Columbia Valley Pioneer May 4, 2023

Warm weather brings everyone out to Kinsmen Beach (top). e smart way to get to Kinsmen Beach is by way of active transportation (walk, bike, roll). At left, this group - Cycling Without Age - has the right idea in Invermere.

by Ryan Watmough

Photos

Canal Flats to build new housing project

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

e Village of Canal Flats is embarking on one of its most ambitious municipal projects in some time. It is purchasing land near the municipally run Canal Flats Daycare centre, on which it will build a new housing project.

e $817,000 the village recently received from the one-time provincial Growing Communities Fund will help pay for the project. A new nonprofit group — the Canal Flats Attainable Housing and Childcare Society — has been formed to help steer these efforts.

e society will also use a $162,000 provincial Childcare Spaces Fund to complete the final phases of the daycare.

“ is is very exciting,” Canal Flats Chief Administrative Officer Richard Wayken told the Pioneer. “It’s great to have momentum as a village, and to have a council that is embarking on change and making things happen.”

e land being purchased is three acres (1.2 hectares) at the corner of Burns Avenue and Grainger Road, adjacent to the daycare. e housing project will in-

clude 12 units of affordable housing as well as six commercial bays (in a mixeduse, live-work format). ere will be a seniors element to the housing project as well.

Wayken said the need for attainable housing and childcare services for families and individuals in Canal Flats is urgent and must be addressed as soon as possible. is project will help to that end, he noted, adding it will also help address the issue of people leaving Canal Flats as they get older.

“Seniors’ housing as well as a ‘stay home longer’ program, which will help seniors remain in their homes for as long as possible, is a critical piece for Canal Flats,” Wayken stated. “Within the next four years, 50 per cent of the population of Canal Flats will be over the age of 55. We have a problem with seniors leaving our community. Hopefully this will help address that.”

e seniors’ housing will include a range of options to support seniors at different stages of life, including accessible units, supportive services, and a community space for social activities and events.

Continued on page 8

Columbia Valley Pride set to expand Pride Month

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Pride Month will pack a bigger punch this year, thanks to the efforts of Columbia Valley Pride (CV Pride).

e nonprofit group has been growing ever since it was founded in 2018, and will be holding its sixth annual Pride Festival this June. is year CV Pride is hoping to also do a Pride banner project, redo the painted rainbow crosswalk at J.A. Laird Elementary School, add another painted rainbow crosswalk somewhere downtown (or in foot-traffic-only location), and have a Pride flag flown at a public location for the month of June.

Next year, CV Pride hopes to install two permanent rainbow crosswalks in Invermere.

CV Pride works to empower the local 2LGBTQiA+ community in the Columbia Valley.

Group members Logan and Nadine Hale presented CV Pride’s plans for an expanded Pride Month during Invermere’s council meeting on Tuesday, April 25.

“Representation is important,” Logan said. “Pride flags can mean different things in different places. But if it’s in a small

town, usually it’s something people had to work to get up. at signifies that there’s a group of people committed to promoting inclusivity . . . anybody coming into the town, even if they aren’t queer, will understand that this is a place where it is less acceptable to be homophobic.”

Logan noted that despite increasing acceptance of 2LGBTQiA+ people in many parts of the world, in other parts, including some areas of the U.S., acceptance is not increasing and in many cases rights are being curtailed.

Indeed for some people it almost seems “trendy to be homophobic”, said Logan, adding this only underscores the importance of Pride festivals everywhere, including here in the Columbia Valley.

In rural and remote communities such as Invermere, no matter how supportive the general population is, 2LGBTQiA+ people can often feel isolated, he explained, adding that, for instance, “if you are a student, you are probably the only one (2LGBTQiA+ person) in your class. It can be lonely. Getting together (with other 2LGBTQiA+ people at Pride events) creates a sense of belonging. It helps foster a community spirit.”

Continued on page 9

e new Canal Flats Attainable Housing and Childcare Society will help steer a new housing development on land the Village of Canal Flats is purchasing near the municipally built daycare (shown in the lower left part of this image of the village).

Photo by Ryan Watmough

RCMP Report

Corporal J. Witzke Columbia Valley RCMP

is past week, April 24 through April 30, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 55 calls for service.

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

On April 24 police received a report of a theft of vehicle. e vehicle stolen is a Grey 2005 Nissan Xterra. At the time of writing, the vehicle was still outstanding.

e RCMP are asking the public to keep an eye out for the vehicle and to contact the local detachment if located.

On April 24 the RCMP received a report of a single vehicle collision near the Copper Point Golf Course.

e driver of the vehicle failed to navigate the bend

in the road and drove straight into the ditch. ankfully, no one was injured. e driver was issued a violation ticket for driving without due care.

On April 25 police received a call from a concerned citizen stating their dog had gone missing and now someone is calling them demanding money in return for the dog.

ere was no caller ID and when asked to send pictures of the dog for proof, the caller hung up. e RCMP are of the belief that this was a scam likely originating from outside of Canada.

e dog owner posted an online missing poster with a phone number attached which is likely how the fraudsters got the contact info. In this case the dog owner recognized this was a fraud and never sent any money.

Noti cation system tested

Submitted by RDEK

e Regional District of East Kootenay will be testing its Regional Evacuation Notification system (ENS) this Friday and is encouraging residents who have not already done so to sign up.

“ e notification system is only used for evacuation alerts or orders and has been implemented as an additional tool to help us get the word out as quickly as possible to affected areas when time is of the essence,” says RDEK Communications Manager Loree Duczek.

e RDEK is urging residents to register this week as they are planning a region-wide test of the system this Friday, May 5 at 11a.m. It is free to register and is available to all First Nations, municipalities, and rural areas of the East Kootenay.

It is powered by Voyent Alert! to keep residents and property owners informed in case of evacuation orders or alerts during critical events such as wildfires, floods or hazardous materials incidents.

e notification system is an important tool for residents to have, particularly in spring and summer when flooding and wildfire are two hazards faced in the East Kootenay.

“People have to register for the ENS to receive notifications and can add as many locations in the East Koote-

nay as they would like. Once they have registered at least one location, they can choose to receive notifications via text or phone. ere is also an app that can be downloaded to smartphones,” Duczek says.

e ENS system is completely separate from the Provincial Alert Ready system and is important for local residents to sign up for the local ENS.

“ ese are two separate systems. ey both have unique advantages, which is why we are urging local residents register for the local system,” Duczek points out.

e Alert Ready system automatically sends an alert to anyone within a specific geographic area with a cellphone and will interrupt radio and TV programming for four hours after the notification is issued.

e local ENS system alerts people who’ve registered their property by cellphone or landline; keeps the notification active throughout the course of the evacuation alert or order; and alerts homeowners who may be away or who own property here but live elsewhere.

“ ey are different, but complimentary systems and it is important for people to understand their differences,” stresses Duczek.

For instructions on how to sign up for the service and receive notifications by phone, both to landlines and mobile phones, or via a dedicated app, visit the Emergency Information page on www.rdek.bc.ca.

Educational leaders gather at Nipika

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

People say that climbing mountains is not only about getting to the top but also about seeing the whole world — that’s what educational leaders did at Nipika Mountain Resort recently to support their schools and communities.

From April 14 to 16, 40 educators from different school districts in B.C. gathered for an event organized by the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN).

" e idea of the gathering was for environmental education and some of the challenges that school districts are facing in regards to getting children outside,” said Faye O'Neil, the coordinator of Indigenous education.

She noted the gathering was about incorporating In-

digenous ways of knowing into lessons that teachers can use. e gathering also tackled Indigenous reconciliation, mental health, sustainability, and more.

"[We're all] embracing the Indigenous ways of knowing…. and really getting to know how to use the land and supporting the land in the traditional ways that Indigenous peoples have been stewarding for thousands of years," O'Neil said.

e mood during the 10th annual event was "very exciting" and "relaxing,” she added. Since there was no internet on the mountain, they practised mindfulness while discussing educational plans.

