Columbia Valley Pioneer April 20, 2023

The Columbia Valley P IONEER

e Windermere Valley Minor Hockey Association held its annual awards night recently. More than 70 young players attended the event at Columbia Valley Centre where many trophies were handed out to these young “stars” on ice including Taya Anderson Female Player of the Year (top left). See story and more photos on page 1617. Photos by Alicia Shanks

Local photographer Ryan Watmough offers these photographs of adventure, wildlife and scenic vistas. From top are a paddleboarder on Lake Windermere, a busy beaver in the Columbia River, and Peter’s Hill.

Community mourns avalanche victim

By Lyonel Doherty Special to the Pioneer

Columbia Valley is mourning the death of a snowmobiler who was caught in an avalanche during a group excursion in the underwater Lake area near Invermere on April 15.

“My heart goes out to everyone that has been impacted by this tragedy,” said RDEK Area G Director Roberta Schnider. “I offer sympathy to the family and loved ones of the individual who lost their life, and my thoughts are with the people involved who have been affected immeasurably.”

Schnider said she has “sincere gratitude” to every person involved in the incident, including first responders, BC Ambulance Service, Columbia Valley Search and Rescue, and the RCMP.

Tragedy struck when three snowmobilers entered the area of Forster Creek on a slope above Whirlpool Lake at an elevation of 2,300 metres, according to Avalanche Canada. Two riders were involved in the slide that was reportedly triggered near a rocky feature on the slope.

“One rider managed to ride off to the side, the other was caught and buried approximately two metres deep on a bench feature mid-path,” Avalanche Canada told e Pioneer

e snowmobiler was subsequently located by their party who initiated CPR. Columbia Valley Search and Rescue responded and evacuated the subject via helicopter to awaiting BC Ambulance paramedics in Invermere, but the victim did not survive. e name of the deceased and where they were from was not made public.

e Pioneer reached out to the Columbia Valley RCMP but could not garner a response by press time Tuesday.

e avalanche was reported to be a storm slab over a crust of snow. Avalanche Canada said the slide was 40 to 100 cm deep, 100 metres wide, and 300 metres long.

Columbia Valley Search and Rescue urges people to be cautious in the backcountry this spring, particularly during avalanche conditions. ey report that new snow is “very reactive” on buried crust, and that slides can be triggered by warm weather and by the actions of snowmobilers and skiers. Search and Rescue encourages recreationalists to view daily bulletins by Avalanche Canada at www.avalanche.ca and to get the training to stay safe.

Avalanche Canada says several serious avalanche accidents have been reported recently as dangerous conditions persist in many parts of Western Canada.

“With new snow on the way for the coast and interior regions, we’re expecting that avalanche danger will remain elevated,” Avalanche Canada reports.

Burn mark report points finger at CP

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Canadian Pacific Rail (CP Rail) grinding resulted in a small blaze that left a burn mark by the tracks in Invermere, according to the now-complete Invermere Fire Rescue report.

“It is felt that the fire was sparked by their (CP Rail’s) grinding machine,” said Invermere Mayor Al Miller.

A burn mark adjacent to the tracks along the western shore of Lake Windermere, south of Walker’s Lane, was discovered by Invermere resident Nadine Hale on March 30, giving rise to concern among those living in the south end of the district.

Invermere Fire Rescue investigated the burn on April 4 (as reported in last week’s Pioneer) but could not complete the report without input from CP Rail. e company has since given that input and indicated that the burn was probably a result of its grinding.

CP Rail also seems to have put out the blaze almost as soon as it ignited, said Miller.

“ ey have a crew that follows behind the grinding, and put out any spot fires that result, which it appears they did,” he explained.

e District of Invermere was unable to share the report directly with e Pioneer under Freedom of Information laws.

Invermere Fire Rescue Chief Jason Roe told e Pioneer that although the Invermere fire department can’t say with 100 per cent certainty that the grinding caused the fire, a pull tab from a fire extinguisher was found at the site.

“ at got us to thinking that CP actually extinguished the fire,” he said.

CP confirmed it had done grinding in that area two weeks before Hale found the burn, said Roe.

Miller added that because such spot fires happen often “they (CP Rail) don’t do a report after every incident. It (small fires sparked by grinding) is something that happens frequently across different lines. at’s why they are always watching for sparks,” he said.

Continued on page 4 . . .

A snowmobiler died on April 15 following an avalanche in the underwater Lake area near Invermere.

Jordy Shepherd photo, Columbia Valley SAR

RCMP Report

Corporal J. Witzke Columbia Valley RCMP

is past week, April 10th through April 16th, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 49 calls for service. e following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

On April 10th we received a report of a blue SUV that drove into a residence just off Burns Avenue located in Canal Flats. Additional calls were received stating that the same vehicle was driving in a dangerous manner along Burns Avenue before it struck a large boulder and a power pole. e driver was trapped inside and the SUV was on fire, however, prior to police arrival, bystanders and local firefighters were able to put out the fire and extract the driver from the vehicle. e driver was treated by paramedics and taken directly to Cranbrook for fur-

. . . ‘Burn Mark’ from 3

Miller said the burn was “not nice to see” and understandably concerning, but added he was glad to learn that CP has protocols in place to deal with any fires it creates.

“ e grinding does need to be done. It tunes up the track and helps shape the rails to the proper form,” he said. He added that even though he knows the practice is necessary, community safety should be paramount.

“I have seen it (the grinding) before. If it is happening at night it is very visible, because it does create a lot of sparks,” said Miller.

e Pioneer sought comment from CP Rail on its safety and reporting protocols, trying to find out what the suppression vehicle is like, what size it is, how many crew members it contains and what equipment they have. But the company did not respond before press deadline.

Roe said he wasn’t exactly sure about those details either, but added that suppression vehicles, crew and equipment vary in size and scope depending on the level of wildfire risk at a given time.

He echoed Miller’s sentiments, saying “I’m glad to know there is a process in place to ensure these things don’t get out of control.”

Hale was less assured.

“My question is: at what point would CP report them (spot fires) to the local fire department?”

She was also frustrated that her efforts to get information from CP Rail resulted in no answers at all.

ther treatment. is incident is still under investigation. For the majority of this reporting week we saw a full closure of Hwy 1 with traffic diverted down Hwy 93/95 and through Kootenay National Park. With multiple overnight snow storms the Columbia Valley RCMP were dispatched to numerous motor vehicle collisions in the park, including an overturned transport truck. ankfully no one was injured. Some of these collisions caused delays of up to an extra hour of drive time through the park.

On April 15th the Columbia Valley RCMP received an emergency SOS activation advising of an avalanche near underwater Lake where one person was buried. Search and rescue were activated immediately and dispatched along with two helicopters. e buried person was unresponsive, and unfortunately lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful. Our condolences go out to all affected by this tragic event.

“I think there could be more transparency from CP and public reporting on these kinds of incidents. ere should be a process in place for that,” said Hale.

Had such a system been in place “there wouldn’t have been any community alarm, like there was. We were left speculating,” she said.

e fact that CP didn’t even seem quickly able to say for certain that it had caused the fire could indicate that there may not even be much internal reporting within the company, Hale said.

“ ere still seems to be some assumptions around what happened. at’s unsettling,” she added.

Burn marks found near the Canadian Pacific Rail tracks on March 30 at the south end of Invermere by local resident Nadine Hale.

Photo submitted

Columbia Valley to get new RCMP commander

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

e Columbia Valley will get a new commander in a few months’ time.

Columbia Valley RCMP Corporal Jeff Witzke told Invermere council members as much during his quarterly RCMP report at the Tuesday, April 11 meeting.

Former Columbia Valley Sgt. Darren Kakuno left at the end of last year, taking a senior advisory non-commissioned officer post in Cranbrook.

A new sergeant — Ed DeJong — has been hired and is expected to arrive some time in May or June, explained Witzke. DeJong is currently working as a commander with the RCMP’s Tsay Keh Dene detachment in northern B.C.

