November 5, 2020 Vol. 17/Issue 45
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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1
November 5, 2020
The Columbia Valley
P ioneer
PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION
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The Caswell family wearing their Incredibles costumes. A classic movie for children. COVID-19 has changed a lot of things, but the pleasure that Halloween brings cannot be stolen. Submitted photo
10 REMEMBRANCE DAY
11-13 HALLOWEEN 2020
14 SILENT AUCTION
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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
November 5, 2020 Highlights of the @LiveColumbiaValley Instagram account, brought to you by the Columbia Valley Community Economic Development Office, a service of the RDEK.
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Have you seen the display in front of Kootenay Lodge? Weyt-kp xwexweytep translates to ‘hello everyone,’ in Secwepemctsín, the traditional language of the Secwépemc or Shuswap people. The owners of this historic site have adapted their award-winning scarecrow display into a vignette that shares the Secwepemctsín language.
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Meet Daniela Krtickova. She is the artist behind the Shuswap Indian Band & District of Invermere’s recently signed Friendship Agreement. Both Daniela, and her partner J.C., moved to the Columbia Valley after the pandemic began, choosing our high quality of life over many other communities in western Canada. And they are just two examples of newcomers who have had a positive impact on the community by volunteering.
GREAT GAS
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Light up the Park 2 made the Invermere Skatepark glow Friday oct. 30. Led by @ritetoride, there were good times for everyone on wheels. Recreation facilities - like skateparks - and programming are more important than ever to keep residents safe, active and connected.
Basketball anyone? The Columbia Lake Recreation Centre is open Monday to Friday, from 1 to 7 p.m., for basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, badminton, pickleball, running track, weight room, and many other sports and activities within the 22,000 square foot facility. Call Brian at 250342-6111 or email columbialakereccenter@gmail. to book your group’s time slots. Photos by Ryan Watmough
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November 5, 2020
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3
VALLEY NEWS
Invermere OAP money going to DMO By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The district of Invermere will be giving its Online Accommodation Platform (OAP) tax revenue funds to the local Mountain Valley Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). Invermere with Panorama Mountain Resort is one of 14 officially designated resort municipalities in B.C. that, through the provincial Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) program, receive some of the tax revenue that the provincial government collects on sales of shortterm accommodation in these resort municipalities. In recent year, the MRDT program has expanded to include the new OAP tax revenue, which comes specifically from online websites/platforms facilitating short-term rentals (STRs), including sites such as Airbnb, Vrbo, etc. and encompassing the stereotypical private resident-run basement suite rental as well as commercial accommodators who happen to use these sites to list their more traditional commercial short-term accommodation. The MRDT money given to municipalities comes with strict stipulations on how it can be spent, and up until two years ago, all the approved uses related directly or indirectly to promoting or enhancing tourism in a given municipality. However, starting in 2018, when the
province began collecting and distributing the OAP tax revenue, resort municipalities have been allowed, if they so choose, to spend the OAP portion of their MRDT funds on affordable housing. Provincial officials outlined at the time that the reasoning for this change in allowed use was that STRs, such as those offered on Airbnb and Vrbo, have the potential to drastically alter the long-term rental market in a given resort municipality; a trend that theoretically could be at least partially offset by increased funding for affordable housing. Officials left the resort municipalities the discretion to choose where to allocate those funds. As of this year, nine of the 13 other official B.C. resort municipalities, aside from Invermere-Panorama, have allocated their OAP funds to their local DMOs (although two of these nine had done so with qualifications), while four distributed it to affordable housing. The four resort municipalities funnelling their OAP money to affordable housing include Tofino, Ucluelet, Whistler and Revelstoke. One of the two resort municipalities allocating OAP money to DMOs with qualification is Radium Hot Springs, who is directing the money to tourism now, but is keeping its options open in the future. Invermere council members discussed the matter earlier this month, at their Tuesday, Oct. 13 meeting. Talk on the issue was prompted by a letter from the valley’s
Mountain Valley DMO, asking council to release the last two years’ worth of OAP funds (almost $60,000) to it. Ultimately council agreed to allocate the funding to the DMO for two years, and then revisit the issue. “In Invermere and Panorama, a lot of the STRs have shifted to online booking platforms, but not all of these are residential units. There’s a lot of traditional commercial STRs that have shifted to these platforms,” said councillor Gerry Taft, adding that these traditional accommodators are an important part of the economy and have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. “So this request (from the Mountain Valley DMO) is a fair request in that respect.” Council members briefly batted around the idea of splitting the OAP money between the DMO and affordable housing, but in the end, agreed that it would be too difficult to determine what kind of split was equitable. “Right now, if we allocate the money to affordable housing, it’s not clear exactly what or to who we would be giving that money,” said councillor Greg Anderson. “In two years, the Invermere Housing Task Force (which was set up earlier this year) should have some recommendations, so if we revisit this in two years, we could have something specific to direct the money to. I’m comfortable with giving the money to the DMO for two years, and then revisiting it.”
New Year’s Eve celebrations cancelled in RHS By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com The bad news in 2020 keeps coming. Despite what some people may feel, this year will not drag on forever and will indeed eventually come to close, likely amid hopes that the next one will be a bit brighter. Just don’t expect to celebrate those hopes in the fun-loving style you may be used to marking a year’s end. At the most recent Radium Hot Springs council meeting, held on Wednesday, Oct. 28, all councillors voted — though most expressed regret at having to do so — to cancel the village’s annual New Year celebrations this year. Fireworks, bonfires, hot chocolates, chili, hot dogs and cakes will have to wait at least until Radium ring in 2022. People will be asked to follow COVID-19 protocols and celebrate the arrival of 2021 within a smaller group. As council member mentioned during the vote, it is simply not possible to hold the
normal new year celebrations since outside assemblies are currently limited to groups of 50 people, and this number must include the staff on site, who will be working during the event. “Managing people in the dark (during a pandemic) just seems crazy,” said Radium mayor Clara Reinhardt, noting that there is no proper way to control the number of people present at the event with a reasonable amount of staff, on a vast open space and in the dark. “After careful consideration and review of the current government of B.C. COVID-19 protocols, council has determined that we must cancel the Village New Year’s celebrations for 2020 including the fireworks display. The real pinch point was that there was no way we could keep to fewer than 50 people at any given time participating in an event created by us. We encourage families to use the sliding hill, rink and playground while maintaining good distancing and staying within your ‘bubbles’. With luck, we will be back (at the end
of ) 2021 bigger and better than ever,” concluded Reinhardt. On a happier note, Radium fire chief Dave Dixon was pleased to announce that his team has grown to 20 volunteers, with new members joining the team last week. During his 2020 activity report, Dixon shared that the number of calls had drastically decreased compared with the year prior. Dixon explained why in an email to the Pioneer, saying “the B.C. Ambulance Service, province wide, reduced the types of calls that fire department first responders (FRs) would respond to (to) just those calls that were deemed as the highest priority, simply put, life threatening conditions. That’s why our FR call volume has been reduced.” The council meeting on Nov. 11 has been cancelled due to Remembrance Day, as well as the one on Dec. 23 for Christmas celebration. If needed, these council meetings will be rescheduled for a later date.
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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
RCMP Report
SECURITY • • • •
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Submitted by Sgt. Darren Kakuno Detachment Commander Columbia Valley RCMP
Doug Clovechok MLA
This past week, Oct. 26 through Nov. 1, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 45 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to. •On Friday, Oct. 30, at about 3:30 a.m., an officer was dealing with a matter on Subdivision Road in Windermere when he observed a known prohibited driver operating a vehicle. The officer conducted a traffic stop and arrested an adult female for driving while prohibited. The driver was released on an Appearance Notice to attend court at a later date in relation to driving while prohibited. •On Friday, Oct. 30, a resident of Canal Flats reported the theft of his 1967 Triumph motorcycle from his residence on Grainger Road. The motorcycle was gold in colour and had Alberta license plate LJX27 attached to it. The resident also discovered his vehicle had been rummaged through sometime overnight, and some clothes and change were missing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbia Valley RCMP or Crimestoppers. •On Saturday, Oct. 31, Columbia Valley RCMP members conducted a check stop on Athalmer Road and Lakeview Drive in Invermere from 10:00 p.m. to midnight. During the road check, officers checked approximately 200 vehicles. One driver was issued a violation ticket for not having a driver’s license, one male is being investigated for breaching his release condi-
Contact me for a copy of my MLA Newsletter! Doug.Clovechok.MLA@leg.bc.ca
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By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The District of Invermere may soon have its own evacuation plan. Invermere is already part of a larger umbrella emergency preparedness plan through the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK). Still, at the Tuesday, Oct. 27 Invermere council meeting, council gave the go-ahead to district staff to apply for a $25,000 grant from the provincial Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) to create a refined evacuation plan specific to Invermere.
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The evacuation plan will include sections on hazard and risk vulnerability assessments, evacuation route planning and mapping, evacuation traffic management plans, evacuation communications plans for the public and for relevant agencies, support for the development of a regional emergency support services plan, and public education around evacuation. Invermere acting chief administrative officer Kindry Luyendyk outlined that the new plan would be completely funded by the grant and that Invermere fire chief Jason Roe will work with a consultant to help guide the plan development.
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tions, and one individual received a 3-day Immediate Roadside Driving Prohibition. •On Sunday, Nov. 1, at about 4:00 p.m., an officer was making patrols in Windermere when she observed a known prohibited driver operating a vehicle on Subdivision Road. The officer conducted a traffic stop and discovered the Nissan Pathfinder being driven by the prohibited driver had a license plate, which did not belong to the vehicle and no insurance for the vehicle. The vehicle was impounded, and the driver was issued a violation ticket for no insurance and released on an Appearance Notice to attend court at a later date. •On Sunday, Nov. 1, at 7:15 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop with a Chevrolet Aveo on Arbuckle Street in Canal Flats. While speaking to the driver, the officer formed suspicion the driver was operating a vehicle with alcohol in his body. The driver complied with a roadside breath demand and blew two ‘warns’. As a result, the driver was issued a 3-day Immediate Roadside Driving Prohibition. •On Sunday, Nov. 1, Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of a stolen boat being advertised for sale on a local buy and swap site. The owner had reported his boat stolen in May of 2020. An officer attended a property in Canal Flats and learned the person in possession of the boat had purchased it from an individual in Cranbrook. After confirming the boat was, in fact, stolen, the officer seized it and returned it to its rightful owner. No charges are anticipated against the individual who was in possession of the boat as it was believed the individual was unaware it was stolen.
