Columbia Valley Pioneer, November 17, 2022

Valley

Serving

Upper Columbia Valley including Akisq’nuk and Shuswap First Nations, Spillimacheen, Brisco, Edgewater, Radium, Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats

Canadians recognized National Aboriginal Veterans Day on Tues, Nov. 8. On Friday, Nov. 11 many Remembrance Day ceremonies across the country incorporated Indigenous communities and their traditions. Together, we can support reconciliation every day. The Nov. 11 ceremony at the Invermere Cenotaph included representatives of both the Askiqnuk First Nation and the Shuswap Band. See pages 18 and 19 for more photos.

Photo by Ryan Watmough

Last Friday, Nov. 11 saw one of the larger turn-outs for Remem brance Day in recent years, with a return to the full ceremony. Lo cal 102-year old veter an Jim Ashworth was among those who laid a wreath at the Ceno taph in Invermere.

More photos on pages 18 and 19.

Photos by Ryan Watmough

Invermere councillor steps down; by election will be held in January

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Invermere is short a councillor, and will hold a by election first thing in the new year.

New councillor, Mark Topliff had not even had a chance to sit in his first council meeting before he stepped down, citing per sonal reasons.

Topliff is well-known throughout Inver mere as the district’s bylaw officer. He and all other councillor candidates were acclaimed to their positions in October’s municipal elec tion because there were only four candidates running for four positions. The election was held on Saturday, October 15, and the new In vermere council was inaugurated on Tuesday, November 8. Topliff, however, wasn’t at the meeting. Invermere mayor Al Miller explained to the gallery that Topliff had chosen to step down and had informed district staff and fel low council members the week prior.

Topliff confirmed the decision to the Pio neer the day after the meeting.

“He (Topliff) was certainly very sorry, but he was clear that he just can’t do it, for personal reasons. As a council, we support that, and we wish him well,” Miller told the Pioneer during a break in the meeting. “We are just making this public, now, tonight. We will go to by election in January and hopeful ly we will have success in attracting another good councillor for our term.”

Remembrance Day ammonia leak causes arena evacuation

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

An ammonia leak on Remembrance Day at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena resulted in a hockey game being halted and the players and the crowd evacuated.

The event occurred on Friday, November 11 during a Columbia Valley Rockies hockey game. The Rockies were playing the Kamloops Storm. There was just one min ute remaining in the game, which was tied 1-1, when the ammonia alarm went off.

Emergency crews responded immediately as arena staff helped conduct an evacua tion of everybody at the arena.

“It was handled extremely well. I give kudos to our staff at the arena, to the fire de partment and to the RCMP. The place was cleared out in a very orderly, well-organized way, and a complete sweep was made to ensure everybody was out,” Invermere mayor (and Rockies volunteer) Al Miller, told the Pioneer

Miller explained Invermere fire chief Jason Roe was onsite swiftly, checking the alarm system and added Roe then brought in other members of the local fire depart ment, as well as the Columbia Valley RCMP for backup.

“It was not a false alarm, there was a problem,” said Miller.

There was leak was coming from a heat floor component inside the arena’s refrig eration plant. The system was shut off immediately, and a contractor did the necessary repair work as soon as possible, on Saturday, Nov. 12.

“If it had continued it could have become a big problem, but fortunately they were able to get to it very quickly,’ said Miller.

“We have an emergency response plan that lays out our response any time we have an alarm. Our staff and emergency responders did an excellent job of following the plan, activating the emergency response, clearing the building, determining the cause of the alarm and working to safely remedy it,” added Kevin Paterson, Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) environmental services manager.

The remainder of the Rockies game was rescheduled for Sunday, Nov. 13. The score remained tied, and the game went to a shootout, which the Rockies lost.

Is Miller concerned that nobody will come forward to run for the po sition, given that the mu nicipal election, held not even a month ago, failed to attract any more than the bare minimum of requisite councillor candidates?

“I truly don’t think there is a concern there,” said Miller, and added he’s heard of two or three people who had strongly considered running for Invermere council this fall, but decided at the last minute to leave it until another time.

“So there is interest there. With the opportunity now open again, I’m sure we’re going to see at least two people, and maybe even three people, come forth,” he said.

In the interim, Invermere will operate as a four-person council (one mayor and three councillors), giving rising to the possibility of tied council votes. All municipal councils in B.C., no matter their size, have an odd number of council members (four councillors plus one mayor, for instance, or six councillors plus one mayor, or eight councillors plus one mayor, etc.) in order to avoid just such a situation. A motion that is voted on by council must have a majority of councillors vote in favour to pass. This means any motion that gets a tied two-two vote at Invermere council for the next few weeks will be defeated.

Mark Topliff

Photo submitted

go to by election in January and hopefully we will have success in attract ing another good councillor for our term.”

Al Miller, Invermere mayor

RCMP Report

Submitted by Cpl. Jeff Witzke Columbia Valley RCMP

This past week, November 7 through November 13, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 53 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

On Tuesday, November 8, RCMP were dispatched to a motor vehicle incident approximately 50 kilometres into the South Kootenay National Park. A semi-tractor and trailer had rolled over, crushing the cab on the semi. The driver was not located inside the cab and it was later determined that he received a ride into town from a pass erby. The driver was uninjured.

On Wednesday, November 9, BC Highway patrol was conducting traffic enforcement in the Kootenay Na tional Park when they clocked a vehicle travelling at 168

km/hr in a 70 km/hr zone. The vehicle was towed and impounded for seven days and the driver was issued an appearance notice for a court date to deal with this mat ter.

On Thursday, November 10, RCMP were made aware of a set of mail boxes that had been broken into on Swansea Rd. as well as on the Skookum Frontage Rd. The large parcel boxes had been pried open and it appears one parcel had been stolen.

On Saturday November 12, RCMP attended a resi dence looking to locate the registered owner of a vehicle suspected in a theft of a propane tank. While at the prop erty, the members on scene observed a male who was cur rently wanted on several outstanding warrants. The male was arrested and is currently remanded on all six of his outstanding warrants and is currently facing new charges, one for being in the possession of brass knuckles.

FLIGHT EAST KOOTENAY RECEIVES COLUMBIA VALLEY

Shuswap Band holds election

Chief, councillor re-elected; one new councillor

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Shuswap Band elected council members on October 31 in its first election since 2018. Richard Martin was elected as a new council member; Mark Thomas will remain in his role of councillor, and Barb Cote will continue her lead as chief for an other four-year term.

Votes came in both through mail in ballots and onsite at the band office on election day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. An election that once took place biannually, when Shuswap Band followed the Indian Act Election code, now happens every four years, since the Shuswap Band began following the First Nations Election Act. Shuswap Band council members are currently working towards creating their own election code which will be more aligned with the needs of the Shuswap community.

