Columbia Valley Pioneer, April 22, 2021

April 22, 2021 Vol. 18/Issue 16

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

April 22, 2021

The Columbia Valley

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After a local outbreak of COVID-19 where case numbers exploded rapidly in the second half of March, mass community vaccination began in the Columbia Valley earlier this week. A picture of mayor Al Miller surrounded by local residents after their vaccination.

Read the full story on page 3.

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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April 22, 2021

VALLEY VIEWS

The Prairie Crocus - the first flower seen on our 2021 “What’s Up” walks.

This harbinger of spring emerges from the ground and blooms even before its leaves have developed. It prefers sunny, hot, dry areas and is usually found growing in open woods.

Its shiny petals and cup shaped flower reflect the sunlight and concentrate the sun’s warmth into the centre of the flower. Studies have shown that on a sunny day, the temperature inside a crocus flower can be as much as 10 C warmer than the temperature of the surrounding air. The flowers also track the sun, maximizing the length of time each day that it can stay warmer than the outside temperature.

I wonder if the Crocus’s “furry coat” helps to keep it warm on chilly spring nights.

Photo (left) and words by Larry Halverson

~ We now service drains ~ Serving The Columbia Valley

Ser

UPCOMING EVENTS Read Local Book Club on Zoom vin g th

e Co lumbia Va

lle y

Elinor Florence’s Birds Eye View Thursday, April 29 at 7:30 pm Email publiclibrary@invermere.net for details.

invermere.bc.libraries.coop

GREAT GAS

GIVEAWAY This week’s winner is…

J Solowinski R

S

C

All winners of a hundred and twenty five dollars of fuel each.

Many, many more draws will continue through 2021.

O S SR OAD

MA

RKET

Enter to win our

Mother’s Day Contest!

Stop by and pick up a picture to colour, and tell us in a sentence or two why your Mom is the greatest Mom ever!

Winners will win a basket of goodies for both Mom and Child!

Alyssa Friesen and Sofie Wilson with crocuses along the Old Coach Trail.

Submitted by Natasha Friesen

Found by Kate Hildes at the base of Swansea Mountain April 17.

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April 22, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS

Community mass vaccination begins in Columbia Valley He noted there had been a few minor issues, such as the Panorama’s postal code seemed to have been left out of the Interior Health booking system, making it difficult for residents there to book their appointments, but that given how quickly the community clinic was set up, a few such wrinkles were bound to happen. However, they had all been straightened out by the second day, and things were proceeding full steam ahead.

“It (the shot) didn’t hurt one bit,” said Clovechok, adding that he was approached by a local resident in the post-shot waiting area (she kept her social distance) with tears of joy and excitement in her eyes.

“It was almost a festive atmosphere,” added Clovechok, adding he’s proud of the community and is hopeful everybody will be vaccinated soon.

“It was really smooth,” Miller told the Pioneer. “I was in line, into the hall, answered a few questions, and had the shot. It was so easy that I had the shot before I knew it. I waited 10 to 15 minutes after and I was all good to go.”

Miller said the effort going into setting up the community clinic was “tremendous” and that it was really good “to have a feeling of going forward. Of taking that first step in the right direction.”

Clovechok was quick to point out, however, that vaccination is indeed just that — a first step in a larger process.

“Getting your vaccination doesn’t mean it’s go time.

Not at all. As we get vaccinated, we will become safer, but we cannot let up on what we’re doing,” he said, adding that getting vaccinated reduces the severity of sickness, reduces mortality, reduces hospitalization rates, but as yet there is no clear evidence that vaccinated people can’t still carry and transmit the virus to others (even if they are not getting sick themselves). He also pointed out that it takes a few weeks at least after vaccination for those vaccinated to start producing the antibodies that will help protect them from COVID-19, and he also noted that Invermere does have “variants of concern”, although it has not been confirmed yet which one(s) are present here.

B.C. is a hotspot for the P.1 variant of COVID-19, which was originally discovered in Brazil, and indeed

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Mass community vaccination began in the Columbia Valley this week, following a local COVID-19 outbreak that saw case numbers jump rapidly here in the last week of March and first week of April.

The community mass vaccination is for all Upper Columbia Valley residents (between Canal Flats and Spillimacheen) older than age 18 who wish to be vaccinated.

The effort, which aims to vaccinate roughly 500 people a day, started on Monday, April 19 and will run until Wednesday, May 12, and comes in response to the local outbreak, which saw numbers of cases climb dramatically (the highest number cited was a figure of 46, in a community update written by Invermere hospital chief of staff Dr. Gareth Mannheimer on Saturday, April 15).

Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Doug Clovechok told the Pioneer about the community mass vaccination on the evening of Friday, April 16, and residents were quick to sign up online or by phone. When the Interior Health “community clinics” opened at the Invermere Catholic Church on Monday, April 19, at least several days’ worth of appointments were already booked up.

Residents arrived at the church for their scheduled appointments, waited in line, proceeded into the church to get their shots, and then waited outside for 10 or 15 minutes post-shot in an outdoor waiting area with a tent (donated by Home Hardware). Many active and retired doctors, nurses, health officials, firefighters (to act as first responders) were at the clinic, helping out.

Among those receiving their vaccinations on the first day were Clovechok and Invermere mayor Al Miller.

Clovechok told the Pioneer he was excited and pleased to see so many residents getting their shots, outlining that when he went for his shot, there were cars parked along at least two or three blocks near the church, indicating good participation by residents in the effort, and that everybody was waiting in line, properly spaced apart by at least two metres.

“It was flawless going and getting your shot, it was running like a military operation,” said Clovechok.

District asks skateparks users to be respectful

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Rumours of troubles at the Mount Nelson Athletic Park skatepark have been bubbling for some time, and Invermere council briefly discussed the matter at its late March council meeting.

The issue was brought up by Invermere councillor

national news media have reported that the B.C. is seeing the largest spread of the P.1 variant of COVID-19 anywhere in the world outside of Brazil. Although the variants are relatively new, and information and data are still emerging, the P.1 variant has been described as being more contagious, and causing more severe symptoms, and more likely to infect (and hospitalize) young adults and kids, as compared with normal, less severe strains of COVID-19. The variant may also possibly be able to re-infect people who have already had it, and potentially could be less responsive to current vaccines. Most cases of P.1 in Canada have linked to Whistler, which shut down its ski resort early several weeks ago.

“Don’t be afraid, get your shot so we can get back to some kind of normal sooner rather than later,” said Miller.

Both Clovechok and Miller extended a huge ‘thank you’ to Dr. Mannheimer and the doctors, nurses, health officials, and firefighters helping out with the clinic.

Valley residents can register for their shot online by following the prompts in this link: news.interiorhealth. ca/news/covid-19-vaccines/ Those who have already registered online do not need to re-register.

Earlier this week provincial health officials strengthened and extended province-wide restrictions, which are now in place until May 25. Specific measures include that the variance allowing indoor religious gatherings and worship services between March 28 and May 13 is suspended; indoor low intensity group exercise classes are cancelled, restaurants, pubs and bars are closed for indoor dining (outdoor patio seating and take-out delivery is still allowed), and that workplaces with a COVID-19 exposure may be ordered to close for at least 10 days. The current travel advisory is that all non-essential travel should be avoided. This includes travel into and out of B.C. and between regions of the province. This means people should not travel for a vacation or to visit friends or family outside of their household or core bubble. Essential travel within B.C. includes regular travel for work within a region and travel for things like medical appointments and hospital visits.

Kayja Becker, who mentioned that she has been approached by several parents concerned about the skatepark.

Becker said the parents outlined to her that “it’s become a really unwelcoming place, apparently, for little kids. There’s bullying. It’s not seeming like a safe place.”

Continued on page 7...

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SECURITY • • • •

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RCMP Report Submitted by Sgt. Darren Kakuno Detachment Commander Columbia Valley RCMP This past week, April 12 through April 18, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 65 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

• • • •

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•On Wednesday, April 14, at about 3:15 a.m., a resident in the 4800 block of Radium Boulevard in Radium Hot Springs reported seeing two individuals removing propane tanks from barbeques on the property and fleeing on foot. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbia Valley RCMP. • On Friday, April 16, at about 5 a.m., police responded to a report of a motor vehicle incident on Highway 93 near Marble Canyon in Kootenay National Park.

The driver of a Jeep Compass told the investigating officer that he was northbound on Highway 93 and attempted to pull off the highway into a pull out but overshot

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the entrance and drove into a snowbank.

The driver and passengers were uninjured.

The driver was issued a violation ticket for no driver’s license and driving without due care and attention.

•On Friday, April 16, a resident on 11 Ave. in Invermere discovered someone had rummaged through his unlocked pickup truck sometime overnight. Missing from the vehicle were the vehicle’s insurance and registration documents, which were later found nearby.

•On Saturday, April 17, at about 10:30 a.m. Columbia Valley RCMP attended a three vehicle collision on Highway 95 near Spur Valley. Two northbound vehicles were stopped in traffic while the lead vehicle was waiting to make a left turn onto Luxor Station Road when a third vehicle, a Jeep Wrangler, collided into the back of a Honda HRV which in turn collided with the Chevrolet Silverado that was waiting to make the turn. No occupants were injured; however, the Honda HRV had to be towed from the scene.

Invermere district office closed to public during local outbreak

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

MAX FANDERL

April 22, 2021

The District of Invermere has temporarily closed its municipal office to the public in the wake of the local COVID-19 outbreak.

The district posted a notice to this effect on Monday, April 12, outlining that the move is a precaution.

“We’re doing what we’ve been trying to do for the past year plus and keep our staff and citizens protected,” Invermere mayor Al Miller told the Pioneer.

“It’s best to try and hunker down a bit.”

Although the office door is closed, municipal services will continue. “We’re still open for business,

it’s just not a free-for-all walk in the front door any time you want anymore. People can make appointments, call, or email to do transactions,” said Miller.

Services will be offered online through the district’s website, by email, and over the phone during regular office hours, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Property taxes and other municipal bills can still be paid either through cheque, which can be placed through the mail slot at the office entrance, as well as through online banking. Items such as dog tags can wait to be purchased until the office reopens.

Updated on the office closure will appear on the district’s website www.invermere.net and on its Facebook page.

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April 22, 2021

Radium fire department extend their services

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com The Radium Hot Springs fire department proposed an extension of service into Kootenay National Park at the last Radium council meeting on April 14, which councillors have unanimously approved.

Radium firefighters will cover more ground with the extension of fire apparatus service to the Highway 93 Settlers Road intersection and with the extension of first responder medical services to Vermillion Crossing. Until now the border point for the Radium fire department on Highway 93 has been the Kootenay lookout viewpoint.

