Columbia Valley Pioneer - February 1, 2024

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Your Weekly Source For News And Events

VOL. 21/ISSUE 5

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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FEBRUARY 1, 2024

VALLEY NEWS

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

3

Invermere takes next step in STR regs

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Invermere council continued its long march toward short-term rental (STR) regulation last week, giving final reading to an updated business licensing bylaw meant to help regulate STRs. Council members gave the updated bylaw third reading during their Tuesday, Jan. 23 meeting. It is very likely to be officially adopted in February. The bylaw attracted a gallery audience of 15 to 20 people, quite large by the standards of Invermere council meetings, leaving only a few empty seats in chambers. A few of those in attendance were supportive of even tighter restrictions on STRs in Invermere, but the overwhelming majority were either STR owners and operators, or were supportive of STR owners and operators. They raised concerns about the regulations and many voiced opinions that the restrictions were too tight.

Invermere council and staff have been working on regulations for nearly two and a half years, and have outlined a two-pronged approach — using both a

“There are distinct camps. Some people don’t want STRs here at all, others want a free-for-all.”

Gerry Taft Invermere councillor

business licensing bylaw and temporary use permits (TUPs) — since June 2022.

Having spent so much time on the issue already, and having sought public feedback at multiple points during the process, Invermere council members were inclined to stay on their chosen course, despite the concerns raised by the STR owners and operators.

Councillor Kayja Becker and councillor Gerry Taft each spoke about just how divided opinions on STRs seems to be in the community.

“I think it’s fair to say that feedback has been polarized in that there are distinct camps. Both of them feel very strongly, and there’s not a lot of middle ground between them,” said Taft. “Some people don’t want STRs here at all, others want a free-for-all.” Taft later added that there also seems to be a generational split, with older Invermere residents typically not wanting any STRs in the community while “the younger generation seems more open to it, possibly because they feel they need the extra income (from renting their home as an STR) to afford their properties.”

Invermere chief administrative officer Andrew Young agreed the feedback had brought out many different, and sometimes conflicting, responses, but did note that in fall 2021 and more

recently in fall 2023 “respondents were clear that STRs should be regulated.”

Becker summed up that “we do not have clear consensus. But we (council) are, I believe, striking a balance. We’re not going to make everyone happy . . . there’s no way to please everybody. I don’t think any of us on council even agree 100 per cent with every point in the bylaw. But on the whole, it’s reasonable and it’s been done in a way that’s defensible.”

STR owners and operators in the gallery asked repeatedly about the twopronged approach, questioning why both business licence and TUPs were necessary. Young, as well as Invermere Mayor Al Miller and other council members explained the rationale several times: all STRs in Invermere, regardless of what kind of zoning they have, need to have business licences.

As Young put it: “they are businesses, they need business licences.”

The TUPs are needed in addition to business licences for STRs that are in parts of the community where current zoning does not allow STRs. Invermere has many different kinds of zoning across the district. Some zones (including the one for the Lake Windermere Resort condos, and a few other high density developments, for instance) allow for STRs to be operated. Other zones (including most single family residential areas and most low density areas, for instance) do not allow STRs. That means that STRs in single family residential areas should not be operating in these neighbourhoods according to Invermere bylaws.

“They are illegal,” said Young, at least twice during the meeting.

If an STR owner with an STR in an Invermere neighbourhood not zoned for STRs applies for and receives a TUP, their STR will be ‘legal’ for the duration of the TUP term, which is three years.

The zoning (and consequently the need for TUPs) can be confusing: In general most single family residential and low density neighbourhoods are not zoned for STRs (so STR operators there will need business licences and TUPs).

And in general many high density areas are zoned to allow for STRs (so STR owners there will need only business licences). But there are exceptions to this general rule of thumb. The Bayshore Condos, for example, are a high density development, but have zoning that does not allow for STRs (so owners there will need business licences and TUPs).

Some feel rules too restrictive STR owners in the gallery made their feelings known, and in many cases outlined the economic benefits their businesses create for Invermere. Valley resident Ryan Neal owns a six bedroom house that he operates as a STR. Continued on page 5

The District of Invermere is getting closer to adopting its short-term rental bylaw by giving it third reading at a meeting on January 23.

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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

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This past week, January 22 to 29, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 41 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to: On January 28 the police received a report of an enclosed trailer broken into, with tools and ladders stolen from within. The theft occurred at a jobsite in the Timber Ridge area sometime overnight. If anyone has information, please contact the Columbia Valley RCMP at 250-342-9292.

The detachment continues to receive complaints

of online and telephone frauds. Most frauds start with someone contacting you and informing you of either an issue with an account of yours, with an offer, or claiming you have already been a victim of a fraud.

In all cases, always ensure you are speaking with who they claim to be. No reputable company will contact you and start to ask you personal information, nor will any company or organization request that you purchase gift cards as a way to pay for anything.

In 2023 a total of $554 million was lost to fraud in Canada. For more information and to educate yourself on fraud prevention and common scams, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

Homeowner defies fire crew Columbia Valley Pioneer staff Firefighting operations had to be halted on Monday during a structure fire near Fairmont when a homeowner entered the burning building, according to a news release.

Firefighters were called to the scene of a two-storey home in Columere Park just before 10 a.m. after a neighbour saw smoke and called 911.

“We responded immediately and, with the help of the aerial truck, worked hard to keep the fire confined to the one structure,” explained Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Service Chief Drew Sinclair.

The homeowners were not home at the time the fire broke out but were notified and subsequently returned to the property. Against the direction of firefighters, one of the homeowners entered the home, Sinclair said.

“Immediately we had to halt our firefighting actions and firefighters had to enter the burning structure to search for and retrieve the homeowner,” he pointed out. “While it is extremely distressing to see your home or property on fire, it is critical that people stay out of burning buildings and adhere to the instructions of the emergency responders. No piece of personal property is worth your safety, or worse, your life,” Sinclair stated.

Sixteen firefighters from the Fairmont and Windermere Fire Departments responded, along with five pieces of apparatus. RCMP, Emergency Health Ser-

vices and BC Hydro were also on site. Emergency Support Services is engaged and offering support to the family.

Firefighters remained on scene for the afternoon and continued to stay on site until any hot spots were fully cooled. The structure sustained significant damage and the cause remains under investigation, but is not suspected to be suspicious in nature.

Residents in the area were asked to stay back from the scene to avoid traffic congestion and allow firefighters and emergency services personnel to complete their work.

Fire crews mop up a structure fire in Columere Park near Fairmont Jan. 29.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

5

STR camps divided as council pushes on Contnued from page 3 Neal said he has concerns about the proposed limits of two people per bedroom and four bedrooms per STR, as well as the limit of one STR per owner in Invermere, and the restrictions on outdoor pools.

The two-person-per-bedroom and eight-people-per-STR limits “would mean a family with three kids could not stay with a family with two kids and I think that’s a bit ridiculous,” said Neal.

He said there are 13 STRs in Invermere with five or more bedrooms (above the four-bedroom limit proposed by the district), which he said account for 65 per cent of STR revenue in Invermere, based on Airdna data. Neal suggested the guests staying in those 13 STRs likely account for a similar percentage of tourist spending here.

“These are luxury homes. They are set up as luxury homes. They come at a luxury price point,” said Neal.

