Columbia Valley Pioneer, March 25, 2021

March 25, 2021 Vol. 18/Issue 12

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

March 25, 2021

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 25, 2021 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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Happy Spring! Scribbles and Lollipop, miniature horses, at Stablestone and Equidas Benefit Society in Dry Gulch, are looking forward to the longer days and warmer weather. There are many horse lovers in the Columbia Valley and great businesses, clubs, trails and services to cater to them.

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With spring, volunteers at Groundswell have been transplanting seedlings at their solar powered greenhouse. Memberships are available for $20/year, and garden rentals are $65 for six months and include your membership.Contact Sandra Howard at 250 342 1529 or by email at gardenrentalsinvermere@gmail.com

B.C. schools are on March Break, and many local families will be accessing the world class, family-friendly resorts nearby. This winter has seen a lot of second-homeowners, retirees and “work-from-homers” make the Columbia Valley home, as they can spend lunch or a mid-week half day on a highlight of the Powder Highway.

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March 25, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS

Final draft concept for LWR lands Latest concept increases parkland and green space, reduces development “Now it’s more of an amphitheatre-shaped hill that could serve as amphitheatre, but there’s not permanent seating in it. And it aims down to essentially a fire circle or a discussion circle that can have an Indigenous tie-in,” said Dyer of the removal of the formal amphitheatre. He added that reducing development to a single building is in line with public feedback.

done. There are many studies that need to be done in terms of hydrology and other elements on the site.”

Dyer explained that the concept plan is essentially Invermere council members got an update on the just a starting point for more detailed design, which enAthalmer Neighbourhood Plan, including the Lake tails further processes, such as bringing in a landscape Windermere Resorts (LWR) lands during its committee architect. of the whole meeting earlier this month.

Councillor Greg Anderson asked where the idea of The update came in the form of a report from the fish hatchery had come from. Invermere planplanning consultants B&A Planning Group, which ner Rory Hromadnik explained it was a result has been working on the project for more than a year, “I like the concept right now...This is probably close to what folks of consultation with the neighbouring Shuswap have talked to me about and what we’ve talked about as a coun- Indian Band, and that one Shuswap councillor and included the final draft concept for the area. cil.”

This latest iteration of the project, labelled ‘Conin a particular, Mark Thomas, was very keen to cept E: Marina and Lakeside Park’ envisions even have a burbot hatchery there, or at the very least Greg Anderson, Invermere councillor, speaking on the Lake more green space and even less development than the set aside space in the design for such an endeavWindermere Resort lands concept plan previous ‘Concept D: Marina and Ecovillage’, which our. Anderson replied that based on his decades was the subject of a public open house and online of working in the natural resource industry, putconsultation back in Novemting in a hatchery is quite comber. Public feedback from plicated, involving multiple fedthat consultation informed eral and provincial agencies, but the design of Concept E. that he is fine to earmark space Key points in Concept for it. Hromadnik conceded that E, as compared with Concept “it does take a lot of land,” but D, include expanded parkadded the project truly is “near land and reduced ponds; the and dear” to Thomas. Dyer notaddition of active transport ed that the concept plan does not elements including crossings, need to 100 per cent guarantee transportation hubs, patha hatchery will be built there in ways and improved access; the near future, but could create and expanded non-motorized policy that would allow for it, or boat amenities. In addition for interpretive elements pertainto interpretive and museum ing to fish hatcheries, to be built components, some Indigethere at some point. nous components have been Councillor Gerry Taft pointadded. The formal amphied to the hatchery’s location theatre seating and building north of the bridge, noted that envisioned in Concept D is the area is mostly relatively intact removed in Concept E and wetland with very little developreplaced with a talk circle and ment of any kind, and wondered Screenshot of the evolution of concept plans for the Lake Windermere Resort lands from last June to now.

Concept fire pit. The development area about the environmental impact. has been reduced to a single E ‘Marina and Lakeside Park’ is the final draft concept plan.

“It might be better off to keep that building site along 3rd Ave., side (of the bridge) as undisturbed and space for a potential fish hatchery (or at least an inDyer emphasized that this final draft concept plan is as possible,” he said, and keep any interpretive elements terpretive site related to fish hatcheries) has been includ- still just a concept, and added that council needs to build or fish hatcheries south of the bridge. ed north of the Athalmer bridge. clear expectations and timelines around that.

B&A partner Geoff Dyer attended the Tuesday, “It’s going to take some time...(you) need to take it March 9 committee meeting digitally, and explained step by step,” he said. “The policy (council creates) needs some of the changes to council members. to reflect that, that there are things that still need to be Continued on page 12...

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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This past week March 15 through March 21 the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 57 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

•On Monday, March 15, at about 9:45 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop with a GMC Terrain on Subdivision Road in Windermere. The driver was discovered to be prohibited from driving and bound by court ordered conditions not to be in the driver’s seat of a motor vehicle or to have any contact with her passenger. The driver was arrested for breaching her conditions and released on an Appearance Notice to attend court at a later date. The vehicle was impounded for seven days.

•On Tuesday, March 16, at about 3 a.m. Columbia Valley RCMP and the Invermere Fire Department responded to a report of a truck on fire on Westside Road near Wilmer. Upon arrival, the truck was fully engulfed in flames. The owner of the Ford F350 reported smelling plastic burning before smoke started coming from under the hood. The Invermere Fire Department quickly ex-

tinguished the fire and prevented it from spreading. No injuries were reported, and the fire was not suspicious.

•On Thursday, March 18, at about 3 p.m. Columbia Valley RCMP and East Kootenay Highway Patrol attended a single vehicle motor vehicle incident on Highway 95 near Edgewater. A witness reported seeing the driver of a northbound Chrysler Sebring begin to swerve on the highway before driving into a ditch. The driver was transported to the hospital to be assessed and to determine if a medical event may have precipitated the incident.

•On Sunday, March 21, at about 7:30 p.m. Columbia Valley RCMP was advised that two snowmobilers had activated their two-way emergency communications device after becoming lost in the Catamount Glacier area.

Columbia Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR) mobilized a team of members on snowmobiles, in addition to a number of support personnel, to assist with the search.

CVSAR team located the snowmobilers at about 12:30 a.m. The men were assisted off the glacier and assessed by ambulance paramedics as a precaution. Columbia Valley RCMP would like to thank our dedicated CVSAR volunteers who responded to this incident despite the deteriorating conditions.

HELPING TO FULFILL YOUR DREAMS MP Morrison speaks to COVID-19 issues

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Kootenay-Columbia MP Rob Morrison made the rounds with local Kootenay media last week, calling local newspapers and radio stations throughout his riding.

During his call with the Pioneer, Morrison talked about the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, hitting on the sub-topics of economic recovery, quarantine measures, places of worship and fallout in the tourism industry.

He outlined that, from what he’s hearing, people across his federal riding are breathing a sigh of collective relief as the vaccines are rolled out, and are looking forward to the easing of restrictions on social gatherings and other events.

Morrison added he personally struggles with the idea of mandatory quarantine for anybody entering Canada, saying he thinks that if people entering Canada have negative COVID-19 tests, they should be allowed to enter

the country without quarantining.

Morrison said he feels people should be allowed to gather in places of worship, as long as social distancing protocols are observed. “I’m pretty sure people being able to go to their church is helpful,” he said. “Yet they’re not allowed, even though people can be together shopping in big box stores.”

Morrison noted that the tourism industry is important to many communities in his riding, especially in Invermere. “We have so many jobs affected by tourism...I’m wondering why we don’t have rapid testing at the border,” he said, adding that if there was rapid testing at the border (people with a positive test would be required to quarantined, people with negative test could enter the country right away) it might help the tourism industry.

He added that he also feels the federal government should develop a program aimed specifically at helping out seniors, as they are the ones most affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

Front-line workers to be vaccinated sooner than expected

By Pioneer Staff info@columbiavalleypioneer.com As the province moves ahead of schedule with its COVID-19 immunization plan, more than 300,000 front-line workers will soon be eligible for vaccines against COVID-19.

“We know how challenging this pandemic has been on our front-line workers,” said B.C. Premier John Horgan. “Many of these people have come to work throughout this pandemic, continuing to teach and care for our children, stock the shelves of our local grocery store and keep our communities safe. By immunizing these front-line workers, we are making workplaces and communities throughout our province safer.”

People in priority groups include; first responders (police, firefighters, emergency transport); K-12 educational staff; child care staff; grocery store workers; postal workers; bylaw and quarantine officers; manufacturing workers; wholesale/warehousing employees; staff living in congregate housing at places such as ski hills; correctional facilities staff; Photo by Mat Napo on Unsplash and cross-border transport staff.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccine rollouts are accelerating and progressing ahead of schedule.“Our age-based rollout is ahead of schedule and with the AstraZeneca/SII supply arriving, we can protect people working in specific, front-line industries,” said Adrian Dix, B.C. Minister of Health.

Update vaccination rollout schedule Every senior born in 1945 or before (76 years old and over) and Indigenous peoples born in or before 1956 (65 years old and over) are eligible to book a vaccination appointment by Thursday, March 25, at noon. People born in 1946 (75 years and over) can call from Saturday, March 27 at noon.

