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VOL. 20/ISSUE 50
DECEMBER 14, 2023
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Steve Pratt takes advantage of the snow-covered streets in Edgewater to get some quality skiing time in. PHOTO MARIE-CLAUDE GOSSELIN
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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
DECEMBER 14, 2023
Bruno’s Plumbing Service Mike Sylvestre 250.342.5105 brunosplumbing@shaw.ca
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Top, a ski patroller opens a gate for the first group of snowboarders and skiers heading down Taynton Bowl on Saturday afternoon at Panorama. At right, a group takes part in ski lessons.
Many, many more draws will continue through 2023
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DECEMBER 14, 2023
THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
VALLEY NEWS
3
Officers investigate illegal dumping, burning By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Illegal dumping on Crown land, particularly on Toby Benches and along Westside Road is a growing problem and local conservation officers are seeking information after a large pile of used mechanical equipment, including car batteries, was dumped and set ablaze recently. Invermere resident George Oliver was out walking on the Benches with a friend on a small double track near Sandy Bend Road on Sunday, Dec. 3. They saw a large unattended fire and investigated, finding that the burning pile contained at least two car batteries, a transmission, plastic tarps, glass, plastic bottles and other miscellaneous industrial trash. “We are seeing more and more illegal dumping of waste,” Oliver explained to the Pioneer. “This abandoned burning pile of industrial and domestic waste is the most egregious example of illegal dumping that we have seen. Other commonly seen items are appliances, broken concrete, tires, wood waste, including preserved wood, animal body parts, yard waste, glass, plastic and metal.” The fire was set on a grassy hillside, and it was fortunate that it had snowed lightly the evening before, as that helped keep the fire from spreading, outlined Oliver. “It was bad,” he said. “It was not just yard waste, it’s clearly not good for the environment.” He’s noticed similar incidences of dumping and of burning along Westside Road, often in an area known as Poplar Flats, near Horsethief Creek. “It is a popular spot for parties, and unfortunately for dumping too,” he said, adding the problem has been an issue
for a long time, but has gotten much worse in recent years. Local conservation officers investigated the fire near Sandy Bend Road. “Those are very unusual objects to be set on fire. It is rare we get a report like that, of burning industrial materials,” senior Invermere conservation officer Greg Kruger told the Pioneer. “Those materials don’t burn to disintegration, and it certainly has a negative impact on the environment, especially the acid and lead from the car batteries.” Kruger said that “based on the materials, we believe it was a shop cleanup from a local resident.” He surmises the dumper wanted to avoid paying the tipping fees at the Windermere landfill and so dumped the waste on Crown land instead. “It’s unfortunate. Someone trying to save a few dollars with no consideration of the environment,” said Kruger. Like Oliver, the conservation officers see plenty of illegal dumping north and west of Wilmer. “Throughout that whole area off Westside Road. Any spur road, any turkey trail, we have dumping happening there. Likely for similar reasons (to avoid tipping fees),” said Kruger. “Yes, it seems to be getting progressively worse. We are interested to find out who is doing this and we will investigate any tips we get.” Nobody has come forward so far with information about who the responsible party is, but Kruger pointed out that illegal burning and dumping can carry a $575 penalty under the B.C. Environmental Management Act and a possible summons to appear in court. Anyone with tips can phone the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1-877- 952-7277.
This large fire was found burning unattended on Toby Benches. The contents included mechanical/shop materials, car batteries, a transmission, and plastic tarps. PHOTO GEORGE OLIVER
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Clarification on story Columbia Valley Pioneer staff In last week’s edition, in a story about efforts to address the housing crisis, the Pioneer incorrectly reported that Invermere councillor Theresa Wood is part of the Columbia Valley Housing Society (CVHS). Wood was involved with setting up the CVHS when it first began, but since that time has not, and does not, hold any kind of official affiliation with the CVHS in any capacity.
Invermere councillor Gerry Taft clarified his comment in the same story that “there hasn’t been a two-way flow of information” between the Mayor’s Housing Task Force and the CVHS. Taft told the Pioneer that he meant information is flowing in one direction well, but not in both directions. “There is really good communication from the CVHS,” said Taft. “The lack of communication is on the side of the District of Invermere and the task force.”
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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
SECURITY Est. 2005
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DECEMBER 14, 2023
REPORT
Invermere & Surrounding Areas
Sgt. Ed deJong Columbia Valley RCMP This past week from December 4 to 11 the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 71 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to: On December 9 police received two calls reporting the complainant’s vehicles being rummaged through and items taken in Fairmont Hot Springs. Both vehicles had been left unlocked. These thefts are easily
preventable by locking your vehicles and not leaving valuables inside. Members responded to 17 motor vehicle collisions, seven additional driving complaint files, and three files involving animals being injured on the side of the road. With the significant snowfall in the valley this week, the roads have been treacherous at times. If you are travelling on our highways, please slow down and drive according to conditions.
A Big Shoutout! The Kinsmen Club of Windermere Valley President, James Wier presents Pat Cope, Executive Director of Family Dynamix with a $1,000 donation to support their programs and services in the community.
Exciting news from Fairmont Hot Springs Resort! Our Mother’s Day walk and 50/50 draw at our spring staff BBQ raised an incredible $700 for the Columbia Valley Women’s Information and Safe House Program, a program of Family Dynamix Association. A heartfelt thank you to our amazing community and staff! Save the date for our 2024 Mother’s Day Walk on May 11— let’s make it even more impactful together. Your support makes a difference!
The Columbia Valley
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The investigation into the death of a local pilot whose plane crashed near Brisco last month continues. Columbia Valley Search and Rescue and the Royal Canadian Air Force searched through the night on November 24 before the crash scene was located the next day. Photo CVSAR
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DECEMBER 14, 2023
THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
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Canal Flats tackles big infrastructure projects By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The Village of Canal Flats has several big infrastructure projects in the works in the near future. Water system upgrades are the most pressing priority, but the village is also working on dike upgrades and is planning for a new fire hall. “We have an aging well and population growth in the village,” Canal Flats chief administrative officer Richard Wayken explained to the Pioneer, speaking about the need for water system upgrades. He also pointed out the village has about 1.5 kilometres of failing water pipes. Canal Flats had a population of 800 in the 2021 national census, a big jump (17.5 per cent increase) from a population of 660 in the 2016 census. Aging water system infrastructure in addition to a growing population (i.e. more people using the water system) means “we are not getting the water flow we need to. That is an issue,” said Wayken. If municipal water flow levels are too low it can affect firefighters’ ability to battle any blazes in the village. An exact cost for the upgrades is not yet clear, but Wayken roughly estimated that it would be in the $5 million-plus range. The dike in Canal Flats protects the village from flooding from the Kootenay River. The project to improve it has been divided into two phases. Work on phase one began some time ago and involved raising the height of the dike and widening it so that it offers adequate protection for a onein-200 year flood event. The final 300 metres of dike was on private land, and so had to be transferred to village ownership. That’s been done, and the last bit of work on improving it will be completed this spring. Phase two of the dike project involves upgrades to the village’s sewer
lagoons, which have not had any major upgrades for decades. Construction for phase two will likely begin this spring. “It’s a major achievement for us in terms of infrastructure,” said Wayken. Phase one of the dike upgrades cost $1. 7 million and the second phase carries a similar price tag, explained Wayken. A federal government grant is covering $1.2 million of phase two and village staff and council are working on ways to fund the remaining $500,000 without creating too much of a burden on Canal Flats taxpayers. “The mayor is trying to highlight the importance of this dike to the whole Columbia Valley,” said Wayken, noting that if the dike were to fail “it’s going to affect everyone downstream.” At one point, logs were floated down the Kootenay River almost right to the old Canal Flats sawmill. The dike, which is on the south side of the village boundary, along the river, was originally constructed more than 50 years ago to help protect the mill. Canal Flats also hopes to build a new fire hall. “It’s not so much that the fire hall is at the end of its life as it is that fire equipment and trucks keep getting bigger and bigger,” said Wayken. Currently the village keeps an ambulance, three fire trucks and one support unit (for firefighting) in the fire hall. One of the fire trucks will soon need to be replaced, and a new one simply will not be able to fit in the hall, noted Wayken. The village also does not have a training space for its firefighters, nor does its public works crew have adequate indoor space “so what we are looking at is a joint public works building and fire hall,” said Wayken. The new fire hall/public works building is very much in preliminary stages, and as such there is no timeline or cost attached to the project yet. But that should become clearer as Canal Flats moves through its 2024 budget
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process, explained Wayken. He emphasized repeatedly that the village is also very focused on creating a financial plan and sustainable asset management plan that finds grants and
other sources of funding for these projects beyond Canal Flats taxpayers. “We just can’t put all that burden on taxpayers,” said Wayken. “The municipality can do better.”
