Columbia Valley Pioneer, August 12, 2021

August 12, 2021 Vol. 18/Issue 32

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

August 12, 2021

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08 SPLASH PARK A team of Core and Shuswap Band archaeologists excavate a cooking feature in a cultural depression.

They recently discovered the remains of an indigenous habitation feature or pit house.

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 12, 2021 Highlights of the @LiveColumbiaValley Instagram account, brought to you by the Columbia Valley Community Economic Development Office, a service of the RDEK.

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Live music Locals Live Concert Series in Pothole Park is happening every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. On Aug. 5, Bossy O’Leary and The Clandestine Song band played on the Home Hardware Stage. The next event will feature Hamburgers on Wonderbred on Aug. 12.

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August 12, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS

Archeological assessment reveals evidence of ancient pit house The discovery indicates indigenous usage of land dating many thousands of years ago

By James Rose findings were carefully recorded.

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The preliminary results of the excavation units

surprised Watson. They found something. “Beyond a In 2018, Eagle Ranch Resort began the shadow of a doubt, we confirmed the suspected culturdevelopment of its now complete Headwaters al depression to be the remains of an indigenous habiLodge and Cabins. Before the development tation feature or pit house,” Watson said. What’s a culcould start however, a building permit from tural depression? According to Core’s online glossary, a the Shuswap Indian Band was needed. Eacultural depression is the general term for any pit or degle Ranch Resort resides on Shuswap reserve pression created by humans. These may include house land. Conditional to the issuance by the band pits, cooking or roasting pits, and cache pits where food of a building permit was a third party archaeoor other items were stored. logical assessment. The proposed development “This find confirms narratives as told by Shuswap overlapped with a known archaeological site.

Band Elders and Knowledge Keepers, of the Shuswap Cranbrook based Core Heritage ConBand’s active and longstanding presence in this area,” sulting (Core), a regional firm specializing in Olivia De Brabandere said. De Brabandere works as the indigenous archaeological work, was contractShuswap Band’s culture and heritage coordinator. ed to do extensive testing. Core’s aim was to Watson is quick to point out that the site’s exisbetter understand the portion of the site that tence has been known for a while. “It was first recorded the proposed development would permanentin 1977,” Watson said. “There’s been a number of studCooking stones and lithic debitage found within the archaeology site. ly destroy. ies conducted on it since with varying degrees of profes “We did a thorough assessment sionalism and expertise.” Despite the work [in 2018] to better understand the that was done, Watson maintains it was not part of the site that was to be disturbed very well understood. by the then-proposed development In the case of the Eagle Ranch discovbefore its destruction,” Brett Watson ery, what Watson and his team found was said. Watson is a permit-holding ara cultural depression habitation feature, a chaeologist in BC’s sub-arctic boresemi-subterranean dwelling or more simal and interior plateau regions with ply: someone’s home. “As of now, we have fifteen years experience. In 2017, he limited evidence that this was built thoufounded Core which now employs sands of years ago, though it’s likely,” Watfour archaeologists. son said. “We came down on a hearth or a Fast forward to spring 2021. Affireplace that would’ve been used for cookter completing the accommodation ing and heating.” portion of Headwaters, next on Eagle As to exactly how long ago this feature Ranch’s to-do list for the new develwas first built, right now it is impossible to opment was exterior beautification say. “We have carbon samples, we just need (landscaping). Core was brought back to send them off for dating,” Watson said. to do further monitoring of areas not A carbon dating study would reveal with assessed in 2018. much greater clarity the feature’s origina Through the course of monitortion date. But those kinds of studies take ing, Watson and his team began caremore time and money. “Based on the mafully controlled excavations within an terial types discovered and the stratigraphy intact portion of the known archaeoobserved, the site was likely utilized for logical site. The excavations were conthousands of years,” explained Watson. ducted in stratigraphically controlled A hearth used for cooking and associated fire-broken rock is carefully excavated.

Photos submitted by Brett Watson 1m x 1m units. Detailed records of all Continued on page 12...

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Submitted by Sgt. Darren Kakuno Detachment Commander Columbia Valley RCMP This past week, Aug. 2 through Aug. 8, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 106 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

•On Monday, Aug. 2, at about 4 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP responded to a single vehicle collision on Highway 93 approximately 8 km east of Radium Hot Springs. The driver of a BMW X5 failed to negotiate a curve in the highway and went off the road, rolling the vehicle onto its side. The driver, and lone occupant, was uninjured.

•On Tuesday, Aug. 3, at about midnight, the RCMP and fire department received a report of squatters starting a campfire in a wooded area behind the Castle Rock Subdivision in Invermere. An officer attended and confirmed the camper had started a campfire contrary to restrictions and issued the individual a $1,150 violation ticket.

•On Tuesday, Aug. 3, emergency crews responded to a two vehicle collision involving a Honda Civic and a GMC van. Both vehicles were northbound on Highway 93/95 when the driver of the Honda Civic attempted to make a left turn into a viewpoint pullout. The driver of the GMC van was unable to stop in time and collided into the rear of the Honda, then drove off the road and down an embankment. None of the occupants were se-

August 12, 2021

riously injured. The driver of the van was issued a violation ticket for following too close.

•On Tuesday, Aug. 3, at 8:20 p.m., emergency crews responded to a collision involving a vehicle and a cyclist on Highway 93/95 in Fairmont The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and cooperated with the investigation. Witnesses reported the cyclist had suddenly pulled onto the highway from behind a barrier. The vehicle had tried to swerve to avoid the cyclist but ended up striking the individual. The cyclist was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

•On Wednesday, Aug. 4, a resident on Highway 93/95 in Fairmont Hot Springs discovered someone had entered his shed and stole numerous Dewalt and Makita cordless tools.

•On Wednesday, Aug. 4, RCMP assisted the fire department with a report of a campfire at a property on 10th Avenue in Invermere. The individual was issued a $1,150 fine for failing to comply with fire restrictions.

•On Sunday, Aug. 8, several thefts from unlocked vehicles were reported in Windermere and Invermere. An unlocked vehicle was accessed on Osprey Point and two sets of golf clubs were stolen. Wallets were stolen out of a Subaru Forester and an F150 in Invermere, and sunglasses were stolen from an unlocked Audi. A credit card from one of the stolen wallets was used in Calgary later the same morning.

Lake Windermere Pulse Check www.lakeambassadors.ca Average Water Temperature: 19.8 °C Average Water Depth: 3.8 m Average Turbidity: 0.98 NTU Turbidity Average Dissolved Oxygen: 7.3 mg/L Average pH: 8.18

Richard, who came a few months ago from Peace River and got right to work by joining the LWA board!

After weeks of breathing smoke, the fresh air on the lake has never tasted as good as it did this morning.

The birds seem to agree: red-necked grebes abounded, contentedly bobbing around and diving for minnows all morning, and the bald eagles were soaring, happy to have their vision restored.

This week, both of our citizen scientists were new residents to the Valley, who jumped in right away to get involved with the Ambassadors. Big thanks to Allie, who moved from Boston, MA only a few weeks ago, to work at the Old Blue Truck Farm, and to

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August 12, 2021

Disappointment from KERHD board over provincial funding process

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com The Ministry of Health recently announced a new urgent and primary care centre (UPCC) opening in Cranbrook next November without consulting the Kootenay East Regional Hospital District (KERHD) board of directors.

“That’s twice in the last six months, where the government had made a decision that they’re going to do something and then they come to us (board of KERHD) and say that you have to pay 40 per cent, but they didn’t consult us. They didn’t give us more information,” expressed mayor of Radium Clara Reinhardt and members of KERHD board.

“I am not very impressed,” said Dean McKerracher, KERHD board chair and mayor of Elkford. “We had already heard the announcement from the ministry and from the chair of Interior Health without them consulting with us first to having us know that’s what they were doing before the board actually passed a motion to accept to give the $1.2 million in capital funding to the project.”

UPCC will manage non-life-threatening conditions, as well as help patients connect with a regular primary care provider. In addition, other community support services will be integrated. “Right now, not everyone has a family doctor, or maybe they can’t get an appointment, and the lineup at the emergency is six hours, and if you drive an hour and a half to Cranbrook, you can get in more quickly,” Reinhardt said about the positive impact on the community.

When fully operational, the medical team at the center is anticipated to include doctors, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, mental wellness clinicians, physio-

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

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therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, Aboriginal health coordinators, and a clinical pharmacist.

About 35 per cent of visits to the emergency department of East Kootenay Regional Hospital in 2020-21 were triaged as relatively low acuity. There are alternative settings that can serve these purposes, such as the UPCC. Health Minister Adrian Dix announced on Aug. 4 that the UPCC will be located at Baker St. mall in Cranbrook.

The center will be open seven days a week, 365 days a year, and through extended hours on evenings and weekends.

Interior Health, the Ministry of Health, the East Kootenay Division of Family Practice, and Ktunaxa Nation are collaborating to establish the health centre.

McKerracher voted against the motion with two others directors. “I voted against the motion on the principle that they did not recognize the KERHD board or the 80,600 and some taxpayers that live in our region. The minister didn’t have the decency to notify the board or the taxpayers.”

Approximately $3 million is budgeted for the project, of which $1.8 million will come from Interior Health and $1.2 million to be provided through the KERHD. “The Province brags about their portion of $1.8 million, but they forgot to say that the hospital board and taxpayers of our region we’re going to pay the $1.2 million as well, which is 40 per cent capital,” said McKerracher to the Pioneer. “At the end of the day, if you sit down and think about it, the thousands of taxpayers that live in our region pay the provincial taxes and pay the hospital taxes. Basically, they’re paying 100 per cent of the project.”

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

PERSPECTIVE

August 12, 2021

Historical Lens

End of single-use plastic?

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Across the province, municipalities are now able to take action faster to stop plastic pollution. It’s about time, too!

British Columbia disposed of more than 340,000 tonnes of plastic items and packaging in 2019. Per person in one year, this translates into 65 kilograms of plastic waste sitting in our landfills. Most single-use plastics are used as packaging; studies have shown that plastic packaging produces 40 per cent of all plastics discarded.

