Columbia Valley Pioneer, June 29, 2023

Photo by Ryan Watmough

e CBT (Columbia Basin Trust) Symposium in Golden last weekend ended with a performance by Rick Mercer (top), who spoke about drama class, the dentist, pigeons, and how to (never) clean the basement. He said,

“Sometimes what you don’t know is more important than what you do know.” And, “Say yes when you should have said no. at’s how you get things done.” In left photo, as suggested by the performance poet, Zaynab Mohammed from the Slocan Valley, it’s important to look around and note who was at the CBT Symposium and who wasn’t.

Photos by Ryan Watmough

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort sold

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort has sold. e 1,200 acre resort is one of the largest employers in the Columbia Valley and a major player in the valley’s tourism industry.

e resort has been up for sale, on and off, for years and rumours about its impending sale (or rumours about why the much prophesied impending sale did not come to pass) have buzzed through the valley for just as long.

Earlier this month the long swirling rumours became fact as Aldesta Hotels and Resorts announced it had bought the resort, which includes not only the famous mineral hot springs, but also two golf courses and the Fairmont ski hill.

“We are thrilled to add the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort to our portfolio of exceptional properties,” Aldesta vice-president of hotel operations Stuart Hammond said in a news release.

e Pioneer sought further details from Hammond on Aldesta’s plans for the resort, but was unable to reach him for comment prior to press deadline.

Aldesta also owns two other major B.C. resorts: Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa in Harrison Hot Springs, and Poets Cove Resort and Spa on Pender Island.

Last summer the resort began listing with a new real

estate company; Colliers International’s Unique Properties division.

“We went with a competitive bid type of approach and we received multiple expressions of interest,” Colliers International senior vice-president Mark Lester told the Pioneer. e company negotiated with one of the wouldbe buyers and finalized the sale.

“I don’t know if it was the timing, or the people that came to the table, but we were able to get the deal done,” said Lester.

Lester and the Unique Properties division has been involved in plenty of high-end, large-scale real estate sales in the past, including multiple ski resorts, large marinas, and even entire islands (some in British Columbia, but also a 5,400-acre private island in Fiji, purchased by actor Mel Gibson in 2004).

e company had previous experience in the Columbia Valley, having been involved with the sale of K2 Ranch and the sale of Tembec’s forest lands portfolio.

Previous news reports, in December 2022, had pegged the asking sale price of Fairmont Hot Springs Resort in the range of $50 million. Lester could not disclose the actual sale price.

“Change always creates anxiety for some people, but excitement for others,” said Regional District of

Leak closes building

Columbia Valley Pioneer Staff

A chemical fumes leak closed the Regional District of East Kootenay’s Columbia Valley office last week and sent one employee to hospital for assessment.

e RDEK reported that the June 23 incident involved the release of some chemical fumes in the water treatment plant side of the building on Windermere Loop Road.

Officials immediately activated an emergency plan and the building was cleared. e Windermere Fire Department and BC Ambulance were dispatched and one employee was taken to hospital. e employee’s condition is unknown.

Firefighters fully ventilated the building and have been working on clean-up protocols with RDEK operators.

“ is was an isolated incident, impacting only a portion of the building,” the RDEK said in a news release. ere were no impacts to the water system and there have been no interruptions in water service.”

Although ventilation was completed, the RDEK kept the office closed for the remainder of the day and reopened for regular hours on the morning of June 26 at 8:30 a.m.

e RDEK is working with WorkSafe BC to determine the cause.

East Kootenay (RDEK) Area F director Susan Clovechok. She explained she’s met some of the new resort owner’s team.

“ ey are excited and they seem very enthusiastic about the resort,” she said. “I am optimistic this will be good for the community of Fairmont, good for the Columbia Valley, and most importantly, good for the resort employees and good for the visitors and locals who use the golf courses, the ski hill and the hot springs.”

She added that the RDEK will continue to work closely with the new Fairmont Hot Springs Resort senior leadership on a range of issues of mutual interest, including flood mitigation on both Fairmont Creek and Cold Spring Creek.

“I think there’s a real excitement in the community. e new owners have a good reputation. I haven’t met them, but I am told they are very community minded,” said Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Doug Clovechok. “It’s (the sale) been a long time coming ... I understand they (the new owners) want to grow the resort. It’s a great opportunity for the valley and a great opportunity for the company.”

RCMP Report

Corporal Jeff Witzke Columbia Valley RCMP

is past week, June 19 to June 25, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 51 calls for service. e following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to:

detachment.

On June 21 the RCMP were contacted by a person who had fell victim to a fraud in excess of $5,000. e victim believed he was investing in a company called SeaStock24, however, when they went to pull out their funds the company stopped communicating with them. From what the RCMP can tell SeaStock24 is not a legit company and should not be trusted.

e RCMP is wishing everyone a happy Canada Day long weekend and want to remind everyone to be safe this summer. Be it on the lakes or rivers, taking in a hike or bike ride on the trails, and especially on the highways, please be respectful, kind and patient with one another. Make good choices. Let’s all work together to make this summer enjoyable for all residents and guests of the Columbia Valley. With the end of the school year, and the beginning of summer vacations, motorists need to give other road

On Monday June 19 police received a mischief report in Radium Hot Springs where a resident’s lawn had been damaged overnight by a vehicle. is is the second time in the past week where someone had purposely drove onto and ripped up the lawn. It is possible a silver coloured pickup truck may be related to this incident and the police are asking anyone with information regarding this matter to please contact the local RCMP

users plenty of room. e Columbia Valley RCMP urge everyone to be respectful, kind and patient.

Photo by Ryan Watmough

Invermere lobbies province on list of issues for UBCM

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Invermere officials are preparing for the upcoming Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) convention with a list of key issues at the ready.

e convention isn’t until late September, but councillors have been as busy as a blacksmith hammering out what they want to discuss with provincial representatives.

Some of these issues are very specific to the Columbia Valley, others are broader in scope, but all of them affect Invermere in significant ways, and the district wants the provincial government to step up and help out with many of them.

e issues include: affordable housing; Lake Windermere; turning the old provincial highway maintenance yard in Athalmer into an industrial park; changing the provincial Rental Tenancy Act (RTA); tweaking the Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI); increasing public library funding; adding more building and plumbing officials; and addressing BC Hydro delays that are backing up development.

In terms of affordable housing, Invermere councillors want to find out from the provincial government what funding options are available to the nonprofit Columbia Valley Housing Society in its efforts to create projects for year-round residents.

