Columbia Valley Pioneer, August 26, 2021

August 26, 2021 Vol. 18/Issue 34

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

August 26, 2021

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August 26, 2021

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UPCOMING EVENTS Ser vin g th eC

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CHILDREN’S AUTHOR READING With Rhiannon Wallace & her book, Leopold’s Leotard Friday, Aug. 27 at 10:30 am in the Library yard All welcome!

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Russell Workun, coordinator for the City of Cranbrook & RDEK Poverty Reduction Plan, presented to the District of Invermere Council on Aug. 10 at the Columbia Valley Centre. The project received provincial government funding to move forward the goals from TogetherBC, the provincial poverty reduction strategy. The final report will be completed in early autumn.

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August 26, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS

Radium adopts STR bylaw Village becomes first Columbia Valley municipality to regulate STRs

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The village of Radium Hot Springs became the first municipality in the Columbia Valley to adopt a bylaw regulating short term rentals (STRs) during its council meeting last week.

The bylaw was adopted by a three-to-one vote during the Wednesday, Aug. 18 council meeting, culminating a process that started years ago when council members began discussing ways to officially deal with the exploding number of STRs in Radium. The vote put a bylaw on the books for the village, but Radium mayor Clara Reinhardt was quick to point out that “this is really just the beginning of a journey” and that the village will almost certainly be revisiting the STR issue in the months to come and could very well end up tweaking the STR bylaw repeatedly in the future. “It feels pretty good that we now have something. There’s going to be growing pain. We know we’ll have to makes changes down the road. We are prepared to do that until we get it right,” said Reinhardt.

Although exact statistics on the number of STRs in Radium are impossible to come by (since STRs are not officially permitted), the number available in the village (and elsewhere in the Columbia Valley) on websites such as AirBnB and Vrbo has skyrocketed in recent years. Multiple municipalities in B.C. facing similar situations have created bylaws or regulations in an attempt to manage STRs, but very few municipalities in the Kootenay region have done so (notable exceptions include Golden, Nel-

son, and — likely starting this coming winter — Kim- who said sometimes “it’s so busy (in Radium during sumberley), and until last week, none in the Columbia Valley. mer), people ask if they can pitch a tent in my backyard.”

Reinhardt pointed out that Radium had little choice Greg Wood opined that STRs are artificially drivbut to take a leading stance on the topic, because “when ing up local housing prices and suggested that the bylaw you look at the numbers it was a significant issue for us.” needed to have more “teeth” in terms of enforcement.

At a public hearing on the bylaw just prior to the George Dumitrescu, another Radium STR owner, council meeting, several residents sent in letters outlin- said the bylaw “makes sense,” and seems a fair way to ing their position on STRs and on the bylaw. In addi- create a more level playing field between STRs and tradition, nine people attended the hearing in person, and 14 tional accommodators, adding a related issue in Radium others participated in the is that “there is no room meeting digitally via Zoom. for development to have Although most held widely ““It feels pretty good that we now have something (an higher density, more afdiffering opinions on STRs STR bylaw). There’s going to be growing pain. We know fordable housing.”

At the council meetand precisely what is the we’ll have to makes changes down the road. We are preing after the public hearbest way to deal with them, pared to do that until we get it right.” ing Reinhardt said “my a majority of attendees felt feeling is that we should that something to manage Clara Reinhardt move forward. We’ve them needed to be done, Radium Hot Springs mayor been doing this for three and most were supportive years.” of some kind of bylaw.

Councillor Dale Shudra “It (STRs) is not the big money maker people think it is,” said Darwin Baker, concurred, pointing out that the village has done many who owns a Radium property that he and his wife rent rounds of consultation, that nothing particularly new out as an STR when they are not using it themselves. had come up at the public hearing, and that it was time He pointed out that with most of Radium’s accommoda- to go ahead.

Councillor Tyler McCauley asked about the enforcetion options full to capacity on many summer weekends, STRs help bring in additional visitors to the village, as in ment concerns Wood had brought up. so doing bolster the local economy. Baker added he does support regulations on STRs as well as the village’s bylaw.

Continued on page 8...

These sentiments were shared by Joyce McMurray,

Invermere makes climate change a strategic priority

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com After a summer of persistent petitioning from local residents, Invermere council has officially made climate change one of the district’s strategic priorities.

At its August council meeting, council members adopted a new strategic priorities chart based on recent priority sessions, and number four (of the five priorities) is: “Climate change: actions priorities chart”.

“The whole climate change topic is important, so we are going to be digging into it further and follow up on the issues,” Invermere Al Miller told the Pioneer.

“We don’t know yet how that will look, how we will drill down on it. That’s the case with all the strategic priorities on the list, we are just starting in on them. But certainly climate change is now on the main list.”

The chart outlines a timeline of October for council to begin discussing the priority in more depth.

“The district has quite a lot of business on its plate, but October is not all that far away,” says Miller. “The management team will be looking at the priority, and then coming back to us with some thoughts and ideas. Climate change is such a vast topic that there are many different directions you can go with it. But there are areas in which we believe we can make a real difference.”

Council members will be looking for something that is results-oriented, explained Miller.

“Different communities in our region and all around B.C. have tackled this issue and have done a pretty good job. We want to survey them and find out what’s working well for them and what’s not working well. I’m not a believer in re-inventing the wheel,” he says.

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RCMP Report Submitted by Sgt. Darren Kakuno Detachment Commander Columbia Valley RCMP This past week, August 15 th through August 22, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 81 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to: •On Sunday, August 15 at about 1:00 am an officer conducted a traffic stop with a Ford Escape on 10 th Avenue in Invermere.

While speaking to the driver, the officer noticed a sandwich bag with what appeared to be cannabis bud hanging out of the driver’s pocket. The cannabis was seized and the driver was issued a violating ticket for operating a vehicle while in personal possession of cannabis contrary to the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act. Motorists are reminded that it is an offence to have cannabisreadily accessible to the driver and any passengers. The only exception is if the cannabis is unopened and still in the original packaging.

•On Monday, August 16, the owner of a Nissan Xterra reported someone had smashed the rear window of her vehicle sometime that afternoon while it was parked in the rear parking lot of the Radium Hot Springs visitor centre. The owner was unsure if anything was stolen.

•On the afternoon of Monday, August 16, a Naakua inflatable paddle board was stolen out of a locked trailer that was parked on the Horsethief Creek Forest Service

Lake Windermere Pulse Check

Average Water Temperature: 17.3 °C Average Water Depth: 3.7 m Average Turbidity: 1.07 NTU. Turbidity (cloud iness) usually ranges from 0 to 10 NTU but can get into the hundreds in times of high flow, flooding etc.

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•On Tuesday, August 17, a resident on fourth Avenue in Invermere reported someone had stolen a Husqvarna chainsaw, a Honda EV2000i generator and other tools from his property sometime overnight.

•On Tuesday, August 17, Columbia Valley RCMP identified the make, model and license plate of a vehicle that was suspected of being involved in recent thefts in the Columbia Valley. Later the same evening an officer located the suspect vehicle, a grey Buick Envision, in Radium Hot Springs and conducted a traffic stop with the vehicle. The driver was arrested for possession of stolen property and theft.

Located during the search of the vehicle was a Honda EV2000i generator, a Husqvarna chainsaw, a Naakua inflatable paddleboard and other tools. The adult male was held in cells for investigation and released the following morning on conditions to attend court at a later date.

Officers continue to investigate other recent thefts in the Columbia Valley in an effort to recover further stolen property and to determine if there are any links.

•Columbia Valley RCMP would like to advise Invermere residents that police will be conducting training at the David Thompson Secondary School and College of the Rockies in Invermere on Friday, August 27. The training will occur primarily inside the school but the public may notice a police presence near the school and should not be alarmed.