“I am very proud and happy that our community voted me back in as chief. It shows that they are happy with how our council is making changes that better serve our community on and off the reserve,” said Chief Cote. “The council wishes to express our thanks to outgoing councillor, Tim Eugene, who has done so much for our community in the last eight years and with all his expertise, I know many new doors will be open for him in the near future.”

What are the plans for the Band’s near future? Chief Cote said that as a working council there are plenty of things to keep them occupied, such as going through port folios and as a group, discussing changes that best fit the needs and alignments of the Shuswap Band and the community.

Prior to this election, the former council was in the development stages of a fiveyear strategic plan aimed to focus on six areas: 1. natural environment; 2. social, culture and health; 3. economy and wealth; 4. governance; 5. Built infrastructure and; 6. ed ucation and human development. Chief Cote said each of these areas council will be working on comes with an extensive to-do list to accomplish.

“We have broken it down into one-year increments and came up with a budget on each one,” she said. “It was many months of hard work and thought put into this fiveyear plan and it is so rewarding to see our community on and off reserve be a part of the growth for themselves, for their children and for future generations.”

Bringing good people together over a good meal

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Little Badgers Early Learning Centre, located on the traditional land of the ʔakisqnuk First Nation, spread a little love on Tuesday, November 8 with its first-ever free community food recovery dinner. They broke bread with a choice of vegetarian or meat-lovers chili.

“Our dinner was a great success. Our goal was to provide a space for everyone in our community to gather, to feel connected to our food, land, and people,” said lead teacher, Evy Walker, of Little Badgers. “We are so thankful for the opportunities to learn and grow within the community. We have so much gratitude for the support with our program and events and would like to send special thanks to the Columbia Valley Food Bank, Edibles Acres, the Invermere Bakery, and Sobeys for all their support.”

Walker’s fellow educator, teacher Grace Curley, led the expedition, the event to fruition. Curley has a deep passion for food recovery and farm-to-table movements. When she brought the idea to the Little Badger team, as she developed her knowledge of what the Columbia Valley has to offer, the light for this dinner was green.

“‘How do I connect all these great people?’, I kept asking myself,” said Curley. “Then it struck me - food! People need a place to gather. Being First Nations, I have always had a huge connection to the food of our land. So, the idea of bringing people together in one place to eat and gather, I knew was important.”

Reality: The same money invested in a regular series of small ads will yield bigger results. Call Amanda at 250-341-6299 to find out more.

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com • info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Myth: One big ad will make a big impression.

The Little Badgers Early Learning Centre held its first free community food recovery dinner on November 8, an event led and organized by early learning educator, teacher, Grace Curley. Submitted Photos

PERSPECTIVE

Unite to end violence against women and girls

By Joanne McQuarrie editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women will mark the launch of the UNiTE campaign from November 25 to December 10. It’s an initiative of 16 days of activism that finishes on the day that commemorates the International Hu man Rights Day, Dec. 10, reads a United Nations press release.

The campaign has been led by the UN Secre tary-General and UN Women since 2008 and aims to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls around the world, calling for global action to increase awareness, promote advocacy and create opportunities for discussion on challenges and solutions.

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in the world and it is hugely unreport ed because of the fear, shame, impunity and stigma that surrounds it.

Violence manifests in many forms including inti mate partner violence (battering, psychological abuse, marital rape, femicide); sexual violence and harassment (rape, forced sexual acts, unwanted sexual advances, child sexual abuse, forced marriage, street harassment, stalking, cyber- harassment); human trafficking (slavery, sexual exploitation); female genital mutilation; and child marriage.

Consequences of VAWG affect women at all stag es of life. There can be obstacles to schooling, including access to higher education and limited opportunities for women in the labour market. Gender-based violence can happen to anyone, anywhere, but some women and girls are especially vulnerable - young girls and older women, women who identify as lesbian, bisexual, transgender or intersex, migrants and refugees, Indigenous women and ethnic minorities, or women and girls living with HIV and disabilities and those living through humanitarian crises.

Consider also that 85 per cent of women all over the world have experienced or witness digital violence against other women.

This year’s campaign has a goal to mobilize all society to become activists for the prevention of violence against women, to stand in solidarity with women’s rights ac tivists and to support feminists movements around the world.

A UN official event will take place on Wednesday, November 24 from 10-11.30a.m. ET.) You can follow the event on line through the UN Women Youtube channel or UN Web TV.

All of us need to support each other, wherever we live.

Historical Lens Historical Lens

No need to warm up your vehicle

Dear Editor:

Winter seems to be on us again, and some days it’s chilly and there’s frost on vehicle windows. This leads some people to excessive vehicle warming, leaving their vehicles sitting, idling for 10, 15, or even 30 minutes. Modern vehicles don’t need any warm-up time accord ing to the experts but if you insist then maybe 2 min utes wouldn’t do any harm. But anything beyond that is simply a selfish indulgence to save yourself having to

scrape the windows. And of course, you don’t want to sit your poor little tush on a cold seat in your vehiclePoor Baby! Has the message abut greenhouse gas emis sions not gotten through to people? Is the price of gas not high enough to discourage such waste? It may be a small thing but this is one area where every individual can do his or her part to reduce our impact on the en vironment.

Terry Curley, Invermere

Teck opposes study

Dear Editor:

Thank you to Trevor Crawley for his in-depth arti cle, ‘B.C., Teck opposed to international study of Koo tenay watershed pollution,’ November 7, 2022 about selenium in our BC waterways.

Thanks also to the Ktunaxa Nation Council for successfully pursuing their freedom of information ap plication. We share their concern for the health of the waterways, including the Elk River, the Kootenay River and Lake Koocanusa, and the need for an international joint commission (IJC) investigation. Given the large number of entities (as cited in Trevor’s article) involved in discussions and monitoring, a summary report from the IJC would be very useful.

What do the Canadian government, the BC gov ernment and Teck Industries wish to hide? If pollution control from the use of coal in steel production is ade quate, why would they not be willing to share their in formation and have the IJC confirm such? If pollution control measures are not adequate, then strong mea sures should be implemented to eliminate coal pollu tion and to transition to clean, renewable technology.

While Teck has an “investment of over $1 billion on water quality treatment initiatives in the Elk val

ley”, removing 95 per cent of selenium from (the) wa ter is not sufficient. The five percent of selenium not captured almost certainly amounts to a considerable cumulative total. In fact, new Government of Alberta research has found “windblown dust from mountain top removal coal mines have polluted a pristine alpine lake to the point where its waters are as contaminat ed as lakes downwind from the oilsands.” (https:// lethbridgenewsnow.com/2022/11/03/crowsnest-passlake-contaminated-by-dust-from-mountaintop-coalmines-study/ )

Ecological wisdom suggests that, at the very least, success should be measured in the resulting parts per litre, since millions or billions of litres of water are in volved. Teck must be accountable and disclose the per centage of mine-contaminated water they treat.

