VALLEY NEWS Heritage Heights proposal clears hurdle
By Lyonel Doherty editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com
A motion to kill a multi-family housing proposal in Windermere has been defeated by the RDEK, breathing new life into the controversial development.
Electoral Area F director Susan Clovechok made a motion on February 14 that the board not proceed with the Heritage Heights plan as presented. But she was outvoted, and outgunned, by fellow board members who wanted to give the application a fighting chance.
The board ended up giving three readings to the bylaw amendments for the Lake Windermere Official Community Plan and the Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw. They will now be sent to the Ministry of Transportation for required approvals before coming back to the board for adoption.
In her report, Clovechok said it was a difficult decision since she acknowledged that the Columbia Valley needs a variety of housing that the developer is offering.
“I support the concept,” she said, but noted the development would “change the look and feel of the community forever.”
The proposal on The Bench Road and North Street consists of approximately 120 units of rental and market housing featuring primarily duplexes and townhouses. The developer is AFN Enterprises (Akisqnuk First Nation).
Clovechok said while the board was only considering the zoning at this time, if approved, it would start a ball rolling that technically the RDEK could not stop.
She referred to the recent public hearing where a number of residents expressed concerns about water and sewer capacity (and costs) for the new development, plus traffic safety.
The director admitted the development would contribute to water system upgrades and expansion, but noted some unanswered questions about the impact on sewer. She noted the potential for unpleasant odours, adding the community needs more assurance there will be no negative impacts.
Clovechok said density was the toughest issue to address in this development, noting it would increase the number of lots by 20 per cent (one dwelling for every 4,200 square feet on the 4.7-hectare property).
She also stated the development would increase the population in Windermere by 275 people.
“Despite the potential for community sewer and highway access improvements, I can’t in good conscience support this application.”
Gerry Taft, the board’s alternate for Mayor Al Miller, countered by saying that although the not-in-my-backyard
opposition is substantial, saying no to this development would be a signal to future applicants that the RDEK is not interested in housing.
He pointed out similar opposition to a housing proposal in Invermere where residents expressed concern about height and density. When the proposal was amended by lowering the height, the “same people opposed it for different reasons,” Taft said.
He stated that a lot of people don’t want to change the status quo and would rather look at an empty field than see it developed.
“We need housing in the valley,” he said.
Taft said the 11-acre site in question is a logical place for higher density. He added that the board needs to give the developer a chance to spend more money and meet the provisions . . . to “sort out details and solidify some things.”
Director Steve Fairbairn asked what kind of sewer system would they be looking at. Clovechok said that has yet to be determined, noting it could be an onsite treatment facility or a hook-up to the existing system.
Director Don McCormick said the public wants to know every detail at the moment, which is not realistic since the development is in its infancy. “The checks and balances are in place, all will be dealt with. If we don’t approve it the whole thing just dies.”
McCormick added that killing the proposal at this stage “delivers a terrible message to other investors who want to invest (here).”
Another director mirrored these concerns, saying this development is needed for the greater good of the community.
Area G director Roberta Schnider said she is also struggling with this decision, noting the valley needs housing, but agreed that all these lots look “very daunting” for the community.
Taft said the question is where do you put new housing, noting it’s not allowed in the Agricultural Land Reserve. “The amount of available land is very limited.”
He said the board is lucky someone didn’t buy the land to build a mansion in the middle of it. “By saying no to this is setting back the potential for housing for years.”
On the vote not to proceed, Clovechok was the only director in favour.
The public hearing report indicated that nine written submissions were received by the deadline. One letter expressed support for the application as it increases the availability of rental and attainable housing stock in Windermere, and addresses critical housing needs. Eight letters expressed opposition for many reasons, including concerns over the number of units proposed, water
and sewer impacts, and traffic implications (access to Highway 93 from The Bench Road). Other concerns include the development becoming an “eyesore” with decreased property values. More stress on Lake Windermere is yet another worry, as is putting a strain on local medical clinics.
It was noted that the developer has agreed to register a covenant on the property stating that no dwelling shall be rented or leased for a period of less than 30 days.
Resident Christine Kolanos expressed concerns about the potential impact on the local beach. She stated the beach had numerous wild parties last summer and there isn’t any more room for cars to park at the beach.
Christine Dubois, born and raised in Windermere, noted she harboured
both opposition and support for the development. She agreed there is a big need for family housing but stated the proposed density is absurd. She also questioned whether the soil is capable of supporting this density and its sewer demands.
Resident Keith Carscadden outlined 10 items of concern, the number one being density, followed by the potential for sewer making its way to the beach.
The man also questioned the speed at which this process is taking place, and the RDEK’s decision on this.
Resident Mara King raised a concern about the environmental impacts of the development adding to the existing sewer capacity issues (of several systems already in place).
RCMP REPORT
Submitted by Sgt. Jeff Witzke
Columbia Valley RCMP
On February 13 the Columbia Valley RCMP received an SOS activation from an iPhone near Whitetail Lake. As it was unknown what the emergency was, search and rescue was activated. It was later determined that a vehicle had gone off the road, was stuck and in need of a tow. Search and rescue were already close to the scene and helped in getting the vehicle back on the road.
In the early morning hours on February 15 the RCMP were called to an assault at a home in Invermere. Members attended the residence where the complainant reported they got into an argument with their partner which resulted in a bleeding nose.
An investigation determined that the complainant became confrontational with their partner and while attempting to leave the situation their partner bumped the complainant’s nose causing it to bleed. This was not intentional and after calming down, the complainant realized this. The parties were separated for the night. Alcohol or drugs are believed to a factor.
Over the course of the week Columbia Valley had three separate calls for vehicles either broken down or stuck in the ditch in Kootenay National Park. The RCMP would like to thank Parks Canada employees that assisted with all three calls. This is greatly appreciated as alternatively RCMP members would have to attend. Because of the distance, these calls can tie up members for several hours and possibly delay them from attending higher priority calls for service.
Canal Flats water meeting draws crowd
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
A recent information meeting held by the Canal Flats Water Protection and Advisory Committee drew a large crowd.
Major upgrades to the water system, including a new treatment plant, are looming in the future. The village set up a committee of Canal Flats volunteers several months ago to help guide council and village staff through this process.
During the meeting committee members explained their role and the options facing the village. A number of residents were upset about the possibility of an expensive treatment plant, but as water committee members explained several times, there doesn’t seem to be much choice since the provincial government is mandating the upgrades.
“It (the provincial government) has given the directive that we need to put in a water treatment plant,” said committee chair Gayle Lake. “I can’t sit back and tell Interior Health they’re wrong.”
An audience member asked, “So we really don’t have a choice, right? Whether we express our opinions, really we don’t.”
Lake said that is correct, adding it’s mandated by Interior Health, which is concerned about the potential for contamination.
“It’s just a shame. I’ve lived here 62 years with this nice fresh water. There was germs in it, you bet. There’s going to be. (But) why chlorinate it?” the audience member asked.
Lake said it wasn’t yet 100 per cent clear that the water treatment plant would involve chlorination, as there it could be other methods such as ultraviolet
(UV) treatment or filtration.
The resident suggested that chlorination was the most likely of those methods since it is the least expensive.
Lake said that might not necessarily be the case since chlorination must be done continually. Exactly which option would be cheapest for Canal Flats would depend on a range of factors, said Lake.
