Columbia Valley Pioneer, December 16, 2021

July 29, 2021 Vol. 18/Issue 50

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1 December 16, 2021

The Columbia Valley

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December 16, 2021 Vol. 18/Issue 50

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

December 16, 2021

The Columbia Valley

P ioneer

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The BC fruit season is over, but we have a year-round fruit and vegetable produce section, in our new addition.

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A CP Rail coal train roars north, along the Columbia River and through Spillimacheen.

Photos by Ryan Watmough

Displaying the works of 23 Valley artists, artisans and crafters.

Drop in and find one-of-a-kind handmade gifts for your friends and family or treat yourself!

We have paintings, photos, sculptures, many kinds of jewellery, tie-dye clothing, beadwork, honey, jam and Christmas tree ornaments; All hand-made with love. Help support Valley cottage industries by spending your Christmas dollars locally! If you get hungry while shopping, you can treat yourself to something delicious from the Snack Shack, located beside the gallery.

9115 Grainger Rd. in Canal Flats (at the log cabins on the south end of town) Joi Leycraft • 250-688-9726 • office@kootenaykool.ca

December 16, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS

Facebook group launched to help bighorn herd Aim is to increase awareness about fatal effects of speeding on Radium sheep surrounded by a pool of blood just 50 metres south of the village, she was devastated. She called the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line to report the scene, and received a follow up call from local wildlife enthusiast Kent Kebe, who works with the provincial Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNRO) to help count and track the Radium bighorns. She learned from Kebe that traffic-related bighorn fatalities in Radium were on the rise and appeared to come from vehicles driving well above the posted speed limits, based on the type of injuries to the sheep and the large amount of vehicle parts at the impact sites.

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

But it was in response to a recent conversation with Kebe about the latest string of bighorn deaths caused by speeding vehicles, that Trigg started the Help the Bighorn Herd page on Facebook last week, launching on Sunday, Dec. 5.

“The idea is to have a public record. To put up updates when sheep get hit, to let others be able to put up their own updates, and to increase public awareness around the issue of the effects of higher speeds on the sheep,” said Trigg, adding that addressing bighorn vehicle mortality is even more pressing now, because of the much higher volumes of traffic that are flowing through Radium every spring and fall as part of the Kicking Horse Canyon upgrades on the TransCanada highway.

That project shuts down the national highway between Lake Louise and Golden and sends all cross-country traffic instead down Highway 93 South to Radium, then back up north on Highway 95 to Golden. This detour passes through several parts of the village that the sheep enjoy hanging out in, and comes during times (early spring and late fall) when traffic mortality is already particularly bad for the Radium bighorns. The closure (and traffic detours) are projected to continue through until at least the end of 2024.

Continued on page 5...

Pioneer file photo

A Radium Hot Springs resident concerned about the number of bighorn sheep being killed by vehicles during the fall rut has started a Facebook group to help keep track of the incidences.

Environmental communications professional (and former Pioneer editor), Nicole Trigg, has lived in Radium for the past two-and-a-half years, and has developed a deep appreciation for village’s resident bighorn herd, frequently observing them during her walks around town, and even occasionally watching their social behaviour right outside the window of her home.

“Working in conservation, I tend to be hyper aware of wildlife issues. And since moving to Radium, I’ve fallen in love with the bighorn sheep,” Trigg told the Pioneer. “It’s hard to miss them, they are such a part of the village. You see them all the time, and if you watch them closely, you start to get to know them. You can identify individuals, not just by how they look, but by how they behave. They really are iconic: they’re so majestic and ancient looking yet so skittish and gentle at the same time. I definitely have soft spot for them.”

Earlier this year, when Trigg came across a dead bighorn in the middle of the highway Bighorn sheep walking along Highway 93.

Columbia Valley home to world’s only rental Eskaip Adaptive cross country ski sledge to be available for public use in Invermere this winter

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The world’s one and only publicly available Tessier Eskaip adaptive cross country ski sledge is set for its first winter of rentals, right here in the Columbia Valley.

The $6,000 piece of high-end recreation equipment has been brought to the valley by the local nonprofit Recreation Adapted (RAD) Society.