Thank you to our citizen scientist volunteer, the lovely Dalia Ciobanu, who recently retired to Windermere from Airdrie. Dalia is a nature lover, birder and great photographer, but also a huge metalhead!

Today marked the last day of lake sampling for the Lake Windermere Ambassadors’ summer staff!

We’ve had an amazing time out on the lake this summer, and it’s been an honour to look after the lake on your behalf. We’re very grateful to have met and worked alongside so many of the Valley’s most awesome residents, especially those of you who joined us

Average Dissolved Oxygen: 8.2 mg/L. Levels of dissolved oxygen between 4 and 15 mg/L are generally needed for fish to thrive.

Average pH: 8.30

in the boat! With the summer staff leaving, the Ambassadors will need your help on a Tuesday morning even more this September! To join Shannon in the boat, please email shannon@lakeambassadors.ca or phone (250) 341-6898.

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

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August 26, 2021

Confederate flag in Invermere stirs deep concern

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Residents respond to flag displayed on semi truck parked on 13th Avenue

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

13th Avenue), that the flag may possibly have belonged to contractors doing the upgrades.

“We did some investigation on it and we have ascertained that the vehicle has no association with Marwest or any of the other contractors doing the work,” said Young, speaking on Friday, Aug. 20, adding that as far as the district understands the flag belongs to an individual visiting family or friends on 13th Avenue, and that the truck owner was scheduled to leave the Valley on Saturday, Aug. 21.

Several witnesses called the Pioneer to confirm that the truck and flag did indeed leave on Saturday.

“For me personally, to see the battle flag of the Confederacy displayed in our

A Confederate battle flag adorning the front of a tractor trailer truck caused a stir in Invermere last week.

The flag was first noticed by local residents on 13th Avenue on the morning of Sunday, August 15, and photos of it were posted on social media not long after. Multiple residents wrote or called the Pioneer, expressing disgust and dismay, pointing out that the flag had appeared the same weekend as Columbia Valley Pride’s Pride on Wheels event, and was only two blocks away from the rainbow crosswalk outside J.A. Laird Elementary School. One explained that the issue was first brought to her attention by one of her children, who had seen the truck driving around Invermere’s downtown.

The Confederate battle flag was used by Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s Army of North Virginia during the American Civil War, a war fought, at least in part, over slavery (which at that time was still practiced in most Confederate states). In more recent decades, stretching back at least to the Civil rights moveTruck with confederate flag on front ment of the 1950s and 1960s, Submitted photo the flag has become notoriously contentious, with many Americans (and others around the world) view- town is offensive... I was deeply concerned ing it as a symbol of racism, fascism and when I heard the report and we took this white supremacy. Defenders of the flag very seriously,” says Young. deny the connection to racism and mainInvermere mayor, Al Miller, echoed tain the flag is a general symbol of the Young’s comments, saying “certainly we South. In an oft-cited Pew report in 2011, were quite concerned, especially when it the number of Americans with a negative was so close to our job site. We jumped view of the flag was triple the number that on it right away,” adding “do I agree with had a positive view of the flag.

Confederate flag? No I don’t. But we don’t “The thought that other people visit- have a bylaw in place dealing with that.” ing Invermere may have seen the flag, and Columbia Valley Pride explained that made assumptions and associations about the organization has no evidence that the our town based on seeing it here, should arrival of the Confederate flag was purbe almost as upsetting to us as the very posefully timed to coincide with its event. fact of seeing it here in the first place,” says “Prior to being contacted by the Pioconcerned resident, Sarah Bourke. neer, Columbia Valley Pride was unaware The Pioneer contacted the RCMP, of the flag , and have no reason to believe who outlined that they are aware of the it was placed intentionally as a threat to controversy surrounding the Confederate our Pride on Wheels event over that same battle flag, but that there is nothing they weekend. That said, it is deeply concerncan do in this case, as it is not illegal to ing to have this flag surface at any time display the flag. anywhere,” says Columbia Valley Pride The District of Invermere had re- president, Bronwen Poultney, in an email ceived a complaint about the flag, but as to the Pioneer. “This incident demonthere is no bylaw in Invermere against dis- strates that action is required to promote playing the flag, there was not much the anti-racism and reconciliation initiatives district could do in terms of trying to have in our community. It highlights the imthe flag removed. portance of Pride events and the work “We are aware of the vehicle,” Inver- that our society is doing to create safety mere chief administrative officer Andrew for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. This is why we Young told the Pioneer, adding it was a say “Black Trans Lives Matter”. Thank major concern, given the location of the you to the allies who spoke up. We need truck (it was parked almost right beside your voices and your support now more ongoing municipal sewer upgrades on than ever.”

School District No. 6 (Rocky Mountain) P.O. Box 430, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Phone: (250) 342-9243 • All schools open for students on Sept. 7 with regular bus service.

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August 26, 2021

PERSPECTIVE

New to the Pioneer

Historical Lens

By Haley Grinder haley@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Hello Columbia Valley! My name is Haley Grinder and I am beyond excited to join the team here at Columbia Valley Pioneer as Acting Editor while Camille Aubin is away on a well-deserved vacation. Although she leaves behind shoes impossible to fill, I’m confident I can provide the loyal readers of the Columbia Valley Pioneer with timely, relevant, and vital stories to help you start your day.

A face behind the words: A short background.

My passions lie in travelling to new places, experiencing different cultures, immersing myself in nature, enjoying the outdoors and pursuing the art of the written word. In the warm summer months, my time away from my desk is occupied by hiking through forests, camping in the mountains, kayaking down the river and playing baseball with those who dare.

Once the snow begins to fall, my interests shift towards skiing, skating, — and, more recently, snowboarding (though truth be told, that last one is a work in progress). After a good tumble, you can count on me to be curling up with a good book.

Although I have moved around to a variety of places, my roots are located in Edmonton, Alberta. There, I pursued my love of writing at Grant MacEwan University, obtaining a Communication Studies degree with a major in journalism. As grateful as I was for the experience, I craved change— new scenery to look at, new people to talk to, and most all, new adventures to have.

Thus, four months ago, I made the decision to move to Radium Hot Springs from the large concrete jungle that is Edmonton. Even amidst the chaos that naturally accompanies a pandemic, the experience has been positively lifechanging. The fresh mountain air (pre-wildfire haze) is invigorating, and waking up to big horn sheep, turkeys, and deer is a refreshing change of pace compared to the hustle and bustle that encompasses big city living.

It isn’t everyday that you get to live in the very place you once came to vacation, meaning there is no better place to feel inspired in my own work. A writer through and through, you can always count on me for an extra pen or a notebook, as I’ve always got some stashed away I write whenever I can, preferring to feed off other people’s emotion to fuel my own stories, whether they be real or fictional.

I am beyond excited to begin my journalism career here at the Pioneer, where I started freelancing four months ago. I bring with me a fresh outlook, and look forward to being inspired by nature, as well as the many interesting individuals both new and local to the valley.

Svendsen’s Magazine Shop, located in Invermere on Main St. and Bruce Avenue.

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Pouring oil and gas onto the flames Dear Editor: This year the PEMBINA institute released an assessment of provincial, territorial and federal readiness to deliver a safe climate and can be found at this link https://www.pembina.org/pub/. In brief the report outlines the current state of Canada’s climate policy and our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Its findings were unsurprising but depressing all the same. Not a single province, territory, or even Canada’s federal government are on track to cut emissions by enough to achieve 2030 and 2050 climate targets.

Like everything going on right now, from wildfires, droughts and heat waves to torrential flooding this report should be a wake up call for our elected officials. While some provinces are moving in the right direction, like British Columbia and Prince Edward Island, it is clear that there is more work to be done.

