Columbia Valley Pioneer, November 24, 2022

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THE CRUISER; a drive to help the community

the community is and that everyone benefits from that generosity”.

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

event

Canadian

on November 19

a festive success. The huge number

donated

Photo by Joanne McQuarrie

VALLEY VIEWS

Wild and Scenic Film Festival

Wildsight’s ninth annual Wild and Scenic Film Festi val, held on Saturday, Nov. 19, saw a great turnout. Photos by Pat Morrow.

Valley resident sustains burns, as fire trailer destroys, in Edgewater fire

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

An Edgewater resident was sent to hospital after sustaining burns in a trailer fire last weekend.

The Columbia Valley Rural Fire and Rescue department received multiple calls for help around 9 p.m. on Sunday, November 20, after a mobile home along Highway 95 at Edgewater caught fire.

“One person was in the home at the time of the fire and sustained burns. They have been transported via BC Ambulance to hospital for further assessment and treatment,” said Columbia Valley Rural Fire and Rescue chief, Drew Sinclair, in a press release.

In all, 12 firefighters — seven from the Edgewater fire department and five from the Radium fire department — battled the blaze, and Sinclair praised their quick efforts for preventing the fire from spreading to any other buildings, although he added that the trailer was completely destroyed.

“The firefighters did an excellent job of keeping the fire contained to the one unit and quickly knocking down the flames, however, the home is a total loss,” said Sinclair.

Officials are investigating the fire, but do not consider it to be suspicious in nature.

“The Edgewater Fire Department would like to thank the neighbours for their assistance with the individual who was injured, along with the emergency responders from BC Ambulance and the RCMP,” said Sinclair.

Invermere plans Toby Creek dike upgrades

By Steve Hubrecht; steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The District of Invermere (DOI) hopes to upgrade the Toby Creek dike in Athalmer, raising its height so that it is better able to withstand flood events.

Invermere council members recently directed staff to seek a grant to help pay for the work which is projected to cost $2.2 million. The grant is part of the Investing in Canada Infrastruc ture Program, and the district is hoping it will pay for $1.98 mil lion of the dike upgrades. The re maining $220,000 would be paid by taxpayers.

During an Invermere coun cil meeting earlier this month all councillors were unanimous in their opinion that the work needs to be done. Residents with good memories will also not need to be convinced of the project’s merits, as they will recall all too clear ly how an ice jam caused Toby Creek to breach the dike, and flood nearby low-lying land over the Christmas holidays six years ago.

That dramatic event prompt ed an equally dramatic response from district staff who worked fu riously to make emergency repairs to the dike.

A fire in Edgewater on Sunday, Nov. 20 sent one person to hospital.

Photo submitted by Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK)

These maps, taken from Invermere council docu ments, shows the final flood mapping (1), the risk areas in case of dike failure (2), the risk areas in case of an ice jam (3) outlined in the Toby Creek flood risk assessment.

RCMP Report

Released by Cpl. Jeff Witzke Columbia Valley RCMP

This past week, November 14 through November 21, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 61 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

On November 15, RCMP responded to a collision on Highway 95 near Edgewater where a commercial ve hicle hauling peat moss failed to negotiate a corner, re sulting in damage to a hydro pole that knocked out pow er to many area residents. The driver had minor injuries and was issued a violation ticket for failing to keep right.

On November 15, RCMP received a report of a break-in that occurred at Canadian Tire on November 11. It is believed over $10,000 worth of merchandise was stolen. The investigation is ongoing and video sur veillance is being reviewed. Anyone with information is asked to contact Columbia Valley RCMP or Crime Stop

pers.

On November 15, RCMP received a report that a window was smashed on a work truck parked near third avenue in Invermere. Approximately $10,000 worth of construction tools were stolen from inside. Anyone with information is asked to contact Columbia Valley RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

On November 18, RCMP received a report that a residence in Wilmer and another in Invermere, were the targets of vandalism. Small holes were located in win dows at the residences and in one case eggs were used. Anyone with information is asked to contact Columbia Valley RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

On November 20, RCMP was called to assist the Edgewater Fire Department with a structure fire in Edge water. The occupants were able to exit the residence with non-life threatening injuries and the fire was tended to by fire crews.

Given that event, and with climate change increasing the risk of floods, Invermere recently undertook a formal flood risk assessment. The assessment was completed earlier this year, and recommended raising the dike at four specific spots: the north end where the dike meets Panorama Drive, two small areas in the middle of the dike, and the southernmost (furthest upstream) part of the dike. The dike will be raised using rip rap, to a new climate-adjusted 200-year water surface elevation mark, plus an additional 60 centimetres (two feet) of freeboard.

“Any flooding could happen at any time,” Invermere director of public work and operations, Angela Ma cLean, said at the meeting. “Climate change has made things very unpredictable, and that has been accounted for in this study.”

She noted that the cost of fixing flood damage after the fact could easily be far more expensive that the $2.2 million needed to raise the dike, and that with the district’s wastewater treatment facility lying in the floodplain just below the dike, the potential for environmental damage is considerable.

The flood risk assessment report more specifically pegs the possible cost of such damages at $2.9 million for another ice jam scenario, and at as much as $14.3 million for a complete dike failure.

“It is a high risk area. We’ve seen that before with the ice jam,” said Invermere mayor, Al Miller.

Local resident, John Rouse, in the audience gallery, asked how long it will take to learn if Invermere will get the grant.

Invermere chief administrative officer (CAO), Andrew Young replied that it might be as much as a year before the district finds out if its application is successful or not.

Invermere councillor Gerry Taft asked how likely the application is to succeed.

“I think we have a reasonably good chance of securing this grant,” replied Young, adding it will be necessary for the district to do thorough background studies to underscore the need for the dike to be higher. “Without those studies, I think it will be hard to get the grant,” said Young. “But they will add to the timeline.”

Local woman recounts bear charge

Resident urges locals to reduce bear attractants, points to safety issues

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Snow sits on the ground in the Columbia Valley, and subzero temperatures have become the norm in recent weeks. With true winter just around the corner, Invermere and other valley communities will no longer need to worry about bears wandering around town and getting into garbage bins, as the bruins begin their long seasonal hibernations.

But the bears were a big issue this fall, well into November. When the Pioneer spoke with local senior conservation officer, Greg Kruger, in mid-November, he noted, “We still do have some bears up around Westridge and down into the Wilder subdivision”, although he was quick to add that “day by day, the (bear) complaints are starting to drop off” and that arrival of colder weather would only hasten that trend.

