Columbia Valley Pioneer, October 27, 2022

by Steve Hubrecht

VALLEY VIEWS

Pinning the poppy

Edgewater Legion Branch #199 had their traditional pinning of the poppy on Oct. 24 to kick off their Poppy campaign 2022, which starts Friday Oct. 28. From Left to Right Gerry Wilke, (former RDEK), Darel Lang (Le gion Sergeant at Arms), Mike Gray (newly elected mayor of Radium) Roberta Schnider (newly elected RDEK), and Noreen Madden, Edgewater Legion President.

Submitted Photo

Windermere Valley Ski Club’s annual ski and gear swap

The Windermere Valley Ski Club’s annual ski and gear swap once again drew a huge crowd of bargain seekers eager to snap up used winter outdoor equip ment at greatly reduced prices. The event ran from noon until 3 p.m. at the Columbia Valley Centre, but most of the wheeling and dealing occurred in a flurry during the first 15 minutes. Photos by Ryan Watmough.

VALLEY

Canal Flats’ new mayor drawn from a box

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Earlier this week the Canal Flats mayoral election race was decided — and yes - it did come down to drawing a name from a box.

Following municipal election day on Saturday, October 15, both Canal Flats mayor candidates — Mark Doherty and Doug Mc Cutcheon — were tied at 158 votes. The village did a recount and the tally was still tied.

On Monday, Oct. 24, Canal Flats corporate officer and chief election officer, Sylvie Hoobanoff, and Ca nal Flats chief administrative officer (CAO), Richard Wayken, along with McCutcheon and Doherty, were in court in Invermere for a judicial recount of the ballots. All parties agreed that having provincial court judge, Grant Sheard, recount the ballots was unnecessary, since it had already been done twice. So, as per Canal Flats election bylaw, Sheard then drew a name from a box.

The name Sheard selected was Doherty’s, making Doherty mayor-elect of Canal Flats.

“It’s the process. Local government is big on process, and this is the process Canal Flats has in place for local elections,” Hoobanoff told the Pioneer.

Photo by Richard Wayken

She explained “a lot of people in the community have told us they wanted a runoff election...There are pros and cons to each approach (drawing a name from a box or having a second runoff election). Drawing a name has the pro that Mr. Doherty is now the mayor elect and we can proceed with the inauguration meeting.”

The cons of holding a second runoff election include that such a runoff would take 50 days, including three separate voting opportunities, and would require the

Friendship Agreement celebrated after two-years on Oct. 19

District of Invermere and Shuswap Band working and growing together

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

It was a time to come togeth er at Kinsmen Beach on October 19.

The District of Invermere (DOI) and Shuswap Band had signed a Friendship Agreement on Oct. 13, 2020, as a com mitment for both communities to work and thrive together. But a celebration was delayed because of the COVID pan demic and the hustle and bustle of life, until last week.

“We have been waiting for two years to finally celebrate our partnership and it finally came to fruition. It was wonderful to see so many folks come out to cele brate with us,” said Shuswap Band Chief Barb Cote.

Mayor Al Miller added, “With the pandemic, we haven’t really been able to celebrate, but now we are out and meet ing and moving, so we really want to let people know what we are doing and be right out in the open with it. We’ve tried to communicate what we’re doing, and this celebration hopefully really kick

started it.”

The commitment between DOI and Shuswap Band dates to 2018.

“Shuswap Band and the DOI made a big commitment to work together, and to learn more about each other, and to create a strong relationship,” said Mill er. “In order to move both communities forward economically, socially and envi ronmentally, we’ve been working on this every month.

It’s been a good solid facilitation that’s been happening with our two or ganizations. We’ve learned a lot about each other.”

A partnership such as this does not only bring communities and projects to gether, but people.

“My favorite part of our journey together is getting to know Invermere mayor, Al Miller and council, and being with a team who worked so well togeth er,” said Cote. “Everyone is so dedicat ed to this partnership and finding other opportunities that benefit not only our communities, but the public at large.”

same work by village staff and come with the same cost to taxpayers as the first election, explained Hoobanoff.

“This way, council can get going right away,” she said. “It certainly is unusual. It is up to the new (Canal Flats) council if they wish to revisit this bylaw and po tentially change it. At this point in time, I have no idea if they wish to do that.”

Doherty told the Pioneer “it feels good” to be mayor, but quickly added “there’s a lot of work to do. The big gest thing is to bring the community back together and to start working on things that benefit everybody.”

Of having the mayor race come down to drawing a name out of a box, Doherty said “it’s a process that doesn’t often happen.” Doherty thanked McCutcheon for running a good election race.

“It’s done. It doesn’t bother me that I didn’t win. That’s just the way it is. The gods that control elections know what they’re doing,” McCutcheon told the Pioneer “I feel I did the best I could, and in the end, the village decided it wanted Mark as mayor, so that’s the way it should be.”

McCutcheon extended well wishes to Doherty, saying “I wish him the best. I hope things come to gether for him. I’m sure they will, he has a good head on his shoulders. I’m sure the village will be just fine.”

Provincial court judge Grant Sheard draws Mark Doherty’s name from a box, held by Canal Flats chief election officer Sylvie Hoobanoff, in Invermere, on Monday, Oct. 24, mak ing Doherty Canal Flats’ new mayor elect.

Doug McCutcheon

Mark Doherty

RCMP Report

Submitted by Sgt. Darren Kakuno Detachment Commander Columbia Valley RCMP

This past week, October 17 through October 23, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 69 calls for service. The fol lowing is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

On Monday, October 17 the owner of a Ford F150 reported someone had stolen a generator and various tools out of his truck sometime overnight while it was parked at a hotel in Radium Hot Springs. No further description of the tools was available.

On Saturday, October 22 at about 4:30 a.m. Colum bia Valley RCMP responded to a single vehicle collision on Highway 93 near the Alberta border. The driver of a Nissan Altima lost control of the car and drove into the southbound ditch. The driver and passenger were unin jured.

On Saturday, October 22 a resident on 10 Street in Invermere reported some one had entered a shed on the property and stole an older model Husqvarna L65 chainsaw with a 20” bar. Anyone with in formation is asked to contact the Colum bia Valley RCMP or Crimestoppers.

Saturday, October 22 at about 12:30 p.m. emergency crews responded to a two vehicle collision on Highway 93 near Koo tenay Crossing in Kootenay National Park. The driver of a northbound Dodge pickup had crossed the centre line and struck the trailer of an oncoming commercial transport truck. The driver of a BMW 320i had to take evasive action to avoid the Dodge pickup and went into the ditch. No injuries were reported. The driver of the Dodge pickup was issued a violation ticket for failing to keep right.

AG Valley Foods: weekly contributions to local food bank

By Joanne McQuarrie editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com

AG Valley Foods exemplifies community spirit with its weekly contributions to the Columbia Valley Food Bank (CVFB). Their generosity goes a long way.

AG Valley Foods sells food to the CVFB at cost; the food bank saves $10,000 to $15,000 a year.