Local governments now have the power to ban plastic bags and certain single-use plastics without provincial approval. Under the Community Charter, the provincial government modified a regulation to permit local governments to ban single-use plastics, including plastic bags, polystyrene containers, and plastic utensils. In the past, municipalities had to obtain ministerial approval before banning plastics.

A few municipalities took action long before this new regulation, and a number of them had been granted permission to implement bans, including Victoria, Richmond, Tofino, Saanich, and Ucluelet.

Since then, the number of municipalities developing bylaws banning single-use plastics has drastically increased; and approximately 20 more municipalities are currently preparing their own bylaws .

Foam cups and foam take-out containers, plastic straws (including the plastic ones described as compostable), disposable ustensils, plastic and compostable plastic shopping bags are a few examples of banned items in these cities.

As a result of these bans, people have created awesome ethical alternatives. A few initiatives are pretty interesting, like the reusable container program in Vancouver, which allowed customers to bring their own container for a sustainable take-out option.

The government is trying to pass this new regulation with great enthusiasm, showing how Canada is an incredible leader in environmental matters; but at the same time is cutting the rest of its old-growth forests and asking for more pipelines.

Let’s be honest: It’s just a tiny-little-baby step. It’s a great start toward a better future, but there’s so much more to do! Let’s not let our guard down and keep asking for greater change, starting with the local governments around the valley. They should jump in the same boat, with the other 20 municipalities, and pass a new bylaw banning single-use plastics. It will be an outstanding achievement, and hopefully an excellent start toward even better and more significant changes to come.

In the meantime, while our councillors work hard to change the bylaw...business owners might consider offering environmentally friendly alternatives to single-use plastics, rather than waiting for the upcoming ban.

Two horses on ferry crossing the Columbia River near Fairmont.

C1987, 1912-1916, courtesy Windermere District Historical Society

To the Indigenous People of Canada Dear Editor: I believe that most Canadians are good, kind people. We are the most of Canadians who get up everyday, work, look after our families and just try our best to be good people.

Now, the horrors of Canadian’s history are coming to light. We try to understand what has happened, knowing that there is no sense in the madness of Canada’s history, the government, the institutions, laws, and treaties that were put in place. We cannot change, we cannot fix, no matter how much we want to. We are frustrated that history is what it is.

We, or our ancestors, came from other places.

Some of us have faced many challenges, poverty, persecution, systemic racism, genocide, loss of land and home, just because we were someone. We were in the wrong place at the wrong time. We cannot understand your suffering through the unfolding of Canada’s history. We can offer compassion.

We live on your land, our homes, farms, towns, cities, our way of life happens here. We did not want it to be this way at a loss to your people. We do not know how it all came to be. Why and how did we not know?

We do not understand why the Indigenous communities are lacking in necessities such as clean drinking water, housing, and health care. Why in the 21st century systemic racism is a problem?

What we do want is to understand and help. We want to learn. We want all of us to find answers, to find sustainability, to find peace. All Canadians need to find a way to move forward, together, with kindness, compassion and understanding.

Yes, I will wear orange, listen to stories, acknowledge with respect the events of the past, pray, ask the government for justice, and support Indigenous businesses and cultural undertakings.

I feel lost. I want to be able to do more. I want you to know that I am here for you.

I believe that most Canadians are deeply saddened and simply horrified by Canada’s history of the mistreatment of the Indigenous people, the challenges that many Indigenous communities are struggling with.

What should we, most Canadians, do in the face of all the adversity?

Trying to be a good Canadian,

Rachel Avery, Fairmont Hot Springs

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.

August 12, 2021

LETTERS

Simple pleasures Dear Editor: Remember the week before last when we finally had rain? That was when I noticed a robin splashing water from a puddle in our driveway. The sight gave me great pleasure like never before. In fact, just having the puddle was quite a morale booster.

These simple outdoor pleasures occur all the time. Some are obvious, like the large bull moose I saw standing beside the road recently. And on the same day, while fishing in complete solitude, I watched a dark shape appear behind the 40cm cutthroat that I had hooked. It was shaped like a torpedo and was easily twice as long

as my frantic quarry. Fortunately, the bull trout went hungry, and I released the unharmed cutthroat with a whispered, “Good luck.”

“Satchmo” Armstrong used to sing “What a Wonderful World,” and even in these troubled times, the simple pleasures are still there if we just look for them.

There is even a benefit in smoky skies.

Slathering on sunscreen becomes an option instead of a necessity. So try to minimize the bad and be grateful for the good life in our own wonderful world, here in the Columbia Valley.

Bob Hahn, Juniper Heights

Submitted photo by Columbia Lake Stewardship Society

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

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Columbia Lake Pulse Check Submitted by Columbia Lake Stewardship Society Average Water Temperature: 21.0 C Average Water Depth: 3.19 m Average Turbidity: 1.21 NTU Average D.O.: 8.9 mg/L Average pH: 8.72 Another beautiful month of water testing! The air quality from the smoke may be poor, but the water quality of Columbia Lake is healthy!

The water temperature reached its peak after the heatwave and has now started to cool down a little. The lake depth

is starting to drop significantly now that the fresher (snow melt) no longer has an effect on the lake. The turbidity, pH and dissolved oxygen are at a good level for the lake.

Thank you to this month’s volunteer Ed Gilmore! He has been volunteering with CLSS ever since the organization was first created!

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

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8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 12, 2021

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MNBC announces grants for Métis early years programming

R4 regional director. It was there she made the funding announcement. “I didn’t realize how quickly I adapted to not travelColumbia Valley Métis Association ling,” Fisher said. “After wearing a mask, members eligible to apply for funding doing everything I can to avoid the virus, Métis Nation British Columbia I mean I used to not think twice about (MNBC) has announced $400,000 for flying, and now it’s kind of a weird feeling Métis chartered communities for Métis sitting on the plane.” early years programming. The Columbia Nevertheless, once Fisher made it to Valley Métis Association is one of 36 pro- the Métis House in Chilliwack, she felt vincially chartered communities. more at ease. “It was the first community “The funding gathering, and it is coming from was all about the the federal govchildren,” she said. ernment and will “It was amazing. go toward supThere were Red porting families River cart races and children for for children; the a variety of serwhole experience vices,” said Deb was emotional.

Fisher, MNBC’s I’m a hugger, and minister of chilbeing able to hug dren and families people was really and Kootenay powerful.” representative.

The $400,000 The investfunding will go ment will provide toward chartered communities communities to with opportunihelp with serties to create earvices such as rely learning prospite care. “Let’s grams that focus say mom and on Métis culture dad have a special and language, needs child, and traditional Métis Deb Fisher speaking in Chilliwack at her first they’re experiencparenting, early public event as MNBC’s minister of children, ing some burnout childhood devel- families and education. where they need opment and fam- Photo submitted by Derek Robitaille respite care. Now ily drop-in prothey can apply for grams. funding for a sup“We know our Métis chartered com- port person to take their child out of the munities are strongly equipped to help home for one or two days a month,” Fishsupport our Métis children,” Fisher said. er said. “Or maybe a child needs a special “We’ve heard loud and clear that they walker. With this funding, the chartered need, and want, more financial supports community could pay $500 toward a to meet the needs of our children, and walker that would normally cost $1,500.”

I’m proud [of ] that as a nation, we are Although the funding may at first equipped to make this investment.” The glance seem substantial, in reality, spreadfunding builds on the ministry of educa- ing $400,000 across 36 provincial chartion’s continued support of Métis children tered Métis communities doesn’t go as far and families. as one may hope. “But it’s a great start,” Fisher travelled to Chilliwack to at- Fisher said. “It’s exciting because we’ve tend her first public political event since never had funding to be able to support being voted in last October as MNBC’s families like this before.”

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

August 12, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

Summer Playdate at the Park!

July and August 9:30 – 11:30 am Starting July 6, 2021

(Under 6 years old with parent participation) • •

Healthy Snacks • Story time •

Songs Free Play

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Arts & Crafts

Parent & T t Connect Parent &T t Connect Thursdays – Edgewater Community Park Tuesdays – Canal Flats Civic Centre Park

Radium Hot Springs welcomes splash park nated its progress, delaying the project until 2021. However, the silver lining was that the Rotary Club had more time to fundraise, ultimately raising $220,000.

The Radium Rotary Splash Park held their grand Donations were posted on the hockey nets behind opening last weekend on Saturday, Aug. 7, in Legend’s the park during the ceremony but will be permanently Field, tucked between the hockey rink and the outdoor mounted on plaques soon. fitness gym. The celebration was a culmination of over Despite the Rotary Club’s hard work and dedication, two and a half years of hard work and dedication, not to the pandemic and “raging forest fires,” unfortunately promention the many donations needed for funding. hibited the park from obtaining a permit from Interior The park is “an amazing addition to the community,” Health for flowing water on their launch date. However, says Dale Shudra, Chair of the Splash Park Committee. they remain patient and optimistic.

“It’s a free place to use, a safe place for families to gath“Our permit will wait as these emergencies are ader, and a place to create memories through healthy water dressed,” says Shudra. play.”

Instead, the committee invited guests of the grand The project was tackled by Radium Rotary Club— a opening to BYOW (bring your own water) in a showcase group established in 2003 who of hope and good spirit. Anyhave completed numerous projone so inclined was encouraged ects around town, including to “direct some water our way,” Rotary Park, the outdoor fitness as the official ribbon was cut. gym, and Rotary Gardens. CurDuring the festivities, Radium rently, they have only 15 memfirefighters unrolled their hosbers— a small group to underes from the fire hydrant so that take such a large task. children could be soaked to their Shudra says they didn’t greatest pleasure. let the size of the project deter Shudra says the journey has them. The Rotary Club has a been rewarding, but he is excited saying: “We’re the little club to get back to the basics. “Two that can, and we decided, yes, weeks ago, once we got this we could.” down [and] the sod laid, your atIn January 2019, the budtention starts moving away from get to complete the splash park all that other stuff: committees, was $150,000, with $20,000 of raising money, permits, plans, that coming from the Rotary itet cetera. And you start thinkself, through countless hours of ing about why we’re doing this: volunteer work. hot kids, cold water. Play. Fun. Although the park was origFamily. That’s what it’s all about inally supposed to be completed now.”