But one valley local — Harrogate resident, Cindy Sousa — is guaranteed to re member this year for a long time to come. Earlier this fall, Sousa experienced the fright of her life one morning: when she arrived very early to work in Invermere, she was charged by a bear.

Nobody else was in sight, and no other vehicles were on the road. Sousa got out of her vehicle, then reached into the back seat to grab her bag. Suddenly she heard a noise.

“I turned around, closing the car door as I did, and saw a very large black bear run ning — charging — directly towards me,” related Sousa. The bear was moving fast and Sousa realized she had mere seconds before it would be upon her.

“All I could think was to get to the other side of the vehicle to put something be tween the bear and me,” she said, so she darted around behind her car. Sousa fumbled with her fob key, desperately trying to unlock the front passenger side door. She tried once. It didn’t work. Starting to panic, she clicked the fob again and this time the door opened.

Certain the bear was mere feet from her, Sousa jumped in the vehicle and immedi ately tried to slam the door shut behind her, but it wouldn’t latch.

“In my panic I still had my bag (looped) over my shoulder and it caught in the door,” she said.

Sousa knew she wouldn’t be able to open the door again — even a little bit — to pull in the bag, without the bear sticking its head or a paw in.

So she clutched the door handle as tightly as she could, pulling with all her might to make sure the bear couldn’t pry its way into her vehicle.

“I waited, but the bear must have veered off in a different direction—it was no longer in the parking lot. It happened so fast, I didn’t think I had time to get out of its way. I was shaking so much,” she said.

Sousa stayed in her car wondering where the bear had gone. After several breathless minutes, she hastily scurried across the parking lot, up a flight stairs and through the front door of her workplace.

It was scare unlike any Sousa had experienced before, despite having grown up

Invermere plans multi-use pathway in Athalmer

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The Athalmer neighbourhood plan was recently formally adopted by the District of Invermere (DOI), and district staff and council are chomping at the bit to start im plementing it.

One of the first parts of the plan the district will work on is improving its active transportation trail network in Athalmer. It is pursuing a grant to help pay for a paved, separate multi-use pathway along fourth avenue.

“We have been working on the Althalmer trail plan,” Invermere director of public works and operations, Angela MacLean, told Invermere council during a meeting earlier this month.

She noted that fourth avenue is “a fairly busy stretch of road” in part because it is an alternate way to connect major streets (specifically Laurier Street and Panorama Drive), and also because it connects residential and industrial parts of Athalmer.

Putting in a multi-use path on the west side of fourth avenue, separated from the roadway by a curb and a gutter, along with the four raised crosswalks across the avenue, will make it safer for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users, and those using other modes of active transportation, pointed out MacLean. She added it will also help slow down vehicle traffic in nearby neighbourhoods.

The planned path would be 3.3 metres (m) wide, and would have wheelchair ramps to make it more accessible. It will cost around $400,000.

The district is applying to a BC active transportation infrastructure grant that would cover about 70 per cent ($280,000) of the cost of the pathway. The reaming 30 per cent ($120,000) would be paid for by district taxpayers.

“It is certainly beneficial to keep moving forward with our trail network,” Invermere mayor, Al Miller, said during discussion on the topic at the meeting.

and lived in B.C.’s northern coast region and having been an avid camper and outdoor enthusiast for decades.

“I have experience being around bears and having bears in my neighbourhood and yard,” she said. “I currently live on an acreage at the bottom of a mountain, and up north I also lived on acreage at the base of a mountain. I’ve had bear encounters camp ing, in particular, but I’ve never been charged by a bear. It was absolutely terrifying! They move so fast!”

Sousa echoed Kruger’s concern that valley residents need to do a better job at re ducing bear attractants and pointed out that it in the end, it is the bears who pay the ultimate price - getting euthanized by conservation officers - for humans’ carelessness when it comes to keeping ripe fruit off their trees and keeping their garbage indoors until the morning of curbside collection.

“This bear incident didn’t happen out in the bush camping - it happened in a res idential neighbourhood in town,” said Sousa. “It is so important for people to realize that garbage and fruit on trees and bushes attracts bears to these areas, making it unsafe for people and the bears alike.”

PERSPECTIVE

Don’t let the frost bite you

By Joanne McQuarrie editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The cold temperatures of winter can create beautiful vistas in the sky and stunning frost coverings on trees and forest foliage. But cold temperatures can also lead to injuries that are debilitating.

It can be easy to get cold outside if the weather is windy, wet, humid, and if you’re dressed improperly for the season. Frostbite and hypothermia are two predomi nant cold exposure injuries.

Frostbite is freezing of the skin and the tissues un der the skin because of the temperatures below freezing, outlined a HealthLink BC website. It usually happens on the feet, hands, ears, nose and face. First-degree frost bite freezes the outer layer of skin. Symptoms include tingling, stinging or burning pain. The skin is red and less often, white, yellow or pink-blue in colour. There’s mild swelling and no blisters.

Second-degree frostbite is freezing of all layers of the skin. Symptoms include numbness, followed by aching and throbbing pain. Outer skin is hard and frozen. There are blisters filled with clear or milky fluid.

Third-degree frostbite is freezing of deep layers of skin and tissues below the skin, which is white, pink-pur ple or blue-grey, and hard and frozen. Blisters form that look like they are filled with blood. There’s numbness, following by burning, throbbing or shooting pain.

Fourth-degree frostbite is freezing of muscles, ten dons and bones. Symptoms include patches of red or blue skin that turn dry, black, rubbery. There is little or no swelling. Blisters may appear as small blood spots un der the skin. There is a deep, aching pain.

Medical treatment for frostbite depends on its sever ity. It includes relieving pain and quickly rewarding the frostbitten area, which can help prevent problems such as infection, dead tissue or amputation of the frozen part.

Hypothermia occurs when the body gets cold and loses heat faster than the body can make it; it happens when you’re exposed to cold air, water, wind or rain.

Early symptoms include shivering, cold, pale or blue-grey skin, apathy, poor judgement, mild unsteadi ness in balance or walking, slurred speech, numb hands and fingers.

Late symptoms of hypothermia include the trunk of the body is cold to the touch, muscles becoming stiff, a slow pulse, breathing that is shallower and slower, weak ness or sleepiness, confusion shivering - which may stop if the body temperature drops below 32 degrees Celsius; loss of consciousness.