The store also provides labour; every Saturday, two AG Valley Foods staff members deliver the goods to the food bank and takes them inside the facility. CVFB vol unteers sort all the food and get it ready for distribution.

“It’s our way of paying back and making sure people have something to eat,” said Sydney-Anne Porter, who purchased the store 24 years ago and runs the business with sons, Greg Lapointe and Eric Lapointe.

AG Valley Foods, Porter said, is proud to be the first grocery store in the valley to embrace both alternative and locally-grown foods.

“I just think they’re a wonderful example of com munity support, a community-based business that goes beyond the grocery business,” said Nesta Becker, CVFB board chairperson. “It’s the continuous, year-round, non-

Photo by Joanne McQuarrie

stop support that no one is aware of. Every week they bring our order to us.”

“Thank you very much,” said Steve Ladas, a CVFB board director, to AG Valley Foods. “It certainly is very, very helpful with the way the economy is today. It helps feed people in the community that need help.”

AG Valley Foods contributes food weekly to the Columbia Valley Food Bank (CVFB). With AG Valley Foods owner, Sydney-Anne Porter (front, right) and sons Eric Lapointe and Greg Lapointe (right), are Steve Ladas (far left), CVFB director and Nesta Becker, chairperson, CVFB (front).

Investigation of McDonald’s fire is ongoing

RCMP are involved given the suspicious nature of the blaze

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Rumours of potential arson have swirled through the Columbia Valley in the wake of the Thanksgiving fire at the McDonald’s building under construction at the crossroads.

The Columbia Valley Columbia Valley Rural Fire and Rescue Service could not divulge too much detail in regards to the rumours, except to confirm that officials are actively trying to determine the cause of the blaze.

“All I can say is that it is still under investiga tion, and we’ve involved the RCMP,” Columbia Val

ley Columbia Valley Rural Fire and Rescue Service assistant chief, Joss Advocaat, told the Pioneer. “It’s being investigated as it is suspicious in nature.”

The fire occurred very early in the morning of Monday, October 10. A total of 14 firefighters from both the Windermere and Invermere fire de partments responded to at call about it at 3:15 a.m. and found the interior of the building ablaze, with smoke pouring. After nearly two hours of efforts the fire was extinguished.

Anybody with any information is asked to con tact Crimestoppers at 800 222 8477 or the local Co lumbia Valley RCMP at (250) 342-9292.

One of the projects underway that is sure to benefit all, is an active transportation trail that will connect both Invermere and the Shuswap Band’s economic area. Mayor Miller shared the goal to have a bridge across the Columbia River for people who are active, whether it be walking, cycling, E-bikes, or even scooters. Eventually the trail will lead all the way up to Radium.

“We’ve really taken this seriously and are working hard to get this done. I am really looking forward to continuing working on this with the Shuswap Band next term and hopefully to really move this project forward,” said Miller. “Work for some of this trail system that will be on the Athalmer lands for this project, will begin next summer. As we receive and collect grant monies, we can put shovels in the ground and get to work.”

Of course, a project of this undertaking will take some time, with no timeline in sight. Those who were in attendance for last Wednesday’s celebration were able to enjoy beautiful weather, cake, and ice cream, and also to ask questions and see a true example of teamwork.

“For those that came out to celebrate with us, I hope that they learned that First Nations communities and municipalities can work together to make a future that will benefit our youth and those yet unborn,” said Cote. “Our main focus is working to wards the active transportation trail that not only joins our two communities together but encourages us to be physically active which leads to mental wellness.”

Local fire departments and the RCMP are seeking any tips or infor mation that may aid their investigation of the Thanksgiving fire at the under-construction McDonald’s by the crossroads.

Photo submitted by Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK)

Mayor Al Miller and Chief Barb Cote of the Shuswap Band were very happy to celebrate the Friendship Agreement at Kinsmen Beach on Oct. 19. The agreement was first signed in October of 2020. Both expressed gratitude to all that came out to celebrate the work they are doing together.

Photo by Chadd Cawson

Historical LensHistorical Lens PERSPECTIVE

Canal Flats bylaw saved time and money

By Joanne McQuarrioe editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Choosing Canal Flats’ new mayor, Mark Doherty, by drawing his name out of a hat, was an interesting decision-maker. Bylaws are used by municipal councils and regional district boards to exercise their statutory for a number of purposes.

Drawing a name out of a hat as a tie-breaker in an election is out of the norm. But to begin with, there be ing a 158-158 tie in votes for Doherty and Doug Mc Cutcheon is out of the norm.

But across the world, laws can be even more strange. For example, in the United Kingdom, it is illegal to wear a suit of armour in the Houses of Parliament. In Wis consin, U.S., lutefisk (dried whitefish treated with lye) is specifically exempted from being considered a toxic sub stance under an employee’s’ right to know law. There’s a chewing gum sales ban in Singapore.

Here’s one for Halloween: there’s a silly string ban on Halloween in Los Angeles; it was put in place in 2004 because of clean-up costs that exceeded $200,000.

Sometimes, in a roundabout way, out-of-the-norm bylaws make sense. In Canal Flats, the village’s election bylaw simplified the process and it saved taxpayers mon ey too. It’ll be interesting to see if the Canal Flats council decides to keep for the next election, should another un usual tie take place.

Lady in armchair

Photo by Ryan Watmough

Drawing names has a tradition, said reader

Dear Editor:

I read the article, Canal Flats race likely to come down to pulling a name from a hat, by Steve Hubrecht, in your October 20 edition with interest.

The idea of deciding an election by drawing names seems like an unusual way to decide a tight election. However, the BC provincial law which allows towns and cities in the province to draw lots in the event of a tied election result is actually based on about 2,500 years of democratic history and tradition.

The ancient Greeks -- the founders of Western civilization and democratic tradition -- actually pre

ferred drawing names to having elections! This pro cess -- called sortition -- was the way the early Greeks decided who would hold power. This random system was thought to help ensure that power was held by people who best represented the public and protect ed from the influences of existing power, wealth, and popularity. It was seen as foundational to democracy at the time.

Drawing lots isn’t a democratic glitch -- it’s a foun dational piece with ancient traditions.

Adrian Bergles, Radium Hot Springs

Amanda Nason Associate Publisher/

Steve Hubrecht Magazine Editor/ Reporter

Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Emily Rawbon Graphic Design

The Columbia Valley Pioneer is available free of charge at 13 essential businesses in the Upper Columbia Valley, limited to one copy per reader. This publication has been made possible, in part, by the Government of Canada and the support of our advertisers and is published every Thursday. The Columbia Valley Pioneer may be distributed only by its authorized contractors and employees. No person may, without the prior written consent of The Pioneer or its Publisher, take more than one copy of each issue of The Pioneer. The content is protected by copyright. Reproduction by any means is prohibited except with the permission of the

Christina Boucher Office Administrator

Joanne McQuarrie Editor

Mrs. Valerie Rossington, Treasurer, Windemere District branch of the Canadian Red Cross from 1960-1976. Photo courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society

Fort Steele is gearing up for its annual Spooktacular event this coming Saturday, Oct. 29.