In PEI’s case, transitioning to total energy dependency via wind energy would be a huge step forward, same with BC, by ending fracking in the North, ending unsustainable logging practices and transitioning to cleaner forms of transit, we could go a long way in

meeting the targets that our provinces have set. But just as there are provinces moving forwards there are those looking backwards. Alberta alone accounts for 38% of Canada’s total GHG emissions. If we include Saskatchewan then that’s nearly 50% of Canada’s total GHG emissions and yet they make up only 14% of the population. Not only that, but as other industries have reduced their GHG emissions the Oil Sands have increased their emissions by 137% since 2005.

There is no such thing as clean oil but even if there was, Alberta is far from it. Unlike the rest of Canada; Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have set NO emission reduction targets for 2030.

It is clear to me that all of the provinces need to work harder to cap our greenhouse gas emissions and build a stronger, brighter future. But it is also clear that we can no longer sit around as British Columbian towns burn to cinders and we watch our neighbours pour oil and gas onto the flames. We need to hold all governments accountable and demand action on climate change, because it does affect all of us.

Samson Boyer, Wilmer

The Columbia Valley

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

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August 26, 2021

Windermere Valley Museum adds new signage reflecting valley’s Indigenous community Project completed with help from J.A. Laird students

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Windermere Valley Museum is constantly evolving. One of the latest changes is the upgrade of the museum’s welcome signage— a project completed this past March.

With the help of a grant from the Columbia Valley Community Foundation and students from J. Alfred Laird Elementary School, museum goers are now greeted by four distinct languages: Welcome (English), Ki’su’k kyukyit (Ktunaxa), Weyt-k (Secwepemctsin), and Taanishi (Michif ). Laird students also helped contribute to the addition of 215 hands to commemorate the graves found at the former Kamloops Residential School on the museum’s exterior hand railings.

“It’s our role to accurately reflect our valley’s history, not change it,” Sue Macdonald says. “And educate people, as well as entertain.” Macdonald is on the museum’s board and has been involved with the museum for the past twelve years since retiring as a social worker and counsellor.

The project initially began in 2020 with a focus on the museum’s historic buildings. But with the onset of the pandemic, Macdonald says the museum decided to change course. “The project changed in scope.”

The museum was already thinking of improving its First Nation display with better signage.

Inside the museum, the Shuswap display also has a new sign and there is a new one in the works for the KtnuWindermere Valley Museum showcases Indigenous culture axa display.

Photos by James Rose

Salmon Festival cancelled

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Planned for Sept. 11, called off due to COVID and wildfire risk

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Shuswap Band chief and council have decided to cancel the 2021 Salmon Festival. Originally scheduled for September 11th, the cancellation is due to the severity of the wildfires and increasing COVID-19 cases.

“The safety of the community is the top priority and the risk of hosting this event was too high to move forward,” Tess Ainsworth said in an email.

Ainsworth is the Shuswap Band’s communications officer.

Salmon festivals past included a diverse range of activities such as canoe brigades, water ceremonies, hand drummers, storytelling, magic shows, a salmon dinner and evening powwows.

“If you have shared information about the festival with any of your family members or contacts please make sure you follow up with them and inform them of this change,” she says.

This decision was mutually agreed upon by both the Ktunaxa and the Shuswap.

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August 26, 2021

Shuswap Band busy digitizing member photos and negatives Project intended to acknowledge and commemorate Shuswap Band community

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Shuswap Band is busy at work collecting and digitizing photos and negatives from its community. The project is intended to acknowledge and commemorate the Shuswap Band community through the documentation and knowledge of its past and present members.

“This will be done through a photo-sharing initiative that will involve the digitization and storage of member photos and negatives,” Olivia De Brabandere said. De Brabandere works as the Shuswap Band’s culture and heritage coordinator.

The project came about as a result of the Shuswap DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

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

PERMISSIVE PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR 2022 Application forms for organizations which might be eligible for a Permissive Tax Exemption are now available at the Municipal Office, 914 – 8th Avenue and on our website at www. invermere.net under “Important Links” on the home page.

A Permissive Tax Exemption is a means for Council to support organizations within the community which further council’s objectives of enhancing quality of life and delivery of services economically. A Permissive Tax Exemption is strictly at the discretion of the District of Invermere Council.

The application forms are for a tax exemption for 2022 property taxes as per regulations set out in the Community Charter.

To be eligible, nature of the organization must be: • Not-for-profit organization • Charitable or philanthropic organization • An athletic or service club or association • Care facility or licensed private hospital • Partner of the municipality by agreement under s.225 of the Community Charter • Other local authority • Organization eligible under s.220 statutory exemption (e.g. public worship, senior home, hospital) Deadline for the receipt of applications: September 10, 2021 at 4:30 pm local time.

Please call our office at 250-342-9281 if you require any additional information.

Karen Coté, Director of Finance

Band recognizing a need to commemorate past community members and recognize the history of the community in the Invermere area and beyond. “It was decided that photos are a great way to learn about and recognize that history, and that they should be preserved for future generations to learn from as well,” De Brabandere said.

De Brabandere and her team are going about the project by asking community members to bring in their photos and negatives, and to provide some background information on the photos as well.

“Some members only have negatives of their photos, and in some cases don’t know what’s on them. So it will be a way for community members to see photos that they may not have been able to before, and learn more about

their own families and community as they go through them,” she said. “It’s a great way to learn more about the community’s history and commemorate Shuswap Band members through the preservation of their own history.”

To De Brabandere, learning about the past is an important aspect of connecting to community and culture.

“This is a way to uncover some of that history and for Shuswap Band members to celebrate those that have made an impact on the community,” she said.

As to when the project will finish, De Brabandere is unsure. “It’s hard to say, because this project might expand into developing family trees and other related projects.”

Masks mandatory indoors again, proof of vaccination to be required for certain events and services

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com As the number of COVID-19 cases rise in B.C., and officials talk of a potential fourth wave, the provincial government has re-instated some restrictions and announced that people will need to show proof of vaccination to access various non-essential services, events and business.

Cases numbers had been increasing in several parts of the B.C. interior, particularly the central Okanagan, prompting Interior Health to issue a new public health order on Thursday, Aug. 19 which, effective Friday, Aug. 20 at midnight, made masks mandatory in all indoor public spaces for anybody age 12 and older.

High-intensity indoor group exercise was banned, low-intensity indoor group exercise was limited to no more than 10 people per class, and outdoor group exercise limited to 50 people per class.

...Continued ‘STR bylaw’ from page 3

Radium chief administrative officer, Mark Read, replied that “if we want to this to have more teeth and probably larger fines, we have to go through the judicial system. We can’t simply levy a $5,000 fine ourselves.”

Reinhardt explained that village’s STR licensing fees will start out relatively low because the village is only allowed to charge fees that will cover what it projects its operating costs (to implement and manage the bylaw) will be, and those costs are unknown at this point.

Starting on Monday, Aug. 23, gathering in vacation rentals was limited to five guests (or to one additional household), indoor personal gatherings were limited to 10 guests (or one other household), and outdoor gathering were capped at 50 people. Organized gatherings such as weddings, funerals, and seated events were limited to 50 people if indoors, and 100 people if outdoors.

Also on Monday, Aug. 23, the provincial government announced that, across B.C., people age 12 or older would, starting on Monday, Sept. 13, be required to show proof of vaccination ( a ‘vaccine card’ or ‘vaccine passport’), either hard copy or electronic copy, to attend indoor ticketed sports events, concerts, and theatre events, for indoor and patio dining at restaurants, pubs, bars, night clubs, casinos, movie theatres, gyms, pools and recreation facilities.

A vaccine card will also be needed to attend indoor organized gatherings such as, weddings, parties, conferences, workshops, as well as indoor organized group recreational classes and activities, like pottery and art.

