Columbia Valley Pioneer, June 24, 2021

June 24, 2021 Vol. 18/Issue 25

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

June 24, 2021

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

June 24, 2021 Highlights of the @LiveColumbiaValley Instagram account, brought to you by the Columbia Valley Community Economic Development Office, a service of the RDEK.

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Invermere Farmers & Artisans Market has over 80 vendors, and many more exceptional downtown retailers!

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Congratulations to our Father’s Day Contest Winners: Shayna, Penny and Terra.

Good etiquette matters.

“When we use trails, we do so alongside equestrian riders, hikers, climbers, trail runners, dog walkers, etc. There is never a circumstance where you have right of way over someone riding a horse. The risk of injury is real for these folks and their animals. The most basic of all trail etiquette standards is for mountain bikers to yield to horse traffic. This never changes. Never has. And never will.” - Canmore & Area Mountain Bike Association - CAMBA

Have you entered the Greenways’ Summer Trail Challenge? Have you submitted your km? https://www.greenways.ca/2021-greenways-summer-trail-challenge/ Participants can register individually or as a team and challenge themselves to set a distance goal for them or their team to cycle, walk, run, or otherwise self-propel themselves along the Markin-MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail. Individuals or one Team Representative will be required to submit weekly distances via email to trailchallenge@greenways.ca.

Submitted by Ryan Watmough

Kinsmen Canada Day Fireworks postponed Submitted by Fireworks Committee Kinsmen Club of Windermere Valley In consideration with our partners, the Kinsmen Club of Windermere Valley, the district of Invermere, the Invermere Fire Department, CP Rail and Interior Health, have decided to postpone the fireworks we usually hold at midnight on June 30 to celebrate Canada Day as it becomes July 1.

We all agree on the need to exercise some caution and postpone the fireworks until a later date. At this time, our

target is September 4 at 9 p.m.

We ask all of you to keep practicing social distancing and safety protocols in hopes that we can gather later this year and celebrate the fireworks and our community.

Keep at it; we can do this together. Things are loosening up, but we still need to be aware of what can happen if we aren’t careful.

Thank you for your understanding. If you wish to make a donation to the fireworks, you can E-transfer to invermerefireworks@gmail.com - look for updates on Facebook and your local publications.

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June 24, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS

J.A. Laird Legacy Project Group leaves behind stunning mural for future students skunk, lynx, fox, eagle, deer, and wolf — perched amidst natural surrounding of trees, a lake and mountains, all under a swirling sunset sky.

If at first glance at the mural, viewers’ thoughts immediately turn to Rob Service classics such as the Cre-

mation of Sam McGee or the Shooting of Dan McGrew, well that’s no accident, as Tomalty told the Pioneer that she was aiming for something “fun and playful but not A vibrant and colourful mural that would turn even cartoonish” and so did it in “a kind of Ted Harrison toasty old Sam McGee’s head will soon grace J.A. Laird style.” Ted Harrison is the iconic Yukon artist who ilElementary School, where it will do doulustrated the Cremation of Sam McGee, ble duty as an eye-catching art piece and the Shooting of Dan McGrew and several purposefully built wall-ball surface. other children’s books.

The mural is the work of J.A. Laird’s Tomalty took a month off from work Grade 7 Legacy Project Group, explained (she and her husband are business owners) vice-principal Crystal Woodworth. The to pour herself into the mural. She paintgroup met weekly throughout the year, ed three and half of the four panels, and brainstorming ideas of what this year’s the students themselves finished off the Grade 7 class can leave behind as a legacy flowers that fill the bottom corner of the for the school’s younger and future stuleft panel. Indeed if viewers look closely dents to enjoy in years to come. at the flowers, they’ll see each Grade 7 stuAfter a few sessions, the students in dent has signed one. the group — Tyson Clark, Leighton Arm“It’s a beautiful work of art. It’s stunstrong-Michel, Gabe Nielsen, and Anining. It will be a showpiece at the school,” sha Waite — realized that creating a new said Woodworth. “It’s a landscape of how wall-ball surface would be the perfect legthe Legacy Project Group students see our acy. Wall-ball is a classic schoolyard game valley, and what matters to them. It’s very involving a ball, a wall to bounce it on, colourful. There are animals, symbols, and and a whole lot of fun, but unfortunately, all kinds of really interesting details that students can’t use most of the side surfaces the kids thought should be included. It The mural was created by J.A. Laird’s Grade 7 Legacy Project Group and local artist on the buildings at Laird, as the repeatreally turned out more spectacularly than Kelly Tomalty. Left to right: Kelly Tomalty, Leighton Armstrong-Michel, Tyson Clark, Anisha ed bouncing of the ball could potentially any of us imagined it would.”

Waite, Gabryle Nielsen Photos by Camille Aubin damage the building’s envelope.

Woodworth said credit is due to “Then they thought ‘if we are going to the Legacy Project Group students, who make a surface, we ought to decorate it,” worked hard to make the wall-ball mural said Woodworth. After carefully considera reality, and to Tomalty, who dedicated so ing many different decoration designs, the much of her time to it. group reached out to local artist Kelly To“I feel humbled by what (Tomalty) malty to ask her for help in creating a muhas done. The kids are so excited and so ral. Tomalty met with the students, getting proud to have been part of it,” said Wooda clear idea of their vision for the mural. worth.

The mural is comprised of four panTomalty, for her part, was grateful els (three of them are roughly seven and to the students. “It was a really neat opa half feet tall by four feet wide, and one portunity. The last time a mural at Laird of them is seven and a half feet tall by two was done, I think, was when my own kids feet wide) which will be installed on the were in elementary and primary school. shed beside the Laird playground. Work Now one of my kids is a teacher at Laird. on the final touches wrapped up just days So these opportunities don’t come up all ago, and it was unveiled at the school earthat often, and I’m honoured to have been lier this week, on Tuesday, June 22. The vichosen,” said Tomalty. “The students, brant and colourful scene shows a host of from what I understand, really have had animals common to the Columbia Valley fun with it. It’s been great.”

— including a mama bear and bear cub, a

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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This past week, June 14 through June 20, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 71 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

•On Monday, June 14, a Stihl 034 chainsaw was reported stolen from the back of a Ford F350 that had been parked in the Industrial area of Invermere. The theft was believed to have occurred sometime on Saturday night.

•On Monday, June 14, the Copper Point Golf Resort reported damage to several sprinkler heads on the

course. It appeared that someone had intentionally damaged numerous sprinkler heads on holes 16, 17 and 18 of the Ridge course. The vandalism was believed to have occurred over the weekend.

•On Thursday, June 17, at 3:30 p.m., emergency crews attended a two vehicle collision at the intersection of 7th Avenue and 4th Street in Invermere. The driver of Toyota Tacoma was northbound on 7th Avenue and struck a southbound Subaru Impreza while attempting to make a left hand turn at the intersection. Neither driver was injured. The driver of the Toyota Tacoma was issued a violation ticket for failing to yield to a vehicle.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene.

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Average Water Temperature: °C 18.8 Average Water Depth: m 4.6 Average Turbidity: NTU 3.86 Average D.O.: mg/L 10.3 Average pH: 8.33 Last week we could not get out on the lake because of the crazy thunderstorm; this week, we had opposite weather; calm waters, clear skies, and sunshine! The water level is still high. At our North site, we got a depth reading of 6.70m.

Thank you to this week’s citizen scientist volunteer, Kate Watt and Peter Angebrandt.

To join the Ambassadors out on the lake on a Tuesday morning this summer, please contact Alyssa at (250) 341-6898 or intern@lakeambassadors.ca 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.

Citizen Scientist of the Week: Kate Watt and Peter Angebrandt

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June 24, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

Virtual events, a new office and funding for CVMA $48,000 announced from Métis Nation of B.C.

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Columbia Valley Métis Association (CVMA) has opened a permanent office in the building shared by the Lake Windermere Lion’s Club and the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce.

“The new office will give all of us endless accessible opportunities to support our citizens,” said CVMA president Monica Fisher. The location is perfect for the growing association as its citizens live as far north as Spillimacheen and as far south as Canal Flats.

“Our volunteer board has been supporting our citizens remotely, which has been difficult for our community to support our citizens,” said Fisher. Before the pandemic, CVMA utilized an array of facilities and meeting places to come together, including the Windermere Hall, Mountain Hub (since gone out of business), the Tim Horton’s parking lot or Stolen Church Cafe.

The new office gives the CVMA an accessible, centralized location with access to a commercial kitchen, indoor and outdoor club facilities, and office space for a wide range of administrative tasks. “We like to base activities around food, so having a commercial kitchen for kitchen parties will be great,” Fisher said. Office hours have yet to be established. CVMA members are encouraged to check their email for when office hours are announced.

The time and paperwork required for preparing and submitting Métis citizenship applications can be daunting. The CVMA’s membership now numbers over

two hundred. “And I would like to state that we fully acknowledge this is not our traditional territory but the Shuswap and Akisqnuk First Nation.”

On June 15, Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) announced $48,000 in funding to the CVMA. “MNBC’s Cabinet has heard from our chartered communities that providing more resources is badly needed,” said Region 4 director Debra Fisher in a press release. “In expanding the funding available to our grassroots citizens, we can create more opportunity for success in our Métis communities.

The funding builds on MNBC’s historic $1 million investment into MNBC chartered communities, announced before the nation’s 2021 annual general meeting.

By mid-July, CVMA plans to hire and train a part-time administrative employee from within the CVMA to help ease the workload from the volunteer board. Having a part-time employee will enable CVMA’s leadership to plan more events and engage with its citizenry.

Two events already planned for June include a virtual talk on the 23, titled “Sharing our Story, Living on a Road Allowance” and on the 29, another virtual talk titled “Michif Lessons.” The events will feature Marie Schoenthal and Amy Cross, respectively. Registration for the two events is done by emailing info@columbiavalleymetis.ca For more information on everything going on at the Columbia Valley Métis Association, visit columbiavalleymetis.ca.