Getting the Eskaip here is just one of RAD Society founder Tanelle Bolt’s many initiatives to help improved the gap in recreation services for people with mobility challenges, who live in or are visiting the valley. “I was amazed by how light it (the Eskaip) is, and how easy it was to assemble,” Bolt told the Pioneer. “It felt like it was no heavier than a toboggan.”

The Eskaip will be housed this winter in the Revolutions Mountain Gear store in downtown Invermere, with Revolutions owner Cam Mclellan offering his store as “a hub point” from which people can rent the sledge.

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“You can take it out whenever you want to go cross country skiing. I haven’t actually had a chance to go out and give it a spin myself yet,” said Bolt, who was away from the valley when she spoke to the Pioneer. “But I am excited, very excited, to get back and give it a try. I’ve never been on an adaptive cross country ski that has truly felt safe and supportive to me, but that’s exactly what this should do. This one has a higher back than most adaptive cross country skis, and it has brakes, which most adaptive cross country skis do not have. It really does allow for much more participation for somebody who is mobility challenged.”

The Eskaip is double mounted, with both skis fixed to the rig. Tessier launched the Eskaip on the market just last year, and Bolt explained the company has sold several of them already, but only to private individuals. “So this is the only one, anywhere on the planet that you can just rock up and take out for a ski. After you sign the waiver and pay for the rental, of course,” said Bolt. “I do already have a wait list of frequent Columbia Valley visitors who are just waiting for the chance to come and try out the Eskaip.”

Continued on page 7...

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

SECURITY Est. 2005

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December 16, 2021

RCMP Report Submitted by Sgt. Darren Kakuno Detachment Commander Columbia Valley RCMP This past week, November 22 through November 28, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 72 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to: • On Sun, Nov. 21 Columbia Valley RCMP attended an address in Radium Hot Springs and recovered an MEC collapsible bicycle and a child carrier for a bicycle. The property was confirmed to be stolen from a shed in Radium Hot Springs on Nov. 18. Arrangements were made to return the property to the lawful owner.

• On Wed, Nov. 24 Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of a theft of tools from an enclosed utility trailer in Windermere. Investigators attended and identified a property on Subdivision Road in Windermere where the bulk of the stolen items where housed. Officers conducted a search of the residence and recovered the stolen tools. The investigation is ongoing.

• On Wed, Nov. 24 a good Samaritan attended the front counter of the Columbia Valley Detachment and turned over a wallet that was found in Invermere. The wallet contained the owner’s identification and $275

cash. Police were able to return the wallet and cash to its grateful owner.

• On Thurs, Nov. 25 at about 11:30 a.m. Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of a single vehicle collision on Highway 93 near Numa Falls in Kootenay National Park. The driver reportedly lost control of his Ford pickup and drove into the ditch. The driver was uninjured but the truck had to be towed from the ditch.

• On Fri, Nov. 26th at about 9 a.m. police responded to a report of a single vehicle collision on Highway 93 near Dog Lake in Kootenay National Park. The driver of a commercial transport truck failed to negotiate a curve, struck a concrete no post then became jackknifed on the highway. The uninjured driver was able to move the truck off the highway and arrange for his own tow.

• On Sun, Nov. 28 shortly after midnight Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of a two vehicle collision on Highway 93 near Paint Pots in Kootenay National Park. Police located two commercial transport trucks pulled off to the side of the highway. Upon speaking to the drivers, police learned a transport truck was attempting to pass a second transport truck when the driver lost control and struck the trailer of the other truck. Neither driver was injured.

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Members of the U13 Recreational Hockey Team assisting with the Food Drive. Submitted by Gerriann Donahue.

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December 16, 2021 ...Continued “big horn” from page 3

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5 ly helped keep traffic fatalities down,” said Kebe. “We dodged a bullet there.”