“This all came about trying to be the good guys and assist. We are thinking ahead in terms of what may happen with the diversion, with the amount of traffic going through and the numbers of incidents that could result from that,” said Radium fire chief Dave Dixon during the last council meeting of Radium Hot Springs.

A month-long extended TransCanada closure requiring motorists to take Highways 93 and 95 as an alternative route began on April 12 and will extend through May 14. As a result of this detour, the highway between Radium and Banff will become much busier than usual.

“This extension of service will be limited to the duration of the Kicking Horse Canyon project and is intended to support ambulance and auto extrication actions, especially in light of expected traffic volumes and increased likelihood of motor vehicle accidents,” explained Radium chief administrative officer Mark Read.

The fire department will limit the number of people heading on to the scene at the extended border if there are two emergency vehicles that need to be deployed.

“We want to make sure that we have people on call either at the hall or definitely at home before we leave in case there is a second incident,” said Dixon.

Radium mayor Clara Reinhardt clarified that Radium needs to have its contingent to cover the village’s needs first. “There has to be a minimum number going, and if we don’t have the resources, we don’t go.” The membership of Radium fire department is 17 volunteers.

This additional tax service comes at the expense of the residents of the Village of Radium Hot Springs. “This

is a Good Samaritan act on our behalf, extending services at our cost to help protect individuals who are in trouble in the park,” said Read.

The budget is likely to expand because of any incidents related to the closure of Trans Canada. “I don’t think it’s going to be avoidable. It’s just a matter of physics and the volume of traffic and human nature. We are likely to see more activity generally,” explained Read.

Reinhardt concluded the discussion by thanking the first responders of the Village of Radium Hot Springs fire department for being so altruistic.

Further discussion concerned the verification of the fire department traffic management of operating protocols.

The Fire Department has members trained in a specific emergency scene traffic management course, which they retake annually. It allows them to direct traffic at emergency scenes to protect first responders (police, ambulance, firefighter, and other people involved). Under WorkSafeBC guidelines, the fire department is not allowed to do so for more than two hours. After that period of time, it is up to the highway maintenant contractor to provide flagging services. “We have to put more emphasis on the highway maintenance contractors to ensure that flaggers are available and on route, especially now if we’re going into the park. We’re going with the minimum size of the crew, and we won’t have people available to do so,” explained Dixon.

It is the responsibility of Parks Canada to provide flaggers within the park. “They (Parks Canada) seem to be under the assumption that we will stay on scene provide traffic management as long as required and we’ve been identifying that issue for over a year now trying to get a commitment for Parks Canada to utilize their conservation services or officers to attend scenes, to commit to us that there’s going to be flaggers available.

“We need to make it clear to Parks Canada under WorkSafeBC regulations. This is what we can provide and this is all we will provide so you need to be prepared to step in and fill our shoes after that two hour period and certainly in cases of high-risk traffic management situations, where we are not certified qualified trade or legally able to provide that service,” expressed Read.

DISTRICT DISTRICT OF OF INVERMERE INVERMERE

of Watermain Flushing The municipality will be flushing its community water system for the next 6 weeks. This program, carried out twice yearly, is necessary to maintain the quality of our water supply. There may be some short interruptions in the water service and temporary discoloration of water as a result of the sediment and organic materials that are being flushed from the water mains. During this period, disinfection by chlorination will be continued. To assist the Public Works Department during the flushing operation, users are advised that if they are experiencing persistent discoloration or odour problems with the water, to immediately notify the Municipal Office and explain the nature of the problem.

The District apologizes for any inconveniences caused by this operation. For further information, please telephone the municipal office at 250-342-9281.

OLD COACH TRAIL DUST CONTROL APRIL 26 The Trail will be temporarily closed until noon on Monday April 26 for dust control, weather permitting.

COLIN PEET Columbia Valley Rec. Services Superintendent 250-342-6712 or cpeet@rdek.bc.ca

1-888-478-7335 | www.rdek.bc.ca

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934

FIRESMART YARD WASTE PICK-UP PROGRAM Do your part: Protect your home from wildfire You can make choices that will help protect your home from wildfire. The District is running the Firesmart Yard Waste Pickup Program to assist residents in disposing of spring yard waste. Residents are encouraged to clean up woody debris and deadfall. Especially the first 1.5m around your home.

The program will be a reservation based system where residents are to call the Municipal Office at 250-342-9281 and ask to be put on the reservation list for Yard Waste Pickup. Residents are to provide the following information to Municipal Staff : • Name; • Phone number; and • Civic Address Pick-up will occur on Wednesday, April 28th and Wednesday, May 5th.

Resident will be required to place their yard waste at the curb for pickup after 8 am on the day of pick- up after you have placed your reservation and confirmed your street address.

914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934

NOTICE

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

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Yard waste must be placed in clear plastic or brown paper bags and includes leaf and grass material. Branches and pruning are to be bundled in maximum 4 foot bundles and are not to exceed 50 lbs in weight.

Staff will not pick up any yard waste if it does not meet the above requirements. If you have not placed a reservation, your yard waste will not be picked up.

The District if also offering a drop off location at the Transfer Station in the Industrial Park. There will be a bin on location that residents can access to drop off any yard waste as specified above.

For further questions, comments or concerns, please contact the office at 250-342-9281 or info@invermere.net.

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

April 22, 2021

PERSPECTIVE

Our home, our planet

Historical Lens

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com Humans are quite accustomed to a particular action: throwing stuff away. It begins as soon as we wake up. Food waste, single-use goods, and even items we never asked for... all kinds of paper and packaging, and a seemingly infinite amount of plastic.

It’s the government’s fault, you say. Political leaders, in turn, respond that it is the banks, corporations and companies that are failing us. But private industries argue that it’s the consumer’s (ahem, your) fault. The truth is, it’s everyone’s fault and everyone’s business to come up with a solution. Every individual, company and association must play a role in this gigantic problem that has become climate change.

The time is now. It’s our planet, our home, and most importantly, the only one we will ever have.

Politically, we need to take strong measures to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Banks must be urged to invest in green energy. And each of us needs to make better choices.

To buy is to vote — the choices you make with your money influence the products companies offer. If we buy (vote for) an eco-friendly product, the company will deliver what we asked for. It has already begun. A variety of products are offered in greener formats and containers. Businesses are brainstorming ways to produce and provide greener products. Let’s keep going!

According to Canada’s latest report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, its greenhouse gas emissions in 2019 reached 730 million tonnes, up about 1 million from the previous year. Having been at 747 million tons in 2005, the country has set its target at 511 million tonnes by 2030. Canada is the only G7 country whose greenhouse gas emissions are higher today than they were in 1990.

And we dare to proclaim our country as an environmental leader.

Sure, the problem can feel overwhelming. But keep in mind that every little effort counts, and focus on what you can do.

Start with your garbage bag: What is in there? It’s a real good hint at what you can work on to reduce your daily trash.

Is there a lot of food waste? Begin planning your meals for the week in advance so that you only buy what you need. You’ll save money, and our planet will be a happier place. Is it packaging that fills your garbage bag? Research refillable options available near you. You might be surprised how easy it can be to swap a few items.

To finish, find what works best for you. There are endless possibilities, once you start looking for them, to lead a sustainable life that meet everyone’s needs.

Generating less waste is not just about recycling; it’s about putting values in the right place, putting experiences before things, time before money and focussing on being instead of having.

The resting place of Lady Elizabeth Bruce in the garden of R.R. Bruce.

C2142, 1915, courtesy Windermere District Historical Society

Earth Day Dear Editor: “Nature is God’s Will and is its expression in and through the contingent world.” (Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 142 ) April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day “gave a voice to an emerging public consciousness about the state of our planet.” There are now chapters in over 190 countries. In 2019, the UN designated April 22 Mother Earth Day. “Ecosystems support all life on Earth. The healthier our ecosystems are, the healthier the planet - and its people.” (UN International Mother Earth Day webpage).

This nature is subject to a sound organization, to inviolable laws, to a perfect order, and to a consummate design, from which it never departs. To such an extent is this true that were you to gaze with the eye of insight and discernment, you would observe all things... are most perfectly organized... and that all are subject to one universal law.” (‘Some Answered Questions, p.3) For progress and “the economy”, we have spent centuries ‘harvesting’ the planet, causing the extinction of numerous species and the extirpation of others. We have altered the planet’s ecosystems, polluting waterways and changing the pH of the oceans. Our ‘economy’ is corporate-driven and the present corporate model does not share wealth so

“trade” has pooled the profits in the hands of a few, leaving the majority of those who do the work living in poverty.

Earth will always find its balance but, if humanity is to survive, we need to re-think how we live, individually and collectively. Earth Day has encouraged each individual to mitigate the footprint we place on the planet. In celebrating Mother Earth Day, we must consider how humanity can revise its protocols to be kinder to the planet and, in the process, become more humane.

In closing, may I leave you with the following: “O ye that are lying as dead on the couch of heedlessness! Ye walk on My earth complacent and self-satisfied, heedless that My earth is weary of you and everything within it shunneth you. Were ye but to open your eyes, ye would, in truth, prefer a myriad griefs unto this joy and would count death itself better than this life.” The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláhh, p.28-29 “We need a change of heart, a reframing of all our conceptions and a new orientation of our activities. The inward life of man as well as his outward environment have to be reshaped if human salvation is to be secured.” From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi Shizu E. M. Futa, Invermere

The Columbia Valley

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

Pioneer

is independently owned and operated, published weekly by Robert W. Doull, President and Publisher, Misko Publishing Limited Partnership.

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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.

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April 22, 2021

Circle Market + Cafe gets new owners

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com Hannah de Soto and Jay Balabas, local valley residents, took possession of the Circle Market + Cafe on March 29.

“We kind of had visions of starting a business that had a cafe and a small market section, and then Circle became available when it was exactly the kind of the thing we were going for. It’s just a really good fit,” said Balabas. “My sister and I, a few years ago, thought about opening a zero-waste store in Canmore, which didn’t end up happening, but it’s funny. We wanted the cafe. We wanted the market.

We like the zero waste and we ended up getting everything,” added de Soto.

Like many residents, their growing love for the valley began with regular weekend visits. “We’ve been coming to the valley for 20 plus years, always spent lots of time out here and finally decided we didn’t want to go home at the end of the weekend anymore. We made the move here full-time,” explained Balabas.

Before they ended up in Invermere, they lived in Canmore. De Soto worked for Community Support Service there and left her job when they decided to move here. Her parents also own an organic store and de Soto worked for at that store for a long time. “It was a very natural fit in a lot of ways,” she added.

Balabas owned another store beforehand. “I had owned a bike shop in Canmore called the Bicycle Cafe, and then we also had a cafe in there. I’ve always been really passionate about coffee. I’m pretty excited to reintroduce the coffee side of Circle back and get a little bit of the cafe vibe going again.”