Check for event details on CVMA’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY WATER/WASTEWATER OPERATOR 1 OR 2 (Columbia Valley) – TEMPORARY The Regional District of East Kootenay is looking for an experienced Water/Wastewater Operator 1 or 2 located out of our Columbia Valley Office. Supervised by the Senior Operator, the Water/Wastewater Operator is primarily responsible for operating and maintaining 5 water and 2 wastewater systems. This is a temporary term that will end on or about January 4, 2022 to cover a maternity leave.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS: • Progressive experience (one to three years) maintaining water and wastewater utilities, preferably in a local government setting • Class I or II Water Treatment and Water Distribution Operator Certificates • Class I or II Wastewater Collection and Wastewater Treatment Operator Certificates • Possession of a Chlorine Handling Certificate • Valid British Columbia Driver’s Licence.

This is temporary, full-time (35 hours per week) Union position with a starting salary hourly rate of $29.47/hr to $36.46/hr depending on qualifications .

If you possess the necessary qualifications and experience, we invite you to submit a resume and cover letter, with references, no later than Wednesday June 29, at 12:30PM to: Becky Hoglund, Human Resources Email: hr@rdek.bc.ca (MS Word or PDF Format) Please quote: Engineering – 28

Information on our organization is available at www.rdek.bc.ca/careers.

We thank all who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

The Pioneer

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

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

PERSPECTIVE

Surprised by the IEA

June 24, 2021

Historical Lens

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com As we have known for some time, if humans wish to limit projected increases in global temperatures to 1.5 °C instead of a disastrous 3 °C or 4 °C – which could happen if we blithely continue with our current greenhouse gas emissions, we must act immediately. But here’s something new: the warning, which you’ve doubtlessly heard dozens of times from climate scientists, is now coming from the U.S. International Energy Agency (IEA).

This government agency was created in 1974 by then U.S. secretary of state Henry Kissinger in response to the oil embargo started in 1973 by OAPEC countries, led by Saudi Arabia. OAPEC (the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Counties) is different from and not to be confused with the better-known OPEC (the Organization Petroleum Exporting Counties), which includes multiple member countries from Africa and South America that are not part of OAPEC. The IEA was designed to protect the interests of countries importing black gold.

The IEA, if you can wrap your head around it, is now calling for a halt to investment in new oil and gas facilities, not in the near future but right now. The very fact that an agency such as IEA, which was born to deal with an oil shortage (or more accurately an oil ‘shock’), should lend some urgency to a recently release analysis calling for the prompt cancellation of all new coal, oil, and gas mining projects around the world as a prerequisite for reaching the achievement of zero net global warming emissions (ZEN) by 2050.

This report was commissioned by the presidency of the global climate conference (COP26) and will provide valuable information for the upcoming discussions to be held in Scotland in November.

“There is a huge gap between rhetoric and reality,” says Fatih Birol, the executive director of the IEA. “This year is set to be one of the worst for CO2 emissions yet. We produced this report to show policymakers that the energy sector must achieve a total transformation by 2050. Because, so far, many of them have misunderstood it.”

In the IEA’s ZEN world economic model, a world economy with two billion people added will still have to produce and use 75 per cent less oil and 90 per cent less coal than we do today.

Meanwhile, global electricity consumption will double by 2050, with almost all of it coming from the development of advanced renewable energy technologies. Wind and solar power will account for more than 90 per cent of the global balance by 2050 (compare to the current 30 per cent), but so will nuclear power, bioenergy, and hydrogen. The energy sector now accounts for three-quarters of all greenhouse gas emissions.

We are far from meeting the Paris Agreement’s goals - even if all commitments were upheld, which is far from likely - the GHG emissions observed in 2050 would still be much higher than ZEN’s target. Assuming that all promises are met, 22 billion tonnes of CO2 will still be released in 2050. That’s an outcome that does not mesh well with restraining global warming to 1.5 ° C, a goal that the IEA is supporting for the first time.

All of these problems remain unresolved despite years of negotiations between the signatory countries to the Paris Agreement.

J.C. Pitts General Store, located in Windermere, later became the R.A. Kimpton Stage Coach office.

C2061, courtesy Windermere District Historical Society

Clarification In the June 3 issue of the Pioneer, Invermere Al Miller told the Pioneer that a sewage flood at the home of a local family, the O’Shaughnessys, was the result of a sewer pipe blockage, saying that after the family called the district “that is when they (district staff) found some clothing and other items jammed up in the sewer system.

There were rags, as well, and other things that should never be flushed down into the sewer system, but that somehow had gotten in there. They actually had to get a contractor to get it out.”

Miller clarified that he had intended the

comment in a general sense and did not mean to imply — as multiple people interpreted — that the O’Shaughnessys were the ones to flushed the rags and clothing into the sewer system. “It was intended in a general sense, that somebody — we have no idea who it was, or when it happened — had flushed those items into the sewer system,” Miller later told the Pioneer. The spot where the clothes and rags were found was, in fact, a good deal further up the street from the O’Shaughnessys, and could have come from any number of houses.

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.

Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Ave., Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

Phone: 250-341-6299 | Toll Free (866) 496-8047 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com | www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

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Camille Aubin Editor Ext. 106

Steve Hubrecht Magazine Editor/ Reporter Ext. 105

James Rose

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Lerissa McLaughlin Sales Representative Ext. 103

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer is available free of charge at 13 essential businesses in the Upper Columbia Valley, limited to one copy per reader.

This publication has been made possible, in part, by the Government of Canada and the support of our advertisers and is published every Thursday. The Columbia Valley Pioneer may be distributed only by its authorized contractors and employees. No person may, without the prior written consent of The Pioneer or its Publisher, take more than one copy of each issue of The Pioneer. The content is protected by copyright. Reproduction by any means is prohibited except with the permission of the Publisher.

June 24, 2021

LETTERS

Photo by Jasmin Sessler on Unsplash

Plastic plastic and more plastic Dear Editor: Banning just plastic bags and straws (the Federal Government is immobilized weakly incapable of pleasing all lobbyists, particularly oil) is a pathetic feel-good token response.

Plastic production will double the amount in the next 10 years that has ever been produced in the last 60 years, so in 15 years, maybe quadruple, etc. We won’t stop a charging elephant with only a paper straw pea shooter.

Canada recycles a pathetic less than 10 per cent with downloaded costs to the public. Plastic manufacturers and business users unrealistically and knowingly promote recycling to divert attention from their polluting. It’s more lucrative to produce new plastic, so they don’t actually want to recycle. Germany makes plastic producers responsible for the after-use plastic they produce.

Plastic never disappears, even when recycled. Some of it, such as plastic bottles, takes 1000+ years to become small particles, which are still damaging. Please stop buying groceries, drinks, packages of screws, etc., packaged in single-use plastics.

Ecosystem concerns cannot wait for the slow pace of the majority of politicians at any level who are lobbyist controlled and incapable of making the strict decisions necessary now. Despite individual interests, we need to prioritize Nature. We are either an aid in this, or not.

B. Ark, Invermere

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

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BAYS OF

WINDERMERE

Jim Gibb, Fairmont

We want to hear from you Email your letters to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com or visit our website at www. columbiavalleypioneer.com. Mail your letters to Box 868, Invermere, V0A 1K0, or drop them in at #8 1008-8th Avenue. Letters to the editor should be sent only to The Pioneer, and not to other publications. We do not publish open letters or third-party

letters. Letters for publication should be no longer than 400 words, and must include the writer’s address and phone numbers.

No attachments, please. Letters may be shortened for space requirements. We reserve the right to edit for space, clarity, civility and accuracy. Opinions expressed are those of the writer, not The Pioneer.

1496 Hwy 93/95 Windermere, BC Please call for an appointment.

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8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Columbia Valley Chamber to get new sign in Athalmer

June 24, 2021

Sign to replace old sign by Sobey’s and will not be digital

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce will soon have a new sign in Athalmer, promoting local events and businesses.

The sign will replace the one that used to stand next to Sobey’s, visible to drivers and pedestrians as they came up the hill from Athalmer to the four-way traffic lights.

That sign had fallen into a state of disrepair and had to be removed in 2017. The spot, however, is no longer suitable for a sign because the right of way area near Sobey’s

is now restricted by plans for a roundabout to replace the fourway lights. The roundabout will entail re-alignment of 7th Avenue, meaning a new location for the chamber’s sign is required.

Invermere planner Rory Hromadnik outlined that finding a new spot has been on the Chamber and district of Invermere’s radar ever since.

The solution appears at hand, as Invermere Google Earth screenshot showing the new Columbia Valley Cham- council agreed during its ber of Commerce sign location, right at the spot where the old Strands Tuesday, June 8 meeting to sign an encroachment restaurant sign is visible in this image. agreement allowing the chamber a spot where the old Strands restaurant sign was in Athalmer, on the north side of Laurier Street, right across from the Petro Can gas station and car wash.

“This is a District of Invermere right of way that has high visibility similar to the Sobey’s location, has a history of sign placement, and no immediate development plans in place,” wrote Hromadnik in a summary to council.

Hromadnik explained that the sign is a modest revenue generator for the chamber, bringing in perhaps $25,000 a year, but that maintenance and design costs associated with the sign probably eat up most of, if not all of, that revenue for the chamber, and that the chamber uses the sign not so much as moneymaker as much as a means to promote events and its member businesses.

“It’s about visibility and exposure,” he said, adding the chamber would be responsible for maintaining and designing the sign to the district of Invermere standards.

“It seems to make sense,” said Invermere mayor Al Miller.

Invermere councillor Gerry Taft, recalling the extensive and sometimes acrimonious discussions from 2017 surrounding digital signs in the district, asked if the sign was going to be an old-fashioned, hand-changed lettered sign or an illuminated digital sign.

