Columbia Valley Pioneer - August 3 2023

Many valley residents and visitors had a nervous time last week, anxiously awaiting updates on the Horsethief Creek wildfire burning on Mount Bruce (seen in background here), which prompted an evacuation order and an evacuation alert for some parts of the Columbia Valley. For other residents and visitors however, it was recreation time as usual, out golfing, biking and boating (see in foreground here).

A dedicated B.C. Wildfire Service Incident Management Team arrived in the Columbia Valley last week specifically to deal with the Horsethief Creek, Yearling Creek and Mia Creek wildfires. They stayed in tents set up at old football field in Invermere.

Photo by Ryan Watmough

Photo by Ryan Watmough

Wilmer: between wildfire and wildflowers.

Photos by Ryan Watmough

Helicopter saves hikers stranded by fire

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

A trio of Columbia Valley residents were rescued off the top of Mount Bruce last week after they were stranded by the rapid outbreak of the Horsethief Creek wildfire.

Sage Randle, Ida von Huth Smith and Malte Hjortkjaer left to hike Mount Bruce on the morning of Monday, July 24. After driving up the long winding logging road to the trailhead, they started up the trail under crystal clear blue skies at about 11:30 a.m.

The three made their way quickly up the short but steep hike, arriving at the summit cairn about an hour to 1.5 hours after setting out. They sat at the top for 30

minutes or so, eating lunch and enjoying the panoramic views over the valley bottom below.

They turned and began down the trail, but as they made their way along the summit plateau they saw a small, barely noticeable plume of smoke rising up from beyond the edge of plateau, seemingly coming from the north slope of Mount Bruce, right where the hiking trail is.

“At first we weren’t sure what it was. We thought it might be a dust storm,” Randle told the Pioneer. “But within 10 minutes it went from ‘what is this?’ to ‘holy, it’s a fire and it’s huge’.

The fire continued to grow rapidly, with the smoke cloud mushrooming before their eyes. There was no question of trying go down the trail.

“At first I didn’t know what to do. How serious was our situation? I really didn’t want to be the kind of person that calls 911 when you really don’t need to. So I tried calling two other people in town to see if they knew what was happening. But neither one answered.”

So Randle began to dial 911 and to explain the situation. But before she had a chance to finish describing the group’s

predicament, a private helicopter belonging to Glacier Helicopters circled in close. The group waved for help.

“They (the helicopter pilot and passenger) later explained they had been out checking something else, another wildfire I think. They spotted the fire on Mount Bruce and our car, and they came to see if we needed help,” said Randle.

Continued on page 5

A happier moment for Sage Randle and her hiking group on Mount Bruce where they were stranded by the Horsethief Creek wildfire last week.

RCMP Report

Released by: Cpl. Jeff Witzke Columbia Valley RCMP

This past week, July 24th to July 30th, The Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 103 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the file our officers responded to:

On Monday July 24th The Columbia Valley Detachment were made aware of a wildfire that had started in the Horsethief area. RCMP received a report of some stranded hikers on Mount Bruce, that couldn’t get back to their vehicle because of the fire. Thankfully a local helicopter was flying in the vicinity, located the individuals and got them to safety.

On Tuesday July 25th the RCMP received a call from a concerned parent who hadn’t heard from her daughter since Sunday night and had been hiking in the Buga-

boos. Police attend the parking lot for the Bugaboos and noted the daughter’s vehicle was parked there. Member were able to confirm the hikers were currently staying in the Kain Hut and were safe and sound. The mother was updated.

Over the course of the week the Columbia Valley was subject to several wildfires, two of which required Evacuation Orders or Notices. The RCMP would like to thank the Columbia Valley Search and Rescue for all their assistance with getting the orders completed in a timely fashion. The RCMP would also like to acknowledge all those who have helped with the wildfires. Local Fire Departments, BC Wildfire Services, aircraft pilots along with many other agencies that have spent countless hours to prevent these fires from spreading into our communities. We thank for keeping our communities safe.

Horsethief Creek wildfire likely to continue burning for weeks

Evacuation order downsized, alert rescinded

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Some Toby Benches residents have been able to go home, and other Columbia Valley residents have been able to breathe a little easier after the evacuation order stemming from the Horsethief Creek was recently decreased in size, and the evacuation alert for surrounding areas was rescinded.

But the wildfire — which is just 10 kilometres west of Invermere and seven kilometres north of Panorama and is very visible from most parts of the Columbia Valley — will continue to burn for weeks, unless some rain materializes, say firefighting officials.

The Horsethief Creek fire began burning on Monday, July 24 and prompted an evacuation order that included 27 properties in the Horsethief Creek area, including Bear Mountain Area, Lake Enid and the westernmost parts of the Toby Benches. A related evacuation alert was issued for the rest of the Toby Benches, Lake Lillian, Mount Forster, Westside Road between Radium Hot Springs and Invermere and Panorama Mountain Resort, which included 1,041 properties.

On Sunday, July 30 the evacuation alert covering

those 1,041 properties was rescinded. And for 26 out of the 27 properties under evacuation order, the order was downgraded to an alert. A solitary dwelling remains under evacuation order.

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) noted on Sunday, July 30 that cooperative weather over several days had resulted in reduced wildfire activity, allowing wildland firefighters to make “good progress” in battling the blaze.

The RDEK was quick to add, however, that the Horsethief Creek wildfire remains active.

“It is important for people within the evacuation alert area to remember that they should stay prepared and be ready to leave on a moment’s notice should conditions change and an order needs to be re-issued,” said regional emergency operations centre director Christina Carbrein a press release.

The Horsethief Creek fire remains mapped at 1,020 hectares in size and firefighters are continuing to use direct, parallel and indirect fire suppression methods on the fire’s perimeter to establish control and contingency lines.

At total of 116 firefighters were involved in the bat-

Continued on page 5 . . .

Stranded hikers barely escape wildfire

Continued from page 3

The pilot and his passenger — a wildfire professional — landed on top of Mount Bruce, and helped get the three hikers into the helicopter. They told the trio they could take them back to Invermere, or back to their car. As the helicopter flew down and Randle got a glimpse of the blaze, she was stunned at how swiftly and fiercely the flames and smoke and expanded.

“They said they figured that the fire wouldn’t reach our car for at least another 10 minutes. I began to think

.

tling the Horsethief Creek fire and two other nearby wildfires — the Yearling Creek fires and Mia Creek fire — for the first week they were burning, including more than 40 Interagency Hotshot Crew wildland firefighters from south of the border. The elite Hotshot firefighters were working on the Horsethief Creek, Yearling Creek and Mia Creek fires until Monday, July 31.

As of Pioneer press deadline on Tuesday, Aug. 1, a total of 73 firefighters remain working on the three fires (which are collectively known as the Horsethief Complex) along with 10 helicopters and 11 pieces of heavy equipment.

On Monday, July 31 multiple Invermere residents called the Pioneer, saying that smoke plumes were more visible from town that they has been previously. In addition on July 31, the Pioneer received several calls from residents in both Invermere and Radium reporting ash flakes from the fire floating down in those communities.

Horsethief Complex incident commander Tom Flanagan posted a video update on Monday July 31 taking viewers on a fly over of the Horsethief Creek wildfire.

“Our initial response was to contain to the east (the direction of the Toby Benches and Lake Lillian) and to the north side (the direction of Horsethief Forest Service Road) of the complex,” said Flanagan in the video. “We did this by putting in (a) handline using existing road and machine guards, using some hand ignitions to bring the fire to the guard lines.”

This was all in an effort to tie off the fire, and in so doing to protect the heavily populated areas to the east (including the areas subject to the evacuation order and alert, as well as Invermere).

Flanagan explained that the on the night of Sunday, July 30, on the west side of the blaze, the fire jumped and ran uphill on the western slope of Mount Bruce.

“It’s just a continuous stream of (forest) fuels with no other value than just timber,” he said, as the video shows footage of the forested western slope of Mount Bruce burning.

On the eastern flank of the fire “the higher we go, you start to run into much smaller (forest) fuel type, sparser (forest) fuels all the way up to the rocks to the north,” said Flanagan.

Panorama Mountain Resort is located to the south of

about how I am the only person in my house with a car, and how if there is an evacuation order we might really need the car. So we asked to go back to the car,” said Randle.

After dropping the hikers off, the helicopter pilot remained hovering above the car for some time, making sure it got safely down the road. The trio drove down, keeping a wary eye on the flames and smoke further up the slope, returning back to Invermere in haste.

