Columbia Valley Pioneer, October 6, 2022

VALLEY VIEWS

Servus! This past Saturday, Oct. 1 saw the an nual special. A perfect day for Oktoberfest mar ket. Similar festival and activities were held throughout western Canada. In Invermere, ac cordions, lederhosen and dancing went well to gether like cold beer, bratwursts and sauerkraut. Accordionists brought a little bit of Bavaria to the Columbia Valley. Marius Hoofd (feathers in cap) has been the consummate professional Royal Canadian Legion volunteer, organizing the bustling farmers market, which supports up and coming entrepreneurs. Oct. 1 was also National Seniors Day — an occasion to appre ciate and celebrate older adults, highlighting the contribution they make to Canadian society and the economy. Find out a bit more about this important day through the B.C. Associa tion of Community Response Networks website at bccrns.ca/national-seniors-day. Photos by Ryan Watmough

Windermere Valley Rural Range Re source Patrol presi dent Franz Feldman (centre), local senior conservation officer Greg Kruger (right) and another range patrol volunteer were out conducting spot checks on Westside Road last weekend. Rural range resource patrols across the province, including here in the Colum bia Valley, keep a watchful eye out for anyone considering poaching, polluting or cattle rustling.

Photo by Ryan Watmough

VALLEY NEWS

Environmental group launches election candidate survey

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

With the municipal election campaign in full swing, the local environmental group, East Kootenay Climate Hub, has launched an online candidate survey designed to gauge the opinions of candidates in municipalities and rural electoral areas in the Columbia Valley and indeed right across the East Kootenay region.

The group began sending candidates a series of questions on climate and envi ronmental topics on Saturday, September 10, right after the nomination deadline for candidates on Friday, Sept. 9. The responses were collected, then posted to the East Kootenay Climate Hub website on Monday, October 3, and will continue to be posted there as more answers come in.

“It was a bunch of Climate Hub members who put together the questions, which we felt were relevant to municipalities and to rural areas,” Climate Hub member, Tracy Flynn, told the Pioneer. “We want to find out what those running for elected office think about a range of climate-related topics.”

Flynn added that environmental topics have come to the fore like never before in recent years, at all levels of government, including the local level.

“A few years ago, it seemed that, politically, nobody was talking about climate change,” she said. “But the climate events of the past few years have made it hard to deny we are having an issue. And hard to deny that it has local effects as well as world wide and national effects. The sooner we act, the better off we will be. Spending money on solutions now will save us all money — a lot of money — later on.”

When Flynn spoke to the Pioneer on Thursday, Sept. 29, she noted that so far, about a quarter of the candidates had responded to the survey, and then the next day shared data on response numbers by community.

At that time, the survey uptake rate varied quite significantly by community. Ra dium Hot Springs candidates were the best of any East Kootenay jurisdiction, with a 100 per cent response rate from Radium mayor candidates and a 60 per cent response rate from councillor candidates (in total five of the seven Radium mayor or councillor candidates answered the survey). Invermere was in the mid range of the scale with no mayor responses and 40 per cent of councillors responding (a total of two out of six mayor or councillor Invermere candidates, including one now-withdrawn councillor candidate, answered the survey). Canal Flats was on the low end, with only 50 per cent of mayor candidates answering the question and none of the eight councillor candidates answering (a total of one out of 10 Canal Flats mayor or councillor candidates had an

Invermere election turns to acclamation after councillor candidate withdraws

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The election race for would-be Invermere municipal politicians is over, just a week after it began.

Councillor candidate Jack Caldbick withdrew his nomination late last week, cit ing personal reasons. Caldbick’s withdrawal means there are now just four councillor candidates running for four councillor seats, so all the candidates are now acclaimed to their spots. Incumbent Invermere mayor Al Miller was already acclaimed to a sec ond term, with no opponent coming forward to vie against him in the mayoral race.

So for what could possibly be the first time in the district’s history, Invermere voters will not be casting ballots for local political candidates in the upcoming local election on Oct. 15. Voters will still have a reason to go to the polls, however, not for politicians but instead for school board trustee candidates — the single Invermere school board trustee seat has two candidates running (incumbent Ryan Stimming and challenger Matt Chapman), and the Pioneer strongly encourages local residents to turn out and exercise their democratic right to vote in that race.

Still, the utter lack of competition in both the mayoral and councillor elections in Invermere will no doubt come as a shock to many residents, given that the district has historically been the most electorally competitive of the Columbia Valley’s mu nicipalities.

swered the survey). The Columbia Valley’s rural areas were at the very bottom, with a grand total of zero responses total.

“I’m optimistic. At last people are recognizing that something needs to be done,” Flynn told the Pioneer, adding there are multiple funding streams available to help mu nicipalities address climate change.

She added that she hopes the survey helps the public realize there is quite a bit more that can be done locally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to make communi ties more resilient to extreme weather events that are happening as a result of climate change.

Voters should know where candidates stand on these topics, said Flynn. “Some times people think, well, Invermere is just a small town, it can’t do much for climate change. But in fact as much as 40 to 50 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions can be influenced at the municipal level — especially in the areas of building, waste and trans portation. Those are the big three. So there are things we can do,” said Flynn. “Some local governments here have already taken some small steps in the right direction and these do add up.”

Flynn noted that climate change ties in with other issues facing municipalities. For instance, in tackling the housing crisis, the valley’s municipalities can also take steps to address climate change by ensuring that any new affordable housing or employee or resident-restricted housing is constructed to the highest Energy STEP Codes standards possible. And in terms of dealing with marginalized people, it’s useful to realize that they often suffer most in climate change-related extreme weather events, such as last summer’s heat dome.

“They are all related,” said Flynn.

The survey answers can be found on the East Kootenay Climate Hub’s website at www.eastkootenayclimatehub.ca/2022localelections.

RCMP Report

Submitted by Sgt. Darren Kakuno Detachment Commander Columbia Valley RCMP

This past week, September 26th through October 2nd, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 72 calls for service. The fol lowing is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

• Tuesday, September 27th at about 5:30 a.m. Columbia Valley RCMP respond ed to a report of a collision between two commercial transport trucks on Highway 93 near Radium Hot Springs. The driver of a Western Star commercial transport truck was attempting to pass a Freightliner commercial transport truck in a passing lane but was unable to complete the pass in time and made contact with the Freightliner. No injuries were reported.

• Friday, September 30th at about 1:30 a.m. an of ficer conducted a traffic stop with a Toyota Corolla on Highway 93/95 near Cooper Road in Invermere. Upon conducting checks on the vehicle, the officer discovered it had been reported stolen out of Calgary. The driver and passenger were arrested for possession of stolen property. A search of the vehicle revealed suspected illicit drugs. The driver was released on conditions to attend court on a later date.

• Friday, September 30th at about 8:00 p.m. Columbia Valley RCMP conducted a road check on Fairmont Resort Road in Fairmont Hot Springs. Approximately thirty drivers were checked. Several warn ings were issued for Motor Vehicle Act of fences but no violation tickets were issued.

• Friday, September 30th at about 10:40 p.m. an officer conducted a traffic stop with the driver of a Chevrolet Mon te Carlo on 7th Avenue in Invermere after checks on the license plate revealed it to be inactive. After conducting checks of the driver it was discovered the adult male had an outstand ing arrest warrant. A search of the vehicle revealed sus pected illicit drugs. The driver was arrested and brought before a Judge where he was released on conditions to attend court on a later date.

• Saturday, October 1st at about 5:00 p.m. Co lumbia Valley RCMP, together with the Conservation Officers Service and Rural Range Patrol volunteers con ducted a check stop at the intersection of Westside Road and Horsethief Forest Service Road near Radium Hot Springs. Approximately fifty vehicles were checked with no issues.

Missing person found deceased

Submitted by Sgt. Darren Kakuno Detachment Commander Columbia Valley RCMP

On Thursday, June 16, 2022, a solo rafter was reported missing on Bugaboo Creek. Search and Rescue (SAR) located the raft during the initial search but swift water made it too dangerous to continue the search until water levels receded.

On Saturday, October 1, 2022, the water levels had receded enough for SAR to conduct a second search and sadly, the body of the missing person was recovered. Family of the man have been notified.

We would like to thank our vol

unteer Search & Rescue teams, Columbia Valley Search & Res cue, Golden SAR, Kimberly SAR and Glacier Helicopters for their efforts in the search.

BC Coroner Service has con duct of the investigation and no further information will be re leased at this time.

Columbia Valley Search and Rescue recently found the body of whitewa ter paddler Peter Jolles, of Virgina, who went missing earlier this sum mer on a solo trip down Bugaboo Creek. Submitted photo

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Invermere council has unanimously agreed to give the Columbia House Enhance ment Society (COHO) a grant for the society’s healing garden.

The issue came up late this summer, when the society’s request for a fee-for-service was discussed. At the time, district staff expressed frustration that the society had not submitted a proper report, including financials, along with its request, and suggested council consider withholding future fee-for-service requests until COHO submitted the required supporting documents.

The society met with district staff again in the ensuing month. Then they submitted another grant request, along with an estimated annual operating budget, at last week’s Tuesday, Sept. 27 council meeting. With those documents in place, council members were happy to oblige and give a $6,500 grant.

The grant was not earmarked for any specific project, but will instead be used (along with other funding streams) to help pay for the healing garden’s annual operation costs.

COHO outlined an annual operating budget of $29,000, with $16,000 being ‘gar den direct’ (used for labour, landscaping and plants) and $13,000 being ‘society direct’ (for website management, office expenses, bookkeeping and accounting). The society made clear in its letter that the District of Invermere grant would go specifically to ‘garden direct’ items.

In its letter, the society noted this was the first full season of operation at the heal ing garden without any large construction projects. Also, the ongoing operational costs the grant would be used for include: Labour costs for flower bed and shrubbery care, labour costs for lawn care, irrigation inspection and annual start up, water feature in spection and maintenance, annual irrigation and water feature winterization, as well as tree pruning, plant replacement, and bench maintenance, as required.