Hromadnik responded it was not going to be a digital sign, and may not even have any lighting of any sort.

Taft visibly relaxed his shoulders upon hearing this.

“It seems like a good solution, and a good spot,” said councillor Kayja Becker.

Council members unanimously agreed to let the chamber use the spot for its sign.

DISTRICT DISTRICT OF OF INVERMERE INVERMERE

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

NOTICE OF COUNCIL MEETINGS Regular Meetings of Council will be held at the Columbia Valley Centre, 646 – 4th Street until further notice.

The general public is welcome to attend.

The next Regular Meeting of Council is scheduled for Tuesday, July 8th at 7 p.m.

Agendas can be accessed on the website at www.invermere.net.

Council wishes everyone to be safe and healthy.

For further information please contact Kindry Luyendyk, Corporate Officer at 250-342-9218, ext# 1228.

June 24, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

Steamboat Mountain Music Festival marks 10th anniversary

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com Steamboat Mountain Music Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary in a unique way: by creating a double CD featuring local musicians. “It is a great achievement to have an event that has been going for 10 years. It’s something to celebrate. We’ve actually been able to establish a music society that nurtures the culture here in the valley and that has survived for 10 years,” explained Anne Jardine, administrative and bursary director of Steamboat Society.

Vaccinations in B.C. have ramped up, but the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, so in contrast to the normal schedule of a weekend-long event, this year’s Steamboat Mountain Music Festival will occur only on the afternoon of July 3, with restrictions and protocols in place to keep things safe. “This year is not as focused and intense on the three-day festival. With this very unusual year, it’s what we can do,” said Jardine.

Local bands will be performing at different times and locations during the Saturday afternoon from atop a socially distanced Home Hardware truck stage in Edgewater.

Festival organizers are asking people to respect the province’s COVID-19 regulations during performances.

If the crowd is already at full capacity, spectators will be advised to avoid the venue.

The B.C. Arts Council has awarded the Steamboat

Society with a cultural resiliency grant so that the organization can continue to encourage the creation and sharing culture. The board used the grant to produce the double CD, which features original music from local musicians.

“The B.C. Arts Council has been working really hard to keep culture alive. They have been putting out money to all the different cultural groups around the province in the idea that by infusing funding, they’ll be able to keep the profile alive,” explained Jardine to the Pioneer.

Locally the Columbia Valley Community Foundation is another sponsor that has a positive impact on the Steamboat Society. “They have also been very generous.

I think they are trying as best as they can to nurture the cultural sector of the entire Columbia Valley, and we really appreciate that,” said Jardine.

Twenty other bands and artists from the valley will be featured on the CD. “We have very skilled sound engineers here (at the studio), who help with the recording, the editing or retake,” said Jardine. “We have 12 (artists) so far, and we wanted to record as many as twenty so that if there are local bands or artists that would like to get involved, we can still fit them in.”

Artists interested in performing are encouraged to contact program director John MacRobbie at canmaces@ gmail.com.

The Steamboat Society is hopeful that by September, the organization can then put together a larger event to coincide with the launch of the double CD. “When we’ll have the CD ready to distribute or sell

to the valley then we will have a CD release event and hopefully by then, we will be able to have a larger audience. That’s when we would like to invite out the whole valley and region to come out and celebrate, when we will be able to do it safely,” expressed Jardine.

One formula that hasn’t change this year is the Duck Race. “It is kind of like a token raffle, where people buy a duck number. We dump them into the flume, then, they travel down the water at the other end, and we catch them as they come in. The first number duck that arrives at the finish line, the winner gets $500, the second wins $300, and the third one gets $200,” described Jardine.

The money raised during this fundraising is used to finance the Steamboat bursary. “That is for any aspiring musician of any age to take any kind of educational program. So it could be a university course, it could be Master Class. It could be introductory music lessons, anything to do with music and learning,” explained Jardine.

“The whole purpose of it is to help music grow here in the valley to help the artists to aspire towards creating music to help them along their path.”

The tickets for the Duck Race are available at the Edgewater Post office or the Legion.

Stay tuned for upcoming events and updates on the Steamboat Society in future Pioneer editions. For more information, visit: http://www.steamboatmtnmusicfest. ca/

Lake Windermere District Lions Club 18th Annual

CHARITY GOLF DAY MONDAY, JULY 5th, 2021 Copper Point Course TEE TIMES FROM 7 am - 4 pm

“Come and play 18-holes of golf w/cart at the beautiful Copper Point Course, plus enjoy full use of the driving range for $65.

All proceeds from the day will be donated by the Lake Windermere District Lions Club for Lions Crossroads property upkeep and new development.”

• Quality natural beef, free of antibiotics amd hormones • Raised west of Lake Windermere • Government inspected, custom cut, wrapped and delivered.

Harold Hazelaar, Event Coordinator

To book a ‘Charity Golf Day’ tee time call 250-341-3392 or 1-877-418-4653 Thank you for helping the Lions help the community!

Call/email John Zehnder to order halves and quarters: (250) 688-0713 zehnderbeef@gmail.com

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Freshet makes Toby Creek flow upstream to Lake Windermere

June 24, 2021

the Pioneer. “Normally things flow northward under the Athalmer bridge. Now they are flowing The freshet has arrived in the Columbia Valsouthward. It’s a juxtaposition from ley, and this year it’s managed to get Toby Creek what you would normally see.” flowing up the Columbia River into Lake WindToby Creek has a markedly ermere. That’s right: for several days in the first different bright blue colour during few weeks of June, the distinctly blue waters of the freshet compared with the CoToby Creek were coming down from the mounlumbia because each watercourse tains with enough velocity and volume that the carries different types of sediment, creek was not just joining the muddy grey Coexplained McGinty, adding that lumbia River on its journey downstream, but was the Toby has a lot of glacial silt and also pushing back upstream through the wetlands sediment. immediately south of the Columbia-Toby Creek “When that mixes into the confluence, then up a narrow stretch of the Colake, then you get a bit of a differlumbia River proper right to — and indeed then ent colour than you would normalright past — the mouth of the Columbia on Lake ly see,” she said.

Windermere, out into the lake itself.

The freshet in the Columbia A large swath of the bay-like northern end Valley usually happens sometime of the lake, by James Chabot Provincial Park, around the start of June. Freshet is swirled with logs, sticks and other debris swept in the term used to describe the rise by the Toby. Some residents reported seeing the Freshet flow from Toby Creek backs up on the Columbia River, heading upstream into in rivers and lake levels that often debris build up as far down the lake as Fort Point. Lake Windermere. On the day of this photo, the distinctly different colours of the blue waters accompanies spring thaw.

The upstream flow of the Toby into the lake of the Toby and the grey waters of the Columbia were not clearly visible, as they were on mul“It happens every year, at the was hardly the only sign of the freshet: the wa- tiple days earlier in June. transition between spring and sumPhoto by Ryan Watmough ter off Kinsmen Beach went from shin-deep and mer. There are warmer temperacontrasting colours (the electric blue of the Toby standlukewarm to chest-deep and ice cold seemingly tures, snow melts, and rivers and overnight, and, of course, three evacuation alerts were is- ing out against the murky grey of the Columbia), and streams get higher,” said McGinty, adding in the Columsued in and around the Fairmont Hot Springs area as de- because it’s more than a little eye-catching to see water bia Valley the freshet often coincides with increased levels bris filled flood mitigation systems on Cold Spring Creek flowing upstream. of rainfall in the spring.

“That does happen sometimes, with the freshet, but and Fairmont Creek, and then Dutch Creek topped its “Sometimes debris comes down with the runoff. In this year it really made Toby Creek back up into Lake the lake, we see a higher level of turbidity,” she said. banks.

But the sheer visual impact of the Toby Creek up- Windermere quite significantly,” Lake Windermere Am“It’s all part of the process.” stream flow was impossible to miss, given the starkly bassadors program coordinator Shannon McGinty told

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Canal Flats students create Columbia Headwaters sign Laverna and Basil Stevens, Christine Warbrick and Mark Thomas from the Shuswap Band, Alfred A few weeks ago, students from Martin Joseph from the Akisqnuk band Morigeau Elementary School in Canal Flats, and Bonnie Harvey from Ktutogether with local Indigenous partners and the naxa Nation to learn more about Columbia Lake Stewardship Society (CLSS), the history of First Peoples in the installed an interpretive sign at Tilley Memorial Columbia Valley; and that former Park centred on the importance of the Columbia MMES Aboriginal Education supRiver headwaters. port worker Tisha Tardif supportThe sign was a project three years in the maked students’ First People’s language ing and initially began as a part of a cross-curriclearning using the Secwépemc and ular social studies and science inquiry in which Ktunaxa First Voices apps. students learn about Indigenous peoples in the The students gave a presentavalley and about the role the wetlands play in the tion at the Canal Flats Headwaters valley’s ecosystem.

Trail during the 2019 Wings Over Student Kyra Kruk told the Pioneer that a the Rockies festival to interestsign “wasn’t the original idea, but we were aped community members, which proached by the CLSS that was creating signs at helped raise some of the funds for Tilley Memorial Park about the importance of the sign. the Headwaters, so we were excited to join in.”

For Kyra, the best part of the The resulting informational sign couldn’t be project was “getting to share our The Columbia Headwaters sign created by Martin Morigeau Elementary School highlights hard work, because we worked so more timely, as Columbia River Treaty negotiathe importance of the region.

Submitted photo tions, aimed at modernized the 56-year old treaty, long on it, and getting to share our peared or were contaminated with pollution. Since the have been ongoing for more than two years. knowledge.” river runs all the way through the valley into the lake, “We started all of this as a social studies project, but In fact, the student learned so much during the it became part of our leadership club projects after that,” and fish live there, if the headwaters that filter the water course of the project and came across so many outstandsaid student Kayleigh Robson, later noting that “the are contaminated or polluted, species could die,” added ing images, that they said the most difficult part of enheadwaters create a safe space for number of species to student Lucia Blanchard. deavor was narrowing down which facts and which phoMMES principal Alyssan Gauthier outlined that, tos to use on the sign. grow.”