She also queried Read about how the bylaw (which limits STRs to one license per housing unit) would apply in developments such as Bighorn Meadows that have fractional ownership (i.e. timeshares).

“That is going to be a challenge,” answered Read, adding “I see us working it out from an administrative stand point, with the challenging part being issuing one license to multiple (timeshare) owners.”

The council member voted three-to-one to adopt the bylaw.

“I think there will be pretty good acceptance,” Reinhardt says.

Just a reminder… The deadline for display advertising is 5 pm Friday.

August 26, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

New local wildlife photographer launches onto the arts scene

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Columbia Valley local and new permanent Canadian resident Denise Hoffgaard is quickly making her mark as one of the best wildlife photographers in the area.

Her images are so crisp and so detailed it feels as though you are standing right there in the forest with the animals.

You can practically feel the softness of the fluffy yellow plumage of a Canadian goose gosling, and hear the water rippling as a moose wades through a pond. You stand stock still for a second when catching the yellow-eyed gaze of a Great Grey Owl, before realizing it is in fact, an image, not the real deal.

Big horn sheep majestically standing on a rock.

Photo by Denise Hoffgaard Photography has exploded for Hoffgaard from passion to a burgeoning profession starting since she first moved to Canada three years ago. To hear how her plan for one year of backpacking in Canada, leaving from her native Germany,

turned into a three year (and counting) stay in the Columbia Valley that earlier this summer culminated in her getting permanent resident status. Before leaving Germany it took a friend to convince her to buy an automatic point-and-shoot digital camera to take photos instead of relying on what she concedes was a mediocre smartphone. She acquiesced, mostly, as she put it “to make some travel memories for myself ”.

And for her first months in Canada that’s exactly what she did: post images to her Instagram account for friends and family back in Germany to see. Then when hiking in Golden in – 25 degree weather in early 2019, she damaged the lens, and needed to ship it off for several weeks to get it fixed. By that point photography had become such as integral part of the way she related to the open and wild Canadian landscapes that she couldn’t bear the thought of not being able to take photos for a month or more. So while her lens was off being repaired, she went out and bought her first digital SLR camera.

“I got a good deal on some other equipment, and I was hooked,” she said, adding she’s recently upgraded again.

She wasn’t just hooked on photography, but on the Columbia Valley too and by 2020, her thoughts had already turned to moving here permanently. Then the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

“That really was the spark that got me to understand how to use my photography gear to its full potential, and to spend more time getting out in the Columbia Valley’s backcountry. That in turn was what inspired me to focus on wildlife,” Denise told the Pioneer. “I really like shooting landscapes, portraits, weddings, I really like doing it all. But there’s something about wildlife photography that just gets me. I wouldn’t get up at 4 a.m. just to shoot a sunrise, but I am excited to get up at that time to go out to a new spot where there might be wildlife to photograph.

Continued on page 13...

OUR SERVICES

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 26, 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

OUT OF OFFICE…

The Business Excellence Awards are shining bright!

By Patrick Carrick Membership Manager Columbia Valley Chamber Of Commerce

I’m very excited to sit down and chat with the Events Coordinator at the CV Chamber, Patrick Carrick. Patrick, thanks so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat with me and the valued readers of the Columbia Valley Pioneer!

No problem at all Patrick, I’m always happy to make time for you. You’re the best!

Aw you’re too much… First question, after being unable to run last year, I have been hearing rumours that the Annual Business Excellent Awards (BEAs) will be making its triumphant return in the Fall of 2021. Is this true and what can you divulge at this time?

I’m so glad that you asked Patrick!

It just so happens that the CV Chamber is thrilled to announce that on Thursday, October 21st we will be hosting the 22nd Annual BEAs at Copper

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made of a diverse collection of community leaders throughout the Valley have the honour. The committee will review the award criteria, the number of nominations a business receives, asses their achievements and then they determine the awards finalists and its RE-CIP-IE-NT. Recipients… got it. So with lots of attention around this event, how do businesses get involved? Will there be sponsorship opportunities?

Great question Patrick! The BEAs is also one of our major fundraisers of the year and we have some attractive ways for businesses to support whilst receiving some valuable brand recognition. Businesses can link their brand to a specific award or to events huge marketing campaign. Businesses should get in quick and make the most out of those sponsorship dollars.

With COVID 19 restrictions constantly evolving are you concerned this event may not take place?

Our primary goal is to host an in-person event and like everyone, we are remaining optimistic but malleable. If the event must move forward digitally, we have some inventive ideas in our back pocket.

Thanks so much again for your time today Patrick. One final question I have to ask. How to you keep such a youthful appearance after all these years?

Oh thanks Patrick, that’s so nice. I guess it’s all the fresh Valley air… and moisturize of course.

Point Resort! This will coincide with National Small Business Week and is a fantastic opportunity for our local business community to enjoy each other’s company, in-person, once again. We look forward to celebrating & highlighting excellence in business and to showcase the many diverse industries in our special Valley.

Awesome! So, I take it this event is only available to Chamber members?

Absolutely not. While we rely on our valued members support to execute the many community building initiatives we have on the go, we feel this particular event should be open to all businesses, non-profits & organizations. We wish to uphold the Chamber’s mission to be inclusive, which has even inspired a revamp of award categories to build upon this…

That’s a great segue to the awards themselves… What are they and how can one win?

I was getting to that until you interrupted me.

My bad…

As I was saying, this year, rather than focusing on specific industries, we have decided to highlight the inner workings of businesses/organisations. Some of our award categories will celebrate innovation, customer service, workplace culture and sustainability… To name only a few. A full list of the awards and their criteria can be found on our website (www.cvchamber.ca).

Nominations are now open and will be until September 28. On our website you will be able to find the online home for the BEAs. Businesses can print off or request materials to campaign for their business. This is also where Individuals can nominate their favourite businesses and get tickets to the event!

So after nominations close, what happens next, does that Chamber decide the winners?

We prefer the term ‘Recipients’ (they’re all winners in our eyes) AND NO, we don’t decide the winners. An independent committee

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August 26, 2021

cvevents cv events.ca .ca

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Thursday, August 26

• 6:30-8 pm: The District of Invermere presents a free concert series “Locals Live” featuring Fairweather 54! Join us tonight, at Pothole Park from 6:30 -8 pm for a rocking good time! Bring your own lawn chair! *This event follows the current PHO order on gatherings and events and the current province-wide restrictions.

Pre-registration required, maximum 100 people. Visit eventbrite.ca.

• 6 pm: Youth/Teen Drop-In Fun (Canal Flats) 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! FREE for youth in Grades 7 through 12.

Friday, August 27 • 9 am - 12 pm: Free Camp Day. The Lake Windermere Ambassadors is offering FREE educational summer camps all summer on Fridays at James Chabot, for kids age 8-12! Registration required. Facebook.com/LakeWindermereAmbassadors

Saturday, August 28 • 10 am -2 pm: Car Cruise In. We will be holding a “Cruise In’’ gathering. No prizes, no fees, no trophies. Just car enthusiasts wanting to shine their bumpers and talk about cars. Canal Flats Village Ball Diamond 4925 Burns Ave. • 2:30 pm: Live Music in the Park: Fairmont Resort Road. MUSIC IN THE PARK continues this coming weekend with the well known local duo Smarty Pants on Saturday afternoon and Dean Ray each evening from August 7 to 10. Dean Ray is a very popular rock / pop cover musician from Alberta. Smarty Pants is playing every Saturday through to Labour Day long weekend. Dean Ray is here on multiple dates through August and into the long weekend.

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!

Fridays

• Edgewater Legion Wing Day: Every Friday is Wing Day at the Edgewater Legion!

12 pm Take Out, 5 pm Dine In! • 10:30am Seniors Fitness takes place at the Columbia Valley Centre. $2 Drop-in rate.

• 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.