Get treatment quickly. If you’ve got mild hypother mia, you may be able to treat it at home; get out of the cold or wet environment, use warm blankets, heaters and hot water bottles. Moderate to severe hypothermia is generally treated in the hospital where doctors can use special techniques to warm the core body temperature.

Being prepared for winter conditions is a good, allaround way to enjoy the season and be safe!

Historical Lens Historical Lens

For the love of work-life balance

Submitted by Blair McFarlane, Community Outreach Programmer, Invermere Public Library

How are we nearly at the end of the year? This has been one of the fastest years I’ve had and I’ve talked to a few people who say the same. (It’s not just that I’m get ting older!) We’ve been back to regular, in-person pro gramming since the spring, which has been lovely and part of why the year has sped by – we’re busy having fun!

The library is a fantastic place to work, and all of the staff here feel the same. While this is my dream job, it’s important to keep in mind that our jobs are not our whole lives. It can be hard to maintain a good work-life balance, and that starts with remembering we’re people first, not just employees.

To that end, I will be taking a three-month leave from the library as life has provided me an incredible opportunity to spend the winter in Hakuba, Japan! I will be working as a ski au pair to the Robb family who spend part of the year here and the other half in Haku ba. I’m grateful that Anne, our library director, under stands the value of work-life balance, and how awesome the skiing is in the Japanese Alps. Everything has aligned so that I can go carve those fresh pow lines and see what a ski town is like in Japan!

I will miss the library and all our wonderful patrons, but I will stay in touch and will have lots of fun pro grams planned for the spring. In the meantime, the li brary will continue to be a place to find your own work–life balance, with either a good book or a fun, free event! Here’s what’s upcoming: Christmas Craft Connections: December 7 at 6 p.m.

Join Ginny to make a few adorable holiday crafts. Adults only and space is limited; please contact us for a spot at 250-342-6416.

Needles and Hooks: Join other makers with your cur rent yarn project to chat and share tips. Happening on Dec. 1 and 15 at 2 p.m. in the mezzanine. Drop-in and all welcome.

Tea Time: Happens on the second and fourth Thurs day of the month at 2 p.m. Join us on Dec. 8 and 22 for tea, cookies and lively conversation. Drop-in and all welcome.

Adopt a Book this season! A great gift idea that benefits your loved one and the community is to adopt a book in someone’s name. You provide funds for us to buy a new library book and dedicate it to your loved one with a nameplate in the front of the book. Adopt-a-book do nations start at $25 and you will receive a tax receipt, along with a handmade ornament to give to your loved one as a keepsake.

The Friends of the Library’s Christmas Silent Auction is still live online for a few more days and will close Tues day, November 29th at 5 p.m. There are a ton of lovely items and gift certificates (golf passes!) available, and all proceeds support the library. Head to fundables.app/ auction/id/libraryfriends to check it out.

A great way to stay up-to-date on all library pro gramming is to subscribe to our monthly newsletter! You can sign up through our website invermere.bc.libraries. coop. You can follow us on Facebook or Instagram @ InvermerePublicLibrary for updates too.

I hope you all have a lovely end of the year and a great start to 2023. I will see you in March!

Amanda Nason Associate Publisher/ Sales Manager

Steve Hubrecht Magazine Editor/ Reporter Ext. 105

Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Ext. 106

Emily Rawbon Graphic Design Ext. 104

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.

Christina Boucher Office Administrator Ext. 101

Joanne McQuarrie Editor Ext. 107

Doris and Maurice Ruault and children at family wedding. Circa 1984 Courtesy of Windermere District Historical Society

Going Wild and Untamed in Fairmont

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Metis owner and creator shares her Métis culture and much more

Penticton, Kelowna, and Calgary before calling Fairmont home in 2015. Like most true artists, Hagstrom admits she jumps from one creative idea to another.

“Some of my projects are better suited for fall and winter, like weaving and felting, where sun painting and sublimation printing do better in the spring and summer months,” said Hagstrom. “Since moving to Fairmont, I have immersed myself in my Metis heritage and have wo ven some beautiful shawls and scarves. Creating unique ribbon skirts and leather crafting medicine bags.”

Hagstrom said alongside creating, genealogy is her other greatest passion. Her mother’s family dates back to the Filles du Marinier and Filles du Roi and is one of the founding families of Canada. Upon their migration into the Red River Valley, Duck Lake, and the Prince Albert area in the early 1800’s, Hagstom would read stories from her Métis great great grandmother.

“I would look at old family photos of homesteads and read about the horrors and sorrows of my family, then being so ashamed for being Indigenous, for being Métis. I’m changing that,” said Hagstrom. “I’m making my ancestors proud. I will keep the knowledge going, I will keep the genealogy flowing.”

The creation of her art is also ever-flowing. Sublima tion printing keeps her busy as she does a lot of local cus tom orders especially t-shirts and mugs. She has recently found new inspiration in designing ribbon skirts.

“I would hope people appreciate my whimsical handmade products, one-of-a-kind, and truly unique, gifts,” said Hagstrom. “My Indigenous creations, I would hope that whoever purchases them takes pride in know ing that they are providing me with a way of sharing my Métis culture.”

Métis artist and business owner, Kate Hagstrom, has always prided herself on creating one-of-a-kind items. She owns and operates Wild and Untamed Studio in Fairmont Hot Springs. About the business that she has been running in one form or another since 1991, Hag strom said, “I have changed names throughout the years to reflect my business as it has morphed a few times throughout the years. I`m a wild creature and being born in July, a Leo, I like to adventure travel and roam and meet so many artists all over the world that inspire my creativity.”

Chicago-born Hagstrom saw the sights through out western Canada and created her art in Vancouver,

“They are very unique and truly one of a kind,” said Hagstrom. “I’m inspired by old photographs. One skirt I am working on right now, I have sublimated old family photos of farm life, my Métis ancestors, and their home steads onto material that I will add to a ribbon skirt. I am creating leather card wallets, laser engraving red river carts, Louis Riel, and with much more Indigenous art work on them.”

Hagstrom loves what she does and has a few that are already supporting and selling her products. “My favorite part of running my business here, is repeat business,” said Hagstrom “Networking, people don’t hesitate to share my information with others. Word of mouth is the best form of advertising. It’s free and you know that people admire your work and want to spread the goodness. Cre ating and making artwork, what more could I ask for?”

The beat is on

Invermere community drum circle is back

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The beat is on: the Invermere Community Drum Circle is back at Pynelogs Cultur al Centre on the first Wednesday of every month until June 7, 2023.