Kebe has been doing sheep counts for three decades, and notes that the Radium herd once numbered 240 sheep, but that in recent years the population has dropped to somewhere around 140. A recent bighorn count found 120 sheep, but Kebe said that is likely because the bighorns are much more scattered across the village (and therefore harder to count) during the fall rut, and that often in the past sheep counts during the fall ruts have been lower than counts at other times of the year. Kebe also asked dog owners to please keep their pets on leash around the Radium bighorns (see story in the Dec. 2 issue of the Pioneer) as the village contin-

“We have been seeing some speeding,” Kebe told the Pioneer, adding there have been three confirmed incidences of bighorns hit and killed by vehicles in Radium since the rut started in late November, and two more high-impact collisions in which traffic struck bighorns, and the injured sheep managed to leave the scene, “but we have not been able to find the sheep since, to see how badly hurt it is, or if it is lying dead somewhere.”

Two of the three confirmed fatalities almost certainly involved speeding, explained Kebe, noting they occurred in zones with a speed limit of 60 kilometres per hour and the damage and injuries to the sheep strongly indicates that the vehicles were travelling far in excess “One sheep was killed instantly, and there were vehicle parts strewn everywhere” of 60 kilometres per hour.

“One sheep was killed instantly, Kent Kebe, and there were vehicle parts strewn Radium Bylaw Enforcement Officer everywhere,” said Kebe, adding that in one of impact collisions in which the fatality is not confirmed “sent the ues to have problems with dogs harassing sheep flying up over the vehicle. It landed the sheep. in the other lane (of the highway), before Just prior to press deadline, on the it scrambled up and left the road and dis- night on Monday, Dec. 13, a fourth bigappeared into the dark.” horn — an ewe — died after being hit Kebe outlined that bighorn traffic fa- by traffic. The incident happened at the tality numbers were higher than normal edge of the village, at the bottom of the this spring, during the first TransCanada Radium hill (in a 60 kilometre per hour closure, but were not higher than normal zone), and the vehicle battered the ewe so during this past fall’s TransCanada clo- severely that she had to be euthanized latsure, although he hastened to point out er. Wildlife officials suspect speeding to be that this due more to the fall’s warmer a factor. temperatures than anything else.

As of press time the Help the Big“We had warmer than usual condi- horn Herd page had been up one week, tions right through most of November. So and already garnered 44 followers. To the sheep stayed on the golf course much more information visit www.facebook. later than they typically do, instead of com/helpradiumbighorns. moving into north Radium. That definite-

A wanted man sought by Columbia Valley RCMP was found and arrested in Calgary last week.

On Friday, Dec. 3, Columbia Valley RCMP put out a report asking for the public’s help in locating 35-year old Joshua Blair McLelland, who had failed

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to comply with a probation, with the police also giving out an image of McLelland and warning to the public to call the RCMP if they spotted McLelland, but not to approach him as he “should be considered violent.”

On Wednesday, Dec. 8, the local RCMP detachment announced that McLelland had been arrested in Calgary.

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

PERSPECTIVE

Christmas consumerism

December 16, 2021

Historical Lens

By Pioneer Staff info@columbiavalleypioneer.com For those who celebrate, Christmas is a time of festive cheer, delicious food, colourful lights and beautifully wrapped gifts.

However, this time of year seems to slowly be shifting away from spending time with loved ones, and more so placed on what is inside those boxes wrapped in shiny wrapping paper. This means that the pressure to find that “perfect gift” is on.

According to the 2021 Deloitte Holiday Retail Outlook which surveyed over 1,000 Canadian consumers of varying ages, financial stature and geographic regions, households are expected to spend $1,841 on average during the holiday season. This heightened level of consumerism is daunting when looking at such numbers as a whole. But, as many know, it is easy to spend a little here and a little there.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m just as guilty as the next person— showcasing my love in the form of pretty bows and wrapping paper decorated with cartoon penguins, skating polar bears, or even the Grinch. Which is why I would argue that shifting priority from monetary gifts to spending time with loved ones is of the utmost importance, especially considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The one thing that cannot be bought is time, which makes it the cost-free gift to give this holiday season.

My heart goes out to all families dealing with loss at this time of year. With all the hardships that the past year has brought with it— prolonged isolation, social-distancing, mandatory masks, and sporadic closures— there is a renewed inspiration to cherish the small moments with family and friends.