Bear sightings

Dear Editor:

I am writing you about my concerns about the increasing bear sightings in the District of Invermere. As the bear population prepares for hibernation, you can find them roaming the streets searching for food. Invermere is a popular destination to visit, however, those who are visiting the town may not understand how dangerous it is to be near these bears. Individuals have been seen pulling over and hopping out of their cars to take pictures.

There needs to be more communication and public awareness about the dangers of these bears and why staying away is important. If we had more warning signage and possible implementation of being fined if you are seen interacting with bears in (any) way, this may help the issue. If this ongoing issue regarding bears continues to go silenced, then an incident far more serious than getting an up-close picture of a bear could happen. By enforcing this, a member of our community or a visitor who comes to see Invermere will have a better understanding of why we want people to stay away from bears and the repercussions that may happen if they choose not to.

Thank you, Robert-Tye Rice, UPEI Student, Invermere , BC

Ghoul’s Night Out

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

All creatures of the night who are 19 and older are invited to come out for a howling good time as Columbia Valley Pride hosts its first Halloween-themed drag show, Ghoul’s Night. This event is happening on October 29 at 7 p.m at the Colum bia Valley Centre located on the unceded territories of the Secwépemc and Ktunaxa Peoples and the land chosen as home by the Métis Peoples of B.C.

“It’s new territory for us and an absolutely thrilling learning experience. We’re trying to engage the community in new ways and are hoping to expand our contri bution to the Columbia Valley by being able to provide community resources and supports to other organizations,” said Darian Ariss (she/her), a Columbia Valley Pride board member since 2019 and recently-elected acting president. “Fingers crossed this event will help raise some funds to provide a springboard for this work.”

Columbia Valley Pride celebrated their third annual Pride Festival during Pride Month in June, on the 25th. It was the first time they were able to celebrate outside and in person due to the COVID pandemic. After a successful festival on on June 25 at CPR Lodge, they were approached by Karla Marx of Cabaret Calgary.

“Karla seemed really interested in our work and we’re hoping to bring their show to the Columbia Valley. They’re also involved with The Queer Education Foundation, so we’ve just been really excited to collaborate with them in supporting our vision to become a more resource driven organization,” said Ariss. “Cabaret Calgary has been the backbone of this event; all the graphics and marketing you see is their work. Co lumbia Valley Pride’s team is small, so we absolutely needed their support to make this happen.”

Karla Marx, known for being a fantastic performer and devoted advocate for queer rights and representation, has an upcoming stand-up comedy special called Comedy Invasion airing on Amazon Prime November 29.

“We’ve got Lilith Fair coming as well, who wrote and directed a play coming to New York, Broadway this December, as well as queens, Lola Jett, Hermena, and Tan gerine Dream. It will be a full house,” said Ariss. “It’s going to be an absolute blast! We’ve got prizes, drinks, stand-up comedy, fabulous queens, and you can enjoy all that while knowing you’ll be contributing to the development of community resourc es in the valley.”

Ghoul’s Night is a fundraiser; all the proceeds will go to the 2LGBTQiA+ com munity. For the remainder of 2022, Columbia Valley Pride will focus on community resource initiatives.

“It feels like we’ve been doing a lot of grant writing lately – concentrating on bringing educational and health supports to the valley,” said Ariss. “Our first project will be bringing in some new 2LGBTQiA+ books to the libraries, who have been so fantastic to work with, and we’ve got lots more in store. We have a small volunteer board with some ambitious goals and we’re very grateful for the support we’ve been shown so far. We’re so excited to see the community supporting this fundraiser. We know there are lots of options for folks to consider around Halloween, so we inten tionally set our time a bit earlier in the evening so people can come to our show and support other local events.”

Tickets to Ghoul’s Night Out are $35 and will be available to purchase online only right up until start time. For more information on how to become a new mem ber or to volunteer with Columbia Valley Pride visit their website at www.columbia valleypride.org

recycle this newspaper

No traffic chaos this fall, despite diversion

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Ongoing sewer and water upgrades have once again diverted all traffic heading south out of (or north into) Invermere past local schools, but this fall the situation has not created the chaos it did last fall.

The District of Invermere (DOI) began doing the sewer upgrades, which are ur gently needed, along 13th Avenue in summer, 2021. The work was more complicated than expected and so, spilled out of the planned summer construction window several months into the fall.

The 2021 upgrades saw 13th Avenue, one of the district’s main thoroughfares, completely closed to vehicles in both directions, with the traffic rerouted instead along 15th Avenue. It was a negligible hassle during July and August, but once schools opened up again in September, the extra traffic and the higher-than-normal speeds it was travelling at, caused serious traffic jams and other safety concerns along 15th Avenue, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times. Numerous residents voiced their displeasure with the bedlam to the Pioneer and to the district.

Ongoing construction to up grade sewer and water infra structure on 13th Avenue and 15th Street has rerouted traffic past local schools, but the traf fic jams and speeding issues that resulted from a similar situation last year have not been anywhere near as bad this time around.

When the contract for phase two of the sewer upgrades on 13th Avenue was awarded in early 2022, district staff emphasized at the time that the contract contained stiff financial penalties for not sticking to a strict July-Au gust timeline. They wanted avoid a repeat of the traffic issues.

But once again, the work has proven trickier than expected. Add staffing shortag es and Invermere council’s decision to expand the scope of phase two to include 15th Street. Sewer upgrades are desperately needed on 15th Street too, and doing them now will save Invermere taxpayers a pile of money down the road. As a result, work again extended well past the Labour Day long weekend deadline, deep into the fall.

Photo by Hadley Hubrecht

In recent weeks the project got to the point at which 15th Street was com pletely closed to traffic, effectively sealing off all routes south out of Invermere except for 15th Avenue. This is the same bottleneck situation created by phase one last year, with all traffic heading into or out of the south end of Inver mere now funnelled right past Eileen Madson Primary School (EMP), David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS), and J.A. Laird Elementary School.

The Pioneer braced for an onslaught of grumbling residents, but so far there have been none.

Invermere mayor Al Miller has had the same experience.

“This year it seems like it’s been going quite well. I have not heard the complaining and we have not had the issues we did last year,” Miller told the Pioneer. “The upgrades are what we have to do. We’re getting the job done, and it will make the situation for the residents there, much better.”

He surmised that residents might be expressing less frustration this fall simply because they may now realize the urgency of the sewer upgrades and the lack of options the district has in terms of keeping 13th Avenue open.

“I think people understand this work needs to happen,” said Miller.

This image, taken from Invermere council documents earlier this fall, roughly shows the routes that traffic must take to detour around construc tion work on 13th Avenue and 15th Street. Although this map was 100 per cent accurate in late September, work has now shifted and 15th Street (shown are mostly open here) is now completely closed to vehicles between 13th Avenue and 12th Avenue.

Getting the paving done on the intersection of 13th Avenue and 14th Street (the major intersection in the area, right at the southeast corner of J.A. Laird) just before schools opened in early September may also have helped lessen complaints, hypothesized Miller. “It was just done in the nick of time, but it was done, so there was no interruption to the traffic flowing through at intersection during school drop-off and pick-up times. We are trying our best to make it as smooth as possible.”