Canal Flats has some significant infrastructure projects in the works: water system upgrades, phase two of dike upgrades, and a new fire hall/public works building. PHOTO RYAN WATMOUGH
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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
DECEMBER 14, 2023
PERSPECTIVE
Illegal dumping blight on earth “Plink . . . plink.” The shots from their Daisy airguns rang out as ‘Bo’ and Tim strategically picked out some old soup cans in a pile of junk dumped next to the river where they often fished for trout. At the age of 15, Bo didn’t realize (or care) that it was an illegal dumpsite, but he did wonder why someone did that. However, the thought immediately vanished as he let out a whoop upon obliterating the top of a pop bottle with another well-aimed shot. That dumpsite remained there for decades, and who knows what or how many contaminants found their way into the surrounding ecosystem. Bo, now a grown man, shakes his head at the countless illegal dumping sites in the province. What a disgraceful blight on the landscape. What an affront to the environment, whittled away by irresponsible people. The audacity that some individuals show towards our ecology is shameful. Landfills were created for a reason – to deal with our waste responsibly. And while tipping fees can be a turnoff, they are necessary to maintain these operations. In the old days you could dump anything for free and take home any items you found – record players (that still worked), old toys, magazines and furniture. You just had to keep your eye out for the black bears that were lining up for the smorgasbord. Sadly, illegal dumping has become more of a problem in Canada, even right here in the Columbia Valley. For example, Toby Benches and north along the unpaved section of Westside Road. Recently someone dumped a pile of mechanical gear, garage waste, old plastic tarps and car batteries; an act of blatant disrespect in our community. But you never know who’s watching. In one documented case of illegal dumping in the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, a resident reported that someone dumped a pile of garbage in a rural area. A bylaw enforcement officer had the gumption to open the bags and go through them like a hungry pack rat. Bingo! He found bills and invoices leading him straight to the culprit. In the end, the perpetrator had to come back to the site and clean up his mess. Embarrassing or what! Bo hasn’t picked up an airgun since he was a kid. Instead, he picks up beer cans on the side of the road because that’s his recycling money, and it’s good for the environment. Bo is also cheap. He’s got an old mattress in his backyard with a bulls-eye drawn on it – great for archery practice. Yes, it’s a bit unsightly, but he plans to recycle the mattress when the city’s bulky item collection day rolls around. It’s all good. Any illegal dumping on Crown land should be reported to 1-877-952-7277. Be good to Mother Earth and she will be good to you. Lyonel Doherty, editor
Historical Lens
Robin Charles Hickson and John Trachsel from Wilder Brothers Lumber Co. loading logs in Fairmont Hot Springs in 1951. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE WINDERMERE AND DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Painters rejoice in democracy Democracy prevailed at the Columbia Valley Arts Council annual general meeting. An impressive and civil gathering elected a board which will focus on representing the well-being of our diverse and talented arts community. Thank you to Councillor Grant Kelly and Mayor Al Miller for hearing first hand that Pynelogs, which was
(is) in jeopardy, will become our home again. Now it is up to the rest of us to step up and be the support team. Many hands make light work. Victoria Page, Purcell Mountain Painters, Windermere
Watch your overconsumption The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is asking for residents to consider the environmental impacts of overconsumption as we head toward the holiday season. The generosity and spirit of the season can often go hand in hand with a great deal of waste. Making small changes like using reusable products for gift-giving, gifting an experience instead of a physical gift, and investing in rechargeable batteries are all examples of things that will cut down the amount of waste being produced. For those products that need to be recycled after use, it's important to know that the Recycle BC system offers the most options for recycling and is totally separate from the yellow bin system, which takes far fewer items and costs far more.
The curbside program in Invermere is currently not part of the Recycle BC program, so they only accept the same materials as the yellow bins. The days surrounding Christmas will be the busiest days of the year at area transfer stations and landfills. While our contractors will be doing their best to keep up, if everyone tries to drop off garbage or recycling on December 26, bins will fill faster than they can be serviced. Please try to space out your visits to our facilities and have patience. If you arrive and bins are full, please take your materials with you and plan to come back another day. A Holiday Recycling Guide and holiday hours can be found at engage.rdek.bc.ca/recycle. Regional District of East Kootenay
The Columbia Valley
CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013
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DECEMBER 14, 2023
THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
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New emergency act concerns RDEK staff Columbia Valley Pioneer staff The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has “significant concerns” about the potential impacts of the province’s new Emergency and Disaster Management Act (EDMA). Last week protective services manager Christina Carbrey presented a report that outlined proposed changes and expected challenges that the RDEK will face when the regulations come into effect in 2024. “There are significant concerns around the increase in responsibilities, requirements, and expectations that are being placed on local governments,” Carbrey said in her report. “Based on the new legislation, the East Kootenay Emergency Management Program will require additional resources (funding and staff ) in order to meet the new obligations.” The provincial government plans to replace the existing Emergency Program Act with a new set of rules that regional districts will have to follow. Carbrey said the new legislation will require local governments to identify all reasonably foreseeable hazards, and to assess the risk posed by each hazard as well as the potential impacts in the event of an emergency. Carbrey noted the repealed Emergency Program Act was focused primarily on response, which “did not adequately meet the needs of cascading emergencies of the 21st century.” While the new legislation brings forth many necessary changes, RDEK staff and other local authorities, including First Nations, have significant concerns about the increase in their responsibilities, Carbrey pointed out. She said EDMA was tailored for municipalities, not regional districts when you consider risk assessments and emergency management plans. “Given the immense geographic scale and unique mandates of regional districts, this will be a significant challenge.” Carbrey stated the new act will have new requirements specific to mitigation and risk identification, adding that municipalities have more flexibility and leeway to spend money in these circumstances. The manager also said there will be some confusion about risk assessment requirements since most of the RDEK is unsurveyed Crown land. She stated the act defines new emergencies including terrorism, rioting and security threats, and because regional districts don’t have direct control over law enforcement, the role of the RDEK will be unclear. Carbrey added that local authorities will now have the power to control and restrict business activities
Happy Holidays! Our office will be closing for the holidays on December 22 and re-opening January 2, 2024
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and events during a state of local emergency, which could lead to contentious situations. “For instance, public pressure for a regional district to cancel a large outdoor event during a wildfire season if there is a perceived risk.” The other concern is the significant amount of staff time required to undertake a high level of consultation and coordination that the new regulations call for. In addition, business continuity plans will be required to address essential services during an emergency, she pointed out. Carbrey said the new act also outlines support for
vulnerable populations as well as animals (with the definition now broadened to include pets). “This is not a realistic expectation for regional districts to handle across a large geographic area.” She informed the board that livestock relocation is already a labour-intensive task for the RDEK during emergencies; adding domestic animals to the mix will exacerbate this onerous process. Carbrey said staff strongly recommend the province create two local authority regulations under the new act – one for municipalities, one for regional districts.
