Columbia Valley Pioneer July 6, 2023

Dirt bikers eat dust

Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Invermere resident Trystan Hart is now firmly established as one of the top professional dirt bikers on the planet.

In early June, Hart grabbed bronze for the second straight year at the Red Bull Erzberg Rodeo Hard Enduro in Austria, and then followed that up a week and a half ago by winning the US Hard Enduro Championship for the third straight season.

e Erzberg Rodeo Hard Enduro is commonly regarded as the premier offroad event in the world, and draws the best dirt bikers from around the globe.

Erzberg) have been doing it for eight or nine years, so they have plenty of experience with the event,” said Hart. “ en you add in jet lag, and different food, and the other stuff that comes with being on a different continent, and that adds a bit of challenge as a Canadian.”

Hart’s second Erzberg third-place finish earlier this June showed that his first bronze in 2022 was no fluke, and firmly entrenched him in the upper echelons of enduro. Although back-to-back bronzes would be a delight for most, Hart sets high standards for himself and had wanted to do better in 2023 than he did in 2022.

“ at first podium was a super good feeling,” said Hart. “But to be honest, I did expect more from myself this time around. After I finished, I knew I could have ridden better. It wasn’t a bad ride, but I know I am capable of more. So, as strange as it is to say it, I am a little disappointed.”

“It’s pretty crazy. ere are 20,000 to 30,000 people gathered there, many of them camping for four days. It’s more like a festival than a race,” Hart told the Pioneer

As reported two years ago, Hart managed to finish 14th during his first trip to the Erzberg back in 2021. He returned in 2022 and turned more than a few heads by ending up on the podium with a third place finish.

Hart is the first Canadian ever (and second ever from North America) to make the podium at Erzberg. To do so in just his second attempt at the race astounded many in the enduro world.

“It is pretty hard to get on the podium there (at Erzberg), especially as a North American. A lot of the top contenders (at

e US Hard Enduro Championship was a different story: Hart couldn’t possibly have done better. Not only is it his third straight time winning the Championship series; it’s also his second straight time winning with a clean sweep (i.e. he has literally won every single race in the series for two years running).

In 2021, his first year winning the Championship, he won five out of nine races in the series. Over the past two years the Championship series has involved a total of 14 races and Hart has been victorious in all of them.

“I’m super proud of that consistency, to not miss a single race in two years, and to not even slip to second even once,” he told the Pioneer. “It’s not easy to do, because in an enduro there’s so much that can go wrong — crashes, injuries, your bike breaking.”

Continued on page 5

“I’m super proud of that consistency, to not miss a single race in two years, and to not even slip to second even once.”

Trystan Hart

truly enjoys the freedom that the sport of dirt biking

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting of the Windermere District Social Ser vice Society (doing business as WeCONNECT) will be held Wednesday, July 12th, 6:30 pm in the Invermere and District Fire Hall B oard Room. All members, as well as the general public, are welcome to attend

Members in good standing, with 2023/2024

membership fees received prior to the start of the meeting are entitled to vote

For further information, please contact us at: 250-342-3699 or by email at: weconnectinvermere@gmail.com

RCMP Report

Corporal Jeff Witzke Columbia Valley RCMP

is past week, June 26 to July 2, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 84 calls for service. Over 30 of those calls were traffic related, such as collisions, driving complaints, etc.

e following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to:

On June 29, Columbia Valley RCMP along with emergency crews attended a fatal collision involving two passenger vehicles on Highway 93 in Kootenay National Park.

Initial investigation determined that a car travelling westbound crossed the centre line into oncoming traffic. e driver of an oncoming SUV was unable to avoid colliding with the car, resulting in a head-on collision between both vehicles. Tragically, the two occupants of

the car were pronounced deceased at the scene. e three occupants of the SUV were taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor.

On June 30, Columbia Valley RCMP attended a collision involving four vehicles on Hwy 93/95 in front of the fire hall in Windermere. It was determined the lead vehicle slowed to make a left hand turn off the highway. e two vehicles behind began to slow as well, however, the forth did not and rear-ended one of the vehicles which caused a chain reaction of collisions. ankfully no one was injured.

On July 2, RCMP were made aware of two overdue hikers near Panorama. e hikers were hiking a mountain across from Panorama and got into an area that they could not get back from. ey had cell service and GPS coordinates which were relayed to search and rescue crews who were able to locate and safely return the hikers.

You see, turtles have their own perspective: chill out, slow down, and don’t take life too seriously. And it’s okay to go into your shell sometimes to ponder your next move.

Photo by Ryan Watmough

Hart revving up on track to success

Continued from page 3

Hart is 26 years old and has been dirt biking since he was three. He started riding as a professional when he was 16, so he’s got plenty of experience.

He trains rigorously, and keeps a laser sharp focus on constantly improving that helped him through two major injuries earlier in his career and continues to help him now.

First he started getting on Canadian podiums, then podiums in major continental-level races south of the border, before breaking out and hitting international podiums and consistently taking the top spot in continental races.

“ ere’s a bit of luck involved in enduros, in anything in life really. But you also create your own luck. e harder you work, the better your chances of being lucky. I’ve taken no shortcuts in the last 10 years,” said Hart.

He trains as much off his bike as he does on his bike, making sure to do plenty of stretching, cardio and weight training.

“It’s been a long journey, but I want to keep going. I want to put Canada on the map (for dirt biking),” said Hart.

e rest of the summer is busy for Hart with races in Romania, Tennessee, and Calgary. at’s just fine with Hart, who loves his sport.

Hart has some fun doing a burnout after winning the US Hard Enduro Championship for the third straight season.

“ ere’s a sense of freedom you get riding on a dirt bike. You’re in complete control. When you come to a crazy line, you get to decide how to ride it . . . it’s always been super fun for me. ere’s, I guess, a certain adrenaline rush to two-wheel sports — dirt biking and mountain biking — that’s addicting for me,” he said.

Athalmer residents petition against dike trail

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Residents of Athalmer and other parts of Invermere have started a petition against the District of Invermere’s plan to create a paved multi-use trail on the Athalmer dike.

ose questioning the trail have already gathered 26 signatures on the petition, which was presented to Invermere councillors during last week’s meeting. Four opponents of the dike trail delivered the petition and spoke before council.

Ray Vowels began by underscoring the importance of the Columbia River wetlands from an environmental perspec-

tive, noting their incredible biodiversity and their considerable habitat value. As compared with the majesty of soaring mountains and expansive lakes, wetlands may sometimes be taken for granted, but they are ecologically critical, he noted, adding the wetlands are recognized as internationally significant by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)-affiliated Ramsar Convention treaty.

“People are really unhappy with the idea (of the trail),” said Vowels, explaining it didn’t take very long to gather the signatures on the petition, the overwhelming majority of which came from people living in Althalmer. Given the relatively

small number of households in Athalmer, the names on the petition represent a significant proportion of the population there, he noted.