In a chart presented to council members, he outlined that, annually, each of these 13 luxury STRs results in $938,000 of revenue created ($200,000 in revenue for the STR owner; $500,000 in direct spending on food, activities and amenities by guests; and $238,000 in indirect and induced spending). This equates to nearly $12.2 million in revenue collectively created by the 13 luxury STRs, he said.

“They’re not just money makers for the owners, they’re money makers across the community,” said Neal.

“Don’t take the numbers lightly. It’s a lot of money.”

“Our business is always under attack and it sucks,” said Aisling Baile founder Jerod McMurray. Aisling Baile is an STR and property management company based in the Columbia Valley. “Last month we paid out more than $100,000 in wages (for services such as cleaning) . . . that’s (to) people who live here in the valley.”

McMurray said that when it comes to STR regulations “we’ll do anything that’s reasonable.” He said a “TUP caveat” for outdoor pools makes sense, but that he was confused by the need for TUPs and business licences.

Local resident Liam Haynes added that numerous businesses in Invermere wouldn’t be able to survive without the spending of STR guests.

Invermere STR owner Jim Campbell said if the idea of STR regulation is to “free up” long-term rentals, it won’t work. “I don’t believe that’s going to happen. If you’ve got luxury homes, the owners will just keep the homes and use them when they visit the valley. A lot of them will sit empty the rest of the time,” said Campbell.

“I would never consider doing long-term rentals,” said Neal, adding his monthly expenses are about $6,000.

“The only way to cover that is with an STR.” Becker said she is aware the STR regulations may not necessarily result

in a lot of current STRs switching to long-term rentals, but added that’s not the entire point of the bylaw — it’s also about regulating an industry that local residents clearly want regulated.

The mayor told Neal he is able to apply for a special, larger-than-normal operation in his TUP application, with approval of it subject to council discretion.

Some feel not restrictive enough Although in the minority at the meeting, some members of the gallery felt the proposed STR regulations were not strict enough.

Local artist and business owner Pat Bavin was one of those, and stood to address council.

“I’m hearing a lot about money and profit, but I’m looking at things in a different way,” said Bavin. “There’s a different kind of ‘profit’ to think about, and that is lifestyle, sense of community, and way of living. That needs to come into the balance.”

Bavin said he’s supportive of STRs in general, but feels they badly need regulation in Invermere. He questioned whether or not the district would actually be able to enforce its STR regulations, noting the district only has one bylaw officer who is already quite busy.

“It could be a regulatory enforcement nightmare . . . things could be aggressive,” said Bavin. “It should be handled by two or three dedicated enforcement officers.”

Bavin outlined his support for requiring that owners of STRs live on site, with the STR property being their principal residence. (This rule is part of incoming provincial STR regulations for communities with populations of 10,000 or more.) He also suggested, in a letter to council, a limit of six guests of all ages and a maximum of three bedrooms per STR (instead of the proposed eight guests and four bedrooms).

Invermere resident Mike Fairhart and his wife Linda had earlier sent a letter to council, writing that “we are extremely disappointed with the proposed bylaw’s approaches to regulating and licensing STRs in our community.”

The Fairharts wrote that STRs should not be allowed in single family residential neighbourhoods (those zoned R1 or R2) at all. “This was voiced loudly by local citizens during community consultation sessions and feedback to the district. Simply requiring operators to acquire a licence will do little to address associated problems such as noise, occupancy level, parking, traffic and safety concerns,” they wrote.

“The proposed licensing and regulations serve the financial and commercial interests of a small group of second homeowners and absentee property owners who have no connection to the Invermere community and could lead to a continued increase in the number operating in residential areas. The bylaw does little to limit and reduce the number of STRs currently in our resident neighbourhoods.”

The couple agreed with Bavin that the proposed cap of eight guests per STR is too generous. “Eight is still too many,” they wrote.

They suggested instead that occupancy level of STRs should mirror the average number of occupants per household in the surrounding residential neighbourhood.

The Fairharts feel, like Bavin, that if STRs are allowed in residential neighbourhoods, they should be owner occupied (i.e. the STR owner lives on the property, as their principal residence).

They suggested that no Invermere STR licences be issued to individuals who reside outside of Invermere; that the district increase fines for the first and second instances of breaking STR regulations; and that council consider limits on issuing STR licences with an eye to reducing STR numbers over time.

“Historically, enforcement of existing bylaws and regulations concerning STRs and related noise has been extremely limited. Enforcement needs to be 24/7 including weekends, evenings and nights, especially during the busy summer and holiday periods. After hours enforcement should not be left solely to the RCMP. They have limited resources and more important issues to deal with,” wrote the Fairharts.

“The cost of enforcement should be fully covered by the business licensing

and temporary use permit fees along with the costs to administer the program. Local taxpayers should not foot the bill for those profiting from operating STRs.” They recommended setting up a citizen’s advisory committee to monitor and report on the impact of Invermere’s STR regulations.

Attention turns to TUPs In conclusion, Young reiterated Becker and Taft’s comments that there were strong opinions on both sides of the issue.

“Council has had to grapple with finding a balance between allowing for STRs and making sure STRs are respectful of the community and its character,” he said. “I think the work, when complete, will speak for itself and the community will be satisfied in due course.”

The bylaw will likely be adopted at one of Invermere council’s February meetings.

Council and staff will then proceed with figuring out the details of TUPs. This will involve updating the Official Community Plan (OCP) and zoning bylaws. They will also work on amending the municipal ticketing information bylaw to allow fines for breaking STR rules.

The district aims to have all these changes adopted by April, with the new regulations taking effect on May 1.

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6

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

PERSPECTIVE

The best doc in the house The timid, freckled face lad was afraid of doctors and their cold-as-ice stethoscopes. He swallowed hard whenever they asked him to say “ahhh” to welcome a desert-dry tongue depressor which made him gag.

The boy hated it when his mother made those dreaded appointments for check-ups or for an earache that wouldn’t go away. The worst: those allergy shots, which meant he couldn’t play basketball for a few days.

But there was one doctor who changed everything.

His name was Dr. Bev Hallam from Burk’s Fall, Ontario. He was a big, rotund man who could barely fit in his office chair during our visits. He had a peculiar laugh; a cross between a penguin and a woodpecker, and he was known for his running sense of humour that never let up. Every time he saw the boy with his mother he’d make some crack about this or that, or how the clinic was so hard up for patients that they started letting in boys with freckles.

Hallam took the fear away like dawn chasing shadows from a New York alleyway.

Soon, the boy didn’t mind those check-ups when the cheery doctor was in, especially when he was given the syringe after his shot, which he often used to squirt water at his sister.

The boy thought it was cool that Dr. Hallam came to his house on a number of occasions to treat his dad who was too sick to go into town. They referred to it as house calls.

A lot has changed in health care since then. Surgery wait times have increased significantly, and even hospital emergency departments have to shut down periodically due to “lack of physician availability.” The truth is doctors don’t want to work around the clock anymore like they used to, and you can’t blame them.

Work/life balance is a key consideration now, as it should be. Who wants to be chained to their desk seven days a week dealing with people’s aches and pains?

Doctors have families (and personal lives) too.

Like many regions in BC, the Columbia Valley is trying hard to recruit new physicians while retaining the ones they already have. The competition out there is stiff, and will take more than a spoonful of sugar to make the medicine go down.

Speaking of such, that freckled face boy is nearly 60 now and battling his own ailments, but he’s darn lucky that he has a family doctor, unlike many unfortunate people who don’t. He doesn’t run to the doctor for every bump and scratch, and he steers clear of hospital emergency departments unless he’s insanely bored and wants to spend five hours staring at wall posters while waiting for someone to call his name.