Make Your Mountain Home Dream a Reality! Purchase one of our homes currently under construction, or choose one of our beautiful Pineridge lots and the plan that fits your lifestyle! from the $600s Stop by our Sales Centre we would love to meet you. 21, 1904 Pineridge Mtn Link, Invermere 9am – 5pm Tuesday through Sunday We are also happy to meet at a time that works for you, either at the Sales Center in Invermere or our design centre in Calgary.
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Call Marguerite Nelson 403-369-3000 for information
403-369-3000 877-578-4493 pineridgemountain.ca The Columbia Valley
PIONEER NEWSPAPER
DEVELOPING LIFESTYLES FOR HALF A CENTURY
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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
DECEMBER 14, 2023
Kootenay River Ranch grows a bit larger By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com A conservation area in the south end of the Columbia Valley has just grown a little larger. The Nature Conservancy of Canada recently purchased a 129-hectare property that includes part of the shoreline of Larsen Lake. The property will be managed as part of a complex of conservation properties south of Canal Flats collectively known as the Kootenay River Ranch Conservation Area. The owner of the 129 hectares had hoped to create a nature retreat on the property. When it proved too difficult to fulfill that dream, the owner was happy to instead see it become a conservation area, said Nature Conservancy of Canada Canadian Rockies program director Richard Klafki. The new addition to Kootenay River Ranch is a mix of forest (larch, aspen, Douglas Fir), grassland and even some small wetland areas. It has particular value for conservation since it is part of the valley bottom and much of the valley bottom land in the Columbia Valley (and indeed the entire Rocky Mountain Trench) is already developed. “It adds to connectivity,” said Klafki, creating linkages and wildlife corridors that a wide range of animals use
to traverse from one habitat to another. Grizzly bears are just one species that use the area as a corridor, Klafki told the Pioneer, adding there have been grizzly tracks in the snow this October and in the mud this September on the Larsen Lake property. The 129 hectares is used as winter range by ungulates such as moose, elk and mule and white-tail deer, and is home to endangered American badgers. The wetlands on it are habitat for migratory waterfowl, fish, amphibians, as well as bats. The property also has substantial songbird habitat. The Larsen Lake property is surrounded by Crown land “so there is no development pressure,” said Klafki. Residents in the Skookumchuck and Premier Lake area use Larsen Lake for recreation, including hiking and, in the winter, cross country skiing, and they will continue to be able to do so on the Nature Conservancy’s new land – the entire Kootenay River Ranch conservation complex is open to the public for walking and nature appreciation. With the addition of the Larsen Lake property, the Kootenay River Ranch conservation complex is now 1,644 hectares in size. The conservation area began in 2004 when the Nature Conservancy of Canada purchased 1,255 hectares. It expanded significantly in 2020, with the addition of 260 hectares.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada recently purchased a 129-hectare property that includes part of the shoreline of Larsen Lake. The property will be managed as part of a complex of conservation properties south of Canal Flats. PHOTO NICK NAULT
HEY H Happy Holidays l
from all of us at Columbia Basin Trust. Request your FREE 2024 #basinlife calendar at ourtrust.org/calendar or 1.800.505.8998.
Scan Me
BABY!
Did you welcome a new addition to your family in 2023? Show off your little bundle of joy in the January 25th edition of The Columbia Valley Pioneer! Simply submit a high resolution photo of your baby (or grandbaby, niece, nephew...) along with the child’s full name, date of birth, weight at birth, parents’ names and a fun fact about the child. The cost is $34.99+tax. Deadline for submissions is Friday, January 19.
The Columbia Valley
!
PIONEER NEWSPAPER
DECEMBER 14, 2023
THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
9
The excitement returns for another winter as members of the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club and other nordic ski clubs across the East Kootenay participate in a season-opening camp at Panorama Mountain Resort. PHOTO GEOFFERY RICHARDS
Toby Creekers start nordic ski season By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Members of the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club hosted another successful high-altitude early season camp at Panorama Mountain Resort recently. The camp was held over three days from Friday, Nov. 24 to Sunday, Nov. 26 and drew 20 young nordic skiers from the Columbia Valley and from other East Kootenay nordic ski clubs. Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club member Lyle Wilson, who coached at the camp, told the Pioneer that the snow conditions were challenging, but that the young skiers made the most of it and had a blast. This year was the fourth edition of the annual camp. In previous years the nordic skiers had been able to ski at very high altitude on tracks set along the ridge extending from Panorama’s summit. Isothermic snow at the summit in late November meant the groomer was going through the snow right down to the rocks below and so couldn’t set tracks there, explained Wilson. Instead, the camp took place on mostly manmade snow near the base area, close to the Poma lift. “The snow conditions made for some difficult skiing, but the camp was
fun. The kids had a great time and some of them really developed their skills,” said Wilson. “Most of the time was spent on skate skiing, but there were relays, games and a wax clinic. The level of activity was high.” Saturday night the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club organized a spaghetti dinner at the Columbia Valley Centre in Invermere for camp attendees. The camp initially was just for the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club, but in 2022 it was expanded to a regional camp for other East Kootenay nordic clubs, and drew 40 to 45 kids. The drop in participant numbers this year was reflective of the snow conditions when the camp was held, surmised Wilson. There were several coaches at the camp from the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club, one from the Kimberley Nordic Ski Club, and Cross Country B.C. (CCBC) development squad head coach Adam Elliot. The nonprofit Toby Creek club’s well known youth programs are set to start in the new year. But Wilson and fellow club member Candace Bruins also drew attention to the club’s adult ski program. The adult program is still relatively new, having begun in 2021. This year the adult program will include three groups at three different levels: Starters (for those new to nordic
REACH OUT
skiing or just returning to it after a long absence); Intermediate (for those with a few years of nordic experience beneath their skis); and Loppet Ready (which focuses on loppet race training at a masters level, with drills, race techniques,
Thank You While there are too many amazing sponsors to list, your generous contributions allowed us to make the season a little brighter for families this year. The continued support from valley businesses, visitors, fulltime residents and part-time residents is overwhelming and received with heartfelt gratitude. A huge Thank You to all those who helped fund us this year and to all the volunteers at the Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley. For more informartion contact us at:
info@christmasbureaucv.ca
I am working for you!
www.DougClovechok.ca
and encouraged participation in the club loppet at the end of January and the Golden Loppet in February). For more information check out tobycreeknordic.com.
1-844-432-2300
doug.clovechok.mla@leg.bc.ca As your MLA I am listening to what matters most to the people of Columbia River-Revelstoke
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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
DECEMBER 14, 2023
OUT OF OFFICE…
DECEMBER 14, 2023
THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
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Thursday, December 14
Saturday, December 16
Monday, December 18
• 7:00pm-9:00pm: State of the Snowpack. Ullr Bar, Connecting our local community with leading avalanche forecasters to bring awareness of the current snowpack and learn more to stay safe. Nightly Door Prizes & Entry for Grand Prize • 10:30am-11:30am: Senior’s Fitness Columbia Valley Centre, $2 dropin. • 11:30am-12:00pm: Little Lambs Radium Public Library. Join us for songs, rhymes, and stories with your babies! No registration required. • 6:45pm: Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Invermere Legion. $30 buy-in. • 7:30pm: Trivia Night Windermere Whitehouse Pub.