Whether one celebrates Christmas or not, take a moment to strap on some skates, cozy up in front of a fire with some hot cocoa, or simply take in the lights with loved ones. Those experiences, those moments— they are the one gift that cannot be bought and last a lifetime.

Photo by Deagreez from Getty Images

Zwier family gathers out in the snow for Christmas portrait. Located in Edgewater.

C1921, 1957, courtesy Windermere District Historical Society

Understanding and making decisions about trees Branching Out

Horticultural Oils: Part 1 of 2

By Dave Meadows Pioneer Columnist Highly refined horticultural and mineral oils are an effective, low toxicity alternative for managing tree pests in the Invermere community and around the home, provided they are used properly and with an understanding of their benefits and limitations.

Today’s modern mineral oils are made from complex mixes of petroleum hydrocarbons produced from paraffinic crude oil, distilled and filtered, then formulated with an emulsifier to make them easier to blend with water. Mineral oils are between 92 and 99 percent pure.

Plant based horticultural oils are also available that contain soybean, cottonseed, sesame, neem and other agricultural products. Some may also contain essential oils from herbs and spices. These oils are less refined an may cause more plant damage than the more highly refined mineral based horticultural oils.

Dormant oils refer to the “timing of application” and are applied before bud break in early spring.

Some pests like aphids and scales, overwinter on bark, twigs, narrow crevices or bud scales. Other insects overwinter as eggs and remain on trees until warmer

temperatures are favourable for beginning a new generation. Dormant oils are very effective against eggs and adult insects that remain on trees during the winter. The more highly refined mineral oils are known as “all season” spray oils or “summer oils” which can be applied during the active growing season.

All horticultural oils are most effective on soft bodied pests including aphids, adelgids, spider mites, scale insects, greenhouse whitefly, mealybugs, plant bugs, and some caterpillars. Horticultural oils are safe to mammals (including humans) and some birds.

These oils are not selective, so will kill any susceptible beneficial insects, as well as pests that are coated by the oil. Oils work by suffocation when the spray forms a coating of oil on the insect’s body, effectively blocking the spiracles or breathing openings. Another benefit of horticultural oil is they can have repellent properties that act as antifeedant (discouraging feeding) for some leafrollers. This is encouraging as leafrollers, particularly on apple trees, have been a serious pest problem here in the valley over the last couple of years!

When using horticultural oils always consult the label for proper directions and precautions. Read and follow all label precautions. Do not apply dormant oils 48 hours before or after a frost occurs or when temperature is below + 5C as emulsion breaks down.

Spray summer oils in the morning and evening to avoid contact with foraging bees.

The Columbia Valley

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

Pioneer

is independently owned and operated, published weekly by Robert W. Doull, President and Publisher, Misko Publishing Limited Partnership.

Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Ave., Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

Phone: 250-341-6299 | Toll Free (866) 496-8047 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com | www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Amanda Nason

Associate Publisher/ Sales Manager Ext. 102

Haley Grinder

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Ext. 107

Steve Hubrecht Magazine Editor/ Reporter Ext. 105

Lerissa McLaughlin Sales Representative Ext. 103

Christina Boucher Office Administrator Ext. 101

Emily Rawbon Graphic Design Ext. 104

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

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

December 16, 2021 ...Continued “Eskaip” from page 3

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

Celebrate the holidays at…

“That’s what we’re trying to do with the RAD. Give people the chance to ‘try before they buy’”

The Eskaip arrived in the valley through the some key grant funding, Tanelle Bolt, as well as fundraising efforts by RAD. Recreation Adapted (RAD) Society founder Bolt extended a heartfelt ‘thank you’ give people who don’t want to buy, or can’t to those who supported RAD for this iniative, and the society’s other efforts, as afford to buy, the chance to still be able well as to Mclellan for housing the Eskaip. to go out and recreate when they in the Bolt, who uses a wheelchair, began Columbia Valley.

