Columbia Valley Pioneer, July 29, 2021

July 29, 2021 Vol. 18/Issue 30

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1 July 29, 2021

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July 29, 2021 Vol. 18/Issue 30

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1 July 29, 2021

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

The Columbia Valley

P ioneer

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July 29, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS

Wildfire burns out of control near Panorama

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com On July 23, a wildfire was discovered southwest of Panorama Mountain Resort near Mineral Creek (N22147).

According to the initial report, the wildfire covered 15 hectares. By the next update — made by B.C. Wildfire Service the following day — the size of the fire had jumped to 34 hectares. The wildfire was estimated to be 103 hectares at the time of the Pioneer press deadline on Tuesday, Jul. 27 and was classified as out of control.

Mineral Creek wildfire The cause of the wildfire is unknown and is being investigated.

As of Sunday, July 25, there were two firefighters on site along with one helicopter. During that day, the wildfire crew increased to five firefighters, a helicopter, and three pieces of heavy equipment.

According to a spokesperson with the B.C. Wildfire Service, more firefighters are on their way. “Crews are working to install something called a ‘wet line’. They go in and they clear the fuel out of the area. That’s called a fuel free line, and then they put a series of sprinklers along that line and they wet it down. The purpose of that is to prevent the fire from coming up to it along the ground and keep going. It increases the area of humidity and it will stop a ground fire from moving from one area to another.”

For firefighters on the scene, the steep terrain made

it challenging to contain the wildfire. “The fire is burning on a very steep mountainous area, and it’s got a lot of what we call scree in the area, which is a landslide that has loose rocks in it. Rock is always an issue for our crews. We have to be very careful to keep them safe in areas that have that kind of terrain,” explained the spokesperson. “There’s two steep sides, and a little creek at the bottom, pretty much right from that creek bottom it goes straight up on two sides. The fire is on one side of the creek and it’s moving upward because fire burns more Photo by B.C. Wildfire Service easily up slopes than down slopes. And there are no values of risk in that area. It’s just the fire burning in that location.”

A fire restriction area has been established around Mineral Creek by the BC Wildfire Service.

The area restriction reflects the ongoing need to protect the public where fire suppression activities are occurring.

From the ‘zero kilometre’ marker on the Toby Creek Road at the west avalanche gate one kilometre west of Panorama Resort, the area closure includes the entire Toby Creek drainage, and side drainages, west of the zero kilometre marker on the Toby Creek Road, including the Jumbo Creek drainage.

The current order will remain in place until September 15, 2021, or until revoked. The order covers crown land located within the correlated map’s geographic

boundaries.

On Sunday, July 25, there were 258 active wildfires burning across the province. There are 3,278 firefighters and other personnel battling the fires, of whom 72 are from outside the province. Additionally, 198 helicopters and plans support the ground crews.

Area restriction including the entire Toby Creek Drainage Call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 to report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation.

Visit www.bcwildfire.ca or download the BC Wildfire Service application for the latest information on current wildfire activity.

Tragic Twin Lakes cliff jumping accident claims man’s life

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com A young man lost his life in a tragic drowning accident at the popular local Twin Lakes site.

The 28-year-old was cliff jumping at Twin Lakes (also known as Bottomless Lakes and as Windermere Wells recreation site), along Westroc mining road, behind Mount Swansea, with friends on Monday, July

19. After jumping, the man did not re-surface and his friends quickly swam to the area they’d last seen him and attempted to locate and rescue him. Soon the Columbia Valley RCMP and Columbia Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR) were on scene, helping with the search.

It was not until the following day, Tuesday, July 20, that the man’s body was recovered by the RCMP’s special Underwater Recovery Team (URT).

Columbia Valley RCMP Corporal, Louis-Philippe Gendron-Fafard, explained that the URT is a special unit comprised of members from across the province.

This is not the first drowning accident at Twin Lakes; a similar incident occurred in 2014.

Exactly how the man involved in the incident last week died is unclear.

Continued on page 4...

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July 29, 2021

This past week, July 19 through July 25, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 95 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

•On Monday, July 19, a kayak was reported stolen from a property near the Bayshore Condos in Invermere. The kayak was described as a 10 foot blue and white Feel Free Moken kayak. The kayak had been chained to a tree and was stolen sometime overnight.

•On Monday, July 19, at about 2 p.m., emergency crews responded to a collision between a motorcycle and a pickup truck on 10th Avenue near 5th Street in Invermere. The operator of the motorcycle was transported to the hospital to be assessed. The driver of the pickup truck was issued a violation ticket for failing to yield on a left turn.

•On Monday, July 19, at about 7 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop with the driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee on 13th Street in Invermere. Checks of the driver’s license status revealed the male driver was prohibited from driving in B.C. While speaking to the male, the officer formed suspicion that the driver had alcohol in his body and read a roadside breath demand. The driver failed to provide a suitable sample of his breath and was Continued ‘‘cliff’ from page 3 Cpl. Gendron-Fafard told the Pioneer that in some drowning accidents, such as one that occurred at Canal Flats last year, underwater currents can play a role.

“In that case (Canal Flats) there was actually a swirling underwater current, like tornado, that held the person down at the bottom. But we don’t know if there are such currents at Twin Lakes,” said Cpl Gendron-Fafard. “We do know there is an underwater ledge at Twin Lakes, but we don’t know if that played a role in this incident.”

In the past, depth sounders have found that despite the ‘Bottomless Lakes’ nickname, there is in fact a bottom to Twin Lakes. Although, at 90 feet

arrested for refusing to provide a breath sample. Queries of the license plate attached to the Jeep revealed it was inactive.

In addition to being compelled to court for refusing to provide a breath sample, the driver also received a violation ticket for no insurance, no driver’s license and wrong number plate. The vehicle was impounded for seven days, and the driver received a 90day administrative driving prohibition.

•On Tuesday, July 20, at about 9:15 a.m., emergency crews responded to a single-vehicle collision on Windermere Loop Road in Windermere. The driver of a southbound Pontiac Grand Am left the roadway and collided with a tree.

The driver was transported to the hospital to be assessed and to determine if a medical event may have precipitated the collision.

•On Thursday, July 22, Columbia Valley RCMP was advised of a break and enter to a storage container on Laurier Street in Invermere. Stolen from the storage container were 19 inflatable stand up paddleboards. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbia Valley RCMP or Crimestoppers.

•On Saturday, July 24, at about 6 a.m., emergency crews responded to a single-vehicle collision on Westside Road south of Invermere. The driver of a Honda Odyssey drove off the road and struck a utility pole. No injuries were reported. The driver was issued a violation ticket for driving without due care and attention. down, the lake is staggeringly deep indeed, especially given its relatively small size.

The incident occurred during Canada’s National Drowning Prevention Week (which was held from July 18 to 24). Cpl. Gendron-Fafard reminded the public to be as prepared and safe as possible when heading out to recreate on the water. Though, he emphasized that, as far as the RCMP know, the 28-yearold man in the cliff jumping accident was as prepared and safe as possible.

RCMP and the BC Coroners Service continue to investigate the man’s death.

“Our thoughts and feelings are with the man’s family and friends and our deepest condolences go to them” said Cpl. Gendron-Fafard.

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Second Brett Kissel boat concert set for Saturday

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Last summer, Lake Windermere was the venue of what was one of the best concerts of the year anywhere in Canada, when Canadian country music star, Brett Kissel, and entrepreneur and philanthropist, W. Brett Wilson, teamed up to co-host an outdoor boat concert.

The event occurred near the Baltac Road boat launch at sunset. As Kissel’s vocals and guitar strumming echoed out over the lake, about 3,500 to 4,000 people gathered on boats, canoes, standup paddle boards, kayaks and even a rubber dinghy — all appropriately socially distanced from each other — to take part in an event designed to raise spirits during the first plaguing moments of the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal was to bridge some of the gaps between seasonal and year-round residents that the pandemic had exacerbated at the time, and to raise money for the Columbia Valley Community Foundation’s community fund.

The event was a success on all three fronts, and music fans, as well as those who simply love the idea of an evening out on the lake, will be delighted to learn that another Brett Kissel boat concert is set for this coming Saturday, July 31.

“Our decision to host this family-friendly experience yet again for the residents of Windermere came easy to us from all of the positive feedback we received at last year’s event – the largest outdoor concert held in Canada in 2020. We were also pleased to have raised almost $100,000 for the Columbia Valley Foundation and excited to continue raising funds for a great cause,” says Wilson.

The event, news of which has been kept the tightest of secret until today (Thursday, July 29), was fun and certainly worthwhile, and so arranging a second edition of it simply made sense, Wilson told the Pioneer.

“Kissel is available, the outdoor space is available and when the wind dies down, the lake is a superb venue,” he says. “In terms of goodwill, as a fundraiser, and just in terms of having something positive in the middle of a pandemic, it was win-win all around last time, so why not do it again? I’m not aware of anybody else doing a boat concert, but if you have predictable summer weather, as the Columbia Valley does, and you have a location that sort of sticks out onto the lake, like we do, then it all comes together really well.”

Although the concert is free, everybody who attends is strongly encouraged to donate to the Columbia Valley Community Foundation’s community fund. The show will get underway at roughly 8 p.m. at the Baltac boat launch, and will run until 10 p.m. The concert will be broadcast live on 88.5 FM to ensure that any attendees who aren’t quite close enough to hear directly can still listen along. But concert goers will need a boat (or canoe, kayak or paddle board) as the show will not be viewable from anywhere onshore. The event is weather permitting, and the organizers ask those attending to respect B.C. boating laws, rules and regulations, not1ing that the RCMP will be assisting on the water.

“Once again this concert is Alberta’s gift to the valley with all costs being privately covered (by individuals from Alberta) to make this a free event. Our only ask is that everyone attending makes a donation,” said Wilson.

Kissel, who has won multiple Canada Country Music Association Awards and a couple of Junos as well, is excited to be back in Windermere to perform and cohost another boat concert.