• 11:00am-12:00pm: Holiday Craft & Santa Visit. Radium Hot Springs Public Library. Join us for a festive craft and Santa visit! Craft/activity- ages 5+, Santa visit- all ages. • 11:00am-5:00pm: Holiday Market. Pynelogs Cultural Centre. Arts, Crafts and Food! • 5:30pm-9:00pm: Groundswell – Garden of Lights. Groundswell Community Greenhouse. Bring your children, family and friends to an evening of music, lights, food and friends!! Dress in Whoville outfits to add to the fun! Secure your tickets online at: https:// groundswellnetwork.ca/ or cash tickets at The Brick in Invermere! • 10:30am-11:00am: Family Storytime. Invermere Public Library. Join us weekly on Fridays and/or Saturdays for Family Storytime at the library! With stories, songs & a craft. Geared towards preschool age (2-5) but all welcome. • 11:00am-12:30pm: LEGO/Duplo Club Invermere Public Library. We'll have Lego, Duplo, big blocks & more out to play with on Saturday mornings! All ages welcome. • 2:00pm-4:00pm: Buddy Reading. Invermere Public Library. Book a one-on-one 30 minute reading session to practice reading aloud! Build skill, confidence, and a love of reading. Contact us to book a 30 minute session between 2-4 pm on Saturdays at the library. All reading abilities welcome. publiclibrary@invermere.net • 6:30pm: Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion! Members and guests welcome!
• 10:00am-11:00am: Senior's Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, Invermere. $2 drop in, open to all seniors. • 6:30pm: Poker (Chip up for Charity). The Station Pub $20 buy-in. Every Monday.
Sunday, December 17
• 10:00am-11:00am: Senior's Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, $2 dropin. • 11:30am-12:00pm: Story Time. Radium Public Library - preschool & all ages. • 2:00pm-3:30pm: Wholesome Hobbies. Radium Public Library. Every third Wednesday join us for a rotating series of projects and activities for adults 50+. This week is‘Make Your Own Book Page Tree’. Registration required and limited. • 3:00pm-4:30pm: After School Club. Invermere Public Library. A window of transition time between school and home or extracurriculars. Come colour, bead, play with LEGO and catch up with friends! Open to all school-aged kids and teens. Drop-off allowed for Grade 2 students and up. Younger kids are welcome with a grown-up. Please bring your own snacks! Register. https://invermere.bc.libraries. coop/ • 6:00pm-9:00pm: Wednesday Dinners & Meat Draw & 50/50
Friday, December 15 • 2:00pm-7:00pm: Holiday Market. Pynelogs Cultural Centre. Arts, Crafts and Food! • 5:00pm-8:00pm: Downtown Invermere Last Minute Late Night. Invermere businesses are offering an evening shopping experience. Many stores will be open until 8pm this evening for your last minute Christmas shopping. This promises to be a fun Friday night on the town! • 5:30pm-9:00pm: Groundswell – Garden of Lights. Groundswell Community Greenhouse. Bring your children, family and friends to an evening of music, lights, food and friends!! Dress in Whoville outfits to add to the fun! Secure your tickets online at: https:// groundswellnetwork.ca/ or cash tickets at The Brick in Invermere! • 10:30am-11:00am: Family Storytime. Invermere Public Library. Join us weekly on Fridays and/or Saturdays for Family Storytime at the library! With stories, songs & a craft. Geared towards preschool age (2-5) but all welcome. • 2:00pm-3:00pm: Friday Funday. Invermere Public Library. STEAM day: Open-ended play with Ozobots, Dash bots and other fun tech. Drop-in programming. Drop-off for ages 7+. Younger children are more than welcome to join with a grown-up. • 2:00pm-3:45pm: Wild Woolies: Radium Public Library. Join our fibre arts circle! Everyone and every skill level welcome. No registration required. • 6:30pm - close: Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion! Members and guests welcome!
• 5:00pm-7:00pm: Herb of the Month Club Circle Market & Café. A gathering of hobby herbalists, plant lovers and wildcrafters. Share and learn together about a different herbal ally each month. Crafted take-homes, recipes, tea and snack provided. Bring your enthusiasm, journal + favourite mug. Sign up for the Fall class series along the sliding scale $55-$77 Contact Laura to save your spot: email plantsandposes@gmail.com • 2:00pm: Cards, Cribbage and Darts Come to the Legion and have some fun! Members and guests welcome. • 7:00pm: Live Music Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery. Accompanied minors are permitted. No cover.
Tuesday, December 19 • 9:30am-10:30am: Parent Tot Yoga. Mountain Home Yoga. Wellrounded yoga practice and play. Follow along, or attend to your child, no pressure to participate (this grace is extended to your instructor Laura and her daughter Winnie too!) Here we invite the littlest of us to learn mindfulness, loving-kindness and compassion, while practicing breath and playing with postures. All ages welcome! • 10:30am-11:30am: Homeschool Meetup. Invermere Public Library. Drop-in, all-ages programming with open-ended STEAM play, group activities and art projects. A chance for homeschool kids and families to get together! Please contact us to get on the Homeschool email list to stay up to date and see what extended programs are coming up. • 10:30am-11:30am: Senior's Fitness Columbia Valley Centre. $2 drop-in. • 7:00pm: Ullr Presents: Musical Bingo with Tim Richards. Ullr Bar. Every Tuesday - $5 per card.
•
Wednesday, December 20
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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
DECEMBER 14, 2023
Ktunaxa First Nation responds to lawsuit By Julia Magsombol Local Journalism Initiative julia@columbiavalleypioneer.com Last month Ktunaxa First Nation responded to Taranis Resources Inc’s lawsuit regarding the Thor copper project near Trout Lake in Ktunaxa’s traditional territory northeast of Nakusp. “The best way for British Columbia to ensure Ktunaxa rights are protected is to receive our free prior and informed consent, which, in this case, has not been provided,” said nasu?kin Jason Louie of yaqan nu?kiy (Lower Kootenay Band). Taranis is asking the court to force the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation (EMLI) to make a decision on its August 2022 application for the exploration program north of Trout Lake.
Taranis believes that First Nation consultation is holding things up, and so they filed a lawsuit in B.C. Supreme Court. Ktunaxa First Nation first learned of the new exploration program in January 2023 and discovered major concerns regarding the land. They stated the project has impacts on archaeological values, old-growth forests, and species at risk, such as mountain caribou, grizzly bear, and whitebark pine. There are also significant concerns around water quality. yaqan nu?kiy said their traditional lands are under “increasing development pressure without being provided any time for Ktunaxa people to develop a Ktunaxa-led vision and plan for the area.” They disagreed that Taranis’ application had been subject to unreasonable delay.
“Consultation must include the possibility of denial, or it isn’t meaningful consultation,” said nasu?kin Louie. “And ‘no’ is a valid outcome of consultation.” He added that, “It looks like Taranis wants to cut off our voice and ability to represent and protect our Indigenous title and rights. But the Crown has the duty to consult and, more importantly, the fiduciary duty to protect Aboriginal rights as per Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution. Taranis’ desire to fast track this project can’t trump our constitutionally protected Aboriginal rights. We are duty-bound to the Creator to ensure respectful stewardship of our homelands, and this is our focus.” nasu?kin Louie said he will watch and wait for any developments in the case. For more information, read https://www.ktunaxa. org/consultation-has-a-purpose-nation-says/
Nominations open for reconciliation award By Julia Magsombol Local Journalism Initiative julia@columbiavalleypioneer.com The BC Achievement Foundation has announced the 2024 Call for Nominations for the BC Reconciliation Award. The award recognizes individuals, groups and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership, respect, and commitment to furthering truth and reconciliation in British Columbia. The nomination period is open until January 31, 2024. "Every year we launch nominations for the BC Reconciliation Award. I grow increasingly grateful for the opportunity to witness the exceptional ways in which individuals and organizations in British Columbia advance reconciliation," said Janet Austin, the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. "It takes creativity, intelligence, but most impor-
tantly, it takes courage to acknowledge the injustices of the past and present and courage to mend those wounds. I look forward to seeing this courage reflected in the 2024 nominations." Austin has made reconciliation one of the key themes of her mandate. The award was inspired from the work of Steven Point, the 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, who is also a founder of the award program. His hand-carved red cedar canoe, Shxwtitostel, is currently on display at the BC Legislature buildings. It was created to symbolize reconciliation, with the understanding that "we are all in the same canoe" and must "paddle together" to move forward. The BC Achievement Foundation has several established programs celebrating Indigenous business and First Nations art. "The ability to use recognition to
further reconciliation stems from the foundation's goals to adhere to the principles of truth and reconciliation," said the BC Achievement Foundation. This award inspired the BC Achievement Foundation because recognition builds connected communities. The foundation shared that recognition generates interest and curiosity about reconciliation and provides real-life examples how many of us can further our journey there. "I hope this recognition continues to inspire positive change and strengthens the bonds of reconciliation in our province,” said Chief/Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir, former recipient and 2023 selection committee member. “As a juror and past recipient of the BC Reconciliation Award, I am humbled and honoured to witness and be a part of the transformative power of reconciliation efforts in British Columbia and encourage you to
nominate those who are making a difference; change is transformative and we all must do our part," she said. The BC Achievement Foundation sees the nomination and recognition process as a collaboration and the beginning of a strong, meaningful relationship with Indigenous people. "Reconciliation serves as the foundation for forging meaningful connections and closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Through acknowledging historical injustices and highlighting transformative initiatives, we inspire others to follow a similar path," said Cloy-e-iis, Judith Sayers, board member of the BC Achievement Foundation. Visit the BC Achievement Foundation website at https://www.bcachievement.com/award/br itish-colum bia-reconciliation- award-2023.