• 5:30 pm: Magic the Gathering at Main Street Fun and Games. Every Friday evening. 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

• 9 am -1 pm: At the Lakeview Parking lot: The Invermere Farmers and Artists Market is located Downtown Invermere and runs every Saturday, June 12th- Sept 11th 2021. Make it, Bake it, Grow it, Raise it!

• 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. 342-3440 • 12 noon -4 pm: Canal Flats Market. Canal Flats Mixed Market. Come check out the diverse artisans and producers at this Mixed Market in Canal Flats, every Saturday • 4 pm: Pub Grub at the Legion. Every Friday and Saturday.

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• 4 – 8 pm: Wings & Things, Pub Grub in the Branch.

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!

Mondays

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

• 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.

• 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!

• 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.

Snacks + a safe space!

• 8 pm: Movies in the Mountains present Tom & Jerry. We’re back on Monday nights at Pothole Park in Invermere! Movies start at dark. Free to attend, cash concession available. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and mosquito repellent! Hosted by the District of Invermere. *This event follows the current PHO order on gatherings and events and the current province-wide restrictions. Pre-registration required, maximum 100 people. Visit eventbrite.ca.

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 - 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 • 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

Check with event organizers for COVID-19 guidelines.

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12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 26, 2021

Columbia Valley Origins: Denise Hoffgaard

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The Pioneer has decided to pay tribute to all of the hard-working individuals who have worked tirelessly to battle the blazes threatening our communities, as well as the police, paramedics and all other first responders who sacrifice so much for the good of others. With your help, the Pioneer would one do our part to show our appreciation.

As such, we are preparing a supplement that will feature ads showcasing our support for those

2 col. (3.33”) x 3”

70

$

All ads will be in full colour.

(Not actual size, scaled down)

N E W S PA P E R

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

was perhaps the most polar opposite from her previous life as a Hamburg paralegal, she moved to the Columbia Valley to work as a volunteer at Fairmont’s Funtasia (she lined this opportunity up while still in Germany). It didn’t take long for Hoffgaard to realize that she’d fallen in love with the area and western Canada in general.

So magnetic was the pull of the Canadian landscape and its wildlife to Hoffgaard, ultimately it inspired her to pursue her passion for photography. “My intense interest in photography began only after I came to Canada,” she said. “Since coming to Canada, I’ve felt right at home.

Canadians are amazing people.”

Denise Hoffgaard never felt at home in her hometown of Hamburg, Germany. Before moving to Canada, Hoffgaard worked as a paralegal for eleven years with a Hamburg law firm specializing in trademark and licensing agreements. That’s not to suggest she didn’t enjoy her career in law. She did. There was just something missing from her life. For Hoffgaard, it was difficult to pin down.

“I never felt fulfilled with my lifestyle,” Hoffgaard said. “I was living in a big city [Hamburg population is ~1.8 million]. My friends were more interested in partying and going to restaurants or sitting in parks. I did all of this stuff, but it wasn’t what I wanted to do.”

Hoffgaard eventually realized a change was in order.

“I was thinking about maybe moving into a more lively part of Hamburg,” she said. “Or maybe a new city, but then I liked my job!” She then considered the possibility of moving to another country. Perhaps Austria? Or Switzerland? “I thought of those countries because I love snowboarding. Then, when I got into the sport, I met more like-minded people.”

Snowboarding came into Hoffgaard’s life in 2012 after visiting an indoor snow sports centre in Hamburg. It wasn’t an activity Hoffgaard grew up with. “It changed my whole lifestyle,” she said. Once hooked, she began travelling the world in search of snow. “I would drive ten hours to Austria or go to France or Norway. One time I road tripped through Australia before flying to Japan to go snowboarding.” As a keen viewer of snowboard movies, this was how her appetite for visiting Canada was first whetted. “If you’re a snowboarder, Canada is not a country you can ignore,” she said laughing.

When Hoffgaard found herself at a crossroads about where and what to do next, she fell in love with an idea first suggested to her by an aunt. “I couldn’t make up my mind. It was my aunt who came up with the idea of doing Photo by James Rose a work/travel year,” she said. Hoffgaard initially thought Denise Hoffgaard she was too old. But then she saw that Canada’s working holiday visa was permitted until the age of 35. Hoffgaard Hometown: Hamburg, Germany Age: 35 applied for a visa, broke up with her partner and seem Occupation: Professional photographer ingly overnight found herself working in Sundre, Alberta Columbia Valley arrival: June 2018 as part of World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farm. Hobbies: Photography, hiking, camping, After her month-long stint working in a location that snowboarding

many selfless hours put in by the numerous individuals who serve our community and others around the province.

To further show our support, the Pioneer will donate $20 from every ad purchased to the Canadian Red Cross relief fund. This is a small gesture to show thanks to those who have worked relentlessly through both the COVID-19 pandemic and the intense wildfire season.

COPY DEADLINE: Thursday, September 2nd, 2021 PUBLISHING DATE: Thursday, September 9th, 2021

For more information contact Amanda Nason at 250-341-6299 ext 102 or e-mail advertising@columbiavalleypioneer.com to participate.

Wildlife in British Columbia

Photos by Denise Hoffgaard

August 26, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

Various forms of wildlife in their natural habitat Continued ‘photographer’ from page 9 “I love animals. I feel in wildlife photography you really have to do your homework, learn a lot about the animals you want to get images of. You have to know their habits, what their food sources are, what their routines are, if you want to find them in the first place,” she says. “And I love how you never really know what you’re going to get. The first time I photographed a Great Grey Owl, for instance, I was trying to find a grizzly that I had heard was in the area. The grizzly wasn’t there, but the owl was, and as soon as I saw it, saw those eyes, it was amazing. I had never seen any kind of owl before, and it really floored me. It was one of my favourite photography moments.”

The photos on Hoffgaard’s Instagram account improved and soon the number of her followers had grown exponentially.

“I started to get strangers following me (on Instagram) and at first I was flattered.

But then I thought, I have to do something to make it interesting for them. Of course my family and friends will follow me no matter what, but for people I don’t know, I thought I should add something more,” Hoffgaard says.

She began adding background information, usually about the animals, but also about wilderness etiquette and conservation issues. This fuelled her popularity online even more.

In some ways, her new wildlife photography career is bringing Hoffgaards life

full circle. As a five-year-old, she was deeply interested in earth sciences, and started a nature club. This passion faded a bit, however, as she grew up and became a big city paralegal.

“Then I decided I wanted to change focus in my life,” she says. “I came to Canada and this passion for nature was re-awakened.”

Since getting her permanent residency, Hoffgaard has flung herself headfirst into her photography, offering wedding events, photography sessions, portrait and personal sessions, and pet photography in addition to selling her wildlife photos. She has also set up booths occasionally at some of the local farmers’ markets.

“In photography you can really capture the moment...I think it’s just the way I look at the world. The details I see. For instance, I often find I can’t help but notice small things, like the way the moon looks between two trees. But these small things really help with photography,” says Hoffgaard. “Even before I had a smartphone with a camera, I would see some kind of small details, like the moon, and have a feeling of wanting to capture it.”

In terms of future plans she says, “I really do hope I establish myself as a wildlife photographer with a conservation background. We need to preserve and protect species.”

To see more of Hoffgaard’s images visit her website at dhoffgaard.wixsite.com/ photography or check out her Instagram account @d.hoffgaard_photography.

Photos by Denise Hoffgaard

Want to make a in the Columbia Basin?

difference

Join our team of passionate staff working together to strengthen the places we love. ourtrust.org/careers

Have something to say?