The friendship between Kissel and Wilson stretches back to a Calgary concert years ago.

“I was helping out with that concert. When I saw Kissel perform I was smitten, and I thought here’s CanRoughly 3,500 to 4,000 people took in the Brett Kissel boat concert ada’s answer to Garth Brook,” Wilson told the Pioneer. on Lake Windermere last summer. The concert, co-hosted by Kissel To donate to the Columbia Valley Community and philanthropist and season Columbia Valley resident W. Brett Foundation’s community fund, visit www.ValleyFounWilson is back again this summer, set for this coming Saturday, Jul. dation.ca/boat-concert.

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

PERSPECTIVE

July 29, 2021

The Olympic spirit

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com After a year of delay, the Tokyo Olympics finally made their debut with an opening ceremony full of arts and technology that lived up to the expectations of the entire world. It ended with a spectacular fireworks display in which athletes from across the globe marched into an almost empty stadium to represent their respective nations.

It is a different Olympics this year, following the first-ever postponement of the Games, with the absence of fans, and with COVID-19 protocols in place.

The frailty of humans has been on display for more than a year during the COVID-19 pandemic, and truly there is no better way to show the world how strong, swift, and agile human beings can be than at the Olympics.

Tokyo’s Olympic program features 33 different sports, with 339 medal events. Track and field, swimming, gymnastics, and diving are among the traditional

favorites. The 2020 Olympics will feature the return of baseball and softball after a 12-year hiatus, as well as the introduction of karate, sports climbing, skateboarding, and surfing. There are also new events such as 3-on-3 basketball and freestyle BMX. British Columbia is well represented with 131 Olympians who are either born in the province or currently live there, as part of the Canadian delegation to this summer’s Olympic Games. A total of 371 athletes will represent Canada at the Games.

Each of these athletes was once just a kid who enjoyed playing a particular sport. This hobby developed into a passion over time and eventually into a dream.

The hope of doing even better in the next tournament was born. Somehow, for a small handful of people, the ultimate objective of participating in the Olympics has became reachable.

The athletes trained hard, followed a plan, and ate according to regimented. Most have sacrificed for many years to accomplish their goal of going to the Olympics.

Now the day has came that their dream became a reality.

Historical Lens

There will be millions of spectators watching on television as these athletes display their talents, but the spectators will only see that singular performance. Few watching will understand how long those people trained, nor how many sacrifices they made in the years leading to this special day.

Walking into the stadium at the opening ceremony of the Olympics, dressed in your national uniform, knowing you’re at the pinnacle of your pursuit, that you are quite literally representing your country as millions watch on, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Surely this moment, the opening ceremony, is more meaningful than any medal or podium: it is the celebration of achievement, of hope, of the pursuit of excellence. It’s a lovely reminder, for those watching on from back in Canada, of the possibilities the human experience entails. A reminder that humanity, when it puts its mind to it, can really shine. That collectively, we can, despite our multitude of differences and division, come together in ways that collectively better us. If we can do it for sports, we can surely do it in other fields and on other topics.

Crowd mingling at horse racetrack in Athalmer, which is now the Industrial Park, C1953, 1912-1916, Courtesy of Windermere District Historical Society

The Columbia Valley

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

Pioneer

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

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

July 29, 2021

Windermere firefighters swiftly extinguished a fire burning in a hayfield on Monday, July 26. Photo submitted

Windermere fire crew quickly puts out hayfield fire Local fire crews also deal with numerous backyard fire calls despite prohibition of backyard burns many of these calls could be avoided with neighbourly communication prior to the dispatch of fire departments and RCMP,” Local fire crews have been busy in re- said Columbia Valley rural fire and rescue cent weeks. service deputy chief Drew Sinclair in a On the press release. afternoon of “While some “We need people to start taking the fire Monday, July of the calls end conditions seriously.”

26, the Windup being the ermere Fire Drew Sinclair, Columbia Valley rural fire permitted porDepar tment table propane and rescue service deputy chief responded to a fires, many are reported grass not, and we fire. When firefighters arrived on scene need people to start taking the fire condijust before 1:30 p.m., they found not a tions seriously.” grass fire but a hayfield on fire.

B.C. has declared a Provincial State Leaping into action with two pieces of Emergency in response to the wildfire of machinery, the seven firefighters on situation across the province, which curhand quickly extinguished the blaze. rently involves hundreds of active fires Upon investigation, the cause of the and which has left much of B.C. under a fire was determined to be not negligent thick haze of smoke. or suspicious in nature but simply a hot “If you are thinking of having a fire, piece of farm equipment. the message is very clear: don’t do it,” said The fire crew extended a big ‘thank Sinclair. you’ to bystanders who swiftly reported All backyard fires, fireworks and other the fire, allowing the firefighters to re- open burning are prohibited in B.C. Howspond before the blaze became big. ever, portable propane campfires are still Aside from the hayfield fire, the Co- allowed at thes moment, although they lumbia Valley rural fire and rescue service must be Canadian Standards Association has been fielding numerous calls in the (CSA) and unlimited liability corporation past several weeks about backyard fires (ULC) approved. The flame height must – which are currently prohibited in the not exceed 15 centimetres.

Columbia Valley and indeed right across Fines for those breaking the restricB.C. tions can be up to $100,000 plus the cost “Most of these calls come late at night of all firefighting operations if the fire gets and are creating a drain on our volunteers out of control. as well as creating a burden on our fire For the latest information on restricdispatch centre in Kelowna already deal- tions, visit www.bcwildfire.ca. ing with an unprecedented season. Sadly,

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

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Citizens press Invermere council on climate change again

decisions through an environmental “lens” and climate change does get thought about, although he hastened to add “not as much as if there were a dedicated coordinaConcerned residents continued to press Invermere tor.” council for action on climate change during the most reLocal resident Tracy Flynn presented next to council. cent council meeting.

She was also curious as to why the district has not hired At the meeting, a group of young adults, representing a municipal climate change resilience coordinator or adColumbia Valley youth opted a climate change “We’re facing our biggest challenge in history...what’s action plan. group Columbi-YA, stopping us? It’s time for bold leaders and bold actions.” pressed councillors on “My son, who is the why the district has neisame age as many of the Local resident, Tracy Flynn ther a municipal climate young people here (referchange resilience coorencing the Columbi-YA dinator nor a climate members) has decided change action plan, pointing out that many municipali- not to have children, because he doesn’t think the world ties in the Kootenay region, including nearby Kimberley, is a great place to bring kids into,” Flynn told council. have at least one of those, if not both.

Flynn pointed out that money spent now on dealing “We have ski hills around here that need their win- with the issue will almost certainly come back in spades ter,” Columbi-YA member Amira Elwakeel told council in future years, and added she is pursuing the issue not members, hinting that climate change entails economic just with Invermere council, but at federal and provincial as well as environmental impacts. levels, and that she plans to bring it to the Regional DisElwakeel continued that the youth present are well trict of East Kootenay (RDEK) and the village of Radium aware the council has a multitude of pressing issues on Hot Springs as well. its plate but noted that that’s precisely why the district “We’re facing our biggest challenge in history...what’s should consider hiring a full-time employee to deal with stopping us? It’s time for bold leaders and bold actions,” the climate change resiliency; that if the district had a she said, adding that sometimes she wonders if it is a clidesignated person fulfilling that role, that would take mate crisis or a leadership crisis. pressure off other district staff for whom climate change The district has little to lose, said Flynn, with the is one issue among many. worst case scenario that it hires a climate change coordiFellow Columbi-YA member Kate Watt explained nator, and it doesn’t pan out. She noted there would be that the group is very appreciative of the steps Invermere a cost associated with that but added that such a cost is council has taken so far to be more environmentally relatively small compared with the district’s overall budminded, but added that hiring a dedicated coordinator get, and infinitesimally small in comparison with the pocould be even more effective. tential costs of not doing enough to fight climate change.

Elwakeel asked if, for instance, the planned downInvermere mayor Al Miller responded that climate town revitalization takes into account the potential for change is something that would be discussed during the increased extreme weather events, such as the recent hail- district’s strategic priority sessions. storm that hammered Invermere or the 40 plus degree “I certainly believe we need to do more than we are,” heatwave that preceded it. said Miller, but added that there are a lot of pressing “If you don’t have somebody (on staff) to ask those things in the community that need to get done. “Where questions...I don’t know if you can expect to make it does it (climate change) fit?” asked Miller rhetorically. through 40 degree weather,” she added, outlining that “We’ll discuss that.” the coordinator role could be “full-time or part-time, Councillor Greg Anderson added council will do anything is awesome, and sooner is better than later.” more but that citizens have to be realistic with their exThe youth handed council members a list that col- pectations. lectively formed an informal ‘action plan’; listing steps “We can only do so much at one time,” said Anderthe district can take in the areas of transportation, home son, adding the concerns of citizens wanting more action building, and energy efficiency, among others, that could on climate change needs to be balanced with the conhelp combat climate change. cerns of the “many other people in the district for whom Invermere mayor Al Miller responded that district climate change is not the top priority.” staff and council members do look at issues and make

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

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Have something to say? Letters to the editor can be e-mailed to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

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10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 29, 2021

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

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FEHR SEASONS

Have your event added by visiting www.cvevents.ca or email info@columbiavalleypioneer.com Thursday, July 29 • 10:30 am - 12 pm: Pokemon Card Games. Join Main St Fun and Games to play the Pokemon game with all of those amazing Pokemon cards we KNOW are all over your house. Ages 7+, $12. Register by calling 250-342-3440 • 1:30 pm - 3 pm: Dungeons and Dragons. Join us as we waner the Windermere, facing magical creatures, unknown challenges and possible cows! Ages 10+, $20.

Register by calling 250-342-3440

Friday, July 30 • 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.

• 3:30 pm: Magic the Gathering. Come play Magi with Main St Fun and Games.

Learn the basic from our Magic Mentors, your first time is free! Ages 10+ $5.