“We are different from other organithe RAD Society several years ago after discovering firsthand the gap in recreation zations in that few other adaptive societies services for differently abled people. “Sure, or organizations focus on recreation as a there’s a lot of adaptive recreation equip- whole. There are various adaptive societies ment out there you can buy, but it’s very dedicated to skiing, or snow sports, anothexpensive, and it can be very hard to get er one to biking, another one to surfing, ahold of a piece of adaptive equipment to and still others to golf, and so on. They are try out before purchasing. So that’s the gap: always specific to one single sport,” added you’re stuck paying really large amounts Bolt. “We are the only one I know of that of money for equipment that may or may focuses on a broad spectrum of recreation, not work well for you. You don’t know if winter or summer. And one of the only it works for you until after you’ve made ones that allows you just to show up in the purchase. If you don’t have thousands town, see a poster, or a story in the newsof dollars just sitting around — and most paper, call a phone number and then be people don’t — it becomes a problem,” able to head out on a piece of adaptive she said. “That’s what we’re trying to do recreation equipment later that same day. with the RAD. Give people the chance That just doesn’t happen anywhere else.”

For more information visit www.radto ‘try before they buy’, so to speak. And society.ca.

Party Nights

It’s a familiar face in a new role: longtime Radium resident, Kent Kebe, is the village’s new bylaw officer.

Kebe became Radium’s bylaw officer earlier this fall, after completing virtual studies (in security, bylaw enforcement, and the B.C. Community Charter) through the Vancouver-based Justice Institute of B.C. “It just goes to show you’re never to old to learn new tricks,” Kebe told the Pioneer.

Kebe is already very well known to

a great many Radium residents. He was born in Invermere, has lived in Radium for more than 35 years, and has filled a number of prominent roles in the village during his time there. He was director of Tourism Radium for many years, has worked with the provincial Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNRO) to track and help Radium’s resident bighorn sheep for three decades (see story on page 3) and was a compulsory game inspector for the provincial government for 15 years.

Continued on page 19...

A Gift that Grows

In the midst of snow - think green with The Winter Gardener In this 6-part program, experts help you bring your dream garden to life. Old yard or new, small or large you’ll develop a comprehensive gardening plan, discover easier gardening methods and new gardening friends.

Jump start spring and a healthier you.

Brought to you by

and

New Years Eve

On site accommodations available.

Call for details.

We are open for

Friday and Saturdays

Longtime Radium resident Kent Kebe becomes new bylaw officer

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

We are taking reservations for

Sunday Brunch Festive Events

Book by November 22 and receive one free bottle of selected red or white wine for every 6 guests

Happening throughout the season!

Phone 250-342-0562 • Toll Free 1-877-877-3889

www.eagleranchresort.com

We want to hear from you TOBY CREEK UTILITIES CO. LTD. APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF RATES AND TERMS OF SERVICE On September 21, 2021, Toby Creek Utilities Co. Ltd. (TCU) filed its Rates and Terms of Service Application requesting approval for its proposed Electric Tariff based on a simplified version of BC Hydro’s general service tariff rates. TCU is also requesting direction from the BCUC regarding future proceedings, filings or reports required by the BCUC. Any parties who wish to participate in the BCUC’s regulatory review process are invited to register as interveners or interested parties, or submit letters of comment. All submissions will be considered by the Panel in its review of the Application. For more information about Application #946, please visit www.bcuc.com/OurWork/Proceedings

GET MORE INFORMATION • • •

Submit a letter of comment Register as an interested party Request intervener status

IMPORTANT DATES 1.

Thursday, January 6, 2022 – Deadline to register as an intervener with the BCUC

Wednesdays, 6:30–9 pm, Invermere Community Centre January 19th and 26th, February 16th and 23rd, and March 23rd and 30th.

To learn more about getting involved, please visit our website at www.bcuc.com/get-involved or contact us at the information below.

Purchase entire program or individual sessions!

For schedule or to register E-mail: groundswellnetworksociety@gmail.com.

Toby Creek Utilities Co. Ltd.

The early bird does get the worm in this garden.

Prior to December 23rd. Members pay $130/ Non-members $150. **Limited seating.