For Lake Windermere, they want to discuss ongoing funding opportunities to help the Lake Windermere Ambassadors champion respectful boating on the lake and to examine different options for creating a healthier lake.

e highway maintenance yard in Athalmer is no

longer used for its original intended purpose, and the district wants to lease it to create more industrial space.

e changes Invermere council would like to see to the Rental Tenancy Act involve making it more balanced, at least in the view of Invermere council members.

e act has been changed in recent years, and Invermere councillors feel these alterations have skewed the act so that it favours renters over property owners to an unacceptable degree.

“ e pendulum has swung too much one way,” said Invermere Mayor Al Miller. He said the act makes it so onerous and cumbersome to be a landlord (to long-term renters) that many Invermere property owners are opting instead to rent out their homes as short-term rentals (STRs) or to not rent out their homes at all, purely to save on the considerable logistical and bureaucratic headaches long-term landlords can face under the act.

is, Miller pointed out, combined with the higher revenues that can be earned from STRs have greatly reduced that availability of long-term rental housing in Invermere, and has significantly pushed up the prices of long-term rentals that remain.

Councillor Kayja Becker said in creating the Rental Tenancy Act, the provincial government “forgot about small towns . . . it might work in the Lower Mainland, but not in small communities.”

Some parts of the act create an artificial cap on rental income (rent control) “that is so dramatically out of sync with market rental rates that the rental rate is literally double what is allowed to be charged for rent,” added councillor Gerry Taft.

Continued on page 8

Vacation Bible School

One issue that Invermere council wants to discuss at the Union of BC Municipalities convention is the Rental Tenancy Act and making it more balanced.

Photo by Getty Images

It could have been your kid

e vehicle slammed into the teenage girl who went flying up over the hood. Her arm was broken and she suffered severe bruising on her left side where she was struck. Her mother knew that her daughter could have easily been killed at that crosswalk on her way to school. is happened in Penticton last week, and it could happen in Invermere any day if motorists aren’t careful and paying attention. In fact, there have been several close calls, according to residents.

Slow down, pay attention, and don’t drive distracted. ese are three simple rules that motorists should remind themselves every time they get behind the wheel. Too often drivers become complacent because everything is routine. ey are late for work so they speed up a bit. ey glance at their phone when it “dings.” ey’re impatient because a slow driver is holding up traffic. Somebody cuts them off and they’re angry. eir minds wander to an argument at home or to an intimidating boss. It happens. But hitting someone, especially a child in a crosswalk, will bring your world crumbling down. It’s a horrible feeling, and the consequences could be dire.

One resident in Invermere reported that he witnessed a van come within a half foot of hitting two elderly people at the three-way T intersection on 10th Avenue and 12th street. Some people may consider the three-way intersection of 10th Avenue and 4th Street to be a hazard since it only has one crosswalk (on the least busy north side). It really should have a crosswalk on all three sidewalks because people routinely jaywalk on the other two sides of this intersection.

Other areas are also accidents waiting to happen –the four-way intersection of 13th Street and 8th Ave. Vehicles coming east along 13th come down a steep hill and often travel at speeds in the range of 70 to 80 km/h. Several close calls have also been witnessed here.

e four-way intersection of 4th Street and 7th Avenue is also bad; four or five years ago there were three separate incidents of pedestrians being hit while crossing here.

All it takes is a moment of inattention and people’s lives are changed forever. Families are devastated by grief, and motorists are forever haunted by guilt.

e Coroners Service reports there were 56 pedestrian deaths in BC in 2021, that’s a rate of 1.1 deaths per 100,000 population.

We are all responsible for the safety of people on our streets, even those who flout the rules and put themselves in harm’s way. As privileged drivers we have an obligation to ensure that our actions never compromise the safety of anyone, especially pedestrians, since they are not protected by four sides of reinforced steel. at 14-yearold girl in Penticton could have been your daughter. Lyonel Doherty, editor, Steve Hubrecht, reporter

Animals of all sizes are very active at this time of year, so watch for them - whether you’re on two or four wheels - on trails and on roads.

Photo by Ryan Watmough

Mike and Hilda Jensen would like to congratulate Richard and Rebecca Vernon on the purchase of L akeview Plumbing Ltd Richard brings 20 years of experience into the Plumbing industr y and looks for ward to continue ser ving the Columbia Valley

We would like to thank Brian Ingram and Pete Salvidge for their many years of ser vice and loyalty to L akeview Plumbing; both will continue to work with Richard We would also like to thank our many contractors and customers for their pat ronage in the last 36 years

Richard can be contacted at:

250-342-3461 plumbing lakeview@gmail com

Exhibition to open

Submitted by Artym Gallery

e Artym Gallery is very excited to open the Min Ma exhibition on Canada Day, July 1.

Min Ma has lived in Saskatchewan and Alberta, and now resides in BC. He has travelled extensively and has created a show that celebrates our country, its people, architecture and landscape.

ere will be over 40 paintings from across Canada: the West Coast of Haida dancers; Vancouver city lights; mountain scenes along the way to Invermere; with local scenes of the Hoodoos and Helmet Falls. For the prairie provinces, he has painted the rolling fields, Ukrainian dancers, and iconic grain elevators. His work depicts Georgian Bay and Niagara Falls in Ontario, Quebec City and his favourite spots in the Maritimes. For the far north, we have the northern lights and icebergs. e exhibition will continue until July 7.

Speaking of July 7, the Invermere Art Walk is back! Seven galleries will be hosting special events from 5 to 8 p.m. Pick up a map at any gallery or go to www.artspostsinvermere.com to download a map and get detailed information of what each gallery has going on.

As part of the continuing series of live presentations for Art Walk, the Artym will host mountain photographer and filmmaker Pat Morrow.

Be ready for a presentation that com-

bines inspiration, humour, and valuable insights into the world of professional adventure photography. Morrow has combined visual elements from popular shows he’s given to local audiences and condensed them into a half hour of his favourite imagery and anecdotes. e still images and video clips will demonstrate how his pursuit of photography in high places led to a deeper understanding of the symbiotic relationship between adventure, identity, and our responsibility to protect the planet.

Starting with tales of his early climbing escapades in the Purcells/Rockies, leading into how the legacy of mountain guide Conrad Kain influenced his appreciation for the natural world. e show will transport you to the majestic Himalaya, where he and his partner Baiba have spent more than a thousand days documenting trekking and mountaineering expeditions.

Morrow will relate how indulgence in the art forms of still photography and filmmaking have shaped his and Baiba’s world view and ignited their passion for exploration and connection with mountain cultures. He’ll share tips on how to capture stunning shots of people and landscapes, along with advice on technical and organizational skills that will tempt you to elevate your photography game.