ELVIS HAS LEFT THE BUILDING HAPPY TRAILS BRUCE!

PERSPECTIVE

Happy Thanksgiving one and all!

It’ll soon be that time of year that is marked by get-togethers and mouth-watering, scrumptious meals.

I have fond memories of Thanksgiving. My mom was a great cook and she passed down her skills to her offspring. But I didn’t catch what she passed down.

Unlike almost everyone in my family, including my own offspring, I have not taken my culinary skills beyond the level of being simple sustenance, with the exception of a few specialties - shortbread and lasagna, vegan style. I make most food in my trademark crispy, in-no-way-undercooked style. No salmonella has ever survived in anything I’ve cooked.

Case in point: Years ago, when I still ate turkey, I was preparing it to be cooked. I thawed the turkey in the fridge and when I got it out and checked it I started thinking. ‘Hmmm… Is that part by the legs still a bit frozen? What about the inside part? Geez… what if it’s not thawed enough?’

The anxiety of presenting a not-throughly-cooked turkey to my awesome family to dine on took hold of me. I ripped the turkey completely apart. Then I put the all pieces in a roasting pan. Voila! Problem solved! The pieces of turkey cooked faster AND there was no need to wait for someone to carve it - it was ready to put on a dinner plate!

I cooked turkeys after that moment in time, but I made sure to purchase the Butterball variety because they’re installed with a button that pops up when the turkey is cooked throughly. Voila! No salmonella - and a lot of deliciousness.

Over the years I’ve cooked all kinds of meat to that same level of crispy perfection, and I’m thankful to my family for their support. I’m also thankful for the fan above the stovetop that whooshed the smoke away. I didn’t cook Gordon Ramsey-approved food but stuff turned out. Athough I do remember a time when I cooked a dish that required ground pork and I chipped a filling when I was chewing it.

I’ve been eating plant-based dishes for many years. And I still like well done food. I fry veggie burger mix es to crispy perfection and I’m happy to say I haven’t chipped any fillings dining on it.

Based on my history, my wonderful family knows what to expect from me. For years now at family gath erings, I’m asked to bring shortbread, lasagna - or junk food- potato chips and other packaged crispy delectables. May your Thanksgiving be wonderful in whatever form it takes!

Joanne McQuarrie

Historical Lens

JA Laird students hand their bumperharvest to the local food bank

Submitted by Barbara Thrasher, Education Coordinator, Groundswell Network Society

Forty-six kilograms (kgs) of fresh produce: a fantas tic outcome for first time gardeners.

All thanks to the Invermere Home Hardware & Building Centre, who supported the pilot project from beginning to end as a component of their food sustain ability strategy.

Susanne L’Heureux, HR Manager, came to check in to see the results of the support Home Hardware had given. “It was a joy to see such enthusiasm and energy in our future gardeners, today. I feel it is so important for our youth to know the benefits of gardening go beyond just reaping the harvest. Gardening teaches us respon sibility, patience and all the health advantages of eating fresh produce. Harvesting what you have grown instills a great sense of pride, especially when we share our harvest with others such as the Columbia Valley Food Bank. (CVFB)”

Lawrie Mack, with the CVFB was on hand to help them harvest and treat them to harvest vegetable soup to celebrate.

Teacher, Claire Wilson, was an early supporter, ea ger to have her students participate in this pilot program, even though it meant extra hours for her personally; she ensured her students and parent volunteers were water ing and caring for their crops over the summer. She said, “The experiences in the garden have connected to ev ery single curriculum area and so many of the B.C. core competencies.”

“They learned patience, teamwork, confidence in their abilities, care for the environment and enjoyment in being outside. The students had the opportunity to contribute to their community and feel a sense of pride in helping the food bank. They have learned skills that enable them to help others as well as themselves. Lucky kids indeed!”

Teachers involved in the project, along with princi pal, Terri Ann Hayes, noted that mental health was im proved when students had been in the garden. In some cases they were quieter, less anxious and able to focus better.

Lead facilitator of the pilot program, Jessie King, shared her experience of taking students through it. “I saw students light up with delight as they unearthed enormous potatoes, or learned how they could save seeds for next year, or held ‘breakdancing worms’ in their hands. I saw them work effectively - and hard - with their classmates as they filled their garden boxes with soil, harvested the many pounds of produce and put their garden to bed. I saw their mental health improve as their hands got dirty through authentic learning, do ing and playing experiences. Their smiles, laughter, and engagement in the tasks explored was proof of that.

“Their excitement and fascination to hold and learn about different insects during our insect day led them to express empathy and desire to build ‘insect homes’ (or insect habitats) for these garden friends (personal & social core competencies). I saw students transform their new knowledge around plant growth and needs to designing their beds and planting seeds (thinking core competency). And lastly, through their many, many, many discussions about all of the garden-related things, they were learning, seeing, doing and negotiating. I know that they were using, exercising and improving their communication competencies.”

“In conclusion, garden education isn’t just get ting your hands dirty and growing some food. It is a full spectrum educational experience: cross-curricular, authentic, dirty, inquiry-based, joyful, team-based, in clusive, intergenerational, community-based, hands-on, challenging and rewarding learning.”

If you’re interested in sponsoring a student, check out www.groundswellnetwork.ca/donate

Emily

Christina Boucher

Joanne McQuarrie

A man stands in front of the Brisco general store circa 1930 Courtesy of Windermere District Historical Society

Up until about 15 years ago, it was typical for Invermere elections to feature at least two mayor candidates, and somewhere in the neighbourhood of eight to 10 candidates duking it out for the four councillor spots. That began to change over the course of the past decade, with 2014 seeing the mayor acclaimed and just five councillor candidates running for the four seats. In 2018, two candidates contested the mayoral seat, and six candidates ran for the four councillor spots. Now this year, there are just enough candi dates — one for mayor and four for councillor — to exactly fill the spots.

The decline in local Invermere candidates echoes a broader trend seen in municipal elections elsewhere across the country this fall — notably in Manitoba, in Toronto and in smaller Ontario municipalities, where the eye-catching shortage of candidates has generated plenty of local headlines, and even a few national ones as well.

Both Invermere mayor Al Miller and longtime Invermere council member Gerry Taft (who has been either a councillor or mayor since 2002), told the Pioneer that a whole slate of councillor and mayor candidates being acclaimed is certainly very un common for Invermere, if not completely uncharted territory.

“I can’t recall a total acclaim ever happening,” outlined Miller.

“It’s definitely not within my memory. Not ever since I’ve been on council, and not when I was too young to be on council, but still loosely followed municipal Invermere elections, which goes back to when I was in elementary school in the 1980s,” said Taft. “It’s never happened between now and then, and given that Invermere was only incor porated in the 1950s, and given the history of local politics, this may be the first time. The history of Invermere politics...they were very contentious back in the 1980s and I believe before that too. It was a wild time, with council members suing each other and district staff being fired. Elections were a big deal.”

With that sort of history, it’s hard to imagine the local populace would have been complacent enough in those days for there to have been a lack of candidates, explained Taft. And although the ensuing decades, from the 1990s onward haven’t been as con tentious or acrimonious, they have almost always attracted a decent number of election participants.

“There may have been a few times in recent decades when the mayor was acclaimed. That happened to me once (in 2014) during the three times I ran for mayor, but there was always a healthy election, with multiple councillor candidates,” added Taft.

Both Miller and Taft told the Pioneer they are hopeful this year’s acclamation is an anomaly.

“It’s always good to have an election, instead of acclamation. I can only hope that it means our community feels we are doing a good job as a council, and that’s why we don’t have a lot of candidates,” said Miller.

“It could perhaps be a sign that there’s a loose acceptance from the public and that people are happy with the direction the district is going now. When there’s a lot of problems and things are deeply contentious, that often sparks a high number of people to run for council,” said Taft. “But it wouldn’t be good if it was like this all the time. I’m anticipating it will be different four years from now.”

National and provincial pundits commenting on the low number of municipal candidates in Ontario and Manitoba cited the increasingly polarized political atmo sphere, even at the local level, as reason that many would-be candidates may have opted not to run in those elections.

Does the same apply here?

Miller said it just might, noting, “There has been some polarization happening in the past few years. Some folks sitting at the (Invermere council) table have been subject ed to quite a lot of negativity through the pandemic and such, and have had enough. I do get a feeling that some people who were sitting on the sidelines, considering running in the future, have looked at that, and thought ‘Maybe I don’t need that.’”

He pointed out that the deeply-held and often strongly opposing viewpoints that came along with pandemic are different from the party-based polarization at the na tional level, but that they still carried a sting, which was felt by some council members.

“Sometimes there were decisions that we made as council and sometimes we were simply following a provincial health order. We didn’t have a choice as a council. But it made some residents really unhappy, and they directed their unhappiness at us. I know that for a fact,” said Miller. “I can understand why would-be candidates would see that and think they don’t want to be a part of it.”

Taft on the other, suggested that the low number of candidates in Invermere “might just be a natural ebb and flow.” He noted that the workload and commitment in volved with being a councillor has increased over the decades (council terms are now four years, but prior to 2014 council terms were only three years, and there are more committee meetings and boards to sit on) and wondered if that may be deterring some would-be candidates.

“It’s interesting that we have acclamation in Invermere, which is the main hub of the Columbia Valley, this year, while in the outlying communities, such as Canal Flats or Radium Hot Springs there are full elections. In the past it’s been the other way around. If there was acclamation or ‘soft elections’ (with only one surplus candidate) it was in Radium or Canal Flats. That’s completely switched,” said Taft.

Both Miller and Taft implored local residents who care about Invermere to think about running at the next municipal election in 2026.

“If you’ve got an interest in improving the community in which you live, you should consider putting your name forward as a candidate. It’s challenging, certainly, but interesting and ultimately very rewarding,” said Miller.