"It's all about connecting with nature, connecting with one another," O'Neil explained, noting it’s interesting to see other people’s passion for environmental education. For more information about the event, visit https://cbeen.ca/2023-leadership-clinic/

Fundraiser to help Meals on Wheels food bus

By Columbia Valley Pioneer Staff julia@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Some problems can happen in a second, but can take years to resolve — that's what happened to a vandalized Meals on Wheels bus in Invermere.

Norma's Meals on Wheels has been a staple for a couple of years. She sells many food options with a menu that includes appetizers and lunch that fill many stomachs.

“One thinks that the food is fantastic

and that it's a huge hit for our community,” said Rebecca Ellerton, Norma's friend who has been trying to raise money after the vandalism in March.

"A couple of windows were smashed out of it, and she hasn't been able to get them fixed," Ellerton noted. "She's not sure whether she's going to open the bus or sell it."

e bus was located beside the Arrowhead Brewing Company when it got smashed and vandalized.

Ellerton added that Norma owned a

ing Swing Spring pring into into

restaurant before, but she owns this bus now. All of the expenses from the damage will come from her own pocket. So Ellerton arranged a fundraiser a couple of months ago.

"She does a lot of volunteering in the community, and she has been doing this for so many years," said Ellerton. "It would be really nice if the community also had her back when it comes to something like this."

Using GoFundMe, they have raised $625. e goal she had set is between

$5,000 - $10,000.

Ellerton explained that the funds will go to Norma, hoping she can buy a security camera and motion lights to prevent the vandalism from happening again.

"Even if you can't donate a lot, $5 would go a long way. Spread the word to people, it'd be a huge help,” Ellerton said.

If anyone is willing to donate to Norma's Meals on Wheels, here is the website: https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-normas-meals-on-wheels-food-bus

Mother's Day Brunch

Sunday, May 14

Minestrone, Charcuterie platter with chilled Seafood Assorted cheese and salads, fresh fruit platter, muffins/pastries

Live Omelet counter - Eggs Benedict

Get active for the Invermere Women’s Shelter!

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is hosting it s

1st Annual Mother’s Day Walk in support of Family Dynamix and we want YOU to attend!

Ages 6+ are welcome to participate in the walk and on-leash furry friends too! Signed-up

Spinach and Mushroom Frittata

Pancakes Smoked Bacon/Sausage

Grilled Salmon, saffron Beurre Blanc

BBQ Pork ribs, Four Cheese Ravioli, Sundried Tomato Pesto Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Herb tossed Vegetables Carved Prime Rib, Yorkshire pudding

Chefs Variety of Desserts

11 and under $18

12 and up $55

Seniors $49

A fundriaser is being organized for Norma’s Meals on Wheels after the bus was damaged following a report of vandalism. e goal is to raise between $5,000 and $10,000.

Photo from GoFundMe

Shown here is the Arrow Lakes educational team taking part in the seminar at Nipika Mountain Resort. Submitted

A little goes a long way in re season

By Lyonel Doherty lyonel@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Procrastination and complacency are the two attitudes that people can no longer afford in the summertime.

For years these attitudes were my best friends as they fooled me into thinking that my home and property were safe from wildfire. But did you know that 50 per cent of homes burned by these fires are ignited by sparks or embers? And that these sparks can be carried by wind for more than two kilometres?

When my neighbours started banding together to work on a Firesmart plan I didn’t really take it seriously. It looked like a lot of work, and quite frankly, I was lazy . . . until I noticed the thick bed of pine needles next to my house and the overhanging tree branches touching my eaves.

en I started reading amazing stories about the homes left standing during wildfires, while others nearby were destroyed. Why? Because of Firesmart principles. I didn’t want to be like those people who lost their biggest investment. I didn’t want to be sick with regret and overtaken by guilt because my family lost their home due to my procrastination. So, I got out my stepladder and a pair of shears and spent 20 minutes pruning back the dead branches from the corner of my house. Feeling damn good about that, I spent another 30 minutes raking up all the pine needles. I was a new man! After lunch, I went back out and removed some pine tree limbs (two metres up from the ground), and walked around my home to ensure that all combustibles (wood, leaves, bark mulch) were at least 1.5 metres away from the structure. Procrastination and complacency were no longer my friends because I told them to get out of my house and stop drinking my beer.

Seriously, though, all this work only took about one hour and 30 minutes, and now my investment is much safer heading into summer. I even took it a step further by getting a free home assessment done by a Firesmart official.

Did you know that your neighbourhood can receive a Firesmart grant to host a clean-up day, complete with barbecue and prizes? at’s what we did on our crescent, which eventually led to us to obtain Firesmart certification. Peace of mind is everything, and just so you know, I never saw procrastination and complacency again.

For more tips and information, visit www.firesmart bc.ca.

Too

much plink, plink, plink

As residents of Fort Point, next to the current tennis courts at the Pynelogs Rotary Ball Park, we object to having a pickleball court in our neighbourhood.

We have enough noise in our neighbourhood from trains, summer watercraft, beach parties, festivals, fireworks, baseball tournaments, etc. We have grown accustomed to the above mentioned activities because they do not occur on a regular basis. We put up with the noise because it is not a constant “plink-plink-plink.” e reason we live here is that we can relax and enjoy our day without excessive, annoying, plinking noises.

A pickleball court used on a regular basis would be an irritating plink-plink-plink. Like a constant drip from a faucet, an annoying magpie, or a snoring companion. I think you get the picture. Seven days a week, from dusk until dawn, the summer days are long.

After a hard day’s work you want some peace and quiet to enjoy your home without the plink-plink-plink.

Would there also be a negative impact on the endangered turtles and nesting osprey next door at Dorothy Lake?

If any members of council think the pickleball courts are a necessity please build the courts next to your property and enjoy the plink-plink-plink.

Whatever happened to the great facilities that were to be built in the new western communities of town?

Maybe the Lions Club could incorporate it into their new recreation site at the crossroads to attract campers.

ey have extra land and low lease rates as shown in your article for Peaks Gymnastics Society.

e gymnastics club is well organized, the land and builder are secured, and the society is embarking on a major fundraising effort. e pickleball club should take notes on their impressive effort.

e Pynelogs Rotary Ball Park tennis courts are accepted and perfectly fine just the way they are. Tennis only.

I agree with the pickleball club members that the Mount Nelson Athletic Park location is the perfect location for the new pickleball courts. We do not want or need pickleball courts at Fort Point.

Alexander MacDonald, Invermere

Mrs. Judy Collins (Mrs. Jack) winner of the Windermere District Branch Red Cross Swiss Bay Pendant.

Photo provided by the Windermere and District Historical Society

Getty Images

Calling all muralists

We want more cool pool

Many residents of the Columbia Valley have asked Parks Canada to increase opportunities for swimming in the cool pool at Radium Hot Springs.

e CBC reported a demonstration in Invermere on January 23 about the cost of admission to the hot springs pools. I’m concerned about the limited number of hours the cool pool is open, which limits the opportunity for lap swimming, family swimming and seniors exercising.

ford to build an indoor 25-metre pool and recreation complex, but using the Radium Hot Springs cool pool is an inexpensive way to satisfy this need.

I wrote to Rob Morrison, MP Kootenay-Columbia to see if he would initiate communication with the towns, regional district and the B.C. government to arrange for shared funding to keep the cool pool open for locals to use on weekdays.

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

e Village of Radium Hot Springs will soon add another dash of colour, in the form of a new piece of public art. e village accepted expressions of interest throughout April from artists keen on creating a mural on the currently blank walls of a concrete structure by the Radium Hot Springs Centre.

e concrete structure is in fact a three-sided blast wall surrounding the propane tanks by the centre’s parking lot, explained Mayor Mike Gray.