Please join us for three, half-hour presentations July 7 at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 1

Min Ma Exhibition

Continues until July 7

Friday, July 7, 5-8pm Art Walk

½ hour presentations by Pat Morrow, mountain photographer & filmmaker. 5:30, 6:30 & 7:30pm (bring a lawn chair!)

www.artymgallery.com

250-342-7566 ~ info@artymgallery.com

Monday-Saturday 10 am - 5:30 pm

Sunday 11 am - 3 pm

off all annual flowers, veggie starts planters and hanging baskets Cafe offers delicious soups, salads, dips sauces, frozen meals and lots of treats

is beauty arrived in a local garden recently. e photographer looked it up and found a reference to Hyles lineata, a white-lined aphynx (moth).

Photo by Maureen orpe

Coming to Canal Flats

Invermere at UBCM

Continued from page 5

Your Input Wanted

“It helps some tenants in the short term, but in the long term it is not doing anybody any favours. It is in fact creating a huge push by many landlords for end of tenancy. ey want to use the property as a vacation home, or to live in it year round, but they don’t want to rent any more because it is such a hassle.”

When it comes to tweaking the RMI, the district wants the provincial government to add infrastructure to the Resort Development Strategy. e money Invermere gets through the RMI program can typically only be used for tourism-related projects, with just a handful of exceptions. If the province made the changes Invermere wants, the district could instead spend its RMI money on things such as its municipal water and sewer system. Invermere officials argue the changes they are seeking make sense, and reflect the increased pressure on the municipal infrastructure system that comes during the busy summer season in the Columbia Valley, with its large influx of tourists and second homeowners.

For library funding, Invermere will ask the B.C. government to increase funding province wide in light of rising inflation and in light of changing programs.

e Invermere Public Library is “not in a tight spot, but maybe an uncomfortable spot. ey are so restricted on their budget. ey could do so much more if the provincial government would ante up,” said Invermere Mayor Al Miller. “ ey’ve had ‘no raise’, so to speak, for

more than a decade. ey’re due.”

“Although it’s not a tight spot (for the library) at the moment, if we don’t try to fix it now, it could become a tight spot down the road,” added Becker.

e BC Hydro holdups that Invermere officials want to address are a result of extreme short staffing at the Crown corporation. Invermere councillors want to make provincial officials aware of just how much it is holding up new developments in Invermere, including affordable housing projects — in some cases subcontractors are seeing design and installation wait times of more than a year, explained Miller. “Sometimes the provincial government blames local governments for slowing down development, but in this case it is the Crown corporation that is holding us up,” he added.

e shortage of building and plumbing officials is a province-wide problem, and is especially acute in small, rural communities. Invermere is, very luckily, not burdened with that particular problem, but that’s only because the district was finally able to hire a second building inspector back in December after a months long search, explained Taft.

If the district had not been so fortunate, it would be in a tight place in that regard, like almost every other rural B.C. community, and that alone makes the issue worth lobbying for, added Taft.

“If we were running with just one building inspector, and that inspector got sick, we’d be in big trouble. It is not a sustainable situation,” said Taft.

District of Invermere councillor Gerry Taft says some parts of the Rental Tenancy Act create an artificial cap on rental income (rent control) “that is so dramatically out of sync with market rental rates that the rental rate is literally double what is allowed to be charged for rent.”

Friday, July 7

Porch Parties around Edgewate

Saturday, July 8

All Day Music at Edgewater Par

Sunday, July 9

Music Workshops at All Saints

File photo

OU T O F O F F I C E

Pros and Cons of the Four-Day Work Week

Constant three-day weekends sound like bliss, right? Not so fast. One business trend is a four-day work week that consists of four 10-hour workdays (for 40 total work hours a week) and three full days off. However, other companies have experimented with 30hour weeks and 32-hour weeks over four days

An Indeed sur vey found that in smaller Canadian businesses that employed under 100 office workers, 46% said they were willing to tr y a four-day work week. So this flexible schedule could soon be coming to a neighbouring business near you.

Who’s doing this in the real world?

Canadian companies are already tr ying four-day work weeks. Coconut Software, a tech company based in Saskatoon, introduced a 32-hour work week spread over four days in June 2021, and saw improved morale, productivity and work-life balance as a result.

CEO Katherine Regnier says the perk is also helping with recruitment at the company “We believe if you take care of your employees, they, in turn, can take better care of themselves, and, in turn, they will take better care of the customer,” she told Canadian Business.

It’s also being used by municipal governments in Guysborough, NS, along with Zorra, ON. Meanwhile, YLaw, a Vancouver law firm, shifted to working nine-hour days and saw profits rise. Staff take Wednesdays off, then return to answer client calls on Thursday mornings. “As far as the client experience goes, there’s really no interruption,” Leena Yousefi told Narcity Vancouver

Pros of a four-day week

• Productivity may rise. For example, a New Zealand company, Perpetual Guardian, reported a 20% productivity increase after switching to a four-day work week.

• Workers can take care of their medical and other appointments on their days off.

• Recruitment and retention may be easier when you offer an unusual perk like a flexible work schedule.

• Reduced stress and better work-life balance was the result of a large-scale Icelandic trial that cut the workweek from 40 hours to 35 or 36 hours.

• Commuting fewer days of the week saves time for employees and has environmental benefits.

Cons of a four-day week

• For jobs paid by the hour, employers should check if they will need to pay overtime if staff work 10 hours per day

• Negative health impacts may occur with longer work days, including an increased risk of stroke.

• Ensuring you have customer and client coverage can require scheduling employees over different work days, or else customers may wait days for a call back.

• It may be difficult for employees to find a daycare open for a 10-hour day to meet childcare needs.

• This may not work for all industries such as farming, customer ser vice and restaurants.

While the four-day work week won’t be a solution for all businesses, it’s another example of how some employees are demanding a better balance between their professional and home lives. In a competitive job market, employers might want to explore ways to support flexible work arrangements.

Thursday, June 29

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

• 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 - onone tech help

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

• 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' 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 Curling Club

• 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 30

• 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

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

• 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!

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

• 6:30pm-8:30pm: Pickleball Invermere Curling Club

• 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 1

» 11:00am: Canada Day Parade. O ur Annual Canada Day Parade will be returning to Downtown Invermere on S aturday July 1st 2023 at 11:00am. Please register your par ticipation by email: invermerecanadadayparade@gmail.com.

