Columbia Valley Pioneer, July 1, 2021

July 1, 2021 Vol. 18/Issue 26

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1

July 1, 2021

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 1, 2021 Highlights of the @LiveColumbiaValley Instagram account, brought to you by the Columbia Valley Community Economic Development Office, a service of the RDEK.

Bruno’s Plumbing Service Mike Sylvestre 250.342.5105 brunosplumbing@shaw.ca ~ We now service drains ~ Serving The Columbia Valley

Ser vin g th eC

UPCOMING EVENTS Local Author Reading o l u m bia e Vall

y

Tony Berryman will be here in person with his debut novel, The Night Nurse Thursday, July 8 at 7 pm on the Library lawn.

Please call 250-342-6416 if you’re planning to attend.

invermere.bc.libraries.coop

Tourism Radium Hot Springs’ first Market on the Main of the year was a success. Come out and start your weekend right by grabbing some fresh B.C. fruit, handmade goods and gifts, as well as dinner every Friday, 4 to 7 p.m.!

Steve Root, Shannon Root, Weaver’s Bees and Baby Root Designs; and The Peaceful Sole.

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Whatever mood you’re after, try setting it with KaBre Candle & Bath Co. handmade candle and bath products.

Brenda and Kaylene have been making their full line of products in Invermere for years. And if you didn’t catch them at the Invermere Farmers & Artisans Market on Saturday, you can buy them from their retail location behind Red Apple or online at www.kabrecandle.com.

Bianca Trescher makes “bewitching, plant-derived, occult-inspired bath and beauty creations” from her home, and you can find them at the Invermere Farmers & Artisans Market every Saturday.

GREAT GAS

GIVEAWAY This week’s winner is…

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MA

S

C

O S SR OAD

RKET

Angeline Armstrong Many, many more draws will continue through 2021.

Stop by Crossroads Market and see our newly expanded

BC Fruit Stand

Meet Kevin. Oh, and how could I forget Tyrone, the adolescent T-Rex. Kevin is a gizmologist, who makes sets, props, critters (like Tyrone and a steampunk horse), custom vehicles, Connie Geerts could be found painting in the shade at and so much more from his workshop in Canal Flats. They’ve just received an occupancy permit for their gallery and will Effusion Art Gallery on Saturday afternoon as part of the Rocky Mountain Art Show. be accepting art on consignment in the coming weeks.

Watch it all come together next to the Hit-N-Run Snack Shack on Hwy 93/95.

Submitted by Ryan Watmough

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July 1, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS

Two schools, one preschool, and youth soccer shut down early Required self-isolation of close contacts following a few COVID-19 cases leaves school short-staffed

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Several confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Columbia Valley has led to the early closure of two schools and one preschool, and the early end of the youth soccer season.

Early last week, the Windermere-based Mountain Ridge Academy announced it would close beginning on Tuesday, June 22, following a possible COVID-19 exposure on June 15, 16 and 17, and would remain closed until its summer break was scheduled to begin anyway in early July.

On Wednesday, June 23, Columbia Valley Youth Soccer sent out a message to participating families letting them know that although the season was almost over, the remaining games and practices would be cancelled.

“We have also been in communication with Interior Health. Due to the increased level of COVID-19 contact tracing in our club and in respect to how these isolations affect our players, their families, and our volunteers, sadly, we will not be able to complete our last academy session nor last practice,” read the letter, adding that as of now, there are no changes to upcoming camps set for

later this year.

Then the functional early closures of Eileen Madson Primary School (EMP) and Windermere Elementary School (WES) were announced in letters sent to parents of EMP and WES students on the evening of Thursday, June 24. Students were initially scheduled to attend until Tuesday, June 29, but instead had their last day of school on Thursday, June 24.

The letter, sent by Rocky Mountain School District Six superintendent Karen Shipka, outlined the individuals who tested positive are self-isolating at home and that a number of students and staff members identified as close contacts have also been asked to self-isolate. Given the number of staff unable to work at the school, the district decided to functionally close the school on June 25, 2021, for the remainder of the year. The letter defined a ‘functional closure’ as a voluntary closure of a school due to operational limitations as a result of a number of staff and/or students needing to self-isolate at home.

“Please note, that this is a functional school closure and has NOT been declared a COVID-19 school outbreak and there is NO ongoing transmission in school and never was,” read the letter.

The letter outlined efforts the school district is taking to help make the sooner-than-expected transition to summer break as smooth as possible for students and parents, noting that teachers would be reaching out to families and the school would be arranging for the pick up of student belongings and progress reports during the first week of July.

Martin Morigeau Elementary School in Canal Flats, Edgewater Elementary School in Edgewater, J.A. Laird Elementary School in Invermere, and David Thompson Secondary School in Invermere remained open this week as scheduled.

According to Invermere mayor Al Miller, the latest figure he’s heard on the number of COVID-19 cases in the Columbia Valley is 20, from an update he received on Friday, June 25. “This is an uptick” in numbers said Miller, but added he’s not sure it amounts to a big surge or full-blown outbreak, as some residents and social media reports have claimed.

“Certainly, we still need to be mindful of one another and respectful,” Miller told the Pioneer. “If you haven’t had your vaccinations yet, I ask you to seriously look at getting that done.”

Invermere council turns down letter asking for pedestrian-only downtown

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Invermere council received a letter from a local resident asking that the district considering making 7th Avenue (Invermere’s main street) pedestrian only in the downtown for the summer. Council members, recalling the flurry of opinion, a good deal of it quite negative, that mere mention of such an idea stirred last year, were quick to outline that this is not an option on the table.

Resident Stefanie Mclellan wrote that having recently visited her old home of Kimberley, and wandered through the pedestrian-only Platzl area there, “I thought how wonderful it would be if Invermere had a downtown that was focussed on people, not cars.”

Mclellan suggested that the planned downtown revitalization is a great opportunity to put this idea into practice.

“The downtown core will feel less like a thoroughfare and more like a place to linger, shop, dine and enjoy.

Especially in COVID-19 times, but even beyond, giving restaurants and businesses an opportunity to spread outside and having more patio dining will greatly enhance the appeal of Invermere’s downtown,” she wrote. “This summer would be a great time to try this out, before you start construction, by placing temporary barriers.”

Council members unanimously pointed out that with a number of downtown businesses strongly opposed to blocking traffic off 7th Avenue, a pedestrian-free downtown is simply not in the cards.

“I appreciate the letter. I often think that when I go to Kimberley too, that it’s lovely to walk along the Platzl. But I fear there would be a major backlash from many other individuals if we tried shutting down the downtown to traffic. We got pushback last year just by suggesting that businesses could put out a patio if they wanted instead of the parking spots,” said councillor Kayja Becker. “So while I like the idea, Stephanie, if you’re watching (digitally), thanks for the suggestion, but it would take a lot of discussions to make anything close to that happen. Even one-way traffic (on main street) would be a whole fiasco.”

Continued on page 17...

Congratulations to the Graduating Class 2021!

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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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 13th at 7:00 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.

July 1, 2021

This past week, June 21 through June 27, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 81 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

•On Wednesday, June 23, a resident on 3rd Avenue in Invermere reported his 2005 Dodge SX was stolen from the property sometime between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. The vehicle had been left unlocked with the keys in the vehicle. The vehicle had BC license plate KN067G on it when it was stolen.

•On Friday, June 25, at about 11p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop with the driver of a Honda Accord on Highway 93/95 in Windermere. While speaking to the driver, the officer formed suspicion the driver had alcohol in his body. The driver, who was also determined to be a prohibited driver, complied with a breath demand and blew a “fail”. As a result, the driver was arrested for prohibited driving and impaired operation. The driver provided two more breath samples at the Detachment, which were both over the legal limit. The driver was is-

sued a 90-day Administrative Driving Prohibition and released on an Appearance Notice to attend court at a later date.

•On Sunday, June 27, at about 1 a.m., Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of a black Toyota Tacoma speeding and spinning its tires at a campground in Fairmont Hot Springs. An officer located the vehicle and spoke to the driver, who admitted to having a couple of drinks. The driver was issued a 24-hour driving prohibition, and his vehicle was impounded for 24 hours.

•On Sunday, June 27, a white and blue 2007 Monterey boat and trailer were reported stolen from in front of a residence on Lakeview Road in Invermere sometime overnight. The boat had hull identification number RGFMC357F707.

•On Sunday, June 27, at about 6:30 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP responded to a report of a vehicle fire on Highway 93 in Kootenay National Park. Upon arrival, officers observed a Dodge pickup fully engulfed in flames. The driver reported smelling and seeing smoke and managed to pull the vehicle over before it started on fire. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire was believed to be a mechanical issue.

Evacuation alerts for Hoodoos and Spruce Grove lifted

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The evacuation alerts in place for more than three weeks at the Hoodoos Mountain Resort and Spruce Grove Campground & RV Resort, both in the Fairmont Hot Springs area, have finally been rescinded.

The move comes after water levels in nearby Dutch Creek receded to a safe level.

“In spite of the spike in temperatures, water levels have stabilized, and we have achieved enough freeboard within the creek that the evacuation alert has been lifted,” said Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) information officer Loree Duczek.

The evacuation alert in place for Fairmont proper-

ties alongside Fairmont Creek remain in place, however, with Duczek outlining that the RDEK is still working to restore capacity in the creek channel following a debris flood in late May. The debris flood event had filled debris trap and ponds in the creek’s flood mitigation system.

“Work is well underway to remove the debris and regain sufficient capacity within our upper debris traps,” explains Duczek. “We anticipate it will take at least another week yet to restore the required capacity, and we encourage people within the alert area to remain prepared and aware should we experience a weather event that causes conditions to worsen.”

Duczek thanked the owners of both the Hoodoos and Spruce Grove resorts for their cooperation and diligence during the spring run-off.

Elements is open daily from 4 – 9 pm.

Visit our Resort website for detailed information and pricing. Loc ated at Copper Point Resort, 760 Cooper Road

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July 1, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

• Fire Smart • Lawn Cutting • Yard Work

• Painting • Pressure Washing • Home Repairs

Ph: 250-341-7559 Email: valleytimeservices@gmail.com

Enjoy more of your “Valley Time”

A collage of two photos of the robbery suspect walking down an aisle of the pharmacy.

Submitted photo

Armed robbery at Invermere Pharmasave

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

SO 50 LD % OU T

Last weekend saw an armed robbery in downtown Invermere.

The robbery, which seemed more like something from a big city police bulletin than an incident you’d expect in Invermere, occurred around 12 noon on Sunday, June 27, at the Invermere Pharmasave on the corner of 10th Avenue and 4th Street, across from Sobey’s and the Lake Windermere Alliance Church.

A yet-to-be identified suspect entered the pharmacy, displayed a firearm to an employee and demanded narcotics. He then fled the store with an undisclosed amount of controlled substances.

Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of the incident a few minutes past noon, and immediately attended the scene.

Investigators believe the male suspect left the Invermere area in a red newer model pickup truck, RCMP Southeast District

spokesperson Corporal Jesse O’Donaghey said in a press release, adding that no employees, or patrons were physically injured during the robbery.

Police have review surveillance video footage and are releasing images of the suspect see photo above in the hopes that the members of the public can help identify him.

The RCMP said the unknown suspect has been described to them as a South Asian male, between 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall. On the day of the robbery, he was wearing a pair of dark pants with a Toronto Raptors emblem, a dark coloured hoodie, a pair of sunglasses, a blue face mask, and a pair of blue latex gloves.

Anybody who witnessed the robbery, who has not yet spoken to police, or who may have any additional information can contact the Columbia Valley RCMP at 250-342-9292 or can remain completely anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

PERSPECTIVE

Happy Canada Day

July 1, 2021

Historical Lens

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com Being a Canadian is a true blessing. There isn’t much more citizens can ask for in terms of quality of life and personal liberties, at least compared with such standards in many, many other countries around the world. Still, it’s been a rough year for our country and not exclusively because of COVID-19.

Canada has recently been ranked as the best country in the world, for the first time ever, in the 2021 Best Countries Report, produced by the U.S. News & World Report, for multiple reasons. The rankings measure various countries based on 10 different categories.

Canada came first place in two of categories — quality of life and social purpose. This is good reason to celebrate and be proud on Canada Day! We’re fortunate to have a public health care system and a public education system that are well developed. Canadians generally feel safe. Our politics are stable, and the job market is growing strong.

As stated in the report, Canada has a strong economy and is a family-friendly country.

According to the same report, our country’s reputation is also based on our concern for animal and human rights, our commitment to climate goals, our trustworthiness, a fair distribution of power, relative equality for women and minorities, and better racial equity than most of other countries.

But you’d be forgiven for thinking that with news in recent days, being ranked a leader in racial equity simply isn’t enough.

If you feel you haven’t heard much about Canada’s number one spot in the report, well, no wonder: the report came out at almost the exact same time that 215 children’s remains were discovered at a former residential school in Kamloops, a dark and disturbing reminder of a shameful chapter of Canada’s history that sparked sadness and anger.

Canadian news media have also been monopolized by stories about a terrible car attack on a Muslim family in Ontario and a sudden spike in crime involving Asians during COVID-19.

As a result, Canadian pride and our desire to celebrate our heritage may be more sensitive on this Canada Day. Yet, we may need it more than ever this year.

Canada is far from perfect. There is much work still to be done.

But there are things worth celebrating, celebrate them we should and not forgetting where we came from.

During this one moment of the year, we are called upon to recommit ourselves to the principles that bind our communities together.

So, on Canada Day, let’s spread a sense of community and solidarity toward one another.

Let’s acknowledge our dark past and present, and let’s demonstrate to people around the world and to each other our determination by taking more significant steps to improve and to do better. Let’s remember what makes Canada a great country and the citizens who have worked so hard to make Canada recently rank best in the world to live.

Happy Canada Day.

Four children on the porch of Cleland home.

From left to right: Allison, Gordon, (Bud), Marion and Audrey Cleland C2052. 1929, courtesy Windermere District Historical Society

Correction . In the June 24 issue, the Pioneer reported on the Toby Creek freshet flowing up the Columbia River into Lake Windermere. The Pioneer was mistaken in respect to the colours of the water bodies: it is, in fact, Toby Creek, which is a grey-brown silty colour during the freshet, and when that water mixes with Lake Windermere, parts of the lake that are further from the inflow appear to be a brighter blue than they do during the rest of the year. The phenomenon is demonstrated quite well in the submitted photo below.