GET MORE INFORMATION British Columbia Utilities Commission

2030 Summit Drive Panorama, BC V0A 1T0

Suite 410, 900 Howe Street Vancouver, BC Canada V6Z 2N3

E: pascal.vandijk@tobycreekutilities.ca

E: Commission.Secretary@bcuc.com

P: 250.341.3006

P: 604.660.4700

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 16, 2021

Local author gets story in Chicken Soup for the Soul collection of acheivement: a decades-long career as a top-notch corporate banker in Calgary, a wonderful wife, a bounding joyous dog, a fine house in the city, a nice car, and a beautiful second home on 20 acres in the Columbia Valley.

“I had all the trappings of success, but I had this feeling that somehow it wasn’t quite complete,” Taylor told the Pioneer.

His life coach helped Taylor understand that he needed to slow down and, figuratively and literally smell the crocuses.

“My personality has always been go, go, go. Go big, and go all the way. Bigger is better. So to pay attention to the small things was a bit of a change and a bit of chal-

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com For Juniper Heights resident, Phil Taylor, getting outside with his beloved bearded collie Shasta was a way to slow down and appreciate the little things in life. It forced Taylor to absorb the moment he was in, and the sights, smells, sounds, tastes and textures around him.

What the retired corporate-banker-turned-author didn’t know at the time was that it would also be the catalyst for his first big publishing break.

And what a break it is: a few months ago Taylor’s short story ‘Five Card Draw’ was published in the latest instalment in the world-famous Chicken Soup for the Soul series, My Hilarious, Heroic, Human Dog: 101 Tales of Canine Companionship.

‘Five Card Draw’ tells, in vivid sensory detail, the tale of one of Taylor’s walks with Shasta. Before leaving for the walk he draws one of five playing cards and rolls a die to determine which of his five senses he’ll pay particular attention to that day. Shasta often came along along, partly for the exercise and partly because her exuberant bearded collie zest for life provides Taylor a great example of living in the moment.

“She was very good at zeroing on a small detail — a scent or something she heard — and then letting her curiosity follow it,” said Taylor.

The walks and the game stemmed from sessions Taylor did with a life coach. At the time, his life was a picture

Phil Taylor and Shasta on a hike.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

lenge for me,” said Taylor. “When my wife and I would be hiking in the mountains, we’d get to the top of the trail, and I’d always be thinking ‘what’s next? I wonder what’s over the next ridge’. I’d miss the wildflowers that my wife was enjoying. I was always goal oriented, instead of savouring where I was.”

The five card draw game got Taylor not only to slow down, but also introduced an element of randomness to his day, which for him was therapeutic.

“As a corporate banker, and in daily life, I like to plan things out, very thoroughly and well in advance. As a banker that’s a good thing. But on a personal level, I needed more spontaneity,” said Taylor.

Exactly how does the walk with Shasta unfold in Five Card Draw? You’ll have to pick up My Hilarious, Heroic, Human Dog: 101 Tales of Canine Companionship to find your answer. Suffice it to say that Taylor’s fluid and keen-eyed writing may very well leave readers with their own breathe-a-little-slower, feel-the-tree-bark-under-your-hand moment of zen, and they just might (as the Pioneer did) feel the urge to put the book down and step outside into the wind.

Creative writing, both fiction and nonfiction, was another new habit Taylor picked up following his life coach sessions. He’d loved English and Social Studies as a student, and relished the persuasive proposal writing that was part of his banking career. Writing felt like a thread of his life left unspooled at the bottom of the sewing bag.

Submitted photo

Continued on page 17...

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2021-12-02 09:28

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Two seafood features two 6oz glasses of BC wine (upgrade to a bottle for $15) Friday

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Two pasta entrees and a two 6oz glasses of BC wine (upgrade to a bottle for $15)

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3 featured, Chef-driven, tacos with either a Chelada or Michelada. Seasonally inspired flavours change every week.

Daily soup+sandwich feature ~ Wednesday-Saturday, 12-3 pm

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Sunday Supper

Weekly changing, two-course Sunday Roast dinner

250-342-0562 • 877-877-3889 • www.eagleranchresort.com

December 16, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

STUCK FOR A GIFT IDEA?