Every Child Matters Yearlong Learning Challenge returns for second year

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The ‘Every Child Matters’ Yearlong Learning Chal lenge launched on October 1, the second year for the initiative.

“I feel it is my responsibility to keep the momentum of Truth and Reconciliation going throughout the year. Having Every Child Matter’s Year-long Challenge begin the day after the National Day for Truth and Reconcil iation, demonstrates the importance and commitment toward reconciliation,” said Jenna Jasek, School District 6 vice principal for Indigenous Learning and Equity and co-partner. “Climate change, mental health and the over all well-being of all people are being challenged daily. In viting Indigenous Peoples and their knowledge, pedago gy, and practices into systems will aid in addressing many of the challenges we are facing locally and globally. Yet, many people are still learning the truth of the atrocities that occurred and are occurring to Indigenous Peoples. Until communities and systems have Truth and Recon ciliation as a priority, advocates, allies, and Indigenous Peoples can only make minor differences.”

Registration for this initiative will remain open until mid-October. A virtual orientation session was held on Oct. 5, where participants were able to learn more about the context for the year ahead, what to expect, and how to navigate the learning portal.

“This year is a bit different from our first year. Instead of having organizations and businesses sign up on behalf of their staff and volunteers, we are inviting people to reg ister individually. That way, the learning can be personal ized a bit more,” said Duncan Whittick, co-partner and executive director of the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN).

“However, we still encourage organizations and busi nesses to set aside time for their staff to undertake this. At the minimum, this is just a 15-to-20-minute time commitment per month, with opportunities for learn ing extensions that could be another one to three hours each month, if they so choose. Our goal is to make this both a realistic and achievable amount of time, while also acknowledging that this learning takes time and needs a consistent effort over a longer period.”

Last year, more than 1,000 participants and 100 or ganizations including Rocky Mountain School District and others across the Canadian Columbia Basin, partici pated in the pilot project. Phyllis Jack-Webstadt, founder of the Orange Shirt Society, and Orange Shirt Day, par ticipated in the pilot project too.

“This year, I am excited to share that, along with CBEEN, we have partnered with Reconciliation Educa tion,” Jasek said. “Reconciliation Education has created an anti-racism/Truth and Reconciliation course called the 4 Seasons of Truth and Reconciliation. This course consists of ten modules. We will focus on one module a month and provide a webinar with speakers focusing on topics being considered. We will also provide extra resources for those interested in learning more about each issue. Topics include pre-contact, contact, residen tial schools, the Indian Act, and other themes imperative to Indigenous learning.”

The idea for the project began the summer of 2020

by getting Every Child Matters flags out in the communi ty. Since then, Whittick and Jasek have worked tirelessly to help elevate the conversation in the valley. They want to ensure there is heightened awareness, that the discov ery of the remains of the Indigenous children found in Kamloops and other residential schools, is not just part of a newsfeed or only recognized one day a year. Last year, Whittick and Jasek researched information about the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada.

“I hope more people begin their journey of learning truths and create more space for compassion and under standing in our society,” Jasek said. “I also hope more people are encouraged to decolonize their schools and workplaces and listen to the invites from Mother Earth to get outside more.”

Jasek and Whittick found their best inspiration for last year’s challenge when they too, acted on Mother Earth’s invitation and did weekly walks around Doro thy Lake. Positive feedback poured in, complimenting the learning materials, the online events and the virtu al gatherings with Indigenous leaders and organizations that took place. The learning challenge that Whittick and Jasek created offered a safe space to continue the harder conversations after Truth and Reconciliation Day.

“I personally found last year’s learning challenge to be an incredible learning experience,” Whittick said. “I love facilitating learning experiences where you are learn ing alongside participants. Having the opportunity to work with Jenna and to learn from so many incredible Indigenous Peoples and resources was an honour. It has certainly increased my resolve to ensure that this is a core part of my lifelong learning journey. I look forward to the learning in the year ahead.”

For more information on this year’s Every Child Matters Year-long Learning Challenge visit cbeen.ca

“Kukstsemc (thank you in Secwépemc) to all the people who have registered and those who will register.” Jasek said. “I look forward to learning with you this year.”

The second annual Every Child Matters Year-long Learning Challenge started on October 1. Registration will remain open until mid-October. Submitted Photo

The Chalets

WOULD YOU WANT TO LIVE?”

is the response that sums up what Pineridge Mountain brings to our Residents…

want to live with comfort in a safe environment, where our community has lifestyle amenities, so we can enjoy nature and quality of life.”

OUT OF OFFICE…

We are very excited to announce that we have a list of finalists in each category! This year, we opened nominations from August 26September 9. During this time, the Columbia Valley community at large could nominate any business within the valley for any of our 11 Award Categories as they saw fit. After the nominations closed, those nominees were contacted to accept or decline their nomination.

Those who accepted their nominations were moved forward to an external decision committee, who read submission comments and chose the finalists. This committee was comprised of an external panel of community leaders from throughout the valley. They deliberated privately, chose the finalists for the awards, and the recipients in each category.

Excitingly this year, we introduced the People’s Choice Award. We received over 1150 votes in this category! This award was based on community votes. Please see the list below for all finalists in each category:

Community Builder

Columbia Valley Arts

Columbia Valley Community Foundation

The Sumit Youth Centre Hub Funky Junk Stained Glass Home Hardware

Non-Profit/ Association of the Year Invermere Fire Rescue Invermere Health Care Auxiliary Columbia Valley Community Foundation

Columbia Valley Search and Rescue Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley

Business Person of the Year

Lin Egan Jessica Fairhart Jocelyn Brunner Dee Connell Candace Bruins

Sustainable Business Practices

The Raven’s Nest Resort

STW Builders Cutting Edge Carpentry Wings Over the Rockies Ash Fire Wear Cleanline Automotive

Outstanding Customer Service

DevTel Communications Inc. Unleashed! Pet Care Services

Business Excellence Awards

The Humble Swallow Barber Shop

Columbia Valley Freight Ltd. Main Street Fun and Games

Employee(s) of the Year

The Team at Little Badgers Early Learning Centre

Rhonda DeVries - Big Horn Meadows Resort

Cassie Humber – Aspire, CPA

Marion Anderson - AG Valley Foods Deanna Berrington - Main Street Fun and Games

New Business of the Year

Glacier Helicopter Tours

Pottery Playground

Wild Wonders Insectarium

Screamers Ice Cream Cafe

The Humble Swallow Barber Shop

Outstanding Workplace of the Year

Cleanline Automotive

Aspire, CPA

Little Badgers Early Learning Centre Fuze Food Main Street Fun and Games

Youth Entrepreneur of the Year

Landon Dales - River Craft Japhy Shine Hunt Embry Brunner - Peel Here Stickers

Business of the Year 1-15

Palliser Printing

Little Badgers Early Learning Centre

Main Street Fun and Games

Winderberry Nursery/ Edible Acres Farm & Cafe

Fuze Food

Business of the Year 16+

Columbia Valley Freight Ltd.

The Station Pub

Ullr Bar

Panorama Mountain Resort Valley Foods

People’s Choice Award

RFE Alarms

DevTel Communications Inc.

Four Points Books

Ullr Bar

Wild Wonders Insectarium

The Local Coffeehouse

The Snack Bar

Ravens Nest Campground

Stolen Church Cafe

The Station Pub

cvevents.ca

POWERED BY THE COLUMBIA VALLEY CHAMBER

ursday, October 6

• 9- 11:30 a.m.: StrongStart/ CAP-C at Edgewater Elementary, free drop-in for children 0-5 and caregivers.

• 10-11:30 a.m.: Free Parent and Tot Connect for kids 0-6 at the Early Years Center; 926 7th Avenue, Invermere.

• 10:15 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Tech Time at the Invermere Library. Free tech assistance and support.

• 10:30 a.m.: Family Story Time at the Invermere Public Library.

• 11-1 p.m.: Invermere Pickleball: Mount Nelson Athletic Park

• 2 p.m.: Senior’s Tea at the Invermere Public Library (Second and 4th Thursdays of each month)

• 2 p.m.: Tech Time at the Radium Library. Free tech assistance and support drop-in.

• 3 p.m.: Free youth drop-in fun at the Youth Hub (until 10 p.m.).

• 6 p.m.: Steamboat Mountain Pickleball. At the Radium Rink.

• 6:30 p.m.: Darts, cards and Cribbage at the Invermere Legion every Thursday.

• 6:45 p.m.: Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament at the Invermere Legion for members and guests. $30 buy in.

• 7:30 p.m.: Trivia Night at the Whitehouse Pub in Windermere. $3/ per person, ages 19+.

• 9 p.m.: Karaoke at the Station Pub. Every second Thursday, 19+.

Friday, October 7

● 7:30 p.m.: Columbia Valley Rockies vs. the Golden Rockets

● All day: The Annual Scarecrow Tour and Voting Begins. Ends on October 24

• 9-10:30 a.m.: Mom t and preschool group at the Columbia Valley Centre.

• 9:15 a.m.: StrongStart at Eileen Madson.

• 10:30 a.m.: Family Story Time at the Invermere Public Library. Stories, songs and crafts.

• 11-1 p.m.: Pickleball at Mount Nelson Athletic Park.

• 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Co-ed Tennis. Drop in doubles at Kinsmen Beach.

• 12 & 5 p.m.: Edgewater Legion wing day! 12 p.m.: Takeout, 5 p.m. dine-in, call 250-3479725.

• 1 p.m.: Seniors’ duplicate bridge: Costs $2 at the Invermere Senior’s Hall.

• 2 p.m.: Free Youth Drop-in Fun at the Youth Hub.

• 4-8 p.m.: Pub grub at the Invermere Legion every Friday and Saturday.

• 5:30 p.m.: Magic the Gathering. Play in the tournament at 5:30. Age 10+, $20.

• 6 p.m.: Rotary Community Bingo: Must be 19+ to play. Join us to raise money, give back, have fun, and support local. Visit us on Facebook to purchase your bingo card.