Wonder what Hallam would say . . . “I feel faint; is there a doctor in the house?” No? Well, I’ll settle for a janitor who might fix me up.”

Lyonel Doherty, editor

Historical Lens

The Two Dots - Shown here on a sailboat on Lake Windermere in June of 1961 are Dot Worsley (Smith) and Dot Yates (Sim).

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE WINDERMERE AND DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY

It’s a legal system, not justice Canada has a legal system, not a justice system.

I address these thoughts to the ‘middle class’ hard working people who for the most part foot the bills, also known as taxes, assigned by the various levels of government.

We have, either in the past or present, worked hard to purchase our homes, vehicles, and the necessities of life. We are referred to as the backbone of government funded programs. That title, though complimentary, is costing the middle class close to 50 per cent of our hard earned wages.

We pride ourselves for living in a democracy, even though when election time arrives, we often find ourselves voting for the least offensive party or individual for the lack of any true leadership. We try to navigate our way through the finger pointing of the various parties or individuals putting down their opponents and place faith in the often empty promises used to gain our votes.

Canada has a legal system; not to be misconstrued as a justice system.

Each day in any jurisdiction, we read or hear of offenders repeatedly being caught, processed and released due to our benevolent legal system. It would appear that the charge of “violating restrictions of release” is destined to become an automatic addition to most charges laid.

The Bail Reform Act sets out conditions of release

for individuals charged with various offences. Changes to the Act are voted on by the House of Commons and the Senate. One would think these institutions who have an over-abundance of lawyers sitting in the House would be able to apply due diligence to the changes in our legal system.

Perhaps a change is in order to the saying, “those who can’t do teach.” In this case, to “those who can’t do preach.”

Allen Segstro, Radium Hot Springs

Yes, Canada has a legal system but it’s not a justice system, according to Allen Segstro from Radium Hot Springs.

PHOTO ABDULKADIR ARSLAN/GETTY IMAGES

The Columbia Valley

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

7

Invermere council plans to embark on engineering and design work to determine how best to replace Fort Point Bridge which needs a lot of tender loving care, but at a hefty price tag.

PHOTO RYAN WATMOUGH

Replacing Fort Point Bridge is urgent

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The Fort Point Bridge needs to be replaced sooner rather than later and it’s going to cost a pretty penny.

The old wooden bridge spans the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway (CPKC; the company formerly known as CPR). It joins the upscale Fort Point neighbourhood with downtown Invermere. As previously reported in the Pioneer, the bridge needed replacing for some time and the upgrade will cost an eye-popping $5 million.

Invermere councillors in the past said the district has dragged out the lifespan of the bridge for years and noted that some day it would need to be fixed.

But last fall the lifespan of the bridge became much more finite. Replacing the bridge was on an updated list of Invermere council’s strategic priorities during its Tuesday, Jan. 23 meeting. At the same meeting Invermere chief administrative officer Andrew Young outlined that a recent engineering report said the bridge “will need to be replaced in three years, four years at the most.”

The ancient bridge’s limited capabilities became visibly obvious to local residents when, at the start of winter, the district put restrictions in place that limit traffic on the bridge to single lane only, keep all traffic 1.5 metres away from the sidewalk, and limit speed on the bridge to 30 kilometres per hour. These measures were taken in the interest of public safety and were recommended by the engineering report. They will remain in place until the bridge is replaced.

Young explained that the district needs to do engineering and design to figure out how best to replace

the bridge. This work is scheduled to happen in 2024.

The district may look at the option of creating a level rail crossing similar to the one by the Station Pub, instead of building a new bridge.

A level crossing would be significantly less expensive than a new bridge but would need approval from CPKC. Cost saving is clearly something the district needs to consider: a new Fort Point bridge — if not offset with grants or other external funding — could cost Invermere taxpayers the same amount as did the new Columbia Valley Centre or the Lake Windermere Resort Lands purchase. It may be hard to believe a tiny little wooden bridge is as expensive as two of the largest projects the District of Invermere has undertaken in the past decade, but it’s true.

However, as members of the gallery pointed out during the meeting, getting CPKC approval for a level crossing could take a very long time, possibly far longer than the bridge has left. Invermere resident John Rouse wryly summed it up: “That could be 10 years.”

Another concern raised by the gallery was that two-level rail crossing could leave Fort Point completely cut off from the rest of the district if a train broke down while passing through Invermere. That would mean ambulances and fire trucks could not reach emergencies on the other side of the train.

Invermere councillor Gerry Taft expressed frustration that strategic priorities are not broken down into separate steps, with timelines attached. (Taft made his comment before Young explained that the bridge had only three or four years left, and that the district would be doing engineering and design work this year.)

Taft has heard from residents who see the single

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lane on the Fort Point Bridge and want to know what’s happening and how long it will take.

“Sometimes our strategic priorities are big projects, with multiple steps. I think it’s important to break them down into parts, and to give times to each part,” said Taft. “For instance, with the Fort Point Bridge, when will we get the engineering reports back? When will we be deciding whether it’s going to be a new bridge or a level crossing? It would be good for us to be able to communicate that to the public.”

Indoor Gym Program at DTSS The Summit Youth Hub is very pleased to announce that we are starting a FREE indoor gym program at DTSS. All youth from grade 7 to grade 12 that are registered with the Summit Youth Hub are welcome to attend.

Friday February 2nd from 2pm to 5 pm and Saturday February 3rd from 11am to 2pm, registered youth can drop in at anytime to participate.

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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Cold temperatures not easy on wildlife

By Steve Hubrecht steve@coulumbiavalleypioneer.com The polar vortex that put a freeze on the Columbia Valley in January didn’t make things any easier for local wildlife.

That said, most species here have adapted to deal with very cold conditions on at least a temporary basis, and will have survived the cold snap.

The mercury plunged when the polar vortex arrived in the valley on Thursday, Jan. 11 and stuck around for a full week. Temperatures were below minus 30 degrees Celsius, and below minus 40 with wind chill factor.

The valley’s human residents dealt with the extreme conditions by staying inside as much as possible. The downtown streets were empty of pedestrians.

Ditto for the nordic ski trails and skating trails on Lake Windermere and Lake Lillian. Even the ski hills were devoid of people, at least when the cold snap first hit, as the resorts were closed. But staying inside is not an option for wildlife.

“It does have a negative impact on them. Most wildlife have evolved to deal with cold weather, but when it gets to extremes like we had, it is very hard on them,” Kootenay Columbia Conser-

vation Officer Sgt. Greg Kruger told the Pioneer.

“Ungulates, for instance, expend a lot more energy when it’s cold. So they burn fat reserves. That then means they need to expend even more energy searching for food sources, especially if there’s a lot of snow, digging through it,” he said.

All that said, wildlife do have tricks of their own to minimize the effect of cold spells.

“So ungulate species, to go back to that example, they’ll find relatively sheltered areas that offer at least some reprieve from wind and snow,” said Kruger. “It’s remarkable, actually, how wildlife does seem to know what they should do when it gets very cold.”

Although to humans stuck indoors, the polar vortex seemed to hang over Invermere forever, but the week it spent here is not all that long for wildlife.