WE HAVE WHAT YOU NEED FOR THE HOLIDAZE 3 DAYS OF HOLIDAY MAGIC

DECEMBER 16, 17, 18 Gift Certificates Available

HOURS: DAILY 10-9 • CLOSED DEC. 25

PHONE 778-526-5331 EMAIL invermerecannabisstore@gmail.com ADDRESS 2-4884 Athalmer Rd, Invermere BC

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

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 16, 2021

We Want You

Sign up your business as a Chamber member for 2022 and join over 300 hundred local businesses working together for a prosperous future...

OUT OF OFFICE…

Every dollar saved is a dollar earned. Through our affiliations, your membership unlocks savings on everything from payment processing, fuel costs and exclusive offers from fellow members – plus group health insurance that can’t be beaten!

We are focused on fostering a culture of positive energy and a strong, local business community that can provide all of the infrastructure and amenities you need to start, expand or relocate your business.

Shop Local Campaign extended!

The Annual Shop Local & Win Competition has once again been a huge hit among the local community this holiday season. Over 65 participating businesses of all kinds have rallied behind this campaign, and it has been a fantastic reminder for consumers to think local first and to support thy neighbour. The new, user-friendly, online competition entry system has seen more than $300,000 in local spending and your Chamber has already given away over $8,000 in cash and prizes. Every prize will be re-injected back into local businesses, but we’re not finished!

We want to see that dollar amount go north of 500k and maybe even reach seven figures.

This is why we are excited to announce BU that the campaign has been extended until December 30 where we SI NE will be giving away a grand SS prize of $2,500 to one ES lucky shopper!

OF That should TH take care E of

W

EE

K!

most of your holiday spending!

Here’s how you can win: 1) Shop, dine, stay, play & pamper yourself at any participating business, found at www.valleystrong.ca.

2) Enter your purchases online and remember the more you spend, the more chances to win.

3) You can enter as many times as your like but make sure to hang onto your receipt.

4) Have you already spent money and have yet to enter? No problem, you now have until December 30.

Here’s how your business can participate for the last two weeks.

View the list of participating businesses or register yours: ValleyStrong.ca Scan here and Enter to win $2,500!

1) Visit valleystrong.ca and register.

2) It’s as easy as that.

3) Don’t forget, participating doesn’t count you out.

You can enter the prize draw as well!

This is such an important program for local commerce so get out there, show your support and you just might be the lucky winner!

FEATURED BUSINESSES OF THE MONTH!

CONTACT US TODAY AND BECOME A MONTH FEATURED BUSINESS! CVCHAMBER.CA/OUTOFOFFICE

December 16, 2021

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

Thursday, December 16

• 7 pm: Small Town Dirtbags Christmas Party, ULLR Bar. We just found out what you naughty boys and girls are getting for Christmas... STDs baby! Email Ullr for ticket reservations: info@ullrbar.com. Doors @ 7pm, $20

Saturday, December 18 • 6-7 pm: CP Holiday Train at Home Virtual Concert. Experience the spirit of Christmas with the 23rd annual CP Holiday Train! We hope you’ll join us virtually to sing along to some of your holiday favourites and help raise money for food banks across North America.

Sunday, December 19 • 11 am-4 pm: Farm Tour and Meet Santa! Serenity Farms. Pre-registration and payment will be needed to book your space. You can email serenityfarmcv@ outlook.com for more details.

Ongoing Events

Thursdays • 9 am: Thrift Store donation Drop Off. • 10 am: Parent and Tot Connect. Parent and Tot Connect program by Family Dynamix for children ages 0-6, starting September 21st. Pre Registration is required, contact Contact mferster@fdx.family or text 250-341-8678.

• 10:30-11:30 am: Drop-in Seniors Fitness Class at the Columbia Valley Centre. $2 per class. Proof of vaccination required.

• 1:30 pm: OKO/Po-Keno. . $2 (plus some nickels) Senior’s Hall. Must be fully vaccinated • 3 pm: Youth Drop-In Fun. The Summit Youth Hub is back open for FREE after-school fun! Grades 7-12 are invited to come for free food, safe hang out areas, Friday skate nights, virtual reality, gaming computers and our music room! MASKS ARE MANDATORY.