CCAB gets funding to support entrepreneurs By Julia Magsombol Local Journalism Initiative julia@columbiavalleypioneer.com The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) is celebrating another win for Indigenous entrepreneurs. The CCAB has reported that funding from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is supporting Indigenous procurement. "We are very proud of the momentum this program and the marketplace have achieved," said Philip Ducharme, vice president of Procurement and Entrepreneurship at CCAB. Last month the Pioneer talked to Matthew Foss, the vice president of Research and Public Policy for CCAB. He noted that despite many successful Indigenous businesses in Canada, some of them face challenges.
Foss said there is little information about Indigenous entrepreneurs and the importance of a prosperous Indigenous economy and how this supports Canada's overall economy. "I think that hurts their opportunities with respect to export and trade," Foss said. For more information on this, read: https://www.columbiavalleypioneer. com/ccab-releases-report-on-indigenous-businesses/ Foss believes in Indigenous businesses and wants to see them thrive and move towards economic reconciliation. In 2018, CCAB launched Supply Change — a comprehensive suite of programs and tools aimed to increase procurement from Indigenous businesses in the supply chains of Corporate Canada. It consists of several programs and services, including research, ad-
vocacy, education, certification and an Indigenous Procurement Marketplace. Over the six years, Supply Change has grown and includes 1,300 certified First Nation, Métis and Inuit businesses. With the ISC’s plans to support CCAB's continued and long-standing Indigenous procurement, by investing more than $3.4 million through multiyear funding, the Indigenous business's supply chain grows more. It also opens more opportunities for Indigenous individuals. "Through Supply Change, CCAB continues to advocate for Indigenous businesses, work with all levels of government and corporate Canada to make their supply chains more inclusive of Indigenous businesses and through the marketplace to provide a platform for Indigenous businesses to connect with buyers," says CCAB president and CEO
Tabatha Bull. "We are very appreciative of this investment from Indigenous Services Canada, and believe it demonstrates that Supply Change has gained the trust and respect of the federal government in advancing Indigenous procurement and equity for Indigenous businesses." Bull added. According to a press release, one of the main goals of the funding is to "eliminate barriers Indigenous businesses face when engaging in corporate and government supply chains." For more information, visit https:// w w w . c c a b. c o m / c a n a d i a n - c o u n c i l - f o r- a b o r i g i n a l - b u s i n e s s - a n nounces-a-more-than-3-4-mill i o n - m u l t i - y e a r- f u n d i n g - a g r e e ment-with-indigenous-services-canada/
DECEMBER 14, 2023
THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
Increase the
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Decrease the waste
Wrap Smart this Season
Some of us are experts at wrapping holiday gifts… and some of us need a little help. However you’re getting your Christmas wrapping done this year, take a moment to think about what happens to those ribbons, bows and paper after the gift is received and choose options that can be reused or recycled. If you receive gifts with ribbons and bows that can’t be recycled, consider hanging on to them to reuse throughout the year.
Reduce
Reuse If Reuse each person
Canadians use
6 MILLION
reused two feet of ribbon this Christmas it would have save 61,000 kms of ribbon.
rolls of tape
to wrap up Christmas presents every year.
Each year Canadians generate over 540,000 tonnes of waste from gift wrap, gift bags and shopping bags. Let the lights do the shining this holiday season and skip any giftwrap that may contain metallic or plastic materials as they can’t be recycled. Wrap gifts using old flyers, a festive tea towel, or a fabric bag. If you need to buy new, make sure the paper can be recycled and skip or reuse plastic ribbon and bows.
Give your batteries a new life Between the toys, decorations, appliances, and electronics, it’s hard to make it through the holidays without using a whole bunch of batteries. Each year billions of batteries end up in landfills, where toxic metals could enter the waste stream and possibly harm our environment. Alkaline and rechargeable batteries are recyclable. When batteries are recycled, valuable metals can be recovered and used in new products such as silverware, pots and pans, new batteries, and even golf clubs. Do your part, recycle your used batteries. Your batteries have worked hard for you, give them the chance at the second life they deserve. There are numerous drop off locations in all major centres in the RDEK. To find a location near you, visit: www.call2recycle.ca
Styrofoam: from packaging to park benches After you’ve unwrapped those delicate gadgets or cleaned up after getting take-out from your favourite restaurant you may find a stack of styrofoam staring you down. Approximately 80% of styrofoam in Canada ends up in landfills. No longer do you need to stuff a garbage bag until it is overflowing, just take it all down to your nearest Recycle BC depot. After you have dropped off the styrofoam from packages and rinsed out take-out containers it is taken to processing facility in the Lower Mainland and will eventually be turned into products like park banches, crown molding and picture frames.