Letters to the editor can be e-mailed to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 26, 2021

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Box 2206 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

• Septic Tank Pumping • Portable Toilet Rentals

• A well maintained septic system • Complete sewer/drain repairs should be pumped every 2-3 years • Reasonable rates – Seniors’ discount • Avoid costly repairs • Speedy service – 7 days a week

Fraser Elrick • 250-688-1271

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

www.kootenayinsurance.ca

Kootenay Paving

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

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING

PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR THE VACATION HOME OWNER SINCE 2006

WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS

Fully Insured & WCB Covered

valleysolutions@shaw.ca

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

Toll Free

Kootenay Paving Toll Free 1-888-341-2221

Call now for a free quote!

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

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

BOX 2228 742 - 13th STREET INVERMERE, BC 1-888-341-2221 V0A 1K0 P: 250-342-3031 F: 250-342-6945 info@lambertinsurance.ca

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

Please recycle this newspaper

August 26, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

HERE TO SERVE YOU LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING Spots available for summer 2021!

WINDERMERE, BC 250-341-7029

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

• FireSmart• Equipment Civil Earthworks 62”x74” Brushcutter

2016

Sue Coy

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY’S TREE CARE SPECIALISTS

Quality not quantity

250-341-5353 sdcoy@shaw.ca

Lloyd Wilder

250-342-5326 lewilder@shaw.ca

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

www.decoylandscaping.com

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

CONTRACTING

CONTRACTING

STAIN/LACQUER/PAINT INTERIOR/EXTERIOR

Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood.

Vacuum/ Septic tank pumping

patco_dev@shaw.ca

(250) 270-0345

Slurpy

in Calgary since 2002 in Invermere since 2004

Registered ROWP Serving all areas from Wasa to Golden

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

Patco Developments Ltd. PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS

Gary’s

We also offer roundthe-clock service calls.

A licensed, registered and bonded company

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

kekulibaycabinetry.com

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

403-650-4622 • garysptg@gmail.com

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

Kekuli Bay Cabinetry

INTERIOR • EXTERIOR • WALL COVERINGS

FREE Estimates

CONTRACTING

There’s a new ‘Sucker’ in town!

Patryk Jagiello

Seniors Discounts

GOLDEN, BC 250-344-0188

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

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

CONCRETE

READY MIX CONCRETE

• Authorized dealer • Designer • Installer

Dale Elliott Contracting

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

For competitive prices and prompt service, call: 250-342-3268 (plant) 250-342-6767 (office) • Ready Mix Concrete • Commercial concrete sealer • Concrete Pumping retarder for exposed • Over 50 colours available aggregate and in stock • DELIVERED ON TIME • Concrete stamps for rent at a fair price • Full range of coloured release • Full range of sand and agents for stamping gravel products.

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

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

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

• • • •

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

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

Basements Garage pads Driveways Patios

250-688-3739

• • • •

Decorative Exposed Stamped concrete Acid staining Serving the Columbia Valley

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

N E W S PA P E R

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 26, 2021

Love of Libraries

This week’s column was written by Blair McFarlane Community Outreach Library Assistant at Invermere Public Library, which is located at 201 7th Avenue. Visit their website or call 250-342-6416 for more information.

“Reading isn’t important because it helps you get good grades or a job. It’s important because it gives you room to exist beyond the reality you’re given.

Reading makes the world better. It is how humans merge. How minds connect. Dreams. Empathy. Understanding. Escape. Reading is love in action.”

-- Matt Haig, author (@matthaig on Instagram).

This quote is from British author, Matt Haig (find his latest book, The Midnight Library on our shelf now), and it wonderfully captures the magic of reading. This past year, we’ve all felt the need to exist beyond our reality more than usual, and escapism has always been one of the best parts of reading. We read to get lost in a book, and when we return, perhaps our perspective has changed enough to face reality once again. But reading is much more than escapism. It is, “how humans merge, how minds connect... it is love in action.” This is such a nice idea, to think about reading as a form of love. Love is so often depicted as a big gesture, a grand declaration, but love exists most fiercly in the small actions, in the little things we almost don’t notice.

We can foster it and share it through the stories we read.

Taking the time to read a story about someone whose life is completely different from yours, creates empathy. A book is the most effective tools to understand a new perspective, to gain a new appreciation for someone else’s lifestyle.

It allows us to see the humanity in everyone, regardless of whether their beliefs differ from ours. It allows us to see other ways of thinking, to remind us that we all approach every situation differently based on our past experiences. What I love in particular about a library book, is how one copy of a book will wind up in many different hands (books are cleaned after each check-in!), and each time that book is read, a new story emerges. We all read a story from our own perspectives, connect it to our own unique experiences, and likely walk about with something different after reading it.

In a time where it is seems much easier to see our dirfferences instead of similarities, we could all benefit from reading a few books; to help us actively love beyond our own circles, and to strengthen our empathy.

The library will be extending our hours almost back to normal after Labour Day weekend. Beginning Wednesday, September 8, we will be open 10 am-8 pm on Wednesdays andThursdays again! While we are still unsure about when we can proceed with indoor, in-personprograms, we are happy to go back to almost regular hours and provide a space for people to work, study and read. We will still only be open 10 am- 2 pm on Saturdays for the time being. Please head to our website for the most up to date information, as it is ever-changing lately: invermere.bc.libraries.coop

WildSafeBC – Garbage Bin Tagging in Invermere Submitted by WildSafeBC WildSafeBC is the provincial leader in preventing conflict with wildlife through collaboration, education and community solutions. The program is now up and running in Invermere and Radium for the 2021 season. Funding is generously provided by the Columbia Basin Trust, District of Invermere, Radium Hot Springs, the British Columbia Conservation Foundation, and the Province of B.C. As a part of the educational portion of their program, WildSafeBC will be visiting various neighbourhoods across Invermere this summer to do weekly garbage tagging. Garbage bins that are placed on the curb the night before pickup will be targeted, as garbage is the number-one attractant for black bears.

These bins will receive a bright yellow sticker that serves as a warning to residents that their garbage is an attractant.

WildSafeBC also wants to remind residents of Invermere of bylaw 1426, which states: “All domestic refuse cannot be placed for curbside pick-up prior to 7:30 AM of the property’s regularly scheduled garbage pick-up day. In addition to this all-domestic refuse must be placed in one of the following: a) A building, house or garage that is inaccessible to wildlife; b) An approved wildlife resistant container; c) A container that is placed in an approved wildlife resis-

tant enclosure; or d) Deposited at an appropriate disposal site. “ Residents of Radium, whilst there is no curbside collection, I’d also like to remind you of bylaw No. 440,2018 which states: “No person shall knowingly or willingly leave or store any attractant, refuse, food product, pet food or grain in a manner which would constitute an attractant to any wild animal.” As with Invermere the storage of domestic and commercial refuse is the same, see above. This means bear proof bins should always be closed and never overflowing and bags of garbage should never be left besides overflowing bins.

If anyone notices bins are overflowing, please wait to place your garbage out or alternatively take it to one of the transfer stations available.

WildSafeBC provides information on these bylaws but does not enforce them or deliver fines. By warning residents and educating the public about attractant management through initiatives such as garbage tagging, WildSafeBC hopes to prevent human-wildlife conflict in Invermere and Radium. For further information about the program or for tips on wildlife safety visit https:// wildsafebc.com, follow WildSafeBC Columbia Valley on Facebook, or contact your local Community Coordinator, Natalie Ebsworth, at (250) 3429281 ext. 1230 or by email radium@ wildsafebc.com.

HERE TO SERVE YOU I N

P U R S U I T

LAMBERT-KIPP

O F

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

SERVICES

CARPET CLEANING

CONCRETE

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

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

PHARMACY (2019) LTD. TILE AND GROUT CLEANING Business: 250-342-9692

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

Cell: 250-342-1273

ptarmiganrugclean@gmail.com

Enjoy life, we’ll clean it up!