Toby Creek (grey-brown) flows into Lake Windermere during the freshet. When these waters mix, some parts of the lake appear to be a brighter blue than is typical.

Photo submitted

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

Amanda Nason

Associate Publisher/ Sales Manager Ext. 102

Camille Aubin Editor Ext. 106

Steve Hubrecht Magazine Editor/ Reporter Ext. 105

James Rose

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Lerissa McLaughlin Sales Representative Ext. 103

Emily Rawbon Graphic Design Ext. 104

Amanda Murray

Office Administrator/ Sales Ext. 101

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.

July 1, 2021

LETTERS

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Where do we start?

Dear Editor: “The “rapprochement of cultures” implies that international security and social inclusion cannot be attained sustainably without a commitment to such principles as human dignity conviviality and solidarity which are the corner stones of human coexistence, in all faiths and secular ideologies,” wrote UNESCO on its website.

The paradigm under which most of the world operates was imposed by the imperial countries of Europe, in the latter part of the second millennium, when mores still favoured race and class superiority. Regardless of the abolition of slavery and the emancipation of women, many of the infrastructural modes of operation, policies, procedures, and methods of training remain the same. These insidious – systemic - practices are impeding advancement, and this is the “paradigm shift” that society as a whole must make to correct the ills plaguing us as we strive for a whole, peaceful, and healthy humanity.

“The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord.

If you meet those of a different race and colour from yourself, do not mistrust them and withdraw yourself into your shell of conventionality, but rather be glad and show them kindness.” - ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Advent of Divine Justice, p.32 As individuals, many of us have developed a decent sense of inclusion but are still blind to many of the systemic, often unwritten, rules which have given us a greater sense of security and belonging than others of diverse cultures and colours have experienced.

However, the unfolding events of 2020-21 must shake even the most complacent of us into awareness that acknowledgement of these problems must be made and solutions that make real change must be found. Inclusion and equality must mean everyone- every colour, creed, inclination, and ability. “Justice for all” must mean all. Individually, we are beginning to learn how to support each other and include each other, but our institutions are lagging behind, and that must change.

“The light of men is justice. Quench it not with the contrary winds of oppression and tyranny. The purpose of justice is the appearance of unity among men.” – Baha’u’llah, Tablets of Baha’u’llah, p. 66-67.

Here, in Canada, our forefront battles are climate (environmental) action, Indigenous rights, and systemic racism. Where do we start?

“The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established. This unity can never be achieved so long as the counsels which the Pen of the Most High hath revealed are suffered to pass unheeded.”

– Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh”, p. 286 Peace and well-being.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

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

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

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

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

BaysofWindermere.com • 250-688-0512

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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

Notice of 2021 Annual General Meeting The Annual General meeting of the Wilmer Waterworks Improvement District is scheduled for

Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at 7 p.m.

At the Wilmer Community Hall (Conrad Kain Park) All Wilmer residents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Masks and social distancing is required.

The Trustees Wilmer Waterworks Improvement District

July 1, 2021

Invermere’s new medical and aesthetic studio

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com COVID-19 did not prevent Laura Tarr, a local resident since 2015 and business owner of the recently established Glow 360 Studio, from opening her new medical and aesthetic studio in Invermere, a first in the valley.

Canada HAPPY DAY from

We want to CELEBRATE with YOU!

25% off all treatments

You can choose from many treatments to suit your needs and goals at the studio with high-quality technologies and types of equipment: laser hair removal, laser vein therapy, skin resurfacing, microdermabrasion, microneedling, advanced chemical peels, rosacea/sun damage therapy, dedicated customized acne programs, and nail fungus therapy. She also offers clinical grade skincare, sun care, and acne care treatments.

“What’s really important to me, is that the technology and the equipment that I have is top-of-the-line. It is what you would get if you went to the big city to see a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist or another high-level medical aesthetic clinic. I am able to treat all skin tones with my laser technology,” said Tarr adding prior to her studio, Columbia Valley residents often traveled to Canmore or Cranbrook to get such services.

Tarr offers competitive pricing compared with medical aesthetic studios in big cites. “‘I’ve brought it in a price point that is much more advantageous to my clients than if they went and got the exact same service in the bigger city. So my studio is much more cost-effective for the exact same thing.”

Additionally, Tarr’s studio offers a beautiful and modern space for clients to come and relax, enhancing the high-end service the organization provides.

Booked between July 5th - 18th.

203, 375 Laurier Street. Invermere info@theglowstudio.ca • 250-409-5395 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) 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

Laura Tarr business owner of the recently established Glow 360 Studio.

Submitted photo Tarr, originally from Calgary, had been coming to the Columbia Valley as a seasonal resident for several years before relocating as a full-time resident. Before moving to Invermere, Laura managed a well-known medical aesthetics clinic in Calgary.

She is a certified laser technician, microneedling technologist, and coolsculpting technologist, as well as a certified lash artist. She also completed a three-year cosmetology program. Tarr is dedicated to providing the Columbia Valley with access to the most advanced medical aesthetics technology available.

“My business is quite unique out here. This is the first medical studio and medical aesthetic studio out here in Invermere,” explained Tarr.

Lakeview Lots Private Lake Access Fully Serviced Starting from

$199,900

Glow 360 Studio

Submitted photo

Business hours are Monday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Contact Tarr at 250-409-5395 to schedule a consultation and receive tailored services based on your goals or visit her website at www.theglowstudio.ca for more information.

Discover Springwater Hill at 6200 Columbia Lake Road

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July 1, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

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10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 1, 2021

Caught in the crunch: Paradise lost Longtime valley residents forced to relocate to Edmonton by Invermere’s rental shortage

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Editor’s note: Invermere’s housing needs assessment, presented to Invermere council this past spring, highlighted Invermere’s worsening long-term rental housing crunch.

What Invermere renters have long known anecdotally (and through oft times bitter experience) — i.e. that the district is one heckuva difficult place to find, much less afford, a place to rent — was borne out in the assessment, which outlined a significant shortage of rentals, and pointed out that more than a quarter of all Invermere households are unable to afford the district’s median monthly rental shelter cost. In the new ‘Caught in the Crunch’ series, staring with two features this week, the Pioneer seeks to put a face, and give voices, to these statistics, telling the stories of those residents caught out

by Invermere’s rental shortfall.

my retirement,” Barb told the Pioneer. After renting a Barb Harrell and Derek Daigle found paradise in the few different homes during their first three years in the Columbia Valley. They came here a decade and a half ago, valley, they found a perfect house: a two-bedroom place moving from Moncton, New on 7th Street with a huge yard. The view Brunswick, and as soon as they “We held on by our fingertips as long as we got here, it was like they’d finalto north, out their could, but in the end, we just had to let go.” ly arrived home: the mountains, front door, was stunning, with the mounthe lake, the sunshine, the strong Barb Harrell, former long-term valley resident, tain walls of the valley sense of community. forced to leave due to lack of long-term rentals curving to the northHaving spent half a lifetime looking for such a place, west and the wetlands meandering beneath the pair quickly put down roots.

Barb found a job she enjoyed, the couple made friends, heading in the direction of Golden. In that big old yard, worked themselves into the fabric of valley life, and got Barb kept a nice garden, mostly planters. ready to spend the rest of their days here.

“It’s where we would have liked to live out our days,” “This was home. We settled in. I was planning out said Barb.

The years went past, happily and well-lived, until they’d been in that home more than a decade.

Then, as quick as the snap of fingers, Barb and Derek lost their piece of paradise. Their landlord told them earlier this year that he wanted to sell the house and that the couple needed to leave. The pair were thrust into the teeth of a rental housing crunch that, through the past few years, has been hammering the Columbia Valley ever harder with each passing month. The combination of a red-hot real estate market, which has encouraged many homeowners to sell in order to maximize profit on their houses, in conjunction with a rapid increase, over the past few years, in the number of absentee homeowners opting to use their houses for short-term vacation rentals instead of long-term rentals has led to a significant shortfall in the availability of long-term rental housing.

Just how acute this shortage soon becomes apparent to Barb and Derek, as they searched and searched — and then searched and searched — for someplace, anyplace, to stay.

“There is literally just nowhere to go,” said Barb. “We couldn’t believe it. We’d heard that it had gotten hard to find a place to live, but we didn’t realize how bad it was until we tried looking.”

The couple’s income was not enough to afford to buy a home, and the few places available (which were only for three or six months terms, outside of the busy summer tourist season) were going for exorbitant rents. Even if the sky-high rents had been within the couple’s means, securing such a place would still involve a frantic scramble against dozens of others in the same boat.

Barb posted in online forums and on social media, outlining her story, determined to leave no stone unturned in the search for a possible new home. “But the replies I got back were private messages, commiserating, from other people going through the same thing we were.

It was incredible. There are families — whole families — that are living out of vans. There are a lot of people stuck staying in hotels, just hoping to find a rental before they run out of money. We even heard from people that moved here for a job but then had to turn down that job because they couldn’t get a place,” said Barb.

Barb was well-known in the community, and word got around that she and Derek needed a new home. “People came up to me at AG (where Barb worked) and let me know they’d tell me if they saw something come up. And they’d tell me stories of other people whose rentals homes were being turned into AirBnBs. It seems there are a lot of people that feel they are over a barrel,” she said.

As their move-out date at their longtime rental home loomed ever closer, and alternate accommodation options remained non-existent, the reality that they would have to move away from Invermere dawned on Barb and Derek.

Continued on page 11...

July 1, 2021 so hard to leave it behind,” said Barb.

The couple has landed on their feet in the few “We had to leave,” said Barb. “We held on by our months they’ve been in Edmonton. They’ve got an affingertips as long as we could, but in the end, we just had fordable apartment and have found work. to let go.”

“It’s definitely different in Edmonton. There’s all

By March, the couple had moved out of their home kinds of places to rent at all different price points. Afand into the Canterbury Inn. ter Invermere’s rental market, it Not long after, a family memseems like there’s so much choice ber from Edmonton drove a here,” said Barb. “With the rent U-Haul down, and helped more affordable, it’s easier to pay Barb and Derek pack up their the bills, it’s not hand to mouth belongings: the furniture and so much anymore. But it’s a big photos, gardening tools and change from the valley. If we dishes, the cherished memencould still be there, we would.” tos of more than a decade in Even though it’s too late for paradise. All of it bundled into Barb and Derek, Barb is still conthe U-Haul, all except the coucerned about what the long-term ple’s cat, which in the chaos of rental shortage will do to Inverpacking, became confused and mere. ran away.

“I understand that people “I was outside, calling and want to rent their places as Air calling him, but he didn’t come BnBs, because they make more back. Even after we were in the money. I get that, I really do. But Canterbury, I went back up to it has to be regulated,” she said. our old street three times a day, “There’s so few places to rent, and walking up and down, calling those that are there are super exFormer Columbia Valley residents Barb Harhim, but no luck. We’ve had a pensive. There almost seems to be neighbour looking out for him rell and Derek Daigle outside their new home in an attitude of ‘take it or leave it’.” since we’ve been gone, but he Edmonton. The couple lived in the valley for more Barb pointed out this trend is than a decade, loved it here, and wanted to stay the hasn’t turned up,” said Barb. not sustainable in the long term.

When the loaded U-Haul, rest of their lives, but were forced to leave several “How does the town expect full of everything but the cat, months ago by Invermere’s severe long-term rental to grow, have its economy grow, Photo submitted finally headed over the Athalm- shortage. if there’s no place for anybody on er bridge out of Invermere and lower or even lower-middle inon to Edmonton, it was like the end of a dream for Barb. comes? How do you start out as a young person if the “My heart was broken. We loved it here, we really cheapest rent you can find for a small single bedroom did. We loved the people, we loved the town, I loved my place is $2,000 a month?” she asked. “It isn’t possible, so job...The people I worked with at AG — Sydney Ann, people leave.”

Greg, Eric, and everybody — they were wonderful. It was

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

Continued ‘Paradise lost’ from page 10

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12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 1, 2021 Cafe patio open beautiful and relaxing as ever.

Sale into Summer with Colour!

Eggs Benny served Wednesday & Saturday.

Invermere plans to address multiple issues at UBC

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

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The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) will hold its annual meeting again this fall, although, at this point, meetings are anticipated to be conducted digitally, as they were last year, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, rather than in-person.

When the meetings come around, Invermere council members plan to query provincial officials on a host of local issues that involve the provincial government, including the highway maintenance yard in Athalmer; implementation of the Joint Active Transport Network Plan; transfer of James Chabot Provincial Park from the province to Invermere; flood hazard mitigation along Toby Creek; alternative energy and conservation issues; doctor and medical staff recruitment and retention; local seniors’ health care; the resort mu-

nicipality initiative and tourism support; support for the public library; and support for arts and culture programming.

During Invermere’s early June council meeting, councillor Gerry Taft suggested adding another issue to the list of those to press with the province at UBCM. “The glaring omission in this list is housing. If, as we’re hearing, even doctors and physicians are having a hard time finding or affording housing in Invermere, that speaks to a bigger problem,” said Taft, adding he is specifically referencing the district’s lack of long-term rental housing, but that attainable housing and regulation of the ever-growing number of short-term vacation rentals (STRs) in Invermere also merit attention.

Taft added that any solution to housing issues is going to require a joint effort of local, provincial and federal governments.

High speed internet comes to Panorama

Join our team of passionate staff working together to strengthen the places we love.

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

ourtrust.org/careers

Internet speeds at Panorama Mountain Resort should get faster soon.

The British Columbia Ministry of Citizens’ Services announced last week that it will give Telus a grant of $372,535 to bring fibre optic internet Panorama, with the aim of making connections there not only speedier, but also more reliable.

The ministry outlined during the announcement that the move is being made to help local tourism businesses

bounce back from the ravages of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think internet connectivity in rural communities is critical. I see broadband as an essential service. We have a lot of work to do, and this is part of that. There is definitely more to be done, but this is a piece of the piece of the puzzle,” Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Area F director Susan Clovechok, who is also a member of the Southeast B.C. Rural Connectivity Committee, told the Pioneer.