“For wildlife that’s not what we’d call a sustained cold,” said Kruger. “In the Columbia Valley it’s been fortunate for the wildlife in that temperatures were milder than normal heading into winter and also milder than normal in early winter. And there wasn’t a lot of sustained snow. That made things easier for wildlife overall before the cold

Deer investigate the nutritional potential of an evergreen during the recent cold snap in the Columbia Valley.

PHOTO RYAN WATMOUGH snap came. Now that the snap is over, for most species, they’ll recover from it fairly quickly.”

It isn’t always that way, however.

Sometimes winters are harsh for prolonged periods of time. Or for almost the whole season.

An extreme cold snap of several weeks in the midst of an already-diffi-

cult winter can be a fatal tipping point for some animals — especially if accompanied by deep snow that makes food hard to find.

“Some will perish in cases like that,” outlined Kruger. “If they’ve already got low fat reserves, and are in poor health, the cold could be the factor that pushes them over the edge.”

Conservation proposals in 2024 highlighted Columbia Valley Pioneer staff A number of important conservation proposals are being reviewed in the Columbia Valley in the new year.

In fact, nine proposals were highlighted in a recent presentation to the Regional District of East Kootenay by the Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP).

The proposals fall under the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund and recommendations from the Technical Review Committee (TRC). The evaluation criteria include project feasibility, cost effectiveness, cost sharing, and project effectiveness.

The nine applications are:

• Conservation of biodiversity in the Columbia wetlands ($20,000) • Larsen Lake range fencing project ($22,940) • Enhancing bat habitat and monitoring populations ($25,334) • Reimagining the threads that bind wildlife conservation to farming ($8,000) • Columbia headwaters (Columbia Lake) monitoring and education ($15,000) • Creation and protection of anthropogenic bat habitat ($13,640) • Columbia Lake bighorn sheep population and habitat project ($12,984) • Shuswap Band badger habitat enhancement

and restoration ($52,551 request for 2024 TRC recommended $12,000) • Columbia Basin water monitoring collective ($5,000 requested, TRC not recommending funding) The report highlights one continuing, multi-year project — strategic invasive plant control of leafy spurge.

The TRC recommended funding for eight proposals in 2024, with reduced funding for one — the badger project. The report indicated the recommended total funding is $137,098.

The RDEK will review the request during budget deliberations.

Three ducks forage in freezing cold water, but they manage to stay warm thanks to their state-of-the-art insulation. Everything in winter seems to roll off a duck’s back.

PHOTO SYD DANIS

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

SPORTS

Winter Cup competition a tumbling success

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The annual Winter Cup competition, recently hosted by local nonprofit Peaks Gymnastics Society was a tumbling success.

It was the second edition of the event, which began last year, and organizers are already planning the third edition next year.

“It was extremely successful, everyone had a great time,” Peaks office manager Michelle Speechlay told the Pioneer last week, a few days after the Winter Cup wrapped up.

The competition featured 115 gymnasts not only from the Columbia Valley-based Peaks Gymnastics Society, but also from four other East Kootenay gymnastics clubs. The hometown club was well represented in the event, accounting for 35 of the 115 athletes.

Gymnasts competed in vault, bars, beam, floor and combined events in categories based on experience and age.

The Winter Cup was held on Saturday, Jan. 20 and Sunday, Jan. 21 at David

Thompson Secondary School (DTSS), and according to Speechlay things went about as smoothly as possible.

The gymnasts taking part were bubbling with excitement, she said.

“For some of the younger ones, it was their very first competition ever. And for some of the older ones it was one of their last competitions. So there was a lot of emotion,” Speechlay noted.

The Winter Cup kicks off the competitive season for Peaks and most other gymnastics clubs around the East Kootenay. It is followed later in the year by other competitions around the Kootenay (including Cranbrook and Nelson), as well as by qualifying competition for the B.C. Winter Games, and for some of the gymnasts, by provincials in Vancouver.

Peaks started the Winter Cup back in 2022 “because we felt it would be a fun opening competition for all of the East Kootenay athletes,” said Speechlay.

“The more our gymnasts try competing, the more they get used to competing, and that helps them grow as athletes.”

Most of the young gymnasts with

Peaks train year round, although they do take a break during summer, explained Speechlay.

This year’s Winter Cup saw the debut of the Peaks Gymnastics Society’s new mascot, Yeti (see photos). The fuzzy

grey mascot was a huge hit with gymnasts, coaches and spectators alike.

Speechlay extended her heartfelt thanks to all Winter Cup sponsors, coaches and the volunteers who made the event possible.

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3 Family Day.................................. February 15th edition Labour Day....................................August 29th edition Easter..............................................March 28th edition Thanksgiving ...............................October 10th edition

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5 LIFE

Young athletes from Peaks Gynastics recently competed in the Winter Cup with help from their new yeti mascot.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

The Columbia Valley

PIONEER NEWSPAPER

For more information contact Jamie Baes 250-341-6299 ext.

103 a holiday to remember It was spectacular fireworks. jamie@columbiavalleypioneer.com PHOTO

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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

OUT OF OFFICE… The Columbia Valley Job and Volunteer Fair: Connecting Opportunities Job seekers and organizations alike are invited to take part in the Columbia Valley Job and Volunteer Fair, slated to take place on Thursday, March 7, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Columbia Valley Centre.

With its mission to bridge the gap between job seekers and potential employers, the fair offers a comprehensive networking space where attendees can explore a myriad of career prospects and volunteer positions.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a recent graduate, or someone looking to make a meaningful contribution to the community, this event is tailored to cater to diverse interests and skill sets.

In conjunction with the job fair, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Lunch and Learn session focusing on accessing international workers through immigration channels. This will feature representatives from esteemed entities such as the Provincial Nominations Program, IRCC, and the Skilled Workers Program. Participants will have the chance to delve into the intricacies of

international recruitment processes and gain clarity on pertinent immigration policies. The interactive nature of the session ensures that attendees can pose questions and engage directly with experts in the field.

Registration includes one ticket to the lunch and learn, additional, or stand-alone tickets can be purchased as well.

To register your business or organization and seize the opportunity to connect with potential employees or volunteers, simply visit www.cvchamber.ca. If you have any questions, please email Theresa at advsior@ cvchamber.ca

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Thursday, February 1 • 10:30am-11:30am: Senior’s Fitness Columbia Valley Centre, $2 dropin.

• 11:30am-12:00pm: Little Lambs – Baby Program. Radium Public Library. Join us for songs, rhymes, and stories with your babies! No registration required.

• 2:00pm-3:00pm: Needles & Hooks. Invermere Public Library. Join us on the 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month at 2:00pm for Needles & Hooks. Bring your current yarn project and meet with other makers. All welcome!

• 6:45pm: Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Invermere Legion. $30 buy-in.

• 7:30pm: Trivia Night Windermere Whitehouse Pub. Host Mandi Cox $3/ person, teams of more than 6 will be split into two groups. Ages 19+

Friday, February 2 • 7:00pm-10:00pm: Columbia Valley Rockies vs Kimberly. Eddie Mountain Arena.

provide all the fishing equipment, and participants and volunteers will be provided lunch. There will be opportunities to help set up and take down equipment and assist participants with baiting hooks and landing fish. If you would like to attend, please register via email: info@lwdrodgun.com • 10:30am-11:00am: Family Storytime. Invermere Public Library. Join us weekly on 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. Contact us to book a 30 minute session to read with a librarian. Practice reading aloud one-on-one to build skill, confidence & a love of reading! Open to all ages and reading abilities.

