July 22, 2021 Vol. 18/Issue 29
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1
Your Weekly Source for News and Events
July 22, 2021
The Columbia Valley
P ioneer
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Serving the Upper Columbia Valley including Akisq’nuk and Shuswap First Nations, Spillimacheen, Brisco, Edgewater, Radium, Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats Zack McQuaid enjoyed the smoke-coloured view from the top of Mount Swansea. Wildfire season is in full swing, and the Columbia Valley is under smoky conditions from fires nearby and other parts of B.C.
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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
July 22, 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
UPCOMING EVENTS Ser vin g th eC
HIGHLIGHTS
Friends of the Library’s
o l u m bia
#ColumbiaValleyBC
BIG Book Sale
e Vall y
Saturday, July 31 from 9:00 am-1:00 pm Courthouse Parking Lot (across from Library) invermere.bc.libraries.coop
Ever wonder where the yellow water lily flowers go? You might want to ask this beaver. Apparently, the flowers are delicious and a key dish on their aquatic buffet.
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Placemaking doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. It’s always better if it includes fun and games! Invermere B.C. Events is hosting Giant Lawn Games in Pothole Park from 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays in July. All ages are welcome!
New Interpretive Signs at Columbia Wetlands National Wildlife Area
#3, 109 Industrial #2, Invermere B.C. 250-342-3659 • Fax: 250-342-3620
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GREAT GAS
GIVEAWAY This week’s winner is… R
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Brenna Shultz Many, many more draws will continue through 2021.
Stop by and visit our
Fruit Stand
We now have Creston Cherries, Blueberries, Peaches and Apricots.
The Radium Library is as busy as ever, so they’re making use of their beautiful outdoor space. Accessible picnic tables make sure everyone has a seat at the table. While an open outdoor wifi network encourages residents and visitors to work outside. Soon they will be launching their loanable technology program. Weddings and specials are ramping up again at the beautiful Radium Hot Springs Centre, which can make use of their indoor and outdoor facilities. The Radium Outdoor Rink is seeing all types of sports - including pickleball, hockey and basketball. In the coming weeks, the much anticipated Radium Splash Park will turn on the taps and help cool everyone off. Submitted by Ryan Watmough
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July 22, 2021
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3
VALLEY NEWS
Invermere statements of financial information outlineimpact of COVID-19 pandemic By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The District of Invermere’s financial information statements for the past year show the district’s revenues outpacing expenses by a healthy margin. The statements, which were received and reviewed by council earlier this summer, show revenue for 2020 of $11. 4 million; with $5.1 million raised from taxes, $2.1 million, almost $350,000 from services and penalties, $21,000 from sale of services, and more than $3.5 million from contributions and other revenue. Expenses, on the other hand, totalled a bit more than
Upgrades for backed up sewer system to get done ASAP
$9.6 million, including more than $2.9 million in salaries and wages, almost $3.8 million in goods and services, more than $300,000 in interest, and more than $2.5 million in mortgage. The statements also indicated that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has played a role in the district finances, as it has just about every other aspect of life during the past year. “There is uncertainty as to the full impact (of the pandemic) on the district, its citizens, employees, suppliers and other third party business associates that could impact the timing and amounts realized on the district’s assets and future ability to deliver services and projects,”
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Invermere council has awarded a contract for some desperately needed sewer repair work. The work will include phase one (the most immediately pressing parts) of sanitary sewer and water systems upgrades, road realignment, paving and separated multi-use path improvements on 13th Avenue. The area has been a trouble spot for years, and the district has been planning the upgrades for some time and had at one point been hoping to do all the work in one shot. But the need on some particular parts of 13th Avenue has become much
read the statements. “Although the disruption from the virus is expected to be temporary, given the dynamic nature of these circumstances, the duration of disruption and the related financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The district’s ability to continue delivering non-essential services and employ staff will depend on the legislative mandates from the various levels of government. The district will continue to focus on collecting receivables, managing expenditures, and leveraging existing reserves and available credit facilities to ensure it is able to continue providing essential services to its citizens.”
more urgent recently, however, prompting the district to ‘chunk up’ the work, and deal with the hot spots now and then the rest later. As Invermere councillor Greg Anderson explained, the sewer is literally backing up. “The severity of the issue has seen it rise to the top (of the priority list),” added Invermere mayor Al Miller. The contract for phase one was awarded to MarWest Industries Inc. for nearly $1.9 million. Plans to do all the work at once were complicated by COVID-19 pandemic-induced supply chain issues that have resulted in “a very serious shortage of pipe” in B.C., which has significantly driven up pipe prices, explained Miller.
Evacuation alert issued for Lazy Lake Area near Wasa By Pioneer Staff info@columbiavalleypioneer.com The wildfire burning on nearby Bill Nye Mountain has prompted a precautionary evacuation alert for 53 properties around Lazy Lake. Discovered on Saturday, July 10, the fire originated seven kilometres southeast of Wasa, which was caused by lightning. The magnitude of the wildfire has been estimated at 873 hectares (ha.). “An evacuation alert informs residents of the threat of a potential or impending danger. It is intended to give people time to gather things and prepare themselves so that they are ready to go should the situation worsen and an Evacuation Order is issued,” explains Information Officer Loree Duczek. “We encourage people within the evacua-
tion alert area to put together important papers (like insurance papers), medications, valuables, supplies for children and pets, and other important items so that in the event things progress and they are asked to evacuate, they are ready to go.” The evacuation alert also includes Lazy Lake Recreation Sites and Trails BC Campground. “If people have RV trailers or boats, now is the time to move them. If an evacuation order needs to be issued, the priority is getting people out, and RVs and boats will be left behind at that point,” explains Duczek. “We need to stress that at this time, we have only issued an alert and now is the time to take steps to be prepared,” adds Duczek. Continued on page 5...
Photo provided by BC Wildfire
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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
SECURITY Est. 2005
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Uniformed Guards Mobile Patrol Alarm Response Property Checks
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RCMP Report
was transported to the Banff hospital with minor injuries.
Submitted by Sgt. Darren Kakuno Detachment Commander Columbia Valley RCMP This past week, July 12 through July 18, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 104 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.
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•On Monday, July 12, at about 3:30 a.m., emergency crews responded to a tractor trailer rollover on Highway 93 in Kootenay National Park. The driver of a westbound Volvo tractor trailer failed to negotiate a curve. The truck and trailer blocked all three lanes of traffic. The driver sustained minor injuries. •On Tuesday, July 13, at about 6:20 a.m., emergency crews responded to a tractor trailer rollover on Highway 93 near Marble Canyon in Kootenay National Park. The driver of the truck and trailer failed to negotiate a curve, crossed into the oncoming lane and struck a concrete no post before the truck came to a rest on its side. The driver
•On Friday, July 16, at about 7:40 a.m., emergency crews responded to a vehicle that had collided to two parked vehicles on 10th Avenue near 10th Street, in Invermere. The driver, who was travelling Southbound, crossed the northbound lane and struck with the vehicles. A subsequent Criminal Code investigation was initiated when officers suspected that the driver was under the influence of a drug. The driver ultimately refused to provide a blood sample under a lawful demand. The driver was arrested and released for a later court appearance. •On Friday, July 16, at about 8:20 p.m., Police was called to a gas station in Windermere where a truck had missed a turn and ended up in the ditch. Two breath samples were obtained from the driver, which were both above the legal limit. The officer seized the licence of the driver for 90 days and impounded the pickup truck for 30 days.
Lake Windermere Pulse Check
There’s a reason they’re called “CLASSY”. Pioneer Classifieds…
N E W S PA P E R
Phone: 250-341-6299 • info@columbiavalleypioneer.com
Average Water Temperature: 23.0 °C Average Water Depth: 4.1 m Average Turbidity: 1.97 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: 7.1 mg/L. Levels of dissolved oxygen between 4 and 15 mg/L are generally needed for fish to thrive. Average pH: 8.15 After a hazy but calm start to the morning, the wind picked up and had the boat rocking by the time we reached our North site. We are grateful to Annie Pankovitch and Catriona Leven, from the Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partnership, who ventured upstream from their usual sites around Brisco to help us out and provide valuable insights into water monitoring and bird study. Speaking of birds, we stopped by the colony of atrisk bank swallows we have been monitoring all summer in Lake Windermere Provincial Park. The eggs have finally hatched, and we saw some very tiny (and
www.lakeambassadors.ca
very cute) chicks being fed! Thanks again to long-time friend of LWA, Gavin Jacobs, for providing his boat. To join the Ambassadors out on the lake on a Tuesday morning this summer, please contact Alyssa at (250) 341-6898 or intern@lakeambassadors.ca
Citizen Scientists of the Week: Annie Pankovitch and Catriona Leven.