Continued on page 27...

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July 1, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

Oh Canada!

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter How do you celebrate Canada Day? Do you follow certain traditions? An evening campfire with friends and family? A day spent outdoors enjoying nature? Or do you usually find yourself working on our nation’s big day?

Most years, I enjoy taking in the Canada Day parade and fireworks. It feels good to wear red and white, wave a flag, immerse myself in pride for our nation and the good it stands for. What does it mean to be Canadian? Everyone has their way of answering that question. Said former prime minister John Diefenbaker: “I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those you shall govern, country.”

Well said, John.

This year, however, is going to be different without a parade or fireworks. The district of Invermere’s fireworks show has been postponed to the fall, and the parade won’t return until next summer, fingers crossed.

In lieu of this tradition, I’ll be doing something different this year. Maybe a hike. I recall on one Canada Day, a friend and I climbed our way to the top of Chisel Peak. There we sat on the top of the mountain, feeling like we were on top of the world.

Or maybe I’ll do something creative.

Paint a picture, play some music, write a story. Speaking of painting, Black Star Studios is putting together free painting kits for kids to celebrate Canada Day this year. “Come down June 30 or July 1 to grab your child a kit,” Jen Abra said.

“Each kit has a mini-canvas, paints and paintbrushes.”

Do you have any special Canada Day memories? “I’ll never forget when I was volunteering at the Ivy house,” said Grace Lamson. “And we did the parade with the residents on their wheelchairs while I walked beside them. It was very hot that day, but it was fun!”

But I’m open to ideas. “We’re heading over to Nakusp this year to ride mountain bikes and relax,” said Haru Watanabe, “In years past, I used to be a member of the fire department, so I was driving the fire truck or attending the parade, and then after I’d go to Kinsman beach to spend most of the day there.” Mountain biking and beach time, sign me up.

“I try to keep it consistent around these words,” said Yan Thérien. “Friends, family, live lobster, music, locally crafted beer, bonfire and fireworks.” Yan, you’re onto something!

We’re lucky to live in a country, province, region, valley, town where we have so many great ways to spend a day celebrating Canada. So however you plan to celebrate our nation’s birthday, I hope you enjoy it.

2018 Gold Plate Award 2019 Gold Plate Award

Hello Summer!

Join us as we celebrate Canada Day and this fabulous season upon us!

~ on the patio ~ in-house dining ~take-out ~ picnic ~ cooking class ~ grab ‘n go (pssssttttt...we don’t take reservations.)

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.”

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!

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14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Custom Home Builder Richard Unger 250-342-5290 Thank You To all our clients for a successful tax season.

Here's to summer adventures!

W h a t’ HAPPENING

s

in the ColumbiaValley

Have your event added by visiting

www.cvevents.ca

or email info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Thursday, July 1

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PALLISER PRINTS LARGE FORMAT ARCHITECTURAL and ENGINEERING PLANS Send files to: PRODUCTION@PALLISERPRINTING.COM 250.342.2999

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H V A C

• 8 am – 11:30 am: Canada Day Community Connections - Yoga & Drum Circle. Join Mountain Home Yoga founder and yogi Kelly Carlson for a 50 minute outdoor yoga class. Then Patrick Carrick of Columbia Valley Drumming will host an interactive drum circle. All ages are welcome to join one, or both events. Wearing orange is encouraged. All event proceeds (by donation) support local indigenous Every Child Matters initiatives. Register online: www.eventbrite.ca/e/canada-day-community-connections-yoga-drum-circle-tickets-161172730977 • 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”. Entrance 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, July 2 • 9 am – 12 pm: The Lake Windermere Ambassadors is offering FREE educational summer camps all summer on Fridays for kids age 8-12 at James Chabot Provincial Park in Invermere. Kids will have fun learning all about the different birds found around Lake Windermere. Space is limited so register now! www.facebook.com/ LakeWindermereAmbassadors • 10:30 – 11 am: Pop-up Story Time by the Invermere Public Library. Join us at the Spider Park behind the Invermere Hospital for stories, songs and a take-home craft kit! Geared towards preschool age and their families, but all welcome! Please bring your own blanket to sit on and stay 6ft apart from other families.

• 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, July 3 1036 7th Ave, Invermere www.KootenayCollective.ca

• 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.

July 1, 2021 • 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.

Sunday, July 3 • 12 – 3 pm: Live music: Small Town Dirtbags By Ullr Bar. Live music in the Asgarden Patio at Ullr Bar, Invermere. Tickets and reservations required! Show starts at Noon. Call 778-526-5113 Facebook event: www.facebook.com/ events/334892388077408/ • 1– 5 pm: SeeyounextSUNdays a Live DJ Music experience on the water from a private venue in Taynton bay. All are welcome to join by your choice of Stand up Paddle, canoe or kayak, boat, floaty or even water wings. Visit www. facebook.com/localmotiveevents for updates.

Monday, July 4 • 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

Wednesday, July 6 • 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 • Online Bingo (Rotary Fundraiser) every Friday at 6 pm! Buy a $10 card: golden-rotary.myshopify.com/ Must be 19+ to play.

CONGRATULATIONS TO2021 OUR 2021 GRADS! CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADS! the entrepreneurs among you, To theTo entrepreneurs among you, toagive don’t don’t forget forget to give us call us a call you start own business! s! whenwhen you start your ownyour business!

C2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer~ 2021 DTSS Graduation

July 1, 2021

David Thompson Secondary School Graduates of 2021

Chrissel Agaton

Lance Aguinaldo

Ron Andaya

Dana Angebrandt

Amélie Argouin

Brok Belzac

Emma Bernicot

Finn Bourke

Alyssa Bradford

Gabe Bryson

Jackson Budenholzer

Bethany Campbell

Isaac Campbell

Austin Charette

Steven Clark

Best wishes and good luck to the 2021 graduates!

Rockies Realty Ltd.

A Note of A Noteofof Congratulations A Note Congratulations May your hard work and Congratulations

May your hard work and education open the door to a May your hard work and Doug Clovechok, MLA education open the door to world of newthe opportunities education open door to a a Doug Columbia River-Revelstoke Clovechok, MLA world of new opportunities and success! Doug Clovechok, MLA world of new opportunities Columbia River-Revelstoke and success! 1-844-432-2300 River-Revelstoke and success! Columbia

2021

doug.clovechok.mla@leg.bc.ca 1-844-432-2300 1-844-432-2300 doug.clovechok.mla@leg.bc.ca doug.clovechok.mla@leg.bc.ca

Chase your dreams and live life to the fullest!

Congrats to 1.5x2 the Grads of 2021! C21 T: 778-527-2121 F: 778-527-2122 E: rockiesrealty@century21.ca

www.C21rockiesrealty.com

D

385 Laurier Street, Invermere, B.C.

250-342-7100 • info@diamondheatingandspas.com

www.diamondheatingandspas.com

Brenda Braund-Read Representative 250-342-1146 brenda@rockieswest.com www.brendabraundread.com

Congratulations to the class of “A year like no other has prepared this year’s Graduates for anything! The mountain may seem steep, but the view from the top is breathtaking” ~ BBR

2021

o not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2020

914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Ph: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934 E-mail: info@invermere.net

July 1, 2021 ~ 2021 DTSS Graduation

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • C3

David Thompson Secondary School Graduates of 2021

Sydney Coward

Gabrielle Croteau

Sarah Davis

Nolan Douglas

Coral Eccles

Madi Ferster

Mia Gervais

Brooklyn Goldsmith

Hannah Goldsmith

Jack Grant

Jax Gray

Antoine Grison

Angela Hann

Cole Hatt

Jasmine Hayward-Edmonds

Wishing all the best to the Grads of 2020

Main Street, Invermere | 250-342-0402

250-342-9913 • InvermereBakery.com 1305 7th Ave • Invermere Open 7:30 am - 6 pm

Congratulations, Grads!

We wish you all the best in your future!

NG

SS O F 202

1

C

LA

RATULATIO

NS

CO

2021

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT!

Realty Invermere

Where Real Estate Happens!

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Skandia Concrete 1756 Hwy 93/95, Windermere B.C. Office: 250-342-6500 Batch plant: 250-342-2812 Toll Free: 1-888-341-2221

C4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer~ 2021 DTSS Graduation

July 1, 2021

David Thompson Secondary School Graduates of 2021

Tate Hetherington

Jazmynn Hilder-Grealey

Max Jenks

Lukas Jerabek Schan

Brooklyn Karklin

Solomon Kirk

Jamison Knight

Logan Knight

Haley Kubian

Michael Kubian

Sonny Langton

Shaylyn LeBlanc

Logan LeClair

Congratulations to the Class of 2021!

Industrial Rd. #2. Invermere, B.C. 250-342-0800

Congratulations to

RFE

ALARMS & SOUND

Angela Hann & All 2021 Graduates

rfealarms@shaw.ca

To the class of…

250-342-6549

C

Taylor Lightfoot

Declan Lister

ongratulations!

CLASS OF 2021

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Congratulations to the class of 2021 North Star Hardware & Building Supplies Ltd. 410 Borden St., Athalmer • Ph 250-342-6226

Congratulations Classs of 2021!

As we approach the end of the 2020-21 school year, the whole SD6 community turns its thoughts to our graduating classes.

This year has changed our lives in many ways. Although celebrations will look different this year, it will not diminish the pride we feel in each of you as you celebrate this pivotal moment in your lives.

As you journey into the next phase of your life, know that you will always have the support of your communities.

Best wishes to all of you!

July 1, 2021 ~ 2021 DTSS Graduation

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • C5

Class of

Valedictorian speech Hello everyone, friends, family, teachers.

First, I would like to personally acknowledge that we are celebrating our graduation on the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa and Sécwepemc peoples.

This is a momentous and well anticipated day for each and every one of us. This is one of the important milestones in life. It is after this that we enter the realm of possibilities, with endless adventures and avenues of success ahead. Take a breath and congratulate yourself because we made it.

As said by Oxford English professor C.S. Lewis, “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”

Finn While I was never the best physics student, there was a concept that stuck with me, and I believe it applies here.

Potential energy is the energy stored by an object as a result of its position. Judging by the position we are at in life at this moment, our potential energy is substantial.

Right now, we have the ability to apply that energy in any direction we choose. Regardless of what we each decide on, we will have the energy to accomplish anything.

Bourke

In this room sits the future of our society. The leaders and builders of the world our children will one day graduate in. The adversity we have all overcome individually and as a group could not have prepared us better. The mark we all leave on this world will be one to remember.

Thank you to all of the support staff and custodians of DTSS, for without your efforts, our experience would have been completely different. Thank you to the parents and teachers for your guidance. Lastly, thank you to my peers for living and growing beside me for these past years.

The environment we have grown in has been as unique

as it is developmental.

Lastly, I would like to leave everyone with a quote from the one and only Jim Carrey. “You can fail at what you don’t want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.” I hope we all follow our passion as he has.

Congratulations, class of 2021, we have all earned it.

To the

Congratulations!

Resource, Development & Advocacy

Congratulations

Gavin Murray

Always aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in. We are so proud of the man you are becoming!

Love Mom and Dad

Congratulations

Annie Pankovitch 2019 Diploma in Environmental Management - Okanagan College 2021 Bachelor of Science in Ecosystem Rehabilitation - BCIT Employed with Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners

Finn Bourke preparing for the Valedictorian Address.

Photo by Justin James Production of Jaybird media

Have an opinion?

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

C6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer~ 2021 DTSS Graduation

July 1, 2021

Looking Back: Kindergarten to Graduation

r y Scho ol a im r P n o s d Eileen Ma

The Columbia Valley’s 2008 / 2009 kindergarten classes graduate from high school this year!

Eileen Ma dso n Primar y Sc ho ol

Martin Morigeau Elementary School

cho ol S y r a t n e m le E Win der mere

Edgewater Elementary School

July 1, 2021 ~ 2021 DTSS Graduation

Class of

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • C7

Principal’s message to graduates 2020-21 is a year for the history books. Grads of 2021, throughout the world, will forever be linked together as they overcame adversity during a global crisis.

COVID-19 has made the past year the most unfamiliar in my career. In September, we put measures in place that were unfamiliar and uncomfortable for some, and we adjusted as the year progressed. We expected significant disruption to learning; however, with cooperation from students, staff and families, we were able to maintain learning in classes throughout the year.

I am proud of the measures taken by students of all grades to look after each other. We adapted to new protocols and witnessed sincere concern and support to those who were struggling. The staff of David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS) and Open Doors, similarly pulled together to assist students and each other through this difficult and unusual time. I thank all of you for the compassion, kindness, patience and perseverance the DTSS

community has demonstrated.

I wish to congratulate the Class of 2021. They are a resilient group who adapted to a senior year without many of the activities that bring life-long and cherished memories. We see the friendships they’ve made and the support they provide to each other. Our hope is that they take the skills they’ve learned, both in school and out of school, to pursue their passions and make their communities better places.

It’s with mixed emotions that we say goodbye to some special staff members. I’m excited for the new adventures awaiting them as they retire, relocated closer to family, or follow their heart’s desire. The impact they have had at DTSS will truly be missed. Ron Norquay has been a distinguished member of the DTSS team since 1998.

Similarly, Becca Wright will be irreplaceable, but we hold out hope she returns to DTSS in a year’s time. Caitlin Copland’s outstanding advocacy and guidance have sup-

ported both students and staff. Kyler Gauthier, Devon Hancock, Kristi Molloy, Kamila Mlynczak and Brooklynne Agnew are moving away. They spent just a short time with us, but their passion and positive demeanor were felt throughout the school. We will miss all of them and wish them all the best.

To close out this year, we wish to honour the memory of 215 innocent children whose bodies were discovered in unmarked graves at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. Schools shouldn’t have graveyards. We commit to better educating ourselves, our students and our community on the effects of colonization in Canada.

I hope all the students and staff have a wonderful and well-deserved summer!