Athalmer is built on a flood plain and on filled-in sections of the Columbia River wetlands. e northern and easternmost edges of the neighbourhood border directly onto the wetlands. e dike (or berm) is made of dirt and was put in place several decades ago, following incidents of flooding and high water, to protect Althalmer homes. As part of its Athalmer Neighbourhood Plan, the district has proposed turning the dike into an official paved multi-use trail.

Vowels told council that the public

consultation Athalmer residents have seen about the neighbourhood plan focused on walkways in general, not specifically about turning the dike into a paved walkway, which is why opposition to the plan is only being voiced relatively recently.

“It’s a little farther from the centre of town, and a little quieter in Athalmer. at’s what people want there — quiet. It’s a bad idea to direct people from James Chabot (Provincial Park) and the bridge to the berm and the wetlands,” said Vowels, adding the extra pedestrian traffic will be disruptive to wildlife as well as to local residents, and is bound to negatively impact the wetlands.

Continued on page 7

Photo submitted

Which road do you take? Historical Lens Historical Lens

Ahhh, those high school grad days of yesteryear. The sad goodbyes. Leaving your comfort zone. The excitement of what lies ahead. It’s all part of growing up and learning life’s lessons that can’t be taught in the classroom.

The sky’s the limit for today’s graduates who have endless opportunities to follow their bucket lists and to make a difference.

But nobody is saying they have to do great things and change the world. There will be some content with following as opposed to leading, and that’s totally fine. As long as they are true to themselves and not living somebody else’s life due to others’ expectations.

It makes one think of Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken. Do you embark on the road less travelled or the one heavily trodden? One or the other will make all the difference. But perhaps both will. Maybe you’ll veer off on a branch that is your true calling. Be yourself and follow your heart, not the influencers on social media.

Whatever the case, the world will need leaders to replace the old ones. We will need leaders to combat climate change, the drug crisis, poverty, crime, and our health care woes. No doubt some of our graduates will be up to the task.

We extend kudos to the educators who molded and shaped our graduates into intelligent and caring individuals who have grown to be compassionate.

They realize the world no longer revolves around them, and that they need to help others on their journey as well. Resilience is perhaps the most important lesson they learned in school, aside from striving for their goals. They have learned to get back up once knocked down. To face their problems head on instead of dodging them. To take risks for greater rewards. And to think outside the box.

The fear of failure is so strong that it has kept many people from reaching great heights.

Did you know that many uber famous people failed before hitting their stride to success? Stephen King’s manuscripts were rejected many times before he became a best selling author. Nobody thought Albert Einstein would amount to anything. Bill Gates’ first business venture failed. Thomas Edison failed miserably at least one thousand times before he created the lightbulb. Simon Cowell’s record company failed, but look where he is now. Steven Spielberg initially failed, and so did Walt Disney. Failure is inevitable, but perseverance is what defines success.

As our grads walk off that stage, they not only face adversity but infinite opportunity to affect change to make our world a better place. And they will, for generations to come.

Lyonel Doherty, editor

The Columbia Valley U12 Majors had a successful 2023 season, capped off by winning the East Kootenay league championship recently, defeating Cranbrook in the final 14-2. This year the league had 10 teams from Cranbrook, Kimberley, Creston, Columbia Valley, and Golden. Team members (players) include, back row L-R: Ethan Dewey, Emersyn Johnson, Brayden Rice, Jakob Cable, Nate McLaughlin. Front row L-R: Everett Hysert, Wes Catleugh, Miles Hemmelgarn, Memphis Martin, Charlie Breau, Crosby Vernon, Bentley Godlien. Missing from photo is Ryder Scheffer. Columbia Valley Little League, in conjunction with the Cranbrook Bandits baseball program, will be hosting the U13 Provincial Championships July 7-9, playing a three-game series at Pynelogs Rotary Field vs the Fraser Valley Firebirds. The winner heads to the National Championships in Vancouver later in the month.

Photo submitted

In this 1920 photo, a woman looks at a sundial in the pynelogs garden at the home of R.R. Bruce on the shore of Lake Windermere.

Photo provided by the Windermere and District Historical Society

Proposed dike trail concerns opponents

Continued from page 5

Vowels pointed out the funds for the trail could easily be redirected to creating badly needed sidewalks along Athalmer streets. Many Althalmer streets have no sidewalk at all and are consequently unsafe for pedestrians, he stated.

Vowels, Natalie Forrest and other opponents of the dike trail have spent time talking with biologists about the potential ecological effects of the trail. Forrest outlined for council the numerous endangered, at-risk or otherwise threatened species, both plant and animal, that make their home in the wetlands, including along the dike.

“What we see is that, when the wetlands are full of paddlers, all the birds come in, toward the town. ey are essentially getting squeezed out by the people. Adding a walkway would further squeeze the birds and other wildlife,” said Forrest. “To say it’s just a walkway is really understating the impact it can have.”

At one point Forrest became impassioned to the point of tears, and pleaded with council, “if we (Invermere) are serious about conserving nature, we should do the really simple thing. e best thing. Which is to do nothing. Leave it.”

Rae McPherson explained the trail opponents felt compelled to appear before council, because “we have given feedback (about the trail) but we don’t see that

feedback reflected in the plan.” McPherson also pointed out that, in terms of public access to nature, if people want to access the wetlands there are already many other places in the Columbia Valley where they can do so.

“We understand the passion,” said Invermere Mayor Al Miller, adding he personally hadn’t heard any negative feedback about the trail until he began talking with the four trail opponents presenting at the council meeting.

Councillor Gerry Taft followed up by saying, “I think, with trails, there is some value in bringing people close to nature . . . but this may not be the right spot.

ere’s tradeoff, and in this case I don’t know where the balance lies. I think what is clear is that we need to do more consultation with the (Athalmer) neighbourhood and also look at the pros and cons (of the trail) to the general public.”

Miller agreed “this will obviously take a whole lot more work and more consultation.”

Invermere chief administrative officer Andrew Young advised council to hold off on making any decisions about the proposed dike trail just yet.

Athalmer residents have started a petition against the District of Invermere’s plan to create a paved trail on the Athalmer dike, citing the ecological impact. ey suggested using the funds to create more sidewalks in the neighbourhood, like this new one here.

Photo by Ryan Watmough

Canal Flats Cruise In rolls back into town

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

e Canal Flats Cruise In will wheel back into the Columbia Valley again this summer.

e classic car show was first launched in 2017 in conjunction with the Village of Canal Flats’s annual Canal Days Festival. e event was tremendously popular and grew each year. But in 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic put the brakes on both the Cruise In and the Canal Days Festival.

e Cruise In finally returned last year, but was held on a separate weekend than Canal Days, with the car show coming about a month after the festival.