“He’s (the new sergeant) waiting to sell his house, and as soon as he does he’ll be moving to the valley,” added Witzke.

e Columbia Valley lost one constable in January to a transfer, lost another to an injury “for some time” in February, and will lose a third to transfer to Cranbrook in June, said Witzke.

“We are a little skinny now,” the corporal said of the local detachment’s short staffed situation. He joked that scheduling the detachment members is now so complicated that “it is a full-time job.”

e Kicking Horse Canyon closure began on Tuesday, April 11, noted Witzke.

is closure of the TransCanada Highway between Field and Golden shuts the national highway for several weeks every spring and fall. All cross-country traffic is instead re-routed through the Columbia Valley, down Highway 93 from Castle Junction to Radium Hot Springs and then up to Golden on Highway 95.

e shutdowns send the volume of traffic passing through the valley soaring, and the first few closures (in spring and fall 2021) saw a dramatic spike in the number of accidents, some of which were horrific.

e last closure, in fall 2022, was not as bad, although there still was a clear rise in traffic complaints and collisions, said Witzke. He added that local RCMP are hoping the spring 2023 closure will be more similar to the fall 2022 closure than the 2021 closures.

Additional funding for B.C. Highway Patrols on Highway 93 through Kootenay National Park in fall 2022 played a big role in making that closure better, explained Witzke.

“ e visibility was no doubt increased and numerous excessive speeders were taken off the road,” he said.

Still, Witzke acknowledged that many valley residents dread the TransCanada closures.

Locals seem to now accept that it’s going to happen, but are clearly “waiting until 2024, when it’s done,” he said.

e Columbia Valley RCMP have cracked down effectively on local property crime offenders, Witzke told

council, but trouble still occasionally comes from thieves (some operating as individuals, some working as a group) who come from out of town and go on quick stealing sprees, usually targeting unlocked vehicles and unlocked sheds.

ese are hard for the local RCMP to combat because “they (the thieves) are typically gone from town before people even know anything’s been stolen” he said. “Our message to the public, again, is lock your sheds, lock your vehicles, and don’t keep your credit card, your bank card and other valuables in your vehicle.”

In the January to March 2023 quarter, RCMP responded to 177 calls for service in Invermere (56 in January, 67 in February, and 54 in March). is is a significant drop from the 200 calls during the same quarter in 2022 and the 238 calls in the same quarter in 2021. e drop may be a result of the ending of COVID-19 restrictions, which had an isolating effect on many people, and which may have played a role in mental health calls, explained Witzke.

In the January to March quarter in 2019, a year before the pandemic, there were 166 calls for service in Invermere. In 2020, in the same quarter, as the pandemic took hold, that figure rose to 192. It then hit 238 in the January to March quarter in 2021 with restrictions at their height, before beginning to trend down in 2022, when restrictions started to loosen.

15%

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS, HEIRS, AND OTHER CL AIMANTS

In the Matter of the Indian Ac t, R.S.C. 1985 c 1-5 as amended, and in the matter of the Estate of

JAMES NICHOLAS WHITE

No 078, 01 Akisq’nuk First Nation in the Province of British Columbia, DECEASED

Notice is hereby given pursuant to sec tion 8 of the Indian Estates Regulations that all creditors, heirs and other claimants having claims or demands against the Estate of the said

JAMES NICHOLAS WHITE who died on or about FEBRUARY 17,2023, are required to send by post prepaid or to deliver on or before MAY 15, 2023 to:

CHRISTAL WHITE PO BOX 1887

FORT ST JAMES, BC V0J lP0

their names and addresses, full par ticulars of their claims, statement of their accounts, and the nature of the securities (if any) held by them And take notice that after such last mentioned date the Administrator will proceed to distribute the assets of the deceased among the par ties entitled thereto, having regard only to claims filed before that date or which the Minister orders may be later received, and that the said Administrator will not be liable for the said assets or any par t thereof to any person or persons of whose claims notice was not filed by that date unless the Minister orders it may be later received

Dated at For t St James, British Columbia, on MARCH 10, 2023

Administrator /Executor, CHRISTAL WHITE

Edgewater Senior Society

Enjoy an evening with Pat Mor row and Conrad Kain

Pat will present a slide show of historic pictures of the life of the renowned Conrad Kain and his beloved mountains.

Edgewater Community Hall April 28 at 7:00 pm

Admission by Donation

Refreshments following the show

SEEKING BIDS

Grounds Maintenance

Effec tive May 8, 2023 until Oc tober 31, 2023

Edgewater Recreation Society is requesting quotes for the maintenance of grounds which include the Edgewater Community Park , Post O ffice and Old Credit Union proper ty, Frank ’s Rink proper ty, Wittman Field Ball Park and the RDEK Teacherage Lot

To better understand the scope of the proposal, please request a proposed contract by emailing edgerecsociety@gmail.com.

Submission Deadline is: April 27, 2023

Edgewater Recreation Society Box 114, Edgewater, BC V0A 1E0

Celebrate Earth Day with us by planting a tree or shrub

In May or June the Columbia Valley RCMP will welcome a replacement for former detachment commander Sgt. Darren Kakuno (shown here hiking at Welsh Lakes) when new Sgt. Ed DeJong arrives. Photo submitted

Taste of spring on the farm with our early crop of spinach for sale in the Cafe

The cafe will be serving up great eats, specialty coffees, and best - the eggs Benny! Check out

off all tr ees and shr ubs.

Another season comes to end

By Amanda Nason advertising@columbiavalleypioneer.com

e Junior B players have all gone home for the season, minor hockey celebrated with their awards banquet, the NHL is starting to play for the Stanley Cup, a sure sign the hockey season is ending.

Love or hate it, one cannot ignore what goes into a hockey game from little league to NHL.

e love of hockey has been in the hearts of small communities like the Columbia Valley since Canada played the first indoor hockey game 148 years ago in 1875 – Wikipedia.

Hockey has grown over the years; players are bigger, faster and possess more skill than in previous decades. e coaching strategies have evolved year after year, passing on the lessons learned to the next group of players. Even in a lost game there are valuable lessons learned. e sport teaches resilience, dedication, patience, control, just to name a few. ese are all great skills to carry on through life. Not every player makes the NHL, but no matter where they go in their journey these qualities will last a lifetime. It gives players from all walks of life the chance to experience the excitement of a win and the motivation to keep going when they face defeat.

“Hard days are the best because that’s when champions are made.” -

Gabrielle Douglas

If you’ve had the pleasure of raising a hockey player or being part of a player’s life you know the hard work that goes into a season. Showing up at the rink is one of the easy parts, making the game come together takes hours and hours of time from moms, dads, siblings, grandparents, friends and the entire community. From bake sales, 50/50 draws to sponsorships, it takes a lot to make game day successful. Not one person can do it alone; after all, there is no “I” in TEAM.

Well done on another completed season and best of luck on your future adventures. Shoot for the stars!

As Wayne Gretzky once said, “You miss 100 per cent of the shots you never take.”

BC WildFire Service (BCWS) and local emergency response personnel had a busy weekend in Invermere with a mock disaster exercise on April 14. e exercise “was designed to test our collective response to a wildfire event posing a community threat and created learning, skill training, and camaraderie. If a wildfire event occurs, we want these folks on our side,” said Invermere FireSmart coordinator Carey Collin.

Photos submitted

Julia Magsombol Reporter Ext. 106

Invermere o cially adopts municipal budget

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

e District of Invermere has officially adopted this year’s municipal budget.

e budget adopted during the Tuesday, April 11 council meeting had no final last minute changes.

“ ere’s nothing new since the second and third readings,” said Invermere Chief Financial Officer Karen Cote.

Cote said she was “excited to have this (the 2023

‘Treat Your Shelf’ and read

By Lyonel Doherty Special to the Pioneer

A special campaign is encouraging people in the Columbia Valley to fill their heads with knowledge and shop locally to keep their community thriving.