HOLIDAY HOURS COLUMBIA VALLEY RDEK OFFICE 1164 Windermere Loop Rd
CRANBROOK RDEK OFFICE 19 24th Ave S
Dec 22 Dec 23 – Jan 1
Dec 22 Dec 23 – Jan 1
8:30am – 4:30pm Closed
8:30am – 4:30pm Closed
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COLUMBIA VALLEY LANDFILL 1875 Windermere Loop Rd
Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 26-30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2
Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 26-30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2
8:30am – 3:30pm Closed 8:30am – 5:30pm 8:30am – 3:30pm Closed 8:30am – 5:30pm
learn more
9:00am – 3:30pm Closed 9:00am – 6:00pm 9:00am – 3:30pm Closed 9:00am – 6:00pm
engage.rdek.bc.ca/recycle
14
THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
DECEMBER 14, 2023
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PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER
DECEMBER 14, 2023
SPORTS
THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
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David Thompson Secondary School is hosting a senior boys and girls basketball tournament on Dec 15-16, when the community is encouraged to come out and support the home teams. The senior boys Lakers finished second at a recent tournament in Golden. The boys play this Friday at 12:45 p.m., with two games to follow on Saturday at 10:15 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. The girls play on Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 8:30 a.m and 7 p.m. PHOTO SUBMITTED
BEYOND
THE BLUE LINE
By Stephanie Stevens The Columbia Valley Rockies had a bittersweet weekend December 8 and 9. The hometown boys hosted the North Okanagan Kings on Friday, Dec. 8 and the Beaver Valley Nitehawks Saturday in the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena. Friday’s game was a 4-3 overtime win for the Rockies, with Kobe Mason opening up the scoring early in the first period (assists from Kyran Gromnisky and Teo Fath). After a dry second period, Jamieson Franz got things back on track in the third (assist from Carter Velker) and Kaelan Shelton tied up the game to take them into overtime. Gromnisky scored the winning goal with assists from Danny Schmirler and goaltender Jaiden Jakubowski. “We did a good job staying in the game and finding a way to battle out a win with a couple of injuries popping up throughout the game,” said head
coach Tayler Sincennes. “Saturday was disappointing after an emotional Friday night win to fall flat against a good hockey team.” The disappointment came in the form of a 4-1 loss to Beaver Valley, but there was an element of sweetness in the form of Invermere’s own Paddy Donahue getting his first Kootenay International Junior Hockey League goal (assists from Ellis Mcgeough and Velker). “It was super awesome to see Paddy get his first goal,” said associate coach Tucker Braund. “He’s worked so hard last year and this year where now he’s a top D (defenseman) on our team. Last year he was really pushing to score and now he’s settled in and it caught us by surprise. He’s going to start scoring more often now, the door is open and he’s got that feeling. He told me after though he would trade it for a win. He really wants to do something exciting with this team for the community.” Assistant coach Tanner Wit said while it didn’t feel like the team was at
its best last weekend, Donahue’s goal was a highlight. “It was pretty cool to watch the group rally around Paddy after scoring a long time overdue goal,” said Wit, adding they were going to take the lessons they learned at the Saturday game and look to finish up the last weekend before Christmas break on a better note. “The weekend as a whole felt incomplete to me,” added Braund. “We
are working on finding that consistency, working as a team, fighting through the stormy moments and finding the sun on the other side. We have to understand it’s not going to be easy, but it’s a lot easier when we work together as a team.” The Rockies have three away games on Dec. 15, 16 and then on Dec. 30 before counting down to the new year in a New Year’s Eve tilt with the Creston Valley Thundercats at the Eddie.
Rockies #28 Paddy Donahue is celebrated by his teammates after scoring his first KIJHL goal last weekend. PHOTO STEPHANIE STEVENS
PIONEER CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS
16
THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
250-341-6299 250-341-6299 250-341-6299
info@columbiavalleypioneer.com info@columbiavalleypioneer.com info@columbiavalleypioneer.com ANNOUNCEMENTS
OBITUARY
Simmonds
John Richard Denis
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of John (Rick/Ricco) Richard Denis Simmonds on December. 2nd, 2023 in Radium, BC at the age of 57. Rick will be lovingly remembered by his partner Ivy Lee, Children: Jesse Simmonds (Grandchild Harmony) and Kaylee Evans. Siblings: Harvey, Rusty, Gloria, Phyllis-Ann, and Bernadine as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family. Rick was predeceased by his parents John and Mary as well as his brothers Greg and Bruce. Rick was born on April. 18, 1966 in ValleyView, Alberta. The family moved to the Columbia Valley in 1976. His love of cooking began early on following in his father’s footsteps. He has been a well known chef in many restaurants, golf courses and resorts throughout the Valley. In 2005, he met the love of his life Ivy. They opened Riko’s Radium Family Restaurant in 2013 which was his dream.
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. Alcoholics Anonymous. If alcohol is causing problems or con ict in your life, AA can help. All meetings are at 7 p.m. Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the BC Service Building, South End – 624 4th St., Invermere. Please call 250342-2424 for more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship. Narcotics Anonymous Open Meeting Mondays 7 p.m. at the BC Service Building, South End. 624-4th St. Invermere.
OBITUARY
DECEMBER 14, 2023
www.columbiavalleypioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com CHEERS
Happy to be Back! Providing real estate services for Buyers & Sellers!
Connect with Gerry for honest advice! cell 250-341-1202 gerry@gerrytaft.ca
A big shout-out to Gerry Taft for making his moving truck available to solve my problem and generously re-directing rental payment to support local charities!
CHEERS
CHEERS
Cheers to Barbara Thrasher and her team of volunteers for all the hard work organizing the Garden of Lights display. Cheers to Gemstones Salon for the great ladies night. The discounts were great and so were the goodie bags! Cheers to Jeremy at Telus. So efficient and pleasant. We are lucky to have him in our valley.
Never ending cheers to Dave and his daughter that stopped to help me with my broken down car near Vermillion Crossing and gave me a ride back to civilization to Invermere. Cheers to Dave, Brian, Smith’s Finishing, Skookum Electric, and Hidden Bay Plumbing for their exemplary work and services. When our contractor failed to meet his obligations you all came through with integrity and professionalism. Cheers to the phantom midnight plougher of Taynton Road and your young apprentice! What a busy bee. Good man. Cheers to the Valley Voices Choir - what a spectacular Christmas concert! And a big cheers to Conductor Bryant! You bring such inspired leadership for our valley! We are blessed to have you.
Cheers to my friends Lyla and Tim B. for inviting me to tag along on Saturday nights at the Legion. Such a fun time!
Cheers to my neighbor Dan for helping me shovel the driveway. I appreciate you! Loud cheers to Kool Country Towing. You provided a rst class service towing my car from Floe Lake to Invermere.
OBITUARY
Gerald (Gerry) Albert Hope May 13, 1935 - December 7, 2023
Gerry passed d away peacefully f ll at the h age of 88. His heart was broken when his wife Betty of 66 years, passed away on November 14, 2023. Gerry was born in Maidstone, Saskatchewan on May 13, 1935. He and Betty were married May 8, 1957 in Invermere where they raised their daughters Kim and Tammie, as well as son David. Over his lifetime, Gerry worked as a contractor, a mechanic, an electrician and finally he started his own business in trucking and excavating. Gerry played baseball in his younger years, he snowmobiled with his wife and many friends, and also played old timers hockey. Many trips were taken to Hawaii where Gerry and Betty played multiple games of golf - a highlight in his life. He volunteered for several years at the Rockies wood lot where he faithfully worked daily to support the hockey team. Papa will be dearly missed by daughters Kim (Jan), Tammie (Steve), grandchildren Melissa (Jason), Matthew (Leesa), Amanda (Neil), Ashley (Ben), James (Trish), Andrew (Tanya), great-grandchildren Brennen (Shayla), Ayla, Lilie, Isabel, Hunter, Wyatt, Leo, Forest, Rebecca, Jasper, Marcus, Liam, Maisie, sister June (Willie) and nieces Jana (Willie), Mori (Corwin). Gerry was predeceased by his wife Betty, son David, parents Albert and Grace, greatGrandson Gavin. A service for Gerry was held on Wednesday, December 13 at Lake Windermere Alliance Church. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Columbia House through EKFH, in memory of Gerry.
Purschwitz, Achim Julius
August 18, 1938 - November 29, 2023 Achim was born on August 18th, 1938, in Dresden, Germany to Albert and Johanna Purschwitz. He left East Germany to travel the world in 1954, and in 1961 met his future wife, Chizuko, in Cairo, Egypt. They would meet again two years later in Tokyo, Japan, where they were later married and had their first daughter, Anne Marie. They set sail for Canada to start a new life, settling in Radium Hot Springs where their second daughter, Natalie, was born, and where he hosted and entertained countless guests and friends in the family business, the Alte Liebe Restaurant, for more than 40 years. Achim was always an adventurer, travelling throughout Africa and the Middle East in the 1950’s and 60’s, as well as South and Central Asia, the Far East, the South Pacific and Australia climbing mountains and pyramids and making many friends along the way, and later with his family, travelled extensively throughout Mexico and Central America, and many other places. He was rarely seen without a camera in his hands, and his love of the natural world in all of its living colour and wonder was expressed through thousands of stunning photographs. He passed away peacefully on November 29, 2023 in North Saanich, BC. He is survived by his brother, Michael, nephew Frank and family, Karin, Selina and Nico, his brother Manfred, his daughter Natalie and husband Stuart, his daughter Anne Marie, husband Bill and grandchildren, Coco and Tedra, and his beloved wife, Chizuko. He will be dearly missed.