Generous donors cutting the ribbon. last summer, the pandemic stag Photos by Camille Aubin

Weather Permitting.

Follow the Family Dynamix Early Years Facebook page for updates.

Please bring picnic blankets to ensure social distancing, hats, appropriate clothes, sunscreen, and water bottles.

Covid protocols will be in place.

Questions? Call or text Melanie @ 250-341-8678 or email mferster@fdx.family

By Haley Grinder haley@columbiavalleypioneer.com

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Resource, Development & Advocacy

Huge thank you, one and all!

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his is a long over-due and a most current heart felt thank you to so many people. It begins with thanks for the care and compassion given Dick after his diagnosis by our family doctor, Dr. Johnson, the doctors and nursing staff of the ER and ward, the Auxiliary that keeps Room 7 comfortable for families who are traveling a journey with a loved one. Also, Home Care, physio and Hospice.

To my children; Amanda and her partner Wayne, Darcy and his contingent of friends whom I consider as my extended adopted family – you are amazing. Your “you can do this mom” and hugs and the work that you did to get me to where I am at today are so appreciated. For my sister Cheryl and her support and long phone calls.

Thank you to our church family, quilters, book club members, neighbours, friends who have been journeying with me following Dick’s passing as I made the decision to sell our home and then purchase a condo in Radium. I am still sane because of your caring, assistance, advice and walking this journey with me.

I have to give a shout out as well to businesses that I came to rely on; The Local View, Palliser Printing, Brian at Blue Sky Realty, Kool Country, CIBC, BMO Financial and BMO manager who came through in a crunch, Mountain Ridge Exc., Taynton Bay Electric, Sentinel Storage and Rockies Law. We live in a spectacular part of the country and it is made all the more special by all of you. Words cannot express my gratitude – you are all awesome.

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10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 12, 2021 Welcome to the brand new two page spread, brought to you by the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce!

We will be coming to you every week featuring new entrepreneurs, local business legends, valuable opportunities for business operators, PLUS! Every event in the Valley that you should know about! Thanks to www.cvevents.ca

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Long time no see, welcome back to Canada

Invermere, B.C. – Did anyone think that the Canadian/US border would be closed to non-essential travel for a year and a half? As countries around the world begin to reopen their borders to leisure travel, Canada is welcoming back American visitors. On Aug. 9, Canada opened the borders to fully vaccinated Americans to come into Canada for non-essential travel. The fully vaccinated Americans will not be required to quarantine for two-weeks upon entering the country. At this time, Canadians are still unable to cross the border for non-essential travel.

The Columbia Valley has many atBU tractions that tourists love to visit.

The hot springs, lakes and live SI NE music events like Local SS Live, Flat Fest, and ES Live Music at the OF Park;

TH EW

EE

our valley will be sure to have some visitors from south of the border. There are regulations in place so that not only keep B.C. residents safe, but also tourists entering Canada.

For an American to enter into Canada, they must be fully vaccinated - with the approved vaccines in Canada, don’t have any COVID-19 symptoms, complete a COVID-19 test that is negative within 72 hours of entering the country, and live in the United States of America. Visitors in Canada will also have to use the ArriveCAN app upon entering into Canada. The app is meant for international visitors to provide mandatory travel information before and after entering the country.

Americans are advised to visit the Destination BC “Know Before You Go” page that shows restrictions in place in the province. To find out more information about traveling in Canada and abroad visit https://travel.gc.ca/. To learn more information about travelling in B.C. go to https://www.hellobc.com/ know-before-you-go.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Thursday, August 12

scan me!

Ongoing Events

• 6:30 - 8:00 pm: Locals Live. Hamburgers on Wonderbread at Pothole Park. Bring your own lawn chair, physical distancing is required

Friday, August 13 • 9 am - 12 pm: Free Camp Day. The Lake Windermere Ambassadors is offering FREE educational summer camps all summer on Fridays for kids age 8-12! Registration required. Facebook.com/LakeWindermereAmbassadors

Saturday, August 14 • 11 am - 3 pm: Summer Creative Series, We will be showcasing Heather’s fabulous new collection of regional landscape paintings and Heather will be creating live on site. You will have the rare opportunity to meet Heather, ask her questions, and watch her creative process unfold.

• 1 pm: Pride on Wheels. Come Celebrate Pride 2021 with us by decorating your vehicle with Pride gear! We are excited for our second ever parade. facebook.com/ columbiavalleypride • 4 -8 pm: Music in the Park at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. MUSIC IN THE PARK continues this coming weekend with the well known local duo Smarty Pants.

Tueday, August 18

Fridays

• Edgewater Legion Wing Day: Every Friday is Wing Day at the Edgewater Legion! 12 pm Take Out, 5 pm Dine In! • 10:30 am: Pop-up Story Time. Join the Invermere Library at a new location each week for stories, songs and a take-home craft kit! Geared towards preschool age and their families, but all welcome!

• 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.

• 5:30pm: Magic the Gathering at Main Street Fun and Games. Every Friday evening, 5:30pm start. Entry: $10-40 depending on format. Call 342-3440 for details.

No registration required, but space is limited. Ages 10+.

• 6 -9 pm: Free Skate Park Fun Invermere. Youth are invited to join the Summit Youth Hub folks at the Mt Nelson Skate Park for summer fun!

• 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

• 10:30 am - 12 pm: Swords and Sorcery at Main Street Fun and Games. Ages 6+ are invited to take to the battlefield to face mighty foes with magic and swords!

This active camp is all about imagination, bravery and heroism. $20/person/day

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!

• 10:30 - 11:30 am: Seniors Fitness takes place at the Columbia Valley Centre. $2 Drop in rate.

• 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!

• 10 am - 2 pm: Mini Figure Painting at Main Street Fun & Games. Welcome to Dungeons & Dragons! Come bring your D&D characters to life! Cost varies depending on project. Ages 8+ Registration required. 250-342-3440.

• The Invermere Farmers and Artists Market is located Downtown Invermere and runs every Saturday until Sept 11th 2021. Make it, Bake it, Grow it, Raise it!

• Canal Flats Mixed Market. Come check out the diverse artisans and producers at this Mixed Market in Canal Flats, every Saturday from 12-4pm MST!

Sundays

• 1-5 pm: Sundays and Mondays, the Rotary Club or Kinsmen Club collects refundable bottles and cans at the Invermere Transfer Station!! We sort and deliver for refund - this money goes “right back into the community” through our Projects and Initiatives!!

• See You Next Sundays. Invermere’s LOCAL MOTIVE EVENTS will be hosting live dj’s from a private venue in Taynton bay. All are welcome to join by your choice of Stand up Paddle, canoe or kayak, boat, floaty or even water wings

Ongoing Events Mondays

• 10:30-11:30 am Seniors Fitness takes place at the Columbia Valley Centre. $2 Drop in rate.

• 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!!

• 10:30-11:30 am: Seniors Fitness. Classes are limited to 25 Seniors with a safety plan in place. Cortney will be going off of the April reservations made for June. If you are a Senior that was previously registered but can no longer attend a class please let Cortney know or if you wish to be put on the waitlist: Call 250-342-9281 ext 1232 or email events@invermere.net • 11:45 - 1 pm: Indoor Walking. Weekly indoor walking inside of the Columbia Valley Centre will resume every Monday and Wednesday from 11:45am to 1pm.

Please wear clean indoor shoes. A mask is required.

• 6- 9 pm. LGBTQ+ and Allies Youth Group. LGBTQ+ and Allies are invited to attend the Summit Youth Hub’s weekly drop-in for youth. Every Monday, ages 12-18, 6-9 pm. Snacks + a safe space!

Tuesdays

• 6-10 pm: Youth/Teen Drop in Fun - Invermere. NEW this year, the Summit Youth Hub is taking our youth centre on the road to Edgewater and Canal Flats! We will be bringing our mobile skate park, BBQ, tunes and so much more! This is where you can pick up your Summer Snack Pack too!

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

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12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 12, 2021 Continued “archeological” from page 3 “What we’ve found speaks to a very long time depth of usage of these lands by indigenous people,” Watson said. For context, there is archaeological evidence in the East Kootenays of indigenous usage going back 13,000 years.

Of particular interest and surprise to Watson was the absence of a berm around the depression’s rim in the cultural depression’s immediate vicinity. Logically, if you dig a hole for a future dwelling, nearby there should be evidence of the dig. The dirt has to go somewhere. The absence of a locatable berm suggests to Watson the material was swept away through the sands of time. And this begs the question, top of Watson’s mind: If there is no geological/geographical berm evidence for this particular site, then how many other sites in the Columbia Valley are going unnoticed for the same reason?

The location of the find is also telling.

That’s because it is situated in such a way to afford the habitant(s) the same spectacular views of the Columbia Valley we all value today. Some things never change.

Was the site used just once and subsequently forgotten? The evidence suggests not. “We uncovered multiple material types that indicate the dwelling was occupied multiple times over thousands of

years,” Watson said. Another point of interest is how close the site is to the salmon beds, which experts know were utilized frequently in prehistory. Scholars define prehistory as events that occurred before the existence of written records in a given culture or society.

Looking ahead, Watson hopes to continue doing further analysis of the site.

Using the term “site” however, is not the best descriptor. To Watson, the discovery of the cultural depression is only one small part of something more substantial.

“Rather than an isolated site, this discovery is the tip of an archaeological iceberg that represents a landscape of thousands of years of past and present human lives.”

An archaeological landscape that now features a distinct clue to humanity’s distant past. “Our involvement was the result of proactive stewardship from Sierra Stump and the rest of the Shuswap Band administration, with cooperation from Eagle Ranch Resort,” Watson said.

An important public reminder from Core Heritage Consulting: Should you find anything on a known or unknown site, the best thing to do is take a photo or GPS point and let a local First Nation or archaeologist know. In other words, whatever you do, do not remove whatever it is you’ve found. In archaeology, context is everything.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

Columbia Valley Origins: Franz Grasegger “We were paid in Coors Brewery branded clothes.”

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter In the fall of 1987, brothers Franz and Tony Grasegger departed from their hometown of Garmisch-Partenkirchen to New York City. They arrived at the new world on a mission to play old world music. Traditional Bavarian mountain polka, to be specific.