Glen Sage, principal David Thompson Secondary School

Alternative Education Graduation Reflection This June, you are graduating from high school and moving on to a new stage of your life. You will hear many times over the next few days or weeks that you should truly view this as a beginning, not an end, that your future lies ahead of you, and that you can go any direction you choose. What are your plans? What does your future hold? You may not know, or you may only partially know, but the exciting part is that you are able to begin that something, whatever it may be.

Graduations, however, do not simply represent beginnings as they are also a testament to what has been accomplished. Today represents the hard work you have

completed during your time in school. Some people will say these were your best years; I hope that these were not your best, but some very good ones and that you can find a special place for these memories and create many new ones.

Your path to achieving your diploma is quite different than a lot of the students graduating alongside you this year. As a student of the alternative program at Open Doors, you have taken the road less traveled. Many of you have faced situations that several of your classmates could not comprehend; many of you have made decisions that took you three steps backward; many of you did not feel like you deserved it, but in the end, you have been able to meet your challenges and achieve. This is not a small accomplishment to be overlooked.

Roughly 10 per cent of Graduates: all students between the ages of 16-24 drop out This year has been like no other; it required all of us to tap into an inner strength of high school yearly in that many of us didn’t know we had. Each of you demonstrated the ability to be flexNorth American. In our ible, courageous and resilient during a time of such uncertainty. Your strength and class of 14 graduates we leadership have brought you here to this pivotal moment, graduation. have at Open Doors this As you celebrate and begin plans for whatever comes next for you, remember, year, that could have In life, love and career, been anyone or all of you The courage to speak must be matched by the wisdom to listen. on stage, but it is not!

Success is never final, and failure is never fatal.

You have all achieved It is your courage through both that really counts. success and will go on to Remember the three R’s: Respect for self; Respect for others; Responsibility for all do great things because your actions. you have decided to not Trust and believe in yourself! And most importantly, Dare to Dream! only meet your adversity Congratulations on your graduation, and best wishes to all of you in the future. head-on, but also to beat it.

Karen Shipka I would be willing Superintendent of Schools to bet some of you are feeling today that they

Superintendent’s Message: Graduation 2021

didn’t think they were going to make it. Many may not want to admit it, but the thought of quitting, dropping out and saying “F” it, was the biggest roadblock many of you overcame. You have struggled with identifying that you are worthy. You should be confident for reasons already mentioned and for continually. You have accomplished so much already and have so much more potential. Never sell yourself short, be proud of yourself. You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone and don’t try to be anyone you’re not. Marc C. Lewis once said, “The person who you’re with most in life is yourself and if you don’t like yourself you’re always with somebody you don’t like.”

Be happy with who you are.

You will never see some of the people you are sitting with today again; you most likely will not remember what is said at your graduation ceremonies today or tomorrow. That being said, if I could choose to leave one message that would stick with you today it would be that the game of life is not always fair, but it is how we play it that makes the difference. Life hurts, it’s messy, and it is hard. It can also be joyous, hilarious, and fun. Some of the happiest people in life are the ones that have been through the most. That is because they are truly thankful for what they have. You are the one in control of your future. You will decide what to make of your life, and however you choose to respond to the situations presented to you will determine what kind of person you become! I hope you continue to choose to handle those situations with the poise and maturity that has gotten you to this point.

Remember success in life is hard to achieve on your own. Surround yourself with good people and good things will come to you.

In closing, I want to say I wish the best for all of you.

I hope that you will come back to visit often and let us in on all of the great things you have accomplished.

Maegan Stanbury Alternate teacher

C8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer~ 2021 DTSS Graduation

July 1, 2021

Class of

Graduates aim high coming full circle Submitted by Byron Trask Ahhh…the month of June where longer, sunny days & barbeque beach-front times are now on the horizon! What a perfect time of year, as we celebrate our next wave of Graduates across the Columbia Valley, the country, extending all the way around the globe!

As the 2021 Classes prepare for such celebration, the challenges they have faced have been amplified with the reality of what we all have lived thru this past 16 plus months; yet what triumph and leadership has been revealed by many in dealing with a Life with COVID-19. Praise to our students and the many dedicated people around them, making the adjustments, sacrifices and commitment in creating a winning, healthy, learning and resilient future!

In this very same light of celebration and challenges, one of our own 2012 DTSS Graduates has also now graduated in 2021 from the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Dentistry.

Breton Trask started his education locally under the pre-school guidance of Christine Bidinger. After the following years at EMP, J.A. Laird and part of two years in the National Sport Academy in Calgary, Trask graduated here at DTSS in 2012.

To list the many great individuals who assisted in his journey would be vast, yet a few now need highlighting. Anne Futa was an amazing home-care and early-year tutor for Trask and his two siblings. Next, hockey was Trask’s passion, and Ross Bidinger stands out as one coach who continued to open doors leading to the National Sport Academy, which ultimately lead to even greater cultured independence, perseverance and reaching for the stars!

Copper Point and Parks Canada’s Radium Hotpools Aquacourt were major employment providers, summer after summer, helping this student reach financial goals along with honourable mention of the Arnold Ellis Foundation and Invermere Health Care Auxiliary’s student bursary. Pat O’Sullivan has been an on-going mentor, always willing to share his office and skilled insights and writing letters of recommendation through the varying phases of dental schooling. These are the sample accolades that parallel our 2021 DTSS Graduates, as they too look back now at the many fine people and businesses here in our valley, all of which have assisted them in their path and desires to keep their future hopes and ambitions high!

Congratulations go out to all the families, friends, educators, employers and all those who have been ‘the front-line’ on making our 2021 Graduates’ dreams come true!

To the Graduates of 2021, take time now to reflect on all you have accomplished and on all those special people along your own unique and memorable adventure and be sure to give them a “Cheer!”

Cheers to the Graduates of 2021 – now let’s go out there and safely soak up the summer!

2012 DTSS Grad

Breton Trask’s official photo at the UBC faculty of dentistry grad photo 2021

Breton Trask’ preschool graduation

Submitted photos

July 1, 2021 ~ 2021 DTSS Graduation

Class of

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • C9

The Graduates: Gabrielle Croteau

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter “It was a pretty good year,” said Gabrielle Croteau, a Métis student. “The pandemic was kind of hard, and not being able to play sports was really hard.”

For Croteau, the sport she missed the most was rugby, though she was also involved in the ski and track teams.

Rugby has done so much for her. “When I first came here in high school, I didn’t say one word for two years. But when I started playing rugby, I came out of my shell.”

There was a pivotal tournament for when this awakening took place. “It was our first tournament in Cranbrook,” said coach Monica Fisher. “I told her she has to believe in herself! That there’s no other way this is going to work.”

The next thing Coach Fisher saw: three players hanging off Croteau on the field. “She was smiling,” said Fisher. “The next day at school, I wore shorts, was smiling, didn’t have my hoodie up like I normally would’ve,” Croteau said.

The sport gave her confidence.

In place of rugby, Croteau poured her passion and energy into her schoolwork. “And it definitely paid off,” she said. Croteau’s favourite grad year courses were English, chemistry and biology. “I like those the most because they are prerequisites for what I want to study at college,” she said.

Photos by Justin James Productions of Jaybird Media

Gabrielle Croteau by James Rose

Croteau plans to attend Lethbridge College next year to study environmental science. “I’ve always been drawn to nature.

When I was younger, I would go out into the bush and look at plants and animals and make my own notes.”

When she’s not working or studying, you can probably find Croteau outside.

Her father works as a taxidermist, which provides lots of opportunities to join him hunting and tanning. She also enjoys fishing. “Right now, there’s great bass fishing.”

Already bilingual in French, this summer Croteau hopes to work for the Parks Canada trail crew as part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) program.

“High school went by quickly. Grade eight was slow, but then after that, it went really fast.”

C10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer~ 2021 DTSS Graduation

July 1, 2021

Class of

The Graduates: Coral Eccles

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Coral Eccles’ grad year was less stressful than expected. Eccles, a Métis student, naturally thought her graduation year would be different. Yes, a few tears were shed when she learned that much of the traditional grad activities like the parade or dry grad couldn’t happen due to the pandemic. “But I’m still thankful that we get to do the ceremony,” she said.

Her favourite courses this year were psychology with Becca Wright and mathematics with Trish Phillips. Eccles enjoyed psychology so much, she’s planning on choosing it as her major after enrolling in the University of Calgary

Photos by Justin James Productions of Jaybird Media (top)

next fall.

Having gone through a personal traumatic experience, she wants to one day become a clinical psychologist. “I want to help people go through their own trauma and be a support person for people in need.”

Eccles was involved with hockey through the winter and soccer through the spring. For both, there were no tournaments. “We were only able to scrimmage this year in hockey

and for soccer, we did inter-squad games.”

For Eccles, one of the most memorable parts of her graduation year has been preparing for the year-end drama production. Under the guidance of drama teacher Shelley Little, the play was about students reflecting on Shakespeare’s Macbeth. “I played one of the witches. It’s about students rehearsing to do the play,” Eccles said. This summer, Eccles will be hard at work at Pizzeria Mercato and hanging with her friends. Not a bad way to spend a summer!

Coral Eccles by James Rose

Photos by Camille Aubin (top)

July 1, 2021 ~ 2021 DTSS Graduation

Class of

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • C11

The Graduates: Jasmine Edmonds

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Jasmine Edmonds is graduating from Open Doors Alternate School this year. Already living independently with her dog Tigger, Edmonds, a Coast Salish First Nation member, has kept busy balancing her schoolwork while completing her training as an ITA Red Seal Carpenter.

“School went by fast this year,” Edmonds said. With Open Doors students all considered one cohort, pandemic restrictions weren’t as pronounced as they were at David Thompson. Since the start of the school year, she’s worked as an apprentice carpenter under Justin Foster at Everbuilt Developments. Before choosing carpentry, Edmonds considered welding but signed up for the latter due to a better job market.

She’s learned framing, decking, foundations and many other skills pertaining to carpentry. She enjoys the team she works with.

“But it can be stressful too,” she said when asked about

Photos by Camille Aubin

juggling the workload of her apprenticeship and school. The silver lining: Edmonds has, through the course of the year, learned crucial skills in not just her current career choice but other tangible skills like time management.

Edmonds’ hobbies include taking Tigger, her seven-yearold pitbull-border collie walking, boating on Columbia Lake with friends and family, and swimming. She listens to mostly hip-hop and dance music, Lil Durk and 21 Savage, two of her favourite artists.

“I’ve known Jasmin for four years,” said Monica Fisher, Edmonds’ Open Doors educator. “I’ve seen how she can balance being a teenager while having adult responsibilities. I can’t begin to say how proud I am. She’ll do great things for her community!”

After graduation, Edmonds plans to continue her apprenticeship and return to Open Doors for more job-related certifications. She also wants to travel. Her top two destinations right now are the United Kingdom (she likes the accents) and Jasmine Edmonds by James Rose Australia.

C12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer~ 2021 DTSS Graduation

Class of

2021 DTSS Bursaries

July 1, 2021

Name of Scholarship and Recipient Alicia Raven Memorial Scholarship

Dana McIntosh

Barbara & George Duthie Scholarship

Gabrielle Croteau

Bob Bell Memorial Bursary

Ron Andaya

Brock & Terri-Lynn Melny Family Bursary

Lance Aguinaldo

CMH Heli-skiing & Summer Adventures Scholarship

Amélie Argouin

Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 440 (Invermere)

Chrissel Agaton, Max Jenks

Chris Evans Memorial Bursary

Madeleine Sherk

Class of 1978 Bursary

Max Jenks

Columbia Basin Trust Youth Community Service Award

L Jerabek Schan, J Gray, M Stich

Columbia Power Corporation’s Bursary

Dana McIntosh

Columbia Valley Arts Council Bursary

Meghara Walsh

Columbia Valley Hut Society

Emma Bernicot

Columbia Valley Pioneer Bursary

Sydney Coward

David Thompson Secondary School PAC

Calissa Tamelin

Dusk Building Systems Scholarship

Amelie Argouin

East Kootenay Labour Council

Mya Spencer

Edgewater/Radium Ladies’ Hospital Auxiliary Bursary

Hannah Goldsmith

Fred Veysey Memorial Student Award

Jasmine Hayward Edmonds

Greg Constable Auto Award

Rose Oja

Invermere Health Care Auxiliary Scholarship

T Lightfoot, H Zehnder, S Langton

J. Alfred Laird Bursary

Matthew Nickurak

Jayden Jefferson Memorial Bursary

Dana Angebrandt

Jeremy Chambers Memorial Bursary

Ashley McDiarmid

John Lagadin Memorial

Emma Bernicot

Kinsmen Club of Windermere Valley

Sarah Davis

Kootenay Savings Community Foundation

Erin Stockley, Kristine Philbrook

Lake Windermere District Lions Club Scholarship

Haley Kubian, Maria Ontog

Lake Windermere District Rod & Gun Club Bursary

Max Jenks

Mary Hoffman Memorial Scholarship

Alyssa Bradford

Mike Warner Memorial Bursary

Dana Angebrandt

Mollie Laird Bursary

Dana Angebrandt

Mountain of Hope Society Award

Amélie Argouin

Nancy Lee Tegart Agriculture Award

Jax Gray

Panorama Foundation

G Croteau, C Eccles, Sydney Coward

RCMP Columbia Valley Detachment Bursary

Ree Paagman

Ronny Barck Memorial Bursary

Gabrielle Croteau

Rotary Club of Invermere Award

Taylor Lightfoot

Rotary Club of Radium Hot Springs Sunrise Bursary

Ezekiel Pascua

Royal Canadian Legion Scholarship (Branch 71) Scholarship

Madeleine Sherk

Royal Canadian Legion Professional (Branch 71) Bursary

Hannah Zehnder

Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 199) Bursary/Scholarship

M Smith Tegart, A Bradford

School District No. 6 (Rocky Mountain)

Griffin Morsette

Sobeys Bursary

Jasmine Hayward Edmonds

Tom Sanders Memorial Scholarship

Masha Stitch

Wayne Morrison Memorial Forestry Bursary (Kootenay Woodlot Education Society)

Calissa Tamelin

Wildight Invermere

Dana McIntosh

Windermere District Teachers’ Bursary

Chrissel Agaton

Windermere District Teachers’ Scholarship

Ashley McDiarmid

Windermere Mining Operations Bursary

Rose Oja

Windermere Zone Administrators’ Award

Ree Paagman

Windermere Zone Administrators’ Award

Hannah Goldsmith

The Graduates: Masha Stich Stich chose a heavy course load this year because she wasn’t sure what she wanted her major to be at university. “I took all the sciences and For her age, Masha Stich is one of Canada’s maths. I did enjoy it, but it was a lot. I thought top-ranked nordic ski racers. Stich put in hours taking all those courses was the best way to keep and hours of hard work, determination, skill, all my options open. And I was just glad that we patience, and planning were in school all year to get to that level. rather than having to During the winter do it online.” months, Stich’s skiing Stich applied and life consisted of traingot into four different ing and racing, seven universities - three in days per week. In the the states (University warmer months, it was of Denver, Northern about doing activities Michigan and Alaska) that feed into her racand the University of ing. Trail running, hikCalgary. At the U of C, ing, you name it - they Stich was accepted into all contributed in some the engineering proway to Stich’s primary gram. extracurricular activity.