• 9 p.m. – midnight: Karaoke Night at the Windermere Whitehouse Pub. Must be 19+, come have fun!

Saturday, October 8

● All day: E usion Gallery Creative Series – Joe Masewich (until October 14).

● 12-3 p.m.: E usion Gallery Creative Series – Heather Pant. Come meet Heather, ask questions, take photos.

• 10:30 a.m.: LEGO/Duplo at the Invermere Public Library, drop-in fun.

• 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Invermere Pickleball at Mount Nelson Athletic Park (drop-in).

• 4-8 p.m.: Pub Grub at the Invermere Legion, Fridays and Saturdays.

Sunday, October 9

● 7 p.m.: Grammy nominated Chicago Blues Hall of Fame artist, Michael Charles and his band 2022 tour at Horsethief Pub.

• 9 a.m.: Bottle drive - Rotary Fundraiser. The Rotary Club collects refundable bottles at the Invermere Transfer Station. Raised funds are used for the community.

• 1:30 p.m.: Seniors Cribbage: Costs $2 in the Invermere Senior’s Hall.

• 2-4 p.m.: Steamboat Mountain Pickleball. Edgewater Franks Rink.

• 7 p.m. Live music at Horsethief Pub.

Monday, October 10

● Happy Thanksgiving!

• • 9 a.m.: Bottle drive - Rotary Fundraiser. The Rotary Club collects refundable bottles at the Invermere Transfer Station. Raised funds are used for the community.

• 9:15 a.m.: StrongStart at Eileen Madson Primary.

• 10- 11 a.m.: Seniors Yoga: Columbia Valley Community Centre ($2).

• 11 a.m: Invermere Pickleball Club: Mount Nelson Athletic Park.

• 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Co-ed Tennis. Drop in doubles at Kinsmen Beach.

• 1:30 p.m.: Seniors Carpet Bowling. Join us for $2 at the Invermere Senior’s Hall.

• 4 p.m.: LGBTQ+ & Allies Drop-In and Hangout: Youth Centre Hub.

• 6:30 p.m.: Poker Night at the Station Pub: Chip up for Charity. Every second Monday, bar is open with light snacks, 19+.

Tuesday, October 11

● Area G All Candidates Forum at the Edgewater Community Hall. Doors open at 6, questions begin at 6:30 p.m. and will end at 7:30 pm. Another one will be at the Wilmer Community Hall on Thursday.

• 9 a.m.: StrongStart/ CAP-C at Edgewater Elementary (children 0-5 and caregivers).

• 10 a.m.: Parent & Tot connect: at the Early Years Centre

• 10:30 a.m.: Homeschool Meetup at the Invermere Public Library

• 11 a.m: Invermere Pickleball Club: Mount Nelson Athletic Park

• 3 p.m.: Free youth drop-in fun: at the Summit Youth Centre.

• 6-8 p.m.: Steamboat Mountain Pickleball. Edgewater Franks Rink

• 6-8:30 p.m.: Second Winds Community Band Rehearsal: Tuesdays at the Invermere Catholic Hall. BYO Instrument, Contact Ian at 250-342-9733.

Wednesday, October 12

● 2-8 p.m.: Public Farmers Market at the Columbia Valley Centre (day 2 of the Food & Buyers Expo)

• 9 a.m.: StrongStart Drop-in for kids 0-6 and Caregivers in Canal Flats at Martin Morigeau

• 10 a.m.: Parent and Tot Connect at the Early Years Centre

• 10-11 a.m.: Seniors Yoga: Columbia Valley Community Centre ($2).

• 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Co-ed Tennis. Drop in doubles at Kinsmen Beach.

• 11 a.m.: Invermere Pickleball Club. Mount Nelson Athletic Park

• 12 p.m.: Seniors duplicate Bridge: $2 at the Invermere Senior’s Hall.

• 12-8 p.m.: Wear Wednesdays. Come to Arrowhead Brewery wearing our swag for $1 o your pint.

• 3 p.m.: Free youth drop-in at the Summit Youth Centre.

• 5 p.m.: Dinner at the Legion. Reserve your table by the Saturday prior, 250-342-9517.

• 7 p.m.: Trivia Night at the Station Pub. $5/ person, max 6/ team.

Valley otes 2022

Mayor

District of Invermere

Invermere recently hired an environmental planner. Some of the first items on her agenda include a draft plastic bag ban bylaw, the district’s Active Transportation Network, and mitigating flood risk by improving the Toby Creek dike. What other steps or projects does the district need to under take in the next year or two in terms of climate action and improving climate change resiliency?

Councillor by acclamation

Gerry Taft Kayja Becker Al Miller

“The environmental plan ner who was recently hired has a big job ahead. We need to allow residents to subdivide larger lots, keeping more people in town where the efficient use of transit makes more sense. Allowing the use of Carriage houses. Densi fying the inner core. The envi ronmental planner will also need to work with our building de partment to help us move along the step code for more efficient building envelopes. Composting will also need the extra push to get it to the finish line. Our en vironmental planner will be kept extremely busy, and always with a lens of the environment and cli mate, just as our current planner has operated and continues to do so. The one thing we cannot do is over-promise what needs to get done. We always need to be care ful of capacity.”

Mark Topliff Theresa Wood

This councillor did not respond by deadline despite emails and phone calls.

“The environmental planner is a great addition to the DOI team. It is time for Invermere to adopt step code, like so many other communities have already done. We can raise our building standards to align with the in coming regulations. More avail able and accessible public trans portation would reduce vehicle emissions; there are great efforts underway in that area that I am happy to support. I would like to explore where maintained grass (in non-parks & sports fields) could be replaced by native grasses and flowers that benefit the ecosystem and require much less maintenance. I also support grants for home and business ef ficiency upgrades. Planting shade trees provide both ecological and aesthetic benefits. We can sup port and listen to many of the re gional organizations doing great work in the realm of climate ac tion and resiliency.”

“There are some tangible op portunities to work on more ener gy retrofit rebates, enhancements and education to help home owners in Invermere improve the energy efficiency of their homes. With energy efficiency improvements already part of the new building code, it makes sense to shift the focus from new construction to existing housing. There are also opportunities to continue to move forward and enhance non-motorized trails, including the partnership with Shuswap and the work of Green ways and the dream of a cross ing over the Columbia River and eventual pathway connection to Radium. There are also a lot of opportunities to ensure that the District of Invermere buildings and equipment are being utilized in the most efficient way. We can do more with electric vehicles and solar power buildings. There are also plans for large scale re gional composting, which we need to push forward and ac complish. The order and priority of these projects will need to be determined by the new council, but there is a lot of exciting work and opportunities for the new environmental planner and our community as whole, to reduce emissions and increase quality of life and better our natural envi ronment.”

“The DOI recently com pleted a report outlining steps that have already been taken, but we have yet to create a for ward-thinking plan outlining steps that will need to be taken. We will be working on a climate action plan to measure GHG emissions, and I am excited to see underway projects get com pleted, such as organics waste diversion. We will need to be efficient at implementing the changes that we can, as the pro vincial and federal governments move too slowly.”

School Trustees

The provincial government has made clear in recent months that daycare (including early childhood education) will soon be incorporated into the school system. What specific steps should our local board take to prepare for this transition?

Trustee for Canal Flats and RDEK Area F:

“Prior to this announcement the school district had already began the process of gathering information... to assess the needs of all our communities. We began work quickly to secure third party partnerships to initialize the first step - the creation of after school care within our schools. In partnership with the Windermere Valley Child Care Society we have completed the application of securing New Space Funding and licensing for a new build at Eileen Madson Primary and in Kimberley the application and partnership with Summit Community Services So ciety for new spaces funding for a new build at Marysville elementary. We are still awaiting decisions.

One of the key issues that we as a district and our community service providers face is staffing issues. (We)... highly encourage anyone seeking employment to begin the work to becoming an ECE (early childhood educator) as there will be many positions available.

Valley otes 2022

Mayor

Village of Canal Flats

Canal Flats is going through a massive transition, prompted by the 2015 closure of its economic lifeblood sawmill. What direction does the village need to go in order to ensure the best future possible? Will you try to build on the growth plans started by the outgoing Canal Flats council or try to slow them down? What steps will you take to do this?

Councillor

Patricia Reed Mark Doherty

“I feel Canal Flats is going in the right direction with attracting new business like the mine. We do need to bring to the communi ty a doctor and attract more business and more industrial business development. I don’t believe anyone wants to slow down progress; they do want it done responsibly and sus tainably. The biggest thing is getting the workers and their families affordable housing. There is no real growth plan in place; I would like to see a greater input from the com munity on what direction the council and mayor take.”

Justin StanburyMcCutcheon

“I have taken part with council as we moved forward over the previous four years, to set in place sound planning for future growth. Our official communi ty plan (OCP) and zoning bylaw clearly show what we want for Ca nal Flats’ future.

I want to continue the good work of the previous council and work hard at attracting industrial and commercial development. I would like to keep the momen tum going; we have the space and ability to service it as needed.

Council agreed with my ear lier proposal to form a standing economic development commit tee to have the knowledge of local business people who understand the ‘essence of Canal Flats’ and develop strategies and plans to attract potential businesses. We will have it in place for the new council. There are other priorities for council to take on and eco nomic development is high on my list. We cannot be dependent on a single industry, as was the case in the past.

“I feel the previous gov ernment bodies did an amaz ing job in transitioning us through a very difficult time. I believe we need to focus on responsible growth in the community, encouraging in dustry and commerce as best we can. I would very much like to do anything to show young families that we can be a community that is inclu sive and a great place to raise families. We also have a huge opportunity for tourism and managed well, without over whelming the current com munity, could be very benefi cial to everyone.”