» 7:00pm- 9:00pm: Invermere Community Drum Circle Pynelogs Rhythm By Nature and the Columbia Valley Ar ts Council brings you a fully interac tive and immersive experience twice a month at the Invermere Community Drum Circle. Tickets here: https://rhythmbynature.ca/drum- circles

» 10:00am-8:00pm: Rocky Mountain Ar t Show Effusion Galler y July 1-7. new work in their own unique styles inspired by the local mountain ranges, landscapes, parks, and animals

» 10:00am-5:30pm: Min Ma “Across Canada” Exhibition. Ar tym Galler y July 1-7. Brand new collec tion featuring iconic scenes from across Canada.

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

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

• 10:30am-12:00pm: LEGO/D uplo 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

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

Sunday, July 2

• 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 3

» 9:30pm: Movies in the Mountains. Monday nights at Dark.

Pothole Park The Princess Bride

» 1:00pm-4:00pm: Potter y Camp Potter y Playground, Age 10+ Book at w w w.potter yplayground.com July 3-6.

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

• 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-8:00pm: 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-8:30pm: Pickleball Invermere Curling Club

• 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 4

• 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

• 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: Senior's Fitness Columbia Valley Centre $2 drop -in.

• 10:30am: Home -School Meetup Invermere Librar y

• 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 5

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

• 2:15pm: Journey Through Time Summer Reading Club Canal Flats Lions Park Preschool

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

• 11:15am-11:45am: Stor y Time at the Radium Librar y – preschool & all ages

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

• 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

Westside Road erosion creates hazard

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

A badly eroded stretch of Westside Road is creating a dangerous hazard for drivers.

A very large crack and the crumbling eastern edge of the roadway have been creating concern for about a month, according to anecdotal accounts, on the northbound lane of Westside Road at the elongated S-curve south of Coy Road.

the road in the opposite direction.

e implication is clear to anyone who watches the video: had the timing of the two vehicles arriving at the trouble spot been slightly less fortunate and had the vehicles been travelling slightly faster a serious accident could have ensued.

e cause of the erosion is not 100 per cent certain, but comments on the Instagram post suggest it is a washout, likely a result of the abnormal amount of rain the Columbia Valley experienced late this spring.

But Westside Road isn’t the only trouble spot in the valley: a large washout and erosion spot is creating concern for drivers on Highway 93/95 near Juniper Heights.

Officials have placed pylons at the spot, but considerable danger remains, because to avoid the crack northbound drivers are forced to veer almost fully into the southbound lane, crossing a double solid yellow line just before they go around the corner. An Instagram post highlighting the situation last week was viewed by 3,300 people. e post included a video showing a northbound vehicle swerving to avoid the crack and then returning to its own lane barely a second or two before a southbound vehicle came barreling down

Juniper Heights resident Cindy MacKay explained to the Pioneer that the washout is on the corner, just before you turn off the highway into the Juniper Heights neighbourhood.

“Some of the edge of the road has disappeared down the bank,” said MacKay, guessing that the washout is about four to five feet wide and has been there for a few weeks.

Sand bags had been placed at the washout “but it is on the corner, right by the hill and it does see heavy traffic,” noted MacKay.

e Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) could not be reached for comment by press time.

Erosion on a stretch of Westside Road is a growing concern for residents and officials.

Thank You !

Thank you, thank you, to all my clients, business partners, colleagues, associates, and people I have worked with over the many years in my career in Real Estate. The past 35 years have gone in what feels like a flash, now it is time to retire: time to enjoy my family, home, and travel I read that “the days are long, and the years are short” and it is true I’m grateful for all the opportunities that I’ve enjoyed – ever y company, my volunteer efforts with the Kootenay Real Estate Board, th e Real Estate Council of BC, and the Real Estate Foundation of BC

A special thanks to Lindsay Barck for taking a chance on me that enabled me to have this wonderful career I am extremely thankful to my mentors, Del and Bev Hoffman, and I wish so much that they were here to thank personally I have met and worked with exceptional people that have become friends and have enriched my life

A ver y special thank you to all the folks that have become a part of the Westside Park community It w as our dream (Pat and Me) to develop an Affordable Housing Community where people could enjoy sitting on their front porch while watching their children play street hockey, or play in the park. Watching how it has become a family neighbourhood is a dream fulfilled. Finally, thank you to my family for all the years of love and support. I retire with gratitude and look for ward to my next adventure.

Barr y Brown-John

Photo submitted

“Some of the edge of the road has disappeared down the bank.”

Resident Cindy MacKay

MOE says diesel spill no threat to wetlands

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

A recent accident in Golden saw a Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Rail train collide with a tanker truck and spill diesel at a spot close to the Columbia River. e incident sparked concern further upstream here in the Columbia Valley, among residents worried something similar could happen here, potentially damaging the world famous Columbia River wetlands stretching between Invermere and Golden.

In total, more than 25,000 litres of diesel was spilled.

A TikTok video posted two days after the spill by a Golden resident quickly drew 23,000 views. e post expressed frustration that there had been no public comment on the matter from officials or from the rail company. e Pioneer heard from residents here who shared those concerns.

Later that same day the provincial Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy (MOE) said its

staff had attended the scene to assess the situation, and to monitor the cleanup. It said the spill had been contained within the rail yard, and that the diesel was only in the soil and had not impacted the nearby river or wetlands.

CPKC spokesperson Salem Woodrow told the Pioneer last week that the company’s environmental crews responded “immediately following the incident and have remained on site working on the clean-up of the diesel spilled in the yard from the fuel truck, including the removal of impacted soils.”

Woodrow explained that “a locomotive in the rail yard contacted a fuel tanker truck trailer being operated by a third party over a road crossing within the Golden rail yard. ere were no injuries. ere was no derailment. e fuel tanker was damaged and spilled diesel fuel in the railway yard. e cleanup is ongoing.”

Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Doug Clovechok said CPKC had been very open and forthcoming with him about the incident.

Clovechok explained that, as he understands, to

Property tax deadline nears

Submitted by RDEK

As the deadline to pay property tax notices approaches, the Regional District of East Kootenay is sharing information with residents on how to interpret their notice and where to pay.

“ e RDEK is not a taxing authority, so for all rural properties in the East Kootenay, your tax notices are sent from the Surveyor of Taxes in Victoria,” explains RDEK Chief Financial Officer Holly Ronnquist. “ e province collects the provincial-rural, school and regional district taxes and then sends the regional district its portion on behalf of the rural residents.”

e RDEK’s portion of the tax notice for rural property owners is found in the local services section of the notice and generally accounts for about one-third of the overall tax bill. e specific amount depends on how many local RDEK services the property owner receives, such as fire protection, water or sewer, which are only charged to the residents within the service area receiving that service. ose individual services will be listed separately on the tax notice. All RDEK rural property owners will see one line item on their tax notice for the general services, which include everything from 9-1-1 service and libraries to building inspection, solid waste and recycling. is one is named slightly differently for each area, but is generally something similar to “AREA B – East Kootenay.