Committee member and groundwater scientist Araleigh Alexander said those who feel strongly can talk with their local MLA, who could then try to get the provincial government to change its mind. But there’s nothing the committee can do and even at the municipal (Village of Canal Flats) level, “there’s not much they can do about it because the B.C. government can take away the water licences for our wells if they’re not safe,” said Alexander.
Another resident said, “Forty years ago it was safe (the water) and we used to have the mill over here that we had all sorts of spills on. We used to put PCBs down on the roads. There were thousands of gallons of diesel and gas going through. We used to take (water) samples then and they were fine. What changed? I’d like to know what changed. Did the provincial government change something, or what happened?”
Water committee member and Interior Health environmental officer Jennifer Beverly replied that the B.C. government did indeed change something — in 2011 it introduced new guidelines on containing pathogens and the associated risks.
Earlier in the meeting a Canal Flats resident had addressed the committee, noting “there’s a rumour going around that you’re already chlorinating our water. Is there any truth to that?”
Continued on page 9
Housing project seeks development permit
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
The planned Columbia Valley Métis Association (CVMA)-Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) affordable housing project in Invermere will be discussed by Invermere councillors again, likely at next week’s council meeting.
The project has commanded plenty of attention since it first became public in spring 2024. A public hearing in April drew a crowd of 150 to 160 people, after which the CVMA and MNBC scaled back their plans. A second public hearing in September on the scaled-back plan attracted an audience of 50 to 60 residents. In both hearings there were strong opinions for and against the plan.
Initial plans envisioned a four-storey complex with a CVMA cultural centre built on 13th Street. The current scaled-back plans outline a three-storey rent-geared-to-income housing plan with no cultural centre.
Early last fall Invermere council gave initial readings to the Official Community Plan (OCP) and zoning bylaw amendments that would allow the project to go ahead. But council opted to hold off adopting those amendments until CVMA and MNBC get a residential infill development permit. This permit
allows council to keep control of the style of a given development (i.e. no major design changes can be made) and also means the high-density zoning sought by CVMA and MNBC will not necessarily remain in place on the property if the affordable housing project does not come to fruition and the land instead is sold.
The CVMA and MNBC submitted their development application permit before Christmas, and during last week’s committee of the whole meeting they outlined some key details.
The latest plans include 41 rental housing units (27 one-bedroom units, eight two-bedroom units, and six three-bedroom units. A total of 27 of the units would have specific accessibility designs. There will be 44 off-street parking spaces, and 53 bicycle spaces.
The proponents explained that the building has been designed “to reflect Métis culture and values.”
Specific design aspects include a low profile building height; an L-shaped building; a mix of glazing and opaque materials on the wall facing 13th Street; a gable roof to match the style of surrounding houses; balconies; coniferous trees used for screening; and landscaping designed to match the Invermere climate.
Continued on page 9
Canal Flats has a big decision to make on upgrading its water system. FILE PHOTO
Don’t
throw out the welcome mat
Historical Lens PERSPECTIVE
Not much escapes folks in small communities like Windermere when it comes to proposed development. And why should it? This is their home.
Any development, regardless of scope, will have an impact on the people who live here, an impact on quality of life, property and aesthetics.
Mention the word development and it conjures up all manner of knee-jerk reactions in some people — skull and crossbones, for one. Developers no doubt have learned the skillful act of eye-rolling by now. Not in my backyard. Then whos?
Then there are folks who see development as progress, which is necessary to help the community grow and prosper. Development can enhance the economy and address social problems (a lack of housing) that plague the municipality and society as a whole.
The latest issue of note is the proposed Heritage Heights multi-family housing development in Windermere (on The Bench Road and North Street). While the Windermere Community Association (WCA) supports housing initiatives where needed, it is concerned about the impacts that the proposal will have on density, water/sewer capacity, and traffic safety. But the consultant for the developer says these issues will be addressed via studies and reports.
One overshadowing issue for the WCA is what it views as the “unfair” public input process set forth by the RDEK. The process allows only three business days for the public to make submissions, and you must register two days in advance to present at a public hearing. This may seem stringent but the RDEK is not breaking any rules here. Perhaps they could look at extending the submission deadline to four days and the public hearing registration to one day. Just a suggestion to address concerns.
Another issue was raised about two directors of the RDEK expressing preliminary support for the proposal prior to the public hearing. While some may argue this is inappropriate before listening to comments at the hearing, this is not Russia; elected officials are allowed to express their thoughts after a proposal is presented.
Last week Area F director Susan Clovechok was the lone wolf in her motion that the board not proceed with the bylaw amendments to allow the development. Despite her reiterating the public’s concerns, the motion was defeated, breathing new life into the proposal. The concern is if the board kills the project now (essentially throwing away the welcome mat), future investors won’t bother to submit their development applications. That’s one message you don’t want getting around.
At the end of the day, board members will digest all of the information, including the checks and balances, and make their decision. That’s what we elected them for.
Lyonel Doherty, editor
Public input process flawed
This letter is addressed to Honourable Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, regarding the bylaw amendment process for the Heritage Heights development proposal in Windermere
We are writing to ask the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs to investigate the actions of the RDEK on the above application.
The concerns are listed below:
• The public notice for Bylaws No. 3353 and No. 3354 was placed in the Columbia Valley Pioneer on Thursday, January 23. It stated all written comments from the public must be submitted by Monday, January 27. However, a few lines below, it stated submissions cannot be accepted after the public hearing. The notice presented confusing submission deadlines.
Due to a lack of clarity with the deadlines, letters submitted after Monday, January 27, but before the public hearing started were all rejected.
• The notice provided only three business days for the public to make submissions and register for the
public hearing, which was held only two days later on Wednesday, January 29.
While this timeline meets legal requirements, we question why the RDEK set such an inappropriately short timeline for public input for such a significant development that raises many concerns.
The landowner held an open house on December 16, 2024, where residents raised issues, including the capacity for water and sewage disposal to accommodate a density over twice that of the existing zoning, significant traffic that will exacerbate the current difficult access from Windermere to Highway 93/95, the impact on the already overcrowded Windermere beach (operated by the RDEK) and other issues. The landowner’s planning consultant dismissed these concerns with “these will be addressed later.”
• Public hearings may be conducted in person or via Zoom. In-person public hearings require only registration upon entry to the meeting room.
Continued on page 7
Residents frustrated with RDEK barriers
Continued from page 6
Once admitted, participants can easily speak if they choose. While the decision to hold the public hearing via Zoom was logical, given the time of year, it did reduce the ability of the public to participate. This is because the RDEK requires all persons wishing to attend to register at least two days before a public hearing. In this case, the public hearing was just over a day and a half after the submission deadline. This was only three business days after the notice of both events.
We do not understand why the RDEK implements such a stringent requirement to attend public hearings via Zoom. With today’s technology, it would be simple for planning staff and/or a director in attendance to admit members of the public at the start of the meeting. There could be a cut-off time for admittance. This would eliminate the need for a two-day advance registration as the number of participants can be counted upon entry. The ability of the moderator to mute participants addresses any be-
haviour concerns.
• After the landowner’s open house, the area director representing Windermere (F) and the Mayor of Invermere, also on the RDEK board of directors, expressed their support for the application. This was prior to the public hearing and listening to the concerns of local residents. It should be noted that the Advisory Planning Committee recommended the refusal of the application.