Until we see change, pollutants will continue to drain into our waterways, to the detriment of water sheds and indigenous fishing rights on both sides of the border.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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Steve Hubrecht Magazine Editor/ Reporter Ext. 105

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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 Publisher.

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Piled lumber at mill site at Ruault’s Mill. Circa 1950’s

Courtesy of Windermere District Historical Society

Submitted on behalf of John Allen, director-at-large Kootenay Columbia Electoral District Association Green Party of Canada

RCMP commander will leave Columbia Valley

Quarterly report outlines drop in calls for police service this year

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Columbia Valley RCMP Sergeant Darren Kakuno and Corporal Jeff Witzke were at the Invermere council meeting last week, and gave a quarterly update.

Kakuno began by explaining he will soon be leaving the detachment (see a future edition of the Pioneer for more). He added Witzke will fill in as temporary detachment commander until a new sergeant can be found.

A new corporal — Ryan Davies — has recently joined the Columbia Valley RCMP, transferring here from a post up in Whitehorse, Yukon. Davies started working at the Invermere detachment last week.

Kakuno pointed out that he has been with the Columbia Valley detachment for four and a half years. “For the RCMP that’s a pretty decent stretch,” said Kakuno. “My family and I have come to love the community and it won’t be easy to leave.”

Kakuno won’t be going far, however – his next posting is in Cranbrook where he will be a staff sergeant, working in an advisory and support capacity for all RCMP de tachments in the East Kootenay region.

He pointed out that this new role will give him the opportunity to come back and visit the Columbia Valley, which he is looking forward to.

“He (Kakuno) will be missed here,” Witzke told council.

Witzke told council the local RCMP continue to help out patrolling on Highway 93 South through Kootenay National Park and on Highway 95 north to Golden. Both stretches of roadway have seen yet another huge jump in traffic volume as result of the fall closure of the Trans Canada Highway and subsequent rerouting of all vehicles through the Columbia Valley via Highway 93 and then 95.

“Already we’ve had a tractor trailer roll over into the ditch...It will be interesting to see what happens now that we are starting to get some snow. Winter is coming. It’s inevitable,” he said.

Witzke hammered on a theme that Kakuno has reiterated many times in his four and half years of giving quarterly updates: local residents need to be more diligent about locking their cars — and sheds — to prevent minor theft.

“What we are seeing is a lot of small-scale break and enters. There’s no specific tar geting , they (the perpetrators) are simply going along and pulling on car doors to see if they are open. We need to educate the public to lock their vehicles and to lock their sheds,” he said.

Witzke also explained that with COVID-19 restrictions now lifted, the local RCMP have re-started many of their school programs.

“Next week we will be in schools talking about cellphone use,” he said. Witzke later clarified to the Pioneer that the talk will deal specifically with explicit messages or images on phones (also call ‘sexting’). It is an issue in the older grades of local elemen tary schools and at the local high school. He was quick to point out that almost every elementary school and high school in country deals with the same issue.

Witzke shared call-for-service statistics with Invermere council, and explained there were 1,148 calls for police service in the Columbia Valley in the July-September quar ter, which is down from 1,252 in the same quarter in 2021 and 1,361 in the same quarter in 2020. He elaborated that Invermere accounted for 269 (roughly 23 per cent) of those 1,252 calls.

“It’s good to see the calls have dropped a little bit this year,” said Invermere mayor, Al Miller.

Councillor Gerry Taft said that he was intrigued that calls to Invermere accounted for only a quarter of all calls in the valley.

“It’s something to be aware of as our population in Invermere creeps toward that 5,000 mark,” he said. Once Invermere’s population hits 5,000 the district will need to start paying for its own police department with Invermere taxpayer money, rather hav ing the current provincial government funded model.

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Annual Light Up event to take place in downtown Invermere Nov. 26

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

‘Hometown Christmas’ is the theme for the vari ety of activities planned for the District of Invermere’s (DOI’s) annual light up event on November 26.

It’s the first since the COVID pandemic began, and has been taking place for over a decade. It aims to capture the magic, charm, and wonder of the community as the holiday season gets under way.

The fun begins with old Saint Nick himself at the In vermere Legion from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Donations to the Christmas Bureau are encouraged. Wagon rides will be happening on 7th Ave. from 2 to 5 p.m. Merchants are encouraged to add to the merriment of the day by dec orating up their store fronts with displays and specials.

The parade will start at the Eddie Memorial Arena at 5:30 p.m. All parade floats are encouraged to be full of lights with fun music a-blaring. It will conclude at Pot hole Park where the party begins with the light up cere mony. Santa Claus will be helping with the countdown, getting things lit in the park when the lights come on. There’ll be live entertainment .

“We had to cancel our light up event in 2020 and 2021. Last year, I organized the light up the holidays dec orating contest and tour instead where businesses, orga nizations and residents were encouraged to decorate with a holiday theme and lights,” said Cortney Pitts, DOI leisure services manager. “Light up is the kick-off to the holiday season in Invermere, signalling the start of win ter fun and festive celebrations. This event has morphed from a night-only event to an afternoon - not the evening

- affair, encouraging locals and visitors to spend more time in downtown Invermere, while getting an early start on holiday shopping.”

Pitts said a parade was allowed to take place last year that resonated with restrictions at the time. On Decem ber 4 the parade marched through downtown Invermere on the unceded territories of the Secwépemc and Ktu naxa Peoples and the land chosen as home by the Métis Peoples of B.C.

“Favorite traditions have been kept and new ones have been added over the years. Light Up is the event where we ring in the holiday season by turning on our town’s christmas lights,” said Pitts. “This annual event brings out crowds who have participated in this event ev ery single year, so much so that it has become a tradition for both locals and visitors alike.”

Greenways shores up erosion and washout on Old Coach Trail

Members of the Invermere Distric t Council employees of the Distric t of Invermere and employees of the existing Librar y Board are not eligible

Members of the Invermere Public Librar y Board are guardians of a “public trust” They have a legal and moral obligation to ensure that the public librar y provides relevant and efficient ser vice to the community that it suppor ts Successful candidates must possess a strong sense of community ser vice, willingness to work respec tfully as par t of a team and have good communication skills

Normal Board ac tivities include:

• Assuring that adequate funding is available;

Assessing the needs of the community and advocating for the librar y;

development and revision of librar

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

A few pieces of machinery were out at the north end of the Old Coach Trail, near Radium, earlier this fall.

The work was a small project undertaken by the Co lumbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance at the behest of the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) to shore up erosion that had been occurring at the spot – near the bottom of the hill as you come downhill from Radium.

“There’s been a big washout every spring,” Green ways project manager, Lianne Lang told the Pioneer.

The RDEK has a license of occupation in the area, which is a Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Part of the license involves dealing with any drainage or erosion issues along the Old Coach Trail there.

“The water that was coming through there was re ally significant every time there was a rain event. There was flooding coming off the highway, flowing down and making a big divot in the trail,” outlined Lang.

The divot was a safety hazard.