“If people have questions about how much they are paying for a specific RDEK service, such as their water or recycling, we are happy to answer those questions; however, questions about the provincial services on their tax notice or their BC assessment should be directed to the province,” explains Ronnquist. Rural property owners who have questions about their property tax bill and homeowner grant should contact the Surveyor of Taxes at 1-888-355-2700. Questions about their property assessment should be directed to the BC Assessment Authority at 1-866-825-8322.

Unlike regional districts, municipalities within the East Kootenay are taxing authorities. Property owners within an incorporated municipality should contact their city hall, district or village office for property tax information, unless the question is regarding the RDEK local services section of their tax notice.

When it comes time to pay their property taxes, rural property owners pay the province, not the RDEK. is can be done through any Service BC location or online. Claiming the homeowner grant should be done online, and directions are included in each tax notice or on the provincial government’s website by searching “property taxes in rural areas.”

e deadline to pay property taxes in B.C. is July 4, 2023.

avoid any potential contamination, a vacuum truck first sucked up as much of the diesel as possible, and the ground where the spill occurred began being excavated and transported to Alberta, where the nearest facility to handle such material is located.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Rail is the company formerly known as Canadian Pacific (CP) Rail. A merger earlier this spring resulted in an official name change.

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

RDEK requests meetings with ministers

Columbia Valley Pioneer Staff

e Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is hoping to talk to cabinet ministers about several issues of concern at this fall’s Union of BC Municipalities convention in Vancouver.

e RDEK board has compiled a list of topics to discuss but won’t know if any of their requested meetings will be granted until early September.

In one request, the board wants to talk to Minister of Environment George Heyman about the impacts of wake boats on lakes, rivers and riparian areas. e RDEK says large wakes have been shown to erode shorelines and negatively impact water quality, aquatic vegetation and fish. erefore, the board wants the ministry to consider new legislation that regulates the use of wake boats in shallow water bodies and wetlands.

“We request that the minister consider championing the issue and make BC the first province in Canada to put wake boat restrictions in place,” the RDEK says. In another meeting, the RDEK wants to convince the Ministry of Forests to take responsibility for the abandoned Wilmer Dam and Kootenay River dike and undertake decommissioning work. e board says the dike is a crucial defense mechanism against the threat of flooding that

poses a significant risk to the Village of Canal Flats and the entire Columbia Valley. “By investing in the construction of this dike, we are taking a proactive stance in safeguarding our communities, preserving valuable infrastructure and protecting the lives of our citizens.”

On another topic, the RDEK is requesting that the Minister of Agriculture and Food (Pam Alexis) support an initiative to address concerns relating to grazing lands and land management.

e board notes that the Kootenay Livestock Association is concerned about losing range land and is seeking protection. e RDEK says there has been an increase in motorized and mechanized recreation users on range land, prompting an impact assessment study to determine the effects.

e RDEK is requesting a meeting with Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth about victim services funding in BC. e board indicates that local governments are expected to provide their own funding through taxation, but the RDEK wants the province to fully fund victim services as part of its policing costs. Furthermore, it wants victim services to be managed through the RCMP rather than local governments and not-for-profit societies.

BC Hydro pole rental fees are another

topic the RDEK wants to bring up at the convention. It is encouraging the province to establish affordable rental rates in a fair and equitable manner to accelerate broadband connectivity in rural communities.

“ e rental rates to access BC Hydro poles is often cost prohibitive and can prevent a broadband provider from being able to provide service to an area,” the RDEK says.

Another important topic the board is pursuing is securing more natural resource officers to enforce compliance of government regulations when it comes to Crown land recreational use.

e RDEK notes that local residents

and stakeholders have expressed significant concern about the growing impacts of recreational use on Crown land, pointing out that there are few access controls. Issues include negative impacts linked to camping on Crown land. For example, litter, aesthetic effects, destruction of sensitive areas and illegal cutting of trees.

“We are seeking more officers to protect the area and enforce compliance with recreation-related offences on public land,” the RDEK says. In addition, it notes there is support for the implementation of user fees to permit or restrict recreation uses in specific areas.

Avenue

AG Foods

Black Diamond

Bosley’s

Bruno’s Plumbing

Barb Fassnidge

Backdoor Winecellar

Bootleg Gap

Birchwood Restaurant

Black Forest Restaurant

Bill Desbrisay

Cal’s Woodworking

Cranbrook Golf Club

Choppers

Columbia Ski and Cycle

Columere Park Development

Copper Point

Doran Cain

Dr RA Kanan

Elemental Cycle

Effusion Art Gallery

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

Fairmont Gas Plus

Fairmont Physiotherapy

Fairmont Goldsmith

Four seasons Bobcat

Fairmont Villas From Scratch

Firesmart

Fairmont Creek Properties

Fairmont Mountain Bungalows

GMC

Hair @ Aura

Hopkin’s Harvest

Huckleberry’s

Heaven’s Best Home Hardware

HooDoos Gas Station

Invermere Family Chiropractor

Inspire Floral Boutique

Invermere Bakery

Invermere Bottle Depot

Inspire

Integra

e Regional District of East Kootenay has several issues it wants to address at this year’s Union of BC Municipalities convention.

Photo submitted

Ladies Boutique

Dr Mark Moneo, Dr Holly Nikirk, O.D.

Grant funding approved for 132 projects

Columbia Valley Pioneer Staff

e Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has approved $1.3 million in funding for 132 projects from the Columbia Basin Trust’s Resident Directed (ReDi) grants program.

RDEK board chair Rob Gay said the projects represent everything from recreation and youth to history and stewardship programs. “ e positive impact these projects will have in our communities and on our residents is immeasurable and we are deeply grateful to the Trust for its ongoing support,” he said.

e projects include:

• Low cost spay/neuter (Invermere $500, Radium Hot Springs $700, and Electoral Area F $500)

• Canal Flats Food Bank (Village of Canal Flats $2,000)

• Christmas Bureau ($13,390 divided among Invermere, Canal Flats, Radium, Area F and G)

• Wild Voices for Kids (Invermere $250, Area F $100)

• Columbia Lake Stewardship Society ($1,860 divided among Area F, G, Invermere, Canal Flats and Radium)

• Art from the Heart 2024 ($2,800 divided among Canal Flats, Radium, Area F, G and Invermere)

• Columbia Valley Pride Festival (Invermere $4,045)

• Columbia Valley Swim Club equipment replacement ($12,000 divided among Invermere, Radium and Area G)