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July 22, 2021 Continued ‘alert’ from page 3
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5 area restriction is being imposed on the Tanglefoot Creek wildfire that originated 30 kilometers northeast of Cranbrook. These orders will be in effect through September 15, 2021, unless revoked earlier. Fire activity may change the closures and restrictions in place. For the most upto-date information, visit the Southeast Fire Centre’s bans and restrictions page on the B.C. Wildfire website: http://ow.ly/ k5jT50Fvlk3
During the Evacuation Alert, you should prepare for the possibility of an Evacuation Order by: Locating all household members and designate a meeting point outside the evacuation area; Gathering essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (e.g., insurance), immediate care needs for dependents. Have these items readily available for quick departure; Preparing to move any disabled persons and/or children; Moving pets and livestock to a safe area; Making transportation arrangements for your household members in the event of an Evacuation Order. If you need transportation assistance, please call 250-489-9677; Arranging accommodation for your family if possible. In the event of an evacuation, Reception Centres will be opened if required; Monitoring news sources for information on Evacuation Orders and locations of Reception Centres. As of July 19, four firefighters were on-site with one helicopter and two pieces of heavy equipment. The Wildfires of Note indicat ed that “crews and heavy equipment made good progress on both the machine guard and hand-built fuel free at the base of the hill. Ground crews and heavy equipment will continue Area restriction for Ptarmigan Creek wildfire with that work on scene today (July 19). A helicopter is supporting with bucketing activities and flying officers so that they can monitor fire growth.” “In many parts of the province, especially the Interior, hot and dry conditions are forecast to persist for the foreseeable future. I know tensions for many are high, given the widespread, damaging fire seasons of recent years. And I know many are seeking ways to lend their support,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “If you are in a community that is under an evacuation alert, or in any community that may be threatened by wildfires this Tanglefoot Creek area restriction summer, there’s a lot you can do to prepare your family before an evacuaConsidering the early start to the fire tion. If you don’t have an evacuation plan, season and the dry conditions in B.C., the now is the time to make one. There are a total number of fires to date is almost exhost of guides and supports available on ceeding the average number of fires in a the PreparedBC and Emergency Info BC single season. On July 18, according to the websites. B.C. Wildfire, a total of 1,1235 wildfires have been reported since the beginning of Area restrictions Several area restriction orders have the season. The average wildfire number been implemented by the B.C. Wildfire in B.C. from April 1 through March 31 Service in the vicinity of the Tanglefoot each year, taken from 2011 to 2020, was Creek wildfire (N11958) and Ptarmigan 1,352. On average, 42 per cent of these Creek wildfire (N21981). As part of on- are human-caused and 58 per cent are going fire suppression activities, the area lightning-caused. A total of 246 fires were has been restricted to ensure public safety. reported in the South East region on July The area restriction for Ptarmigan 18, covering 9,988 ha. In the event of a wildfire, unattendCreek wildfire, 23 kilometers northeast ed campfire, or open burning violation, of Canal Flats, begins at the junction of Moscow FSR and the northeast corner of call 1 800 663-5555 toll free or on a cell Whiteswan Provincial Park, moving west phone, *5555. Visit www.bcwildfire.ca along Whiteswan Provincial Park’s north- for the latest information about wildfires, restrictions, road closures, and air quality ern boundary. At the Galbraith and Tanglefoot advisories or download the mobile app of Creek Fire Service Roads junction, a new the BC Wildfire Service.
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PERSPECTIVE
Keeping the best locations secret By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com
Sharing the exact location of a beautiful place on social media may sound banal, yet the repercussions can be disastrous, extending to and including fundamental change to that very place. A sudden increase in crowds visiting a given place is potentially detrimental to the flora and fauna there. With the influx of extra foot traffic, trails widen, and additional paths will be created by people walking off of the main one and into the surrounding area. And a place that has more people in it certainly offers an entirely different experience. Banff, for instance, feels a million light years different than Invermere. Both are cute mountain towns with a prominent tourism industry. But Banff is chaotic, crowded and confusing. Invermere is only like that a few weekends a year, thank heaves. The more people there are in nature, the less respect there is for it. Irresponsible gestures such as throwing trash all over the place, leaving toilet paper behind, or throwing cigarettes on the ground are ridiculous in a city, let alone in the great outdoors, yet it is not uncommon to see such bad habits at outdoor spots in both the frontcountry and backcountry. A person generally poops once a day. Where they are dozens of them, and you’ll find quite a lot of smelly surprises throughout the area. This is why heavily visited backcountry sites generally have top notch backcountry toilet facilities: they need them. Sharing the location of a special place gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy it; be they knowledgeable leave-no-trace outdoor lovers to less enlightened outdoors lovers. Popularity leads to a loss of authenticity. That may sound trite and arrogant, but have you seen videos showing people waiting in line to take that instantly Instagram-able self in that ‘perfect’ outdoor place? The images look amazing that’s for sure, but surely these ‘selfie lineups’ are at least a little ridiculous. If nine photos taken by nine different people look exactly alike, how unique and special is that experience anyway. Many locations are less places to experience and commune with nature than an opportunity for influencers to greatly boost their ‘likes’ and popularity on Instagram, Tik Tok or Facebook. This may not be bad in and of itself but if thousands of people are doing this, then real repercussions are a genuine possibility. To avoid ruining those places you cherish, avoid adding the precise location by simply not “tagging” it in the localization feature, or by selecting a more general location, such as a city or a national park for example. And if someone asks you, judge for yourself whether or not it’s smart to disclose the exact spot. What are the intentions of this person asking for the location? If you’re convince the asker wants to honouring this particular place, discovering and marvelling at its natural splendour, then sharing the location seems right. If in doubt, don’t disclose. The best secrets are secrets for a reason.
Historical Lens
Ken Lea washing vegetables at Lea’s Narjet Garden in Edgewater, C2022, August 1988, courtesy Windermere District Historical Society
Correction
. From Sasha’s Medicine Walk story, Smokii Sumac’s pronouns are he/him. Audrey Eugene is Sasha’s grandmother, not auntie.
Lake Windermere Water Pollution Crisis Dear Editor: We are concerned members of the Windermere Lake community and have taken notice of the shoreline pollution caused by polystyrene (styrofoam) dock systems in some of the waterfront communities as well as some private docks. A completely avoidable source of water quality degradation in this lake comes from these un-encapsulated polystyrene foam flotation devices that, when exposed to the natural elements, break down into tiny pieces (macroplastics and microplastics) that float in the lake and wash ashore, releasing chemicals such as styrene and benzene into the water during the process. This should be of great concern to anyone who enjoys Lake Windermere, not only because it impacts aquatic life but also humans, as the docks use polystyrene foam, containing the chemical styrene, thought to be a carcinogen and neurotoxin to human
health. The impact this hazardous floatation system has on the health of humans can be very dangerous, seeing as the docks are close to beaches, where people swim, and often ingest water as a consequence. This is the case with Trethewey Beach Society docks near Trethewey beach, and the Invermere Bay Condos which are quite close to James Chabot, a highly populated swimming spot for the town of Invermere. Unfortunately, aquatic life is extremely susceptible to these macro and microplastics as well, having a hard time differentiating between the styrofoam and their food. In addition, our dogs are drinking water from the shoreline, which has been contaminated with all the tiny pieces of pollutants gathering onshore, releasing chemicals into the water. Continued on page 7... The yearly accumulation of these macro and mi-
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
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Associate Publisher/ Sales Manager Ext. 102
July 22, 2021
Camille Aubin Editor Ext. 106
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Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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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 22, 2021
LETTERS Communication
Dear Editor: The lack of social contact resulting from the pandemic has forced most of us to rely on electronic communication. In order to meet the requirements of public health directives, we have been relegated to FaceTime, email, texts or phone calls – all poor substitutes for face-to-face contact. Living in the Columbia Valley exacerbates this problem, but there is a movement afoot that I recently became aware of. Concerned Telus customers in the Valley are fed up with poor cell phone, data and internet service. So much so, that they have started a petition, currently ninety strong and growing. Some have called the 611 number to lodge complaints over the past year. Others have threatened to contact the CRTC directly and complain; all apparently have been told that if enough complaints are lodged, Telus would address the issue. A chance meeting with a gentleman who, in fact, educates telephone company employees and also has a consulting firm, explained the issues to me – that the problems were seasonal, in alignment with the volume of usage. The population of the Columbia Valley dramatically fluctuates with the seasons; during busy tourist seasons, the increase in demand for telephone/data increases dramatically, causing interruptions similar to brownouts that occur when there is a surge in demand for electricity.
There are options: Change to another service provider, which would be a partial fix for the internet. Cell phones are a different matter, as they rely on cell towers that are generally owned by Telus; Utilize the odd/even system used for summer watering (?); Speak to your local MP. Suggest a few questions he may ask of Telus, the CRTC and the current Federal Government, such as: Why was a grant given to Telus by the Federal government to install high-speed internet fibre optic cables into Panorama with its seasonal population? Is it true that high priority data use is given to business clients for card transactions? If so, how does Telus compensate for the high demand during tourist season? Why is there no fibre optic cable between Radium and the Invermere telephone exchange? What type of cable connects the Windermere East Lake site to the Invermere exchange? How many full-time staff are currently employed by Telus as on-site internet service technicians between Cranbrook and Golden? In all honesty, I am annoyed by the lack of service, the prioritization of upgrades and, last but not least, the recent cost increases in my substandard internet billing. Through our MP, we can hopefully communicate in one strong, clear voice. Contact Rob Morrison, MP at 250417-2250 Allen Segstro, Radium Hot Springs
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Continued ‘crisis’ from page 6 The yearly accumulation of these macro and microplastics increases as the docks age and fall apart, leaching more chemicals, and pollution into the lake. My sister and I have noticed an alarming amount of these outdated dock systems on the lake, and so we are reaching out for assistance in hopes of getting these docks out of the water as quickly as possible and preventing any further dock systems like this from being put in. We understand that there is a cost to switching to more eco-friendly dock systems, but we believe that this is a necessary cost for ensuring the quality of the lake, the natural ecosystem that depends on it and all who seek to enjoy it.