Greenways came up with an engineering solution that hopefully will hold back anything coming off the highway, and put in some ditching just beyond the Min istry of Transportation gate with rocks and rip rap.

“There’s also a nice gravel surface on the trail now, instead of a sandy, washed out surface,” said Lang.

The total cost of the project is around $75,000. The contractors who did the work were Ralph Stewart Con tracting and Babich Building.

From neigbourhood front lawns to business store fronts, many have participated in the annual Light-Up event. A parade and ceremony will be featured on November 26 in downtown Invermere. Submitted Photo

Recent work on the Old Coach Trail should hopefully mean

on

path each time there is a rain event in Radium Hot Springs.

Photos by Ryan Watmough

OUT OF OFFICE…

The living wage has gone up to $21.85 an hour in the Columbia Valley for 2022, a significant increase over the 2021 rate, this year’s Living Wage Update report shows.

The living wage is the hourly wage that two parents working full-time need to earn to support a family of four. The Columbia Valley has seen a 27% increase from last year. Other communities across the province that have seen staggering living wage increases including Kelowna at $4.39 (23.7 per cent) higher than last year’s rate of $18.49, Victoria at $3.83 (18.7 per cent) higher than last year’s $20.46 and Metro Vancouver $3.56 (17.3 per cent) higher than last year’s $20.52.

This year the living wage has increased across BC in all of the communities where it has been calculated in the past and is driven by two essentials that every family needs: food and shelter.

“With general inflation shooting up to a 40-year high this year, and with the cost of food rising even faster and rent increasing everywhere, especially for families that need to move and are no longer protected by rent control, it’s not surprising to see such big increases this year,” says Anastasia French, Living Wage for Families provincial manager.

The price of groceries needed for a healthy diet for a family with two young children has spiked sharply this

year, according to the latest BC food costing survey data.

Inflation, soaring living costs cause major increases in the living wage across BC

In The Columbia Valley, food costs $1,019 per month, an increase of $65 per month or 6.8 per cent since last year. Food is the second-highest cost in most communities, only exceeded by the cost of housing. Food used to be the third-most expensive item but has now edged ahead of childcare costs after the BC government made major investments in child care affordability in 2018 that significantly reduced outof-pocket child care costs for the living wage family, French says.

“Until this year the living wage across most of BC remained below its 2018 peak because policy changes introduced by the BC provincial government significantly improved affordability for families with young children and offset increases in the cost of food, housing and other essentials,” says report lead author Iglika Ivanova, senior economist at CCPA-BC.

“However, the savings generated by these policy changes, including significant childcare investments and the elimination of MSP premiums, have now been effectively wiped out by ballooning rent and food costs,” she adds.

The living wage is enough for a family with two young children to cover necessities, support the healthy development of their children, escape severe financial

stress and participate in the social, civic and cultural lives of their communities. It affords a decent but still very modest standard of living, without the extras many take for granted, French explains.

A strikingly large gap exists between the 2022 living wages for communities across BC and the province’s minimum wage (currently $15.65 per hour).

While many BC employers see the value of paying living wages (with nearly 400 certified Living Wage Employers across the province), Ivanova explains the labour market alone cannot solve all problems of poverty and social exclusion.

“Good public policy can make life more affordable for families and when government transfers don’t keep up with the rising cost of living, the families hardest hit are headed by already marginalized earners, including single mothers, Indigenous Peoples and recent immigrants,” Ivanova says.

Living wage employers include small businesses, nonprofit organizations, unions and cooperatives. These employers have committed to pay all their direct staff and contract employees a living wage and to require their major service providers to also pay a living wage, including for janitorial, security and food service contracts.

For more information please contact Theresa at advisor@cvchamber.ca

WHAT’S HAPPENING? cvevents.ca

POWERED BY THE COLUMBIA VALLEY CHAMBER

ursday, November 17

● 2-3 p.m.: Photo Scanner Workshop at the Radium Public Library. Learn how to convert photo prints to digital!

● 7 p.m.: In-person Bingo at the Radium Rotary. Debit, credit or cash accepted, and concession is available. Call 250-688-1561 to learn more.

● This week: register your businesses to be part of the holiday Love Local Campaign. Visit www.cvchamber.ca to get involved.

● Discounted Fernie Beer Pints at the Old Salzburg when you order an entrée. Thursdays through November!

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

• 10:30 a.m.: Rhyme Time at Radium Public Library. Children 0-2, register: wvcoordinator@cbal.

org

• 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Seniors Fitness at Columbia Valley Centre. $2 drop in.

• 12pm: Seniors Lunch at the Invermere Legion, $5 every second Thursday.

• 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 Public Library (free tech assistance and support drop-in)

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

• 3:30 p.m.: Thursday Fundays at the Invermere Public Library. STEAM and Crafternoons on alternating weeks.

• 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, November 18

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

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

scan me!

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

• 12 & 5 p.m.: Edgewater Legion wing day! 12 p.m.: Takeout, 5 p.m. dine-in, call 250-347-9725.

• 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. 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.

• 7 p.m.: Drop-in Adult Parkour. Contact coachlisaparkour@gmail.com

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

Saturday, November 19

● 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Cram the Cruiser. Purchase a gift or bring a gift and place it in the RCMP vehicle parked outside (Cash donations also accepted). Let’s Cram the Cruiser!

● 12-2 p.m.: Christmas Card Workshop with Scrappers Cove at the Invermere Library. Sign up by calling 250-342-6416.

● 5:30 p.m.: Wild and Scenic Film Festival. Visit www.wildsight.ca/branches/ invermere to get tickets and learn more.

● 6 p.m.: Panorama Freestyle Movie Night at Copper Point Resort. Fundraiser for the freestyle club and exclusive viewing of “Anywhere from here” a 2022 ski lm. Tickets online or at the door. www.freestylepanorama.com

● Friends of the Library Silent Auction begins. Visit the Invermere Library website to learn more

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

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

Sunday, November 20

● 3 p.m.: Come to the Invermere Legion to watch the Grey Cup, Live from Saskatchewan.

● 3 p.m.: Come to the Fairmont Resort to watch the Grey Cup. We have food specials and a cash bar set up for groups of friends in the Cedar room

• 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.

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

Monday, November 21

• 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).

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

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

• 5 p.m.: Industry night at the Whitehouse – pool and drinks for resort and restaurant sta .

Tuesday, November 22

● 11-8: Tutu Tuesday at the Station Pub. Wear a Tutu to get 22% o your meal, because it’s November 22!

• 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.: Seniors Fitness at the Columbia Valley Centre ($2 drop in).

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

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

• 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 23

● 6 p.m.: Write On! Writing group at the Invermere Library. Meet other aspiring writers, share ideas, collaborate, and get feedback. Register: publiclibrary@ invermere.net

• 9 a.m.: StrongStart Drop-in for kids 0-6 & 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 drop in).

• 12:30 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.