Register by calling 250-342-3440

Saturday, July 31

Curtis Fehr fehrseasons@gmail.com 250-342.1259

• 9 am - 1 pm: Big Book Sale. Invermere Courthouse Parking Lot Across from the Library A great selection of books for all ages! All proceeds help support the library!

• 9 am: Register for Hike and Walk for Hospice. This annual fundraiser for the Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley at SRL/K2 Ranch off of Westside Road south of Invermere. Hospicesocietycv.com

H V A C

Sunday, August 1 • 10 am - 4 pm: Art in the Park atPothole Park Invermere. Painting, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, woodwork, glass, and live music! Art from the creative people of the Columbia Valley.

Wednesday, August 4 • 6-9 pm: Bike and Maintenance Repair, Online, College of the Rockies. A practical introductory course for bikers to learn how to clean and maintain your precious steed to keep her running at her best, and the basic trail repairs to bring your bike back from a ride.

• 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!

• 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

• 10 am – 1 pm: 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!

• 12 – 4 pm: Canal Flats Mixed Market. Come check out the diverse artisans and producers at this Mixed Market in Canal Flats.

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: Note that seniors no longer need to register for classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, taking place at the Columbia Valley Centre. $2 drop in rate. Call Cortney at 250-342-9281 ext 1232 or email events@invermere.net for more information.

• 11:45 am - 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!

Ongoing Events 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!

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!

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

30 DAYS 1853 BURGERS SERVED $9265 RAISED

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July 29, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

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Who doesn’t love a good burger?

And what makes a burger even tastier is when it’s for a great cause. In the month of June 13 businesses hosted Burger Month to raise money for non-profit organizations in the valley by selling Valley Strong Burgers. The money raised would go to five non-profits selected by random draw. A total of 1853 Valley Strong Burgers were sold which raised $9265. The winners were: Summit Trail Makers Society, Valley GoGo Sisters, Lake Windermere Rowing Club, Columbia Valley Swim Club, and Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club.

To watch the draw, please visit @ColumbiaValleyChamberOfCommerce on Facebook. Each burger was sold for $20 with $5 from every burger donated to the fundraiser. There were 37 non-profit organizations that registered for the draw.

Thank you to everyone who participated, either by enjoying a Valley Strong Burger, entering a draw or sharing on social media. An extra special thank you to all of the food and beverage establishments that helped raise money for our local community.

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12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 29, 2021

RDEK seeks feedback on short-term rentals

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The Regional District of the East Kootenay (RDEK) is seeking input from residents on the issue of short-term rentals.

The survey is part of a larger planning process that RDEK staff are undertaking to help the board of directors identify options and approaches to deal with the issue in rural areas of the RDEK (which includes all the Columbia Valley except the village of Radium Hot Springs, district of Invermere, and village of Canal Flats).

“The idea is to gain an understanding of how the different communit[ies] in the regional district perceive short term rentals,” RDEK planning coordinator Karen McLeod told the Pioneer, emphasizing that the RDEK does not want to go into the planning process to deal with short term rentals “with an assumption of negativity or an assumption of positivity about short term rentals.”

McLeod added that the RDEK has heard a good deal of discussion, particularly surrounding concerns, in the

past several years.

“The intent of the project is a deep dive into the topic, to get an idea of the complexities of the short-term rental issues in the regional district,” she says.

Anecdotal accounts of the number of the short-term rentals available in Columbia Valley maintain that it has skyrocketed in recent years, thanks to websites such as AirBnB and VRBO, but McLeod cautioned that “the Columbia Valley has always had short term rentals as part of its local economy. There definitely has been a perceived increase in the last few years. But part of this project is to assess if that is hearsay or to see if there are some hard numbers that back that up.”

The planning process will use data from the regional district housing needs assessment, as well as help from short-term rental analytics company AirDNA. “We’re hoping to get something quantitative out of it rather than qualitative,” McLeod told the Pioneer.

McLeod emphasized that this is “really an exploratory project” and that the end goal is a list of recommendations for the board detailing standards on dealing with

short-term rentals. Ideally, this will be done sometime in spring or early summer 2022.

“Over the past few years, we, at both the board and staff level, have experienced an increase in public concern regarding short-term rental accommodations,” said RDEK Board Chair Rob Gay. “As a result, one of our strategic priorities for 2021 is to undertake a planning process to formally gather public input and look at the best management options available.”

Gay encouraged all residents, renters and property owners in the rural, unincorporated areas of the RDEK to participate in the survey, saying “we recognize there are differences across our region, and we would really like to see wide-ranging participation.”

For purposes of the survey, short-term rentals are defined as the accommodation of paying guests in a single-family dwelling, a room (or rooms) within a single-family dwelling, a secondary suite, an apartment or a condo for terms of less than 30 days.

The survey deadline is August 4. It can be filled out online at engage.rdek.bc.ca/rentals.

MNBC working with CVMA to conduct housing survey

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Métis Nation of British Columbia (MNBC) has ambitious plans to build affordable housing and develop housing programs and policies across the province in the coming years. The first step in achieving this goal requires MNBC’s Ministry of Housing and Homelessness to conduct a Housing Needs Assessment, in order to determine the housing needs of Métis people across B.C. MNBC is running the survey from July 15 to August 15. “This is a super important

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survey,” says Monica Fisher, the president of the Columbia Valley Métis Association (CVMA). “It’s been demonstrated that there is a lack of affordable and accessible housing in the Columbia Valley. Having our citizens participate in the survey is going to assist the MNBC in determining areas across the province of the highest need.”

The Housing Needs Assessment is a data-gathering project that will allow MNBC to better understand Métis people’s current and future housing needs. The assessment consists of data collection, community consultation, data analysis, and reporting. It will ask questions across the housing spectrum, relevant for both renters and homeowners.

Ensuring registered Métis of the Columbia Valley complete the survey will also help Fisher advocate for local funding to invest in property and infrastructure. “We are in the works of looking at real estate and are in discussions with potential housing,” she says, making sure to indicate that nothing is currently set in stone. “But hopefully, within a year, there is going to be Métis specific housing in certain communities in the valley.”

The information gathered will help the MNBC Ministry of Housing and Homelessness gain a better understanding of current and future housing needs. This will help MNBC develop new affordable housing projects and housing support programs across BC. “Whether it’s first-time purchases, rentals, really any type of housing at all, people are moving away because they can’t find a place to live,” said Fisher. “I would imagine the survey results will reflect that.” To complete the survey, visit mnbc.ca.

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July 29, 2021 “What’s Over There” by Vance Theoret Photos submitted

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13 “Shadowed Moose” by Cameron Bir

Artym Gallery hosts “Oil and Stone exhibition” this weekend Submitted by Artym Gallery On Saturday, July 31, the Artym Gallery will present their “Oil and Stone Exhibition,” featuring artists, Cameron Bird & Vance Theoret. Bird and Theoret will be at the gallery from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and will host a painting and sculpting demonstration in the afternoon.

Bird’s artistic material of choice is oil. His works capture the wilderness of the Western Canadian landscape and all its creatures, clearly revealing his love for the outdoors. As an enthusiast of sketching on location, Bird’s paintings never disappoint. The boldness of his brush strokes and the surety of his movement both fascinates and captivates the viewer.

Theoret, on the other hand, carves stone. The whimsicality and friendliness of his bears is his trademark, and

he has been a favourite at the Artym Gallery ever since they opened their doors. Theoret starts his demonstration with a block of raw stone which slowly transforms under his watchful eye, skillful hands, and array of tools, into a graceful and endearing bear.

Back by popular demand is the signature “Name the Bear” contest! The person who comes up with the best name, wins an original bear sculpture. Past winning titles have been “GRIZZard of Oz” and “Rock and Roll.”

For long-time collectors and brand-new fans alike, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet the artists behind the masterpieces, and to check out their newest creations.

The exhibition will continue until August 6, however, if you cannot make it to the Artym in person, the show is online at www.artymgallery.com.

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Saturday, July 31, 10 am – 5:30 pm with both artists in attendance.

Exhibition continues until August 6th.

www.artymgallery.com 250-342-7566 ~ info@artymgallery.com

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

1988

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July 29, 2021

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Interior Health’s immunization clinic travelling to Invermere Submitted by Interior Health Interior Health’s mobile immunization clinic will travel to Windermere on July 30 and then to Invermere on July 31 to offer vaccinations to anyone who has not yet received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Additionally, second doses will be provided to anyone who received their first dose more than seven weeks (49 days) ago.

No advance appointments are necessary for this clinic. People who live or work in the Windermere and Invermere areas will be able to walk-up, register and receive their first or second COVID-19 vaccine.

Interior Health’s mobile immunization clinics are a partnership with the British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) and are travelling through the Interior region, making stops in over 40 communities along the way.

Windermere Drop-In Clinic will be held at Wind-

ermere Akisq’niuk Recreation Centre on Friday, July 30 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Invermere Drop-In Clinic will be held at 4878 Althamer Road, Invermere on Saturday, July 31 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

People in the Windermere/Invermere areas who are born in 2009 or earlier and who have not yet received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or anyone who received their first dose more than 49 days ago.

To make an appointment, register online by visiting the provincial website at www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca/, call 1-833-838-2323, or visit a Service BC office and then book an appointment.

For a list of all Interior Health COVID-19 immunization clinics and other resources visit: https://news. interiorhealth.ca/news/covid-19-vaccines/

Lake Windermere Pulse Check

www.lakeambassadors.ca

NOTICE OF APPLICATION COLUMERE WATERWORKS LIMTED Notice of Application to the Comptroller of Water Rights Under the Water Utility Act and The Utilities Commission Act Notice is hereby given by Columbia Ridge Waterworks Ltd. that an application has been made to the Comptroller of Water Rights for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the proposed construction and operation of a waterworks distribution system to serve the following land: Civic Address: 6567/6590 Columbia Lake Road Legal Description: District Lot 7548, Kootenay District Except The Kootenay Central Railway Right of Way as Shown on Plan 1203 and Plan NEP86226.