Their focus right now is to re-open the cafe side of the store with “really good high-quality coffee”. As time progress, Continued ‘skateparks’ from page 3 She mentioned that she knows that, as with any municipal park, parents are responsible for supervising their kids if they feel supervision is order, but added to council members that parents had asked about the possibility of bylaw officer or even police support to improve the situation. Becker mentioned that she told the parents that supervising the skatepark is not necessarily part of the bylaw officer or police’s roles, but asked council if it would consider asking district staff to send out a message on social media, reminding kids to behave properly at the skatepark.

“At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we ran into issues with large gatherings there. Not that we need to be the sticklers breaking up groups, but it is something that, as it gets warmer and as it (the skatepark) gets more users, that (should) be on our radar,” said Becker.

Invermere mayor Al Miller said

the new owners will slowly expand their food selection and see where that side of the business takes them. A large patio facing the sun at Circle will soon offer a nice place to sit with a fresh cup of coffee. An indoor sitting section will arrive later in the fall or winter, when the couple hope it will be safe to do so. “There’s been a really keen interest in the cafe side of things coming back, so (we’re) really excited to have a nice place with this awesome patio,” expressed Balabas. “We are hoping to have coffee ready by May 1. The patio is open. We don’t have coffee, but we do have a fridge full of goodies,” added de Soto.

Circle will soon see its food selection expand with a “heavy emphasis on locally made products whenever possible”. “It is a small boutique market where you can come and find everything you would need to make dinner that night,” explained Balabas. “We want to have everything here.

Small selection, obviously with the size of the store, but a lot more than we currently have,” said de Soto. The new owners are also currently connecting with local vendors to offer locally made food products.

“When ordering, we try to keep everything organic. Most of the suppliers we work with supply mostly organic goods,” said de Soto.

Circle offers a wide variety of zero waste options for reducing trash in your daily life routine. You can find a wide assortment of beauty products such as shampoo bars, household cleaning products such as laundry soap refills or cleaners, and bulk foods like seeds and peas.

The average person uses 10 plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles each year. It’s estimated that less than 11 per cent of plastic actually gets recycled in Canada. That Becker was making some good points and said he supported the idea of sending out a social media message.

“I’ve not heard there were difficulties at the skatepark,” said Invermere chief administrative officer Andrew Young.

Miller responded that he’s heard several comments to that effect, particularly on social media.

A few days after the discussion, the district posted a message on its Facebook page outlining the importance of following the rules of the park, respecting others, and sharing the space, with a brochure on park etiquette attached.

Several days later, another message was posted, this one addressing litter left in the skatepark, asking users to “be sure to take all of your trash with you instead of leaving it around the park...When the park has trash and litter everywhere, it makes it less appealing to go there and is terrible for the environment.”

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8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

April 22, 2021

EARTH DAY

MAKE EVERY DAY

Invermere from above.

Photo by Alexandre Beauchamp

Green initiatives from local municipalities

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com The District of Invermere, Village of Radium Hot Springs and Village of Canal Flats have all strived to be more “green” in recent years. For this issue’s Earth Day feature, the Pioneer asked each municipality what it’s doing to better the planet. Here are their answers.

How has the city contributed to a healthier planet through recent actions?

Radium: Installation of three electric vehicle charging stations; installation of solar panels at the community hall; ongoing program of replacement of street lighting and building lighting with energy efficient LED units; community garden program; office composting program; annual tree planting program; spring cleanups; ‘smart’ community planning initiatives and policies promoting a high density, service and energy-efficient infrastructure; and pedestrian-friendly community.

Invermere: Council consciously tries to apply an environmental “lens” to every decision it makes, big or small. The district installed solar panels on the Columbia Valley Centre (CVC) to help reduce the consumption of electricity provided by conventional sources (e.g. hydro-electricity); Invermere asked the public in the last election about banning the distribution and use of plastic bags in the community. Based on the public’s response,

this is now an advocacy item for council. It is something that the provincial and federal governments may pursue.

Invermere is working with the Regional District of the East Kootenay (RDEK) to build a household organics processing facility in Invermere that will be available to the entire Columbia Valley. The district is moving curbside recycling to the Recycle BC model in 2022. Invermere and the Shuswap Indian Band (SIB) have through their CEDI partnership developed an active transportation network plan. The district recently received a $1million grant from Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CEPIR) to support the development of new trails and trail improvements in the Athalmer area, including the former Lake Windermere Resort Lands.

The continuous trails that the district has been building to promote a more walkable/rideable community.

Canal Flats: In Canal Flats in 2021, we have had new energy efficient windows and new solar panels installed on our village office, which greatly reduces our energy consumption and makes our village office a net producer of electricity at certain times of year. This work was paid for with a Columbia Basin Trust grant and the solar panels installed by Solar Country: a Canal Flats firm.

What are the environmental challenges faced by the city?

Radium: Climate change factors that increase wild-

fire risks and flooding risks; forest ingrowth leading to increased wildfire risk.

Invermere: Reducing the amount of solid waste (garbage) that is going into the landfill; water conservation; reducing the DOI’s carbon emissions. *Editor’s note: the Pioneer was unable to reach Canal Flats on this question.

How will these challenges be resolved?

Radium: Continuation of actions and programs detailed in question one; adoption of new ‘green’ programs and opportunities, as they arise; continuation of the FireSmart education program to promote public awareness and action regarding wildfire best practices on private property.

Invermere: The district is exploring options to move to curbside organic pick up within the next couple of years to help reduce the amount of material going into the landfill. Currently, Invermere has Stage Two water use restrictions in place, but we need to follow those actions up with additional public education on the benefits of water conservation. The district has many facilities and vehicles that it carefully monitors and maintains, in part to help reduce carbon emissions, and also to reduce municipal costs. *Editor’s note: the Pioneer was unable to reach Canal Flats on this question.

Is it a boy or girl baby turtle?

Submitted by Larry Halverson Unlike birds, turtles don’t sit on their eggs. The female just digs a nest in the ground and then leaves her eggs to develop. Whether an egg hatches male or female depends on the temperature of its nest. Painted turtles undergo a phenomenon called “temperature-dependent sex determination” while developing inside the egg. Unlike mammals, birds, and other creatures, whose sex is set by the chromosomes they get from their parents, the trigger that causes turtle embryos to develop into baby boys or girls comes from outside the egg. Warmer temperatures during incubation will make The Painted Turtle is the only native freshwater turtle in B.C. the hatchlings female. But keep the eggs just a few degrees cooler; they’ll come out mostly male.

So increasing average temperatures due to climate change could disrupt the ratio of males to females and even threaten the survival of the species. Researchers studying painted turtles determined that an average temperature increase of just 1.1 degrees Celsius would be enough to skew the population to all females, which would ultimately lead to extinction. Especially since they live in small areas where there is little choice about where to lay eggs, and they can’t migrate like birds. So this is one species that can’t stand the heat.

With the clear skies, the Western Painted Turtles are out in full force, trying to catch a little sun.

Photos by Larry Halverson

April 22, 2021

A tomorrow like today

Climate action is not a political issue or charitable cause- it’s something that can bring our community together to keep our home on earth the spectacular place Earth day is a day where people flood social media that it is. Studies have shown that investments into cliwith stunning photos of the world’s natural wonders. mate and hazard mitigation result in at least triple the We’ve got a lot of reasons to be thankful, living here in the future savings due to avoided recovery costs. From an Columbia Valley. It’s easy to appreciate the hot springs, economic perspective, climate action is important for the majestic mountains, and countless lakes that make the economic future of our country. From a personal perspective, climate action can protect Columbia Valley an irresistible tourist our pow days and reduce our smoky attraction. From bluebird days on the summers.

Whiteway to secret fishing holes, we Individuals, businesses, corporaall have a reason to appreciate our local tions and governments all have a role landscape. In addition to reflecting on to play in protecting our wonderful why we love our home, today is a good home. While we can all try to live sustime to think about what we could do tainably, it is important for our muto preserve our paradise. nicipal governments to support our Our climate has been changing efforts. In 2010, the District of Inverover the last century, and the rate of mere (DOI) and the Regional District these changes is speeding up over time. of the East Kootenays (RDEK) set tarElder Alfred Joseph, former chief of gets for reducing green-house gas the –akis“nuk nation, has witnessed emissions. The deadline for these plans changes in our local climate firsthand. has passed, and many of the targets “I’ve got recordings of the generation have gone unmet. New targets with that came before me where one fellow real action plans and check in mechasays that … when he was younger, they Submitted by ColumbiYA nisms are needed for our municipal govused to have seven-foot snowfall down here (in the Valley). By the time I came along, we were getting 2 feet, and ernments to do their part. Afterall, everyone in the Cothey said that wasn’t a lot of snow.” This story is mirrored lumbia Valley wants a future of economic prosperity, by climate records. According to a Columbia Basin Trust snowy winters, and crisp fresh air. It’s time to put effort report, the Cranbrook to Golden region has been experi- into securing the near-future that we desire.

We know that the residents of the Columbia Valley encing around 48 per cent more winter rain and 13 per are proud to call this place home for a wide variety of cent less winter snow since the 1960s.

The changes in our local climate put the future of reasons. We would like to hear from you- what are your many of our recreational activities at risk. In northern favorite things about the Columbia Valley? Post your regions like Canada, the climate is changing more rapidly thoughts on Instagram with the hashtag #ClimateResilthan nearer to the equator. Our lifestyles will be forced to iantColumbia or email us at columbiya.info@gmail.com. adapt as the climate does. Higher levels of spring rainfall Submissions will be used to create an infographic. All will increase our flooding risk and longer, drier summers participants will be entered for a chance to win a customized local gift with a value of at least $50. will result in worse wildfire seasons.

Submitted by Amira Elwakeel ColumbiYA

Committed to our planet Submitted by College of the Rockies It’s Earth Day – a great time to celebrate, and commit to continuing to take care of, the most awesome planet in our solar system (in our opinion)!

Even before College of the Rockies began offering our Bachelor of Business Administration in Sustainable Business Practices program in 2010, we were committed to being a leader in alternative energies and to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and hydroelectricity.

We’re lucky enough to be located in one of the sunniest places in B.C. To take full advantage, our Pinnacle Hall trades building boasts a solar wall, and both our Purcell House student housing building and our Kootenay Centre building house forms of solar technology.

In fact, we aim to meet the most stringent energy standards for all new construction at our campuses. Our most recent project, the stunningly beautiful student housing village, meets Step 5 of the BC Energy Step

t

Code requirements, representing ‘net-zero energy ready’, the standard met by the most energy-efficient projects.

Earlier this year, we were excited to add our most recent sustainable projects to our Cranbrook campus: a two-vehicle electric vehicle charging station, and an on-campus composter that is already hard at work converting food waste to useable compost.

