Invermere Valley Echo, April 20, 2016 by Black Press Media Group

ALLEY CHO

The Invermere

Local farmers reap Slow Food reward

Conservation area cleared by volunteers

05 INCLUDES GST

Groundswell’s operations manager Patsy Lussier (left) and education co-ordinator Ally Candy display bags of the delicious produce grown at the Community Greenhouse. Community gardening beds are still available for rent. See page 8 for details. PHOTO BY BREANNE MASSEY

PUBLICATIONS MAIL REGISTRATION NO. 7856

RDEK invoices MMBC for lack of service STEVE HUBRECHT steve@invermerevalleyecho.com The Regional District of East Kooteany (RDEK) is sending a large bill to Multi-Material BC (MMBC), charging the organization for recycling services the RDEK says it had to do on MMBC’s behalf. The RDEK board of directors voted unanimously at their Thursday, April 7th governance and regional services meeting to send a $764,000 invoice to MMBC for costs the RDEK incurred collecting and processing recyclable materials identified in the Recycling Regulation of B.C. as part of the Packaging and Printed Paper Stewardship Plan operated by MMBC. The MMBC organization took over responsibility for most recycling programs in B.C. in May 2014, and ever since local officials and residents have been pointing to the drop in recycling

in rural part of the province, including it, we decided to bill MMBC for the here in the East Kootenay. cost that we are incurring. We’ll see “When MMBC came out, the rural what happens next,” said RDEK Area F communities were upset because director and vice-chair Wendy Booth, what they were proposing wasn’t go- who was not present at the meeting. ing to meet our needs,” said Radium The request for a decision by the diHot Springs mayor Clara Reinhardt, rectors on the matter was written by adding that the RDEK directors are not RDEK environmental services mantruly expecting the ager Kevin PaterWe’re mostly trying invoice to be paid. son and outlines “We’re mostly that, prior to May to get people’s trying to get peo- attention and show that 2014, MMBC told ple’s attention and the RDEK that its one size doesn’t fi t all show that one size yellow bin program doesn’t fit all when when it comes to recycling would “not fit” the it comes to recy- programs. MMBCs service CLARA REINHARDT model. cling programs,” MAYOR, RADIUM HOT SPRINGS she said. In the yellow bin “The RDEK has consistently and con- program, 739 large yellow dumpster tinually been in touch with MMBC and bins are placed in East Kootenay the Minister of Environment about the communities, usually near businesslack of service that we have received es, schools or in other prominent loin our region. Essentially, we want the cations, for commercial, residential, service, and since we are not getting industrial and institutional use to col-

lect recyclable materials. “The RDEK was not permitted to engage with MMBC in any contract negotiations for service delivery. MMBC subsequently issued a request for proposals whereby only one submission was received. Because the submission was considered to be too expensive, no service was provided to to the residents of the Kootenay region,” wrote Paterson. “To date, the only East Kootenay location funded by MMBC is operated out of the Cranbrook bottle depot. The RDEK has maintained recycling services to its residents through continued taxation and provision of the yellow bin program.” Reinhardt said that RDEK staff calculated how much of its yellow bin waste was coming from residential sources and consequently how much was spent by the RDEK on work MMBC was supposed to do. See A3

Final Cinefest Film for the season What does ART mean to you?

Tuesday April 26th at 7 pm

Grandma

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

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PYNELOGS!

1914 - 2014

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS

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Y E L AL

Wednesday, April 20, 2016 The Valley Echo

SQUARED AWAY... The Hip To Be Square old-time dance featuring the Kootenay Stringbenders band and dance caller Leslie Gotfrit (far right) kept heart rates up at the Lions Hall on Saturday, April 16th. The event travels throughout the region, having previously held dances in Kimberley, Canmore and Fernie. Saturday night was its first time in Invermere. PHOTO BY BREANNE MASSEY

Snapshot

LOCAL NEWS

Invermere financial statements show large surplus for 2015 STEVE HUBRECHT steve@invermerevalleyecho.com Invermere council resolved to accept last year’s financial statements at its most recent council meeting. During the Monday, April 11th meeting, accounting company BDO representative Harley Lee gave a brief presentation to council on the statements, which council then resolved to accept with little discussion, as council members had already reviewed the statements at a Committee of the Whole meeting earlier in the day. “It’s a good report and that’s what we strive for,” said Coun. Greg Anderson, thanking Lee for his auditing and Invermere chief financial officer Karen Cote

for her diligent efforts in preparing the statements. The statements outline financial assets of $15.8 million and liabilities of $14.3 million, for total net financial assets of $1.5 million. In addition, the district has tangible capital assets (items including building and equipment) worth $75 million. In terms of revenue, the district reported a total of more than $9.1 million in 2015, which included $4 million coming in from municipal taxes; $1.4 million from provincial grants; $89,000 from regional grants; $363,000 from service, penalties and interest charges; $397,000 from contributions from developers and others; $857,000 from water services; $1.1 million from sewer services; $125,000 from interest income; $70,000 from a Municipal Finance Authority actuarial adjustment; and $698,000 from other revenue.

Geoff Hill

MaxWell Realty Invermere

250-341-7600

connect@geoffhill.ca Invermere-RealEstate.com

The district’s total expenses for 2015 were more than $8.1 million, including general government services of almost $1.4 million; protective services of a bit more more than $1 million; transportation services of $1.3 million; environmental health expenses of a bit more than $300,000; public health and welfare expenses of $46,000; $570,000 for community development; $1.1 million for recreation and cultural services; $1.2 million for water operating and administration; and more than $1 million for sewer operating and administration. Invermere’s actual $9.1 million in revenue in 2015 was higher than the budgeted $8 million, and its actual expenses of $8.1 million were lower than the budgeted $8.5 million, which left the district with an annual surplus of a more than $1 million.

Got something to say? Send your comments and letters to: editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, April 20, 2016 The Valley Echo

OCAL

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EWS

Smoke from grass fires sparks complaints STEVE HUBRECHT steve@invermerevalleyecho.com Invermere bylaw officer Mark Topliff’s monthly report ignited brief discussion at the most recent Invermere council meeting about people burning grass in spring. Topliff’s March bylaw report mentioned there had been two complaint calls about smoke caused by burning grass and that “nothing can be done about this.” “We don’t have a burning bylaw in town?” asked Coun. Paul Denchuk at the Monday, April 11th meeting. Invermere chief administrative officer Chris Prosser responded that fires under a certain size — typically a half metre by a half metre — do not requiring a burning permit. Denchuk suggested there is a potential safety risk associated with burning grass and pointed out that, in the past, people have gotten into trouble with fires getting out of control. Prosser said that there have certainly been such incidents in the past, including one on the Toby Benches several years ago. Invermere mayor Gerry Taft said that at least the grass burning was happening prior to the fire ban that typically comes in the summer, although he added that, given the current warm and dry conditions, that timeframe could soon change. Prosser pointed out that warnings on the dry conditions and potential

for wildfires have already been issued. Speaking after the meeting, Denchuk said, “I guess my concern is that we live in a really dry region and grass fires can get away from people.” He pointed out there was a small grass fire last summer in Invermere on the embankment behind Gerry’s Gelati in downtown Invermere. Invermere fire chief Roger Ekman confirmed with The Echo that the grass fire behind the gelati business started as a result of a local resident using a whipper-snipper, which struck a rock, causing a spark that ignited the grass. Although the fire was not caused by burning grass, dry conditions do mean “(small grass fires) can get away easily,” said Ekman. Denchuk added that he understands people in rural areas use grass burning as a means of fire suppression, but added that even in these instances, it is possible for the fire to get out of control, as was the case with Toby Benches grass fire. “It could be a risk and I think we have better ways to get rid of our yard waste. It’s free at the landfill, and soon we’ll have a regional composting program,” he said. Topliff confirmed with The Echo that no burning permits are required for fires less than a half metre by half metre, and that there is no requirement for such fires to be in a fire pit or otherwise contained, and this covers most grass burning, as long as it is

relatively short in duration. “If they are going to be burning grass all day long, them they need to notify the fire department,” said Topliff, adding that the major concern in the complaints he’s received is much more to do with the health impacts of the smoke such burning creates, rather than the risk of fires getting out of control.