Parcel ID: 014-813-432 Any person wishing further information in connection with this application should apply directly to Columbia Ridge Waterworks Ltd. 4606 Columbia View Road, Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. V0B 1L2 Any objections to this application are to be forwarded to the Secretary to the Comptroller of Water Rights, Ministry of Forests, Lands & Natural Resource Operations, PO Box 9340 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria BC V8W 9M1 (chris.mcmillan@gov. bc.ca),and should be received on or before: August 30th, 2021

Average Water Temperature: 21.7 °C Average Water Depth: 3.6 m Average Turbidity: 0.80 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: 8.3 mg/L. Levels of dissolved oxygen between 4 and 15 mg/L are generally needed for fish to thrive.

Average pH: 8.29

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

Glassy, deserted waters and hazy skies lent an eerie atmosphere to the lake this morning. The water was crystal clear though – 0.80 NTU makes for our lowest average turbidity of the season so far.

Thank you to this week’s citizen scientist volunteer, Travis Lee, who runs Blade and Bough Lawn Care around the Valley. Lee is an Edmonton native who has been coming to the Valley since he was a kid, and has just made it his permanent home!

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

The Lake Windermere Ambassadors would like Citizen Scientist of the Week: Travis Lee

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July 29, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 29, 2021

Local downhiller grabs Canada Cup podium finish in Panorama race

Victoria Johansen, 28-years-old and born and

By Camille Aubin raised in the valley, grabbed third place in the open women category with a time of four minutes and camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com 58 seconds, in what was her first-ever Canada Cup Canada Cup downhill bike racing was back at Pan- race. In the men’s ages 19-34 expert/elite category, orama on July 21 with hundreds of participants, and two Columbia Valley downhiller Lewis Murphy came local residents grabbed top-three podium finishes in their third.

“It was fun and a little stressful inside,” Johanrespective categories.

The Canada Cup series (also known as the Dunbar sen told the Pioneer. “I just wanted to get through it Summer Series) represents the top flight of Canadian without crashing. That was my goal.” downhill mountin biking, and the final race of the seThis summer marks Johansen’s third season ries (which this year will be at Kicking Horse Resort in regularly riding Panorama Mountain Resort’s bike Golden) doubles as Canada’s national downhill biking park, and she only started downhill mountain bikchampionship, all of which makes the podium finishes ing four years ago. “Last season I spent most days by valley residents that much more impressive. in the bike park, when it was open,” she said, highlighting her love of the sport.

Johansen rediscovered the magic of the Columbia Valley and the outdoor life it has to offer after returning from a backpacking trip abroad six years ago. “I went to school and then travelled in Australia, and when I went back home in 2015, I just had a new appreciation for this area and everything you can do here,” she said. “I started working at Panorama and met a lot of people in the mountain biking world, so I tried it out and absolutely fell in love with it. I bike almost every single Victoria Johansen, 28, ranked top three at the Canada Cup series Photo by Alison Bortolon, Radical Productions day. It’s really fun. You kind of feel on July 21. like you’re a kid again.”

“I did the Wall Street feature on the track which was The bike racer got ready for her really scary but it was a huge accomplishment to be able competition at Panorama with “a lot to do that. Halfway down, my foot flew off the pedal. of pedalling early season before the And I think just that I was able to ride that out without bike park was open.” And now that crashing, that felt pretty good!” explained Johansen when she shown she can reach the podium, asked about her favourite moment. she’s interested in racing some more. “It The Wall Street feature was the steepest feature on would be good, now that I’ve done a the course, and involves bikers “roll(ing) down a cliff face big race and know what to expect, to be with lots of roots” transitioning immediately into loose able to train a little more for races. And Victoria Johansen holds up her third place medal. terrain at the bottom, followed shortly after by several so, I can do a lot better.”

Photo by Alison Bortolon, Radical Productions tight turns. “You get lots of speed when you come down it,” explained Johansen.

There are a few aspects of competition that no amount of physical preparation can help you with. “It’s more of a mental game than I thought it would be going into it. A couple days before the race week started, I was just practicing that trail, and when you’re there with one other person you’re comfortable with, it’s a lot easier to get through,” she said. “You don’t have the mental block you do when you start racing and you’re sitting in the gate and you’re listening to the countdown before you drop. That’s just a whole other side of it.”

Even during a competition, like a mountain bike race, women who support women plays an essential role in each other’s overall experiences. “It’s pretty cool to start seeing a lot more women in mountain biking. There were many younger girls, and there’s one other girl, Emmylou Grieve, who’s 16. She’s from the valley as well. She’s an absolute shredder. It was really cool to see her do well in her race. She won fifth place in her category,” expressed Johansen. “The other ladies I did meet in my category were so supportive. They were really awesome, and it definitely helps the experience. If the camaraderie wasn’t there, I don’t know how much I would have enjoyed myself.”

Victoria Johansen biking during the Canada Cup series

Photo by Danyal Taylor

July 29, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

Columbia Valley Origins: Chelsea Girimonte “It was a trip that changed the course of her life.”

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Chelsea and Vincent Girimonte yearned for an adventure abroad with their son Eliot before his enrolment in kindergarten. Where they would go, however, was constrained by a set of criteria of their own design. Their destination had to be relatively close to their family in Northern California. There also needs to be a reasonable cost of living, low population density, and English as the first spoken language.

Hometown: Born San Diego, California, raised Portland, Maine Age: 32 Occupation: Coordinator, Columbia Valley Food and Farm Hobbies: Being outside, gardening, cooking, family time Columbia Valley Arrival: August 2021 When deciding which country to move to, they quickly decided on Canada. As to where in the vast Canada, they started with cities. Off the bat, their criteria eliminated Vancouver (too expensive), Toronto (too big), and Montréal (too French). Thus, they happened upon Calgary and discovered that Alberta’s largest city also happens to be less than an hour drive up to the Rocky Mountains.

It was decided: Calgary would be their pre-pandemic adventure destination.

The young Girimonte family was in for a drastic change as they moved away from Winters, California, a small town with a population of only 7,000 people.

Before Winters, the two lived in Portland, Oregon.

In Portland, Chelsea Rosenthal met and eventually married Vincent, all while completing her master’s in sustainability at Portland State University. Before Portland, Chelsea lived in Portland, Maine. That’s where she grew up after moving there as a young child from San Diego.

Chelsea’s passion for farming was found later in life.

It sparked when she took a gap year from her English literature degree and went on an exchange trip to Europe with Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) - a worldwide movement to link visitors with organic farmers, promote cultural and educational exchanges, and build a global community conscious of sustainable farming.

It was an experience that changed the course of Chelsea’s life.

“Farming wasn’t a passion of mine before I went on the trip,” Girimonte said. “To me, it was more an opportunity to travel abroad.” WWOOF changed that. As a

WWOOFer, Chelsea was tasked with working on family-run farms in the European countryside.

She lived in France for three months, then Italy for another three. She visited Switzerland, Spain, and Ireland in this time, each country experience enriching her appreciation for the land. “I fell in love with working outside,” she says. “It was also the first time for me eating real food. The first carrot I had from the ground, I finally understood what a carrot is supposed to taste like!” Chelsea fell in love with the practice of smallscale farming.

Flash forward to Portland, Oregon, Chelsea pursued initial stabs at a career in the industry. She ran a one-acre, community-supported agriculture (CSA) vegetable farm for a school district, “which led to an opportunity leasing five acres with hogs, broilers, laying hens.”

She helped organize a Chelsea Girimonte subscription share for thirty families. She sold eggs to an upscale market specializing in gourmet groceries and organic produce.

And through her master’s, she studied it all with academic rigour. “In grad school, I wrote a comprehensive exam on training first generation farmers in Oregon,” she says. “And during that time, I worked field crew on some larger diversified veggie and animal farms.”

In Calgary, Vincent enrolled in a master of business administration (MBA) program, while Chelsea worked as the learning program coordinator for Eco-Canada —a non-profit, online resource for environmental jobs, certification, and training.

The Girimontes were only six months into their Canadian adventure before the pandemic hit, closing borders and leaving them without the ability to travel home— a key reason for why they moved north in the first place!

However, the limitation also allowed for new opportunities, as they began exploring outside of Calgary. Heading towards the mountains, and through a tour through

the Kootenays, they happened upon Radium Hot Spring within the Columbia Valley. “We were stunned at how much wildlife we saw in such a condensed period of time,” she says, noting their excitement when seeing a grizzly bear, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.

Feeling inspired, Chelsea started looking for a job in the Kootenays.

Vincent by now was working a remote job giving him location independence. Into her Google search bar, Chelsea used “food and farm jobs” as keywords…There!

In a town called Invermere, there was a job opening for Columbia Valley Food and Farm (CVFF).

CVFF, a volunteer organization founded in 2018, was looking to hire its first employee with funding from the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce (CVCC).

She applied.

She was invited Photo by James Rose for an interview.

Alison Bell and Pete Bourke, the directors of CVFF and CVCC respectively, invited her out for a visit.

Throughout that visit, Bell and Bourke described the beautiful and rewarding quality of life in the Columbia Valley and how much they enjoyed living here.

“It was infectious,” Girimonte said. Not long was it before Chelsea was offered the job, which she excitedly accepted.

As CVFF’s first paid employee, her responsibilities include carrying out various project initiatives, conducting communications and outreach, food ambassadorship, and connecting producers with consumers.

With the number of eateries within the valley being conscious of providing locally-sourced options, she has been busier than ever. “There’s a new food truck coming to town, and I’m going to be meeting with them in coming weeks. They’re interested in procuring local foods for their menu and I’ll be their connection to work with local farmers.”

To Chelsea, Vincent, and Eliot: Welcome to the valley!

Renovations completed at Raven’s Nest Campground 100 per cent off-grid campground features eight cabins, 26 campsites, and one tipi

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Raven’s Nest Resort and Campground, the Columbia Valley’s newest addition to resort camping, has finished building eight cabins, adding to the resort’s 26 campsites and lone tipi site.