“We’d like to see a piece of art up there,” he told the Pioneer

Although Gray outlined that “when we’re evaluating (the proposals), we will be looking at Columbia Valley artists as ideal candidates,” anyone from anywhere was welcome to submit an expression of interest.

“We’re keen to see what people have come up with,” said Gray. He noted there are other spots in Radium that could work as locations for murals or other public art, and that, once the village has had a chance to review the proposals, if there multiple strong ideas, the village may consider opening up some of these other locations for artwork.

Gray said it was too preliminary at this stage to disclose exactly where these other potential public art spots are.

e blast wall is fairly large — 30 feet long by seven feet (nine metres by two metres) high on its largest (southern) side and 10 feet (three metres) wide by seven feet high on the other two sides.

e village wants the mural to become a focal point of the community, and is asking artists to incorporate one or more

of the following themes into their concept proposals: water, wildlife (especially Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, a herd of which makes its home in Radium), and Indigenous. Before painting, the artist must seek permission from the relevant First Nation(s) for any Indigenous content. e village outlined that it is willing to help with this particular process.

e mural will be the latest in what has become a burgeoning number of art pieces, both publicly and privately installed in Radium in recent years. A decade ago there were few, if any. Now there is the iconic and unmissable Bighorns public art sculpture in the middle of the Radium roundabout, the horse sculptures at the Horsethief Creek Pub and Eatery, and at Valley Zipline Adventures (just south of Radium), as well as the mural at Screamers.

“In a world of Instagramable locations and moments, it helps the village to have a few of those spots. It adds to the village in a way that is significant,” said Gray. “But it is so much more than just places for visitors to take a selfie. ey add to the feeling of community. And when you drive past them every day, they are a reminder to appreciate what’s beautiful in life around you.”

“Artwork like murals beautify our public spaces and create opportunities where people can come together and enjoy those spaces where they may otherwise not,” said Radium Chief Administrative Officer Adrian Bergles. “Public art makes a statement on what a community values and feels is important. Hopefully it can enrich the lives of all who live in, and visit, Radium Hot Springs.”

e

summer.

e cool pool is only open on Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays. ese are not the best times for swimmers or seniors wanting some exercise because the pools are busiest on the weekends. Weekdays and evenings would be better for locals. But instead the cool pool is closed.

Being open weekdays, at least in the evenings, would serve as a perfectly good 25-metre swimming pool for our community. I realize the Columbia Valley can’t af-

We have a perfectly good 25-metre pool here in the valley and it is under-utilized. Is Parks Canada being accountable to the electorate of the Columbia Valley?

e cool pool is closed for maintenance now, but this is the time to plan for an increase in swimming times to serve our community. No doubt the pool repairs will be expensive, so why not increase the hours to help with those costs?

Jim Bennett, Radium Hot Springs

We want to hear from you

letters. Letters for publication should be no longer than 400 words, and must include the writer’s address and phone numbers. No attachments, please. We reserve the right to edit for space, clarity, civility and accuracy. Opinions expressed are those of the writer, not e Pioneer.

Happy Dance! Spring is in the air!

We are full of flowers, veggie starts, seeds, tropicals, soils and all that you need for a successful garden this year

Edible Acres Café

The cafe will be serving up great eats, specialty coffees, and best - the eggs Benny! Check out our Facebook page for weekly take home meal offerings.

Photo by Ryan Watmough

mural will be painted over the

e ‘Bighorns’ art sculpture in Radium Hot Spring’s main roundabout has become a big focal point for the community. e village will add another piece of public art this summer and is asking artists to submit expressions of interest for a mural. Photo by Ryan Watmough

Continued from page 3

e ‘stay home longer’ program will offer resources and support to help seniors live independently in their own homes, including assistance with home maintenance, modifications, transportation, and social connections.

“ is is about more than just this one project, even though it is a big project,” said Wayken. “ is is about community building. We can help to strengthen our community and create a brighter future

for all.”

Wayken said the Canal Flats Attainable Housing and Childcare Society was formed to deal with both issues, rather than create two different nonprofit groups to each deal with one of those issues. at’s because small communities, such as Canal Flats, often struggle with ‘volunteer capacity’ — in other words, there is a small population, quite a lot of volunteer and nonprofit work to be done, and sometimes not quite enough volunteers to go

around (at least not without overloading those volunteers to the point of burnout).

Having one society to address both issues will be more efficient in that regard, he outlined.

e housing/childcare society will work closely with the Columbia Valley Housing Society, but the village wanted its own nonprofit “to address its own unique needs,” added Wayken.

Concept designs for the housing project will be complete soon. “I expect ser-

vices (water and sewer, etc.) to go in this fall, and then construction to begin next spring.”

Most of the 12 affordable housing units should be completed by fall 2024, he pointed out.

Home Hardware enhances garden centre

Submitted advertorial copy

As you may have noticed, a new expansion is coming to your favourite garden centre at Home Hardware, and it promises to be the best one yet.

is means that you'll be able to find a wider variety of plants than ever before. From exotic house plants to the latest plant trends, the garden centre will have something for every plant lover. e grand opening of the first of two new greenhouses is set for May 12, and you won’t want to miss it!

But that's not all. e garden centre has also expanded its team, and the team is bigger, consisting of eight passionate and committed plant lovers. e new team members are all garden enthusiasts and they're all eager to share their horticulture and gardening knowledge with

you. ey'll be able to offer advice on various topics from plant care to landscape design, so don't be afraid to ask.

e new team is dedicated to providing the highest quality plants possible.

e garden centre is not only expanding in size, but it is also enhancing its plant selection by providing you with robust and lively plants that are poised to flourish in your garden, planters, or personal greenhouse.

Owner Al Miller’s vision for the expansion of the garden centre is to provide customers with the products and knowledge they need to grow gardens fruitfully, helping the community put a dent in rising food costs as well as making more food available in the valley. Home Hardware will also have their community garden beds growing fresh vegetables to be donated to the local food bank, which will be their second year running this program.

New housing project coming to Canal Flats Garden Centre Grand Opening!

Ultimately, the expansion will triple the size of last year’s garden centre experience with the addition of two greenhouses.

“We have also added a new way of accessing soil with the addition of a drive-thru self-serve or with the assistance of our staff. is way, people can load up their vehicles without rolling the cart of soils through the store,” says Sabrina Boileau, a horticulturist and supervisor of Home Hardware's garden centre.

Mark your calendar for May 12 and get ready to experience the new and improved garden centre. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there will be something for everyone. From the greenhouse to the knowledgeable team, you're sure to find everything you need to create the garden of your dreams. Come visit us on Mother's Day weekend!

May 12th

We've tripled the size of our Garden Centre! This Mother's Day weekend, come and explore our wide selection of plants, flowers, and gardening tools. Plus, enjoy special giveaways and draw prizes.

led prizes.

Pride group expanding Pride Month

Continued from page 3

For the banner project, Nadine asked council to consider allowing four Pride banners to be hung along the east side of Pothole Park in June. Pothole Park will be the site of the Pride Festival on June 17. CV Pride is willing to pay for the banners and has been in touch with the district’s banner contractor Artopia to come up with three potential Columbia Valley Pride banner designs.

CV Pride hopes to expand the banner project next year by collaborating with schools and having local artists design more banners.

For the painted rainbow sidewalks, CV Pride hopes to see them painted in May.

Painting the crosswalks in the spring lengthens the life of the crosswalks (which fade with time and the wear and tear of vehicles) and makes them highly visible during Pride Month (June) and the busy summer tourist season, noted Nadine, adding that CV Pride is willing to cover the cost of paint, up to $700.

e location of the current, faded rainbow crosswalk by J.A. Laird Elementary School is great in terms of visibility for students (it’s also very close not only to Laird but also to David ompson Secondary School and Eileen Madson Primary School), but that intersection is one of the busiest in Invermere, explained Nadine.

“ at’s one of the reasons we see a lot of wear on it,” she said. “Hopefully a more central location would not see the same wear and also perhaps wouldn’t experience the attempts at vandalizing that the one by Laird has seen. ere’s also a value, in terms of visibility, in having it in the downtown core.”