“Canal Flats has shown resilience and the ability to remain even though the sawmill suffered strikes, shut downs, and layoffs in its ex istence. Combined with the changeover from CFI to Tem bec to Canfor, all of which were large uncertainties. Sev en years later people that were leaving due to the shutdown are long gone and those that remain have since found a new direction. The land in question is not vacant and though we are by no means a booming metropolis, the village is moving forward. To continue to do so Canal Flats needs to have fiscally respon sible, transparent leadership. Moving forward in a positive manner addressing infrastruc ture concerns/limitations will be key in successful growth goals.

Personally, I have no plans to slow down the village growth and have spoken with a number of other candidates vying for a position and find none seem to be motivated by slowing growth.”

Councillor

Denis Babin Anora Kobza

“I would like to see Ca nal Flats move forward in a positive way. I think once we look into some of the restric tions that seem to be making it difficult for families to put affordable housing on their properties, we will see Canal Flats bloom.”

“After talking to both large and small landowners and developers, I believe we’ll be able to move forward by rebuilding and maintaining our infrastructure, revisiting zoning for subdivisions and revising bylaws that disallow smaller homes.

I think my platform speaks wonders in moving forward and making Canal

Flats a more pleasant com munity.

I am always willing to lis ten to new ideas and alterna tives that are brought to my attention.”

Cody McKersie

This candidate did not respond by deadline despite emails and phone calls.

Jennifer Noble

“I see so many good things happening in our com munity: a daycare, volunteers starting up minor hockey again, Flats Fest, a grant for dike repairs to keep us safe, and a planned medical clinic. I believe continuing to move forward is key.

But for many, to stay here you need jobs and homes. That’s why I was able to come to Canal Flats and I’m sure there are long time residents here that would love to see their children and grandchildren stay, live and work here. We will never be an Invermere, as we have lim ited land to grow into. But we can be a vibrant and sustain able community.What’s next? Well, everything is dependent on budget. What can we af ford to do? What can we af ford to maintain? Canal Flats has been fortunate with pro vincial, Columbia Basin Trust and federal granting. It will take a collaboration of all five people on council to do some strategic planning on what’s next and the steps it will take to ensure the best possible fu ture.”

Bill Lake

Canal Flats has transi tioned well since the closure of the mill in 2015. There are now four companies on this property: Bidco, Iris Energy, Columbia Lake Technology, and a logging company.

A population increase from 680 in 2015 to over 800 in 2022, shows that we are moving in the right direction.

We need a good market ing campaign to get our mes sage across of how our little community can offer a good work/life balance.

We need to encourage and collaborate with current commercial landowners to service and subdivide more of their property, so it is ready when potential clients are looking for land to move to, or want to start a new busi ness.

Past council has many good, approved plans that I would like to see the new council adopt and continue working towards. Eg; down town beautification, recre ation plan, shore-to-shore trail phase 1,2,3 Tilley Park, dike phase 1,2,3, as well as the childcare facility. “

Valley otes 2022 Area G Area F

RDEK Area Director candidates

There has been talk at the municipal level about more equitable funding in the Columbia Valley be tween municipalities and rural electoral areas for shared services such as libraries, recreation facilities, community centres, and boat launches. Should the current funding formula change? If so, how?

Stephanie Stevens

“This is a complex ques tion. There are two types of services: shared (all juris dictions use and pay) and individual (used and paid for only by a specific area). Shared services funding is determined by taxable properties in each jurisdic tion. And then there is 9-11 which is determined by cen sus. There is no boat launch in the Columbia Valley.

For the most part I think the formula works well (ie solid waste, transit, services we all do use). How

ever, there are some areas in which it would make more sense to track usage per ju risdiction. For example, how many Area G residents are consistently using a service they are contributing to, like the CV Centre? One of the things we (the Electoral Area Advisory Commission (EAAC)) often ask when we have a Discretionary Grant in aid request is about the breakdown of Area G resi dents who benefit from the service or event requesting funding.”

Roberta Schnider

“Recreation facilities in Columbia Valley are a shared service and I believe they should remain that way. Every community has a facility that is well used by community members, Co lumbia Valley residents and visitors. We all share in the funding of these facilities as each facility has its own unique draw, such as Edge water with Franks Rink Roof. When we have facil ities like this in our com munities we see great things

happen. Kids are using the rink for skating, rollerblad ing, skateboarding and bik ing. Our community halls house seniors clubs, hospital auxiliaries and youth. The recreation services funding helps to build community. If elected as your director I will ensure that the recre ation facilities in our com munities are funded equita bly.”

Susan Clovechok

For an electoral area to contribute funds to a service or a facility the regional dis trict is required to establish a service area. There is a recre ation service area and a pub lic libraries grants-in-aid ser vice area which all property taxpayers in the Columbia Valley contribute. Boat launches are not currently an established regional ser vice area.

I support a full re view of the public libraries grants-in-aid service area. The new funding model should be based upon actual

costs to provide core library services and use a percent age of property assessment formula to cover the costs of operating.

The recreation service area provides for the oper ations and maintenance of the Eddie Mountain Me morial Ice Arena, operating and capital grants to the Ca nal Flats Arena and provides grants to the DOI for CV Centre and Akisqnuk First Nation for Columbia Lake Centre. I believe the taxa tion formula for this service area is appropriate.”

School Trustees

The provincial government has made clear in recent months that daycare (including early childhood education) will soon be incorporated into the school system. What specific

Trustee for Radium and Area G

Jane Thurgood-Sagal

“To prepare for the transition of incorporating daycare into the school sys tem, boards of education need to align resources to address this initiative. To this end, our board took the proactive step of approving the creation of leadership positions at the district level for early learning and child care. To ensure responsi ble fiscal management, our district conducted a needs

assessment to determine needs, current services, and potential gaps. At this point, third-party provid ers are in the final stages of licensing staffing for af ter-school programs in five of our schools. To address gaps, our district submitted a New Spaces Fund appli cation for a child care fa cility at another one of our elementary schools with the intention to submit an ap plication for a second child care facility at yet anoth er school. Our board will need to continue to focus on filling gaps in a fiscally responsible manner, while monitoring current deliv ery mechanisms.”

Trustees for Invermere

Matt Chapman Ryan Stimming

“If elected I would support any investments in child care programs, not only to reduce costs to par ents and guardians, but to expand accessibility to care spaces.

Through my knowl edge of early childhood de velopment, the years before five are for the rest of their lives. Any exposure to ear ly education and positive role modelling outside the

home, in the facility chil dren will be attending kin dergarten, will only make for a positive and seamless transition from early edu cation to kindergarten. Our district does not have to reinvent the wheel on this topic. The board could look to the more than 15 other school districts in the prov ince for guidance on how to utilize existing spaces and create a framework of qualifications for hiring the needed staff. Programs such as JustB4 and Seamless Day Kindergarten are already rolled out all over the prov ince and I look forward to bringing similar programs to SD6.”

“The work to address this shift is well underway and it will require contin ued monitoring through out the transitional period.

In June 2022, the board approved the addi tion of a Director of Early Learning and Childcare to the SD6 faculty. The Director and the District Principal of Early Learn ing will be instrumental in developing strong commu nity partnerships with ex

isting childcare providers. A successful adoption of this program will include incorporating the expertise of those already delivering great childcare in our com munities.

To support the ac celerated timelines requir ing more childcare spaces province wide, the board approved a five-year capi tal plan submission to the province of BC. The re quest was for $22M. The scope of the project is to build a new school on the recently purchased lands adjacent to Eileen Mad son Primary (EMP). This step will not only address student capacity issues at EMP, but it will allow the current EMP building to be converted into an early childhood education and care facility.”

should our local board take to prepare for this transition?

Valley otes 2022

Mayor

Village of Radium Hot Springs candidates

Invermere recently hired an environmental planner. Some of the first items on her agenda include a draft plastic bag ban bylaw, the district’s Active Transportation Network, and mitigating flood risk by improving the Toby Creek dike. What other steps or projects does the district need to undertake in the next year or two in terms of climate action and improving climate change resiliency?

Councillor

Dale Shudra Carey Collin Erin Palashniuk Brad Lawrence

“Understanding all the as pects of this growth and its im pacts to the village’s municipal services and the demographic social needs of the community needs to be collected and assessed. One thing that stands out is that this population increase does not align with the much-slower growth in housing during that same time period. It is apparent that many part-time recreation al homeowners have either de cided to make Radium their full time residence, or have sold to those who have. I would propose through council to conduct a comprehensive community sur vey and set up information-gath ering meetings with residents and business stakeholders to get a real pulse on the current challenges facing them. This will provide us with the true insight needed to address the growth issues. This valuable information can then be referenced and used as needed when the official community plan is updated. I would also support an asset study into our village in frastructure, specifically the water and wastewater systems, to ensure financial/budgetary awareness for capital investment long term.”

Councillor

Mike Gray

“Being a small mountain vil lage has both charm and challeng es. When people chose Radium as their home they know we’re not the big city, but we do keep up with needed services for the times.

The Official Community Plan (OCP) is any local govern ment’s guiding document. Radi um’s OCP dates back to 2013. The time has come to check in with the people of Radium and make sure we are on the right track.

At minimum, three of five faces at the council table will change next term. If elected the new mayor, I will bring my ex perience to the new team and help them identify and address the challenges our community is facing.

I will call on council to start a community engagement process for a new OCP, and will work hard to keep a mountain village feel in Radium that reflects what our stakeholders want for the next decade.

“Growth creates pressure. Current village and council have done admirable work on future planning around infrastructure. Currently, Radium is well served by sewer, water, and power infra structure. We will need to address how to maintain the walk-ability of Radium. We will need to find a way to attract a small medical and pharmacy facility. We will need to re-visit the Official Community Plan to ensure that future needs can be handled. Long term plan ning for infrastructure will save money and be more attractive to new investment. And we can’t for get the local population who are being squeezed out of the current housing market. Programs, fund ing, and expertise at all three lev els of government exist and need to be harnessed. We will need to arrange meetings with lenders, residents, builders, developers, and appropriate government offi cials and create a plan to fast track the construction of residential units.”