Raven’s Nest was opened mid-summer 2019 by Faro Raven Burgoyne, a member of the Akisqnuk First Nation, and his girlfriend Emily Slobodzian, both in their late twenties. Since he was in high school, Burgoyne had dreams of one day opening his own camp-

ground. That dream became a reality after Burgoyne realized the demand from visiting Albertans (the resort’s target market) was significant enough to take the risk and make an investment.

The resort, which is entirely off-grid thanks to 16 solar panels and batteries, received financing help from Community Futures East Kootenay, as well as marketing and business development support from organizations like Kootenay Rockies Tourism and Kootenay Aboriginal Business Development Agency.

Continued on page 18...

Overlooking the wetlands at Raven’s Nest.

Photo by James Rose

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 29, 2021

Continued ‘Raven’s’ from page 17 Their first full season took place during the heart of the pandemic. Difficult timing to say the least for a new tourism business. Despite the challenge, Burgoyne and Slobodzian persevered and won the Tourism Business of the Year award from the All Nations Trust Company.

Construction on the cabins began in June 2020. Slobodzian attended to admin work throughout the winter months, while Burgoyne earned additional money working ski patrol at Fairmont’s ski hill.

“We resumed building out the cabins midway through April,” Slobodzian said. “And from then until July 16, it was game on.” The electrical and plumbing were contracted out.

Their building materials supplier taught them the correct way to put together the log cabins. Aside from that, they were on their own. Each cabin features a kitchenette, outdoor BBQ, bathroom, shower and various combinations of beds and living room amenities.

Now that the cabins are complete (each named after a type of tree — Spruce, Aspen, Birch etc.), Burgoyne and Slobodzian can now focus on marketing their business and adding more amenities, such as outhouses and a disc golf course. In fact, the disc golf course, which is being built by a team of experts from around the East Kootenays, is almost done. Fourteen out of a total of 18 holes have been installed. “We also are thinking of adding a space for weddings on the bluff overlooking the wetlands,” said Burgoyne. The views from which are nothing short of spectacular.

To market their fledgling business, the pair is demonstrating creative, effective ways to reach discerning tourists. “We did a social media contest for a stay at the teepee site,” Burgoyne said. Instagram and Facebook users were invited to comment and share a post about the teepee site for a chance to win a two-night stay.

As a result, “8,000 people viewed the post and of those,1,050 engaged in the contest,” Slobodzian said.

With nearby Lakeshore Resort and Campground closed for the summer due to lingering effects of the pandemic, Raven’s Nest has been consistently booked up.

Yet, despite the pair’s progress, this summer has not been without its challenges. “Everyone who calls wants to know how much smoke there is here,” Burgoyne said. “All we can tell them is that it changes all the time.”

Solar panels and cabins at Raven’s Nest.

Photos by James Rose

Faro Burgoyne & Emily Slobodzian in front of one of eight cabins at Raven’s Nest Resort and Campground.

Notice of Commercial-Scale Huckleberry Harvesting Restrictions

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

South Area, Kootenay-Boundary Region

From July 15, 2021 to October 15, 2021, commercial-scale picking of huckleberries is restricted in some areas of the Kootenay Boundary Region.

This is the fourth season closed areas to commercial-scale harvest have been in effect. Look for road signs identifying the closure areas. Maps identifying the closed areas can be viewed online at https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/kootenay/eco/access.htm These areas have been identified as critical foraging zones for grizzly bear and other wildlife species. They are also of high cultural value to the Ktunaxa Nation and other First Nations.

The criteria defining commercial-scale harvesting includes any one or more of the following: • Harvest or possession of huckleberries exceeding 10 litres per person per season; • Use of mechanical pickers or any device other than hand-picking; or • Harvest of any amount of huckleberries for the purpose of sale.

Persons picking huckleberries in continuance of an Aboriginal right recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 may continue to access the closed areas. The identified closure areas also remain open to household picking (defined as harvest not including any of the criteria above defining commercial-scale use).

For more information contact Kai Peetoom 778 671-9130, kai.peetoom@gov.bc.ca or write to Regional Operations Division – South Area, Kootenay-Boundary Region Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development 401-333 Victoria St., Nelson, B.C., V1L 4K3 or by telephone at 250 354-6333.

July 29, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

HERE TO SERVE YOU SERVICES

SERVICES

SERVICE EXCELLENCE

Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

North American Warranty

IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

SINCE 1991

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS

All Makes and Models

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

Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700

Tire Sales and Installation

We give all students 15% off with valid student ID

unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

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

WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM

Beat the fall rush ~ clean your Chimney this spring!

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

• • • •

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

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE ON ALL WOOD BURNING APPLIANCES • WETT INSPECTIONS Fully Insured & WCB Covered

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

915 7th Avenue, Unit B, Invermere • EMAIL: fairmontridge@telus.net • 250-342-4663

FREE ESTIMATES

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

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OVER

30

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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

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!

LAMBERT-KIPP

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

Come in and browse our giftware

• 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

invermereelectric@gmail.com

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

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

Box 2206 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

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

INSURANCE

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

BOX 2228 742 - 13th STREET INVERMERE, BC V0A 1K0

BOX 459 7553 MAIN STREET RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BC V0A 1M0

P: 250-342-3031 F: 250-342-6945 info@lambertinsurance.ca

P: 250-347-9350 F: 250-347-6350 TOLL FREE: 1-866-342-3031

Kootenay Paving

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

NEW SEWER CAMERA

Free Estimates

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

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

• Septic Tank Pumping • Portable Toilet Rentals

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

Licensed Contractor

Your Compounding Pharmacy

250-342-6612

Scott Postlethwaite

East Kootenay Electrical Services

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

(Servicing the Valley since 1999)

KITCHEN CABINETS & COUNTER TOPS

Kootenay Paving Toll Free 1-888-341-2221

Call now for a free quote!

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

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

P.O. Box 130 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Toll Free 1-888-341-2221 Office: 250-342-2175 • Fax: 250-342-2669 Cindy.mackay@kootenayinsurance.ca

www.kootenayinsurance.ca

Please recycle this newspaper

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 29, 2021

HERE TO SERVE YOU LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING Spots available for summer 2021!

WINDERMERE, BC 250-341-7029

Landscaping&&Design Design Landscaping Landscaping & Design Trucking Excavating • •Trucking ••Excavating Trucking • Excavating •• Civil Earthworks • Civil Earthworks • FireSmart• Equipment Civil Earthworks 62”x74” Brushcutter

2016

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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY’S TREE CARE SPECIALISTS

Quality not quantity

250-341-5353 sdcoy@shaw.ca

Lloyd Wilder

250-342-5326 lewilder@shaw.ca

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

www.decoylandscaping.com

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

CONTRACTING

CONTRACTING

STAIN/LACQUER/PAINT INTERIOR/EXTERIOR

Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood.

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

Gary’s

A licensed, registered and bonded company

We also offer roundthe-clock service calls.

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

kekulibaycabinetry.com

Professional Painting & Decorating Ltd. 1978 CUSTOM WOOD FINISHING FAUX FINISHES JOURNEYMAN RED SEAL

403-650-4622 • garysptg@gmail.com

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

Kekuli Bay Cabinetry

INTERIOR • EXTERIOR • WALL COVERINGS

FREE Estimates

CONTRACTING

There’s a new ‘Sucker’ in town!

Patryk Jagiello

Seniors Discounts

GOLDEN, BC 250-344-0188

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

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

CONCRETE

READY MIX CONCRETE

• Authorized dealer • Designer • Installer

Dale Elliott Contracting

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) • 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.

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

dale@decontracting.ca • 250-341-7098 CONTRACTING

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

• • • •

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

Basements Garage pads Driveways Patios

250-688-3739

• • • •

Decorative Exposed Stamped concrete Acid staining Serving the Columbia Valley

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

N E W S PA P E R

July 29, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

ConnecTour stops through Radium Hot Springs on cross-country cycling tour distances. They’re equipped with sturdy steel frames and have extra spokes in the wheels to compensate for the excess weight— varying anywhere from 40-60 pounds per person. All cyclists are also decked out in reflective safety vests to avoid any potential accidents.

ConnecTour aims to make it to St. Johns by mid-October, and will finish the 135-day stretch by flying back to the west coast and biking to their starting point back in Kelowna.

Rick McFerrin, Lisa Monforton, Doug Firby, Andrew Hawes, and Lynn Martel were the current riders

By Haley Grinder Special to the Pioneer

travelling through Radium Hot Springs. The group of five, ranging in age from 50-69 years, say it was an exciting first leg of the expedition, composed of mud, rain, snow and temperatures dropping to zero degrees with little-to-no warning during an otherwise sunny day. Despite the unpredictable weather, the team remained in good spirits, choosing to focus on their highlights as they encountered multiple acts of kindness— from offerings of tea and cookies, to shelter from the elements, and even much-needed places to sleep.

The journey will be over 8,000 kilometres in length and aims to combat the isolation brought on by the recent pandemic by seeking out, talking to, and connecting with real Canadians.

“People were feeling very disconnected from each other or all confined [to their] homes, can’t go into the workplace, so there’s kind of a loss of a sense of community,” says Doug Firby, journalist and one of the core members committed to cycling the entire route. “And we thought this would be kind of a really great way to reconnect communities as we travel across the country. Just going from community to community, meeting people, [and] learning what they’re all about.”

Each member brings something unique to the team. Firby and Monforton both have backgrounds in journalism. Meeting new people, hearing different stories, and “constantly learning,” drives them on their journey.

ConnecTour, a group of individuals passionate about “cycling and adventure,” is taking Canada by storm this summer— one wheel at a time. The group is composed of “an eclectic mix of people” cycling eastbound across Canada. By day 18, and just over 1000 kilometres logged, they arrived at Radium Hot Springs, marking the completion of an eighth of their trip.