To book your appointment, contact the call centre of the Interior health at 1-877740-7747. The call centre is open seven days per week, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The B.C. Ministry of Health will be able to provide the COVID-19 vaccine to everyone who qualifies for the vaccine sooner than expected. “On our current age-based trajectory, everyone who is eligible for a vaccine will have access to a vaccine before July 1, 2021. This is encouraging news for all of us.” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, in a joint statement regarding updates on the COVID-19 response in B.C. Vaccination appointments during Phase 3 are expected to be available for the first dosage in April through May for people aged between 79 to 60, Indigenous peoples 18+, people aged 69 to 16 who are considered clinically extremely vulnerable and priority front-line workers.

Current projections indicate that the fourth phase of B.C.’s vaccination plan will begin by the end of May with people over the age of 59 to 40 and by June for people aged 39 moving down to 18.

For the most up-to-date information on the B.C.’s vaccination plan, please regularly visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine as the information is continually evolving.

6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

PERSPECTIVE

Blue gold

March 25, 2021

Historical Lens

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com On Earth, water is one of the most important substances. It is a vital element for all plants and animals, including us. This liquid is so important that there would be no life on our planet if there were either too little or no water.

World Water Day (WWD), observed on March 22 every year since 1993, emphasizes the necessity of freshwater. You may ask yourself, why? Well, we are lucky in the Columbia Valley and Canada in general. We lay our eyes on this precious liquid almost every day. It is everywhere around us; the wetland, the Columbia River and, of course, the colossal lake Windermere. Because we see water dominating our landscape, it is easy to forget how fortunate we are to have easy access to this resource. We’re not amazed when turning on a tap. However, it’s incredible for billions of people living on Earth to see the precious liquid flowing freely through a tap.

WWD celebrates water because it is the source of life and a reminder of that is good for everyone. This day also raises awareness about the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water.

The importance of safe drinking water and sanitation had become increasingly well understood as a fundamental human right, with efforts to control COVID-19 outbreak through hygiene routines, like handwashing, running into trouble in places such where water is a scarecly available and preciously rationaed resource. It was about time more people in developed countries began to realize that access to water is anything but universal, and that far too many people in developing countries lack basic handwashing facilities with soap and water at home.

Considering a every-growing global population, an increasingly intensive agricultural sector, and ever more alaraming scientific evidence related to climate change, and the water we currently possess (collectively, as a planet) is under severe threat. Contrary to what it may seem at first glance, drinking water is not an endless resource. One day, we may even have to share this abundant resource found on Canadian territory.

If we change our perception of and relationship with water, it could significantly impact the choices we make every time we use it, and thereby do better at protecting it.

There are simple actions that we can do to protect and conserve our precious groundwater; reduce the use of chemicals and dispose of them properly, limit the amount of fertilizer used on plants, take short showers (you can do it!), shut the water off while brushing your teeth (simple as that), and run the dishes or laundry machine only when it’s full!

With such simple actions, we can help protect this resource. We owe it to ourselves to keep our Mother Earth healthy. We have the power to change our habits so that the planet can still welcome many more generations of humans.

XXXX XXXX

Graham Watt and Helen Young bringing the cart to the farm on Toby Benches.

C2107, Aug. 1938, Courtesy Windermere District Historical Society

I’ll never look at a property for sale the same way Dear Editor: A property near me recently went up for sale and sold shortly thereafter. I knew the piece of land but didn’t think too much about the sale, until I heard that it been sold to an individual with a history of buying up large parcels in the East Kootenay and then logging them with seeming little regard to proper forestry practices. The spring that supplies the water for three Columbia Lake communities is on this property, and Hardy Creek that feeds Columbia Lake originates there. Knowing there is little regulation to control logging practices on private land, I began calling and emailing all levels of government – local RDEK Area Directors, the MP, the MLA and people in the Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations. I learned that there is nothing that can be done at Provincial or Federal levels until after damage was done to the water source. At the Regional level, the riparian area around the creek is protected as an environmentally sensitive area in the Fairmont and Columbia Lake Official Community Plan. As a protected area, any logging or vegetation removal requires a Development Permit (DP).

Logging of the land began on Friday, and to my knowledge, no DP was applied for. I’ve filed a complaint with the RDEK, but at this point, I’m unsure of the outcome, and I’m not very hopeful that it will be positive or effective.

Can you join me in: -writing letters to the Honourable Katrine Conroy, Minister of FLNRORD and to Premier John Horgan asking that the province amend the Private Managed Forest Land Act to bring it in line with regulations and forestry practices on crown land. (I can supply a template letter if required) -Petition the RDEK to adopt bylaws to regulate private land logging and/or to provide more effective enforcement when landowners disregard the regulations protecting ESA’s Our forests supply important wildlife habitat and movement corridors. They clean the air we breathe. They keep our watersheds healthy. They deserve a better level of protection than that which is currently in place.

Tracy Flynn, Fairmont taflynn@shaw.ca

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.

March 25, 2021

LETTERS

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

The opinions expressed in letters to our community are the writers opinions and should not be interpreted as the view of the Pioneer.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Dear Editor: “Racism, xenophobia and intolerance are problems prevalent in all societies.

But every day, each and every one of us can stand up against racial prejudice and intolerant attitudes. Be a human rights champion.” Quote from UN page for the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Sunday, March 21, is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This UN designated day was invoked in 1966 for the purpose of focusing attention on the necessity for each and every member of humanity to re-assess what it means to eliminate racial discrimination. The unfolding events of the past year are a good indication that this is as vital as ever to the health and well-being of the world.

Racial discrimination is a more insidious beast than prejudice. It can be – and often is – present in policies and procedures for which few of us have given much thought. Nevertheless, it is past time that fair and equitable practices be put in place. We must all begin to step outside our functioning zones and take serious stock of the institutions and acts that we have taken for granted and followed. The cultural mores of British 18th and 19th centuries laid the foundations of our country’s laws and legislation. The 1982 revised constitution and Canadian Char-

ter of Rights and Freedoms gave us a more inclusive foundation, but the spirit of its measures must still be worked through each and every public and private institution and organization. The Charter is there, in writing. It is a bunch of words on a lovely piece of parchment, signed by our legal representatives of the time. It only comes alive when each and every Canadian feels its meaning and lives its concept.

The elimination of racial discrimination does not mean colour-blindness; it means seeing each and every human being in full technicolour-culture-and-all with complete respect and acceptance.

When we look at one another and see rainbows, when an exchange of cultural practices brightens the colours and adds new hues, when a different opinion sparks a new perspective on an old picture, we will be on the right road.

In closing, may I leave you with the following: “O ye loved ones of the Lord!

This is the hour when ye must associate with all the earth’s peoples in extreme kindliness and love and be to them the signs and tokens of God’s great mercy. Ye must become the very soul of the world, the living spirit in the body of the children of men.?” Abdu’l-Bahá - Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 20 Peace and well-being.

Shizu E. M. Futa, Bahaá’í, Invermere

http://www.kootenaygamblingsupport.com

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We want to hear from you Since the onset of the mild spring temperatures, the Pioneer team has received numerous messages regarding the litter left behind by some individuals. With the melting of the snow, it is certain to see the waste accumulated over the last few months reappear and spoil the surrounding area. Be vigilant when going outdoors, pack it in pack it out, and thus leave no trace behind! On your next walk, why not bring a bag and pick up the trash? Take a picture of yourself and your bag full of trash and send it to us at info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Hidden Beach, Windermere, Submitted photo by Doug Austin

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.

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 25, 2021

Star Farms development to get building permits without development agreement in effect

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com After much discussion, circling back and forth on the issue for more than an hour, Canal Flats council voted — during its most recent meeting — to direct village staff to approve building permits for the proposed Mended Star Farms development, when the project proponent applies for them, without a development agreement in effect.

The motion eventually approved by council included the important caveat that if and when the village adopts an official Development Cost Charges (DCC), which the village is considering potentially doing at some point, that Mended Star Farms’s DCC contribution be limited to no more than $11,500 — an amount equal to half the anticipated cost of road upgrades along the development’s frontage on Baillie Grohman Avenue.

The Mended Star Farms development would see a greenhouse, gardens, orchard, two residences and two retail spots for gardening built on the old log yard. The issue of contribution to road upgrades had been a topic of discussion between village staff and project proponents. The village had suggested a capital contribution of $65,000 from Mended Star, which project proponents balked at, and in response, threatened to pull out their development proposal.

In emails to Mended Star and again in a report to Canal Flats council members during their Monday, March 8 meeting, Canal Flats chief administrative officer Adrian Bergles outlined the rationale for the requested $65,000 contribution, noting the development is on a low-traffic residential street, that some of the proposed commercial uses at Mended Star would require heavy truck traffic to supply retail goods, and that village infrastructure in the area is not constructed to handle regular trips by heavier commercial vehicles. He noted that in discussion with the developer, it was mutually determined that the Burns Avenue, Shaughnessy Street, and Baillie Grohman route to Mended Star would be the most appropriate traffic route. The suggested $65,000 contribution reflected contract paving quotes for portions of those three streets, with the village chipping in the cost for Burns Avenue, and with Mended Star paying the balance for Shaughnessy and Baillie Grohman, and with Mended Star able to recover up to 60 per cent of its contribution from future development in the log yard.