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

Sunday, February 4

• 10:30am-11:00am: Family Storytime. Invermere Public Library. Join us weekly on Fridays 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: 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!

• 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.

Saturday, February 3

Tuesday, February 6

• 10:00-2:00pm: Fishing Forever. Lake Windermere – LWDRG Ice Shack.

Lake Windermere District Rod & Gun: Fishing Accessible to All - Fishing Forever allows people of all abilities to experience a day of fishing. We

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

• 10:30am-11:30am: Homeschool Meetup. Invermere Public Library.

Drop-in, all-ages programming with open-ended STEAM play, group

Monday, February 5 • 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.

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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.

• 1:00pm-3:30pm: Art in the Afternoon. Radium Public Library. A free program for local artists and art enthusiasts! Whether you sketch, paint, carve, knit or crochet, bring your supplies and work alongside fellow artists.

• 6:30pm-8:00pm: Second Winds Community Band. Practice at Invermere Catholic Church Annex. For info please email dalvande@ shaw.ca • 7:00pm: Ullr Presents: Musical Bingo with Tim Richards. Ullr Bar. Every Tuesday - $5 per card.

•

Wednesday, February 7

• 5:30pm-6:45pm: Let’s Talk Money. Invermere Public Library. Do you have questions about navigating finances, retirement income, or estate planning? Financial advisor Roxane Archer will answer those questions and more! Please join us for this Q&A session. All welcome to attend! No registration required.

• 6:00pm-8:45pm. Invermere Community Drum Circle. Pynelogs.

Professionally facilitated, participants will learn about and experiment with different drums and drumming techniques from all around the world. You'll experience a fun and inclusive drumming workshop, but that's only the beginning! Please text if you intend to stop by to experience the magic! +1-250-409-4110. rhythmbynature.ca • 10:00am-11:00am: Senior's Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, $2 dropin.

• 11:30am-12:00pm: Story Time. Radium Public Library - preschool & all ages.

• 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 Invermere Legion. All welcome.

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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

SPORTS

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Julien Cameron (left) and Rory Wolfe finished first and second, respectively in their age categories at the ZIG Speed Qualifier (parkour) event in Calgary on January 21. This earns them the right to compete in San Diego in June.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Local youth qualify to parkour in San Diego

By Lyonel Doherty editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com Two local youth are putting Invermere and Radium Hot Springs on the map with their parkour skills that will be put to the ultimate test this summer in San Diego.

Julien Cameron and Rory Wolfe from Hardcore Parkour in Invermere finished first and second, respectively in their age categories after competing in the ZIG Speed Qualifier event in Calgary on January 21. Two other members of Hardcore Parkour also competed in the contest.

Both Cameron and Wolfe will represent the Columbia Valley at the San Diego competition in June.

Parkour is the sport of moving rapidly through an environment by running, jumping and climbing while navigating obstacles.

“I’m excited and proud of myself,”

said Cameron, who trained a lot and worked hard to qualify.

When asked what he finds so passionate about the sport, he said,” I like doing flips, it’s fun and I like the competitions. When I was seven I wanted to try parkour and then coach Lisa (Weppler) was pushing me to do harder and harder things and I was doing so good I just wanted to keep getting better.”

Wolfe, 14, said the qualifier was quite difficult, recalling that he “messed up a few times,” but on his last run he had one minute left to show what he could do, and he beat his previous time.

Wolfe told the Pioneer that he always thought parkour was cool after watching videos, so that prompted him to try the sport. He definitely wants to continue to see how far it will take him.

He also wants to try boxing.

Wolfe said you definitely need flexibility to excel in parkour, which demands confidence and body control.

He acknowledges the sport can be risky, citing some personal injuries he has suffered. But that’s where a good coach comes in, his mother Chelsea piped up.

Small town Invermere continues to put its parkour gym on calendars, with athletes taking the podium in the last three out-of-town competitions. As a result, with coach Weppler’s commitment and enthusiasm for the sport, Invermere will be hosting its first parkour contest on February 24 and 25 at the Columbia Lake Recreation Centre.

Hardcore Parkour will be collaborating with Edge Parkour from Airdrie, Alberta to bring this event to the valley.

Weppler told the Pioneer that coaching these boys over the years has been incredibly rewarding, adding that all of their hard work has truly paid off, citing the San Diego qualifier.

“I’m eagerly anticipating the journey ahead as their coach.”

Weppler said parkour has been her

passion for many years. “Coaching athletes is incredibly fulfilling, especially witnessing them conquer new skills and overcome fears. This experience is one of many that has made me a proud and dedicated coach.”

She noted there has been a rise in parkour's popularity over the last few years, with more clubs offering classes or focusing exclusively on this dynamic sport.

“Through my coaching experience, I've observed its positive impact on building self-confidence, strength, and providing a fun outlet for individuals of any age or body type.”

Weppler pointed out that parkour's inclusivity is one of the reasons it is such an amazing sport.

For more information on registration for the competition (age 6+) or coaching sessions, contact Weppler at 250-688-7880 or email coachlisaparkour@gmail.com.

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Ice fishing accessible to all Submitted

Want to try ice fishing, but are worried about your mobility, financial limitations or some other obstacle?

Coming to Invermere on Saturday, Feb. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Lake Windermere District Rod and Gun Club (LWDRG) will be hosting a ‘Fishing Forever’ event at the club’s ice shack below Bayshore Condos.

Holes will be drilled in the ice, and there will be rods ready to use.

The Fishing Forever program is set up through the B.C. Wildlife Federation (BCWF) that provides fishing opportunities for adults and children with diverse abilities. The BCWF is spreading the message that if you have a disability you can still get out and enjoy what nature can offer. This is a great opportunity for many people.

Are you a senior or someone who just had surgery? Do you have a wheelchair or walker and need

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help manoeuvering through the snow and ice? Are you a young adult working on life skills? Are you a family that may need some help planning a great day ice fishing? The LWDRG Club has teamed up with the BCWF and are excited to be the first Fishing Forever ice fishing event in the province. Past events have been hosted during the summer months and held on some sort of dock structure to introduce the sport of fishing.

The LWDRG Club has their own ice shack on as well as access to private ice huts lined up in order to accommodate a large group of potential fishers. Ice huts, whether temporary or permanent, will be accessible to all participants.

We ask that everyone please register at info@lwdrodgun.com to give us an idea on numbers so we can facilitate everyone's needs to safely get out on the lake and have a great experience fishing.

For more information on the BCWF Fishing Forever program visit https://bcwf.bc.ca/fishingforever/

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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

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PHOTOS SUBMITTED

The Columbia Valley

PIONEER NEWSPAPER

Invermere on the Lake

SERVING THE COLUMBIA VALLEY ONLINE OR IN PRINT DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

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Land Act: Notice of Application for a Disposition of Crown Land Take notice that I/We, District of Invermere, from Invermere, BC have applied to the British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS), Kootenay Boundary Region, for a Community and Institutional tenure for Community Trails situated on Provincial Crown Land located in the vicinity of Invermere.

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

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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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PIONEER NEWSPAPER

SERVING THE COLUMBIA VALLEY ONLINE OR IN PRINT

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER

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FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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Young ice fishers tell no tall tales at derby Yes, there are many stories about the one that got away, but the youth at last weekend’s ice fishing derby didn’t have to tell any tall tales because they caught them. The event, organized by the Kinsmen Club of the Windermere Valley, was well attended, and the only suckers were the ones on the end of the lines.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

PIONEER CLASSIFIEDS 250-341-6299

info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HELP WANTED

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.