Heritage House Publishing has partnered with 10 independent bookstores in BC for a reading campaign called “Treat Your Shelf” from April to June. Each bookstore will feature local stories and Indigenous authors published by Heritage House.

e company says this segment of the population is often under-represented, therefore it wants to “give them a chance to shine.” e end goal is to raise awareness about these stories and Indigenous books while supporting local bookstores in encouraging people to read.

One of the bookstores included in the campaign is Invermere’s Four Points Books that will feature a number of regional books. For example, you may want to read about the reflections of a hippie homesteader, the courage of 50 trailblazing women, a nurse in the Cariboo-Chilcotin, the saga of the Cariboo Gold Rush, the dark legacy of Indian residential schools, roadside geology, and the Barnard’s Express stagecoach.

Four Points Books is located at 1225-7th Avenue.

budget process) come to an end” and noted that there are only two months left before she begins planning the 2024 budget.

At the Tuesday, March 28 council meeting six changes were made to the budget, which then got second and third reading at that meeting. ose changes included funding for the Columbia Valley Centre’s proposed new 35-foot projector screen, funding for a new bank swallow habitat project in the Lake Windermere Resort Lands, a structural protection unit for Invermere Fire Rescue, increased funding for the planned Christmas tree for

the Cenotaph Plaza, a new blade for one of the district’s snowplows, and increased funding for Invermere’s public works electric vehicle, electric vehicle charging station, and the solar panels to go on the courthouse.

e electric vehicles and solar panels will collectively cost $149,000 ($20,000 for the solar panels, $23,000 for the electric vehicle charging station, and $106,000 for the electric vehicle itself). Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) grants will pay for $97,900 of that.

e remaining $51,100 will come from district reserves.

Heritage House Publishing is encouraging people to read and support local businesses.

Photo submitted

Darryl Dyck, the Canadian Press

Woodcarver Days to honour legendary artisan

By Julia Magsombol julia@columbiavalleypioneer.com

ere's something special about wood-carved items; they are made from the heart by talented hands. anks to the Village of Radium, the community can appreciate these very talents at Woodcarver Days on May 13th.

"We've got a lot of exciting events planned to kick off [this] first one," said Valerie Bracken, event organizer and a representative of Radium Village Arts & Culture Society.

Woodcarver Days is a fundraising event for Woodcarver Park. Bracken added that they want to build a park to honour Rolf Heer, a famous Radium artisan. Heer

hand-carved his own home, e House of a ousand Faces that was lost to fire in 2018.

" e event is a tribute to Rolf Heer, and seeing people laugh, have fun, and a focus on Woodcarving is an event that will promote his legacy of what he loved to do most in life,” said Bracken.

Bracken noted this is the first time they will have an event like this. ey've planned to have one for the past three years, but COVID happened, and it took a long time for this event to occur.

e event consists of a West Coast Lumberjack Show, where lumberjacks perform and present their skills. Different professional woodcarvers will also join in to make amazing art pieces.

e family-friendly event will have music, food, a

vendor market, and a beer garden. Kids can come and enjoy face painting and other fun activities.

"We're excited to see Woodcarver Days, which we hope will continue to be an annual event," said Jessica Fairhart, the executive director of Tourism Radium & Travel Columbia Valley.

Tickets are available online, costing $15 for adults and $10 for those under 18. It will cost more at the door, so pre-order.

Bracken said there's one word to describe the event: "Action-packed. It's full of action. Everyone will definitely enjoy."

Woodcarver Days takes place at Legends Field at 19 Park Dr. E, Radium Hot Springs. e event runs from noon to 5 p.m.

e first ever Woodcarver Days event will be held in Radium on Saturday, May 18. e festive day will raise funds for the planned Woodcarver Park (concept image shown here), which will be built on the site of the former House of a ousand Faces, home of the late legendary Radium wood carver Rolf Heer.

Image submitted

Kain’s legacy lives on in book reprint

DISTRIC T OF INVERMERE

914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934

The Council of the District of Invermere gives notice that First Reading of Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No 1641, 2023 will be considered at a Regular Meeting of Council on Tuesday May 9th, 2023, 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 Raley Holdings Ltd to amend the zoning of the following properties:

Civic Address: 717 & 725 - 10th Avenue

(Subject properties outlined on the inserted map below)

Legal Description: Lot A, District Lot 216, Kootenay District Plan NEP84692, PID: 027-201-945 and Lot C, District Lot 216, Kootenay District Plan NEP84692, PID: 027-201-961 (the subject properties) from RM-2 Detached Townhouse to RM2S Detached Townhouse with Secondary Suites.

By Pat Morrow Conrad Kain Society

e name of mountain guide Conrad Kain is no stranger to those living in the Columbia/Kootenay valleys, and to much of the mountaineering community across Canada.

anks in part to the efforts of the Conrad Kain Society (based in Wilmer), and the fourth edition printing in 2009 of his biographical book “Where e Clouds Can Go,” Kain’s legacy of exploration in the local Purcell and Rocky Mountain ranges has provided an insightful glimpse into the past not commonly found in other sources about our region.

Kain’s book sold out a few years ago, and in May of this year its publisher Rocky Mountain Books will issue a reprint. Four Points Books, the store in Invermere that carries tomes about nature and outdoor adventure in addition to a range of other subjects, will be stocking the book once available.

Owner Grant Hofer says, “Books like this from local authors help us to learn more about the beautiful place that we live in - both the history and how to enjoy it (and care for it) today."

To help promote the reprint, on April 28 at 7 p.m. at Edgewater Community Hall, Pat Morrow (chair of the Kain So-

ciety) will be giving a revised version of the audio visual show he has shared over the years with audiences in Invermere. He has also presented the show to teenagers in high schools from Creston through Golden during recruitment for the Bugaboos Teens climbing program offered through the Society.

Admittance will be by donation, and proceeds will be shared by the community hall (Edgewater Recreation Society) and Edgewater Seniors. A nice local tie-in is that organizers of the slide show, Barb Neraasen and her sisters, are grand-nieces of Kain’s wife Hetta. And Barb served as secretary to the Kain Society since its inception.

Physical reminders of Kain’s contribution to the geographical knowledge of our mountains can be found in stylish interpretive panels at overlooks near Brisco, Radium, Invermere, in the Wilmer Community Hall, at the Conrad Kain Climbing Wall at J.A. Laird school, and inside the Conrad Kain Hut in the Bugaboos (with thanks to Brian Patton for the text).

ey can also be admired in a permanent display of artifacts and photos housed in Invermere’s Windermere Valley Museum, in geocaches in Wilmer, Invermere, Radium, the Bugaboos, Banff and Canmore (several thousand visits to date), and on the website conradkain.com.

The intent of Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No 1641,2023 is the creation of a new zone, RM-2S - Detached Townhouse with Secondary Suites, that will permit the proposed development of two 3-plex units (one 3-plex at 717 - 10th Avenue and a second 3-plex at 725 - 10th Avenue) Each of the dwelling units within the three-plex is proposed to include a secondary suite in the lower level When completed, this project will potentially provide twelve units of housing

A copy of proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No 1641, 2023 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 April 20th, 2023, to May 5th, 2023 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 May 5, 2023

• Email to info@invermere net by 12:00 pm noon MT, Friday, May 5th, 2023

• Facsimile to 250-342-2934 received by 12:00 pm noon MT, Friday, May 5th, 2023

• By attending the First Reading on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 7:00 pm MT

Written comments received will be distributed to Council for their consideration at first reading

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

Conrad and his wife Hetta (photos courtesy of the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies). Below, the Bugaboos Teens climbing program run by the Conrad Kain Society.

Photo by Pat Morrow

OU T O F O F F I C E

Business Best Ball: Returning to Fairmont

Calling all business owners, managers, staff, volunteers, organizations, and community golf enthusiasts! We are excited to be returning with our annual Golf Tournament on May 15th Join us for a Shot Gun Star t at 11:30 a m , at Fairmont Riverside Golf Course This year we are introducing a Hole-in-one prize for a chance to win a trip for two: a 15-day Safari in Kenya & Tanzania, thank you to Triptician and Collette. Are you up for the challenge?