“But I eventually Skiing at Stich’s level is declined all of them,” a full plate. And when she said, smiling. Afyou add on top of that ter investing so much plate a desire to excel of her time and energy in rigorous academinto one sport, it was ics, yes, things can get a hard decision to step stressful. away. For the past six To some degree, a years, skiing has been Masha Stich by James Rose year without compeStich’s life. tition was for Stich a Instead of conbreath of fresh air. After being named to the pro- tinuing her career as a nordic ski racer, the Gervincial ski team and competing in NORAM’s, man-born Stich plans to take a gap year to work national and provincial level events, she had and travel around Europe. “I needed a year to time to think sans competition. Time to reflect think things over after the ski season I had at a on what she was doing and why. Time to gain a high level. I realized I skied because of the peonew perspective. ple, so I’m excited to try new things next year.”

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Name of Scholarship and Recipient Ministry of Education District Authority Awards Amelie Argouin, Lukas Jerabek Schan, Sonny Langton, Ashley McDiarmid, Pia Marie Ontog, Ezekiel Pascua, Madeleine Sherk, Masha Stich, Erin Stockley

Photo by Camille Aubin

July 1, 2021 ~ 2021 DTSS Graduation

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • C13

Class of

2021 DTSS Awards

The Graduates: Declan Pierre

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Declan Pierre enjoyed his graduation year. “The first half, I had two academic courses, English and math and other than that, it was smooth sailing.” Pierre’s favourite course was media design or creative writing. Drama, a close second.

In his media design course, Pierre started by learning to write simple HTML computer code. He then started learning the Python code language, but that was before he started making his own electronic music using Ableton Live software.

“I really like music. It’s a big part of my life,” he said. “I started by making lo-fi music and have been trying lately to make 80’s style synth wave music,” he said. Pierre loves learning the history of how and why specific genres came to be. His musical influences are many, including rock, pop, rap. “Lots of that I was exposed to from what my mom was listening to. But electronic music, I found it on my own.”

Pierre was disappointed when he first learned that his grad year couldn’t do the typical grad activities. The biggest disappointment for Pierre was learning he wouldn’t

be sharing the grad ceremony with his parents in attendance. “Imagine what parents feel after raising a kid for eighteen years and then finding out they can’t go to the ceremony? It’s upsetting, but we can’t do anything about it.”

Pierre enjoyed working on the drama production he was involved in. “The play takes place in a high school,” Pierre said. There are seven characters, and they start getting texts from other kids and it turns out to be a sort of mystery about where the text messages are coming from. It’s not a complete mystery but is explained later in the show.” Pierre enjoyed rehearsing it for the two months in the lead-up to the mid-June showing. Pierre’s favourite teachers include Ms. Little, Mr. Kopp, and Ms. Merrill.

After graduation, Pierre, a member of the Katzie First Nation, plans to take a gap year to work and travel. “I want it to be a year of self-discovery,” Declan Piere by James Rose he said. Japan and UK are Pierre’s top two destinations. “The UK because it’s somewhere I’ve always been interested in. Japan’s more of a recent thing. It has a distinct culture, and the scenery looks pretty.”

This summer, Pierre will transition to full-time work in the produce department at Sobeys after working there part-time through the school year.

All the Best to the Grads of 2021 Please recycle this newspaper

Invermere Dry Cleaners Ltd. Dry Cleaning • Laundry • Alterations Repair • Bachelor Service 507A - 7 Ave., Invermere • 250-342-6610 th

Subject Awards Anatomy and Physiology 12

Hannah Zehnder

Art 12

Amelie Argouin

Calculus 12

Masha Stich & Hannah Zehnder

Chef Training 12

Sarah Davis

Chemistry 12

Masha Stich

Computer Science 12

Rose Oja

English 12

Sydney Coward

Foundations of Math 12

Sarah Davis

French 12

Aurora Orchiston & Ross Haworth

Geography 12

Calissa Tamelin

History 12

Hannah Zehnder

Law 12

Madeleine Sherk

Metal Work 12

Bodie Silem

Most Outstanding Musician

Lukas Jerabek Schan

Music 12

Lukas Jerabek Schan

Outdoor Education

Trinity Clark

Photography 12

Emma Bernicot

Physics 12

Masha Stich

Pre-Calculus 12

Madeleine Sherk

Psychology 12

Maddi Mellis

Senior PE 12

Ashley McDiarmid

Textiles 12

Mataya Raven

Theatre Performance 12

Madeleine Sherk

Wood work

Bransen Murphy

Work Experience 12

Chrissel Agaton and Jerlyn Garcia

Writing 12

Lukas Jerabek Schan

Major Awards Debbie Seel

Jacquelyn Gray

Citizen of the Year

Chrissel Agaton

Rotarian Leadership

Madeleine Sherk

Top All Round Student

Lukas Jerabek Schan

Congrats Jazlyn Mekhi (and Griff ), we are so proud of you!

Love Grandad, Grandma, Mom, Derek and Mercedes

on your degree in Bachelor of Education (Elementary) “The Tassel was worth the Hassle!”

We are so proud of you!

Love Mom, Dad and Jared

C14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer~ 2021 DTSS Graduation

July 1, 2021

David Thompson Secondary School Graduates of 2021

Eugenie Martin

Micheal McConnell

Ashley McDiarmid

Dana McIntosh

Tristan McIntosh

Griffin Morsette

Bransen Murphy

Gavin Murray

Matthew Nickurak

Bellavee Oddy

Rose Oja

Maria Ontog

Ree Paagman

Parmjot Parmar

Ezekiel Pascua

CONGRATULATIONS! 729 12th Street, Invermere, BC 250-341-7298

Congratulations to the class of 2021.

Congratulations to all the grads!

7 3 3 1 2 S T. I N V E R M E R E 250-342-2901

Congratulations Class of 2021!

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July 1, 2021 ~ 2021 DTSS Graduation

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • C15

David Thompson Secondary School Graduates of 2021

Kristine Philbrook

Declan Pierre

Cheyenne Pronk

Harli Prymak

Mataya Raven

Dallas Roberts

Raina Schnerch

Madeleine Sherk

Bodie Sillem

Mya Spencer

Shawndrae Stanbury

Masha Stich

Erin Stockley

Jade Streicek

Calissa Tamelin

Jacob Taylor

Mekhi Tegart

Jyles Traverse

Ciana Verge

Meghara Walsh

All the best to the class of 2021

Congratulations to the class of 2021.

Wishing you all the best!

PO Box 159, Canal Flats, B.C. V0B 1B0 Phone: 250-349-5462 Fax: 250-349-5460 village@canalflats.ca

Cody Wells

Hannah Zehnder

N E W S PA P E R

July 1, 2021

GO CONFIDENTLY IN THE DIRECTION OF YOUR DREAMS. LIVE THE LIFE YOU’VE IMAGINED HENRY D. THOREAU

Photo by Camille Aubin

Photos by Justin James Productions of Jaybird Media (top)

C16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer~ 2021 DTSS Graduation

Congratulations Graduates!

It’s time to celebrate your achievements. Wishing you all the best wherever your dreams may take you.

cotr.ca

July 1, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

Out of office

rhiannon.tutty@sunlife.com 250.342.9052

christine@triptician.ca 250.341.5751

Highlight your business on the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce weekly 2 page spread.

Ads will run for a calendar month Member discounts are available on ad pricing, contact us for details.

Change is upon us Summer is here! Along with it comes updated public health orders and progression through B.C.’s Restart Plan. The reopening is very exciting as we are able to do things we may not have been able to do in the past year. We can play sports, gather with our friends, and even enjoy live music. We will also be able to welcome visitors back to the Columbia Valley.

It’s hard to look forward without feeling optimistic. Stage 3 of B.C.’s reopening plan could be here as early as today (July 1), and as community members, it is important to recognize that everyone is approaching it with different comfort levels. This includes business owners and staff. In Stage 3, masks will become recommended but not mandatory. Some businesses may choose to require them, and that’s okay. Some businesses may not, and that’s okay too. Whatever their reason, we know they will be operating with their best intentions in mind, and they are counting on us as community members to support them.

Our local businesses have done an amazing job of adapting throughout the last year. They have pivoted products and services, offered delivery, adapted to online sales, managed through travel restrictions, and so much more. All this while balancing the fine line between enforcing Public Health Orders and providing quality customer service.

The Columbia Valley has so much to offer, but nothing is surpassed by the kindness and generosity of its community members. This includes permanent and part-time residents, as well as visitors. Let’s continue to show our respect and gratitude for each other. We are not back to 100 per cent normal yet. As there will still be safety orders in place, please be patient as we navigate through these changes together. Get out and enjoy everything the Columbia Valley has to offer, reconnect with family and friends, and support our local business.

The Columbia Valley Chamber team wishes everyone a safe, fun-filled, prosperous summer.

BECOME3x5 A CVCC CHAMBER FEATURE Every month we will be highlighting businesses & events on this two-page spread. With an upcoming 'edgy' design and eye-catching art, we're excited to show you off! Contact us today and be a feature in the Valley!

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The Rural Business and Community Recovery Program can help. Connect with our Recovery Advisor for assistance in identifying and accessing funding supports.

Contact us today at advsior@cvchamber.ca

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 1, 2021

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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:

Columbia Valley Origins: John Cronin “I felt like I could do anything here.”

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In the late 1960s, John Cronin was at loose ends. A varsity swimmer at Davidson College, a private liberal arts college in North Carolina, Cronin dropped out his senior year. “I went through all kinds of majors. I started in math, was good in French but then ended up in psychology.” But no matter how compelling Jungian archetypes were, still, something was pulling Cronin away from his studies. “My guitar,” he recalled laughing.

Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland Age: 71 Occupation: Musician Columbia Valley Arrival: 1976

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.

Got a beef?

Write a letter to the editor. Email letters to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com .

The late sixties was a turbulent time for the United States. Civil rights demonstrations, student protests, a pointless war abroad; it begs the question: how could a country itself at such loose ends expect its young to be anything? But it was also the time of music. In the sixties, music was the hottest cultural commodity going.

The four lads from Liverpool having recently appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show taking America by storm. Every kid in America was in a band.

Cronin remembers well when a band of brothers from Macon, Georgia pulled up one day to play a show in the Davidson gymnasium. One brother sang blue-eyed soul. His name was Gregg. The other played the nastiest electric slide since Lightnin’ Hopkins. His name was Duane. Yes, Cronin bore witness to a pre-fame Allman Brothers Band. Given the context, it’s no wonder anyone musically inclined like Cronin chose plucking the ol’ sixstring over plunging the Freudian depths.

John Cronin was born and raised thirty miles east of Washington DC in Annapolis, the state capital of Maryland. Steeped in history, Annapolis is situated on the shores of Chesapeake Bay and home to the United States Naval Academy. Cronin’s father was a respected marine biologist. “My parents expected me to pursue a profession, any profession,” Cronin said. For a time, he considered following his father’s footsteps. “I had a term job one year where I joined him on his research boat. We explored every tributary in the entire Chesapeake Bay. It was great.” For the younger Cronin, however, a career in marine biology just wasn’t meant to be.

Cronin drew a high draft lottery number for the Vietnam War. “I got Lucky. Lots of my friends didn’t.”

Without a plausible expectation of going to war and no more schooling to attend to, what was next? “A friend of mine said to me one day, ‘I’m going to Alaska, what are you doing?’” Cronin recalled. “After a moment’s thought, I said to him: ‘I’m going to Alaska!’” With that, Cronin began a period of perpetual motion eventually landing him in the Columbia Valley. It’s a winding story.

Continued on page 17...

July 1, 2021 Continued ‘origins’ from page 16...

Before making it to Alaska, there was a stop in Montana. It was there he met a crazy Coloradan by the name of Buck Corrigan. Buck was fresh out of jail after deserting his post in the Vietnam War. They became fast friends.

“We started playing guitar right away,” Cronin said. “He took me on some crazy ski adventures.”

John Cronin, local resident of the Columbia Valley.

Eventually Cronin made it to Alaska. “I got a job in the Malamute Saloon in Fairbanks. Alaska in the 70’s man, a wild place. Anything went.” For the better part of the next two years, Cronin lived in the Alaskan bush, worked in bars, played music on the side.

“And then in 1972, I hitched from Fairbanks to Edmonton where I met up with Buck again.” For Cronin, spending time in Canada gave him an immediate feeling of sanity. “It became clear to me that Canada was a much

Continued ‘letter’ from page 3 “It’s something the business community, as a whole, would have to come forward with, if we were to consider it,” added Invermere mayor Al Miller.

Councillor Gerry Taft concurred with Becker and Miller, recalling the controversy that erupted last year at the slightest suggestion of the possibility of perhaps making the downtown pedestrian-only.

“That did upset a number of business owners in the downtown core. I think that, as mayor Miller indicated, these types of changes have to come from

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17 simpler place to live. Not easier. Simpler.” From Edmonton, the pair drove to Montréal. Buck secured work for them both in the Laurentian ski industry. “My first night in Montréal, I met Ania [John’s eventual wife for over three decades and counting] at a bar. She had a place for me to stay.”