“I was so relieved, first to see the helicopter, and then

to get back to town. It was quite a day,” said Randle.

She later posted the videos and photos she’d taken on her Instagram account and Facebook page. The next day she returned to work (at Valhalla Pure Outfitters) and found her posts had turned her into an overnight social media celebrity.

“I kept getting message from national news organizations wanting to talk to me, and my parents had been getting all kinds of messages too. It was pretty crazy,” said Randle.

The Horsethief Creek wildfire began burning on Monday, July 24 and prompted an evacuation order and an evacuation alert. On Sunday, July 30 the alert was rescinded and all properties except one under the evacuation order were downgraded to an evacuation alert.

the fire “and with our incoming forecast of strictly south winds, at this time there is no threat to Panorama or the village,” he adds.

The fire will be burning for weeks to come, outlined Flanagan.

“Communities over the next few weeks definitely will see continuous smoke,” he said.

If there is a temperature inversion (which is not uncommon in the Columbia Valley in late summer and early fall) low-lying smoke in the morning could well be present, outlined Flanagan.

“This (the wildfire and the smoke) is going to be (a) natural part of our environment for the next several weeks until we get some weather (sustained rain or other precipitation),” concluded Flanagan.

The Yearling Creek fire is estimated at 1,304 hecatres in size, and Nipika Mountain Resort and the Cross River Canyon Recreation Site, Cross River Education and Retreat Centre and Cross Rive Forest Service Road remain under evacuation order as a result of that fire.

The Mia Creek fire is estimated at 881 hectares in size.

For the latest status of all wildfires in BC, visit www. bcwildfire.ca.

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Photo by Ryan Watmough

. . ‘Horsethief Creek wildfire’ from 4

We are not powerless

Going up against Mother Nature is a losing battle. She makes you feel so weak and powerless despite all of our technology.

We’ve seen unprecedented flooding and wildfires due to climate change, and you just never know when your own little bubble will burst and turn the world upside down. But we’re not totally helpless because there are things we can do to prepare for the worst and lessen the stress.

There have been some tense moments in Invermere and Radium as the Horsethief Creek wildfire exploded from 70 hectares to more than 1,000 in only three days. Watching the smoke and seeing the water bombers on the lake gives you pins and needles wondering if you’ll have to evacuate if the wind picks up. This has already occurred with Evacuation Orders in some areas, while many others remain on alert.

But it’s a relief knowing that the Columbia Valley has excellent, well-trained fire departments at the ready, and that the BC Wildfire Service is a juggernaut of resources.

As private citizens, we have a duty and responsibility to help fight this fire too. Not with hoses and shovels, but with common sense.

Here are some do’s and don’ts: Do establish an escape plan for your family and a 72-hour emergency kit; don’t get in the way of firefighters by driving to the fire site and taking pictures of the flames (you might not get back in time for the Evacuation Order); do follow all directives advised by the regional district; don’t fly a drone in the fire zone (it’s not only unsafe for pilots but illegal); do check with vulnerable neighbours to ensure they have an escape plan; don’t assume that if the fire is 10 kilometres away it won’t reach you (a strong wind could put it at your doorstep overnight); do resist the urge to take your boat on the lake to watch the planes scoop up water (the pilots have enough to worry about); don’t procrastinate – fill that grab-and-go bag (or buy one if you’re too lazy to do it).

The emergency kit should contain what you need to get by on for at least 72 hours. For example, water, non-perishable food, can opener, flashlight, radio, first aid kit, cash, important family documents, such as insurance papers, medication, toiletries, and phone charger.

It’s also a good idea to take a video of your personal belongings and assets in the house (for insurance purposes) in case you have to evacuate.

There’s no negotiating with Mother Nature; she will do what she wants, when she wants, no matter how devastating. But you can soften the blow with a little preparation to help you sleep better at night.

Lyonel Doherty, editor

Watercraft music concert returns to lake

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Music lovers get your watercraft ready: the Brett Brett Boat Concert is back again this year.

The popular event began more than three years ago at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Canadian country music star Brett Kissel and entrepreneur and philanthropist W. Brett Wilson teamed up to co-host an outdoor boat concert on Lake Windermere.

from near the Baltac Road boat launch. Last year the audience was even larger, although an exact attendance count is impossible.

Wilson told the Pioneer last week that he and Kissel are happy to do another edition of what has now turned into an annual tradition, even though the pandemic has ebbed because “I have a yard that works out really well (as a venue) and I have a friend who loves to play here (Kissel), and that works out really well too. We enjoy this too much to stop. It’s about creating goodwill between valley regulars and valley locals.”

Wilson defined valley locals as those who live here full-time and year round, and valley regulars as those live in the valley for extended parts of the year (such as through the summer).

“It’s about goodwill, good charity, and good fun,” said Wilson.

the Columbia Valley Community Foundation, and Wilson explained that the money typically gets directed to youth and adolescents, especially for mental health initiatives.

Wilson said he and Kissel are hoping to raise even more this year than they have in the past.

Concert attendees are asked to respect

B.C. boating laws, rules and regulations, such as wearing life jackets, having lights on their watercraft, and behaving safely. Kissel has won multiple Canada Country Music Association Awards and several Junos.

To find out more about the Columbia Valley Community Foundation, visit valleyfoundation.ca.

The event was designed to boost morale in a trying time and also, conveniently, having people spaced out in their own watercraft helped to ensure pandemic social distancing protocols were observed.

A second Brett Brett concert followed in 2021, and then last year a third concert was held. The first concert saw several hundred boats and a roughly equal number of kayaks, canoes and paddle boards out floating on the lake as Kissel played

The show doubles as a fundraiser for the Columbia Valley Community Foundation. Although the concert is free, everybody who attends is strongly encouraged to donate to the foundation.

The fourth Brett Brett Boat Concert will be held on Sunday, Aug. 6 near the Baltac boat launch, and will run roughly from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Over the past three years the boat concerts have raised roughly $300,000 for

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“It’s about goodwill, good charity and good fun.”

Brett Wilson, entrepreneur

A scene from the Brett Brett Boat Concert on Lake Windermere in years past. This year’s event will be held on Sunday, Aug. 6 near the Baltac boat launch from 7-9 p.m

Photo submitted by Kaitlin Sharpe/Prairie Merchant Corp.

Local teacher going strong on ‘Alone’

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

A Columbia Valley resident starring in the History Channel’s popular survival reality show ‘Alone’ is — from a viewers perspective — currently more a month into the latest season of the show and doing well.

David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS) outdoor education teacher Alan Tenta participated in the filming for the tenth season of ‘Alone’ last fall and, of course, is now safely back home in the valley. But he’s bound to secrecy about what happened, leaving eager local viewers no choice but to tune into the hit show each week to watch Tenta and nine other contestants battle against the elements of northern Saskatchewan, each alone and trying to survive as long as possible.

Each season of ‘Alone’ features 10 people. They are dropped off, each by themselves, in a remote wilderness location and can bring just 10 items with them aside from the clothes they are wearing. The contestants then film themselves trying to survive, alone, for as long as possible. They have no contact with each other or with any other humans aside from occasional medical checkups. Participants can choose to ‘tap out’ (i.e. voluntarily leave) at any time, or they can be “pulled out”

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for failing a medical checkup. The longest-lasting contestant wins $500,000.

When the Pioneer spoke with Tenta early last week the tenth season of ‘Alone’ was already seven episodes in, and had showed contestants during the first 35 days of the challenge. Most, including Tenta, had spent the bulk of their time constructing shelters and then trying to catch and cache as much food as possible.

Tenta was at that point, by his own telling and in the opinions of several local residents who follow the show, doing quite well. Some other contestants were also doing well; but others were not, and five had already dropped out. That meant only five of the original 10 survivalists were left.

Of course Tenta was completely isolated and no idea he was among the top five, although he told the Pioneer he was certainly curious as to the fate of his fellow competitors.

“I had thoughts almost every day, wondering how everybody else was doing, and how I was doing comparatively,” said Tenta. “But for sure I was happy with my performance up to that point.”

His biggest physical challenge was simply procuring enough to eat. In the early episodes of the show, most contestants focused primarily on building their shelters. Continued on page 9

Outdoor education teacher Alan Tenta is doing well on the survival reality TV show called “Alone” in its 10th season.

Photo courtesy of Brendan George Ko/ The HISTORY Channel

Tenta holding his own on reality TV show

Continued from page 8

Then, as fall deepens with a hint of winter approaching, their attentions shift to trying not just to get enough food to survive, but also trying to stockpile it for the future.