• Members of the public would like the ability to attend RDEK Planning & Development Services (PDSC) and board meetings when first and second readings are considered for bylaw amendments or other planning issues. Currently, this is nearly impossible. If a member of the public wishes to make a delegation to either meeting, they must make a request to the corporate officer by noon on Wednesday before the meetings take place. Ironically, the agendas for those meetings are not posted until the Friday. How are we supposed to speak at these meetings?
Based on the above, you can see
how frustrated we are given the barriers the RDEK has created not only on this application, but on other planning issues.
Would the minister please direct his staff to investigate the actions of the RDEK on the matters listed above?
The application for Bylaws No. 3353 and No. 3354 were discussed at the
PDSC meeting on Thursday, Feb. 13, and on February 14. We anticipate the bylaw amendment's third reading being approved, but we ask that our concerns with this application be addressed as soon as possible.
Brian and Sandy Smith, Windermere
RDEK financial plan open for comment
Submitted by RDEK
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board of directors has completed its first review of the draft 2025-2029 Financial Plan, which will soon be open for public review and comment.
The board held a special budget meeting last week and continued to refine the draft budget during its regular board meeting. All of the requested changes are now being incorporated and the draft plan was available for the public’s review and comment on February 19.
“The budget process takes six months to gather the information and pull together the draft plan; however, a critical piece of the budget process still lies ahead: gathering public feedback on the draft plan,” explained board chair Rob Gay.
“Ensuring taxpayers have an opportunity to review the financial plan, feel informed about the projects, services and potential impact on property taxes
before the plan is adopted is critical. The draft plan will be available for several weeks and we encourage residents to take the time to review it and to provide their comments.”
The financial plan lays out how tax dollars are being spent on the more than 100 services offered in the RDEK. The plan includes $11,972,782 in capital projects for 2025 for projects such as the final completion of the Cold Spring Creek Debris Flow Mitigation Project, Fernie Pathway, Jaffray Trail, Edgewater Connectivity Project, fire engine replacements in Panorama, Hosmer and Baynes Lake, Wycliffe Park Campground, Hosmer Fire Hall, and Elko Fire Hall expansion.
The draft 2025 operating budget for shared services is $29,505,225 and proposes an increase of $22 over last year on the average residential property valued at $596,000.
In the RDEK model, municipalities and elec-
toral areas are all affected differently depending which RDEK services they receive. RDEK taxes are captured only on the RDEK line items on tax notices, not the overall tax bill.
Copies of the plan and comment forms are available on engage.rdek.bc.ca/budget and by request through the RDEK’s Cranbrook and Columbia Valley offices. The RDEK has posting a budget “snapshot” that provides a condensed overview and some of the highlights for 2025. The public comment period will be open until noon on Monday, March 10.
The 5-Year Financial Plan will be reviewed by the RDEK board at the committee meetings on March 13 and is expected to be adopted at the March 14 board meeting.
Many questions swirl around water system
Continued from page 5
“There is no truth to that. We are not chlorinating the water,” answered Lake.
She explained that the committee is only gathering information, creating a report and presenting ideas. “We are not making any decision,” she said. “(Canal Flats) council will make decisions.”
Alexander then outlined some of the details of the Canal Flats aquifer, which basically underlies the entire village, stretching from the Kootenay River north to Columbia Lake, and from Highway 93/95 west to the hills above the old mill. She noted that some geologists call it “a geographic wonder” since the two bodies of water — Kootenay River and Columbia Lake — come so close to connecting “but don’t quite connect (on the surface). They only connect under the ground through the Canal Flats aquifer.”
An estimated one million cubic metres of water flow though the Canal Flats aquifer every day — a huge volume considering the average Canadian uses 0.2 cubic metres of water per day, explained Alexander.
That aquifer is a mix of sand and gravel, which is really porous, with water flowing through it quickly. That accounts for its high volume. But “the same things that make our aquifer really productive also make it really vulnerable,” said Alexander, adding that sand and gravel “make a good filter, but only if the water is moving through there for a long time.”
Ideally, water should be moving through sand and gravel for 200 to 300 days to get rid of bacterial contamination, and the village’s wells are close enough to the Kootenay River that they are “just on the edge” of that 300-day filtration threshold, said Alexander.
Additionally “the stuff we throw on
the ground (in the village) . . . goes down to the water table very quickly because the water table’s very shallow,” she said, adding that includes waste water, leaks from septic fields, oil spilled when changing car oil, and more.
Both Alexander and Lake repeatedly pointed to the Canal Flats Groundwater At Risk of Pathogens (GARP) report, which was completed last May. The report can be found online at canalflats. civicweb.net/document/33068/.
Aside from the risk of contamination and a new treatment plant, there are other major water issues facing the village.
Lake explained that perhaps the biggest is that the “majority of our current fire hydrants do not support the B.C. fire flow requirements. It’s a volume problem. Not because we don’t have a lot of water, but because we have aging infrastructure and we have pipes that are just too small . . . it could be catastrophic if we have a fire hydrant that is not working where your house is located and we’re trying to put a fire out.”
That aging infrastructure includes pipes that are only four inches in diameter in some parts of the village, and pipes that are only six inches in diameter in some other parts, said Lake, pointing out that “the legal requirement right now is 10 inches.”
Lake noted that Canal Flats water quality is fine in tests, but if there’s some kind of accident or contamination, even if there’s just a small chance of such an accident or contamination happening, Canal Flats water might not be safe without a water treatment plant.
“I don’t want anyone to get so sick like they did in Walkerton, Ontario. About 2,000 people were sick, seven died. People are still living with liver problems. And that was because they
Permit sought for plan
Continued from page 5
The traditional Métis sash helped inspire some of the colour selection.
Invermere council will vote on the development permit application in the near future.
Even if council grants the development permit, there are still more steps to come before construction can begin: the project proponent also needs to get a building permit from the District of Invermere, and also needs to secure fund-
thought their water was great, had never had problems before,” she said.
But the new treatment plant and the pipes and fire hydrant upgrades could be very expensive, conceded Lake. She noted another small town in B.C. recently built a new water treatment plant that was supposed to cost $54 million, yet the bill quickly rose to $87 million.
Lake said she couldn’t be sure, but guessed the village simply doesn’t have enough money to pay for a project of that scope without raising taxes to crazy levels.
“We have to figure out how else we can bring dollars into the town,” said Lake. She floated the idea of selling water to an entrepreneur who would bottle it. The village already sells some of its water to BC Hydro, at a rate of $30 for 1,000 gallons, she noted. “We’ve got water that is going under us and by us (in the aquifer). I’m not sure why we’re not
selling it. I can go to the store and buy Langdon, Alberta water. I’m not sure why we’re not bottling it (Canal Flats water),” she said.
Murmurs broke out among the audience, and Lake hastened to add “that doesn’t mean we’re going to sell all of it.” She pointed out that the village could put restrictions on just how much water could be bottled for private sale, with the rest kept for use by residents.
“I see people in the audience shaking their heads, saying I’m crazy,” she said, but wondered again how the village could raise the money for the new water treatment plant it is being mandated to build without raising taxes.
The water committee meeting was filmed and posted online by resident Tricia Pounder MacDonald.
The next water committee public meeting will be held Monday, March 17 at the Canal Flats Civic Centre at 6 p.m.
ing for the project.
“The funding is still in the works,” CVMA president Topher Burke told the Pioneer. Many of the grants the CVMA and MNBC want to pursue are much more likely to be obtained if the proponents already have the necessary permits in hand. Burke explained the CVMA and MNBC applied for funding last year, but were unsuccessful because they did not already have all of the permits in place.