John’s next move was to Vancouver Island. “And Ania came with me. I worked in the logging industry up in Port Alberni, setting chokers around trees the size of a room.” After suffering an injury on the job, John and Ania crossed the Georgia Strait back to Vancouver. “We considered returning to Alaska, but we changed our mind after a Kris Kristofferson show.”

The show featured the outlaw country star with his then girlfriend Rita Coolidge.

“They were bickering so much on stage. I remember thinking Ania, and I can do better than that.” And then Buck called from the Canadian Rockies. “He said to me: ‘if you come out to a place called Sunshine, I can get you a job.’”

Buck later settled in Revelstoke, becoming the area manager for CMH Revelstoke.

After the call, CroPhoto by James Rose nin walked into a Gastown pawnshop. Out he walked with forty bucks. “I took a bus to Banff that night and then next morning I was working as a Sunshine lifty.

Buck and I shared a little cabin on Muskrat Street. It was while living in Banff and working at Sunshine Cronin first heard murmurs of the Columbia Valley. “I’d heard about it from guys like Larry Ballard [late father of Cafe Allium’s Megan Ballard], and Peter Sweetnam, both of whom were in Banff at the time.”

In 1976, Cronin made it over to the warmer side of

the business community,” said Taft. “If anything the push (from downtown businesses) owners is for more parking (downtown), not less parking...Obviously, there is a balance. You need to encourage human (pedestrian) traffic as much as vehicle traffic, but a closed main street with no programming, nothing going on, is going to be a very quiet, empty street.”

“I remember very well last year. We simply suggested that was an option. Not saying we were going to do it, but that it was an option...And we heard fairly clearly from a few businesses that that should not be happening,” said Miller.

the Rockies to pay his first visit. “When I first got here and looked around, I thought to myself: this place lends itself to a local band.” What was Invermere like in the mid-70s? “There was lots of energy. The Lakeside Pub was a hopping place, and there were lots of lounges, all of which had live music.” Cronin decided this was the place for him.

“It hadn’t occurred to me that I could make a living as a musician until I moved to the Columbia Valley. Here I felt like I could do anything.” With friends Bruce Everett and Gordon Askey, Cronin soon formed the Windy Valley Band. “We played at the Lakeside a lot. It was quite a scene.” When not playing in his band, Cronin worked ski patrol at Panorama and construction in the summer.

In the Columbia Valley, Cronin’s career as a musician took off. For close to a decade in the eighties, Cronin found himself touring North America with Ian Tyson and his band. Cronin played lead guitar. “In the Columbia Valley, there was a feeling that music brought people together.”

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18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 1, 2021

Submitted photos

Supporting local growers Last fall, the Columbia Valley Food Bank, after a number of generous doSubmitted by the nations by loColumbia Valley cal producers, Food Bank decided to invest in the community by making purchases from those vendors. As a result, we were able to provide our clients with chicken and pork from Frustrated Farmers, ground beef from Tegart Farms and Bugaboo Ranch, and potatoes, onions and carrots from Tegart Farms, The Old Blue Truck, Edible Acres, Saunders Family Farm and Homestead Harvest.

From this genesis, the Board of Directors stepped up and put in place a new policy on Procurement. This policy acknowledges that “all purchases made on behalf of the CVFB are being made with financial resources provided by our donors and funders for the benefit of our clients” and that our response will be “to the extent possible and financially prudent, purchases on behalf of

the food bank will be made locally…in particular fresh produce and meat”. To give an idea of what this means for local producers, last year we distributed 2500 lbs. of ground beef, 2500 lbs. of potatoes, 2000 lbs. of onions, and 1800 lbs. of carrots.

Submitted photo In the Spring, with the assistance of Columbia Valley Food and Farm, we put the word out to local farmers and ranchers and have already heard back from many, including new vendors such as Brisco Beef and J2 Ranch.

As we take the first steps in trying to implement the policy, our challenge will be to spread the purchases around in order to provide some benefit for all.

We anticipate there will be a few growing pains as our local food initiative progresses, especially with fresh produce, as unlike the beef producers, many of their vegetables are harvested at the same time (in the early fall).

Our need is steady throughout the year, and our storage facilities for produce are very limited. We will work with the producers to find solutions as experience has shown that some can keep the product in cold storage and others need to move it quickly.

In addition to supporting the producers, the CVFB looks to use local merchants for other purchases ranging from buying canned and packaged goods to computer needs, security, printing, banking, bookkeeping and media services. Reinvesting in the community only makes sense to the Columbia Valley Food Bank, whose lifeblood is the overwhelmingly generous support provided to us by the residents (full-time and seasonal), businesses and organizations in the Valley and beyond.

Keep the Valley strong. Support your local businesses.

Submitted photos

Art in everyday objects Holy Toledo! It’s hot out there! Whether you are heading to the mountains to cool off in the tall

By Cajsa Fredin trees or to the beach to rip Executive director it up on your flamingo floaties, come cool your boots in our sweet A/C and check out some of the other great ideas that make humans awesome. There is a whole ton of artistic thought that goes into the everyday design of our most favorite things, from the shirts you wear to the cup that holds your cuppa’ joe, there’s really nothing in this world that would be if it weren’t for Art! At Pynelogs, the Functional Art and Design show exhibits seven Artists whose work captures the fine balance of purpose and aesthetic.

Delicate hammered silver and soft glass vases by Ari-

el Hill remind one of the summer campfires and starry nights, while beautifully laminated mixed wood paddles

by Lyle Archambault are not just for the walls but for adventures in whitewater rivers and sunsets on lazy lakes.

Vibrant handblown glass lights by Leah Allison cast perfect sparkle over summer cocktails with friends, and the soft and simple lines of Jenna Black Ceramics are the ideal vessel for ice cream and berries on the porch. While the world of fashion has its flashy suits and edgy lapels, the unique design of Untamed Fernie by Emma Stevens keeps the heart of the Kootenays sewn deep into the style with her own photography featured in the pattern. Bold fibre work by local artists Sharlene Scofield and Alison Bell is a peek into the vast world of block printing and fibre art, from siesta inviting pillows to wool spun mountain memories.

Yes, there is a lot of thought and skill that go into

these everyday designs, but you’ll also see there is a ton of heart!

The Functional Art and Design on now at Pynelogs

by Kinsmen Beach (flamingo floaties optional), June 21 through July 11.

Follow us along on Instagram and Facebook @columbiavalleyarts for online viewing.

The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, so come on in for a visit and a cool down.

Columbia Valley Arts is again excited to bring the Mountain Mosiac Community Art project to you with free mini landscape painting art kits, available for pick up at Black Star Studios from June 30 to July 1! Go for a walk in the wilderness, sketch the beautiful Canadian landscape, then...paint it! #mountainmosaic2021

July 1, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

The Comeback of the art of dining

From Scratch

By Lara McCormack

Over the long COVID-19 months, many of us longed to be sitting in our favorite restaurant or café. Many of you did your part to support local food businesses this past year with take-out - THANK YOU! Realizing how much the food scene plays a part of your lives, the valley restaurant scene has been through a lot this past year and a half.

As we step into what will no doubt be another busy season, this is an opportunity to fine tune and appreciate what this part of

our culture offers.

Imagine our valley without Edibles Farm Cafe, Stolen Church Cafe, From Scratch, Beeland, Station Pub, Pynelogs Cafe, Birchwood, Ullr Bar, Circle Foods Café, Quality Bakery, Arrowhead, Fubuki Sushi, Fuze, Helena’s Stube, The Old Salzburg, Black Forest, Pizzeria Mercato, the local food trucks, the golf course restaurants, the resort restaurants and all other local food establishments not listed.

These are places where we celebrate, nourish ourselves and our families, enjoy time with friends, take a break, heal, create, support, grow. The quality of food - based businesses in our valley is vital to our lifestyle here, adding so much richness to our culture in so many ways, including incredible product offerings we devour, unique events we attend (eventually), employment that lets us live this lifestyle, sense of place to celebrate and show off talents in a unique setting seen nowhere else in the world.

Many local food businesses are being faced with staff

shortages, increased food costs and needs, all adding to increased debt stress. With this will come longer waits for your food order and increased menu prices. We thank you for your patience and understanding on this. Please know that we are all working hard to bring you consistency and a lovely dining experience. I will admit that this valley has faired well as very few food businesses permanently closed.

Lately, as I look around, whether it’s my business or other food establishments, the addiction to the cell phone to fallen into times that we rely on it for almost everything.

Families are all on the phones with little conversation at the table. Kids remain on their tablets while eating their meal, not paying attention to what they are eating.

So here is my request from the heart; when you arrive in your favorite eatery, put your phone down once you have checked in, checked for messages, etc.

Take a deep breath and be present. Talk to others around you, make eye contact with the staff, talk to your children to plan a day of fun. As you enjoy your meal, really enjoy your meal, meaning savor each bite, laugh with your company, taste the nuances in your wine, breathe and relax. Know that the business you are sitting in is so grateful for you being there.

This desired change in attitude is all over the internet, from blogs and posts to newspaper articles. I realize this is out of my norm of writing articles for the Pioneer, yet this observation has been the biggest change many of us have noticed in our day-to-day work. It is a reminder that dining mindfully is better for us and will be easier for this industry to heal moving forward.

On another note, I cannot finish this article with another fabulous recipe. Cherry season is upon us, and the B.C. cherry industry is anticipating a good year as crops were ready a bit earlier than usual, with trees abundant in fruit. Expect higher costs like other food prices going on.

Being one of my favorite fruits, below is one of my most special recipes that is a go-to over the summer months.

Julia Child’s Cherry Clafouti Ingredients: 1 -1/4 cups milk; 2/3 cup sugar, divided; 3 eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup flour; 3 cups cherries, pitted; powdered sugar, for garnish.

Cooking: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F; Using a blender, combine the milk, 1/3 cup sugar, eggs, vanilla, salt and flour, and blend; Lightly butter an 8-cup baking dish, and pour a 1/4-inch layer of the blended mixture over the bottom. Set remaining batter aside; Place dish into the oven for about 7-10 minutes, until a film of batter sets in the pan but the mixture is not baked through. Remove from oven (but don’t turn the oven off, yet); Distribute the pitted cherries over the set batter in the pan, then sprinkle with the remaining sugar. Pour the remaining batter over the cherries and sugar; Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes until the clafouti is puffed and brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Lara McCormack is co-owner of From Scratch – A Mountain Kitchen in Fairmont Hot Springs where one can savor fabulous, seasonal food, sip from a selection of BC wines and enjoy the views of our gorgeous valley landscape.

DESIGN BUILD

New Homes, Renovations, Additions, & Kitchens

Now booking fall/winter projects

Invermere Library gets a new tent for outdoor programs Submitted by Rotary Club of Invermere With warmer weather around the corner, we are hoping to bring library programming to as many members of our community as possible, gathering safely out-of-doors.

Maintaining our early literacy programs has been a top priority and will continue in the summer months, with pop-up story times in parks throughout

the valley.

The Summer Reading Club (SRC), which is a B.C. wide program, will also take place, and we hope to offer socially distanced in-person activities outside on the lawn of the library and in local parks.

Understanding the importance of mental health and wellness of our older patrons, we plan on resuming book club and craft programming to bring them safely together.

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20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 1, 2021

Cycling Without Age rolling again

of Canada, Community Foundations of Canada, the Columbia Valley Community Foundation, Lake WindYou have likely seen our Cycling Without Age trish- ermere and District Lions Club and the Kinsmen Club aws out and about in recent weeks. After a year of being of Windermere Valley, the new bikes are a great addition unable to give rides, to the program. This funding, along with our volunteers have the past generous been busy refreshing support from the Inand retraining. We vermere Health Care are very happy to offer the free rides once Auxiliary, Regional District of East Kooagain to our seniors and those less abled tenay, Rotary Club of Invermere, Lake within our community.

Windermere District Although unable Lions Club, Kinsmen Club of Winderto offer rides in 2020, mere Valley, Golden our organization Life, Mount Nelson successfully raised enough funding to Place and Rockies Law Corporation has purchase two new enabled us to build and improved trishand maintain a viaaws. Funded in part Volunteers of Cycling Without Age doing a ride bike to seniors of the ble quality `service by the Government Columbia Valley.

Submitted photo Submitted by Cycling Without Age Invermere

to our community. The district of Invermere has been tremendously supportive since the inception of our program, something we are thankful for every day.

We were recently honored by the Rotary Club of Invermere as the 2020 Citizens of the Year. We are very humbled and appreciative of this recognition. Without the support of all the organizations mentioned above and the entire community, our program would not be a success. Of course, the biggest shout-out goes to all our great volunteers who always show up with a smiling face and positive attitude. They are the heart and soul of the program.

If you see the bikes out, give them a honk, a wave, or a thumbs up. Let’s welcome our passengers back out into the community after what has been a long, and for many, lonely period of isolation.

If you are looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity that allows great flexibility, a lot of fun while getting a bit of exercise, and that has a positive impact on the community, we want to hear from you.

Contact Don Devlin at dwnhill44@gmail.com or Blaine Nester at blaine.nester@gmail.com for more information.

The RDEK is organizing FireSmart Neighbourhood Champion Workshops. If you are an existing FireSmart Champion, or have wondered what it would be like to step up to become a leader and help spearhead a FireSmart program in your neighbourhood, these workshops are for you! We will be doing three in person sessions around the region on the following dates:

• July 19 – Columbia Valley (Invermere) • July 20 – Cranbrook / Kimberley Area (Cranbrook) • July 26 – Areas A and B (Jaffray) All three events are open to anyone in the RDEK. These half-day workshops will help participants understand how to implement FireSmart initiatives in their neighbourhood and motivate their neighbours to join in and help reduce the potential for wildfire losses.

More details about the time and location of the workshops will be available soon – but we wanted to get the word out now so you can mark your calendars!

For more information, contact RDEK Wildfire Resilience Coordinator Terry Balan at FireSmart@rdek.bc.ca

REUSE CENTRES REOPENING JULY 5, 2021 Starting on July 5, the reuse centres located throughout the RDEK will once again be open to the public.When using these facilities please remember to obey public health guidance.

Please wear a mask and respect physical distancing measures.