Tenta was catching a steady supply of fish, and was smoking some to preserve it.

“You are always hungry. You are eating, of course, but only enough to keep you from starving. You need to store as much as you can,” he told the Pioneer.

Although it did not make the final editing cut (and was therefore not seen by viewers) Tenta had had some luck with small game — squirrels, grouse and even snaring a marten.

Aside from smoking fish, Tenta had completely winterized his shelter and was starting to gather stores of wood.

“I was feeling quite strong and positive mentally. There were times each day I would really miss my family, but they usually passed quickly. I had prepared for that ahead of time and was trying to just embrace those moments (of missing family) because I knew they wouldn’t last long and that they would pass,” he said. “You are constantly moving around doing daily tasks and that’s a good thing. An important part of keeping mentally healthy is to stay busy.”

In episode six Tenta dropped his spool into some very cold water and had to retrieve it.

“It actually wasn’t that big of a deal. I was able to sort of lay down in the water and get it with my foot. It was cold, but I wasn’t too worried. I did need the spool to catch fish, but I did have a fish on the line on the shore, so I was fairly sure I could retrieve it somehow,” he said. “But it did make me more careful with the spool in the future.”

Tenta was not actively pursuing big game such as a moose or bear, since doing so would have expended too many calories. But he saw fresh moose tracks and knew bears were in the area, so he was always prepared for a chance encounter.

The 10 items Tenta chose to bring with him on the show were: an axe, saw, ferro rod, fishing line and hooks, bow and arrow, sleeping bag, cooking pot, paracord, snare wire and a multi tool. Tenta was happy with all his choices, saying “I would take the same items if I went again. I didn’t have any regrets. I utilized everything I brought.”

‘Alone’ episodes airs Thursdays on the History Channel at 8 p.m.

The filming took place last year, but the show is only now set to air this coming summer. Valley viewers who love the outdoors, who were once taught at DTSS by Tenta, or who are just plain curious to see a local fellow test his mettle in the wilds can tune in to the season 10.

Past seasons have seen participants last anywhere from six hours to 100 days in locations ranging from Patagonia to Vancouver Island, the Arctic, northeastern Labrador and northern Mongolia.

Alan Tenta competing with the best on The HISTORY Channel’s “Alone.”

Photo by Brendan George Ko/The HISTORY Channel

OUT OF OFFICE…

Monday Morning Bites: Weekly essentials for Columbia Valley businesses

Comprehensive Resource Coverage

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•1:00pm-4:00pm:PotteryCamp

•10:00am-11:00am:Senior'sYoga ColumbiaValleyCentre,$2drop-in.

Potterycampforkids,childrendoingpotteryandholdingupfinishedpottery

OUTOFOFFICE…

MondayMorningBites:WeeklyessentialsforColumbiaValleybusinesses

Oneemail,fourtopics,deliveredtoyourinboxeveryMondaymorning.

ComprehensiveResourceCoverage

Thursday, August 3

» 8:00pm-10:00pm: Apollo Suns. Arrowhead Brewery. Apollo Suns is a 9-piece instrumental collective from Winnipeg, Manitoba. The band fuses the influence of jazz, rock and psychedelic music, to create their own unique sounds with the dancefloor in mind. They play Arrowhead, cover is $10. Ages 19+

• 9:00am-12:00pm: Outdoor Pickleball Mt. Nelson Athletic Park, Drop-in Play.

• 10:30am-11:30am: Senior’s Fitness Columbia Valley Centre, $2 drop-in.

Asabusinessowner,stayinginformedaboutgrants,subsidies,funding opportunities,andprofessionaldevelopmentprogramsiscrucialfornurturing businessgrowthandsuccess.However,thevastarrayofinformationavailable canquicklybecomeoverwhelming,leavingentrepreneursunsureofwhere tostart.Toaddressthischallenge,ColumbiaValleyCommunityEconomic Developmentdevelopedasolutiontogettimelyandrelevantinformationto localbusinesspeople.MondayMorningBitesisavaluableresourcethat deliversconciseandcuratedupdatesrighttobusinessowners’inboxesevery Mondaymorning.

• 10:30am: Edgewater Storytime Edgewater Community Hall Park.

• 11:15am-12:30pm: Journey Through Time Summer Reading Club. Edgewater Community Park. Ages 5-12. Register at Invermere.bc.libraries.coop.

• 2:00pm: Ladies Golf Day Copper Point Golf Course (every Thursday of summer). Play 9 or 18 holes, call 250-341-3392 to learn more.

• 3:00pm-8:00pm:  The Summit Youth Hub Drop-In Canal Flats Skate Park.

Saturday, August 5

» 9:00am-1:00pm: Big Book Sale. Courthouse Parking Lot across from Library. Find all sorts of books for all ages at great prices! CASH SALES ONLY

Businessownersmightfinditchallengingtokeeptrackofallthegrants, subsidies,andprogramsavailabletosupporttheirventures.MondayMorning Bitessimplifiesthisprocessbyofferingcomprehensivecoverageofvarious resources.Thededicatedteambehindtheservicemeticulouslyresearchesand curatesthemostrelevantopportunities,providingsubscriberswithadiverse arrayofpotentialaidstoexplore.

» 1:00pm-4:00pm: Intro to Print Making. Pynelogs Cultural Centre. Alison Bell. $60 250-342-4423 to register.

» 7:00pm-9:00pm: Invermere Community Drum Circle. Pynelogs Cultural Centre. Set free your inner rhythm, connect with your community, and let the beat move you! Tickets here: https:// rhythmbynature.ca/drum-circles/

OneoftheprimaryadvantagesofsubscribingtoMondayMorningBitesisthe time-savingconvenienceitoffers.Runningabusinessdemandsundivided attention,leavinglittleroomforexhaustiveresearchonavailableresources. Byreceivingaweeklyemailthatcompilesthemostrelevantandcurrent opportunities,businessownerscanefficientlyallocatetheirtimetoothercritical aspectsoftheirventures.

• 4:00pm-6:00pm: Will Wardwell. Arrowhead Brewery. Will's sound is “old time music” with strong folk influences. He plays in the taproom for a free show!

• 6:30pm: Indoor Pickleball Invermere Curling Club, Skills and Drills.

• 6:45pm: Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Invermere Legion.

• 7:30pm: Trivia Night Windermere Whitehouse Pub, $3/person.

• 8:00pm: Trivia Night Ullr Bar, $5/person.

» 8:00pm-10:00pm: The Hurricanes. Arrowhead Brewery. The Hurricanes hail from Kimberley and will play rock, pop, folk and country covers you'll love! Cover is $10!

• 9:00am-1:00pm: Invermere Farmers Market Lakeview Parking Lot.

• 9:00am-12:00pm: Outdoor Pickleball Mt. Nelson Athletic Park, Drop-in Play.

Opportunitiessuchasgrantsandfundingprogramsoftencomewithspecific applicationdeadlines.Missingoutonthesedeadlinescanmeanalostchance formuch-neededfinancialsupport.MondayMorningBitesactsasatimely reminder,keepingbusinessownersinformedaboutupcomingdeadlineswell inadvance.Armedwiththisknowledge,entrepreneurscanmakeinformed decisionsandensuretheydon’tmissoutonpotentialgrowthopportunities.

Friday, August 4

» 5:00pm-8:00pm: First Fridays Art Walk. Invermere. A great night of Art, Music and Culture in the East Kootenays. Walk the Walk and check out all art going-ons at galleries and venues in town! From workshops to artist talks, each location has something going on.

• 9:00am-11:00am: Little Badgers Playgroup. For caregivers and kids 0-5: nature play, songs, stories, snacks.

• 9:00am-11:00am: Invermere Tennis Club at the Kinsmen Beach Courts.

• 9:00am-12:00pm: Outdoor Pickleball Mt. Nelson Athletic Park, Drop-in Play.

• 10:30am-11:30am: Pop-up Storytime. Wilder Memorial Park in Fairmont.

Hosted by Invermere Public Library

• 10:30am-12:00pm: Radium Summer Reading Club. Radium Public Library. Every Friday. Ages 5-8.

• 1:00pm-2:30pm: Radium Summer Reading Club. Radium Public Library. Every Friday. Ages 9-12.

• 4:00pm-7:00pm: Radium Market on Main. Join us for the annual Market on Main every Friday Evening from 4-7 pm through July & August at the Visitor Centre in Radium where we eat and shop locally.

• 6:30pm - close: Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion! Members and guests welcome!

• 6:30pm-8:30pm: Indoor Pickleball Invermere Curling Club, Skills and Drills.