And these two brothers, Franz on accordion, Tony on guitar, weren’t just your average polka band. No, they were already regional polka stars. Growing up in the German Alp town of Garmisch, famous for its alpine lifestyle (of which Franz of course indulged), the Grasegger’s were immersed in all things polka from an early age.

Hometown: Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany Age: 57 Occupation: Musician, electrician Columbia Valley Arrival: 1988

“My mother was very musical,” Franz said. At an early age, she had Franz taking accordion lessons from a professional. “I was trained classically. It was a serious undertaking.” Franz learned to play in 2/2-time, waltz’ in 3/4-time and all while yodelling in harmony with his brother.

To play the accordion well is far from easy. “It’s a versatile instrument, but you have to know how to transpose to different keys,” Franz said. “Whereas with a guitar, musicians can use a capo to switch keys.” By the time they hit their late teens, the brothers were good enough to start winning awards. In 1980 when Franz was 17, he and Tony won the grand prix for polka music at a regional music festival. The first place prize included free advertising in Munich’s most widely circulated newspaper.

To pay the bills, at age 15, Franz started apprenticing as an electrician. By 19, he had his ticket, and all that remained between him and his adult freedom was fifteen months of compulsory military service.

The first years of Franz’ twenties had shades of Van Morrison cleaning Belfast windows. “I was blown’ saxophone on the weekend, in that down joint,” Van once sang. For Franz, it was a wiring houses all week before weekends spent playing accordion in those down Garmisch joints. A working man in his prime.

On one particular night, October 1986, an American tourist approached Franz and Tony after their gig.

“He said to us: if you ever come to America, come to

Tony Grasegger

Photo by James Rose

Albuquerque.” A gig for the polka brothers awaited.

One year later, Tony and Franz found themselves in New York City with nothing but guitars, accordions and their hats for tips. They had very little money. After a week in the big city, they headed west toward the New Mexican desert. The plan? Tour America, play music for cash.

When the brothers arrived in Albuquerque, the American guy they met the year before couldn’t believe the polka brothers actually showed up. But he kept his word. The billing: Bavarian Music by Franz and Tony.

“It was a wonderful gig,” Franz said. “We played for two nights, and it was during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.” They were paid in boxes of Coors Brewery clothes. As they travelled, the brothers sold off the clothing to pay for continuing their adventure.

Their next stop was Chicago. In Chicago, there was a big German club for them to play, hopefully. The owner, however, initially wasn’t interested in hiring Bavarian Music by Franz and Tony. “So we just started playing on his patio,” Franz said. “And when he heard us play, he said to us: okay, you can play Thursday.”

Word of mouth spread fast. Next up was Cincinnati. In Cincinnati, they were told to go to Milwaukee to play the breweries. In Milwaukee, they stayed in college dorms. Science majors with access to university labs con-

cocted without Tony knowing something closely resembling fecal matter. “When Tony woke up and found that on his bed, he freaked,” Franz said laughing.

From Milwaukee, the brothers travelled west to Seattle, where another German club awaited their playing. It was while they were in Seattle that the idea to travel north to Canada was birthed. “There was a German club we heard about in downtown Vancouver, and we thought, why not? Let’s go to Canada.”

On the corner of Hornby and Davies, the German restaurant was called The Black Forest. Jack Neiman, the owner, had just opened the establishment after moving from the interior. Before moving to Vancouver to start his restaurant, he sold his previous establishment, also called The Black Forest, in a small town called Invermere.

“When we played at Jack’s, the new owner [Thomas Kogler] of the Invermere Black Forest happened to come in,” Franz said. After Kogler experienced Bavarian Music By Franz and Tony, he told the brothers he would hire them to play for an entire summer in Invermere. “So that’s what we did,” Franz said. “We went to Invermere to play at the Black Forest in the summer of 1988.”

It took some time before Franz fell in love with the valley. “Coming here, it was so similar to our hometown,” he said. “We didn’t really want mountains. We wanted beaches and California girls.” But when the Columbia Valley summer season kicked in, “the town came to life.

We started water skiing. It was amazing,” Franz said.

Only after coming to North America did Franz really listen to the blues and rock n’ roll for the first time. “I thought I knew a lot about music, but it dawned on me then how little I actually knew,” he said.

Franz started listening to Flaco Jimenez records. Flaco, the prolific Mexican-American accordionist from San Antonio. In case you’re wondering - when a bunch of Germans immigrated to Texas in the mid-19th century, they brought along their accordions.

“Flaco opened my eyes to what an accordion player could do with other styles of music,” Franz said. “He’s been a major influence of mine.” Franz also received a helping hand from local valley musicians John Cronin and Gordon Askey in expanding his musical palette.

For the first couple of years, Franz worked for cash as a musician. Tony meanwhile returned home to Germany.

“But then I started calling my hobby work, and I didn’t like that,” Franz said. With his electrician’s ticket, soon he found work for Deck Electric and a path to legitimate permanent residency.

Ktunaxa Nation purchases Columbia Lake archaeological site

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Ktunaxa Nation Council (KNC) announced last week the purchase of a parcel of land on the east side of Columbia Lake near Canal Flats. The 2.2 acre lot at 8200 Bighorn Sheep Lane is an important archeological site for the Ktunaxa nation. Sources suggest the price paid by KNC to private sellers for the land amounted to ~$250,000.

“The purchase of this property is in alignment with Ktunaxa Nation cultural heritage principles,” Jesse Thomas, 29, said. “Our people visit the site many times. It’s a

nice teaching spot for youth.” Thomas, an electrician by trade, works for the KNC as an archaeology coordinator.

He started in his current role earlier this year after a decade of contract archaeological work for KNC. “At the end of May, we received word from a concerned citizen after seeing a for sale sign on the property,” Thomas said. From there, KNC moved quickly to close the deal on the property containing rock paintings from hundreds of years ago. “We didn’t want the property to fall into the wrong hands,” Thomas said. Other artifacts were also recovered from the site. “It’s all evidence of our being on the land for generations,” Thomas said.

The paintings, or pictographs, tell a story, Thomas

said. “Our Elders tell stories about the pictographs. The meaning of which no one is quite certain, so it is up to interpretation.” For Thomas, the pictographs tell stories of past battles between the Ktunaxa and Blackfoot nations.

“We encourage people to use their imagination when they first see them,” Thomas said.

The preservation and stewardship of KNC archaeology sites are a priority. The purchase ensures protection for the site in a respectful way toward Ktunaxa cultural values and traditional teachings. “Right now, we have no plans for the site,” Thomas said. “It’s not a very good spot for building, there’s no septic, but maybe we’ll install an interpretive centre. We’re open to suggestions.”

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 12, 2021

Valley Fitness Center hopes for a new facility

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com Towards the development of a much bigger gym, the Valley Fitness Center (VFC), a non-profit health and fitness facility, is seeking community support.

A brand new gym is on the horizon; there are plans and great hopes to build the health and fitness facility for the valley community. “We’re working with the district of Invermere (DOI) to secure a piece of land to make it happen. They [DOI] want to see us succeed,” said Teresa Rogal, manager of the VFC, to the Pioneer. “We’re a non-profit; this is for our community. We run a great businness, and we own the building that we’re in, so we’re sitting in a good place to start this.”

The overcrowded facility for the past couple of years demonstrates the center’s popularity, and hence the need for more space. The new project will be a 15,000 square foot fitness center with a weight room that will be 2.5 times bigger than the current one. “Our town deserves a bigger fitness center for sure. It will include a oversized

ground-floor studio so that it can double as a basketball court. The ground floor is really important because we have a lot of seniors that come to our center. And right now, they have to walk up two flights of stairs to get to our studio,” explained Rogal. “The access for seniors and for anyone with mobility issues to come and enjoy the class will be incredible.”

In addition to a mezzanine where stretches and cardio will be happening, the project will also include a climbing wall and a smoothie bar. “While you’re up on the mezzanine on your cardio equipment, you’ll overlook the climbing wall, watching people climb up. It will be pretty cool,” expressed Rogal with excitement.

Rogal describes the facility as a place where everyone can feel welcome and included. “It’s a wonderful facility where anyone in the community can go in at any time, at any age, any demographic. You can go in and feel so welcome. It’s wonderful to see a 14-year-old and a 20-year-old and a 30-year-old and all the way up to 50 and 80-years-old all working out alongside each other out there. It’s true community. People go to connect, and

they love it. So we need to expand for our expanding community,” said Rogal.

The project is estimated to cost five million dollars.

“Once we secure the land, we can work on grants applications,” explained Rogal. “The members of the community are also welcome to donate to the VFC.” “We certainly want to try and help them, but we have to figure out where it’s going to go, what land we’ve got available to us,” expressed mayor Al Miller. “So in our efforts going forward, we’re going to do a land inventor, and figure out what’s the best solution is because certainly, we want to make the right choice and make sure that we plan this for the future.”

It’s time for the VFC to get the word out and meet the community! The VFC will host an old-fashioned car wash on Saturday, Aug. 14, at its facility starting from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Raffle tickets will be available, as well as gourmet hot dogs, to help raise funds for the new facility.

Visit http://www.valleyfitnesscentre.ca/ for more information.

Flats Fest returns Canal Flats country music extravaganza will be the first festival in the Columbia Valley since 2019

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

few weeks ago, those involved with the festival decided to go ahead with it.

“We are squeezing it in at the last minute,” organizer Craig Moritz told the Pioneer. “We really weren’t sure, we took a bit of a gamble.”

In a sign that, as summer goes on, pre-COVID-19 pandemic norms are slowly returning, the valley’s first music festival in nearly two years is set for later this month.

Flats Fest, Canal Flats’s signature country music festival, is scheduled to go ahead on Saturday, Aug. 21, with a full lineup of topnotch talent.

The ongoing pandemic had thrown the arts and culture scene in the Columbia Valley into complete disarray since hitting the valley in March 2020, and the valley’s multiple vibrant music festivals have been either put on hold or drastically altered ever since.