Although the new schedule was the result of a hiccup in getting insurance instead of a deliberate move, it proved popular with Canal Flats residents and

visitors alike, because there are now two major events on the village calendar in early summer (Canal Days in early June and the Cruise In in early July).

Event co-organizer Sjac Pronk had previously explained that the Cruise In is “a really nice, low-key event. Everybody gets together, meets new people and gets to see what other classic car lovers have been working on over the winter. It’s one of the first car shows of the season, so I really mean it when I say it’s a good chance to see what people have been up to over the winter.”

e event has drawn up to 100 cars, and more than 500 spectators in the past. is year the Canal Flats Cruise In is set for Saturday, July 8, from noon until 4 p.m. at 4925 Burns Avenue. ere will be live music by Stompyard. Admission is $20. For more information call 250-9192104.

e Canal Flats Cruise In is set for Saturday, July 8 from noon to 4 p.m. at 4925 Burns Ave.

Photos by Ryan Watmough

Moon Steamboat Mounta in Music Fest Steamboat Mounta in Music Fest The 12th Annual Edgewater, BC BC w w w . c o l u m b i a v a l l e y a r t s . c o m

T Buckley ON NOW. JULY 5 - 29 JULY 7 5-8PM PYNELOGS

ARTISTS SOIREE C u l t u r a l C e n t r e

NICOLe LEBOUTILLIER jennifer dentremont claire dibble jackie

impey

MOTI will address Westside Road erosion hazard

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

e provincial Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) plans to address the erosion on Westside Road south of Invermere.

As reported last week, erosion and washout near an elongated S-curve a few hundred metres south of Coy’s Road has created a dangerous situation. A large crack has appeared in the eastern lane at the south side of the curve, and the easternmost edge of the road has crumbled away, leaving an alarming drop down the bank below.

Northbound drivers heading into the curve have no choice but to veer into the southbound lane to avoid the crack. Unfortunately doing so puts them directly in the path of oncoming southbound traffic driving around the corner — oncoming traffic that has only a partial view of what’s

happening at the erosion spot.

According to local accounts, the erosion has been an issue for a month or more. A local resident shared an Instagram post of the hazard two weeks ago, and the post included a video of two vehicles (a veering northbound vehicle and a regular southbound vehicle coming around the corner) missing each other by not much more than a second or two.

e Pioneer was unable to reach MOTI for comment before last week’s press deadline. MOTI did respond after the deadline, however, outlining that it is aware of the issue.

“Ministry staff and the maintenance contractor have increased monitoring and patrols of the area to ensure the safety of the travelling public,” a MOTI spokesperson said in a statement to the Pioneer e ministry explained there is currently warning signage on site to ensure users are aware of the conditions and said

Big book sale coming

Submitted

e Friends of the Library in Invermere are eagerly gearing up for their Big Book Sale on Saturday, Aug. 5.

“While the BIG Book Sale is a lot of work, it is also a fun occasion where valley residents and visitors connect with each other over a love of reading … and getting a bargain,” said Lynda Tutty, chair of the Friends of the Library.

Fifteen years ago the sale was born as a way to raise funds for the Invermere Public Library. At the time, the library was located in the former RCMP detachment adjacent to the museum before moving to its current location in the Columbia Valley Centre in 2017. is move and the expansion of the collection and the extensive services the library provides to the community require funding.

e BIG Book Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. is the premier fundraising vehicle of the Friends of the Library. ousands

of books are donated throughout the year by generous people in the community. As each book arrives at the donation bin, a dedicated team of volunteers checks the publication date and condition, sorts them by genre and boxes them in preparation for the sale. On sale day, even more volunteers jump into action at about 6:30 a.m. to set up tents, tables and signs, as well as unbox the books.

e volunteers have hundreds of hours of experience that allow them to know what will sell. For several reasons, not all books will make it to the sale.

ey are older or they are damaged (broken spines, missing pages or covers, water stained, with mildew or mould).

e Friends of the Library welcome donations of gently used books and jigsaw puzzles right up until the day of the sale. At any time, books can be dropped off in the donation bin in front of the Book Donation Centre beside the courthouse.

HOLDING HOPE SUPPORT – STRONGER TOGETHER BC

Offered by MOMS STOP THE HARM

Public Ser vice Announcement

Holding Hope Support Group Starting in Invermere

Invermere, British Columbia - Holding Hope, a peer-facilitated support group specific to families and individuals supporting a loved one who uses or has used substances, will be starting in Invermere in July, 2023

Holding Hope support groups fall under the umbrella of Moms Stop The Harm (MSTH) which is a network of Canadian families impacted by harms and deaths due to substance use Holding Hope provides mutual support and healing by coming together to share our stories, information and resources

3x4 Late ad

Our groups provide the reassurance that you are not walking this journey alone We provide a safe place to build strength and resilience for families or friends who feel overwhelmed in supporting their loved ones

We provide a safe place to support, connect and share without stigma

Learn more at: https://www holdinghopecanada org/ and MomsStopTheHarm com

The Holding Hope support group is free to attend Registration is required For more information and to register contact Lori at: holdinghopeinvermere@gmail.com

Media contact:

Jacquie Huser, holdinghopeiha@gmail com

that some of its geotechnical staff members were scheduled to be on site last week to assess the slope.

“Once the assessment is complete, the ministry will review the scope of repairs and all possible solutions.

Repairs will be carried out as soon as possible, based on recommendations from the geotechnical investigation,” said the spokesperson.

e Pioneer asked if the ministry would opt for a long-term solution to the

erosion, which could come with a very substantial price tag and take some time to complete. Or, whether it would do a quick fix to make things safe for the time being, and then examine long-term solutions in the future.

On that particular point the ministry spokesperson responded that “when the ministry assesses geotechnical issues, we review both short- and long-term solutions that consider the safety of the travelling public.”

Thursday, July 6

» 6:00pm: Blues Beer Garden. Ullr Bar. Garret T. Willie Band. Fernie Beer Gardens $10 Entr y. Tickets at Eventbrite, search Ullr Bar.