Not all sustainable projects need to be big undertakings, though. In addition to the day-to-day green business practices employed at our campuses, our Sustainability Committee has helped drive a substantial expansion of the recycling program at all our campuses, including the installation of clearly labelled recycling pods. And most of our campuses feature refilling stations to encourage the use of reusable water bottles, reducing our reliance on single-use plastics.

Though Earth Day may only come once a year, College of the Rockies is committed to helping to take care of our planet each and every day. Happy Earth Day!

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9 Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world.

Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

- Margaret Mead

COTR.CA

Please join Wildsight Invermere for our

Annual General Meeting Tuesday, April 27th at 7 pm via Zoom In order to vote, you must be an active member for at least 24 hours (last date for membership, April 26 at 7 pm).

We will be drawing 2 tickets for our E Bike raffle as a draw prize for the AGM; all members attending will be automatically entered.

For more information and to get the link to zoom please go to https://wildsight.ca/events/ wildsight-invermere-2021-annual-general-meeting/ or call Karen at 250-341-6898.

Columbia Valley Community Foundation

2021 Student Awards Application deadline:

Saturday, May 15th, 12 p.m.

Details, including eligibility and applications are available at:

valleyfoundation.ca/ Students/ 2021 Student Awards: Arnold Ellis Scholarship Alan J. Witherspoon Fine Arts Award Bidder Bursary Award Erwin Kloos Memorial Award Arnold Ellis’ (right) gift to our community has resulted in over $326,000 in student awards since the fund’s creation in 2014.

WWW.VALLEYFOUNDATION.CA

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10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

April 22, 2021

The valley’s first certified Net-Zero Ready home

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com A few months ago, a house in Windermere became the first certified Net-Zero Ready home in the Columbia Valley.

Indeed the home, which belongs to local couple Scott and Cori Wilisky, is also the first certified Net-Zero Ready home in the East Kootenay and the 19th to be certified in the entire province.

Scott, owner of STW Builders, built the house with his crew, and he and Cori moved in to the home in May 2019.

Although the house was Net-Zero Ready as soon as the family moved in, getting the certification (which comes through the Photos by Kyla Jayne Photograhy Canada Home Builders Association, CHBA) took more than 20 months, partly because the certification process simply takes awhile.

A Net-Zero home is one that produces as much energy as it consumes. The first step in creating a Net-Zero house is contacting an energy advisor or Net-Zero builder to figure out how much energy your new house will use (or your current house uses, if you are seeking to refit or renovate an existing home to become Net-Zero). This then lets you know how much energy your house needs to produce to offset the consumption.

The Wiliskys’ home produces energy through the solar panels Scott installed on the roof.

Scott explained to the Pioneer that he wanted to build a Net-Zero home “partly for the energy efficiency and partly for the overall comfort. You not only save money, but the air is fresher, the temperature is very consistent in the house and there are no cold spots. There are a lot of good reasons to have a Net-Zero house, but no matter which reason you choose, at the end you have a nice, comfortable home, which is great.”

Another benefit of a Net-Zero home is that they tend to be quieter, with much less outside sound audible inside.

In the long-term Net-Zero makes a lot of sense, outlined Scott.

“Why would you build a home that meets code today, when you can build a home that will meet the codes of the future?”

Several criteria and design elements help the Wiliskys’ home meet Net-Zero standards. The house’s air tightness had to be less than 1.5 air changes per hour. All the windows are superior-quality triple pane. There is plenty of extra insulation (the walls have an effective R value of R38, the roof an effective R value of R56), and there is a hot water heat pump.

Although it doesn’t count towards a Net-Zero Ready certification (which is based on electricity use), Scott uses a wood-burning stove to help heat his home, which offsets the conventional heating he needs.

Cutting Edge Carpentry Inc.

Scott Wilisky

Licensed Residential Builder Invermere and Area scott@stwbuilders.com www.stwbuilders.com 250-270-0745

“The house is oriented to be south-facing so that in wintertime, the sun puts heat into the building,” said Scott (the home has a big bank of windows on its south-facing wall). “The coldest days of the year in the

Columbia Valley are also often the sunniest, so they are some of the easiest to heat our house, because not only do you have the sun pouring in the windows, you also have the solar panels really going.”

Scott has added electric exterior blinds to the windows, which he can close in the summer, to prevent passive solar energy pouring in and to help make the house cooler. The house also has no west-facing windows, which tend to be the worst for inadvertently heating a house in summertime.

“It’s extremely comfortable, and we didn’t have to skimp on anything. We didn’t cut corners to make it. You can have a normal house and you can have a high-end house that is Net-Zero. It’s a bit more complex, but not too much more,” said Scott. “Even the size of the home doesn’t matter too much in the end. All you need is to think about the design a bit more: where will the windows go, what is the heat source going to be, how are you going to place the home on the property, and those kinds of things.”

Scott is working on two other Net-Zero buildings in the Columbia Valley, which should be finished in a few months time. One is a 9,500 square foot Net-Zero home, and the other is the Radium micro brew-pub. Although the Radium brewery cannot be CHBA certified as a Net-Zero home (because it is a commercial building instead of a home), it will be the first Net-Zero commercial building in the Columbia Valley.

On Earth Day, Thursday, April 22, when this issue of the Pioneer hits newsstands, the home will be featured in a CHBA webinar on Net-Zero building.

To learn more visit: www.stwbuilders.com or contact Scott at scott@stwbuilders.com.

CBEEN goes Canada-wide Submitted by CBEEN

http://www.kootenaygamblingsupport.com

After piloting their Non-profit Outdoor Learning Store in June 2020 in the Columbia Basin, the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN) expanded in September to offer this to the rest of B.C. As a result of that success, CBEEN has now opened this social enterprise to the rest of the country, launching Canada’s Non-profit Outdoor Learning Store on March 1, 2021.

Not only will this social enterprise provide educators from across Canada with easy access to excellent outdoor and environmental learning resources, but it will also bring financial support and resources to non-profit outdoor & environmental learning programs.

Duncan Whittick, CBEEN’s Executive Director, reflected that “With society

recognizing more and more that outdoor and environmental learning is essential to supporting our health, including the health of our planet, we are very grateful to be able to offer this at this time.”

One of the Outdoor Learning Store’s Indigenous Advisors, Jenna Jesak, shared “I am very excited to have access to local outdoor educational resources which also incorporate local Indigenous content. I cannot wait to use the resources with my students and my own children!”

In order to support the successful implementation of these resources and equipment, CBEEN has partnered up with twenty other outdoor learning non-profits from across the country to offer a series of free spring virtual workshops with some of the top names in the field.

For more information visit: https:// outdoorlearningstore.ca/

April 22, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

THERE ARE TWO STREAMS FOR RECYCLING IN THE EAST KOOTENAY The Yellow Bins & Municipal Curbside Pick-up in Fernie & Invermere

Recycle BC Depots Throughout the Region & Cranbrook Curbside Pick-up

The RDEK pays for each tonne collected through the Yellow Bins and curbside pick-up in Fernie and Invermere.

The RDEK is paid for each tonne collected through the Recycle BC Depots throughout the region as well as Cranbrook’s curbside pick-up (Cranbrook curbside begins May 3)

Only these products can be recycled in the Yellow Bins or curbside in Fernie and Invermere.

PAPER (such as newspaper, magazines, phone books, brochures, envelopes).

CARDBOARD all types of cardboard. Exception: Cardboard covered in wax (for example milk cartons) or soiled with food or grease (like pizza boxes) cannot be recycled in this system.

TIN & ALUMINUM CANS food and beverage cans; labels off, rinse well.

PLASTICS Grocery bags and plastic with the # 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 on it. Plastics must be rinsed and every item must have a number on it. No Styrofoam, even though it will be marked a #6.

Recycle BC is a not-for-profit organization responsible for residential packaging and paper product recycling throughout BC. Recycle BC is funded by producers that supply packaging and paper products to BC residents, keeping the costs away from tax payers.

By adopting the Recycle BC program, we are able to recycle many new products that are not available through the Yellow Bin system. These include milk cartons, ziploc bags, styrofoam, coated paper cups, bubble wrap, flexible plastic packaging, potato chip bags, aluminum foil & pie plates, and many more.

RESIDENTIAL RECYCLING IN THE EAST KOOTENAY IS MOVING FORWARD. The Province’s new provincially regulated residential paper and packaging Recycle BC program provides more options and a cheaper solution, while markets for independent recycling programs (like the Yellow Bin program) become harder to find and are much more expensive. Recycle BC Depots can be found throughout the East Kootenay at the Invermere, Kimberley, Cranbrook, Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford Transfer Stations.

So, what does that mean?

The Recycle BC program accepts more than 76 additional recyclables than the Yellow Bins, and it pays the RDEK over $125/tonne for every tonne collected in the Recycle BC program. The public can recycle far less in the Yellow Bins – and its costs taxpayers an average of $325/tonne for every tonne collected. That is a total difference of $450/tonne.

Cost savings.

This cost savings, combined with the shrinking markets, mean the way we recycle is moving forward.

THE FIRST

‘R’ is REDUCE

We are all familiar with the 3 Rs; Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. It’s not by chance that Reduce is first on the list. If we make an effort to cut back in little ways, we will all see a big change.

IN 2020 RESIDENTS OF THE RDEK RECYCLED A WHOLE BUNCH! Thanks for doing your part to help divert waste from needlessly going to the landfills.

Paper & Cardboard Products 5,501,000 kg

I weigh 100,000 kg!

55 Blue Whales

Mixed Containers 280,000 kg

2.8 Blue Whales

Container Glass 254,000 kg

2.54 Blue Whales

Use a reusable coffee cup and shopping bags, don’t buy bottled water, look for products with minimal packaging, these small steps are simple and very effective.

Recycle all this packaging and so much more through Recycle BC Depots.

I weigh 4,000 kg!

Flexible Packaging, Plastic Bags & Overwrap 87,000 kg

21.75 Elephants

Styrofoam 16,000 kg

4 Elephants

1-888-478-7335 | www.rdek.bc.ca

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

April 22, 2021

Plight of the Toby Canyon Goats

Submitted by Wildsight Invermere

enforcement of closures in the area, has already meant that the Toby Canyon goat herd – once 80 strong – has dwindled to an estimated 16. Thus, while logging is by no means the only threat to the mountain goats, it could very well be the proverbial nail in the coffin.

Mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) are an iconic species of B.C. that both represent and require wilderness. Approximately half of the world’s population resides within our province, inhabiting the craggy slopes of the Rockies and Purcells. Eking out an existence at a higher and steeper elevation than any other hoofed animal in North America, mountain goats are the planet’s original – and arguably most accomplished – alpinists.

In our own corner of the province, we are fortunate enough to play host to a unique lower-elevation herd, the Toby Canyon mountain goats.