The district also created a new crosswalk at the intersection of 15th Avenue and Pineridge Road to improve safety for kids walking to school (and for any other pedestrians wanting to cross the suddenly-busy 15th Avenue).

Invermere bylaw officer (and incoming Invermere councillor), Mark Topliff, spent a lot of mornings outside EMP last fall, trying to make sure passing vehicles obeyed the school zone speed limits.

“I have been there again quite a bit this fall, but it’s been a lot better than last year,” Topliff told the Pioneer. “The contractor crews have done a good job with flagging and traffic control. It’s certainly made my job as bylaw officer a lot easier.”

Miller said the last stretch of 13th Avenue will “hopefully be paved shortly” but added 15th Street will likely need to finished next spring. “We’ll have to make do with the gravel (on 15th Street) over the winter,” he said.

OUT OF OFFICE…

We are in the afterglow of an amazing evening under the stars and down the red carpet. We are proud to share this evening of excellence with our entire local business community. Our hard-working business community is comprised of leaders, ambassadors, and compassionate people behind the brands. This year’s finalists and recipients are all deserving of recognition.

Congratulations to the 2022 award recipients:

• Community Builder – The Summit Youth Hub and Centre

• Outstanding Workplace – Little Badgers Early Learning Centre

• Sustainable Practices – Wings over the Rockies

• Outstanding Customer Service – Unleashed! Pet Care Services

• New Business of the Year – Wild Wonders Insectarium

• Employee(s) of the Year – Rhonda DeVries, Big Horn Meadows Resort

• People’s Choice – Wild Wonders Insectarium

• Youth Entrepreneur – Japhy Shine Hunt

• Chamber Member of the Year – Dee Conklin, Palliser Printing

• Businessperson of the Year – Jessica Fairhart, Tourism Radium

• Non-Profit/ Association of the Year – Columbia Valley Search and Rescue

• Business of the year (1-15 employees) – Winderberry Nursery/ Edible Acres Farm and Café

• Business of the Year (16+ employees) – The Station Pub.

This year we proudly worked with Robin and Shona, new owners of Pottery Playground, to design and create these beautiful awards. The tasty desserts were provided by Strawberry Shortquakes Bakery and Confections. The “Cucktails” were mixed with local flavours from Taynton Bay Spirits, Smokehouse 93, Stolen Church, and Saunders Jam, along with feature beers from Arrowhead and Radium Brewing. And of course, thank you to Palliser Printing who kindly provided us with programs as evening souvenirs.

A huge thank you to the Ullr Bar team for hosting this amazing evening. The Ullr team graciously met with us in the months leading up to the gala, designed wonderful food and drink menus, prepared delicious food, bartended, set up, and

The 2022 Business Excellence Awards were a smash success!

brought a fun after party.

Thank you to everyone in the community who came out to support this night of excellence. We look forward to seeing you next year!

cvevents.ca

POWERED BY THE COLUMBIA VALLEY CHAMBER

ursday, October 27

● 7 p.m.: Trivia Night at Arrowhead Brewing with East Kootenay Invasive Species Council

● 7:30 p.m.: Halloween Fun at the Windermere Whitehouse: Terrifying Trivia Thursday. Reserve your table for any of the “Three Nights of Scary” at windermerewhitehouse@gmail.com

• • 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 Ave, Invermere.

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

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

• 12 p.m.: Seniors lunch at the Invermere Legion.

• 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 28

● 2-4 p.m.: Trunk O’ Treat at the Akisqnuk Arbour (3048 Hwy 93/95, Windermere). Bring your child and inner child dressed up!

● 1 p.m.: The 2nd Annual Halloween Scavenger Hunt returns to the Station Pub. Register your team at the pub in advance. The hunt begins at 1 p.m. Friday and ends at 3 p.m. on the 30th!

● This weekend: Fairmont Immersion Festival Halloween Fun at the Resort.

● 9 p.m.: Three Nights of Scary at the Windermere Whitehouse: Friday… Scaraoke

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

• 12 & 5 p.m.: Edgewater Legion wing day! 12 p.m.:

•

• 2 p.m.:

• 4-8

• 5:30

•

Saturday, October 29

● 3-5 p.m.: Trick or Treat Downtown Invermere. Kids in costume will receive treats

(look for the posters on the store windows).

● 3-7 p.m.: Haunted Halloween Hike and Geocache Treasure hunt. Brought to you by Back 40 Outdoor Events. 4 km hike for all ages. Donations to CV Search and Rescue.

● 6 p.m.: Halloween – the Pre Kill, murder mystery dinner at the Windermere Hall. Show at 7, dinner at 8, prizes and DJ afterparty. Tickets at www.columbiavalleyplayers.com

● 6-8 p.m.: Draquarius the Lounge Singer live at the Station Pub (reserve table for $10). Dinner and entertainment.

● 7 p.m.: Halloween Drag Show hosted by Karla Marx and Co. Brought to you by Columbia Valley Pride, at the Columbia Valley Centre (get tickets at www. showpass.com/ghoulsnight)

● 7 p.m.: Halloween Fundraising Party for Woodcarver Park, at the Radium Hot Springs Centre. Live music, special guests, costumes, and best dressed Rolf.

● 8 p.m.: Monster Bash Dance Party at the Whitehouse Pub in Windermere.

● 9 p.m.: Halloween Howler 6 Burlesque Show at the Horsethief Pub. Prizes for best costumes.

● 10 p.m.: Halloween Costume DJ Party at Ullr Bar. Dancing, challenges and costume prizes.

Sunday, October 30

● 2-5 p.m.: Pumpkin Decorating at Arrowhead Brewing Co. All Ages Welcome. Pumpkins available for purchase, carving and decorating tools provided.

● 5:30 p.m.: Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner at the Invermere Legion. Prizes for best costume. Three course dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. To reserve call 250-342-9517.

• 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 at Franks Rink in Edgewater.

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

Monday, October 31

• 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 at 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, November 1

• 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: mt. Nelson 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, November 2

● 7-9 p.m.: Community Drum Circle with Columbia Valley Drumming at Pynelogs. Save your spot by registering: columbiavalleydrumming@ gmail.com. No experience needed. Season pass and drop in options available.

• 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 at the Mount Nelson Athletic Park.

• 12:30 p.m.: Seniors duplicate Bridge: $2 at the Invermere Senior’s Hall.

• 12-8 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.

Columbia Lake gets new management plan

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

with a citizen-led water monitoring program, (and with) increased concern about the ecological and recreational carrying capacities of the lake.”

Another major initiative now in place that wasn’t there in 1997, is the designation of Columbia Lake East Side as an Indigenous Cultural Landscape.

“With the increase of recreational activity, our res idents are certainly more aware (now, as compared with 25 years ago) of the need to manage our beach and water access in a responsible manner,” Canal Flats chief admin istrative officer (CAO), Richard Wayken told the Pioneer

The new Columbia Lake Management plan is meant to help local government officials understand the key is sues associated with lake and guide their decision making.

ship very seriously.”