“The ecosystem could totally topple if they disap- in addition to the CLSS, the students collaborated with Continued on page 12...

Wildsight’s Jessie Caza to learn about the wetlands; with

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

June 24, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

Columbia Valley Origins: Pontus Carlsson

turning to Canada to be a part of its ski industry.” His first experience skiing in Canada was a winter spent as a Whistler ski bum. A winter in Whistler the root of his Canadian ski dream. “That was when Whistler One fall day some years ago, Pontus Carlsson day tripped to a small ski hill outside of Stockholm, Swewas pre-Olympics, pre-Vail, pre-all of that. Incredible experience.” Pontus started looking for jobs in Canada. den, his hometown. Get out of the city for a day. ReSoon Pontus found a company that made their move himself from the humdrum torpor of working business setting up people with working-holiday vithe nine-to-five life for a corporate non-profit. Work sas around the world. Through that company, Pontus there came after a stint working in television production and, before that, recruiting at a human resources was directed toward a job fair. At that job fair, he met Adam Hopper, a representative from an interior B.C. company - a job that his human resources degree got for him. ski resort called Panorama Mountain Resort. “I told Adam that I wanted to work with skis and learn evAge: 34 erything there was to know about tuning them and so Hometown: Stockholm, Sweden on.” It was then Pontus first heard of a burly old Swiss guy who’d been doing it for a while up at Panorama.

Occupation: Manager, Mountain Outfitters He goes by the name of Peter Lustenburger. A worthy (Panorama Mountain Resort) teacher, Pontus was told.

Columbia Valley arrival: December 2014 Hobbies: Golf (109 rounds played 2020), A couple of weeks later, Panorama got back to him.

You’re hired. “There were ten or twelve of us from Swemountain-biking den who all got Panorama jobs that winter.” They flew out together. “We had a few days in Vancouver then Fateful was that trip out to the ski hill. A manager of a ski rental shop stepped outside just as Pontus was hopped on an eastbound Greyhound.” At six in the Pontus Carlsson - photo by James Rose morning, the bus rolled into Golden. The sun was riswalking by and asked if he’d like a job. Flatly, Pontus said yes. Taking that job was the first step Pontus took toward reorganizing life on his ing, and it was Pontus’ first glimpse of the Rocky Mountains. “I thought to myself, holy terms. “It’s what started me on my path,” he said. For the next two years, Pontus cut his this is rad!” In Lusti’s (the former name of Mountain Outfitters), Pontus found exactly teeth working at that shop. “That job made me realize that being a part of the world of his kind of ski shop. “The whole vibe, the spirit was special. At Lusti’s, at Panorama, skiing could be more than just a hobby.” there was such a tight community. Everyone was there for the same reason: to enjoy the But after two years, still, he was ready for something new. “I’d had a dream of re- mountains.” In 2018, Pontus took the managerial reins from Lusti.

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Students stay active amidst pandemic have already gotten to talk to their friends.

The time spent outside each morning has helped combat negative feelings of isolation, as Grades three to seven students at Windermere well as mental health struggles among the kids.

Elementary School are beginning the day with a B.C. Children’s Hospital says two-thirds 15-20 minute walk in and around their local comof youth are experiencing mental health issues munity. The walk has helped form friendships, since the emergence of COVID-19. However, get students active, and improve overall mental Mental Health Research Canada says, “going health— which is especially important during a outside, walking, and hiking continues to be pandemic. the most positive thing you can do to support Paulina Stankovski teaches the split Grade your mental health.”

5, 6, and 7 class, while Tara Whittick teaches the Aware of this, the teachers are both big split Grade 3 and 4 class. They both start every advocates for outdoor education and challenge morning by taking their students on a walk outthemselves daily to “take our learning outside: rain or shine. doors and on the road as much as possible,” “I really like the idea of students starting their says Whittick. The class engages in both social day with a little bit of exercise and a little bit of walks and learning walks, where the focus is on fresh air,” says Stankovski. “It helps to get their developing core skills like communication, scibodies and their minds ready for the school day ence, math, art and general knowledge in a caand for learning.” She believes in forming these sual setting. However, sometimes they engage Windermere Elementary School students during their daily morning walk. healthy habits early on. in specific “theme walks”— such as, rainbow Photo by Haley Grinder Stankovski has been taking her students outwalks, shape walks, lovely and unlovely walks, dents something to look forward to. side in the schoolyard every morning for just over flaneur walks, high and low walks, good hiding Danica and Luke, Grade 6, have been in Stankovs- place walks, estimation walks, and multiplication walks. the past four years. Although the route is not always the same, the students average around 2500 steps a day. By ki’s class for the past three years and love that they can Even prior to the pandemic, the pair regularly practhe end of the school year, each student will have walked catch up with their friends in the morning. “When you ticed “taking [their] students out into nature or into the go inside, you can’t really talk to your friends, because community to experience the richness of this place, and over 200 kilometers.

Whittick says “[We] wanted to show the students you have to do school,” says Luke. “But when you go on to make connections to the land, the animals, the water and staff that it is easy to fit 15 minutes of daily physical the walk, you can tell them everything that happened to and our fellow neighbours.” activity into your daily routine.” The kids have even start- you, and they can tell you everything that happened to Whittick and Stankovski say that the walks are actuthem over the weekend.” ed asking their parents to go on their own “walk’n’talks.’” ally improving focus and productivity. The activity helps Stankovski says she has seen numerous friendships the kids’ ability to retain information much more than if “It doesn’t have to mean you’re doing a 10 km run, that’s not what health has to look like,” says Stankovski. emerge. “They need that time to build that connection.” they had simply started first thing in the morning.

After the walk, Stankovski’s class will come in and “Everybody can do it equally. It’s a very inclusive activity.

“It’s not a frivolous activity, it’s a necessity, I think we start reading as part of their routine.

Regardless of socioeconomic status or whatever else, evneed to be doing this,” says Stankovski, who hopes more Math is her first class of the day, and students say teachers will join the movement. “It doesn’t feel like that eryone can walk and build those lifelong healthy habits.”

Due to COVID-19, team sports and organized field they are much more focused and “ready to learn.” There big of a deal in our day, but can have such an impact.” trips are non-existent this year. The walks give the stu- are also fewer interruptions during class time, as the kids

By Haley Grinder Special to the Pioneer

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

June 24, 2021

COTR National Indigenous History Month speaker series: Marlin Ratch Talk included discussion on Métis culture, traditions, history

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On June 15, The College of the Rockies hosted its final speaker series event as part of its National Indigenous History Month programming. Marlin Ratch, a leading Métis Nation citizen based in Cranbrook, discussed for an hour over Zoom Métis culture, traditions, history and what distinguishes Métis from Canada’s First Nations and Inuit populations.

Ratch has been involved in the cultural, political and operations of the Métis Nation B.C. since 1995. He started as a career counsellor for the Métis Employment & Training program and as the communities’ executive assistant. He eventually moved up to the top job as its provincial director. He now volunteers his time in the Cranbrook, Kimberley area Métis community association as a secretary and treasurer.

Ratch began by giving a brief overview of Métis history. “We’re a distinct group of people. Our European fathers from places like France and England married women of the plains.” From that union came a new nation.

Ratch discussed pivotal dates in Métis history, including

Submitted photo

the 1816 Battle of Seven Oaks, the 1869 Red River Rebellion (which led to a provisional Métis government), and the 1870 Treaty and Scrip program, which involved a coupon or entitlement to land. The Canadian government began implementing the scrip system by setting up tents for Métis people to make their land claim.

Métis applied for scrip in these tents. After redeeming them, they had to travel to the lands that corresponding to their scrip. “The system led to westward migration from the Red River Valley Settlement [present day Winnipeg and area] toward Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Dakotas and Montana,” Ratch said.

The land surveyed for Métis people was located in the southern parts of the Canadian prairies. It was hundreds of kilometres away from where the Métis lived. Taking advantage of the opportunity out west meant uprooting

their lives. Moving west meant leaving behind much of their tight-knit family and community to begin a new life in a place they didn’t know, often travelling days to do so.

Meanwhile, speculators stood outside the tents asking to buy their scrip coupons for considerably less than they were worth. “Many Métis people, often impoverished, weighed their need for basic necessities and the risk of moving away from their families with scrip and decided to sell,” said Ratch.

Ratch discussed hallmarks of Métis culture like buffalo hunting, dress, song and dance. He discussed Métis Michif language and issues facing Métis today. Ratch finished his presentation by sharing a quote from controversial, revered Métis leader Louis Riel: “My people will sleep for one hundred years, but when they awake, it will be the artists who give them their spirit back.”

Notice of Intent Spillimacheen Road Closure

Notice is given, pursuant to Section 60(2) of the Transportation Act, that the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has received an application to permanently close the following roadways in Spillimacheen:

Continued ‘sign’ from page 10 “We had a bunch of photos that Kate Watt took, and we had to decide which would be the background for our poster. None of us could agree on what we wanted – some voted for the ones with trees, and others for the wetlands. We had a deadline for the decision, and we ended up deciding on a different photo than some people wanted,” said Lucia. “We also had to cut down on our information so it would fit on the poster, and everyone wanted to have the biggest section for their topic.”

The students added that their desire is that people who see the sign gain a greater understanding of and appreciation for the Columbia headwaters. Or, as Lucia put it “learn the importance of the headwaters and how we need to take care of it and the importance of salmon and our First Nations people to our land and our history. I just want to say thank you to our Ktunaxa and Secwépemc peoples.”

“I hope people will take this knowledge and inform other people about why the headwaters are so important to our ecosystem,” said Kyra Kruk.