The Edgewater-based Steamboat Mountain Music Festival went online in 2020 and this year chose to mark its 10th anniversary with a special double CD containing songs by many of the local musicians who have performed at Steamboat over the years. The Invermere Music Fest, the largest of the valley’s music festivals, was cancelled last year and this year. Flats Fest was put on hold last year, but because it typically falls later in the summer than the other music festivals (late August for Flats Fest, as compared with early July for Steamboat and earlyto-mid August for the Invermere Music Fest) and because its relatively small scale (one day for Flats Fest as opposed to multiple days for Steamboat and Invermere Music Fest) makes it somewhat easier to pull together, meant that Flats Fest organizers kept holding out hope through the early summer that as pandemic restrictions continued to ease, Canal Flats might just see a live festival after all.

Flats Fest 2019 Those hopes came to fruition when, a

Putting on a music festival during a pandemic (even one that appears to be winding down, at least in B.C.) is no small feat.

“It has actually been a challenge to throw it all together in such a short time. Hopefully we pull it off,” said Moritz. “It’s almost surreal. People sure seem to be looking forward to it. We’ve been starved for live music for so long. People also just seem eager to be able to get out and do something together.”

Bobby Wills is headlining, and other acts include Duane Steele, Karen Lee Batten, Doug Patriquin, Curtis Grambo, and Moritz himself.

The organizers worked together with the Canal Flats Community Society and any proceeds from the festival will go toward efforts to build a splash park in the village.

This year, aside from the normal main stage, the festival will also include a second stage featuring local Columbia Valley musicians.

“We are going to try it (the second stage) out this year, see how it goes,” said Moritz, adding Canal Flats is the perfect place for a country music festival, since “the surroundings are beautiful, the location (at the ball diamonds) is convenient for everybody to get to... it’s a great place to have it.”

Moritz said he grew up steeped in country music and part of the motivation for starting Flats Fest was “I just felt that was something that was missing in the valley, a country music festival, so that’s why the festival is focussed on country.”

The festival runs from noon until 11 p.m. There will be beer gardens and local vendors. The event will go ahead rain or shine, and kids 12 and under are free.

For more information or to buy tickets Pioneer file photos go to flatsfest.ca.

August 12, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

Update on Columbia River Treaty committee activities Lots of activity on Canada side but no new updates with USA

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Last week, the Columbia River Treaty (CRT) local governments committee released its February to June update. The committee is comprised of local governments across the Columbia Basin, including the four regional districts in the region, the village of Valemount and the Association of Kootenay Boundary Local Governments.

There are no new updates between Canada and the United States. The tenth round of CRT negotiations between Canada and the United States was conducted by web conference at the end of June. No further negotiating sessions have been scheduled, which is due to there being a new president in the White House. Presidential transitions take time.

On the Canadian side however, there has been considerable activity - though none of which is earth shattering in importance. The CRT negotiations advisory team, which includes the five governments on the Canadian side of the border - B.C., Canada, Ktunaxa, Secwepemc and Syilx-Okanagan Nations together have an initiative underway to examine potential Canadian domestic governance models for the treaty.

This initiative explores the role of indigenous nations in the context of the United Nations Declaration on the Right of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). As a reminder, UNDRIP is a legally non-binding resolution passed by the United Nations in 2007 which defines the rights of indigenous peoples, including their ownership rights to cultural and ceremonial expression, identity, language, employment, health and education.

The initiative aims to explore how basin communities could have a voice in future decisions regarding treaty operations planning. This work will include consultation with indigenous nations, local governments, and basin residents.

The other notable initiative underway from the CRT negotiations advisory team is a customized computer model to evaluate negotiations proposals from the United States. The computer model has also been designed to evaluate alternative hydro system operations scenarios to best meet CRT advisory team interests. Socio-economic interests include flood risk management, recreation, tourism and dust generation, among others.

The next update from the local governments committee is expected in fall 2021.

Angela Ross launches silk-screening business Métis entrepreneur’s latest venture after Angela’s Organic Pasta plans to turn the facility into a quasi-retail outlet as well.

In the meantime, you can find Ross each weekend at the Invermere Farmer’s Market. She features new designs each week. “The market lends itself to trying ideas out with customers and getting immediate feedback on how popular one of my designs is,” she said.

In looking to expand her business, Ross is aware of funding opportunities through the Métis Nation of British Columbia (MNBC). Keeping on top of all the Angela Ross is onto her next venture. After five possible grants and bursaries can be one of the more years of making delicious pasta, Ross has moved onto challenging aspects of being an entrepreneur; time crafting small-batch artisanal silk-screened apparel. management is an essential component of the entreHer business, Valley Life Designs, officially launched preneurs’ toolkit. Ross, however, is up to the task. on June 1.

“Ever since I was in junior high [in Calgary], “I got the idea this winter,” she said of I knew I wanted to be in business,” she said. After silk-screening. Through the long hard panhigh school, Ross moved to Banff, where she lived demic winter, she also busied herself with takfor the next 15 years operating a dog sled business. ing courses through the College of the Rockies “That was how I made it out to Invermere in business administration. “With each design in the first place,” she said. For her one-hundred I do, with each piece of apparel I create, I want plus Siberian Huskies, she needed a place to house to evoke an appreciation for that feeling you them. Enter a big piece of land on Kootenay Road may get when you come to the Columbia Val#3 in the Columbia Valley. In the early 1990s, she ley.” Current designs include water skiers bemade the permanent move to the warmer side of hind boats and lake/mountain landscapes. the Rockies and has worked in various industries Ross is a self-taught skill-screener which is since. a craft deceptively complicated. “It’s also very With Valley Life Designs, Ross would love creative though, which I am really appreciatto as soon as possible expand the business to the ing.” After finding the necessary equipment to point where hiring employees is sustainable. “In purchase, she put into practice all the hours of five years, I want to see Valley Life Designs as a YouTube videos she absorbed in learning the household name locally with a possible indepenins and outs. Ross has visions of silk-screening, dent retail outlet,” she said. not just T-shirts and tote bags but also beer Until then, Ross will continue to live the life Angela Ross at her booth at the Invermere Farmer’s Market. koozies, hoodies, beach ware and beyond. she espouses through her designs: healthy, active

Photo by James Rose living in the singular Columbia Valley. Says Ross: “I’m learning every day,” she said from her production facility on Borden Road in Athalmer. The market is also great for overall awareness of her “I’m just getting started.” For more information and to The facility is the same one she used when she was the new business. So is social media, Facebook and Insta- buy online, visit https://valleylifedesigns.ca/.

Queen of local organic pasta production. Soon, she gram, both of which her company is on.

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Mineral Creek wildfire Area restriction rescinded

By Pioneer Staff info@columbiavalleypioneer.com There is no longer an area restriction in place around the Mineral Creek wildfire (N22147). The area can now be used efficiently and safely by firefighting personnel without limiting public access to the site.

The wildfire situated southwest of Panorama has been declared out of control since its discovery. On Aug. 4, the Mineral Creek Fire was reclassified as being held, which means it is unlikely to grow further under current conditions.

People are advised to exercise caution during travel

in the Mineral Creek area as the wildfire is an active job site. The Wildfire Act, which provides authorities to order anyone to leave an area even if it has been rescinded, still applies.

Members of the public should be aware that they may encounter significant safety hazards when entering areas that have been affected by wildfires. Fire damage can make trees unstable and cause them to fall. It is sometimes difficult to detect ash pits, and their heat can persist even after the flames have died down.

In many cases, burnt material and smoke appear within the fire perimeter. Upon discovering smoke rising from green, unburned fuel or outside the perimeter of the

fire, notify local authorities right away.

Depending on fire activity, road closures and area restrictions may change. For the most current information regarding the bans and restrictions section of the B.C. Wildfire website for the Southeast Fire Centre, visit http://bcfireinfo.for.gov.bc.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/ Bans.asp Call 10800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on your cell phone to report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation. Find out more about wildfire activities, burning restrictions, road closures and air-quality advisories by visiting http://www.bcwildfire.ca or by downloading the B.C. Wildfire App free.

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY WATER/WASTEWATER OPERATOR 1 or 2

(Temporary Position – One Year) – (Columbia Valley – Windermere) The Regional District of East Kootenay is looking for an experienced Water/Wastewater Operator 1 or 2 located out of our Columbia Valley Office. Supervised by the Senior Operator, the Water/Wastewater Operator is primarily responsible for operating and maintaining 5 water and 2 wastewater systems.

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

August 12, 2021

KEY SKILLS & ABILITIES: • Thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems and applicable government regulations.

• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and SCADA monitoring systems.

• Ability to establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships with contractors, developers, applicable regulating agencies, staff, and the general public.

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

If you possess the necessary qualifications and experience, we invite you to submit a resume and cover letter, with references, no later than Tuesday August 17, at 12:30PM to: Ashley Venturato, Human Resources Manager Email: hr@rdek.bc.ca (MS Word or PDF Format) Please quote: Engineering – 30 Information on our organization and a complete job description are available at www.rdek.bc.ca/careers.

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

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SCHEDULE A r La

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PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE – BYLAWS 3071 & 3072 – Bylaw Amendments – Westside

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A-1 to C-1 Cast les tone Blvd

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The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an application by 1129759 Alb. Ltd. to amend the OCP and zoning designations of their property to permit a commercial real-estate centre. The property is located at 4254 Castlestone Boulevard which is accessed from Westside Road south of the District of Invermere.

Bylaw No. 3071 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Lake Windermere Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2929, 2019 - Amendment Bylaw No. 7, 2021 (Westside / 1129759 Alb. Ltd)” will amend the designation of Part of Lot 7, District Lot 4596, Kootenay District, Plan EPP43962 from RR, Rural Resource to C, General Commercial.

Bylaw No. 3072 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 375, 2021 (Westside / 1129759 Alb. Ltd)” will amend the designations of Part of Lot 7, District Lot 4596, Kootenay District, Plan EPP43962 from A-1, Rural Resource to C-1, Community Commercial.