The new plan recommends keeping the Canal Flats’ non-motorized boat launch on the southwest corner of the lake, but suggests adding educational signs about boating and recreation use in the wetlands. It also sug gests that any use of public access points for small mari nas within Canal Flats “should ensure that broader public use of the lake access is not alienated”.

A new, updated Columbia Lake management plan was re cently completed by the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) to help guide local decision makers’ choices about the unique waterbody. This image shows the view of Colum bia Lake from Tilley Memorial Park in Canal Flats.

Photo by Ryan Watmough

Lake Windermere may get most of the attention (thanks mostly to being far busier with summer boat traf fic), but the Columbia Valley’s other main lake — Co lumbia Lake — is just as big, just as beautiful, and just as biodiverse. Earlier this past summer the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) finalized its new, updated Co lumbia Lake management plan.

The new plan replaces the old one, which dates back to 1997. As RDEK planning supervisor, Karen MacLeod, explained to the Pioneer, it was high time to re-assess the state of Columbia Lake.

“The 25 years between the plans have seen significant changes in development around the lake, both with the RDEK and the Village of Canal Flats. Changes around the lake have also seen additional lands that are being managed for conservation interest,” noted MacLeod. “In terms of lake management, the community has become much more engaged about the lake (in the past 25 years),

Like the Lake Windermere management plan, the Columbia Lake management plan outlines clear recom mendations on a range of issues, and just like the Lake Windermere management plan, these issues include moorage: although the number of boats on Columbia Lake is nowhere near the number of boats using Lake Windermere, the new plan recommends that both the RDEK and Canal Flats maintain surface zoning to regu late mooring buoys and docks.

The plan supports new small marinas at Canal Flats’ Eagle Nest and Painted Ridge subdivisions, and keeps the small marina at Columere Park, but aside from that, no new marinas are supported.

In general, the plan heavily favours improving public access and discouraging increasing private access. Specif ically, the plan encourages local officials to examine op tions for upgrading the Tilley Memorial Park boat launch ramp, particularly to allow two boats to be launched at the same time. The plan supports keeping a tiered fee structure for the Tilley boat launch, pointing out that it is funded by Canal Flats taxpayers, but benefits users from the village and from elsewhere.

Tilley is particularly important to Canal Flats resi dents, and that was apparent in the feedback generated during the planning process, said Wayken. He explained, “Tilley Park is the gateway to the south part of Columbia Lake. Certainly, the residents have a strong sense of pride and ownership. This means they take access and steward

At the north end of Columbia Lake, the plan does not support adding a motorized boat launch within Co lumbia Lake Provincial Park, but does recommend that local officials consider formalizing access points — with signage, infrastructure and parking — for non-motorized watercraft along the Columbia River channel, past the outflow from Columbia Lake.

MacLeod told the Pioneer that quite a lot of work went into creating the new plan. The process stretched more than two years; it started in early 2020 and ended this past spring, including two rounds of public engage ment, a technical steering committee, considerable re search and plenty of dialogue with various stakeholders.

“A strong sense of community and pride of place was evident in the (public feedback) responses. Respondents recognized that in order to maintain the components that made Columbia Lake desirable, would require a cooper ative approach to management — of natural and built assets,” said MacLeod.

She noted that compared with Lake Windermere, and further south, with Wasa Lake, “Columbia Lake is unique, as it has very limited lands directly adjacent to the lake and limited public access points, and it is com pletely undeveloped on the east side, with the exception of the portion within Canal Flats.” These distinct traits are both an asset from an ecological perspective, and a limitation from a recreational and social perspectives, added MacLeod.

“The realization of the plan in 2022 wrapped up a comprehensive process; it is always nice to have plans completed and supported. Adoption by both local gov ernments with jurisdiction on the lake and the upland parcels will provide an opportunity for collaboration on the implementation and next steps,” said MacLeod.

Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards a huge success

By Joanne McQuarrie editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The 23rd Annual Business Excellence Awards hosted by the Co lumbia Valley Chamber of Commerce on October 20 at the Ullr Bar was one of the most successful get-togethers yet, said executive director and master of ceremonies, Pete Bourke.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the event,” Bourke said. “It’s one of the strongest events in the history of the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce - even before the COVID pandemic.”

Bourke pointed out two factors that led to such success: “The en gagement of the voting public and the attendance at the awards cere mony.

‘We had 175 people in attendance, including ticket holders, spon sors and staff,” Bourke said.

The newly-introduced People’s Choice Award, which was chosen by votes from the public, was a hit. “We received over 2,500 votes,” Bourke said. “Everyone nominated was in the running for the People’s Choice Award.”

Several sponsors helped bring the evening together. Ullr Bar put on a delicious spread of food, and made sure folks were attended to throughout the evening. The red carpet reception was hosted by Ave nue Modern Clothing. Pottery Playground created unique awards for the recipients. Palliser Printing provided the programs.

Chamber president, Cris Leonard told the crowd that all nominees are deserving of recognition, and show the excellence in the member ship of the chamber.

Recipients of the 23rd Annual Business Excellence awards include: Community Builder: Summit Youth Hub; Employee of the Year: Rhonda DeVries, Big Horn Meadows; Outstanding Workplace: Little Badgers Early Learning Centre; People’s Choice: Wild Wonders Insectarium; Sustainable Practices: Wings Over the Rockies; Non Profit/Association: Columbia Valley Search and Rescue; Outstanding Customer Service: Unleashed! Pet Care Services; Youth Entrepreneur: Japhy Shine Hunt; Chamber Member: Dee Conklin, Palliser Printing; New Business: Wild Wonders Insectarium; Business of the Year (1-15): Winderberry Nursery/Edible Acres Farm & Cafe; Business Person of the Year: Jessica Fairhart, Tourism Radium; Business of the Year (16+): The Station Pub. Photo by Jaybird Media

Legion’s first-ever dinner theatre sure to be a killer time

A murder most foul in Invermere on October 30

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

It will be a killer good time - bloody murder - at the Legion in Invermere on Oc tober 30.

The Legion is set to host its first-ever dinner theatre, ‘Murder Most Foul’. Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased at the door which will open at 5:30 p.m.

“This is our first dinner theatre in the Legion. We had dinners with entertainment before, but this is the first one that is hands, or bones, on,” said Marius Hoofd, pres ident of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 71, located on the unceded territories of the Secwépemc and Ktunaxa Peoples and the land chosen as home by the Métis Peoples of B.C. “The idea came at one of our Wednesday dinners when we started talking about fun things in our past, one of them being a dinner theatre. That, combined with a certain love for Halloween, made it a one and one equals 100.”

Freaks of the night who wish to get in on this Hallow een fun and help solve a murder will need to make a reser vation by calling at (250) 342-9517 as there is a maximum capacity. As well, the Legion needs to know how many to expect for their three-course dinner before the mayhem really gets underway. Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased at the door which opens at 5:30 p.m.