“For most,it’s a health issue. That’s 90 per cent of the concern,” he said. Topliff added that he recently did his own grass burning, doing so in 10-foot (three-metre) sections and pausing to let the air clear out between each section, saying it helps aerate the lawn and puts carbon back into the ground.

RDEK from A1 Paterson outlined the calculations in the request for the directors’ decision, explaining that if a bin was located behind a locked gate at a business, for instance, then 100 per cent of those recyclables were assumed to be commercial, and if the bin was located in a residential neighbourhood then 100 per cent of those recyclables were assumed to be residential. “There were various percentages applied to each bin depending on its location and some assumptions were made

as the percentage splits,” he wrote. In the end, about 52 per cent of the recyclables collected in 2015 in the 739 yellow bins (roughly 3,370 tons) were from residential sources. The RDEK’s current contract price for the yellow bin program is $275 a ton, which, less $48 a ton (the average market price for recyclables sold in 2015), works out to a net cost of more than $764,000 spent by the RDEK collecting residential recyclables last year.

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OUNCIL

RIEFS

Wednesday, April 20, 2016 The Valley Echo

Radium council confirms UBCM attendance BREANNE MASSEY breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com At the regular April 13th Radium council meeting, Village of Radium Hot Springs mayor Clara Reinhardt and Coun. Tyler McCauley confirmed their attendance for the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention at the Victoria Conference Centre from September 26th to 30th. The theme at this year’s UBCM is to create strong, collective and unified voices in local government. Finals readings for four bylaws Councillor Ron Verboom made a resolution to pass the final readings of four bylaws for housekeeping purposes last week. The Village of Radium Hot Springs council unanimously passed the Sewer System Regulation and User Charge Amended Bylaw No. 418, 2016 at their regular council meeting on April 13th to adjust user rates and fees of the recently upgraded sewer system. In addition, the Radium council unanimously passed the Water System Regulation and User

Charge Amended Bylaw No. 419, 2016 at the meeting. The water rates imposed with this change came into effect on January 1st. The Village of Radium Hot Springs council unanimously passed the Financial Plan Bylaw No. 420, 2016 to coincide with its five-year plan, which was recently created by chief financial officer Karen Sharp, along with the Tax Rates Bylaw No. 421, 2016. There were no objections or discussions to the resolutions, which allowed council to unanimously move forward. Water Sustainability Act A valuable resource for current and future generations is being protected by new legislation that aims to conserve ecosystems. On February 29th, the province created the Water Sustainability Act to replace and improve the old Water Act by protecting stream health, regulating groundwater and usage concerns. The Village of Radium Hot Springs council accepted written correspondence from Mary Polak on behalf of the Ministry of Envi-

ronment at their April 13th council meeting. Polak’s letter to council indicated the new act and regulations will help protect water flows for fish by including new and improved requirements for groundwater use and licensing, well construction and maintenance, and

dam safety and compliance after being informed by public comment and the province’s policy intentions papers that were released last summer. For more information, visit www.gov.bc.ca/ water.

Turtle Day

at Elizabeth Lake

April 25

dŚĞ &ŝƐŚ ĂŶĚ tŝůĚůŝĨĞ ŽŵƉĞŶƐĂƟ ŽŶ WƌŽŐƌĂŵ ;&t WͿ͕ ƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ZŽĐŬǇ DŽƵŶƚĂŝŶ EĂƚƵƌĂůŝƐƚƐ͕ ŝŶǀŝƚĞ ǇŽƵ ƚŽ ůŝǌĂďĞƚŚ >ĂŬĞ ;sŝƐŝƚŽƌ ĞŶƚƌĞͿ ŶĞĂƌ ƌĂŶďƌŽŽŬ ƚŽ ůĞĂƌŶ ŵŽƌĞ ĂďŽƵƚ tĞƐƚĞƌŶ WĂŝŶƚĞĚ dƵƌƚůĞƐ͗

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April 25, 2016, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

ENVIRONMENT GRANTS

dĂůŬ ƚŽ ďŝŽůŽŐŝƐƚƐ͖ ĚŝƐĐŽǀĞƌ ŚŽǁ ƚŚŝƐ ĂŵĂǌŝŶŐ ĐƌĞĂƚƵƌĞ ŚĂƐ ĞǀŽůǀĞĚ ĂŶĚ ƐƵƌǀŝǀĞƐ ƚŚĞ ǁŝŶƚĞƌ͖ ƵŶĚĞƌƐƚĂŶĚ ŝƚƐ ůŝĨĞ ĐǇĐůĞ͖ ƐĞĞ ĚŝƐƉůĂǇƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ŐĞƚ Ă ĐŚĂŶĐĞ ƚŽ ďĞ ƵƉ ĐůŽƐĞ ĂŶĚ ƉĞƌƐŽŶĂů ǁŝƚŚ Ă tĞƐƚĞƌŶ WĂŝŶƚĞĚ dƵƌƚůĞ͊

Environment Grants provide funding for projects that help improve environmental well-being in the Basin.

dŚĞ ĞǀĞŶƚ ŝƐ ĨƌĞĞ͘ &Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟ ŽŶ ĐĂůů ϮϱϬͲϯϱϮͲϭϯϬϬ Žƌ ǀŝƐŝƚ ĨǁĐƉ͘ĐĂ͘

We are currently accepting applications for environment projects of up to $10,000. Intake closes on May 16, 2016 at 3:30 p.m. PT/4:30 p.m. MT. Learn more at cbt.org/environment2016.

dŚĞ &t W ŝƐ Ă ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌƐŚŝƉ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ,ǇĚƌŽ͕ ƚŚĞ WƌŽǀŝŶĐĞ ŽĨ ͘ ͕͘ &ŝƐŚĞƌŝĞƐ ĂŶĚ KĐĞĂŶƐ ĂŶĂĚĂ͕ &ŝƌƐƚ EĂƟ ŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ WƵďůŝĐ ^ƚĂŬĞŚŽůĚĞƌƐ ƚŽ ĐŽŶƐĞƌǀĞ ĂŶĚ ĞŶŚĂŶĐĞ Į ƐŚ ĂŶĚ ǁŝůĚůŝĨĞ ŝŵƉĂĐƚĞĚ ďǇ ,ǇĚƌŽ ĚĂŵƐ͘

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OPENING DOORS... Michele Neider with Family Dynamix presented information about affordable housing possibilities and challenges to the Village of Radium Hot Springs council at their regular April 13th council meeting. Council accepted the presentation as information and encouraged Neider and with her colleagues at Family Dynamix to pursue an application for affordable housing funding through the province. PHOTO BY BREANNE MASSEY

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Wednesday, April 20, 2016 The Valley Echo

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HUMOUR Something on your mind? 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.