Invermere to get its evacuation plan
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November 5, 2020
Landslide damage to 1st Street to get fixed
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Work to fix the damage on 1st Street in Invermere will begin soon after Invermere council approved a bid for the job from local contractor Max Helmer Construction Ltd. A section of the street was badly washed out and eroded by a small landslide during a storm in May, leaving the edge of the road looking as though it were about to crumble into the bluff below. District of Invermere staff has had the sketchy section of the street marked since the damage occurred and has been fast-tracking efforts to get the road properly fixed up. During the Tuesday, Oct 27 Invermere council meeting, acting Invermere chief administrative officer Kindry Luyendyk outlined that there is remediation work needing to be done on both the upper and lower part of the slope, and that the work set to be done by Max Helmer Construction is just for the upper slope. She outlined that work on the upper slope needs to be done sooner
rather than later because the landslide left a sewer main close to the surface, and a further landslide, even a little one, or possible freezing during the winter months (now that the pipe is close to the surface) could wreak havoc with the sewer main. Luyendyk added the lower slope work can wait until spring. The cost of the remediation on the upper slope will be $422,000. The work is projected to take 10 to 12 days. Luyendyk added the district is hoping to get much of the cost of the work from provincial emergency funds, rather than having to pay all of it from district reserve funds or general revenues. Invermere councillor Gerry Taft asked whether the road would be built back in the old style or with some add water diversion. Luyendyk responded that the district is working with contracting company Urban Systems on storm management for the area. “The work needs to be done, that’s for sure,” said Invermere mayor Al Miller, adding in a wry and joking tone that the council’s unanimous vote to approve the work was an exercise in “how to spend $400,000 quickly.”
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5
WINDERMERE VALLEY YOUTH CENTRE SOCIETY
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Monday, November 9th, 2020, 7:30 pm via Zoom All welcome! Board members needed – Apply by November 2nd. Annual review of operations and finances. Register through Summit Youth Centre 2503423033 or summit.centre@gmail.com Limited seating available.
invermeresummityouthcentre.org
Seized Vehicle Auction Motorhome For Sale
Letter results in social media blitz By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com If you’ve noticed a few reminders about not idling your vehicle in Invermere while scrolling through social media, that’s because the district is launching a bit of a social media blitz around the issue. The effort comes as result of a recent letter sent to Invermere council in October. The letter was written by Brisco resident Alice Breeze, and in it she relates several incidents of observing locals or visitors idling their vehicles, in one case for as long as 45 minutes. She describes approaching the idling individuals and reminding them that Invermere has an anti-idling bylaw, adding that she was routinely ignored or dismissed. Eventually, fed up,
Breeze contacted the local bylaw officer with the license plate number of one idling individual and was surprised to learn the person wouldn’t be fined. In her letter she asks council to consider doling out fines for idling. During discussion on the letter, acting Invermere chief administrative officer Kindry Luyendyk explained that fines of up to $250 can be imposed for idling, but that at the time the bylaw was enacted in 2008, council at the time preferred an approach that involved educating offenders for the most part, instead of immediately fining them. Councillor Greg Anderson noted that, in terms of enforcement, Invermere’s bylaw officer needs to be present to observe the idling in order to hand out tickets for it, which makes enforcing the bylaw less than easy. Continued on page 19
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Vehicle: 1989 General Coach Corsair Sovereign Motorhome, VIN: GKMD54J2K8010991 Debtor: Michael James Kicksee Amount of debt: in excess of $4,550 Time of Sale: Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 1 pm Place: Newhouse Storage RV Lot, 1308 Industrial Rd. #1, Invermere Notes: Gate will be open 1 hour before the auction for viewing. Payment by cash, bank draft, or e-transfer. Minimum bid $1,800. Sold in “AS IS” condition. Vehicle must be removed from the storage yard within 5 days.
BC Timber Sales Operating Plan #21-2 East Kootenay Operating Area The public is invited to review and comment on Operating Plan #21-2 being prepared by BC Timber Sales under its approved Forest Stewardship Plan #601. Comments will be accepted on or before November 30, 2020. Operating Plan #21-2 includes proposed logging and road construction located in the vicinity of:
CONDITIONS CHANGE. SO SHOULD YOUR SPEED.
Rocky Creek-Cranbrook TSA Peavine-Cranbrook TSA Mark Creek-Cranbrook TSA
Winter driving can double your risk of being in a crash. Slow down and increase your following distance.
Lavington / Bear – Invermere TSA (Doctor Creek Wildfire)
Learn more at ShiftIntoWinter.ca.
Mainroad East Kootenay Service Area
Report road hazards and share feedback to 24HR Public Info Hotline: 1-800-665-4929 Phone: (250) 341-6299 ads@columbiavalleypioneer.com
The following vehicle is being sold by auction under the Warehouse Lien Act by Chuck Newhouse Builders Ltd., DBA Newhouse Storage.
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Maps can be viewed online at: https://bit.ly/3mbwxl9 Comments must be submitted in writing to: Darren Hayes, RPF, Planning Forester East Kootenay Field Team 1902 Theatre Rd, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 7G1 tko.ref@gov.bc.ca • 250-420-6314
6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
PERSPECTIVE
November 5, 2020
Remembrance Day in Canada By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com
At this time of year, many countries in the world (including Belgium, Serbia, the UK, France and many more) pause and remember all men and women who served, as well those who still serve, and especially the ones who sacrifice their lives during war. Of course, it’s the case in Canada too, but it is not celebrated in the same way in every province. Remembrance Day rekindles public interest in the remembrance of war and military sacrifice, drawing thousands of people to ceremonies in towns and cities across the country. It remains a day dedicated to remembering the dead, but some traditional ceremonies also encouraged people to remember the horrors of war and work for peace. Depending on where you are or where you come from, Remembrance Day experiences can be very different. In Canada, six of the ten provinces have made Remembrance Day a statutory holiday. Businesses must remain closed, and everyone gets a holiday, thus they have time to participate in any events and to remember. Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland don’t have a statutory holiday on Nov. 11. In Quebec, it’s pretty much like any other day of the year. Except that you can observe people wearing their poppies, you might hear teenagers talking about it because their teacher mentions it during history classes (it’s obligatory in the curriculum). Of course, the ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa is televised across the country and most media, including newspapers, magazines, TV, radio stations, and websites. They broadcast special reports, interviews, or surveys on military history or themes linked to memory as many Canadians take Remembrance Day very seriously, irrespective of whether or not it is a statutory holiday in their province. Federal government employees or federal company employees in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland have time off because the federal government has set Nov. 11 as a statutory holiday for its employees. Maybe all Canadians should have Nov. 11 as a statutory holiday. Having this day off allows people to take time to honour our veterans by taking part in a parade or a fundraiser and by visiting a cenotaph. The C-311 law project proposes to add Nov. 11 to the list of legal holidays, such as July 1. The goal is to officially recognize and celebrate Remembrance Day across Canada. On Nov. 11, all together, two meters apart, let’s remind ourselves of the horrifying cost of war, and remember all those Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice, their families and friends, also all those who came back from war injured and subdued. At 11 a.m., take time to think about this during two minutes of silence.
Historical Lens Hockey team Front row (Left to right): Mel Futa, Rick Andruschuk, Harry Hemmelgarn, Buzz Osterloh, Don Reid, Art Futa, Jim Coy, Phillip Cleland Back row (Left to right): Jack Coy, Don Foyston, Harley Portman, Larry Hollybow Photo C2275, 1959, courtesy Windermere District Historical Society
Correction
.Encroachment at Calberly Beach story from the last edition. There has been a gradual encroachment committed by height lakefront property owners onto the Boulevard.
Deer cull Dear Editor: I am writing this letter with a sense of urgency and frustration. We have been told that there is a proposed deer cull in Invermere. We question why Invermere is not taking a more active role in ensuring conservation and preservation of wildlife. TheWorld Wildlife Foundation has released a report addressing a significant 46 percent decline in Canadian wildlife. This has been described as a catastrophic failure to support and protect wildlife. The mountain caribou in the Kootenays have already been annihilated. Baiting deer in your public works yard and then slaughtering them is unacceptable in this day and age. We are talking about the ethical treatment of animals. The vast majority of the public is opposed to this archaic method of population control. It appears Invermere is the last town to implement and condone these deer culls. Oak Bay on Vancouver Island has accomplished a successful Immune-contraceptive study for the last two years. It has resulted in a more
long term approach which is more cost effective and humane. Also, using Chronic Wasting disease as an excuse to slaughter the deer makes no sense. There is no valid proof of deer being infected in B.C. This information is confirmed by the office of B.C. Govt Wildlife Health Programs. It is time for more modern methods that promote biodiversity and co-existence with wildlife. Conservation and preservation are the key elements. We need to take a more assertive approach in protecting the wildlife we still have left. The amount of money spent on deer culls would be better spent during this pandemic to support faltering businesses, food banks, child care, the elderly etc. I am sure Invermere would not be a tourist destination if people were aware of the senseless slaughter of wildlife in your town. We hope the people of Invermere reconsider supporting an inhumane deer cull and take a more empathetic, modern stance. Thank you for your consideration. Yours Sincerely, Mary-Ann Rattray
The Columbia Valley
CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013
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The Columbia Valley Pioneer is available free of charge at 13 essential businesses in the Upper Columbia Valley, limited to one copy per reader. This publication has been made possible, in part, by the Government of Canada and the support of our advertisers and is published every Thursday. The Columbia Valley Pioneer may be distributed only by its authorized contractors and employees. No person may, without the prior written consent of The Pioneer or its Publisher, take more than one copy of each issue of The Pioneer. The content is protected by copyright. Reproduction by any means is prohibited except with the permission of the Publisher.
November 5, 2020
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7
SIR JOHN A. MACDONALD Fresh old ideas By Arnold Malone Pioneer Columnist The city of Victoria has removed Sir John A. MacDonald’s statue from City hall. Protesters in Montreal have taken it upon themselves to destroy a statue of Sir John A. Some schools have chosen to remove his name. Sir John A. was not perfect. He, like all of us, had flaws. After being found complicit in the Pacific Scandal of 1872, MacDonald began drinking too much. He also accepted the push for the destructive policy of having residential schools for First Nation’s children. These wrongs are to be recognized even if they were incubated in ignorance. There is, however, much to celebrate about our early history. Sir John A. had a long vision for Canada. After all, he was our first Prime Minister. Canadians need to recognize that during the period 1800 to 1840, Canada was under threat of being swallowed up by the U.S. At a very young age, Sir John A. was recognized as being unusually intelligent and responsible. At age 15, he was articling with a Law firm in Kingston. He established his own law office at age 19. He became engaged in business in the 1840’s and was an alderman in Kingston, 1843 to 1846. In 1844, he was elected in the district of Kingston to Legislative Assembly of the Province Of Canada. During this period, he was known for his pragmatic views and his pursuit of practical goals. In the next election, he was appointed to the prestigious post of Attorney General of Upper Canada. From 1854 to 1864, Sir John A. argued against many detractors that a federation must include the French fact. Many in Ontario saw this as a weakening of their British connection. MacDonald, along with George-Etienne Cartier and George Brown, worked tirelessly to create a Federation. MacDonald believed that against the U.S., provincial entities could not survive. He was the major drafter of
the British North America Act that forms the framework for Canada’s present day constitution. During his first administration as Prime Minister, 1867 to 1873, he was a nation builder. In that administration, he added to the original four provinces, Manitoba, The North West Territories (Alberta and Saskatchewan), British Columbia and Prince Edward Island. Canada was born. We were, then, a free standing Dominion. B.C. had held out for a railroad to the Pacific, or they would consider joining the U.S. Had B.C. joined the U.S., Canada would not have a west coast shipping outlet. The Prairie Provinces would then have had an enormous transportation challenge. During meetings in Quebec City and Halifax, the plans for a railroad to the Pacific were drafted. Imagine the challenge of persuading Central Canadians, a major federal income source, that they should support a railroad into a land that was almost void of people and, at the time, had no known resources. MacDonald brought about a program of protection for Canadian manufacturing and set in place policies to enhance the settlement of the western lands. History is about what happened. It does not need to be 100% pure by the standards of a future generation. It is about both good and bad. The re-writing of history means that history is blurred. When we mess with history, we bleach the truth. It is difficult to forgive the elected people of Victoria for their decision to remove Sir John A’s statue. As for First Nations, it is easier to understand their strong misgivings. The residential school system was wrong, even if it was a reflection of the time. It was, however, our history. We must now construct a correction. Fundamentally, we should treat no one differently from our own expectations. We have damage to correct and a past to preserve. Arnold Malone served as MP for Alberta’s Battle River and Crowfoot ridings from 1974 through 1993. He retired to Invermere in 2007.