• 6:30pm-8:30pm: Dynamic Archery Speed Shooting. Come try Archery at Luxor Corrals. Call 250-347-9048 to register.

Pottery camp for kids, children doing pottery and holding up finished pottery pieces. Ages 7+ Register at potteryplayground.com

• 6:30pm: Poker (Chip up for Charity). The Station Pub $20 buy-in. Every second Monday.

• 6:30pm-8:30pm: Indoor Pickleball. Invermere Curling Club, Skills and Drills.

• 6:30pm-8:30pm: Dynamic Archery Speed Shooting. Come try Archery at Luxor Corrals. Call 250-347-9048 to register.

• 5:00pm-10:00pm: LGBTQ+ & Allies Summit Youth Hub. On Mondays at the HUB, the LGBTQ+ youth and their allies have a safe place to hang out.

Tuesday, August 8

• 9:00am-12:00pm: Outdoor Pickleball. Mt. Nelson Athletic Park, Drop-in Play.

• 10:30am-11:30am: Senior's Fitness Columbia Valley Centre. $2 drop-in.

Informationoverloadcanoftenleadtoindecisiveness.MondayMorningBites addressesthisbydeliveringcuratedcontentthatcutsthroughthenoise.By receivingonlythemostrelevantandessentialinformation,businessownerscan makemoreinformeddecisionsaboutwhichgrants,subsidies,orprofessional developmentprogramsalignbestwiththeirspecificneedsandobjectives. Inafast-pacedandcompetitivebusinesslandscape,stayinginformedisa criticalaspectofsuccess.MondayMorningBitesstepsinasawelcomeally forbusinessowners,simplifyingtheprocessoffindingandapplyingforgrants, subsidies,andothervaluableresources.

• 10:30am-12:00pm: LEGO/Duplo Club Invermere Public Library. We'll have Lego, Duplo, big blocks & more out to play with on Saturday mornings!

IfyouwouldliketoreceiveMondayMorningBitesscantheQRcodebelowor email advisor@cvchamber.ca

• 10:30am-11:30am: Pokemon Club at Main Street Fun & Games for ages 7+, Reading proficiency required.

• 2:00pm-4:00pm: Buddy Reading. Invermere Public Library. Practice reading aloud one-on-one with Blair. By appointment only. Call 250-342-6416, email publiclibrary@invermere.net.

• 6:30pm: Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion! Members and guests welcome!

Sunday, August 6

» 4:00pm-6:00pm: The Hurricanes. Arrowhead Brewery. The Hurricanes hail from Kimberley and will play rock, pop, folk and country covers you'll love! All ages, Free.

• 2:00pm-12:00am: Cards, Cribbage and Darts Come to the Legion and have some fun! Members and guests welcome.

• 2:00pm-4:00pm: Indoor Pickleball Open play at Curling Club.

• 6:00pm: Archery at the Range Lake Windermere Rod & Gun Club. Equipment available to rent. www.lwdrodgun.com

• 7:00pm: Live Music Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery. Accompanied minors are permitted. No cover.

Monday, August 7

» 9:30pm: Movies in the Mountains. Monday nights at dark. Pothole Park. "Sonic the Hedgehog".

• 9:00am-11:00am: Tennis Club Kinsmen Beach, doubles.

• 9:00am-12:00pm: Outdoor Pickleball. Mt. Nelson Athletic Park, Drop-in Play.

• 10:00am-11:00am: Senior's Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, Invermere. $2 drop in, open to all seniors.

• 10:00am-1:00pm: Tech Tutors. CBAL Office 712b 10th St. Invermere. Are you needing some help with your computer, phone, or tablet? We have one-on-one help available for you!

• 1:00pm-4:00pm: Pottery Camp. Pottery Playground, 2421 Westside Rd.

• 11:00am-12:30pm: Journey Through Time. Summer Reading Club. Invermere Public Library. Ages 5-8. Registration required at invermere. bc.libraries.coop.

• 2:00pm-3:30pm: Journey Through Time. Summer Reading Club. Invermere Public Library. Ages 9-12. Registration required at invermere.bc.libraries. coop.

• 1:00pm-4:00pm: Pottery Camp. Pottery Playground, 2421 Westside Rd. Pottery camp for kids, children doing pottery and holding up finished pottery pieces. Ages 7+ Register at potteryplayground.com

• 6:30pm-8:30pm: Indoor Pickleball Invermere Curling Club, Skills and Drills.

• 6:30pm-8:30pm: Tomato Series Part 4. Groundswell Community Greenhouse. End of season care and harvest. Sign up at groundswellnetwork. ca. Members $20/ Non-Members $30

• 6:30pm-8:30pm: Pickleball Invermere Curling Club, Skills and Drills. Wednesday, August 9

» 6:30pm-8:00pm: Locals Live. Concert Summer Series. Little Super Dangerous.

• 9:00am-11:00am: Tennis Club Kinsmen Beach Courts.

• 9:00am-12:00pm: Outdoor Pickleball. Mt. Nelson Athletic Park, Drop-in Play.

• 10:00am-11:00am: Senior's Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, $2 drop-in.

• 11:15am-11:45am: Story Time. Radium Public Library - preschool & all ages.

• 1:00pm-4:00pm: Pottery Camp. Pottery Playground, 2421 Westside Rd. Pottery camp for kids, children doing pottery and holding up finished pottery pieces. Ages 7+ Register at potteryplayground.com

• 3:00pm-6:30pm: Agri-Park Farmers Market Crossroads.

• 3:00pm-8:00pm: The Summit Youth Hub Drop-In The Edge Skate Park. Edgewater.

• 6:00pm-9:00pm: Wednesday Dinners & Meat Draw & 50/50 Invermere Legion. All welcome.

• 6:00pm: Archery at the Range Lake Windermere Rod & Gun Club. Equipment available to rent. www.lwdrodgun.com.

• 6:30pm: Indoor Pickleball Invermere Curling Club, Ladies Night.

Crowded Kinsmen Beach a headache

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Even with several wildfires burning relatively close by, the Columbia Valley continues to see a steady stream of tourists. In Invermere that means Kinsmen Beach, and its parking lot, continue to be crowded.

The District of Invermere is asking locals and visitors alike to walk or ride their bikes to the beach when possible, and when they do drive to heed the ‘no parking signs’ in the neighbourhood around Kinsmen Beach.

Parking has always been tight at Kinsmen Beach during particularly busy summer days, but over the last few years, as the full-time population and the number of visitors has jumped up, the parking lot has become completely full a good deal more often. That’s left people parking on both sides of the gravel stretch of 18th Street (which runs from the parking lot over to Pynelogs and beyond), and filling the every conceivable parking spot on the streets around Dorothy Lake and the Station Pub.

Some disgruntled residents have voiced frustration about being blocked in their driveways, or at seeing fire hydrants blocked.

“Kinsmen Beach is very popular, so it’s always packed. Yet just a little ways away there is some available parking,” Invermere mayor Al Miller told the Pioneer last week.

He pointed to the gravel parking area

at the Pynelogs Rotary Ball Park and the tennis courts, noting it is only a few minutes walk from there to the beach.

Miller adding that if that parking is full, people can always opt to try the beach at James Chabot Provincial Park instead. The beach there is also beautiful, and although it is popular too, it’s nowhere near as busy as Kinsmen Beach and consequently there’s usually plenty of empty parking spots, he said.

“It does get very full at Kinsmen. But we need people to respect residents’ driveways. And please don’t park on both sides of the gravel road (18th Street). If needed to get an emergency vehicle down there quickly, it wouldn’t happen with cars parked on both sides of the road. They (emergency services crews) need good access,” said Miller.

The busy beach at Kinsmen shows the clear demand for waterfront green space and that helped spur Invermere council’s decision, several years ago, to purchase the former Lake Windermere Resort Lands in Athalmer, he explained. “That’s the reason we felt we needed to buy those 15 acres. We don’t have any more room at Kinsmen Beach – we can’t increase the green space there. But when we saw another opportunity (the Lake Windermere Resort Lands) to increase park space elsewhere in the district, we had to take it,” said Miller.

The district plans to turn the Lake Windermere Resort Lands primarily into park land, he added. “We didn’t buy it for parking.”

The Kinsmen Beach parking lot has often been overpacked this summer, causing frustration for some people.

Photo by Jenny Hubrecht

RDEK narrows sights on strategic plan

Columbia Valley Pioneer Staff

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is looking down the sights of its strategic plan by identifying numerous priorities of interest.