In terms of a foot-traffic-only location, which would substantially reduce wear and tear on the rainbow crosswalks, Nadine suggested that somewhere on one of the paved footpaths by Kinsmen Beach would be a good location.

e permanent rainbow crosswalks CV Pride would like to install next year are much more expensive than normally painted ones (each of the permanent crosswalks could cost up to $12,000) and the group asked the district for permission to apply for grants under the umbrella of the district’s charitable status.

CV Pride said it is happy to gift the district a Pride flag and asked the district to fly it for the month of June. Invermere Chief Administrative Officer Andrew Young said the district is looking at adding more flagpoles in the near future, but is unable to add any this year. He suggested swapping out the Every Child Matters flag by the cenotaph with a Pride flag.

Councillor Kayja Becker immediately voiced hesitation on that particular idea, pointing out that June is also

National Indigenous History Month.

Young replied that he wasn’t thinking for the whole month, but rather that it may be worth checking with Shuswap Band Chief Barbara Cote about changing the flag just for one day on June 17. “It’s a stop gap, but it might be helpful for the day,” he said.

Nadine and Logan both voiced unease at having the Every Child Matters flag taken down, even for the day. Logan told the Pioneer after the meeting that “I am not in support of taking down another minority’s flag in order to put up my minority’s flag. I’d rather just have the crosswalk and banners, or have our flag on a different

pole.”

Councillors at the meeting repeatedly voiced their support for CV Pride’s plans and gave direction to district staff to, as Invermere Mayor Al Miller put it, “make it happen.”

“I was really pleased with how accepting of our ideas they were,” Logan told the Pioneer after the meeting. “It’s great to have our group expanding and to have more visibility. is is how we can create community . . . being queer you often have to find your community. Having support systems in place is helpful in that regard.”

To find out more visit: www.columbiavalleypride.org

OU T O F O F F I C E

2023 Labour Shor tage Sur vey Results

Labour shor tage is a problem that we are facing provincially, nationally and in some cases, internationally, as seen in cities and towns throughout the USA and beyond The Kootenay region and the Columbia Valley are no exception According to Statistics Canada, the Kootenay region has seen a steady decline in its working-age population over the past decade This shor tage has become a major concern for local businesses, as they struggle to find qualified workers to fill vacancies

Historically, the Kootenay region has faced labour shor tages in various industries, including mining, forestry, and agriculture Whether workers left for the Yukon in search of gold or shifted industries from forestry to mining, companies in the Kootenay region have changed and adapted to meet the needs of the times

Based on the 2023 Labour Shor tage Survey completed by Columbia Valley Community Economic Development, the current shor tage repor ted is 222 full time employees and 89 par t time employees A total of 75 Columbia Valley based businesses completed the online survey this past March

The survey highlighted a few key points in which businesses can focus: Offer competitive wages and benefits: A BDC repor t indicated that 32% of employees want to leave their job for more benefits According to the labour shor tage survey, 54% of repor ting businesses offer a benefits package Those

businesses who offer benefits are slightly more confident in being fully staffed for summer 2023

Invest in training and development: Businesses can invest in training and development programs to help workers acquire the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their roles For information on training grants available, reach out to advisor@cvchamber ca

Embrace technology: Businesses can embrace technology to streamline operations and reduce the need for manual labour This may include using automation and digital tools to improve efficiency and productivity

It is no surprise that the number one reason identified as a barrier to employee recruiting and retention is the lack of housing There are effor ts underway by folks in the development industry, Family Dynamix, and The Columbia Valley Housing Society to move the marker on available housing

The labour shor tage in the Columbia Valley is a significant challenge for local businesses The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce and Columbia Valley Community Economic Development are here to assist We have initiated www workcolumbiavalley ca, attended the Calgary Youth Hiring Fair and the SAIT hospitality program in early April We will also be developing initiatives based on the results of the survey The survey results can be viewed on www investcolumbiavalley ca

Thursday, May 4

✰ MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU – to our Star Wars fans out there

✰ 9 a.m.: Birr Marketing Agenc y comes to teach us about content. Make your business look better online at this free session At the Lions Hall (651 Hw y 93/95).

• 9:15 a.m.: StrongStar t/C AP-C at Edgewater Elementar y on Tuesdays and Thursdays Join this free drop -in program; ages 0 to 5 + caregivers

• 10 a.m.: Parent & Tot Connec t at Frater Landing Parents & ages 0-6 are invited to this FREE drop -in program. Tuesdays & Thursdays

• 10 a.m.-noon: Pickleball Club drop -in play

10:15 a.m.: Tech Time at the Invermere Public Librar y Come for one - onone tech help drop -ins

• 10:30 a.m.: Senior's Fitness at the Columbia Valley Centre, $2 drop -in.

• 12- 1 p.m.: Seniors' Lunch at the Legion, to reser ve call Jan: 250-3421196

2- 3 p.m.: Senior's Tea at the Invermere Public Librar y All community members welcome to stop by the librar y for a cup of tea and a chat! Ever y 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month.

• 2 p.m.: Tech Time at the Radium Public Librar y Come for one - on- one tech help – bring your device

3 p.m.: FREE Youth Drop -In Fun at the Summit Youth Centre Hub Grade 7-12 come to meet, hang out and enjoy time with friends

• 6:30 p.m.: Invermere Pickleball League play

• 6:45 p.m.: Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament at the Invermere Legion ever y Thursday for members and guests $30 buy-in.

• 7:30 p.m.: Trivia Night at the Windermere Whitehouse Pub, 3 person, teams of more than 6 will be split into two groups

Friday, May 5

✰ 7:30 p.m.: Valley Voices Choir Per formance at Christ Church Trinity. Costs $15. Tickets available at Inspire Floral Boutique, Radium Librar y & Purple Cow Gift Shop (or purchase at the door). Happening May 5 & 6.

• 9:15 a.m.: Strong Star t Eileen Madson. Ever y Monday and Friday; Ever y 1st and 3rd Wednesday For children 0- 5 and caregivers!

• 10 a.m.-noon: Pickleball Club drop -in play

• 10:30 a.m.: Family Stor ytime at the Invermere Public Librar y Join us at the librar y each week for stories, songs and a crafts!

• 1 p.m.: FREE Youth Drop -In Fun at the Summit Youth Centre Hub For grades 7-12, come meet, hang out and enjoy some great times with your friends

• 3 p.m- close: Wings & Things at the Legion, pub grub done right!

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

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

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

• 9 p.m.: Karaoke Windermere Whitehouse Pub Ages 19+.

Saturday, May 6

✰ 7:30 p.m.: Valley Voices Choir Per formance (night 2 of 2). Details listed under May 5.

• 10 a.m.-noon: Pickleball Club drop -in play

• 10:30 a.m.: LEGO/D uplo Club at the Invermere Public Librar y We'll have Lego, Duplo, big blocks and more out to play with on Saturday mornings!

• 10:30 a.m.: Pokemon Club at Main Street Fun & Games for ages 7+, Reading proficienc y required

• 3 p.m. - 11:59 p.m : Wings & Things, Meat Draw & 50/50 at the Legion, pub grub done right!

Sunday, May 7

✰ 10 a.m.: Groundswell is getting down and dir ty at Old Blue Truck Farm. Learn about soil, look closely at permaculture and how to identify healthy, living soil Costs $20 for Groundswell members, $30 for non-members Details at groundswellnetwork.ca

• 10a.m.: Indoor Pickleball at the Invermere Curling Club

• 11 a.m -2 p.m.: Toast & (music) Jam at the Village Social, Canal Flats Bring your own instrument, join the jam or come enjoy live music

• 2 p.m.: Cards, Cribbage and Dar ts. Come to the Invermere Legion and have some fun! Members and guests welcome

• 2 p.m.: Invermere Pickleball open play

• 3 p.m. - midnight: Wings & Things at the Invermere Legion, pub grub done right!