AL MILLER, Invermere Mayor

There are many areas of concern that I would like to accomplish in this term. First of all, we need to finish our short term rent al bylaw and have them managed properly by either their owners or property managers who will be in close proximity to the units. Proper enforcement of the bylaw will be key to get ting our STR issues taken care of. We have been working with the province to negotiate taking over the ministry of highways yard. This would be very beneficial to have in our hands for future development. We are work ing closely with the Shuswap Band to bring James Chabot beach back under control for further improvements and maintenance, to provide a better experience to both our citi zens and tourists alike.

Continue our work on housing for work ing resident restricted citizens. Continue our DOI Shuswap Band work on trail networks to Radium, which includes a secondary active transportation bridge.

RYAN STIMMING, Invermere Trustee:

The board of education recently reviewed the district performance metrics as they relate to the three-year strategic plan. The plan fo cuses on equity and inclusion, success for each learner and excellence in teaching and leader ship. There were notable improvements in the Indigenous graduation rate, district and pro vincial literacy assessments, and district and provincial numeracy assessments. The next strategic cycle begins in the fall of 2023, and

Meet Your Elected Officials

I am excited about reviewing and revising the plan with the board, School District 6 admin istrative staff and community stakeholders. From a local perspective, the process is under way with the province to secure major capital funding for a new school. It could take an en tire election term to realize the possibility, but it is certainly an exciting project to be thinking about and planning for.

GERRY TAFT, Invermere Councillor:

I am looking forward to proactively working with fellow council members on continuing the development of the Athalm er lands, working on short term rental regu lations, exploring opportunities to improve housing affordability/options. Hopefully over the next four years there is also the opportuni ty to build on regional cooperation and look at more taxation and funding fairness with the east side of Lake Windermere.

JANE THURGOOD SAGAL, Trustee, Radium & RDEK Area G:

During my term as a trustee on the Rocky Mountain SD6 Board of Education, I plan to: 1) Bring about measurable improvements in student learning (e.g., graduation rate, literacy and numeracy results); 2) Make a difference in the lives of students and improve the system as a whole (e.g., equitable system that empowers all students to achieve maximally, high quality instruction and school leadership, early learn ing and child care supports); 3) Set the direc tion of the district and ensure the achievement of strategic goals (e.g., establish strategic di

rections and related outcomes, provide ongo ing policy direction and approval including fiduciary responsibility, ensure oversight and accountability).

CHRISTI FERGUSON-HUSTON, Radium Councillor:

I am new to municipal government so there are no specific projects that I hope to achieve (yet). I hope that in my term I can develop successful relationships with various stakeholders. I will strive to understand dif ferent concerns and focuses that are brought to council and make decisions based on the information presented to benefit Radium as much as possible. I am looking forward to developing strong working relationships with our new mayor and council. I am excited for what the future brings.

To achieve these accomplishments, I will govern with fellow trustees, making pol icy decisions based upon evidence and data. This governance mindset requires a relentless commitment to the learning of all students, a means of implementing it in practice, and measurable outcomes that mark progress and attainment.

DALE SHUDRA, Radium Councillor: My goal this term is to be part of an effec tive council. Our council can be effective through a combination of listening, learning and leading. We must listen to the people who elected us and those who want to part ner with us for the good of our community. We must learn from available resources and

follow the direction given by our official community plan (and perhaps even update that guiding document). Lastly, we must show leadership through developing vision and policies, making good decisions and working well with staff to deliver desired services and programs. Radium Hot Springs has a new mayor, one incumbent councillor and three new councillors. We eagerly look forward to serving our com munity.

SUSAN CLOVECHOK, RDEK Area F Director: There are many things that I would like to accomplish this term, including: continue to work with the Columbia Valley econom ic development office to support a strong and resilient local economy. Improved, safe, culturally and environmentally responsible Columbia River Public Access in Fairmont. Water and sewer services to the Highlands neighbourhood (Windermere) to replace their aging infrastructure. A community pathways and trails plan designed to connect the entire Valley and progress on getting those pathways built. Short Term Rental Bylaw; Public trans portation that works for our rural communi ties.

Achievement of my priorities and those of my fellow directors will require collabora tion and partnership. The Columbia Valley di rectors have a reputation for working as a team for the benefit of the entire valley and our new team has enthusiastically re-committed to work together.  We are fortunate to have the amazing staff at the RDEK helping us deliver our objectives for our residents.

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ERIN PALASHNIUK, Radium Councillor:

The first step that I plan on taking in my term as council lor is to start with listening and learning. The first six months to a year involve a great deal of onboarding at the municipal and provincial level. My plan is to work cooperatively with our mayor, Mike Gray and my co-councillors to accomplish goals that we are in agreement on. (Also) to look at a revision to the official community plan which was drafted in 2013. I believe that creating a destination development plan would be advis able; (it’s) a five to ten year road map that aligns government, economic development, community and tourism priorities. I would like to look at how to create a culture of community engagement for our municipality when identifying and ad dressing issues.

MIKE GRAY, Radium Mayor:

“My personal top priority for the 2022-2026 term is to work with council, staff, and residents to update Radium’s offi cial community plan (OCP). The current OCP has served us well, but given our population growth and the large projects we have completed, this guiding document needs to be updated. Revising an OCP allows many voices to participate in setting the direction of our community, far more than getting to vote in elections. In addition to full time residents, we get to en gage with our part-timers, businesses, neighbours, community groups, and more. It is an exciting time for Radium, and I look forward to what the future holds. While an updated OCP is one of my goals, the council works together as a whole in setting our collective priorities. When we come together and agree on our priorities, I’ll be giving my support to the team’s decisions.

While we work on the long term strategic priorities, don’t forget the day-to-day services our village team provides to the people of Radium. Roads, water, fire protection, parks, our library, and more (often invisible) work will continue in a fi nancially responsible way.

CAREY COLLIN, Radium Councillor:

A highly-performing team is integral to the work accom plished in a council’s term. I will work to be an effective team mate, one who holds all to a high level of conduct, and keeps our focus on sustainable and responsible growth. In four years I want to be able to say that we have forged a path to an increas ingly thriving and prosperous village.

MARK DOHERTY, Canal Flats Mayor:

I would like to accomplish a few things this term. I would like to bring a Doctor to the community to have the clinic up and running. We almost have the child care centre up and running.

We will take our directions from the community and see how they want us to serve them. We do intend to communi cate better and get out to the community what is happening and how we intended to move on things and why.

We would like to see some developments both economi cally and housing and attract families that can work and live here.

PATRICIA REED, Canal Flats Councillor:

I would like to accomplish in this four- year term (with) a more positive community outreach, including better received communication. I hope to find ways to retain our seniors and help ensure their needs are met, as well as the needs of young

families. I will never be able to make every community mem ber happy, but intend to make choices for the betterment of the community and its citizens.