• 9:00am-12:00pm: Pickleball Club Drop -in Play at Mt Nelson Park

• 9:30am – 12:30pm: Stor y Walk Learning Together Enjoy the outdoors and a stor y! Ac tivities and Giveaways! w vcoordinator@cbal org or tex t 250-409-4251 w w w cbal org Different locations throughout the summer

• 10:00am: Parent & Tot Connec t Frater Landing Parents & ages 0-6 are invited to this FREE drop -in program

• 10:15am: Tech Time Invermere Public Librar y Come for one - on- one tech help

10:30am: Seniors' Fitness Columbia Valley Centre, $2 drop -in 11:15am-12:30pm: Journey Through Time Summer Reading Club Edgewater Community Park Ages 5-12

• 12:00pm-1:00pm: Seniors’ Lunch Invermere Legion (second Thursday of each month), to reser ve call Jan at 250-342-1196

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

• 2:00pm-3:00pm: Weekly Librar y Meet-up Seniors Tea is ever y 2nd and 4th Thursday; Needles and Hooks is ever y 1st & 3rd Thursday

• 2:00pm: Tech Time Radium Public Librar y Come for one - on- one tech help

• 3:00pm: FREE Youth Drop -In Fun Summit Youth Centre Hub Grade 7-12 come to meet, hang out and enjoy time with friends

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

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

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

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

Friday, June 7

» 5:00pm-11:00pm: Steamboat Mountain Music Fest Sequential Porch Par ties around town. Edgewater.

» 5:00pm-8:30pm: First Friday Ar t Walk. Ar tym Galler y. Pat Morrow, mountain guide, author, filmmaker. Slide shows at 5:30pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm.

» 5:00pm-8:00pm: K ar yn Chopik & A&R Jeweller y Par ty. Effusion Galler y Come and check out our new summer jewelr y collec tions, save 15% off of all Kar yn Chopik jewelr y, and enter to win an A&R Jewelr y gift cer tificate

» 7:00pm: BC Provincial Baseball Playoffs Pynelogs Rotar y Ballpark.

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

• 9:00am-11:00am: Tennis Club at the Kinsmen Beach Cour ts

• 9:00am-12:00pm: Pickleball at Mt Nelson Athletic Park

• 10:30am-11:15am: Pop -up Stor ytime Kinsman Beach Join us each week for stories, songs and a crafts!

• 10:30am-12:00pm: Radium Summer Reading Club Radium Librar y Ever y Friday

Ages 5-8

• 1:00pm-2:30pm: Radium Summer Reading Club Radium Librar y Ever y Friday

Ages 9-12

1:00pm-8:00pm: FREE Youth Drop -In Fun: Summit Youth Centre Hub For grades 7-12, come meet, hang out with friends

2:00pm-3:00pm: Friday Fundays at the Invermere Librar y Crafternoons/ Steam on alternate weeks

• 3:00pm- close: Wings & Things at the Legion, pub grub done right!

• 4:00pm-7:00pm: Radium Market on Main Join us for the annual Market on Main ever y Friday Evening from 4-7 pm through July & August at the Visitor Centre in Radium

where we eat and shop locally

• 5:00pm-8:00pm: Ar tist Soiree Pynelogs Meet talented ar tists in the galler y Ar t, music, good times

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

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

• 7:00pm-9:00pm: Drop -In Adult Parkour Unit 6, 1340 Industrial Road #3 Adults are invited to drop -in for $20! Ever y 2nd Friday

• 6:30pm-8:30pm: Dynamic Archer y Speed Shooting Come tr y Archer y at Luxor Corrals Call 250-347-9048 to register

Saturday, July 8

» 8:30am: Bighorn 3D Archer y Shoot Lake Windermere Distric t Rod & Gun Club. The annual Big Horn archer y shoot is a family-friendly, two - day event! Test your archer y skills over three courses.

» 12:00pm-10:00pm: Steamboat Mountain Music Fest. Live Music. Edgewater Community Park followed by a dance in the hall 10:00pm - 12:00am.

» 12:00pm: Home Run Derby Pynelogs Rotar y Ballpark All Ages, tickets go on sale at 11:00am.

» 7:00pm: BC Provincial Baseball Playoffs. Pynelogs Rotar y Ballpark.

9:00am-1:00pm: Invermere Farmers Market Lakeview parking lot

• 9:00am-12:00pm: Pickleball Mt Nelson Park

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

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

• 11:00am-2:00pm: Meet Ar tist Wendy Stone Effusion Ar t Galler y Wendy is a Red Seal welder who creates whimsical sculptures and tables out of reclaimed metal with occasional wood components

6:00pm-9:00pm: Mountain Al Fresco Themed pop -up picnic event Ever ything is white, from the decorations to the plates to the diner ’s outfits! Info at https://w w w facebook.com/events/622503233100590

• 6:30pm: Meat Draw & 50/50 Invermere Legion.

Sunday, July 9

» 11:00am-2:00pm: Steamboat Mountain Music Fest. Music Workshops. Edgewater All S aints Churchyard.

» 8:30am: Bighorn 3D Archer y Shoot: Lake Windermere Distric t Rod & Gun Club. The annual Big Horn archer y shoot is a family-friendly, two - day event! Test your archer y skills over three courses

» 1:00pm: BC Provincial Baseball Playoffs Pynelogs Rotar y Ballpark

• 11:00am-2:00pm: Toast & (music) Jam Village Social, Canal Flats Bring your own instrument, join the jam or come enjoy live music

• 2:00pm-12:00am: Cards, Cribbage and Dar ts Come to the Legion and have some fun! Members and guests welcome 2:00pm-4:00pm: Invermere Pickleball Open play at Curling Club 3:00pm-12:00am: Wings & Things 525 13th Street, Invermere, BCWings & Things at the Legion.

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

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

Monday, July 10

» 9:30pm: Movies in the Mountains. Monday nights at Dark. Pothole Park. The S andlot.

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

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

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

• 9:00am-12:00pm: Pickleball Club Mt Nelson Athletic Park

• 3:00pm-8:0pm: Youth Drop -In The Edge Edgewater youth grades 4-8 are invited to drop -in for fun with the Summit Youth Hub

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

• 6:30pm-8:300pm: Pickleball Invermere Curling Club, Skills and Drills

• 6:30pm-8:30pm: Dynamic Archer y Speed Shooting Come tr y Archer y at Luxor Corrals Call 250-347-9048 to register

Tuesday, July 11

• 11:00am-12:30pm: Journey Through Time Summer Reading Club Invermere Librar y Ages 5-8.

• 2:00pm-3:30pm: Journey Through Time Summer Reading Club Invermere Librar y Ages 9-12.

9:00am-12:00pm: Pickleball Club Drop -in Play Mt Nelson Athletic Park

9:30am-10:30am: Baby Goose Learning Together Columbia House Healing Gardens

Join for songs, rhymes and fun! For children ages 0-2 and their caregivers Registration is required, w vcoordinator@cbal.org or call/tex t 250-409-4251.

• 10:00am: Parent & Tot Connec t Frater Landing Parents and their young children (ages 0-6) are invited to this FREE drop -in program!

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

• 11:30am: Little Lambs Radium Librar y Songs, rhymes, and stories with your babies (no registration required).