The trek was supposed to begin in Victoria in early May. However, constantly changing COVID-19 restrictions delayed the group’s starting date and changed their departure to May 28 out of Myra Canyon— a spot about 30 minutes south of downtown Kelowna.

It was cool, yet sunny as the cyclists approached the canyon. The clouds were swirling overhead, mimicking the riders’ excited anticipation as they prepared for their journey.

This location change meant they could not take part in the “typical tradition,” in which cyclists travelling coast-to-coast first dip their reels at mile zero in the ocean just off Victoria. Forced to modify the custom, the group dipped their tires into a frisbee filled with Okanagan Springs 1516 lager. The idea was courtesy of Jim Barr, CEO and contributor for the ZenSeekers team, an online magazine based in Alberta and British Columbia.

Firby says the bikes they ride The ConnecTour team gets ready to bike out of Radium Hot Springs on the morning of June 16. are heavy duty, around eight-feet- Photo by Haley Grinder long and designed for touring long

Continued on page 25....

HERE TO SERVE YOU I N

P U R S U I T

O F

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

SERVICES

CARPET CLEANING

CONCRETE

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

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

Where to recycle?

Where to recycle?

TILE AND GROUT

Check theCLEANING BC RECYCLEpEdia Business: RR#4 2117–13 Ave. Cell: www.rcbc.ca 250-342-9692 Invermere, BC 250-342-1273 V0A 1K4

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

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

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BC RECYCLING HOTLINE 604-732-9253 Amanda Murray Visit www.heavensbest.com 1-800-667-4321 for more information Office Administrator/ Sales

Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR

Recycle? Yes o

Get the BC ReCYClep

N E W S PA P E R

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

www.rcbc.c

Recycling council of B.c.

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 29, 2021

P ioneer C lassifieds ANNOUNCEMENT

ANNOUNCEMENT

GARAGE SALE

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

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

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

Garage Sale, Bird houses and more…. Wood burning etc., Tools. 7km north of Tim Hortons or 4 km south of Radium, Green Ackers MHP Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS A huge Cheers to the two guys at Fairmont Goldsmith! Their customer service is above and beyond excellent!

S OBITUARY S Tufts, Greyson James September 29, 1998 – July 17, 2021

It is with profound sadness we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved son, brother and uncle, Greyson Tufts on July 17, 2021, in Calgary.

Greyson grew up on the family farm near Edgewater, BC, where he enjoyed all aspects of living on a farm with lots of space to grow and enjoy life with his siblings. He participated in both soccer and competitive swimming in the Valley for many years along with his brothers, but was a unique and creative soul who had an amazing artistic eye that lead him further from sport the older he got. He used to add his special touch to the family store and to make his Alberta homes his own, and we will treasure the different pictures he took and shared over the years. Anyone who knew him, knows that he also possessed a sharp wit and amazing sense of humour that we will forever miss.

He loved his family, and as the youngest of six, made an effort to keep in close contact despite everyone living in different places. In Calgary, he especially enjoyed visiting his sister Ashley and his grandparents who lived close by.

The walks and hikes, especially along the rivers, with his trusty sidekick Dexter in tow were a pleasure in his life. He had a way with animals since his earliest years, and the animals on the farm returned his love following him around, leading us call him Dr. Doolittle in his youth. Along with Dexter his beloved dog, his entire family and friends will feel his absence the rest of our days, although he will remain close in our hearts forever. Greyson leaves behind his parents Graham and Karen, his siblings Ashley, Christine, Maxwell, Maddy, and Pierce, as well as his Nephew Mason and Niece Kyree, and his Grandparents from both sides of the family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Columbia Valley Centre in Invermere, on Sunday, August 1, at 1:00. We invite anyone who would like to come and share a memory with us to do so.

In living memory of Greyson Tufts, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by Calgary.

Condolences can be left online with Chapel of the Bells, McInnis and Holloway of Calgary.

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS Cheers to the Edgewater Firefighters!

“Firefighters prevented what would have undoubtably been a disaster late Monday night July 19th after a fire broke out at the Edgewater dump and recycling station. On behalf of all the residents and animals in the area, we Cheers you so much for keeping us all safe.

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

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

Cheers to Pizza 2 Go for happily delivering pizza plates and condiments to a bunch of hungry families at the beach during a busy summer Saturday night.

Cheers to not only following my sub-par directions but also waiting at the gate for someone let you down and being nothing but positive throughout the whole process you made our day!

Cheers to my awesome bosses Jeff and Jaimie Cote at Canadian Tire! I was injured (not at work) and they were still able to offer me light duty jobs to avoid missing work and a pay cheque.

Your care and compassion for your staff is above and beyond anywhere else I have ever worked. Cheers you guys.

LISTINGS NEEDED!

Cheers to Rene and Wally for the excellent work you are doing in our yard. We can always count on you to show up early and complete the work at hand.

For sure you are the best in the Valley.

S OBITUARY S Sargent, Hilton “Val” Valentine

CHEERS to all those devoted and faithful pets we have been fortunate to live with and love but are now gone. In the words of James Herriot - ‘If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans. ‘HECTOR’, July 27th, 2006 - July 27th, 2021, my devoted and loving four footed companion, always first to greet me at the door, is now with his friends. Always remembered but never forgotten.

I WANT TO SELL YOUR HOUSE!

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

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

BUYING OR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202

gerrytaft.ca Personal Real Estate Corporation

Rockies West Realty Independently owned and operated

Please email classified ads to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

1944 - 2021

Hilton Valentine Sargent of Windermere, B.C. passed away peacefully on July 12, 2021, with his daughters by his side.

“Val” as he was known to friends and family was born in Hanna, Alberta on October 23rd, 1944. He grew up on a farm in Byemoore, Alberta and embraced all that life could offer. He was a self-taught musician at the age of 13 with a guitar bought by his mother. Val heard Johnny Cash on the radio, and he was hooked. Later, he traveled across Alberta making lots of friends, sharing his musical talent. In 1970 he moved to B.C., to start a family and continue his musical career and worked at Radium Forest Products for 38 years. Val had a love for woodworking, his artistic talent was amazing ranging from barbie furniture, mountain wildlife and toy boxes for his grandchildren.

Dad had an illuminating smile and an effortless way of making everyone he met feel valued. He will be sadly missed and remembered forever in our hearts. Thank you to our Hometown!

Val is survived by his sister Ruby Davis, daughters Tammy (Rod), Cecilia (Brett), grandchildren Dakota, McKenzie, Paxton, and Dawson.

He was predeceased by his parents Hilton and Eva, two brothers Stanley and George.

A special thank you to the hometown support of Invermere, the hospital, physicians, nurses and janitorial staff, home care and Chisel Peak Medical Clinic and Pharmasave, Bunny and Al Turner who have maintained the suite for many years.

In memory of our dad, we ask that donations be sent to the Invermere Auxiliary for the Palliative Care Suite to support other families through their journey. PO Box 571 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 250-342-5552.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services.

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

NOTICE N E W S PA P E R

Due to the BC Day holiday, our office will be closed

Monday, August 2nd

We will re-open for business at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 3rd.

Advertising deadlines for the August 5th issue have changed to Thursday, July 29th at noon and the Classified deadline is Friday, July 30th at noon.

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

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

July 29, 2021

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS Cheers to John and Jess of Walker’s Auto & Glass Repair for the very fine job you did of replacing my car windshield.

First class service with a smile.

Well done!

A great big CHEERS to Michelle Cramton. She did an amazing job of organizing and facilitating the Columbia Garden Village Scooter Rodeo. We need more like her planning our events and activities!

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

250-342-3790.

Invermere Downtown – For Lease

• 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

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 WANTED Cash for all silver and gold!

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

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

1-250-426-4445.

Please call 250-341-6299 to place your classified ad.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

WANTED

SERVICES

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

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.

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

General Carpenter Finish Carpenter Jack of All Trades

Help Wanted. Elk Park Homes is hiring skilled laborers and carpenters. Please contact Thomas at 250-688-1741 for all inquiries.

MISC. FOR SALE 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.

TENDER ZEHNDER BEEF. Natural local beef, free of antibiotics and hormones.

Government inspected, locally processed. Raised on the open range west of Lake Windermere.

Halves and quarters ready for delivery. Call John Zehnder 250688-0713.

FIREWOOD Split Pine and hemlock. We deliver. Call 250-342-5481. 127 Westside Rd.

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

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

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

Call Jeff 250-341-8146 leave a message.

HELP WANTED

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.

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.

Pike Contracting Excavating and Skid Steer services.

Call Jason 250-342-5277.

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

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!

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.

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

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.

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

Featured Listing 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,

2577 Sandstone Circle

$819,900

Must provide resume and references from previous workplaces.

Contact Ross at Walker’s Repair Centre. email: info@walkersrepair.ca

Executive Castlerock Home MLS 2459822 Check out the 3D tour at Rockies.realestate

Geoff Hill PREC* REALTOR® Fair Realty

Invermere, BC

Chef/Evening Cooks Required

250-341-7600

www.geoffhill.ca

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.

Mountain bikes, cedar chest, carpet, video camera, photos in frames, house hold items, sporting goods. 613-13th Avenue Invermere Saturday July 31st 8am-1pm 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.

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.

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 29, 2021

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

JOB FAIR

Big Horn Cafe, Radium Hot Springs-Looking for Part-time and/or /Full-time personnel — this role will exist after the summer season, but if you are just wanting to work for the summer, please apply. Role is Barista/Cash and light food prep, No evenings, flexible hours, Negotiable per hour wage. Very competitive wages please apply at bighorncafe1@outlook.com or phone 403-861-2978.

Youth and professional positions available.

Part-time and full-time

Front end workers Cooks Management (with benefits) Hiring in all 4 locations!

Send resumes to Aidan Van Walleghem pizzeriawindermere@gmail.com • 250-688-3344 Call between 9 am and 2 pm, please leave a message.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AUCTIONS

BUILDINGS FOR SALE

WARD’S & BUD HAYNES FIREARMS AUCTION, Saturday, August 21st, Edmonton, Alberta. Hundreds of Lots in all Classes. www.WardsAuctions.com.