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We want to hear from you Email your letters to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com or visit our website at www. columbiavalleypioneer.com. Mail your letters to Box 868, Invermere, V0A 1K0, or drop them in at #8 1008-8th Avenue. Letters to the editor should be sent only to The Pioneer, and not to other publications. We do not publish open letters or third-party
letters. Letters for publication should be no longer than 400 words, and must include the writer’s address and phone numbers. No attachments, please. Letters may be shortened for space requirements. We reserve the right to edit for space, clarity, civility and accuracy. Opinions expressed are those of the writer, not The Pioneer.
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8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
Annual General Meeting Thursday, November 19 at 7 pm Pynelogs Cultural Centre th
Everyone welcome but seating is limited to 30 attendees in accordance with COVID-19 regulations. For more information contact wingsovertherockies@gmail.com
DISTRICT DISTRICT OF OF INVERMERE INVERMERE
914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934
NOTICE
FOR EXPIRED BUILDING PERMITS At the October 13, 2020 meeting of Council, policy 2020 – 04, Closing of lapsed building permits was adopted. The policy effects all expired building permits that were issued prior to January 1, 2017. More information can be found on the Districts web site, www.invermere.net
THE HOSPICE SOCIETY WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU The Hospice Society is working on a sustainable funding project. It asks residents of the Valley to take 5/10 minutes to complete an important survey. All individual responses are confidential. Survey can be found on the website, on the Hospice Facebook page, or by picking up a hard copy at #103, 926-7 Avenue, Invermere, Frater Landing, Monday to Friday from 12 to 4 pm.
November 5, 2020
Why is having a hospice essential to the Valley
value services to the health care system. These numbers demonstrate how essential hospices are in each Canadian community. In general, people do On Oct. 1, 2020, Hospice Societies in B.C. and their not like to discuss or talk about the end of life, but the volunteers were declared vital to the future of hospice reality is that regardless of how old a person is, each one care and part of the essential care medical teams in the of us will die. province. Quality hospice care is desirable, holistic, and The question is, can we, as a community, be prepared cost-effective to all community members. to plan and to strategize how we will take care of each The median age of Columbia Valley residents is 47 other when the moment of death has arrived? It is not years of age. The 2016 Census also revealed that residents possible to simply sweep this unavoidable reality under 65+ years of age account for almost 20% (CVCF, On the rug. Because of COVID-19, Canadians are now hearthe Table Report, 2019). Because of the aging population ing daily on the news how our elders have been treated in the Columbia Valley, the demand for access to hos- in many of the nation’s home care centers. The abuse and pice care will be overwhelming unless each community maltreatment did not begin when COVID-19 surfaced. in B.C. continues to build capacity to care for people at Unfortunately, the virus uncovered what had been taken home, in the community and, when needed, in hospital. place for a long time. Surely, as a society, it is not how Studies show that a coordinated community end- each of us will want to be treated when our turn comes. of-life care prevents costly hospital visits and stays and People rally for the right to have a healthy ecological unnecessary treatments. Care to individuals is not just system so life can be enjoyed to the fullest. Should we not medical support. The Hospice Society of the Columbia also do the same for the right to end life in a most digniValley also provides crucial psychological, social, practi- fied way, regardless of the time left to a person? Supportcal, and spiritual support to all family members, friends, ing the Hospice’s essential work is one way of ensuring and caregivers, relieving stress and promoting well-being that our loved ones are taken care of and supported. For during difficult times. this reason, the Hospice is asking residents to take five to Volunteers in hospice care are an essential compo- ten minutes of their time to complete the following surnent of the continuum of care, and their services help vey www.surveymonkey.com/r/HospiceColumbiaValley people stay at home, sometimes to the very end of life. This survey can be found on the Hospice Facebook They are there to help ease the pain of loved ones. The Page, the website at www.hospicesocietycv.com or by province of B.C. has an estimated 6,000 trained hospice picking up a hard copy at the office, located at Frater volunteers giving over 210,000 hours of support annually Landing, #103-926-7 Ave. between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to clients and their loved ones. The Conference Board of Monday to Friday. The survey is open until Nov. 30, Canada (2018) estimates an hour of volunteer time in 2020. For further questions, please contact the Hospice Canada worth $27.00. At this evaluation, hospice vol- at 778-526-5143. Thank you for your participation. unteers provided more than $5.6 million worth of added By Michele Neider Executive director, Columbia Valley Hospice Society
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For more information contact 778-526-5143. Tell your friends about it, pass the word around. Survey is open till November 30th. Thank you.
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N E W S PA P E R
SH TW O O W S!
For all your advertising needs, call Amanda at 250-341-6299 ext. 102
Wednesday, November 25th, 6 pm and 8:30 pm The Columbia Valley Centre- 646 4th Street, Invermere BC Maximum 50 audience members per show. Award winning stand up comedian Mike Delamont brings his acclaimed, family friendly comedy to Invermere for just two shows and talks about everything from marriage to bidets in a hilarious evening of comedy you won’t ever forget!
A three time Canadian Comedy Award Nominee, Mike has appeared on CBC’s The Debaters, CBC’s Laugh Out Loud, SiriusXM’s Top Comic, Halifax Comedy Festival, Winnipeg Comedy Festival and the world famous Just For Laughs. “Five Star Stand Up With Soul!” Winnipeg Free Press.
Tickets are only $30 For the safety and comfort of our staff, performer and audience members, all attendees must abide by our COVID protocols.
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Pioneer Classifieds Call: 250-341-6299 ext. 101
They work!
November 5, 2020
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9
Energy retrofits continue at Akisqnuk
By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter In an effort to make on-reserve homes safer and more energy-efficient, the Akisqnuk First Nation’s (AFN) housing department has been collaborating with ThinkBright Homes to provide inspections for 20 homes in the community. AFN housing manager Dale Shudra and his team asked band members to express their interest in assessments to test how energy efficient their homes might be to see if any enhancements could reduce the cost of energy expenses. “The tests were completed with ThinkBright homes to see how energy efficient 20 houses on the reserve were to see if we could reduce costs,” explained Shudra. “The homeowners volunteered to participate in the assessment and were ranked based on need. There were three homes on the emergency side.” Shudra credits BC Hydro’s rebate program, the Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the Columbia Basin
Trust (CBT) for providing incentives and funding opportunities to aid the community with this project. “Through dialogue with First Nations communities, the Trust gained a better understanding of how we could best support their housing needs and the role we could take to help,” said Mark Brunton, Senior Manager, Delivery of Benefits, Columbia Basin Trust. “Several First Nations, including Akisqnuk, are now doing condition assessments, creating asset management plans in-house and beginning upgrades that will help ensure their housing investments are maintained for years to come.” ThinkBright Homes completed a total of 20 home inspections this year for the AFN. “The budgets we prepared were for implementation of a cost-effective renovation plan for simultaneously improving the sound and temperature comfort of each home, preventing moisture related issues that are common with energy retrofits, reducing wildfire hazards and improving the indoor air quality – all at the same time, as we improve the energy efficiency to at least BC Energy
Step Code 3 standards, or better, we hope,” said Meredith Hamstead, ThinkBright Homes spokesperson. “A unique combination of innovative building materials and a lowcost installation strategy is ensuring that we are stretching funder dollars as far as possible while delivering the highest quality renovation for the residents of each home.” She added that ThinkBright values building safe and comfortable homes for everyone, and it’s a goal for new and existing homes. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has contributed to the AFN housing department by providing funding to hire two interns. AFN housing interns, Justin Grosso and Bobby Morgan, have been acquiring work experience and training to complete home assessments on an iPad this month. The duo will remain in the community, gaining work experience until approximately March when the school-year resumes. Shudra is targeting to complete the energy retrofits for AFN homes before the end of December 2020.
Virtual Ktunaxa lessons available By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tucked behind the end of his kitchen table on a small computer stand, former Akisqnuk First Nation chief Alfred Joseph facilitates weekly Ktunaxa language classes on behalf of the Aq’am community near Cranbrook via Zoom. Every Tuesday between 7 and 9 p.m. MST, Joseph provides language instruction to anyone interested in
learning Ktunaxa remotely through virtual lesson plans. “It started out as an experiment,” said Joseph. “I wanted to learn how to get a Zoom account originally, and was talking to people from Aq’am about getting a language group roughly three years ago, and I wanted to get it back to it to continue working. She used her account, and I thought it would just be an experiment, so now they’ve got me scheduled to go right to Christmas.” There were up to 25 students enrolled in the weekly language exchange when it began in the latest session, but
now about seven or eight students remain. “Aq’am is coordinating lessons,” he explained. “With the orbit, life is life. Sometimes they get tapped to do other things, so they can come back in two-or-three weeks time, or a month’s time, and I can give them whichever papers to catch them up, so everybody’s got the same foundation.” In addition, there is a language C.D. that can be mailed out to each student to listen and practice in their cars. Continued on page 23…
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10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
November 5, 2020
DTSS project gains $4,300 grant
By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The heart of a commemorative initiative in the Columbia Valley has recently gained momentum at David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS). Each school year, Grade 9 students learn about the history of residential schools and their survivors during Social Studies through the Project of Heart. “I applied for a grant for a memorial for students that attended St. Eugene’s Mission through the Federal government from the Ministry of Heritage for $4,300,” said Andrea Dunlop, DTSS teacher and project spokesperson. The Project of Heart is a national initiative to seek the truth about the legacy of residential schools in Canada and acknowledge former students and their families in an effort to commemorate the lives of those impacted by the experience. The goal is to urge Canadians to become civically minded and to take action in social justice to improve the lives of all nations in both the present and future collectively. “Teachers of all subjects are infusing Aboriginal content into all of their classes, and specific to the legacy of residential schools, Grade 9 social studies classes have been engaged in the Project of Heart,” said Glen Sage, DTSS principal to the Pioneer by e-mail. “With Andrea Dunlop’s efforts, we plan to build a large piece of art, shaped as a sturgeon nose canoe unique to the First Nations of this region and place the tiles from the Project of Heart on it.” Dunlop hopes to acquire a second grant to fund the project and is seeking donations from the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), as well as from the Columbia Valley community. “For the final project, students do a write up about what they have drawn on the tile and why,” explained Dunlop. “People all over Canada do this. The outside of
every tile is painted Black to represent the kids who didn’t come home (because some Indigenous people did not survive the residential school experience).” To ensure the sturgeon nose canoe is historically accurate, a local artist has joined the effort with Dunlop and DTSS Aboriginal Education Support Worker Monica Fisher on this project to research and design a metal canoe that will be placed at the entrance of the local high school, so the finished project can serve as a longstanding memorial to the survivors of St. Eugene Mission residential school near Cranbrook. Dunlop hopes to include traditional Indigenous languages around the exhibit when it is completed, but plans to host some consultation sessions to query what the local First Nations would like to see in the finished project. “As for the sturgeon nose canoe, we are partnering with Andrea, who has been an incredible ally,” Fisher told the Pioneer by e-mail. “She is always finding incredible projects to do that are meaningful, fun and educating. She is also a huge supporter of our program. We will be working together as well with our Nations to create signage at the front of our school entrance. It will incorporate the beauty of our valley, our first peoples, and Ktunaxa, Secwepemc and English languages. We look forward to the project as it is a collaboration between the school, work that the students have done, local artists and local history. This is part of the process moving towards truth and reconciliation.” The Shuswap Indian Band (SIB) and the Akisqnuk First Nation (AFN) have been invited to participate in the project through a community engagement process to ensure there is consensus about the design and construction of the canoe. Dunlop believes that both nations have been supportive of this initiative so far. However, Dunlop and Fisher plan to conduct engagement sessions with SIB and AFN to incorporate positive messaging about moving forward with hopeful
DTSS teacher Andrea Dunlop showed some recent examples of tiles that have been painted by an alumnus who has completed the Project of Heart unit as part of Grade 9 social studies. She remains optimistic about incorporating several years of tiles into the decoration of the historically accurate sturgeon canoe with this year’s cohort. Photo by Breanne Massey qoutes for future generations. “This is all about truth and reconciliation,” said Dunlop. “Truth in acknowledging what happened to Indigenous people at residential schools, and reconciliation is about (encouraging all Canadians) to shape to be involved… In our display, there will be two paddles representing a different design. One of Ktunaxa. One Secwepemc. The two paddles (will) represent that to get that canoe moving forward, we need the support of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.” For more information about the Project of Heart, please visit projectofheart.ca/what-is-project-of-heart/ If you would like to donate to support this initiative, please contact Dunlop at Andrea.Dunlop@sd6.bc.ca.