Patrick Carrick founded Columbia Valley Drumming in 2017 and pre-COVID, ran regular drumming sessions in Invermere, Golden, and Kimberley.

“The pandemic had a huge effect on the program and rather try to keep up with ever-changing restrictions, I changed the focus in my life,” said Carrick. “The arrival of my son in April 2020 made that change quite simple. The larger challenge has been try ing to find time and balance to bring the program back. With support from volunteers and CV Arts, we have cracked the code and the community drum circle returns on the first Wednesday of every month at Pynelogs from 7 to 9 p.m.”

Carrick has facilitated drumming events of all occasions across the valley, which in clude weddings, team-building and professional development events, school, and com munity tentpoles, and wellness retreats. Carrick has always preferred Pynelogs when hosting his events in Invermere.

“It’s a wonderful space, full of culture and CV Arts should always be connected and acknowledged with getting this program off the ground,” said Carrick. “There has been a lot of enthusiasm to have the regular events return and the seasons pass has sold very well leading up to the first session but there may be more available. If ticket sales contin ue to do well this will only leave a few spaces for people to drop in. I highly recommend that people email us to register before attending.”

Clarifications:

In the November 17 issue, the Pioneer reported that Invermere will hold a by-election in January to replace councillor Mark Topliff, who has stepped down. Earlier this week Invermere corporate officer Kindry Luyendyk clarified that “it will not be in January. There are legis lative protocols that we have to follow and January is too soon. We have not officially set a date yet.”

The trail work done by Greenways at the north end of the Old Coach Trail near Radium Hot Springs, men tioned in last week’s Pioneer, was funded partly by the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) and partly by the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK).

Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley, B ox 2595, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

These unique Hudson Bay coloured mug coasters are just one many of Kate’s creations. Photo by Chadd Cawson

Artist and owner of Wild and Untamed Studio, Kate Hag strom, was at the Columbia Valley Centre to display some of her ribbon skirts and other beautiful pieces. Métis week ran November 14 -18.

Photo by Chadd Cawson

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

• Fax: 250-342-2934

Healing through horses

Heart and Soul Medicine Horse in Brisco

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Life is not always an easy thing to navigate. Stresses, loss, past traumas can take its toll on us and our individ ual electromagnetic field, which surrounds our being and gives off energy, an energy which horses can intuitively read.

Luraina Oddy is owner and facilitator at Heart and Soul Medicine Horse in Brisco, where she moved to in 2002. She’s been operating the business since 2018. She offers services such as chakra balancing and reiki on both people and equine (she owns 10 horses), and sessions where the horse leads the way on one’s healing journey. The most important role of the client is to be less in their head and more in their heart space.

“Any animal has the ability to touch our hearts, be cause they communicate through our heart space,” said Oddy, and noted it’s good to “have the understanding that we’re not just all thinking with our logistic brains, and that we have three brains in our body that function, and our heart brain is where we communicate with ani mals. For instance, horses are prey animals which makes them rely on intuition. Unlike a dog that loves internal ly and unconditionally, a horse will read your intuition. Horses will read our heart space and if we aren’t being congruent with our hearts and are too much in our head, the horse reflects, so energetically with the horse you can see right away when you go into your logical brain versus your heart. For us to heal past wounds and traumas we need to heal it in our heart space, not our head space, which is why horses are beginning to get a reputation as being great healers.”

“Whatever we’re feeling on the inside, it shows with how horses are reacting, so you really can’t get away from it. It makes you process that, and pay attention,

and watch”, said Oddy. “It’s just something you process in your head, and I as the facilitator, will guide the cli ent with some questions if they are feeling stuck, but the horses are the teachers. It’s relying 100 per cent on the horses to bring up what they need to bring up, for the client to clear energy.”

“I’ve had a love for horses, since I was little, a ridic ulous love,” laughed Oddy. “Stuffies, ornaments, toys. I can remember singing a song as a little girl that I wanted a horse of my very own. We had a yard at that time big enough for one, but my parents never budged, so I would go to the neighbours and sneak rides on their horses, and then I finally got to care for an abandoned colt that came into our lives until my mother decided to sell him.”

Oddy graduated as a certified facilitated equine ex periential learning (FEEL) practitioner in March 2008 at a school in Langley; most of the program was self-study at home.

She has always been drawn to the ways of Indigenous Peoples, attending pow wows and creating art, even as a young girl. She said the FEEL training had an Indigenous mold to it, dealing a lot with circles and the directions on the medicine wheel.

“There’s some calling from the past that just keeps it true in my heart, intuitively I feel like I’m doing what some of the medicine people did hundreds of years ago. I’m healing with horses, and horses are a sacred animal,” said Oddy. “My love for the Indigenous culture and how they live and resonate with the planet, and not leave any kind imprint fascinates me, and it’s how I try to live my own life to the best of my ability.

“I hope my clients gain a greater connection with themselves, and I hope that their session opens them en ergetically to feel more comfortable with who they are, enabling them to listen more to their inner self a little bit clearer, and become more grounded,” said Oddy.

Residential and commercial driveway entrances and sidewalks are the responsibility of the owner to be cleared of snow and ice to the degree that the mobility of vehicular and pedestrian tra c shall not be compromised.

Here’s how you can help...

• Be a good neighbour.

• Do not park on the street during a snowstorm or while snow clearing operations are underway.

• Pile snow on the right side of your driveway (when facing the road) if possible when shoveling.

• Remove snow from around re hydrants on or near your property to enable quick access by emergency personnel if the need arises.

• If there are any obstructions along District owned right-ofways (i.e. rocks, ower pots) please have those moved.

The District apologizes for any inconveniences caused by snow removal operations. For further information, please telephone the municipal o ce at 250-342-9281.

By Joanne McQuarrie editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Terry Dyck is settling in nicely to the area. The new interim pastor at the Lake Windermere Alliance Church is here on a six-month contract while the church searches for a long term pastor.

Dyck hails from Abbotsford, BC where he was the pastor at an Alliance Church. Before that, he worked with an international church in Indonesia for six years.

After Pastor Josh McCallum resigned in the fall, Dyck said, “Our leadership in our district asked if I’d be open to filling in. So I said, ‘I can serve the community and the church that way.’”

He arrived in the area at the beginning of November and started to explore the area soon after, and noted, “It’s a beautiful valley.”