“We are expecting no more than 50 ghouls, ghosts, goblins, and witches. This is a number that works best for our volunteers,” said Hoofd. “Dinner plans at this moment, will be starting with a wonderful squash soup with broomsticks. The main course is a chicken schnitzel with roasted fall vegetables and potatoes. The dessert will be an apple surprise. Our chef, Jennifer, will make it all ghoulishly good for the pallet and the eyes. Things might change a bit but who knows? This is what is in the stars for now.”

Going batty about big brown bats

THE WILD FILES

It’s our nature

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

‘Tis the season that we all go a little batty - at least with Halloween décor - to either scare away or entice trick or treaters as October 31 creeps up.

While black bats may be part of Halloween decora tions in windows and doorways, big brown bats are the species of winged marvels that can be found flying or hanging around the unceded territories of the Secwépemc and Ktunaxa Peoples and the land chosen as home by the Métis Peoples of B.C.

Big brown bats are one of 18 species found in Can ada. With over 1400 species of bats across the globe, big brown bats are a sub-species of the vesper bat and have been around since roughly 1796. Distributed widely across North America, big brown bats also like to call the northern part of South America and the Caribbean home.

Considering they’re a part of the microbat species, big brown bats, with uniform brown fur, certainly earn their name and can be more than a handful; they weigh 26 grams and measure 14 cm in length. They have a wing span of 35 cm. Like many winged species, females tend to be larger than males. Their underbellies are a lighter shade of brown while their wings, tail, face, and ears are all black and furless. Big brown bats are highly adaptable and can live up to 19 years in the wild. Bats don’t have a name to separate their gender but the males live longer. Bat young are called pups.

After dinner is done, it will be murder on the menu as the Legion becomes Lock wood Manor. All guests have been invited to the manor for a Halloween party. All the cast members of the spooky whodunnit will take you through the history of the foul murder of Lorraine Lockwood on Halloween night five years prior. Those in haunting attendance will be able to engage the cast in conversation and pick their brains as the four acts unfold. Costumes, of course, are encouraged, and a prize for the best one will be awarded at the end of the night.

“All the cast members are murder suspects. Each of them will exchange facts, sus picions and accusations in a loud conversational manner with the others. The object of the evening is to determine who the murderer is and why,” said Hoofd. “We hope that all who attend have a great evening of fun, food, and entertainment. If this evening works, we at the Legion plan to do it more often.”

Support

word frequently used when

to the

needed by those families who are struggling to

gas

cost of

week,

the

of

resort

ing the Columbia Valley Food Bank (CVFB), despite many of them being employed.

are up significantly: 900 hampers were prepared in the first nine months of 2022 compared with 802 for the full year of 2021. This is the equivalent of approxi mately 74,000 meals.

over 25 years, the CVFB has sought to meet its mandate to provide access to

for individuals

families from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats. Hamper

sizes are based on the number of people in the household and clients may access this service once every 30 days, although if necessary, emergency hampers can be provided. Consideration is given to the nutritional value of the contents (gluten-free and other dietary needs). Children’s nutritious snacks are bagged separately to be included within the family hamper.

In addition, the CVFB provides financial support for a number of heathy food ini tiatives. These include distributing coupons for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegeta bles through the BC Farmer’s Market coupon program; funding the Food for Learning programs at area schools, which provide breakfast and lunch snacks for children coming to school hungry; supporting the school cooking program at J. A. Laird School and; working with the Family Dynamix Centre to support women in need.

Submitted by Nesta Becker, chairperson, Columbia Valley Food Bank

from our fellowship, please call

Cheers to

and

at

Cheers to the t wo friendly, helpful ladies who work at the Athalmer Transfer Station.

of the weather, you are always there to lend a

CHEERS to the Veen Family &

staff at the Black Forest

for yet another

Marilyn Elaine

March 11th, 1943 –

15th, 2022

Fascia, Etc Contac t

Hinves

803 5357

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 250 341 5683

Hear tfeltcompanionser vices com

include

to

fereceivables@gmail.com

Wanted 2 F/T Restaurant Cooks, Rocky River Grill, 8888 Arrow Road, Invermere, B.C Permanent, F/T shifts, over time, weekends, days and evenings, $16/hour for 40 hours per week Over time after 40 hours. Minimum several years’ experience and completion of secondar y school. DUTIES: Prepare and cook full course meals, prepare and cook individual dishes and foods, ensure qualit y of food por tions, work with minimal super vision, prepare dishes for customers with food allergies or intolerances Inspec t kitchens and food ser vice areas Please for ward resume to Justin Atterbur y by fax 250 342 8889 or email: justatterbur

evening, great ser vice, and delicious food

have

going there for well over

years and have never been

It is with great sadness we announce that

has gone to be with the Lord. She passed away

the evening of October 15th, 2022 at the age of

predeceased by her

and son-in-law Glenn.

by

Mervin and Mary,

She was born on Thursday, March 11, 1943 in Grandview Manitoba and after graduating high school in Flin Flon, went on to train as an RN at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She graduated in May 1963 and moved to Invermere one year later where she worked the rest of her career and raised her family. She loved the valley and spent many happy years in her rose garden, volunteering, crafting and time with friends and family.

She is survived by her daughters Pepa and Sandy (Jon), brother Bart (Heather), sister Mona (Gerald), brother George. A celebration of her life will be held at the Lake Windermere Alliance Church on Friday, October 28th 2022 at 1 p.m. with reception to follow.

Special thanks to the Invermere and District Hospital,

House and

House for taking such

of her.

•

•

Executive Director

The Columbia Valley Food Bank is seeking an experienced individ ual to provide leadership strategic vision and direc tion to the organization n the role of Executive Direc tor This is a new position for us; therefore, this is being posted as a full time one year term position during which we will determine its permanenc y

In this role you will be the face of the Columbia Valley Food Bank, working c osely with the Board of Direc tors, staff and volunteers, our donors, government agencies, and other community organ izations

SKILLS AND AT TRIBUTES TO BE SUCCESSFUL

• Comprehensive understanding of food insecurity, pover ty, and system c inequ ty

Leadership, Strateg c v sion, and financial understanding and dec sion making, keeping in line with organ zations mission values, strateg c prior ties, pol cies

• Experience n fund deve opment, grant writing/repor ting and fundraising techniques

Hands on attitude to program management Willing to lead, delegate and do the work when necessar y

• Strong leadership and per formance management skills Set the calibre and expec tation for your team to demonstrate high quality work and attention to detail

Excellent crit cal thinking sk lls and abi ity to respond under pressure

• Initiative taker committed to life long learning

Excellent relationship builder, able to connec t and develop relat onships with various stakeholders

DELIVERABLES

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all aspec ts of our organ zation, ensuring that we are operating efficiently and effec tively to meet our goals and the needs of our commun ty

•

1 Maintain fiscal responsibility of the organization

2 Provide human resources management and leadership

3 Provide valuable programs, both current and new, to

EDUC ATIONS, CERTIFIC ATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor

Occupational

llingness

or

(Gmai

obtain

Docs,

Employment Oppor tunity

Direc tor of Finance

Are you awesome? A team builder and creator of positive corporate culture whose levels of financial skill

experience

personality?

you are then the Village of Radium Hot Springs is looking for you!