Beneath the Surface is raising $340,000 to bring Ultrasound Service to the Invermere & District Hospital.
Learn about the campaign and ways to donate, show support, or host a fundraiser at ekfh.ca.
OUT OF OFFICE…
Continuity Planning for Small Businesses
Submitted by Columbia Valley Community Economic Development
In today’s unpredictable business environment, small businesses face a myriad of potential disruptions, from natural disasters and cyberattacks to supply chain interruptions and economic downturns. Implementing a robust business continuity plan (BCP) is essential for ensuring that operations can withstand and quickly recover from such unforeseen events.
The Importance of Business Continuity Planning
A well-structured BCP offers several critical benefits:
• Risk Identification and Mitigation: By proactively assessing potential threats, businesses can develop strategies to minimize their impact, thereby safeguarding assets and operations.
• Minimized Downtime: Effective continuity planning ensures that essential functions continue during a crisis, reducing operational interruptions and associated financial losses.
• Enhanced Employee Confidence: Clear communication of roles and responsibilities during emergencies empowers employees, leading to improved morale and decisionmaking under pressure.
• Protection of Company Reputation: Demonstrating preparedness enhances customer trust and loyalty, as clients value reliability even during adverse situations.
• Competitive Advantage: Businesses that can maintain operations during disruptions position themselves as reliable partners, potentially attracting new customers and opportunities.
Introducing the Ready Rating Program
To assist small businesses in developing and strengthening their BCPs, the Canadian Red Cross offers the Ready Rating program. This free, web-based service provides organizations with tools, resources, and information to evaluate and enhance their preparedness for emergencies.
Ready Rating members gain access to:
• Self-Assessment Tools: Evaluate your organization’s current level of preparedness and identify areas for improvement.
• Emergency Action Plan Templates: Customize and download templates to develop a comprehensive emergency response strategy tailored to your business’s specific needs.
• Resource Center: Access a wealth of checklists, guides, and best practices to bolster your organization’s resilience. By leveraging the Ready Rating program, small businesses can systematically approach continuity planning, ensuring they are wellprepared to handle emergencies and maintain operations under adverse conditions. Investing time and resources into business continuity planning is not merely a precautionary measure but a strategic imperative for small businesses. By identifying risks, minimizing downtime, and fostering a culture of preparedness, organizations can navigate unforeseen challenges effectively. Visit www.readyrating.ca for more information or reach out to Theresa Wood, ced@investcolumbiavalley.ca.
Thursday, February 20
• 10:00am-11:00am: Cover Letter Writing - Employment Workshop. Work BC Offices. Put "Your Best Foot Forward" and join us for our weekly employment workshops. For the month of January and February, there are regular and ondemand workshops happening every day. Call 250-341-6889 or visit the local Invermere office to sign-up.
• 10:15am-1:00pm: Tech Tutoring. Invermere Public Library. Free help with your computer, phone or tablet, assistance with websites or online forms, or even to learn to play games on your phone or ipad! Please pre-register by contacting Invermere Public Library 250-342-6416.
• 10:30am-11:30am: Senior’s Fitness Columbia Valley Centre, $2 drop-in.
• 11:30am-12:00pm: Little Lambs. Radium Library. Join us for songs, rhymes, and stories with your babies! Every Thursday, no registration required.
• 2:00pm-3:00pm: Needles & Hooks. Invermere Public Library. Join us on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of each month for Needles & Hooks. Bring your current yarn project and meet with other makers! All welcome.
• 2:00pm-4:00pm: Tech Tutoring. Radium Public Library. Free help with your computer, phone or tablet, assistance with websites or online forms, or even to learn to play games on your phone or ipad! Please book an appointment by calling Radium Public Library at 250-347-2434.
3:30pm-8:00pm: Summit Youth Night at the Edge. Edgewater Community Hall Basement. For all youth Grade 6 to 12. Every Thursday join us for snacks, games, food, pooltable, crafts at The Edge.
6:00pm-8:00pm: Come Cook with Me! College of the Rockies, Invermere Campus (by CBAL). Led by a chef, you will learn recipes and tips for preparing budget friendly, tasty, healthy meals. All supplies provided. Take your culinary creations home! Spaces are limited and registration is required. To learn more and to register contact: Misty Hawes 250-409-4251.
6:00pm-8:00pm: Read it & Eat. Invermere Library. Read it & Eat is a cookbook club where we choose a featured cookbook each month, participants choose a recipe to make, and then bring the dish to the meeting to enjoy food and good company! Stop by the library to choose a recipe from the cookbook and photocopy it! If you have the book at home, please contact the library and let us know which recipe you will make. This month we are cooking from New Indian Basics. Make the dish at home and bring it to the meeting and enjoy with other participants! All adults welcome & bring a bring a container or two for leftovers. Registration required.
6:45pm: Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Invermere Legion. $30 buy-in.
7:30pm: Families Housing that Fits. Zoom meeting with host Ben Postmus. Inclusive and supportive housing in your community. diversefamilyroots@gmail.com
• 7:30pm-9:30pm: Trivia Night Windermere Whitehouse Pub. Host Mandi Cox $3/person, teams of more than 6 will be split into two groups. Ages 19+ Friday, February 21
• 2:00pm-3:00pm: ZENON at the Youth Centre. Summit Youth Hub. ZENON will be running a free song writing workshop for all youth registered at the youth hub. Come by and learn all about being a professional song writer. ZENON is a bi-racial, non-binary singer whose sound is rooted in Soul; sometimes chill, sometimes sassy, always resonating with lovers of thought-provoking lyrics and soul filled grooves. Their music is a reflection of the spectrum of human experiences, including their own. Visit zenonepp.com for more info, streams and downloads.
• 10:00am-11:00am: Interview Skills - Employment Workshop. Work BC Offices. Put "Your Best Foot Forward" and join us for our weekly employment workshops. For the month of January and February, there are regular and ondemand workshops happening every day. Call 250-341-6889 or visit the local
Invermere office to sign-up.
10:30am-11:00pm: Family Storytime. Invermere Public Library. Join us at the library for stories, songs and a craft! Geared towards preschool age, but all welcome to attend!
2:00pm-3:30pm: Wholesome Hobbies. Radium Library. Every 3rd Friday of the Month; join us each month to try out a new project! For adults 50+ but all adults welcome. Registration is required. Call 250-347-2434 to save your spot!
2:00pm-3:00pm: Friday Fundays! Invermere Public Library. Drop in programming! Drop off allowed for ages 7+. Younger children are more than welcome to join with an adult! Crafternoon – a fun new craft each session!
• 6:30pm - close: Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion! Members and guests welcome!
• 7:00pm-9:30pm: Columbia Valley Rockies vs Fernie Ghostriders
• Saturday, February 22
10:30am-11:00pm: Family Storytime. Invermere Public Library. Join us at the library for stories, songs and a craft! Geared towards preschool age, but all welcome to attend!
• 11:00am-12:30pm: LEGO/Duplo Club Invermere Public Library. We'll have Lego, Duplo, big blocks & more out to play with on Saturday mornings! All ages welcome.
• 3:00pm-4:30pm: Buddy Reading. Invermere Public Library. Practice reading aloud one-on-one with a staff member to build skill, confidence and a love of reading! 30 minute sessions at 3:00, 3:30 or 4:00 pm. By Appointment Only!! Contact Invermere Library to sign up.