CHEERS Cheers to the volunteers of the Invermere Curling Club who spend countless hours making and maintaining our curling ice.

The Club has very good ice and that fact enhances the experience for all of the keen curlers.

Cheers to the district employee who followed the grader and dug out my driveway.

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com HELP WANTED

SNOW REMOVAL AND GROUNDS HELP Help needed in Windermere, potential for year-round position.

Apply at terravistagm@gmail.com

Private Caregiver Seeking full-time and part-time experienced caregivers to work with a senior male in Radium Hot Springs. Salary will be based upon experience.

Contact Erin: epalash@live.ca CHEERS

CHEERS

CHEERS

Cheers to Alicia at Veritas Integrative Health. It's nice to walk in the clinic and be greeted by a friendly smiling face.

Cheers to Colleen W. for the great job you do on my hair. It looks fantastic. You are awesome!

Big shout out to Ed Jones of DevTel Communications for the donation, installation, and maintenance of our new phone and WIFI systems. As a not for pro t society, the Windermere Valley Museum greatly appreciate your contribution to our community.

BUSINESS SERVICES Providing Cheers and double Cheers to Dr. real estate services Baker for your professionalism. B.B.'s Home & Design Services for Buyers & Sellers!

Renovations, Masonry & You are kind and caring and Handyman Services, Blinds, explain everything in a way that Housechecks, eavestrough/ I can understand. I am seeing yard cleaning/dump runs. progress with each week that goes by and it is because of the 250-688-2897 or 403-861-8782 excellent care that I receive from you. You have really helped me THE HEARTFELT COMPANION: Connect with Gerry Services for Seniors and I am grateful! for honest advice!

Cheers to Leanne at Gel N' More Since 2014 we've provided cell 250-341-1202 kind and compassionate gerry@gerrytaft.ca Nails. You do a great job on my non-medical care, nails and I always leave feeling transportation to Cranbrook, better than when I walked in. overnight care, meal prep, Cheers to Erbin at Invermere Cheers to Spencer S. for your grocery shopping and more.

McDonald's. You are efficient, help with my computer. I was Excellent local references. friendly and always smiling. lost and had no idea what to do.

250-341-5683 Heartfeltcompanionservices.com You saved the day!

Great customer service!

Happy to be Back!

OBITUARY

HEMMELGARN Elsie 1928-2024 With profound sadness, we announce the peaceful ppassing of Elsie Hemmelgarn oon January 22, 2024, in Invvermere, BC. Born on Deceember 23, 1928, in Kelvington, Saskatchewan to her parents, Frank and Phillippina. She was first and foremost a wife and mother. Followed her husband leaving her home province to the mountains which made her feel closed in. She loved playing softball and still has a friend or two from the team she played on. She worked on Christmas trees for 26 years. Started by going out in the forest to tag trees, then in town in yards sorting tagging and shipping. She had good times and comradery during those years. She later drove school bus, that was for 9 years. One time she pulled over and put a boy off the bus to walk the rest of the way home, only to have Dad pick him up as he was coming along about the same time. Another time a little girl wanted to show her something that she had in her hand. It was a little garter snake. Mom didn’t like snakes so she told her to put it in her lunch box for safekeeping.

She always wondered how the mother reacted to the pet snake. Her hobbies included sewing, gardening, and crocheting.

Elsie is survived by her daughters Donna (Doug) Biggar, and Darlene (Dale) Beddie, and sons Gregg (Sandi) Hemmelgarn, and Gordon Hemmelgarn. As well as nine grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She is predeceased by her husband Raymond in 2014, and her parents, and eight siblings.

A funeral service will be held at the Lake Windermere Alliance Church, on February 2nd, 2024 at 1:00 pm followed by interment and tea at the Royal Canadian Legion Invermere Branch.

RDEK to host meeting on financial plan Columbia Valley Pioneer staff The public is invited to a special meeting hosted by the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) on Wednesday, Feb. 7 when its Five-Year Financial Plan will be discussed.

“Unlike a municipality that has one boundary and one set of taxpayers, different areas of the RDEK require different services which makes our full financial plan quite complex,” explains RDEK board chair Rob Gay. He noted that a

separate meeting day to focus only on the financial plan is beneficial to the board and the public.

The meeting will take place in the RDEK board room at 19 24 Ave. south in Cranbrook. The time will be posted on February 2. The meeting will also be live-streamed via Zoom and the Zoom link will be posted the evening of February 6.

The RDEK’s committee and board meetings will follow on Thursday, Feb. 8 and Friday, Feb. 9, respectively.

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

OBITUARY

Broadfoot, Isla Mae With humble hearts we wish to announce the peaceful passing of Isla Mae Broadfoot on January 21, 2024 at 96 years old.

It is impossible to encompass all that Isla was and did in the space we are allowed.

Of course she was a dedicated and hardworking wife, a gorgeous woman, always keeping a warm and welcoming home.

She was a generous, caring mother, grandmother, auntie, and sister. She was adopted by many varied people who couldn’t resist her gentle ways. As a daughter she was unequaled, a feisty tomboy and a beautiful girl, always helping with any chores that needed to be done on the various farms she grew up on. And she always made her parents proud. How can we express how much she was treasured by everyone that was blessed to know her.

Isla was an excellent cook and her home-baked bread and cinnamon buns, scones, pies and cookies were always devoured as fast as they came out of the oven. She was an avid gardener, a painter of houses and pictures, a seamstress and busy knitter, making clothes for the entire family and strangers alike. She loved a walk in the fresh air whether in the forest or beside a lake, and she absolutely loved to go for a drive in the mountains to enjoy a picnic someplace where flowers grew. In her sixties she became a silly ten-year-old girl when she was sliding down an icy hill on giant innertube.

Isla was predeceased by her first husband Norman Johnson, and her second husband Jim Broadfoot. Tragically she also lost her daughter Heather and sons Darwin, Daryl and Barry and Son-in-Law Carl, through the years, and that was a lot of loss for one mother to endure.

She is survived by her daughters Sharon, Charlene (Fred), and Lynda (Steve), and by her sons Gordon (Toni) and Keith (Shannon), in addition to 12 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews.

We all rejoice with the knowledge that she has entered the rest that she so very much deserves, that she was embraced by all those waiting for her in heaven and we are confident that she that is tending the flower gardens in heaven, laughing with the Lord.

For those that are left we are all thankful for the wonderful moments and memories that she has given us to have until we all meet again.

Service will be held at the Valley Christian Assembly – February 1st, 2024, with viewing between 11:00AM – 1:00PM. Service at 1:00PM.

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OBITUARY

Judith Ann Denby She was the light of our lives, the sparkle in our eyes, always full of life, she was the most cherished wife, mother, Nana, and dear friend of so many. Judy (Judith Ann Denby) lived a full life in her almost seven decades on this earth.

Sadly, she passed away suddenly in Mexico on December 6, 2023. Mexico was a place that she loved so dearly, a place where her and her beloved husband, Erron Denby of 48 years, built a dream retirement life together surrounded by friends, adventure, yoga, pickleball, the beach, margaritas and her family. She was healthy, energetic and had a love for life that was hard to match.

When not enjoying beach life or travelling the world, she spent as much time as possible with her beloved grandchildren, daughters, husband and friends. Back in Windermere, she loved growing a garden, spending time with friends, volunteering, riding her bike, hiking in the mountains, playing pickleball, camping with family and doing almost anything with her precious grandchildren. She gave her everything to support, encourage and raise two strong daughters, Allison (Steve) and Kristi (Rubén).