A plan showing the proposed road closure may be viewed at the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s Cranbrook office weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and noon and 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., or a copy of the plan can be emailed upon request to the email or phone number below.

Anyone supporting or objecting to this road closure should submit written comments by July 24, 2021, to the ministry’s Cranbrook office by email to Tim.Nugent@gov.bc.ca or by mail to 129 10th Avenue South, Cranbrook, B.C., V1C 2N1.

For more information, please contact Tim Nugent at Tim.Nugent@gov.bc.ca or 250 420-6550.

June 24, 2021

W h a t’ HAPPENING

s

in the ColumbiaValley

Have your event added by visiting

www.cvevents.ca

or email info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Thursday, June 24 • 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.

• 10 – 11 am: Momfit. Moms are invited to join a weekly morning workout.

Kid-friendly! We will be outside at Spider Park as long as the weather permits from now on. Always bring your bands, a mat, water and stay home if you are not feeling well.

• 3:30 – 9 pm: Invermere’s Summit Youth Hub Centre welcomes Columbia Valley Grades 9 and 10 to drop by for free fun, games, music and much more. We are re-opening for COHORT based, OUTDOOR only drop-in! Please note the cohort schedule and follow the centre’s guidelines.. www.facebook.com/summityouthcentre • 10 – 11:30 pm: Drive-in Movie: “Only the Brave”. ntrance will open at 9:15pm.

Movie will start roughly at 10pm when it is dark. Entrance will be located between the Arena/ Liquor store. Entrance by donation with funds going towards a new Sprinkler Protection Unit to help fight interface fires. Maximum 50 cars, online reservations. www.eventbrite.ca/e/only-the-brave-drive-in-movie-tickets-158010011197

Friday, June 25 • 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 – 11 am: Pop-up Story Time by the Invermere Public Library. Join us in the front library yard for stories, songs and a take-home craft kit! Families must bring their own blanket to sit on and stay 6ft/2m apart from other families at all times. Drop-in program geared towards preschool age and their families, but all welcome! Weather dependent.

• 1:30 – 2 pm: Pride Story Time--All Ages. Join us on the Library lawn on Friday afternoon at 1:30 for a special Pride story time! Please bring a blanket to sit on and stay 6ft apart from other groups. All are welcome.

• 1:30 – 7 pm: Invermere’s Summit Youth Hub Centre welcomes Columbia Valley kids Grade 8 and 6/7(L) to drop by for free fun, games, music and much more. We are re-opening for COHORT based, OUTDOOR only drop-in! Please note the cohort schedule and follow the centre’s guidelines. www.facebook.com/summityouthcentre • 4 – 7 pm: Market on Main on the Visitor Centre lawn in Radium, a safe, socially-distanced event allowing for local vendors to sell their products. You’ll find homemade and homegrown products including baked goods, jams, jellies, pickles, knitwear, honey, candles, and much more. Hand sanitization and washing stations will be available throughout the market. Masks are mandatory.

Saturday, June 26 • 9 am – 1 pm: Invermere Farmers’ & Artists’ Market. Make it, Bake it, Grow it, Raise it! Located Downtown Invermere and runs every Saturday until Sept 11th 2021.

Find us located behind the Eddie Memorial Arena at the Lake View Parking Lot in Invermere! Enter through the main entrance only. Visitors will move in a designated direction. Masks are required.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13 • 12 – 4 pm: Canal Flats Market. Come check out the diverse artisans and producers at this Mixed Market in Canal Flats, every Saturday from 12-4pm MST! Located at 9110 Highway 93/95.

Monday, June 28 • 10:30 am: Rhyme Time by Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy. If you are a parent or caregiver of a child under 2 years old, come and learn some fun songs, rhymes and stories with us! Email skalesnikoff@cbal.org for the Zoom link.

• 10:30 – 11:30 am: Seniors’ Fitness. Limited activities at the Columbia Valley Centre are again permitted, provided the proposed activities have and follow a COVID-19 safety plan. Call 250-342-9281 ext 1232 or email events@invermere.net • 3 – 5 pm: Free Skate Park Fun. Youth are invited to join the Summit Youth Hub folks at the Mt Nelson Skate Park for after school fun! Free popsicles, free skateboard lessons, extra skateboards and helmets, music and positive vibes.

• 4 – 6 pm: LGBTQ+ & Allies Youth Group Drop-In. Youth ages 12-18 are invited to attend the Summit Youth Hub’s weekly drop-in. Snacks + a safe space!

Tuesday, June 29 • 9 am: Strong Start at Edgewater Elementary. Please email any questions or to reserve your space at skalesnikoff@cbal.org or call 250-409-4251.

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

Glacier Mountain Homes.com • Licensed builder / builds to lock up • Insulated concrete forms to the roof • Advanced framing / exterior Insulation • Renovations of any size

Matt 250-342-1517

matt@glaciermountainhomes.com

Hospice

Hospice Swims the Lake Swims the Lake

Wednesday, June 30 • 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 - 11 am: Seniors’ Yoga at the Columbia Valley Centre. Classes are limited to 25 Seniors with a safety plan in place. Call 250-342-9281 ext 1232 or email events@ invermere.net • 10:30 -11:30 am: Seniors & Elders Catch-up Cafe 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 • 5 – 7 pm: Farmers Market – Providing local food, produce, beef, baking and much more. Evening meal by “From Scratch Mountain Kitchen.“ Find us on the Agri Park, Highway 93/95 kiticorner to Tim Hortons, Windermere. Please email: farmersmarket959@gmail.com for more information.

Ongoing Events • Bottle Drive: Sundays and Mondays, 10 - 6 pm. 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.

• Indoor Walking: Monday and Wednesday, 11:45 am – 1 pm. Weekly indoor walking inside of the Columbia Valley Centre .Please wear clean indoor shoes. A mask is required.

• Thrift Store Donation Drop-offs: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 am - 4 pm. At the Lakeview Parking Lot - Invermere, 28 6th Avenue. Invermere, BC Housewares etc in boxes and clothing only in garbage bags if possible.

• Windermere Valley Museum: Open Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 4 pm.: More information can be found at WindermereValleyMuseum.ca, or facebook.com\ Windermere Valley Museum.

• Free Skate Park Fun: Monday – Thursday , 3 – 5 pm, , Friday, 1 – 3 pm. Youth are invited to join the Summit Youth Hub folks at the Mt Nelson Skate Park for after school fun! Free popsicles, free skateboard lessons, extra skateboards and helmets, music and positive vibes.

• Youth Skate Ramps at the Hub: Tuesday – Friday, 5 – 7:30 pm. Drop into our latest and greatest equipment-- with NEW features thanks to the Panorama Foundation and Syndicate Board shop! Helmets are mandatory and you MUST sign a waiver to get on the ramps. www.facebook.com/summityouthcentre

$30,000 Over 90% sold!

Hospice

3 for $20 tickets SOLD OUT!

Hurry up and get your tickets.

1 for $10 still available.

Swims the Lake

Tickets can be purchased at Home Hardware every Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm until July 3rd. and at the Invermere Farmers’ Market from 9 am to 1 pm on June 26th.

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

Visit www.hospicesocietycv.com

Have an opinion?

Email your letter to the editor to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

June 24, 2021

HERE TO SERVE YOU

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Stepping into the Winderberry greenhouses right now is a feast for all your senses. They are fully stocked with all your gardening needs and it is bursting with life, colour and potential! While you’re there, Indulge in scrumptious baking, specialty coffee and feel-good fresh lunch menu choices at Edibles Cafe. See you there!

For competitive prices and prompt service, call: 250-342-3268 (plant) 250-342-6767 (office) • 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.

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Phone: 250-342-5833 • Cell: 250-270-9444 JOIN YOUR CHAMBER AND REAP THE REWARDS! P. 250-342-2844 E. membership@cvchamber.com

All products are available at 9120, Hwy 93/95 which is five kilometres north of Tim Hortons

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INTERIOR • EXTERIOR • WALL COVERINGS Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood.

Seniors Discounts

• 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

Gary’s

Professional Painting & Decorating Ltd. 1978 FREE Estimates

CUSTOM WOOD FINISHING FAUX FINISHES JOURNEYMAN RED SEAL

Columbia Concrete Inc. 20 years’ experience • Anything concrete!

• • • •

Basements Garage pads Driveways Patios

• • • •

Decorative Exposed Stamped concrete Acid staining Serving the Columbia Valley

250-688-3739 I N

P U R S U I T

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

CONTRACTING

403-650-4622 • garysptg@gmail.com

LET US HAMMER OUT THE DETAILS FOR ALL YOUR ADVERTISING NEEDS, CALL 250-341-6299

• Trusses • Engineered Floors • Wall Panels N E W S PA P E R

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

June 24, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

HERE TO SERVE YOU CONTRACTING

PHARMACIES

LANDSCAPING

Big Cat Painting

LAMBERT-KIPP

Spots available for summer 2021!

For all your painting needs!

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

Come in and browse our giftware

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

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

2016

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

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

Kekuli Bay Cabinetry

• FireSmart• Equipment Civil Earthworks 62”x74” Brushcutter

Quality not quantity

Sue Coy

250-342-6612

Landscaping&&Design Design Landscaping Landscaping & Design Trucking Excavating • •Trucking ••Excavating Trucking • Excavating •• Civil Earthworks • Civil Earthworks

250-341-5353 sdcoy@shaw.ca

Lloyd Wilder

250-342-5326 lewilder@shaw.ca

www.decoylandscaping.com

LANDSCAPING

kekulibaycabinetry.com

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

GOLDEN, BC 250-344-0188

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

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

• Authorized dealer • Designer • Installer

INSURANCE

INSURANCE

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 SERVICES Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS

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

SERVICES

Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700

SERVICE EXCELLENCE

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

SINCE 1991

unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca

IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

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

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

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

We give all students 15% off with valid student ID

North American Warranty All Makes and Models Tire Sales and Installation

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

WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM • • • •

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

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

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

June 24, 2021

Defining Local - The Columbia Valley Food and Farm Guide is it?