ROBERTA SCHNIDER, RDEK Area G Director:

It is an honour to have been elected as electoral Area G di rector. Leading up to the election, I spent many hours talking to constituents in communities across Area G to learn about their priorities, vision for Area G, and their expectations of their area director. The feedback I received was incredibly valuable. I will have several priorities this term, including: creating strong connections between myself and the communities I represent; fostering a spirit of communication that keeps our communi ties connected to one another; working with the Edgewater re development committee and moving forward with a plan that works for the community; helping Wilmer with getting their outdoor rink back to its former glory and; working with direc tors in the Columbia Valley on our public transit challenges, connectivity, economic development and housing. I will work

to ensure services are maintained and support communities so that Area G remains strong and resilient.

The Pioneer asked elected officials in the area ‘ What do you want to accomplish in your term?’

Trustee for Canal Flats and RDEK Area F, Amber Byklum, was unable to respond at this time.

No response was received by the deadline, from: In vermere councillors, Kayja Becker and Theresa Wood; Canal Flats councillors, Anora Kobza, Jennifer No ble and Justin Stanbury.

Rockies lose home game in unique finish Rockies remain tied for division lead

Submitted by Cal David

The Columbia Valley Rock ies hosted the Kamloops Storm on Friday, November 11 for a regular league game in the Kootenay Ju nior International Hockey League (KIJHL). The game started at 7:30 p.m. and ended with a result being determined some 40 hours later on Sunday, November 13.

The was game tied 1-1 with 1:05 to go in the third period, but it had to be postponed that night due to the Eddie Mountain Memo rial Arena being evacuated after an alarm sounded.

The local fire department was quick to respond and later that eve ning the arena was deemed safe to be occupied. However, the visiting Kamloops Storm were off to play Creston the next day. They returned to the Eddie on November 11 to

complete the game.

It was decided by a shootout after the 1:05 min of regular time. The five-minute overtime could not break the tie.

It took eight skaters in a shootout until Kamloops were awarded the two points and the Rockies had to settle for the one point.

Homegrown goalie, Ryan Tamelin, who currently plays for the OK HA U17 Prep in Penticton, played for 58:55min. He saved 22 of the 23 shots faced. He could not complete the game on the 13th be cause he had to return to school.

The CV Rockies  are on the road November 18 and 19 and will be at home to host Grand Forks at the Eddie on November 26 at 7pm.

CV Rockies currently share top spot in the Eddie Mountain Divi sion with their rivals, Kimberley.

Submitted by Mark Payne

The Columbia Valley Rockies remain tied at the top of the Eddie Mountain Memorial KIJHL Division with 26 points.They are in fourthth place in the overall league standings.

On November 11 their game against the visiting Kamloops Storm was suspended due to an ammonia warning late in the contest. It was tied 1-1 at the time. After the Storm faced Creston Saturday night, they returned to In vermere to complete the game on the after noon of November 13.

Kobe Mason scored his second goal of the season for the lone Rockies marker. The game was completed and the Rockies fell in a shootout 2-1.

On Saturday the Rockies locked horns with the Dynamiters and lost 4-1; they were outshot 44-27. The Rockies’ only goal on the night was scored by Harrison Aldridge. The Dynamiters then scored four unanswered markers to take the game between the division rivals.

The British Columbia Hockey Conference has announced the rosters for the KIJHL and PJHL BCHC Prospects Game on November 22nd at Sardis Complex in Chilliwack BC. The KIJHL team will be coached by Dave Hnatiuk of the Grand Fork Border Bruins, with assis tant coaches Mark Readman (Princeton Posse) and Ty Valin (Fernie Ghostriders) joining him on the bench.

The Rockies will be represented by for ward, Keenan Ingram. The 18-year-old Ingram is currently second in rookie point scoring with a total of 21 points in 15 games this season. The Calgary native has been a great role model and is enjoying playing with Anthony Domina and Lucas De La Salle; one of the Rockies most productive lines.

The Rockies look forward now to games next weekend in Castlegar and Grand Forks before returning home to Invermere on Sat urday November 26th to complete a home and home with the same Grand Forks Bruins squad.

HERE TO SERVE YOU

P ioneer C lassifieds

S chaal, Carl Hans

October 30, 1935

November 4, 2022

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Carl on Friday, November 4, 2022 at the Invermere and District Hospital

Carl was born in Pouce Coupe, BC and grew up on the family farm in Tupper BC. At age 17 he left the farm to work at Macleods in Dawson Creek and later moved to work at their store in Grande Prairie

He later started working for Karran’s Plumbing and Heating where he worked as their bookkeeper It was then that he met Betty, after multiple attempts to catch her eye, by walking past the office she was working at.

They fell in love and married in 1959 in Grande Prairie, where they raised their 3 children. Carl eventually went into the trucking business and worked many years for Ray Harris, while developing a strong friendship with the family Carl always had a strong work ethic, and after a brief retirement started Hidden Valley Acres landscaping and lawn maintenance

He and Betty worked side by side and enjoyed the work as they both loved the outdoors. He enjoyed talking to his clients and always ended up doing some kind of handyman work for many of them. If he had more hands that could have been another full-time job for him, and he enjoyed it.

He and Betty enjoyed bowling and belonged to a bowling league with long-time friends, and even brought home a few trophies. Carl spent many years driving his kids to their hockey and baseball games and tournaments. He even coached hockey for a couple years supporting the players and their love of the sport. Many friendships grew with the parents, and he enjoyed the excitement of the games along with getting to know his kid’s friends. He was a Leafs and Flames fan and always looked for ward to watching the games and cheering them on Carl also enjoyed the numerous rodeo’s Betty competed in throughout the years.

He was the ultimate host and made ever yone feel welcome You could not be in his presence for more than a minute without the numerous offerings of a beverage or something to eat. If you declined, it would be less than a minute that the offer was made again. In the end, you knew to accept, as he would finally sit down and have a visit. He loved his root beer floats and bacon and eggs. Floats became a family tradition that he liked to share with ever yone especially his grandkids.

For years, Carl took his family camping and fishing to Two Lakes. Many Fridays the camper was loaded and ready to go as soon as he was finished his workday Trolling for fish, dirt bike riding and snowmobiling in the winter were the things he loved to do and being outdoors is where he felt most relaxed and rejuvenated

In 2019 Carl and Betty made the move to Fairmont Hot Springs to be closer to their children and grandkids. He was ver y proud of all his grandkids and enjoyed hearing of their accomplishments and adventures, always giving encouragement and being amazed about what they are doing We want to thank the amazing care from the Kelowna Hospital doctors, nurses and staff for their respect shown to Carl A special thank you to the Invermere Hospital doctors and nurses who looked after Carl during his final days.