EDITORIAL

Recycling rollout leaves a lot to be desired NICOLE TRIGG editor@invermerevalleyecho.com From time to time, politicians get the chance to make some waves and rock the boat. Or they create that opportunity themselves to draw attention to a cause worth fighting for. In this case, the Regional District of East Kootenay board has decided to send a small tsunami to Multi-Material BC in protest of the organization’s handling of residential recycling services in the East Kootenay region. On the MMBC website, it’s proudly stated that “MMBC is delivering more convenient and consistent recycling services

to B.C. residents, with many communities receiving curbside collection for the first time.” But here in the East Kootenay, the opposite has been the case. With MMBC refusing to absorb the RDEK’s yellow bin program then offering just one MMBC depot for the entire region, the RDEK is still paying for recycling services. Meanwhile, MMBC is still collecting fees (paid by businesses that supply packaging and printed paper) that are supposed to finance residential recycling programs throughout the province. At the UBCM convention back in September, it was noted that 400 businesses

still weren’t paying their share to MMBC — as required by the province’s recycling regulation — to help recover the paper and printed packaging they generate, including B.C.’s newspaper industry, which argues newspapers are already heavily recycled and the fees would be cost-prohibitive. The counter argument was that if these fees were paid the program would then be able to expand. In the meantime, as Radium mayor Clara Reinhardt has said, they don’t actually expect MMBC to pay RDEK’s $764,000 invoice, but the ploy will get some attention and at the very least, set the stage for a UBCM debate at this fall’s convention.

OPINION Jumbo mayor could soon vote on RDEK board Why does community matter? On the surface, this may seem like a silly or rhetorical question; it’s something that we always assume is just a truth — of course community is important. When you drill down and try to find out why, to try to understand the reasons, examples are usually what come to mind. A relatively recent local example is the generosity and caring that came out during the fundraising campaign to help Tim Goldie and family during what, sadly, turned out to be a very short battle with cancer. Another even more current example a little further away is how the community of Golden is standing in solidarity and presenting a united front in favour of their rafting industry and against industrial giant Canadian Pacific Rail and their interpretation of

Transport Canada rules. a Netflix documentary. It’s There are other less dramatic about community. An area of examples of the importance of land with a group of people can community, whether it is the happily and successfully funcconstant and under-recognized tion as a community without volunteer efforts that occur any kind of municipal status or in every facet of our valley, or local government recognition. the safe streets, Regional In most cases, they great schools and don’t even need UNDOWN awesome publics a mayor to write services we all columns in a newstake for granted paper. However, an — these all matter, area with no peomake our home ple and with no great and give us buildings — with our sense of comnothing — that has ERRY munity. a municipal status It’s a tired issue: and an appointed people are tired mayor and counof the debate, tired of hearing cil? That isn’t a community, about it, tired of the whole and they shouldn’t have a say thing. It isn’t about the skiing, on anything. They most defiit isn’t about the development, nitely shouldn’t have a vote on it isn’t about the road, it isn’t regional issues. about the Ktunaxa’s spiritual If the rules don’t change, as it claims, and it isn’t even about stands today, the municipality

G TAFT

that isn’t a community and the mayor who isn’t really a mayor (only on paper) will get a full voting seat and have no choice but to attend Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) meetings come January 1st, 2017. The RDEK board has asked the Province at a minimum to delay any voting seat until at least 2020 and to tie that voting seat to a base minimuam level of population and taxable assessment. Whether or not the Province will make any changes and clean up this mess is unclear. What is right and wrong, what is community and what is not — that is very clear. Gerry Taft is mayor of the District of Invermere and a Regional District of East Kootenay director for the Columbia Valley. He can be reached at taft.gerry@ gmail.com.

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Wednesday, April 20, 2016 The Valley Echo

OPINION

Your agent works for you In my last column, I spoke about Real Estate is some of the agency obligations ASY we as Realtors have and that are in contrast to some actions of agents on the coast. This week, I’d like to expand on exactly what an agency relationship means to our clients when helping them buy or sell a home. Buying or selling a home is a significant financial transaction. With the costs involved and the prices of homes nowadays, buyers and sellers expose themselves to more risk today than they ever have. In life, as in real estate, we can never eliminate risk, but we can take steps to manage it. When you ride a bike, you may choose to wear a helmet. This is managing risk similar to using a professional to help you through a real estate transaction. There will always be some that don’t wear a helmet, that is, until they fall, and then they’ll never ride without one! The agency relationship requires us to put our clients’ needs and interest above our own. We work as a conduit and advisor. We don’t tell our clients what to do. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Our clients tell us what to do and we have to do that to the best of our abilities. Let’s go over the agency obligations now. The duty of undivided loyalty means that your agent works for you and not for anyone else without your expressed permission. Your agent isn’t allowed to represent another person in the same transaction unless you agree and it’s entirely at your discretion whether you agree to this or not. An agent acting for two parties is called a limited dual agent and limitations are placed on the duties of agency under this arrangement. As agents, we must act within the scope of authority given to us by our clients. Basically, our clients tell us what to do, what we have to do it and nothing more. We cannot over extend or let our thoughts or feelings come into the play when performing specific actions for our clients. Often conversations with our clients result in them taking our advice. This is what people expect from us and it’s what we are here for, but, at the end of the day, we operate within the scope set by you — the client. Sometimes real estate transactions are initiated for less-than-awesome reasons such

as death, divorce, disputes between family members and so on. Regardless of the reason, it’s our job to work with our clients and protect their interest. If a seller has to sell because they are going through a divorce then this is information we want to limit other people having. A buyer might find this out and put in a much EOFF lower offer than they would otherwise. It’s our job to protect this information. Conversely, if you’re a buyer, it’s your agent’s job to try and find information like this because it’s their job to represent your best interest, which may be getting the lowest price on the house. Either way, this means our clients can speak with us openly about their situation and motivation for buying or selling. We are not allowed to disclose any of this information without their expressed consent. When we perform actions on behalf of our clients, we must do so using reasonable care and skill. We are viewed as experts and, within the law, as minor as the word “reasonable” may seem, it carries a whole lot of weight when our clients are relying on us for help. One example of not using reasonable care and skill could be listing a commercial property when you have never done so before and have no expertise in that area of real estate. As a Realtors, we will still be viewed as the experts regardless of our actual knowledge. The agency relationship is the keystone of our industry and it goes a long way to helping clients through a significant and risky transaction and making sure they are getting the help they need from us or other professionals. These duties under the agency relationship carry a lot of weight and we take that very seriously. If you have any questions about agency or how working with a Realtor works, then visit your local brokerage and ask. You can also visit the the BC Real Estate Council website for more information at www.recbc.ca. *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 chipmunks were harmed in the writing of this column. Geoff Hill is a licensed Realtor with Max-

Well 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

G HILL

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.

OPINION

Making treaties in under 600 years B.C.’s fifth modwhere we’re on B.C. EWS ern treaty took reserve land, just effect April 5, forfor us,” she said. malizing self-gov“It feels like you’re ernment for the trapped there. And Tla’amin Nation hopefully, those on B.C.’s Sunshine gates have opened, Coast. to also welcome The settlement people to come to includes Crown our community. O and reserve land “Because in the in the Powell Rivpast, in my grower area, in a tradiing up years, we tional territory that includes never had friends, people from Lasqueti, Texada and Cortes Powell River or anywhere else. Islands as well as Comox on We were not allowed to have Vancouver Island. visitors, and we were not alIt transfers 6,405 hectares of lowed to mingle in town with former provincial Crown land, white people.” including forest and minerCommunities can also look al rights, plus a $33.9 million to the example of the Tsawcapital transfer and a $7.9 mil- wassen First Nation, which lion economic development has attracted $1 billion in new fund. Since the agreement investment since its treaty was was signed two years ago, the implemented in 2009. Tla’amin have endorsed a conAboriginal Relations Minister stitution that Chief Clint Wil- John Rustad said the Tla’amin liams said ensures transparent treaty shows the B.C. Treaty and accountable government. Commission is still working, “I think it gives us a little despite having gone without a more leverage in speaking chief commissioner since the with B.C. and Canada, as we province refused to appoint will own the land that we’re one a year ago. trying to conduct business Rustad said that was a signal on,” Williams said. from the B.C. government that Tla’amin elder Elsie Paul had it can’t carry on at the cura more personal take on the rent pace, which has seen one long-awaited treaty. treaty on average every three “We can’t be stuck where years. we’ve been stuck forever, See A7

QUESTION OF THE WEEK In your opinion, will a community radio station find wide-spread support thoughout the Columbia Valley?