After a long Canadian winter, even the hardiest of creatures require sustenance and, come spring, mountain goats will travel many miles in search of minerals to replenish what they’ve lost during the coldest months of the year. The Toby Canyon, which boasts a prominent mineral lick, is therefore something of a mecca for these mountain pilgrims, and each year, a herd of goats makes the journey to the porous cliffsides Photo by Jillian Cooper overlooking Toby Creek.

Unfortunately, the pilgrimage of the Toby Canyon After all, a cut block on a mountain top that affords goat herd may be coming to an end. Logging by Canfor superb vistas, in addition to the road and bridge infraand BC Timber Sales, planned in the Kreuter Creek area, structure required for logging equipment, will provide will threaten the wildlife corridor to the lick. Mountain largely uninhibited access and establish a pattern of use goats — a wary species, vulnerable to even the slightest by various groups that is unlikely to stop even after Candisturbance — are unlikely to tolerate the profound dis- for closes the area following project completion. Even in turbance caused by a cut block. the unlikely case that it does stop, it would be a small Over the years, the onslaught of ever-increasing rec- miracle if the herd returned to the area following such reational pressure, as well as the lack of respect for and intense disruption.

The Toby Canyon herd is far from alone in its plight.

Recent census data for mountain goats in the region is grim, showing a 38 per cent population reduction in less than 20 years. The silver lining is that we did see localized population increases in protected areas and areas without roads. Such a finding has clear and direct implications for the future of the Toby Canyon mountain goats – if we value the herd and want them to remain, then forestry practices must change.

We never thought that we would lose the mountain caribou in the Purcells, and now they’re gone. The Toby Canyon mountain goats may ‘just’ be one herd, but that’s how it so often begins – and their departure from the Canyon and our region could, ultimately, spell the extirpation of the species from our area.

We’re not ready to call it quits, however. On April 22 at 7 p.m., learn more about these iconic mountain creatures. We’re bringing together three panelists — Douglas Chadwick, renowned wildlife biologist, photographer, National Geographic journalist and author of A Beast the Color of Winter; John Bergenske, Wildsight’s Conservation Director; and John Zehnder, local rancher and mountain goat advocate — for a webinar exploring the conservations strategies that may yet help us to safeguard a future for the planet’s original alpinist.

To register for the webinar, visit: Wildsight.ca/ Events/Original-Alpinists With questions, please email Kat Graves at ccrc@wildsight.ca

Local fund supports water, wildlife and wetlands Headwater Lakes share many similar properties and face common concerns.

The CVLCF will also be continuing to support the East Kootenay Invasive Species Council’s work to decrease the infestation levels of the invasive weed Leafy Spurge, and the Farmland Advantage Stewardship Project, which is working with farmers to conserve habitats and fragile ecosystems on their farms in the Columbia Valley.

bia Wetlands Stewardship Partners that aims to conserve priority wetlands and the species that rely on them amid climate change impacts.

“Restore our Earth” is the theme for Earth Day New projects for 2021 include a Windermere Creek 2021, and eight important local conservation projects study to assess re-routing water to an upstream wetland were recently approved by the Regional District of East to reduce extreme flooding and restore ecological value Kootenay (RDEK) to receive funding from the Columof the wetland and enhancing wildlife and species at risk bia Valley Local Conservation Fund (CVLCF) in 2021 habitat in the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Kootenay will be doing their part. These projects will benefit River Ranch Conservation Area near Canal Flats.

Columbia Valley communities and local environ“These important projects work towards mainment in a myriad of ways, and two of the projects taining and enhancing the conservation values in were granted a new multi-year funding model to this important valley,” said Juliet Craig, Program help guarantee their success in the years to come.

Manager for the Kootenay Conservation Program, “I really appreciate the work of the Columwhich works in partnership with the RDEK to adbia Valley Local Conservation Fund ‘s Technical minister the fund. “We had excellent applications Review Committee (TRC) when it comes to reto the CVLCF again this year for projects that viewing and ranking the applications,” said RDEK steward wildlife, habitat and water, and ultimately Area F Director Susan Clovechok. “In particular, I contribute to our quality of life.” am very pleased that this year we, the RDEK CoThe CVLCF was established by the RDEK in lumbia Valley directors, worked together with the 2008 by referendum. Property owners in RDEK TRC to update the terms of reference and includColumbia Valley sub-region pay an annual tax of ed the addition of a multi-year funding option. $20 per parcel towards this dedicated fund, which Multi-year funding will provide critical ongoing provides financial support to local projects that projects with funding security while reducing the help conserve and restore the region’s prized natworkload for the organizations that manage them, ural surroundings.

The Upper Columbia Swallow Habitat Enhancement Project through Wildand still maintaining accountability. This is parTo find out if your idea for a conservation sight Golden is one of the first projects to receive multi-year funding through ticularly important for those organizations that project qualifies, or if you have any questions the CVLCF. Photo by Rachel Darvill depend primarily on volunteers to complete their about the fund, contact KCP Program Manager important work.”

Juliet Craig at 250-352-2260 or email juliet@kooA local government service with dedicated funds for Other projects receiving funding are the Upper Co- tenayconservation.ca. conservation, the CVLCF will be continuing to support lumbia Swallow Habitat Enhancement Project through The application intake for 2022 projects will open the water monitoring and stewardship work done by Wildsight Golden, which is working to protect the Val- in August 2021 and all applications must be received on the Lake Windermere Ambassadors and Columbia Lake ley’s population of swallows that are in steep decline else- or by October 29, 2021. For more information on the Stewardship Society, which will be working more closely where in Canada; and the Conservation of Biodiversity CVLCF, visit: https://kootenayconservation.ca/cvlcf/. together starting in 2021 since the two Columbia River in Columbia Wetlands project delivered by the ColumBy Nicole Trigg Kootenay Conservation Program

a

April 22, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

t’ s W h HAPPENING

Happy

65 Birthday th

Fred Kinsey April 28th

Hospice

in the Columbia Valley

Thursday, April 22

Monday, April 26

• 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.

• 9:30 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.

• 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

• 10 - 6 pm: Bottle Drive: Rotary Fundraiser. the Rotary Club collects refundable bottles and cans at the Invermere Transfer Station. Drop off your bottles at the designated bin near exit. We sort and deliver for refund - this money goes “right back into the community” through our Projects and Initiatives.

• 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.

• 5 – 9 pm: 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.

Friday, April 23 • 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!

• 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 • Bingo Online – 6:00 streaming on Face Book. Go to ‘Rotary Community Online Bingo’ for playing instructions, and buy cards at https://folden-rotary.myshopify.com

Saturday, April 24 • 10 am - 3 pm: Hospice Swims the Lake! On July 8th 2021, 7 am three brave Hospice volunteer swimmers will leave Lakeshore Campground to James Chabot Beach in Invermere. To add to the fun of the challenge, The Hospice Society will sell Raffle Tickets, starting April 3rd until July 3rd (or sold out) every Saturday at Home Hardware from 10 to 3. Tickets are as follows: 1 for $10, 3 for $20. Visit www.hospicesocietycv.com for a complete list of prizes and donors.

Sunday, April 25 • 10 - 6 pm: Bottle Drive: Rotary Fundraiser. the Rotary Club collects refundable bottles and cans at the Invermere Transfer Station. Drop off your bottles at the designated bin near exit. We sort and deliver for refund - this money goes “right back into the community” through our Projects and Initiatives.

Swims the Lake

GRAND PRIZE 4 nights stay and 1 welcome dinner at SLR K2 Ranch.

A value of $2,500

Tuesday, April 27 • 9 am: Strong Start at Edgewater Elementary. Please email any questions or to reserve your space at skalesnikoff@cbal.org or call 250409-4251.

• 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

Wednesday, April 28 • 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

Other Major Prizes • • • •

Banff Springs Hotel ($400), Brunch at Banff Park Lodge ($170), Dinner at Touloulou’s Restaurant ($250) For a total value of $820 Nipika Mountain Resort, Guided paddle on Kootenay River – $600 McDonald’s Law Corp., Estate Planning $500 Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, 2 nights stay and 1 golf game $540

List of Prizes • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Fusion Wellness Spa — $200 Smokehouse 93 — $100 Sobeys Invermere — $300 Avenue, Summit Footwear and Inside Edge — $150 1 painting from Leslie Cartwright — $150 Home Hardware any purchase in store — $150 Crossroads Esso purchase of card — $100 Valley Fitness Centre 1 – 10 hole Punch Pass — $162 Valley Zipline Adventures ($84) and Scootin’ Kootenay Segway ($79) –f $163 Horsethief Pub — $100 Hoodoos Resort – Gas valued at 50 and Lucky Gas valued at 50 — $100 Family Chiropractic 2 orthopedic pillows — $120 Tim Hortons – Gift Basket — $100 St Eugene’s Mission Golf and Stay 1 night stay and on 18 holes golf game for 2 people including cart — $349 Kicking Horse Coffee ($100) and Winderberry & Edible Acres ($50) — $150 Fairmont Mountain Side Grocery ($50) and Healing Forest Walk w Pat Bavin ($50) — $100 Lakeside Bike Co. Free Level 1 Tuneup — $100 Spur Valley Golf – 4 people — $120 Columbia Paddle Kayak and Canoe Rental 4 hour paddle for 4 people — $190 Paradise Lodge 1 night stay for 2 people 1/2 price for second night available — $325

• • • • • • • • • •

Pandora Bracelet and Bead in Banff 1 Bracelet — $240 2 Stain Glass Lanterns from Ceasar – Canal Flats — $200 Eagle Ranch Golf – 18 Holes – 2 people including cart — $240 Warwick Interior Décor — $100 Windermere Valley Golf – 18 Holes – 4 including cart — $204 Bootleg Gap – 18 Holes – 2 people w/ cart Monday thru Thursday only — $120 Golden Golf Club – 18 Holes – 2 people — $120 1 Metal or Wood Art – Bill Dorschuck — $200 1 Painting – Win Kemper — $100 Canadian Mountain Holidays — Therm-ic Socks — $320 Rona Hardware ($50) and AG Valley Foods ($150) — $200 Riverview B & B – Fairmont – 1nt King Suite – Arrival Dinner & Hot Breakfast — $200 Canadian Tire – 1 Inflatable Kayak — $300 Pete’s Marina – 2 Hour Rental Pontoon Boat — $400 Valley Coffee Co. ($50), From Scratch Restaurant ($50), La Galleria ($50) and Purple Cow Gift Shop ($25) — $175.00 ULLR Bar 100 — $100, Station Pub restaurant — $25 — $125 Sobeys — $203 Copper Point Golf Course 2 rounds at the Ridge — $196 Black Forest Steak & Schnitzel Haus Gift Certificate value $100 and Columbia

Hospice • •

Swims the Lake • • • • • • •

If you have a residence in BC you can purchase tickets online.