Directory supports Ktunaxa entrepreneurs
By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Ktunaxa businesses, artisans and entrepreneurs can now easily be identified through a new online directory dubbed as “Ktunaxa Ready.” The purpose of creating a web directory is to raise awareness about Ktunaxa businesses, and to help potential clients learn more about what services are available from this region. “Ktunaxa Ready is a response to market need,” said Shane Stewart, Business Development Officer with the Ktunaxa Nation Council (KNC) in a recent press release. “Calls come in every week to the KNC Economic Sector from people who want to find Ktunaxa businesses. We wanted to make it easier for them to connect and work together.” The KNC represents the communities from Akisqnuk First Nation in Windermere, the Lower Kootenay Band near Creston, St. Mary’s Band in Cranbrook and the
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Tobacco Plains band in Grasmere. Stewart encourages everyone to visit the website to learn more about the wide variety of products and services available from the KNC entrepreneurial community. “The directory lists Ktunaxa sole proprietorships, partnerships and larger business entities — 45 listings so far, and growing,” said Stewart. The range of listings is diverse, ranging from logging to landscaping, designers and magicians located from Ainsworth to Windermere, as well as in urban communities like Vancouver. “Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, specifically Number 92, ‘Business and Reconciliation,’ provides a framework and set of values to move forward together — respectfully and successfully,” said Donald Sam, director of the Ktunaxa Nation Council’s Economic Investment Sector in a recent press release. “Ktunaxa Ready can be seen as both promoting Ktunaxa businesses and supporting non-Indigenous businesses as they understand and practice reconciliation.” To visit the directory, please go to www.ktunaxaready.com to learn more.
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Remembrance Day 2020
November 5, 2020 November 5, 2020
Columbia The Columbia The Valley PioneerValley • 11 Pioneer • 11
First poppies (Top photo): Gerry Wilke RDEK, Janice McKay Vice President, Clara Reinhardt mayor of Radium and Noreen Madden President receiving the first poppies. (Left photo): Mayor Miller from Invermere received the first poppy to kick off the Royal Canadian Legion’s 2020 Poppy Campaign on Thursday, Oct. 22 from Jerry Meadows. Submitted photo
Remembrance Day November 11th Observe 2 minutes silence 11 am Honour
Thank
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Remembrance Day Lest We Forget
Remember Edgewater Branch 199
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12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
November 5, 2020
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Remembrance Day – November 11th
November 5, 2020
2020 Remembrance Ceremony will be on Facebook Live
By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com All events this year must be organized in a different manner due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2020 Remembrance Day is no exception. The Royal Canadian Legion acknowledges the end of conflicts and does not commemorate the start of conflicts. The most sacred day of Remembrance is Remembrance Day. Every year, on Nov. 11, the Legion recognizes all of Canada’s Veterans, serving and retired, and commemorates our fallen, including men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP, Peace Officers, Merchant Navy, and Reserves. On this day, we also honour the families and their losses. Funds raised in the annual campaign lead up to Nov. 11, support veterans, their families and dependents, seniors, education and Remembrance programs. The Nov. 11 Remembrance Day activities’ format will be very different from previous years for every municipality due to the COVID-19 protocols. There will be no crowds allowed, no hockey players marching, no big parades... This year Invermere’s ceremony will be marked with
a small in-person ceremony at the Cenotaph that will be streamed for the general public online. The parade will start at the Legion at 10:50 a.m. moving towards Cenotaph Park. Only 50 Veterans, Legionnaires and invited guests will be welcome on site, respecting protocols. The Poppy Committee Chair Branch #71 request that no crowds attend the service as social distancing is not achievable. It will be possible to watch the service at the Cenotaph through a Facebook Live on www.facebook. com/RCLBC71/. You can also find it the Invermere, B.C. Events page on Facebook. If you wish to lay your wreath, that can be done only after the parade has left the park. In Edgewater, Noreen Madden, President of Royal Canadian Legion Branch #199, said, “our Branch is very sad to announce we will not be having a service for the public. We will be doing a private laying of the wreath ceremony with only a few members and veterans.” Only veterans, members and few guests will be welcome on site. Legion Branch #199 will be hosting a Remembrance Day Dinner drop-in style, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. “We have our hall set up with all public health safety measures in place,” said Noreen.
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13
Always Remember
250-342-9281 invermere.net
Lest We Forget
In Flanders Fields By John McCrae
Rhiannon Tutty, Advisor
In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
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14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
November 5, 2020
November 5, 2020
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15
Canal Flats council discusses Shore to Shore Pathway By James Rose james@columbiavalleypioneer.com On Oct. 26, council for the Village of Canal Flats held the second of two October regular meetings. Sgt. Darren Kakuno began the meeting by giving a presentation to council overviewing the Columbia Valley RCMP’s second quarter report. Kakuno informed council that come November, his detachment will be rolling out a new online reporting platform for citizens to report a low-level crime. “I don’t think we are getting an accurate picture of what crimes are being committed in Canal Flats,” said Kakuno. The new online reporting system is meant to address this concern. Four property offences were reported in July. One theft was reported in August. In September, one possession of stolen property was reported. “I have a feeling more crime is occurring,” Kakuno said. Still to be determined is how Kakuno’s staff will be trained to use the platform. After the presentation, Councillor Bill Lake asked whether the RCMP would reach out to a complainant after filing online. “When the system was first brought to my attention, that was one of my first concerns,” replied Kakuno. “That was the reason for our unit not moving forward with the system initially.” Kakuno didn’t want his officers to lose personal contact. But he assured council that his supervisors will have the option to file for a follow-up. “Within a day or two of the online complaint,” Kakuno said. Compared to the second quarter of 2019, Kakuno said this year has been busier for Columbia Valley RCMP. To date, there have been 1,307 filings. In 2019, there were 1,076. In Canal Flats, which accounted for ~5% of the valley’s calls for RCMP service, 32 calls were made in July. For each of August and September, 20 calls were made. “But the stats can be misleading,” said Kakuno. “Five or six of the calls in July came as a result of one individual. In August, eight calls concerned one person.” Kakuno’s detachment priorities for 2020/21 are road safety, crime reduction, youth and substance abuse. Kakuno pointed out that given his detachment’s stretched budget, focusing on road safety can help with the other priorities. “Recently, after stopping a vehicle, it was determined that the people in the car were violating their no-contact order, which is a criminal code offence,” Kakuno said. “Drug paraphernalia was also observed in the car. And so we moved to a drug investigation, and it all stemmed from one traffic stop.” Councillor Doug McCutcheon was curious to know more about boat patrol on Columbia Lake. Kakuno said next summer, there will be one more trained boat craft operator to bring the total in his detachment to two. He added that having the sole RCMP patrol boat moored in Lake Windermere makes it difficult to offer ongoing patrol on Columbia Lake.
Reports received by council included the building permit report, fire chief report, external funding tracker, bylaw enforcement report and a report on the next steps for the village’s sewer infrastructure upgrade. The external funding tracker showed that for 2020, roughly $500,000 worth of grants have been awarded to the village. Applications have been submitted for $1.4 million of additional funding. The lion’s share of which relates to upgrading Canal Flats’ outdated sewage system. Chief administrative officer Adrian Bergles wrote in his report to council: “A potential failure of this system is a worst case scenario, which would lead to sewer service disruptions and could, per an estimate provided to the Village Public Works Department, cost the village up to $45,000 per week to cover in an emergency fashion.” Bergles later clarified that the $45,000 figure includes the cost of equipment and personnel working 24 hours per day for a full seven days. Council next considered three requests for the decision as prepared by village staff. The first concerned a UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund grant application for $25,000. Staff recommended council to submit the grant application for evacuation route planning. The motion was carried. For the second motion, staff recommended council to support an application to the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP) Rural Economic Recovery stream for construction and paving of the Shore to Shore Pathway. “And [for] Canal Flats to commit to cover project cost overruns, if any.” Bergles wrote the following summary information: “The CERIP grant application is a 100% funded B.C. provincial grant created by the province to support economic recovery from the Covid pandemic. It’s designed to contribute to infrastructure projects supporting place making and B.C.s tourism economy. The maximum application amount for CERIP funding is 100% up to $1 million.” The Shore to Shore pathway is estimated to cost ~$700,000. Bergles pointed out that the engineering firm responsible for the pathway plans to include in their estimate a 25% contingency. This came after McCutcheon expressed concern over the risk to commit to “overruns, if any.” At this juncture of the meeting, he jokingly offered to wear a kilt as an homage to his frugal Scottish heritage at the next council meeting. Mayor Sterzer thought it’s a fine idea. “You could stand up and let us know what you really think,” he said, laughing. The motion was carried. The final motion of the meeting was also carried. Canal Flats’ Fire Chief Zacc Farrell suggested the purchase from Kootenay Communications of an upgraded digital radio system and seven radios for the village’s fire rescue service. The total: $17,880, before tax. “This will come from money already budgeted to CFFR equipment this year,” wrote Bergles.
