Columbia Valley Pioneer, September 2, 2021

September 2, 2021 Vol. 17/Issue 35

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1 September 2, 2021

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

The Columbia Valley

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New Democratic Party (NDP)

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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September 2, 2021

VALLEY VIEWS

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UPCOMING EVENTS Ser vin g th eC

EXTENDED HOURS!

o l u m bia e Vall y

As of Sept. 8th the library will be open 10 am - 8 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays again!

Saturdays will remain 10 am- 2 pm.

Check our website for current info.

invermere.bc.libraries.coop

Improving e-bike technology makes it possible for most people to complete the out-and-back lap, with ever-changing views of forests, cattle pastures, and Lake Windermere.

Another great weather weekend in downtown Invermere, with enjoying the live music outside the Invermere Farmers & Artists Market in the Lakeview Parking Lot.

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Retailers, like Artym Gallery, and restaurants throughout the Valley continue to make good use of outdoor space with this ideal summer weather.

Beth Chisholm

Tara Whittick, left, is organizing Art From the Attic on behalf of Windermere Elementary School. Here, she and fellow teacher, Katie Niddrie, show off some art that has been donated for the event.

Many, many more draws will continue through 2021.

Stop by and visit our

Fruit Stand

We now have Creston Cherries, Blueberries, Peaches and Apricots.

With the smoke and heat gone, cyclists and runners are making up for lost time on the Markin MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail. To date in 2021, over 45,000 people have made use of the paved trail between Fairmont and Invermere and a sunny and mild September will push that figure much higher.

Photos by Ryan Watmough

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September 2, 2021

VALLEY NEWS

JGMRM set for disincorporation this fall Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Jumbo Glacier Mountain Resort Municipality, the municipal entity incorporated by the provincial government back in February 2013, may officially no longer exist some time later this fall.

The municipality was set up to put planning and design policy in place for the proposed Jumbo Glacier Mountain Resort. The resort was at the centre of contentious debate — not to mention multiple lawsuits — for almost three decades, ever since the idea of it was first discussed in earnest in the early 1990s.

After more twist and turns than a Thomas Hardy novel, the debate about the resort was finally put to rest in early 2020, when it was announced that the federal government had given money to the Ktunaxa First Nation to buy out existing land tenures in the area where the resort was proposed, and instead create an Indigenous Protected and Conservation Area (ICPA) there.

The municipality has continued to exist on paper, however, and although officials indicated in early 2020 that with the reasons for creating the municipality now being moot, it would eventually be disincorporated, they did also say that disincorporating a municipal entity

would be bureaucratically complex and would take some time.

The village of Radium Hot Springs has ‘played host’ to the Jumbo municipality since 2013, with the village office serving as the site of Jumbo council meetings, and with Radium’s village staff serving double duty, in a limited fashion, as Jumbo municipal staff.

During Radium’s most recent council meeting, Radium mayor Clara Reinhardt asked Radium chief financial officer Karen Sharp if there was any update on the disincorporation process.

Sharp replied that there was, and that as of now Jumbo municipality is down having a single asset on the books: a bridge built by the municipality in 2014, and that it is set to be transferred from the municipality to the provincial Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD) “It is supposed to be scheduled for the fall (provincial parliament) session to disincorporate the Jumbo Glacier Mountain Resort Municipality,” noted Reinhardt, adding that the schedule is, of course, tentative and may be subject to change depending on the whims of provincial government.

“But, if it (disincorporation) happens, that will be the final chapter,” adds Reinhardt.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

Upcoming Election: Candidate Profiles

The Columbia Valley Pioneer has sought to interview and present candidate profiles for each of the candidates running in the current federal election. Profiles for each of the first five candidates to register with Elections Canada follow in this week’s issue.

Prior to going to press on Monday, Aug. 30, the Pioneer learned of a possible sixth candidate, Nelson resident, Terry Tiessen, who may be running of the Libertarian Party. The Pioneer reached out to Tiessen, who as of press time, was not yet confirmed by Elections Canada, but was unable to interview prior to deadline. Please stay tuned to future editions of the Pioneer for elections coverage.

• Page 05: Rob Morrison (Conservative Party) • Page 07: Wayne Stetski (NDP) • Page 08: Robin Goldsbury (Liberal Party) • Page 12: Rana Nelson (Green Party) • Page 17: Sarah Bennett (PPC)

05

08

07

12

17

Candidates within the Kootenay-Columbia riding

Shuswap Band develops environmental management plan The aim is to maintain and improve natural environment on reserve land

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Under the direction of Shuswap Band biologist, Braydi Rice, 29, the Shuswap Band is busy developing an environmental management plan (EMP). An EMP is a statement of goals, actions, and strategies that a First Nation community pursues in maintaining or improving environmental quality on reserves, while meeting its obligations under the “Framework Agreement.” The “Framework Agreement” refers to The Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management, a historic, government-to-government agreement signed in 1996 between thirteen First Nation communities to opt-out of the 44 lands related sections of the Indian Act. The agreement recognizes First Nations’ inherent right to govern their reserve lands.

An EMP is a powerful expression of environmental governance of First Nations land, helping to fulfil the original spirit and intent of the agreement. Drafting an EMP takes time and involves community outreach.

Rice had already organized an open house at the end of July for Shuswap Band members to attend and give feedback as to what the community’s top environmental concerns are. “An EMP is about looking at what current concerns are about the environment and what the priorities are for the Shuswap community,” Rice says.

Rice, who is Métis, grew up in the valley. She didn’t think she’d be able to return home so soon until she saw the biologist job posting in 2020. “My dad encouraged me to apply and here I am!” she says laughing. Rice holds a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Memorial University, a master’s degree in forestry from the University of British Columbia and a post-graduate diploma.

Continued on page 14...

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

September 2, 2021

This past week, August 23rd through August 29th, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 90 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

•On Tuesday, August 24th at about 4:15 pm Columbia Valley RCMP responded to a single vehicle collision on Highway 95 near Brisco. The driver of a Jeep Wrangler drove off the road and rolled the vehicle onto its side.

The driver was uninjured.

•On Thursday, August 26th at about 1:15 pm an officer conducted a traffic stop with a Toyota Sienna on Highway 93/95 near Invermere. While speaking to the driver, the officer noted signs of impairment and read a roadside breath demand to the driver. The driver provided two breath samples, that both resulted in “fails”. As a result, the driver was issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Driving Prohibition and his vehicle was impounded for 30-days.

•On Thursday, August 26th at 11:00 pm an officer was conducting patrols in Windermere when he observed a brown Chevy Blazer quickly turn down a side road after observing the police cruiser. The officer located the Blazer parked at Osprey Point with a female standing nearby. The officer observed a Husqvarna weed whacker in the back of the vehicle, which was believed to be stolen property. The adult female was arrested for possession of stolen property and transported to cells where she was

released on conditions to attend court at a later date.

•On Friday, August 27th at about 7:15 pm emergency crews responded to a single vehicle collision on Highway 93/95 near Dry Gulch. The driver of a GMC pickup drove off the highway and into a ditch. The driver of the truck admitted to consuming alcohol earlier in the day and complied with a roadside breath demand. The driver was transported to the Detachment where he provided two breath samples that were both over the legal limit. The driver was released on an Appearance Notice to attend court at a later date.

•On Saturday, August 28th at about 7:45 pm emergency crews responded to a two vehicle collision at the intersection of Government Street and Sinclair Avenue in Windermere. Witnesses reported the driver of a Smart Car had suddenly accelerated through the intersection striking a Mercedes car. None of the occupants was seriously injured. The driver of the Smart Car was transported to the hospital to be examined, as it was believed a medical event may have precipitated the collision.

•On Sunday, August 29th at about 12:00 pm emergency crews responded to a two vehicle collision on Highway 93 near Radium Hot Springs. The driver of an eastbound Dodge Ram pickup crossed the centre line and collided with a westbound Dodge Journey. Two occupants in the Dodge Journey were transported to the hospital with undetermined injuries. The driver of the pickup truck was issued a violation ticket for failing to keep right.

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Children participate in the Rocky Mountain Sports Camp. Taken at James Chabot Provincial Park earlier this summer.

Submitted photo

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September 2, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

Federal election candidate profile: Rob Morrison (Conservative Party)

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Incumbent Kootenay Columbia MP Rob Morrison is running for re-election as the riding’s Conservative candidate.

The decision to run again was an easy one, he told the Pioneer: public service is a common thread throughout his career. He served in the RCMP for three decades, spent time in Islamabad, Pakistan serving as a diplomat and in intelligence.

Following that, Morrison briefly turned to the private sector, running a security consulting company, but in 2018 decided to pack that up in favour of running for public office in the 2019 federal election.

He secured the Conservative nomination for the Kootenay – Columbia in a tight race, and then beat then-incumbent MP, Wayne Stetski, in the election, and has been the Kootenay – Columbia’s representative in Ottawa ever since.

“I had a long history, from my career in policing and as a diplomat, of working with the federal government. I fall to the Conservative side of the political spectrum, and I thought I could contribute to that,” says Morrison. “Having lived in Ottawa, having worked with the federal government, I knew how the federal government works and how to get things done in Ottawa.” A few months after being elected, Morrison found himself in one the busiest times, governmentally speaking, in recent memory as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic beset the globe. “We were working hard, very hard, trying to get people from our riding who were stuck abroad back home, trying to get support to the people that need it,” he said, adding his approach as MP was, once the election was over, to be as non-partisan as possible. “It’s a matter of being out there, and being respectful,” said Morrison. “You have to be a good listener and you have to get to every corner of the riding.”

That’s no easy feat in a riding that stretches from the Big Bend of the Columbia to the American border, and from Kaslo to the Alberta border. The travel inherent in being an MP – bouncing back and forth between Ottawa and Kootenay Columbia, not to mention all around the geographically enormous riding once here – is also something that comes naturally to Morrison.

He was born in Goose Bay, Newfoundland, where his dad was stationed with Airforce. He grew up in Calgary, attending Mount Royal College, before eventually joining the RCMP and being posted all over the B.C. during his 30 year policing career, with quite a bit of that time spent living in Creston, Nelson and Cranbrook.

Morrison’s posting in Islamabad, during which he also spent quite a lot of time in Afghanistan and India, as well in some of the Persian Gulf city states and Saudi Arabia, was an eye-opener.

“We made a lot of good friends there, local Pakistani people, and getting to know them was a great window into the culture and society,” he said. “There’s a lot that’s quite amazing and the food is fantastic, but of course there’s a lot that’s not great in Pakistan, for the people that live there, and it was really informative to learn firsthand the struggles people face in developing countries. There’s no social infrastructure at all, certainly not as much opportunity, and they don’t have many of the basic freedoms and rights we take for granted here.”

Morrison’s career may have taken him many places, but one in particular kept calling him back. “My work with the RCMP let me fall in love with living in the Kootenay, and so of course, when I eventually left the RCMP I came back to live here,” says Morrison, who is now based in Creston and Cranbrook.

The Kootenay was a great place for Morrison and his wife to raise their kids.

The couple’s three girls and two boys are now grown and live across B.C. and Alberta. The area also allows Morrison the chance, when he’s not tied up with MP duties, to indulge his passion for the outdoors.

With the campaign underway for more than two weeks Morrison has been busy, campaigning on the issues of dealing with the pandemic, economic recovery from it, creating jobs, dealing with the Kootenay’s housing crunch, helping seniors deal with inflation, and more.

“At the doors I’m knocking on, it looks like people want change at the federal level. They’re supportive of economic growth, supportive of tackling the jobs crisis, supportive of tackling the housing crisis, supportive of helping seniors — all issues that I’m running on,” he says.