Call NOW:

250-688-0213

• Carpets dry in 1 hour • Environmentally friendly products • Disinfectant kills COVID-19 • Fresh clean scent – no steam • Area rugs and upholstery • Protector • 100% guarantee • Prompt reliable service Visit www.heavensbest.com for more information

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

Open Mon. – Sat., 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sun., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

250-342-6612

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

N E W S PA P E R

Amanda Murray Office Administrator/ Sales

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

August 26, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

P ioneer C lassifieds S

OBITUARY

S

Carlson, Brenda 1950 – 2021

Brenda Carlson, age 71, said her final goodbyes on the evening of August 16th, 2021.

Brenda had lived a full life, lighting the room everywhere she went. She was a joyous soul who loved exploring the outdoors and camping with her late husband, Robin. Brenda and Robin married on September 10th, 1977; Together they shared two beautiful daughters, Michelle Carlson and Shawnna Warriner.

While always being devoted to family, Brenda treasured her time spent with her grandbabies, Alyssa Bradford, Summer Bradford, Lane Warriner and Mya Warriner.

It is with heavy hearts as the ones who cared for Brenda say their goodbyes as she makes her way to her new ethereal home.

To our Mom, Nana,Wife, Sister, Aunt and Friend Brenda, you are forever loved.

Taylor, Rodney 1953 – 2021

Rodney Taylor passed away suddenly at the age of 68 in lnvermere. Rodney was born in Invermere on July 9, 1953. He is survived by his spouse Margaret Porcina, his parents Joe and Sanda Taylor, his sister Faith Saunders (Gordon), his son Andrew, his daughter Claire (Andy), his nephews Ryan Saunders (Neda), Tanner Saunders and many special friends.

Rod attended David Thompson High School in Invermere.

He loved the NASCAR races and for some years owned and operated the Cranbrook Race Track where he raced his own car.

Rod spent a lot of time in his younger years hang gliding and flying gliders and he loved fishing. Rod had an excavating business for many years and building rock walls was his specialty. Rod loved going to NASCAR races and flying his drone with Margie. Rod was a very kind and caring person and would help anyone in need.

Rod played a lot of poker, including tournaments in Vegas, and with family and friends. Rod is and will be dearly missed.

Do Not Stand At My Grave Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sun on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there; I did not die.

A Freeman.

N E W S PA P E R

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

GARAGE SALE 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.

Moving Sale. Everything must go. Saturday August 28th, 9 a.m.

- 4 p.m. Sunday August 29th, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 7532 Jackson Ave. Radium. All proceeds go to the Food Bank.

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

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

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

OPEN MARKET Edgewater Community Park 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, August 28th Featuring a show by AMUSE TROUPE Vendors: Please call 250-347-9860 To book your spot - $20.

RY D! R SO ELLE NC A C

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS Cheers to Devin Publicover. The Rite to Ride program is hands down our family’s favorite!

Regardless of age or skill level, you are always so positive and fun. The kids absolutely adore you and as a parent I couldn’t ask for a better role model in my child’s life. Much appreciation for everything you do!

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

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

LOST AND FOUND

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE

Cheers to Invermere Glass your great! Supporting local business works. Much appreciated!

Cheers to Steve and Chad Fear for the super deluxe job you did of completing our new stairway leading down to the lower yard.

You arrived early in the morning and also in the evening, fitting us in with the many other jobs you had on your schedule.. First class work that we will enjoy in the years ahead.

Huge Cheer to the kind man driving the dark blue Frontier truck who assisted us when the pedal came off my bike while cycling in the Highlands. You were so kind to go home and bring back the Allen wrench. We enjoyed the rest of our bike ride and made it home safely thanks to your help.

Cheers to fellow rock painters who leave treasures on the pathways! I have a growing collection - loved the ones done by kids - the chicks - and now cute bears! Let’s gear up for Christmas! How about in November! Keep the love flowing!

LISTINGS NEEDED! I WANT TO SELL YOUR HOUSE!

WHY LIST WITH GERRY?

BUYING OR SELLING? I specialize in rural, recreational, farm and ranch properties.

BARRY BROWN-JOHN LOST: Left my Kayak seat and foot pedal fins at the east parking area of Kinsmen Beach. $100 reward, no questions asked! Please call 403-860-1333 if found.

LOST: Brand new adult black bike helmet between Timber Ridge and Kloosifer on last weekend Aug 14 or Aug 15. Please call 250-688-3775 if found.

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

“Rocky Mountain Land Man”

Call or text

250-342-5245

b.brownjohn@gmail.com HOUSE FOR RENT House for rent in Fairmont Hot Springs Approx. 1,800 sq. ft, 2-bdrm, 2 bath main and upper floor.

Available Oct 2021 - May 2022. Furnished with high end furniture with fully updated renovations. $1,250/mo. plus $200 utilities (includes cable / WIFI), Email kenwhite4@shaw. ca or call Ken at 604-842-1916.

CONDO FOR RENT Akiskinook Resort Windermere: 1-bdrm fully furnished condo, Larger end unit, new renos and upgrades. $925/mo includes cable/Wi-Fi. Call or text 403-281-3991.

HOUSE FOR SALE

House for Sale by Owner

✔ 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

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

SUITE FOR RENT Pioneer Classified Advertising 250-341-6299

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 26, 2021

SUITE FOR RENT

SERVICES

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Bachelor suite, available Sept.

1st, $700/mo includes cable, internet, heat and lights.

Partially furnished, N/S, N/P, no partiers. Three blocks from downtown, 250-342-6178 or 250-341-7427.

Featured Listing

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

Continental mud and snow tires.

195x65 R15 80% tread. Asking $125. 250-688-1544.

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

FIREWOOD

HELP WANTED

Pine Firewood. Pine and fir available. Call 250-342-6068.

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 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

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!

B.B.’s Home & Design Services Master Craftsman & Stonemason, Renovation’s, Blinds & installation.

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.

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

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.

W !

NERICE P

1018 14th Street

$509,900 Brand New Kitchen and Back Deck

Rocky River Grill is accepting applications for full-time yearround Supervisor, Server and Assistant Manager. Please forward resume to steve. kuffler@gmail.com or text 250342-1378.

250-341-7600

Please recycle this newspaper

www.geoffhill.ca

SALES REPRESENTATIVE to provide top quality service for our retail customers. This is a full time position Duties And Responsibilities: Handle customer calls and inquiries, Process customer orders at the counter and on the telephone, Maintenance of the storefront including stocking of all shelves, Warehouse support including shipping and receiving, as well as some parts delivery. Must be comfortable with computers and have a driver’s license with a clean abstract, able to drive a standard car is an asset.

Contact Shannon or Ross at Invermere Napa Auto Parts, 150 Industrial Road 2 Invermere BC. Please email resume and references to shreimer@napacanada.com

Geoff Hill PREC* REALTOR® Fair Realty

Napa Auto Parts Invermere is looking for a

MopSpot Mop

JOB FAIR

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

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

Starting wage is approximately $27/hour.

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

Customer Service Representative Full-time Permanent

Great Benefits. Basic Office Duties - strong customer service skills, 2 years experience with excel, word and email. Must have High School Diploma.

Drop resume off – 410 Panorama Drive or email to Stephanie@castlefuels.ca

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.

Are you a hard worker looking, like variety in your job, are looking for a long-term career away from an office setting? Have you ever wondered what the construction/landscaping industry can offer you?

Wilco Contractors Southwest is looking for

General Landscape Construction Labourers for a project in Invermere. Starting September 7.

This is a seasonal full-time position.

Tasks include but are not limited to: • Labourer for retaining walls, paving stone installation, hard landscaping, underground utility installation and other types of civil work • Prep/lay sod, plant trees and shubs • Spotting/Labour for Excavating equipment • Operating small packers, shoveling, heavy lifting, etc.