And, to make things even more confusing, the rise in popularity of the “eat local” movement over the past decade has brought with it local food advertising and marketing campaigns that don’t always tell the truth.

“Local-washing,” a term derived from “green-washing” which means to claim a product is environmentally friendly when it is not, has come to define misinformation around local food. So, how do we know if food is really local? You need to ask. Learn about the farms in your area. Meet the people who grow your food.

Submitted by Columbia Valley Food and Farm

Local food is easy to define, right? Most of us think of local food as food purchased close to where it is grown.

This might mean buying locally grown food directly from a farmer, at a farmers’ market or at your favourite food shop. Or eating a delicious dish made with locally sourced ingredients at your favourite café. But how do we define “close”? Is there a set distance? 10 metres? 10 km? 50 km? Well, the distance used to define what can be called “local” can vary greatly, and you might be surprised at what is considered “local”!

Remember the enormously popular book “The 100-Mile Diet - A Year of Local Eating” by J.B. MacKinnon and Alisa Smith? Smith and MacKinnon documented their experience of eating a diet of only foods grown or raised within 100 miles of their Vancouver home for a year. Their definition of local was pretty clear, with strict boundaries.

Their story played a role in the explosion of interest in the local food movement in B.C. and across Canada.

Others, like the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), throw a wider net and define local food as foods grown within the province where it is sold or within 50 km of the border of that Screenshot of the Columbia Valley Fonnd and Fram Guide province. According to the CFIA, this means that mushrooms grown in the Fraser Valley and turned into How do we define local food in the Columbia Valan omelet in the Columbia Valley are technically local. ley? Good question and one that we at Columbia Valley Some national grocery chains spread that net even wider Food and Farm have analyzed and argued about over the and define foods grown within Canada as local. Not so years while compiling and publishing our Food and Farm easy to pin down the definition of “local food” after all, Guide.

We have been involved in a local food guide in collaboration with like-minded organizations in the Columbia Valley and around the Kootenays since 2007. Over the years, our boundaries have changed, but our vision has remained the same; a thriving local food system in the Columbia Valley.

In 2020, we decided to feature local food processors and local food served in restaurants and cafés, alongside the local food producers in our guide. Specialty food products have become a thriving sector of our economy.

From coffee to pickles, breads, cookies, pies, jams, honey and craft beer and spirits, the Columbia Valley is becoming known for its delicious food offerings. We want you to know about them too. We also want you to know which restaurants are supporting our local producers and where to purchase food from our local growers and ranchers. A healthy community includes a thriving local food system, and while we know that the Columbia Valley cannot provide us with all of our food needs 365 days per year, the more we do to support our local producers and processors, the closer we can come to being a food secure Valley.

If you would like a complimentary copy of the Columbia Valley Food and Farm Guide, it can be found at various locations around the Valley; Valley Foods, Circle Market and Café, Pynelogs Cultural Centre, From Scratch- A Mountain Kitchen, Edibles Café, the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce and more.

If you would like to be listed in the guide, please get in touch at cvfoodandfarm@gmail.com.

For an online version of the guide, visit: www. foodandfarm.ca

HERE TO SERVE YOU SERVICES

SERVICES

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

Fully Insured & WCB Covered

FREE ESTIMATES

Kootenay Paving

• Pruning and Removal of ALL Trees and Shrubs • Stump Grinding • Fully Insured & WCB Covered

Chimney and Eavestrough Cleaning and Repair Specialists

You name it!

I’ll take care of it!

YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP for all home maintenance from raking your lawn to renovating your entire house.

Toll Free 1-888-341-2221

Kootenay Paving Toll Free 1-888-341-2221

Call now for a free quote!

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

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

Where to recycle?

Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia 604-RECYCLE (732-9253) 1-800-667-4321 Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR

OVER

30

YEARS EXPERIENCE

Keep your local businesses alive.

Get your tree services right here in Invermere!

Please call Steve ~ a real local you can trust! 250-342-1791

• Interior/Exterior Painting • Staining • Clear Coat • New Construction • Renovations

East Kootenay Electrical Services Licensed Contractor

HOW WE ROLL Gerard Rehman 4950 Hot Springs Rd. Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. V0B 1L1

Ph: 250-688-ROLL (7655) LetUsRoll4U@Gmail.com

20 years experience • Satisfaction guaranteed!

Can this be recycled?

(Servicing the Valley since 1999)

NEW SEWER CAMERA

• Complete sewer/drain repairs

Cell: 250.341.1342 Fax: 250.342.8733 E-mail: ekelectric@telus.net

• Septic Tank Pumping • Portable Toilet Rentals

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

• A well maintained septic system

should be pumped every 2-3 years Check the • Reasonable rates –BC Seniors’RECYCLEpEdia discount • Avoid costly repairs www.rcbc.ca • Speedy service – 7 days a week

of B.c. MeMBeR FraserRecycling Elrickcouncil • 250-688-1271

Box 2206 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

N E W S PA P E R

Amanda Murray Office Administrator/ Sales

#8, 1008 - 8th Avenue PO Box 868, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Ph: 250-341-6299 ext: 101 www.columbiavalleypioneer.com amanda@columbiavalleypioneer.com

June 24, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

P ioneer C lassifieds GARAGE SALE

ANNOUNCEMENT

LEGAL NOTICE

Yard Sale Saturday June 26th, 9 a.m. - 12 noon. 1745 5th Ave. Kinsmen Beach Invermere (Please park in Kinsmen Beach Parking Lot) Household items, fishing gear, some tools.

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.

Trying to reach Dominique Sam/ Nicholas. We have filed a case to provide for guardianship of Mya Sam Johnson. Her father has medical issues that require full time treatment and Mya cannot be with him. You are welcome to attend the meeting. July 9th 2021 2pm Las Vegas Court.

Any questions please call Ellie Johnson 702-498-9208.

Garage Sale Saturday June 26th.

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 9172 Wallis Ave. Wilmer. Household items, Honda generator, double person lawn swing, patio set and much more. Watch for signs.

Please recycle this newspaper

Al-Anon. Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us on a “ZOOM” meeting every Monday at 7 p.m. For more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship, please call 250-342-8255.

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS Cheers to the District of Invermere for their support in helping non-profit organizations receive grants. You’re efforts are making our community stronger!

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

Cheers to the people who helped me and my scooter out of the ditch and got me going again on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Much appreciated.

Cheers to Kicking Horse Coffee for all the bags for the Columbia Valley Arts Council’s shady Pynelogs garden.

LISTINGS NEEDED!

Three great big CHEERS to Ms. Turgeon and Mrs. Stimming for organizing an excellent Weller Run for the students of J.A. Laird and Windermere Elementary to participate in! Your energy and extra efforts are very much appreciated by so many!

I WANT TO SELL YOUR HOUSE!

Cheers to those kind people who stopped to help me when I was down and out on Windermere Loop Road. To get two off-duty RCMP, a nurse practitioner and an RN all there to help was simply too good to be true. I was in good hands.

Cheers to Don Garner for donating the fantastic painting to the Invermere & District Hospital. And Cheers to Connie at Artym for hanging it in our lobby.

S OBITUARY S Keely, Anne Marie January 27, 1936 June 15, 2021.

Anne Marie Keely of Invermere BC died June 15, 2021 after a courageous struggle with cancer. Anne died peacefully in her home surrounded by her family.

Anne was born in Kimberley, B.C., the daughter of Nels and Dagmar Lindgren. Dagmar died when Anne was 8 and her father spent time away recovering from TB in Kamloops. During this time Anne resided in Cranbrook with her Grand parents, Henning and Matilda Anderson. She attended public school and enjoyed being a member of the Cranbrook Bugle Band. After high school Anne attended Royal Columbian School of Nursing in New West Minster where she became a Registered Nurse. Anne met her husband of 63 years, Frank Keely, while attending nursing school.

They have resided in Invermere since 1964 where they raised their three children.

Anne is survived by her loving husband Frank, her daughters Linda (Ken) Penner, Kim (Bruce) Willox, and her son David (Debbie) Keely. Anne was so proud of her 7 grand children and dearly loved her 6 great grand children.

Anne loved hiking. From arduous backpacking expeditions to leisurely walks to “the bench” that she and Frank donated overlooking the Columbia Wetlands, east of Hawke Road. Anne also loved skating and skiing the “White Way” on Lake Windermere.

Anne was dedicated to her community and provided countless hours of volunteer time. Donation can be made to the Invermere Historical Society in lieu of flowers. There will be no service as per Anne’s request.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and friend to so many. We love you dearly and she will remain in our hearts forever. We leave you with her favourite poem.

I Think What Will Happen to Me When my old body is finished and dies, I’m sure my spirit will come to a place like this: A lovely woodsy trail, a beautiful lake, and alpine meadow, a ridge and peak, for all this had been headed to me while on earth. They are all God’s great gifts to man.

I will roam, at will, about the alpine meadows, along the happy rippling streams, the placid ponds and lakes that mirror the grand peaks and passing clouds. They will catch the early sunrise with promise of the day, and later the glorious sunset, the last of light, tenth nights sky with bright stars and brilliant moon.

My spirit will wander about in the fields of flowers, revelling in their unspeakable beauty - it will pause to wander past a rare treasure on some secluded spot. My spirit will also be tuned to all bird songs , and calls of little animals who make their homes in the mountains.

I will ramble high on the ridges where grotesque trees give way to heather and the highest flowers. Then I will join the fresh breezes, gain in strength and rejoice in the rocks and snows of high places.

I will travel all over the glaciers - which I love so well - and the sparkling snow fields, the deep blue crevasses and shining seracs and the steep snow ridges and rock faces. And finally, with all the world at my feet, I will sit exulted on the summit, and just look, and look, and look, and love it, and thank my Maker for the supreme privilege my old body has enjoyed through the years.