• 6:30pm: Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion! Members and guests welcome!
Sunday, February 23
2:00pm: Cards, Cribbage and Darts Come to the Legion and have some fun! Members and guests welcome.
7:00pm: Live Music Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery. Accompanied minors are permitted. No cover.
7:30pm: Dads Matter. Zoom meeting with host Ben Postmus. Dads connecting, Dads Supporting, Dads Inspiring. Do you have a son or daughter with Diverse Abilities? So do I. diversefamilyroots@gmail.com
Monday, February 24
• 10:00am-11:00am: Senior's Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, Invermere. $2 drop in, open to all seniors.
12:00pm-2:00pm: Cooking with Chef. Invermere Seniors Hall (by CBAL). Led by a chef, learn recipes and tips for preparing budget friendly, tasty, healthy meals! All supplies provided. Take your culinary creations home! Registration is required and space is limited so sign up early! To learn more or to reserve your spot contact Misty Hawes at 250-409-4251 or wvcoordinator@cbal.org
3:00pm-4:30pm: Buddy Reading. Invermere Public Library. Practice reading aloud one-on-one with a staff member to build skill, confidence and a love of reading! 30 minute sessions at 3:00, 3:30 or 4:00 pm. By Appointment Only!! Contact Invermere Library to sign up. 6:30pm: Poker (Chip up for Charity). The Station Pub $50 buy-in. Every Monday.
Tuesday, February 25
• 10:00am-11:00am: Online Job Searching - Employment Workshop. Work BC Offices. Put "Your Best Foot Forward" and join us for our weekly employment workshops. For the month of January and February, there are regular and on-demand workshops happening every day. Call 250-341-6889 or visit the local Invermere office to sign-up.
• 10:30am-11:30am: Senior’s Fitness. Columbia Valley Centre, $2 drop-in.
• 10:30am-11:30am: Home School Meet Up. Invermere Library. Drop-in, all ages programming with open-ended STEAM play, group activities and art projects!
This month we're working on a multi-week project to create our own board game! At the end of the month, we'll get to play the boardgame we've created!
Contact us to get on the Home School email list!
1:00pm-3:30pm: Art in the Afternoon. Radium Library. A weekly gathering for artists! A free program for local artists and art enthusiasts; whether you sketch, paint, carve, knit or crochet, bring your supplies and work alongside fellow artists.
1:00pm-3:00pm: Little Hands, Wise Hearts – Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve. Columbia Lake Recreation centre. New inter-generational Playgroup! Free for all ᕈakisq'nukniknik members and by donation for non-members. This unique program brings children (0-6 years) and elders together for fun activities, storytelling, and connection, fostering learning and relationships across generations. Come be a part of this experience that embraces community and togetherness! * A parent or guardian must remain to attend to their children. e-mail: ashely.killin@akisqnuk.org for more information.
2:00pm-3:00pm: Novel Idea Book Club. Invermere Library. This month we’re reading Hamnet & Judith by Maggie O’Farrell. Copies of book are available at the front desk. Contact the Invermere Library to reserve a copy or to request large print. All welcome to attend!
6:30pm-8:00pm: Second Winds Community Band Practice. Invermere Catholic Church Annex. We are looking for new band members! Play an instrument? For info please email dalvande@shaw.ca
• 7:30pm: Families on Tuesday. Zoom meeting with host Ben Postmus. Families connecting, Families Sharing, Families Supporting Families: Support, Listening, Sharing, Connecting. diversefamilyroots@gmail.com
Wednesday, February 26
10:00am-11:00am: Senior's Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, $2 drop-in.
• 10:00am-11:00am: Resume Development - Employment Workshop Work BC Offices. Put "Your Best Foot Forward" and join us for our weekly employment workshops. For the month of January and February, there are regular and on-demand workshops happening every day. Call 250-341-6889 or visit the local Invermere office to sign-up.
• 11:30am-12:00pm: Story Time. Radium Library. Join us for a story, songs and a craft!
Geared towards preschool ages but all are welcome.
• 3:30pm-4:45pm: After School Club. Invermere Public Library. A window of transition time between school and home or extra-curriculars. Come colour, bead, play with LEGO, and catch up with friends! Open to all school-aged kids. Drop-off for Grade 2 and up. Please bring your own snacks! One time registration required. Find the form on the After School Club page on our website or fill it out at the library.
• 6:00pm-9:00pm: Wednesday Dinners & Meat Draw & 50/50 Invermere Legion. All welcome.
Council limits Westridge STR to eight guests
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
Invermere council voted on more short-term rental (STR) temporary use permit (TUP) applications during last week’s council meeting.
There were three different applications at the Tuesday, Feb. 11 meeting — council approved two, but limited the third (in the Westridge neighbourhood) to just eight guests for a one-year trial period, instead of allowing the 13 guests that the STR owners wanted.
The first TUP application was for an STR on 13th Avenue. The operators were applying for a TUP for just six guests (below the maximum of eight allowed under Invermere’s STR rules), but they wanted to have those six guests spread across two bedrooms.
Invermere’s STR rules only allow two guests per room, so the 13th Avenue STR needs a TUP.
Council members were okay with the six guests in two rooms. “Given the layout and size of the bedrooms that are there, I think it’s worth giving it a shot,” said councillor Kayja Becker.
Councillor Gerry Taft pointed out that this particular STR is in the process of being sold and asked Invermere planner Rory Hromadnik what happens to the STR licence in that case.
“It can’t be transferred,” said Hromadnik, clarifying the STR application (and consequently the licence) belongs to the current owners, not the soon-tobe new owners. “We’ve reached out to the current owners (on this topic), but’s it’s a bit of radio silence from them. We don’t know what that means,” added Hromadnik.
The second TUP application was for 12 guests in a six-bedroom house on a 4.4 acre lot on Stark Lane in the southern end of Invermere. It generated four letters of support and two letters of opposition.
Councillors felt that the size of the property, the physical distance of the house from neighbours, and the infre-
quency rentals (only several times a year, according to the owners) meant it was unlikely to result in many complaints.
“This is the type of property we had in mind with TUP exemptions,” said Becker.
Taft took issue with one of the letters of opposition, from Invermere residents John and Joan Rouse. The Rouses had written that “we feel there could be a conflict of interest with both Councillor Taft and (Invermere) mayor (Al) Miller voting on these issues.
Councillor Taft is a realtor who could directly benefit from these transactions, and the mayor owns Home Hardware which is able to supply materials to said applicants.”
Miller was not at the council meeting. Taft felt there was no conflict of interest for him, saying, “I don’t see any type of transaction happening here. If I was a buyer or seller or involved in any other way I would not be in the room (voting on the issue as a councillor).” He said that since joining council in 2002 he has taken conflict of interest, and the perception of it, very seriously and often left the room for votes. Taft felt the Rouses’ comments were “offensive . . . I think this was a bit of a low blow.”
The third TUP application was for 13 guests in a six-bedroom home on Westridge Way, in the Westridge subdivision. In contrast to the first two TUP applications, the third was not well received by councillors.
Taft pointed out the application was only submitted on December 20, nearly eight months after Invermere’s STR rules came into effect, and the owners had only just recently hired a property manager.
“They were operating for a long time without applying . . . that shows a lack of consideration for the community,” said Taft.
Hromadnik explained that the TUP application only came after two letters of warning sent by the district. The second warning letter pointed out the STR
would be de-listed from AirBnB, VRBO and other online rental platforms if it did not get a licence.