REUSE CENTRE LOCATIONS:

• Invermere Landfill • Kimberley Transfer Station • Cranbrook Transfer Station • Fernie Transfer Station • Sparwood Transfer Station • Elkford Transfer Station

EAST KOOTENAY HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT The Regional District of East Kootenay is completing a Housing Needs Assessment to better understand housing across all Electoral Areas.

We want to hear from all rural residents about their CURRENT & FUTURE housing needs.

COMMUNITY SURVEY Open until July 23 at: engage.rdek.bc.ca/housing

How’s your house?

Is it going to stand for years or are you looking for a new place soon?

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

July 1, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

HERE TO SERVE YOU SERVICES

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Please recycle this newspaper

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 1, 2021

HERE TO SERVE YOU LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING Spots available for summer 2021!

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Lloyd Wilder

250-342-5326 lewilder@shaw.ca

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

www.decoylandscaping.com

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

CONTRACTING

CONTRACTING

There’s a new ‘Sucker’ in town!

Patryk Jagiello STAIN/LACQUER/PAINT INTERIOR/EXTERIOR

Serving the Columbia Valley for over a decade 250-688-1229 oasisirrigation@hotmail.com

CONTRACTING Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood.

patco_dev@shaw.ca

(250) 270-0345

A licensed, registered and bonded company

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

Kekuli Bay Cabinetry kekulibaycabinetry.com

Slurpy

in Calgary since 2002 in Invermere since 2004

Registered ROWP Serving all areas from Wasa to Golden

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

Patco Developments Ltd. PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS

INTERIOR • EXTERIOR • WALL COVERINGS Seniors Discounts

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

We also offer roundthe-clock service calls.

Vacuum/ Septic tank pumping

Gary’s

Professional Painting & Decorating Ltd. 1978 FREE Estimates

CUSTOM WOOD FINISHING FAUX FINISHES JOURNEYMAN RED SEAL

403-650-4622 • garysptg@gmail.com

• Trusses • Engineered Floors • Wall Panels Tel: 250.341.6075 Fax: 250.341.3427 Email: info@duskbuildingsystems.com www.duskbuildingsystems.com

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

CONCRETE

READY MIX CONCRETE Concrete Pump • Sand & Gravel Heavy Equipment Rentals • Crane Service Proudly Serving the Valley for over 50 years

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

• Authorized dealer • Designer • Installer

• 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.

Dale Elliott Contracting

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

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

Phone: 250-342-5833 • Cell: 250-270-9444

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

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

N E W S PA P E R

July 1, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

Toby Theatre showcases graduating students this summer do positive today, you do it because you may not have tomorrow,” says Elizabeth.

However, they give full credit to Timothy for organizing the tribute and inspiring themselves and future graduates.

through [such] a hard year,” says Timothy, who grew a strong connection with the kids over the years. Being in the school all the time, it was difficult to witness the usual lively, noisy hallways shift to a deafening silence.

The graduating class of 2021 from David ThompNow, she says it’s nice to see the parents, students, and son Secondary School (DTSS) will have their photos disstaff talking and smiling again in the school, even played in the front window of Toby Theatre this while socially distancing. “It puts a smile on my year. face.”

Sophie Timothy wanted to honour the gradShe stresses that “it takes a community to uates in a unique way this year due to the strugraise a child, and the community needs to see our gles they faced finishing school amidst the panamazing grads right.” Timothy wanted to maindemic. Timothy has been a custodian at DTSS tain that community element by posting the grad since 2010. Before that, she worked as a teacher’s photos in town for all to see. aide with Rocky Mountain School District No. DTSS funded Timothy’s movement this year, 6 since 1995. but many were involved in the process.

“I just wanted something special for them,” Lori Watt, owner of Valley Sign Artists, put she says. together the weather-proof posters of the students After being approached by Timothy, Ron under a time crunch of only a week after Timothy and Elizabeth Peters generously allowed the front asked for her help. The posters were designed by windows to be used to display all of the graduTimothy’s long-time friend— graphic designer, ating student’s signature cap-and-gown photos. photographer, and printing specialist, Lisa Ede, Their two daughters had graduated from David from Redneck Hippy Design Studio.

Thompson School as well.

“I have an idea. I go to Lisa, and she just Elizabeth says it is important ”to encourage makes things happen,” says Timothy. the kids who were graduating and future kids to Elizabeth says she has already seen many graduate.” With the theatre being closed since Toby Theatre presents graduating students.

Photo by Haley Grinder walking through town stop and smile at the postSept. 2014, the pair was more than happy to ofers. There is currently no end date in sight for the fer their help however they could.

“Those kids do deserve the hurrah because they went display’s removal.

“If I’ve learned anything in life, it’s whatever you can

By Haley Grinder Special to the Pioneer

HERE TO SERVE YOU CONCRETE I N

P U R S U I T

Columbia Concrete Inc.

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

CARPET CLEANING

CONCRETE

• 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

Have a sports story idea?

Email in info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

20 years’ experience • Anything concrete!

• • • •

Basements Garage pads Driveways Patios

• • • •

Decorative Exposed Stamped concrete Acid staining

250-688-3739

Serving the Columbia Valley

TILE AND GROUT CLEANING Business: 250-342-9692

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

ptarmiganrugclean@gmail.com

Enjoy life, we’ll clean it up!

CARPET CLEANING

Big Cat Painting For all your painting needs!

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

Call NOW:

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

250-688-0213

Visit www.heavensbest.com for more information

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

Pioneer Classifieds Call: 250-341-6299

Cell: 250-342-1273

They work!

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 1, 2021

P ioneer C lassifieds GARAGE SALES

LEGAL NOTICE

Yard Sale 8915 Shaughnessy St. Canal Flats. New lawn mower, new band saw, lots of unique wood pieces, more tools, the list goes and a lot more stuff then last time. All needs to go. Sat. July 3rd and Sun. July 4th all day long. 778-267-0053.

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.

Large community Garage Sale Saturday July 3rd, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Dutch Creek RV Resort.

5478 Hwy 93/95. Just south of Fairmont Hot Springs and Hoodoos on left side of highway.

CHRISTMAS

ANNOUNCEMENT Alcoholics Anonymous. If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. All meetings are at 8 p.m.

Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the BC Service Building, South End – 624 4th St., Invermere. Please call 250342-2424 for more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship.

Al-Anon. Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us on a “ZOOM” meeting every Monday at 7 p.m. For more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship, please call 250-342-8255. www.weaversbeeco.com Order online and pay when you pick up. Fresh BC blueberries and Okanagan fruit. 1065 Swansea Rd.

THANK YOU I wish to express my heartfelt thank you to Dr. Brown, Dr. Mannheimer, and Jessie Stoney for the kindness and compassion they showed to Roy Bowers.

Their support of his wishes meant much to him during his final days. Also, thank you to Trish and his Family Dynamic pals whose zoom sessions and walks he so much looked forward to. Helen Steiro

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS Cheers to Sophie Timothy for her delicious surprise of Habanero Pepper Jelly (with garlic scapes) for our team at TXN Installations! It is fantastic and has no preservatives! You can put this wonderful jelly on cream cheese, as a glaze for salmon, grilled cheeses, or even vanilla ice cream!

Three Cheers to Coach Fergus!

The Swamp Monsters couldn’t have asked for a better (or more patient!) tee-ball coach! Cheers to a great season!

Cheers to Lori Ladas for being an amazing lady, worker and a pleasure to have met such a kind hearted soul. best wishes you are an angel.

Cheers to Julius, Mike, Sandy, Darlene, Juan and all the friendly staff at Radium Mountainside Market. You always give first class service with a smile and are so helpful to the customers.

Cheers to Atkinson Promotions t-ball team. The volunteers, coaches, sponsors and parents made this year incredible.

Cheers to Greg our Radium Postmaster Extraordinaire. You are kind, caring and so efficient at your job and always think of the customer first. Wow!

Please email classified ads to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

LISTINGS NEEDED! I WANT TO SELL YOUR HOUSE!

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

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

BUYING OR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202

gerrytaft.ca Personal Real Estate Corporation

Rockies West Realty Independently owned and operated

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

250-342-3790.

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

Contact: M&B Properties 250-341-1940 or bruce@brucem.com

HOUSE FOR RENT Windermere: furnished 1-bdrm home for rent September to May. N/S, pets considered, references required. $800/mo plus hydro. llccakamom@ hotmail.com.

Have a sports story idea?

Email in info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

SERVICES

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

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

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

1-250-426-4445.

b.brownjohn@gmail.com

MISC. FOR SALE

Elkhorn Country Estates

5.5 cubic Deep Freeze, 4 months old, $150. 250.-342-2287.

Phase 4 now selling.

3.2 to 5.7 acre parcels.

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

BOAT FOR SALE

CONDO FOR SALE

16 ft. Hobie Cat in excellent condition with new trampoline.

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

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

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

WANTED

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. views, 1balcony, bath 985Mountain 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 Downtown and location 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 Call 403-402or email rjfaulds1@ 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

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 5000 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.

SERVICES 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.

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

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

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

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

Pike Contracting Excavating and Skid Steer services.

Call Jason 250-342-5277.

The Heartfelt Companion: SERVICE FOR SENIORS Offers non-medical help to seniors in their home and respite for caregivers. Companionship, errands, transportation, personal care, meal prep and more. Excellent local references and credentials and a big, kind heart! Rest assured; COVID-19 precautions are in place to keep you safe. “The Heartfelt Companion team provide, in the truest sense, heartfelt companionship. They always have mom’s best interest in mind.

I find that my family can once again enjoy our time with mom, as we know she is being cared for, lifting this responsibility from our shoulders. We can once again simply enjoy each other’s company. We have tremendous gratitude for their service.” 250-341-5683 www. heartfeltcompanionservices. com Kootenay Country Electrical Qualified Electrical Service Licensed, Bonded, Insured Highly skilled electrician Call Dean 250-342-5516.

July 1, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

SERVICES

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

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

Call Jeff 250-341-8146 leave a message.

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.

Invermere Glass is hiring a Parttime General Labourer. Must have valid driver’s license, be willing to learn, and be able to lift glass. May be required to work outside in any-andall weather conditions. Wages start at $22.00 per hour. Please apply with resume and drivers abstract online at: resume@ invermereglass.com. 250-3423659.

Crossroads Market Now Hiring We offer a higher than industry standard wage package with a high season bonus. Part-time and Full-time Positions available in all departments. Mature, long-term oriented candidates will be given preference. Very flexible schedule for all staff requests for time off needs.

Email resume to kgtltd2020@ gmail.com.

COLUMBIA VALLEY TAXI LTD IS LOOKING FOR DRIVERS! This position would be terrific for a senior or anyone else who would like to stay busy and supplement their income.

Duties - Pre trip inspection of vehicles, driving of mini vans or 14 passenger vans.

Requirements - Class 4 or better valid BC Drivers licence, satisfactory drivers abstract.

We would LOVE to hear from you! Please send resume to cvtaxi2018@gmail.com or call 250-342-5262.

Interior HomeCare Solutions is hiring for a part time community mental health support worker.

There is a minimum of 20 hours per/week with the opportunity for more. The job would consist of providing personal support for individuals who are living with physical and mental disabilities.

Applicants that possess a driver’s license will be favoured.

Applications can be sent to markk@interiorhomecare.ca

HELP WANTED Invermere Petro-Can is currently accepting resumes for F/T and P/T employment. Apply in person to 185 Laurier Street, Invermere between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Featured Listing

1018 15th Avenue

$524,900

Renovated Kitchen and Back Deck MLS 2459371

Geoff Hill PREC* REALTOR® Fair Realty

250-341-7600

www.geoffhill.ca

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.

Old Salzburg seeking kitchen help, cooks start at $19 dishwasher at $16 and servers.

Drop off resume or call 250-3476553 and ask for Scott or Ashley.

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.

Looking for Summer Work?...

Busy small resort in Windermere requires helper. Varied duties include housekeeping, grounds and building maintenance and trail work. 7 hr/day, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., 5 days per week. $18/ hr. This position is partially funded by Canada Summer Jobs. Employee must be 15 to 30 yrs of age on July 1st. Contact Scott at 250-342-0356 or email windcreek@shaw.ca.

Handyman needed ASAP. 3 hours per week on a full time basis. Call Ross at 250-342-5247 or email newhouseconnect@ gmail.com.

THANK YOU

House for Sale by Owner

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

MopSpot Mop CLEANERS NEEDED to deliver the very best housekeeping services for our Airbnb and residential clients.

We are looking primarily for part-time help (1 to 3 days per week, 11 am - 4 pm) and we can make your schedule as flexible as you need. We expect the best results from our team members but our wages far surpass our competitors.

Starting wage is approximately $27/hour.

Please call Kate at 403.461.1735 or fill out an application form at mopspot.ca/about/join-our-team/

BCYCNA – CLASSIFIED ADS BUILDINGS FOR SALE

HEALTH

INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008. Built with concrete posts. Barns, shops, riding arenas, machine sheds and more. Adam.s@ integritybuilt.com. 1-250-3515374. www.integritybuilt.com

GET UP TO $50,000 from the Government of Canada. ALL ages & Medical Conditions Qualify. Have a child under 18 instantly receive more money.

CALL BRITISH COLUMBIA BENEFITS 1-(800)-211-3550 OR Send a Text Message with Your Name and Mailing Address to (604) 739-5600 For Your FREE benefits package.

SERVICES

GET RESULTS!

Reach almost 2 million people in 95 papers for only $395/week for a 25-word text ad, or $995/week for a formatted display ad

bccommunitynews.com/ advertise 1-866-669-9222 For all details FIRST please visit Invermerehomebc.ca 1-236-490-0922 (initially, text only pls.).

1706 10th Ave. Invermere, BC

Wilmer Waterworks District

Book by province or whole country and save over 85%!

Director of Program Management We are looking for an experienced Director of Program Management to join our team of vibrant, sincere, and professional individuals. You will be responsible for the planning, developing, implementing, and overseeing the day-to-day operation of the services delivered by Family Dynamix. You will provide inspirational leadership to ensure every program is delivered successfully and add the greatest value to the organization.