Visit www.hospicesocietycv.com

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

April 22, 2021

HERE TO SERVE YOU SERVICES

SERVICES

SERVICE EXCELLENCE

Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

North American Warranty

IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

SINCE 1991

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS

All Makes and Models

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

Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700

Tire Sales and Installation

We give all students 15% off with valid student ID

unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

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

WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM

Beat the fall rush ~ clean your Chimney this spring!

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHIMNEY SWEEPS LTD. 804 Almberg Road, Golden, BC V0A 1H2 CELL: 250.272.5599 OFFICE: 250.344.7323 todd@rockymountainchimneysweeps.com rockymountainchimneysweeps.com

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE ON ALL WOOD BURNING APPLIANCES • WETT INSPECTIONS

• • • •

Doors Windows Flooring Painting/Interior/ Exterior • Kitchen Renovations • Window Coverings

• Bathroom Renovations • Additions • Decks • Finish Carpentry • Basement Renovations

KITCHEN CABINETS & COUNTER TOPS

915 7th Avenue, Unit B, Invermere • EMAIL: fairmontridge@telus.net • 250-342-4663 • Interior/Exterior Painting • Staining • Clear Coat • New Construction • Renovations

Scott Postlethwaite

Residential, Commercial Electric Furnace and Hot Water Tank Repair and Service For All Your Electrical Needs

Free Estimates

invermereelectric@gmail.com

1710 10th Avenue – Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

HOW WE ROLL Gerard Rehman

(7655) LetUsRoll4U@Gmail.com

4950 Hot Springs Rd. Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. V0B 1L1

Fully Insured

Cell: 250-342-5645 • efrater@telus.net

Toll Free 1-88

20 years experience • Satisfaction guaranteed!

Serving the Valley for over 20 years!

Everett Frater Enterprises

Kootenay

Ph: 250-688-ROLL

Spring Cleaning • Lawn Maintenance Commercial Residential

• Patches • Driveways • Crack Sealing • Parking Lots • Roads • And more!

(Servicing the Valley since 1999)

NEW SEWER CAMERA

Kootenay Paving

• Septic Tank Pumping • Portable Toilet Rentals

Toll Free 1-888-341-2221

Call now for a free quote!

Locally operated, with full-time staff to serve you better.

• A well maintained septic system • Complete sewer/drain repairs should be pumped every 2-3 years • Reasonable rates – Seniors’ discount • Avoid costly repairs • Speedy service – 7 days a week

1756 Hwy 93/95, Windermere, B.C. V0B 2L2 Phone: 250-342-6500 • Fax: 250-342-3484

Bruce Dehart 250.347.9803 or 250.342.5357

LANDSCAPING

PHARMACIES

LAMBERT-KIPP

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY’S TREE CARE SPECIALISTS WINDERMERE, BC 250-341-7029

GOLDEN, BC 250-344-0188

P H A R M A C Y ( 2 0 1 9 ) LT D .

Come in and browse our giftware

GET YOUR QUOTE AT WWW.GREENLEAFTREE.CA INFO@GREENLEAFTREE.CA

Irena Shepard, B.Sc. (Pharm.)., Émilie Lamoureux, Pharm D., Laura Kipp, Pharm D. Your Compounding Pharmacy

Open Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

R O O T E D I N T H E C O L U M B I A VA L L E Y S I N C E 2 0 0 7

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

250-342-6612

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

N E W S PA P E R

April 22, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

HERE TO SERVE YOU INSURANCE

INSURANCE

CONTRACTING

Patryk Jagiello STAIN/LACQUER/PAINT INTERIOR/EXTERIOR patco_dev@shaw.ca

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

BOX 2228 742 - 13th STREET INVERMERE, BC V0A 1K0 P: 250-342-3031 F: 250-342-6945 info@lambertinsurance.ca

BOX 459 7553 MAIN STREET RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BC V0A 1M0 P: 250-347-9350 F: 250-347-6350 TOLL FREE: 1-866-342-3031

P.O. Box 130 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Office: 250-342-2175 • Fax: 250-342-2669 Cindy.mackay@kootenayinsurance.ca

www.kootenayinsurance.ca

CONTRACTING

CONTRACTING

There’s a new ‘Sucker’ in town!

Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood.

Vacuum/ Septic tank pumping

Slurpy

Registered ROWP Serving all areas from Wasa to Golden

MOUNTAIN RIDGE HYDROVAC & SEWER 250-342-1502 • 250-342-1551

• Fireplaces • Commercial and residential • New builds • Renovations.

A licensed, registered and bonded company

We also offer roundthe-clock service calls.

Give us a call! James, 250-688-1267 or Jerry, 250-342-5299 Email: jeffersoncontractingltd@gmail.com

INTERIOR • EXTERIOR • WALL COVERINGS Seniors Discounts

Gary’s

CUSTOM WOOD FINISHING FAUX FINISHES JOURNEYMAN RED SEAL

403-650-4622 • garysptg@gmail.com

in Calgary since 2002 in Invermere since 2004

Patco Developments Ltd. PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS

Big Cat Painting For all your painting needs!

250-688-9418 • www.bigcatpainting.ca Serving the East Kootenay area!

DESIGN BUILD

New Homes, Renovations, Additions, & Kitchens

Professional Painting & Decorating Ltd. 1978 FREE Estimates

(250) 270-0345

• Trusses • Engineered Floors • Wall Panels 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 Concrete Sales ~ Concrete Pump ~ Sand and Gravel Sales

CONC RETE

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

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

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)

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

• 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 Just a reminder… The HTSY deadline is 12 noon Friday.

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

SHARE YOUR VIEWS The Special Committee to Review Provisions of the Election Act wants to hear from you about:

ANNUAL ALLOWANCES FOR BC POLITICAL PARTIES Share your thoughts by May 28.

For full details visit our website, email us at electionactcommittee@leg.bc.ca, or call us toll-free at 1-877-428-8337

www.leg.bc.ca/cmt/rpea

April 22, 2021

Wings Over the Rockies features mountaineer and polar expert

nizes the vital role that outdoors plays in our physical and mental well-being but also that humans have a reWings Over the Rockies returns for the 24th an- sponsibility to protect these special natural places. Ross nual nature festival from May 10 to May 16 with Alex MacDonald, Wings Board Chair, states “In a year that Taylor as the featured presenter. Alex is a mountaineer, has been difficult for everyone, the opportunity to spend time outdoors, experience polar guide, firefighter, nature and learn more human-wildlife conflict about it will lift our spirits. technician, photographer, The 2021 version of Wings and drone pilot. Although offers activities to rejuvemuch of his work has been nate and energize at a time in the Canadian Rockwhen we need positive exies, his love of the Polar periences.”

Regions’ incredible landBrian Keating, a longscapes, wildlife, history and time Wings supporter and culture keep him returning Calgary Zoo’s Honorary to these remote regions.

Conservation Advisor, is a Alex presents The Wonder special guest speaker, preof a Penguin Summer, live online on Saturday, May Male Dusky Grouse on display on Hoodoo Ridge, East Koote- senting “Great Big Adven15. He also leads two walks nay is one of the many birds you might encounter on a Wings tures” live online on Thursentitled Think Like a Bear. Over the Rockies activity. day, May 13. Brian has Submitted photo been leading groups on naAlex is just one of the experienced presenters who will lead and inform festi- ture-based travel for over three decades, exploring some val participants at more than 110 Wings activities. They of the best wildlife areas on the Planet. His knowledge will encourage everyone to be “Inspired by Nature”, the and enthusiasm will inspire you.

Continued on page 19... theme of the 2021 festival. Inspired by Nature recogSubmitted by Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival

HERE TO SERVE YOU CONCRETE

CONCRETE I N

P U R S U I T

• 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.

O F

EXCELLENCE Skandia Concrete • Manufacturers & suppliers of quality concrete & gravel products • Experienced, professional operators and the right equipment to get your job done • Serving the valley for over 30 years

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

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

SERVICES Your Weekly Source for News and Events

Where to recycle?

N E W S PA P E R

Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia #8, 1008 - 8th Avenue PO Box 868, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 www.rcbc.ca

Amanda Murray

Ph: 250-341-6299 ext: 101

Office Administrator/ www.columbiavalleypioneer.com Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR Sales amanda@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

Columbia Concrete Inc.

CARPET CLEANING Enjoy life, we’ll clean it up!

20 years’ experience • Anything concrete!

• • • •

Basements Garage pads Driveways Patios

• • • •

Decorative Exposed Stamped concrete Acid staining

WE RESEAL CONCRETE

250-688-3739

• Carpets dry in 1 hour • Environmentally friendly products • Disinfectant kills COVID-19 • Fresh clean scent – no steam • Area rugs and upholstery • Protector • 100% guarantee • Prompt reliable service

Serving the Columbia Valley

SERVICES

Where to recycle?

Call NOW:

250-688-0213

Visit www.heavensbest.com for more information

Can this be recycled?

TILE AND GROUT

Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia 604-RECYCLE (732-9253) 1-800-667-4321

Check theCLEANING BC RECYCLEpEdia Business: RR#4 2117–13 Ave. Cell: www.rcbc.ca 250-342-9692 Invermere, BC 250-342-1273

Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR

Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR ptarmiganrugclean@gmail.com

V0A 1K4

April 22, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

P ioneer C lassifieds

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

NOTE: Cheers Without Tears has replaced Cheers & Jeers ~ Let’s highlight the positive!

IN MEMORIAM

In loving memory of Ted February 3rd, 1934 – April 24th, 2006.

If the roses grow in heaven lord, please pick a bunch for me.

Please place them in my husband’s arms and tell him they’re from me. Tell him that I love him and miss him, and when he turns to smile, place a kiss upon his cheek and hold him for awhile because remembering him is easy, I do it everyday. But there is an ache within my heart that will never go away.

Love you forever. Till we meet again.

~ Edel ~

R HOOforAY! BOBBY FENTON and her Eldorado

Great to knew ya!

She is prospecting in the great beyond now.

Friends, customers and acquaintances.

❤+

+

+

ANNOUNCEMENT 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.

Al-Anon.

Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us on a “ZOOM” meeting every Monday at 7 p.m. For more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship, please call 250342-8255.

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

LOST AND FOUND

Huge Cheers to Mandi at Rona for always supporting Edgewater Legion Branch #199, whether it be a donation or a discount, she always goes above and beyond!

Also Cheers to Susan for the great professional service! We Cheers you all!

Cheers to the gentleman who pressed a $20 on us as we were doing the lakeshore cleanup on Sunday. It’s going to Lake Windermere Ambassadors.

FOUND: Garmin black watch found in the wood waste pile at the Windermere Land Fill. Please call the Pioneer at 250-341-6299 to claim.