• 3:00pm-8:00pm: FREE Youth Drop -In Fun Summit Youth Centre Hub For grades 7-12, come hang out and enjoy some great times

• 6:30pm-8:30pm: Pickleball Invermere Curling Club, Skills and Drills Wednesday, July 12

» 6:30pm-8:00pm: Loc als Live. Concer t Summer Series. Pothole Park. Two Lane Blacktop.

• 9:00am-11:00am: Tennis Club Kinsmen Beach Cour ts

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

• 10:00am: Parent & Tot Connec t Canal Flats Village Office Parents + kids (ages 0-6) invited to this FREE drop -in program! 10:00am-11:00am: Seniors' Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, $2 drop -in.

• 11:15am-11:45am: Stor y Time Radium Librar y - preschool & all ages 2:15pm: Journey Through Time Summer Reading Club Canal Flats Lions Park Preschool

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

• 3:00pm-4:15pm: Journey Through Time Summer Reading Club Canal Flats Lions Park Ages 5-12

• 3:00pm-8:00pm: Youth Drop -In The Edge Edgewater youth grades 4-8 can drop -in at the Edge

6:00pm: Write on! Writing Club Invermere Librar y

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

• 6:00pm: Archer y at the Range Visit w w w.lwdrodgun.com

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

OU T O F O F F I C E

Top Podcasts for Small Businesses

How you do you stay up to date? There used to be a time when professional development occurred primarily onsite in classrooms or at industr y conferences.

These days you don’t have to go far to discover new trends in business or to learn from leaders in your field. A quick trip to the bookstore puts the latest business bestsellers at your fingertips (Bill Gates puts out his list of favourites each year) And if you don’t want to leave the house (or the office) a simple Google search will instantly get you the information you’re looking for in the form of news articles, industr y websites and, of course, business blogs.

But for the growing number of people who don’t have time to even read, as well as for those younger people for whom books are going the way of the typewriter (and that’s an issue for another blog), podcasts are increasingly becoming a more convenient way to keep up with the industr y and learn from other leaders.

Here are some of the top podcasts you might want to give a listen to:

The Tim Ferriss Show: This one popped up on a lot of “best of” lists. Host Tim Ferriss has been listed as one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Business People” and one of Fortune’s “40 under 40”. Ferris inter views world-class per formers across industries (investing, sports, business, art, etc.) who share their tactics and routines listeners can use in their daily lives.

Entrepreneurs on Fire: Considered a pioneer of the inter view-style podcast, Entrepreneurs features host John Lee Dumas talking to success stories from business leaders and influencers like Tony Robbins, Seth Godin, Gar y Vee, Barbara Corcoran, Tim Ferriss, and others. Dumas inter views entrepreneurs ever y Monday and “drops value bombs” ever y Thursday (You will have to tune in just to find out what that means!)

Duct Tape Marketing: Host John Jantsch has been running this weekly podcast for more than a decade, inter viewing experts, authors, and thought leaders. The podcast dives deep into more technical topics, like getting more results from Google Ads, as well as more abstract issues, like building a memorable brand and examining the role of authenticity in marketing.

The Goal Digger Podcast: This one is aimed at women entrepreneurs and has the feel of a live workshop. Host Jenna Kutcher gives out marketing advice in areas of expertise like SEO (search engine optimization) and Instagram marketing. She also explores subjects that are not typically discussed in other business podcasts, like attaining work/ life balance as a CEO and a mom or finding ways to make your brand more inclusive. Social Media Marketing Talk Show: Hosted by Eric Fisher, this podcast is aimed at small businesses doing their own social media marketing. Fisher discusses all the changes happening in social media on a weekly basis, helping businesses stay up to date and understand what all the changes mean to them.

R E G I S T E R N

First Nation presents ribbon skirt making

By Julia Magsombol Local Journalism Initiative julia@columbiavalleypioneer.com

On June 29 the ?Akisq’nuk First Nation offered a unique demonstration in ribbon skirt sewing at ?Akisq’nuk First Nation Complex in Windermere.

?Akisq’nuk member Janice Alpine said she was excited to help others and show her skills.

A ribbon skirt is a handmade garment made of simple fabric and multiple colours, often worn in Indigenous communities.

She noted the demonstration was a gathering that they hope to continue throughout the year.

" ey [the skirts] are beautiful garments to adorn,” said Alpine.

Alpine assisted people on how to sew the skirts. She described sewing as a skill and how this was her passion since the age of 16 when she sewed her first regalia.

"I was impressed that I actually was able to make it," she said.

Sewing makes Alpine feel good for

accomplishing something that looks great, and that “I can wear the next day,” she laughed.

Alpine hopes to establish a clothing business soon. But for now, she hopes to involve children as well as Elders who can come together and learn from each other.

Clinicians can be climate advocates, doctor says

Columbia Valley Pioneer Staff

A new guide called Planetary Health for Primary Care outlines how clinicians can reduce their impacts on the environment in their day-to-day work.

A team of healthcare professionals led by family physician Dr. Ilona Hale is behind the guide that promotes climate advocacy.

According to East Kootenay Division of Family Practice, the healthcare sector is one of the most polluting sectors, contributing five per cent of Canada’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Hale said the new online resource is “meant to make the job of reducing our environmental impact in healthcare easier.” She noted the guide offers a new way to think about the problem and practical tips on incorporating solutions into everyday clinical practice.

Hale said there were previous guides to environmental action in healthcare, but they were more focused on recycling, reducing energy, and saving paper, which is “not where the true problem is.

Planetary Health for Primary Care outlines different strategies that address bigger impacts, such as the upstream waste generated in the supply chain to produce materials required for medications, lab tests, surgeries, and hospitalizations. e guide also offers tangible actions such as

reducing unnecessary care, empowering patients, and shifting to prevention.

Hale noted that environmental action in healthcare is becoming an increasingly important topic, and there is strong potential that sustainability will soon become embedded as a necessary component of value in the healthcare system.

“Low-carbon, high-quality care is a win-win-win. It improves patient care, reduces our environmental impact, reduces our workload, saves money in the system, and increases equity,” said Hale.

Dr. Ilona Hale says healthcare professionals can do their part for the environment.

Photo submitted

Managing space on a busy lake etter oating B

( e following column is presented by boating veterans Mike and Christine DuBois.)

To preserve quality conditions and ensure everyone has space on Lake Windermere, here are some tips for traffic flow.

1. Drive North/South. e only time you should ever drive East/West on Lake Windermere is to come in and out of your dock. Please idle (under 5 mph) then once away from the dock/marina you can plane (over 18 mph) to minimize the size of wakes when travelling E/W – do not plow (6-18 mph) and send large wakes down the length of the lake.

2. No power turns (aka high speed wide turns not to be confused with a button hook)! Instead, when towing and your athlete falls, put the boat in neutral, let your waves go by as you turn at idle speed in the same lane that you were travelling in. A power turn leaves your rider vulnerable and sends rollers down the entire lake. A power turn is a sure sign of an inexperienced boat driver. Friends don’t let friends power turn!