A family of river otters mix work and play in the wetlands, getting ready for cooler weather and shorter days in September - not unlike many households in the Columbia Valley. Photo by Ryan Watmough

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

PERSPECTIVE

Emotional Day

September 2, 2021

Historical Lens

Avoiding Fraud Part 1 of 2

Fresh old ideas

By Arnold Malone Pioneer Columnist Our house phone rang.

Susan answered and I heard her speaking in a very concerned manner.

Finding it difficult to recognize the caller’s voice, she asked, “Andy? Is that you?” He responded, “Of course it’s me, I was in a car crash, my nose is broken, and I’m in jail.” He was sobbing and repeatedly saying, “Mum I am so sorry, I am so ashamed.” Andy (not his real name) is our son who lives and works in Vancouver.

Then, still crying, he said, “A police officer is taking me away now. A lawyer wants to speak with both of you.” A very calming, professional voice came on the phone. He informed us that our son had been at a party and a friend who had had too much to drink asked Andy to drive him home. The lawyer said, “The police had your son blow a breathalyzer. It registered .09, one unit over the .08 limit. I am quite certain I can get him off the driving while impaired charge. At the hospital, they should have taken breath and blood samples and they did neither. Unfortunately, a six-year-old boy in the other car suffered a broken femur. A court date is set for August 19th.”

Susan and I were stunned by this news. The lawyer indicated our son could be released with $5,000.00 bail, saying “I know that is steep, but he has been charged with driving while impaired and causing bodily harm. He wants to know if you will pay his bail.” Andy was working at a new job with a busy schedule. To be off work for several weeks was unthinkable.

Even more unthinkable was his being in jail. Yes, of course we would post bail.

It had to be cash and paid by 4:00 pm or he would be overnight in jail. The money had to be deposited into either a Bank of Nova Scotia or TD Bank. With neither bank in Invermere, we said we would withdraw the cash from our bank and drive to Cranbrook to deposit it to the requested account.

Our conversation ended with the lawyer providing his personal phone number for us to call at any time, along with a strict order not to speak about this with anyone else or it

Correction The hand sign at the Windermere Valley Museum commemorating the 215 children was a staff initiative rather than having connection with students from J.A. Laird.

George Rennenkampff sits on top of the house he is building. Located in Wilmer.

C2034, 1932, courtesy Windermere District Historical Society

would jeopardize Andy’s bail hearing. He also told us to phone him immediately after depositing the money.

We worried non-stop on route to Cranbrook. An innocent boy with a broken leg, our son with a broken nose, a possible jail sentence, job loss, a damaged reputation, unknown costs, on and on and on. At Cranbrook, Susan said, “Something isn’t right with all of this. We have to try calling Andy.” Even though we were warned not to, we agreed to phone him. “Hello,” he answered in his normal warm voice. “Where are you?” we asked.

“I’m at work, where else would I be? And I have a meeting starting in just moments.” Upon hearing him calmly say, “Hello,” we realized we were tar gets of an attempted scam and just minutes away from sending money to a thief.

With indescribable relief we picked up coffee and drove home. How could we not have known from the beginning that this was a scam? It was the initial sobbing voice claiming to be our son that threw us off. When someone you cherish is in such unimaginable trouble, emotions take over and rational thinking disappears. We have learned so much from this experience.

Emotional Day Part 2 of 2

Susan and I believed we were persons who would not be easily fooled. Now, having recently been targets of a phone scam, we know how fast and easy it is to be taken in. We wish to share our thoughts about our experience in case one day a scammer may intrude upon you.

Scammers have a variety of approaches. In our case, the first thing that caused us to fall into the scammers’ grip was how they preyed on our emotions with a cry-

The Columbia Valley

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ing, sobbing voice of a young man claiming to be our son. When Susan said, “Andy, is that you?” we unwittingly gave the scammers a name. Thereafter, his name was used frequently by a pretend lawyer. This made us believe he really was with Andy.

Then the scammer shocked us with details about our son being charged with drunk driving causing a car crash in which a young boy suffered a broken leg; Continued on page 18...

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September 2, 2021

Federal election candidate profile: Wayne Stetski (NDP)

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com NDP candidate, Wayne Stetski, is a familiar face to Kootenay –Columbia residents. He served as the riding’s MP from 2015 and 2019, and prior to that as mayor of Cranbrook from 2011 to 2014.

He also took a swing at provincial politics, campaigning but losing as an NDP candidate in the Kootenay East riding.

Add up his campaigns: running for Cranbrook mayor in 2011 and 2014. Running provincially in 2020. Running federally in 2015, 2019 and now again in 2021.

That’s six election bids in the past decade.

“My whole life has been public service, and I still burn to serve. As long as that desire is there, I will continue as long as I can,” Stetski tells the Pioneer. “Specifically, I chose to run in this election, because the world’s in a difficult place, and personally I think we can either run away from our problems or run towards them, to solve them. I’m running toward them.”

Stetski’s career in public service began decades ago in interpretation for Manitoba Parks. He then worked for BC Parks, stationed on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. In 1990 a new BC Parks posting took him to the Kootenay. In 2002, he became the Ministry of Environment’s regional manger for the Kootenay, looking after parks, wildlife and fish, and ecosystems. In 2009 he switched to nonprofit work, becoming manager of the East Kootenay Conservation Program.

He retired from parks and environmental work in 2011 and jumped straight into politics. Cranbrook had been his home for two decades at that point. Stetski tells the Pioneer that his desire to get into politics came because “I saw an opportunity to help the city, by encouraging smart growth and sustainable development, rather than the ad-hoc development Cranbrook had had up until then.”

After losing his re-election bid for mayor in 2014, Stetski switched to the federal level, winning the 2015 Kootenay –Columbia election by beating then incumbent MP David Wilks.

Stetski said he adopted a nonpartisan approach during his time as MP, and is proud of having helped hundreds of people through what he terms “the maze” of federal government.

“I took a cooperative approach as MP. In four years I never heckled once,” he says.

“I think that really resonated with people.”

Nevertheless, Stetski lost his re-election

bid in 2019, as well as his run at provincial politics in 2020.

He is upfront that his election as a left-leaning mayor in Cranbrook (a city renowned for electing right-leaning municipal council members) and his initial election as an NDP candidate in Kootenay–Columbia (a riding long deemed a Conservative stronghold) came, in part, due to vote splitting among right-of-centre electors.

“That’s the way our political systems works,” Stetski told the Pioneer, pointing out that in the 2011 Cranbrook election there were multiple right-of-centre mayoral candidates. In the 2014 municipal election, he actually managed to increase his vote numbers slightly, but his right-ofcentre opponents rallied around a single candidate, who swept to power. He noted a similar pattern in the 2015 and 2019 federal elections.

“In 2015, there was a lot of concern in our riding about (then Prime Minister) Steven Harper. At the same time, the Liberals ran a really strong Kootenay Columbia candidate (Don Johnston) who managed to increase the Liberal vote share in the riding to about 19 per cent, up from a historical 6 per cent or so,” said Stetski.

“In 2019, I kept my vote share almost the same as in 2015, but the Liberals’ vote share went back down to 9 per cent. That suggests there is this 10 per cent of ‘persuadable’ centre-right voters, who went back to the Conservatives in 2019.”

Neither Steven Harper nor Don Johnston will be a factor in the 2021 election, but Stetski said he’s still optimistic, pointing that some recent 338 Canada polls showed Kootenay–Columbia leaning Conservative and some showed it leaning NDP. “You never know how much faith to put in polls, but it is encouraging,” he says “The fact is Kootenay–Columbia is a twohorse race between the NDP and Conservative, so I’m calling for the support of all progressive voters.”

When not pursuing politics, Stetski spends as much time in the outdoors as possible: camping, hiking, cross-country skiing and golfing (although when it comes to golf he concedes “you basically have to double par to make my golf game a competitive one”). When the snap election was called, Stetski was in the midst of a two-week stint as a provincial park camp host, a duty he needed to cut short to jump into his campaign.

Stetski has three kids, all now grown, one granddaughter and another grandchild on the way. Aside from family time, Stetski cites reading as a favourite pastime (a trait that all four candidates share).

“So far the campaign has been great.

People have been very positive as we’ve been going door to door and at farmers’ markets,” says Stetski.

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September 2, 2021

Federal election candidate profile: Robin Goldsbury (Liberal Party)

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Robin Goldsbury is taking a second kick at the can as Liberal candidate for Kootenay–Columbia.

Goldsbury ran as the Liberal candidate in the 2019 federal election and she’s back again.

Although the Liberals historically have a tough time in the riding (usually coming in third, sometimes fourth, for the past decade and a half ), Goldsbury told the Pioneer she’s learned a lot from her 2019 campaign and this time she’s gunning to win.

She conceded that she managed to earn a shade under 10 per cent of the vote in 2019, but added “we’re going to push that and make people proud to be Liberal in this riding.” Goldsbury was also forthright about Liberal Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau’s, lack of popularity in some corners of Kootenay–Columbia.

“There is some anti Justin Trudeau sentiment out there, but this isn’t about Justin Trudeau. This is about getting the best candidate for Kootenay–Columbia in Ottawa, and I stand for Kootenay–Columbia,” she said.

“It’s time we brought the focus of government right across the country. So often rural Canada gets left out, but it’s important to put those rural issues on the table.”

Goldsbury is confident that the Liberals will lead the next government, adding that, if she is elected, Kootenay–Columbia would have a representative belonging to the governing party for the first time in almost six years.

“We need to have our voice heard. We need the Kootenay–Columbia perspective in government,” she says.

Goldsbury grew up in Alberta and moved to the Kootenay nearly three decades ago, starting in Cranbrook where she ran an in-house ad agency for a publication company. She then started up a value-added forestry products company, sparked by what she called a “bet she couldn’t sell ‘kindling’.”

“We sold our products all over the world,” she tells the Pioneer, adding that her Kootenay Cone Company was the first licensed botanical collector in the province, and employed more than 40 people. She and her partner Reg also owned and ran a motel in Cranbrook.

After more than a decade of being an entrepreneur, Robin decided to head back to school, eventually earning a master’s degree in neuroscience.

“I love to learn, I’ve spent a lot of time in school.

For me learning is a lifelong journey that never is done,” she says. “And it never ceases to surprise me how much

that approach has helped me in life. For instance, my neuroscience degree has given me enough background in sciences that, since the pandemic started I’ve been able to read, and understand, the studies in academic journals that are being cited by experts. It’s important, I think, to try as much as possible to pay attention to the science on issues, rather than pay attention to what politicians are saying about the science on issues.

The scientific method is not perfect, but it’s the best method we have.”

While continuing to be involved in property development in the Cranbrook area, in 2007 the Goldsburys took over the old Docker’s Pub on Kootenay Lake, right beside the Balfour ferry landing, transforming the pub into the well-known timber frame Dock and Duck Resort. “Living on the lake and running the resort has been fantastic. This summer was our fourteenth there and it’s still as fun as it was the first summer,” she tells the Pioneer.

“My background is pretty varied: I’ve been involved in the forestry industry, the tourism industry, the hospitality industry, and in property development — many of the major industries in the Kootenay, and I’ve done it from the perspective of having to create my own living out of it, rather than being a government employee, as other candidates have. It’s given me deep firsthand knowledge of the major issues facing people here. I know the challenges entrepreneurs and small business operators face. I know the riding.”

Goldsbury continues to divide her time between Balfour and Cranbrook, working in both places, volunteering for nonprofits, skiing at Kimberley, and spending time with her two grown sons and her four grandkids.

“They are my joy and a big part of why I’m doing this. I want my grandkids to live in a Kootenay–Columbia and in a world that is a better place,” she said. “Green initiatives have been a big part of who I and what I do, and my grandkids and their future is a big reason why.”