• 7 p.m.: Live Music at Horsethief Creek Pub & Eater y Accompanied minors are permitted No cover

Monday, May 8

✰ Wings over the Rockies Nature Festival Begins! May 8-14, visit w w w. wingsover therockies.org to see the full list of events Register soon, space is filling up quickly

• 9:15 a.m.: StrongStar t at Eileen Madson. Ever y Monday and Friday, ever y 1st and 3rd Wednesday for children 0-5 and their caregivers!

• 10 a.m Senior's Yoga at the Columbia Valley Centre $2 drop in, open to all seniors

• 10:00 a.m.-noon: Pickleball Club drop -in play

3 p.m.: Youth Drop -In at The Edge in Edgewater Youth grades 4-8 are invited to drop -in for fun with the Summit Youth Hub

• 4 p.m.: FREE Youth Drop-In Fun: LGBTQ+ Summit Youth Centre Hub For grades of 7-12, come to meet, hang out and enjoy your friends FREE fun! Mondays are for LGBTQ+ and allies!

5 p.m.: Industr y Night at the White House Pub in Windermere Free pool + cheap drinks for resor t and restaurant staff

• 6:30 p.m.: Pickleball Club open play

• 6:30 p.m.: Poker (Chip up for Charity) at the Station Pub Butter hosts poker night for a $20 buy-in.

• 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.: Dynamic Archer y Speed Shooting. ome tr y your hand at Archer y at Luxor Corrals Call 250-347-9048 to register

Tuesday, May 9

• 9 a.m.: StrongStar t/C AP- C at Edgewater Elementar y Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 - 11:30 am Join this free, drop -in program for children ages 0 to 5 and their caregivers.

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

• 10 a.m.-noon: Pickleball Club drop -in play

• 10:30 a.m.: Seniors Fitness Columbia Valley Centre on Tuesdays, $2 drop -in.

• 1 p.m.: Ar tists Gathering at the Radium Public Librar y, a weekly get-together for budding ar tists of all forms and skill levels! Bring your own supplies

• 3 p.m.: FREE Youth Drop -In Fun at Summit Youth Centre Hub For grades 7-12, come hang out and enjoy some great times with your friends FREE fun!

• 6:30 p.m.: Pickleball Club Skills and Drills

7 p.m.: 19+ Games Night Ullr Bar, $5/card Prizes and giveaways weekly

Wednesday, May 10

• 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.: StrongStar t Canal Flats Join this free, drop -in program for kids 0-5 and their caregivers Songs, stories, play centers, crafts, snacks, and more!

• 9:15 a.m. -11:45 a.m.: StrongStar t Ever y Monday & Friday Ever y 1st & 3rd Wednesday

• 10 a.m.: Parent & Tot Connec t Canal Flats Village Office Parents kids (ages 0-6) are invited to this FREE drop -in program!

10 a.m. - 11 a.m.: Seniors Yoga at the Columbia Valley Centre on Mondays & Wednesdays, $2 drop -in.

• 1 p.m.: Tennis Club at Kinsmen Beach Cour ts

• 3 p.m.: Youth Drop -In at The Edge Edgewater youth grades 4-8 can drop -in with the Summit Youth Hub at The Edge 3-8 p.m.

6 p.m. - 9 p.m.: Wednesday Dinners. Join us for dinner at the Legion. Members and guests welcome! Members enjoy a 10% discount!

6:30 p.m. Meat Draw and 50/50 at the Invermere Legion. Members and guests welcome

• 7 p.m.: Trivia Night at the Station Pub in Invermere! $5/player Max. 6 players per team.

• 8 p.m.: Live Music: James Rose & Friends Ullr Bar. Ever y Wednesday at ULLR BAR

Grief, comfort coincide in one poetry book

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

" ere's a lot of grief," said Sasha Eugene — a writer and mother who will release her first poetry book series, Nínem.

Going back to her early days, Eugene started writing in elementary school. She said that writing had been a healthy outlet for her to get out what she was feeling.

Years after, Eugene said that many people in the community noticed her poetry. ey suggested composing her poetry collection into books. Eugene explained how her mother's death influenced her as well.

"After my mom passed away, I started keeping all of my poetry, and that got me to where we are today," Eugene explained.

Her grandfather was also her biggest influence, prompting her to tell an incredible story from her child-

NOTICE OF WORK

Athalmer Trails Construction

The District of Invermere has contracted MarWest Industries Ltd. (Castlegar) to undertake the construction of new trails in Athalmer. The focus of this work is to expand our existing trail network and provide safe pedestrian access. Work will be taking place on the Lake Windermere Public Lands (Area C), along 3rd Avenue (Area A), along Laurier Street between 3rd Avenue and 4th Avenue (Area G), and along 4th Avenue (Area H) all as shown on the map below

hood: grandfather would "get [her] a book, no matter what . . . he'd read books about Indigenous history."

Speaking of grief, Eugene said that the poems consist of different pieces — mostly focusing on Indigenous nations who have faced loss and trauma from residential schools.

"A lot of addiction came from those. [ ere were] a lot of people I have lost to addiction," Eugene said. "So the main poems in my book would be also to my brother, Alex. To my sister, Belinda. And to my mom, to my dad. ere, it touches on quite a bit of grief."

Eugene added that this poetry book might be emotionally heavy to some, but it’s also very relatable and comforting to people. She added that the book honours the ways of overcoming Indigenous nations' traumas and hardships.

Eugene stated the book also includes Secwépemctsín, the language of the Shuswap people and Siksiká, the language of the Blackfoot. Eugene said this is a great way to also tackle Indigenous languages.

"Our culture isn't lost. Our traditions aren't lost." Eugene said emphatically.

She plans to publish more books regarding this series; two more books, and all of them will touch on the theme of grief.

She released Nínem on April 30th.

"I've already got an over-pour of support from the community," she stated.

"I just hope it brings people some, you know, relatable moments . . . not being alone in the grief or trauma handed down to the Indigenous nation." She added: "I hope they gain a little bit more empathy and love."

Eugene's book can be found here: https://shorturl.at/DIKU3

If anyone is interested in connecting with her, visit her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sAShAwA.lEIgH.eUgeNE

The trails construction mostly involves grading and paving. Traffic and road disruptions should be minimal However, the trail construction along 4th Avenue involves the addition of a curb and gutter and creation of stormwater works which may cause some traffic disruptions at times in the area. Some of that work will involve the removal of pavement between Laurier Street and Cartwright Street along 4th Avenue

It will be necessary to close sections of 4th Avenue to vehicle and pedestrian traffic to maintain safe conditions, as well as protect the public and workers at the job site In addition, driveway access to some properties will be unavailable at times. When required, vehicle traffic will be diverted to other roads.

Please pay careful attention to directional Signage / Reader Boards near the project site; those directions will be updated regularly by Marwest. The District and MarWest Industries apologize in advance for any traffic delays and disruptions that this important work may impose on the public

If you have any questions or concerns about the Athalmer Trails Project, please contact the District of Invermere by telephone: 250-342-9281 or by email: info@invermere.net

Angela MacLean, P.Eng.

Andrew Young, MCIP, RPP Director of Public Works & Operations Chief Administrative Officer

Sasha Eugene is releasing her first poetry book series dealing with grief and finding comfort. Photo submitted

Word junkie publishes mysterious Echo Lane

By Lyonel Doherty lyonel@columbiavalleypioneer.com

At age 10, Sandra Kelly was reading authors like Henry James without the slightest understanding of what the books were about. She just loved reading words.

“As a kid, I was a word junkie, always memorizing the meaning of new words and devouring novels like candy,” she recalled.

Now, at 67, after having more than a million words in print, her fascination with writing continues with her first literary novel, Echo Lane.

e Invermere author had been a writer of non-fiction for 20 years, mainly for magazines and newspapers. But she wanted a change and thought fiction could be her second calling.