In a letter responding to this clarification, planning consultant Johnathan Schmidt, representing Mended Star proponent Urth Homes Ltd. wrote the developers are frustrated by what they perceive as flexibility or ambiguity in the contribution amount.

“The lack of a monetary amount within the letter provided suggests to Urth Homes that the village wishes Urth Homes to suggest an amount. We believe it is improper for Urth Homes to put forward during this discussion an amount Urth Homes is willing to pay as that would simply be an extraction of money from a developer without an objective rationale from the village to justify such a contribution,” wrote Schmidt. “It contin-

ues to be the position of Urth Homes that the anticipated traffic volumes and traffic types from Mended Star are well within the existing capacities of the roads within the village that are required to access the subject parcel. In our opinion no objective data has been provided that is contrary to this claim.”

Schmidt went on to add that Urth Homes disagrees that the Baillie Grohman area is a residential neighbourhood on a low traffic residential street, that the development will require heavy truck traffic, and that village infrastructure couldn’t handle the traffic volumes accompanying the development. “We would like to reiterate that the financial costs proposed verbally (roughly $65,000) by village administration for Mended Star pertaining to roads is not acceptable to Urth Homes and will result in a withdrawal of the proposed development from the village,” he wrote.

“Staff is not in agreement with the proponent representative that contributions to off-site works in this instance are not appropriate,” Bergles told council at the meeting.

Bergles noted that the development is “precedent setting” and that it “may potentially be a catalyst for other developments on the log yard. It’s an exciting project and decisions made on this development will affect future development for the rest of the log yard property and potentially across the village.” The vision of Mended Star as a place at which residents can engage in horticultural-based activities that support their community and reconnect them with nature means it has the potential to draw people into the village, and it will provide seasonal employment, outlined Bergles.

In a report on the situation presented to council, village staff outlined three broad options for council: authorizes staff to continue to negotiate with the developers; instruct staff to withhold building permits until a development agreement can be reached with Mended Star; or instruct staff to issue building permits when applied for, per the Mended Star Master Plan, without a development agreement. In the report, district staff recommended the first option, but Bergles went to pains to reiterate several times that the proposed development is an exciting one for the village, and village staff are quite happy to proceed with whichever options council chooses.

Councillor Marie Delorme raised objections to making the developer pay for re-paving on three roads and said she doesn’t envision a tremendous strain on the roads as a result of the development. “I question whether the amount of traffic going to this development is anywhere different from the logging trucks that have been going on these roads for, well the past 35 years I’ve been here,” she said. “I feel like this development is not going to really create that much more traffic compared with Ponderosa Place, or the cafe, grocery store or post office.”

Delorme also said “I disagree that it’s setting precedent...I don’t see that”, going on to add it’s her understanding that council looks at each development individually, and so wouldn’t be beholden to not charging future developers for off-site contributions just because it didn’t

work for Mended Star.

Councillor Doug McCutcheon said he agreed with Delorme about Mended Star not bringing in much heavy traffic, saying, “I don’t think the road is an issue at all” and that he’d like to see the project move forward. He did emphasize, however, that he felt the developer must make some contribution, pointing out that the property is owned by mayor Karl Sterzer (who sat out the discussion, because of the inherent conflict of interest) and saying that not charging any development fees of any sort for a development on land owned by the mayor does not sit well with him, and could easily be viewed unfavourably by other village residents.

“It’s the mayor’s property, so here we go on the edge of giving him a preferential treatment over others,” said McCutcheon, reiterating that he’s not okay with that, and suggesting that council consider leaving the door open to future development contribution charges should Canal Flats adopt a DCC bylaw.

Councillor Bill Lake countered that it would be unfair to charge a developer in the future, especially if the amount was unclear because that cost might be the difference in whether or not the business is viable. “The application is in today, the rules that are in place today should apply today,” said Lake. “I can’t see how we can charge a (future) DCC when we don’t know what it (the amount) is.”

Lake and Delorme also both clarified that their opinions on charging a contribution have nothing to do with the property being owned by Sterzer, and that they would have the same opinion irrespective of who owned the property.

Delorme pointed out that Mended Star is the first amenity development proposal to come along in Canal Flats in quite a few years. “There has been nothing else in this community,” she said.

After all the discussion, council eventually put forward a motion to approve building permits for the proposed Mended Star Farms development, when the project proponent applies for them, without a development agreement in effect. The motion contained the rationale that the proposed use of Mended Star Farms is not significantly different than previous commercial uses of the property, and saw the village reserving the right to collect some kind of development charge contributions if and when Canal Flats adopts a DCC bylaw, with that amount not to exceed $23,000 (which is the cost to re-pave just the portion of Baillie Grohman Avenue that Mended Star would have frontage on). The council vote on this motion ended in a two-two tie, meaning it was defeated.

Councillor Bill Lake noted that it is typical in many developments agreement for the municipality to split the cost of off-site works, and proposed another motion, exactly the same as the first, but with the amount of the potential future contribution not to exceed $11,500 (effectively splitting the cost of the re-paving of the portion of Baillie Grohman 50-50 between the developer and the village). This motion passed by a three-to-one margin, with only Delorme voting against it.

SERVING THE COLUMBIA VALLEY ONLINE OR IN PRINT Call Amanda at 250-341-6299 ext. 102 to discuss your advertising needs.

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March 25, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

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10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 25, 2021

Honouring the memory of Malyan through dance

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter An eclectic mix of Ktunaxa dancers, drummers, performers, singers and videographers have brought Kootenai flavour to life through performance.

The Ktunaxa Nation Theatre Dance Troupe Society (KNTDTS) has approximately 50 members today.

“The Ktunaxa Nation dance troupe is actually the legacy of our elder who took us under her wing and shared many social songs with us when we were 18 — I was around 17, 18 anyways,” explained Janice Alpine, Ktunaxa Nation Theatre Dance Troupe Society manager by phone. “She shared with us some songs — a lot of the Ktunaxa songs. We call them war dance, but they’re pow wow songs. The dance troupe society was formed in her legacy because she definitely taught us a lot.”

When the troupe was initially established in 1999, there were as many as 75 performers, but today the number of participants fluctuates based on the availability of its members. The KNTDTS premiered at Cranbrook’s Key City Theatre in June of 2001 with a drumming

group known as Chief Cliff, who travelled to the community from Elmo, Montana.

“Before that started, there were no events or social gatherings happening (in the area), so we started developing that and getting back into our pow wows and social events like that. There are a lot of Ktunaxa songs that she taught us to go along with various ceremonies,” explained Alpine, crediting Ktunaxa elder Maryanne Michel (Malyan). “When you’re at a pow wow, there are so many different ceremonies that happen.”

Ktunaxa elder Maryanne Michel (Malyan) brought the community together to share the Ktunaxa culture and traditions, while encouraging participants to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.

After Malyan passed away, the troupe continued to perform the traditional Ktunaxa teachings in her memory.

The KNTDTS has travelled to perform in Europe twice as well as in the Pacific Rim, completing more than 75 shows with songs and dances.

Today, the troupe is focused on incorporating traditional values and beliefs into the arts to showcase

traditional Ktunaxa dancing. Services such as Ktunaxa themed theatrical shows and events as well as teaching traditional Ktunaxa protocols, health and wellness, reconciling historical impacts and workshops are now part of their repertoire.

“We referred to some scaled down events as dinner theatre. We also add commentary to let them know who is coming up and what they’re going to be doing,” said Alpine. “We also do theatre. I think it’s called Take A Stand for the fight around Jumbo Pass as well as a number of other theatres (performances). One was to do with the army. We have a lot of our men drafted into the army back in the late ’90s. We had a show for that. We’ve had other different themes.”

Eldene Stanley is currently acting as the troupe’s choreographer and producer. The duo collaborates to continuously build up the production with and for the communities it serves.

“She is a dancer and does a bit of singing still. She attends many pow wows,” concluded Alpine.

To contact the KNTDTS, please e-mail: ktunaxanationdancetroupe@gmail.com

Farewell, until next time...

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter After serving the Columbia Valley as the Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for the past 10 months, I’ve had the opportunity to live and work on the traditional territories of the Ktunaxa and Sécwepemc people and their families.

It came as no surprise to neither my forager nor myself that the deep cultural histories that encompass the lands of the Columbia Valley are vibrant — and full of so much life, love and laughter.

This was the first time we had formally returned to the community since my son, Logan, was born here with the support and care of local midwife Kyra Warren in the spring of 2016 — and we were both incredibly grateful to return to

the valley from Calgary, Alta. in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic where we had the opportunity to stay safe, nestled up at home on these scenic lands that we both adore.

I was incredibly fortunate to learn from elders, traditional knowledge-keepers, educators, activists, archivists and artists from the communities of the Ktunaxa and Sécwepemc nations.

Maarsii. Hu suki‡“ukni. Su’kni.