The tournament will be followed by our “19th Hole After Par ty”, featuring games, challenges, drinks, food, music, silent auction, and networking! This is one of our favourite days of the year so we look forward to seeing you all out there It is also one of the Chamber’s most impor tant fundraisers to help us continue to run all of our wonderful programs

Riverside Golf Course May 15

There are many ways that you can get involved You can register players: singles, duos, trios or foursomes We also have some fun sponsorship oppor tunities to showcase your business in any way you’d like Have your message on a hole sign, donate some welcome items for teams, contribute to our silent auction, donate prize giveaways for our challenges, hand out samples – you name it!

All information for the day can be found at www cvchamber ca/businessbestball If you have any questions or would like to find out how you can get involved, please contact Chelsea: community@cvchamber ca

We can’t wait to see you out there!

Thursday, April 13

✰ 1p.m.: Senior ’s Health Fair. Know what the valley offers to assist you (or your family) with aging. Sponsored by the Invermere Seniors Association. Light snacks and coffee

• 9:15 a.m.: StrongStar t/C AP-C at Edgewater Elementar y on Tuesdays and Thursdays Join this free drop -in program; ages 0 to 5 + caregivers

• 10 a.m.: Parent & Tot Connec t at Frater Landing Parents & ages 0-6 are invited to this FREE drop -in program. Tuesdays & Thursdays

• 10 a.m.-noon: Pickleball Club drop -in play

• 10:15 a.m.: Tech Time at the Invermere Public Librar y Come for one - onone tech help drop -ins

• 10:30 a.m.: Senior's Fitness at the Columbia Valley Centre, $2 drop -in.

• 2- 3 p.m.: Senior's Tea at the Invermere Public Librar y All community members welcome to stop by the librar y for a cup of tea and a chat! Ever y 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month.

• 2 p.m.: Tech Time at the Radium Public Librar y Come for one - on- one tech help – bring your device

• 3 p.m.: FREE Youth Drop -In Fun at the Summit Youth Centre Hub Grade 7-12 come to meet, hang out and enjoy time with friends

• 6:30 p.m.: Invermere Pickleball League play

• 6:45 p.m.: Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament at the Invermere Legion ever y Thursday for members and guests $30 buy-in.

• 7:30 p.m.: Trivia Night at the Windermere Whitehouse Pub, 3/person, teams of more than 6 will be split into two groups

Friday, April 14

9:15 a.m.: Strong Star t Eileen Madson. Ever y Monday and Friday; Ever y 1st and 3rd Wednesday For children 0- 5 and caregivers!

10 a.m.-noon: Pickleball Club drop -in play

• 10:30 a.m.: Family Stor ytime at the Invermere Public Librar y Join us at the librar y each week for stories, songs and a crafts!

• 1 p.m.: FREE Youth Drop -In Fun at the Summit Youth Centre Hub For grades 7-12, come meet, hang out and enjoy some great times with your friends

1 p.m.: Tennis Club at the Kinsmen Beach Cour ts

• 3 p.m- close: Wings & Things at the Legion, pub grub done right!

6:30 p.m. - close: Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion! Members and guests welcome!

7 p.m. - 9 p.m.: Drop -In Adult Parkour Unit 6, 1340 Industrial Road #3. Adults are invited to drop -in for $20! Ever y 2nd Friday

7 p.m. - 9 p.m.: Dynamic Intuitive Archer y Speed Shooting Come tr y Archer y at the Brisco Community Hall Call Luraina at 250-688-1451 to register

• 9 p.m.: Karaoke Windermere Whitehouse Pub Ages 19+.

Saturday, April 15

✰ 10 a.m.: Sheep Speak Walk and Talk (with Wildsight). Walk with Guide, Shelagh Wrazej to learn about the Big Horn Sheep. $10/person, begins at the Radium Visitor centre

✰ 10 a.m.: Maya Entenov Exhibition at Ar tym Galler y (until April 28). Purchase a piece & enter to win a hand painted bottle of wine

✰ 1:00 p.m.: S ave Ear th, Grow Worms Learn how to feed and grow healthy soil using your own composting worms Tickets at Groundswellnetwork.ca

✰ 5:30 p.m.: Hospice Society Butter fly Gala, 10th anniversar y celebration dinner at Eagle Ranch. Tickets are nearly sold out, call 778-5265143 to find out more

✰ 8p.m.: Wilson and The Disilludes per form at Arrowhead Brewing Original blues & good times $10 cover

• 10 a.m.-noon: Pickleball Club drop -in play

10:30 a.m.: LEGO/D uplo Club at the Invermere Public Librar y We'll have Lego, Duplo, big blocks and more out to play with on Saturday mornings!

10:30 a.m.: Pokemon Club at Main Street Fun & Games for ages 7+, Reading proficienc y required

3 p.m - midnight: Wings & Things at the Invermere Legion, pub grub done right!

6:30 p.m - midnight: Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion, members and guests welcome

Sunday, April 16

✰ 8 p.m.: Big Horn Comedy Tour featuring Jarrett Campbell, Brittany Lyseng, S arah Stupar Costs $30, Wildsight Fundraiser (happening at the C V Centre). Tickets at Wildsight.ca

• 10a.m.: Indoor Pickleball at the Invermere Curling Club

• 11 a.m -2 p.m.: Toast & (music) Jam at the Village Social, Canal Flats Bring your own instrument, join the jam or come enjoy live music

• 2 p.m. - midnight.: Cards, Cribbage and Dar ts Come to the Invermere Legion and have some fun! Members and guests welcome

• 2 p.m.: Invermere Pickleball open play

• 3 p.m. - midnight: Wings & Things at the Invermere Legion, pub grub done right!

• 7 p.m.: Live Music at Horsethief Creek Pub & Eater y Accompanied minors are permitted No cover

Monday, April 17

• 9:15 a.m.: StrongStar t at Eileen Madson. Ever y Monday and Friday, ever y 1st and 3rd Wednesday for children 0-5 and their caregivers!

• 10 a.m Senior's Yoga at the Columbia Valley Centre, Invermere, B.C. $2 drop in, open to all seniors

• 10:00 a.m.-noon: Pickleball Club drop -in play

• 3 p.m.: Youth Drop -In at The Edge in Edgewater Youth grades 4-8 are invited to drop -in for fun with the Summit Youth Hub

4 p.m.: FREE Youth Drop-In Fun: LGBTQ+ Summit Youth Centre Hub For grades of 7-12, come to meet, hang out and enjoy your friends FREE fun! Mondays are for LGBTQ+ and allies!

5 p.m.: Industr y Night at the White House Pub in Windermere Free pool + cheap drinks for resor t and restaurant staff

• 6:30 p.m.: Pickleball Club open play

• 6:30 p.m.: Poker (Chip up for Charity) at the Station Pub Butter hosts poker night for a $20 buy-in.

• 6 p.m - 8 p.m.: Dynamic Intuitive Archer y Speed Shooting Come tr y your hand at Archer y at the Brisco Community Centre Call Doug at 250-347-9048 to register..

Tuesday, April 18

✰ 6 p.m.: Gardening Series Workshop with Groundswell Register at groundswellnetwork.ca.

✰ 7:30 p.m.: The Lonesome Ace String Band at Pynelogs $25 general admission. Columbiavalleyar ts.com

• 9 a.m.: StrongStar t/C AP- C at Edgewater Elementar y Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 - 11:30 am Join this free, drop -in program for children ages 0 to 5 and their caregivers

• 10 a.m.: Parent & Tot Connec t at Frater Landing Parents and their young children (ages 0-6) are invited to this FREE drop -in program!

• 10 a.m.-noon: Pickleball Club drop -in play

• 10:30 a.m.: Homeschool Meetup at the Invermere Public Librar y All homeschool families welcome

• 10:30 a.m.: Senior's Fitness Columbia Valley Centre on Tuesdays, $2 drop -in.