“At the same time, Harlequin was launching a line of romantic comedies, and they were looking for new blood.”

For Kelly, it was a good way to get into the market. “I had a wonderful relationship with Harlequin, but after two titles I decided romance wasn't going to be my thing; too limiting.” Besides, you can only take so much of Fabio’s wind-swept hair on those book covers, or that perfect couple embracing in a forest.

Kelly didn’t need Fabio anyway because she had her husband Bob who landed a contract building townhomes in Invermere. So they moved here from Calgary.

But after all those years of keyboarding eight hours a day, Kelly developed chronic tendonitis in both elbows, forcing her to cut back and eventually stop writing altogether.

However, during COVID, she found fiction again and decided to run with it at her own pace with no deadline pressure. “I sat down and wrote Echo Lane, neither knowing nor caring if anyone would want to publish it.”

Well, Stonehouse Publishing in Edmonton did and the associate publisher, Netta Johnson, loved the story.

Echo Lane is a contemporary tale about a woman whose little sister went missing 42 years ago while in her care. A knock on the door brings a former neighbour claiming to know the whereabouts of the missing child. is neighbour may or may not be telling the truth, and when it's finally revealed, it’s a shocker.

“ e story was in my head for years. I have no idea where it came from. It includes a near-death experience, so I read roughly two dozen accounts of such experiences.

at was my only research,” Kelly told the Pioneer e part-fictional memoir is currently available for pre-order from Amazon Books. It will also be available for purchase at Four Points Books in Invermere this summer.

“I think the quest to confirm the identity of the mysterious caller will hold everybody's attention,” Kelly said.

On Goodreads, the book is being compared to Angela's Ashes and e Lovely Bones, she noted. “I'm over the moon!”

ere is an adage in the author’s world where you have to read a lot to write a good book. For Kelly, her inspiration comes from authors such as Miriam Toews who wrote A Complicated Kindness and Women Talking, her personal favourite. Kelly also reveres Alice Munro and Ian McEwan.

“

ese are my teachers. I don’t care for stories where there’s no one to root for.”

As for her advice to aspiring writers, Kelly encourages people to carve a niche for themselves.

“Today's marketplace is flooded with titles, so publishers are looking for stories that are cleverly conceived and utterly original. It's impossible to get their attention otherwise.”

Kelly also urges beginners to join a professional writing group and to seek inspiration from published authors.

“Finally, develop a spine. Your work will be judged and you have to be able to handle the truth.”

Kelly said self-publishing is an option if all you want to do is write a book for yourself (and complete that bucket list). However, the downside is that self-published books tend to get lost in the flood of current titles, she pointed out.

Don’t know what to write about? Write about what you know. But most importantly, just sit down and do it and worry about how good it is later.

Local author Sandra Kelly is anticipating the release of her first literary novel called Echo Lane. Photo submitted

Rocky Rollers take trophy in tourney

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Another successful bowling season has wrapped up at the Valley Alley Bowling Centre in Windermere, and the Rocky Rollers have emerged as winners of the House Tournament.

e Valley Alley hosted a number of bowling leagues during the season, which runs from fall through spring, including a Tuesday night league, a Wednesday night seniors’ league, a Wednesday mixed league, and Fairmont seniors’ Friday night league.

“It was a good season. It’s always a good season,” Valley Alley manager Clint Johnson told the Pioneer

e various leagues have approximately 120 participants, with each of the four leagues containing six teams of five players.

“Most are very dedicated bowlers, but we did get some new bowlers out this year. ey had a great time and definitely will be back,” said Johnson.

e champions of each of the four leagues qualified for the House Tournament, held on Sunday, April 16. Each of the leagues held its own playoff to determine a second qualifying team. is meant a total of eight teams took part in the tournament, each with five players.

e 40 tournament participants had a great time, and the Rocky Rollers — Nick Trevaskis, Trish Hasset, Donna Provost, Gail MacRae and Tom MacRae — took home the trophy as tournament champions.

League winning teams include Fantastic Five (Tuesday night mixed league), We Try Hard (Wednesday afternoon seniors’ league), No rills (Wednesday night mixed league), and Five Friends (Friday afternoon Fairmont seniors’ league).

Team members include Shirley Atiken, Mon Ottenbreit, Randy Burns, Frank Hodges, Jean Hemmelgarn (Five Friends); Marie Wilson, Les Kaszai, Louise Wylie, Beth Knowles, Kim Gagatek and Marion Ekman (We Try Hard); Ken Bech, Michelle Bech, Penny Perrin, Kristin Llewellin, Vic Briar (No rills); and Bonnie Boa, Kandace Bliss, Blair Longdo, Shelley Hopkins, Jennifer Longdo (Fantastic Five).

For Friday afternoon Fairmont seniors’ league high scorers were Herman Anders with 245 (men’s) and Wendy Topping with 233 (women’s), and high average was Herman Anders with 150 (men’s) and Marion Ekman with 155 (women’s).

For Wednesday afternoon seniors’ league high scorers were Tom MacRae with 224 (men’s) and Marion Ekman with 253 (women’s), and high average was Tom

MacRae with 148 (men’s) and Marion Ekman with 155 (women’s).

For Wednesday night mixed league high scorers were Vick Singh with 253 (men’s) and Wendy Kinsey with 248 (women’s), and high average was Ken Bech with 172 (men’s) and Marylou Fle-

gel Ekman with 156 (women’s).

For Tuesday night mixed league high scorers were Dave Dixon with 261 (men’s) and Sue Julien with 230 (women’s), and high average was Dave Dixon with 188 (men’s) and Maxi Polnik with 163 (women’s).

A house tournament at Valley Alley Bowling Centre saw 40 participants compete for trophies and bragging rights, with the Rocky Rollers coming out on top on Sunday, April 16. e champions from each of the four leagues qualified for the tournament.

Photos submitted

Step 3 building code changes now in effect

By Lyonel Doherty lyonel@columbiavalleypioneer.com

If you’re constructing a new home in the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK), there are building code changes you need to be aware of.

Building Supervisor Kenley Barros is reminding people about amendments to the BC Building Code that took effect May 1. He said all new homes are now required to meet Step 3 of the BC Energy Code.

is means that most new construction in B.C. must be 20 per cent more energy efficient than what was outlined in the 2018 BC Building Code.

To comply, builders must conduct on-site testing to demonstrate that their design and construction meet the new requirements.

e supervisor pointed out the RDEK adopted these step code changes early by offering incentives to builders

Join Green Team for mom

Submitted

No matter if your family grows all your own vegetables or you have one single pot on your apartment balcony, everyone from the very young to the young at heart enjoys tending the fragrant, colourful vegetables, herbs and flowers that bring such joy and abundance into our lives.

On Saturday, May 13 join Groundswell Community Greenhouse & Gardens for their annual Mother’s Day weekend plant sale fundraiser. ey’ve been toiling away for the past few months, starting all the plants from seeds and have a brilliant selection of locally grown vegetables, herbs, annuals and perennials just ready for you to plant in your garden.

Groundswell’s sale runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pick up your plants and know that you are supporting our local, nonprofit Community Greenhouse & Gardens in their mission towards food security, biodiversity and organic gardening education.

Groundswell Community Greenhouse & Gardens is located at 1535 – 14th Street in Invermere behind David ompson Secondary School. Parking is available at the high school.

to meet the targets. “Many of these practices have already been implemented [now].”

Barros told the Pioneer that the province’s step code “looks at the whole building” as far as energy efficiency goes. For example, what side the windows are on as it relates to heating.

New builds will now have to conduct energy modeling at the design phase, test air tightness at completion, and quantify mechanical efficiency and heating needs.

Under new target deadlines, the province expects a 40 per cent improvement in energy efficiency in all new

construction by 2027, and has set a goal of up to 80 per cent in 2032 (under Step 4 and 5).