Kukstemc. Merci beaucoup. And thank you to everyone who gave me the gift of their time to learn more about the Indigenous people and their communities, the languages and cultures, as well as the current events and ongoing issues in the communities that the Columbia Valley Pioneer serves for the duration of this opportunity with Aberdeen Publishing and

News Media Canada.

As a Métis citizen with Swampy Cree, Québecois and British paternal roots, the experiences we’ve shared with locals and visitors alike have been invaluable and I am grateful for the opportunity to work (even if only temporarily) as a journalist in the area.

The Local Journalism Initiative was created to address gaps in news coverage at newspapers, radio and television shows by providing coverage that citizens may not have been able to access easily in some parts of Canada in the past.

According to News Media Canada, in December 2019, the inaugural call for applications for journalism in underserved communities resulted in the approval of 105 journalists in 95 host newsrooms across Canada.

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 OF SITTING PARCEL TAX ROLLS

The first sitting of the Parcel Tax Review Panel will be conducted via Zoom on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 1 p.m. The Parcel Tax Review Panel may review and correct the Parcel Tax Roll and hear complaints on one or more of the following grounds: • there is an error or omission respecting a name or address on the parcel tax roll; • there is an error or omission respecting the inclusion of a parcel; • there is an error or omission respecting the taxable area or the taxable frontage of a parcel; • an exemption has been improperly allowed or disallowed.

The Parcel Tax Roll will be open for inspection at the Municipal Office during regular office hours.

A complaint shall not be heard by the review panel unless notice of the appeal has been made in writing to the Director of Finance of the District of Invermere, Box 339, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 by 4:30 p.m. on April 9, 2021 Karen L. Coté Director of Finance

While this program is still in its infancy, and the need to serve diverse communities is still being understood by Canada media organizations at large, it was an honour to be a part of the first-ever implementation in the Columbia Valley.

The funding which allowed the Pioneer to create my role as the Local Journalism Initiative Reporter is now coming to close, and we must look forward to the horizon for new beginnings.

In parting, I would like to encourage the community to “dig a little deeper” into the local Indigenous culture and take action towards building meaningful relationships with your neighbours.

My last day in this role will be March 31, 2021. Please don’t hesitate to drop me a line to say Farewell, until we meet again.

WOODLOT LICENCE PLAN Notice is herby given that a Woodlot Licence Plan has been prepared for Woodlot Licence 441 located near Spillimacheen on Westside Road. The term of the Plan is 10 years beginning the date of approval by the Ministry of Forests, Rocky Mountain Forest District.

The Woodlot Licence Plan was prepared in accordance with the Forest and Range Practices Act and the Woodlot Licence Planning and Practices Regulation.

A review and comment period begin March 18, 2021 and ends on April 8, 2021.

The Woodlot Licence Plan is available for review at: Pioneer Forest Consulting Ltd. 205 – 806 9th Street N PO Box 628, Golden, BC V0A 1H0 Phone: 250 439 1008 All comments received

by April 8, 2021 will be considered before completion of the final Woodlot Licence Plan draft.

a

t W h ’ s HAPPENING

March 25, 2021

in the Columbia Valley

Thursday, March 25

Monday, March 29

• 9 am: Strong Start at Martin Morigeau. Please email any questions or to reserve your space at skalesnikoff@cbal.org or call 250-409-4251.

• 9 am: Thrift Store Donation Drop-offs, Lakeview Parking Lot, Invermere.

Housewares etc in boxes and clothing only in garbage bags if possible.

• 9:30 am: Momfit. Moms are invited to join a weekly morning workout, hosted

by Invermere’s Momfit & Preschool Play Group. Kid-friendly! Due to COVID-19 restrictions, sessions are held via Zoom.

• 10:30 am: Seniors’ Fitness at the Columbia Valley Centre. All patrons must be scheduled in advance, no drop-ins are allowed. Classes will have a maximum of 25 people. Please reserve your spot by calling Cortney at 250-342-9281 ext 1232 or email events@invermere.net • 3:30 –9 pm: Invermere’s Summit Youth Hub Centre welcomes Columbia Valley kids Grade 6/7 (Curry) + Grade 11 to drop by for free fun, games, music and much more. Please note the cohort schedule and follow the centre’s guidelines. www.facebook.com/summityouthcentre • 7:30 pm: Teen Book Club by the Invermere Public Library. This month’s book is A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro! Register by emailing kootenayteenbookclub@gmail.com or contact the Invermere library ASAP so they can order a copy of the book for you.

• 10:30 am: Rhyme Time by Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy. If you are a parent or caregiver of a child under 2 years old, come and learn some fun songs, rhymes and stories with us! Email skalesnikoff@cbal.org for the Zoom link.

• 10:30 am: Seniors’ Fitness at the Columbia Valley Centre. All patrons must be scheduled in advance, no drop-ins are allowed. Classes will have a maximum of 25 people. Please reserve your spot by calling Cortney at 250-342-9281 ext 1232 or email events@invermere.net • 11:45 – 1:30 pm: Free Indoor Walking by District of Invermere/Invermere Public Library. Safe, social and accessible environment for people of all ages and abilities to walk indoors. Please bring CLEAN indoor shoes, and walking poles must have rubber ends. Strollers with clean wheels are also welcome.

Reserve your spot by calling Cortney at 250-342-9281 ext 1232 or email events@invermere.net. For the safety of our community, COVID 19 protocols must be followed! Booking and Registration: • 3-9 pm: Bottle Drive: Rotary Fundraiser. the Rotary Club collects refundable bottles and cans at the Invermere Transfer Station. We sort and deliver for refund - this money goes “right back into the community” through our Projects and Initiatives.

Friday, March 26

Tuesday, March 30

• 9 am: Strong Start at Edgewater Elementary. Please email any questions or to reserve your space at skalesnikoff@cbal.org or call 250-409-4251.

• 10:30 am: Virtual Story Time by the Invermere Public Library. Tune in each Friday morning at 10:30 am for live stories and songs! Find the videos on our Facebook page. Find a craft kit at the front door of the library each week after story time! Aimed at preschool age, but all are welcome to tune in!

• 9 am: Strong Start at Edgewater Elementary. Please email any questions or to reserve your space at skalesnikoff@cbal.org or call 250-409-4251.

• 3:30 –9 pm: Invermere’s Summit Youth Hub Centre welcomes Columbia Valley kids Grade 6/7 (P&A) + Grade 9 to drop by for free fun, games, music and much more. Please note the cohort schedule and follow the centre’s guidelines. www.facebook.com/summityouthcentre

• 1:30 –7 pm: Invermere’s Summit Youth Hub Centre welcomes Columbia Valley kids Grade 8 ans 12 to drop by for free fun, games, music and much more. Please note the cohort schedule and follow the centre’s guidelines. www.facebook.com/summityouthcentre • 6:30 pm: Online Bingo. https://www.facebook.com/ events/2134631780014810/. Buy a $10 card: https://golden-rotary. myshopify.com/. More information: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/844076416088748

Sunday, March 28 • 3-9 pm: Bottle Drive: Rotary Fundraiser. the Rotary Club collects refundable bottles and cans at the Invermere Transfer Station. We sort and deliver for refund - this money goes “right back into the community” through our Projects and Initiatives.

Wednesday, March 31 • 9 am: Strong Start at Eileen Madson Primary School, Invermere. Please email any questions or to reserve your space at skalesnikoff@cbal.org or call 250-409-4251.

• 10:30 -11:30 am: Seniors & Elders Catch – Family Dynamix hosts a Catch-up Cafe for the Columbia Valley every Wednesday morning on ZOOM for those isolated and unable to get out as much because of COVID-19. Contact Tricia at patkin@familydynamix.ca for safe login instructions. Even if you are unfamiliar with ZOOM video conferencing, we can help you get inexpensive internet and get you logged on!

• 3:30 –9 pm: Invermere’s Summit Youth Hub Centre welcomes Columbia Valley kids Grade 6/7 (P&A) + Grade 9 to drop by for free fun, games, music and much more. Please note the cohort schedule and follow the centre’s guidelines. www.facebook.com/summityouthcentre

Have your event added by visiting www.cvevents.ca or email info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 2020 CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Who is your local unsung hero?

• Whose volunteer work has made our community (Spillimacheen to Canal Flats) a better place to live, learn, work or play?

• Whose exemplary civic engagement and dedication to others has had a profoundly positive impact on our quality of life?

• Who selflessly embodies the spirit of the Columbia Valley through their contributions to community projects?

Nomination letters describing as much information as possible can be mailed to PO Box 877, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Nominations close on March 29th. Award will be announced in The Columbia Valley Pioneer soon after.

Empowering Seniors to

Thrive!

This service identifies risks and signs of frailty and provides an opportunity for tailored one to one support & self-management plans. Seniors are supported to remain connected and independent for as long as possible.

Seniors are connected to: • Physical activities • Nutritional supports • Social fun opportunities • General information and resources Eligibility: BC Residents identifying as seniors Weakness, frailty, and dependency are not inevitable as you age!