• Columbia Valley Youth Soccer ($4,500 divided among Area G, F, Radium, Canal Flats and Invermere)

• Fire proof storage cabinet for Cy-

programs ($19,640 divided among Area G, F, Radium, Canal Flats and Invermere)

• Freestyle Panorama Ski Club ($4,687 divided among Radium, Invermere, and Area F)

• Canal Days (Canal Flats $1,200)

• Kootenay Carshare Cooperative (Invermere $500, Radium $1,500, Area F $450)

• Agriculture in the classroom (Invermere $500, Canal Flats $150, Radium $350, Area F $100)

• Kootenay Stardome Art for the Dark (Invermere $1,000, Radium $1,500, Area G $1,767)

campground landscaping (Invermere $3,000, and Area F $4,375)

• Columbia Basin water monitoring (Invermere $1,500, Canal Flats $1,500, Radium $1,875, Area F $3,000, and Area G $2,000)

• Woodcarver Park phase 1 (Canal Flats $3,941, Radium $6,058, Area F $750)

• Steamboat Mountain Music Festival (Invermere $1,000, Radium $1,000, and Area G $3,000)

• Canadian Red Cross medical equipment (Invermere $750, Radium $1,000, Area F $750)

Board Chair Rob Gay

cling Without Age Society (Invermere $5,000, Area F $1,500, Area G $1,000)

• East Kootenay Invasive Species (Invermere $500, Canal Flats $500, Radium $1,875, and Area F $500)

• Edgewater Elementary School outdoor classroom (Area G $5,000)

• Drone for Edgewater’s historic flume (Area G $2,500)

• Wittman field restoration -irrigation (Area G $5,000)

• Fairmont Lions pickleball courts (Area F $6,000)

• Family Dynamics valley wide youth

• Foundry East Kootenay Centre Build (Invermere $1,000, Canal Flats $2,500, Radium $4,750, Area F and G $2,000 each)

• Lake Windermere Lions Club

• Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club ($2,000 divided among Invermere, Area F and G)

• Canal Flats Civic Centre chairs ($5,800)

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

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

“ e positive impact these projects will have in our communities and on our residents is immeasurable.”

Local students become proud parents of bees

Submitted by Barbara rasher

During North American Bee Pollination week the 180 Laird gardening students were fascinated when Layne Kushniruk and her sister Tara of Kind Bee Farms in Saskatchewan donated leafcutter bee houses and hatching bees (a non-stinging tiny bee) to their community garden at Mt. Nelson and the greenhouse.

e students (and adults) gasped to learn that there are more than 200,000 known varieties of bees in the world. Layne shared the critical importance pollinators play in ensuring plants turn into fruit and vegetables and

the role Kind Bees plays to provide more bees back to the world. e students became proud parents as they watched and listened to the tiny bees hatch, noting the green-eyed males and the brown-eyed females, and did the math to determine how many bees would be born out of this one little box.

e students also took time to adapt an orphan bed in the garden and used their Grow for Good shirts to remind us that gardening plays a critical role in food sustainability and climate change. e Groundswell, Home Hardware, and J A Laird school program is proud to have been selected as one of five Grow for Good grants award-

ed nationally. It included $2,500 cash for the Laird program plus organic gardening products from Scotts Canada, and resources and teaching tools from Nutrients for Life and Plant Grow Share a Row.

e program is administered by Communities in Bloom Canada.

Katrina Chapman, executive director of the Food Bank accepted the students’ first harvest of produce (weighed and recorded). Al Miller, who is the backbone of the program, shored up the new bee house installation and celebrated the students’ excellent results with a watermelon feast.

Mayor Al Miller installs a bee

Drumming up community

Submitted By Carla Hamilton

Have you heard the captivating sounds coming from Pynelogs Cultural Centre lately? If so, you may be aware of the Community Drum Circle that takes place there. is event brings together individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences for joyful collaboration and connection. It's a popular project that has gained traction in the community after a period of disconnection and distance.

Patrick Carrick, the founder of Rhythm By Nature (previously Columbia Valley Drumming) has been instrumental in leading this project. According to Carrick, "It wasn't easy to bring back the drum circle to the community after the pandemic, but the encouragement I received from people in the community motivated me."

Since its reintroduction in November 2022, the community has shown up in full force. People come for different reasons, such as to de-stress and unwind, connect with friends, have fun, and even heal.

Organizations like Destination BC and Travel Columbia Valley have taken notice of this new, yet ancient activity and have spent the past year developing several local experiences with the intention to promote them throughout the country and beyond, including Rhythm By Nature’s drum circle. Aimee Epp, the Senior Project Manager of Industry Development at Destination BC, said, “ e drum circle is part of a collection of immersive tourism experiences developed over the last eight months, that capture the essence of the Columbia Valley, telling authentic stories of the region to visitors, shared from the perspective of local entrepreneurs. We’re pleased to share in the successes of these new tourism offerings with visitors from around the province and the world.”

Wings Over e Rockies, Columbia Valley Pride, and the local Shuswap Band have recently invited Rhythm By Nature to participate in their annual festivities. Carrick said, "It's an honour to be invited to these important community events to share the positive power of the drum. I offer integrative drumming,

which means that it's not based on any specific traditions, cultures, or rhythms. It's about celebrating diversity, creativity, and fun for all . . . we also offer private sessions for team-building, wellness events, and more.”

e school district hasn't missed out on the fun either. Rhythm By Nature has been a regular visitor to local schools including Windermere Elementary, JA Laird, and Elieen Madson Primary. " e drumming sessions are highly anticipated by all our students. We love how inclusive the activity is and how the students feel successful in creating something special with their classmates", says Keri Gust, principal of Windermere Elementary.

Rhythm By Nature also offers sessions with the home-schooled students of the valley. "I want to thank the Columbia Valley Arts Council as the main sponsor for this pilot project", Carrick said. "Because of its early success, I hope to offer more in the future so no student misses out on the magic of music."

So how does someone get involved? Carrick said it's easy. "People often ask me how to join the drumming group and I'm always quick to remind them that it's not a group, it's a drumming community. Everyone is welcome at any time and there is always at least one new person at every session. No experience is needed because we all have rhythm within us . . . it's in our nature," an allusion to the new name Rhythm By Nature. " ere will now be more chances to join in with two sessions offered every month from July until December and all the details can be found on our website."

If you would like to see the drumming in action around town, you can catch it at the Canada Day parade. Rhythm By Nature is still looking for people to join the parade on the "Drum-tastic" float, along Invermere's main street. Later in the evening on Canada Day, the drum circle will be celebrating at Kinsmen Beach, as well as later in July at Invermere's Valley Appreciation Day.