Wilco offers competitive wages and a safe, professional work environment.

Successful applicants must pass a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment.

Must have reliable transportation to the jobsite.

Interested applicants should send their resume by visiting the Careers page on our website: www.wilcosouthwest.ca or following this link, https://www. optimizehire.org/apply-job?i=MTYxMg%3D%3D or email danm@wilcosw.ca.

Ensuring your personal email address and phone number is included.

We would like to thank all applicants for their submissions, however, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

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

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

August 26, 2021

HELP WANTED Now Hiring at Crossroads Market for All positions!

Deli, Bakery, Grocery, Meat, Cashiers.

Higher than industry standard wage package with high season bonus. Flexible work schedule.

Both part-time and full-time positions available. Send all resumes to kgtltd2020@gmail. com or apply in person at Crossroads Market.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

BCYCNA – CLASSIFIED ADS BUILDINGS FOR SALE INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008.

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

RECEPTION/ SERVICE WRITER Looking for a team member with a positive and energetic attitude, good customer service skills, willing to learn basic automotive systems.

Must provide resume and references from previous workplaces.

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

Excavator Operator POSITION AVAILABLE Wolfe Mining Inc. is a mining company located at Baymag Mines and Mount Brussilof in the Columbia Valley, our office is located in Radium Hot Springs. We are looking for a new member to join our mechanical staff. This is a permanent, full-time position for a Red Seal Heavy Duty Mechanic. Competitive wages with full benefits and an RRSP Program.

Resumes with references to wolfemininginc@telus.net or fax to 250-347-9096 Only those applicants selected for an interview will be notified.

WMI will be accepting resumes until August 27, 2021.

Wilco Contractors Southwest Inc. is seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to start September 3, 2021 for a project in Invermere. B.C. Candidates must be experienced with loading trucks, finish grading, working stockpiles, working around utilities, Concrete Breakout,landscaping etc.

Equipment is New Cat 308 and 315.

Experience on skidsteer is an asset.

Wilco offers competitive wages and a safe, professional work environment. Successful applicants must pass a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment.

Interested applicants can apply at www.wilcosouthwest. ca or https://www.optimizehire.org/apply-job?i= MTYxMg%3D%3D and submit their resume or email danm@wilcosw.ca.

‘Knights Of The Highway’ advocate for safe driving habits Submitted by Cathy Cha “There have been so many wrecks, tragedies, and just plain foolish accidents in the valley that you don’t even want to ask me more! They’d curl your hair and give you the tremble,” was how one local resident described driving in the mountains, and in the Columbia Valley in particular. Summer vacation driving is in full swing, with more traffic than in the past, so speaking to some local automotive experts provides some good vehicle and driving reminders for residents and visitors alike.

While safe driving tips like slowing down, checking following distance, not using your phone while driving, and not driving drunk or ‘high’ might be obvious, yetthey are still amongst the leading causes of accidents, injuries and deaths in the Columbia Valley. Defensive driving is necessary when dealing with the sheer volume of vehicles in a tourist hotspot.

Ross Bidinger, local owner of NAPA Auto parts, Walkers Auto repair, and Kool Country Towing, explains the need to, “slow down and follow at a safe distance, get a good roadside assistance program, keep a basic supply of automotive fluids in your vehicle, [and check your] fluids and tire pressure, because the mountains can be tough on a vehicle.” When I also spoke to local repair shops, including K-5 Mechanical and Online Automotive, they noted that summer is an extremely busy season and repair shops were working hard to keep both locals and tourists alike on the road.

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

FAITH

August 26, 2021

The Eagle’s Mental Health

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

Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

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

By Brent Woodard Anglican/United Church

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

My wife and I are very fortunate to be able to watch an eagle family from our front window. Papa eagle spends hours a day sitting on a branch overlooking the valley. He and mama eagle and their two juvenile eagles have to deal with many challenges, both from human and non-human sources. Sometimes jets take off from a nearby airstrip and roar away. Every day the train rumbles by. Hundreds of people float down the river and sometimes people play loud (non-eagleish) music, and even get out of their boat and walk under the eagle’s tree.

This summer lightning struck within a hundred yards of the eagles with the immediate loud crack of thunder.

Then it was hot. Sometimes it rains. The eagles are there in January when it’s minus 30. So, they deal with lots of challenges.

But what struck me this summer was how almost every morning Mr. Eagle was pestered by two smaller birds.

The birds would hop on the branch the eagle was standing on and get in his space. He would raise his wings and open his beak and give them a predator’s fierce look and they would flutter a short distance away. Then they would hop close again until they got another reaction.

Sometimes they would land on his head or shoulders.

Mr. Eagle would alternate from looking vexed to resum-

ing his noble posture. Sometimes he would give up and fly away, leaving these two pesky birds behind. Why the two birds bothered the eagle I don’t know. It seemed they just got a kick out of it.

For me, it was another example of how everything in life gets challenged. No living thing is exempt. Every blade of grass gets challenged. Can you imagine being a mosquito? Life is not easy for them.

As humans, this is so important for us to realize.

When challenges come, instead of saying “this should not be happening to me,” it’s more like we could say “Ah, another challenge, just as it is supposed to be.” It’s in the deeper wisdom of life to be this way, because without challenges we would not evolve, go deeper, and awaken.

One of the biggest sources of challenge is other people.

If it wasn’t for other people life would be a lot easier, but then we’d be challenged in other ways or just by being alone.

So, challenges come from the outside. But for humans, the biggest source of challenge comes from within, from our minds. Our minds take the “isness” of what is and amplify it into upset, distress, worry, complaining, catastrophizing, and general unhappiness. It may seem like what is upsetting us is outside, but what is really upsetting us is what our minds are doing. We have unconscious thoughts, stories, and expectations that are creating misery for us. The good news about this is that we can’t often change the external situation, but we can do something about what our minds are doing. For me, this is what spirituality and spiritual practices are all about.

I think it is fair to say that I watched Mr. Eagle deal with his mental health this summer. He had to deal with the pesky birds and all the other stuff, but he didn’t have to deal with having a human mind. We do, and that makes our challenge so much harder. But to figure it out might leave us not only with a deep feeling of peace but also not regretting past challenges nor fearing future ones.

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

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

Relief Society, 11:15 a.m.

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

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your message is resonating with residents and visitors alike.

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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

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

...Continued ‘safe driving’ from page 19 Although all the repair shops in the area, including Radium Hot Springs and the Invermere area, offer similar services, they do all have their own character and specialty areas, so ask around if you need something in particular like tires of brakes or diesel services. Most locals have a favorite and the different shops have their fans and foes, but they have been proudly serving the valley for years. Doing a good job has kept them in business in the busy and slow seasons, which really shows their dedication to all drivers and vehicle Don’t drink and drive sign owners!

Having seen some of the incredible wrecks that tow companies have had to clean up, it’s not an exaggeration to say that these drivers are putting their lives on the line as much as any kind of emergency responder does. Tow truck services are not cheap in the valley, so a good roadside assistance program can

be very economical when you consider ‘in town’ tows cost around $120, shorter between town hops around $160 to $200, and if you’re off the beaten track bebecause you bought a backroads map guide, tows can cost into the hundreds depending on distances.

From personal experience, Kool Country Towing and Club Towing offer reliable service, but both can be incredibly busy in the summer.

The guys at both these companies are currently workin­ g long and dangerous hours to get vehicles towed, clean up accidents, and recover vehicles. So the next time you see a tow truck working, slow down. It really makes a difference when you’re working on Photo by Tim Mossholder the side of a road!

From the repair shop owners and those courageous tow truck drivers in the Columbia Valley, whose effort and skills keep visitors coming back and local businesses running, drive safe, keep an eye on signage, and remember to drive defensively.