Dyck is not entirely new to the area though. “I’ve skiied at Panorama a few times. When I was a kid I camped here with some families one summer. I came

here when I was in college, as part of a drama group.”

Dyck has been a pastor for more than 35 years.

“I do it to help people and from a faith standpoint, I enjoy seeing people meeting and enjoy Jesus together.”

He knew it was the pathway for him when he was with the travelling drama group years ago. “I figured with the skills God had given me, I could apply them to help people, wherever I am geographically. There are people everywhere who need help and do life together with.”

Along the way, Dyck has worked in other occupa tions too, and chuckled that he has the attention of a junior high student. “I did home building with my fa ther-in-law; I worked at a metal fabricating plant. I have a degree in travel tourism; I’ve take groups to different countries in the world.”

Dyck is here until the end of April. “But it’s flexible; we’ll see how the search goes,” he said. “It’s really been a warm community and it’s beautiful.”

Before Carrick explored the thought of running group sessions, he had already been offering private les sons for several years.

“I took some drum circle facilitation training with ‘Circles of Rhythm’ in Calgary and quickly learned that it’s not about how you play the drum but how you feel when you drum,” said Carrick. “This was the life-chang ing experience that drove me to bring the philosophy of integrative community drumming to the valley.”

Carrick trained the Circles of Rhythm trainees earli er this November in Calgary. Over the years he has also had the honour to work with many Indigenous Commu nities and hopes to only strengthen those relationships going forward.

Our local Indigenous communities, and Indigenous communities across North America, have a strong rela tionship with drumming and song. Their songs and the significance of their drums is as varied as the communi ties themselves,” said Carrick. “I am always looking to further my knowledge and welcome anyone from those communities to join us and share their stories, love and relationship with the drum.”

Carrick’s integrative approach when helping those find the beat is to remind participants that rhythm and drumming belong to everyone.

“The ancient tool of the drum is connected to us all. I like to use instruments from every one of earth’s conti nents to reinforce this idea,” said Carrick. “I feel it’s im portant to empower people and remind them that they

do in fact have rhythm and they don’t need to be a drum mer to drum in the circle. Some people come and don’t drum at all. The sessions are designed to be inclusive and inviting. People enter the circle with all the stresses of life and leave feeling lighter.”

All are welcome to make the first hump day of each month until June a drum day and laugh and heal with the next one happening on Dec. 7. Drop-in rates are $20 per person or $15 for Columbia Valley Arts Members and are accepted at the door but spots are limited. To become a member visit www.columbiavalleyarts.com/.../ membership-overview. To pre-book or for more informa tion on sessions email columbiavalleydrumming@gmail. com.

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December 9th & Saturday, December 10th

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed for lunch between noon and 1 p.m. Visit with Santa is FREE. Picture packages are available. We are also accepting food donations for the Columbia Valley Food Bank. Special thank you to Canadian Tire for the candy canes and Ryan Bidinger Photography. All proceeds go to the Invermere Fire Department.

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Make connections and music at the Invermere Communi ty Drum circle on the first Wednesday of every month until June at Pynelogs Cultural Centre. Submitted Photo

WHAT’S HAPPENING? cvevents.ca

POWERED BY THE COLUMBIA VALLEY CHAMBER

ursday, November 24

● 6 p.m.: City Lights and Mountain Nights Fashion Show. Purchase tickets in advance, learn more at www.hospicesocietycv.com . Fashions from La Galeria II, Inside Edge and Avenue Ladies Boutique!

● 6 p.m.: Recruitment and Retention of Sta and Volunteers for non-pro ts with the CBT. Canal Flats Civic Centre. More info at www.cotr.bc.ca/invermere

● 7 p.m.: Trivia Night at Arrowhead Brewing - $10 entry as donation to the East Kootenay Invasive Species Council

● 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. - 1 p.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.: Senior’s Fitness at Columbia Valley Centre. $2 drop in.

• 12 p.m.: Senior’s 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 25

● 4-8 p.m.: Invermere Legion Christmas Market. Come for Christmas Crafts and Creations (all weekend)

scan me!

● Holiday Lights and Winter Nights in Fairmont (presented by the Immersion Festival). Photos with Santa, scavenger hunts with prizes, cookies, ornament decorating, smores, hot chocolate and more! www.fairmonthotsprings.com/immersion

● November 25-27 – Youth Leadership Camp at Blue Lake (age 12-15). Registration is open with the Columbia Valley Youth Network.

• 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday, November 26

● 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: The Invermere Legion Christmas Market.

● 2 p.m. – 9 p.m.: Downtown Invermere Light up Celebration and Santa Claus Parade.

● Fairmont Christmas Market and Winter Wonderland Dinner – presented by the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Immersion Festival.

● 6:30 p.m.: Hamburgers on Wonderbread concert fundraiser. Proceeds go to the Christmas Bureau ($20/ticket). Tickets at the Whitehouse Pub in advance or at the door.

● 7 p.m.: Columbia Valley Rockies vs. the Grand Forks Border Bruins

• 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 27

● 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Invermere Legion Christmas Market.

● 10:30 a.m.: Brunch with Santa in Fairmont.

• 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 28

• 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.: Senior’s Yoga at the 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 and Hangout at the Youth Centre Hub.

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

Tuesday, November 29

● 2 p.m.: Novel Idea: Invermere’s Monthly Book Club will be discussing Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. Anyone is welcome to join the book discussion at the library.

● 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.: Guilt free treats at Pynelogs. Come for some delicious, healthy holiday treats with Groundswell. Register at www.groundswellnetwork. ca/events

• 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).

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

• 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.: Senior’s Yoga: Columbia Valley Community Centre ($2 drop in).

• 12:30 p.m.: Senior’s 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.

Rockies in first place in Eddie Mountain Division

Submitted by Columbia Valley Rockies

The Columbia Valley Rockies went on the road and brought home four points and now sit in first place in the Eddie Mountain Division.

Rockies take Castlegar 5-1

The Rockies entered the weekend with a Friday night tilt on November 18 in Castlegar. Jake Measel put the Rockies up by one early in the first and they never looked back. Jordan Normand added to his two point night with the second goal of the game, after assisting on the first goal of the game. Newly-acquired goaltender, Nate Glenn, had a strong first showing, stopping 30 of 31 shots and earning his first win as a Rockie.

Kaelen Shelton netted the Rockies’ third goal with helpers recognized as Kyran Gromnisky and Bret Gerrits. Keenan Ingram added to his three point night with the fourth Rockies goal, assisted by Shelton and Gromnisky. Closing out the scoring was Anthony Domina on a great feed from Kayde Kinaschuk. It was a great team effort after a long bus ride to Castlegar.