If there’s any spare time beyond that, Goldsbury is out skiing and snowmobiling in winter, or in the summer out on Kootenay lake, hiking in the mountains, or scuba diving. “I love being outside,” she says. If she is forced to be indoors, she said, you’ll find her crocheting or reading.

Goldsbury said voter response to her campaign so far has been good. “We’ve tried the left with the NDP, we’ve tried the right with Conservatives, let’s try the middle, with me,” she says.

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

September 2, 2021

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September 2, 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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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Days are getting shorter, evenings are cooler, and school starts in mere days.

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Innovate BC Innovate BC runs regular virtual events for the BC tech community. They range from live Q&A sessions with industry leadBU ers to exclusive masterclasses for SI program participants.

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Small Business BC Small Business BC provides practical business education tailored for small businesses right here in BC. Whether you need help starting your business, hiring employees, managing operations, or anything else, Small Business BC is here to help. They offer a wide variety of courses from Cyber Security, to Intro to Exporting, to Launching a Website, all the way to growing your business on Amazon.

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Save the Date The Chamber of Commerce and the College of the Rockies have partnered to bring you a free information session on funding available for training for you and your staff. Join us on September 21 or September 22 to find out how you can access funding for various College of the Rockies programs.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

cvevents cv events.ca .ca WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Thursday, September 2

Ongoing Events

• All Day: Circle Market Customer Appreciation Day. Come to Circle Market to celebrate loyal customers!

• 6 - 9 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!

Thursdays

Friday, September 3

• 9 am – 4 pm: Thrift Store donation Drop Off: Donations open Wedesndays and Thursdays. Housewares in boxes and clothing in garbage bags please.

• 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 $2.00 Drop in rate.

Fridays

• 9 am -12 pm: Free Day Camp (James Chabot): 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, September 4 • 9 am – 3 pm: Radium Rotary Garage Sale, Canfor Quonset Hut, 4729 Forsters Lndg Rd., Just passed The Peaks. Call 250.688.1561. Masks required.

• 12 – 4 pm: Frenzy 4 Skateboard Competition. Rite to Ride Foundations presents Frenzy 4 at the Invermere Skate Park, all ages and skill levels are welcome. Registration begins at 12:00pm and the event begins at 1:00pm. There are 3 competitions (Street, Ollie, and Balloon Bonanza). See www.facebook.com/RiteToRide/ for more information.

Sunday, September 5 • 8 -10 am: Lake Windermere Aquathlon: at Windermere Public Beach (register online in advance at lakewindaqua.com). The event requires a $5/20 insurance fee.

Live Music in the Park: Dean Ray (Fairmont).

• 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 toward preschool aged children and their families but all are welcome.

• 12 pm: Edgewater Legion: Wing Day (12:00 take out, 5:00pm Dine in) • 4 - 7: Market on Main: Join the annual Market on Main every summer Friday night! Find homegrown goodies and handcrafted treasures, all while supporting local vendors.

• 3 pm: Magic the Gathering: Open Play at Main Street Fun and Games. Learn to play Magic the Gathering with our Magic Mentors! First time is free. $5/person/day.

Ages 10+ • 4 pm: Pub Grub at the Legion: Every Friday and Saturday, 4:00pm to 8:00pm, Wings&Things, Pub Grub in the Branch.

• 5:30 pm: Magic the gathering: Friday night magic. 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: Youth are invited to join the Summit Youth Hub folks at the Mt Nelson Skate Park for summer fun!

• 6 pm: Online Bingo (Rotary Fundraiser): 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.

• 6:30 - 8 pm: Meat Draw & 50/50 at the Legion: Head to the Invermere Legion every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for a Meat Draw and 50/50!

Wednesday, September 8

Saturdays

5 – 7 pm: Agri-Park Farmers Market: Make it! Bake it! Grow it! Produce and baking only. Located at 553 Highway 93/95 By the Crossroads and Chamber of Commerce).

• 9 am –1 pm Invermere Farmers & Artists Market: 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!

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• 12 pm - 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, 4:00pm to 8:00pm, Wings&Things, Pub Grub in the Branch.

• 6:30 - 8 pm: Meat Draw & 50/50 at the Legion: Head to the Invermere Legion every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for a Meat Draw and 50/50!

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

• 10:30-11:30am Rhyme Time: If you are a parent or caregiver of a child under 2 years old, come and learn some fun songs, rhymes and stories with us! Email skalesnikoff@cbal.org for the Zoom link.

• 10:30 – 11:30 am: Seniors’ Fitness: Seniors Fitness takes place every Monday and Thursday at the Columbia Valley Centre in Invermere, $2 drop in.

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

Wednesdays

• 9 am - 4 pm: Thrift Store donation Drop Off: Donations open Wedesndays and Thursdays. Housewares in boxes and clothing in garbage bags please.

• 10 – 11 am Seniors Yoga: takes place every Wednesday at the Columbia Valley Centre in Invermere,. $2 drop in.

• 10:30 am: Seniors’ & Elders Catch-up Via Zoom: Every Wednesda\y Family Dynamix hosts a Catch-up Cafe for those isolated due to COVID-19. If you would like to participate, email Tricia at patkin@familydynamix.ca. We will help you get logged on to use zoom! Registration is required, free to attend.

• 6 pm: Drop-in Ultimate Frisbee: Drop-n Frisbee every wednesday at JA Laird Sports Field. There is a $20 registration fee for the season.

• 6 – 9 pm: Legion Legend Wednesday Dinners: The Invermere Legion’s Valley-Famous Wednesday dinners are back. Reservations by the previous Saturday are required.

• 6:30 – 8 pm: Meat Draw & 50/50 at the Legion: Head to the Invermere Legion every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for a Meat Draw and 50/50!

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12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

September 2, 2021

Federal election candidate profile: Rana Nelson (Green Party)

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

NOTICE TO PARENTS AND RESIDENTS Passage of School Buses and Private Vehicles Along 15th Avenue and 13th Avenue During September 2021

The District of Invermere is undertaking the replacement of municipal sanitary sewer collection and water distribution pipes located under 13th Avenue during the summer of 2021. This is the first of three phases of infrastructure replacement along 13th Avenue.

MarWest Industries Ltd (Castlegar) has been contracted to do Phase 1 of the work. While the project is progressing well, it will not be completed before public schools reopen in Invermere on September 7, 2021.

School District #6 (Rocky Mountain), District of Invermere, and MarWest Industries Ltd (MarWest) have prepared a plan that supports the movement of School Buses along 13th Avenue in the morning and afternoon so that students can be transported to and from Eileen Madson Primary School, J.A. Laird Elementary School, and David Thompson Secondary School. However, to avoid disrupting construction and possibly creating safety concerns, Private Vehicles will not be allowed access to 13th Avenue between 15th Street and 20th Street (Gierlich Road) except when allowed by MarWest. Private Vehicles will have to use 15th Avenue instead of 13th Avenue while MarWest completes the installation of sewer and water pipes. In addition, a temporary access road between 14th Avenue to 17th Street for the use of 17th Street residents, will be blocked by the District to prevent access to 13th Avenue during construction.

Fortunately, the interruptions to the regular movement of School Buses and Private Vehicles along 13th Avenue will be temporary. MarWest expects to complete the pipe installation in September, and then repave the road in October.

Recommendations for Parents and Residents during 13th Avenue reconstruction: • Expect some traffic delays along 15th Avenue and nearby streets, especially before and at the end of school days, and allow extra travel time.

• At all times, yield to school buses to help support the drop off and pick up of children.

• If possible, walk instead of drive to your destination (e.g., school, work, shopping).

• To help keep children and young adults safe direct them to avoid all construction areas along 13th Avenue.

• Avoid travel on 13th Avenue until construction is completed.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact: Brian Nickurak, Windermere Operations School District #6 (Rocky Mountain) Telephone: 250-342-6814 Email: Brian.Nickurak@sd6.bc.ca Jake Jacobsen, Public Works Foreman District of Invermere Telephone: 250-342-9281 Email: info@invermere.net Karen Shipka Superintendent School District #6 (Rocky Mountain) Andrew Young, MCIP, RPP Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) District of Invermere Map shows different Pedestrian Routes to Eileen Madson Primary School during 13th Avenue reconstruction.

Green Party candidate, Rana Nelson, is one of two new faces among those running in Kootenay—Columbia this federal election.

The Conservatives, NDP, and Liberals are each running the same candidate in the 2021 elections as they did in 2019, but Nelson sees this as being to her advantage, telling the Pioneer she’s fresh on the political scene, and that given the divisive and, sometimes stagnant, nature of federal politics for the past decade. It’s high time for something new.

Nelson adds that, although she’s new to politics, she’s had a deep passion for issues for years, saying “I’ve always been part of the social justice movement.”

She grew up in Saskatoon where, as a child, she attended the city’s ‘open’ school, an alternative education institute that operated as part of the public education system. The hands-on, experiential two-classroom school was led, on a rotating basis, by the parents and caretakers of the students, and featured plenty of collaborative learning and educational field trips.

“I definitely had a different upbringing. My parents wouldn’t let me in a McDonalds, for instance, when I was really little, which, in hindsight, in terms of healthy eating and lifestyle, I’m grateful for,” Nelson told the Pioneer. “The end result was that I grew up with a strong sense of connectedness to the world around me.”

Nelson was (and still is) a voracious bibliophile, reading everything and anything as a teenager, and, after a stint working as a lifeguard in Yellowknife, went on to earn an English degree at university.

That lead to a series of writing and editing in Toronto, some in the health industry, and at one point she wrote a medical dictionary.

After spending time in a big city, Nelson switched things up, moving to tiny, remote Telegraph Creek in northwestern B.C., the only community on the Stikine River. The move came for two reasons: Nelson had never wanted to live in one place her whole life, and her partner was with the RCMP and had just been posted there.

“We got married in Banff, then just kept driving west (to Telegraph Creek),” recalls Nelson.

In the remote town, Nelson worked at the tourism lodge, running trips down the Stikine, and taking life lesson from her neighbours: a First Nations couple still practicing traditional net fishing. Stints all across Canada, west and east, followed, and she lived on Vancouver Island, in the Yukon, and in Ottawa.

“I loved Ottawa, I would go to the Library of Parliament, on Parliament Hill, and just sit there surrounded by books.

For somebody like me, it was amazing.”

From the nation’s capital, Nelson and her partner moved back to Saskatchewan,to be close to family, and then missing the outdoor lifestyle of B.C. too much, they moved west again, settling in Revelstoke.

They’ve been in Revelstoke for eight years, raising their three kids. Their eldest daughter started university this year, their middle daughter is in high school, and their son is 11.

“We love Revelstoke. We came for what everybody comes to the Kootenay for: the skiing, the biking, the hiking. It’s a great place to raise a family,” says Nelson.

When not ripping turns at the ski hill, soaking up the solitude of nordic skiing, or hiking to alpine meadows during peak wildflower season, Nelson also enjoys walking as much as possible, participating in live musical theatre (along with her whole family), the occasional improv night, and reading as much as possible.

Nelson has worked in a number of jobs in both the private and public sectors, including stints with Work B.C., and numerous freelance writing and editing gigs.

She feels this broad background helps her campaign. “I’ve been able to meet many people from all walks of life. I know the challenges they face. There are people falling through the cracks, and we need to help them,” she says.

Nelson, a fan of proportional representation, voted for Trudeau in 2015, then “was furious when he did not deliver on his promise that would be the last election under the first-past-the-post system,” she says.

Continued on page 15...

September 2, 2021

Windermere Valley Ski Club prepares for ski season ahead Registration now open

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

months — some from British Columbia and some from Alberta,” he said. “I can see they share the same passions — love of the mountains, time spent with family and friends, and participating in all of the outdoor activities that strengthen our common bonds.”