“There seems to be a bit of a lack of sincerity there,” said Hromadnik.
There are four bedrooms in the home, and another two in a garage suite, as well as a pool in the backyard.
The district received four letters of opposition to the Westridge STR, as well as a petition of opposition signed by 15 neighbours.
“To me this is an example of everything that is wrong with STRs. This is the reason a lot of people in Invermere
are upset with STRs . . .this is a problem house,” said Taft. “Out of town owners, out of town property managers as far as I can tell, a big house in a normally quiet neighbourhood, then you go and put a pool in the backyard. That invites noise and parties . . . I’m not a fan of this property.”
The length of time it took to coax the owners to even apply for a TUP “makes me leery,” said Becker.
Council voted three-to-one to give the Westridge STR a TUP for eight guests instead of 13, for a one-year trial period. Becker was the one opposing vote.
Screenshot from Invermere council documents showing the Westridge short-term rental that council recently limited to eight guests.
Brisco artist gets retrospective at Pynelogs
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
Brisco resident Lynne Grillmair lived her life in the open air, so it only makes sense that she liked to paint that way too.
Lynne spent plenty of time outdoors professionally — she spent several decades at Canadian Mountain Holiday’s (CMH)’s famous Bugaboo Lodge, working as chef and manager (where she met her husband Leo, one of CMH’s founders). She also spent a lot of her spare time outdoors too, hiking, skiing and painting in the mountains.
Throughout her heliski industry career Lynne made art when she wasn’t working. When the Grillmairs retired in the early 1990s, Lynne dedicated herself to art full time, churning out works in a variety of different styles and at a considerable clip.
Next month the Pynelogs Cultural Centre will host a retrospective celebrating Lynne’s art over her lifetime, with the entire gallery dedicated to showing about 80 of her pieces.
“She has a huge body of work,” said close friend Anne Jardine. “If you go into her house, the whole upstairs, the loft, is full of paintings, the basement is stacked with paintings, and all the walls on the main floor are full of paintings. The house looks like an art gallery.”
Many of Lynne’s works are acrylic paintings, but she also did watercolours and mixed media pieces, as well as photography. She also illustrated a book on Indigenous legends and creation stories. There were plenty of landscapes, but she also focused on themes of music, dance, and much more.
“She loved to go into the backcountry and paint right there, on site, sometimes in really remote spots. En plein air,” said Jardine.
“She also loved more creative, abstract art. She would become fascinated and make series, returning to an idea or a theme again and again. It was almost like each new piece in a given theme would spark more ideas. And those
ideas would result in new pieces. And then those pieces would spark even more ideas.”
For instance, one of Lynne’s series focuses on ice and glaciers, particularly those in the Bugaboos.
“She saw firsthand the processes the water goes through, and the transformation of a glacier into creeks and streams. She saw the glacier themselves transform over many years,” said Jardine.
Another series was inspired by modernist painter Georgia O’Keeffe’s Southwestern skull paintings. Lynne instead painted cattle skulls that she came across while walking the valley’s benchlands.
“It made her think about the process of raising and eating beef, and she reflected that in her work,” said Jardine.
The pieces on display in Pynelogs will be grouped into nine overarching themes: land; ice; music; dance; ancient; skulls; flowers; glass; and still life.
Such a diverse range of styles and themes are reflective of their creator, according to those who know Lynne well.
“She is a really lovely person – outgoing, cheerful, a wonderful conversationalist, and she has so many interests,” said Jardine. “She plays piano, she sings in the Valley Voices choir, she is very active, she hikes, she downhill skis, she nordic skis.”
Lynne’s neighbour Kate Bennett added that Lynne also “loves reading and entertaining. She loves having people over for a meal. Every Sunday in the winters we get together to play Scrabble and talk about books and music. She also loves to go to the opera in Golden.”
Bennett echoed Jardine’s sentiment about how varied Lynne’s art is, noting “she is always changing her work. A lot of it is very clever and literary. It’s quite amazing.”
The exhibition runs from Saturday, March 1 until Saturday, March 29 at Pynelogs. An artist reception for Lynne will be held on March 1 from 2 to 5 p.m. There will be food and beverages for sale and a chance to talk with Lynne.
Pynelogs Cultural Centre will hold a retrospective exhibition of Brisco artist Lynne Grillmair’s work in March. PHOTOS
Taking the ‘Plunge’ for RAD fundraiser
The Recreation Adapted (RAD) Society’s annual Polar Plunge last weekend was a splashing success again, with hundreds of participants jumping into the icy waters of Lake Windermere to raise money to help the society create an accessible ramp at Kinsmen Beach.
PHOTOS STEVE HUBRECHT AND CHERI HANN
Local IBC asks for pedestrian area again
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
The Invermere Business Committee (IBC) is hoping to set up a pedestrian-only area in downtown Invermere again this summer.
A half-block stretch of 12th Street near the cenotaph plaza and post office was closed to vehicles from mid-June to early September, and picnic tables with umbrellas, wooden lounge chairs, flower beds, a food truck, sidewalk chalk and lawn games added.
The move followed more than a decade of occasional talk about a pedestrian-only main street. That
talk always prompted a swift outcry from main street business owners fearful of losing customer parking spots and seeing a subsequent drop in business.
The IBC proposed closing part of 12th Street instead as a compromise. (The closure spot is next to main street but does not actually block it.)
Although a few valley residents wrote letters of opposition before last summer’s closure, worried about impeded access to the post office, in the end the move proved popular with a wide array of local business owners, with local municipal officials, with visitors and with local residents.
During a recent Invermere committee of the whole
meeting, the IBC asked for a longer timeframe for the closure; from mid-May to the end of September.
IBC member Sarah Eastick wrote that “in September folks were out enjoying the picnic tables and it gave a signal that it was still summer and we are open for business.”
Eastick outlined the IBC would like to have music in the area this year.
“We did have an attempt (at music) last year but it did not work. We would like to continue working on that to add to the great ambience the chairs, tables, and umbrellas provided.”
Invermere on the Lake
The Council of the District of Invermere gives notice that First Reading of Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 1670, 2025 will be considered at a Regular Meeting of Council on Tuesday February 25th at 7:00 pm MT, at the District of Invermere Municipal Office located at 914 – 8th Avenue, Invermere, B.C. to consider an application by Rocky Peak Enterprises Ltd. to amend the zoning of the following properties:
Civic Address: 801 – 13th Street (Subject property outlined on the inserted map below)
Legal Description: Parcel B (See V18646) Block G, District Lot 216, Kootenay District Plan NEP1013
The intent of Bylaw No. 1670, 2025 is to rezone the subject property from R-2 Low Density Residential to a Comprehensive Development Zone (CDZ-7) to permit development of a ten-unit townhouse complex. The proposed development is intended to provide smaller, affordable rental units for the Invermere market. The proposed buildings would comprise six 1-bedroom units and four 2-bedroom units. The application is consistent with the Official Community Plan Land Use, Section 3.2 Residential which identifies the Subject Parcel as future Residential, High Density.