Tickets, event information, and contact information can all be found at www. rhythmbynature.ca

Patrick Carrick (middle) from Rhythm By Nature (formerly Columbia Valley Drumming) has fun with bringing community together.

Photo submitted

ULLr Bar brings outdoor blues from Willie

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

A true summertime taste of the blues is coming to Invermere.

Rising B.C. blues phenomenon Garrett T. Willie will be in town on ursday, July 6 at Ullr Bar for the venue’s first ever Blues Beer Garden Party. Willie will be playing on stage in the

Asgarden — the beautiful grassy, outdoor area that Ullr first added to meet COVID-19 pandemic requirements. It’s an idyllic setting any summer evening, but even better with one of the province’s hottest young musicians performing.

“He (Willie) plays more rock-style blues, like George orogood, so it’s really fun,” Ullr co-owner Richard Matthews told the Pioneer. “I heard his songs and I immediately liked them. He sounds really old-school, like he’s very experienced, both at playing the blues and at life. en I learned he’s only 23 and I couldn’t believe it. I thought ‘we’ve got to get him in to play’.”

ere are two ways to take in the show – buying a general admission ticket ($10 per person) for the Asgarden (where there will also be beer tubs from Fernie

Brewing Company and gluten-free drink options as well as a barbecue with burgers from J2 Ranch) or by reserving a table on the Ullr patio for a VIP experience.

“ ere is nothing better than summer, live blues music, beer and burgers,” said Matthews. “I’m pretty excited. It’s the first time we’ve tried an outdoor beer garden concert like this. If it’s a hit, if the community responds well to it, we’d love to do more shows like this in the summer.” e doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. To get general admission tickets (85 will be sold) visit eventbrite.com and search for either ‘Ullr Bar’ of ‘Blues Beer Garden.’

To book a VIP table (there were only two left as the Pioneer went to press) email info@ullrbar.com.

Photo submitted

Wake

Young man wakesurfer of the year

Submitted

An 18-year-old Cranbrook man has been named Men’s Wakesurfer of the Year (2022) by Wake Canada.

Canadian Elite Team rider Ryder Duczek (@ryder. duczek) has been collecting titles since he was in the junior division: 2017 Junior World Champ, 2018 Amateur World Vice-Champ and 2020 Outlaw World Champ.

Ryder has been progressing exponentially over the past six years, and now competes as one of Canada’s top pro wakesurfers in “skim” style.

e young athlete is the 2022 Men’s Pro Canadian Wakesurf Champion - his third consecutive national pro title. He also took gold in wakesurf and wakeskate at the 2022 BC Summer Games.

Ryder surfs and trains with his younger brother Dagen, who took silver in Men’s Pro at Canadian Nationals.

Canada has named 18-year-old Ryder Duczek the Men’s Wakesurfer of the Year for 2022. He is seen here doing what he does best - carving some serious artwork in the water.

Photo by Loree Duczek

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS

June Winnifre d McGilver y (Young)

June 05, 1937 – June 13, 2023

It is with great sadness, that we announce the sudden passing of our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, June McGilver y, at the Invermere District Hospital, on June 13, 2023

June was born June 5, 1937, in Invermere, B.C. to Oswald and Madge Young. June was the third of five children, with older siblings Peter and Marj, and younger siblings Maureen and Ralph. June was raised, and did her schooling in Invermere.

In 1956, at a dance held in the David Thompson Fort building , on Fort point in Invermere, June was introduced to the man who would become her husband, Alex McGilver y Alex and June were married in August of 1957 They resided in Invermere and raised three children, Beverly, Clyde and Har vey

June worked many years as a telephone operator, then as a receptionist for Deck Electric June then acquired her realtors licence and became the first female realtor in Invermere, and opened her own business, Centur y 21, in 1976 June worked in Real E state until 1984, when she moved to Vancouver to teach Real Estate courses Her teaching then took her to Victoria, where she eventually retired Sadly, in 1994, June’s husband Alex passed away

June enjoyed knitting, skiing, golfing, baking, travelling, and fishing. June loved reeling in a fish at the family cabin on Dunbar L ake, where many good times and memories were made. Above all, June loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Whi le retired in Victoria, June met Bill DeCaria June and Bill enjoyed travelling and many winters were spent in Hawaii where they made many friends June and Bill had many happy years together, until sadly, in 2016, Bill passed away In the fall of 2021, June moved back to Invermere, to be closer to her family June became a member of the local L egion, and the seniors fitness club, where she reconnected with old friends, and made many new ones

Sorrowfully, June passed away on June 1 3, 2023, from acute liver failure, in the Invermere District Hospital, with family by her side.

June was pre-deceased by her parents, Oswald and Madge Young, siblings Peter Young and Marj Tegart, husband Alex McGilver y, partner Bill DeCaria, and Greatgrandson Halsey Gray

June is sur vived by her children; Beverly (Bud) Dearin, Clyde McGilver y, and Har vey (Martina) McGilver y ; 6 grand children, Dayna Dearin, Ashlee Dearin, L aughlin Kurucz, Chalaing Gray, Max McGilve r y and Sam McGilver y ; and 3 greatgrandsons; Parker and Lukas Dearin-Pendr y, and Duncan Gray

A Celebration of Life for June will be held Sunday August 27, 2023 at the Invermere Royal Canadian L egion from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Jim C oleman

May 18, 1948 June 17, 2023

Jimbo, Grandadio, Jimmy CocoPuff, Bubbalouie, Jimmy no matter the name, each one spelled love It is with heartbreak, we announce the sudden passing of James (Jim) Peter Coleman, called to his next adventure on June 17, 2023

Jim was born in L ondon, England on May 18, 1948 and emigrated to Canada at the tender age of 8 years with his parents, Jim and Joyce Coleman. Despite his youthful departure, he never forgot his English roots. Return vi sits to the homeland, phone calls to aunts and uncles and holidays with cousins marked the depth of that attachment.

His life in Canada was one of gifted happiness After a successful career in business in Calgar y, Jim retired to Fairmont Hot Springs and his second beloved homeland of Columbia L ake In his 20 years in the Columbia Valley, Jim epitomized the definition of “neighbour” A walk was not complete without being greeted by his booming voice, his bear hugs and his moustach e kisses A bike ride not as much fun without his passing wave A day on the golf course not the same without a greeting from the “ambassador” And a summer day not as sunny without his party boat or smoker barbecues

The core of the man, that which fuelled his life, lay in his devotion to family. His pride glowed with his cherished children, Neal (Janice) Coleman and Jillian Coleman, his gratitude to their mother, L esley Coleman-Abel and his devotion was rooted in his beloved grand children Maggie, James and Alyson. Without question, his compass was his wife of 33 years, his heartbeat, Mar y Clare Coleman. He was, and remains, the best of us, the soul we never lost, a part of all we loved the most.