NEXT WEEK’S QUESTION: Do you think MMBC will pay for the $$750,000 that the RDEK is invoicing fo o for? INVERMEREVALLEYECHO.com

FLETCHER

Wednesday, April 20, 2016 The Valley Echo

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BC Views from A6

PINION

Countdown to childbirth And it is a bit stupid how draWhen I announced my pregnancy to the Echo and Pioneer staff, a matically pregnancy changes small cohort of female coworkers your body, mind and spirit. As a result, my deepest sympawith adult children promptly informed me that it’s important not thies go out to those patient to worry about the embarrassing people (who I do not envy) who but often overlooked details of actively chose to work in the baone’s changing body during this by-catching business. It is not a task that I could do, hormonally glorious Oﬀ the ECORD or one that my stomtime. ach could easily tol“Don’t worry, you erate. won’t be ashamed Two days later, about anything afwhen I was sitting ter childbirth,” exback at the newsplained Amanda, our room, I told Amanda sales rep. about my latest conHer insight was leand insisted gitimate and I am alBREANNE fusion that I reserved the ways willing to conMASSEY right to continually sider good advice, so embarrass myself last weekend when I arrived at the hospital with my until Mini-Me arrives in the real shirt on backwards assuming I world. Her only response was pure, unwas in early labour (but wasn’t), this sound advice came back to adulterated laughter. It dawned on me then that there me as I giggled about the mix-up will be some obvious changes on and my own disappointment. He might not be ready, but I the horizon, but when the bambino stubbornly stayed put (for sure am. This scenario has undoubtedly now), I quickly discovered the taught me two important life les- waiting game has begun and I am sons: 1) false labour is no joke; counting the days. Breanne Massey is a report2) and, as one emergency doctor told me in jest during a different er for The Valley Echo and can trip to seek help at the local hos- be reached at breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com. pital, “pregnancy is stupid.”

“And so if you do the extrapolation, we have 203 bands, that’s over 600 years of negotiations,” Rustad told me. “And even if we could find a way to accelerate that to the point where we’re celebrating a new treaty every year, that is still 200 years of negotiations. “And that is why we didn’t go forward with a chief commissioner. We have to find a way to be able to do something more effectively.” It gets worse. The Lheidli T’enneh First Nation near Prince George completed a treaty after years of work, only to see it rejected by a community vote in 2007. After nearly a decade, a second vote is scheduled for this fall. And the Yale First Nation was to implement its treaty this month, but the new council for the 160-member village in the Fraser Canyon confirmed to Rustad last week that they want out. The Yale agreement has been controversial from the start, with the larger Sto:lo Nation viewing the community as a splinter group

controlling fishing sites contested for thousands of years. But the new Yale council is more sympathetic to the Sto:lo, so the latest setback could turn into a positive. There have been previous efforts to deal with aboriginal rights and title on a broader scale. The latest one foundered after aboriginal leaders rejected a province-wide proposal offered by former premier Gordon Campbell. Similar to the Sto:lo, the Tla’amin have a history of territorial overlap with the Klahoose, Sechelt and others. Paul said there is a tradition of working together in her home region. We’re building relationships with our neighbours, as well as building relationships with our neighbouring First Nations communities,” she said. Tom Fletcher is B.C. legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. Email: tfletcher@ blackpress.ca. Twitter: @tomfletcherbc.

Clarification: Canfor logging near Canal Flats In the story titled “Proposed logging within view of Canal Flats opposed” in the April 13th Valley Echo, it was incorrectly stated that Canfor plans to carry out conventional logging operations on the Kootenay Forest Service road near the Village of Canal Flats. To clarify, the cut block in question is part of the village’s Interface Fire Protection project. Invermere-based Summit Valley Contracting will be doing the selective logging in the area, and have been working with

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Canfor to obtain the licences for the work, while Canfor is taking on the mapping and the public consultation for Summit Valley. The public notice provided by Canfor to Canal Flats council at their March 29th meeting did not explain in detail the forest activities proposed for this block, which led council to believe it was a new logging operation. The Valley Echo regrets any confusion this article may have caused.

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Regional District of East Kootenay PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE - BYLAW 2677 Bylaw Amendment - Miscellaneous/RDEK The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering adoption of an amendment to the Steamboat-Jubilee Mountain Official Community Plan area boundary so that it will match the plan area boundary of the proposed Toby Benches OCP. Bylaw No. 2677 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Steamboat-Jubilee Mountain Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1926, 2006 – Amendment Bylaw No. 10, 2016 (Miscellaneous / RDEK).” A public hearing will be held at: Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce 651 Highway 93/95 Invermere, BC Monday, April 25, 2016 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 1-888-4787335. This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw. For more information, contact Kris Belanger, Planner at 250-489-6903 or toll free at 1-888-478-7335 or email kbelanger@rdek.bc.ca.

Fundraising Opportunity The RDEK is establishing a collection area for bottle / can collection at the Columbia Valley Landfill and is looking for a non-profit club or organization interested in maintaining the collection area. The successful candidate will collect the bottles and cans, return them to the bottle depot for refund and keep the proceeds. If your club or organization is looking for a fundraising opportunity and has the committed volunteers to consistently collect the bottles and cans from the designated area at the Landfill, we want to hear from you! Please send a letter of interest to: Jim Penson RDEK Solid Waste Superintendent 19-24th Ave. South Cranbrook, BC V1C 3H8 Email: jpenson@rdek.bc.ca If you have questions or would like additional information, contact Jim toll free at 1-888-478-7335.

Wednesday, April 20, 2016 The Valley Echo

COMMUNITY

Groundswell’s Rent-A-Plot deadline fast approaching BREANNE MASSEY breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com Gardening hobbyists and green thumb enthusiasts have been invited by the Groundswell Network Society to rent a plot in the permaculture garden at the Community Greenhouse. On Thursday, April 28th at 6:30 p.m., the Groundswell Network Society will be hosting an orientation night for registered participants and creating a rotational watering schedule for the raised garden beds in the outdoor garden. Those not yet registered are encouraged to contact Groundswell to arrange a gardening plot before the orientation night takes place. People can apply online the website or contact Groundswell via email at info@ groundswellnetwork. ca. Successful applicants will receive ac-

cess to the plot with great soil in a deerfree area. “There’s also a third layer to what we’re offering this season,” said Patsy Lussier, Groundswell’s co-ordinator for the Rent-A-Plot and operations manager. “For people who can’t quite commit to the season, we’re going to have quite a few programs here that require people to get involved with time and work in exchange for produce, so come and put your hands in the dirt and work with us.” Up to seven returning gardeners ranging from seniors to families with young children have confirmed their spots in the program. There are nine open spaces being offered to the community on a first come, first served basis with plots ranging

C o m m u n i t y G re e n h o u s e e d u c a t i o n co-ordinator Ally Candy holds up a bunch of radishes she picked from a gardening bed inside the greenhouse. PHOTO BY BREANNE MASSEY

from $20 to $55 ($1.50 per square foot). The price includes supplied water and soil in a fenced-off area at the Community Greenhouse, but participants are required to bring their own seeds to plant. In addition, there are five new community beds that were built for gardening in this year’s program. For those community gardeners who don’t have time to commit to a seasonal program such as Rent-A-Plot, the

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U-Pick program will begin during opening hours in May (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday as well as from 3 to 7 p.m.). More information will be released to the Columbia Valley community this spring. There will also be casual opportunities for volunteers who are willing to spend time working to harvest produce in exchange for permaculture knowledge and fresh produce. “We’ve had everybody from seniors to families with young children involved here,” said Ally Candy, the Groundswell Network Society’s education co-ordinator. “And we have everybody from beginning gardeners — people who have never done it before — to really experienced gardeners, so there’s a mentorship that happens within the group itself and also, from the Groundswell perspective, we mentor people and help them along in their gardening experience as well.” For more information about the program, email greenhouse@groundswellnetwork.ca or visit www.groundswellnetwork.ca.