The Village seeks an experienced Director of Finance who can lead, develop, and mentor the finance team into the future.

This is a unique time to join the Village team: a time of significant organizational renewal In addition to your general awesomeness and ability to work well as a member of a high functioning team the ideal candidate will have a professional accounting designation (a finance diploma may be considered), and a track record of success and organizational and cultural improvement in progressively senior finance roles preferably in the public sector

In return the Village can offer: a competitive salar y; comprehensive benefits including defined benefit pension; and superior flexibility on hours worked including potentially a hybrid office/remote working arrangement to the right candidate

As a key member of the senior management team, and repor ting to the Chief Administrative Officer, you will oversee the Village’s finance depar tment and provide guidance, strategic advice, and direction within the organization You will be accountable for effective administration of the financial affairs of the Village including all accounting, budgeting, financial planning, debt and investment management, financial risk management, and the ongoing review of financial processes and policy

Desired knowledge includes:

• Demonstrated knowledge of public sector financial accounting and repor ting principles and requirements under PSAB

• Thorough knowledge of BC municipal legislation as it relates to finance

• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporar y municipal asset management practices

• The ability to communicate straightfor wardly and effectively with a variety of audiences

• Experience in consulting with public and working with councils, boards, and committees

• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Vadim financial software

Trucking/Administrative Coordinator

Repor ting to the Mine Manager, in this role you will leverage your exper tise to contribute to Baymag’s mine located near Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia In collaboration with the mine team, and contrac tors, you will work with carriers, drivers, and internal employees to ensure the efficient and optimized coordination of all transpor t from the mine to our plant located in Exshaw, Alber ta You will be joining an ex tremely talented team that will look to you for your technical competenc y, knowledge, and business acumen

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrate strong leadership by example with regard to the company ’s health and safety policies through coaching of, and positive reinforcement for, employees and drivers

tracking and scheduling of ore hauling

• Under the guidance of the Purchasing Manager, responsible to source and maintain fleet

•

•

•

documentation files (orientation)

e for fuel usage and deliveries

• Assign and monitor fuel cards

• Responsible for communication (drivers, loader operator and trucking organization)

safety compliance (driver and equipment)

• Incident repor ts (follow up and correc tive ac tions)

• Responsible for haul road maintenance

• Should have good concept of gravel road design and maintenance

Key contac t person for daily road repor t

Responsible to develop and execute road maintenance budget (long/shor t term)

Organize and Plan stockpiles of gravel/sand for seasonal usage

Responsible for grading and snow clearing scheduling

Pit road maintenance vs haul road Avalanche control Sanding/plow trucks

Assist/Execute administrative tasks related to site infra struc ture and mine operations

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS:

• Post Secondar y education in Mining, Logistics, Manufac turing or Equivalent work experience

• 3 years’ experience in logistics (mining or manu fac turing industr y an asset)

• Experience in buildings management, mining, construc tion, road transpor t is an asset

• Ability to plan, prioritize and organize tasks in a contex t of tight deadlines

• Interest and ability to work in a contex t of multicultural work environment

Relocation required Baymag suppor ts and promotes the communities in which we operate as a place for our employees to call home, not just a workplace

Please submit your resume along with salar y expec tations to jobs@baymag com

We appreciate your interest in working with us; however, only those applicants selec ted for inter views will be contac ted.

Personality is key! Awesome candidates should submit a resume and cover letter by Monday, November 7, 2022 to:

Adrian Bergles, Chief Administrative Officer Village of Radium Hot Springs cao@radiumhotsprings ca

The Village of Radium Hot Springs thanks all applicants for their interest Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted

HEATING

is the

Big brown bats long for habitats from lowline des erts to timbered lined meadows. They are found in great abundance in hardwood forests, something we have plen ty of across British Columbia. During the cold winter months big brown bats find shelter in old, abandoned mines, churches, and other buildings, where they hi bernate until March. Being insectivores, they like bugs, especially beetles, but also like to prey on other insects such as wasps, ants, and all flies including dragonflies, and mosquitoes. The Nature Mapping Foundation web site indicates big brown bats utilize echolocation (using sound reflection to sense things) to avoid obstacles and capture their prey.

Bats are vital to the biodiversity of the Columbia Val ley. Many organizations such as Columbia Basin Trust, the Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund, the Co lumbia Valley Local Conservation Fund and the Pub lic Conservation Assistance Fund have all been vital in aiding the Kootenay Community Bat Project (KCBP). KCBP was first established in 2004, to bring more aware ness to the importance of bats and provide education about their conservation. For more information on this project visit bcbats.ca.

Bat mates

Holy bat love, bat man! Male big brown bats look for love in the fall. A male bat will fly over to the female of his choosing where he will nuzzle and wrap his wing around her. If she doesn’t fight him off and flee, it’s on! Female bats can store semen in a special gland for months during their hibernation and use it to fertilize their eggs once they awaken in the spring and ovulate. Their ges tation period is normally 60 days; they will then birth one pup but rarely two. Pups are born completely naked, blind with eyes closed but if they fall from their roost, they will squeak repeatedly; their mother can hear them from ten metres away. A roost can be any place a bat or many may use for shelter and protection.

Brown Cauldron

While there are a few cool terms for a group of bats flying together such as a camp or cloud, the term, ‘a caul dron of bats’, is the most suitable for this spooky season. Seeing a group of bats flying overhead often carry the same superstition as an unkindness of ravens. Some see it as a sign as death, while others view it as a sign of letting go and bringing in the new; that a transition period is on the way. Big brown bats can reach speeds in flight of 65 km per hour.

Bat Week

Bat Week is a worldwide celebration that takes place annually every Oct. 24 - 31. We often lose sight and be come blinder than bats about how much they do for na ture, from eating tons of insects and pollinating flowers, to spreading seeds to ensure the growth of new plants and trees. Visit batweek.org to learn how to build a bat house.

Bat tales

While many may freak out if they were to see one of these furry winged mammals up close and personal, in southeast Asia they are associated with good luck and fortune and even used in spiritual totems. In some In digenous cultures, bats are thought to be a mentor of the night, bridging the gap between gods and mankind. Whether they give you the thrills or chills big brown bats deserve a shoutout this Halloween and throughout the year.

are

HEAVY DUTY MECHANIC

JOURNEYMAN RED SEAL

MECHANIC (MILLWRIGHT)

RED SEAL

Out of the 18 different species of bats across Canada big brown bats are the winged creatures you will see flying and hanging around parts of the East Kootenays all year-round.

GETTY Photo

A I N T E N A N C E A N

RO U N D S

O

David

Roche, Rena Grace

October 28, 1929 –October 22, 2022

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear Rena.

Rena was a long-time resident of Fairmont Hot Springs and loved golfing, gardening and exploring the wild around the area. She was a pioneer at heart and the cornerstone of love for her family.

A Celebration of Life service will be held for Rena this Saturday, October 29th at 3 p.m. at the Lion’s Club Cabin in Fairmont Hot Springs.