3. Park and lounge close to shore. If you stop to swim or hang out on your boat, go to the edges of the lake and throw out an anchor. Do not take space in the middle of the lake to float – especially on a busy long weekend. Why? See #4. Every

boat needs an anchor. If you don’t own an anchor, stop reading – go buy one, and then read these articles religiously for the rest of the summer.

4. Surf in the middle. If a wake surf boat is operated 200 ft (60m) from shore and in at least 10 ft [3m] of water, the environmental impact is minimal. At our current water level (which is low for this time of year) there should be no surfing south of Larch Point. e deepest part of our lake is the north end (north of Windermere Beach). Stay 60m from shore and watch your depth. Besides, a surf wave can’t properly form in depths of less than 10 ft.

5. Be aware. Scan the water constantly for swimmers, wind powered, smaller and non-motorized vessels. Give them room. ey always have the right of way. Also, don’t assume that other boat drivers see you.

Please start using these tips in your daily boating practices to help keep boating more enjoyable for everyone. Next: Watch your wake.

About the authors:

As avid lake users, and having owned and operated Shadybrook Resort, Marina and Watersports school for decades, Mike and Christine DuBois have seen a lot of interesting behaviour on the lake

2023--2028 FOREST STEWARDSHIP PLAN

Rocky Mountain Forest District • Ko ote nay L ake Fo rest Di strict

Pu rsu ant to Se ction 20 of the Fore st Plan ning and Practices Regu lation , notice is hereby given th at Can adian Fore st Produ cts Ltd (Ca nfor) an d Nu pqu Development Corporation , are making av ailable for pu blic review an d comment their propo sed 20 232028 Fore st Stew ardship Plan (FSP) The exact legal are a covered by the FSP is describe d by t he Fo rest Development U nit (FDU) map The FSP w ill cover Can for’s and BC Timbe r Sales operat ing are as in southe astern British Colu mbia wh ich include Nup qu ’ s Co mmun ity Fo rest Pilot Agreement on the Dominion Co al Blocks in t he Elk Valley

This FSP h as been pre pared un der the Fo rest an d Rang e Practice s Act (FRPA) FS Ps do not show spe cific locat ions of propose d cut blocks an d ro ads; inste ad, the FSP ident ifies larger FDU s within w hich h arvesting and ro ad con structio n may occur over the term of the plan Fore stry activitie s cond ucted w ithin FDUs must be con siste nt with t he result s or strategies specified in the FSP These re sults or st rategies must be consistent with the BC-governmen t-est ablishe d o bjectives for the forest re source s in the are a covered by the plan St akeholders an d intere sted partie s are invited to provid e written co mment s on any portion s of t he plan and any comment s received will be include d w ith the su bmissio n sent to the BC governmen t for approval

This FSP will be available f or review an d co mment fro m Ju ly 6, 2023 to Septe mbe r 7, 2023 ( 60+ days) on Canfor’ s we bsite at www canfor co m/plan s an d at the Cran broo k Canfor office at the lo cation listed below du ring normal bu sine ss ho urs of 8:00 am to 4:30pm To discuss the proposed plan, ple ase make a n appointme nt with Paul Picard at the cont acts listed be low Arrange ment s can be made to view the plan at other Canfor sites (e g Canfor sawmills in Elko, Radium or Wynn del) in t he Kooten ay s or outside of bu sine ss hours if the Cran brook location or regular hours are inconven ien t

Cranbrook Paul Picard, RPF

250-402-3681 paul picard@canfor com

ey recently sold their business and now are committed to sharing their wisdom of Lake Windermere and their best boating practices. Christine is the Zone1 BC Games watersports coach and facilitates coaching

and boat driving courses for Waterski Wakeboard Canada.

During the summer the DuBois’ will be providing you with tips on how to be a better boater

1000 Industrial Road #1, Cranbrook, BC V1C 4C6

Addition ally, Canfor may reque st one o r more short -term extension(s) to the term of the current FSP #17 wh ile t his new 2023 FSP for Canfo r ’ s Kootenay region operat io ns is being reviewed

To ensure con sideration , co mment s must be forw arde d in writing to Pau l Picard at t he cont act information liste d above by Septe mber 7, 2023

Boating enthusiasts are encouraged to always keep safety in mind on Lake Windermere. Getty Images

Notice of Intent

Rocky Mountain District Road Closure

Notice is given, pursuant to Sec tion 60(2) of the Transpor tation Act, that the M inistr y of Transpor tation and I nfrastruc ture has received an application to permanently close the unconstructed right-of-way of Stoddar t Boulevard in Winder mere, B C

The unconstruc ted r ight- of-way to be closed is adjacent to proper ties located at Lots 2 through 9, District Lot 20, Kootenay District Plan NEP2125 The closed road will be vested pursuant to Sec tion 60(2) of the Transpor tation Act

A nyo n e s u p p o r t i n g o r o b j e c t i n g to t h i s ro a d c l o s u re s h o u l d s u b m i t wr itten comments to the ministr y ’s R ock y M ountain Distr ic t office at 129 10th Avenue S outh, Cranbrook , B C , V1C 2N1, or by email to r mdde vapp@gov bc ca no later than July 31, 2023

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

2023/2024 WEDDING GUIDE

Columbia Valley Weddings is a high-quality glossy magazine full of local content aimed at anyone planning a wedding in our lovely area. The circulation of this annual magazine is 8,000 copies, available at resorts, businesses and retail outlets throughout the region.

Advertising deadline: July 14, 2023

For more information contact Jamie Baes 250-341-6299 ext103 or advertising@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Visitor

Tourism Radium & Valley Visitor Services is seeking a year-round Visitor Services Coordinator to lead our busy visitor services team and support tourism industry development in Radium and throughout the Columbia Valley. The Visitor Services Coordinator leads day to day operations of the Radium Visitor Centre. The ideal candidate will enjoy working with people, be a good team leader and have a strong knowledge of the activities and experiences in the local area.

For more information or to apply for the role visit: www.radiumhotsprings.com/about/careers

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS

In the matter of the estate of John Lee Thomas deceased, late of Invermere BC, who died on June 19, 2023. Take notice that all persons having claims upon the estate of the above named must le with the undersigned Estate Trustee by July 31, 2023 a full statement of their claims and of securities held by them.

Shirley Nugent 3, 405 Alpine Crescent Kimberley BC V1A3B2

E M P LO Y M E N T O P P O R T U N I T Y

C A S UA L E M P LOYE E S

The Distric t of Invermere has an opening for a Clerk

Records Management (Contrac t Position) in its Administration and Corporate Ser vices Depar tment

This is an excellent oppor tunit y to work with a team dedicated to creating a vibrant, sustainable, complete, and livable communit y.