For more information, call: Family Dynamix Association at 250-342-5566 or Senior’s Community Connector at 250-341-5625

Resource, Development & Advocacy

HOW ARE WE DOING? We're seeking feedback and input from business owners, USE THE QR CODE organizational operators, Chamber Members & OR VISIT non-members. Complete our five-minute annual survey! CVCHAMBER.CA

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 25, 2021 Dyer added that outside of the public lands, such as the Lake Windermere Resort lands, which are obviously slated for a change, the planning team has been careful to pay attention to what has already been done.

wholesale re-development per se.”

There were some new active transport elements in Talk soon turned Concept E as a whole. the Athalmer Neighbourhood Plan, including crossing “I like the concept right now...This is probably close connections, an electric vehicle hub, and e-bike and bike to what folks have talked to me about and what provisions. Other elements of the plan that Dyer we’ve talked about as a council,” said Anderson. highlighted include the idea of keeping a ‘village “I like what I’m seeing,” said Invermere mayor concept’, which means keeping streets walkable “I’ve had a lot of experience with these great little gritty, funky Al Miller, adding people had questioned him why neighbourhoods that people just love and the tendency is to want and paying attention to pathways. He noted the Concept D envisioned putting in a pond, when industrial area of Athalmer (the part on the east to go in and draw all the new buildings, and show where all the there are many acres of unspoiled wetland imme- hipsters are going to move in, and all that, and I think it’s a mis- side of Panorama Drive) is not all industrial, there diately downriver. take...I think where we’re headed with the (Athalmer) neighbour- are also small businesses and the potential for some Taft said reducing the development to a single residential spaces. hood plan is that we’ve already got a pretty solid foundation.” building and locating it on 3rd Ave., where other Taft outlined that he thinks less restrictive development already is, makes economic sense, as commercial zoning in Athalmer would be a good Geoff Dyer, planning consultant, it keeps servicing costs low. thing, saying that “in the future, I would like to see speaking on the Athalmer Neighbourhood Plan Conversation then turned to the broader the area opened up to more uses than just restauAthalmer Neighbourhood Plan, of which the Lake rants and gas stations.”

Windermere Resort lands are Dyer noted that there part. (The Lake Windermere is a national trend toward Resort lands are plural rather loosening land uses, and that than singular – i.e. lands insince there are no truly noxstead of land — because they ious uses in the industrial are comprised of what was area, it could have live-work once upon a time 27 separate options, but that the role parcels). of the neighbourhood plan “It’s been a pretty solid is to provide guidance, and (planning) process” for the that actual zoning changes Athalmer Neighbourhood are something council needs Plan, said Dyer, adding the to work on in the form of planning team had several zoning bylaws. epiphanies along the way.

Hromadnik suggests the “I’ve had a lot of expedistrict’s commercial zoning rience with these great little bylaw is, in fact, in need of gritty, funky neighbourhoods an update, as it references that people just love and the plenty of examples of outtendency is to want to go in dated uses, such as video and draw all the new buildrentals stores. ings, and show where all the Invermere chief adhipsters are going to move in, ministrative officer Andrew and all that, and I think it’s a Young concurred that most mistake,” said Dyer. “I think noxious business uses tend to Screenshot of Concept E ‘Marina and Lakeside Park’ is the final draft concept plan. where we’re headed with the be located well outside of the (Athalmer) neighbourhood plan is that we’ve already got “The idea is not about saying ‘this is how your neigh- district instead of in its commercial areas, and that “this a pretty solid foundation. We’ve got a lot of residents that bourhood is going to change’. It’s about helping move to is an opportunity for us to look at our zoning and come are fairly content. Nobody’s coming to us, telling us they the next level, opening up some opportunities for you, up with something that will be a little more flexible and are desperate for this to happen or wanting more speed helping you target some improvements as they are need- will encourage businesses.” bumps.” ed. It’s really a light touch,” said Dyer. “You don’t need a Continued from “final draft” page 3

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE – BYLAW 3037 – Bylaw Amendment – Lake Windermere The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an amendment to the Lake Windermere Official Community Bylaw No. 2929, 2019.

Bylaw No. 3037 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Lake Windermere Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2929, 2019 – Amendment Bylaw No. 4, 2021 (Misc / RDEK)” will amend the text of the Form and Character Development Permit Guidelines for commercial and industrial development to require parking and access lanes on properties in the vicinity of Athalmer and Cooper Roads, as shown on the attached map, to be paved.

A public hearing will be held via Zoom webinar conference: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 6:00 pm The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F and Electoral Area G and the District of Invermere.

If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaw, you may prior to the hearing: • inspect the Bylaw and supporting information by requesting that an information package be emailed to you by contacting tvandewiel@rdek.bc.ca. Information packages may be requested up until Friday, March 26, 2021 at 4:30 pm; • mail or email written submissions to the addresses shown below before Friday, March 26, 2021 at 4:30 pm; • present verbal submissions at the public hearing.

TO PRE-REGISTER visit the Meetings

You must pre-register in order to attend and provide verbal presentations or make comments at the hearing. The deadline to register is Friday, March 26, 2021 at 4:30 pm. page on rdek.bc.ca and choose Public Hearings & Meetings Register in advance for this webinar: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dKbd-6ndR0KX-IkXDy2f0g Please note that a question and answer period will not occur during the Zoom webinar conference. You must address any questions relating to the bylaw to the planning technician prior to the above date.

SUBMISSIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING. All submissions will form part of the public record and will be published in a meeting agenda posted online. Personal contact information such as phone and email will be removed from written submissions. Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335.

This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw. For more information, contact Tracy Van de Wiel, Planning Technician, at 250-489-0306, toll free at 1-888-478-7335, or tvandewiel@rdek.bc.ca.

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

March 25, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

HERE TO SERVE YOU SERVICES

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SERVICE EXCELLENCE IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

SINCE 1991 ICBC Glass Repair Out of Province Vehicle Inspections Auto Body Repairs • Painting • Quality Parts

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141 Industrial Rd. 2 • 250-342-9424 • Open Monday - Saturday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm

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N E W S PA P E R

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 25, 2021

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CUSTOM WOOD FINISHING FAUX FINISHES JOURNEYMAN RED SEAL

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Patco Developments Ltd. PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS

CONTRACTING

DESIGN BUILD

New Homes, Renovations, Additions, & Kitchens

403-650-4622 • garysptg@gmail.com

Big Cat Painting For all your painting needs!

• Trusses • Engineered Floors • Wall Panels

10% off painting service until the end of February

250-688-9418 • 778-526-5255 Serving the East Kootenay area!

Tel: 250.341.6075 Fax: 250.341.3427 Email: info@duskbuildingsystems.com www.duskbuildingsystems.com

1320 Industrial Road #3 Box 159, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

CONCRETE

Products and Services Available 7 Days a Week

Paul Aubrecht, Dipl. Arch. SAIT

250-341-8646

houzz.com/pro/paulaubrecht paulaubrecht.houzz.com

Established since 1993

• Project Management • Architectural Design • Interior Design • Building Permits

Kekuli Bay Cabinetry kekulibaycabinetry.com

Concrete Sales ~ Concrete Pump ~ Sand and Gravel Sales

CO NC R E T E

250-341-7474

• Foundations to Finishing • Flat Work • Driveways • Patios • Stamped and Exposed Aggregate Concrete • Sidewalks • Garages • Foundations • Excavation • Site Preparation • Utility Installation

Electrical and Bedding Sand ~ $9/tonne

READY MIX CONCRETE 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)

• Authorized dealer • Designer • Installer

Dale Elliott Contracting

25 years experience installing cabinets Custom Woodwork and Finishing Serving the Columbia Valley for over 40 years.

dale@decontracting.ca • 250-341-7098 Here to Serve You Advertising 250-341-6299

Have an opinion? Email your letter to the editor to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

March 25, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

Private land logging: past, present and future Submitted by Wildsight Invermere From the jagged peaks of the Rockies to the granite slabs of the Purcells, the East Kootenay is known globally for its wild forests and intact ecosystems.

However, in the last few years, new large clear-cuts have been showing up in the steep hillsides around our communities. It turns out that many of these areas are privately owned — and logging on private land has few regulations compared to logging on crown land.

The vast majority of B.C. logging occurs in two ways. The first is through a tenure-based system in which the province allocates crown land to logging companies. Essentially, the province is divided into operating areas called Timber Supply Areas (TSA).

The amount of wood to be harvested is allocated for these areas on a year-to-year basis and companies operating within this system pay a stumpage fee for the wood they harvest. The second form of logging is on private land and is subject to less stringent regulations.

The large amount of private land in B.C. is largely the result of extensive railway land grants from the late 1800’s. Crown land was offered by the government to

railway companies as an incentive to build railways.

Over time, many of these land parcels have changed hands and inevitably ended up in the hands of forestry companies. In 2003, the Private Managed Forest Land Act came into effect. Companies that qualified under this framework got a huge tax incentive for managing their land as Private Managed Forest. This is essentially how we came to be in the position we are in today: it is economically viable for companies to purchase private land for logging because they receive tax breaks and pay no stumpage fees.

Under current private logging regulation, there is no limit or cap on the amount of wood a logging company can harvest annually, and there are no requirements to maintain forest cover or wildlife values.