BAYS OF
WINDERMERE
Isabella and Sophia Friesen, Windermere
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
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8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
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New marker buoys outline speed limit on southeastern Columbia Lake By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypinoeer.com Boaters out on Columbia Lake are bound to see new reminders of a long standing speed limit on the southeastern corner of the lake. The eight marker buoys put in place recently by the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) outline a maximum speed of 10 kilometre per hour. “It mirrors the Columbia Lake Wildlife Management Area,” RDEK Development services manager Andrew McLeod told the Pioneer, adding the federal regulations are in place to help protect sensitive habitat and species at risk. The speed limit has been in effect for Columbia Lake since 2001, but a few years ago, when Transport Canada was in the Columbia Valley, the federal agency asked the RDEK to
MNBC surveys Columbia Valley Métis for skills training opportunities By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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put up the markers to increase awareness about the restriction, explained McLeod. The 10 kilometre-per hour limit applies within 100 m of the shoreline on the east side (marked by five buoys) and at the south end of the lake (marked by three buoys). In the next few months, the RDEK will also post educational and regulatory signs around the lake to give more information about the speed limit. “We all recognize how many important sensitive areas there are around ColumSubmitted by RDEK bia Lake, and these buoys will be a clear visual reminder of the need to slow down to protect them,” said. McLeod.
The Métis Nation of British Columbia (MNBC) plans to coordinate more training opportunities in remote communities. Everything from Class 1 driver’s licenses, esthetician certificates, first-aid., firefighting, accounting and bookkeeping. The number and variety of training opportunities are wide and many. The catch has been that most of these opportunities are located in Kamloops or Vancouver. MNBC administers the Métis Employment & Training Program (METP) to improve the employment potential, earning capacity and self-sufficiency of Métis people in B.C. The flagship program METP delivers is the Indigenous Skills Employment Training Program (ISETP), funded by the federal government. It also administers SITÉM. SITÉM is delivered to eligible Métis citizens across the province. SITÉM is a unique program that provides skills training and support programs to Métis citizens located in one of our 38 chartered Métis communities located across the province. The training is strategically designed to best meet
communities’ regional demands and focuses on in-demand jobs. SITÉM provides employment assistance services and financial support, enabling program participation and direct employment experience. The strategic objective for MNBC is to democratize across the province where training can happen. “The overall goal is for MNBC to do what it can to ensure its citizens have higher rates of employment, retention on the job, and an up-to-date skillset,” said Columbia Valley Métis Association (CVMA) president Monica Fisher. As part of this effort, the MNBC conducted an online SITÉM survey last week to gauge what kind of training its citizenry in remote communities wants. “They are surveying communities across the province to find out what our citizens want and need,” Fisher said. “They want to remove barriers and add access to training programs in our region.” And there is more surveying planned. “We’re going to be doing our local surveying to get a better sense of with more detail about what our citizens want,” said Fisher. The CVMA currently has over two hundred members and is growing.
July 22, 2021
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9
MNBC calls on Columbia Valley Métis youth to join sub-committees CVMA also planning youth initiatives By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Métis Nation of British Columbia (MNBC) is calling on all Métis youth in the province between the age of 15 to 30 years old to join a Métis youth sub-committee. The Métis Youth BC (MYBC) Committee has developed Métis youth sub-committees to include youth voices and provide youth-specific recommendations to the various MNBC ministries. The Columbia Valley Métis Association (CVMA) is also planning its own youth initiatives. “A big focus for us is programming for our youth,” said CVMA president Monica Fisher. “We’re going to create a youth council later this summer with a supervised operating budget, create events and activities for youth.” The CVMA is planning on accommodating those younger than 15. “With our programming, we plan to have junior and senior youth representation,” Fisher said. At the MNBC level, the five sub-committees looking for youth voices are health and wellness, environment protection, employment and skills training, education (kindergarten to grade twelve and post-secondary), and sport.
Each sub-committee will comprise five to ten self-identified Métis youth between the targeted age range living in B.C. Interested Métis youth will be selected through an application process to the MYBC Committee. Each sub-committee has a youth chair member of the MYBC Committee or appointed by the MYBC Committee. There are a variety of purposes for the sub-committees: to provide Métis youth voices to MNBC governance and decision-making; ensure that MNBC projects, policies and decisions reflect and include the perspectives of Métis youth; create opportunities for mentorship and learning for Métis youth; prepare Métis youth for future leadership positions within the Métis Nation; provide learning opportunities, mentorship, relationships, and direct experience in a field of interest to Métis youth participants. The sub-committees will benefit MNBC Ministries by providing a clear path to seek and attain Métis youth feedback and participation. For more information and to apply, visit mnbc.ca. The CVMA will be posting on social media more information about its youth initiatives.
Thank you!
Columbia Valley Oldtimers Hockey
C.V.O.H.A.
2021/ 2022
Ages: 35 & up (must be 35 before December 31st, 2021)
Deadline for registration is September 4th + REGISTRATION FEE $350 Payment MUST accompany registration to be eligible to play.
REGISTRATION CAN BE SENT TO: columbiavalleyoldtimers@gmail.com ETRANSFER PAYMENT CAN BE SENT TO: columbiavalleyoldtimers@gmail.com OR Registration and cheque payment can be dropped off at Syndicate Boardshop.
Name: ____________________________________Position: _________________ E-mail: (please write clearly) __________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________Date of Birth: _____________
Want to make a in the Columbia Basin?
difference
Join our team of passionate staff working together to strengthen the places we love. ourtrust.org/careers
2021 Lake Windermere District Lions Charity Golf Day The Lake Windermere District Lions Club thanks all of the sponsors of our recent Charity Golf Day. All proceeds have been allocated for development of our Crossroads Campground. The success of this event would not have been possible without the support of these individuals and businesses: • Columbia Valley Sign Artists • Kootenay Coffee Works • RONA Northstar Hardware • Copper Point Golf Course • Lambert Insurance • Superior Propane • Diamond Heating & Spas • Lambert-Kipp Pharmacy • Topliff Security-Bailiff • Esso KGT Enterprises Ltd. • Max Helmer Construction • Walker’s Auto Repair • Glow 360 • NAPA Auto Parts Centre • Green Andruschuk LLP • OK Tire & Auto Service • NW Properties • Invermere Dental Clinic • Perrin Structure & Design • Tarr Woodworks • Invermere Glass • Quality Bakery • Shamrock Barber Shop • K5 Mechanical • Royal Lepage Rockies West • Kool Country Towing Realty
We hope to see all our golf participants out again next year.
THANK YOU ALL!
love a good photo submission. SHUTTER BUGS WeIf you have a snapshot to share, email info@columbiavalleypioneer.com WELCOME
Myth: One big ad will make a big impression. Reality: The same money invested in a regular series of small ads will yield bigger results. Call Amanda at 250-341-6299 to find out more.
N E W S PA P E R
8, 1008 8th Ave. Invermere, B.C. Ph: 250-341-6299
www.columbiavalleypioneer.com • info@columbiavalleypioneer.com
10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
July 22, 2021
Custom Home Builder Richard Unger 250-342-5290 Thank You To all our clients for a successful tax season. Here's to summer adventures!
Have your event added by visiting www.cvevents.ca or email info@columbiavalleypioneer.com Thursday, July 22 • 9 am –12 pm 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 with Lake Windermere Ambassadors.
You've got a dream...we've got your back
www.aspirecpa.ca
Friday, July 23
PALLISER PRINTS LARGE FORMAT ARCHITECTURAL and ENGINEERING PLANS
• 9 am –12 noon: Free Camp Day 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 with Lake Windermere Ambassadors.
Saturday, July 24 • 1-4 pm: Electric Vehicle Show at the Food Bank Parking Lot. In addition to all the snazzy, green rides you’ll get the chance to see, we’ll also be selling tickets for our e-bike raffle, and have the brains behind Cleanline Automotive out to answer all your pressing EV related questions!
Send files to: PRODUCTION@PALLISERPRINTING.COM 250.342.2999
FEHR SEASONS
Tuesday, July 20
Curtis Fehr fehrseasons@gmail.com 250-342.1259
• Shimano Kids Bike Race: Registration 9 am-12 pm, Race at 1 pm. All kids receive a bike race plate and medal for participating. This short course laps throughout the village. www.panoramaresort.com/panorama-today/special-events/shimanokids-bike-race
H V A C
Wednesday, July 21 • Canada Cup/BC Cup Downhill Mountain Bike Race. The Dunbar Summer Series is back with a big stop at Panorama on July 21 for the Canada Cup and BC Cup races, PLUS a BC Open!
Ongoing Events July 14 - 31
• Art Show: Japhy Hunt: Please come on down to Pynelogs Cultural Centre (by Kinsmen Beach), if you’re in the area. My pieces will explore themes of interaction we invariably enter.
Thursdays • 10 am: Momfit. Moms are invited to join a weekly morning workout, hosted by Invermere’s Momfit & Preschool Play Group. Kid-friendly! • 6-9 pm:Youth/Teen Drop in Fun - Canal Flats. NEW this year, the Summit Youth Hub is taking our youth centre on the road to Edgewater and Canal Flats! We will be bringing our mobile skate park, BBQ, tunes and so much more! This is where you can pick up your Summer Snack Pack too!
Fridays
• Edgewater Legion Wing Day: Every Friday is Wing Day at the Edgewater Legion! 12 pm Take Out, 5 pm Dine In! • 10:30 am: Pop-up Story Time. Join the Invermere Library at a new location each week for stories, songs and a take-home craft kit! Geared towards preschool age and their families, but all welcome!