• 1 p.m.: Ar tists' Gathering at the Radium Public Librar y, a weekly get-together for budding ar tists of all forms and skill levels! Bring your own supplies

3 p.m.: FREE Youth Drop -In Fun at Summit Youth Centre Hub For grades 7-12, come hang out and enjoy some great times with your friends FREE fun!

• 7 p.m.: 19+ Games Night Ullr Bar, $5/card Prizes and giveaways weekly

Wednesday, April 19

✰ 6p.m.: Spring Fling – using spring Herbs to cleanse your body and reignite our immune system. Groundswellnetwork.ca to register for this workshop.

✰ 6 p.m.: Write on! Tips and tricks to build a writing habit Meet others, share work, receive feedback. Call 250-342-6416 (Invermere Librar y) to register

• 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.: StrongStar t Canal Flats Join this free, drop -in program for kids 0-5 and their caregivers Songs, stories, play centers, crafts, snacks, and more!

• 9:15 a.m. -11:45 a.m.: StrongStar t Ever y Monday & Friday Ever y 1st & 3rd Wednesday

• 10 a.m.: Parent & Tot Connec t Canal Flats Village Office Parents kids (ages 0-6) are invited to this FREE drop -in program!

• 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.: Senior's Yoga at the Columbia Valley Centre on Mondays & Wednesdays, $2 drop -in.

• 12:30 p.m.: Telling our life stories: Free memoir workshop at the CBAL office (weekly until the end of April).

• 1 p.m.: Tennis Club at Kinsmen Beach Cour ts

• 3 p.m.: Youth Drop -In at The Edge Edgewater youth grades 4-8 can drop -in with the Summit Youth Hub at The Edge 3-8 p.m.

• 6:30 p.m. Meat Draw and 50/50 at the Invermere Legion. Members and guests welcome

• 7 p.m.: Trivia Night at the Station Pub in Invermere! $5/player Max. 6 players per team.

• 8 p.m.: Live Music: James Rose & Friends Ullr Bar Ever y Wednesday at ULLR BAR

M ake Ever y Day Ear th Day

Ear th Day comes around ever y year with the purpose of reminding us that we all play a par t in helping our amazing planet thrive There are many little steps that are easy to take and will help make Ear th Day happen each and ever y day throughout the year. By remembering the three Rs (reduce, reuse, rec ycle) we can make a real difference

R E D U C E The first ‘R’ is about creating less waste There are many ways we can do this Only buying what we need and choosing produc ts with less packaging or buying in bulk. Reducing the amount of waste we all generate is an easy first step to make.

R E U S E The second ‘R’ looks at how we can use items multiple times before replacing them. Refill a water bottle with water from home instead of buying a new Choose reusable, environmentallyfriendly bags instead of disposable grocer y bags or sandwich bags Use a rag instead of paper towels Not only will this help the environment, it saves money.

R E C Y C L E This is the last of the three Rs for good reason. Only once an item reaches the end of its useful life should it be rec ycled, There are many items that can be rec ycled throughout the East Kootenay Rec ycling turns old materials and items into new produc ts that can be used again, all while keeping waste out of the landfills

PROVINCIAL PRODUC T STEWARDSHIP PRO GRAMS

Old or broken elec tronic/elec trical mowers, lawn trac tors, snow blowers, hedge trimmers, chain saws, pressure washers, garden sprayers and many more corded and/or batter y powered pieces of outoor equipment can all be rec ycled Outdoor power equipment doesn’t need to go in to the landfill

Find a loc ation near you: w w w.opeic.c a

100s O F D AY - T O - D AY I T E M S A R E R E C Y C L A B L E

From aluminum foil to treadmills, from batteries to blenders, from motor oil to televisions Scrap wood, scrap metal, busted up concrete and even yard and garden waste can all be repurposed. Before we send something to the landfill we need to ask ourselves if it can be reused, repurposed or rec ycled It is surprising how much stuff doesn’t need to go in the trash. And ever ything that doesn’t go in the trash also doesn’t go in the landfill

In 2021 Residents of the RDEK diver ted 6,195,000 kgs of rec yclable materials from the landfill by using the Rec ycle BC and Yellow Bin systems

Learn more about all the ways that we can keep waste out of the landfill at engage.rdek.bc.ca/rec ycle

When you pay an eco fee on a produc t, such as oil or elec tronics, those funds go to Provincial Stewardship Programs for their proper collec tion and rec ycling/ disposal These programs are Provincial and are totally separate from the RDEK There are hundreds of produc ts that can be rec ycled through these programs, and we encourage you to visit the Produc t Stewards’ websites for details on what produc ts they accept and a list of depots in the region. You can also contac t the RDEK and we will do our best to help connec t you with these resources.

O I L, O I L F I LT E R S & A N T I F R E E Z E

Ensure ever y drop of used oil and antifreeze, ever y filter and ever y container is brought to a collec tion facility so it can be disposed of properly The BC Used Oil Management Association oversees the used oil program in BC. There are many depots throughout the region including the Cranbrook Station.

Find a loc ation near you: w w w.usedoilrec ycling

PA I N T

All paint and aerosol paints should never find their way in to the landfill In 2021, Produc t Care recovered 10.6 million litres of paint for rec ycling Paint containers that are sealed and clearly labeled can be returned at locations throughout the region. If paint cans are dried out and garbage

are.org

T I R E S

Tire Stewardship BC collec ts an eco fee when you buy tires to pay for transpor ting and rec ycling of old tires You can return old tires when purchasing new ones, or if you have up to 4 tires (off the rims) sitting around, you can bring them back to a retailer near you This keeps scrap tires out of the landfill and helps the tires become new and useful things

Find a loc ation near you: w w w.tsbc.c a

The Province’s provincially regulated residential paper and packaging Rec ycle BC program provides more options and a cheaper solution, while markets for independent rec ycling programs (like the Yellow Bin program) become harder to find and are much more expensive Rec ycle BC Depots can be found throughout the East Kootenay at the Invermere (Industrial Park), Kimberley, Cranbrook, Fernie, Spar wood and Elkford Transfer Stations.

So, what does that mean? The Rec ycle BC program accepts more rec yclables than the Yellow Bins can, and it pays the RDEK on average $115/tonne for ever y tonne collec ted in the Rec ycle BC program. The public can rec ycle far less in the Yellow Bins – and its costs taxpayers an average of $320/tonne for ever y tonne collec ted That is a total difference of over $435/tonne This cost savings, combined with the shrinking markets, mean the way we rec ycle is evolving.

The Yellow Bins Throughout the Region and Munic ipal Curbside Pick-up in Fernie and Invermere

The RDEK pays for each tonne collec ted through the Yellow Bins and curbside pick-up in Fernie and Invermere.

Only the following produc ts can be rec ycled in the Yellow Bins or curbside in Fernie and Invermere: PA P E R (such as newspaper, magazines, phone books, brochures, envelopes).

C A R D B OA R D all t ypes of cardboard Exception: Cardboard covered in wax (for example milk car tons) or soiled with food or grease (like pizza boxes) cannot be rec ycled in this system.

T I N & A LU M I N U M C A N S food and beverage cans; labels off, rinse well

P L A S T I C S Grocer y bags and plastic with the # 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 on it. Plastics must be rinsed and ever y item must have a number on it No St yrofoam, even though it will be marked a #6.