“Radium has unique demo graphics: an ever-changing mix of full-timers, part-timers, and visitors from near and far. With numerous second-home dwellings and visitor accommodations, the village can house a peak summer population exceeding 5,000. As a result, the “significant change” of a 72 per cent population change was not that evident. A significant portion of the population increase was simply part-timers becoming full-timers, and local businesses gladly noticed increased activity.

I welcome the increased pop ulation and hope the trend contin ues. Many local businesses have a cycle of four busy months and eight slow months. An increase in full time population will help smooth this cycle. As the popula tion increases, the population den sity will also increase, aided by the new zoning bylaws. Implementing the new active transportation net work plan will encourage walking and cycling, resulting in an active and healthy population. The vil lage will become busier but remain beautiful, a great place to visit and a great place to live.”

“Radium is one of under 600 villages in Canada and we were chosen as the friendliest town in Canada in 2021. We stand out because of our proximity to a national park, the Radium Hot Springs, and the fact that we are one of the entrances to the Co lumbia Valley. We have a thriving tourism economy and a resident base that is continuing to grow, because of what our community has to offer, but also a resident base that is starting to age. The municipality has to plan for new growth and find ways for our ag ing residents to age in place and not have to move.

I believe in process and plan ning and feel that in order to ad dress our significant growth the first step that we need to take is to revise the Official Community Plan drafted in 2013. Typically, these types of plans are updated every 5 to 10 years. I have lived in Radium for six years and when we moved here there were approx imately 740 full time residents. Our population has almost dou bled in that time.

Secondly, because Radium is a resort municipality, I believe that creating a destination devel opment plan would be advisable. That is a five- to ten-year road map that aligns government, eco nomic development, community and tourism priorities.”

stricted from getting too big.

Bob Campbell Christi Ferguson-Huston

“Given the large increase of full time residents in Radium, ob viously this means two things: 1) that the word is out that Radium is a great place to live and 2) that there are impacts to the existing infrastructure and services that existed for the smaller population.

I would think that a focus

group comprised of new resi dents, with an emphasis on re tirees, could help identify what they think could be added or expanded to our village life. I know that our library has almost outgrown its space and has issued many new library patron cards to these new residents. A plan to ensure that the appropriate needs of the library service should be undertaken with council support. I also believe that north Radium should have a playground/park developed for the younger gen eration to enjoy closer to home; this could be a future RMI grant opportunity. And lastly, council could investigate and endorse any opportunities for an appropriate space for childcare to support the needs of the workforce living or working in Radium.”

“With Radium’s population “boom” of the last five years, we have seen a significant increase in the number of permanent resi dents. Growth is good - it shows that we have something to offer. For anyone concerned about our small town feel, the good news is that Radium is geographically re

Radium has already been ad justing to this change. We have seen an increase in business in vesting in our community and hope to see more. With a higher population base we could attract increased services, but that in volves a number of stakeholders.

I hope to see more community events and engagement of our people in various ways. Infra structure needs will have to be examined to prioritize future projects. It’s exciting to think of the ways that Radium can adopt these changes in the next few years.”

The Invermere Health Care Auxiliar y Society and hard working Thrift Store Volunteers invite qualified applicants to apply to

W O FA L L 2022 D I S B U R S E M E N T S .

1) Community Funding for Health Related Projects

The IHCAS is pleased to invite non-profit organizations to apply for funding for projects that will enhance health care and healthy living in our community Applicants are required to be qualified donees as required by CRA.

2) Post Secondar y Scholarship for Students in their second or more year of study in a health related field

The IHCAS is awarding Scholarships to students entering their second or subsequent year of a Health Related Program at a recognized post secondar y institution. Preference will be given to students who have attended David Thompson Secondar y School, who have not received this funding in the past, and have volunteered at the Invermere and District Hospital, Columbia House or other health related institutions

Applications for both the (1) Community Funding , and (2) Post Secondar y Scholarships are to be returned by mail only, postmarked no later than October 21, 2022 For an application and information please email Seona Helmer, seona.helmer@gmail.com

Keeping the stoke alive this winter With Copper City Physical Therapy

Submitted by Jane Armstrong, Registered Physical Therapist

Copper City Physical Therapy

The hum of excitement that precedes ski season is upon us - winter is coming! Is your body ready to enjoy the slopes this season? Too often we launch into ski season without considering our pre-season sport readiness. I have been guilty in the past of excitedly hitting the hill with gusto, only to hobble home with painful knees. Yes, it’s true: physiotherapists experience pain as much as inflict it!

As a physical therapist, I am frequently asked how to prevent injury. An inappropriate volume of activity with lack of proper pre-season conditioning is one of the key factors that predisposes someone to injury or pain. Fortu nately, there are a couple of simple strategies to help avoid missing precious days recovering from injury or worse, being a passenger in the ski patrol sled. If maximizing pain-free pow days is on the forefront of your mind, consider these simple steps: ease into the season gradually and supplement with some pre-season strength and conditioning.

STRENGTH

Here at Copper City, we have a team of experienced practitioners who can perform physical tests to screen mobil ity and strength imbalances. Neuromuscular testing is a useful way to pinpoint trainable deficits and we can prescribe appropriate exercises and movement, core strengthening and balance. A well-rounded approach to strengthening includes your stabilizers. Small but mighty, these muscles provide balance around your joints, protecting and stabiliz ing whilst allowing your major muscle groups to work efficiently. If you’re not experiencing pain and unsure where to start with ski-specific strength training, spend some time in the Copper City gym with one of our strength coaches; you will not regret it.

CARDIO: Focusing on strength is important but cardiovascular conditioning is a great way to enhance your ski enjoyment and help your recovery between ski days. Guilty of cruising on/off the chair without warming up? A dy namic warm-up in the parking lot or after dismounting the chair lift can help ready your muscles for your first run. As one Panorama ski coach famously said, ‘Skiing is a sport,’; throw in a few drills to warm up your joints. VOLUME: Ease into the season. Gradual loading at the beginning of the season gives your tissues time to adapt to new loads. Start with a few easy runs and gradually increase your time on skis each week. And lastly, pay attention to when fatigue sets in and avoid ‘one more run’ if your body is not feeling it. If you experience pain and it persists, book an assessment. Don’t let it keep you from the activities you love.

INJURY: It is important to note that skiing comes with its risks and injuries can hap pen. Common injuries we see in the clinic include knee injuries (approximately 30-40 per cent of all ski injuries), shoulder injuries from falls/awkward landings (rotator cuff strains, shoulder separations, clavicle fractures) and skier’s thumb (awkward fall with pole spraining thumb). Our team has experience in all of these areas and can help you navigate the challenges of rehabilitation.

Columbia Valley Local Conser vation Fund

Request for Proposals

The Kootenay Conser vation Program (KCP) and Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK ) are seek ing proposals for projects that will benefit conser vation in the area from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats utilizing the Columbia Valley Local Conser vation Fund (CVLCF).

The purpose of the Fund is to provide local financial suppor t for impor tant projects that will contribute to the conser vation of our valuable natural areas CVLCF funding is available for conser vation projects that result in the reduction to a k nown threat to biodiversity The themes for the Fund are water conser vation, wildlife and habitat conser vation, and open space conser vation.

Projects that are technically sound and effective, and provide value for money through par tnerships with other funders will have priority Proponents must be a registered not-for-profit organization, First Nation, or local government. Unqualified groups or organizations may par tner with a qualified organization. A Technical Review Committee will review project proposals and make recommendations to the RDEK for final funding approval

To apply for funding go to http://kootenayconser vation.ca/columbia-valley-local- conser vationfund/. Review the Terms of Reference (paying par ticular attention to Section 8 Fund Design) and Application Guide, and then apply using the application forms provided

project

Project proposals

vation.ca.

Injuries are tough but can also be an opportunity to learn about your body. I know many who have come back stronger than ever following an injury. Oftentimes your pain may simply be due to soft tissue irritation from overload, and we can get you back on the white gold pretty quickly. Maybe you’re returning from injury this season; we’re here to help if you’re wondering how to safely return to skiing, and how to safeguard that transition. If you find yourself sidelined this ski season, let us know.

Third annual Scarecrow Competition is underway

Voting and tours start October 7

By Pioneer staff

The start of the pandemic in 2020 was a scary time indeed, as the world began to shut down. That didn’t stop the District of Invermere, from thinking outside of the box with its first scarecrow contest. Now an annual event, the third Scarecrow Competition is underway.

“With most of the events being cancelled in 2020, I had to think creatively to bring our community back together,” said Cortney Pitts, leisure services manager, District of Invermere. “Despite the changes caused by the pandemic, there was still plenty of fun to be had! In fact, seeking out fun activities was more important than ever. I got into a fun theme of creating various challenges for residents, community members and orga nizations to take part in.”

Wildsight to host special members night at Wilmer Hall

Become a member and attend free screening of the documentary ‘Love is the Way’

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Through its Fire & Ice series, Wildsight Invermere has brought the community to gether these past few months with several events aimed at educat ing people about climate change. That includes requiems, book clubs and hikes and these ac tivities are just a fraction of what Wildsight facili tates throughout the year.

To celebrate its mem bers, Wildsight is hosting

a free special members night on October 6 at 7 pm at the Wilmer Hall. It’s not too late to become a member and come out for the evening to make new connections. Memberships are $20 for the year; those interested can become a member by visiting wildsight.ca

“Becoming a Wildsight Invermere member means you are part of our team, and signifies taking a stand for wilderness, wildlife, and healthy communities. It allows us to continue supporting our local community on these issues,” said Lianna Ferguson, program co-ordinator.

“The event is open to all members, even if... (they) become one on the same day of the event. The evening will consist of good conversation, goodies to enjoy and a screen ing of the film to get us excited about the film festival on November 19th.”

A part of this special evening will be the screening of ‘Love is the Way’ which brings together the voices speaking in defence of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, high lighting the generations of stewardship by Gwich’in and Iñupiaq Peoples. It features powerful imagery of the north and of the caribou and other wildlife that depend on an intact landscape for their survival.