Call Brad 780-940-8378; Linda 403-597-1095 to consign.

INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008.

Built with concrete posts.

Barns, shops, riding arenas, machine sheds and more.

Adam.s@integritybuilt.com.

1-250-351-5374. www.integritybuilt.com

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Planning and Operational Forester •

•

Shuswap Band is looking for a full-time Planning and Operational Forester to support our growing organization • with the conservation and management of natural resources. The successful candidate will be part of a broader team responsible for supporting the development of a forestry strategy. The position will involve leading teams, advising leadership, supervising technicians, developing opportunities, training staff, and managing work. The successful candidate will also be responsible for assisting the Director of Territorial Stewardship with the develop- • ment and implementation of natural resource management projects and initiatives.

• We offer a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience and are committed to working with our employees to achieve their career goals within our organization. This position will provide exposure to • large, multi-facet projects and initiatives which are generally long-term in nature and require both consistency and commitment. This is a unique opportunity for the ideal candidate with the ability to steer career-changing activities.

• • RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE • • •

Director of Program Management

BCYCNA – CLASSIFIED ADS

• • • • • • • • • •

Identification and establishment of forestry opportunities, Oversight of Shuswap Band commercial forestry arrangements with third parties, Oversight and execution of forestry activities, including, o Timber harvesting and cut block development, o Forest surveys, assessments, studies, and plans, o Preparation of short and long-term plans for forest management, harvesting, silviculture operations and reforestation, o Development of fire prevention/suppression programs, road building, wildlife management, environmental protection, and the preparation of insect and vegetation control measures, Participation in and preparation for relevant working groups and representative forums, Responsible for implementing all phases of projects, from planning to completion, Responsible for coordinating and managing project teams, resources and budgets, Ensuring high quality of project work and on-time and budget delivery of services, Development of work plans, capacity funding proposals and funding grants, Conducting scientific research, assessments and studies, and reporting on findings, Maintaining good communication with clients, sub-consultants, contractors and stakeholders, Assisting in building a strong client network and organization reputation for quality services, Organizing and documenting critical information, developments and challenges for projects, Providing timely reports to the Director on project budgets, milestones and deliverables.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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EXPERIENCE Knowledge of relevant forestry management processes, legislation, regulations and best management practices, Experience organizing and managing complex initiatives, and with partnerships and relationships, especially with Indigenous communities, Current and directly related experience in planning and operational forestry, such as forest tenure field development, engineering, silviculture contract administration, forest health, monitoring, stewardship activities (e.g., forest stewardship planning, timber supply reviews, forest range evaluation and ecosystem restoration), harvest operations, or compliance and enforcement, Experience researching and analyzing BC Indigenous issues, history and political structures and supporting the development of options and negotiation strategies, Experience coordinating public consultation processes dealing with land use and resource management issues involving federal, provincial and local government jurisdictions, Using project management tools, techniques and tracking systems and participate in multiple concurrent projects, independently or in teams within time and resource constraints and demonstrated experience adapting to changing priorities, emergent issues, competing and conflicting demands.

Experience in consulting with stakeholders in natural resource management, Experience preparing B.C. regulatory permit applications.

QUALIFICATIONS Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous Communities, A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a resource management related field (i.e. land planning, forestry, geography, natural resource management, land management, etc.), A minimum of 5 years of direct and current experience, Registered, or fully licensed as a Registered Professional Forester, or Registered Forest Technologist with the Association of British Columbia Forest Professionals. Must be a Member in good standing (Your professional registration number should be included in your application), Minimum of 3 years experience with project management and coordination, Experience supervising forestry technicians in both office and field settings, Experience with project management, budgeting, and related administrative duties, Excellent oral and written communication skills including experience delivering briefings, Excellent interpersonal, problem solving and conflict resolution skills, Excellent attention to detail, organizational and time management skills, Ability to work independently as well as within a team setting, Ability to respond effectively to changing operational needs, Valid Class 5 BC driver’s license and reliable transportation, Training certificates in related areas are considered assets, Must work on-site at the Shuswap Band Territorial Stewardship Office.

To apply contact the Shuswap Indian Band, #3, 492 Arrow Road, Invermere BC V0A 1K2 Email: tainsworth@shuswapband.ca • Deadline for applications: Friday, August 20th, 2021 at 4 pm

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Community Health Nurse/ Home Care Nurse

QUALIFICATIONS • • • •

The Community Health Nurse/Home Care Nurse team lead (CHN/HCN), in collaboration with the community and the health team, will contribute to the overall health of the community using a population health and community • development framework. The CHN/HCN promotes traditional and cultural approaches to health practices. The CHN/HCN demonstrates knowledge and skills in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating community health and home care nursing programming based on local knowledge and information; morbidity, mortality • and other statistics; population health, and current preferred practice as these relate to community health and home care nursing practice.

• RESPONSIBILITIES • • Applies and utilizes key nursing knowledge and critical thinking to choose options and to plan, implement, and evaluate programs and interventions to address health issues, taking into account relevant evidence, • legislation, regulations, and policies.

• Collects, assesses, analyzes, and applies information from various data sources to make evidence informed decisions for nursing services, including program planning, development and priority setting with individ- • uals, families, groups, and communities, and interprets information for professional and community audiences.

• • Responsible for nursing programs set out in agreements: for IMMS, TB Control, Sexual Health, Maternal • Child Health, Prenatal/Postnatal, Communicable Disease, Men’s Health, Youth, Mental Health/Wellness and Substance Misuse, Injury Prevention, Chronic Disease.

• • Responsible for overseeing the Home & Community care program process and documents, assessment, care plan, coordinating care and services, home visits, lead home care team, provide education for clients, family • and team members, discharge plan, and follow-up.

• Maintains records, consent, charting, and protects the privacy and confidentiality of client information.

• Involves individuals, families, groups, and communities as active partners to take action to address health • inequities, and foster a self-management care approach for chronic conditions.

• • Advocates for, and uses culturally relevant and appropriate approaches, when building relationships and • providing nursing services.

• Collaborates and shares knowledge with colleagues, students, First Nations, and other members of the • health team.

• Works in collaboration with health care team as required by assigning responsibilities, monitoring activities, and providing support, guidance, education and overall coordination of nursing programs.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BScN) from a recognized university or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. One (1) year of nursing experience.

Current practicing registration with the British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP).

Certification in Immunization Competency, or willingness to be certified within 3 months of hire.

Possess a valid Class 5 British Columbia Driver’s License, able to submit current drivers abstract and have reliable transportation.

Complete and clear the Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.

SKILLS & ABILITIES Knowledge of, and ability to apply, an understanding of First Nations cultural principles and protocols in work situations.

Knowledge and the application of concepts, principles, and theories of cultural safety and trauma, including knowledge of other healing practices used in the community.

Knowledge of First Nations cultures and backgrounds, and the understanding of how culture impacts on communication patterns, and attitudes and approaches to health issues.

Knowledge of health status of populations, inequities in health, the determinants of health and illness, principals of primary care, strategies for health promotion, disease and injury prevention, health protection, curative, urgent and emergent care, rehabilitation and supportive or palliative care.

Application of the nursing process, conceptual frameworks of nursing, theories and principles of nursing practice.

Problem solving techniques/skills.

Knowledge of evidence based clinical nursing practice, including current concepts of primary care nursing for the delivery of community /family health and home care services.

Some knowledge in wound care, foot care, diabetes, COPD, Asthma, and other chronic conditions would be an asset.

Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Full-time position, 32.5 hours per week.

Hours of work 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday (half-hour unpaid lunch).

Must adhere to the Shuswap Indian Band Human Resources Policy and Procedure Manual (Approved April 4, 2018) and the Finance Policy Manual (Approved, October 24, 2017).

Preference will be given to persons of Aboriginal ancestry as per Section 16 (1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act.

Applicants may send cover letter and resume to darmstrong@shuswapband.ca or by fax:778-526-5120.

We thank all applicants in advance however, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

July 29, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25 Continued ‘ConnecTour’ from page 21

SOCIAL WORKER

Permanent, Full-Time (35 hours/week) ?Akisq’nuk/Windermere, BC KTUNAXA KINBASKET CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES SOCIETY The Ktunaxa Kinbasket Child & Family Service Society is committed to working collaboratively with Aboriginal families and communities of the Traditional Ktunaxa Territory to increase their ability to fulfill their responsibilities for caring for their children in a culturally relevant manner.

KKCFSS SUPPORTS KNC’S VISION STATEMENT:

Strong, healthy citizens and communities, speaking our languages and celebrating who we are and our history in our ancestral homelands, working together, managing our lands and resources as self-sufficient, self-governing Nation.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Social Worker functions as part of a multi-disciplinary team of professional specialists who are dedicated to the empowerment and well-being of Aboriginal peoples. Specifically, the Social Worker is entrusted to: • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • •

Assist families and communities, through the provision of supports, to ensure children thrive and are safe with the goal of maintaining the family unit.

Assess safety of Aboriginal children.

Enter into agreements for alternate care of children.

When there is no other means to ensure the safety of children, remove children to ensure protection.

Present oral and written reports/testimony to court.

Act of guardian for children where family and/or community are not able to.

Where safety cannot be ensured assess and approve alternate care arrangements for children.

Provide support and monitor alternate care homes (kinship care homes, foster homes, etc.).

Facilitate support services to youth.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Coordinate and conduct child protection assessments and investigations for all Aboriginal children on and off reserve.

Manage highly sensitive and confidential information on a daily basis – determining what information can/ cannot be shared with clients, community members, collaterals, leadership, other systems (i.e. schools, doctors, RCMP).

Provide ongoing Family Support and Child Protection Services to children and their families including initiating referrals to other KKCFS staff and external agencies. Provide family and community support services with goal of supporting and maintaining family units.