Fridays
• 4-7 pm: Radium Market on Main. Join the annual Market on Main every summer Friday night! Find homegrown goodies and handcrafted treasures, all while supporting local vendors. The Market on Main is home to artisans, crafters, farmers, bakers, and chefs from Radium and the Columbia Valley. • 6-10 pm: Youth/Teen Drop in Fun - Invermere. NEW this year, the Summit Youth Hub is taking our youth centre on the road to Edgewater and Canal Flats! We will be bringing our mobile skate park, BBQ, tunes and so much more! This is where you can pick up your Summer Snack Pack too! • 6 pm: Online RotaryBingo. Online live bingo games with the purpose to raise money for various community charities, organizations and businesses who have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Saturdays
• The Invermere Farmers and Artists Market is located Downtown Invermere and runs every Saturday until Sept 11th 2021. Make it, Bake it, Grow it, Raise it! • Canal Flats Mixed Market. Come check out the diverse artisans and producers at this Mixed Market in Canal Flats, every Saturday from 12-4pm MST!
Sundays
• 1-5 pm: Sundays and Mondays, the Rotary Club or Kinsmen Club collects refundable bottles and cans at the Invermere Transfer Station!! We sort and deliver for refund - this money goes “right back into the community” through our Projects and Initiatives!! • See You Next Sundays. Invermere’s LOCAL MOTIVE EVENTS will be hosting live dj’s 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
Mondays
• 10:30-11:30 am: Seniors Fitness. Classes are limited to 25 Seniors with a safety plan in place. Cortney will be going off of the April reservations made for June. If you are a Senior that was previously registered but can no longer attend a class please let Cortney know or if you wish to be put on the waitlist: Call 250-342-9281 ext 1232 or email events@invermere.net • 11:45 - 1 pm: Indoor Walking. Weekly indoor walking inside of the Columbia Valley Centre will resume every Monday and Wednesday from 11:45am to 1pm. Please wear clean indoor shoes. A mask is required. • 6- 9 pm. LGBTQ+ and Allies Youth Group. LGBTQ+ and Allies are invited to attend the Summit Youth Hub’s weekly drop-in for youth. Every Monday, ages 12-18, 6-9 pm. Snacks + a safe space!
Tuesdays
• 6-10 pm: Youth/Teen Drop in Fun - Invermere. NEW this year, the Summit Youth Hub is taking our youth centre on the road to Edgewater and Canal Flats! We will be bringing our mobile skate park, BBQ, tunes and so much more! This is where you can pick up your Summer Snack Pack too!
Professional Security Services for the Columbia Valley
Business of the Week
Valley Hawk Security offers a full range of professional security services for residents and business owners in the Columbia Valley, including Mobile Patrols, Security Guards, Alarm Response, and Property Checks & House Sitting.
JOIN YOUR CHAMBER AND REAP THE REWARDS p.250-342-2844 E.membership@cvchamber.ca
Wednesdays
10:30 am - 11:30 am: Family Dynamix hosts a Catch-up Cafe for the Columbia Valley every Wednesday morning on ZOOM for those isolated and unable to get out as much because of COVID-19.Tricia at patkin@familydynamix.ca • 5-7.30 pm Agri -Park Farmer’s Market Hwy 93/95 opposite Esso. Local produce, local farmers, Konig meats fresh on the BBQ. • 6 pm : Drop in Utimate Frisbee at JA Laird Sports Field. $20 registration fee for the season. Please bring cash or transfer to justin@justinkeitch.com
www.ValleyHawk.com
July 22, 2021
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11
What's on YOUR bucket list? Financial Freedom?
Out of office Highlight your business on the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce weekly 2 page spread.
rhiannon.tutty@sunlife.com 250.342.9052
Dream Vacation?
YOU need to start with a plan!
christine@triptician.ca 250.341.5751
Ads will run for a calendar month. Member discounts are available on ad pricing, contact us for details.
Growing businesses at the farmers’ market Farmers’ markets are economic drivers for communities. They bring people together to spend money within their local economy, whether it is directly with vendors at the market or with a local business in the surrounding neighborhood. But farmers’ markets can also act as business incubators, serving as a low-risk entry point into the marketplace for farmers, ranchers, food entrepreneurs, and artisans. A business incubator is a program or initiative which offers support for businesses to grow—this support includes knowledge, networking, equipment, and infrastructure. A farmers’ market organically fits the role of an incubator, as a market allows small businesses to access a large customer base, who is committed to shopping local, at a low overhead cost. Markets can also be a safe space for growers and makers to: • Explore and test ideas with real customers – Vendors can gauge product marketability and get valuable feedback on their products directly from consumers. This real-time feedback allows them to experiment with what works… and what doesn’t! • Network and share knowledge – Producers, growers, and makers can connect with their peers and ask for or offer support. Have questions about packaging? Pricing? A new pest you’re seeing in your field? Other vendors at the market are a great resource for sharing knowledge and processes. • Build business relationships – Aside from connecting with other vendors and individual customers, farmers’ markets are an opportunity to connect with wholesale buyers and restaurants. Other businesses often come to markets to test products and seek opportunities to source directly for their own retail or distribution. • Scale up – After vendors have built some relationships and dialed in their products and offerings, farmers’ markets can then be a springboard for scaling up. This could mean increasing production, hiring employees, accessing financing, or launching other revenue streams, such as an online or brick and mortar shop. Farmers markets are integral to growing small businesses. When vendors are able to find the right product mix to meet demand, they can develop sound business strategies, create new jobs, and grow successfully and sustainably. And local, sustainable, economic growth is good for all of us! If you are an entrepreneur or have a business idea, reach out to Basin Business Advisors or our local Business Advisor, Theresa at advisor@cvchamber.ca. If you are keen to connect about local food sustainability, you can email Chelsea at foodandfarm@ cvchamber.ca.
Free samples tastin room
OPen7 Daysa week For a ood time scan here
1701 6th Ave, Under the Station pub
tayntonbayspirits.com
1681 HWY 93/95 Windermere Café: 250-341-5330 Farm: 250 342 7606 Tues to Sat 9-5pm
12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
July 22, 2021
DISTRICT OF INVERMERE
914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934
NOTICE OF OFFICE CLOSURE The Municipal Office will be closed on Monday, July 26th until 1 p.m. for staff training. The District apologizes for any inconvenience caused by this closure. In the event of an emergency, please call 1-866-918-3580. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact the office at 250-342-9281 or info@invermere.net.
1988
30
2018
INDERMERE WV ALLEY Golf Course
GSpecial LF Sunday-Wednesday after 2 pm, $30 Green fees and tax included.
Tee Times – 250-342-3004 Windermerevalleygolfcourse.com
Summer Playdate at the Park! July and August 9:30 – 11:30 am Starting July 6, 2021
(Under 6 years old with parent participation) • •
Healthy Snacks • Story time •
Songs Free Play
•
Arts & Crafts
Parent & T t Connect Parent &T t Connect Thursdays – Edgewater Community Park Tuesdays – Canal Flats Civic Centre Park
Weather Permitting. Follow the Family Dynamix Early Years Facebook page for updates. Please bring picnic blankets to ensure social distancing, hats, appropriate clothes, sunscreen, and water bottles. Covid protocols will be in place. Questions? Call or text Melanie @ 250-341-8678 or email mferster@fdx.family
Presented by… Resource, Development & Advocacy
Please recycle this newspaper
Wilmer student comes second in Canada in Remembrance Day poster contest By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com A local student with artistic flair has made her mark nationally. David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS) student and Wilmer resident Teigan Bixby recently came second in the Canada-wide Royal Canadian Legion’s Remembrance Day poster contest in the black and white category for Grade 9 students. Teigan, who will head into Grade 10 this coming September, began her poster, which is a scratchboard drawing, last November as part of her art class. A scratchboard begins with a black board, on which the artist uses different tools to scratch ink off the board surface, expose the white material (often, but not always, clay) underneath, and create an image. She used a photograph of several soldiers as the basis of her image, zeroing in on the one soldier who stood out most clearly in the photograph. When Teigan finished the piece, her art teacher encouraged her to submit it to the Legion contest. But Teigan hesitated at first. “It was in a debate with myself about submitting,” Teigan told the Pioneer. “I’m very self-critical, and I didn’t think it would get as far as it did. I didn’t realize it would go to Ottawa.” But submit she did, and the judges liked what they saw. Teigan’s poster first went to the district level, where it won first place in the black and white category. From there, it went to the B.C. level, where it again won first place in the black and white category. The poster was then sent on to Ottawa, entered in the national level competition. There she came second.
“I only found out a few weeks ago,” Teigan told the Pioneer. “I was shocked. I would never have thought it would do as well as it did.” Representatives of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 71 Windermere District presented Teigan with her second-place award at DTSS on Tuesday, June 29. Despite admitting to being self-critical, Teigan said she’s Teigan Bixby holding her four certificates. pleased with her work Photos by Camille Aubin on the poster. “I was super happy with how it turned out. Especially with a scratchboard, you’re just kind of going with what you see. It’s neat to work on scratchboards because it’s the opposite of most art: the highlights need to be dark, and the shadows need to be light.” Teigan credits her dad, local RCMP Constable Vince Bixby, as her inspiration to be artistic. “When he has spare time, all he does is art. I picked it up from him. It’s really relaxing,” said Teigan.