Repor ting to the Corporate Officer, the Clerk – Records Management per forms a variet y of routine and non-routine cleri cal tasks, word processing, spread sheeting, record keeping, photocopying, and other duties as assigned The Clerk - Records Management is expec ted to possess, or develop, a sound knowledge of Local Government record keeping procedures, and applicable Local Government legislation and regulations.

Under the super vision of the Corporate Officer, the Clerk – Records Management is required to exercise some independent judgment and ac tion within the limits of Local Gove rnment Record Keeping and Management systems and procedures Per formance will be reviewed for completeness and accurac y of work under taken and assigned, as well as adherence with the Distric t’s records management systems and procedures. The Clerk – Records Management must deal cour teously and effec tively with the public and municipal clients

The preferred candidate for this position will have completed a business college or secretarial program with ex tensive com puter training Municipal work experience would be an asset Applicants interested in applying for this position must possess the following skills and abilities:

• Completion of Grade 12 (Senior Secondar y School Graduation);

• Proficient word processing skills and a minimum net keyboarding speed of 50 to 80 words per minute;

• Working knowledge of and experience using standardized business letter formats in English, as well as record management systems; and

• Knowledg e and proficienc y with Microsoft Office Suite (i e , Word, Outlook, Excel, Power Point, and Access) as well as Adobe software

The selec ted candidate will be expec ted to:

• Maintain accurate, dependable, high- qualit y work;

• Communicate effec tively (i e , orally and in writing);

• Possess good organizational skills;

• Possess excellent interpersonal skills; and

• Maintain harmonious relationships with the public and staff. This position falls outside the CUPE bargaini ng unit as it is term limited The hourly rate for this position will be negotiable depending on the background and experience of the selec ted candidate

The Records Management Contrac t position is expec ted to work 35 hours per week Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

How to apply:

If you are interested in this position, please send a cover letter and resume outlining your qualifications and experience to corporateser vices@invermere net or the address below by 4:00 pm ( MT ), July 13, 2023 quoting “Clerk – Records Management – Invermere 2023”

Kindr y Luyendyk, Corporate O fficer

Distric t of Invermere

Box 339, 914 – 8th Avenue

Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0

Tel: 250-342-9281

Additional information about this oppor tunit y may be requested by contac ting The Distric t’s Corporate Officer

This oppor tunit y may remain open until a suitable candidate is found

We appreciate all applicants’ interest; however, only those candidates invited for an inter vi ew will be contac ted

Invermere: “An ideal place to live, work, and play.”

The Distric t of Invermere is seeking applications for our Casual On-Call Employee list for the 2023 summer season in the Public Works Depar tment

To be eligible you must possess a valid class 5 driver ’s license Special consideration will be given to people with previous construc tion or municipal works experience including Environmental Operators

Cer tification An air brakes endorsement or a valid class 3 driver ’s license would be an asset

Under the super vision of the Public Works Foreman, the casual employee per forms a variet y of manual labour duties and equipment operations Work involves the general maintenance of municipal infrastruc tures including roads and streets, storm drainage, water and sewer systems, parks, cemeter y and buildings The primar y tasks considered for this posting involve buildings, parks, roads and utilit y maintenance and repair and must be willing to come in contac t with live sewer

Applicants must possess sound communication and interpersonal skills. Knowledge of WCB regulations would be an asset

This position is within C U P E 2982 bargaining unit A full job description is available for this position

Applicants are invited to submit their resumes to:

Kindr y Luyendyk, Corporate O fficer

Distric t of Invermere

914 – 8th Avenue Box 339

Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

Email: corporateser vices@invermere.net

Poet’s passion for words

By Julia Magsombol Local Journalism Initiative julia@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Ktunaxa Two-Spirit poet Smokii Sumac read a poem and offered a writing workshop in the Invermere Public Library on June 17.

" e writing workshop opened with an introduction of Sumac and Sumac’s family growing up here in ?Akisq’nuk territory," said Blair McFarlane, the library’s community outreach programmer. e event, partnered with Columbia Valley Pride, focused on love poems and writing.

“It was a reflective workshop” said McFarlane. “Sumac had us think beyond who and what we love, to where and when we love as well. It was interesting to think about how we love in those terms.”

In the first part of the workshop, McFarlane said that Sumac read You Are

Enough: Love Poems for the End of the World – a book that was actually written and published by the poet. Next, Sumac led the audience through several writing exercises, such as writing haikus. e last activity was all about writing love poems.

McFarlane said that Sumac led them to write love poems to themselves on their own time, and they hid their finished poems somewhere in their homes or wherever they chose. So, in the future, they will find the poem when it's supposed to find them when they need it. “I thought it was a lovely way to close the workshop. [Sumac explained that] we all benefit from loving and supporting ourselves first before we share our love with others.”

McFarlane said the library has many more events planned, but hopes to see Sumac in different workshops again.

For more information on library events, visit: https://invermere.bc.libraries.coop/explore/events-calendar/

Inclusion BC heralds employment conference

Julia Magsombol julia@columbiavalleypioneer.com

e vice-president of Inclusion BC heralds a recent conference in Vancouver for bringing people together to make the workforce more accepting of individuals with diverse abilities.

Kate Gibbs attended the 2nd World Supported Employment Conference from June 6-8 when community leaders, business representatives and government officials joined forces to support the “Inclusion Works” theme.

"It was amazing to see that disability is diverse and talked about all over the world. We're getting our message out there," Gibbs said, adding, “It is also great to see people speaking out for themselves.” In past conferences that she attended, it was the caregivers speaking on the behalf of those with challenges.

Gibbs said that speakers come from different parts of

Family & Individual Counsellor

Union Classific ation: Family Counsellor, Grid Level 14P

Position: Permanent Par t-time

Hours: 8 hours per week

Shift schedule: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm Star t date: Immediately

Job S ummar y: The Family & Individual Counsellor will assess, develop, implement, and evaluate family-based inter vention plans; par ticipate in the development, implementation and evaluation of client ser vice plans with the integrated case management team for parents and families of children and youth at risk Referrals from the Ministr y of Children and Family Development (MCFD) are given first priority Other clients may be self-referred or referred by other agencies and professionals but must reflec t a child safety issue

Key D uties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, prepare and conduc t counselling ser vices for parents and families of children and youth at risk individually or in family groups using therapeutic techniques drawn from theoretical frameworks such as family systems, client centered solution focused therapy. Use appropriate assessment skills and tools to identify family and client needs and develop and implement client ser vice plans tailored to meet these needs

• Will meet clients where they present in the process of engagement and problem recognition and will use a variety of techniques and skills to engage resistant and hard-to - engage clients

• Provide suppor t and guidance to parents and families either individually, as a group or family

• Liaise with other agencies and professionals in the community such as; Family Suppor t Workers, Child and Youth Workers, Social Workers, and school suppor t staff and par ticipate in case conferences, family development response and integrated case management meetings

• Will provide information on and referral to other community ser vice A more detailed job description is available upon request.