On an ongoing basis assess client functioning and risk to children.

Formulate and implement casework plans.

Prepare children and families and required documents for court.

Attend and give evidence in family and young offender court.

•Support and monitor temporary and permanent placements of children in care.

Use a variety of approaches/strategies to achieve desired outcomes gained through extensive knowledge of approaches to working with families.

Coordinate family meetings upon request by families, community members, KKCFS staff, and Ministry of Children and Family Development staff.

Coordinate joint meetings between community, leadership, Métis and other Aboriginal organization staff and KKCFS staff.

• • • • • • •

Box 159, 8866 Grainger Rd., Canal Flats, B.C. V0B 1B0 Phone: 250-349-5462 • Fax: 250-349-5460 • village@canalflats.ca

Notice of Intention to Consider Revitalization Tax

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS: ACADEMIC PREPARATION

Exemption Bylaw No. 249, 2021

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

Pursuant to Section 226 and 227 of the Community Charter, notice is hereby given that Council of the Village of Canal Flats intends to establish a revitalization tax exemption program for the following reason:

Undergraduate degree in Social Work or related field.

Eligible for full delegation under the Child, Family and Community Service Act

• • • • • • •

Lynn, an ex-accountant and speed demon on her bike, helps to ground the group every morning, instilling a ritual of what she calls a daily “sunshine prayer”— a morning check-in where everyone rates their mental and physical health on a scale from 1-10.

Rick McFerrin, who started ConnecTour with his wife Tanya, decided to transform their love for cycling into a lifestyle, founding OnaVelo: a “boutique bike touring company,” in 2000. McFerrin has cycled over 100,000 kilometres in more than 43 countries, but has always wanted to do a cross Canada trek. A humble leader, he says, “I have tools in my toolkit to fix bikes, but I also have tools in my head to work with the group,” stressing the importance of community building during such a trying time.

Andrew Hawes says the experience has been “completely transformative.” As a Canadian special forces veteran who struggles with PTSD, Hawes stresses the importance of connecting with others in order to preserve one’s own mental health, not to mention the positive effects physical activity has when battling unseen emotional scars. “There’s so many great Canadians, all with interesting stories that we just need.”

Hawes says he instantly gravitated towards McFerrin. “I’ve seen leadership in him and I follow him, and I’m telling you, I don’t just follow anybody.” The entire group has become quite close in such a short period of time.

Although, Firby and Monforton— partners for over 25 years— also have their own cause to ride. “Our son-in-law recently discovered he’s going to need a liver transplant,” says Firby. The pair wanted to bring awareness to the shortage of organ donations within Canada.

Thankfully, as of June 29, they got the unexpected call that he had found a match.

Expressing both gratitude and relief, they are “still riding for Dax,” who has “many long and potentially difficult days ahead as he recovers from this major surgery.”

ConnecTour is still cautious despite the worst of the pandemic seemingly being behind us. Having plenty of sanitizer on hand and doing regular morning temperature checks has become a daily standard. The group remains inclusive to all, regardless of age or experience, leaving individuals or groups with the option to join for a day, week, month, or even the entire trip. The cost begins at $65 for a day and night, but is cheaper if you book a longer trip of a week or more. Set destinations to pick up joiners are pre established on their website: www.connectour.ca/registration/.

2 years experience working with families at risk (equivalency and other positions that work with child protection).

2 years experience working with Aboriginal communities.

Extensive knowledge of aboriginal issues both historical and current in British Columbia.

Knowledge of ethics and professional approaches in resolving ethical dilemmas.

Be a positive community role model.

Work in ways which empower and build capacity among individuals and communities.

Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with other staff as well as other inter-disciplinary. partners in both the aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities.

Excellent communication skills, including written, oral and computer skills.

Maintain confidentiality.

Ability to ensure personal and client’s safety.

Ability to deal effectively with disclosures of physical, sexual and emotional abuse.

Ability to deal effectively with conflict and apply dispute resolution and problem solving and negotiating skills in an effective and problem solving manner.

Problem solving skills and strategies – ability to engage individuals presenting strong emotions and at times resistance to the involvement of social workers.

Willingness to analyze approaches used with families, to learn from mistakes, and to explore alternative strategies to working with families.

CLOSING DATE: August 4th, 2021 – 4:30pm Please submit your cover letter and resume, quoting “Social Worker - ?Akisq’nuk” in the subject line, telling us what attracts you to the position and how your experiences relate: Tasha Olderness, Executive Assistant, Ktunaxa Kinbasket Child & Family Services Society 7472 Mission Road Cranbrook, BC V1C 7E5 • KKCFSS-HR@KTUNAXA.ORG We thank those who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

•

To encourage new non-residential assessment in Canal Flats.

The proposed Village of Canal Flats Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 249, 2021 provides an application and tax exemption certificate for a Revitalization Tax Exemption, which will permit Council to consider tax exemption applications prior to commencement of construction of a project valued $50,000 or greater for properties within the boundary of Canal Flats, Class 6 (commercial, business other) or Class 5 (light industry).

The maximum term for the tax exemption shall be 6 years pro-rated as follows: - Years 1 to 3 100% of new assessment - Year 4 80% of new assessment - Year 5 60% of new assessment - Year 6 40% of new assessment - Year 7 nil Third reading and adoption of Bylaw 249 are scheduled for August 9th and August 23rd, respectively.

Bylaw 249 is available on the Village website, www.canalflats.ca and at the Village office, 8866 Grainger Road, Canal Flats, BC, Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30pm.

Any person wishing to express opposition to proposed Village of Canal Flats Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 249, 2021 is requested to do so in writing to: Sylvie Hoobanoff Corporate Officer PO Box 159, 8866 Grainger Road Canal Flats, BC V0B 1B0 village@canalflats.ca

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

FAITH

Obedience to the unenforceable

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

By Brent Woodard Anglican/United Shared Ministry

Now open for in-person services.

Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lwac.ca

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

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

250-342-6644 • www.wvsm.ca

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

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

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

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

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

Relief Society, 11:15 a.m.

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

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I once heard “morality” defined as “obedience to the unenforceable.” It was said by English judge, John Fletcher Mouton. His full quote is, “Obedience to the unenforceable is the extent to which the individuals composing the nation can be trusted to obey self-imposed law.”

This came to mind when I heard news about how some people need the incentive of winning a lottery to get vaccinated, and how some wealthy people are lining up to have a few moments in space, burning lots of fossil fuel to have the experience. This is happening when many people get vaccinated as an act of civil responsibility and while many people try to lessen their consumption to mitigate climate change. It invites one to wonder about ethics and morality.

“Obedience to the unenforceable.” This means a person does the right thing when they are not forced to do it, when no one is there to hold them accountable.

If you do the right thing because you’re forced to, that’s not so moral. If you do the right thing because you’ll look good, that’s not so moral. If you do the right thing trying to get rewarded or trying to avoid being punished, that’s not so moral.

What is the right thing? Good question, hard to an-

swer. On the one hand, there is a place for laws and codes that are set by people in the know. An example of this are the “rules” around what can go into the dumpster at a transfer station. Moral people would follow such rules even when there is no one present to enforce them. On the other hand, an ethical or moral person goes beyond just adhering to external laws. They discern the right thing to do using their own perception and conscience.

Perhaps rules can’t be made up for everything in life, and perhaps what is right is not “black and white,” but is in a “grey” area. Indeed, people may find they have to “process” with themselves and others what is the ethical or moral choice to make. The willingness to process is the work and care to be ethical and moral.

What are some examples of being “obedient to the unenforceable?” It could be picking up a piece of garbage on a walk. It could be slowing down on the highway at a time when animals are likely to be about, for the animals’ sake. It could be fixing a leaky gas line, so less gas and oil drips into the lake. It could be paying more for a product because it supports local people, or because it is likely to be out of the landfill longer. It could be driving a quad in the wilderness in such a way as to not spook wildlife and to be less destructive. It could be driving a smaller vehicle because it consumes less and pollutes less.

So, questions to consider: Are we aware that we are faced with moral decisions every day? Is there a cost to making a morally right choice? Is there a benefit to making a morally right choice? When are there times in our lives when we are “obedient to the unenforceable?”

Where does our sense of “doing the right thing” come from?

Connection + Place: Summer Artshow 2

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July 29, 2021

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Connection + Place is the current exhibition at Pynelogs Cultural Centre and Art Gallery. The showcase began on Submitted by Cajsa Fredin July 13, and will run Executive Director until Aug 1, featuring the visions of six unique artists as they explore the post-pandemic, “new normal.”

Although it has been a year of social distancing, fluctuating restrictions, and mandatory face masks, some individuals have used this time to fuel their creativity, creating works that portray this shift around human interaction.

The point of the work is exploring change in relationships— with ourselves, others and the natural world around us. Is what we are taking from the world in balance with what we give?

Japhy Hunt explores the theme of disconnect and disparity through thought-provoking imagery. His use of humour highlights the extreme duality of human nature and the differences that make us unique also make us vulnerable.

Kimberly Olson’s, “Islands of Peace,” draws on these same themes through abstractions. She contrasts the negative and positive space in painting to bring a lightness to her work. Her goal is to use art as a way to tap into the philosophy of human emotion.

With striking poignancy, Jack Olson’s reflective paintings of COVID-19 investigate human vulnerability through forced disconnect and the emotional toll of sep-

aration while deconstructing the concept of invincibility.

Paulina Stankovski and Mimi Sahlstrom, use their artwork to show how humanity’s imagination patiently awaits and coaxes the possibility of joy in the everyday magic of nature and humanity. Symbolic of the Columbia Valley, their pieces aim to understand the changing landscape of connection. By using bold colours and the constant theme of nature, they remind us of our place and our tenuous time.

This exhibit can be found at Pynelogs, Tuesday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you cannot make it in person, it will also be showcased at www.columbiavalleyarts. com for online viewing.

The second painting in Mimi Sahlstrom’s Migration series that celabrates earths everchanging rhythm and the wetlands

Submitted photo