Rockies roll over the Bruins 7-0

On November 19, head coach and general manag er (GM), Emery Olauson, returned to the Grand Forks arena to face the Border Bruin team he once coached.

The Rockies were focused on playing a strong team and wanted to reward their coach with a big win.

The first period was, as the announcer in Grand Forks said, the Keenan Ingram show. Ingram scored a hat trick of three goals in just over ten minutes to leave the home town team reeling. He was not done however as he scored his fourth and the final goal of the game to close out the third period. Domina netted two and Shelton also buried a sweet blocker side snap shot.

Reed Sparrow had three assists on the night, Nor mand also had three. Kinaschuk and Measel added to their season total with two assists with Lucas de la Salle, Gerrits, Harrison Aldridge, and Riley Cormier also pro viding helpers to the goal scorers. The goaltender, Glenn secures his first shutout as a Rockie!

It was a triumphant return for the coach, Olauson as his team left Grand Forks in first place of the Eddie Mountain Division with 30 points in 20 games and in second place overall in the league behind by just one point.

The Rockies’ next game is at home Saturday, Nov. 26 against the same Grand forks Border Bruins who will have revenge on their minds. Come on out and support your Columbia Valley Rockies! See you Saturday!

Land Act: Notice of Application for a Disposition of Crown Land

Take notice that I/We, Bella Vista Properties Ltd., from Fairmont Hot Springs, BC, have applied to the British Columbia Ministry of Forests (FOR), Kootenay Boundary Region, for a Crown Grant for direct sale, situated on Provincial Crown Land located in the vicinity of Fairmont Hot Springs.

FOR invites comments on this application, the Lands File is 4406340. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Sr. Authorization Specialist, FOR, Kootenay Boundary Region, at 1902 Theatre Road, Cranbrook, BC V1C 7G1. Comments will be received by FOR up to January 7, 2022. FOR may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the website at http://comment.nrs. gov.bc.ca/ for more information.

Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit http://www.gov. bc.ca/freedomo nformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

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• Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

• Web: www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

CHEERS

Jorgensen, Gunner Knud

May 7, 1930 –

November 11, 2022

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of long time valley resident, Gunner Jorgensen.

He is predeceased by his wife Trudy Jorgensen. He is survived by his three daughters Karen Jorgensen (Doru Gorzo), Connie Leverkus (Hans), Michele Jorgensen (Dale), three grand children, Kelsea Gorzo and Bjørn and Barend Leverkus, also close friend and companion, Denise Harvey. His quirky sense of humour will be missed by many.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date at the Elkhorn Ranch in Windermere.

Walton, L eig h 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 ever yone 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-countr y road-trip that would provide laughs for years to come Leigh s first career was with Royal Trust, which brought his transfer to Calgar y 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 ever y 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 stor y 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 Har vey MacEwen and son Geoffrey He is sur vived 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

AT TENTION ASPIRING MUSICIANS

F R O M PA R S O N TO C A N A L F L AT S

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

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

Deadline: November 30, 2022. Download application: w w w.steamboatmtnmusicfest.ca

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

Cheers to Alex J our IT guy Your knowledge and help was greatly appreciated You are awesome!

Cheers to Eagle Ranch Restaurant and the per fec t lunch ser vice we had for my Mom's Bir thday D elicious food and impeccable ser vice from our amazing ser ver Charles

Cheers to the nice man and lady who work at the Invermere Post O ffice for giving help to a senior citizen who took a weak spell at the post office on Monday, Nov 14/22 Your ac t of kindness was ver y much appreciated

Cheers to Willy of Invermere Dr y Cleaners for the super job you did of cleaning my drapes and my long woolen coat. They look great Cheers to Hennie at No Frills 8 am and ser vice with a smile! Great ser vice.

Cheers to Katilyn at Konig Meats for excellent ser vice and always with a smile.

Cheers to Leslie Landr y for your healing hands!

Cheers to Linda in Windermere for offering a ride to myself and my dog when a bear blocked our route home. I am sincerely grateful for your kindness

Cheers to Matt for helping my aunt when she fell at AG on Nov 16th

Cheers to my sister Michelle S for your kindness and generosit y I got my nails done! Cheers to nail tech ex traordinaire, Leanne at Gel N' More nails for making my nails look so prett y

Cheers to woman DOI staff, shovelling at the librar y “careful shovelled but still slipper y ” You know…know it’s these behind the scenes people, these little things that make our town so special

VILLA FOR RENT

3 bdrm Villa backing onto Radium Springs Golf course

Renovations now complete

Cheers to Nanc y who works in the housewares sec tion at Canadian Tire You were so helpful and friendly Great customer ser vice!

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS EXERCISE EQUIPMENT

Cheers to the Columbia Valley Transit drivers Y’all do an amazing job and I am grateful for you!

CHEERS to the Radium Fire Depar tment for responding so quickly & efficiently to our chimney re! You saved our house!

Cheers with some tears to the young lady who shared a room with my Mom at Invermere Hospital back in Feb March We admired your long striped socks and a pair arrived at my address just a couple of weeks ago My mom passed away March 15. I appreciate the socks and the friendship with my mom I wear the socks with love. I hope you are well

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

PINE FIRE WOOD Pine available. 250 342 6068

688 2897

5357

THE HEARTFELT 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 Hear tfeltcompanionser vices 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.

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

Infant/Toddler or Early Childhood Educator

The Infant/Toddler Educator will provide a quality, caring and suppor tive child care on an full-time basis to the children enrolled at Sonshine Children’s Centre that addresses their unique child care needs, meets all regulator y standards required by the British Columbia Child Care Licensing Regulations

Responsibilities and Duties:

Create and implement a daily balance of ac tive/quiet, indoor/outdoor, and individual/group ac tivities

• Carr y out a daily ac tivity schedule that incorporates child direc ted ac tivity, care routines, and transition

• Assist children in expressing themselves by listening and responding with questions or comments that ex tend conversation

• Use a variety of teaching techniques including modelling, obser ving, questioning, demonstrating, and reinforcing

• Encourage and assist children to prac tice self-help daily

• Provide positive guidelines such as redirec ting, positive language, and positive reinforcement

• Attend to children’s physical needs for toileting, diapering, eating and sleeping as promptly as possible

• Work to maintain a neat, clean, and organized classroom

Maintain confidentiality of all information related to the Centre’s children, their families, and the staff

Maintain a positive working relationship with other Sonshine Children’s Centre staff

Qualifications/Education:

• Valid License to Prac tice as either ECE or IT from the BC Registr y

• Clear criminal Record

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Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to:

Jenn Broadfoot

Sonshine

Horsing around: The Canadian horse

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Horses run wild and free in some parts of B.C. in cluding the Chilcotin Plateau and the Okanagan. How ever, on the unceded territories of the Secwépemc and Ktunaxa Peoples and the land chosen as home by the Mé tis Peoples of B.C., people tend to care for their horses on properties.