Registration for the Windermere Valley Ski Club (WVSC) is also now open.

There are a variety of options that parents can choose from for their children. All programs are COVID dependent. And for all programs, there is a minimum ski competency required.

For more information, visit windermerevalleyskiclub.com or email wvskiclub@gmail.com.

Windermere Valley Ski Club (WVSC) is busy preparing his team for the ski season ahead. Under the direction of program director and head coach, Dusan Grasic, this summer WVSC ran a dryland program as outlined by Alpine Canada’s long term athlete development.

The program is designed to equip young athletes with technical skills and habits that prepare them for future athletic success, while instilling a passion and sense of community that encourages lifelong movement and well-being.

“The activities, which were organized around Invermere, included mountain biking, hiking, playing soccer, paddle boarding, and track and field,” Grasic says. “It was a great summer of different sport activities and it was great to get to know the athletes and parents before we start the winter season.”

Slovenian born, Grasic has already received positive feedback on his programming. “One family told me through WVSC they discovered a whole new The Windermere Valley Ski Club at Mount Swansea Photo submitted by Dusan Grasic group of friends over the summer

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

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14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

September 2, 2021

2018 Gold Plate Award

Thomas gives update on Columbia River Treaty negotiations

2019 Gold Plate Award

Shuswap councillor Mark Thomas says FRW study soon completed

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By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Shuswap Band councillor, Mark Thomas, is busy making his (on behalf of the Shuswap Band and Nation) mark on Columbia River Treaty negotiations.

His involvement began three years ago, when he was first elected as a Shuswap Band councillor. “I took over the portfolio from fellow [and current] councillor, Tim Eugene,” Thomas says.

“With my background of twenty years’, working on Columbia River salmon restoration, it was a natural move to become the band’s spokesperson.” From there, the Shuswap Nation confirmed Thomas’ role and responsibility to represent Secwepemc peoples.

He agreed and thus became a part of the Columbia River Treaty Negotiating Advisory Team (NAT). The team has representatives from five governments: the Province of British Columbia, Shuswap, Ktunaxa and Syilx Okanagan Nations, and Canada’s federal government. Three years ago, the three Indigenous nations involved on the team were also granted observer status by the Canadian Government. “That allowed us to oversee the negotiations between Canada and the United States,” Thomas says. “It gave the Indigenous people more ability to maneuver through the CRT process, an opportunity to be present in meetings, an opportunity for input with issues, and ultimately brings us to an international level of discussion.”

Covid-19 has hindered the negotiating process between the United States and Canada. “It’s been quite extensive,” Thomas says, referring to an inability for delegates to travel to either side of the border to conduct meetings. But that’s not to say progress hasn’t been made, discussions among the two countries, albeit slow, are continuing. The space afforded by this lag in negotiations has allowed for additional time to consolidate and advance Indigenous interests. ...Continued ‘EMP’ from page 3 Before joining the Shuswap Band as resident biologist, she had worked for several years in conservation and land management from the United Kingdom’s Bangor University. She had worked for several years in the Lower Mainland as a consultant to First Nations communities. “As a consultant, I was helping First Nations draft their own EMP’s among many other things,” she says. For Rice, to come home and work for the Shuswap Band, she was able to bring her experience and work toward creating an EMP without the aid of outside consultants.

Thomas was given the responsibility of a third of all physical works on the domestic side of negotiations among the three Indigenous Nations involved. The other two-thirds are split between the Ktunaxa and Syilx Okanagan Nations, respectively. There are many examples of what constitutes domestic issues. “Fish habitat is one,” Thomas said. “Currently, for the Secwepemc, it’s about conducting scientific studies on the impacts to floodplains, riparian zones and wetlands (FRW) from the dams.”

The FRW study will soon be completed. Once complete, the information will be plugged into a model that helps the Indigenous Nations when negotiating with BC Hydro (who have their own models ).

“Without access and understanding of the model, or other tools used to understand impacts to values, we as Indigenous peoples wouldn’t have the full picture when negotiating with BC Hydro,” Thomas said. “It’s important for us to be on an equal playing field.”

Once the model has its inputs, it’s about marrying the scientific impacts with the cultural impacts to provide a broader picture of hydrosystem operations, impacts, and mitigation. “In a perfectly functioning system, there would be no cultural impacts in the Columbia River system,” Thomas said. “A healthy ecosystem would be conducive to a positive impact on our cultures.” An example of a balance between scientific and cultural impact would be the reintroduction of salmon to the Columbia River. Salmon, a keystone species to not just the environment but also Indigenous culture. “It’s about understanding the trade-offs,” Thomas says. “If we maximized culture and ecology, what would suffer? The dams would likely have to be deconstructed. But that’s unlikely given the power generation and flood control work they perform. It’s about finding a balance of all considered values.”

Despite Covid-19 pushing negotiations back by a couple of years, Thomas is confident the Columbia River Treaty negotiations will be completed by 2024.

The feedback Rice received after the first open house suggested to her that fish habitat was the number one priority among Shuswap Band members. The July open house was the first of two. The second is in the planning process, likely to take place sometime in October. When it does, members can expect an event. “There will be dinner, prizes, kids’ activities, the works,” Rice says. After the second open house, Rice will work to compile the second round of feedback, create the top ten environmental priorities, and then start drafting the actual EMP for the Shuswap Band reserve which is 1,077.62 total hectares in size.

September 2, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

...Continued ‘Nelson’ from page 12 “That was the last straw. I got fed up, I got frustrated and now, I’m getting involved.”

She says her campaign is going well so far, running on issues of climate change, a stronger social contract, housing and food security, and making sure recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic leads to a circular, greener economy. “It’s been a growth experience,” she says. “The vastness of the riding is a challenge, but I love knocking on people’s doors.”

Nelson also says she’s heard fears about vote-splitting from would-be green voters who are considering instead backing the NDP. “We should be voting out of inspiration rather than fear,” she says. “If everybody who wanted to vote Green in this riding does, I feel we truly have a great chance of getting me to Parliament.”

Jumping from 10 per cent of the vote to winning a riding may not be easy, but Nelson noted that the Green Party candidate in Fredricton did just that in 2019, and says, if that can happen in New Brunswick, it can happen in Kootenay Columbia.

Election 2021 and the Climate Emergency All Candidates Forum for Kootenay—Columbia Riding Submitted by Laura Sacks Federal election candidates will have an opportunity to discuss climate issues in an online all-candidates forum on Sept 8, for the Kootenay—Columbia riding. The online event will start at 6 p.m. MDT. The riding-wide forum, Election 2021 and the Climate Emergency, is being organized by two non-partisan local organizations — Fridays For Future West Kootenay and the Nelson-West Kootenay chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL). A similar forum is being held in the South Okanagan-West Kootenay riding, and both are part of the Canada-wide 100 Debates on the Environment happening across Canada.

“The heat, drought, wildfires, and hazardous smoke we experienced this summer have woken more people up to the urgency of the climate crisis,” says Laura Sacks, who co-leads the CCL chapter. “We want to know what candidates plan to do to keep our world liveable.”

Last month’s report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued its starkest warning yet. The report states that there is unequivocal evidence that fossil fuel emissions are propelling us towards a future that will make life very challenging for millions of people and species. There is still time to reduce the worst impacts if we act now.

“The climate crisis is already upon us,” says 21-year old, Linn Murray, an organizer with Fridays For Future West Kootenay.

“Our governments call the climate situation an emergency, but consistently are slow to act. We saw with Covid-19 how rapidly governments can respond to a crisis when they want to. We will be looking to our candidates to show similar leadership on the climate front.”

Invitations were sent to candidates from the four main political parties. Candidates’ responses have been favourable.

A number of local organizations from the riding have been asked to draft a question for the candidates. We will be hearing from Columbi-YA and the Cranbrook Climate Hub among others. Youth will be moderating the forum.

One of the co-moderators is 18-year old Thea DePaoli of Kimberley. “This is the first election I can vote in, and I’m unbelievably proud and excited to do so,” she says. “I know many young people paying attention to the election because of the climate crisis.”

The forum will take place on Zoom, (phone in options will also be available).

Registration is required: bit.ly/KC-ClimateForum. Live streaming is also available on Facebook (Fridays For Future West Kootenay), on YouTube (Fridays For Future Nelson), and at fridaysforfuturewestkootenays.org/watch-live.

WWW.SD6.BC.CA WWW.SD6.BC.CA WWW.SD6.BC.CA WWW.SD6.BC.CA WWW.SD6.BC.CA

www.sd6.bc.ca

www.sd6.bc.ca

www.sd6.bc.ca

www.sd6.bc.ca

www.sd6.bc.ca

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.

Please contact your child’s neighborhood school for information.

OUR SERVICES

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

PLANNING MEETING Thursday, September 16th, 2021 6:30 p.m., RSVP via Facebook or email cvcb@shaw.ca for the Zoom link.

BC Timber Sales Operating Plan #22 East Kootenay Operating Area The public is invited to review and comment on Operating Plan #22 being prepared by BC Timber Sales under its approved Forest Stewardship Plan #601. Comments will be accepted on or before October 15, 2021.

Operating Plan #22 includes proposed logging and road construction located in the vicinity of:

Picture Valley - Cranbrook TSA Weigert - Cranbrook TSA Fassiferne - Cranbrook TSA Crossing Creek – Cranbrook TSA Kindersley – Invermere TSA Moscow – Invermere TSA Kootenay East – Invermere TSA Maps can be viewed online at: https://bit.ly/3mbwxl9 Comments must be submitted in writing to: Darren Hayes, RPF, Planning Forester East Kootenay Field Team 1902 Theatre Rd, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 7G1 Darren.Hayes@gov.bc.ca • 250-420-6314

$

20

es ad go s every from e Red Cros to th f fund. e reli

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

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.

September 2, 2021

Kootenay Kool is ready for business The latest local hotspot in Canal Flats

says they are excited to help out their town’s economy, which — like most places— is still recovering from the aftermath of the pandemic.

Canal Flats own, Syd Danis, provides much of the photography that attendees will see this weekend, while Bill Doroshuk, Public Works Forman at Village of Canal Flats, showcases his artwork, along with a multitude of other talented locals.

Although they are still waiting for the proper permits, the two wish to provide a coffee house atmosphere in the future, equipped with live music, coffee, and dessert. They are eager to offer a spot for people to socialize again.

“Once the license is in place, and once the COVID restrictions allow, on Friday nights we will have snacks with trivia or other games from 6 to 9 p.m.,” says Joi. Saturday nights will boast appetizers or dinner with karaoke, dances, or other patron participation events from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays will host ‘open mic’ nights, equipped with live music, coffee and desserts from 6 to 9 p.m.

The Leycrafts are excited to become a hot spot within Canal Flats. However, they are still wary of the public’s safety, following proper sanitization, masking, and social distancing measures.

By Haley Grinder haley@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Kootenay Kool— a new art studio and gallery in Canal Flats— will finally open its doors to the public this weekend. After four long years in the making, owners Kevan and Joi Leycraft, have turned their vision into a reality. The studio will feature canvas photography, paintings, sculptures, and beadwork from local artists. Located conveniently along Highway 93/95 and beside their other business—the Hit-n-Run Snack Shack—the pair hope to become a popular tourist attraction as COVID restrictions begin to ease up.

Although the Leycrafts held their soft opening in July, their grand opening will be held on Friday, Sept. 3 and Saturday, Sept. 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Snack Shack will be closing at 6 p.m. both days so Joi can focus on preparing the appetizers for attendees. Those wanting to see the gallery prior to the event can do so from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The husband and wife duo are multitalented, and provide endless amounts of inspiration for the future of Kootenay Kool.