Wednesday, April 20, 2016 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A9

Windermere farmers reap the reward BREANNE MASSEY breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com Edibles Farm have yielded national recognition in the heart of the Columbia Valley. The Windermere-based agricultural business was recently awarded top honours during Slow Food Canada’s 2016 National Summit that took place here in the valley from April 6th to 10th. Owners Lin and Oliver Egan won the Slow Food Heroes Award for British Columbia after edging out several nominees from across the province, from the Columbia Valley, the Lower Mainland, Thompson-Okanagan, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Each year, the award is given to five regions across Canada: British Columbia, the Prairies, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. “We were so thrilled that Lin and Oliver were chosen,” said Slow Food Columbia Valley leader Alison Bell in an email. The Egans have operated Edibles Farm, formerly known as Edible Acres, for the past nine years in Windermere as part of a collaborative partnership with Winderberry Nurseries, which is owned by Lin’s parents, Jack Steedman and Glenda Wah. Last year, the Edibles Farm transitioned into Edibles Farm + Cafe + Catering in a strong effort to include family members such as Anna Steedman and Randy MacSteven in the business. Along with their farming family, the Egan couple is raising two sons, Cade and Riley. Lin has made contributions to both the East Kootenay Agricultural Plan and the Slow Food Canada National Summit. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Global Resource Systems with the University of B.C. while Oliver completed a certificate in recreation lead-

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ership and spent three years studying economics. His appetite to learn about horticulture has helped him and Lin succeed at Edibles Farm. Edibles Farm is most widely recognized for being the first Certified Organic Farm with a highly popular Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program in the East Kootenay region of B.C. In addition, the Windermere-based business comes equipped with 55 different varieties of vegetables. Criteria for the Slow Food Canada Food Hero Award includes: ingenuity and entrepreneurial activity promoting a healthier food system; socio-political commitment to promoting a sustainable food system; excellence in corporate commitment to sustainable foods or enacting corporate policy changes; commitment within government to enact socially forward policy changes.

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THE

Wednesday, April 20, 2016 The Valley Echo

STREET

What do you think of grass burning? Good idea or bad idea?

What do you think of grass burning? Good idea or bad idea? “I don’t know. I suppose it could spread. I wouldn’t do it on my lawn.” Riley Hayward

“I don’t have a problem, as long as it’s done safely. It renews the soil and prevents larger fires. But it’s not good if you have asthma. I see the reasons for it, but I compost my lawn waste.”

“Bad idea.” Brian Sheehan

Debra Griffith

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

years ago (1966): A story of congratulations was published for valley resident Todd Fisher, who had graduated from the RCMP Recruit Training Depot in Regina. Fisher was readying for his first job posting, in Saskatchewan.

years ago (1976): Invermere postmaster John Koralewicz announced that the local post office would start locking its front door (denying local residents access to their mailboxes) each evening. The move came after a weekend of particularly disgusting vandalism to the post office, which had somebody vomit in the outside mail chute on Friday night, spread human faeces on the walls and floor of the mail box area on Saturday night, and throw more human faeces down the inside mail chute on Sunday night.

APRIL 2007 - Invermere Fire Rescue members conducted an interface fire burn of dry grass along 7th Avenue in Invermere, hoping to cut down on the number of inevitable grass fires that occur every spring. ECHO FILE PHOTO

years ago (1986): Local MLA James Chabot announced funding for three major highway projects in the

East Kootenay, including building a new bridge over the mouth of the Columbia River in Athalmer. Chabot made the announcement in April and estimated that work would begin two months from then.

province-wide Remembrance Day Art and Essay Competition in November 1995 and April 1996. They learned that Wyatt had placed second, earning a $75 prize, and Danny had placed third, earning a $50 prize.

years ago (1991): J. Alfred Laird Elementary School students together with local environmental group East Kootenay Environmental Society (now Wildsight) and community volunteers planted trees around the Toby Creek canyon and around the school yard. The students and volunteers planted aspen, birch and larch and the effort was funded by a $2,500 Global Relief Work grant.

years ago (1996): Two local students earned special recognition for their words and artwork commemorating Remembrance Day. Edgewater Elementary School students Wyatt Kohorst and Danny Schnider had submitted entries to the Royal Canadian Legion’s

years ago (2001): Local judo practitioners were thrilled when Olympic silver medallist Nicholas Gill visited the valley to work out with the Invermere Judo Club. Gill was the the first Canadian to win the world university games, the first Canadian to win three medals at the world judo games, and the first Canadian to win two medals at the Olympics.

years ago (2006): Village of Radium Hot Springs council approved a motion that opened the door to creation of a cat licensing bylaw. The move was an attempt to deal with Radium’s then-sizable fereal cat population.

Wednesday, April 20, 2016 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A11

THE

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20TH

athletic department fundraiser. Silent • 7 p.m.: Cinefest at Pynelogs presents auction, door prizes, refreshments Grandma. Tickets $12 at the door. and snacks. Music by The Flatliners WEDNESDAY APRIL 27TH and Valley Forged. Tickets $10 adults, $7 students, or $25 family pass. • 11:45 a.m.: The Rotary Club of • 7 - 10 p.m.: Fresh Fridays Open Mic Invermere meets every Wednesday at Pynelogs. Showcasing young talent at the Curling Rink. from the valley. All ages, licensed bar. • 5 - 7 p.m.: SYC YCC Challenges First Friday of every month. program.

• 7:30 p.m.: SYC Rockband competition. • The 2016 Columbia Valley SATURDAY APRIL 23RD Golf Junior Tour kicks off at Windermere Valley Golf Course. For • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Cycling Society annual information or to register visit www. bike and gear swap at Invermere columbiavalleygolftrail.com/jrtour. Community Hall. Bring gear in from • 8 a.m.: Radium Hot Springs Sunrise 9 - 11 a.m.. Sale from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Rotary meets for breakfast every first Pick up unsold gear and money at 1 and third Wednesday from April thru p.m. Toonie charge to bring gear in. October at The Springs Golf Course. Fundraiser to help cycling society Breakfast $10. Everyone welcome. build and maintain trails. • 5 - 7 p.m.: Summit Youth Centre • 10 a.m.: Valley Pride/Pitch In. Help (SYC) YCC Challenges program. clean up the Columbia Valley. Check

• 6 p.m.: SYC games and trivia night.

THURSDAY, APRIL 21ST

with local community organizers for details and meeting places.

• 6 p.m.: SYC games and trivia night.

THURSDAY, APRIL 28TH • 4 - 6 p.m.: SYC Graphics Course. • 4 - 8 p.m.: SYC open gym. Come play sports with us. Everyone welcome. • 7 p.m.: The Truth About Cancer Series, #6 NOCEBO Effect, Healing Vaccines, Advanced Detoxing & Going inside a German Cancer Clinic. DTSS Theatre. Admission by optional donation.