She was so proud of her girls and the lives they built.

Her girls and grandkids were everything to her. They were her pride and joy. Hudson, Ariya, Tala, Florence and Ryan miss their Nana beyond words but will carry all the precious memories and her spirit in their hearts forever.

Judy was born on May 10, 1954 in High River, Alberta where she spent her first few years on a ranch west of Nanton, AB. She then spent most of her childhood in the spectacular porcupine hills at the foothills of the Rockies near Pincher Creek, Alberta.

She was a cowgirl at heart, but the mountains and adventure drew her to Windermere, BC where she spent all of her adult years. Later in life, she was able to continue to travel the world and fulfill her wandering spirit. She rarely turned down an opportunity for adventure from traveling the world’s most dangerous road, hiking Machu Picchu to watching the sunrise and biking between vineyards in Italy.

She touched so many people’s lives. It is so hard to express the loss so many of us are feeling. It is a void that will never be filled. Even though she left this world quickly and tragically, every moment up to then was filled with joy and happiness. We wish we had more time, but the free-spirited life she lived was full and rich in love and experience.

She influenced so many in her beautiful life and those memories will be carried forever.

A Celebration of Life took place in Mexico in December and her family will be hosting a Celebration of Life in the spring or summer of 2024 in the Columbia Valley.

CAP passionate to help Indigenous inmates

By Julia Magsombol Local Journalism Initiative julia@columbiavalleypioneer.com Kim Beaudin, national vice-chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP), is passionate when he speaks about Indigenous prisoners in Saskatchewan and the current system of Canada's jails.

The parole board and Correctional Service Canada started a public inquest on Myles Sanderson, an Indigenous prisoner who died. "[He] fell through the system," Beaudin told the Pioneer.

On the morning of Sept. 4, 2022, Sanderson killed 11 people and injured 17 others at James Smith Cree Nation.

For more information on this story, read https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/sask-rcmp-timelinejames-smith-cree-nation-myles-sanderson-1.6823147.

Sanderson died in police custody

three days later on Sept. 7. His inquest will run from February 26 to March 1, 2024.

"I believe, beyond a reasonable doubt, that there needs to be more communication and input and other means from Indigenous Peoples in the community," said Beaudin.

He explained that Sanderson was traumatized. He had a very poor relationship with his father and was a product of a residential school. He questioned the case's correction for trauma, saying that it doesn't seem to exist, not only for Sanderson, but many Indigenous prisoners stuck in jails.

"I heard directly from another inquest I was part of; the warden had told me they were not a Healing Lodge. They were not a mental health facility, but a prison. He said we are not like a treatment centre. We are a prison.”

At that time, Beaudin knew Canada's jail system did not have the resources or capacity for psychologists, clinical social workers, and counsellors.

But he noted his disappointment in Correctional Service Canada and how it handles Indigenous Peoples.

"I was disappointed Commissioner Anne Kelly didn't show up to Sanderson’s inquest. She wasn't there at all.

There's no way the jury will understand how complicated the system is. They didn't even know the answers."

Beaudin also explained they would ask for “numbers of Indigenous federally incarcerated in Canada,” which they should have known all along. In the end, he said many Indigenous prisoners were neglected, especially their cases.

Beaudin also cited the story of a man who was convicted at the age of 16 years after a fatal stabbing. He was a gang member then who spent most of his life in prison. Beaudin said the boy was sent to solitary confinement until he was 18 years old. There was "no human contact. Nothing." In fact, he's still in jail today, Beaudin told the Pioneer.

For more news about the case, read: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sas-

katchewan/man-faces-murder-chargeafter-2005-stabbing-1.595700.

When Beaudin talked to the young prisoner years ago, the inmate said that no parole was offered. He apologized and said he “did not mean to kill that guy.” Beaudin suspected that the system looked at the stereotypes of the young inmate who was shrouded in discrimination and racial bias.

Beaudin continues to attend Sanderson's inquiry and keeps in contact with the incarcerated inmate. The issue has prompted him to help more Indigenous Peoples who have fallen through the cracks at Correctional Services Canada. Bottom photo of Kim Beaudin

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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Radium library has full calendar of upcoming programs

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.

The Radium library is very excited to announce that we are now open Tuesday to Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We have a full calendar of upcoming programs and events in 2024. We offer a range of programs for all ages and for a variety of interests. Check out our program calendar on our website for information on our free programs for babies, children, families, teens, adults, and seniors.

Local students from David Thompson Secondary School will be launching their Capstone project at the Radium library on February 1.

This student-led program will run Thursdays from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. for the duration of the project. Children ages 5 + are invited to join for reading, playing games, and colouring. (Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.)

Each year the Radium library hosts a free tax clinic courtesy of our volunteers through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP). Eligible

individuals must have a modest income or simple tax situation. The free clinic for the 2023 tax year will begin February 21 and end April 30.

Visit our Facebook page or website for more details on library programs and services.

Friends of the Library

By Donna Tunney The Friends of the Radium Hot Springs Library third annual book sale, which took place this past November, was a resounding success. It brought in more than $2,500 — doubling what we made the previous year!

A big thank you to all who attended and purchased thousands of great titles, sampled hot cider and homemade cookies, gobbled up yummy cupcakes from Invermere’s Buttercream, and enjoyed a visit with Mrs. Claus, who listened to Christmas wishes and passed out candy canes.

We sold scads of books, jigsaw puzzles, nutritious rice bags, and beautiful crafts. Thanks to everyone who contributed titles to the library throughout the year, and a special thank you to our supporter who donated the hall’s rental — you are greatly appreciated.

We’d also like to thank the staff of the Radium Public Library for their assistance, Wheels in Art for designing our new (purple) Friends of the Radium Library bags, and Mountainside Market for providing a delicious lunch for all our wonderful volunteers who work so tirelessly to support our library.

We’re already planning this year’s event, so if you have gently used books you want to donate, please drop them

off at the Radium Public Library, located in the Radium Hot Springs Centre, 4863 Stanley Street.

Radium Public Library offers free programs for babies, children, families, teens, adults and seniors.

PHOTO JUSTIN GAUDET

2024 Electoral Area

VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR

NOMINATE SOMEONE TODAY

Can you think of someone in your area that is always first to step up and help? Is someone close to you making your community a better place?

Do you know of an individual who is making positive change for those around them?

These are the people that make our region an amazing place to live. Help us celebrate and recognize their efforts by nominating them as an Electoral Area Volunteer of the Year.

Nominees must be a resident of an Electoral (rural) Area and make voluntary contributions to the spirit, culture or people of the community.

Nomination forms are now available at our Cranbrook & Columbia Valley RDEK offices and on: engage.rdek.bc.ca/volunteer Nomination Deadline is 4:30 pm WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2024

SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING

Wednesday February 7

The 2024 RDEK budget meeting will be held at the RDEK’s Cranbrook Office February 7, 2024. This meeting is open to anyone wishing to attend in person or via Zoom.

The meeting start times and agendas will be posted on February 2 on the Agendas & Minutes page on www.rdek.bc.ca.