One of several focus areas include climate change and environmental stewardship, a goal it wants to address by

completing a hazard risk and vulnerability analysis and developing a corporate action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Other focus areas include sustainable land use planning, Indigenous relations, asset and infrastructure management, and advocacy developing strategies on topics such as emergency management, affordable housing, health care services, transit

services and Agricultural Land Reserve policies.

Some of the RDEK’s priority projects that are underway are:

• Cold Spring Creek debris flow mitigation

• Regional composting (design and construct sub-regional facilities)

• East side Lake Windermere water master plan and infrastructure upgrades

• Trails Master Plan connecting communities

• Bylaw adjudication and ticketing systems

• Edgewater broadband connectivity upgrade

• Windermere Creek flood mitigation

• New RDEK administration office

• Zoning bylaw update

• Short term rental policy

• Electoral Area OCP/zoning bylaws

Projects not yet started:

• Hazard risk and assessment

• Yellow bin program service review (consider alternate recycling services)

• Archaeology study of properties

• Review and update regional parks/ acquisition plan

• Review of secondary suite size limits

• Fairmont flood tax requisition increase to fund Fairmont Creek flood mitigation

• Construct Windermere trail to become part of Area F parks service

• Transit service expansion

• Panorama and Edgewater fire expansion to include private properties within 13 km of firehall

• Columbia Lake management plan

• Windermere hall funding

• Columbia River recreational access Projects not advancing:

• Fairmont airport funding

• Dark Sky reserve

• Hospice funding

• Regionalizing library services

• New Windermere sewer service

• Victim assistance service

• Panorama dike maintenance

• Wilmer dam decommissioning

Terry Fox BBQ planned

By Donna Scheffer Terry Fox Run co-cordinator

A Terry Fox Charity BBQ will be held outside Sobey's on Saturday, Aug. 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. as a fundraising event to support the work of the Terry Fox Foundation for cancer research.

The barbecue is organized and put on by volunteers who are dedicated to be visible, to educate the public and create awareness to the work of the Terry Fox Foundation, and to encourage partic-

ipation in the annual Terry Fox Run on Sunday, Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m.

There is no registration fee to walk, run, cycle, blade along the route beginning at JA Laird Elementary School towards the Castlerock community. Participants choose their distance, whether it be one, three, five 10 or more kilometres. If you need/want more information, please contact Donna Scheffer at 250 342-3780.

Artym Gallery hosts two photographers

Submitted

The Artym Gallery is excited to host two “incredible” photographers on Friday, Aug. 4 for the Invermere Art Walk.

Starting at 5:30 p.m. for 45 minutes, Brett Frostad will be the first presenter. Brett is a self-taught photographer, influenced by Ansel Adams and Edward Weston, who started capturing black and white landscapes on film using an antique Rollieflex twin lens camera and printed in a basement darkroom. He progressed through shooting landscapes and portraits, to sports and product photography and transitioned into the digital imaging world and software instead of a darkroom (while still keeping those film cameras handy).

This presentation will showcase diverse images from the digital era in the categories of people, places, and products along with the first showing of the "Badlands Project" portfolio of environmental portraiture shot in and around the Drumheller Valley.

Jane O’Hagan will be presenting two, 45-minute shows at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

More wildlife photographers than ever are jostling for position to capture unique images in Africa and with wildlife in general than ever before. Join Jane and explore what she is doing to stand out by focusing on composition to create images as the primary visual artistic element to add meaning to her love of storytelling. Jane

spends two months a year in Kenya, when she isn’t at her home in Invermere focusing on wildlife, the huge dramatic skies and incredible landscapes of this special place she sees as her own for creativity.

Jane is a fan of photographers who take composition very seriously. She draws her inspiration by approaching and imagining photography as a series of visual essays that can be combined to further bring to life her love of the written word. Jane believes you always focus on composition because if the composition is right, an image will drive greater meaning to your stories and create something really special. Learn more about safari photography, listen to her stories, hear about her vast and unique experiences through her photographic images that will make you want to pick up the camera and head out to capture your own images or maybe even head to Africa.

Jane is a retired executive from Canadian Pacific Railway and a director of two public companies. She picked up the camera seriously in 2012. Photography is always about finding your passion, escape, having fun and letting the imagination and the love of nature rule. Jane is an owner in “Dreams Do Come True Safaris,” a Kenya-based Masaai operated safari company in Laikipia focused on professional and aspiring wildlife photographers seeking a private experience.

This is an all-age event and everyone is welcome. As these presentations are on a TV screen, please bring a lawn chair to sit and enjoy.

Brett Frostad and Jane O’Hagan will present their photographic shows at Artym Gallery in Invermere on Friday, Aug. 4.

Photos submitted

CAP files lawsuit to stop discrimination

By Julia Magsombol Local Journalism Initiative julia@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Minister of Indigenous Services and the Attorney General of Canada to stop the discriminatory exclusion of non-status Indigenous post-secondary students.

"It shouldn't be happening," said Kim Beaudin, vice-president of CAP.

Non-status Indigenous individuals are people who are not considered registered aboriginals. It could be due to their ancestors who refused the Indian Act or lost their Indigenous status.

As non-status Indigenous people are not recognized under the Indian Act, their rights and privileges are less and are not similar compared to Indigenous people who have status. Visit: https://www.

rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100014433 /1535469348029) for more information.

Beaudin explained that most non-status Indigenous students have issues when it comes to applying for different grants, programs, and scholarships. The Canadian federal government denies the funding that these people say they deserve.

According to CAP, this violates section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms by not having fair access to post-secondary education.

Beaudin described the obstacle many students face when it comes to debts in student loans — but for non-status Indigenous students, it may be harder.

"For pure non-status Indian if [they] want to further education, a specialty for example …… that's out the door. Those kinds of things are gone," Beaudin said.

He “explained that non-status Indigenous people are not accepted by their

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First Nations band. “They fall through the cracks regarding whether they've been part of a treaty or not," said Beaudin.

As for the federal government, it looks at treaties and the bands’ list of members, and if an individual isn't part of any band, that could be a problem.

"They can see that. No question, you should be part of the band, but they realize that the band itself won't accept you. So, they put you on this list. They declare you as a non-status Indian," Beaudin added.

Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) explained in their chart that non-status members can have a status when:

• One of their parents holds a status, or both of them hold a status.

• They were entitled to the status before changes to the Indian Act in 1985.

• They lost status as a result of marriage to a non-status man.

• Their maternal or paternal grandmother did not have status before her marriage, so they lost status upon turning 21.

• Their registration was successfully protested despite their father's non-status and because of their mother's status.

• They lost status because they or their parents were enfranchised. See https:// www.nwac.ca/assets-knowledge-centre/ Indian-Status-in-Canada-FINAL.pdf

There are many ways for non-status First Nations to get status. But with Beaudin’s explanation, most of the time, a status is difficult to achieve.

Beaudin pointed to Bill C-38, an act to amend the Indian Act. It also seeks to address the inequity of enfranchisement and where it also includes new entitlements to registration in the Indian Register. But there are a few problems with it. For more information, visit, https://www.sac-isc.gc. ca/eng/1662142490384/1662142638971

"Treaties that were signed with the Crown . . . people forget this. The federal government [are] responsible for administering the treaties, adhering to them, and honouring them," Beaudin explained. "But . . . they make all the decisions and decide on ABC and D, and they don't even look at that relationship at all. These

people don't understand the complexities of the relationship and how it works. And that's why many believe that relationships and treaties are being eroded."

Beaudin said because they weren’t being heard, the group had no choice but to file a landmark federal lawsuit against the Minister of Indigenous Services and the Attorney General of Canada.

"This was certainly our last resort. We didn't want to do that. We wanted to talk and strategize and remove the barriers to discrimination but they were not interested in talking to us," Beaudin stated.

Beaudin's daughter is a descendant of Métis through Beaudin's father's side. She doesn't have a status card or a treaty card.

"I remember when she applied [for loans or scholarships] under the Métis, they turned her down," Beaudin said. "She's stuck with the debt. She finished schooling but can't go any further because she said there's no point in being stuck with a big debt of pain for probably the rest of your life."

Beaudin said there were times that they gave up in terms of the treaties and stolen land. “That’s pretty sad.” But at the same time, he noted that they still want to continue to move forward.

"We're hoping to get the federal government's attention on this. I'd certainly like to see the federal government honour the treaties and finally deal with it instead of piece-mealing its point . . . poking at it with a stick. To look at the whole relationship in terms of treaty relationships and, address it, so we can move forward and quit leaving people behind." Beaudin lamented.