July 22, 2021
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13
Pete Bourke hired as program facilitator between DOI and SIB Bourke will continue working to accomplish past CEDI goals was the initiation of a joint active transportation network route. In simpler terms, the DOI and SIB have agreed to connect the two communities with a pedestrian bridge The District of Invermere (DOI), together with the across the Columbia River north of the Althalmer bridge. Shuswap Indian Band (SIB), has hired Pete Bourke Another key outcome of CEDI was the signing as the program facilitator to continue the work acthis past fall of a friendship agreement between the “Being able to stand in service in this role is incredibly reward- DOI and SIB to build upon the existing communicomplished throughout the Community Economic ing,” Bourke said. “I have great respect and admiration for both ty-to-community relationship. Development Initiative (CEDI). Between 2019 and 2021, the DOI and SIB communities, and it’s an honour to be selected to do this work. I am “The friendship agreement is what a friendship grateful for the support of the chamber board.” were among nine partnerships across Canada facilis, that is, built on trust, respect and recognition,” itated by the Council for Advancement of Native said SIB chief Barb Cote in fall dated press release. Pete Bourke, Development Officers and the Federation of CanaThe bridge is still in its planning process. Urban program facilitator and executive director of the CVCC dian Municipalities to strengthen community relaSystems, an engineering firm that has done work tionships. for both the DOI and SIB on separate occasions, “The initiative was fabulous,” DOI Mayor Al have presented various drawings with associated Miller said. “It was a great way for our two comcosting. “But we still need to bring in the relevant munities to be able to work together economically and Bourke wants to be clear about his role. Before he ministries for approval,” Miller said. socially.” submitted his proposal for the contract, he was (and still Miller sees a new bridge across the river as a symbolic Miller said the two communities learned a lot about remains) the executive director of the Columbia Valley crossing. How soon can we expect to see construction each other’s governance and people. Communities that Chamber of Commerce (CVCC). “I want to be really start? “It’s a five-year project,” Miller said. “It will take participate in the CEDI program benefit from facilitated clear, this contract is outside of the chamber’s scope but time to decide on a plan and then find the funding.” workshops, best practices, study tours, and peer mentor- supported by the chamber to help these two great com- Funding for the pedestrian bridge will, for the most part, ship. The assistance helps build capacity for joint eco- munities,” Bourke said. come from federal and provincial grants and local fundnomic development planning, build and strengthen inraising. “We don’t want to burden our taxpayers with any ter-community relationships, and improve the quality further taxes,” Miller said. “The initiative was fabulous. It was a great way of life for all residents. “Being able to stand in service in this role is incredfor our two communities to be able to work together When the program ended, both the DOI and SIB ibly rewarding,” Bourke said. “I have great respect and felt it was necessary to find someone to pick up where economically and socially.” admiration for both communities, and it’s an honour to the previous facilitator left off. “We wanted to get tobe selected to do this work. I am grateful for the support DOI Mayor Al Miller gether and work on more initiatives,” Miller said. “Goof the chamber board.” ing forward, we felt that for this program to work sucCheck out future issues for a full story on chief Barb cessfully, we needed to continue with a facilitator.” Cote thoughts on the partnership. When the DOI and SIB found out the original faBourke will help the DOI and SIB execute the plans cilitator couldn’t continue, that’s when they put togeth- hatched during the CEDI program in his new job. er a request for proposal. The contracted position is one The capstone project to come out of the initiative By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
year in length with an option for renewal. Among several candidates, Bourke’s proposal stood out. “I believe Pete Bourke is going to be a tremendous facilitator,” Millier said.
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PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE – BYLAW 3061– Bylaw Amendment – Windermere
SCHEDULE A
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The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an application by Tam Management Corp on behalf of Bad Toro Properties Ltd to amend the zoning designation and development regulations to permit a residential subdivision. The zone designation is proposed to be amended from R-1(MH) Single Family Residential – Mobile Home Zone to R-1(B) Single Family Residential – Small Lot Zone and the development regulations amended by adding a smaller minimum lot size, smaller setbacks, community uses, and other provisions affecting the subject property. The subject property is located 519 Lakeview Drive near Athalmer Road in Windermere North. Bylaw No. 3061 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 372, 2021 (Windermere North / Bad Toro Properties Ltd) will amend the designation of Lot 3, District Lot 4347, Kootenay District, Plan EPP97901 from R-1(MH), Single Family Residential – Mobile Home Zone to R-1(B) Single Family Residential – Small Lot Zone and amend the development regulations for the subject property. R-1(MH) A public hearing will be held via Zoom webinar conference: Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at 6:00 pm to The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F and Electoral Area G and the District of Invermere. If you believe that your interest in property is affected by R-1(B) the proposed Bylaw, you may prior to the hearing: • inspect the Bylaw and supporting information by requesting that an information package be emailed to you by contacting tvandewiel@rdek.bc.ca. Information packages may be requested up TO PRE-REGISTER visit the Meetings until Friday, July 23, 2021 at 4:30 pm; page on rdek.bc.ca and choose • mail or email written submissions to the addresses shown below Friday, July 23, 2021 at 4:30 pm; Public Hearings & Meetings • present verbal submissions at the public hearing. You must pre-register in order to attend and provide verbal presentations or make comments at the hearing. The deadline to register is: Friday, July 23, 2021 at 4:30 pm. Register in advance for this webinar: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_L2OoLFOGRLOlHxjhWAKmJw Please note that a question and answer period will not occur during the Zoom webinar conference. You must address any questions relating to the bylaw to the planning technician prior to the above date. SUBMISSIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING. All submissions will form part of the public record and will be published in a meeting agenda posted online. Personal contact information such as phone and email will be removed from written submissions. Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335. This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw. For more information, contact Tracy Van de Wiel, Planning Technician, at 250-489-0306, toll free at 1-888-478-7335, or email tvandewiel@rdek.bc.ca. La
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This is Schedule A referred to in Bylaw No. 3061 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 372, 2021 (Windermere North / Bad Toro Properties Ltd).”
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19 – 24 Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8 | 250-489-2791 | 1-888-478-7335 | Fax: 250-489-3498 | info@rdek.bc.ca | www.rdek.bc.ca
14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
July 22, 2021
HERE TO SERVE YOU CONCRETE
CONCRETE I N
P U R S U I T
READY MIX CONCRETE
O F
EXCELLENCE Skandia Concrete • Manufacturers & suppliers of quality concrete & gravel products • Experienced, professional operators and the right equipment to get your job done • Serving the valley for over 30 years
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)
• 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
• 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.
Phone: 250-342-5833 • Cell: 250-270-9444
All products are available at 9120, Hwy 93/95 which is five kilometres north of Tim Hortons
CARPET CLEANING
CARPET CLEANING Enjoy life, we’ll clean it up! • Carpets dry in 1 hour • Environmentally friendly products • Disinfectant kills COVID-19 • Fresh clean scent – no steam • Area rugs and upholstery • Protector • 100% guarantee • Prompt reliable service
TILE AND GROUT CLEANING Business: 250-342-9692
RR#4 2117–13 Ave. Invermere, BC V0A 1K4
Cell: 250-342-1273
ptarmiganrugclean@gmail.com
Call NOW:
Visit www.heavensbest.com for more information
250-688-0213
CONTRACTING
20 years’ experience • Anything concrete! • • • •
Basements Garage pads Driveways Patios
• • • •
250-688-3739
Decorative Exposed Stamped concrete Acid staining Serving the Columbia Valley
CONTRACTING
CONTRACTING
There’s a new ‘Sucker’ in town!
Patryk Jagiello STAIN/LACQUER/PAINT INTERIOR/EXTERIOR
Vacuum/ Septic tank pumping
patco_dev@shaw.ca
(250) 270-0345
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 Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood.
Seniors Discounts
• Fireplaces • Commercial and residential • New builds • Renovations.
A licensed, registered and bonded company
Columbia Concrete Inc.
We also offer roundthe-clock service calls.
Give us a call! James, 250-688-1267 or Jerry, 250-342-5299 Email: jeffersoncontractingltd@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
Kekuli Bay Cabinetry kekulibaycabinetry.com
Gary’s
Professional Painting & Decorating Ltd. 1978 FREE Estimates
CUSTOM WOOD FINISHING FAUX FINISHES JOURNEYMAN RED SEAL
403-650-4622 • garysptg@gmail.com
• Authorized dealer • Designer • Installer
LET US HAMMER OUT THE DETAILS FOR ALL YOUR ADVERTISING NEEDS, CALL 250-341-6299
Dale Elliott Contracting
25 years experience installing cabinets Custom Woodwork and Finishing Serving the Columbia Valley for over 40 years.
N E W S PA P E R
dale@decontracting.ca • 250-341-7098
July 22, 2021
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15
HERE TO SERVE YOU LANDSCAPING
INSURANCE
LANDSCAPING
Spots available for summer 2021!
P.O. Box 130 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Office: 250-342-2175 • Fax: 250-342-2669 Cindy.mackay@kootenayinsurance.ca
2016
Sue Coy
www.kootenayinsurance.ca
250-341-5353 sdcoy@shaw.ca
Landscaping&&Design Design Landscaping Landscaping & Design Trucking Excavating • •Trucking ••Excavating Trucking • Excavating •• Civil Earthworks • Civil Earthworks
• FireSmart• Equipment Civil Earthworks 62”x74” Brushcutter
Serving the Columbia Valley for over a decade 250-688-1229 oasisirrigation@hotmail.com
Quality not quantity
Lloyd Wilder
250-342-5326 lewilder@shaw.ca
www.decoylandscaping.com
THE COLUMBIA VALLEY’S TREE CARE SPECIALISTS WINDERMERE, BC 250-341-7029
INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.