DECEMBER 14, 2023
CHEERS
THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
HOUSES FOR RENT
BUSINESS SERVICES
Cheers to Michael at Marks for For Rent Immediately in B.B.'s Home & Design Services being so patient while I was Fairmont Hot Springs Renovations, Masonry & making a purchase. You found $3000/month incl. electricity Handyman Services, Blinds, exactly what I was looking for 5 bedroms, 3 baths, 2640 sq ft Housechecks, eavestrough/ and I appreciate your efforts. 2 stalls in 3 car garage yard cleaning/dump runs Then to top it all off, you carried Viewing weekly on Wednesdays 250-688-2897 my purchase out to the car to be from noon until Thursdays 2 pm Get-ER-Done Handyman sure I didn't slip on the ice. Talk Call Garry 1-587-796-1857 Landscaping, Asphalt Pads, about great customer service! Christmas Lights set up, PLANTS / SHRUBS / General Contracting, TREES Cleaning Gutters, House Checks WANTED Woodworth Tree Farm Call Ryan 604-346-5087 pop up store Seeking Stories & Memories THE HEARTFELT COMPANION: Douglas r Christmas trees from anyone who may have Services for Seniors Wreaths, swag and garland known/grown up with Since 2014 we've provided Family friendly Victor (Vic) Thygesen. kind and compassionate Friday 1-8 All stories mean more to my non-medical care, Saturday 10-8 husband than you can know! transportation to Cranbrook, Sunday 10-4 Please email 9364 Pinto Rd Juniper Heights overnight care, meal prep, Kristin@remaxinvermere.com to grocery shopping and more. For Sale share, and THANK YOU, SO Excellent local references. MUCH! 250-341-5683 Christmas Trees
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IN MEMORIAM
Gerald (Gerry) Wayne Miller Beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather
June 3rd, 1940 December 14th, 2010
Twelve years since your passing and we continue to be strengthened by your constant love, your wisdom, compassionate support and loving care. Though we miss you every single day, we find joy in the memory of your laughter, rich humour, sense of adventure and twinkle in your eyes. With deep love and fond memories, Bendina, Barb, Mike, Cole and Adam, Pam, Chris and Sam.
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Retired Petty Officer Ray Neratko was presented with a Quilt of Valour at the Invermere Legion on Nov. 29. Neratko faithfully served in the Royal Canadian Navy for seven-plus years. The quilt was made by Tanis Rye and quilted by A woman’s best friend? Lynda Jarrett kisses and cuddles with her dog Gage during a bonding moment. Debbie Donnon, both from Kimberley. PHOTO SUBMITTED PHOTO SUBMITTED
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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
Recycling Questions? BC RECYCLING HOTLINE 604-732-9253 1-800-667-4321
RECYCLING COUNCIL OF B.C. MEMBER
Lillian West Wildland Urban Interface Fuels Reduction Treatment (CS23DRM001)
Wildfire Risk Reduction Project Hand Thinning & Hand Pile Burning Operations
(Ongoing November 2023 - March 2024)
CONTROLLED BURNING - SMOKE IN AREA Partners: Shuswap Band / Wildlands Eco-Forestry / Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Enquiries (Prime Contractor):
Wildlands Eco-Forestry Inc.
Box 723 Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0 250-688-4663 www.wildlands-inc.ca
Christ Church Trinity
a
presents
Celtic Evening of Music
Performances by:
The O’Sullivans with Spring Burke Greg Constable & Carolyn Rogers ...and many more
Christ Church Trinity
110 - 7th Ave, Invermere Sunday, December 17 - 7:00pm
Admission by Donation
DECEMBER 14, 2023
Doug Clovechok, MLA
Columbia River-Revelstoke www.DougClovechok.ca
MLA Minute
Rip-off agreements hurting Since 2018, major infrastructure projects in British Columbia have been subjected to the NDP’s so-called Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs). A ‘true’ CBA is supposed to leverage government spending on public infrastructure projects to obtain additional benefits to a community. These can provide increased employment and skills training, especially for members of groups who may be under-represented or historically disadvantaged. In theory, a reasonable idea. The truth is that the B.C. NDP CBAs are, in practice, project labour agreements or collective bargaining agreements that specify the labour arrangements for a construction project with the goal of resolving labour disputes and avoiding strikes and lockouts. So what, you say? Well, here’s the rub: These CBAs shut out many workers and contractors by only allowing members of 19 labour unions - unions chosen by the B.C. NDP to access government contracts. Simply stated, members of labour unions that are not chosen or workers that are not unionized are completely left out of provincial government infrastructure employment opportunities because Premier David Eby has imposed CBAs on all provincial infrastructure projects. And that isn’t all. CBAs have also led to skyrocketing costs, significant construction delays, and reduced project scope. Despite NDP rhetoric, these
The Columbia Valley
PIONEER NEWSPAPER
agreements are simply preferential treatment given to NDP-friendly unions. Such measures are jeopardizing the progress that we have made toward economic reconciliation. Indigenous workers and construction companies are excluded from projects if they are not members of the NDP’s hand-picked unions. This is what happened at the Cowichan District Hospital, a project that is being built on the lands of the Cowichan First Nations. The owner of an Indigenous construction company, Jon Coleman, is not able to work on the project because his company is not one the Eby chosen few. The project was originally budgeted for between $400 and $600 million but has now ballooned in cost to $1.4 billion. Rather than respecting your tax dollars and the rights of Indigenous contractors to work on projects in their own territory, the NDP notoriously choose their union donors over all others. Here in Columbia River-Revelstoke, our community has been significantly impacted by the CBAs through Phase 4 of the Kicking Horse Canyon project. The first three phases were completed under the former BC Liberal (now BC United) government who were able to deliver the project on budget and ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, Phase 4 was left to the current NDP government who, due primarily to CBAs, drove up costs by $151 million. At a time when
people are struggling from the NDP’s middle-class squeeze, it is more important than ever that projects stay on budget and respect the contributions of B.C. taxpayers. Do you remember the NDP’s 2017 election promise to accelerate the development of four-laning the Trans-Canada Highway? This project has also been subject to the CBAs, driving up construction costs by 24 per cent and shrinking the scope of the project. It is now the end of 2023, and this election promise has been all but forgotten by this government. Imagine the impact that these millions of dollars could have had to help my constituents in Columbia River-Revelstoke with affordability issues, the housing crisis, the healthcare crisis, or the public safety crisis, and so much more. We need a government that will build the projects our province needs while respecting the workforce and the wallets of British Columbians. That’s why a BC United government will never pick winners and losers when it comes to supporting families in this province. We will scrap the NDP’s community rip-off agreements and get real results for British Columbians. I want to hear from you about any concerns you have about this or any other issue. I read every email I receive. Please reach out to me at doug.clovechok.mla@leg. bc.ca or call my office in Kimberley at (250) 432-2300 or Revelstoke at (250) 805-0323.