Pardon the pun, but Barros said they don’t want anyone “falling through the cracks.”

He noted the great benefits of having an energy-efficient home include lower heating and cooling bills, less energy use, and fewer emissions.

For more information about the new requirements, visit the RDEK website at www.rdek.bc.ca and search for BC Energy Step Code. You can also go directly to www. energystepcode.ca.

Mother’s Day is coming up, and so is a plant sale fundraiser at Groundswell.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS, HEIRS, AND OTHER CL AIMANTS

In the Matter of the Indian Ac t, R.S.C. 1985 c 1-5 as amended, and in the matter of the Estate of

JAMES NICHOLAS WHITE

No 078, 01 Akisq’nuk First Nation in the Province of British Columbia, DECEASED

Notice is hereby given pursuant to sec tion 8 of the Indian Estates Regulations that all creditors, heirs and other claimants having claims or demands against the Estate of the said

JAMES NICHOLAS WHITE who died on or about FEBRUARY 17,2023, are required to send by post prepaid or to deliver on or before MAY 15, 2023 to:

CHRISTAL WHITE PO BOX 1887

FORT ST. JAMES, BC V0J lP0

their names and addresses, full par ticulars of their claims, statement of their accounts, and the nature of the securities (if any) held by them.

And take notice that after such last mentioned date the Administrator will proceed to distribute the assets of the deceased among the par ties entitled thereto, having regard only to claims filed before that date or which the Minister orders may be later received, and that the said Administrator will not be liable for the said assets or any par t thereof to any person or persons of whose claims notice was not filed by that date unless the Minister orders it may be later received

Dated at For t St James, British Columbia, on MARCH 10, 2023

Administrator /Executor, CHRISTAL WHITE

Many hands make light work. at was evident on Saturday, April 29 during a beach clean-up day when volunteers made Lake Windermere a much cleaner place.

by Ryan Watmough

P.O. Box 340, 4836 Radium Blvd, Radium Hot Springs, B.C., 250-347-6455

Employment Opportunity: Seasonal Labourer

The Village of Radium Hot Springs is seeking a seasonal labourer (June to September). This wide spectrum position primarily supports the parks division maintaining and beautifying the community, but also performs a variety of tasks related to cleaning, maintenance, construction, and repairing all aspects of the Village’s public works infrastructure.

This is a seasonal, non-unionized position based on a 40 hour work week with the usual hours of work being 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., five days per week. This position may involve working during weekends, evenings and holidays when on assigned standby duty or during unusual or emergent circumstances.

The job description which includes the expected skills, education, and certifications, may be viewed on the Village website: https://radiumhotsprings.ca/village-contact/careers/

Questions regarding the position may be directed to Justin Nielsen, Public Works Foreman, at justin.nielsen@radiumhotsprings.ca

The deadline for receipt of applications is May 15th, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. Only those applicants short listed will be contacted for an inter view

Applications may be sent to the attention of Adrian Bergles at:

The Village of Radium Hot Springs PO Box 340 4836 Radium Blvd Radium Hot Springs, BC V0A 1M0 cao@radiumhotsprings.ca

in info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Photos

P IONEER C

Robert Allen Nicholson January 18, 1966 - April 26, 2023

ADMINISTR ATOR REQUIRED IMMEDIATELY

We are seeking a collaborative team player with excellent communication skills to support our day-to-day operations at ICAN. The successful candidate will be highly organized and possess strong administrative skills and abilities.

Responsibilities and requirements:

• Ability to pivot with emerging/changing priorities as multi tasking is the norm.

• Main contact for all visitors and stakeholders to the shelter

• Onboarding, training, monitoring, and scheduling all volunteers.

• Proficiency with multiple computer software applications such as: e- mails, calendars, scheduling databases etc.

• Passion for animal care and facilitating foster and forever homes for homeless pets.

• Previous experience working with animals or within a shelter or rescue organization an asset but not mandator y for the right individual

• Organized and caring leader who can inspire and coordinate a team of volunteers and ser vice providers.

• Must be bondable

Terms and compensation:

10AM to 4:30PM Daily (includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch) Tuesday to Saturday (Sundays and Mondays off )

3 Month probationar y period

Starting at $20/hr

Please submit your resume to 455 – Panorama Drive V0A 1K7 Or email: communications@icanbc.com

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

Please email classi ed ads to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

AD Designer

e Columbia Valley Pioneer is looking for a full-time Ad Designer/Production Person for our print and digital publishing operation based in Invermere. e Columbia Valley Pioneeer operates a weekly print publication, daily news site online, and various special projects. e Ad Designer will work in conjunction with sales reps and the clients to produce creative, effective and engaging advertisements for both print and digital applications.

If you are skilled at planning and illustrating concepts, creating a wide range of graphics and layouts, working collaboratively with a team to meet deadlines, we would love to hear from you.

e successful candidate must work well in a team setting, but also be selfmotivated.

Qualifications

• Diploma in graphic design or related field is an asset.

• Demonstrate graphic design skills with a strong portfolio.

• A strong eye for visual composition.

• Effective time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines while juggling multiple priorities.

• Can do attitude and a sense of humour.

• Proficient in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator

• Knowledge of newspaper dummy and producing press-ready files

Amanda Nason, Associate Publisher advertising@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The company o ers competitive bene t and pension plans. The position is based in our o ce at 1008, 8th Ave Invermere, B.C. The position is available immediately.

Print and Digital Reporter/Photographer

e Columbia Valley Pioneer is looking for a full-time Print and Digital Reporter/Photographer for our news operation based in Invermere. We operate a daily news site and a weekly print publication.

e successful candidate works well in a team setting, but is self motivated. You will be responsible to write multiple news stories every week for print and on-line publication, take photographs to accompany stories, attend community events and lay out pages (all while respecting Social Distancing requirements).

Quali cations

• Journalism education: degree, diploma or certi cate; or equivalent work experience.

• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

• Positive attitude, must be organized and able to work both independently and in a team setting.

• Experience in InDesign, Photoshop, and posting to social media. e company o ers competitive bene t and pension plans.

Interested candidates should forward their resume to Amanda Nason, Associate Publisher/Sales Manager: advertising@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Applications are open until the position is lled and is based in our o ce at 8 – 1008, 8th Ave Invermere, B.C.

Art Walk Invermere is back, starting May 5th

The first Friday of every month the seven ART SPOTS will have special events starting at 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Art, live entertainment, demos, and much more! This is a self-guided tour of seven Invermere art galleries, located from the Crossroads to Kinsman Beach.

Please join us Friday May 5th for the following events at these galleries:

Bavin Studios Glass Blowing demo with Ryan Bavin.

Art on 9th Unboxing Form with Doug Swinton.

Artym Gallery Photography Night with amateur and professional photographers

Black Star Block Printing Demo with Alison Bell

Effusion Art Gallery Jane Bronsch opening

Village Arts Sand and Sketch Demo with Frank Bitoni

Pynelogs Art Gallery Artists Soiree with live music

For monthly event information and maps go to artspotsinvermere.com

Outrageous costumes on tap for DTSS play

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Get set for a costume extravaganza.

e year-end play by this year’s David ompson Secondary School (DTSS) senior theatre will be unlike anything attempted in previous years.

e class will be doing two performances of ‘ e Witch’s Princess’ on the first weekend of June, and the shows will feature a sprawling ensemble cast of no fewer than 25 performers, many clad in what promises to be visually stunning, elaborately designed costumes, and plenty of unique props. ere’s even going to be some puppetry, a first for a DTSS play. And not just ordinary puppetry, at that — no, it will be shadow puppetry.

But that’s the visual side of things.

e play is also a hilarious dash of fairy tale feminism, with a bad-arse (those the Pioneer spoke with used a more colourful, unprintable adjective) heroine and a motley crew of literary legends such as Beowulf, Jabberwocky, Medusa and more.

e only reason not to run out and get tickets immediately is that they aren’t on sale just yet. at’s an admittedly rational reason, to be sure, but the class will announce when and where you can secure them at some point in mid-May, so stay tuned.