He is predeceased by his parents Carl and Paula and his brother Fred, brother-in-law- Bill and his wife Sharon Carl is sur vived by his wife Betty of 63 years, his children Gar y and wife Kelly, Brian and wife Corrie, Karen and husband Bill; Grandchildren Zachar y, Marriah, Ilianna, Jeremy, Brett, Alexandra, Luke, and great grandchild Ezra; his brother’s wife Joanne and her children Charlie, Rosemarie and Marlene; his brother in laws John and wife Margaret, Bob and wife Juanita, and sister in law Dorothy and her family

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the BC Cancer Foundation. The family would also like to suggest you enjoy a root beer float today!

Tay nton, Griffiths (Griff ) C.

Griffiths (Griff ) C. Taynton of Kamloops passed away on Saturday, November 5th at the age of 87 after a long illness.

Griff was born, raised and educated in lnvermere He moved to Princeton after his marriage and worked in the mining industr y there as a super visor He and wife, Louise retired to Kamloops and spent their last years there with their family

He was predeceased by his wife Louise, his parents, Gilbert and Ethel Taynton/his in-laws, Ernie and Lucy Hamerton, and his brother-in-law, Bill Nicholson.

He is sur vived by daughters, Kelci (Wayne) Reid, Nancy (Jarrod) Stocker, son, Darcy (Jane) Taynton, five grandchildren and his sister, Avy Nicholson of lnvermere

There will be no ser vice at his request.

L emaster, Reta Marietta (Dallas)

Januar y 31, 1929 November 3, 2022

Reta was born and raised in Vancouver, BC After high school, she received her teaching certificate and in 1948 moved to Kimberley to teach high school Here she met Robert, the love of her life, and in 1952 they married and were together for almost 50 years.

Reta and Robert lived in logging camps along the Kootenay and Skookumchuk Rivers in the early years, where they welcomed two daughters, Jean and Denise Then they moved to Canal Flats and finally Cranbrook in 1963, where Robert started a land sur veying business. They built a new home and welcomed their third daughter Joyce

They lived in the same home until Robert passed in 2001, where Reta continued to enjoy living until just before she passed away at 93.

Reta enjoyed hiking, skiing, time at the lake, tennis, golf, friends, and her passion for wildflower photography Family was her greatest joy

Reta is predeceased by her husband Robert, daughter Jean, granddaughter Calli and son in law Dr Johnson Rose

Reta is lovingly remembered by her daughter Denise, daughter Joyce (Tim) and her grandsons Glen (Nicole), Trevor (Katherine), James, Eric (Gillian) and Joel, as well as two great-granddaughters.

A ser vice in honour of Reta will be held on November 21st, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. at McPherson Funeral Home in Cranbrook, British Columbia.

In lieu of flowers Reta’s family asks that donations be made in her name to the BC Nature Trust.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Ser vices. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com

• Phone: 250-341-6299

• Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

• Web: www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

Cheers to Kimberley Rae Sanderson and her team at KRS Photo & Framing. Talk about fast and efficient ser vice! Highly recommend

Cheers to Pat Allen for supplying a winter coat to a senior who was in need Thank you so much

Cheers to the wonder ful folks at Lordco who helped me MacGy ver the window in my vehicle

Cheers to Brian at Copper Cit y Physio Therapy Your skills and knowledge have helped me progress in recover y You are awesome!

Cheers to Inspire Floral B outique for the amazing window display this past week Your tribute to those who ser ved our countr y is appreciated. The number of rst nations who volunteered is humbling, as was the drumming at the cenotaph on November 11th

Walton, Leigh Myers

April 6, 1934 –November 9, 2022

It is with great sadness that we announce that Leigh Myers Walton passed away peacefully at 88. He is now reunited with Grace, his wife of 66 years.

Leigh was the guy at the beach hoping that a storm might blow in. It was nothing against the swimmers and sunbathers. It’s just that he loved to be on Lake Windermere in his sailboat… and the stronger the wind, the better, even if everyone else was scrambling to shelter.

Leigh was born in New Brunswick and raised on a farm in DeSable, P.E.I. He studied accounting in Saint John, N.B., where he met Grace. Soon, they were a family of five, with no extra seats available for a cross-country road-trip that would provide laughs for years to come. Leigh’s first career was with Royal Trust, which brought his transfer to Calgary. He later worked as a commercial realtor, primarily with Toole & Cote.

B.C.’s Columbia Valley became a favourite weekend hangout and, ultimately, home. He and Grace retired to Akiskinook and then Timber Ridge, where they were oftentimes entertaining a houseful of loved ones and friends. In the summer, Leigh’s short game was the envy of every other golfer in the family. As soon as it snowed, he swapped to his skis, a passion he shared as a mountain friend at Panorama. He was handy and resourceful — he built his first sailboat and, yes, it did float — and appreciated a bargain, or better yet a freebie from the take-it-or-leave-it shed. He loved unique cars, gadgets, music, loved to travel by cruise ship and loved a good conversation, whether that was hearing a story or sharing one of his own. And if it started to gust, Leigh was always looking for company for a sail. We will be thinking of him whenever the wind whips up.

Leigh was pre-deceased by Grace, who passed away in September, and also by his parents Laura and Borden, brother Howard, brother-in-law Harvey MacEwen and son Geoffrey.

He is survived by his sisters Bertha (Forbie) Taylor and Margaret MacEwen, sister-in-law Judy, daughter Marcia Gilbertson, son Ian (Nancy), grandchildren Wes (Cassandra), Kendra (Mat), Amy, Courtney and Emma and great granddaughter Élodie.

Leigh’s family wishes to extend a special thank-you to the staff at Columbia Garden Village and Ivy House for their compassion and care.

Cheers To the The College of the Rockies hospitalit y students such excellent suppor t at the Legion luncheon on November 11 We are ver y blessed to have you and your culture blending into our communit y

CHEERS to Jeanette, the senior's tness instruc tor ex traordinaire! Where else would you nd 30+ smiling, singing, sweating seniors on Tuesday and Thursday mornings It doesn' t get better than this

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,

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 8392

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

HOUSES FOR RENT

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

Renovation’s, Masonr y & Handyman Ser vices, Blinds & Install Cabin checks/yard care/eavestrough cleaning/junk removal/dump runs Call 250 688 2897

GENERAL CONTRAC TOR

Framing, Roo ng, D ecks, Fences, S offit, Fascia, Etc. Contac t Bill Hinves 403 803 5357

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COMPANION: Ser vices for Seniors

Since 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

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HELP WANTED

M & H Logging LTD. is hiring!

Looking for a full time, qualied Log Truck Driver, Cer tied Handfaller and General Operator to join our team Competitive Wages, Health and Pension Benets. We are a Cable and Conventional logging company with over 30 years experience Based out of Radium Hot Springs area Applicants must have a good attitude, a hard work ethic and forestr y experience Will provide training for the right people. If interested please email resume to hailey@mhlogging com or call 250 341 5336.

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 y@hotmail.com

SNOW

Like it or not, it’s coming, and we’re looking for new team members!

Can you drive a plow truck? Operate a skid steer? How about a shovel? Do you appreciate working with good equipment, an organized company, and other hardworking individuals?