Additionally, there’s no legal requirement for logging practices on private land to be sustainable over time.

Riparian areas (the transition zones between land and water) are critical in preventing erosion and ensuring healthy and functioning streams. They are also extremely sensitive to disturbance. Lack of regulation means that private landowners can potentially cause downstream effects, such as increased flooding and negative effects on fish, and face no legal recourse.

In September 2018, the Union of British Co-

lumbia Municipalities passed two resolutions at their Annual General Meeting, calling on the provincial government to place stronger regulations on private land logging. The provincial government has been reviewing the rules, regulations and systems that govern private land logging under B.C.’s Private Managed Forest Lands Act, but still, no action has been taken to stem the tide of forest liquidation on private lands.

What should be done? Stronger restrictions on the amount of wood harvested by a company in a given area should be implemented. Placing stronger protections on riparian areas, streams, and wildlife habitat is another key component of stronger and more sustainable private managed forest regulation.

We, as consumers, can buy sustainable forest products (FSC certified) and collectively push for stronger regulations on private land logging. Stronger regulations will ensure that water quality and wildlife values are protected. We, as citizens, have the power to not only encourage sound environmental practices but to shape legislation through the power of our collective voice. Let’s make sure we continue working towards a more sustainable forest industry and a brighter future for the next generations by encouraging sound environmental practices.

HERE TO SERVE YOU CONCRETE

CONCRETE

• 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.

Columbia Concrete Inc. 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

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

Where to recycle?

• Environmentally responsible • Steamed aggregate beds for top quality year-round concrete supply • We stand behind our service, quality and products

1756 Hwy 93/95 Windermere B.C. Office: 250-342-6500 Toll Free: 1-888-341-2221 Check the BC•RECYCLEpEdia

www.rcbc.ca

Have a sports story idea?

council of B.c. MeMBeR Email inRecycling info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

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 CARPET CLEANING

SERVICES Your Weekly Source for News and Events

TILE AND GROUT CLEANING Business: 250-342-9692

RR#4 2117–13 Ave. Invermere, BC V0A 1K4

N E W S PA P E R Cell: 250-342-1273

ptarmiganrugclean@gmail.com

Where to recycle?

Enjoy life, we’ll clean it up!

• Carpets dry in 1 hour • Environmentally friendly products • Disinfectant kills COVID-19 • Fresh clean scent – no steam • Area rugs and upholstery Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia • Protector • 100% guarantee 604-RECYCLE (732-9253) • Prompt reliable service Call NOW:

1-800-667-4321 Visit www.heavensbest.com 250-688-0213 Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR for more information

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

Can this be recycled?

Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia www.rcbc.ca Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 25, 2021

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENT

CHEERS & JEERS

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.

Cheers to Dynamic Hearing for best customer service and products. I am so happy to hear again.

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 250-342-8255.

CHEERS & JEERS Jeers to those who walk/run their dogs on leash while riding a bike. You are a hazard to your dog(s), the public and yourself.

Take your dogs to an off leash and ride there! Especially the guy I spotted with 2 dogs leashed to his belt riding without a helmet!

Cheers to Anya S. for donating a copy of her book to the EMP library! Keep writing and creating Anya.

Cheers to the Valley Go-Go Sisters for delivering the delicious St.Patricks Day treats to our house. Sherry brought them right to our front door in a lovely presentation box, together with pretty napkins, mouth-watering desserts, a crocheted shamrock, an Irish prayer and chocolate coins. Five-star ladies. Well done!

Cheers to Winderberry’s Edibles Cafe, Local View and Saunders Family Farm for your donations.

The Valley Gogo Sisters once again had a very successful St. Patrick’s Day Tea (Delivered to your door this year) in support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation Grandmothers Campaign.

Cheers to Lewis, for being the best dog ever!

Many Cheers to Lambert Kipp Pharmacy for your recent donation to ICAN. The kittens sure do appreciate your generosity.

Cheers to Invermere business spirit along 10a Ave., providing in-town accommodation with studio sized rentals in caravans (RV-buses). A bit snug and some frozen plumbing, but cheaper than home rentals. Maybe more choices for next season?

LISTINGS NEEDED! I WANT TO SELL YOUR HOUSE!

WHY LIST WITH GERRY? ✔ Website/Social Media ✔ 3D Tour, YouTube, Drone ✔ Responsive, Local, Expert

LIST WITH GERRY: FOR RESULTS! *Not intended to solicit those already working with an agent.

BUYING OR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202

gerrytaft.ca

ACCOMMODATION WANTED

MISC. FOR SALE

SERVICES

HELP WANTED

Retired Bachelor seeking Rural Rent/Care taking accommodation. No Vices, references can be provided.

1-250-426-4445.

For Sale 1926 John Broadwood and Sons upright piano. In good condition with ivory keys. $200 O.B.O. pick up only. 250-3425224.

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE

SERVICES

B.B.’s Home & Lawn Care Services: Renovations/Plumbing/House Repairs, Moving, Dump runs.

House Checks/Cleaning, Spring/ Yard Clean-up, Eavestroughs.

Tree removal. 250-688-2897.

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.

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: Phase 3 sold out, coming soon phase 4.

Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-342-1268. www.elkhornranches.com

LOT/ACREAGE WANTED Looking for Land for purchase, over 5 acres. Close to Invermere.

Please contact 250-688-3739.

WANTED

Personal Real Estate Corporation

Rockies West Realty Independently owned and operated

STORAGE NEWHOUSE STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climatecontrolled units.

Call 250-342-3637.

OFFICE SPACE Prime retail and office space for lease in Radium Hot Springs.

From 800 square feet. 1-403559-9625.

• Phone: 250-341-6299 • Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com • Web: www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

BOAT SLIP WANTED On Lake Windermere.

Interested in purchase, lease or rent. Phone Hans Leverkus Elkhorn Ranch 250-342-1268.

MISC. FOR SALE TOP QUALITY HAY Round bales. Indoor bales $120 per bale, outdoor bales $60 per bale. Round bales of straw, $40 per bale. Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-342-1268.

LEE’S SMALL ENGINE REPAIR SHOP Specializing in chainsaws, tillers, trimmers & lawn mower repairs and maintenance.

It’s time to get your tools tuned up and ready for spring!

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!

Pike Contracting Excavating and Skid Steer services.

Call Jason 250-342-5277.

The Heartfelt Companion: SERVICE FOR SENIORS 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! Rest assured; COVID-19 precautions are in place to keep you safe. “The Heartfelt Companion team provide, in the truest sense, heartfelt companionship. They always have mom’s best interest in mind.

I find that my family can once again enjoy our time with mom, as we know she is being cared for, lifting this responsibility from our shoulders. We can once again simply enjoy each other’s company. We have tremendous gratitude for their service.” 250-341-5683 www. heartfeltcompanionservices. com

Kootenay Country Electrical Qualified Electrical Service Licensed, Bonded, Insured Highly skilled electrician Call Dean 250-342-5516.

Spring tune-ups on Golf carts and lawn tractors, pickup and delivery available at extra charge. Call Jeff 250-341-8146 leave a message.

HELP WANTED 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.

Old Salzburg seeking kitchen help, cooks start at $19 dishwasher at $16. Drop off resume or by email scottstorvik@ gmail.com KOOTENAY COFFEE WORKS is looking to fill full and part time positions. Apply in person with resume. Located by Canadian Tire.

Lawn Mowing: 1 hr ever two weeks, starting in April.

Invermere smaller yard near Hospital. Please call George 250342-2881.

General Carpenter Finish Carpenter Jack of All Trades If you are looking for a change, or a new start, The Home Renovation Centre is looking to add some new, permanent staff to our team.

Transportation is required.

Call David 250-342-5682.

CAFE ALLIUM is looking for Kitchen staff, Café workers and Servers.

Serving lunch and small dishes in the evening, cocktails, beer and BC wines by the beach.

Email cafeallium@gmail.com to apply.

FIREPLACE INSTALLER Looking for a friendly, responsible, self-motivated individual with a professional appearance with technical ability.

Preference will be made for a candidate with knowledge of fireplace installation.

Must have a valid BC Driver’s License.

Please email or fax resume with references to Diamond Heating and Spas 385 Laurier Street, Invermere, BC V0A 1K7 Email: info@diamondheatingandspas.com Fax: 250-342-7103

March 25, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

WE ARE HIRING! Full-time Permanent Positions We are seeking the following positions:

Early Childhood Educator or ECE Assistant

We are seeking a full-time teacher to work in our all day preschool program. We are also seeking a full-time teacher to work with Infant and Toddlers.

Training can be provided to the candidate with the right personality and temperament to work with young children.

Summer Camp Coordinator

We are looking for two full time leaders for summer to take children 5 - 11 years on daily outtrips, play games, arts and crafts, gardening, etc.