A public hearing will be held via Zoom webinar conference: Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at 6:00 pm The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F, Electoral Area G and the District of Invermere. If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaws, you may prior to the hearing: • inspect the Bylaws and supporting information by requesting that an information package be emailed to you by contacting bkormos@rdek.bc.ca. Information packages may be requested up until Friday, August 20, 2021 at 4:30 pm; • mail or email written submissions to the addresses shown below Friday, August 20, 2021 at 4:30 pm; • present verbal submissions at the public hearing.

ob

Bre w er R id g e R is e

TO PRE-REGISTER visit the Meetings page on rdek.bc.ca and choose Public Hearings & Meetings

This is Schedule A referred to in Bylaw No. 3072 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900,1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 375, 2021 (Westside/1129759 Alb. Ltd).”

You must pre-register in order to attend and provide verbal presentations or make comments at the hearing. The deadline to register is: Friday, August 20, 2021 at 4:30 pm.

Co

Chair

d y R

Register in advance for this webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__syK_yjWQr2KiIH4C_NDrg Please note that a question and answer period will not occur during the Zoom webinar conference. You must address any questions relating to the bylaws to the planning technician prior to the above date.

SUBMISSIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING. All submissions will form part of the public record and will be published in a meeting agenda posted online. Personal contact information such as phone and email will be removed from written submissions. Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335.

This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaws. For more information, contact Brett Kormos, Planning Technician, at 250-489-0310, toll free at 1-888-478-7335, or email bkormos@rdek.bc.ca.

Corporate Officer Date

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SCHEDULE A

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE – BYLAW 3070 – Bylaw Amendment – Toby Benches H

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The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an application by the Clinton and Karen Adams to amend the zoning designation of their property to permit a subdivision. The property is located at 3208 Vesey Road in the Toby Benches area Northwest of Invermere.

Bylaw No. 3070 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 374, 2021 (Toby Benches / Adams)” will amend the designation of the subject land from A-2, Rural Residential (Country) Zone to SH-3, Small Holding Rural Zone.

A public hearing will be held via Zoom webinar conference: Wednesday August 25, 2021 at 6:00 pm A-2 The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F, Electoral Area G and the Village of Radium Hot Springs. If you believe that your interest in property is to affected by the proposed Bylaw, you may prior to the hearing: SH-3 • inspect the Bylaw and supporting information by requesting that an information package be emailed to you by contacting dlucas@rdek.bc.ca. Information packages may be requested up until Monday, August 23, 2021 at 4:30 pm; • mail or email written submissions to the addresses shown below before Monday, August 23, 2021 at 4:30 pm; TO PRE-REGISTER visit the Meetings • present verbal submissions at the public hearing. er

R

vi

d

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e

Rd

V e y se y R d

page on rdek.bc.ca and choose

You must pre-register in order to attend and provide verbal presentations or make comments at the hearing. The deadline to register is: Monday, August 23, 2021 at 4:30 pm.

Public Hearings & Meetings Register in advance for this webinar: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IkWLPvZYSvSpjzdnWaHA3Q Please note that a question and answer period will not occur during the Zoom webinar conference. You must address any questions relating to the bylaw to the planner prior to the above date.

SUBMISSIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING. All submissions will form part of the public record and will be published in a meeting agenda posted online. Personal contact information such as phone and email will be removed from written submissions. Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335.

This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw. For more information, contact Darren Lucas, Planner, at 250-489-6903, toll free at 1-888-478-7335, or email dlucas@rdek.bc.ca.

This is Schedule A referred to in Bylaw No. 3070 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay - Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 - Amendment Bylaw No. 374, 2021 (Toby Benches / Adams).”

Chair

Corporate Officer Date

19 – 24 Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8 | 250-489-2791 | 1-888-478-7335 | Fax: 250-489-3498 | info@rdek.bc.ca | www.rdek.bc.ca

August 12, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

HERE TO SERVE YOU SERVICES

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Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

North American Warranty

IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

SINCE 1991

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS

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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

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

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

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

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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

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INSURANCE

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

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

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

East Kootenay Electrical Services

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

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

Please recycle this newspaper

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 12, 2021

HERE TO SERVE YOU LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING Spots available for summer 2021!

WINDERMERE, BC 250-341-7029

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2016

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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY’S TREE CARE SPECIALISTS

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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

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Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood.

Vacuum/ Septic tank pumping

patco_dev@shaw.ca

(250) 270-0345

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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

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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

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Dale Elliott Contracting

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

Columbia Concrete Inc.

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N E W S PA P E R

August 12, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

New activities at the museum Curator’s Corner

NOTICE OF PROPOSED ZONING AMENDMENT AND BUSINESS REGULATION BYLAW

By J.D. Jeffery Museum Curator

Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Village of Radium Hot Springs is considering Short Term Rental Business Regulation Bylaw No. 466 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 467.

A PUBLIC HEARING on the proposed Bylaws will be held: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18TH, 2021 AT 6:30 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS, VILLAGE OFFICE 4836 RADIUM BLVD. RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, B.C. In general terms, the proposed Short Term Rental Business Regulation Bylaw details the regulations, terms, conditions and fees applicable for the licensed operation of a short term rental business in a dwelling. The proposed Zoning Amendment Bylaw details the conditions in which short term rentals may be operated in the R1, R2 and R3 zones. This notice is not an interpretation of the bylaws.

All persons who consider themselves affected by the adoption of the proposed Short Term Rental Business Regulation Bylaw No. 466 or Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 467 and who wish to register an opinion may do so by: 1. Providing a written submission by mail, fax or email to be received by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, August 16th (contact information below), or by; 2. Presenting written and/or verbal submissions at the public hearing.

There will be an opportunity to attend the public hearing virtually, with details provided on the Council meeting agenda, which will be posted on our website on Monday, August 16th. Due to space limitations, we are requiring pre-registration from individuals planning to attend the hearing in person. Please email Mark Read prior to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, August 16th. A question and answer period will not occur at the hearing. Submissions cannot be accepted after the public hearing.

The bylaws are available for inspection on our website: https://radiumhotsprings.ca/ Village of Radium Hot Springs PO Box 340 Radium Hot Springs, BC V0A 1M0 Fax: 250-347-9068 Email: Mark.Read@radiumhotsprings.ca

Summer is half over, and things are going well at the museum. We have had many visitors already this summer and the number of guests in a day is surprisingly high.

This summer, we have only one staff person at the museum, and we want to allow more people to enjoy the museum. So, starting Aug. 1, we will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays to allow visitors to enjoy the museum on the weekends. Our hours will stay the same so that you can come in between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

We want to take this time to request your help during the summer.

If you or someone you know is looking for a place to volunteer, consider helping out at the museum. We have a couple of tasks that we want help with. If you have just an hour to donate, we have a job that you may want to do, like compiling reviews into a document, visiting with our guests when they first arrive, teaching some activities on the lawn. We have a few positions but don’t want to list them all. Feel free to contact the museum, and we can match you

up with a job that fits your interests.

During the month of Aug., visitors are encouraged to enjoy a couple of events the museum is going to host. Activities “On the Lawn” will allow you to spend a halfhour doing things like making butter or washing clothes then you can stay to explore the buildings. Aug. 12 and 13, we will be serving freshly made butter, made by you, on fresh bread from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Then Aug. 20 and 21, we will be having a Copper City Tales Mystery all day.

During this event, you will have to solve a mystery about who stole the Copper City Gold. As you tour the buildings, you will find clues to who may have stolen the gold; then, if you can solve the mystery, you can claim the reward for helping to catch the thief.

The next month will continue the museum’s history, so watch for the next Curator’s Corner.

Learn more about what’s happening at the museum by visiting www. windermerevalleymuseum.ca.

HERE TO SERVE YOU I N

P U R S U I T

O F

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Where to recycle?

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BC Cell: RECYCLING HOTLINE 250-342-1273 604-732-9253 Amanda Murray ptarmiganrugclean@gmail.com 1-800-667-4321

Business: 250-342-9692

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

Office Administrator/ Sales

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

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

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

Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR

www.rcbc.c

Recycling council of B.c.

N E W S PA P E R

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

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Zehnder, Fritz (Friedrich)

August 12, 2021

P ioneer C lassifieds

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

August 31, 1926 June 24, 2021

Fritz passed away in Invermere B.C at the age of 94 on June 24, 2021 surrounded by family.

Fritz was born and raised on his family’s farm in Eriswil, Switzerland. He was one of eight children. After completing his diploma in agriculture, he traveled and worked in several countries across Scandinavia. In 1950, he boarded a ship in England bound for Halifax and began working his way across Canada. His plan was to reach Vancouver and then sail to New Zealand, where he hoped to farm. However, after working in the Columbia Valley he fell in love with the place and its residents and decided to make it his home. In 1959 he married Vreni Schurch, also from Switzerland. They were married in Invermere and raised four boys.

Fritz had an entrepreneurial spirit and a strong work ethic. He owned and operated several logging and milling operations and was one of the original three founders of Panorama Ski Hill. He always dreamed of having his own farm, so in 1971, Fritz and Vreni bought land and built what is now the Zehnder Ranch.

Nothing made Fritz happier than working and living with his family on the farm. Fritz achieved his dream.

Besides being an entrepreneur and a hard worker, Fritz was an inventor and an armchair philosopher. He spoke five languages, had a positive attitude, and a good sense of humour. He loved visiting, story telling and good food. He was very grateful for the life he had.

Fritz was predeceased by his wife Vreni and is survived by his sons Chris (Hillary), Mark (Ruth), David (Carol) and John, and his sister Elizabeth who lives in Switzerland. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Fritz, Isobel, Emily, Sarah, Annie, Luke, Jake, Naomi, and Hannah. The family would like to thank the Homecare staff, Columbia House staff, and Doctors Ed Schaffer and Theresa Ross for their kind and loving care in his final days.

A celebration of life will be held at the CPR Lodge in Invermere starting at 3:45 pm on Sunday, August 22, 2021.

Ashworth, Frank Winsor 1926 – 2021

Frank Winsor Ashworth of Fairmont Hot Springs, BC, passed peacefully at home with his wife, Audrey by his side.

Frank was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan on October 16, 1926.

He was the youngest of eleven children. Frank became a successful hockey player at the junior level, earning his nickname “Gofer” for his work in the corners. He was signed

by Chicago Black Hawks in 1946 and played with them and their farm team before returning to play for the Calgary hockey team. Frank was a successful business man with two service stations and his own insurance company.