FRIDAY, APRIL 29TH

• 2 - 8 p.m.: Craft and Home Based • 12 p.m.: Soup lunch at the Edgewater • TBA: Invermere Curling Centre AGM. Business Fair at Christ Church Legion. $6. Last Friday of each month. Trinity. • 5 - 7 p.m.: SYC YCC Challenges • 4 - 6 p.m.: SYC Graphics Course. program. • 7 p.m.: It’s All About the Word, • 4 - 8 p.m.: SYC open gym. Come play Poetry Reading and book signing with • 7 - 10 p.m.: Fresh Fridays Open Mic sports with us. Everyone welcome. Richard Therrien and live music with at Pynelogs. Showcasing young talent • 5 - 7 p.m.: Martin Morigeau Bruce Childs at Pynelogs Cultural from the valley. All ages, licensed Elementary School in Canal Flats Centre. Admission by donation at the bar. First Friday of every month. Grade 2/3 class field trip Family door. Supported by CV Arts and the • 7:30 p.m.: SYC Karaoke night. Fundraiser. Food, music, silent Invermere Public Library. auction, etc. Everyone welcome! SATURDAY APRIL 30TH • 7 p.m.: SYC Pool Tournament. • 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.: Wild Ideas at Circle Cafe, hosted by Wildsight. • 10 p.m.: Burlesque show at the • 6 p.m.: The Hospice Society will be April’s discussion topic is Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery in hosting its 4th Annual Butterfly Gala Permaculture www.wildsight.ca/ Radium. Tickets $10 in advance or at the Radium Course Banquet Hall. Tickets are $50 and available at the $12 at the door. wildideasinvermere. Circle Cafe, Sobeys, Meet on Higher • 6:30 p.m.: Texas Hold Em’ SUNDAY APRIL 24TH Ground in Radium Hot Springs, Tournament at the Invermere Legion • 12 p.m.: The Windermere Valley Smoking Waters CC in Fairmont and every Thursday. $35 buy in Youth Centre hosts a celebrity the Village office in Canal Flats. • 7 - 9 p.m.: Artist Reception at luncheon for Shuswap Indian Band • 7 p.m.: SYC Movie night and free Pynelogs featuring: Vic Panei, chief Barb Cote in the Quartz Grand popcorn. Elizabeth Segstro, Darlene Purnell & Janis Dyck & Colin Bell. Live DJ and Hall at Copper Point Resort. WEDNESDAY MAY 4TH cash bar. Show runs until May 1st. MONDAY APRIL 25TH • 8 a.m.: Radium Hot Springs Sunrise FRIDAY APRIL 22ND • Join SYC for Employment Readiness Rotary meets for breakfast every first • 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Celebrate Earth Day Training or Skills for Life! Program. and third Wednesday from April thru October at the Springs Golf Course. at the Groundswell Network Society’s Must pre register. community greenhouse Interactive • 5 - 7 p.m.: SYC YCC Challenges Breakfast $10. Everyone welcome.

open house, adjacent to DTSS. • 2 - 8 p.m.: Craft and Home Based Business Fair at Christ Church Trinity. • 5 - 7 p.m.: SYC YCC Challenges program. • 6:30 p.m.: Turkey Dinner at Branch 71 Legion in Invermere. $17.50. Reservations recommended. Call 250-342-9517. Meat Draw and 50/50. • 6:30 p.m.: Kick Up Your Boots DTSS

FRIDAY, MAY 6TH • 7:30 p.m.: Christ Church Trinity hosts the Valley Voices Spring Concert. Tickets available at Meet on Higher Ground in Radium, Purple Cow Gift Shop in Fairmont, and Inspire Floral Boutique in Invermere (formerly The Book Bar). Tickets $10/ adult and $5/children.

SATURDAY, MAY 7TH • 7:30 p.m.: Christ Church Trinity hosts the Valley Voices Spring Concert. Tickets available at Meet on Higher Ground in Radium, Purple Cow Gift Shop in Fairmont, and Inspire Floral Boutique in Invermere (formerly The Book Bar). Tickets $10/ adult and $5/children.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11TH • 11:45 a.m.: The Rotary Club of Invermere meets every Wednesday at the Curling Rink.

THURSDAY, MAY 12TH • 7 p.m.: The Truth About Cancer Series, #8 Cannabis, Nature’s Epigenetic switches, Peptides & Healing with Micronutrient Therapies. DTSS Theatre. Admission by optional donation.

HOURS INVERMERE LIBRARY • Tuesday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m • Wednesday: 10 a.m - 8 p.m. • Thurs – Saturday: 10 a.m - 5p.m. • Story Times: Thurs. 10:30 a.m. Sat. 11 a.m.

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

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

INVERMERE THRIFT STORE • Thurs - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

RADIUM THRIFT STORE

• 11:45 a.m.: The Rotary Club of • Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. • 6:50 p.m.: Ladies Night Out ‘Heart Invermere meets every Wednesday • Fri - Saturday: 12 - 4 p.m. Clutter’ with guest speaker Marnie at the Curling Rink. SUMMIT YOUTH CENTRE Rilling. Lake Windermere Alliance THURSDAY MAY 5TH • Tuesday: 5 - 9 p.m. Church. Tickets $15 at Inspire Floral Boutique downtown Invermere or • 7 p.m.: The Truth About Cancer • Wednesday: 4 - 9 p.m. Series, #7 Healing Cancer with Clean • Thursday: 5 - 9 p.m. call Eileen 250-270-1275. Electricity, Unique Water,Natural • Fri - Saturday: 6 - 11 p.m. TUESDAY APRIL 26TH Sunlight & Combining Superfoods. FREE tutoring available and volunteer tutors needed. Contact the DTSS Theatre. Admission by optional • 4 -6 p.m.: SYC Cooking night. Join Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy donation. us for Free Food and nutritional wvcoordinator@cbal.com education. program.

A12 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, April 20, 2016 The Valley Echo

Supreme Court ruling recognizes Metis, non-status Indians BREANNE MASSEY breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com

Just last month, the Columbia Valley Metis Association held an inclusive Kitchen Party event celebrating their culture, which has now been given a huge boost of support by the Supreme Court of Canada’s recent ruling. FILE PHOTO BY MARLENE CHABOT

A landmark victory for non-status Indians and the Metis Nation in Canada means more than 600,000 Canadians can move forward with national recognition. The Supreme Court of Canada unanimously ruled that non-status Indians and Métis are considered “Indians” under Section 91(24) of the 1867 Constitutional Act on Thursday, April 14th. The ruling extends the federal government’s responsibilities to approximately 200,000 Métis and 400,000 non-status Aboriginal people who are not affiliated with specific reserves. “As President of Métis Nation British Columbia, I am so proud and thankful to be Métis and to represent Métis people in our province,” said Bruce Dumont, Metis Nation of BC (MNBC) president in a recent press release. “All Métis should feel great pride today given this decision because the Supreme Court of Canada has confirmed what the federal government has disputed for the last nearly 150 years — that the federal government has an obligation to recognize and accept it has unfulfilled obligations to the Métis people in this country. It is now time to get on with that task.” According to the Metis National Council website, “Metis” means a person who self-identifies as Metis, is distinct from other Aboriginal Peoples by having a combination of ancestry from both European and Canadian ancestry, and is accepted by the Metis Nation. According to Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada0, the term “non-status Indians” refers to people who identify themselves as Indians, but who weren’t