Horses have been around for over 50 million years. They evolved from being once a smaller multi-toed crea ture to the one-toed domesticated mammal of the equi dae family we know today. With more than 200 differ ent types of horses worldwide, there are many different breeds throughout the Columbia Valley. The horse that is from our home and native land is the Canadian horse.

Canadian Horse

The Canadian horse is a strong and well-muscled breed that is normally darker in colour; bay, black, or chestnut. In the early 1600s, King Louis XIV of France imported Breton and Norman horses that were believed to be of Barb, Andalusian, and Arabian ancestry. It was these breeds, along with the Friesian and Percheron, that were utilized most during times of war. Traits from these breeds led to the Canadian horse of today. This breed developed under harsh weather conditions and scarcity of food. This hardship has allowed it to thrive and be more tolerant to tougher conditions and environments. Their strength and adaptability has earned them the nickname ‘the little iron horse’. Canadian horses can do it all, from pulling ploughs and herding cattle, to racing.

As Canadian horses became a distinct breed over time, many were exported to the U.S. In 1913 the Ca

nadian federal government started a special breeding program to bring up this species’ numbers. The program lasted until 1940, then the government of Quebec took it over and ran it until 1960. The Canadian horse, while perhaps more popular on the east coast of Canada, can be found across the country. They are known for their intelligence, making them easy to train, and for their calm temperament, which makes them an ideal breed to have around children or in any situation where loud nois es may suddenly go off. They are essentially the people pleaser of the horse world.

Hard-hooved

These majestic creatures are known for their arched necks and chiseled heads, with manes and tails that are both long and wavy. Weighing an average of 635 kilo grams (kg) and standing at 1.63 metres (m) tall, they have exceptionally strong legs and feet. The Canadian horse is no delicate prince or princess; in addition to the thick coats they grow in the winter to protect them from the harsh Canadian elements, their extra hard hooves al low them to run shoeless, and that they do, at an average speed of 49 kilometres (km) per hour.

Healthy as a horse

The Canadian horse is one breed that rarely falls ill. They have a vigorous immune system and unlike other breeds, are not one to catch colic. The average life span of a Canadian horse is from 25 to 30 years. Canadian hors es are grazers, eating mainly grasses and other roughage high in fibre. They enjoy grains such as oats, and treats like apples, carrots, and other vegetables

Love bites

Email your letter to the editor to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

INTEGRIT Y POST

since 2008. Built with concrete posts Barns, shops, riding arenas, machine sheds and more sales@ integritybuilt.com. 1-866-974 7678.

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

Male horses, known as stallions, look to capture the attention of their mare female interest by biting their shoulders, sides or hind parts, or by smelling them. This does not always lead to a kind reaction, and many mares will scream and bite back. Because they have excellent mem ories, horses can make great mates and will do so for life. Stallions used for breeding, are called studs and are at least 15 months of age before they can breed. Once they are that age, they can take on three mares a day. Mares, on average, will carry their foal from 340 to 370 days. A foal born at 315 days is considered premature; if a mare gives birth at 300 it’s unlikely the foal will survive. A group of hors es has many names such as a herd, team, harem, or mob.

Rockies West Realty

Honoured Horse

Horses have always been held in high regard by Indigenous Peoples. They have been used over time by warriors, and for transportation, and they have become integral in stories, celebration and song for many First Na tions and cultures. The horse has become a symbol for freedom, courage, and strength.

B C Y C N A C L A S S I F I E D A D S

B U I L D I N G S F O R S A L E

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Y2Y Traverse concludes

with this unexpected twist by choosing to cycle tour in stead of hike.

After their break in Invermere, the two were final ly set to stop biking and begin hiking, from Waterton National Park up to Kananaskis Country, west through Banff National Park, into Kootenay National Park (via Ball Pass and Hawk Creek), along the famous Rockwall trail, then on the Iceline Trail in Yoho National Park and beyond to Jasper.

But once again the women had to alter their itiner ary, as both had to separately deal with injuries. Cheri an-Hall had to stop for two weeks right after crossing the Canadian border, to rest an inflamed Achilles heel. Wa terous hiked solo through Waterton National Park and nearby stretches of wild lands, until a knee injury forced her off the trail.

The big trip is finally over. Invermere resident, Heather Waterous, and her Yukon-based friend, Amaya Cherian-Hall began their months-long, human-powered traverse of the Yellowstone-to-Yukon (Y2Y) corridor way back in spring and at last completed their mind-boggling journey earlier this fall.

The Pioneer ran a report on Waterous and Cheri an-Hall in early May as they began their traverse at a snowbound trailhead near the tri-state border of Wyo ming, Montana and Idaho. It was just before they set off to hike, bike and paddle their way north from West Yel lowstone all the way up to Dawson City, Yukon.

Another report followed in mid-summer, not long after the women crossed the U.S.-Canadian border and took a break in Invermere.

As reported in the summer, Waterous and Cheri an-Hall had to make significant alterations to their trip during the first segment (through the U.S.) owing to the huge volumes of snow still blanketing the high elevation sections of their planned route in late spring and early summer. Adapting to the conditions on the fly, they dealt

“By day three it was clear I had an issue with my knee,” Waterous told the Pioneer. She fashioned an im promptu brace using tape and a tensor bandage and man aged to hike on for a few more days until she came to the nearest town with a hospital.

There she got an ultrasound done, and saw a phys iotherapist.

“The verdict was that if I kept hiking, I might further damage my knee and would face a long recovery,” said Waterous. “I knew it was smarter not to push it, so had to stop hiking for a few weeks.”

By this time Cherian-Hall’s Achilles heel was better,

so now it was Waterous’ turn to rest while Cherian-Hall began solo hiking. Cherian-Hall strode through the heart of the Rockies, including the Rockwall and Iceline trails. “Those were major highlights for Amaya,” explained Wa terous.