Accountability: The Family & Individual Counsellor is accountable to the Direc tor of Program Management and/or Executive Direc tor. Clinical super vision is provided by Family Dynamix. The counsellor is responsible to read and follow the employment policies and procedures of Family Dynamix Association.

Q ualific ations: Education and Knowledge: Bachelor ’s degree in a related human/social ser vice field Training and Experience: Two (2) years recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience

the world with a common goal – to help make the workforce more accepting of people with diverse abilities so they are not being forced to rely on government funding.

Gibbs mentioned that one of her favourite speakers was from Australia, noting that this fellow has cerebral palsy just like her. “He is also gay and called himself a disabled drag queen. "He sticks up for accessibility and rights for everyone. He was really cool."

She pointed out that all of the speakers presented excellent future employment and inclusion for people with various abilities, and because of that she has a lot of hope for the future.

Gibbs encourages people to keep talking about it and to find solutions for inclusion in employment.

Inclusion BC is a non-profit federation that helps enhance the lives of people with diverse abilities.

See https://inclusionbc.org/about/ for more information.

Women’s Information & S afe Home S uppor t Worker

Union Classific ation: Transition House Worker, Grid Level 10

Position: Temporar y Par t-time until September 30, 2023

Hours: 10 hours per week plus On-Call Hours as per Schedule

Star t date: Immediately S alar y: $23.47 per hour; $1 per hour for On-Call

Shift schedule: Flexible days, evenings and weekends as required

D uties: The Women’s Information and Safe Home Suppor t Worker is par t of a team of staff that provides suppor t to women and their children who have experienced or who are at risk of abuse, threats, or violence The position involves planned On-Call Rota, weekday evenings, weekends, and statutor y holidays providing emergenc y after-hours ser vice The workers provide crisis inter vention, safety planning and emotional suppor t, information on nature and effec ts of abuse, transpor tation and accompaniments to appointments and temporar y, safe, and suppor tive accommodation. The workers help women to prioritize their needs and develop a shor t-term plan with goal of self-sufficienc y and community connec tedness. They provide referrals and advocac y and followup suppor t

Q ualific ations: A Grade 12 diploma or an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, with one year of related job experience Other appropriate combinations of education and experience may be considered Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and some knowledge of women’s issues with a feminist perspec tive Candidates must have time and willingness to receive training in program-specific work, prior to the onset of employment A valid B.C. driver ’s license is essential, with access to a reliable vehicle This position requires union membership Pursuant to provincial legislation, the applicant must agree to undergo a criminal records investigation.

Youth O utreach Worker

Union Classific ation:

Adult, Youth and/or Child Worker, Grid Level 11

Position: Permanent Par t-time

Hours: 23 hours per week

Loc ation: Weekdays, evenings and weekends as required

Star t date: Immediately

D uties: The successful candidate will provide a community-based program of outreach and engaging youth with challenging or risk-taking behaviours, offering education and suppor t for healthy life choices Provide shor t-term crisis inter vention and counselling to at-risk youth between 13 and 18 years of age, and parent-teen mediation using conflic t resolution strategies with families referred by the Ministr y for Children and Families and Interior Health. Advocate for youth and suppor t them with career planning, budgeting, and life skills training Develop counsellor- direc ted suppor t groups aiming to build selfesteem and problem-solving skills of the youth. Promote program awareness, and network with stake holders

Q ualific ations: Preferably an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, with two years of related job experience Other appropriate combinations of education and experience may be considered. Demonstration of experience in counselling youth. A valid B.C. driver ’s license is essential Pursuant to provincial legislation, the applicant must agree to undergo a criminal record investigation.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those shor tlisted for an inter view will be contac ted

Kate Gibbs, vice-president of Inclusion BC. Photo submitted

W

BCWF o ers free workshop

By Julia Magsombol Local Journalism Initiative julia@columbiavalleypioneer.com

e B.C. Wildlife Federation (BCWF) is offering a Fish Habitat Stewardship Workshop to the community of Invermere on August 26 to 27 in Abel Creek from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Our fish habitat stewardship workshops are focused on raising awareness in the public surrounding fish habitat and fish conservation,” said Haiden MacDonald, the Fish Habitat Restoration & Education Program Coordinator at BCWF. “And it's really geared towards giving people the skills and the knowledge to apply conservation action in their own community.”

e workshops have been running since 2021, and they plan to continue every spring and summer. ey will be held in four locations across the province this year: Maple Ridge, Langley, Invermere, and Delta. MacDonald noted that people will gain more knowledge from this workshop, such as fish life histories, fish habitats and their importance, water quality monitoring, and more.

Different training programs, such as riparian health and fish identification are also included.

Visit https://bcwf.bc.ca/fish-habitat-restoration-education/) for more information.

e BCWF partners with different First Nations communities, and every time the workshop starts, “[they] are fortunate enough for local knowledge keepers and Elders to provide an opening prayer,” MacDonald said. “We start the workshops that way to ensure that we're acknowledging and respecting the land that we are conducting the workshops on,” he pointed out. “We are always working to bridge the gap between community engagement and fish habitat and population restoration projects.”

e workshop runs for two days, which is a short commitment, MacDonald said, reiterating that people will gain a lot of knowledge and experience from it. e BCWF has always received good feedback from the program, he noted.

“It's a rewarding feeling,” MacDonald said. “We’re always looking to expand our team’s capacity and knowledge to provide more holistic training opportunities that leave people with greater skills to take actions in their communities.”

People are encouraged to register at https:// www.gifttool.com/registrar/ShowEventDetails?ID=2305&EID=31017.

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

Now open for in-person ser vices. Sundays at 10:30 a.m. 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lwac.ca

M I N I S T R Y A N G L I C A N U N I T E D Minister: Brent Woodard

No ser vices in July and August, except on July 23rd there will be a 1:00 pm ser vice at All Saints Church in Edgewater and at 7:00pm there will be a ser vice at St. Peter’s Church in Windermere.

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

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

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

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

S

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

R

Sunday 10 a.m Worship service

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

Worship Service, Sunday, 10 a.m. Relief Society, 11:15 a.m

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

CHURCH OF CHRIST (Iglesia ni Cristo)

Worship Ser vice: Sunday 9 a.m., Thursday 7:45 p.m Chamber of Commerce (Lions Hall)

For inquiries: 250-688-1643 250-270-2208 or 250-688-0629

For more info about the church, you can Google online at incmedia.org or pasugo.com.ph

Fish habitat stewardship is an important goal for the BCWF that wants to pass on this knowledge to the general public. Photos submitted