SUDOKU

allowed to register under the Indian Act (for example, descendants of an Indigenous woman who lost her status when she married a non-status Caucasian man). Some of them may be members of a First Nation. MNBC has plans to review all 27 pages of the decision and anticipates it will be working closely with the other members of the MNC Board of Governors to continue on the path of reconciliation with Canada. “We helped build this country, and our ancestors beginning in the 1700s played pivotal roles in helping to make British Columbia part of Confederation,” said Mr. Dumont. “Métis have always worked hard and contributed to this great country – now it is time for our federal government and our provincial government to accept this important legal ruling and to begin the task of reconciliation.” MNBC will also be working with the Government of British Columbia to begin addressing the implications of this important decision on Métis in this province. “This is a landmark ruling that will have broad consequences and impacts,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a recent CBC report, adding that the government will need to study what those impacts might be. He added, “But I can guarantee you one thing, the path forward will be together as we move forward.” For more information about the Columbia Valley Metis Association (CVMA), visit their page “Columbia Valley Metis Association” on Facebook. CVMA president Debra Fisher could not be contacted for a comment about her reaction to the decision before The Echo went to press. The Echo newsroom will be following up with the CVMA shortly. Answers to last week

W eekend WEATHER

RAIN GAME

FRIDAY April 24

Cloudy with sunny breaks

23 C

SATURDAY April 25 Cloudy with sunny breaks

22 C

SUNDAY April 26

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!

Cloudy with showers

17 C

CROSSWORD CLUES ACROSS 1. Crooned 5. Luck 8. Cosecant function 11. Rock bands play here 13. Surrounds the earth 14. Jessica __ 15. A type of clique 16. No seats available 17. Greek sophist 18. Stiff hair 20. Recipe measurement (abbr.) 21. Legal periodical 22. Saloons 25. He tricks you 30. Closing over 31. Man’s best friend is one 32. Distinguish oneself 33. Immoralities 38. Marsh elder

41. Blasts 43. A discerning judge 45. Avenge for a wrong 48. Doctors’ group 49. Jerry’s friend 50. Type of sword 55. Swedish rock group 56. Black tropical American cuckoo 57. Blatted 59. Cain and __ 60. Strong liquor flavored with juniper berries 61. Cocoa bean 62. Get free of 63. Cardiograph 64. A cargo (abbr.) CLUES DOWN 1. A baglike structure in a plant or animal

2. Bird genus 3. One point east of northeast 4. A type of fly 5. Hurry 6. Lighter-than-air craft 7. Ask to marry 8. Thick rope made of wire 9. Imposters 10. Central nervous system 12. Pie _ __ mode 14. Robert __, poet 19. Dwelt 23. Firewood 24. Voices 25. Water in the solid state 26. Superman’s foe 27. Chris Paul’s team (abbr.) 28. Employ 29. Mineral 34. Vessel

35. Nigerian City 36. Romania 37. Sirius Satellite Radio (abbr.) 39. Potential difference 40. A class of synthetic detergents 41. Drunkard 42. Doesn’t win or lose 44. Appellative 45. Spiritual leader 46. Implant 47. Language (Afrikaans) 51. Basics 52. A one-time Giants center 53. Every one of two or more 54. A way to gather 55. Swiss river 58. Small spot

Wednesday, April 20, The Valley The Valley Echo Wednesday, 2016 Echo Wednesday, April 13, 2016 2016April The20, Valley Echo

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Al-Anon - Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us. Al-Anon meets EVERY Monday at 7:15 PM and Thursday at 1:15 PM at the Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church, 712 - 12th Ave, (behind the Invermere hospital). For information, please call 250-342-8255 IN FIND IT THE CLASSIFIEDS

ALCOHOLICS Anonymous If alcohol is causing problems or conﬂict in your life, AA can help. Call 250-342-2424 for more information. All meetings are at 8 p.m. Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday groups - Columbia United AA at the BC Services building, south end, 625 4th Street Invermere. Radium Friendship Group: Friday, Catholic Church. All meetings are open with the exception of Tuesdays.

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Help Wanted

Akisqnuk First Nation Senior Financial Officer

The Akisqnuk First Nation located in Windermere, B.C. is seeking a full-time Assistant Accountant. As the Assistant Accountant you will be responsible for reconciling the sub-ledgers to the general ledger on a monthly basis, performing payroll duties, preparing monthly bank and other reconciliations; preparing working papers amd supporting schedules for monthly and annual financial statements, and creating other financial spreadsheets using Excel as required.

Due to the upcoming retirement of the current Senior Financial Officer, the Akisqnuk First Nation located in Windermere, B.C., is seeking the right person to take over the management of it’s financial affairs.

Please submit your cover letter and resume to: Lorna Pollock CPA, CA Senior Financial Officer 3050 Hwy 93/95 Windermere, B.C. V0B 2L2 Fax: 250-342-9693 Email: lpollock@akisqnuk.org

Thank you to all applicants, however, only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Place of Worship

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The Akisqnuk First Nation located in Windermere, B.C. is seeking a full-time Senior Administrative Officer. The Akisqnuk First Nation, one of the four Ktunaxa Bands, is growing in terms of governance and economic development and is seeking the right person to lead this growth.

As the Senior Financial Officer you will be responsible for the overall financial management and reporting of the financial affairs of the Akisqnuk First Nation: managing finance, accounting, payroll, benefits, taxation; developing and implementing accounting policies and procedures and, providing overall guidance in all financial aspects of the Akisqnuk First Nation, including investments.

As the Senior Administrative Officer you are the overall driving force in developing a long-term integrated community development strategy and identifying, assessing, and coordinating resources to implement this strategy. You shall promote and assist with building capacity within the Community to implement the additional powers and authorities that come with self-government. You will be responsible for the successful leadership and general management of the organization according to the vision, objectives and strategic direction set in conjunction with the Band Council.

For qualifications and a full position description, please visit www.akisqnuk.org .

Please submit your cover letter and resume to: Lorna Pollock CPA, CA Interim Senior Administrative Officer 3050 Hwy 93/95 Windermere, B.C. V0B 2L2 Fax: 250-342-9693 Email: lpollock@akisqnuk.org

*Deadline for submissions: April 25, 2016

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For qualifications and a full position description, please visit www.akisqnuk.org .

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*Deadline for submissions: April 25, 2016 Thank you to all applicants, however, only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Place of Worship

Please submit your cover letter and resume to: Lorna Pollock CPA, CA Interim Senior Administrative Officer 3050 Hwy 93/95 Windermere, B.C. V0B 2L2 Fax: 250-342-9693 Email: lpollock@akisqnuk.org *Deadline for submissions: April 25, 2016 Thank you to all applicants, however, only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Place of Worship

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

RADIUM CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF JESUS FELLOWSHIP CHRIST OF LATTER 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, Every Sunday:10:30 a.m. Sundays, 9 a.m. Worship Services Bible Studies Children and Youth Sunday School Sundays St. Joseph’s Church Wednesdays, 7 p.m. at 10:30 a.m at Christ Church 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Hwy. 93-95, Radium Hot Trinity, Invermere Kids’ Church Springs 1st and 3rd Sunday, March - Dec. 9 Edgewater Hall Sundays, 11 a.m. a.m. at All Saint’s, Edgewater Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. St. Anthony’s Mission 2nd Sunday, 7 p.m.: June - Oct. at Loving God, Corner of Luck and Dunn, St.Peter’s Windermere Loving People Canal Flats Saturdays, 4:30 p.m. WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY

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

LAKE WINDERMERE VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY ALLIANCE CHURCH 4814 Hwy. Drive, 1 km north 326 - 10th Ave., Invermere of Windermere 250-342-9535 250-342-9511 Lead Pastor: Trevor Hagan Pastor: Murray Wittke Asso. Pastor: Matt Moore lakewindermerealliance.org valleychristianonline.com Sunday is Worship April 10rd10:30 a.m. Services Worship and Life Instruction “Heavenly Headlines - Jesus 10 a.m. Worship & Word Kid’s Church Provided Vanishes” Sharing Truth Pastor Matt Moore Showing Love ministering. Following the Spirit K.I.D.S Church for children age 3 to Grade 1; and grades 2-7, during the morning service.