Waterous’ knee was still problematic by the time Cherian-Hall had finished hiking, so the pair had to can cel their plan to bike north along the Alaska Highway from Jasper to Whitehorse, Yukon. They opted instead to simply start the final stretch of their trip — a paddle along the Yukon River from Whitehorse to Dawson City — earlier than expected.

“With the injuries, with each of us doing our hik ing solo, and with then not being able to bike the Alas ka Highway, we just had to adapt to our circumstances. We still got to visit all the landscapes we had wanted to see, just not the way we planned,” said Waterous. “It was completely different, but that’s okay. It was another les son in being flexible.”

In the end, the paddle down the Yukon was the only section of the traverse that went to plan. And what a sec tion it was – with the women (plus Cherian-Hall’s dog, Jasper) covering the 800 kilometres of river in less than a week and a half.

“It was great. Amaya and I had both done a lot of long canoe trips growing up, so it was something famil iar for us,” said Waterous. “It was also one of the most beautiful parts of the trip. Aside from a few historic sites or old trading posts it is very wild, and it felt remote in a way other parts of our trip did not. You had the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere.”

Spending 10 hours a day paddling a canoe was also a pleasant switch from biking and hiking, giving their arms a good workout while giving their feet and legs a break.

“It was at the same time both slower and faster than other parts of our trip,” said Waterous. “We were cov ering almost 100 kilometres a day, so we were moving through the terrain more quickly, but you are sitting in a boat as you do that, so you have a lot of time to think, to talk, to sing songs, so in that sense, it seems slower.”

Waterous will always particularly remember the women’s first night camping on north end of Lake Laberge.

The final half of Heather Waterous and Amaya Cheri an-Hall’s Yellowstone-to-Yukon (Y2Y) Traverse saw the women hiking north through the Rockies, and then paddle the Yukon River from Whitehorse to Dawson City. Photos submitted

“We tucked into a little cove, and it was glassy calm. There was one of the most intense sunsets I’d seen in a while, and it was reflected perfectly in the water,” she said.

On the final morning of the trip Cherian-Hall creat ed ‘finishers medallions’ out of driftwood. The pair pad dled into Dawson City and celebrated the end of their traverse by dancing until 3 a.m.

Days later both women were back to everyday life: Waterous returned to Invermere, where she works as a geomatics technician with Parks Canada and at the lo cal veterinarian clinic, while Cherian-Hall took up a new post as an environmental monitoring coordinator for a First Nation near Carcross, Yukon.

“It’s strange to go from being on the move every day for months, to being back to work almost immediately.

It took a bit of adjustment, but of course I’m happy to be back to Invermere, back to my friends and partner,” said Waterous. “It’s funny. Nothing really went to plan, but I think it went how it had to go. We both learned things that we didn’t expect to learn. That’s the beauty of a trip like this.”

Waterous expressed gratefulness to the pair’s spon sors, in particular to the Royal Canadian Geographic Society Women’s Expedition Grant, which made the tra verse financially feasible for them to do.

What’s next for the pair? Waterous conceded that she and Cherian-Hall had plenty of time on their long pad dle to dream up all sorts of new, multi-month trips. engage.rdek.bc.ca/recycle

Plan a night out. Give that special someone tickets to a concert or movie. Visit a new restaurant. Choose gifts with minimal or no packaging. Reuse gift wrap, ribbons and bags. Shop local to reduce excessive shipping packaging. There are endless opportunities to reduce your household’s waste this year.

Household waste can increase more than 25% during the holiday season. This year think of ways to prevent and reduce your waste.

Together let’s increase the holiday spirit and decrease the holiday waste.

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.

Sunday 10 a.m Worship ser vice 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250 342 9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com

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

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

FAITH

New tracks... new trails

Submitted by Rev. Terry Dyck Lake Windermere Alliance Church

I have recently moved to Invermere. With great hope, I brought my mountain bike with me, wishing for more of an extended fall to ride some new trails and un familiar terrain.

And then fall turned to winter, seemingly overnight. A new friend, Mark, offered to take me on a ride the day before the first snow fell. On that anticipated ride, the trail (that I had never ridden on) looked reasonable and rideable for me. There was only a skiff of snow at the lower elevation, but Mark knowingly warned me of additional snow as we climbed. Sure enough the ride was good, but it was getting snowier, and we were carving new tracks. Actually, I was carving more snow with my tires, and Mark was more like floating, with his fat bike.

As much as I was enjoying the new (to me) trails, the magnificent views of the mountains and Columbia Valley, it was becoming an ever increasing challenge for me forging thru the fresh snow.

And then at a needed pause - I needed the pause, not my riding partner - my new friend Mark offered to swap bikes as we pressed on and upward. It was magical. Per haps not magical, but my first foray on a fat bike made

the ride so much easier and thus, more enjoyable. Mark is a strong enough rider that he took the full body work out by riding my bike thru the snow to the apex of our ride, and then we swapped back on the descent.

Being new to the valley and being unfamiliar with the terrain and best equipment for the adventure, it was so helpful and beneficial to have Mark alongside to guide the way and assist me. It made such a difference and brought joy to a new adventure.

The same can be said for each of us as we walk through life. We all encounter new seasons or experi ences as life unfolds. If there is someone who will reach out to us, come alongside as we journey through life’s adventures – we can experience more joy, less confusion and greater health. When we connect with others, life is more rich and full. Whether we are the newcomer or the one who is extending themselves on behalf of others, life is better together.

My hope is that you can connect with someone who will ‘ride’ along with you, whether it be your spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual life. We can all benefit from someone like Mark, who helped me. And I trust that you can also embrace the idea of being that person who ‘rides’ with others as they journey through the new tracks and new trails of life.

Larry Halverson awarded in Ottawa

Larry Halverson, local natu ralist and champion for pub lic engagement about nature, received the iceberg trophy in Ottawa in mid-November at the Canadian Museum of Nature 2033 Nature Inspira tion Awards. Pierre Taillefer, national sustainability leader, BDO Canada LLP and Dr. Danika Goosney, president, Canadian Museum of Nature presented the honour to Halv erson. Photo submitted

Radium

resident records beautiful sights around the village

Radium resident, Wayne Noga, caught sight of a mountain sheep taking a break in front of sculpture in its honour, on November 10. Noga grabbed his camera to snap a photo. The eagle-eyed photographer also recorded the beautiful lighting on the mountain range west of Radium a couple of days earlier.

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

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

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

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