Friends of Invermere Library needs your help
new books for our collection, from picture books to the latest mystery releases, and everything in between. The funds also go towards programming such as Story Time (virtual and in-person), story walks, and take-home craft kits,” said Blair McFarlane, The classic Christmas Silent Auction will be back once again this year, but not community outreach coordinator with the Invermere Public Library, adding that the funds raised would typically go towards more in-person programming such as book without your help. Every Christmas, volunteers with Friends of Invermere Public Library organize the clubs, senior’s tea, STEAM afternoons, and outreach visits, but those are currently not possible due to the pandemic. Christmas Silent Auction to raise funds for COVID-19 protocols will be in place — programs and book purchases for the municipal library. About a hundred unique items will Invermere Library is requesting mask, social distancing and use the hand sanitizer upon be available to bet on between Nov. 20 and Dec. 9 at 2 p.m at the library entranceway. your arrival. To pull off this auction, Friends of the “Came and bet, and bet often”, said Willa Love, a volunteer at the Friends of the InverInvermere Public Library needs numerous items from generous donators. New or genmere Public Library, added you might want to tly-used donations are welcome and can be keep up your bets, since another person might drop off at the library until Nov. 17. They can have bet higher. Make sure to come back and be Christmas related or not, a valuable object follow the auction. The prices will have a base price identified in advance, and you are welthat doesn’t fill your heart with joy anymore, or just a nice little something that anyone can come to bet more. appreciate. “The funds raised through the Silent Auction predominately go towards buying Willa Love and Pat Conway with some donations for the Silent Auction By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com
...to our community for your support of the in the Columbia Valley in 2020
Thank You! Arts
& safe ! Stay tuned as we work to bring you some great programs in 2021 This space sponsored by
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16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
November 5, 2020
Land Act:
Notice of Application for a Disposition of Crown Land Take notice that we, Village of Canal Flats, from Canal Flats, BC, have applied to the British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD), Kootenay Boundary Region, for a Lease for Private Moorage situated on Provincial Crown Land located at Midden Road, Canal Flats, BC. FLNRORD invites comments on this application, the Lands File is 4406151. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Authorization Specialist, FLNRORD, Kootenay Boundary Region, at 1902 Theatre Road, Cranbrook, BC V1C 7G1. Comments will be received by FLNRORD up to December 27, 2020. FLNRORD may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the website at http:// comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ for more information. Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions.
Photo by Roya Ann Miller on Unsplash
Our fleeting caribou going gone Submitted by Bob Hahn In the Oct. 8 edition of the Pioneer, James Rose expressed dismay over the declining number of caribou in our province. He has plenty of company. Environmental groups have been sounding the alarm for years, but little positive action has been taken, and caribou numbers continue to dwindle. It’s already too late for at least four herds in the Selkirks and Purcells -gone forever- and others are on the way out. Caribou are amazing creatures, whether they are pulling the sleigh of a little old fat man or not (caribou and reindeer are the same species). What a thrill to see a magnificent bull with his incredible antlers, unlike those found on any other ungulate, and racing stripes, trot by with his nose in the air. I was privileged to view this spectacle many times while guiding in Northwestern B.C., sometimes even being close enough to hear the unique clicking of ankle bones as the animals raced by. Years ago, caribou flourished because they had huge areas to roam in with various habitats, especially good
winter range. For Santa’s mountain friends, that means old growth forests with loads of lichens to feed on. But logging, mining, oil exploration and other interests have chopped the wilderness into smaller and smaller pieces. And the loggers seem determined to cut down the remaining giant trees before the people in power actually decide that these living monuments are irreplaceable! We can’t completely blame the loss of habitat for the decline of mountain caribou. When wildlife populations fluctuate, it’s almost always for a variety of reasons. But the loss of habitat is usually very prominent. Obviously, any exploitation in the backcountry means more roads. As Rose noted in his article, that means easier access for predators, both two-legged and four, and more disturbance to wildlife. Unfortunately, preserving a bunch of old trees isn’t very sexy. People want to be able to ‘see’ results. Thus, we hear, ‘Kill the predators!’ So says the bureaucrats and other ill-informed people. Continued on page 23
What’s the difference?
Recycle BC Depot Tips
THIS WEEK’S FOCUS: Paper, cardboard and everything in-between.
PAPER & CARDBOARD PRODUCTS Paper and Cardboard Products will most likely be the bulk of your household recyclables. These products add up quickly. Some common items are cardboard shipping boxes; newspapers and flyers; magazines and junk-mail; boxboard packaging (like cereal boxes); gift wrap and greeting cards; and food packaging including pizza boxes. Please make sure that all packaging is free of contaminants such as chunks of food or excessive tape.
certain food packages that are foil lined with a paper outer (Goldfish crackers are a good example of this).
Please don’t include products that are multi layered with foil or plastic layers combined with a paper layer. Examples of these products would be padded mailers made up of a bubble layer with an outer paper envelope, or
If you have any questions about paper and cardboard products or any other material categories, the attendants at the Recycle BC Depots are there to answer them for you.
Recycle BC Depots in the region
learn more
Paper is recycled into new paper products, boxboard, the paper cover for drywall, moulded paper egg cartons and insulation. Paper packaging and cardboard is recycled into new boxes, paper towels, tissues, paper-based plant pots, the paper cover for drywall liner, kraft paper, brown paper products including paper towels.
INVERMERE TRANSFER STATION Industrial 1 Rd in Athalmere 8:00 – 6:00 Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat & Sun (Closed Tue, Wed and all Stat Holidays)
FERNIE TRANSFER STATION 6000 Highway 3 9:00 – 5:00 Mon to Fri 10:00 – 4:00 Sat & Sun (closed Christmas Day, New Years Day, Remembrance Day, Thanksgiving Day and Family Day)
KIMBERLEY TRANSFER STATION 800 Jim Ogilvie Way 8:30 – 5:30 seven days a week (closed Christmas Day, New Years Day, Remembrance Day, Thanksgiving Day and Family Day)
SPARWOOD TRANSFER STATION 1001 Highway 3 9:00 – 5:00 Mon to Sat (closed Sunday, Christmas Day, New Years Day, Remembrance Day, Thanksgiving Day and Family Day)
CRANBROOK TRANSFER STATION 2405 22nd St N 8:30 – 5:30 seven days a week (closed Christmas Day, New Years Day, Remembrance Day, Thanksgiving Day and Family Day)
ELKFORD TRANSFER STATION #6 Inkaneep Rd 9:30 – 3:30 Tue to Fri 10:00 – 5:00 Sat (closed Sunday, Monday and all Stat Holidays)
engage.rdek.bc.ca/recycle
November 5, 2020
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17
HERE TO SERVE YOU CONCRETE
CONCRETE
Columbia Concrete Inc.
• Ready Mix Concrete • Commercial concrete sealer • Concrete Pumping retarder for exposed • Over 50 colours available aggregate and in stock • DELIVERED ON TIME • Concrete stamps for rent at a fair price • Full range of coloured release • Full range of sand and agents for stamping gravel products.
20 years’ experience • Anything concrete! • • • •
Basements Garage pads Driveways Patios
• • • •
Decorative Exposed Stamped concrete Acid staining
WE RESEAL CONCRETE
250-688-3739 I N
P U R S U I T
Serving the Columbia Valley
Phone: 250-342-5833 • Cell: 250-270-9444
All products are available at 9120, Hwy 93/95 which is five kilometres north of Tim Hortons
READY MIX CONCRETE
O F
EXCELLENCE Skandia Concrete • Manufacturers & suppliers of quality concrete & gravel products • Experienced, professional operators and the right equipment to get your job done • Serving the valley for over 30 years
• Environmentally responsible • Steamed aggregate beds for top quality year-round concrete supply • We stand behind our service, quality and products
Concrete Pump • Sand & Gravel Heavy Equipment Rentals • Crane Service Proudly Serving the Valley for over 50 years
For competitive prices and prompt service, call: 250-342-3268 (plant) 250-342-6767 (office) CONTRACTING
CONTRACTING
Kekuli Bay Cabinetry kekulibaycabinetry.com
1756 Hwy 93/95 Windermere B.C.
• Trusses • Engineered Floors • Wall Panels
Office: 250-342-6500 • Toll Free: 1-888-341-2221
Tel: 250.341.6075 Fax: 250.341.3427 Email: info@duskbuildingsystems.com www.duskbuildingsystems.com
CARPET CLEANING Enjoy life, we’ll clean it up!
Call NOW:
• Carpets dry in 1 hour! • Environmentally friendly products • 100% guaranteed! • Fresh clean scent - No steam • Deodorizer/disinfectant • Area rugs including silk and wool • Protector • Prompt reliable service
250-688-0213
Visit www.heavensbest.com for more information
Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood.
• Authorized dealer • Designer • Installer
RR#4 2117–13 Ave. Invermere, BC V0A 1K4
25 years experience installing cabinets Custom Woodwork and Finishing Serving the Columbia Valley for over 40 years.
dale@decontracting.ca • 250-341-7098
A licensed, registered and bonded company
We also offer roundthe-clock service calls.
Give us a call! James, 250-688-1267 or Jerry, 250-342-5299 Email: jeffersoncontractingltd@gmail.com
DESIGN BUILD
New Builds, Renovations, Additions, & Kitchens
Cell: 250-342-1273 Fax: 250-342-9644
ptarmiganrugclean@gmail.com
Where to recycle?
• Fireplaces • Commercial and residential • New builds • Renovations.
Dale Elliott Contracting
TILE AND GROUT CLEANING Business: 250-342-9692
1320 Industrial Road #3 Box 159, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0
Can this be recycled?
Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia 604-RECYCLE (732-9253) 1-800-667-4321
Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia www.rcbc.ca
Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR
Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR
• Architectural Design • Interior Design • Building Permits • Construction Management
Paul Aubrecht, Dipl. Arch. SAIT
250-342-5698 paulaubrecht.houzz.com
Best of
2020
DESIGN
Best of
2020
SERVICE
Established since 1993
18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
November 5, 2020
HERE TO SERVE YOU
INSURANCE
INSURANCE
PHARMACY
LAMBERT-KIPP
P H A R M A C Y ( 2 0 1 9 ) LT D . INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.
BOX 2228 742 - 13th STREET INVERMERE, BC V0A 1K0 P: 250-342-3031 F: 250-342-6945 info@lambertinsurance.ca
BOX 459 7553 MAIN STREET RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BC V0A 1M0 P: 250-347-9350 F: 250-347-6350 TOLL FREE: 1-866-342-3031
P.O. Box 130 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Office: 250-342-2175 • Fax: 250-342-2669 Cindy.mackay@kootenayinsurance.ca
www.kootenayinsurance.ca
(Servicing the Valley since 1999)
NEW SEWER CAMERA
• A well maintained septic system • Complete sewer/drain repairs should be pumped every 2-3 years • Reasonable rates – Seniors’ discount • Avoid costly repairs • Speedy service – 7 days a week
Bruce Dehart 250.347.9803 or 250.342.5357
Irena Shepard, B.Sc. (Pharm.)., Émilie Lamoureux, Pharm D., Laura Kipp, Pharm D. Your Compounding Pharmacy
Open Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere
250-342-6612
SERVICES
SERVICES
East Kootenay Plumbing Services & Renovations
Beat the fall rush ~ clean your Chimney this spring!
SERVICES • Septic Tank Pumping • Portable Toilet Rentals
Come in and browse our giftware
Available 24/7
Red Seal Journeyman Plumbers/Gasfitters (B)
eastkootenayplumbing@yahoo.com 250-272-3374
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHIMNEY SWEEPS LTD. 804 Almberg Road, Golden, BC V0A 1H2 CELL: 250.272.5599 OFFICE: 250.344.7323 todd@rockymountainchimneysweeps.com rockymountainchimneysweeps.com
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE ON ALL WOOD BURNING APPLIANCES • WETT INSPECTIONS
• Interior/Exterior Painting • Staining • Clear Coat • New Construction • Renovations
HOW WE ROLL Gerard Rehman
Scott Postlethwaite
Ph: 250-688-ROLL
4950 Hot Springs Rd. Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. V0B 1L1
(7655) LetUsRoll4U@Gmail.com
20 years experience • Satisfaction guaranteed!