He met his wife, Audrey and they celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on June 4, 2021.

GARAGE SALE

ANNOUNCEMENT

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.

A big Happy 50th Birthday to Betty Burgoyne. Love from your husband, your brother and sister in law.

Community Yard Sale!

Edgewater. August 14th and 15th. 4887 Selkirk Avenue and many other households participating, deals for everyone!

Look for signs around town.

Cheers to Julia for coming to the rescue of two seniors and delivering two large bottles of drinking water to our home and also setting up the container on our counter. It is so nice to not have to boil our drinking water during these water restrictions.

You are a true friend.

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

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

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

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

Scenario: Saturday morning of the long weekend…backedup sewer (visualize BAD, but actually worse!), then Bruce Dehart of Columbia Valley Sewer to the rescue (along w/Jake of DOI) ….34 Celsius, almost 375 ft water/vacuum hose, and 24 hrs later SUCCESS!! We are so fortunate to have communityminded infrastructure professionals available 24/7.

Cheers to all you guys.

A massive CHEERS to the most loved 4-legged baby in Edgewater, ROXY! Each day you would stop by for your daily treat, giving me a face full of wet kisses. May you RIP Roxy (passed 8/3/21). You will forever be “My Baby Girl!” I love you and miss you terribly.

S IN MEMORIAM S

Celebration of Life Celebration of Life Celebration of Life

Frank is survived by his wife, Audrey, sisters-in law Beverley Palfrey and Nelda Harker and extended family.

A special thanks to the valley homecare/palliative group and medical profession. Also, to Deb Frey for her devoted care to Frank and Audrey.

At Frank’s explicit instructions, there will be no service.

Arrangements by McPherson Funeral Service; condolences may be offered at www.mcpherson.com. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice or Invermere ICAN, info@icanbc.com.

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

Cheers to be all of the crew I’ve met so far- the big construction thing happening on 13th Ave. Jason, flag person, construction workers, town staff, supervisors in white hats, contractor who replied to my questions. Yes, it’s a mess for a while, and an opportunity for me to be flexible.

Plus, I’m grateful for the town’s upgrade. With these people as temporary neighbours, it will be dusty but smooth sailing until October.

Big HUGS and CHEERS to our talented “house-band” L8! As always, your performance at our Scooter Rodeo brought smiles that will last for miles!

Cheers to those of us picking up then responsibly recycling all the cans and garbage strewn everywhere on our roads and thrown into the ditches… such a mess, especially during long weekends. Way too many found along lower Lakeview Road.

Let’s work together and keep our community clean.

A big Cheers for both Ross (Cool Country Towing) and JP (member of the RCMP) for taking such good care of the trio of young ladies who were involved in an accident on Tuesday. Ross and JP made what could have been a horrible afternoon turn into a much easier time. Both fellows are an asset to our community!

Heartfelt Cheers to Sargent Darren for taking the time and caring about our CGV “Scooterist’s” safety!!

Cheers to Joe and staff at No Frills. Your thoughtful donation will help our Columbia Garden Village residents greatly!

Cheers to cashier Patrick at Valley Foods. You always have a smile and friendly word when I go through your till. You always brighten my day!

Cheers to Chevy of Kootenay Water for the first-class service you are giving to us during the present water restrictions we are having at the Resort. No task is too much. You return our telephone calls and always have a positive, friendly attitude. We are very lucky to have you here in the Valley.

LISTINGS NEEDED! I WANT TO SELL YOUR HOUSE!

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

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

BUYING OR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202

gerrytaft.ca Personal Real Estate Corporation

Rockies West Realty Independently owned and operated

HOUSE FOR SALE

House for Sale by Owner

Frank was an avid golfer and known in the community for his long, daily walks.

Audrey and Frank moved to Fairmont Hot Springs in 1977, where he and one carpenter built their home. Frank worked as a clerk at Mountainside Golf Course for 25 years.

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

In loving memory of

In loving memory of CLAUDE A. ORAM In loving memory of

CLAUDE A. ORAM December 19, 1942 5, 2021 CLAUDE A.– March ORAM December 19, 1942 – March 5, 2021 December 19, 1942 – March 5, 2021

The Oram family will be hosting a Celebration of Life The Oram family will be hosting a Celebration of Life The Oram family will be hosting a Celebration of Life

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18TH, 2021 at 7:30 PM WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18TH, 2021 atBC 7:30 PM LIONS HALL, INVERMERE, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18TH, 2021 at 7:30 PM LIONS HALL, INVERMERE, BC LIONS HALL, INVERMERE, BC

we will be gathering to share our favorite memories, our stories, to laugh, to cry wewewill be gathering to share our favorite memories, memories,our ourstories, stories,totolaugh, laugh, to cry will beand gathering to share our favoriteperson remember a wonderful who is greatly missed. to cry and personwho whoisisgreatly greatlymissed. missed. andremember remember aa wonderful wonderful person Raylene Oram and Family

Raylene Oram and and Family Family Raylene Oram

No Wildfires, that I know of, for the past 18 yrs.

For all details FIRST please visit invermerehomebc.webflow.io 1-236-490-0922 (initially, text only pls.).

1706 10th Ave. Invermere, BC

August 12, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

LOST AND FOUND

MISC. FOR SALE

SERVICES

FOUND: A watch at Kinsman Beach mid-July. Call 250-3463019 to claim.

For Sale: Old peddle sewing machine “Compal” good shape, great wood, $100. Treadmill runs great, incline “Pro Form”. Folds up to save space and several options, $50. Baby playpen in good shape. In carrying case, great for grandchild, $25.

Counter height stool with back and steps, retro-great shape, $20. Soda Stream barely used.

Comes with gas and bottle, $25.

All items O.B.O. Call 250-3421783.

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

COMMERCIAL SPACE 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.

MISC. FOR SALE 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.

Please email classified ads to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Tires For Sale (set of 4). Savero HT Plus GT P235/65 R17 all season tires. Used one summer. $180, call 250-270-0233.

VEHICLES FOR SALE 1999 Toyota Corolla for sale.

Recently BC Inspected and Certified with all required repairs completed in July 2021. Located in Radium Hot Springs. $3,500 firm. Please call 250-270-0192.

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

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!

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

B.B.’s Home & Lawn Care Services Master Craftsman & Stonemason, Renovation’s & Interior Design, blinds & installation. All home interior/ exterior repairs & yard maintenance, eavestrough cleaning, dump runs, house checks/cleaning.

Over 35 year’s experience.

Call 250-688-2897.

Pike Contracting Excavating and Skid Steer services.

Call Jason 250-342-5277.

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

Wanted 2 F/T Restaurant Cooks, Rocky River Grill, 8888 Arrow Road, Invermere, B.C. Permanent, F/T shifts, overtime, weekends, days and evenings, $16/hour for 40 hours per week. Overtime after 40 hours. Minimum several years’ experience and completion of Secondary School. DUTIES: Prepare and cook full course meals, prepare and cook individual dishes and foods, ensure quality of food portions, work with minimal supervision, prepare dishes for customers with food allergies or intolerances. Inspect Kitchens and Food service areas. Please forward resume to Justin Atterbury by fax 250-342-8889 or email justatterbury@hotmail. com.

General Carpenter Finish Carpenter Jack of All Trades If you are looking for a change, or a new start, The Home Renovation Centre is looking to add some new, permanent staff to our team. Transportation is required. Call David 250-3425682.

HELP WANTED Featured Listing W !

NERICE P

HELP WANTED

MopSpot Mop CLEANERS NEEDED

1018 14th Street

$509,900 Kitchen and Back Deck

Geoff Hill PREC* REALTOR® Fair Realty

250-341-7600

www.geoffhill.ca

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

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

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.

Inn on Canyon is hiring Full-time or Part-time for housekeeping/ laundry services. Email resume to info@innoncanyon.ca or drop by 7557 Canyon, Radium.

Helna’s Stube is looking for a part time Kitchen help/Dishwasher and part time or casual server evenings only. Please send your resume to mail@helnas.com or call 250-347-0047.

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/

Are you passionate about connecting people with nature? If so, the Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival is seeking

Board Members Centered in Invermere, BC, Wings Over the Rockies is one of the largest nature festivals in Canada with 100+ events, both indoor and outdoor, over seven days each May. The non-profit festival society is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors, and a contracted Festival Planner. We are seeking new board members to join an energetic and enthusiastic team to deliver our 25th anniversary festival in May of 2022.

For more information or to apply, please contact wingsovertherockies@gmail.com

Are you passionate about connecting people with nature? If so, the Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival is seeking a

Festival Planner The non-profit Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival Society is seeking a Festival Planner. Liaising with the volunteer Board of Directors, the Festival Planner develops one of the largest nature festivals in Canada. The role is a part-time, paid contract for approximately 600 to 700 hours annually (remuneration rate to be negotiated).

Core responsibilities • Assist the Board in identifying festival theme and keynote speaker • Locate potential presenters and event leaders for a balanced program of events • Confirm event leaders and presenters, and their requirements • Book venues and leader/presenter accommodations as required • Develop schedule of events • Update website with festival information • Assist in development and distribution of awareness and marketing materials • Provide support during festival week • Participate in post festival evaluation and wrap-up The successful candidate will have: • Experience in planning creative public events • Ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders • A customer centered orientation • Initiative and the ability to work independently • Strong interpersonal, communication and administration skills Desirable experience and skills: • Familiarity with the Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival • Experience working with non-profit organizations • Knowledge of the Upper Columbia Valley (Canal Flats to Spillimacheen) recreation opportunities, businesses, organizations, and non-profits • Microsoft Office, G-Mail, Mail Chimp • Experience managing websites (WordPress) and social media (Facebook/Instagram) • Basic audiovisual equipment knowledge • Working with volunteers A training plan will be developed for the successful candidate based on the background and knowledge brought to the position. A more detailed list of job responsibilities available on request.

Please recycle this newspaper

Please apply by Friday, September 3, 2021 by submitting your statement of interest and resumé to the HR Committee at wingsovertherockies@gmail.com.