CHEERS! to our local Veterinarians. April 24th is World Veterinary Day and is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of veterinarians to the health of animals, people and the environment. Thank you to our Invermere Vets, Dr. Mark, Dr. Stephanie and Dr. Stan for your unwavering care of our pets. Also Dr. Bruce who is retired but is a part of our community... we celebrate and our grateful for all our local Veterinarians and thank you all for your dedication.

Cheers to Morgan at EMP for assembling and delivering the Sunshine Kits for families isolating at home. Thanks for bringing cheer to so many.

Cheers for the Cheer donated by Black Art Studio, Mainstreet Fun & Games, Winderberry Nursery, Dollarstore, Red Apple and Sobeys for the Sunshine Kits at EMP. CHEERS to our incredible community for supporting us (The Station Pub) with all the takeout orders and deck dining!

As new owners + dealing with COVID curveballs, we’ve been literally overwhelmed at times: please always tell us if we make a mistake, so we can make it right and learn for next time.

We’re proud to be your pub.

Cheers to Reg Reinhardt for showing us the true meaning of Neighbours helping Neighbours.

Your spontaneous response and tireless efforts in fighting the North face of the wildfire west of Radium on the 17th were a big part of the reason we turned what could have been a very bad day into a good one.

Cheers to all who helped in the search for our old dog Fish. We live in such a caring community.

Cheers to the person who found him and brought him to the vet in the morning. Fish is home safe now and we are so relieved.

Cheers to the hardworking board, its planner, volunteers and community partners of the Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival for striving to create a COVID aware festival this spring.

In these uncertain and stressful times, we need to reconnect with the outdoors more than ever.

Big Cheers to Lee’s Small Engine Repair. The man can fix anything.

Much appreciated, great work!

LISTINGS NEEDED!

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

Please contact 250-688-3739.

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE

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 CONDO FOR SALE

WHY LIST WITH GERRY?

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

BUYING OR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202

gerrytaft.ca Personal Real Estate Corporation

Rockies West Realty Independently owned and operated

LOST AND FOUND LOST: Earring with hanging blue sapphire stone circled in small diamonds lost in Radium on Thursday April 16. Please call if found. I’d be very grateful! 250290-0228

SERVICES

BOAT SLIP WANTED On Lake Windermere.

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

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

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

1-250-426-4445.

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

A local artist and woodworker is looking for a double garage or shop to rent in Radium, Invermere, Windermere or Fairmont. Preferably with 220 electrical service. Ideal size would be between 750 - 1500 square feet. Willing to share a space as well. Call Don 1-403875-3587.

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 250342-1268.

For Sale: The content from Blacksmith Welding Shop.

Anvils, forges, welders, hammers, tongs etc. 2031 - 13th Ave. 250-270-0698.

I WANT TO SELL YOUR HOUSE!

✔ Website/Social Media ✔ 3D Tour, YouTube, Drone ✔ Responsive, Local, Expert

WANTED

DOWNTOWN INVERMERE CONDO (BY OWNER) $165,000 Buy your piece of the Invermere Valley before prices go nuts!

Top Floor unit. 2 bedroom, 1 bath 985 sq. ft., in-suite laundry, Warm sunny balcony, mountain views, Lots of parking, low low condo fee’s, small complex (20 units) with large treed site area. Awesome location only steps to Downtown and the beach, currently rented for $1000.00, PRICED TO SELL AT $165,000 Call 403-4027505 or email rjfaulds1@ gmail.com

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.

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!

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 provides, 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

LEGAL NOTICE

Court Bailiff Land Sale

Lot 14, Pedley Heights Drive, Windermere; PID 027 170 969.

For information contact Canada West Court Bailiff, 250-545-7333

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

April 22, 2021

SERVICES

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Pike Contracting Excavating and Skid Steer services.

Call Jason 250-342-5277.

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.

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 250-3425682.

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.

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.

AARON’S HOME SERVICES -Lawn Care -Yard Cleans -Power Washing 250-342-9222

HELP WANTED

Old Salzburg seeking kitchen help, cooks start at $19 dishwasher at $16. Drop off resume or by email scottstorvik@ gmail.com.

Elk Park Homes is in search of Carpenters and Skilled Labourers for its upcoming projects.

For inquiries, please contact Thomas at 250-688-1741 or thomask@elkparkhomes.com 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.

Look up to a higher standard with our classified ads.

Pioneer Classifieds

Hiring painters experienced to entry level for full-time work.

How We Roll Painting Limited 250-688-7655.

Electrician Wanted Full-time. Must have drivers’ licence, 3 years minimum of electrical experience Taynton Bay Electrical 250-342-1355.

Everett Frater Enterprises now hiring Lawn maintenance employees for Mon. – Fri., weekends off. Call 250-3425645.

Big Horn Cafe, Radium Hot Springs - Looking for Part-time/ Full-time Food prep personnel light lunch and sandwich prep, some cashier and Barista duties, No evenings, flexible hours, Negotiable per hour wage. Very competitive wages please apply at bighorncafe1@outlook.com or phone 403-861-2978.

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

New Geoffto HillCanada?

PREC* REALTOR® Fair Realty

250-341-7600 Settlement Services can help www.geoffhill.ca you and your family!

SERVICES

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Settlement Services can Are you a ... help with... help you andGet your family!

• Learning about the • Permanent Resident community • Refugee Are you a ... • Temporary Foreign Get help with...

• English language training and support • Permanent Resident Worker • Learning about the community • Refugee • English language training and support • Referrals and access Naturalized Canadian • Temporary Foreign•Worker • Referrals and access to services to services Citizen Canadian Citizen Settlement• Naturalized Services can help • Workplace skills you and your family!

• Provincial Nominee Settlement Services can help • Provincial Nominee • Citizenship • Workplace skills • International you and your family! Student • Volunteering • International Student • Citizenship

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Contact the Settlement Worker in • Transportation and housing your community to learn about this • Volunteering FREE program!

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• Transportation and Worker in your community to • Learning about the • Permanent Resident community • Refugee housing learn about this FREE program!

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CONTACT A SETTLEMENT WORKER NEAR YOU:

• Temporary Foreign

• Permanent Resident Worker • •Refugee Naturalized Canadian Citizen • Temporary Foreign •Worker Provincial Nominee • •Naturalized Canadian International Student Citizen • Provincial Nominee Contact the Settlement Worker in your community to • International Student

learn about this FREE program!

Contact the Settlement Worker in your community to learn about this FREE program!

• English language • training Learning about the and support

community

• Referrals and access services • to English language

East Kootenay Region

Cranbrook • cranbrooksettlement@cbal.org • 250-581-2112 Creston • crestonsettlement@cbal.org • 250-402-9448 • Volunteering Elk Valley • elkvalleysettlement@cbal.org • 250-946-6474 • Workplace skills • Transportation and • housing Citizenship Golden • goldensettlement@cbal.org • 250-344-8392 • Volunteering Kimberley • kimberleysettlement@cbal.org • 250-427-6027 • Transportation and housing Windermere Valley • windermerevalleysettlement@cbal.org • 250-341-7188 training and support

• Workplace skills

• Referrals and access

• Citizenship to services

N E W S PA P E R

info@columbiavalleypioneer.com Ph: 250-341-6299

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development & Competitiveness

www.cbal.org

support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development & Competitiveness

www.cbal.org

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development & Competitiveness

HELP WANTED

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

Invermere Home Hardware is

HIRING ALL POSITIONS Come and join our dynamic team!

Great atmosphere! Great benefits!

Please apply in person, fill out application at Customer Service or send your resume to: hr@invermerehardware.ca Attention: Susanne L’Heureux

BCYCNA – CLASSIFIED ADS BUILDINGS FOR SALE

SERVICES

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

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Please recycle this newspaper

April 22, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

HELP WANTED

COVID-19 Community Liaison Secwepemc Health Caucus Reporting directly to the Shuswap Indian Band Health Director and supporting five Health Directors virtually in the Lakes Areas, the Community Liaison provides support to communities to enhance culturally safe COVID-19 mitigation measures, community preparedness, and response capacity. The Community Liaison role assists leadership, of the Sub-Region, Family, Nation, Community, or Health Service Organization to which they are assigned, through effective engagement with community members, and health partners including the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and Regional Health Authority (Interior Health). In addition, they use their local knowledge and context about the community, family units, structures and processes in the region to ensure that needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic are being addressed in a manner that is relevant to the community context.

• • • • • • • • •

Demonstrated ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information Ability to organize and plan own work Ability to be flexible and meet changing priorities Good verbal and written skills including the ability to keep clean notes and action items Ability to take initiative, problem-solve and make decisions within the job scope.

Ability to efficiently and effectively utilize Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Strong ability to collaborate with others and work well in a team.

Valid BC Driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.

Must be able to work flexible hours and travel as required.

SKILLS & ABILITIES: • Familiar with Secwepemc culture and traditions.

• In-depth knowledge of First Nations health and wellness systems.

• In-depth knowledge of FNHA and IHA, the BC health care system, and the current landscape of First Nations health in BC, preferably with a focus on the current pandemic.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: • Experience in promoting and educating basic infection prevention and control practices related to • Distributing community-relevant COVID-19 education to ensure individuals and families understand pandemics COVID-19 precautions.

• Experience in inventory, ordering, and distribution of community Personal Protective Equipment • Promoting basic infection prevention and control practices to prevent COVID-19 transmission.

• The ability to work collaboratively with the community’s health officials and Interior Health • Acting as a direct resource to the community – answering or responding to questions from members.

COVID-19 Contact Tracers to support culturally safe contact tracing services.

• Assisting in identifying accommodations in and around the community for potential self-isolation, and/or surge capacity.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS • Assisting in developing and supporting food security supports.

• Full-time position (32.5 hours per week) Monday to Friday.

• Facilitating access to community resources and providing information on community services such as • 1-Year contract harm reduction and mental health and wellness programs.

• Must adhere to the Shuswap Indian Band Human Resources Policy and Procedure Manual • Assisting in ordering, receiving, and distributing personal protective equipment.

(Approved April 4, 2018).

• Developing and maintaining strong working partnerships with communities, health care providers, • Must adhere to the Shuswap Indian Band Financial policies and procedures (October 24, 2017). health system partners and relevant organizations to support coordinated care.

• Require three (3) recent work references.

• Engaging with the communities’ away-from-home population/families.

• Salary to be based on experience.

• Working collaboratively with communities and RHA COVID-19 contact tracers to support culturally safe contact tracing services as per the process between the RHA and community.

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Preference will be given to persons of • Assisting primary health providers in monitoring designated community members via phone daily Aboriginal ancestry as per Section 16 (1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act. Appointment to this to ensure that holistic needs are being met and isolation plans are being maintained. position will require a formal criminal record check, the details of which may preclude an offer of • Providing regular reporting on services provided. employment being finalized.