• Air Conditioning/Heat Pumps • Fireplaces • Full Heating and Ventilation Systems Call for your FREE consultation and estimate
Residential, Commercial Electric Furnace and Hot Water Tank Repair and Service For All Your Electrical Needs
Free Estimates
invermereelectric@gmail.com
1710 10 Avenue – Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 th
Sales ~ Service ~ Installation
UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700
unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca WETT Certified
Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential
Amanda Murray Office Administrator/ Sales
#8, 1008 - 8th Avenue PO Box 868, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Ph: 250-341-6299 ext: 101 www.columbiavalleypioneer.com amanda@columbiavalleypioneer.com
valleysolutions@shaw.ca
House Checking and more! Bob: (250) 341-5014
PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR THE VACATION HOME OWNER SINCE 2006
WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM
Your Weekly Source for News and Events
N E W S PA P E R
Judy: (250) 341-1903
• • • •
Doors Windows Flooring Painting/Interior/ Exterior • Kitchen Renovations • Window Coverings
• Bathroom Renovations • Additions • Decks • Finish Carpentry • Basement Renovations
KITCHEN CABINETS & COUNTER TOPS
915 7th Avenue, Unit B, Invermere • EMAIL: fairmontridge@telus.net • 250-342-4663
SERVING THE COLUMBIA VALLEY ONLINE OR IN PRINT Call Amanda at 250-341-6299 ext. 102 to discuss your advertising needs. N E W S PA P E R
Visit our new website at www.columbiavalleypioneer.com
November 5, 2020
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19
Let’s take a trip to Hawaii! By Blair McFarlane Invermere library We’re already at the beginning of November, and what a strange year it has been! The library has been open with slightly reduced hours since June 22 to check out books, and we are very happy to see our patrons again! Computer use is available again (one person at a time, 45 min. session only); the mezzanine is open to study (two tables available, 3hr limit); and free exam proctoring is available. Please check our website for details at invermere.bc.libraries.coop or give us a call 250-342-6416. Come in and check out a stack of fresh reading material, as books are currently the best, safest, and cheapest (especially if it’s a library book!) way to travel abroad and keep our communities safe. Interlibrary loans have resumed, so let’s let the books do the travelling for a while! We know many of you cannot head to warmer climets like you normally would, so why don’t
Continued ‘letter results in social media blitz’ from page 5 Councillor Gerry Taft said a warning ticket, without a fine, could be used as a first step, and that for repeat offenders, particularly those idling for 45 minutes “full tickets (carrying a fine) could be useful.” He added that obviously some discretion and common sense would need to be exercised, but he pointed out that “people do say ‘the district has a policy (on idling), but they never give out tickets,’ so maybe it does makes sense for us to actually give out tickets in some situations.” Taft mentioned that plenty of people idle in Invermere, particularly while waiting to cross the Athalmer bridge while it is being re-done. At the end of discussing the matter, Invermere mayor Al Miller summed up that the preferred approach is still education, but with the option to ticket repeated and blatant offenders, and directed district staff to do a social media blitz heading into winter to re-inform residents and visitors about the anti-idling bylaw.
we take a trip to Hawaii through the magic of reading: You’re walking down the street in Kailua-Kona, a city on the west coast of the big island. The warm air envelopes you as you take a bite out of your snow cone, pineapple and mango flavours with vanilla soft serve hidden in the bottom of your cup. The ocean is on one side of you, with restaurants and stores on the other. One store lets you choose a clam out of a big wooden bucket to find your very own pearl, that the jeweller will set into a piece of jewellery. You find out there is more than one colour of pearl, and walk away with a lovely black pearl ring, silver with a gold leaf accent. You go down to the beach for an afternoon snorkel. Fish of all colours swim past as you make your way towards two sea turtles, and it feels like you’re in Finding Nemo or about to run into the Rainbow Fish at any moment. You decide to follow the sea turtles, whom you have humbly named Gertrude and Genevieve, as they head towards a little alcove hidden from the busy beach. Your two sea friends cozy up on a reef shelf for a wee nap, and you’re about to swim back to shore. But something glimmers and catches your eye just behind the turtles. You think it’s the sun reflecting in the water, but then see a fish swim out from behind the glimmer with a baseball hat on its head! You swim up closer, careful not to disturb GerPhoto by Sean O. on Unsplash tude and Genevieve, and happen upon a hidden treasure trove of lost jewellery, watches, cell phones, and other forgotten beach day supplies. These two little turtles have created their own second-hand shop to sell lost human items to all sea creatures around. There’s a jar for clamshells, the accepted undersea payment, with a sign saying “Pay What You Can”, as Gertie and Evie strongly believe in the honour system to run their shop. You think you see an octopus slide by with sparkly, albeit mismatched bracelets on each tentacle. And was that stingray wearing sunglasses? That is just one of many possibilities of where a story could take you and what you can discover in amongst its pages. There are many good friends to find in a book, some of my dearest friends live in pages, and you can get as close to them as you’d like without wearing a mask! The library definitely misses being a place where our community can gather, but we are working on innovative ways to continue supporting our patrons. We have in-person Preschool Story Times Fridays at 10:30 a.m. in the CV Centre Hall (or virtual if the hall is booked). Indoor Walking is back on Mondays from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. We also have a new website and app reading tracker called Beanstack. It’s free to register, you do not need a library card, and there are prizes to win for all ages! As always, check out our Facebook, Instagram or website to stay up to date on all library news.
HERE TO SERVE YOU SERVICES
Our deadline to book advertising is Friday at noon. To place an ad please call: 250-341-6299 or
N E W S PA P E R
advertising@columbiavalleypioneer.com
SERVICES
SERVICE EXCELLENCE IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY
SINCE 1991 ICBC Glass Repair Out of Province Vehicle Inspections Auto Body Repairs • Painting • Quality Parts
We give all students 15% off with valid student ID
North American Warranty All Makes and Models Tire Sales and Installation
141 Industrial Rd. 2 • 250-342-9424 • Open Monday - Saturday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Is your business a member of the CV Chamber yet? Save money, feel the support and join hundreds of others in your community that are working together for a bright future!
Contact us to find out how we can serve you and your business… membership@cvchamber.ca
20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
November 5, 2020
P ioneer C lassifieds
• Phone: 250-341-6299 • Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com • Web: www.columbiavalleypioneer.com
LEGAL NOTICE
CHEERS & JEERS
CHEERS & JEERS
CHEERS & JEERS
CHEERS & JEERS
ANNOUNCEMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Estate of Joseph Charles Hemmelgarn deceased All Claims against the above estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 15th day of December 2020. B. Kirsch, 1605 15th Ave. Invermere, BC, V0A 1K4
Cheers to the young men at Valley Foods for commending a spicy young Batman for keeping the community safe. My fournager adored the bat-talks. And his mama really appreciated your interest in her fournager. Keep on smiling.
A very belated, though big time Cheers to Chevy from Kootenay Water for gifting me with a full, 20L bottle of the best water anywhere! Truly premium! You and the water!
A big Cheers to Dr. Keith Weber for being a great doctor and going above and beyond your hard work and effort is greatly appreciated.
Jeers to COVID for causing the cancellation of the Wilmer Christmas Eve fireworks this year.
Al-Anon Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us on a “ZOOM” meeting every Monday at 7 p.m. For more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship, please call 250342-8255.
Cheers to all the houses in Radium offering safe and festive Halloween goodies! Our kids had a blast!
S OBITUARY S Brenneman, Wendy May 25, 1955 – October 6, 2020
It is with profound sadness that family wish to announce the passing of Wendy Brenneman. Wendy passed away peacefully in Victoria, BC, on October 6, 2020. She was survived by her three daughters: Janna, Kalli and Teryl. A mother, friend and dedicated worker, she will be missed by many.
Johnson, Kurtis Bradley May 26th,1977July 30th, 2020 With heavy hearts we announce the passing of a beloved husband, dad, son, brother, uncle, friend, and sensei, Kurtis Bradley Johnson, at the age of 43. Kurtis was born on May 26th, 1977, to Greg and Betty Johnson in Duncan, B.C. His family soon moved to Cranbrook, B.C., where Kurtis grew up, graduating from Mount Baker Secondary in 1996. Excelling in judo, he competed in Canada and the USA, winning a bronze medal in the Canadian National Championships at age fifteen. He met his wife, Angela, in 1997 at the College of the Rockies where they attended school before moving to Kamloops to study at the University. They married in 2003 and moved to Edmonton where they had their two children, Kayla and Kohen. He was always curious, always learning, and trying to better himself. As a Senior Project Manager for the Government of Alberta, he managed huge ventures for the city of Edmonton and surrounding areas. Kurtis always gave 100% of himself, had an amazing heart and was always willing to help, even if it meant putting himself in harm’s way. He and Angela enjoyed their travels to Africa, Machu Picchu, and the Galapagos. Accompanied by their children, they also visited Disney World, Disney Land, Mexico, San Diego, and the jungles of Costa Rica. An active member of the Tokugawa Judo Club in Edmonton, Kurtis received his black belt (Shodan) in 2018. An inspirational sensei, Kurtis proudly watched Kohen and Kayla compete in judo matches across Alberta and Canada. He endeavored to instill in his children that it was not always about winning, it was, however, always about effort. Kurtis leaves behind his wife, Angela Johnson (Cartwright), their children; Kayla and Kohen Johnson, his mother Betty Johnson, father Greg Johnson, sister Kelly Andersson and many nieces, nephews and extended family. Sincerest thanks to the Kimberley swift water rescue team, Columbia Valley Search and Rescue teams, Columbia Valley RCMP, our communities, friends, and families for their efforts and support. A celebration of life will take place in summer of 2021. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to local Search and Rescue Teams as well as the family’s go fund me page, GOFUNDME - Kurtis Johnson.
Major Cheers to Monique at the Radium Post Office! You’re an exceptional help always and you definitely deserve the recognition! Going out of your way to assist in any and every way possible! Really appreciate all you do!
Loving Cheers to Shauna Horton from Columbia Garden Village. You sweetening our Saturday was greatly appreciated! Cheers to the Bylaw Officer who gave out candy to the kids and sprayed adults with silly string if the groups were bigger than ten people.
S OBITUARY S
Cheers to Brendan Donahue and the rest of the members of the WV minor hockey board who have worked so hard to help keep this season going. It is so important for the kids to have some semblance of normalcy in these unprecedented times. All your hard work is appreciated!
Mary Smith will be missed a lot by the Senior Choir members (she loved to sing) and many good friends. Rest in Peace Mary!