BOX 2228 742 - 13th STREET INVERMERE, BC V0A 1K0 P: 250-342-3031 F: 250-342-6945 info@lambertinsurance.ca
BOX 459 7553 MAIN STREET RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BC V0A 1M0 P: 250-347-9350 F: 250-347-6350 TOLL FREE: 1-866-342-3031
GOLDEN, BC 250-344-0188
GET YOUR QUOTE AT WWW.GREENLEAFTREE.CA INFO@GREENLEAFTREE.CA
R O O T E D I N T H E C O L U M B I A VA L L E Y S I N C E 2 0 0 7
SERVICES
SERVICES Sales ~ Service ~ Installation
SERVICE EXCELLENCE
UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS
IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY
SINCE 1991 ICBC Glass Repair Out of Province Vehicle Inspections Auto Body Repairs • Painting • Quality Parts
Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700
We give all students 15% off with valid student ID
unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHIMNEY SWEEPS LTD. 804 Almberg Road, Golden, BC V0A 1H2 CELL: 250.272.5599 OFFICE: 250.344.7323 todd@rockymountainchimneysweeps.com rockymountainchimneysweeps.com
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE ON ALL WOOD BURNING APPLIANCES • WETT INSPECTIONS
• • • •
Doors Windows Flooring Painting/Interior/ Exterior • Kitchen Renovations • Window Coverings
• Bathroom Renovations • Additions • Decks • Finish Carpentry • Basement Renovations
KITCHEN CABINETS & COUNTER TOPS
915 7th Avenue, Unit B, Invermere • EMAIL: fairmontridge@telus.net • 250-342-4663 Fully Insured & WCB Covered
• Patches • Driveways • Parking Lots • Roads • And more!
FREE ESTIMATES
Kootenay Paving
Chimney and Eavestrough Cleaning and Repair Specialists
You name it! I’ll take care of it!
YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP for all home maintenance from raking your lawn to renovating your entire house.
Toll Free 1-888-341-2221
• Pruning and Removal of ALL Trees and Shrubs • Stump Grinding • Fully Insured & WCB Covered
OVER
30
YEARS EXPERIENCE
Keep your local businesses alive. Get your tree services right here in Invermere!
Please call Steve ~ a real local you can trust! 250-342-1791 • Interior/Exterior Painting • Staining • Clear Coat • New Construction • Renovations
Toll Free 1-888-341-2221
Call now for a free quote!
1756 Hwy 93/95, Windermere, B.C. V0B 2L2 Phone: 250-342-6500 • Fax: 250-342-3484
Tire Sales and Installation
WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM
Beat the fall rush ~ clean your Chimney this spring!
Locally operated, with full-time staff to serve you better.
All Makes and Models
141 Industrial Rd. 2 • 250-342-9424 • Open Monday - Saturday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential
Kootenay Paving
North American Warranty
Scott Postlethwaite
Residential, Commercial Electric Furnace and Hot Water Tank Repair and Service For All Your Electrical Needs
Free Estimates
invermereelectric@gmail.com
1710 10th Avenue – Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0
HOW WE ROLL Gerard Rehman 4950 Hot Springs Rd. Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. V0B 1L1
Ph: 250-688-ROLL (7655) LetUsRoll4U@Gmail.com
20 years experience • Satisfaction guaranteed!
16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
July 22, 2021
Columbia Valley Origins: Pete Bourke “Beautiful mountain town, great community, healthy lifestyle!”
By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter When Pete Bourke graduated high school, he wanted to travel. High school for Pete was in Maroochydore, Queensland - a coastal town on Australia’s Sunshine Coast. “It was popular back then for Australians to go to America and work as camp counsellors,” he said. “A teacher at my school had been to that camp and had recommended it to me.” That’s how and why Pete’s first travel adventure abroad landed him in Wake Forest, North Carolina - a town situated just north of Raleigh, the state capital. Pete loved working as a camp counsellor that summer. Among the forty or so staff, he was one of four visiting Australians. But when it came to an end, where to next? First a visit to New York, and then north to Canada - where longer term work visas were available to Australians. Hometown: Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia Age: 46 Occupation: Executive Director CVCC, Project Coordinator - DOI/SIB Columbia Valley arrival: 2005 In November of 1996, Pete Bourke landed in Calgary. When the first snows of winter fell that year, it was the first snow Pete had ever seen. Ever. Initially, he found
Pete Bourke - Photo by James Rose it difficult to find work. “It was implied that because of my accent, it was going to be super easy to find a job, but that wasn’t the case for me.”
After a few months, Pete was down to his last twenty bucks. In his pocket was a pre-purchased return ticket home. With limited resources and a hard Canadian winter in the headlights, that return ticket home to sun and sand sure must’ve been tempting. But Pete stayed on, remained patient. “And lo and behold, I found my first job.” Pete began working that winter in a Beltline liquor store, making $5.65 an hour. That job led to a brewery assistant’s job at a brewpub. Over the next nine years, Pete swiftly moved up the ranks in Calgary’s food and beverage industry. “I established a great network in the industry with people that I still keep in touch with,” Pete said. In those nine years, he also met and married his wife Sarah, a registered massage therapist with whom he started a family. In 2004, they welcomed their first child Finn (this year’s high school valedictorian), and one year later, their daughter Layne was born. In those years, change was constant for the young Bourke family. In between having their two children, they also moved to the Columbia Valley. In 2005, Intrawest, then owner of Panorama Mountain Resort, farmed out to a third party the contract to operate the resort’s food and beverage operation. That company was called Mountain Resorts Restaurants, and one of its newest employees was Pete Bourke. “At the time, we thought we’d be here for a couple of years,” Pete said. Seventeen years later, here the Bourke family still lives. And they’re thriving.
HERE TO SERVE YOU SERVICES
PHARMACY
East Kootenay Electrical Services
LAMBERT-KIPP
P H A R M A C Y ( 2 0 1 9 ) LT D . Come in and browse our giftware
Licensed Contractor
Irena Shepard, B.Sc. (Pharm.)., Émilie Lamoureux, Pharm D., Laura Kipp, Pharm D.
Cell: 250.341.1342 Fax: 250.342.8733 E-mail: ekelectric@telus.net
Your Compounding Pharmacy
Open Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere
250-342-6612
Our deadline to book advertising is 5 pm Friday. To place an ad please call: 250-341-6299 or
N E W S PA P E R
advertising@columbiavalleypioneer.com
SERVICES
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL
Box 2206 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0
Your Weekly Source for News and Events
Where to recycle?
N E W S PA P E R
#8, 1008 - 8th Avenue Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia PO Box 868, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 www.rcbc.ca Ph: 250-341-6299 ext: 101 Amanda
Murray
www.columbiavalleypioneer.com
amanda@columbiavalleypioneer.com Sales Representative Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR
(Servicing the Valley since 1999)
NEW SEWER CAMERA
• A well maintained septic system • Complete sewer/drain repairs should be pumped every 2-3 years • Reasonable rates – Seniors’ discount • Avoid costly repairs • Speedy service – 7 days a week
Fraser Elrick • 250-688-1271
Where to recycle?
C
Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia 604-RECYCLE (732-9253) 1-800-667-4321 Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR
Pioneer Classifieds Call: 250-341-6299
• Septic Tank Pumping • Portable Toilet Rentals
Recycle? Yes o
Recycling questions?They work! Get the BC ReCYClep BC RECYCLING HOTLINE 604-732-9253 1-800-667-4321
July 22, 2021
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17
P ioneer C lassifieds THANK YOU
GARAGE SALE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The family of Anna Engdahl express their sincere and heartfelt thanks to the wonderful nurses and doctors (particularly Dr. Sveen) at the Invermere district Hospital, and the staff. At Ivy House and Home Support who provided exceptional care for our amazing mom during her illness. Our sincere appreciation also goes out to everyone who dropped off food, sent flowers and messages, attended the service/ and/or the reception. The support, kind words and love shown for Mom has been extremely heartwarming. She is smiling down on all of you. Lastly, many thanks to Dane and his staff at the McPherson Funeral Home. Your support, compassion, understanding and professionalism is outstanding.
Garage Sale, Bird houses and more…. Wood burning ect, Tools. 7km north of Tim Hortons or 4 km south of Radium, Green ackers MHP Saturday & Sunday 10-4.
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.
Please call 250-341-6299 to place your classified ad.
ANNOUNCEMENTS 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. www.weaversbeeco.com Order online and pay when you pick up. Fresh BC blueberries and Okanagan fruit. 1065 Swansea Rd.
CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS Cheers to Russell Scott - the doll you put together for us looks great. With a few finishing touches and she will be ready for her admirers. Jeers to me for taking so long to Cheers your effort. Lakeview Manor has many friends and we would like to give three Cheers to the following for their recent acts of kindness; Home Hardware for the picnic table, John Turnbull from Gold Diggers Trucking for moving the pile of dirt next to our parking lot and to Scott and Noah for moving 2 fridges for us.
S OBITUARY S
• Phone: 250-341-6299 • Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com • Web: www.columbiavalleypioneer.com
CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS
WANTED
LISTINGS NEEDED!
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
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!
BUYING OR SELLING
A new Second-hand Store in town is looking for used items in good shape. Furniture, clothing, tools, home décor etc. Call or text Roi 250-688-1527.
gerrytaft.ca
MISC. FOR SALE
*Not intended to solicit those already working with an agent.
CALL 250-341-1202
LEE’S SMALL ENGINE REPAIR SHOP Specializing in chainsaws, tillers, trimmers & lawn mower repairs and maintenance. It’s time to get your tools tuned up and ready for spring! Industrial #2 Road across from NAPA Hours: Tuesday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 250-341-2551 Offering Excellent Service & Fair Pricing!