Batteries make our lives more convenient, but they contain toxic chemicals that can harm the environment

That’s why you should never throw them out Alkaline and rechargeable batteries as well as cellphones are rec yclable Call2Rec ycle collec ts and rec ycles both singleuse and rechargeable dr y- cell batteries

Find a loc ation near you: w w w.c all2rec ycle.c a

The environmental handling fees you pay on elec tronics in BC are managed by Encorp A wide range of elec tronics are accepted, including: televisions, computers, monitors, fax machines, DVD/VHS players, stereos, MP3 players, speakers, earphones, microphones, telephones, radios, vehicle audio and video systems, etc

Find a loc ation near you: w w w.return-it.c a

The RDEK is paid for each tonne collec ted through the Rec ycle BC Depots across the region as well as Cranbrook and Kimberley ’s curbside pick-up

Rec ycle BC is a not-for-profit organization responsible for residential packaging and paper produc t rec ycling throughout BC. Rec ycle BC is funded by producers that supply packaging and paper produc ts to BC residents, keeping the costs away from taxpayers

By adopting the Rec ycle BC program, we are able to rec ycle many new produc ts that are not available through the Yellow Bin system These include milk car tons, ziploc bags, st yrofoam, coa ted paper cups, bubble wrap, flexible plastic packaging, pota to chip bags, aluminum foil & pie pla tes, and many more.

With Elec troRec ycle, you can rec ycle over 400 types of elec trical produc ts The program accepts small appliances, power tools, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, hair dr yers/ curling irons, scales, timers, sewing machines, treadmills and more There are many free drop - off locations throughout the region.

Find a loc ation near you: w w w.elec trorec ycle.c a

Produc t Care Rec ycling oversees light rec ycling in BC. The rec ycling program repurposes materials such as glass, metal and phosphor powder from old light bulbs to be used again. Accepted produc ts include incandescent lights, LEDs, compac t fluorescent, tube fluorescent light bulbs, lighting fix tures, lamps, string lights, and more

Find a loc ation near you: w w w.produc tc are.org

Rec ycle BC Depots Throughout the Region and Munic ipal Curbside Pick-up in Cranbrook and Kimberley

Funds likely to go to housing, infrastructure

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

A brand new provincial fund is a windfall for local municipalities here in the Columbia Valley and elsewhere in B.C.

e District of Invermere, the Village of Radium Hot Springs, and the Village of Canal Flats will collectively receive more than $3.7 million from the recently announced Growing Communities Fund. Local municipal representatives said they are surprised and delighted at the considerable and unexpected bonanza.

e $1 billion Growing Communities Fund is the result of a provincial budget surplus, and is being divided up among B.C.’s municipalities and regional districts. Invermere will get $2 million, Radium Hot Springs will get $900,000, and Canal Flats will get $800,000. e Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) will get $3.6 million.

Invermere Mayor Al Miller, Radium Hot Springs Mayor Mike Gray, Canal Flats Chief Administrative Officer Richard Wayken, and RDEK communications manager Loree Duczek separately explained to e Pioneer that the funding

Public Notice

As part of Canfor’s Forest Stewardship Council Certification and Sustainable Forest Management Plan, the public is invited to comment on the updated forest development proposals in the areas listed below Forest

is so new and so unexpected that councils (and the board of directors in the case of the RDEK) have only just — or haven’t even yet — started to figure out how to spend it.

Still, the money is almost certainly going to previously identified top priorities in the valley’s three incorporated municipalities, according to Miller, Gray and Wayken. at will likely be attainable and affordable housing in the cases of Radium and Canal Flats, and water and sewer infrastructure in Invermere.

e RDEK has less of a general idea where its money may go, explained Duzcek.

“Our chief financial officer is now working with managers to determine potential projects that fit the criteria, and a report will be brought to the (RDEK) board (of directors) for a decision on how the funds will be used,” she said.

e RDEK board must decide where the funds will be spent by December and then the RDEK has five years to complete those projects, she added.

Canal Flats will have a clearer picture of where it will spend its $800,000 after its budget gets further discussed and refined during the upcoming Monday, April 24 council meeting, and then adopted by Monday, May 8, Wayken told e Pioneer

Although there are a number of projects the money could go to, Wayken did point out that “attainable housing is a priority for our current Canal Flats council.”

“What is really nice is that they (the provincial government) didn’t put any strings on it and are letting the municipalities decide how to spend it,” he noted.

Gray’s comments on how Radium Hot Springs would spend the money were similar to Wayken’s about Canal Flats.

He told e Pioneer that Radium

would put its $900,000 in a statutory reserve to give Radium council more time to think over its options.

“We don’t want to spend it just for the sake of spending, but at the same time we do intend to find the best use for it quickly,” said Gray.

Although Radium council hasn’t had a chance to discuss the funding in detail, Gray told e Pioneer that “housing is on our plate as an issue for the village.”

He said the village will likely work with the Columbia Valley Housing Society, do some research on options to create more affordable housing in Radium and then bring some recommendations for council to consider.

Radium, like Canal Flats, will have its budget in place by May 8, and should have a clearer idea of how it will spend its Growing Communities money then, added Gray.

“Certainly it is a lot of money,” Miller said of the $2 million coming to Invermere.

But the mayor said “we can pretty much assume” that at least some of it will go to “underground infrastructure” (i.e. sewer and water upgrades).

“We’ve got infrastructure in this town that badly needs to be dealt with. Our underground services need some help,” said Miller. “ ere is obviously a lot of importance in making sure that basic infrastructure needs are taken care of.”

He too cautioned that how Invermere will spend the money is still very much to be determined. “It will probably go in that direction (infrastructure) but we still need to flesh it out as mayor and council . . . it could change from where I think it will go,” he said. “It’s not set in stone. We haven’t had a chance to sit and talk as a council yet.”

Contact Brian Feeney, RFT @ 250-347-6655 or email at brian feeney@canfor com Tree

Contact Brian Feeney, RFT @ 250-347-6655 or email at brian feeney@canfor com

Please contact the appropriate Planner at the numbers listed above to arrange a mutually agreeable time to review the plans Comments received by May 31, 2023 will be considered in the planning and harvesting phases

e Red Bull Slopesoakers event was held at Panorama Mountain Resort on Saturday, April 8. e event was well attended with over 80 competitors. e resort followed up with its usual Superhero Slush Showdown on Sunday, April 9, which was a family friendly pond skim, open to everyone six years and older.

by Liam Glass

Photo

Plans underway for Columbia Valley Pride Festival

By Julia Magsombol julia@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Columbia Valley Pride is gearing up for its annual summer festival that everyone can take part in on June 17.

e festival celebrating diversity has always been noted for its music, food and vendors that create a friendly atmosphere where every individual feels welcome.

"[ is year] I would love to see support for this part of our community grow," said Heather McLeod, 2SLGBTQIA+ supporter. "I would like to see more people attend and be part of the positive experience."

Kendra Day, a member of Columbia Valley Pride, said she and her team have been preparing a lot for the event and are excited to share this experience with the community.

"It's going to be a fun day. And it's all about building community. So, we'd love to have everybody out," said Day.

She explained they are still in the beginning stage of planning, adding that more activities will be included.

New bands will showcase their music at the festival. Day said they have also been talking to different local authors to organize a poetry reading about pride. In addition, there will be various activities for children, such as face painting and games.

Day noted that an outreach nurse may also be avail-

McDonald’s comes to town

By Julia Magsombol julia@columbiavalleypioneer.com

ere's always a first time for everything, and in Invermere last month, people were excited to see the first McDonald’s restaurant come to town.

After waiting for so long, residents made the grand opening a huge success judging by the lineups.

" ey've done a great job…. it's right up there," said Invermere Mayor Allen Miller.

Miller attended the soft opening in February and was delighted with how the staff organized food services.

Despite the success, the fast food chain faced some challenges along the way. While under construction last year, a fire broke out, and the renovation took some time to complete.

Miller added that the people involved with the project had to rip out cabinetry to start fresh again. After all of these setbacks, this franchise may be one of the steps for Invermere to grow as a community.

" ere's got to be something special here. ere's a lot of activity out here with all the different businesses. It'll bring people to town," Miller said. "Come and see what else is here."

e new McDonald's is located at 4912 Athalmer Road, Invermere.

able, giving individuals an opportunity to enquire about community resources.

Stay tuned as the organizers plan to have drag performances in the evening as well.

“Everybody is welcome and encouraged to come. We would love everybody that's interested," Days said.