My spirit belongs to all of the mountains - for this to me is heaven.

Thank God who has make me like this. How privileged I have been, as [friends and family] shared these joys with me.

If I have been able to pass on, to even one other soul, the great joy and beauty God gave me in life, then I have been rewarded beyond measure.

by Phyllis Mundy

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

Cheers to Donna and Gerry for the fabulous job they did looking after our home and yard while I was in Kelowna for surgery.

Much appreciated!

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

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

BUYING OR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202

gerrytaft.ca Personal Real Estate Corporation

LOST AND FOUND

Rockies West Realty Independently owned and operated

LOST: 25 ft. war canoe went missing from its anchorage on Jun 5 or 6. Unit is light brown fiberglass with dark spots and white on both ends; unit has approx. 10 life jackets strapped inside. Call Karl 250-342-3752 if found.

COMMERCIAL SPACE Downtown Commercial building for rent in Invermere. 6,000 sq. ft. new recent partial renovations.

250-342-3790.

S OBITUARY S Olsen, Vincent Cecil March 27, 1956 – June 12, 2021

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Vince Olsen, with his family by his side.

Vince was at his happiest and living his best life while hunting, fishing, and playing guitar around the campfire with is countless friends and family. He was a kind man, with a huge heart and would lend a helping hand to whoever needed it. Vince took great pleasure taking his grandkids camping and looking for turtles. Vince “Vinny” will be sadly missed and kept close in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years Mary, sons Corey, Justin (Shelly), grandchildren Chyenne, Carter, Cameron his brother Reg (Qingfing) sisters Darlene and Debbie (Dale).

Vince was predeceased by his father Olie and his mother Winnie.

A family Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services.

Condolences for the family can be offered at www.mcphersonfh.com

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

COMMERCIAL SPACE

CONDO FOR SALE

Invermere Downtown FOR LEASE

• 2,400 sq. ft. of Commercial space • 712 – 10th St., UNIT “D” street level • 4 offices, meeting room, open space with divider, storage room • 2 washrooms and a kitchen area • 2 separate entrances Contact: M&B Properties 250-341-1940 or bruce@brucem.com

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 Elkhorn Country Estates Phase 4 now selling.

3.2 to 5.7 acre parcels.

3 left starting at $349,000 + GST. 250-342-1268. www.elkhornranches.com

WANTED Moorage Wanted Seniors moving to the area looking for permanent Moorage for a 19ft. Boat for the summer months. Please contact Dennis at 250-9547089 or eldekaye@shaw.ca

Myth: One big ad will make a big impression.

Reality: The same money invested in a regular series of small ads will yield bigger results.

Call 250-341-6299 to find out more.

N E W S PA P E R

info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

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

Buy your piece of the Top Floor unit, 2-bedroom, Invermere Valley before 1 bathprices 825 sq. ft., In suite go nuts! laundry, Warm2 bedroom, Sunny Top Floor unit. balcony, Mountain views, 1 bath 985 sq. ft., in-suite Lots of parking, low laundry, Warm low sunny condo fee’s, Small complex balcony, mountain views, Lots parking, low (20 ofunits) withlowlarge condo smallAwesome complex treed fee’s, site area.

(20 units) only with large location steps treed to site area.

Awesome location Downtown and the only steps to Downtown and Beach, currently rented for the beach, currently rented $1000.00, PRICED TO SELL forAT$1000.00, TO SELL $195,000 PRICED Call 403-402AT7505 $165,000 403-402or emailCallrjfaulds1@ 7505 or email rjfaulds1@ gmail.com. gmail.com

WANTED Cash for all silver and gold!

Bullion, bars, rounds, coins, jewellery + also buying coin collections and old money!

Todd’s coins 1-250-864-3521 Retired Bachelor seeking Rural Rent or Care taking accommodation. No Vices, references can be provided. 1-250-426-4445.

MISC. FOR SALE 5.5 cubic Deep Freeze, 4 months old, $150. 250.-3422287.

BOAT FOR SALE 16 ft Hobie Cat in excellent condition with new trampoline.

Comes with customized towing trailer. 587-832-1302.

RV LOTS FOR SALE 1996 Tioga 31.5 ft. Motorhome for sale. Sleeps 6, walk around queen bed, 2 way fridge, washer/dryer, microwave, satellite antenna wired for TV, rubber roof, air conditioning, Onan 4000 series Gen. set less then 5,000 kms on tires, awning 2 years old, solar panel 2 years old, 460 motor, 80,000 miles, 131,964 kms. Self contained for contractor on the move, hitch and wired for towing.

Great getaway from COVID-19. $18,000. Call 250-342-2287.

June 24, 2021

RV FOR SALE

SERVICES

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

RV for sale 27 ft. 2003 Vanguard Trailer, located in West Kootenays. $7000. 250-3426851.

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

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.

Taynton Bay Electrical is currently hiring!

Looking for full=time service electrician with industrial/ control experience. Residential is a bonus. Wage negotiable.

Please contact Cliff Charette 250-342-1355.

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

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

Industrial #2 Road across from NAPA Hours: Tuesday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

250-341-2551 Offering Excellent Service & Fair Pricing!

B.B.’s Home & Lawn Care Services Master Craftsman & Stonemason, Renovation’s & Interior Design, blinds & installation.

All home interior/exterior repairs & yard maintenance, eavestrough cleaning, dump runs, house checks/cleaning.

Over 35 year’s experience.

Call 250-688-2897.

Pike Contracting Excavating and Skid Steer services.

Call Jason 250-342-5277.

The Heartfelt Companion: SERVICE FOR SENIORS Offers non-medical help to seniors in their home and respite for caregivers. Companionship, errands, transportation, personal care, meal prep and more. Excellent local references and credentials and a big, kind heart! Rest assured; COVID-19 precautions are in place to keep you safe. “The Heartfelt Companion team provide, in the truest sense, heartfelt companionship. They always have mom’s best interest in mind. I find that my family can once again enjoy our time with mom, as we know she is being cared for, lifting this responsibility from our shoulders. We can once again simply enjoy each other’s company. We have tremendous gratitude for their service.” 250341-5683 www.heartfeltcompanionservices.com

PROFESSIONAL STUMP GRINDING Free quotes Reasonable rates 1-403-703-4492.

Golf cart and lawn tractor tuneups and minor repairs, pickup and delivery service available.

Call Jeff 250-341-8146 leave a message.

HELP WANTED

Looking for Summer Work?...

Busy small resort in WinderOld Salzburg seeking kitchen mere requires helper. Varied help, cooks start at $19 dish- duties include housekeeping, washer at $16 and servers. grounds and building mainDrop off resume or call 250- tenance and trail work. 7 hr/ 347-6553 and ask for Scott or day, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., 5 days per Ashley. week. $18/hr. This position is partially funded by Canada We are looking for some friend- Summer Jobs. Employee must ly faces to work in our seasonal be 15 to 30 yrs of age on July concession snack shack full 1st. Contact Scott at 250-342time or part time. ApplyInfo@ 0356 or email windcreek@ ridgeveiwresort.ca 250-347- shaw.ca.

9715.

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.

Experienced excavator operator needed. Please email resume to cfxcavating@gmail.com

Please email classified ads to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

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

FIRESMART COORDINATOR (Contract Position – 1 year)

Geoff Hill PREC* REALTOR® Fair Realty

250-341-7600

www.geoffhill.ca 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.

The District of Invermere is an attractive, rapidly growing community with about 3300 permanent residents. Invermere is nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere in the Columbia Valley of British Columbia. Within minutes of Invermere’s downtown are numerous golf courses, beautiful waterfront areas, spectacular hiking, skiing, and other recreational opportunities. If you enjoy the outdoors and wish to live in a community that offers an incredible quality of life, then Invermere is an ideal place to live and work.

The District of Invermere is seeking an experienced and service focused individual to join our team as FireSmart Coordinator.

Reporting to Invermere’s Fire Chief, the FireSmart Coordinator will serve a crucial role, for example, by: Facilitating FireSmart related activities and events in the District of Invermere for the purpose of educating the citizens about FireSmart principles.

How to apply: If you are interested in this position, please send a cover letter and resume outlining your qualifications and experience to info@invermere.net or the address below by 4:00 pm (MT), July 9, 2021 quoting “FireSmart Coordinator – Invermere 2021”.

Andrew Young, Chief Administrative Officer and Kindry Luyendyk, Corporate Officer District of Invermere PO Box 339 914 – 8th Avenue Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281

There’s a reason they’re called “CLASSY”. Pioneer Classifieds…

N E W S PA P E R

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

June 24, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day in the Columbia Valley

HELP WANTED

Wilmer Waterworks District PO Box #747, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K5

Secretary Wanted Are you looking for interesting, casual work; a little extra spending money? Wilmer Waterworks Improvement District requires an organized person with clear communication skills to fill the position of secretary.

The position averages 3-6 hours a month and requires the following: • Computer/ internet access, experience with word processing software • Attendance of monthly meetings • Recording minutes, correspondence, drafting of bylaws, liaison with Board members Salary is dependent on experience.

Send resume to wilmerwaterworks@gmail.com

Invermere, BC

Breakfast Cook & Dinner Cook Full-time, year-round positions.

Wage dependent on experience.

Send resume to hucksbc5@gmail.com or call Rob at 250-342-3800

Bylaw Enforcement Officer The Village is seeking a part-time Bylaw Enforcement Officer responsible for enforcing the bylaws of the municipality.

This job will include the administration of various licensing and permitting schemes, including the annual fire inspection of commercial and public buildings. The job description is available upon request at the email below.

Applications may be submitted in Word or PDF format to CAO Mark Read at Mark.Read@radiumhotsprings.ca The deadline for applications is June 30th at 4 p.m. MST.