A copy of proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 1670, 2025 and related documents may be inspected at the District of Invermere Municipal Office at 914 – 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm from February 13, 2025 to February 25, 2025. The proposed bylaw may be inspected online at the District of Invermere website: https://invermere.net/news/ Persons who wish to comment on the proposed bylaw can submit them in one of the following ways:
Mailed or hand delivered to the District of Invermere Office at 914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0, provided they are received by the District of Invermere Municipal Office not later than 12:00 pm noon MT, Friday February 21, 2025
Email to info@invermere.net by 12:00 pm noon MT, February 21, 2025
Facsimile to 250-342-2934 received by 12:00 pm noon MT, Friday, February 21, 2025
By attending the First Reading on Tuesday, February 25, at 7:00 pm MT at the District of Invermere Office, 914 – 8th Avenue Invermere.
Written comments received will be distributed to Council for their consideration at the February 25, 2025, Council meeting. Those members of the public in attendance at the First Reading will be allowed to make presentations to Council or present written submissions respecting matters contained in the proposed bylaw.
If you have questions or require more information, please contact the District of Invermere at (250) 342-9281 or by email to info@invermere.net. Copies of the proposed amendment bylaw and related staff report/s may also be requested from Rory Hromadnik, Director of Development Services telephone: (250) 342-9281 extension 1235 or email: planning@invermere.net
Rory Hromadnik Director of Development Services
Part of 12th Street in downtown Invermere was closed to create a pedestrian-only space last summer. Organizers hope to do so again this summer. Above are visitors Gerry and Margot Hilman who love the idea.
PHOTOS STEVE HUBRECHT
PIONEER CLASSIFIEDS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BUYING OR SELLING?
Serving
Invermere & Area cell 250-341-1202 gerry@gerrytaft.ca
Alcoholics Anonymous. If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. All meetings are at 7 pm. Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the BC Service Building, South End-624 4th St. Invermere. Please call 250-3422424 for more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship.
Al-Anon. Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? For more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship, please call 250-878-2448 or 250-342-8392
Narcotics Anonymous. Mondays 7-8 pm, ONLY VIA ZOOM.
Meeting ID: 772 6822 4234
Passcode: 4ZgPXP
CHEERS
CHEERS
CHEERS to April Storm for donating her winnings back to Columbia Valley Pride, and to April and ULLR for their generosity and support of all in the Valley.
Huge cheers to Dr. Linda for amazing, professional service, keeping my “pearly whites in great shape. You are the Best.
SERVICES
B. B.’s Home & Design Services
Renovations, Masonry & Handyman Service, House checks, house cleaning/dump runs. 250-688-2897
THE HEARTFELT COMPANION
Services for Seniors. Since 2014 we’ve provided kind and compassionate non-medical care, transportation to Cranbrook, overnight care, meal prep, grocery shopping and more. Excellent local references. 250-341-5683 Heartfeltcompanionservices.com
K. B. Creations
Handyman services, Renovation’s, Masonry, Plumbing, Drywall & Painting. Please call Kevin 250-688-2897
MILESTONE
Happy 80th Birthday
Grace Sander
You’re invited to an Open House Sunday, Mar 2, 2025 from 3-5pm . 707 14 St, Invermere. Join us for cake, coffee/tea. No gifts. Bring along a nonperishable item to donate to the food bank.
RV SITES
RV Site - Seasonal lease April 15 to September 15 $7600
This RV site offers an ideal getaway, nestled in the picturesque Creekside in the Canyon, Radium. Perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat or an affordable place to stay while working in the valley. Spacious lot with access to on-site amenities including a heated swimming pool, gazebo, shed and campfire. Breathtaking views and wildlife experiences. Phone 403-472-2314
Delivered, 16” split Fir Seasoned Firewood. $300.00 per cord. Phone 250-688-0373
Pupils show love
Submited
Martin Morigeau Elementary School held a Valentine’s tea for local seniors and grandparents recently.
Guests enjoyed a full luncheon prepared and served by the school’s leadership club, the Wolf Pack. They also enjoyed poems, songs and theatre.
“Our Valentine’s tea was a gesture of thanks for the generous support from our local seniors,” said school principal Crystal Woodworth. This support includes: Kindergarten and Grade 1 students having visits to the Canal Flats Seniors Centre; Grade 5/6/7 students working on wood projects at the Men’s Shed; local historian Colin Cartwright visiting classes to share stories of Canal Flats history; Metis Elder Pheb Goulet making visits to work on art projects; and retired music teacher Catherine DeGeer teaching students music.
In Loving Memory of Thelma Mary Letcher (née Sutherland)
August 21, 1929 – February 5, 2025 OBITUARY
It is with deep sadness that we announce the loss of Thelma Mary Letcher, who passed away peacefully on February 5, 2025, in Invermere, British Columbia, at the age of 95. Thelma was born on August 21, 1929, in Cranbrook, British Columbia to Eileen and Jim Sutherland. She spent her early years in the rugged beauty of the Kootenays, where she developed the resilience, warmth and work ethic that would define her life. She pursued her passion for education at Normal School in Victoria, training as a teacher. Her career began in Wynndel and later took her to Gold Creek, where fate would introduce her to William “Bill” Letcher (born November 21, 1927).
Thelma and Bill were married on April 23, 1951, in Lethbridge, Alberta, and together they built a life rooted in hard work, family and community. As Bill worked in sawmills—eventually establishing his own sawmill business across various locations in the East Kootenays—Thelma dedicated herself to creating a home filled with warmth and sustenance. Between 1951 and 1957, they welcomed five children: Judith, William, Gail, Verna and Linda. Around 1961, Thelma and Bill purchased an 80-acre farm in Grasmere, where they carved out a life filled with love and labor. In addition to the sawmill business, Bill tended to the land, raising hay, cattle, and an evergrowing number of barn cats, while running “Bill’s Repair Shop.” Thelma, the heart of the home, cultivated a vast garden, liked raising chickens, fed the family, guests and hired help,
and continued to teach and work with the children at Grasmere school. She was also a dedicated member of the Triangle Women’s Institute, an organization committed to supporting families and communities through perseverance and service in their rural and often challenging surroundings.
In 2004, Thelma and Bill transitioned into retirement, settling on a small acreage in Cranbrook. Thelma continued her lifelong passion for gardening, creating a warm and welcoming home, while Bill spent his time tinkering in his shop and caring for his horses, Classy and Snoqualmie.
In 2014, Thelma moved to Invermere, first living with Judy before relocating to Columbia Garden Village. Bill joined her shortly thereafter and spent his final days at Ivy House before passing away on December 13, 2015. Though she carried the sorrow of his passing, Thelma remained a steadfast matriarch, treasuring visits from her family and continuing to embrace life with quiet strength.
Thelma was predeceased by her husband, Bill, and her daughter Linda. She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, remembered always by her four surviving children, nine grandchildren and eleven greatgrandchildren. Her unwavering kindness, resilience and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
A life well lived, a legacy well cherished—Thelma Mary Letcher will be deeply missed.
Cheers to Kelsie at Red Apple
Cheers to Alex Weller and Kumari Campbell for their excellent articles on John A. Macdonald.
BEYOND THE BLUE LINE
Rockies find their groove with big wins
By Stephanie Stevens
The Columbia Valley Rockies have definitely got their groove back.
The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) Junior A team played back-to-back games last weekend, both against the Golden Rockets.
Home in Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena on Valentine’s Day, the Rockies hit the ice and played 60 minutes of fast, cohesive and determined hockey.
The Rockets battled back to keep the game close but ultimately the Rockies took the game in an overtime win.
“We played well, we had the chance to go 6-0 against a team in our division and that was important to us to achieve that,” said associate coach Tucker Braund. “We played like a team on a mission and although Friday things didn't totally go our way, we found a way to come out with the win. Our effort was there all weekend, we stayed disciplined and we played great hockey. It was fun to watch.”