McLeod has been regularly attending these festivals and is excited to see what’s coming this summer. "We are all excited to be involved and want to support this in any way we can,” McLeod said.

e festival itself is not just an event but a support mechanism for individuals who just want to be accepted

for who they are with sense of belonging.

"Cheer on people… it's important to show support for people who aren't comfortable quite yet being public [about] who they are," McLeod explained.

Day also encourages people to "show your support ……. and your pride if you're part of that community. Make sure that everybody feels included in our community."

e Columbia Valley Pride Festival takes place in Pothole Park at 639-7th Avenue in Invermere on June 17. For more information, visit: https://www.columbiavalleypride.org/contact

Young players celebrate with hockey awards

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

e Windermere Valley Minor Hockey Association (WVMHA) held its annual awards night last week.

“It went really well,” said organizer Crystal Chasse.

A total of 70 to 80 young hockey players attended the awards night, which was held in the Columbia Valley Centre on Wednesday, April 12.

e players began the evening by marching into the centre’s main hall in teams. Each team entered to the sounds of its own chosen theme song. Once the teams were seated, there was a slideshow, followed by team awards and then association awards.

“Everybody was very excited and had a great night,” said Chasse.

She added the night was meant to mark the kids’ “success for the year. To recognize them for a great season.”

e ceremony was especially meaningful for the youngest hockey players, who look up to the older players, she said.

e teams at the awards night included the Columbia Valley Rockies U7 (under age 7) team, the U9 team, two U11 teams, the U15 team, the U18 team, and the U18 female team.

Hockey is a great sport because it teaches teamwork, discipline and goal setting, said Chasse.

“ e motto is ‘build yourself up’,” she said.

e following is a list of specific award winners:

• RCMP Most sportsmanlike team: U18 Female Rockies

• Female player of the year: Taya Anderson

• George Gibson Most Inspirational Player: Brayden Roe

• Dave White Most Dedicated Player: Crosby Vernon

• Eddie Mountain Volunteer of the Year: Lainey Wilson

• Mike Warriner Coach of the Year: Jason Botterill

• Junior Referee of the Year: eodore Wilson

• Senior Referee of the Year: Corey Olsen

e Windermere Valley Minor Hockey Association (WVMHA) marked the success of its young athletes at its annual awards night on

Photos by Alicia Shanks

Many players were recognized for their talents at the Windermere Valley Minor Hockey Association awards night on April 12. Clockwise from top: U18 female team, Dave White award winner Crosby Vernon, George Gibson most inspirational award winner Brayden Roe, and Lainey Wilson with the volunteer award.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS & MURALISTS

The Village of Radium Hot Springs seeks Expressions of Interest (EOI) to create a mural In the Village’s Main Park, adjacent to the Radium Hot Springs Centre.

The Mural is intended to beautify all three sides of a large three-sided concrete structure 30’ long by 7’ high on its largest (southern) side and 10’ wide by 7’ high on each side.

It intended that this mural will and become a focal point in the community

The EOI period will close May 1, 2023 and it is intended the mural will be painted over the summer

One or more of the themes should be included in the concept: Water, Wildlife (Rocky Mountain big horn sheep), Indigeneity If Indigenous content is included, the artist must seek permission in advance of painting from the relevant First Nation(s), if applicable. The Village may be able to assist with this process.

The artwork should convey the Village’s vibrancy, majesty, and modernity

For more information visit the “News button” tab at www.radiumhotsprings.ca

N O T I C E O F T E M P O R A R Y U S E P E R M I T

Address: 8855 Dunn Street, Lot B, Distric t Lot 110, Kootenay Land Distric t Plan NEP82830

What: Council has been asked to consider a Temporar y Use Permit to allow the keeping of livestock (maximum 5 mature cows, 5 calves, 6 six domestic goats and 40 laying hens).

Temporar y Use Permits may be issued by the Village of Canal Flats under the Local Government Ac t The intent is to accommodate temporar y uses as specified by the permit on lands that are not designated as such.

A Temporar y Use Permit may be used for a maximum period of three years and may be renewed once. After that time, they may reapply for a new Temporar y Permit Council may specify conditions under which the Permit may be carried on.

When: Village of Canal Flats Council will receive public comment at a Public Hearing on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 6:30pm at the Columbia Discover y Centre, 8866 Grainger Road, Canal Flats.

Questions: You can call Sylvie Hoobanoff, Corporate Officer at 250-349-5462 or email sylvie.hoobanoff@ canalflats.ca.

You are also welcome to review a copy of the application at the Village Office 8866 Grainger Road, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.

Comments: If you’d like to comment on the proposed permit, you can:

• Email Sylvie Hoobanoff at sylvie. hoobanoff@canalflats.ca; or,

• Mail, fax or email a written submission to the addresses/numbers shown above.

Please note that written submissions must be received by 4:00 pm on May 4, 2023. Any written submissions become par t of the agenda package and will be posted on the Village of Canal Flats website SUBMISSIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING.

Sylvie Hoobanoff Corporate Officer

Photos by Alicia Shanks

New board members drive animal network

Invermere Companion Animal Network Society (ICAN) held its annual general meeting Sunday, March 19 with record membership attendance. With the exception of Jennifer Harvey, who will stand for another term as the vice-president, there is a complete change of board members this year.

e new members are: Allan Nicholas, president; Anne Futa, secretary; Shizu Futa, treasurer; Christianne Perreault, member-at-large; Denise Spratt, member-atlarge; Don Whiteford, member-at-large.

e new members of the board extend their gratitude to the outgoing members for their years of dedicated service and for the care they took to leave the many details necessary for the new team to carry on.

e new members are looking forward to finding

new ways to expand the organization’s service to, and increase their profile in, the community. ICAN is also seeking passionate, dedicated, energetic volunteers who can help in a variety of other capacities as well as the ubiquitous cleaning, and there is a growing need for more homes willing to open their doors to foster care.

If you are interested in becoming a member or volunteer, you can send an e-mail to info@icanbc.com, visit our website at https://icanbc.com/, or phone 250-3417888.

Our administrative office hours are currently 11a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays.

Invermere Companion Animal Network

Getty Images

FAITH

Because He Lives

By Pastor Wayne Frater Radium Christian Fellowship Church

Have you ever wondered why God didn’t just snatch you up to heaven the moment you gave your life to Him?

Well, the way I have it figured, is that He must have something for me to do, something that will bring glory to Him.

Sometimes we sing a praise song in church called “Because He Lives – I Can Face Tomorrow.” It is one of the songs we sang on Resurrection Sunday. e first verse goes like this: “God sent His Son, ey called him Jesus. He came to love, heal and forgive. He lived and died to buy my pardon, an empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

e chorus: “Because He lives I can face tomorrow, because He lives all fear is gone, because I know He holds

the future and life is worth the living just because He lives!"

Philippians 4:6,7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

God has a purpose and a plan for each of us, God doesn’t make mistakes, His wish is that all would come to repentance, and to experience the joy and the peace of having faith in Jesus Christ.

Our part is to pray, praise and share that love with those around us, share that life is worth the living, just because Jesus lives!

Jeremiah 29:11-13 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. en you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”

On April 30 and May 1, Ken and Joan Finstad will be ministering at Radium Christian Fellowship.

Reflections on Doubt

By Brent Woodard Anglican/ United Church

I once read a story about a father who “dragged” his 16-yearold daughter into a counsellor’s office, pleading with the counsellor to do something about his daughter’s stubbornness.

e counsellor asked the dad, “If your daughter was on a date with a young man who tried taking advantage of her, would you want her to be stubborn?” “Why, of course,” the dad said. “So, you’re glad your daughter is stubborn then?” the counsellor asked. e dad agreed, and the counselling session ended.