S IN MEMORIAM S
Smith, Mary “Marika” February 16, 1925 – October 26, 2020
Mary was born to Ukrainian immigrants on February 16, 1925 in Smoky Lake, Alberta, next to a blueberry hill. She was always fascinated by nature. Mary moved with her parents to Lloydminster in 1928 and married George Smith in 1942. They together raised a family of 5 children until 1968, at which time they moved to Invermere with their 3 youngest children. Having been an active Mom at home, Mary then enjoyed employment at the Invermere and District Hospital until her retirement. Mary was always there to volunteer or lend a helping hand to folks. She loved nature, gardening, and her flowers, enjoyed hiking and camping with her family. She was active with the Invermere Seniors Hall for many years and loved to sing, play cards, and carpet bowl. Carpet bowling took her to many locations in B.C., with many medals adorning her neck. Mary also volunteered at the Thrift Shop. She loved her family and looked forward to their visits. At the age of 92 Mom played her last 9-hole golf game at a local golf course. Mary was predeceased by her parents Steve (1988), Rose (1987), grandson Kevin Smith (1977), her loving husband George (1981), daughter Hazel Schnider (2003) and brother Harry Kashuba (2013). She leaves to mourn her brother Mike (Helen) Kashuba of Lloydminster, sister Joanne (Jesse) Kosick of Vernon, B.C., sister-in-law Dolly Kashuba of Radium Hot Springs; children Christine (John) Dejong of Edmonton, Georgina (Russ) Ingram of Edmonton, Ed (Laura) Smith of Radium Hot Springs, Alan (Linda) Smith of Calgary, and son-in-law Ron Schnider of Edgewater, 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. A private Graveside Service will take place, and a Celebration of Life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Invermere Seniors Hall 1309A 14th St., Invermere, B.C., V0A 1K0. Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services. Condolences for the family can be offered at www.mcphersonfh.com
In Memory of
Mathew Anthony Macala June 16, 1986 - November 9, 2015
Mathew
They say I am sorry for your loss. They say your heart will mend. They say you are in a better place, and death is not the end. They say you are reunited with loved ones gone before. They say that you will be waiting when I walk through heaven’s door. We feel their love in every word of comfort they impart, and know that each is spoken from deep within the heart. But all the words of comfort, though kind, sincere, and true, cannot take away the emptiness we are feeling without you. We love you and miss you so much. Forever Loved
Forever Remembered
Love from Mom and Dad Melissa, Trevor, Kingston and Harper Michael Hudson and Sharayah
November 5, 2020
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21
CHEERS & JEERS
COMMERCIAL SPACE
MISC. FOR SALE
SERVICES
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
Weekly Featured Listing
864 sq. ft. Shop space in the Industrial Park. Electrical included, $700/mo. 250-3423637, newmulti@telus.net.
Top Quality Hay Round bales. Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-3421268.
SERVICES FOR SENIORS The Heartfelt Companion offers non-medical help to seniors in their home and respite for caregivers. Companionship, errands, transportation, personal care, meal prep and more. Excellent local references and credentials and a big, kind heart! “Leanne and her associates have made a real difference for myself and my husband who is dealing with dementia. Leanne always seems to figure out what a client needs and enjoys. This also gave me a much needed break. I would highly recommend her service”. www.invermerehomecare.com, Leanne Brooks 250-341-5683.
Crossroads Market Now Hiring Deli positions
Invermere Petro-Can is currently accepting resumes for F/T and P/T employment. Apply in person to 185 Laurier Street, Invermere between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
SUITE FOR RENT
Completely renovated home on 0.34 acre lot!
$419,000 Including GST
2144 13th Ave Invermere. MLS: 2455126 (Brokerage ~ Rockies West Realty)
BUYING OR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202
gerrytaft.ca
Windermere, bright, warm, 2-bdrm upper unit in quiet 4-plex with beautiful views, separate parking and entrance with new deck and many interior upgrades. No pets, $800/mo. + Electricity + D.D. Available Dec. 1st to mature, responsible tenants. References required. Call/Text: 587-224-3132.
CONDO FOR RENT
Rockies West Realty Independently owned and operated
ANNOUNCEMENT
ATTENTION ASPIRING MUSICIANS FROM PARSON TO CANAL FLATS Applications are open for the Steamboat Mountain Music Bursary. Musicians of all levels and any age may apply. Funds may be used for: workshops, music camps, lessons, master classes, college, or university music programs. Deadline: Monday, November 30th, 2020. Download application: www.steamboatmtnmusicfest.ca
Alcoholics Anonymous If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. All meetings are at 8 p.m. Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the BC Service Building, South End – 624 4th St., Invermere. Please call 250342-2424 for more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship.
Invermere - Furnished Upper Level two-storey Condo, close to downtown. 2-bdrm, 2 bathrooms. N/S, N/P, No Partiers. References please. Available until June 1st, 2021. $1,250/mo. Utilities and internet included. 403-978-4559.
STORAGE
BUYING OR SELLING? I specialize in rural, recreational, farm and ranch properties.
BARRY BROWN-JOHN “Rocky Mountain Land Man”
Call or text
250-342-5245
b.brownjohn@gmail.com ELKHORN COUNTRY ESTATES Selling Phase 3 now. 2.5-acre parcels. No building time commitment. Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-342-1268. elkhornranches.com
STORAGE NEWHOUSE STORAGE Various sizes available. Now with climatecontrolled units. Call 250-342-3637. Please recycle this newspaper
ACREAGE FOR SALE 4.7 acres. Has its own graveled access road from Kootenay #3 road already constructed. Drilled well, views, privacy. $219,000 plus GST. Phone Elkhorn Ranch, 250-342-1268.
Electric wheel chair, light weight, folding, one year old. $850. Evolution walker $70. 250-347-6000.
SERVICES LEE’S SMALL ENGINE REPAIR SHOP Specializing in chainsaws, snow blowers, wood splitters and power augers for all your firewood and winter needs. SAW CHAIN NOW AVAILABLE. Industrial #2 Road across from NAPA Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 250-341-2551 Offering Excellent Service & Fair Pricing! Heaven’s Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Environmentally friendly products. Dry in 1 hour! Our disinfectant is formulated to kill COVID-19. Call 250-688-0213 B.B.’s Home & Lawn Care Services Renovations, Handyman Repairs, Small moves, Dump runs, House Checks, House Cleaning, Yard Maintenance, Eavestroughs, Tree removal. 250-688-2897. Pike Contracting Excavating and Skid Steer services. Call Jason 250-342-5277. Non dangerous tree removal. Fall pruning and yard clean up. 250-341-5164.
Successful applicants will be pleasant & customer service oriented. No experience necessary. Above average wage package with a high season bonus available. Please submit resume to KGTltd2020@gmail. com or apply in person at Crossroads Market.
Please email classified ads to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com
Would you enjoy supporting a forward-thinking and modern workplace that focuses on helping others succeed? Good news! Our team is on the search for a temporary,
Part-time Administrative Assistant
Golf cart fall tune-up and winterize, pickup and delivery available at extra charge. Call Jeff 250-341-8146 leave a message.
If you are positive, detail-oriented, and self-motivated, you might be the right fit to join our inclusive, family-friendly workplace. This temporary position could become permanent for the right candidate.
HELP WANTED
For complete job description and how to apply, please visit: aspirecpa.ca/opportunities-with-aspire
Wanted 2 F/T Restaurant Cooks, Rocky River Grill, 8888 Arrow Road, Invermere, B.C. Permanent, F/T shifts, overtime, weekends, days and evenings, $16/hour for 40 hours per week. Overtime after 40 hours. Minimum several years’ experience and completion of Secondary School. DUTIES: Prepare and cook full course meals, prepare and cook individual dishes and foods, ensure quality of food portions, work with minimal supervision, prepare dishes for customers with food allergies or intolerances. Inspect Kitchens and Food service areas. Please forward resume to Justin Atterbury by fax 250-342-8889 or email justatterbury@hotmail. com.
COMMERCIAL SPACE
LEASE OPPORTUNITY Fairmont Hot Springs 4985 Hot Springs Rd. 1,400 square ft.• 6 months rent free $900 per month triple net
CALL 250-341-7345 Or email: rhaynesmagellan@gmail.com
Administrative Assistant/ Service Writer Looking for a team member with a positive and energetic attitude, good customer service skills, willing to learn basic automotive systems. $18/hr or based on experience in the automotive industry. Must provide previous workplace references. Contact Mike at Walker’s Repair Centre. Ph: 250-342-9424 • Email: info@walkersrepair.ca
If you have what it takes to work with a great Snow and Ice Management team, we want you! Can you drive a plow truck? Operate a skid steer? How about a shovel? Do you appreciate working with good equipment, an organized company, and other hardworking individuals? Are you a student, retired or self employed? Do you have a current job with flexible work hours? This is the perfect way to make some extra money! We offer a variety of opportunities to fit in with your life, whether it’s a couple of hours in the morning clearing sidewalks, a full shift, or something between. Of course, snow work is a bit sporadic. You must be available and committed to work on an on call basis. To be a good fit for this position you must be reliable, punctual, and hard working. We expect the best from our crew, so we pay them $20/hr from day one! If Snow Fighting is the kind of winter challenge you are looking for, please email enquiries to info@brigadeltd.com
22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
November 5, 2020
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
We’re looking for hardworking, energetic and reliable people just like you!
We’re looking for hardworking, energetic and reliable people just like you!
0911611 BC Ltd. O/A Tim Hortons 496 Highway 93/95, Invermere BC, V0A 1K2
GROCERY/PRODUCE CLERKS POSITIONS AVAILABLE
FOOD SERVICE SUPERVISORS
Starting up to $16.50/hr, depending on availability. Some restrictions apply.
Permanent, full-time, part-time, shift, weekend, day, night, evening. $15.60 per hour + benefits • Start Date: ASAP # of Vacancies: 6 • Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years
Starting $18.50/hr Benefits/Incentive plan
Apply in person. 471 Arrow Road, Invermere, B.C.
Education: No degree, certificate or diploma required.
Apply in person. 471 Arrow Road, Invermere, B.C.
Tim Hortons Invermere is currently looking for
Please apply via email at timhortons.invermere@gmail.com or in person at 496 Highway 93/95 Invermere, BC
Akisqnuk First Nation
TEMPORARY PRODUCE MANAGER
Passion or interest for Beer, Wine and Spirits?
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE TECHNICIAN Summary: The Accounts Payable Technician is responsible for the processing of accounts payable for the Akisqnuk First Nation. This opportunity is a full-time, permanent position. Key Responsibilities: • Process bills, expense forms and invoices in compliance with policies, standards and procedures. • Review invoices and supporting documentation for accuracy and appropriate coding with Program Managers. • Reconcile vendor statements to financial management system and resolve vendor inquiries in a timely manner. • Prepare cheques, online payments, pre-authorized debit payments and electronic fund transfers (EFT). • Maintain proper support and filing of all payment-related documents. Requirements: • Highschool diploma and relevant experience with accounts payable responsibilities. • Understanding of basic bookkeeping and accounts payable principles. • Data entry skills. Submit covering letter and resume to info@akisqnuk.org by November 15, 2020
beside the Horsethief Pub is accepting resumes. We are looking for great people for our Radium Liquor Store. Sales Associate positions available. We are looking for people who will: • Maintain a high level of customer service • Maintain a high level of product and service knowledge • Generate sales • Participate in merchandising and promotional activities • Ensure accuracy in all transactions, inventory, and procedures • Participate in all manners of store maintenance
• Stock shelves with product • Work in partnership with Store Managers and other employees to maximize store sales and in-store presence • Maintain a professional appearance, demeanor, and attitude at all times • Rate established based on position and experience
Experience in retail and/or hospitality would be an asset but not necessary. We offer professional and personal growth through educational opportunities. If you are interested in working in a fun productive environment submit resume to: Jennifer McLennan gmjenliquor@gmail.com or hand deliver to Radium Liquor Store, 7538 Main Street East, Radium Hot Springs, attn: Jennifer McLennan
Akisqnuk First Nation
Akisqnuk First Nation
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Administrative Assistant
Executive Assistant
Summary The Administrative Assistant is responsible to assist the Akisqnuk First Nation Senior Administrative Officer, Managers and Staff.