Trae Lees (assist by Carter Krause) started things off in the first period, followed in the second by Jack Hefferan (Kobe Mason and Ethan Cerone) and then Mason (Teo Fath and Cerone) in
the third.
Wyatt Wurtz (Carter Velker) answered the call and potted the overtime goal to end the game 4-3. Netminder
Hunter Arntsen stopped 23 of 26 shots.
The following night the boys were back at it in the Golden barn, but there was no scoring from either team until the second period.
Peter Godley (Ashton Sledz and Jaxson Sperling) got it going, followed by Sledz (Johnny Lozeman and Velker).
Third period goals were courtesy of Lees (Carter Tuplin), Velker (Noah Asmundson) and Carter Hensch (Velker) for a 5-2 victory. Arntsen was once again between the pipes and stopped 27 of 29 shots on net.
“We played really well in both games,” said head coach Tayler Sincennes. “Friday was high energy, we executed really well and found a way to win in overtime. Saturday was very much the same: we executed the way we wanted to. We lacked energy at times throughout both games but we stuck with it in both nights and were rewarded.”
The final regular season game is Friday, Feb. 21 with the Fernie Ghostriders in the Eddie. Puck drop is 7 p.m.
DISTRICT OF INVERMERE
NOTICE OF SHORT-TERM RENTAL TEMPORARY USE PERMIT APPLICATIONS UNDER DISTRICT OF INVERMERE CONSIDERATION
Pursuant to Section 494 of the Local Government Act, public notice is hereby given that the District of Invermere is considering the Short-Term Rental Temporary Use Permits (STU-TUP) listed in the table below. Issuance of the permits will be considered by council or a delegated authority at the Invermere District office at 914 - 8th Avenue in Invermere, BC, at the corresponding date and time as listed below:
All persons who believe they are affected by any of the Short-Term Rental Temporary Use Permits are encouraged to submit their concerns in writing to the Invermere office at 914 - 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC, or by email to dpcoordinator@invermere.net prior to March 3, 2025 at 10:00am. All submissions should include your name, address, and contact information. All written submissions are public information pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. All submissions will form part of the public record. Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250-342-9281.
For more information regarding the above applications contact the Invermere Planning Department at 250-342-9281 or by email at dpcoordinator@invermere.net or at the Invermere Office between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. PO Box 339, 914 - 8th Ave, Invermere BC V0A 1K0 250-342-9281
info@invermere.net www.invermere.net
The Columbia Valley Rockies won back-to-back games against the Golden Rockets last weekend. The final regular season game is on Friday, Feb. 21 against the Fernie Ghostriders in Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.
PHOTO STEPHANIE STEVENS
FAITH
Getting to the best years yet
By Pastor Wayne Frater Radium Christian Fellowship Church
The other day I was ministering to my old friends (and some new) at Columbia House. The young lady doing the music - I’m so thankful for her and all the staff - they are so awesome. She was using Youtube and she concluded the songs she shared with Alan Jackson’s song “The older I Get”. It touched my heart. One of the lines says, “Funny how it feels I’m just getting to my best years yet.” It reminds me of what Jesus did for me, what He is doing, and where He is taking me. I concluded with the thought, the best is yet to come.
Matthew 6:33: King James Version tells us “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
The amplified version says it this way:
“But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.”
There are two points I would like to touch on here. The first is, I believe it is God’s will that we live a Kingdom life. Why would He ask us to seek after it if it isn’t His will to give it to us? And what is a Kingdom life? It is
all laid out very nicely in Matthew chapter 5, 6, and 7: Jesus speaking, the Sermon on the Mount. It is all here, The Beatitudes, The Lord’s Prayer, and so much more, take time to go over, to study, to meditate on what Jesus is teaching here. If you take it to heart, if you believe, if you have faith, it will make the rest of your life the best of your life.
And the second point is that you can’t have a Kingdom unless you have a King. My King, is the Lord Jesus Christ.
Your King should be the Lord Jesus Christ; we can’t have the best of life without Jesus, not only as Saviour, but as Lord as well. As Lord, Jesus deserves to be number one in our lives, Jesus deserves to be the King on the throne of our hearts. He deserves the first part of all we are. As we seek after Jesus daily, as we seek after the Kingdom living, all the needs that we have will be taken care of. There is no room for worry.
Matthew 6 verses 31-33 (New King James version):
“Therefore do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
The rest of your life should be the best of your life, just believe, trust, and have faith in the living God.
John 3:16 tells us: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Little Blue Library new fixture
This week’s column was written by Friends of Radium Library volunteer Donna Tunney Call 250-3472434 for more information.
You may have noticed a new fixture outside the Radium Post Office. It’s a Little Blue Library.
We moved it from the Sable Ridge area to its present location as the post office is a natural meeting place for our residents. Whether receiving letter mail, picking up a package, or stopping by for a chat and a treat for the dog, most people visit our local post office. Often daily.
As Postmaster Sophie Shulist says: “The mini library in front of the post office is such a wonderful addition. It’s right where everyone passes by each day, making it easy for the whole community to enjoy and share books.”
If you don’t find something to read at this Little Blue Library, check out the one in front of Radium Brewing on Main.
The Friends of Radium Library always invite donations of gently used books to supply our Little Blue
Libraries, our May long weekend garage sale, our summer Pop-Up book sales, and our November Big Book Sale. Please drop off donations at the Radium Public Library in the Radium Hot Springs Centre at 4863 Stanley Street.
And remember to connect with us by liking us @ Friends of Radium Library on Facebook.
From temporary library director Danielle Conolly: February is an important month for libraries as we feature resources for Black History Month and Freedom to Read Week. Public libraries in particular can support their communities by uplifting excluded voices and highlighting their achievements, such as the four female Black scientists whose calculations sent astronauts to the moon. You can borrow the illustrated children’s book telling their story, as well as other books about Black achievements and struggles from our Black History Month display.
This year, Freedom to Read Week runs February 23 to March 1. Come take a look at our mini exhibit, which explains why some well-known titles have been banned or faced challenges. Some of the titles may surprise you.
Another way to find your next favourite read is to take part in our Mystery Date with a book event. Until March 1, adults and young adults can check out a wrapped book from our Mystery Date display. There’s no obligation to finish the book, and you can return it with a completed Rate Your Date slip to be entered to win a small prize.
Columbia Valley Churches
LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH
While you are with us, you are always welcome to join us. Sunday at 10:30 am 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 | www.lwac.ca
WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY (Anglican - United)
Sunday Services - 10:30 am 110 - 7th Ave. in Invermere website - wvsm.ca
Minister: Brent Woodard 250-342-6644
VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY
Pastor: Justin Furse Sunday 10 a.m. Worship Service 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 | www.vcachurch.net
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats: Saturday, 4 pm Canadian Martyrs’, Invermere: Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 9 am St. Joseph’s, Radium: Sunday 11 am Father Francis Dela Cruz | 712 -12th Ave., Invermere 250-342-6167
RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater | 250-342-6633 #4, 7553 Main St. Radium | 250-347-9937
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
Worship Service, Sunday, 11 a.m. Sunday School, 10 a.m. President Kendyn Mackensie • Columbia Valley Branch • 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs 250-439-9041
CHURCH OF CHRIST (Iglesia ni Cristo)
Worship Service: 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