Please send resume to dragonflydiscoverycentre@gmail.com

Sunchaser Vacation Villas is all about providing excellent vacation experiences to the families that visit us year after year; and we need talent to provide it! We are currently hiring the following positions:

Resort Delivery Driver (1 year-round)

Must hold a valid BC Driver’s Licence in good standing; must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and go up and down stairs. Duties include but not limited to making delivery requests to specified guest rooms; maintaining driver logs and completing pre-trip inspections; stripping linens from guest rooms and carrying and delivering to laundry; carrying and delivering supply bins to each building

Maintenance Labourer (1 year-round)

Must hold a valid BC Driver’s Licence in good standing; must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. The successful candidate should have a wide variety of basic electrical, plumbing, appliance repair, general building maintenance experience related to the care and upkeep of guest condos, resort buildings, recreation centre and mechanical rooms.

We offer competitive wages and a great working atmosphere, apply now! Please send your resume with a cover letter to: Email: jobs@sunchaservillas.ca Fax: Attention: Employment at 1-250-345-6166

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Location: British Columbia (with a preference being Invermere, BC) Position Details: Full Time Term Contract: June 2021-September 2022 Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for a detail-orientated Executive Assistant to join a team committed to protecting our most important natural areas and the plants and animals they sustain.

NCC is the nation’s leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain. Since 1962 NCC and its supporters have protected 14 million hectares (more than 35 million acres) or ecologically significant land across Canada. NCC takes a collaborative, science-based approach to achieve conservation success for the sake of nature and Canadians. With a national office in Toronto and seven regional offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on.

Position Summary The Executive Assistant will provide administrative support to the British Columbia Regional Vice President, Director of Conservation, and the Regional Advisory Board. The Executive Assistant will manage Senior Manager’s calendars, appointments, travel arrangements, financial reconciliations and reimbursements and assist with general administration and office management.

The Executive Assistant will respond to emails and other correspondence on behalf of the Senior Managers when appropriate, will coordinate and facilitate all Senior Management, Leadership Team and Regional Staff Meetings, and will be responsible for the sharing of information between Senior Management and Staff.

The Executive Assistant will act as Secretary to the Regional Advisory Board and will be responsible for the record keeping of all board activities and will take minutes at all Regional Advisory Board Meetings.

Competencies Preferred • Ability to manage multiple and changing priorities and deadlines • Adaptability and flexibility to embrace a wide range of tasks as needed to support a team • Proven time management skills • A track record as a self-motivated, proactive, conscientious, and reliable team player • Excellent writing and comprehension skills in English.

• Attention to detail and accuracy with record keeping • A strong customer service-oriented approach • Ability to interact with high end donors as well as volunteers • Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information • Proficient with MS Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) • Commitment to the Nature Conservancy of Canada core values and mission How to Apply NCC is an equal opportunity employer. If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your cover letter, resume and salary expectations through our Career Centre, by April 16, 2021.

NCC Welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

We value and incorporate diverse traditions, heritage, knowledge, and experiences in our mission and in our workplaces. We celebrate the full participation of people from all walks of life as we work towards our common goals. We strive for a conservation movement in which equity, diversity and inclusion are the norm. The is our continuous commitment: to promote healthy people, healthy communities, and a healthy planet for everyone.

We are looking for a

FACILITY MAINTENANCE MANAGER Part-time

The main duties will be lawn mowing, maintenance and cleaning of the washroom and laundry facilities. The successful candidate should have a wide variety of basic electrical, plumbing and general building maintenance skills.

Lawn mowing requires a maximum of two days a week and the washroom/laundry cleaning 90 minutes a day.

The applicant must: • Be able to work weekends and statutory holidays • Be able to operate a riding lawn mower and be able to use a push lawn mower • Be able to do minor repairs as needed • Have the ability to follow directions and standards set by the Resort • Be able to interact with Resort guests.

We can offer rental accommodation if required to the successful candidate.

Interested candidates should email their resumes to msr.businessmanager@shaw.ca along with remuneration expectations.

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

HELP WANTED Castle Fuels / Petro Canada We have an immediate opening for a P/T Permanent Cardlock Attendant. 410 Panorama Dr. Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. to Noon (hours may vary). $18 to start plus discount fuel. Must have: Class 5 driver’s license, 3 yrs. driving exp., physically fit, enjoys being outside. Apply recruiting@castlefuels.ca Now accepting resumes for our maintenance crew.

No experience required, on the job training provided.

Duties include seasonal clean ups, mowing and odd jobs.

Monday-Friday 40hrs/week, $14.60 up to $17/hour.

Forward resumes with references to shalford@timberwolfmaintenance.ca

March 25, 2021

Canada-U.S. border closure extended

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the opening of the border between Canada and the U.S. will be delayed by another 30 days. All non-essential travel will remain closed until at least April 21.

“Non-essential travel restrictions with the United States have been extended until April 21, 2021. We will continue to base our decisions on the best public

Columbia Valley Waggin’ Tails!

Submitted by Cathy Cha Recent restrictions on gatherings, changes in work/ life balance, working from home or remotely, and increases in rates of dog and pet ownership... All mean that if you have a dog, you need to know where to go when running, playing, frolicking, and toileting is needed, and

Invermere Veterinary Hospital is seeking a full-time Practice Manager to join our dynamic Hospital Team.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, leadership driven candidate with administrative experience in both Accounting and HR Management. The Practice Manager performs a wide range of administrative duties related to the practice.

This includes supporting the entire team and promoting our Values and Culture, as well as overseeing the business operations, and supporting the hospital’s mission of delivering high quality patient care and exceptional client service.

Please visit our website at www.invermereveterinaryhospital.com to review the full posting for this position.

health advice available to keep Canadians safe from COVID-19”, announced Bill Blair, Federal Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on Twitter.

This announcement takes place one year after the first closure of the border on March 21, 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past year, the border closure has consistently been extended by a month at a time.

“We’ll continue to do whatever is necessary to keep you and your loved ones safe,” said Trudeau on Twitter.

NOW HIRING! Part-time position available immediately on our amazing Client Experience Team for someone who loves to smile, chat, get creative, be efficient and multitask in a fun, professional and productive environment!

respectfully doing it all and fits the local area’s expectations. It was in the middle of a lecture from an American visitor to the Columbia Valley that I discovered one of the least advertised blessings of the valley - Wonderful off-leash dog areas! My small dog’s ‘off-leash status’ had made the other dog owner so nervous that he had casually forgotten to pick up his own dog’s waste, and I had literally stepped in it. But this forced me to find dog parks and off-leash areas that stretch most of the valley.

Invermere’s Ray Brydon Park, which truly fits the description as a park, is a beautiful location with views of the mountains, river, a trail that keeps walkers interested, and abundant birds and other wildlife. You can be as active or slow as you wish with many dogs frequenting this park. The Columbia valley sure makes a big difference if you’re visiting while on vacation and my dog especially enjoys the terrain differences between rocky riverbanks, gravelly trails, and treed areas/brushwood. But some natural hazards can be concerning. I do not particularly appreciate that the area’s entrance is close to the road up the mountains.

If you think you are an energetic, detail orientated, with a genuine passion for helping people and putting smiles on faces, then this is the perfect position for you.

GROUNDS HELP Terravista in Windermere is looking for some help to maintain its grounds.

April 1st to September 15th.

Competitive wages. Students welcome!

Please send your resume to terravistagm@gmail.com with “grounds help” listed as the subject.

Akiskinook Resort

The position does require some general office administration responsibilities so experience in a clinic setting is an asset, but certainly not a necessity.

We strongly feel that all administrative skills can be taught and acquired, so the most important qualification for this position is an eagerness to make a positive impact on our clients’ day through a great personality.

We take pride in our excellent customer service, strong teamwork, hearing expertise, and boy do we have a great coffee machine!

Interested? Please email resumes to krista@hearingloss.ca We can’t wait to have you on board.

STRATA RESORT GROUNDSKEEPER POSITION SUMMARY – Akiskinook Resort is looking to fill seasonal groundskeeping positions. This is an outdoor hands-on role assisting with lawn maintenance and gardening, as well as care of the marina, beach, tennis courts, boatyard, recreation centre, and overall grounds.

RESPONSIBILITIES – You will be accountable for the overall maintenance of the common areas throughout the resort at a level consistent with the high standards expected of Akiskinook.

QUALIFICATIONS – The successful candidate must possess the following competencies and experience: • High attention to detail • Team player • Ability to run and maintain equipment • A love of the outdoors and a great work ethic Wage will be determined based on experience and qualifications. Resumes may be submitted to akisk01@telus.net or faxed to 250-342-0122.

Continued on page 20...

We are seeking 3 experienced carpenters and 1 apprentice carpenter, to start immediately.

Candidates must: • Be reliable and must have proven experience.

• Have own transportation and must be able to travel between Fairmont Hot Springs and Invermere, BC. • Have own basic carpentry tools.

E-mail resume to: admin.escuadra@shaw.ca Call 250-421-7424 Full time, permanent positions. Wages between $24 and $38/hour depending on experience.

Benefits package after 30 days of employment.

BCYCNA – CLASSIFIED ADS BUILDINGS FOR SALE

HELP WANTED

INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS SINCE 2008.