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. Invermere Downtown – For Lease
Mary Yarrow • 2,400 sq. ft. of Commercial space • 712 – 10th St., UNIT “D” street level Contact: M&B Properties 250-341-1940 or bruce@brucem.com
LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Mary Yarrow (née Kohorst) on June 26th, 2021 at the age of 92. She was surrounded by family at The Residence in Mission in her final days after a brief illness. Mary will be lovingly remembered by her husband of nearly 60 years, Henry, daughters; Darlene, Angie and Kathy, grandchildren; Cheri, Christine, Michael, Courtney and Tyler, great grandchildren; William, Robert, Willow, and Everett, as well as numerous family and friends. Mary was predeceased by her parents, Henry and Hazel, brothers; Bruce, Charlie, William, Walter, and Robert, sisters; Ivy and Olive. Mary was born in the beautiful Columbia Valley, a place she affectionately called home and would frequently visit throughout her life. Eventually, she moved to the Fraser Valley where she met her husband Henry, started her family, and lived the remainder of her life. Mary worked an assortment of jobs, but fondly recalled delivering papers for the Vancouver Sun. She took pride in her independence. However, her true devotion was to her family and friends. She was affectionately called Mom/Grandma not only by her own children/grandchildren, but by their friends and anyone who had the pleasure to be taken under the wing of this extraordinary woman. She could be stubborn at times, but her heart was big and full of generosity. Her home was always open, and she always had room for a passenger (especially for a road trip). If you needed anything (e.g., a hot lunch, a new pair of shoes), Mary would make sure you got it and often kept her change for those in need. She also enjoyed bowling and playing Yahtzee. The family would like to thank Dr. Bhatt as well as the staff at The Residence in Mission for your care and compassion. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date by family in the Columbia Valley where she (at her own request) will be laid to rest with her parents.
Retired Bachelor seeking Rural Rent or Care taking accommodation. No Vices, references can be provided. 1-250-426-4445.
SERVICES
This tub is a fixer upper. It has a leak in the piping and needs a motor. It has an insulated top, steps and the inside tub area is in very good condition. If you want to come and take it away we will sell it for parts only. Just had some winter melt got into it and created a leak. Tub is square and is 7’ 5” wide. 403-605-6720.
FIREWOOD Split Pine and hemlock. We deliver. Call 250-342-5481. 127 Westside Rd.
BOATS FOR SALE 1984 Ski Nautique Correct Craft (2001 Model) for sale. Restored, well-kept and low hours. $10,500 OBO. For more information please contact Brian at 403-804-8899.
SERVICES
BUYING OR SELLING? I specialize in rural, recreational, farm and ranch properties.
BARRY BROWN-JOHN “Rocky Mountain Land Man”
Call or text
250-342-5245
b.brownjohn@gmail.com
B.B.’s Home & Lawn Care Services Master Craftsman & Stonemason, Renovation’s & Interior Design, blinds & installation. All home interior/exterior repairs & yard maintenance, eavestrough cleaning, dump runs, house checks/cleaning. Over 35 year’s experience. Call 250-688-2897.
Pike Contracting Excavating and Skid Steer services. Call Jason 250-342-5277. The Heartfelt Companion: SERVICE FOR SENIORS offers non-medical help to seniors in their home and respite for caregivers. Companionship, errands, transportation, personal care, meal prep and more. Excellent local references and credentials and a big, kind heart! Rest assured; COVID-19 precautions are in place to keep you safe. “The Heartfelt Companion team provide, in the truest sense, heartfelt companionship. They always have mom’s best interest in mind. I find that my family can once again enjoy our time with mom, as we know she is being cared for, lifting this responsibility from our shoulders. We can once again simply enjoy each other’s company. We have tremendous gratitude for their service.” 250-341-5683 www. heartfeltcompanionservices. com Kootenay Country Electrical Qualified Electrical Service Licensed, Bonded, Insured Highly skilled electrician Call Dean 250-342-5516.
Just a reminder… The classified deadline is 12 noon Monday.
18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
THANK YOU As I prepare to leave my position with RMISP/SD6, there are a few thank you’s I would like to send out. Thank you to every single host family who worked with me to ensure that International students in this community were included, cared for, encouraged, and loved. Thank you to all those brave and fun-loving international kids who decided that we were home away from home....my bus drivers...Dana, Nancy, and the rest – too many laughs and too many miles to count. DTSS showed me a lot of love - thanks for being there for the kids! It takes a village.... and we did it! I will carry the love, laughter, and fulfillment that I got out of my job for many years to come!
July 22, 2021
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
Featured Listing
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.
2577 Sandstone Circle
$819,900 Executive Castlerock Home MLS 2459822 Check out the 3D tour at Rockies.realestate
Thanks for the memories, Lori Sluth
SERVICES
HELP WANTED
Golf cart and lawn tractor tuneups and minor repairs, pickup and delivery service available. Call Jeff 250-341-8146 leave a message.
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.
HELP WANTED Wanted 2 F/T Restaurant Cooks, Rocky River Grill, 8888 Arrow Road, Invermere, B.C. Permanent, F/T shifts, overtime, weekends, days and evenings, $16/hour for 40 hours per week. Overtime after 40 hours. Minimum several years’ experience and completion of Secondary School. DUTIES: Prepare and cook full course meals, prepare and cook individual dishes and foods, ensure quality of food portions, work with minimal supervision, prepare dishes for customers with food allergies or intolerances. Inspect Kitchens and Food service areas. Please forward resume to Justin Atterbury by fax 250-342-8889 or email justatterbury@hotmail. com.
General Carpenter Finish Carpenter Jack of All Trades If you are looking for a change, or a new start, The Home Renovation Centre is looking to add some new, permanent staff to our team. Transportation is required. Call David 250-3425682. 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.
BCYCNA – CLASSIFIED ADS BUILDINGS FOR SALE
SERVICES
INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008. Built with concrete posts. Barns, shops, riding arenas, machine sheds and more. Adam.s@ integritybuilt.com. 1-250-3515374. www.integritybuilt.com
GET RESULTS!
Please email classified ads to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com
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Geoff Hill PREC* REALTOR® Fair Realty
250-341-7600
www.geoffhill.ca
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 per hour. Please apply with resume and drivers abstract online at: resume@ invermereglass.com. 250-3423659. In search of a part-time Caregiver for client with brain injury. Care will be in his home, experience preferred but wiling to train. Must have valid driver’s License. Email Angelika at angelikaweder@yahoo.com or call 250-341-1109.
Everett Frater Enterprises now hiring Lawn maintenance employees for Mon-Fri, weekends off. Call 250-3425645. Collective Carpentry is seeking an Office Manager to join our growing team. Looking for an experienced, organized individual with interest in environmentally conscious buildings and a dynamic work environment. Find our Careers page at collectivecarpentry.com for more information. Also hiring Cadwork Designer, carpenters, and apprentice carpenters.
Please recycle this newspaper
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.
Are you positive, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and a CPA or CPA student? Would you enjoy working in forward-thinking and modern workplace that focuses on helping others succeed? Good news! Our team is on the search for a
Staff/Senior Accountant
For complete job description and how to apply, please visit aspirecpa.ca/opportunities-with-aspire
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 ARE YOU THE ONE?
.
Century21 Rockies Realty Ltd., currently has a position open for an Office Administrator/Conveyancer. This opportunity requires commitment to work 4 days per week from Monday to Thursday hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Qualifications • Must be well-organized and detail oriented • Excel in multitasking • Strong computer skills • Self-motivated and quick learner • Strong decision making and analytical skills • Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills • Experience in Bookkeeping and/or Conveyancing would be of benefit
Responsibilities • Manage Real Estate Listing and Sale information (conveyancing) • Enter and reconcile monthly Accounts Receivable & Payables • Work closely with Realtors, Legal Conveyancers and other Brokerages • Answering Phones Send your resume to rockiesrealty@century21.ca. Resumes will be accepted until July 30, 2021.
Please call Kate at 403.461.1735 or fill out an application form at mopspot.ca/about/join-our-team/
Sobeys Invermere is now accepting applications for the following positions:
Meat Cutter
Full-Time. Starting Wage $18.00. Wage is negotiable with experience. Benefits are available
RECEPTION/ SERVICE WRITER Looking for a team member with a positive and energetic attitude, good customer service skills, willing to learn basic automotive systems. Starting wage $18/hr or based on experience in the automotive industry, Must provide resume and references from previous workplaces.
Contact Ross at Walker’s Repair Centre. email: info@walkersrepair.ca
Deli Department
Part-time Employee with flexible availability
Grocery Clerk
Part-time Employee with flexible availability Please apply at customer service. Must be willing to work evenings, and weekends.