“‘Love is the Way’ should resonate with residents of the Columbia Valley, even though the film is based in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, because it’s about com ing together and standing up for wild places and those that depend on them,” Ferguson said. “This valley has a story of its own to tell of this kind of struggle, with the Jumbo Glacier Resort Proposal and its defeat. The film is powerful in nature, as it inspires us all to join in unity for these wild places.

“We hope those that attend leave inspired and excited for our 9th annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival fundraiser next month.”

To register for the October 6, event visit https://wildsight.ca/events/love-is-theway-a-members-night/

Gobble ’Til You Wobble!

Take Home Thanksgiving Dinner

Pre-order available October 7 thru 9 or until sold out

Call 250-345-0008 or visit fromscratchfood.com to pre-order

Tell us what time &

and enjoy

you want to pick it up or come

la carte (limited availability).

UKRAINIAN BORSCHT SOUP

Edible Acres organic beets in Baba’s recipe…mmm…delicious!

HERB & BUTTER ROASTED TURKEY & FIXINGS

Served with sage & onion stuffing, Edible Acres

Farm organic carrots, Homestead Harvest squash with dauphinoise potatoes and of course, From Scratch in-house made gravy & famous cranberry sauce.

$ 4595*

Veggie Head Option: Autumn Root

Vegetable Tart.

WILD MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE

PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE

With Pecan Brittle; a tradition with a dreamy, modern twist!

Long Weekend Hours

Mon, Tue, Wed Closed

Thu 4pm - 8pm

Fri & Sat............... 12pm - 8pm

Sun 9am - 2pm

Reservations Recommended

Order Takeout Online at www.fromscratchfood.com

Above is an image from the documentary ‘Love is the Way’ which is being screened on October 6, at the Wilmer Hall.

Skandia

Walton, Grace Mildred

May 6, 1933 –September 23, 2022

It is with great sadness that we an nounce that Grace Mildred Walton — or ‘Amazing Grace,’ as she would often introduce herself and always lived up to — passed away peacefully at 89, surrounded by her loved ones.

Grace was born to Mabel and William Alley and raised in Saint John, N.B., where she also attended nursing school and met Leigh, her loving husband of 66 years. Together they lived in Charlottetown, Halifax and Saint John before heading west to Calgary in 1968 with their children Marcia, Geoffrey and Ian.

Grace worked for many years at the Rockyview General Hospital and offered nursing advice until her final days. Grace and Leigh eventually retired to Invermere, previously a favourite weekend hangout. Their home in Timber Ridge was usually filled with family and friends, and the guests were always spoiled and never hungry. Gracie loved to socialize. She was a great friend and good neighbour to many.

She was just about the kindest person you’d ever meet, which might explain why the deer never seemed too frightened when she was trying to shoo them away from her garden or apple tree. She also enjoyed skiing, golf, spending summer afternoons at the beach and travelling the world by cruise ship.

Grace was pre-deceased by her parents Mabel and William, sister Frances Barbery, brother Charles Alley and son Geoffrey. She is survived by her husband Leigh, daughter Marcia Gilbertson, son Ian (Nancy), grandchildren Wes (Cassandra), Kendra (Mat), Amy, Courtney and Emma and was so proud to meet her great granddaughter Élodie before she passed. She will also be missed by Leigh’s sisters Bertha (Forbie) Taylor and Margaret MacEwen and sister-in-law Judy and by many nieces and nephews.

Grace’s family wish to extend a special thank you to the staff at Columbia Garden Village and Invermere and District Hospital for their compassion and wonderful care.

McIntosh, Bruce

December 7, 1946 –

September 27, 2022

Bruce Cameron McIntosh passed away at the Invermere and District Hospital on September 27th, 2022 surrounded by his wife Ann and four kids.

Bruce was born in Edmonton Alberta and moved to Radium at the age of four. Bruce spent his entire life in the valley enjoying the mountains and all the activities this great place has to offer.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 44 years, Ann and his four kids Shannon (Jamie), Chad (Nicole), Cam (Kristin) and Ian (Jen). As well as his nine grandkids Nick, Jessika, Taya, Tyler, Keira, Makenna, Brexten, Veda, and Nevay.

He will be truly missed by all his great friends and family.

A celebration of life will take place on October 29th from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Great Hall at Panorama Resort.

In leu of flowers Bruce asked for donations to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.

AT TENTION ASPIRING

MUSICIANS F R O M PA R S O N

TO C A N A L F L AT S

Applications are open for the Carol Wilkie Memorial Steamboat Mountain Music Bursar y Musicians of all levels and any age may apply

Funds may be used for: workshops, music camps, lessons, master classes, college, or university music programs

Deadline: November 30, 2022.

Download application: w w w.steamboatmtnmusicfest.ca

Al Anon Are you concerned about or affec ted by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us on a “ZOOM” meeting ever y Monday at 7 p m For more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship, please call 250 342 8255

Cheers to Rae Peter for helping us out with webbing to repair our bbq cover We will denitely pay this for ward your kindness not charging us is why we live and love our valley

James from Inveremere was my angel! I was in an accident on highway 93 and out of cell ser vice. He was the only one who stooped, dragged the deer off the road, pushed my car off the highway, packed up my 2 big dogs, food, luggage and I into his already furniture packed van He drove me to safet y in Inveremere He made me laugh and feel that there are still wonder ful people in the world God bless James!

Cheers to all the people that helped me after I crashed my wheelchair at the top of Athalmer bridge and got me back on the road again

Cheers to Jasmine at BMO for always being so friendly and helpful when I go into the bank. You are a lovely addition to the staff

Three big cheers to Sam at Travel World for exper t advice and ser vice for our wonder ful vacation

Cheers Sam, we will meet again!

LISTINGS NEEDED!

I WA NT TO SELL YOUR HOUSE!

WHY LIST WITH GERRY?

✔ Website/Social Media

✔ 3D Tour, YouTube, Drone

✔ Responsive, Local, Expert

LIST WITH GERRY: FOR RESULTS!

*Not intended to solicit

BUYING OR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202 gerrytaft.ca

Rockies West Realty

owned and operated

VILLA FOR RENT

3 bdrm Villa backing onto Radium Springs Golf course

Renovations now complete D ouble front drive garage, wood burning replace, west mountain and golf course views, fully developed walk out basement, and 3 baths Long term rental only, six months minimum. $3,500/mo. plus Utilities No pets and no smoking inside Contac t Gerr y: 1 403 585 6886.

For S ale

8ft regulation size pool table made by Pathmark Camel colour felt top Only 4 years old in mint condition for $3,200 To buy new $4,998 Call Pat 250 347 9185

PINE FIRE WOOD

and Larch available Call for deliver y appointment.

Cheers to Jennifer Lindal for all your hard work helping others Your baking and friendship are rst class

Cheers to Norma & Pete at Pete’s Marina for their excellent ser vice, patience and guidance I learned a lot about safely hauling this boat trailer!

Apar tment for Rent

Two bedroom apar tment for rent downtown Invermere

November 1 Furnished, non smoking, lease term negotiable, six months minimum $950/ month Tex ts only please 403 968 0647

342 6068 Alcoholics Anonymous If alcohol is causing problems or conic t in your life, AA can help All meetings are at 8 p m Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the BC Ser vice Building, South End 624 4th St , Invermere Please call 250 342 2424 for more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship

2

Rental

WANTED HELP WANTED

DTSS hosted soccer tournament

THE HEARTFELT COMPANION: Ser vices for Seniors

2014 we've provided kind and compassionate non medical care, transpor tation to Cranbrook, overnight care, meal prep, grocer y shopping and more Excellent local references

WANTED

J2 Ranch is hiring a full time outdoor labourer Must be Physically t, able to

license required, experience with

Must be comfor table around animals Daily chores

seasonal work (Irrigation, Driving machiner y).

based on experience

experience and completion

and

R G M Holding is a fast pace company in the forestr y sec tor. We currently have openings for Skidder Operator and Loader Operator in the Invermere and Golden areas. Experience is an asset, will train the right candidate Benets after 3 months, retirement package after 9 months. Email a complete resume with references to ben@bcland com

Resor

Maintenance

Housekeeping

Apply

mail :info@ridgeviewresor

In Person : 7274 Radium Valley Road

RESULTS!

Program Coordinator

David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS) hosted a senior boys soccer season opener on October 1. In the competition with the local team, the DTSS Lakers, were teams from the area including the Kootenay River Secondary School, Creston; Selkirk Secondary School, Kimberly; Golden Secondary School, Golden and; Mt. Baker Secondary School, Cranbrook. The Lakers won their first game 3-0 against Golden and had a close 3-2 loss against Creston in their second game. Pictured is a match between the Lakers and Creston.

Photo submitted

You are invited to celebrate Larry Halverson’s National Award!

Museum of

Lifetime Achievement award

have

selected

October 22, 2 to

that recognizes

have indeed shown a

Cultural Centre, 1720 4th Avenue, Invermere

RSVP: barb@buoyantsee.com by Monday, October 17

Celebration Agenda: 2 to 4 p.m.: Come and go with light refreshments

3 p.m. – Formal Recognition – Host Ross MacDonald, President, Wings Over the Rockies

3:30 p.m. – Opportunities to share your Larry story

Larry has touched so many of our lives in such wonderful ways, you are invited to tell us your personal Larry story. ere will be space for approximately 5 people to share their story live at the Come and Go. Please submit your name and association with Larry if you would like to speak personally at the celebration.

And/or

Send your story by email to barb@buoyantsee.com and let us know if you would like it to be read at the celebration or passed along to Larry personally; the stories will be put into a keepsake for him.

PUBLIC

OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENT BYLAW NO.

AND ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT BYLAW NO.

DISTRICT OF

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT BYLAW NO. 1629, 2022

Council of the District of Invermere

-

Street, Invermere,

notice

the

it

meet and hold a Public Hearing, on October 18, 2022, at 7 p.m.