A humble artist of tie-dye clothing and psychedilic pieces—Joi also specializes in the art of food, with 35 years of cheffing experience. When she was younger, she would spend her summers “as a camp cook in a gold mine in the Yukon.” Winters took her to the west coast, where she spent her time “volunteering as a hot lunch lady at the high school and as a food mentor for youth groups.” Now, she’s putting her all into the Snack Shack and Kootenay Kool.

Kevan is an artist, musician, and patented inventor, who even has two patents on skibike designs. His unique talents made him a successful artist, prototype builder, and even a gizmologist (someone who builds props that perform) on the hit Disney show, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Some of his latest inventions and gizmos are showcased within the gallery.

Kootenay Kool is also currently accepting local artist’s work. Joi says, “the original idea was to empower people to become commercial artists. To let people become artists in their own right and be able to make enough money to survive without Owners, Joi (left) and Kevan (right) stand excitedly in Kootenay Kool Art Studio and having a job.” The pair also Gallery as they prep for their grand opening on Sept. 3 and 4. Photos by Haley Grinder

GRAND OPENING Friday September 3 and Saturday September 4, 6-9 pm, after our regular hours, 11 am – 6 pm.

We will be serving wine and free appetizers all evening.

Admission is free and there is plenty of parking.

9115 Grainger Rd. in Canal Flats

(at the log cabins on the south end of town)

Joi Leycraft • 250-688-9726 office@kooteanaykool.ca

September 2, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

Federal election candidate profile: Sarah Bennett (PPC) It’s not a free Canada.”

Bennett says she’s not a fan of the idea of ‘vaccine passports’ or ‘vaccine cards’ either, as these have the potential “to divide society. If it was just about getting a shot and going back to normal life, perhaps that would be different, but there is already talk about booster shots.”

She outlined that she’s heard from a good many local people who don’t want to get vaccinated and are concerned about becoming unemployed as a result. “People should not have to worry about losing their jobs over their own bodily autonomy,” says Bennett. “I think that is morally wrong.”

Bennett has been an Invermere resident for decades, growing up in Toronto, but moving west to take a job at Panorama Mountain Resort more than 20 years ago.

Next came a stint travelling in Italy and France, and year working in Sydney, Australia, before she spent a few years working as a business analyst in Toronto. Eventually, though, the lure of the mountains was too much to resist, and in 2002 Bennett returned to the Columbia Valley, this time for good.

“It truly is a magical place. There is a draw here that brings people from all walks of life. I found myself here and found a sense of community, of connectedness, that was absent in big cities like Toronto,” she tells the Pioneer.

Once here, Bennett created her own graphic design and brand development company, building her business from the ground up. “I’m self taught. I learn through the work I’ve done, and that’s been a very rewarding and a successful approach for me,” she says. Her clients include many businesses familiar to valley residents, including Inspire Floral Boutique, Winderberry and Edibles Farm+Cafe+Catering, the Kootenay Conservation Program, and the re-brand of the Bakery downtown.

“I really like taking somebody’s vision and turning [it] into something beautiful. I also like helping small businesses. That really resonates with me,” says Bennett.

Although this election is Bennett’s first stab at federal or provincial election, she is no neophyte when it comes

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com For the first week of the snap federal election, it seemed the Columbia Valley did not have a hometown candidate running in Kootenay– Columbia. By the end of the second week, the valley did: Invermere resident Sarah Bennett is running in the riding for the People’s Party of Canada (PPC).

The first four candidates to jump into the race come from other points (Creston, Cranbrook, Balfour and Revelstoke) in the geographically enormous riding, and all four were confirmed as candidates by long-established parties (Conservatives, NDP, Liberals and Greens) months before the election was called. Bennett is running with a much newer party (the PPC was formed just three years ago) and explained to the Pioneer that she’s running despite having plenty on her plate at the moment because she feels compelled to take action.

“I’m really unhappy with where the country is and where the community is,” says Bennett.

She added that “the response to COVID-19 is over the top,” pointing out that the percentage risk of death or series illness is relatively small, yet “we’ve shut down society, masked ourselves, and a year and a half later we’re still in the same place. It’s not what I want for my children.

to politics, having served a term as Invermere councillor from 2005 to 2008. She explained that she ran for council because she was “disgruntled with decisions being made at the time. And I thought instead of just complaining, I should do something about it.” She ran for council on a platform of promoting smart growth and planned growth, rather than the ad hoc development she saw happening at the time, and residents voted her to a spot on council.

Her time in municipal government “was a good experience. It was frustrating is some respects, because I was young, eager and idealistic and I wanted to change things.

But at the municipal level things move very slowly,” she said, adding that the tradeoff for the slow pace of change means that at least there is a good system of checks and balances that can prevent the wrong kind of change from happening too quickly.

When not busy campaigning or working, Bennett can be found outside playing with her kids, paddle boarding, gardening, walking or hiking in the mountains.

“I love all the outdoor things we can do here in the Columbia Valley, it’s amazing,” she says.

Books on her bedside table include The Google Archipelago: The Digital Gulag and the Simulation of Freedom, a deep dive into the societal changes wrought by the explosive rise of digital technology and Big Digital companies, and The End of America, an examination of the rise of authoritarianism south of the border.

One is a new book, the other a decade old, but Bennett sees the relevance of both today right here in Kootenay Columbia and indeed around the world.

“Any control measures brought in now (as part of the pandemic response) are not going to go away any time soon,” said Bennett, adding the reason she’s running with the PPC is that its the only party that has firmly come out against mandatory vaccinations across the board and against vaccine passports of any kind. “It’s the only party with a platform that has freedom of choice as a main tenant,” she says. “These are values I agree with.

New activities at the museum Curator’s Corner

By J.D. Jeffery Museum Curator In the last two parts on the museum’s history the articles covered the inception in 1958, activities like burying a time capsule and addition of a library collection to the museum. We continue off where the museum has acquired its first building and is now able to have permanent displays.

The Historical Society now had the task of gathering up all the traveling boxes and set to work making displays in the Pioneer Cabin. In May 1965

the Windermere Valley Pioneer Museum was officially opened by James Chabot, MLA, and Village Chairman A.E. Erickson at Pot Hole Park. At the time it was called “The Littlest Museum in Canada” For five years the museum grew with artifacts and was open to visitors two days a week for only two to three hours. By 1970 the Pioneer Cabin was getting crowded and the society knew they needed more space.

Just down the street there was the Legion Building, built in 1919 it was the first clubhouse for the Great War Veterans Association, later changed to Royal Canadian Legion. The Legion built another club house in 1955 on 13th Street so the building was sold to the School Board to provide addition-

al classroom space that was in high demand. The School District later assessed the need for more classrooms and set out to build a new High School; that left the original Legion Building with no purpose.

At this time the museum was running low on space and they were able to purchase the Legion Building from the School Board for $1.00. Arrangements were then made to move the building to Pot Hole Park beside the Pioneer Cabin. This marked the second building for the museum and allowed displays cases to be set-up that were donated by prominent families of early settlers: Blakely, Cleland, McKay, Sole, Tegart, Walker, and Watkins.

The next Curator Corner will highlight a special visit that is recorded for prosperity and how the museum helps when disasters occur in the community.

SERVING THE COLUMBIA VALLEY ONLINE OR IN PRINT Call Amanda at 250-341-6299 ext. 102 to discuss your advertising needs.

N E W S PA P E R

Visit our new website at www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

JUNE THOMSEN Banner and Art Sale September Long Weekend

Saturday & Sunday September 4 - 5, 10 am - 4 PM

“POW PIZZA” On the deck 1652 Sinclair Ave

Downtown Windermere BC (Next to the Whitehouse pub)

All purchases will be eligible for end of day (3 free) Pizzas draws.

IHCAS Scholarships for College/ University students pursuing a career in a Health Related Field, Fall 2021 The Invermere Health Care Auxiliary is pleased to announce that it will be awarding Scholarships to students entering thier second or subsequent year of a Health Care Program at a recognized post- secondary institution.

Preference will be given to students who have attended David Thompson Secondary School in Invermere, BC, who have not received this funding in the past, and who have volunteered at the Invermere and District Hospital, Columbia House or other health related institutions Applications to be returned by mail only, postmarked no later than September 24, 2021.

For an application please email Seona Helmer seona@shaw.ca

Board of Directors Volunteer Opportunity

September 2, 2021 ...Continued ‘fraud’ from page 6 He was in jail but if we immediately posted bail he would be released until his court hearing. Implied were on-going costs, legal fees, possible law suits. We got sucked in.

The fake lawyer said things such as, “I need to go speak with him now to try to calm him down.” This was designed to make us believe he was working in our family’s best interest.

When anyone gets a shocking phone call such as this, the best advice we have is to start asking questions and don’t stop asking. We were so stunned by the initial sobbing voice pretending to be our son followed by a warm professional voice pretending to be a lawyer that we failed to ask important questions. Had we asked just a few the call would have abruptly ended. Likely, you will need to interrupt the scammer. The pretending lawyer, while calm and professional, had a continuous script. He left no opening for questions.

We should have asked for a description of our son.

His approximate age, or any personal question for which a fake caller could only give a wild guess. If the caller says something like, “Those things don’t matter at this moment” you need to insist they be answered. Fake calls can be identified as such by asking questions that a scammer could not answer.

The call could have come from anywhere. The callers don’t know who they’re contacting. Our son lives in Vancouver. Suppose we had asked, “What city did this happen in?” “In what hospital was he treated?” “What time did this occur?” (We spoke with Andy the night before and knew his upcoming schedule.)

The good thing about insisting on answers to a series of questions is that almost for sure the scammer will crumble. The bad thing is, as soon as the scammers give up on you they turn their attack towards other innocent persons.

The approach used on us is common. Someone you hold dear, a child, a grandchild, a friend, is in very serious trouble. These professional thieves gain your trust and explain in detail how you can help by providing money that must be sent without delay.

We reported our experience to our local RCMP. A very kind and sympathetic officer took our statement.

He told us this is a very lucrative activity. At a previous posting an eighty-year-old woman was scammed out of twenty thousand dollars. Had we made the payment it most likely would have been automatically transferred to another account then rapidly transferred several more times.

No one is immune from fraud. For information on how to protect yourself against scams, look up The Little Black Book of Scams at www.competitionbureau.gc.ca.

Rockies seek billet homes Submitted by Wade Dubielewicz General Manager Columbia Valley Rockies Junior Hockey Club cvrockies.gm@gmail.com The Columbia Valley Rockies are in desperate need for billet homes. We are reaching out to the community to ask for help. We are bringing our kids to town for the upcoming season on September 12 and we are 8 beds short of fielding a team.

Billet families receive a $600 stipend per month per player for providing a bed. We ask that billets also provide dinner and have food available for the kids.

Families will have guaranteed complimentary access to home games.

In many cases, the players form a lifelong relationship with their host family. Our players are involved in the community and strive to be role models within their households. These players are looking for a home

away from home as they embark on their Jr Hockey careers. They have team curfew and expectations in billet homes including helping out with daily household chores and keeping their spaces clean and tidy.

Players are kept busy throughout the day with off ice training, practice and community volunteering.

They are generally out of the house Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturdays are game days. Sundays are usually off. Players are usually away 1-2 days per weekend when the team is on the road.

Season runs September 12th until mid March based on playoff success. They head home for Christmas break Dec 19-29th. Respite care is available should families be out of town for any extended period of time.

Please consider opening your home and providing these young men with a place to stay. We really would appreciate it. If you know of someone who would be interested please feel free to forward this information.

Thank you for your consideration.

Email cvrockies.gm@gmail.com

Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley is looking for community members to join the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors is a working board of volunteers that provides governance and strategic leadership with the guiding principles of integrity, compassion, respect and honesty.