“It really is different than what we’ve done before,” senior theatre teacher Shelley Little told the Pioneer

It’s like paying your kids to clean their room

“We have a huge group working on costumes, and they are doing a great job,” added student and class publicity manager Clare Hatalcik. “I just ordered hundreds of feathers. We’ve got a new spotlight for the shadow puppetry, and we’ve just started doing sword choreography today. It’s going to be a very fun play to watch.”

e show is a comedy too, so Hatalcik and Little expect plenty of belly laughs for audience members.

‘ e Witch’s Princess’ tells the story

of Princess Alessandra. She lives in a kingdom under a terrible curse. Her father, the king is offering her hand in marriage to any knight who can kill the bog witch and, in so doing, lift the curse. But Alessandra isn’t the type to sit back and have a knight sort out her problems. So she decides to enlist the help of some famous literary monsters in history and set out to get the bog witch herself. But there’s more to the monsters, the bog witch, and the curse than meets the eye.

“It’s family friendly,” said Hatalcik adding the play borrows from classic fairy tales, myths and legends and Harry Potter and arrives at something that is a blend of Brave, Shrek, and the Princess Bride.

“ e knights, well, they are pretty ridiculous,” said Hatalcik. “ ere’s the Knight of Feathers, the Knight of Blossoms, the Knight of Oranges, the Knight of Hammers. ose costumes have been a lot of work and a lot of fun.”

e bog witch outfit is another good one, said Hatalcik. “It looks like a swamp turned into a person.”

Hatalcik said the enthusiasm of the class in infectious.

“ ey’ve worked so hard. I’m so proud of the progress,” she added.

e theatre class includes 28 students, with many of them performing multiple roles for the production. Aside from the many backstage roles, 25 students will be up on stage during the play. Students in key roles include Hatalcik (who also plays the character Gabriella), Ella Martin (who plays Princess Alessandra and has memorized more than 300 lines), Neina Flight (who is art director, which includes creating all the costumes and puppets), and Alanna Meadus (stage manager).

Once tickets do go on sale, they will be $12 for adults and $7 for students and children.

e shows are Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3, both at 7 p.m. at the DTSS theatre.

Except better We’ll pay YOU up to 50% for work you do on your own property to make it more FireSmart (to a maximum of $1000).

• The Home Rebate program supports you to make your property more resilient to wildfire

• The FireSmart Coordinator is available to answer your questions, support your FireSmart work, and conduct FREE Home Assessments

Contact: FireSmart@Invermere.net Visit: Invermere.net/FireSmart

Shown are some students in the costume group dyeing fabric for outfits. In bottom right photo is Art and Costume Director Neina Flight.

Photos submitted

Dress honours missing, murdered Indigenous women

By Julia Magsombol Local Journalism Initiative julia@columbiavalleypioneer.com

"It's sadness," said Monica Fisher, the president of the Columbia Valley Metís Association, whenever she hears news about the murdered Indigenous women in different communities.

e first-ever Red Dress Day was held on May 5, 2010. is day raises awareness for the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls across Canada: https:// www.edmonton.ca/city_government/indigenous-relations-office/red-dress-day

"It's important that we are raising awareness and gaining understanding as to why Indigenous women and girls are disproportionately victims to abuse and violence," Fisher said.

Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) created a database on murdered Indigenous women in 2010. e data shows NWAC has gathered information on about 582 confirmed deaths: 67 per cent are murder cases; 20 per cent are cases of missing women and girls; 4 per cent are cases of suspicious death; and 9 per cent are unknown cases

Based on a 2017 report of the Department of Justice Canada (DOJ), the number of murdered Indigenous women has increased. Between 1980 and 2014, police reported almost 7,000 female ho-

micide cases —16 per cent were Indigenous women. e DOJ summarized how those homicide cases have grown or have remained relatively stable: https://www. justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/jr/jf-pf/2017/ july04.html

Last April, a 33-year-old First Nation woman, Linda Mary Beardy, was found dead at the Winnipeg landfill. Based on a CBC report, an autopsy confirmed that she had injuries on her body. e case is still being investigated. But the medical examiner suggested that “none of Beardy's injuries suggested foul play and police are "satisfied that this is not a homicide.” Read the story at https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/linda-beardy-family-statement-1.6803873

" ere should be equity in regard to the same response that's happening for non-Indigenous peoples,” said Fisher. “ is should be the same response for Indigenous peoples.” She noted that "there could be more” done when it comes to the jobs of the officials.

Fisher believes that raising awareness is important, but it is also important to "support individuals who are struggling within communities . . . with violence and individuals who suffer from trauma." She said that solutions to these problems could be steps for justice.

Commemorations for Red Dress Day are different in each community. But

during this day, people wear red and hang red dresses on trees. For more background visit https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/red-dress-day

"Wearing red and understanding each of the movements are important," Fisher said. “Without any action, there is no change. It is all our responsibilities to keep

our women, our children, and our community safe."

If you need help on the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women or girls, call 1-844-413-6649 for assistance.

"I think being vulnerable and telling our stories is important," Fisher said.

KEYNOTE

RICK MERCER! LIVE PERFORMANCES

Maritime Kitchen Party

Doggone Brothers

Lucas Myers

Eagle Bear Spirit Drummers

Zaynab Mohammed LOCAL FOOD & BEVERAGE Food trucks

Pancake Breakfas Barbeque

e red dress symbol raises awareness about the many missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls across Canada.

Running on an empty tank

Rev. Terry Dyck Lake Windermere Alliance Church

Have you ever run out of gas? Literally?

Recently a couple of friends and I mused about occasions when we had done that role of shame when the car engine stops and you’re empty. One of my friends recounted a time when he ran out of gas while driving with his then girlfriend. She responded, “that’s so cute,” thinking he was being amorous, when he had truly run out of fuel.

How close do you run to the “E” on your fuel gauge? Or are you one of those people who never let their tank go below the half mark. Granted it’s much easier now, if you pay attention, to how many kilometres you can go on the fuel left in your vehicle. Your digital display will tell you, along with the lights, chimes, alarms or whatever your vehicle is equipped with to alert you to fill up. It seems to me that it doesn’t matter what tech or tools you have, if you don’t do something with the information or alert you are given – you can still run out. And it continues to happen. Has that happened to you, recently? Yet again?

I believe some of us live our lives in a similar way. We gauge how much we have in our metaphorical gas tank, and we run close to the edge of empty. Some of you have experienced personal emptiness in one form or another, sometimes called burnout. You may have experienced a season in your life when you come to the place where you had nothing left to give – E – empty described your existence. And then you crash – physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. You feel like you are living in a dry and desert land. Perhaps you are in the place right now. You may be doing things that would normally fill you up, but just doesn’t keep you fill, even for the rest of a day.

ere is an emptiness that requires a complete and total intervention, when there is a crash, and you need outside help. Do you need to crash in order for you to pay attention to your emptiness, for you to recognize your need for some kind of filling?

ere is an emptiness where God does his best work. It’s the place where you can experience some of his best work in and through you, where you are, or whatever you are

currently experiencing. Living out of what God is pouring into you, and pouring out of that filling into others is possible.

ere is truth in the quote: “You cannot give away what you do not already possess.”

We are hardwired with a void, an emptiness that is filled in relationship with Jesus. is is the “living water” Jesus offered to the woman at the well, recorded in the Bible (John 4). Not moralism, rules, behavioural modification, but friendship and fullness that also benefit the people around you.

Empty and filling are two complementary truths woven through the Bible. I enjoy conversations that explore what that means for each of us in our everyday lives.

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

For the zoom link, please visit our website ( Windermere Valley Shared Ministr y). 110 - 7th Ave. in Invermere.

E M B L Y Sunday 10 a.m. Worship ser vice 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com

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

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

Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service

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

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