I think of this story when I consider the topic of doubt. Sometimes doubt is helpful and sometimes it is not. For example, I don’t like to have much doubt when I fly on an airplane, or when I deposit money in a bank, or when I buy online using a credit card. Airlines, banks and businesses don’t do well if people doubt them. On the other hand, there are times when it is really good to doubt. For example, when someone tries to scam us, doubt is good. When authority figures try to use us, doubt is good. When media companies have agendas, doubt is good.

ere is an interplay between belief and doubt. Sometimes it is good to believe, sometimes it is good to

doubt. To say we should always believe or that we should always doubt is, well, not how life works.

In the Christian year, there is “Doubting omas Sunday.” omas was a disciple of Jesus who wasn’t there on the Sunday when others experienced the resurrected Jesus. ey told him they saw Jesus, but omas doubted them. He wasn’t going to believe based on second-hand evidence, he wanted a first-hand experience. A week later, omas got his wish and the resurrected Jesus appeared to him. omas moved from doubt to belief. e writer of this story has Jesus say “Do not doubt, but believe,” and “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” Probably the writer of the story puts these words on Jesus’ lips to encourage his readers, who all now have to believe without evidence.

e story is a little hard on doubt and doubters. Religious people can get the limited idea that it is a virtue to believe and a vice to doubt. e wider story of Jesus is that he was an avid doubter. He doubted what the religious authorities taught. He doubted the conventional wisdom of his culture and society. He was not a “yes boy” to what people told him to think and do. He said, “You have heard it said… but I tell you.” He challenged commonly held beliefs. Doubt is not the enemy of faith. It might be the enemy of superstition, it might be the enemy of charlatans, but doubt and faith are in constant play in a healthy individual.

LAKE

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

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

V A L L E Y C H R I S T I A N A S S E M B L Y Sunday 10 a.m. Worship ser vice 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com

R O M A N C A T H O L I C C H U R C H St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats., Canadian Martyrs’ –Invermere, St Joseph’s – Radium

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

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

S

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

R A D I U M C H R I S T I A N F E L L O W S H I P Sunday 10 a.m Worship service

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

C H U R C H O F J E S U S C H R I S T O F L A T T E R - D A Y S A I N T S Worship Service, Sunday, 10 a.m Relief Society, 11:15 a.m

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

CHURCH OF CHRIST (Iglesia ni Cristo)

Worship Ser vice: Sunday 9 a.m., 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

W I L M E R

Communit y Debris Bin

Residents in the Wilmer area will have a convenient place to dispose of yard waste as the usual spring clean-up happens This bin will accept yard materials up to 8 inches in diameter and be left out so that residents are able to drop debris off on a schedule that works best for them.

The green bin will be loc ated on the nor th end of the Wilmer Community Hall on Park Street.

Items accepted:

grass trimmings

tree limbs under 8 inches in diameter leaves

brush debris

Items not accepted:

construc tion materials

tree limbs over 8 inches in diameter treated wood root balls

Help Wilmer maintain its FireS mar t Canada Nationally Recognized Neighbourhood Status

Tracking hours worked (cleaning up, loading, hauling) is an impor tant component of keeping Wilmer ’s national status as a Recognized FireSmar t Communit y Learn how to submit your hours worked by visiting engage.rdek.bc.ca/firesmar t

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE – BYL AW 3224 – Bylaw Amendment – Panorama

The Regional Distric t of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Direc tors is considering an application by Panorama Mountain Village Inc to amend the zoning designation of par t of their proper ty located on Trappers Way in Panorama to facilitate future single family and two family residential lots

Bylaw No 3224 cited as “Regional Distric t of East Kootenay

Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No 392, 2023 (Panorama / Panorama Mountain Village Inc)” will amend the zoning designation for those par ts of Block A, of Distric t Lot 17108, Kootenay Distric t, Except Plans NEP80595, EPP19561 and EPP40058 and Distric t Lot 17108, Kootenay Distric t, Except Block A from RES-2(S), Ski Resor t/Residential Development Zone to R-2, Two Family Residential Zone.

A public hearing will be held via Zoom webinar conference: Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 7:00 pm.

The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Direc tors for Elec toral Area F, Elec toral Area G and the Distric t of Invermere If you believe that your interest in proper ty is affec ted by the proposed Bylaw, you may prior to the hearing:

• inspec t the Bylaw and suppor ting information by requesting that an information package be emailed to you by contac ting bkormos@rdek.bc.ca Information packages may be requested up until Friday, April 28, 2023 at 4:30 pm,

• mail or email written submissions to the addresses shown below before Friday, April 28, 2023 at 4:30 pm,

• present verbal submissions at the public hearing

You must pre -register in order to attend and provide verbal presentations or make comments at the hearing The deadline to register is Friday, April 28, 2023 at 4:30 pm.

Register in advance for this webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nnkt wuS3SxG1xiUlDa6Wgw or by visiting w w w.rdek.bc.ca (Meetings/Minutes, Public Hearings and Meetings page).

Please note that a question and answer period will not occur during the Zoom webinar conference You must address any questions relating to the bylaw to the Planning Technician prior to the above date

SUBMISSIONS C ANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING.

All submissions will form par t of the public record and will be published in a meeting agenda posted online Personal contac t information such as phone and email will be removed from written submissions Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335. This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw For more information, contac t Brett Kormos, Planning Technician, at 250-489-0306, toll free at 1-888-478-7335, or email bkormos@rdek.bc.ca.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE – BYL AWS 3222 & 3223 – Bylaw Amendments – Panorama

The Regional Distric t of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Direc tors is considering an application by Panorama Mountain Village Inc. to amend the OCP and zoning designations of par t of their proper ty located on 2020 Summit Drive in Panorama to facilitate future resor t development

Bylaw No. 3222 cited as “Regional Distric t of East Kootenay – Panorama Area Official Community Plan Bylaw No 2997, 2020 – Amendment Bylaw No 1, 2023 (Panorama / Panorama Mountain Village Inc)” will amend the OCP designation of those par ts of Lot 3, Distric t Lot 16352, Kootenay Distric t, Plan NEP62180, Except Plan NEP66019, from RES-R, Resor t Recreation to RES-A, Resor t Accommodation. And par t of Block H of Distric t Lot 16352, Kootenay Distric t, from RES-A, Resor t Accommodation to RES-R, Resor t Recreation. Bylaw No. 3223 cited as “Regional Distric t of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No 391, 2023 (Panorama / Panorama Mountain Village Inc)” will amend the zoning designation of par t of Lot 3, Distric t Lot 16352, Kootenay Distric t, Plan NEP62180, Except Plan NEP66019, from RES-4, Resor t Core to RES2, Resor t Recreation. And par t of Block H of Distric t Lot 16352, Kootenay Distric t, from RES-2, Resor t Recreation to RES-4, Resor t Core A public hearing will be held via Zoom webinar conference: Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 7:00 pm.

The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Direc tors for Elec toral Area F, Elec toral Area G and the Distric t of Invermere.If you believe that your interest in proper ty is affec ted by the proposed Bylaws, you may prior to the hearing: inspec t the Bylaws and suppor ting information by requesting that an information package be emailed to you by contac ting bkormos@rdek.bc.ca. Information packages may be requested up until Friday, April 28, 2023 at 4:30 pm, mail or email written submissions to the addresses shown below before Friday, April 28, 2023 at 4:30 pm, present verbal submissions at the public hearing

You must pre -register in order to attend and provide verbal presentations or make comments at the hearing The deadline to register is Friday, April 28, 2023 at 4:30 pm. Register in advance for this webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nnkt wuS3SxG1xiUlDa6Wgw or by visiting w w w.rdek.bc.ca (Meetings/Minutes, Public Hearings and Meetings page).

Please note that a question and answer period will not occur during the Zoom webinar conference You must address any questions relating to the bylaws to the Planning Technician prior to the above date

SUBMISSIONS C ANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING.

All submissions will form par t of the public record and will be published in a meeting agenda posted online Personal contac t information such as phone and email will be removed from written submissions Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335.

This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaws For more information, contac t Brett Kormos, Planning Technician, at 250-489-0306, toll free at 1-888-478-7335, or email bkormos@rdek.bc.ca.