Based on CAP’s press release, there are approximately 1.6 million Indigenous people in Canada who do not have status under the Indian Act. For more information on this, visit CAP's website at https:// abo-peoples.org/

"We've been addressing issues around discrimination for 52 years. We'll continue to fight for what's right and we'll continue that until our next 100 years." said Beaudin. "I want to tell them [students] that we're fighting for them. We certainly want to hear their stories."

For more information or a copy of the plan, please contact Rocky Mountain Distric t Development Ser vices at 250 420-6550 or at rmddevapp@gov.bc.ca

National Vice-Chief Kim Beaudin from the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples.

Photo from CAP website

CAP called out on Indigenous organizations

By Julia Magsombol Local Journalism Initiative julia@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) formally called on different Indigenous organizations to end the disunity and inaccurate attacks on them and the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC).

“That’s the frustrating part. As stated numerous times, we could be working together,” said Kim Beaudin, the national vice-chief of CAP.

The Pioneer had a chance to talk to Beaudin about the attacks and the roots of all of this disunity among the Indigenous organizations. He said the three Indigenous organizations, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and the Métis National Council (MNC), they’re not focused on bringing CAP and NWAC in all important policy discussions and announcements. Canada plays a huge role in this problem.

to say about some of the issues affecting their people unless it significantly impacts society.

The Former Minister of Justice, David Lametti, had announced an Indigenous justice strategy, earmarked budgeted money and invited Indigenous organizations to apply.

When CAP submitted a proposal, the budget went down significantly with the interference of Former Minister Lametti, Beaudin said.

“I was in shock when I heard that. A city minister would step in and become the micromanager for the justice strategies and financial gatekeeper of the voices of the 80 per cent Indigenous people living off reserve.”

Beaudin also added that this problem was not only with the government of Canada but also with the Crown — their job is to honour the treaty, but they don’t.

As the Liberals rose to power and changes occurred, the three Indigenous organizations also changed.

“There’s policy shift right now. And the federal government believes that MNC, AFN and ITK speak for all Indigenous people in Canada — that they are the voice of everybody living on and off reserve. The Liberals believe that. And that’s the problem,” Beaudin said. “None of that is true, but that’s what they say. So it’s frustrating.”

letters, but it didn’t work out.

When asked what these organizations’ response was after the CAP called them out, Beaudin explained that they just sent a letter.

“[They said we are not] a constitutionally recognized organization and that we don’t have treaty rights,” Beaudin said.

Beaudin also shared that changing the government is the only way to change the situation. “I’m really hoping that we can establish a much better relationship with Canada going forward — that’s what I’m hoping.”

He said CAP will continue to work with the NWAC because they understand their struggles.

Beaudin explained that it all started in 2018 when the Liberal government emerged. After Trudeau was elected, everything started to change. From then on, there was a significant shift in ideology and policy. The attitude of Canada or the Liberal government had also changed. He added the government doesn’t really care or has nothing

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With this belief, Beaudin said that it started to impact the people and staff. They began to believe these three organizations were constitutional organizations and government. And so, they started to develop their policies and their programs.

“They started to leave out thousands and thousands of Indigenous people completely [through this],” he added.

Beaudin added they tried very hard to work with these organizations and reach out to them via numerous

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“I was shocked when I heard that. Like a city, the minister would step in and become the gatekeeper of the voices of the 80 per cent Indigenous people living off reserve.”

Kim Beaudin, CAP

Young Shuswap Man made it to NAIG

By Julia Magsombol - Local Journalism Initiative julia@columbiavalleypioneer.com

On July 15 to 23, Chayton (Chay) Martin, a young man from Shuswap, played softball fastpitch in North American Indigenous Games (NAIG)

“I have a rich history of [softball in] my family when I was little or when I was born….. I was always at the park [playing],” said Martin.

The fourteen-year-old man also mentioned that he learned to play from watching his father play sports. Jason Nicholas, Martin’s uncle, said their First Nation family has a history of playing softball. Their grandfather and uncles were part of a group called BC Arrows in the ‘80s. They won several Canadian championships.

“Growing up playing sports on reserve…. everybody just got together to play ball for the past time,” Nicholas added. And that’s where Martin got his talents and witts in playing softball.

He mentioned that in the game at NAIG, he became a member of the U16 men’s softball team, a more advanced team for his age.

Nicholas explained that before the games, NAIG had sent out an invitation letter to Martin to go to the first camp, where they evaluated the players. Nicholas said there were four camps overall, meaning four rounds of evaluations. NAIG narrows down

WestsideTown

the players and sends letters to the players they think will fit well into the team. The advance team was hard to get into, and “Martin was still able to be successful in making the squat,” his uncle added. Martin practiced a lot over the winter in the Columbia Lake Recreation Centre (CLRC). Martin and Nicholas said the facility was excellent, and the equipment was provided completely.

“He has worked hard and dedicated himself since winter to make the team. He took advantage of the facility to train,” CLRC added. “I’m a very proud Uncle. We’re all proud of him,” Nicholas said happily. When asked about Martin’s time and favourite memory in NAIG, he said: “It was really fun. I really liked the experience; it was really great…. I like it when I was getting my first good hit.”

He also mentioned being eligible for the next advanced team, the U19 team player, in 2027. He’s looking forward to it. “Watching him mature into a young man and the success that he’s already found is incredible. He has nothing but a bright future ahead of him,” Nicholas added. “I just want to be the best ballplayer that I could be,” Martin mentioned when asked about his goals in the future. In terms of Martin’s future, he also has a lot of games ahead of him in Calgary and California later this year.

“I want to thank all the people that helped me with their help and support,” Martin said.

Butterflies are back

By Julia Magsombol Local Journalism Initiative julia@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Summer is here, and so are the butterflies! I’ve seen many white butterflies in my backyard for the past few weeks. But where do they go during the winter season? What happens to them during the summer? And what does this mean to Indigenous Peoples?

Butterflies in Winter

Most butterflies enter a dormant phase. In this stage, they can be as an egg, larva, pupa or adult insect, depending on each species. They don’t usually eat or move during the cold seasons.

Their development in this stage is dependent on the temperature. To remain dormant until the appropriate season, the butterfly inside the chrysalis must stay cold.

For the adult butterflies species some of them contain glycerol, a naturally occurring alcohol in their blood which prevents them from being frozen. They can survive during the winter weeks. These adult butterflies usually stay in the crannies of a tree, rocks, and leaves.

Butterflies in summer

Most adult butterflies re-emerge in early spring and continue in the summer.

They love the sunshine as it gives them the energy to fly. There were at least 187 butterfly species in the year 2000 in B.C. Clouded sulphurs are the most common butterflies in B.C. as well.

The male clouded sulphurs are typically yellow, while the females have wings of yellow with a black border. They also have a dark spot at the centre of each forewing.

Butterflies in Indigenous culture

Indigenous Peoples have a strong spiritual connection to nature. For them, butterflies symbolize transformation, beauty, balance, and grace.

On the Pacific Northwest Coast, butterflies are seen as companions and spokespersons for the raven. They usually help

the raven by leading them to food sources.

Butterfly Art - Francis Dick

In 2005, Francis Dick, an Indigenous artist from the Kwakwaka’wakw community, drew a butterfly artwork representing a more profound meaning.

Da Vic Gallery explains the meaning of the artwork:

“Celebration of Life” is about a young boy who came home crying because one of his friends had died. But in the end, the young boy accepted it and thought of his friend as a butterfly.

Francis Dick explained, “This design speaks to creating a different perspective around death; it’s important for me to believe that this place called ‘earth’ is a place where I am to learn lessons and to embrace life, and experience it as a gift given to me. In the bottom of the butterfly is a design which represents our humanness, and in death our transition into another dimension, represented in the butterfly. In the top of the design is the wolf, which represents my family crest. This painting I dedicate to all of us who have lost loved ones and to those who have passed over to another dimension. This painting is a reminder to me that life is a celebration.”

For more information, visit: https:// nativecanadianarts.com/gallery/celebration-of-life/

If you are interested in reading more about butterflies, visit: https://www.cambridgebutterfly.com/butterflies-in-winter/

etter oating B Proper towing techniques

By Mike and Christine DuBois

Success with towed watersports is a team effort between the athlete and the driver. Without a good pull and proper boat setup, it is hard to enjoy your time behind the boat.

The captain (driver) must delegate support duties to the crew. This is always necessary (such as when docking) but especially important when towing. The captain needs to focus on driving, while the crew takes care of the rope and spotter duties.