If you would like to lend your strong team skills and contribute through thoughtful collaboration, and you are looking for a way to give back to the community, we need you to help fulfill our vision: “HOSPICE IS AN OASIS WHERE NO ONE DIES OR GRIEVES ALONE” At the end of the day it’s just about being human with one another.

Please send an expression of interest in a brief letter or any questions by September 30, 2021 To: Dodie Marcil, Chair Nominations Committee at pdmarcil@shaw.ca Directors are elected at the AGM on October 28, and serve a two-year term. Must be willing to give 8-10 hours per month.

Find out more about the Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley at:

www.hospicesocietycv.com

The Columbia Valley Rockies Junior Hockey Club in action.

Photo by Amanda Nason

September 2, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

Thomas discusses latest on Columbia River salmon restoration efforts Challenges ahead, but there is hope

the communications advisory group and the secretariat.

Together, these groups, which consist of delegates from

By James Rose British Columbia, Shuswap, Ktunaxa and Sylx OkanaLocal Journalism Initiative gan Nations share a mission of exploring salmon reintroShuswap councillor, Mark Thomas, has worked on duction into the upper Columbia River region.

The creation of the CRSRI was made official with reintroducing salmon to the Columbia River for twenty years. Currently, he is the chair of the Columbia River the signing of a letter of agreement at a ceremony held Salmon Reintroduction Initiative’s (CRSRI) executive in Castlegar in July of 2019. The letter of agreement outlined a three-year renewable commitment by the five working group.

The CRSRI consists of the executive working group, governments to work together to look at the feasibility the technical working group the implementation team, and options for reintroducing salmon into the Canadithe interim Indigenous knowledge guidance committee, an side of the Columbia River. The long-term vision is to return fish stocks for Indigenous food, social and ceremonial needs and to benefit the region’s residents and ecosystems. “Our culture, our language would come back with the successful reintroduction of salmon to the river,” Thomas says.

The work of CRSRI is funded by contributions of the governments of Canada and British Columbia and the Columbia Basin Trust.

Each is providing one-third of the $2.25-million budget.

“We’re now looking for a longer-term commitment,” Thomas says. “We want to go past the three years commitment, because you can’t restore species in that amount Columbia River Photo by Graham Osborne

of time. So how do we move forward to continue work on salmon restoration?” The group has discussed a multitude of options, all backed by scientific inquiry as to how best to reintroduce a species to the Columbia River that once swam from the Pacific Ocean as far as the Columbia Valley. All that changed once the Grand Coulee Dam was completed in the state of Washington in 1942.

CRSRI has determined that salmon ladder technology could effectively be used for passage over the dams on the American side. But due to the height of the Revelstoke and Mica dams, more innovative technology is needed. Nevertheless, there is promising, but untested technology that may provide a solution to the height problem.

“The way it would work would be a utilization of a combination of technologies,” Thomas says. “Potentially, it would be a big giant vacuum that would suck up the salmon from one side of the damn and then spit them out over the top.” The Whoosh technology is proven to work up to 750 feet in height— approximately the height of the Revelstoke and Mica Dam. There’s not much room for error with those numbers. “But perhaps there’s a possibility of building a platform with salmon ladders to reduce the height of those dams,” Thomas says.

Despite the progress, Thomas is less confident salmon will be reintroduced to the Columbia River. “Compared to ten years ago, I have 50% of the confidence I once had,” he says. “Global warming is a real concern.

Our weather patterns have changed. The Columbia River was the warmest it’s ever been on record this year.”

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

HERE TO SERVE YOU

CONCRETE I N

P U R S U I T

CONCRETE

READY MIX CONCRETE

O F

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September 2, 2021

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• 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

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

CARPET CLEANING

CARPET CLEANING

CONTRACTING

Enjoy life, we’ll clean it up!

TILE AND GROUT CLEANING Business: 250-342-9692

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Cell: 250-342-1273

ptarmiganrugclean@gmail.com

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Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood.

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

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A licensed, registered and bonded company

We also offer roundthe-clock service calls.

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

Patco Developments Ltd. PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS

There’s a new ‘Sucker’ in town!

Vacuum/ Septic tank pumping Registered ROWP Serving all areas from Wasa to Golden

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

Where to recycle?

Tel: 250.341.6075 Fax: 250.341.3427 Email: info@duskbuildingsystems.com www.duskbuildingsystems.com

kekulibaycabinetry.com

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

N E W S PA P E R FOR ALL Recycling YOUR ADVERTISING NEEDS, CALL 250-341-6299 council of B.c. MeMBeR Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR

• Authorized dealer • Designer • Installer

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dale@decontracting.ca • 250-341-7098

Can this be recycled?

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

September 2, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

HERE TO SERVE YOU

INSURANCE

INSURANCE

PHARMACIES

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PHARMACY (2019) LTD. INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

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

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

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

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

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

www.kootenayinsurance.ca

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

250-342-6612

Your Compounding Pharmacy

LANDSCAPING

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THE COLUMBIA VALLEY’S TREE CARE SPECIALISTS Judy: (250) 341-1903

House Checking and more!

Bob: (250) 341-5014

WINDERMERE, BC 250-341-7029

valleysolutions@shaw.ca GET YOUR QUOTE AT WWW.GREENLEAFTREE.CA INFO@GREENLEAFTREE.CA

PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR THE VACATION HOME OWNER SINCE 2006

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SERVICE EXCELLENCE SINCE 1991 ICBC Glass Repair Out of Province Vehicle Inspections Auto Body Repairs • Painting • Quality Parts

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CLEANING & MAINTENANCE ON ALL WOOD BURNING APPLIANCES • WETT INSPECTIONS

North American Warranty

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We give all students 15% off with valid student ID

All Makes and Models Tire Sales and Installation

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

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

N E W S PA P E R

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

September 2, 2021

Columbia Valley Origins: Pat Carrick “She was someone I’d been looking for.” could tell we shared lots of the same sensibilities toward life.” Canada, it was decided, became Pat’s next stop.

By James Rose Local Journalism Initiative Reporter After Pat Carrick graduated high school in Melbourne, Australia, the city where he was born and raised, he spent his twenties pursuing his love of music. He was involved with a number of projects as a drummer, his main instrument, although he can also wail on guitar.

Melbourne is Australia’s undisputed cultural capital.

There is live music on every corner and the competition is fierce for bands to get on stage to prove their wares.

The tireless amount of work and effort was beginning to pay off as Carrick approached the latter half of his twenties. He was in a band with viable commercial appeal. Studio time was booked, plans were being made.

But unfortunately for Carrick, the lead singer and frontman for the band developed substance abuse issues. “He was acting like a rock star before becoming one,” Pat says.

He and his bandmates couldn’t rely on him to show up on time, rehearse, or help write new songs. Eventually, the band fell apart. It was a difficult experience for Carrick to live through. Change was on the horizon — changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes.

Carrick has an impressive network. Through friends and acquaintances, he’s worked his way around the world.

After taking a break from Melbourne’s music scene, his first destination was to work in food and beverage at a luxury resort on Lizard Island— an idyllic tropical paradise in the Great Barrier Reef. “Travel has always been a big part of my life,” he says. His parents took him around the world when he was a kid. In his twenties and thirties, he wanted to have as many unique adventures as possible.

After a year of working in a tropical paradise, he was ready for a change again. “I eventually got tired of the same perfect weather every day,” Carrick says, laughing.

“I thought to myself, what is the exact opposite of this environment? Snow!” Snow, of course, falls in many places around the world. So where would his next destination be? “I got to know lots of Canadians in Melbourne. I

Hometown: Melbourne, Australia Age: 36 Occupation: Musician, Membership and Events, Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce Columbia Valley Arrival: November 2013 Hobbies: Playing music, video production

Before Canada however, Carrick took a quick jaunt through the United States, visiting friends in Minneapolis and taking in American culture. One of the United States’ signature cultural exports to the world is movies.

“I remember going to bars in Minnesota and just enjoying hearing the way Americans spoke,” he says. To visit America as an adult (he had been to California already a couple of times in his youth), was a different experience.

Next came brief stays in Toronto and Montreal. By then, summer was coming to an end. “And it was getting cold. I’d never experienced a Canadian winter.” After flying across the country to Vancouver and then taking a Greyhound to Banff, Carrick initially thought that finally he’d arrived at a place to stay through the winter. “But all I found were Australians. I couldn’t believe how many

were in Banff!” Banff felt decidedly unadventurous. “It felt as if Australia got cold,” he says laughing.

A high school acquaintance living in Panorama saw, through social media, that Carrick was in Banff. “He reached out to me and suggested I come check out Panorama. I’d never heard of the place and that was exactly why I decided to go there.” Back on a Greyhound Carrick went, arriving at Tim Hortons in the middle of the night.

After a rather expensive taxi ride up from Tim Hortons to Panorama, he’d arrived. “I loved Panorama. This was the adventure I was seeking. Everyone was in the same boat of not knowing anyone.” His first job was working food and beverage at Chopper’s Landing. One of his highlights was the weekly jam night hosted by future bandmate Oso Simple in the T-Bar. “Those jam nights reignited my love for music,” Carrick said. “It was the first time in a long time I started working on original songs and performing them.”

After that first winter, he decided to stay and experience a Columbia Valley summer. “I just assumed winter was the best season for living here, but that summer changed my mind,” he says. It was at the end of that first summer he also met Gwyn. “I was really curious to get to know her more. She was someone I’d been looking for.”

Pat would’ve stayed for another winter, but he’d already signed a seven-month contract to play music on a cruise ship. “We kept in touch though and when the contract was over, I came back.”

To Carrick, the Columbia Valley offered a better way of life. “I’m proud to be from Melbourne, but I’m happy to not be in the urban, head-down rat race.” The amount of encouragement he received for his music, the number of gigs he was able to book, the joy he found in playing with Oso Simple and Fraser Smith (fellow members of the Small Town Dirtbags), it became clear to Carrick, world traveller, that he’d found his home.

In 2020, partners Pat and Gwyn welcomed their first child together— Lucas.

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Box 2206 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

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N E W S PA P E R

Lerissa McLaughlin

Sales Representative

#8, 1008 - 8th Avenue PO Box 868, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Ph: 250-341-6299 ext: 102 • Cell: 506-261-1861 www.columbiavalleypioneer.com lerissa@columbiavalleypioneer.com

September 2, 2021

S

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

OBITUARY

S

Wilkie, Carol Enelse May 20, 1942 – August 13, 2021

The old Bell piano in our family living room in Edgewater, BC, has fallen silent. Carol Wilkie, wife, mother, musician, teacher and friend, died peacefully on August 13, 2021.

Born in Klamath Falls, Oregon, Carol’s musical gifts quickly surfaced. She taught herself to play piano at an early age and was encouraged by her parents to study violin. Academically brilliant, she studied music at the University of Portland performing as a violinist and was asked to join the Banff School of Fine Arts (aka Banff Centre) Opera Orchestra in 1961.

It was in this heady mix of music and mountains that she met Gerry Wilkie, who was working a summer job on the grounds of the school. They were married in Vancouver in 1962, returning to Banff soon after, where they welcomed the arrival of their daughter Jaana. In the fall of 1963, the Banff Centre sent Gerry to the University of Alberta for training and during this time, new baby in tow, Carol played viola in the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.

Once back in Banff, Carol continued with the Opera Orchestra, while Gerry assumed the role of Grounds Supervisor. In 1966 their son Max was born.

During the ensuing years in Banff, Carol juggled motherhood, baking bread from scratch, studies at the University of Calgary, composing music for theatrical productions, and many other creative pursuits, including acting in community theatre.

Throughout it all, she maintained a roster of music students and later taught music appreciation at local schools in the Bow Valley.