Summary The Executive Assistant position provides overall assistance to Chief and Council and the Senior Administrative Officer as needed.
For a complete list of Duties Visit our website or email us. www.akisqnuk.org
For a complete list of Duties Visit our website or email us. www.akisqnuk.org
Key Responsibilities • Maintain confidentiality on all matters • Prepare meeting packages for all Staff and Manager’s meetings and distribute prior to meetings. • Take and prepare notes for distribution to staff and managers. • Prepare registration and travel arrangements for conferences and workshops for Managers and Staff. • Prepare and distribute internal and external communications • Track and distribute action items from Council, Managers and Staff. • Develop and maintain a master calendar. • Required to respectfully work with all departments within Akisqnuk First Nation. • Other tasks as directed. Qualifications: • Office Administration or Business Diploma To Apply: Please send resume & cover letter to: info@akisqnuk.org no later than 4:00pm November 27 2020. Mailing Address: 3050 Highway 93/95, Windermere, BC V0B 2L2 Tel: (250) 342-6301 Fax: (250) 342-9693 info@akisqnuk.org • www.akisqnuk.org
Key Responsibilities • Maintain confidentiality on all matters • Prepare Council and Band agendas and distribute • Take meeting notes and prepare minutes for Council and Band meetings • Track Motions, Band Council Resolutions (BCR) and action items • Prepare registrations and travel arrangements for Council to attend conferences and workshops • Prepare and distribute internal and external communications as needed • Create and maintain filing system for all Council BCRs, motions and minutes • Other tasks as directed Qualifications: • Office Administration or Business Diploma • Minimum of five years’ experience in an administrative capacity To Apply: Please send resume & cover letter to: info@akisqnuk.org no later than 4:00pm November 27 2020. Mailing Address: 3050 Highway 93/95, Windermere, BC V0B 2L2 Tel: (250) 342-6301 Fax: (250) 342-9693 info@akisqnuk.org • www.akisqnuk.org
November 5, 2020
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23 Continued ‘Our caribou going gone’ from page 16
IS THIS YOU?
A long-standing, local Kamloops company is looking for you – a talented, motivated sales professional who wants to make more money year over year, have a Monday to Friday daytime career working with local businesses, and has a passion for growing personal knowledge through self paced learning modules and by utilizing our coaching network along the way. You have a strong customer-service focus and can liaise with the fulfillment team to ensure that customer expectations are met. You have excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills and have a good understanding of the Microsoft Office Suite. You are focused on results and you love winning almost as much as you hate losing. Familiarity with online analytics would be an asset. You would enjoy working with a well-established brand with strong client relationships and the opportunity to take them to the next level. You also have the backing of a top-level support team to make your plans for your clients come to life. You value an organization with family values and honesty at its core and love the idea of benefits and a pension to support your loved ones into the future. Did we just describe you? If so, let’s talk. Send your resume and a letter to: Chris Wilson Digital Sales Manager KTW Digital is part of the chris@ktwdigital.com Aberdeen Publishing Group
Thus, the government sets out to kill as many wolves as possible and then display their carcasses as non-living proof that action has been taken. That is an expensive ‘solution’ (rented a helicopter lately?), and it will never solve the problem! Biologists have long known that an abrupt reduction in the wolf population triggers a corresponding increase in the reproductive rate. That eventually necessitates another wolf cull and then another and another, ad infinitum. Rose wrote that he wasn’t able to reach a government biologist for comment. It’s no wonder, election or not. There is so little money allocated to Fish and Wildlife (F & W.L.) in B.C. that there is no one to answer the phone if the chief officer (C.O.) isn’t around. And if the C.O. is in the office, then who is out protecting our wildlife? The BC government’s investments to maintain and protect all varieties of wild creatures is pitiful. If you looked at a graph of government expenditures over the last 75 years, the budgets of most departments would rise like steep mountain slopes. But those of F & W.L. would appear as flat as the plains of Alberta. In 1954, F & W.L. was allotted 0.63 % of the total budget. By 2017 the F & W.L. share had declined to less than 1/10 of that amount. A comparison of the wildlife budgets for the five nearest states and our neighbor to the east would put B.C. at dead last. No wonder we don’t see the catchphrase “Supernatural BC” as often as we used to! Wouldn’t you think that someone in power might realize that protecting our wildlife is an investment in B.C. and should be funded accordingly? Think of the …Ktunaxa lessons from page 9
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But originally, Joseph began working in language revitalization projects nine years ago. “My goal was to have C.D.s to go into all the homes of our community, so they have the language in the house,” he explained. “It’s gotta be an everyday thing.” He was pleased that some of the participants in Ktunaxa language lessons have begun to query the best way to phrase sentences because it creates positive discourse during the classes. However, the biggest challenge with teaching the language virtually for Joseph is reading body language and facial expressions to ensure nobody is lost.
number of people who would dig deep to see a caribou in the wild? Those creatures are emblematic of our beautiful wild country, which attracts visitors from all over the world. And we all know what tourist dollars mean to Invermere. Rose suggests a backcountry management plan. There has already been way too much planning and not enough action. Scores of responsible conservation groups have submitted everything from park proposals to sound caribou management plans. Most of the papers sit gathering dust while the politicos come up with plans of their own, one dates back to 2007, which might sound good, but are rarely implemented (remember the budget?). Anyway, the main consultants are not the biologists but stakeholders such as loggers, miners and the like. If you want to help save the caribou and the rest of our outdoor heritage, join a responsible environmental organization. Our closest is Wildsight Invermere. You can also join the local Rod and Gun Club, which automatically makes you a supporter of the B.C. Wildlife Federation. One of my personal provincial favorites is the Valhalla Wilderness Society. They get results. Of course, there are also national groups such as the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Canadian Wildlife Federation. One of the most memorable sights in my long life was of a pack of wolves, mostly black, chasing a big caribou up a high mountain ridge in Northwestern B.C. Later, the big bull, seemingly unhurt, retraced his steps back down the mountain. What would you give to see something like that? We need to ensure that such visions are not just found in the minds of old geezers like me. “I try to keep everybody at a level where they feel comfortable to be able to interact, which is very important because if you lose someone at one spot, especially with Zoom, you can’t know if you’ve lost them, so I’m constantly watching their reactions to see if I’ve lost them,” said Joseph. “When it gets really quiet, I have to figure out what’s going on and get them where they need to be. It’s been lots of fun, so I’ll throw in something where they’ll have to laugh, so I know that they’re still listening.” He remains optimistic that the language can be preserved by those interested in learning basic vocabulary or phrases.
NOTICE Advertising Deadline Due to our printer observing the November 11th holiday, our advertising deadline for the November 12th issue has been changed to Thursday, November 5th at noon. Please contact Amanda Nason at 250-341-6299 ext. 102 to place your bookings.
N E W S PA P E R
24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
FAITH
I remember
LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH By Pastor Wayne Frater Radium Christian Fellowship Church
Online Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Visit https://lwac.online.church 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lwac.ca
WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED Please email office@wvsm.ca to request a link to our online service which starts at 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Recorded services can be accessed by typing WVSM Invermere Anglican United Church. 250-342-6644 • www.wvsm.ca
VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service Pastor Murray Wittke 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats., Canadian Martyrs’ – Invermere, St. Joseph’s – Radium. Father Jojo Augustine • 712 -12th Ave., Invermere 250-342-6167
ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Sunday 1:30 p.m. Worship Service at Valley Christian Assembly 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere www.eklutheran.ca mtzionlc@hotmail.com
Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • 250-342-6633 No. 4, 7553 Main St. Radium • 250-347-9937
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Worship Service, Sunday, 10 a.m. Relief Society, 11:15 a.m. President Rick Daniels • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs 250-421-3756
h e Pioneer ca T n
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take you r do llar With 4,400 copies far th in circulation each week, er
Phone: (250) 341-6299 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com N E W S PA P E R
Next week On Nov. 11, on the 11th hour, we set time apart to remember the sacrifice of so many so as we can live in the freedom we so richly enjoy in Canada. Both my mom and dad served in WW2, dad in the army, served in Italy. He was there when Holland was liberated, my mom in the air force here at home helping train the young men that were sent overseas to man the bombers that flew mission after mission over occupied Europe, and as she said so often, “They were so young and so many of them never came home”. If you take a walk around town, you can find their pictures on the banners of honor that line the Invermere streets. My Granddad served in World War 1, where he fought at Passchendaele, where he was wounded at Vimy ridge. In World War 2, he served once again with the home guard. Next year his picture will join the banners of honor. I have been part of every parade for as long as I can remember. I go so I can remember and honor those who gave of themselves, so we can live without fear, and in freedom. “lest we forget, lest we forget” Each Sunday, those of us who gather in Radium as they do in many churches, take time to set aside a few
minutes to remember that our Lord Jesus Christ also laid down His life on the cross so we can live, in freedom, without fear, we call it communion. In John 15:13 at what we now know as the last supper, Jesus tells the disciples, “13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” 1 Corinthians 11 verses 23-26, “For I had received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he comes.” Twice in these verse, Jesus reminds the disciple why they take communion, He says, “in remembrance of me.” We must remember why God sent His Son, why he died on the cross, and we must remember that He defeated death and rose again on the third day. So our sin can be forgiven, and we can go to live for all eternity. We must remember what it says in John 3:14(b)-17, “even so, must the Son of man be lifted up, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
Groundswell’s Apple Rescue Program Sprouted from the Ground Up
RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
your message is resonating with residents and visitors alike.
November 5, 2020
www.columbiavalleypioneer.com
By Melissa Maslany Apple Rescue coordinator Groundswell’s Apple Rescue program was a huge success this year. The program was launched in 2018 due to the need to prevent bears from being attracted to fruit trees in the community. Over the course of just three years, the fruit harvest has grown impressively. The number of volunteers almost doubled, and the number of trees tripled compared to last year’s harvest. This year, with the help of 46 dedicated volunteer Melissa Maslany, Apple Rescue Coordinator harvesters, 2340 pounds of fruit were plucked from 66 trees across 14 properties from Aug. 18 to Sept. 23. The program expanded to collecting different types of fruit this season - pears, apricots, and cherries. Not a
single fruit went to waste. Volunteers, homeowners, and community members used harvestables for eating, canning, jamming, and more! Undesirable apples were given to local farmers for their livestock. Rotted apples were composted in a bear safe way. A portion of apples was used at Bear Day, where the Groundswell team made fresh apple cider using a fruit press and educated the public about the rescue program. The fruit press and other food processing equipment is available for rent at Groundswell. Proceeds go towards running the nonprofit organization. Thank you Submitted photo of Doug Austin vto all of the volunteers that put in the hard work, positive energy, and commitment this season. The Apple Rescue Program would not be possible without you. See you next year!