A14 invermerevalleyecho.com y

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Editor The Hope Standard, a once a week, award winning community newspaper has an opening for an editor/ reporter. Reporting to the publisher, the editor/reporter will be instrumental in guiding the overall strategic direction of the Hope Standard. The successful candidate will possess above average leadership skills, will be a strong communicator, pay attention to detail and can work under pressure in a deadline driven environment. This person will have the ability to perform editorial tasks and contribute to the editorial content both in print and online. Strong design skills with knowledge of InDesign, Photoshop and iMovie are required. The editor will have a passion for, and is comfortable with, all aspects of multimedia journalism including diverse writing capabilities and advanced photography and video skills. You have a track record of turning around well-written, fact-based, concise, well-produced content quickly, for posting online immediatelyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;with collateral (text, photos and video). You have demonstrable skills in all aspects of web journalism and a strong grasp of social media best practices (Twitter, Facebook, etc.). Candidates should have a diploma/degree in journalism, or a related field. The Hope Standard is part of Black Press, Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest privately held, independent newspaper company with more than 150 community, daily and urban newspapers in B.C., Alberta, Washington State, Ohio and Hawaii. Those interested should email a resume, writing samples and a cover letter to: Carly Ferguson, Publisher publisher@theprogress.com

Wednesday, y, April p 20,, 2016 The Valley y Echo Services Merchandise for Sale

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invermerevalleyecho.com A15

Regional District of East Kootenay PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE BYLAW 2687 Bylaw Amendment - Windermere/Stober

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE BYLAW 2688 Bylaw Amendment - Edgewater/Ruault

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an application by Don and Laurie Stober to amend the Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw. If approved, the bylaw will amend the zoning designation of the subject property to permit an auxiliary dwelling unit accessory to the single family residence and accommodate subdivision. The subject property is located at 888 Swansea Road as shown on the attached map. Bylaw No. 2687 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 309, 2016 (Windermere / Stober)” will amend the designation of Lot 2, District Lot 7567 and 4596, Kootenay District, Plan NEP69388 from SH-1, Small Holding Residential Zone to R-1(C), Single Family Residential – Auxiliary Dwelling Unit Zone. A public hearing will be held at: Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce 651 Highway 93/95 Invermere, BC Monday, April 25, 2016 at 7:00 pm The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F, Electoral Area G, and the District of Invermere. If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaw, you may prior to the hearing: • inspect the Bylaw and supporting information at the RDEK office in Cranbrook from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays; • mail, fax or email written submissions to the addresses/ numbers shown below; or • present written and/or verbal submissions at the hearing. Submissions cannot be accepted after the public hearing. All submissions will form part of the public record and will be published in a meeting agenda posted online. Personal contact information such as phone and email will be removed from written submissions. Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335. 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.

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an application by Ken and Diana Ruault to amend the Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw. If approved, the bylaw will amend the zoning designation of the subject property from C-1, Community Commercial Zone to C-2, Service Commercial Zone which will permit a variety of commercial uses, including vehicle repair services. The subject property is located at Selkirk Avenue as shown on the attached map. Bylaw No. 2688 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 310, 2016 (Edgewater / Ruault)” will amend the designation of Parcel D (DD KW74850A), Block 6, District Lot 353, Kootenay District, Plan 1185 from C-1, Community Commercial Zone to C-2, Service Commercial Zone. A public hearing will be held at: Edgewater Community Hall 4818 Selkirk Avenue Edgewater, BC Monday, May 2, 2016 at 7:00 pm The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F, Electoral Area G, and the Village of Radium Hot Springs. 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. 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.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE BYLAW 2676 Bylaw Amendment - Toby Benches OCP The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering adoption of an Official Community Plan for the Toby Benches area. The Official Community Plan is a long-term strategic planning document that will establish policies for land use in the area. Bylaw No. 2676 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Toby Benches Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2676, 2016.” A public hearing will be held at: Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce 651 Highway 93/95 Invermere, BC Monday, April 25, 2016 at 7:00 pm The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F, Electoral Area G and the District of Invermere. If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaw, you may prior to the hearing: • inspect the Bylaw and supporting information at the RDEK office in Cranbrook from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays; • mail, fax or email written submissions to the addresses/numbers shown below; or • present written and/or verbal submissions at the hearing. Submissions cannot be accepted after the public hearing. All submissions will form part of the public record and will be published in a meeting agenda posted online. Personal contact information such as phone and email will be removed from written submissions. Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335. This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw. For more information, contact Kris Belanger, Planner at 250-489-6903 or toll free at 1-888-478-7335 or email kbelanger@rdek.bc.ca.

REGIONAL DISTRICT OF EAST KOOTENAY Phone: 250-489-2791 Toll Free: 1-888-478-7335 Email: info@rdek.bc.ca Website: www.rdek.bc.ca

A16 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, April 20, 2016 The Valley Echo

Volunteers help clear Lot 48 for conservation

Volunteers at work slashing and cutting the unwanted growth in order to restore open grasslands on Lot 48. PHOTO SUBMITTED

LESLEY MARIAN NEILSON Submitted At the end of March, a group of volunteers gathered on the east side of Columbia Lake to clear out an area where small conifer trees were starting to encroach onto formerly open grassland habitat. On March 20th, 17 members of the Lake Windermere District Rod & Gun Club and the Canal Flats Wilderness Club joined the Nature Conservancy of Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stew-

ardship staff on the conservancyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Columbia Lake-Lot 48 conservation area for a day of slashing small conifers and pruning the lower limbs of larger established trees. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This work benefits the native bunchgrass communities and improve the winter range for elk, deer, and sheep, including other grassland-dependent species,â&#x20AC;? said Richard Klafki, stewardship co-ordinator for the Nature Conservancy of Canada in the Kootenays. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The pruning allows the animals â&#x20AC;&#x201D; particularly bighorn sheep â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to feel more comfortable as they move down into the opened up areas because they can see and avoid predators more easily.â&#x20AC;? In the past, wildfires kept forests from overtaking the low elevation grasslands of the Rocky Mountain Trench. Additionally, First Nations people used fire to maintain grasslands and dry open forests thereby improving browse for ungulates, preventing shrub ingrowth, and encouraging other resource uses. Over the past century, with the increase of permanent human settlement in the valley, wildfires have been suppressed in order to protect local communities. This has allowed a dense forest to creep ever on-

ward into the grasslands. Plants and animals that had evolved to live in open areas are losing the habitat they need to survive. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Nature Conservancy of Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to protect ecologically important lands and habitats that support rare and at risk species. Sometimes we do this by restoring land that has been damaged or altered. Restoration and land stewardship is an important part of how we achieve our conservation goals,â&#x20AC;? said Klafki. Volunteers like the club members who helped out on Lot 48 contribute valuable person-power to the enormous task of tending over 2,700-hectares of conservation lands that the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) owns and manages in the Rocky Mountain Trench. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The people that come out and help us clear forest ingrowth, or treat invasive plants, or clean up garbage are making a real and direct contribution to conservation in their community,â&#x20AC;? said Klafki. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And they have a great time doing it too.â&#x20AC;? To find out about volunteer opportunities with the NCC in the Columbia Valley, email canadian.rockies@ natureconservancy.ca or call 250-342-5521.

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