Built with concrete posts. Barns, shops, riding arenas, machine sheds and more. Adam.s@ integritybuilt.com. 1-250-3515374. www.integritybuilt.com

WANTED: Experienced Diamond Drillers and Helpers for busy 2021 exploration season in Yukon. For consideration send resume, copy of First Aid, TDG, WHMIS certificates plus drivers abstract to Employment@ kluanedrilling.ca

Just a reminder… The classified deadline is 12 noon Friday.

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March 25, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

Catamount Glacier snowmobile rescue Submitted by Columbia Valley Search and Rescue On Sunday, March 21, at 7:50 p.m., Columbia Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR) was tasked to assist the RCMP in locating two males on snowmobiles that activated their Inreach satellite device in the Catamount Glacier area. In communicating with the RCMP, it was reported that they had become disoriented and could not find their way out. Additional messages indicated that Submitted photo

they were cold and did not have supplies or equipment to stay out overnight.

CVSAR mobilized a team to respond by snowmobile and other support members to assist with this assignment. Despite darkness and weather concerns, CVSAR proceeded to the coordinates sent by the Inreach device and successfully located the individuals at approximately 12:30 a.m. The two males were cold but otherwise in good condition. They were brought to shelter to warm up before being escorted out, where they were assessed by BCEHS ambulance personnel.

The subjects had avalanche training and did well to stay in one place. The two-way communication was an important piece in determining the urgency of the event and assists responders in providing help until physically on scene.

CVSAR extends its thanks to the RCMP for their support and to the volunteers who responded to this call and especially to those who worked through the night.

CVSAR would like to take this opportunity to remind those recreating in our great outdoors to leave a detailed trip plan and prepare for unforeseen circumstances. Go to the www.adventuresmart.ca website for more information. Learning the skills to recreate in

the backcountry includes learning what to do when the situation changes. Our subjects had avalanche training, but whiteout navigation and emergency shelter building are skills that are also valuable. Maintain situational awareness and recognize when changes happen, and know your limits. Early recognition and call for help may be the difference Submitted photo between a simple speedy rescue and one that entails hours of travel through avalanche terrain in the dark, increasing the risk to both yourself and the responders.

CVSAR is a member organization of the B.C. Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) made up of highly trained volunteers who provide technical rescue and search responses from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats. You can follow and support us on social media @invermeresar.

Sow you wish you had a vegetable garden?

Submitted by Sandra Howard, Groundswell Garden Rental Coordinator Spring is here, and the gardening itch is infecting keen cultivators.

Gardeners are a special lot. The first radishes always seem like a miracle as they grow so fast. Lettuce, peas and the first baby carrot from the garden not only nourish the body but often trigger memories of family time spent together when we were young.

But alas, in Invermere, unless you have a home with a deer proof fence, you will find it impossible to have even a small garden.

But I have good news! Invermere has two locations where you can rent a modest garden bed in a deer proof enclosure! There is soil already in these 4x8 raised beds, and the water and watering wand Elizabeth contemplating how we will amend the are close at hand. Not to mention soil in our MM Mimic May bed and what we will that there are other renters close by sow.

Submitted photo to share gardening tips with or even possibly help care of your garden if you are going camping for the weekend. Even these small beds can produce a variety of crops that are going to surprise you.

I have lots of information to share if you are a first time gardener, and as coordinator of the two sites, I will help new gardeners through their first planting if they want. New gardeners or seasoned gardeners, this is a perfect spot to nurture your green thumb.

There are two locations on opposite sides of the high school. Groundswell is where the community Greenhouse is located, and the District of Invermere Mount Nelson Community Gardens is located in the Mt. Nelson Activity Park where the skateboard park is located.

We even have a Facebook Page: Mount Nelson Community Garden and Groundswell Network

Happening inside groundswell network community greenhouse All winter Deb Griffith and her volunteers have been growing winter greens in the Groundswell Community Greenhouse, proving year-round food sustainability is possible even in Canada. It has been a joy to see volunteers harvesting spinach, kale, lettuce, herbs and other vegetables all winter.

It feels like spring and even summer during the day at Groundswell Network Community Greenhouse just now. Warm during the day and cool/cold not freezing at night. The big ventilation vents open automatically during the day to let heat out! Greenhouses are true miracles. Deb is seeding everyday in preparation for summer. The greenhouse is filling up with baby plants and volunteers are loving coming just to get that feeling of spring.

One of the successful tomato plants from And we have a new project evolving. We 2020 Submitted photo are going to dedicate one of the raised beds in the greenhouse as an example of what you can grow in a 4x8 garden from seed. The weather in the greenhouse is somewhat like you might expect the weather to be outside in May, so to mimic that, we will pretend that it is May in our experimental bed. You can drop by when the door is open, get ideas and watch as this month unfolds, and the plants take off. We will make a video and stills of the bed’s progress over the next few weeks and months. This should get you excited about what could be in store for your garden beds.

We will plant peas, and beans, carrots, beets, kale, tomatoes and peppers all in one bed, just like the beds that are available to rent from Groundswell and Mount Nelson Community Garden. We have few of these rental beds left, so if you think you want one, email me right away at gardenrentalsinvermere@gmail.com Food security can be a fragile thing, and Groundswell is dedicated to helping you and your garden off to a productive start. Any way we can educate people to get back to their self-sustaining roots, we want to help.

This will be a fun project! I hope to see you dropping by to follow the progress of our experimental bed.

We are often there in the mornings around 10 a.m., caring for the seedlings, but if we aren’t there when you drop by, call me at 250-342-1529, and I can arrange a time.

We are practically behind the High School on the south side. You will find us!

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

FAITH

Spring has sprung

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

Pastor Wayne Frater Radium Christian Fellowship

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

RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

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

The Pioneer can

!

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

Spring is the best time of the year; it is a time of new beginnings, a time to welcome the Blue Bird, and the swans, and the geese, and the snowbirds back from down south. It is a time to plan, plant the garden, set some goals, get up, embrace new life, and get going again.

A few days ago, by divine appointment, I met a fellow who used to attend church, who used to lead worship and praise the Lord with his guitar, I will call him Jack, not his real name, who had seemed to have given up on his relationship with God, the world had piled up against him, somebody close to him had just passed away, looking for work, having to move from the apartment he had been living in for some time, looking for someplace to live.

Have you ever wondered why God didn’t just snatch us up to heaven the moment we give our life to Him? Well, the way I have it figured is that He must have something for us to do, something that will bring glory to Him. He keeps us around for such a time as this.

Paul says it best in Philippians 1:21-25, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I know not. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful Continued “Waggin’ Tails” from page 18

Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • 250-342-6633 No. 4, 7553 Main St. Radium • 250-347-9937

your message is resonating with residents and visitors alike.

March 25, 2021

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Traffic on the road isn’t heavy, and visitors are lucky to have such a scenic area for off-leash jaunts, but take care and leash your pet well before exiting if your dog gets excited or is sometimes reluctant to return to the leash!

Bears are also a concern and have been sighted in the area in the past. I carry a ski bell and bong it every so often when I’m at this park. I’ve never seen a bear here, but a little caution goes a long way! The fast river is also a hazard, larger breeds who don’t know the area might be too bold, or the river might be a risk to some smaller dogs. It is best to get familiar with the surroundings and keep an eye on your pet.

View on Columbia Lake Park.

Some dogs swim well and can manage rivers and creeks, but check out Dorothy Lake north of Kinsmen Park in Invermere if splish splashing is your aim.

The river that runs through the park is mostly shallow, but we’ve tried to cross it on foot, and it’s so swift that we haven’t ever been able to cross it completely. Luckily, our dog enjoys watching us from the banks!

for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith.”

It wasn’t a mistake that Jack and I met, I was able to minister to him, and as we talked, God reassured him to quite running and get back on track with Him, God reassured him through Isaiah 43:1,7, 18,19, “But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.”

18 “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”

Jack recommitted his life to Jesus, and told me, that he was going to go back to church.

From time to time, we all, like Jack, may feel like running away from God, we may just feel like giving up.

Maybe that is how you feel today, don’t ever, I repeat, ever give up. God has a purpose and a plan for each of us. God doesn’t make mistakes, His wish is that all would come to repentance, and our part is to help those around us grow and experience the joy of having faith in Jesus. Jer 29:1113, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

What a better time, with Easter just a week away, springtime, new life, what a time to consider renewing your relationship with Jesus, or if you never have, now would be a good time to give God a chance in your life.

Radium Hot Springs is another favourite destination and has a surprisingly gorgeous off-leash area, even though it’s in a bit of an odd location behind a log storage lot. The Sinclair Creek Trail System or ‘greenway’ is just a stunning community driven project that would be the envy of a lot of larger communities. My dog’s in love with the very low creek banks, shallow, fast running stream, hills, and mixed treed area!

Squirrels are the biggest threat to my dog’s peace of mind at Sinclair Creek, and we’ve seen evidence of larger animal rubbings, but no bears. I still carry my ski bell though. You’ll meet a lot of the locals who aren’t only dog owners, Submitted photo by Cathy Cha you’ll find bikers, hikers and walkers too. I was kind of dazed looking around at the vistas, trying to take in the whole experience even though it was just a dog walk! It’s one of the reasons going home after a short trip to the Columbia Valley is so hard. A quality of life within nature that is the ‘resort’!