoming 2006 Turin Olympics.

A22 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 23, 2015 The Valley Echo

LIFESTYLES

Winter holiday breakfast with a twist

dragon fruit and passion, or so many of us, when From CRATCH RATCH which that are all in season it comes to the Christat the moment. mas holidays, we are so exHave something baked hausted that we find it hard without all the hassle of to get out of bed. The daily baking. I know, this sounds hustle and bustle of our evlike an oxymoron, but here eryday lives gets jolted by is a great tip: make your Christmas spirit — cleandough the night before ing, entertaining, being enARA (muffin mixes work best), tertained, concerts, shopC and line your tins so all ping, volunteering, working, you have to do in the mornchildren’s activities. I, for one, LOVE winter mornings when I do ing is turn on the oven and fill the tins. not have to be anywhere or do anything While these are baking, you are enjoying and can just relax while enjoying my your first cup of coffee of the morning. morning coffee over a good magazine. Have your breakfast main ready to reThen it hits me — guests coming over, heat. Remember, you are relaxing today children to feed and I would really en- and it’s OK to re-heat something you joy something more than my morning made the night before. Dishes like panoatmeal. My “trick” is prepare the night cakes, crepes, a strata, frittata and even before so I can have my dreamy, relax- French toast all re-heat well. The recipe below is my new “go-to,” ing morning. Set the table the night before. You will adapted from a recipe on the Pillsbury not believe how nice it is to wake up in website, but it’s much better with the butter pastry or even phyllo. Instead of the morning to see this! Make a fruit salad, which always looks the salsa and cilantro, it’s fantastic with beautiful and tastes amazing. It can be marmalade or maple syrup drizzled on made the night before (just leave out it. It is also fabulous with goat’s cheese the bananas until just before eating) and prosciutto instead of bacon. It is and sprinkle with some lemon juice to what I call a showstopper breakfast dish keep fruit from turning brown. Add in- — it always gets rave reviews and is alteresting fruits like pomegranate seeds, ways requested in my household!

L M CORMACK

A division of

BACON, EGG & CHEESE WREATH Ingredients: 4 slices bacon, cut in half crosswise 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon milk 4 eggs, slightly beaten Salt and pepper, if desired 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper 1 package of butter pastry 1 cup shredded cheese — your choice chopped fresh cilantro, if desired 1 cup of your favourite salsa, if desired Directions: Heat oven to 375° F. Line large cookie sheet with cooking parchment paper. In 10-inch skillet, cook bacon over medium heat about 4 minutes or until cooked, but not crisp, turning once. (It will continue to cook in oven.) Set bacon aside; drain all except 2 teaspoons bacon drippings from skillet. In medium bowl, beat 1/3 cup of the milk, the eggs, salt and pepper with fork or whisk until well mixed. Stir in bell pepper. Pour egg mixture into skillet. As mixture heats, portions of eggs will begin to set. Gently push cooked portions with metal spatula to outside edge of skillet. Avoid stirring constantly. As more egg sets, push it to the edge and place it on

top of the already set egg mixture. Cook 5 to 6 minutes or until eggs are thickened throughout but still moist. Unroll dough; cut into 8 triangles. On parchment-lined cookie sheet, arrange triangles with shortest sides toward centre, overlapping in star shape and leaving 4-inch round circle open in center. Dough points may hang over edge of cookie sheet. Press overlapping dough to flatten. Place bacon on each of the triangles. Sprinkle 1/3 cup of the cheese onto widest part of dough. Spoon eggs over cheese. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup of the cheese. Pull points of triangles over eggs and cheese, and tuck under dough to form ring (filling will be visible). Carefully brush dough with remaining 1 tablespoon milk; sprinkle with remaining 1/3 cup cheese. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until deep golden brown. Cool 2 minutes. With broad spatula, carefully loosen ring from cookie sheet; slide onto serving platter. Garnish with cilantro and salsa. Wishing you a delicious, loving, peaceful and joyful holiday season and may your 2016 be filled with great food, friends and health! Lara McCormack is a co-owners of From Scratch – A Mountain Kitchen in Fairmont.

#UsedHelps

Wednesday, December 23, 2015 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A23

LOCAL NEWS

SNOWPLOW from A7

Radium parking bylaw approved

way to quickly clear wide areas so we want to remind drivers to stay behind these plowing operations and to not try to pass. • Snow plows, salt or sand trucks throw up snow and spray making it difficult to see. Snow plows have limited visibility and operators cannot see directly behind their trucks. • If a snowplow is approaching in oncoming trafﬁc, pull to the right as much as possible and slow down to avoid being hit by winter abrasives. • Please give road crews room to do their work. • Remember the road surface ahead of the plow hasn’t been plowed yet, therefore please slow down and be patient. The operator will eventually pull over and let you pass safely. • Please SLOW DOWN, drive to the conditions, and increase the distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. Call Mainroad’s 24-hour hotline at 1-800-665-4929 to report accidents and unsafe road conditions.