As per his wishes, there will be no formal ser vice, your memories will suffice A private family gathering will be held at a later date In Jim’s memor y, donations can be made to support Invermere and District Hospital through the E ast Kootenay Foundation for Health a t ekfh ca

In loving memory of John “Jack” Lee Thomas

June 20, 1934–June 19, 2023

John “Jack ” Lee Thomas, beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away in the presence of his family on June 19, 2023, in Invermere, BC He is sur vived by his two daughters, Marlene (Roger) and Shirley (Jim), 10 grandchildren, and 39 great-grandchildren

“Jack ” was predeceased by his wife, Shirley, in 2008 and son, Les, in 2022 In addition to his family, Jack will be remembered by his many friends He was consistently kind and caring, and a man who was ready to stand by you no matter what His hear t was to teach and share his knowledge He apprenticed over 32 people in mechanics and, right to the end, took calls and helped troubleshoot the problem to get them up and running

He will be remembered and greatly missed by all

In lieu of flowers, a donation would be accepted and appreciated to the Cancer Society

Ronald (Ron) Hanson

December 22, 1934 - May 27, 2023

Ron Hanson, a long-time seasonal resident of Timber Ridge, passed away on May 27, 2023 at the age of 88. Over the years, he and his wife Oris hosted many friends and family at the “cabin” they built, which was always ver y welcoming and full of laughter and great food. Ron built many friendships in the valley as he pursued his sporting passions of golf and skiing. He was always enthusiastic to tour visitors on the slopes of Panorama Resort during his many years spent as a Mountain Friend volunteer Ron’s funeral was held in Calgar y, AB on June 12, 2023

N OW H I R I N G

Part-Time and Full-Time Grounds Staff

Apply to terravistagm@gmail.com

We’re looking for hardworking, energetic and reliable people just like you!

to

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.”

CASHIERS/PRODUCE CLERKS POSITIONS AVAILABLE

No previous experience required Days/Nights/Weekends

Apply in person.

471 Arrow Road, Invermere, B.C.

GARAGE SALES

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

PASSION FOR CANNABIS?

In front of Canadian Tire is accepting resumes

We are look ing for a great individual to join our team as a

B U D T E N D E R

The successful applicant will:

• Assist store management and work as a team with staff

• Per form all duties within the store, receiving, cash and customer ser vice

• Work quickly and efficiently with attention to detail

• Be able to work weekends

• Be available to work days or evenings

• Take pride in great customer ser vice - knowledge of Cannabis produc ts an asset

• Tra ining and education available

Must obtain Selling it Right Cer tification as required to work with cannabis

(Costs reimbursed) Must be 19 years+ to apply

If you are interested in working in a fun and produc tive work environment with competitive wages, submit resume to:

Bob Benvenuti, invermerec annabisstore@gmail.com or hand deliver to: Invermere Cannabis Store (in front of Canadian Tire) Attn: Bob Benvenuti

T HE P IONEER

DISTRIC T OF INVERMERE DISTRIC T OF INVERMERE

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 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

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

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

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

Hours: 2 positions at 10 hours per week each 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

Receptionist/ O ffice A ssistant

Position: Temporar y Par t-time/Permanent Casual

Hours: 22 hours per week until December 31,2023, casual ongoing hours as required

Family Dynamix is looking for an experienced temporar y par t-time Receptionist/ Office Assistant to join our team of vibrant, sincere, and professional individuals

D uties: Provide a variety of reception, general clerical assistance for the Family Dynamix, where community-based programs and ser vices are delivered Maintains various records, files, and related filing systems

Q ualific ations: Grade 12 diploma, plus six months recent experience in general office work Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience Must be able to work in a team environment Demonstrable multitasking ability in a busy office environment and working well with the public Proficienc y needed in computer and office skills, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Publisher software Microsoft Access would be an asset

Applic ation Process

A full job description is available for this position

Housekeeper / Janitor

Position: Par t-time Hours: as per schedule

Loc ation: Family Dynamix Association, Invermere Star t date: Immediately

D uties: Per forms routine cleaning, minor maintenance and ser vice func tions in the organization’s buildings or in a residence Occasionally, ex tra cleaning may be needed to provide a deeper cleaning for items such as inside fridge and oven, stovetop elements and windows

Q ualific ations: Education and Knowledge - Grade 10. Training and Experience - One (1) month recent related experience Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience A vehicle and valid driver ’s license are required for this position.

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

Kinsmen host reworks

Submitted

It has been over 30 years since the Kinsmen Club of Windermere Valley started the annual Kinsmen Canada Day fireworks that will blast off at midnight on Friday, June 30.

Record crowds are predicted as the show for all ages will light up the sky over Lake Windermere. e Kinsmen Club would like to thank all of its local sponsors and partners for supporting this celebration.

e fireworks east of Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena in Invermere will begin once the trains have passed safely through the blasting area. Please note there may be a slight delay.

Invermere Fire Rescue will be on standby to keep everyone safe.

e best places to see the show are beside the arena, Lakeview Road on the east side of Lake Windermere, James Chabot Beach at the north end of the lake, or from one of the many boats that anchor on the lake each year. Homeowners with a view of Mount Swansea will also have a good vantage point.

e Kinsmen Club is asking people to consider making a donation for the fireworks via e-transfer at invermerefireworks@gmail.com.

“We thank you in advance for your contribution. If we all donated a toonie, this event would be funded for years, so please lend a hand, this is for everyone,” the Fireworks Committee says.

Anyone with photos of the fireworks is asked to share them on the Club’s Facebook and Instagram accounts –@kinsmenclubofwindermerevalley.

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

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

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

e Kinsmen Club of Windermere Valley will give people a “blast” by hosting a midnight fireworks show on Friday, June 30.

Photo by Bram Rossman Photography

On Tuesday, June 20th, Open Doors Alternate School had their year-end celebration at the CPR Lodge. A special thanks to Smokehouse 93 for catering the event, and to Justin Woodman, for taking pictures of the graduating class. is is a photo of most of the graduating class of 2023. Pictured from left to right: Carter Pocha, Lexie Franson, Zenarah Gervais, Ash Nowicki, Simba Pellerin, Jayden Rouleau, Emile Blanchard, Rolen Boechler, Austin Othen (missing from photo are Ethan Pierre, Seth Booty, Raylee Zettergreen and Tristan Miller).

Photo submitted