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DECEMBER 14, 2023
THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
Virtual food drive Submitted by Katrina Chapman With Christmas just around the corner, the notion of giving is top of mind to many. The Columbia Valley Food Bank (CVFB) has launched a Virtual Food Drive (VFD) to make giving easier this holiday season. If you plan to host a Christmas party with friends, family or staff, consider inviting them to bring food bank donations. Posters for your Christmas party fundraiser are available at the food bank in Invermere. Visit https://www.cvfoodbank.ca/virtual-food-drive/ to start your own food bank fundraiser or to donate directly to the CVFB team account. You can donate directly to our VFD team account or start your own VFD to track how much you’ve brought in to support our neighbours in need. All donations over $20 will receive a direct-toemail, automatic tax receipt. Donations can be made at all local grocers in Invermere or the Radium Public Library. To make a donation at
the food bank you can visit us during our donation hours on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon or call Katrina at 250-342-0850 to arrange a time. Hamper distribution hours are 12:30 to 2 p.m Tuesday and Thursday. We will be closed the week of December 23 to 30, except for Thursday, December 28 from 1 to 2 p.m. for hamper distribution. Our thanks go out to this generous community for the donations you continuously provide. Compared to 2022, our client base has increased by almost 15 per cent with a nearly 45 per cent increase in hampers distributed. Your contributions to our work means the world to those we serve, and to the leadership team and volunteers of the Columbia Valley Food Bank. Thank you for helping us continue to achieve our vision of relieving hunger in the Columbia Valley. Happy holidays to all! (Katrina Chapman is the executive director of the Columbia Valley Food Bank.)
Shown are the Chabot family with Columbia Valley Freight and members of the Columbia Valley Rockies hockey team who helped transport food donations back to the food bank. PHOTO SUBMITTED
DISTRICT OF INVERMERE
914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Tel: (250) 342-9281 Fax: (250) 342-2934
PUBLIC NOTICE TRAFFIC PATTERN CHANGES IMPACTING USE OF FORT POINT BRIDGE The District of Invermere is in the process of making changes to the Fort Point Bridge on 4th Avenue (shown on the illustration below). Vehicle traffic will not be permitted within 1.5 metres of the sidewalk, and the bridge will operate with a single lane of traffic only. The changes are recommended in a recent engineering report received following the annual bridge inspection and are needed for public safety until a replacement bridge is constructed. Motorists may continue to use the Fort Point Bridge provided the traffic pattern changes described below are followed: • Motor Vehicles must keep at least 1.5 metres away from the pedestrian sidewalk located on the east side of the bridge. A set of barriers will be placed near the North and South ends of the bridge to help motorists keep motor vehicles near the centre line of the road. • Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 9 tonnes (including towed trailers) on the bridge at any time. • Speed limit of 30 km/hr for all motor vehicles approaching and crossing the bridge. Please pay careful attention to the changes and yield to oncoming traffic when approaching the Fort Point Bridge. The District of Invermere apologizes in advance for any traffic delays or disruptions that these important changes to motor vehicle movements may impose on the public. If you have any questions or concerns about the changes to the movement of motor vehicles over the Fort Point Bridge, please contact the District of Invermere by telephone 250-342-9281 or by email to: info@invermere.net Angela MacLean, P.Eng.
Director of Public Works & Operations
ReDi Grants Open January 2024 ourtrust.org/ReDi
Columbia Basin Trust gratefully operates on the unceded traditional territories of the Ktunaxa, Lheidli T’enneh, Secwépemc, Sinixt and Syilx Nations.
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Andrew Young, MCIP, RPP Chief Administrative Officer
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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER
DECEMBER 14, 2023
FAITH
Churches
The real meaning of Christmas
LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH
By Pastor Wayne Frater Radium Christian Fellowship Church Here it is, only 11 days to Christmas. A couple of weeks ago we celebrated Light Up, Black Friday if you will, which is when the merchants kick off the Christmas season. And for the next month, each of us are shopping for that special gift, for that special someone. My prayer is that in all the hustle and bustle of the season, we won’t forget why we celebrate Christmas. The real meaning of Christmas. What does Christmas mean to you? For me, it is a reminder that our God is a giving God, His very nature is giving; John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world that He gave.” Who did He give? “His only begotten Son.” Why did He give? So “that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” On that Christmas Eve so long ago, that child, that Son, that gift was born. God sent an entourage of angels to announce to the world the birth of their Saviour. Luke 2:10-14 NKJ: “Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, laying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,
goodwill toward men.” I would like to take a moment and talk about that peace on earth the angels are so excited about. Christmas time to some people is a very discouraging, depressing time, but it shouldn’t be. Jesus tells us in John 14:27 NLT: “I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” People today are looking for true, inner peace. They search through relationships, addictions, money, gadgets and even religion to try to find something that will fill the void inside. But true peace, the kind of peace the angels told us about, isn’t found in anything this world has to offer, it can only be found through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Only Jesus can satisfy the longing in our hearts and give us true, lasting peace. God gives freely, not as the world gives. We can’t earn it and we can’t pay for it. There’s no catch, no fine print and no strings attached. We can rest secure that He’s not ever going to take His peace away; He tells us “He will never leave us nor forsake us.” His peace is eternal! A life of peace begins when we invite Jesus to be our Lord and Saviour. Then as we align our thoughts, attitudes and actions with His Word, that peace will flood every area of our lives. That is what Christmas means to me. The angels heralded it, Jesus told us about it, and that peace on earth is available to each and every one of us. Will you receive that peace? All you have to do is believe in your heart, and profess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and you will be saved. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” God bless you everyone, and Merry Christmas!
Historical society moves through time
Curator’s Corner By J.D. Jeffery Museum Curator
The Windermere District Historical Society moved into the 1970s with one building, a small library, and a growing collection of artifacts in just 12 years of becoming independent from the Board of Trade. With more and more artifacts being collected to preserve valley history the question that kept coming up was what to do now? With no room and a rejection letter from the CPR not agreeing to giving the old train station to the museum, the only thing to do is to look for another building, of course. With some determination, the members of the society shifted their focus to a building just down the street; located in the current parking lot in front of the Food Bank was the old Legion. The Legion Building was built in 1919 as a memorial to the veterans of the First World War and was the first clubhouse for the Great War Veterans Association, later changing their name to the Royal Canadian Legion. The Legion built another clubhouse in 1955 on 13th Street so the original building was sold to the school board to provide additional classroom space that was in high demand. The school district later assessed the need for more
classrooms and built a new high school; that left the original Legion building standing empty. At the same time, the museum still had a problem with no space and took the chance to approach the school board with the offer to purchase the Legion building. On July 29, 1970 the deal was completed with one dollar being exchanged for the building. Arrangements were made to move the building to Pothole Park beside the Pioneer Cabin and display cases were set up that were donated by prominent families from some of the early settlers: Blakley, Cleland, McKay, Sole, Tegart, Walker, and Watkins. With the new space to allow for more artifacts to be put on display there was now more workspace for the preservation of the artifacts that needed some attention. In a few years, things changed again for the museum that changed the society in many ways that no one ever counted on. Learn more about what’s happening at the museum by visiting www. windermerevalleymuseum.ca.
Columbia Valley
While you are with us, you are always welcome to join us. Sunday at 10:30 am 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 | www.lwac.ca
WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED Minister: Brent Woodard Sundays at 10:30 am, in-person or on Zoom. For the Zoom link, please visit our website at wvsm.ca. 110 - 7th Ave. in Invermere.
VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Pastor: Justin Furse Sunday 10 a.m. Worship Service 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 | www.vcachurch.net
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats: Saturday, 4 pm Canadian Martyrs’, Invermere: Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 9 am St. Joseph’s, Radium: Sunday 11 am Father Francis Dela Cruz | 712 -12th Ave., Invermere 250-342-6167
ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Sunday 1:30 p.m. Worship Service at Valley Christian 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere lutheranstpeter@gmail.com
RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater | 250-342-6633 #4, 7553 Main St. Radium | 250-347-9937
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Worship Service, Sunday, 10 a.m. Relief Society, 11:15 a.m. President Kendyn Mackensie • Columbia Valley Branch • 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs 250-439-9041
CHURCH OF CHRIST (Iglesia ni Cristo) Worship Service: Sunday 9 a.m., Thursday 7:45 p.m. Chamber of Commerce (Lions Hall) For inquiries: 250-688-1643 250-270-2208 or 250-688-0629 For more info about the church, you can Google online at incmedia.org or pasugo.com.ph
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