BCYCNA – CLASSIFIED ADS – MEDICAL

Aubin is relatively new to town. Already, she’s gotten to know a few of the other French Canadians in the valley. “Most people aren’t doing much this year,” she said.

Thursday June 24 is Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, a pub- “Not compared to what it was like before the pandemic lic holiday in Québec. For French Canadians in Québec when I lived in Jasper.” In Jasper, the French Canadian and across the country, it is a big day. “In Québec, it’s community is much larger. “Lots of Québécois move out a much bigger celebration than Canada Day,” said Ca- west to Jasper for the mountains and lifestyle.” It’s a big mille Aubin, born and raised in the Laurentide town of party in Jasper on June 24 each year.

Sainte-Sophie. “People go crazy. Parents, kids, the whole In Québec City, a massive fireworks show takes place family.” over the parliament building. There’s live music, dancing The celebration, also known as Fête Nationale du and drinking. It’s a day to celebrate what it means to be Québec, was brought to Canfrom Quéada by French settlers celebratbec. I was ing the traditional feast day of curious what the Nativity of St. John the that means Baptist. In 1925, Québec deto Aubclared the day a public holiday. in. “We are So what are the valley’s known for French Canadians doing this being welyear to celebrate? I conducted coming and a small poll and found that this open-mindyear, considering the realities of ed,” she said. the pandemic, not too much.

“We’re volThe Street Avenue Food guys, uble, enjoy Yan Thérien and Hubert Poirieating and er would like to do something, listening to but they’re understandably too music, and busy launching their fledgling one time Two person celebrating the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, Quebec’ Na- when I was food empire.

“My partner and I will do tional holiday. Stock photo abroad trava campfire, listen to Québécois elling, my music, eat some poutine,” said Aubin. What music you tour guide said we speak loud, and are always ready for a say? Aubin sent me a list that includes classics like Les good night. He was right!” As for the day itself, to Aubin, Cowboys Fringants, Mes Aieux, Jean Leloup and Coeur it’s about celebrating the unique French Canadian culde Pirate. High tempo, folky stuff. Literate lyrics, dance- ture. “It’s about sharing our Québécois pride.” able.

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative

HELP WANTED KENPESQ’T HOLDINGS LIMITED

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Deadline: July 9, 2021

•

• The Opportunity – Kenpesq’t Holdings Ltd. (KHL) is a wholly owned entity of the Shuswap Indian Band (SIB), located in Invermere BC. KHL is responsible to lead economic • development ventures of the Band and we are looking for a Chief Executive Officer to lead day to day management of KHL that aligns with overarching SIB economic development objectives.

• PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE KHL CEO • • • • • • • • • • •

College of Pharmacists of British Columbia Pharmacy Licence #: 27814

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND PERSONAL QUALITIES OF THE CEO •

Oversee the day to day operations of KHL and its Limited Partnerships, while acting as the Board of Director’s formal link to KHL operational performance; Develop the KHL Strategic Plan based on direction from the Board that is consistent with SIB values, interests, and expectations; Oversee financial management of KHL and its operating entities, inclusive of operating plans, annual budgets, operating plans, and identification of surplus cash / required financing (as applicable) in accordance with the KHL Strategic Plan; Identify and pursue business development opportunities consistent with the Strategic and Annual Plans, including to partner with other First Nations, government and industry while conducting appropriate due diligence activities; Report financial and operational performance, relevant trends and major business risks to the KHL Board of Directors to support the Board’s oversight function of KHL; Work with HR Manager in hiring, developing, and evaluating business unit managers and corporate staff / contractors within approved budgets as approved by the KHL Board; Provide input on negotiations related to economic development opportunities when requested; Represent KHL and its businesses within the SIB and external community, ensuring to deliver an annual update to SIB members at an Annual General Meeting for KHL; Create a culture within the development corporation that accounts for Indigenous values and cultural traditions of the Shuswap Indian Band, as well as principles related to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG); Develop and maintain effective working relationships with KHL employees, SIB and SIB members; and Encourage, support, and otherwise mentor SIB members to advance small business opportunities, and develop capacity within the KHL organization.

• • • • •

Demonstrated high level leadership abilities – Senior people management skills, including leadership, coaching, and team-building; A high degree or satisfactory cultural competency and knowledge of Indigenous communities, knowledge of the Shuswap Indian Band and its culture considered to be an asset; Successful Experience in Business / Community Economic Development fields with focus on Indigenous initiatives and balancing of social, cultural, and environmental objectives; Ability to lead the creation, implementation, monitoring and updating of policies and procedures to ensure sustained and profitable business enterprises and positive work environments; Financial and risk management skills is preferable, including knowledge of financial statements and key financial performance indicators, and the ability to interpret risk and return trade-offs; Knowledge and experience in natural resource development preferable, or large construction development experience, in consideration of Indigenous title and rights; Experience with managing joint venture arrangements with other businesses is an asset; A Bachelor of Commerce degree, or equivalent bachelor’s degree with a focus on business, or equivalent experience is preferable; a Master of Business Administration degree and / or related a professional designation is an asset; The ability to be impartial, trustworthy, respectful of confidentiality, and ability to avoid any conflicts of interest; and A positive attitude that promotes teamwork and values like that of the Shuswap Indian Band.

Shuswap Indian Band, Kenpesq’t Holdings Limited and related companies are committed to the fundamental principles of equal employment opportunity. We are committed to treating people fairly, with respect and dignity, and to offer equal employment opportunities based upon an individual’s qualifications and performance — free from discrimination or harassment because of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, or a criminal or summary conviction offence unrelated to a person’s employment or intended employment.

Shuswap Indian Band and Kenpesq’t Holdings Limited strive to incorporate Secwepemc customs, traditions and values with the organization and in its relationship with its employees.

Where the organization deems it appropriate or an occupational requirement to employ or promote an Indigenous person or Shuswap Indian Band member, the employment preference shall be administered in a fair and reasonable manner, and is consistent with the Canadian Human Rights Commission Policy on “Aboriginal Employment Preference.”

Please email a resume and cover letter to Lorena Tegart at ltegart@shuswapband.ca with the subject header “Kenpesq’t Holdings Limited CEO Application” by 4:30 pm on Friday July 9, 2021.

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

FAITH

Wounds heal

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

By Murray Wittke Valley Christian Assembly

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

RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 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

“Most things break, including hearts. The lessons of life amount not to wisdom, but to scar tissue and callus.” Wallace Stegner I’ve got scars, lots of them; they remind me of past pain and that wounds heal. Every scar has a story.

The hardest ones to talk about are the scars on my heart. Over the years, I’ve loved folks and ended up hurt by things they’ve said or done. I was tempted to turn my back and just walk away. Sometimes love hurts.

C.S. Lewis wrote “To love at all is to be vulnerable.

Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket - safe, dark, motionless, airless - it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.”

Just like everyone else, church people are capable of attitudes, behavior and words that can cut to the heart.

I’ve been wounded in church, and in my pain, I’ve been tempted to do what many folks often do, get angry, become cynical and disappear. I didn’t leave the church or abandon my faith, but perhaps you have. If your heart hurts, I have good news.

Jesus has scars too, lots of them; they’re reminders of his love for us and that his wounds heal. Sin put holes in his hands and feet, a gash in his side and marks on his back and brow. Though I didn’t deserve it, in love, he bore my sin, paid my debt and healed the pain of my heart. Does your heart ache because of what’s been done or said to you? Give your heart to Jesus. Believe me; he’s the wounded healer whose wounds heal. “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”

Come Crack the Case with us Submmited by Blair McFarlane Community Outreach Library Assistant

Sunday 1:30 p.m. Worship Service at Valley Christian Assembly 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere www.eklutheran.ca mtzionlc@hotmail.com

your message is resonating with residents and visitors alike.

June 24, 2021

Summer Reading Club (SRC) is back with in-person programs this year! We are too excited to keep it just in Invermere, so we are hosting programs in Edgewater and Canal Flats too!

Invermere sessions will be outside in the library yard on Thursday and Friday afternoons. On Wednesdays, we will be alternating between Canal Flats and Edgewater each week. And there will be Pop-up Story Times all around the valley!

Here’s the schedule (find specific dates and Pop-up locations on our website or social media): Wednesdays 10:30 a.m.: Pop up Story Time alternating between Canal Flats & Edgewater Wednesdays 11:15a.m.12:30p.m.: SRC for kids 5*-12 alternating between Canal Flats & Edgewater Thursdays 2-3:30 p.m.: SRC for ages 9-12, Invermere Library Yard Fridays 10:30 a.m.: Pop-up Story Time around Invermere Fridays 2-3:30 p.m.: SRC for ages 5-8, Invermere Library Yard Register for week 1 beginning June 30. SRC will require registration this year, you will have to register each week, and you can only book one week in advance. *Please note that 5 year-olds participating must be finished Kindergarten.

Pick up your reading log any time after June 30.

Complete your log and return it to the library to win a

Lego Mini Figure prize (while supplies last) and a medal!

You can come pick up a reading log without attending the weekly programs too!

The theme for SRC this year is “Crack the Case!” and we will be solving mysteries all summer long with games, crafts and more! SRC is a program with lots of fun activities to encourage a love of discovery, play, and reading!

This is a free program for all, no library card is needed.

B.C. Summer Reading Club would not be possible without the generous financial support of the Province of B.C., through the Public Libraries Branch, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and CUPE B.C. Speaking of mysteries… events for adults are returning with a rather belated book launch for local author, Tony Berryman’s The Night Nurse—a massage therapy thriller on Thursday, July 8 at 7 p.m. This event was originally going to take place in 2019, and we are thrilled to finally be able to host Tony! It will be outside and in accordance with COVID-19 protocols. Please call 250-342-6416 if you are planning to attend.

Please check our website at invermere.bc.libraries. coop or Facebook/Instagram regularly for updates or any possible changes due to COVID-19 regulations. We can’t wait to see you!