19 – 24 Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8 | 250-489-2791 | 1-888-478-7335 | Fax: 250-489-3498 | info@rdek.bc.ca | www.rdek.bc.ca

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

19

BEY ND THE BLUE LINE Big, little Rockies get plenty of ice time Beyond the Blue Line

By Stephanie Stevens Both versions of the Columbia Valley Rockies were busy last weekend, with the “big” Rockies in Fernie facing down the division-leading Ghostriders and the Windermere Valley Minor Hockey Association Under 13 Rockies hosting the U13 home tournament at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.

In Fernie, head coach Tyler Sincennes said the game started out really well.

“I was really happy with how we started. We came out flying and created lots of turnovers,” he said. “The second period was an emotional letdown and we let the game get away from us worrying about the wrong things and taking too many penalties.”

While the game ended 3-2 in the ‘Riders’ favour, Sincennes said the team rallied and had a really strong third period.

Ben Sharp scored in the first period (assist from Johnny Lozeman) and the third period was Carter Velker unassisted.

The Fernie game was also Kyran Gromnisky’s 100th game as a Rockie.

At home, the U13 Rockies took

fourth place in the tournament that saw teams from the Kootenay area as well as teams from Alberta.

The team from Fort Macleod ultimately took home the win.

“Our team has come a long way and we are starting to look for one another and head man the puck,” said head coach Steve Bush, adding that a passing team is a better team.

“It’s always great at the home tournament because the players love having the big dressing room. It makes them feel proud.”

Bush noted the team leadership has also developed well.

“Pistol Keith, Hudson Lapointe and Emerson Johnson have emerged as our leaders and they’re learning about the responsibilities of their new roles.”

The U13 Rockies’ lone goaltender Jack Hildes was in net for the entire weekend, including a 3-0 shutout against the Calgary team that earned him player of the game.

The “big” Rockies are back in the Eddie this Friday, Feb. 2 taking on the Kimberley Dynamiters in trying to edge the Kimberley team aside and take back their second place spot in the Eddie Mountain Division.

Valentine’s Day tea Submitted The Valley GoGo Sisters, a group of local grandmothers, are making a switch from green for St. Patrick’s Day to red for Valentine’s Day for their annual Tea. To treat your friends and loved ones (or yourself ) on Valentine’s Day, and to support a great cause, they invite you to order soon to enjoy “Tea for Two – or Just for You”, eight pieces of home baked sweet treats and tea, delivered to your door on Thursday, Feb. 14 for a total cost of $30.

All proceeds from Tea for Two go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation Grandmothers Campaign which was launched in Canada in March 2006 in response to the emerging crisis faced by African grandmothers.

When the HIV epidemic swept across the continent of Africa, it took the lives of nearly an entire generation – 35 million perished – which left their children alone and vulnerable. With little or no support, it was the grandmothers of Africa who stepped in to care for these

children.

Grandmothers and ‘grandothers’ in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States rallied in response, creating a dynamic movement.

They raise funds in their local communities to support the life-enhancing programs run by grandmothers in Africa and the community-led organizations who support them.

The grandmothers movement amplifies the voices and expertise of grandmothers in Africa, and shows the world that leadership by older women is critical in reclaiming hope and rebuilding resilience across communities.

The deadline for ordering Valentine’s Tea for Two is Friday, Feb. 9 and a maximum of 50 orders will be accepted.

All orders will be delivered mid-day on February 14. We hope you will join us for tea to support the endeavours of the grandmothers campaign.

For more information or to place an order, please contact Luana Gillies, 250 342-9600 (email blgillies65@gmail. com) or Sherry Dewey, 250 342-9733 (email sherrydewey56@gmail.com).

The Windermere Valley Minor Hockey Association’s Under 13 Rockies hosted a tournament last weekend.

PHOTO STEPHANIE STEVENS

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Family Dynamix is hosting the initial meeting of the Columbia Valley Healthy Aging Community Collaborative.

All senior serving community partners and interested community members, including senior representatives are invited. This will provide opportunities for community partners to network and engage in conversation about services for seniors that are currently available in the Columbia Valley as well as explore new initiatives that will enhance age friendly living in our communities. All stakeholders in the Columbia Valley are encouraged to attend this meeting.

The meeting will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024 at the Invermere Legion. Refreshments will be served. For more information call Jennifer at 250-342-1110 or 250-342-5566

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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

Different values help us learn Fresh old ideas

By Arnold Malone Pioneer Columnist Last month I wrote about the importance of tolerance. I indicated that tolerance and intolerance were both learned behaviours, usually formed within a culture.

This is about two experiences where I was stunned by values of another place yet learned just how deeply opinions can be held in cultures that differ from our own. We struggle to understand how values of another culture could be so different from ours.

These examples took place while six Members of Parliament were on an assignment to evaluate the procurement practice for supplying equipment to our peacekeeping force in the Middle East. The group was three Liberals and three Progressive Conservatives.

We became ongoing friends; travelling together does that.

We were in five Middle East countries. The first situation took place in Aman, Jordan, a more western-like Arab nation.

In the three weeks that we were doing our work we had a half day for ‘down time.’ As a group, however, we chose to visit the United Nations refugee agency located in Aman. It was an opportunity to gather additional insight that might matter when considering public policy.

We were shown around the UN facility and towards the end of our tour we were introduced to a charming lady who was part of the executive team.

The other MPs left the room and I continued my conversation with this executive person. Then the door burst open and one of the MPs said, “Oh, there you are, our transportation is waiting for you.”

Wanting to have a graceful departure I said to this engaging lady, “You have a Master’s degree from England, a PhD from the United States and you are now doing important work with the United Nations. What

is your chief ambition?”

It was my intent to congratulate her and then take my leave.

Her eyes turned to ice and she glared at me and said, “My chief ambition is to get married, have sons that will kill Israelis.” There went the graceful departure.

The second experience took place in Demascus, Syria. It underscores when different values become formed. Our transportation was with our peacekeeping soldiers.

We were driving to a destination when our convoy was stopped as a very large truck was maneuvering a communication tower around an awkward intersection. We were parked directly alongside an elementary school. A very loud bell rang and children came running from the school. A group of six or seven-yearold boys – about 12 or 15 of them - lined up in single file, each wearing army fatigue clothing complete with high laced-up boots and carrying a small rifle with a bayonet. An adult soldier placed a life-sized image of then USA President Jimmy Carter about 50 feet from the first boy. The commanding adult shouted an order.

The first boy ran and made two jabs with his bayonet through President Carter’s image. Another command was made and another boy raced and stabbed. At one point one of the boys must have stabbed incorrectly.

The commander shouted violent sounding words and other boys knocked this student to the ground and the group began repeatedly kicking him.

Every culture thinks it is correct. It is through culture that values and practices are formed.

When it comes to cultural certainty, I am reminded of the Canadian who was teasing a Chinese person and asked, “When do you ever expect your dead will come back to eat the food you place on their graves?”

“Very same time as they come to see and smell your flowers,” was the response.

Finally, I still think our values deserve worldwide support; culture does that.

Other cultures are to be understood but not necessarily embraced.

Arnold Malone served as MP for Alberta’s Battle River and Crowfoot ridings from 1974 through 1993. He retired to Invermere in 2007.

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Columbia Valley

Churches LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH While you are with us, you are always welcome to join us.

Sunday at 10:30 am 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 | www.lwac.ca

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED 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

Members of Columbia Valley Search and Rescue are brushing up on their avalanche rescue skills.

With warmer temperatures of late and elevated avalanche hazard, it’s a good time to practise some companion rescue skills in your yard.

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

PHOTO CVSAR

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