BREANNE MASSEY breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com The Village of Radium Hot Springs unanimously approved Bylaw No. 416, 2015 at the regular Wednesday, December 16th council meeting with an option to amend the motion to regulate traffic and parking in the municipality’s future. “As a general overview, I think it’s important to point out that the need for a parking bylaw was identified as part of our strategic planning session… and here it is,” said Mark Read, Village of Radium Hot Springs chief administrative officer. “The primary issue with our former bylaw was that it was very, very rudimentary. I think it was passed in 1991 so there was really just a lack of clearly defined regulation and a lack of tools for staff to enforce what we

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perceived as necessary for parking on the streets. This is really just a modernized version.” He informed council that some municipalities offered similar bylaws that varied between 80 and 100 pages in length. “So, I tried not to go overboard with details, but at the same time, I tried to give us tools and regulations to deal with some of the issues that we have been dealing with,” he explained. “The bylaws have been reviewed by a local bylaw officer and the superintendent, they both gave it the thumbs up. There’s a possibility that we may have missed some issues in here and I think, as time goes on, we can amend the bylaw.” Council agreed that parking for commercial vehicles has been a challenge, but this will be worked on as a zoning plan for Radium is being developed in the new year.

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A24 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 23, 2015 The Valley Echo

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - it all adds up!

Holiday Recycling

Recycling Basics Wrapping Paper - all paper based wrapping paper can be recycled in the yellow bins or Invermere’s blue bag program. Foil based papers cannot be recycled and should be thrown in the garbage if they can’t be saved and reused. Please consider paper based paper when purchasing gift wrap. Ribbons & Bows - cannot be recycled. They can be reused or put in the garbage. Aluminum Pie Plates & Roasters - cannot be recycled in the Columbia Valley. The only recycling depot for tin roasters, foil etc is the Cranbrook Bottle Depot. Cardboard Boxes - all cardboard and boxboard (like cracker and cereal boxes) are recyclable. Please flatten them to conserve space in the bin or blue bag. Tin Cans - all tin food and beverage cans can be recycled. They must be rinsed out. Labels can be left on if they are difficult to remove. Styrofoam - Even though Styrofoam is marked with a #6, it is NOT recyclable in our program. The only place in the East Kootenay that Styrofoam can be recycled is the Cranbrook Bottle Depot. Plastics - all plastics with the triangular recycling symbol and number between 1 and 6 (except Styrofoam) can be recycled in the yellow bins or Invermere’s blue bag program. They must be clean and every piece of plastic must be numbered. Lids often are a different type of plastic, and if there is no number on the item, it goes in the garbage if it can’t be reused. Plastics Not Accepted: • #7 plastics, dirty plastics, plastics with no number. They go in the garbage if they can’t be reused.

On December 25th alone, over 30 million bags of garbage will be thrown out of Canadian households.

Holiday Hours COLUMBIA VALLEY LANDFILL December 24 9:00am-3:00pm December 25 Closed December 26 9:00am-6:00pm December 31 9:00am-3:00pm January 1 Closed All other days, the Landfill will be open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.

COLUMBIA VALLEY RDEK OFFICE The RDEK Columbia Valley Office is open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm (closed 12pm to 1pm). During the holiday season, the only change to those regular hours is as follows: December 24 December 25 December 28 December 29 December 31 January 1 January 4

8:30am-3:00pm (closed 12pm-1pm) Closed Closed 8:30am-4:30pm (closed 12pm-1pm) 8:30am-3:00pm (closed 12pm-1pm) Closed 8:30am-4:30pm (closed 12pm-1pm)

Batteries

One of the items people seem to stock up on at this time of year is batteries. Both alkaline and rechargeable batteries are recyclable. The following locations in Invermere accept batteries: Home Hardware, Rona - Northstar Hardware, Selkirk Cellular & Office Supplies, and The Source

Glass Recycling

Glass goes in the yellow bins marked GLASS ONLY. The ONLY glass accepted for recycling is container glass. That means jam jars, salsa jars, wine bottles, olive oil bottles, etc. NO other glass (including dishes or drinking glasses) is accepted. If in doubt, please leave it out. Glass bins are located at the Columbia Valley Landfill, Edgewater Post Office, Fairmont Transfer Station, Invermere Industrial Park, Invemere Bottle Depot, and Radium Liquor Store

Electronics Recycling The electronics & small appliance recycling depot for the Columbia Valley is: Invermere Bottle Depot 133 Industrial Rd. #2 Phone: 250-342-7272 Hours: Tues-Fri 9:00am-4:00pm Sat 1 10:00am-4:00pm They accept • Televisions • Stereos, MP3 players Discman • Computers & peripherals • Earphones (keyboard, mouse) • Microphones • Monitors • Telephones • Fax machines • Speakers • DVD/VHS players • Radios • Scanners • Cable, satellite and PVR boxes

2016 Board Meetings The 2016 RDEK Board Meetings will be held as follows: January 8 February 12 March 4 April 1 May 6 June 10

July 8 August 5 September 2 October 7 November 4 December 2

For more information, contact the RDEK at 1-888-478-7335