The Position: Continuing Part-time Hours: 30 hours per week Schedule: Flexible weekdays, evenings and as required Start Date: Immediately Works closely with the Executive Director to achieve the following: • Manage the day-to-day operations of all the programs • Provide support and supervision of program staff • Hiring, mentoring, and managing the team • Plan programs from start to completion that includes creating processes, deadlines, and milestones.

Qualification and Experience: • Degree in a related field is preferred • Three years recent related experience including two years supervisory and administrative experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Self-starter with excellent verbal and written communication skills • Broad knowledge of program management principles, a feminist perspective, and a strategic mindset, being able to anticipate and manage work issues.

• Working knowledge of MS office 365 including Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc. will be an asset.

Accountability: The Director of Program Management is accountable to the Executive Director.

Deadline: Open until filled

Please recycle this newspaper

Pioneer Classified Advertising 250-341-6299

Application process: Submit a resume and cover letter to Pat Cope, Executive Director, Family Dynamix, Box 2289, Invermere, B.C., V0A 1K0, pcope@fdx.family.

We appreciate all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Thank you.

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 1, 2021

Lake Windermere Pulse Check www.lakeambassadors.ca

Average Water Temperature: 23 °C Average Water Depth: 4.9 m Average Turbidity: 2.05 NTU Turbidity (cloudiness) usually ranges from 0 to 10 NTU but can get into the hundreds in times of high flow, flooding etc.

Average Dissolved Oxygen: 9 mg/L Levels of dissolved oxygen between 4 and 15 mg/L are generally needed for fish to thrive.

Average pH: 8.1 Did someone say hot tub? The water was a scorching 23 °C in the lake on this beautiful, sunny morning. It still beats the heat outside though! We also recorded our largest depth reading of the year so far: 7.1 m just outside Tayn-

ton Bay. This week we were joined in the boat by two wonderful citizen scientist volunteers: Selbie from the UK and Isaias-White from Australia, who both work at Panorama. If you’d like to be next, 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.

Columbia Lake Pulse Check Submitted by Columbia Lake Stewardship Society Average Water Temperature: 23.3oC Average Water Depth: 3.7m Average Turbidity: 1.17 NTU Average D.O: 8.5 mg/L Average pH: 8.1 The Columbia Lake temperature is getting warmer and warmer! Typically the warmest temperature of the lake is in late July, so keep an eye out for the temperature to continue to rise. Our water temperature is found by taking the average of the temperature at the surface and the

bottom of the lake in four different spots.

Columbia Lake is usually a little warmer than Lake Windermere since it’s much shallower and smaller (the greatest depth is around 5.5m).

Thank you to this month’s volunteers Gina Fryer and Cesar Fuertes! They have been volunteering with the CLSS for five years now!

If you would like to learn how the Columbia Lake Stewardship Society is working to preserve the ecological health and water supply of Columbia Lake for present and future generations, visit ColumbiaLakess.com.

Submitted photo

Submitted photo

Citizen Scientists of the Week: Sophie Selbie and Liana Isaias-White

BCYCNA – CLASSIFIED ADS ~ MEDICAL

HELP WANTED

MANUP

KENPESQ’T HOLDINGS LIMITED

H E A LT H

VIAGRA PRESCRIPTIONS Order yours online through a Licensed BC Doctor at ManUpHealth.ca.

DISCREET. DELIVERED. GO TO M A N U P H E A LT H . C A

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Deadline: July 9, 2021

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

Have a sports story idea?

Email in info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

le? Yes or no?

•

• 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 • • • •

Can this be recycled?

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.

July 1, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27

Conserving wild landscapes for the Columbia Valley community: Columbia Lake—Lot 48

Submitted by Nicole Trigg, Kootenay Conservation Program This submitted article from the Kootenay Conservation Program is the first in a series featuring three parcels of land in the Columbia Valley that were purchased as conservation properties with support from the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund for the benefit of local communities and wildlife.

The Columbia Valley is a beautifully biodiverse landscape, bordered by the Rocky and Purcell mountain ranges with the headwaters of the Columbia River flowing through its centre. Not only is this vast valley a key wildlife corridor, but it is home to the Columbia Wetlands, one of the largest wetland complexes in British Columbia. This complex includes water from Columbia Lake and Lake Windermere, and is also one of the few remaining pristine floodplain wetlands left in North America.

This area has been recognized as ecologically important by scientists and communities alike, recognizing the need to maintain these values for future generations.

The Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund (CVLCF), established in partnership by the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) and Kootenay Conservation Program, is supporting these efforts. Since 2008, property owners in the RDEK Columbia Valley sub-region (from Canal Flats to Spillimacheen) have paid an annual tax of $20 per parcel per year towards this dedicated fund, which provides financial support to local projects that help conserve and restore the region’s prized natural surroundings. Over the years, projects have ranged from lake monitoring and invasive leafy spurge conColumbia Lake—Lot 48 trol to waterbird monitoring, bat conservation and largest connected expanse of prime winter range for deer, support for farmers taking extraordinary measures to conserve important habitats on their farms. The CVLCF elk and other grazing ungulates in the Upper Columbia has also supported the purchase of land parcels by land Valley. For thousands of years, the area was used by the trusts for conservation purposes — a process called land Ktunaxa as a transportation route and is a significant part securement. Perhaps the most well-known of these con- of the Ktunaxa Creation Story. It is also important to servation areas is Columbia Lake—Lot 48, located five the Shuswap Band, who used the area historically for its salmon resources. kilometres south of Fairmont Hot Springs.

Columbia Lake—Lot 48 had been considered a reAn ecologically and culturally important parcel of land over 300 acres located on the eastern shore of Co- gional treasure for decades but moves to protect it didn’t lumbia Lake, this property is hailed as a shining example begin until 2005, when the property’s private owners of cooperation when it comes to conservation in the East made plans to create a golf resort on the land. Recognizing that development would impact the property’s Kootenay.

Adjacent to Columbia Lake Provincial Park, the important values, the RDEK tabled a rare motion to Columbia Wetlands Wildlife Management Area and the down-zone the land to agricultural use only. In 2010, the East Side Columbia Lake Wildlife Management Area, family that had owned the land since 1966, petitioned the area supports native grasslands that represent the the regional district to work with them towards finding a Continued ‘internet’ from page 12 “Panorama is a world-class resort destination, drawing skiers and riders from around the globe to share an incredible mountain experience. Now, our community will also offer the best communication technology thanks to this grant from the B.C. government. The advanced connectivity that Telus is delivering as a result of this funding opens up greater opportunities for travel and utilizing smart technology as we work to quickly recover from the impacts of the pandemic and grow tourism in the Kootenay Rockies,” said Panorama chief executive officer Steve Paccagnan in a press release.

B.C. parliamentary secretary for rural development

Roly Russell told the Pioneer that he wasn’t sure exactly when the work on fibre optic internet at Panorama would start, but that it would be finished and in place

by Oct 31 by the latest.

In total, the service will reach 870 households at Panorama, he added. “The impact is huge, it’s an important investment.”

The upgrade will see internet speed at Panorama go from 50/10 Mbps to 1 Gbps.

“With a Gb internet speed, it’s hard to imagine what you can’t do with that, at the household level,” Russell told the Pioneer. “Some folks, with the 50/10 speed during the pandemic, if for instance, they have two kids at home doing homeschooling through video-

solution that would both protect the land and ease their financial burden.

Different agencies were invited to join the negotiations, which resulted in the Nature Conservancy of Canada securing the property in 2011 with contributions from Teck Resources, Columbia Basin Trust, the Province of B.C., the Government of Canada through the Natural Areas Conservation Program, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program, donations from local groups and organizations, and significant funding from the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund in the amount of $700,000 ($100,000 per year for seven years).

Today, Columbia Lake—Lot 48 is part of a network of conservation lands and wildlife management areas that spans more than 7,600 hectares (18,500 acres). This network contributes significantly to a critical north-south and east-west wildlife corridor and providing first-class habitat for several rare and endangered species. Columbia Valley residents and visitors can enjoy these conservation lands and take in the stunning surrounding scenery as the east side of Columbia Lake support a wide variety of non-motorized uses such as hiking, cycling, bird watching, hunting and fishing. Lucky Photos by NCC folks might catch a glimpse of nesting eagles or spot beavers busy at work in channels branching off Columbia Lake.

“Columbia Lake—Lot 48 was the final piece in securing the whole east side of the lake, contributing immensely to vibrancy of the landscape,” said Nature Conservancy of Canada Program Director Richard Klafki.

“Not only did the CVLCF help acquire the property, but it also supported stewardship work that has kept it in its natural state, such as restoration work and invasive plant management that have helped keep the grasslands intact and the forest open. Due to the diverse and resilient habitats on the property a variety of wildlife tend to seek out and gather on the land there.”

To learn more about the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund, visit kootenayconservation.ca/columbia-valley-local-conservation-fund/. conferencing and two adults both working from home online, they are finding the internet connection can be a bit choppy. The Gb speed would be more than enough to eliminate those issues.”

In the announcement, B.C. Minister of Citizens’ Services Lisa Beare said that as B.C. begins efforts to recuperate from the economic fallout of the pandemic, it makes sense to upgrade internet infrastructure.

“Improved internet access can help strengthen the recovery of tourism-based businesses and communities.

These investments will make it easier for small businesses to market themselves, while adding an important amenity people can enjoy when visiting these beautiful communities,” said Beare.

28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Online Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Visit https://lwac.online.church 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lwac.ca

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED Please email office@wvsm.ca to request a link to our online service which starts at 10:30 a.m. Sundays.

Recorded services can be accessed by typing WVSM Invermere Anglican United Church.

250-342-6644 • www.wvsm.ca

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service Pastor Murray Wittke 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats., Canadian Martyrs’ – Invermere, St. Joseph’s – Radium.

Father Jojo Augustine • 712 -12th Ave., Invermere 250-342-6167

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

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

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FAITH

July 1, 2021

Church and Residential Schools

By Brent Woodard Anglican/United Church

I serve as the “minister” of the Anglican/United Church Shared Ministry in the Windermere Valley. The national Anglican Church and the national United Church were involved in the “Indian Residential School System.” The Anglican Church administered up to three dozen residential schools across Canada, and the United Church oversaw the operation of about 15 schools. The “Indian Residential School System” was fundamentally flawed in its intention and its execution. The assumed religious, spiritual, cultural, and racial superiority behind the system was false and wounding. Officially and formally, the two national churches I serve have apologized, but the need to live that apology and change unconscious patterns and be in right relations continues and will for a long time.

In the days following the discovery of the remains of the children’s bodies in Kamloops, the local Shuswap, Ktunaxa and Metis leaders held a vigil and invited people to participate, preferably online because of COVID-19 protocols. So many people, indigenous and non-indigenous, attended, expressing grief, solidarity and concern.

I, too, attended and felt welcomed, included and safe.

I’m grateful for the open hearts and open doors.

I’m grateful that the way things used to be has crumbled or is crumbling. I’m grateful that there are thoughtful and caring people who are seeking to acknowledge the wrongs of the past and find healthier ways of being in the present. I’m sorry for the inequities which existed and still exist. They mean some people have an easier way while others have obstacles that make the going harder.

I’m sorry that the Christian church has a long history of being married to power, like the power of the state or the power of the dominant culture. Instead of being liberating, the church has been a part of oppressing and dominating. I’m sorry that the Christian church has had a belief that its version of spirituality is superior. It has misinterpreted and falsely assumed ownership of “the way,” and has been blind to the presence of Spirit in other traditions.

I am grateful that there seems to be more humility in the church. We don’t know what we thought we knew.

We need to be very critical of our own built-in biases. We are learning to listen and not just talk. We are learning to be students and not just teachers.

Lenard Cohen wrote: “There’s a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets through.”

I believe, in the last number of decades, the churches I serve have been “cracked” or “broken open” for various reasons. That is a good thing. It doesn’t excuse the sins of the past, but it does give hope that the present and future might be healthier, for it is from these cracks that light can come through.

Sign-in kiosk

fixed two washouts on the road to Lake of the Hanging Glacier, and CertainTeed Mines has made road improveSummit Trail Makers Society (STMS) has installed ment for the Swansea Recreation Site. sign-in kiosks at all our maintained trailheads this sumDespite this assistance, we are in constant danger mer, except the road to Jumbo Pass is still closed, so that of losing access to local hikes due to erosion caused by has yet to be done. spring run-off. Numbers, and the money associated with With a grant from Columbia Valley Community these numbers, is the information we need to demonFoundation (CVCF) and support from Recreation Sites strate to the ‘powers that be’ that money needs to be and Trails BC (RSTBC), STMS will be spent on roads infraable to monitor the number of hikers structure so that people, on our maintained trails. While there locals and tourists alike, are many more trails besides the eleven can continue to enjoy trails, STMS maintains, the logbooks “Supernatural BC.” at each of our trailheads should give us Please help STMS an indication of the overall activity on advocate for our local local trails. hikes and trail access With these numbers, STMS will by signing the logbook be able to allocate our resources more at each trailhead. It is a efficiently by knowing which trails quick and simple process have more traffic and how heavy it is. of putting in the date, Another consideration is that while where you are from, the Joe, Glen and Ryan in front of the new installed money may be available for trail mainnumber of hikers (and logbooks.

Submitted photo tenance, there are no funds available for the number of STMS roads leading to these trails. Hikers know how fragile our members in your group) and any short comment. We are backcountry road system is, and our local officials may asking all hikers to sign in each and every time they hike have an understanding of the problem, but to impart the one of STMS’s trails. Look for the green metal box with seriousness of the gradual and unrelenting erosion of our the yellow sticker on the side. access roads to those who can do something about it, is a If you’d like to take a further step to help, please challenge: numbers and money talk. contact our MLA, Doug Clovechok at Doug.Clovechok.

While maintaining reliable access to our hiking trails MLA@leg.bc.ca or on Facebook at https://www.faceis an ongoing challenge for STMS, the maintenance of book.com/doug.clovechok and let him know how imaccess roads is expensive and beyond our mandate and portant our trails are to you. budget. Local logging and mining companies often help You can find out more about the STMS at www. when they have equipment in the area of need, but that summittrailmakers.ca or on Facebook under Summit help will not cover all our access roads. Last week Canfor Trail Makers Society.

Submitted by Summit Trail Makers Society