Are you a student, retired or self employed? Do you have a current job with flexible work hours? This is the perfect way to make some extra money! We offer a variety of opportunities to fit in with your life, whether it’s a couple of hours in the mor ning clearing sidewalks, long shifts in equipment, or something between.

ISO Par t time Care Aid for Anoxic Brain injur y client. In home care, going to appointments and helping with daily home duties Trained care aid preferred but willing to train. Wage depending on experience Days and some evenings shifts required, valid drivers license Please call 250 341 1109, or email resume to angelikaweder@yahoo.com

Of course, snow work is a bit sporadic. You must be available and committed to work on an on call basis. To be a good fit for this position you must be reliable, punctual, and hard working. We expect the best from our crew, so we pay them $25/hr from day one! We also offer an extremely flexible benefits package for team members who stay with us year round

If Snow Fighting is the kind of challenge you are looking for this winter, please email enquiries to: info@brigadeltd.com

Bowex Home Gym Only $300 Enjoy exercising inside during the winter weather Phone 250 342 2263

Dearly loved and forever in our hearts. Milena, Sonya, Keith, Josh,

In memory of Bill Statham

Remembrance Day 2022

Last Friday, Nov. 11 saw one of the larger turn-outs for Remembrance Day in recent years, with a return to the full ceremony. Photos by Ryan Watmough

Remembrance Day in the Valley

Remembrance Day in Canal Flats

Photos by Syd Danis

Remembrance Day in Invermere. Around 1,000 people attended this year’s Remembrance Day in Invermere, a heartfelt ceremony held in honour of war veterans. Photos by Joanne McQuarrie

Radium mayor, Mike Gray had a poppy pinned on him by Dar el Lang, Edgewater Legion sergeant at arms; Roberta Schnider, RDEK Area G director, was pinned with a poppy by Noreen Mad den, Edgewater Legion president. Photo submitted

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

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 p.m. Canadian Martyrs, Invermere: Saturday 5 p.m., Sunday 9 a m St Joseph, Radium: Sunday 11 a m

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

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

Sunday 10 a.m Worship service

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

What’s Happening at the Columbia Valley Community Foundation

Submitted by the Columbia Valley Community Foundation

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, past and present, the Columbia Valley Community Foundation has been able to make a significant contribution to the quality of life in the Columbia Valley over the past 20 years.

Since its inception in 2001, the foundation has grant ed over $930,000 in community grants and $454,000 in student awards. This does not include the $118,400 in student grants approved for distribution this year. Through its affiliation with the Community Foundations of Canada, the foundation also plays a vital role in dis tributing COVID relief funding and other federal grants to the non-profit sector.

The foundation has also partnered with Brett Wil son’s team to support the #BrettBrettBaltacBoatConcert for the past three years. This year’s funds will be distrib uted along with our community grants next month.

In addition to community grants, the foundation is delivering a third round of kindness microgrants to the community. Look for stories of these small but impactful

projects on the foundation’s social media channels in De cember and January.

The board of directors has set the strategic direction of the foundation to focus on the following for the next few years: Ensuring that the foundation has adequate staffing to deliver on other strategic initiatives; collaborat ing with other organizations to identify needs and meet mutual goals that benefit the Columbia Valley; raising the foundation’s profile and expanding our engagement with the community; investing in governance processes to strengthen internal knowledge and capacity

Addressing the first focus area, the board welcomed a new executive director in February 2022; Thiloma Hofer is a CPA, CA and comes to the foundation with non-profit experience at both the management and board level.

Current board members are: Wendy Booth, chair; Barb Kloos, Sue Kristiansen, Laura Cuthbertson, chair, outreach committee; Kelsey Eade, Lang Ellison, Lawrie Mack, Jenny Manhas, treasurer and chair, finance com mittee, Quentin Randall, Sheena Swierenga, chair, grants committee; Deb Witherspoon.

New Métis citizens to be sashed on November 26

Columbia Valley Métis Association to hold its AGM and election that same day

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On November 26 the Columbia Valley Métis Association (CVMA) will have much to celebrate as they sash their new Métis citizens at a community gathering, for the first time since the pandemic. The sashing will begin at 4 p.m. at the Lions Hall in Invermere where all new Métis citizens can choose to have this honour bestowed privately or publicly.

“We expect from 4 to 5 p.m. we will be sashing all our new Métis citizens, or those who have not received a Métis sash already, and welcome them to the community,” said CVMA president, Monica Fisher.

Canada celebrates Métis Week from Nov. 14 -18. This annual weeklong event, planned by the Métis Nation of Alberta, has been recognized nationally for over a decade. It commemorates Métis leader, Louis Riel, and reveres and honours the rich and beautiful culture of Métis people across the country.

“I hope all our citizens recognize the importance our rich Métis history and culture, and our kinship connec tions,” said Fisher. “As a community there is a real sense of pride, camaraderie and friendships here. There is a lot of learning that can happen from each other. My hope is that people feel that they are a part of something bigger, and that it will inspire more to run in elections and partake in more events moving forward.”

With the sashing and welcome to the community, there’ll be Métis music and a family feast provided by Koo tenay Coffee Works. As well, there will be CVMA’s annual general meeting (AGM) and election. This will be the CVMA’s first in-person AGM in two years; the last two were held virtually due to COVID restrictions. It will include an election for women’s representative, treasurer, vice-president, and president. With the Métis community being centered on governance, Fisher said having a sashing ceremony and their AGM on the same day just seemed right.

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., Thursday 7:45 p.m Chamber of Commerce (Lions Hall) 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

“Having a feast and inviting people out to be a part of the community and to start getting more involved as part of a group setting, and then having the democracy of the election with more people involved, was super important to us,” said Fisher. “We want to ensure we have the right people in the right positions, not just on the willingness to put our names forward alone, but because we are elected by the people.”

Christmas Market

Royal Canadian Legion Branch #71 Invermere, B.C.

Friday, November 25 ❆ 4-8 p.m.

Saturday, November 26 ❆ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

With light lunch from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

With Santa from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday, November 27 ❆ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

More information please call 250-688-0640

While some members are happy and hoping to re main in their role, like current CVMA president Monica Fisher, she said a few new hats may be thrown into the ring.

“I’m going to let my name stand, and we’ll see if anyone else puts their name forward, which we always welcome and encourage,” said Fisher.

If Fisher is elected as CVMA president for anoth er term, she already has a few goals in mind, including getting their new community navigator hire more estab lished within the community. Another primary focus for her will be to create different committees for housing and two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ community members and to have more youth events and involvement going for ward.

“My hope is to survey citizens to find out what their biggest needs are and then focus our attention that way,” said Fisher. “With me as the leader in this community currently, my role is to listen to what my citizen’s needs are, and then assist in finding solutions and programs for it.”

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

M I N I S T R Y A N G L I C A N U N I T E D

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

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

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