Valley Centre

The Council of the District of Invermere gives notice that it will meet and hold a Public Hearing, on October 18, 2022, at 6:30 pm MT, at the Columbia Valley Centre located at 646 - 4th Street, Invermere, BC to consider an application by Niax Development Inc. to amend the land use designation and zoning of the following property:

Civic Address: 2221 Stark Lane (property outlined on the inserted map below)

Legal Description: A portion of Lot 1, Block L, District Lots 1007 and 1092, Kootenay District Plan 1052, Except part included in RW Plan 1203. PID: 006-868-274 (Subject Property)

The intent of Bylaw No. 1627 is to change the land use designation of the Subject Property in Invermere’s O cial Community Plan Bylaw No. 1495, 2015 (as amended) from NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMERCIAL land use designation to MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL to facilitate future multi family residential housing, and

The intent of Bylaw No. 1628 is to change the zoning of the Subject Property in Invermere’s Zoning Bylaw No. 1145, 2022 (as amended) from C-3 NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMERCIAL to R-3 CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT( MEDIUM DENSITY) to support the future development of multi family residential housing.

A copy of proposed OCP Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 1627, 2022 and Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 1628, 2022 and related documents may be inspected at the District of Invermere Municipal O ce at 914 – 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from October 3, 2022, to October 18, 2022. The proposed bylaws may also be inspected online at the District of Invermere website: https:// invermere.net/news/

Persons who wish to comment on the proposed bylaws and amendments, can submit them in one of the following ways:

• Mailed or hand delivered to the District of Invermere O ce at 914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0, provided they are received by the Corporate O cer not later than 12 p.m. MT, Monday, October 17, 2022

• Email to corporateservices@invermere.net received by 12 p.m. MT, Monday, October 17, 2022.

• Facsimile to 250-342-2934 received by 12 p.m. MT, Monday, October 17, 2022

• By attending the Public Hearing on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at 7 p.m. MT

Written comments received will be distributed to Council for their consideration at the public hearing.

Those members of the public in attendance at the hearing will be allowed to make presentations to Council or present written submissions respecting matters contained in the proposed bylaws.

If you have questions or require more information, please contact the District of Invermere at (250) 342-9281 extension 1228 or by email to info@invermere.net.

Copies of the proposed amendment bylaws and related sta report/s may also be requested from Rory Hromadnik, Director of Development Services telephone: 250-342-9281 extension 1235

Hromadnik

The intent of Bylaw No. 1629, 2022 is to change the zoning of a portion of the Subject Property in Invermere’s Zoning Bylaw No. 1145, 2022 (as amended) from RR-2 RURAL RESOURCE to RR-1 RURAL RESIDENTIAL to allow for consideration of future subdivision of the current subject parcel into two parcels. The rezoning would facilitate a subdivision application to the District of Invermere and the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) that would be compliant with District of Invermere Zoning Bylaw No. 1145, 2002 Section 3.15(1)(e) whereby a subdivision is permissible along a zoning boundary regardless of the size of parcel created. The property is currently split zoned with approximately 1.0 ha (2.47 ac) of the property zoned RR-1 (Rural Residential) and 1.06 ha (2.62 acre) zoned RR-2 (Rural Resource) and is within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). The proposal does not a ect this ALR designation – no exemption to the ALR designation is being sought. A copy of proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 1629, 2022 and related documents may be inspected at the District of Invermere Municipal O ce at 914 – 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm from October 3, 2022, to October 18, 2022. The proposed bylaws may also be inspected online at the District of Invermere website: https://invermere.net/news/

Persons who wish to comment on the proposed bylaws and amendments, can submit them in one of the following ways:

• Mailed or hand delivered to the District of Invermere O ce at 914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0, provided they are received by the Corporate O cer not later than 12:00 pm MT, Monday, October 17, 2022

• Email to corporateservices@invermere.net received by 12 p.m. MT, Monday, October 17, 2022

• Facsimile to 250-342-2934 received by 12 p.m. MT, Monday, October 17, 2022

• By attending the Public Hearing on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. MT

Written comments received will be distributed to Council for their consideration at the public hearing. Those members of the public in attendance at the hearing will be allowed to make presentations to Council or present written submissions respecting matters contained in the proposed bylaws.

If you have questions or require more information, please contact the District of Invermere at (250) 342-9281 extension 1228 or by email to info@invermere.net. Copies of the proposed amendment bylaws and related sta report/s may also be requested from Rory Hromadnik, Director of Development Services telephone: 250-342-9281 extension 1235 or email: planning@invermere.net.

Rory Hromadnik Director of Development Services

A song of Thanksgiving

By Pastor Wayne Frater Radium Christian Fellowship Church

On Sunday we will be setting a day aside to give thanks, as unto the Lord, thanksgiving Sunday. Psalms 100:1-5: “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanks giving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 verses 16-18, tells us, “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

It is important to remember we can’t limit our thanks to God just one day a year. Instead, we have to remember to give thanks to Him each and every day. God listens to our needs and responds to our prayers, sometimes in ways that are confusing and mysterious, sometimes not the way we expect, sometimes not in our time frame, but

if we have faith, and believe, He always answers. We have to learn to not only, “Rejoice always, pray without ceas ing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”, but, as it says in Proverbs 3:5,6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” And Psalms 37:4, “ Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

Our joy comes from the Lord; when we accepted Jesus Christ into our lives, all the blessing of Heaven come available to us, everything from eternal salvation to healing to prosperity. It is God’s will, and it is in God’s timing. 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

So first repentance, accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior. Then making Jesus the Lord of our lives, leaning on Him, trusting Him, and not ourselves, and as we do, “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” He will direct our paths, and give us the desirers and secret petitions of our heart.

So this Sunday, take time to sing a song of thanks giving, for all the Lord has done, is doing, and is going to do.

Pitts had creative ideas for the sea son throughout the pandemic which included a house decorating contest for Canada Day and a bird house decorat ing contest. But the scarecrow contest was a scream its first year - a total of 56 scarecrows created by local business es, non-profits, and families swept and scared the streets of Invermere.

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

Now open for in-person services.

Sundays at 10:30 a.m. 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lwac.ca

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED

Minister: Brent Woodard

Sundays at 10:30 a.m. In-person or on zoom. For the zoom link, please visit our website (Windermere Valley Shared Ministry). 110 - 7th Ave. in Invermere.

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY

Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service

Pastor Murray Wittke

4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats., Canadian Martyrs’ –Invermere, St. Joseph’s – Radium.

Canal Flats: Saturday, 4:30 p.m. Canadian Martyrs, Invermere: Saturday 5 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. St. Joseph, Radium: Sunday 11:00 a.m.

Father Jojo Augustine • 712 -12th Ave., Invermere 250-342-6167

ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

Sunday 1:30 p.m. Worship Service at Valley Christian 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere lutheranstpeter@gmail.com

RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service

Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • 250-342-6633 No. 4, 7553 Main St. Radium • 250-347-9937

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Where to recycle?

“I was looking to organize fami ly-friendly and socially distant events that were safe, fun, and unique. The scarecrow contest was one that could bring everybody together: families, grandparents, businesses, and organiza tions around the District of Invermere,” said Pitts. “These scarecrow displays re ally represented the strong sense of community that we have. I found having accessible events like this brought smiles to our community and was a way of celebrating fall.”

Scarecrows have been around for thousands of years. They’ve been linked to a boogey man or a monster in tattered clothing. Their main intent was to keep birds away from ripening crops and children out of farmers’ fields. Scarecrows date back to the early 1500’s and first started in Egypt and Europe.

Worship Service, Sunday, 10 a.m. Relief Society, 11:15 a.m. President Kendyn Mackensie • Columbia Valley Branch • 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs 250-439-9041

Where to recycle?

CHURCH OF CHRIST (Iglesia ni Cristo)

Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia www.rcbc.ca

There are no requirements to make your scarecrow only scary; creativity is welcomed and encouraged. The registration deadline was Sept. 30; the $10 registration fee goes towards prize money for contest winners.

“Being registered by Sept. 30th was very important as I get a map made up of all the participating scarecrow locations that people can take the scarecrow tour with. To be included in voting and tour map they must...(have been) registered by Sept. 30,” said Pitts. “The first two years the money went to one winner, so the more people that registered, the more the winner received. This year I have added in first, second, and third place with prize money for each of the three categories. Fifty dollars will be awarded to first place while $20 will be awarded to second and third place winners for each category.”

Starting on Oct. 7, voters can tour the town to view and vote for their favourite scarecrows online. There are less to view this year than in years past. Participation has gone down by half with each passing year; there were 56 in 2020 and 27 in 2021. The link to vote is available on both the District of Invermere website and the Invermere BC events Facebook page. Winners will be notified by phone or email on Oct. 25 as well as announced on the Facebook page.

“Every scarecrow and display that have taken place since this event began are very well done and are all so very creative and fun to look at,” said Pitts. “So far 2020 was our best year yet; scarecrows were all over. At the end of the day it’s not about winning, it’s about participating in a fun community wide event.”

Worship Service: Sunday 9 a.m., ursday 7:45 p.m. Chamber of Commerce (Lions Hall)

Check the BC RECYCLEp 604-RECYCLE (732-9253) 1-800-667-4321

For inquiries: 250-688-1643 250-270-2208 or 250-688-0629

For more info about the church, you can Google online at incmedia.org or pasugo.com.ph

Recycling questions?

RECYCLING

Viewing and voting for scarecrows in this year’s third annual competi tion will begin on October 7. Photos by Chadd Cawson

Hearing Loss Clinic has become an integral par t of my family’s healthcare team. As an athlete and coming into the medical field myself,

can appreciate how each aspect of our health contributes to the bigger picture. Hearing health is an impor tant par t of how we interact with the world, which correlates to so many other par ts of our humanity. It’s all connected. The Hearing Loss Clinic team really understands this and it shows in their passion for what they do and how they treat their patients, from the moment

walks in the door to the final testing and fitting.