Carol had a love for all aspects of music. She enjoyed evenings making music at Banff ’s varied nightclubs and restaurants; and, especially valued sharing the stage from time to time with Banff ’s legendary bandmaster Louis Trono. In those early days, the Banff Centre staff were a tight knit community and many social functions would close with Carol at the piano, leading rousing singsongs.

Eventually Carol began working at the Banff Centre and was soon appointed as Purchasing Manager.

Close friends of Carol and Gerry had a vacation home on Lake Windermere, and after the first visit, Carol fell in love with the Columbia Valley, which reminded her of her roots in southern Oregon. This led to Carol and Gerry purchasing property in Edgewater in 1975. Many enjoyable weekends followed over the years as their legendary garden grew bigger and the tiny old house finally gave way to a new home designed by Carol.

After retiring in 1995, Carol moved permanently to Edgewater, opening the wonderful acoustics of her living room to a new community of music students, young and old, encouraging them to feel the joy of music. Because of her extraordinary empathy and intuition, her music lessons often led to lessons in life as well.

This is her most powerful legacy.

Her listening skills provided solace for many, including Melissa, who she and Gerry opened their hearts and home to in 1999. They took her into their family, raising her like a daughter, seeing her through high school and university. An amazing cook, a prodigious reader with keen curiosity, someone to talk to, a shoulder to cry on, a strong supporter of women’s rights, a decrier of racism and intolerance, these were all key parts of Carol’s character.

Following her cancer diagnosis in late 2020, Carol remained at home in Gerry’s care. She spent the last days of her life in the loving company of her husband of almost 60 years and her children.

Jaana gently brushed her mother’s hair, the two of them laughing often while untangling a lifetime of love and loss. Max played his trusty guitar for her one last time, every note filled with love and appreciation. Melissa was there to reaffirm their mutual love and gratitude while sharing treasured memories. She was moved to Ivy House for a few short days where she passed away peacefully.

Her family thanks the kind staff at the Invermere Hospital and Ivy House for their care and support. Anyone who knew her will miss this wonderful woman.

Her song may have ended but her melody lingers on.

P ioneer C lassifieds

CHEERS!

Cheers to everyone who assisted in making this young - man’s professional working career come true!

S OBITUARY S Hawkins, Susan (White) 1941 – 2021

On August 21, 2021 Susan (White) Hawkins passed away, with family by her side. Susan was predeceased by her parents Peter and Joan and brotherin-law Mark. She is survived by her children Kathy (Paul) and Tyler (Kris), grandchildren Vanessa, Stephanie, Cade and Kai, great grandchildren Hannah and Daxton, sisters Jane (Ken) and Caroline, and a loving extended family.

Susan was born in Retford, Nottingham, England on August 8, 1941 and migrated to Calgary in 1949. She eventually settled in BC and, in her later years, greatly enjoyed life on the Island, loving the ocean and coastal lifestyle.

She made a great many wonderful friends through the years, whom she cherished.

Susan overcame many adversities in life through her resilience, incredible bravery, stubbornness and strong will. She was a warm person with a soft and loving heart who carried herself with grace and polish, stylish and beautiful from head to toe. Time could never compete with her impeccable taste.

Susan enjoyed being with her family and friends, playing cards or a good game of scrabble, time in her flower garden and shopping.

She never took herself too seriously to share laughter with her dear ones. She wore many hats, mom, mother-in-law, grandma, sister, aunt and friend and she will be forever missed.

I am at peace, My soul at rest, There is no need for tears.

For with your love, I was so blessed For all those many years.

Forever in our Hearts

In her memory, please consider a donation to the Steamboat Mountain Music Festival Scholarship Fund. Condolences can be placed on the McPherson Funeral Home website at mcphersonfh.com/home.

The Family would like to send a very special thank you to all the Ridgeview Lodge care staff who cared for Susan. Your care and kindness was above and beyond.

Pioneer Classified Advertising 250-341-6299

Arrangements by Kamloops Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

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

GARAGE SALE

GARAGE SALE Yard sale Sep. 4, & Sep. 5, 11 a.m.

- 4 p.m. 5151 Riverview Crescent Fairmont Hot Springs. Not your average yard sale high end Artworks and books original art and photography, coffee table books. Picture frames original watercolors and oils, countertop ovens and much more.

Exhibition and Sale of Rolf’s cloths and carvings. All proceeds going to the Rolf Park in Radium.

Sat. Sept. 4th and Sun Sept. 5th, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 5151 Riverview Crescent Fairmont Hot Springs.

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

Annual Garage Sale 12B Wolf Crescent, behind Tim Hortons.

Furniture, antiques, tools, home décor, plants, kids’ toys, large dog kennel, Heaven Best spot cleaner. $10 coupon for each person for Heaven’s Best. Sat. Sept 4, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Moving sale Sat. September 4th, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tons of items all priced to sell at 1767 Windermere Loop Road.

S OBITUARY S Rideout, Nonie 70, Canal Flats BC – Formally of North Sydney NS

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we the family announce the passing of Nonie Rideout which occurred on August 19, 2021 at home in Canal Flats, BC surrounded by her loving family.

Nonie passed away at the age of 70 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Toronto, Ontario, she was the daughter of the late Smokey and Grace Houston. Nonie was a member of the Baha’i Faith, was an active lady and had a zest for life and adventure. She loved the outdoors and would explore through her love of snowboarding, paddle boarding, riding her Harley or hiking which she continued to do them all, even after her diagnosis. Nonie was active in a number of volunteer and community organizations. She had a wide range of friends and devoted her life to helping others. Nonie raised her family in Cape Breton and decided to migrate to the Canadian Rockies finishing her working career as staff accommodations manager at the RimRock Resort, Banff, Alberta and retiring to Canal Flats BC. She is survived by her husband Brian Parent, her only daughter Crystal (Aaron) Fransen-Spur Valley BC, 2 Sons, Darcy (Michelle)-Cape Breton, N.S. and Travis (Katie)-Calgary, Alberta.

Nonie is also survived by sisters: Kitty Hyde-Coe Hill, Ontario, Vikki Lash-Kelowna, BC, brothers, Dave- Calgary, Alberta, Donnie (Jan), Doug (Barb) all of Ontario, 2 grandsons: Jacob and Grayson Rideout, several nieces and nephews and her dearest friends: Marion MacLellan, Diane Brown, and Carolyn McIssac.

Besides her parents, Nonie was predeceased by an infant brother Gary.

A celebration of Nonie’s life took place August 20, 2021 in Canal Flats, B.C. Interment took place in the Village of Canal Flats Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made be to the Canal Flats Food Bank, P.O. Box 192, Canal Flats, B.C. V0B-1B0 or a charity of choice. On-line condolences may be sent to: inmemoryofnonie@ gmail.com.

To the world you are a mother, to us you are our world.

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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.

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS Cheers to Brad at Home Hardware for saving the day when he got the broken key out of the lock. Much appreciated!

A very heartfelt Cheers to Chevy and his team at Kootenay Water for supplying our station with bottled water. The thirsty BC Ambulance crew in Invermere are very appreciative!

Cheers to Glenn Gibson for the kindness you gave to two seniors on Sunday. Your generosity will not be forgotten and is very much appreciated.

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

WANTED Wanted a pair of used women’s military boots. Please take them to 1418 17A St. Invermere.

Please email classified ads to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

LOST AND FOUND

September 2, 2021

MISC. WANTED

SERVICES

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Continental mud and snow tires.

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

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.

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

Invermere 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.

D L SO

Junction Powertrail E-Bike 27.5.

“NEW” $2,000 obo. Tunnacliffe’s.

250-342-6703.

LOST: Polaris rear seat lost on the lake a few weeks ago, grey in color. $100 reward Greig 403813-8385.

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 CONDO FOR SALE Akiskinook Resort Windermere: 1-bdrm fully furnished condo, Larger end unit, new renos and upgrades. $925/mo includes cable/Wi-Fi. Call or text 403281-3991.

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.

Pine Dinning table and 10 chairs.

Table 8 ft long by 40 inches wide, matching chairs with seat cushions. $400. marilyn. thompson@outlook.com or call or text 403-651-2002.

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

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!

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 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.

LESSONS/TRAINING Piano Lessons!

40 years EK-based. Arne Sahlen. All ages, levels; Conservatory to jazz & pop, also Theory. Bio on request.

250-540-4242 arnesahlen@ hotmail.com

Please recycle this newspaper

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.

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

Featured Listing W !

NERICE P

1018 14th Street

$509,900 Brand New Kitchen and Back Deck

Geoff Hill PREC* REALTOR® Fair Realty

250-341-7600

www.geoffhill.ca

September 2, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

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.

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.

Excavator Operator

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

HELP WANTED

Wilco Contractors Southwest Inc. is seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to start September 3, 2021 for a project in Invermere. B.C.

Invermere Home Hardware is hiring!

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.

MopSpot Mop

CONTRACTOR BUILDING COUNTER, CUSTOMER SERVICE, PAINT EXPERT, CASHIERS & APPLIANCE SALES/DELIVERY

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.

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.

Come and join our dynamic team!

Great atmosphere! Great benefits!

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.

Please apply in person, fill out application at Customer Service or send your resume to: hr@invermerehardware.ca Attention: Susanne L’Heureux

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

Connect with Shuswap Indian Band community members who share a passion for education and cultural learning to gather insights and suggestions to ensure culture and learning fundamentals are captured throughout all programming.

• • • Mission ~ Responsible for the planning and delivery of youth support programs and projects. You will engage • youth through cultural, educational, and recreational initiatives.

• Who Are You? ~ You have played a key role in guiding youth. You know how to provide fun and mentorship and • have facilitated programs in a safe and caring environment.

What Will You Do? ~ Reporting to the Education Coordinator, you will work closely with the Shuswap Indian band education team to understand essential social, and learning needs to help plan and deliver programming. • You will partner with Shuswap community members and mentors to embed culture and life skills into programs • • and identify what resources are needed to create a space for ongoing Indigenous learning.

A graduate degree in Education, Indigenous Studies, or related studies is preferred.

Experience in developing and facilitating youth programs for ages 5 – 18.

Experience working and collaborating with Indigenous community members and education partners.

Demonstrated success in developing and implementing programs with measurable success and outcomes.

Foodsafe certification is ideal, or willing to obtain.

Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

YOUTH SUPPORT WORKER

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

RESPONSIBILITIES • • • • •

Liaise with the Shuswap Indian Band education team to understand current program guidelines and clearly identify social and learning objectives and outcomes.

Create cultural and creative programs that connect youth and elders. For example, moccasin and beading workshops. Create fun, recreational programs that include indoor and outdoor activities. For example: Game nights, outdoor learning adventures.

Collaborate with the education team on learning and employment initiatives that will inspire and engage youth. For example: Host a campfire series with employers. Share career advice, future employment opportunities, skill development initiatives, and learning pathways.

Guide youth who are using the learning center for homework and learning outside of school hours.

Plan, prepare and provide meals and snacks as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

•

SKILLS & ABILITIES Exceptional at building trusting relationships.

Highly collaborative and creative. Master organizer. Solid time management and project management skills.

Demonstrated success in working with youth from diverse backgrounds with an understanding of how to mediate and mentor through challenging times.

An understanding of the history of First Nations in British Columbia, and an interest to learn more about the history, culture, practices, socioeconomic conditions, rights, and future vision of Indigenous peoples.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This is a contract opportunity starting September 13, 2021, to March 30, 2022, working 4 hours a week, (day and shift times to be determined) and all non-instructional school days. For example: Pro D Days, Christmas Break, March Break, and some statutory holidays. Hourly range is $30 - $40.

Ideally, the successful candidate would be available to support future educational programs on an as-needed, contract basis.