Before getting started, find a suitable spot on the lake and have a plan of where you are going. Get a good distance away from your marina before starting to tow. If your athlete is in the learning phase, take some time before they get in the water to

review technique. Good boat driving is critical for a healthy marriage and family relationships. The only bigger strain on a marriage is launching the boat, but boat launch stories could fill a whole book!

Driving success is partly a function of good driver positioning. The majority of drivers we see are not set up for success. The driver should be seated at all times and using the mirror to watch the rider. If the mirror is properly positioned, the driver can watch the rider and the path ahead at the same time.

Do not stand up or turn around to watch the rider. Another good driving habit is to use the arm rest for the throttle hand. This allows precise throttle movements. Before your rider is in the water, establish the desired speed, where you are going, and what happens when the rider

is finished. Confirm hand signals if necessary.

Once in the water, the rider needs to clearly communicate that they are ready. The rider not being ready is a frequent cause of failed attempts and can lead to injury.

One common mistake is for the driver to use too much throttle on the initial start. When in doubt, pull up more slowly. This allows the rider to adjust their balance as they come up. The amount of throttle needs to change based on rider size and the type of equipment they are using.

Once up and riding, the driver needs to drive in a straight line (surfing included). Surfing while driving a steady turn has not been the preferred technique for a long time. To hold a straight line the driv-

er can pick a target point ahead, or watch the prop wash line to ensure the boat path is straight.

When going back for a fallen rider, always circle on the driver’s side to avoid losing sight of the rider.

Story of the week

Jane (not her real name) backed her Seadoo down the boat launch last week. When she got out of the truck, she noticed that the Seadoo was sitting very low in the water, like it was being weighed down. It turns out that the Seadoo was still strapped to the trailer and the trailer was now floating. This was an easy problem to fix and no damage was done. It is best to check the boat (especially the plug) before it goes down the ramp.

Don’t be a Jane!

COLUMBIAVALLEY ZONINGBYLAWUPDATE

TheRDEKhasbeenworkingonacomprehensivereviewandrewriteoftheColumbiaValleyZoningBylaw (BylawNo.900)tomodernizethebylawandconsolidatetheamendments.

ThecurrentBylawfortheColumbiaValleywasadoptedin1990.Sinceadoption,theBylawhashadover390 amendmentprocesses.Aconsolidatedversionthatshowsalltheamendmentshasbeenavailable,butthe newBylawwillofficiallyintegratetheseintoonedocument.Themodernizationprocessalsoprovidesan opportunitytoofficiallyadoptdigitalmappingforthezoneschedules.

ThedraftZoningBylawissettomeetthefollowingobjectives:

• Incorporateall390+amendments

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• NewzonesforthePanoramaareatoreflecttheOfficialCommunityPlan(OCP)changesin2020 QUESTIONSONTHEBYLAW canbedirectedto: planningdept@rdek.bc.ca. YoucanreviewtheDraftBylawat

Proper towing for safety cannot be overstated as a mistake can easily ruin your day on the lake. One common mistake is for the driver to use too much throttle on the initial start.

Photo submitted

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS

Al-Anon. Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? Meeting

Mondays 7:15 pm. at Canadian Martyrs Parish front side door. 712 12 Ave. Invermere. For more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship, please call 250-8782448 or 250-342-8392.

GeorgeStanleyBartz(Stan)

March13,1932-July24,2023

Itiswithgreatsadnessthatweannouncethe passingofGeorgeStanleyBartz(Stan).Hepassed awayintheInvermereDistrictHospitalaftera lengthybattlewithkidneydisease.

HeissurvivedbyhislovingwifePatand threedaughters,Stacey(Andrew),ofMexico, Carrie(Ed)ofChilliwackandKelly(Brian)of BellinghamWA;grandchildrenErinandAvery Froese(Chilliwack)andGraceandFrances

PorteousofBellinghamWA;threestepchildren

Narcotics Anonymous

Open Meeting

Mondays 7 p.m. at the BC Service Building, South End. 624-4th St. Invermere.

SusanofSicamous,Christopher(Jill)ofFairmont, LeslieLaRiviere(deceased)andgrandchildren Melissa,Nikki,Josh,andMatthew,great grandchildrenEmma,JaidaandBen;brothers Ron(Evelyn),Bob(Donna)ofKelownaand Bill(Gladys)ofEdmonton;twosistersMarion GermanandEvelynBartzofEdmonton. Thismanwillbesorelymissedbyall.

Cheers to all the reghters and rst responders. They are truly the heroes of the day!

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Independentlyownedandoperated

• Phone: 250-341-6299

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No words can express how grateful we are for the efforts and commitments of all the ground crews, helicopter and water bomber pilots, heavy equipment operators, the behind the scenes coordinators. Together they help keep us safe and protected from the res which effects us all. God bless you all!

Cheers to the helicopter pilot bucketing Four Point Mountain on Wednesday, July 26th. Your 4 minute turnaround was truly impressive and your terric work doused a re that would have certainly added to the challenges currently in the valley. Cheers to all the wildland crews out there too!

Cheers to our CVAS volunteers who have been working hard to keep the airport running smoothly with all the wildre crews who are working hard on the res in the area.

CHEERS to Natasha and crew at Home Hardware for a great job replacing a sealed window unit. Both the pre installation visit and the actual removal and installation were hassle free. Excellent service as usual and much appreciated by this customer.

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

Get-er-Done Handyman Need landscaping?

Golf cart and lawn tractor tune-ups. Pick up and delivery service available. We buy used golf carts. Call Jeff 250-341-8146. Please leave a message.

Shane's

Window Cleaning

Garage Sale

Need Christmas lights hung?

Give Ryan a call.

604-346-5087 rgoertz4@gmail.com

B.B.'s Home & Design Services Renovations, Masonry & Handyman Services, Blinds. Cabin checks/ yard care/ eavestrough cleaning/dump runs. Call 250-688-2897

Rocky Mountain Swim Lessons welcomes swimmers back to Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Please visit rockymountainswimlessons.ca to sign up online

ANNOUNCEMENT CELEBRATION OF LIFE CELEBRATION OF LIFE CELEBRATION OF LIFE CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS BUSINESS SERVICES LESSONS/TRAINING BUSINESS SERVICES CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS BUSINESS SERVICES GARAGE SALES A22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer August 3, 2023 Please emailclassified ads to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com They work! PIONEER CLASSIFIEDS Call: 250-341-6299 Rockies WestRealty Independentlyownedandoperated WHYLISTWITHGERRY? ✔ Website/SocialMedia ✔ 3D Tour, YouTube,Drone ✔ Responsive,Local,Expert LISTWITHGERRY: FORRESULTS! *Notintendedto solicitthosealready workingwithanagent. BUYINGOR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202 gerrytaft.ca PersonalRealEstate Corporation LISTINGS NEEDED! I WA NTTOSELL YOURHOUSE!

2.5

& MacDONALD COMPANY

~Barrister,SolicitorandNotaryPublic~

TheLawOfficeofMacDonald&Companyishiring.Weare lookingtohirea LegalAssistant tojoinourgrowingofficein Invermere,BC.Noexperienceisnecessaryaswewilltrainthe idealcandidatefortheposition;however,relatedexperienceis alwaysanassetandwillbegivenpreference.

Theidealcandidatewouldbecomputerliterate,organized andateamplayer.Thepositionisfull-time,MondaytoFriday, 9amto5pm.Jobtaskswouldinclude:clientintake,organizing meetings,bankandmailruns,preparinglegaldocuments,file management,legalsearches,andothertasksasassigned.Pay isbasedonrelevantexperienceandskillset(rangeof$40$50ktostart).

Weencourageallapplicantswhomaybeinterestedtoapply andlookforwardtointerviewingyou.

Pleaseemailyourresumeandcoverletterto reception@wjmacdonaldlaw.com,totheattentionof JonathanSievenpiperandMelanieGenest.

TheColumbiaValleyPioneer islookingforafull-time PrintandDigital Reporter/Photographer forournewsoperationbasedin Invermere.Weoperateadailynewssiteandaweeklyprint publication.

Thesuccessfulcandidateworkswellinateamsetting,butisself motivated.Youwillberesponsibletowritemultiplenewsstoriesevery weekforprintandon-linepublication,takephotographstoaccompany stories,attendcommunityeventsandlayoutpages(allwhilerespecting SocialDistancingrequirements).