• Performing other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS • Grade 12 or equivalent • Recent and relevant experience (2-4 years or more) working in a health services environment or an appropriate combination of education and experience.

• Ability to work overtime as needed (preferred)

To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and references to the Shuswap Indian Band, #3, 492 Arrow Road, Invermere BC, V0A 1K2 C/O Angela Sarsons, Director of Operations Email: dops@shuswapband.ca • Fax: 250-341-3683 Deadline for applications: Monday, May 3rd, 2021.

Mental Health Outreach Worker

• Ability to work evenings as needed • Demonstrated ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information • Ability to organize and plan own work • Ability to be flexible and meet changing priorities • Good verbal and written skills including the ability to keep clean notes and action items • Ability to take initiative, problem-solve and make decisions within the job scope Outreach or support workers in integrated community services teams specialize in supporting people • Valid BC Driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle. with long-term mental health problems. They help them adapt to ordinary life within the community by SKILLS & ABILITIES: developing coping skills rather than being institutionalized in a hospital or hostel, within a framework of • Familiar with Secwepemc culture and traditions. positive consultation and joint planning.

• In-depth knowledge of First Nations health and wellness systems.

• An understanding of mental health issues • Good interpersonal skills • Effective written and verbal communication • Capable of maintaining appropriate written records • Awareness of confidentiality and adhering to confidentiality policies • Able to work on your own initiative as well as part of a team • Awareness of health and safety issues for others and self • A caring nature RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: • Ability to follow instructions as part of a planned program of care • Attending the homes of identified individuals/families to carry out duties and tasks as specified in • Awareness of equalities legislation the care plan designed to enable a good degree of independent living. For example: going with the client to collect welfare benefits or a pension.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS • Listening to and considering what both the client and caregiver would like to do and helping them as • Part-time position - 19.5 hours per week best they can.

• May require evening shifts to support with groups and community events • Identifying deterioration in clients, enabling action to be taken to help them. For example: assisting • Will be required to work alongside our clinical counsellor and follow case management plans as with physical care such as activities of daily living, cooking, etc. outlined.

• Monitoring and overseeing any medication prescribed by qualified medical practitioners and check- • Must adhere to the Shuswap Indian Band Human Resources Policy and Procedure Manual ing for any changes that have been made in dosage.

(Approved April 4, 2018).

• Providing a safe environment for those who need long-term supervision and support.

• Must adhere to the Shuswap Indian Band Financial policies and procedures (October 24, 2017).

• Helping the client with the preparation of meals, shopping, cleaning, and laundry.

• Require three (3) recent work references.

• Noting any significant changes in the client’s health, outlook, and behaviour; referring upwards for • Salary to be based on experience. advice about what action to take.

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Preference will be given to persons of • Assisting in any assessment procedures.

• Providing regular verbal and written reports to the clinical counsellor and community nurse; raising Aboriginal ancestry as per Section 16 (1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act. Appointment to this position will require a formal criminal record check, the details of which may preclude an offer of any issues about any alteration in the client’s family circumstances.

• Facilitating and supporting community meetings and activities to enhance community employment being finalized. engagement.

The Mental Health Outreach Worker will provide help and relieve stress for persons with enduring mental health problems and are responsible to the Health Director. They will also provide the same sort of support to the caregiver. This will involve the provision of personal, social and domestic care, training and opportunities to engage in meaningful activities and experiences at home and within the local community. They will work closely with all members of the community team to enable their clients to continue living in the community with comfort and dignity. The overall aim is to improve the quality of life of people who have mental health difficulties and prevent inappropriate admissions to the hospital.

QUALIFICATIONS • Grade 12 or equivalent • At least 1 year of recent and relevant experience working and caring for people with mental health problems • Willingness to undertake further training

To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and references to the Shuswap Indian Band, #3, 492 Arrow Road, Invermere BC, V0A 1K2 C/O Angela Sarsons, Director of Operations Email: dops@shuswapband.ca Fax: 250-341-3683 Deadline for applications: Monday, May 3rd, 2021

Continued ‘Wings Over the Rockies’ from page 16 The 2021 Wings over the Rockies Nature Festival will proceed as a Covid aware festival that abides by BC Public Health Orders. Please visit the Wings website (www.wingsovertherockies.org) for further information regarding the festival and its Covid Plan.

This year Wings has lots of new events. Photographers, adults and those under age 16 may submit their best East Kootenay nature and wildlife photos in several categories to the Photo Contest. The winning photographer receives a weekend photo workshop with adventure photographer Pat Morrow.

The Wings Over the Rockies Auction goes online! A variety of unique items and experiences donated by festival supporters will be available for you to view and bid on from noon May 7 until 6 p.m. May 14. “This year’s auction features several guided experiences, artwork inspired by nature, accommodation packages, and much more. The highlight of the online auction is a cruise on the Mighty Saint Lawrence,” explains Doug Andrus, Auction Chairperson. The online format allows bidders to visit the site anytime from anywhere. Visit the Wings website for rules and a link to the auction.

For the first time, Wings presents a Drive-In Movie on Friday, May 14. Alex Taylor introduces the evening and his short video, Penguin Summer. The feature film, award-winning Bird of Prey, chronicles the challenge to find and film the rarest eagle on the planet.

Wings Over the Rockies is grateful to our community for supporting the festival. The District of Invermere is hosting a Bird House Building Contest with prizes for a variety of categories. Builders of all ages are invited to create original homes for our local birds. Invermere Public library hosts events for children and families, including geocaching and microscope exploring. Columbia Valley Arts Council, Lake Windermere Ambassadors, and Columbia Lake Stewardship Society, and many Columbia Valley businesses contribute so much. Wings Over the Rockies is truly a community festival.

To register and purchase your tickets at www. wingsovertherockies.org to hike, paddle, walk, watch an online presentation, or attend a drive-in movie. Descriptions of activities, degree of difficulty and details are all listed on the Wings Over the Rockies website.

HELP WANTED

Fairmont Vacation Villas Mountainside

(855) 345-6341or mountainsidevillas.com Fairmont Villa Management is now hiring

Housekeepers for their busy Summer and Fall season.

We offer year-round employment, with a wage of $18-$19 per hour depending on experience, and a generous benefits package after 3 months.

We are also accepting part-time and student applications.

All positions involve working weekends. Must be reliable, Have own transportation, a strong work ethic and the Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment.

If this sounds like you, we look forward to receiving your application/resume.

Contact Lynn Brunelle at 250 345-6341 Fax Att: Lynn 250 345-6299 Or email: HSKPmgr@msvillas.com

Our weekly What’s Happening page features local events around the Valley.

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

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

FAITH

Prayer power

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

By 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

Watershed

Wanderings

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

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Worship Service, Sunday, 10 a.m.

Relief Society, 11:15 a.m.

President Rick Daniels • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs 250-421-3756

h e Pioneer ca T n

!

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

A few weeks ago, I was reading about a fellow by the name of Smith Wigglesworth, he was born in 1860, he had no formal education, he had to go to work when he was six years old, helping his mother harvest beets. Smith learned to read from the Bible, and he went on to become a world renown evangelist. It is said that he would read only the Bible, and he is also quoted as saying “I don’t often spend more than half an hour in prayer at one time. But I never go more than half an hour without praying.”

“Great faith is the product of great fights. Great testimonies are the outcome of great tests. Great triumphs can only come out of great trials.”

Smith was a man of the Word, of prayer, and of great faith; these are three principles I think we need more of these days.

We often complain about the way things are, but the question is asked. Do we spend the time in honest prayer, which is simply talking with God as much as we should?

Do we study God’s Word? Do we truly trust God?Ephesians 6:10-19 talks about prayer, verse 10 tells us “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of

His might.” Verses 18,19 tells us “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.”

Don’t complain about it, pray about it. We, as Christians, are called to be overcomers. 1 John 5:1-5 tells us “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this, we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” And Jesus tells us just before He was betrayed in John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

I am going to conclude with a couple of more quotes from Smith Wigglesworth. “There is nothing impossible with God. All the impossibility is with us when we measure God by the limitations of our unbelief.” “The power of God will take you out of your own plans and put you into the plan of God.” Read your Bible, pray every day, if you want to grow, grow, grow. In the Lord.

When the ice melts…

RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

your message is resonating with residents and visitors alike.

April 22, 2021

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

By Shannon McGinty

Lake Windermere Ambassadors

The ice has melted away and the signs of winter are gone for another year, Lake Windermere is undergoing a variety of changes, beyond the obvious change in state. This thaw provides more than just excitement of boating, swimming and paddling opportunities that await in the coming months, it wakes the lake up with spring turn over. While Lake Windermere is unique in that it doesn’t see typical stratification – separation within the water column based on water temperature – we do still see the leap of life at this time of year.

The average freshwater lake will stratify into three distinct layers – epilimnion, metalimnion, and hypolimnion. These layers are defined by their depth, temperature and dissolved oxygen, with the epilimnion (at the top) being the warmest with high levels of dissolved oxygen, and the hypolimnion (at the bottom) being the coldest with lowest levels of dissolved oxygen. The reason for this stratification has to do with the density of water at different temperatures. You may have experienced this phenomenon while swimming and finding the water at the bottom of the lake is cooler than that at the surface.

When the ice melts in the spring we see a mixing of these layers that is essential for aquatic organisms. When the ice cover melts, and the lake is exposed to the fresh air again, the wind and warmer temperatures initiate the mixing process. The surface water will begin to warm un-

til it reaches 4°C – temperature at which water is most dense – and will then sink, continuing the turnover process. This is critical to aquatic organisms as the surface water brings with it dissolved oxygen – essential for life in all parts of the water column – that has been depleted over the winter months.

Since Lake Windermere is shallow, and if you have been here a while you will know it gets rather windy, this process all happens quite quickly! You may have heard of our summer monitoring program that runs weekly from May to September, but to have a greater understanding of the current condition of the lake the Ambassadors strive to capture information about the water column in all of these stages. This year we were able to collect a small amount of data in late February from under the ice, and a larger in-depth sample within two weeks of the ice melting. This information gets added to the historical data for Lake Windermere that we review annually to understand the state of the lake and rising concerns the be aware of.

To learn more about our monitoring program visit our website at lakeambassadors.ca.

Feel free to contribute to this conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @LakeAmbassadors.

The Lake Windermere Ambassadors would like to thank the Columbia Basin Trust, Columbia Valley Community Foundation, Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund, Real Estate Foundation, BC Gaming Grants, District of Invermere, Regional District of East Kootenay and community donors for supporting our 2021 programming.

Shannon McGinty is the program coordinator for the Lake Windermere Ambassadors. Email her at shannon@ lakeambassadors.ca or call the office at (250) 341-6898.