If interested, please apply to evolve.shift@gmail.com by end of day Friday September 9, 2021.

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

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.

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

N E W S PA P E R

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

KENPESQ’T HOLDINGS LIMITED

RESEARCH SCIENTIST OR BIOLOGIST REPORTS TO: Director, Territorial Stewardship

EXPERIENCE: • • • • •

Shuswap Band is looking for a Research Scientist or Biologist to support our growing organization in the • conservation and management of natural resources. The position will primarily involve supporting the Shuswap Band and its Territorial Stewardship department with research, development, planning, management, and implementation of environmental projects associated with various stewardship programs. The position will also be responsible for assisting the Director of Territorial Stewardship and Shuswap Band with the management of • cultural and natural resources.

• 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-faceted 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 ability to steer • career changing activities.

• • RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: • • Responsible for delivering technical aspects of environmental projects; • Responsible for supporting and coordinating management of projects; • • Assisting with water quality, fish, wildlife, and vegetation assessments; • • Responsible for implementing all phases of projects, from planning to completion; • • Ensure high quality of project work and on-time and budget delivery of services; • • Develop work plans, capacity funding proposals and conservation funding grants; • • Conduct scientific research, assessments and studies, and report on findings; • • Organize and document critical information, developments and challenges for projects; and • Provide timely reports to the Director on project budgets, milestones and deliverables.

•

Knowledge of provincial and federal environmental processes, regulations and best management practices; Diverse experience and skillset – aquatic and terrestrial biology (hydrology and water quality skills considered an asset); Knowledge of protected and endangered species populations, including conservation protection and rehabilitation; Advanced understanding of scientific research approaches, methodology, resources and techniques; Experience preparing B.C. regulatory permit applications (e.g. Section 11 Applications, Fish Collection Permits, Wildlife Permits, etc.); Experience preparing Environmental Management Plans and conducting Environmental Monitoring for construction projects.

QUALIFICATIONS: Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous Communities required; MSc in Environmental Science, Biology or related discipline preferred or relevant combination of academic and work-related experience; Registered with the College of Applied Biology in British Columbia (CAB) or ability to qualify for either BIT or R.P. Bio within 1 year; Require 3-5 years professional experience in environmental sciences or related discipline; Experience supervising environmental technicians in both office and field settings; Experience with project coordination, management, budgeting, and related administrative duties; Advanced computer skills in MS Office, knowledge of statistical software and GIS programs an asset; Excellent oral and written communication skills including experience delivering presentations, as well as writing scientific reports and funding proposals; 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 (e.g. First Aid, Swiftwater Rescue, Marine Emergency Duties, Small Vessel Operator Proficiency, and Backpack Electro Fishing); Must work on-site at the Shuswap Indian Band Territorial Office.

To apply contact the Shuswap Indian Band, #3, 492 Arrow Road, Invermere BC V0A 1K2 • Fax: 250.341.3683 Email: tainsworth@shuswapband.ca • Deadline for applications: Thursday, September 30th, 2021, 4 pm.

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

September 2, 2021

College of the Rockies prepare for full return

Make sure you are registered to vote Voting for the first time? Moved recently? Check or update your information.

List of registered electors

Watch for your voter information card in the mail It tells you where and when you can vote.

Contact Elections Canada if your voter information card: • has incorrect information • hasn’t arrived by September 10

On-campus instruction returns, with provincially mandated safety measures in place

Your health and safety is our priority.

At your polling station, poll workers will be wearing masks. There will also be:

Hand sanitizer stations

2 metres

Only one poll worker per desk behind a plexiglass barrier

Clear physical distancing markers

When you go to vote, don’t forget: Wear a mask

We will provide you with a single-use pencil to mark your ballot, or you can bring your own pen or pencil

2m

Practice physical distancing by staying at least two metres away from voters and poll workers

If you have tested positive for or have symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been in contact with someone who has the virus, visit elections.ca to apply to vote by mail. You have until Tuesday, September 14, 6:00 p.m., to apply.

EC_WEEKLY_REGVICPAN_B&W_ENG10.indd 1

Submitted by Darryl Dux After many months of alternative delivery, College of the Rockies’ is looking forward to welcoming students back to campus again, starting September 7.

“We’re thrilled to be preparing for a full return to campus for the fall semester and look forward to once again enjoying the energy our students bring to

“We maintained a mask requirement at all of our campuses through the summer months and will be keeping that requirement in place until the PHO’s order is rescinded,” Vogt added. “Our orientation activities were planned to limit the size of gatherings and we will ensure that all welcome back events stay within the 50-person limit.”

In conjunction with Interior Health,

2021-08-27 2:29 PM

College of the Rockies looks forward to a full return to on-campus learning for the fall 2021 semester. Submitted photo

The Pioneer Get your FREE copy every Thursday on newsstands near you!

our hallways,” said Paul Vogt, College of the Rockies’ President. “We will continue to follow the lead of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training and the Provincial Health Officer as we prepare to make the on-campus experience safe for everyone.”

In a joint press conference August 24, AEST Minister Anne Kang and PHO Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the return of a mask mandate for all indoor common spaces at post-secondary institutions.

Vaccinations will also be required to live in student housing and to access some non-essential services like the gymnasium and cafeteria as well as inter-collegiate sports, intramural sports, club events or organized social gatherings. Full details of the College’s return-to-campus plan are available at cotr.ca

pop-up vaccination clinics will be held at the College’s Cranbrook main campus gymnasium from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on September 8 and 9. These clinics are open to the public and do not require an appointment. Masks must be worn while inside the campus.

College of the Rockies students, meanwhile, will have access to a host of new or updated courses this fall, with additions or updates to the Environmental Science Associate Degree, the Financial Services diploma, Engineering certificate, and the Business Administration, Fine Arts, and University Studies programs.

Further updates are in the works for the winter 2022 semester.

Learn more about College of the Rockies at cotr.ca.

September 2, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27 Sponsored content

ВНИМАНИЕ! RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH! Contact Father Dimitry – 403-714-3525

Dear readers, Brothers and Sisters in Christ!

The life of everyone of us is filled with big and small events. When these events are positive, we often share our happiness with our relatives and close friends. When the events are sad, such as sorrows, griefs or diseases- we always seek consolation and compassion from the same relatives and friends. Christians believe that all events are sent to us by God: for the good ones we express with all our heart our gratitude to Our Lord, Jesus Christ, while experiencing griefs or sicknesses, we are looking for the cure and help from God – through the prayers of our close relatives and friends and the help of the Saints, for whose intercession in front of God we ask in our prayers to them.

Our God, Jesus Christ, Himself speaks to us, saying, “Come to me, all working and burdened ones, and I will comfort you...” ( New Testament; the Book of Mathew, 11:28). Who are these “burdened” ones?

Are them we ourselves, burdened with the diseases and fears for ourselves and our close relatives and friends? How can we come to God for consolation and comfort? Where is God? The Orthodox Church every Sunday celebrates Resurrection from death of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, by serving the Divine Liturgy, at which God Himself is always present; He is giving us His Holy pure flesh and blood in the Sacrament of the Communion. By the grace of

2022 BC Budget Consultation We want to hear from British Columbians.

Share your views by September 30, 2021.

For full details, visit bcleg.ca/FGSbudget or call 250-356-2933 or toll-free 1-877-428-8337.

Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services

bcleg.ca/FGSbudget

God, the Holy Liturgy is served in the city of Calgary in the Church of All Saints from the year of 1930.

Recently the Rector of the Parish of the Church of All Saints, Reverend Father Dimitry Grygoryev, was addressed by one lady from the town of Fairmont, British Columbia, with the request to come and serve the Holy Liturgy in their place in order to give the people from that town ability to participate in the Sacraments of the Confession and The Holy Communion. Father Dimitry is

Grand

ready to come and serve Holy Liturgy there in one of the closest Saturday (since on Saturday evening and Sunday morning Father Dimitry serves Vergil service and Holy Liturgy in Calgary, the only time he can go to Fairmont is Saturday morning).

He invites all, who would like to join the Holy Service, come and join it! For clarifying the exact date, time and the place of the first Service, and for all different inquiries (for instance, if you want to order special prayers – “panikhida” – for your passed relatives), please, contact Father Dimitry directly by phone: 403-714-3525.

Let Our Lord, Jesus Christ, protect and bless You in every way.

THE MINE AT COPPER POINT

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH 6:00 - 8:00 PM AT THE DRIVING RANGE

PUTTING CONTEST TO WIN FREE GOLF WITH DIVISIONS FOR Juniors - Ladies - Men - Seniors PLUS

Draws for 2022 Range Pass, Merchandise, Titleist Golf Balls and Green Fees

WWW.COPPERPOINTGOLF.COM 250-341-3393

28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

FAITH

September 2, 2021

Will they know us by our love?

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

Pastor Josh McCallum Lake Windermere Alliance 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

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

Social media has presented many challenges for those who follow Jesus. Not only has it become a strong distraction and a source of temptation, but it has also allowed us to attempt to speak (and admonish) people all over the world with whom we have no relationship. Now, there is a clear need for speaking into others’ lives, and certainly social media can be used as a tool for good, yet when it is frequently used for correcting and rebuking those who disagree with us, it becomes unhealthy.

Part of being the church is living as a family where each member helps the others to grow in the faith, stand firm in truth, and stay on “the narrow road.” However,

all of that comes with the background of a love which “bears with all things” (1 Corinthians 13: 7) and which constantly strives to understand, to show grace, and to put others ahead of oneself. Much of this is difficult to do when the people we communicate with are merely names and pictures on a screen. Social media is not the place for Christian disagreement.

We get a much different picture from the life of Jesus and his followers. In the Bible, disagreement between members of God’s family comes with strong self-examination (like taking the log out of your own eye, Matthew 7:3-4). When truth is spoken to another it is to come with love and all (yes, it says all) our speech is to be gracious and upbuilding (Ephesians 4:29). When conflict comes, we are taught to seek reconciliation instead of becoming divided. Then, as Jesus says, when we live in this love which he modeled for us, the world will see who he is (John 13:34-35). I must confess, it is troubling to see how many churches have become aggressively divided during this pandemic (on all sides of the debates). Perhaps it’s time to reflect on which is more important: our opinions or our representation of Jesus?

Forest Meditation Walks Submitted by Pat Bavin In Japan Shrinrin Yoku means Forest Bathing which is pretty confusing for us westerners when it’s simply about walking slowly in the forest and breathing in the organic compounds of trees. I’ve now decided to go to the root of this outdoor experience and use the word “meditation” as that truly is what goes on, a meditation walk in Nature. With such a walk come many health benefits which are amplified as we upgrade our natural, ancestral relationships with the forest through the use of our many senses.

It has been brought to my attention by clients who have done more than one meditation walk that they discovered how different the next walk was compared to their first walk. For many on their first walk all the shields of doubt, confusion, and the fear of the unknown percolates through the brain as is the case with most new, first time adventures. By the end

of their walk, folks discover the experience is not at all what was expected as they find themselves elated, rested, and mentally enriched. Upon doing more walks people are free of the unknowns and enjoy a much more focused attention between their senses and new discoveries in Natures garden. Forest Bathing is purposely designed to provide the opposite experience of today’s way of life – the overstimulation of artificial intelligence and expanding impacts of urbanization has creeped into the way of life in recreation and resort communities such as the Kootenays.

As an incentive to really experience the meditative values of Forest Bathing, for those who have already walked with me, I’ve decided to do a special offer for you to get out into the forest again. Check out the ad in this issue for this special offer which shall be available from now to the end of October, so get your ad coupon and let’s go for a meditation walk! May the Forest be with you.

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

your message is resonating with residents and visitors alike.

!

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

Columbia Lake

Photo by Steve Short