Qualifications

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Interestedcandidatesshouldforwardtheirresumeto AmandaNason,AssociatePublisher/SalesManager: advertising@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Applicationsareopenuntilthepositionisfilled andisbasedinourofficeat 8–1008,8thAveInvermere,B.C.

TAKEONANEW ADVENTURE.

Currentpositions available

•Administrative Assistant

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•Enrolment ServicesOfficer

•Administrative Assistant (InvermereCampus)

YouthOutreachWorker

37.5h/weekfrom$27/hour

Scheduleisflexible Benefitsafter3monthprobationaryperiod

WindermereValleyYouthCentreSociety-SummitYouthCentre is seekingafull-time,trauma-informed,andculturallysensitive YouthOutreachWorker toworkwithyouthatriskaged12-18 throughouttheColumbiaValley.

Responsibilitiesanddutiesinclude:

•EngagingwithyouthwhomaynotbeabletoaccesstheYouthCentreorneed someextracare

•Liaisewithotherorganizationstomaximizethecareoftheindividual (connectingwithschools,socialworkers)

•reportingtosupervisor

•Facilitateyouthconnectionswithrelevantcommunityservices,andovercome barrierstoaccessingsupports

•Advocatingforyouth

•Counselling

Requirements:

•Atleast19yearsofage.

•Atleastoneyearofoutreachexperienceispreferred.

•MentalFirstAid,AppliedSuicideInterventionSkillsTraining(ASIST),required buttrainingcanbeprovidedtotherig htcandidate

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summit.centre@gmail.com

PrintandDigital

Reporter/Photographer

Well-Known Pianist, Duke Thompson, Returns To The Valley

Submitted by Ken Mallett

Concert pianist Duke Thompson will be performing on Tuesday, August 8th, 2023, at 5 PM, at Christ Church Trinity, on the CVArts’ Steinway Grand Piano. Again, please note the early time of 5pm.

Admission is $10 at the door, free for children 15 and under.

This performance is also a benefit for Valley musician and pianist Barry Moore, who just recently lost his home in Edgewater to a devastating fire.

The music will be a wide variety - Leonard Cohen’s iconic “Hallelujah”, A Gordon Lightfoot medley, a Beatles or two, classics like “Amazing Grace” and “Shenandoah,” some Mozart, a variety of arrangements of many hits, and popular and Classical works. This is a real showcase of Duke’s musicianship and his wide-ranging musical interests, and he labels it “A Piano Goes Wild”. And he’s performed with Symphony orchestras up and down the Eastern Seaboard, and of course in Canada.

He last performed for CVArts in 2014, having done several concerts here in previous years. And he’s coming to Invermere after a performance in Qualicum Beach, here for a visit with long-time friends and colleague, Ken and Terrie Mallett. Then on to Red Deer for a series of concerts.

Dr. Thompson has toured as a pianist in Japan, Canada, USA, Portugal, France, the Netherlands, Ireland. He taught music and piano performance at Red Deer College for 17 years until 2001, and at Towson University, U. of Baltimore, and Arizona State University. In 2001 he founded Maryland Conservatory of Music, where he currently teaches and serves as president.

So, we look forward to a summer afternoon performance on August 8th, 5PM, at Christ Church Trinity!

DUKE THOMPSON

ConcertpianistDukeThompson willbeperformingon

Tuesday,August8at5:00pm

atChristTrinityChurchon

CVArts’SteinwayGrandPiano.

Pleasenotetheearlytimeof5:00pm

Admission: $10 atthedoor

Children15andunderarefree

Low-water and late-day fishing in July on the Columbia River.

Photo by Ryan Watmough

Lots to do at Radium Public Library

This week’s column was written by Jacqueline Kozak, director of the Radium Public Library, which is located at 4683 Stanley Street. Call 250-347-2434 for more information. Friends of the Library written by Donna Tunney.

Each year, libraries across the province participate in the provincial Summer Reading Club initiative. BC Summer Reading Club is a free literacy program designed to engage school-aged children, ages 5-12, with libraries and reading, throughout the summer. Participating libraries strive to do so in a way that is fun, educational, inclusive and community oriented.

In Radium, we are offering a weekly Summer Reading Club program every Friday until August 18. This year the theme is: A Journey Through Time. Each week will feature new crafts and activities. The program for children ages 5-8 will be held in the morning from 10:30 a.m. to noon, and a second program will be held for children ages 9-12 in the afternoon from 1 to 2:30 p.m. (5-yearolds must be finished Kindergarten). Even though we are already half way through the program, registration is still open for the final few weeks. Visit our website to register.

Similar to last year, we have also teamed up with the Invermere Public Library to provide a Summer Reading Club program in Edgewater. This program runs every Thursday starting August 24 and begins at 11:15 a.m. There will also be a preschool storytime in the park in Edgewater each Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

During the summer, we continue to offer Storytime

at the Radium Library every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. This program is intended for preschool aged children; however, all are welcome. We are also excited to announce that on Saturday, August 12, we will be hosting our annual Teddy Bear Picnic – a free event for preschool aged children. The picnic will begin with the ‘gathering of the teddies’ at 10:30 a.m., followed by fun activities and snacks.

The Friends of the Radium Hot Springs Public Library are an organized group of volunteers who promote and raise funds to support the Radium Hot Springs Public Library. They have been hard at work this summer and have a few updates they would like to share:

Summer is here and so is Adventure Auction, an exciting cross between an in-person silent auction and a scavenger hunt, with over $3,500 of goods and services up for grabs — and all proceeds going to the Radium Public Library. We’ve got golf passes, a spa package, restaurant certificates, arts and crafts, river and ziplining adventures, and more. Bid at the Radium Library or selected local businesses. Check out @ Friends of Radium Library on Facebook for all the details of this celebration of community, commerce, and culture. Running now to August 31.

And look for our pop-up book sales August 11 and 25 at the Radium Brewery during “Market on Main.”

Our May long weekend garage sale was a resounding success and helped raise $3,900, with funds shared between the Friends of the Radium Library, the Radium Rotary Gardens, and the Radium Fire Hall. Many thanks to everyone who donated items, those who volunteered for the event and, of course, all our shoppers.

May also saw the installation of two new Little Blue Libraries—by Radium Brewing and the Sable Ridge Condos. The fall will bring a third Little Blue Library to the corner of Prospector Avenue and Ridge Road.

LAKEWINDERMERE ALLIANCECHURCH

Whileyouarewithus,youare alwayswelcometojoinus. Sundayat10:30a.m

32610thAvenue,Invermere

250-342-9535•www.lwac.ca

WINDERMEREVALLEYSHARED

MINISTRYANGLICAN-UNITED Minister:BrentWoodard

WedonothaveservicesinJulyandAugust. SundayserviceswillresumeSept3rdat10:30am. Pleasevisitourwebsitebygoingtowvsm.ca.

VALLEYCHRISTIANASSEMBLY

Sunday10a.m.Worshipservice

4814HighwayDrive,Windermere

250-342-9511•www.valleychristianonline.com

ROMANCATHOLICCHURCH

St.Anthony’s,CanalFlats.,CanadianMartyrs’–Invermere,St.Joseph’s–Radium.

CanalFlats:Saturday,4p.m.

CanadianMartyrs,Invermere: Saturday5p.m.,Sunday9a.m. St.Joseph,Radium:Sunday11a.m.

FatherFrancisDelaCruz•712-12th Ave.,Invermere 250-342-6167

ST.PETER’SLUTHERANCHURCH

Sunday1:30p.m.WorshipServiceatValleyChristian 4814HighwayDrive,Windermere lutheranstpeter@gmail.com

RADIUMCHRISTIANFELLOWSHIP

Sunday10a.m.Worshipservice

PastorWayneandLindaFrater•250-342-6633 No.4,7553MainSt.Radium•250-347-9937

CHURCHOFJESUSCHRIST

OFLATTER-DAYSAINTS

WorshipService,Sunday,10a.m. ReliefSociety,11:15a.m.

PresidentKendynMackensie•ColumbiaValley Branch•5014Fairway,FairmontHotSprings 250-439-9041

CHURCHOFCHRIST(IglesianiCristo)

WorshipService:Sunday9a.m.,Thursday7:45p.m. ChamberofCommerce(LionsHall)

Forinquiries:250-688-1643

250-270-2208or250-688-0629

Formoreinfoaboutthechurch,youcanGoogle onlineatincmedia.orgorpasugo.com.ph

With only one narrow pedestrian sidewalk, it’s almost easier to get a group of people under the Fairmont Columbia River bridge than it is to cross it without a vehicle.

Photo by Ryan Watmough