July 22, 2021
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19
Toward a more climate-friendly future
Wild Insight
Welcome to Wild In- fact that EV’s don’t require oil changes, coolant flushes, head to Wildsight.ca/ClimatePledge. You’ll also be able sight, Wildsight Invermere’s mufflers or exhaust systems. Your maintenance costs are to sign-up for our newsletter, so you can stay in the loop new corner of the Pioneer. all but guaranteed to tank. Moreover, as a happy conse- about further events, activities and resources related to By Katarina Graves, As Wildsight Invermere’s Cli- quence of Canada’s relatively ‘clean’ electricity grid, the the Pledge. Wildsight Invermere mate Change Resilience Coor- average Canadian driver can reduce their vehicle GHG Beyond individual lifestyle changes, however, I also dinator, I work to develop ways for community members emissions by as much as 90 per cent when they make want to emphasize that it’s critical for us to advocate to our to get more involved in positive change around local en- the switch. With the federal government offering up to a local and regional governments for systemic, policy-level vironmental issues and foster a culture of stewardship in $5,000 incentive, and the provincial government doing change. Initiatives like the District of Invermere’s Active which we work together with nature. the same, now certainly seems to be the time to get in on Transportation Plan and Downtown Revitalization offer This July, to celebrate the launch of our Climate the electric lifestyle. the much-needed chance to improve our pedestrian and Pledge program, we’re digging into the nitty gritty cyclist-oriented infraof how we get around in our day-to-day lives. In structure. the Columbia Valley, the question of how we get As summertime from point A to B — whether that’s from home to traffic escalates to big school or work, the grocery store or the lake — is city frustration levels, a crucial one because transportation is one of the we need to let our electthree largest non-industrial sources of greenhouse ed officials know that gas (GHG) emissions in our region. In B.C. as a having safe, walkable whole, it’s the single largest source. It’s also one and bikeable streets of the sources that we, as individuals, have a fair that make active comamount of influence over. muting accessible and We know that the magnitude of the climate convenient are importcrisis can leave even the most stalwart feeling overant to us. As the Diswhelmed — and underqualified — to tackle such trict of Invermere sets a huge issue. That’s why we designed the Climate its strategic priorities Pledge as an uplifting action campaign that emfor the year ahead this powers participants to reduce personal and comJuly, be sure to let MayClimate Strike September 20, 2019: Community youth deliver a petition with 200 signatures to munity GHG emissions in modest but meaningful the District of Invermere office with Councillor Becker accepting the petitions. or and Council know Submitted photo ways. While you may not single-handedly be able that climate change adto vanquish climate change by hopping on your bike inOn that note, we’ll be kicking off the Climate Pledge aptation and mitigation in the Columbia Valley can start stead of turning the key in your internal combustion-en- this summer with an Electric Vehicle Show on July 24, with ensuring we go by foot, as often as we go by car. gine (ICE) vehicle, you can certainly contribute — and our second — back by popular demand! From August 1 Take the Climate Pledge at Wildsight.ca/Clithe more of us who do, the more impact we’ll have. to 14, you can participate in the Green Commute Chal- matePledge and be a part of the solution! We thank our For instance, switching from an ICE vehicle to an lenge. Finally, in the spirit of encouraging alternative program sponsors, Columbia Basin Trust and BC Hydro, electric vehicle (EV) can save the average Canadian driv- transportation options, you can take advantage of our for their support. er (who travels 20,000 kilometres per year) as much as E-Bike Raffle, which is in full swing and ends on Sep$2,000 per year on fuel alone — to say nothing of the tember 2. To learn more and to take the Climate Pledge,
Are you familiar with Columbia Lake Stewardship Society? rus within the lake. These measurements can vary throughout the year depending on seasonal changes and even human disturbance. Kids Summer Camps began July 2 and running The Columbia Lake Stewardship Society is a local non-profit organization that focuses on protect- every Friday until August 27. We will be working ing and monitoring the health of Columbia Lake. alongside the Lake Windermere Ambassadors to ofThrough working with other local organizations, fer free summer camps for kids aged between eight communities and volunteers, our goal is to provide to 12. These camps will include fun and engaging stewardship opportunities for others to help con- activities for kids, providing opportunities to learn about the environment and the lakes! serve our beautiful lake! Submitted photo Camps will be held in Invermere at We are busy with our regular water quanJames Chabot Provincial Park and Canal Flats at Tilly Memorial. tity and quality proFor more information and regisgrams! These include tration, visit columbialakess.com unsampling and monitorder our Newsletter tab. ing the water in Columbia Lake as well as the We also provide various stewardship opportunities, such as organized contributing streams weed pulls and shoreline cleanups. If twice a month. We take you would like to be involved in any regular measurements of the specific conducevents, volunteer opportunities or would like any information, contact tance, turbidity, pH, info@columbialakess.ca. temperature, and disYou may see our Summer Student solved oxygen, which are parameters that allow us to analyze the health of Mitchell Aitken and Program Coordinator Leah the lake. We also collect water samples throughout Downey around the lake this summer running outthe season, which we send for further lab analysis reach activities, be sure to say hello and ask them to measure the concentrations of various elements questions about the lake! and compounds, such as chloride and phosphoSubmitted by Leah Downey CLSS program coordinator
Hike & Walk for Hospice Submitted by Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley On Saturday, July 31, 2021, the Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley (HSCV) will hold their sixth annual Hike & Walk for Hospice, hosted by Barb and Bob Shaunessy, at their K2, SRL ranch (12.3 K South of J.A Laird School along Westside road) and sponsored by the Hearing Loss Clinic. Once a year, we have the opportunity to tour the historic barn with Bob, view the ranch site while hike & walk in memory of someone you have lost and support others who have experienced a loss. Proceeds from this event go to fund the free bereavement programs HSCV offers as group support and individual support for anticipatory grief, traumatic loss, suicide grief, and complicated grief. At 10:30 a.m., the group moves to McCarthy Lake to park. Participants can walk 1.5 km around the McCarthy lake or take a longer hike (eight km return) to White’s Dam. The views are spectacular, and our hosts Barb and Bob have so much history and knowledge to share with you about the ranch. Bring a picnic lunch and a water bottle. Friendly dogs on leash are welcome! 9 a.m. on-site registration - 10 a.m. Barn Tour - 10:30 a.m. Hike The fee is $25 per adult $5 per child 12 and under. Register online at https://hospicesocietycv.com/special-events/hike-for-hospice/ or at the K2 Ranch at 9 a.m. on July 31.
20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
FAITH
Our come whatever, unfair weather friend
LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Now open for in-person services. Sundays at 10:30 a.m. 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lwac.ca
By Murray Wittke Valley Christian Assembly
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. Canal Flats: Saturday 4.30 pm Canadian Martyrs, Invermere: Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 9 am. St. Joseph, Radium: Sunday 11.00 am 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
h e Pioneer ca T n
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take you r do llar With 4,400 copies far th in circulation each week, er
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Phone: (250) 341-6299 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com N E W S PA P E R
July 22, 2021
www.columbiavalleypioneer.com
When my wife and I moved to the valley ten years ago, we had no friends here. That didn’t take long to change. The first friends we made were from Valley Christian Assembly. The people there opened up their hearts and homes and introduced us to the beauty of the Mountains. As time passed, friendships formed with our neighbours and a wide assortment of hikers, gardeners, skiers, golfers, kayakers, community volunteers, book lovers, singers and musicians from up and down the valley. Nowadays, our life is filled with friendly faces. An ancient proverb states, “Just as iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen the mind and character of each other.” I can honestly say that each of my friends has subtly smoothed, shaped and sharpened me. Our conversations have enlarged and enriched my life perspectives. Watch-
ing them care for others and serve throughout the community has challenged my heart. My friends inspire me to invest myself more deeply in the common good. The Bible says, “It’s not good for a man to be alone.” We’re social creatures, created to do life with others. On our own, we tend to be selfish and self-centred. I’ve found that spending time with friends somehow shifts my focus and softens my heart. Friends are a gift from God. Recently I was listening to a song played at country singer Merle Haggard’s Funeral. ‘Unfair Weather Friend’ was one of the last songs Merle recorded. He sang it with Willie Nelson, his friend of more than fifty years. The song is about a friend who’s loving, loyal and always willing to help; a friend they can run to when they mess up; and a friend they can trust when life doesn’t make sense. Friends like that are precious and rare. I’ve met a few, and I long to be one to others. When I first heard the song, I thought Willie and Merle were singing about Jesus. He’s God’s gift to all of us and the best friend anyone could have. If you’re lonely, lost, or your life is broken down, close your eyes and call out to Jesus. He’s our, “come whatever, unfair weather friend.”
The BIG Book Sale
Submitted by Sheila Bonny Friends volunteer
ible books priced from $5 to $40. Examples are a 1910 leather-bound copy of The Second Chance by Canadian suffragette Nelly McClung and a 1938 copy of Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, each priced at only $10. The Friends can accept only cash, so come prepared with a pocketful of “real money” and a sturdy shopping bag. All proceeds from the BIG Book Sale go to the Invermere Public Library for book and equipment purchases and community programming.
Celebrate the relaxation of COVID restrictions by joining the Friends of the Invermere Public Library for the highlight of a book lover’s summer: The 2021 BIG Book Sale! On July 31, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., volunteers will display a wide menu of books, sorted by genre, outdoors in the parking lot of the Court House at the corner of 7th Avenue and 4th Street, immediately south of the Invermere Public Library. In the event of rain, the sale will be rescheduled for August 7. For your comfort and safety, volunteers will supply hand sanitizer at the entrance to the sale and remind everyone to maintain social distancing. Throughout the year, the Friends have collected generous donations of gently used books at the Book Donation Centre and will sell them to you at bargain prices. The book selection includes most every imaginable category to tempt you: romance, finance, science, Japhy Hunt, Summer Library Assistant, checks a few books that are ready for the BIG science fiction, history, historBook Sale on Saturday, July 31 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m across the library, 4th Street and ical fiction, mystery, garden7th Avenue. Submitted photo ing, fantasy, travel, adventure, health, and biography. Children’s tables will hold picture books, chapter books, and The BIG Book Sale is a great opportunity to greet youth fiction. Top picks (best sellers in excellent condi- your neighbours in person again, indulge your appetite tion) sell for $5, other adult books for $2, and children’s for a good read, and contribute to our wonderful library. books for $1. Come out July 31 (alternately, August 7) and celebrate! Of special note will be a table with a dozen collect-