Rena passed away peacefully at Columbia House in Invermere, BC on Saturday evening at the age of 93.

She is survived by her son, David, daughter, Diana, six grandchildren: Katherine, Jennifer, Michael, Jayde, Cierra and Evan, and five great grandchildren: Isabella, Jaxon, Sebastian, Harrison and Edison.

Rena was predeceased by her husband Brian Roche.

A very special thanks to the Columbia House staff who provided exceptional and loving care to Rena for the past nine years, especially at the time of her passing.

call:

David Thompson Secondary School hosted senior boys volleyball tournament on October 21 and 22. Joining the Lakers

the competition were teams from Selkirk Secondary, Kimberley; Kootenay River Secondary, Sparwood; Fernie

Elkford Secondary schools.

Lakers played

games on the 21st and three games on

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

Now open for in person ser vices.

Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

326 10th Avenue, Invermere

250 342 9535 • www.lwac.ca

W I N D E R M E R E V A L L E Y S H A R E D

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 Ministr y). 110 7th Ave. in Invermere.

V A L L E Y C H R I S T I A N A S S E M B L Y

Sunday 10 a.m. Worship ser vice

Pastor Murray Wittke 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250 342 9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com

R O M A N C A T H O L I C C H U R C H

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

S T. P E T E R’S L U T H E R A N C H U R C H

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

R A D I U M C H R I S T I A N F E L L O W S H I P

Sunday 10 a.m Worship

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

C H U R C H O F J E S U S C H R I S T O F L A T T E R D A Y S A I N T S

Worship Service, Sunday, 10 a.m. Relief Society, 11:15 a.m.

President Kendyn Mackensie • Columbia Valley Branch • 5014 Fair way, Fairmont Hot Springs 250 439 9041

CHURCH OF CHRIST (Iglesia ni Cristo)

Worship Ser vice: Sunday 9 a.m.,

of Commerce (Lions

Poster contest aims to show youth perspective about tobacco use

By Joanne McQuarrie editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com

With its launch of a youth poster contest, Take a Breath: Teen Voices on Tobacco & Vaping, on October 1, Interior Health (IH) is asking teens in the region for their perspective.

In Take a Breath, teens enrolled in grades eight to 12 are invited to submit an original artwork in the form of a poster in one of five themes.

The themes include important facts about smoking and vaping; the importance of ceremonial tobacco; strat egies used by tobacco and vaping companies to promote their products; how these products impact teens’ lives; and the environmental impact of tobacco and vaping.

The contest was developed by the tobacco and vapour reduction team at IH to be a new approach for engaging with youth in meaningful conversations about tobacco use and vaping and how it affects them and their friends, family, school, community and environment.

“Our goal is to understand, in an unbiased way, youth perspective,” said Jered Dennis, tobacco and va pour reduction coordinator, tobacco and vapour preven tion and control, population health, Interior Health.

The team worked in collaboration with teens from the McCreary Centre Society to develop the parameters of the contest and they will also serve as judges in select ing the winners.

“It’s for youth, by youth,” Dennis said. “They’re go ing to judge the posters based on four criteria, with a score of 40: 1. Scientific content; 2. impact and persua siveness - how well does the entry grab... attention and how persuasive is the images and the facts within it?; 3. Creativity; 4. Presentation - is it readable (with) correct spelling, grammar punctuation?”

The point of the criteria is to “give some structure to it, but leave it up to youth to assess”, Dennis said.

Teens have until November 15 to submit their en tries for a chance to win a $150 gift card of their choice. They can send one poster for each of the five categories if they choose to.

The winning entries will be professionally printed and, Dennis said, “provided to the youth’s school - the creator (of the winning poster)”.

Emails were sent to 130, 135 schools about the con test, and with that number, Dennis said due to the cost and not knowing what each school’s plans are, the win ning entries (which will be professionally printed) will be “provided to the youth’s school - the creator (of the winning poster)”. All other schools will have access to the posters through Interior Health’s website, which can be printed at their school.

The artwork and messages of the winning posters will be celebrated and recognized by being professionally printed and posted in schools and communities across the IH region.

The 2022 international tobacco control policy eval uation project (ITC) youth BC showed 15 per cent of BC youth age 16 - 19 had smoked cigarette in the past 12 months; 23 per cent of BC youth age 16 - 19 had vaped in the past 12 months. Reasons for using e-ciga rettes/vaping (top nine reasons, past 30-day vapers aged 16-19, Canada 2017-2021 N+4869) - fun: 47 per cent stress: 37 per cent; flavour: 35 per cent; curious: 32 per cent; nicotine: 28 per cent; acceptance: 20 per cent; less harmful to me: 19 per cent; cannabis: 15 per cent; less harm to others: 14 per cent.

Smoking rates for BC and Canada (all ages), 2017: 15.6 per cent smoking prevalence in BC; 15.1 per cent smoking prevalence in Canada.

A BC adolescent health survey showed Youth were more likely to have vaped in the past month than to have ever tried smoking tobacco (27 per cent vs. 19 per cent). Rural-based youth were more likely than those from ur ban areas to have vaped (33 per cent vs. 27 per cent). However, unlike tobacco use, where youth in the Interior were as likely to have smoked as those in the northern and Vancouver Island regions, youth in the Interior were the most likely to have vaped. In the month before taking the survey, six per cent of youth had both vaped and smoked cigarettes; 21 per cent had vaped and not smoked ciga rettes; and one per cent had smoked cigarettes and not vaped. Among youth who smoked tobacco in the past month, around half had been smoking for at least two years, including 19 per cent who had first smoked at least four years earlier.

7:45 p.m

Funding the Healthy Eating initiative ensures that our youngest children receive healthy snacks at daycares throughout the valley.

Support is given to CVFB continuously; it is is 80 per cent donor-funded. Our donor base is remarkably supportive, with a ma jority being repeat donors. Donors include pensioners who contribute from their monthly budget, indi viduals who recognize the needs of others, organizations and business es whose practices prioritize com munity support, recreational own ers who value and appreciate this valley, local growers and gardeners,

and the various contributions of our grocery stores.

Support is provided by an incredible core of dedicated and caring volunteers. The CVFB pres ently has no paid staff, so all of this would be impossible to accomplish without them. Volunteers contrib ute an average of 150-200 hours per month, meeting and serving cli ents, (out of hours if asked) manag ing inventory, financial accounting, sorting and shelving, grocery store bin collection, (handling) events, and cleaning the building, among other tasks. Board members, rec ognizing significant organizational

growth, recently embarked upon a strategic planning process to iden tify goals and strategies to address this expansion. (Topics) included staffing, food recovery, and collab oration with other organizations to maximize the CVFB’s ability to best provide support to those in need in the valley.

The CVFB organization is deeply appreciative of this circle of support. To be a part of this circle of support, please contact us at by calling the food bank at (250)-3420850, P.O. Box 2141, Invermere V0A 1K0, email: invermerecvfb@ hotmail.com, website: https// www.columbiavalleyfoodbank.ca

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