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

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 12, 2021

YEAR-ROUND PART-TIME

818 12 St, Invermere, BC • (250) 270-0058 We are seeking a full-time

Maintenance and Grounds help needed in Windermere Please apply at terravistagm@gmail.com.

Early Childhood Educator to work at our licensed daycare facility in either the preschool or Infant Toddler programs.

We offer a friendly team, high wages, benefits, and beautiful work environment.

Please recycle this newspaper

Please send resume to Charlotte at dragonflydiscoverycentre@gmail.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 • • •

• • • • • • • • • •

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.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

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.

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.

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

Community Health Nurse/ Home Care Nurse

JOB FAIR

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deadline: Open until filled 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.

Have an opinion?

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

August 12, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

HELP WANTED

Technology and us…again!

Fresh old ideas

By Arnold Malone Pioneer Columnist

EXCITING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES, APPLY TODAY! Diamond Resorts Canada Ltd., Invermere, BC

General Manager – Embarc Panorama Located within Panorama Mountain Resort, Embarc Panorama consists of 21 beautifully appointed Vacation Homes and Villas.

Eligible successful candidate may receive*: • Extensive benefits package which may include; ski pass or wellness allowance, disability coverage, travel insurance and extended health and dental.

• Discounted employee rates at any Diamond Resort International resort.

• Full-time work year round and a FUN work environment. *eligibility and conditions based on DRCL policies and practices set out in general terms and conditions of employment.

Email resume to: embarc_hr@diamondresorts.com

INDIAN BEACH ESTATES

Property Contractor

IBE Grounds, Operations and Maintenance Indian Beach Estates (IBE) is a community of 140 residences south of Windermere. It includes common areas, recreational facilities, playground, roadways, and a community water system.

Position Description This is a contract position, part-time with a flexible schedule, seasonally busier May to September, and quieter October to April.

Responsibilities You will manage and maintain the grounds and related operations of IBE, including lawn care and landscaping, facilities and equipment maintenance, drinking water system operations, roadways, light construction projects, and protecting community property and security. You will report to the appointed representative, interact and communicate with community residents and the Board Of Directors.

Qualifications We are looking for someone with similar or related property maintenance experience, or familiar with the skill requirements to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. A Small Water System (SWS) Level 1 Certification or higher is an asset, but not mandatory as training may be available. You must be familiar with and safely able to operate basic hand and power tools, lawn maintenance equipment including a light yard tractor, and possess general working knowledge of electricity, plumbing, and carpentry.

This is physical outdoor work and you must be able to easily lift 60 pounds. The job requires organizational, oral and written communication skills, computer, Internet and email abilities. We want a friendly, enthusiastic, integral and reliable person who will take pride in their work and the community they serve.

Compensation is very good and based upon experience and qualifications.

Please email your resume to communications@indianbeachestates.com with Property Contractor in the title.

N E W S PA P E R

For all your advertising needs, call Amanda at 250-341-6299

I would rarely write on the same topic two issues in succession. However, in the same week that my last article about technology was published, my wife, Susan, had a phone conversation that caused me to stir this pot one more swirl.

Susan’s conversation was with our special friends in another province. Our friends, a retired couple, had a time-worn TV set in their bedroom. One of those small screen units that had low-quality for sound and image.

Their son arrived from another community and brought a gift of a high-definition TV with a larger screen. However, to get the full benefit of this new product, they would need to add a high-definition receiver box.

Their son, who has a fine crisp clear speaking voice, placed a call to Bell Canada to order the box. The necessary contact information was provided. Days later, they got an e-mail from Bell Canada indicating a date for installation. The e-mail also indicated that they would be phoned prior to the instalment.

This would have been perfect except that the e-mail also showed that Bell Canada had wrongly recorded their phone number and had the wrong house address. Now, mistakes are an occasional human fact, so it was only a situation to be corrected.

Our friends then attempted to contact Bell Canada.

Three attempts to phone Bell Canada were made. The first one took longer than our friends could tolerate. So, they waited with the hope that a different time of day would work better. Their second call didn’t work either.

Upon the third attempt, the phone was answered.

Our friends explained to a Bell employee that the work order had the wrong phone number and wrong ad-

dress. The Bell Canada staff had a stunning response, “I don’t have the authority to change the work order.”

Now, because Bell’s employee can’t make a correction, a worker is going to phone somebody in the wrong house and then plan to install a unit at the wrong address.

Are we to assume that our friends were the first ever to have their contact information recorded incorrectly out of thirty-seven million Canadians? That assumption, while possible, is as probable as myself getting a gold medal in aerial skiing.

Corporations tell us that our calls may be recorded for “Quality control and training purposes.” If Bell Canada ever before recorded contact information incorrectly, then why wasn’t there some training or attempt at quality control? Irrationally, why was there an employee who can’t correct a false work order?

The Bell employee said he “Would put a note on the file.” Our friends live on a short street. So, they readily spotted a Bell Canada truck at the wrong address. They informed the installer of the error and happily received excellent service from an independent contractor. The installers told our friends, “We never receive any direction except the original work order.” The “I will put a note on the file” comment was a kiss-off. What happened to, “Your call is important to us?”

We citizens must demand better. We need a human approach to communication with the giant outlets. Otherwise, forever we will be subject to corporate advantage through citizen insult. I am not against large companies; in fact, they offer many advantages. What bothers me is their insensitive procedures that serve only their corporate interests. Being big isn’t the problem it is their failure of respect for the very people who allowed them to become big in the first place. Customers should be treated with great respect. After all, the customer is the only reason that any business exists.

Arnold Malone served as MP for Alberta’s Battle River and Crowfoot ridings from 1974 through 1993. He retired to Invermere in 2007.

Understanding Weed Trees Branching Out

By Dave Meadows Pioneer Columnist Have you ever wondered why trees grow or are located in areas that just don’t make sense? You might tell yourself, “Who planted a tree there?” Well, nature can be the most prolific ‘moron’ we know.

While planting and maintaining trees is my dream job, dealing with what I like to call “weed trees” is not, and I am not referring to Cannabis trees! These weed trees are adapted, aggressive and difficult to remove. Nobody planted them; they just found the right location to seed themselves, and nobody knew they were there until it was too late!

These trees can cause serious damage to buildings, roads, structures, utility lines, residential landscapes and public spaces. I am referring to the “usual suspects” such as Manitoba Ma-

ples, Siberian Elms, Russian Olives, as well as Poplars, Willows, Junipers and wild Roses. And oh, let’s not forget about our native evergreen tree, the interior Douglas Fir, which can also be a “nuisance” sometimes.

Where can we usually find these vegetative outlaws?

Under a proverbial rock is a good place to start. However, along a cool, wet, north side of a fence, particularly chain-linked fence, or foundation in your backyard, is more likely. In a ditch or right of way. Commercial lots or business. You will find them in open fields, hillsides, highways, lake shorelines. Any place you usually find unmaintained areas along with their common companions, invasive weed species!

Some weed trees find suitable sites to seed themselves. Like the single, solitary, Siberian elm on the west side of the Athalmer bridge, visible upon entering and leaving town.

Elm leaf beetle larvae ‘gazing’ on Siberian Elm weed tree foliage. Increasing pets and disease populations in Continued on community.

Submitted photo page 24...

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

FAITH

Behold something new something different

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Now open for in-person services.

Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

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

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

h e Pioneer ca T n

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take you r do llar With 4,400 copies far th in circulation each week, er

Phone: (250) 341-6299 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com N E W S PA P E R

By Pastor Wayne Frater Radium Christian Fellowship

Psalms 19 verses 7 to 10 and verse 14 tells us, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.”

God is our strength and our Redeemer. As we place our trust in Him, He will show us ways of fulfilling what He has called us to do. We need direction from God; we need to know His heart; we need His Wisdom as to how we are to change so we are better able to fulfill His calling on our lives.

God wants us to move forward; today is a new day.

At a recent wedding (number 33, in my Marriage Register Book), God placed it on my heart to share from Jeremiah 33:3, the verse we call God’s Phone Num-

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

ber. 3 ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’

I shared with the Bride and Groom, and all that were there, the Power of three, the importance of God in any relationship, God at the center, each and every day, each and every decision. He is always faithful, He always comes through, as He tells us in Jeremiah 29:11-13, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall you call upon me, and you shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And you shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart.”

Today’s world is a challenging place, but with God, all things are possible. He is an amazing God. We are told in Isaiah 43:18-19, “Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

In Isaiah 43:18, God is telling us to put behind us the mistakes of the past, and in verse 19, He is telling us that He wants to do something new. He wants to change us, in fact, it says that He has already begun. He is telling us that He will make a way through Jesus Christ when there seems to be no other way.

Give God a chance to do something new, something different in your life.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, may His face shine upon you.

terference with infrastructure are significant. Trees improperly located may block road signs, leading to Contrary to the numerous other Siberian elms vehicle accidents. Improperly located trees can also situated in parking block business signs, leading to lots and buildings, decreased visibility of a store or blocking vehicle children playing nearby—sidesightlines along mawalks and street repairs, from jor roads in town. trees growing or planted in arThese trees have eas too small for proper root a prolific ‘bad’ habit expansion. Sewer lines can be of suckering procompromised due to large specfusely when cut. So, imen tree roots’ creeping’ into mid-summer or dorcracks in pipes. Tree-initiated mant season removpower outages, fire from trees al of an undesirable falling on a power line, and revManitoba Maple or enue loss during the power outWillow can result age caused by inappropriate or in a multi-stemmed wild trees. The list goes on. bush, followed by a The district of Invermere multi-stemmed tree recognizes the need for proper the following season. tree maintenance, care and risk Due to this suckerassessment. Private residents ing habit, impropercan also make a huge differly timed pruning or ence by identifying unwanted removal can result or unplanted trees in their yards in the weed tree bealso. Adequate removal of these ing much larger and ‘weed’ trees will go a long way more vigorous than Unmainted, poorly structured tree, on private proper- to improve safety, lower infrathe original version. ty near Mt. Nelson Athletic Park. Main limb failure structure costs and curtail pests The costs asso- causing public street closure. Submitted photo and diseases within the Urban ciated with tree inForest community.

Continued “trees” from page 23...

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August 12, 2021