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR IS POWERED BY

Fridays

• 9-10:30 am: Momfit & Preschool Group at the Columbia Valley Centre. Proof of vaccination required for caregivers. Invermere Public Library Storytime to follow at 10:45 am.

• 10:30 am: Story Time with the Invermere Public Library. Join us for stories, songs and a take-home craft!

• Wing Day at the Edgewater Legion. Every Friday is Wing Day at the Edgewater Legion! 12 pm Take Out, 5pm Dine In! www.facebook.com/RCL199 or call 250-347-9725.

• 1 p.m.: Duplicate Bridge. $2. Senior’s Hall, Must be fully vaccinated.

• 4-8 pm: Pub Grub at the Invermere Legion, Every Friday and Saturday, Wings & Things, Pub Grub in the Branch.

• 5 pm: Magic the Gathering, Come for Friday Night Magic & play Magic the Gathering! 5:30 pm start. Entry: $10-40 depending on format. Call 250-3423440 for details. No registration required, but space is limited. Ages 10+.

• 6 pm Rotary Community Bingo. Must be 19+ to play. 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. Choose to support a local Rotary Club with your ticket purchase!

• 7:30 pm: Beer League Hockey, Canal Flats. If you are interested in participating in a non-contact BEER league season please send us an email at badgershockey2019@gmail.com and we can fill you in on the details. Carpooling from Invermere available.

Saturdays • 4-8 pm: Pub Grub at the Invermere Legion, Every Friday and Saturday, Wings & Things, Pub Grub in the Branch.

Sundays • On 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!!• 1:30 pm: Crib. $2. Senior’s Hall. Must be fully vaccinated.

Mondays • 10:30 am: 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.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

scan me!

• 10:30-11:30 am: Drop-in Seniors Fitness Class at the Columbia Valley Centre. $2 per class. Proof of vaccination required.

• 1:30 pm: Carpet Bowling. $2 Senior’s Hall Must be fully vaccinated.

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

Tuesdays • Tech Time Thursdays: Invermere Library, 10:15am-1 pm. Radium Library 1:304 pm. Need some help with your computer, phone or tablet? Make a Tech Time appointment for FREE one-on-one tech support! CBAL will be at the Invermere Library on Thursdays from 10:15 am-1 pm. Please call the library at 250-3426416 to book an appointment.

• 10 am: Parent and Tot Connect. Family Dynamix will be running an indoor Parent and Tot Connect program for children ages 0-6, starting September 21st. Pre Registration is required, contact Contact mferster@fdx.family or text 250-341-8678 • 6-10 pm:Youth/Teen Drop in Fun - Invermere. NEW this year, the Summit Youth Hub is taking our youth centre on the road to Edgewater and Canal Flats!

We will be bringing our mobile skate park, BBQ, tunes and so much more! This is where you can pick up your Summer Snack Pack too!

Wednesdays • 10:30-11:30 am: Family Dynamix hosts a Catch-up Cafe for the Columbia Valley every Wednesday morning on ZOOM for those isolated and unable to get out as much because of Covid 19.Tricia at patkin@familydynamix.ca • 12:30 pm: $2 Duplicate Bridge. Senior’s Hall. Must be fully vaccinated • 4-5 pm: Sparks and Brownies For girls 5-7yrs. Meeting at Spiderweb park (west of the Invermere hospital) • 6 pm: Drop in Utimate Frisbee. JA Laird Sports Field. $20 registration fee for the season. Please bring cash or transfer to justin@justinkeitch.com • 6-8 pm Legion Legend Wednesday Dinners. Reservation by Saturday is required.

• 7 pm: Trivia Night at the Station Pub. $3/ person, max 6 people per team. No cell phones allowed! Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

CVCHAMBER.CA/ OUTOFOFFICE

CONTACT US TODAY AND GET EYES ON YOUR NEXT EVENT

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 16, 2021

HIRE YOUTH WITH JOB FUNDING AND TRAINING SUPPORT Work for a greener future Apply at ECO.CA

Seasons Greetings and Best Wishes for the New Year from The Friends of Kootenay National Park

We’re open daily for holiday shopping from 9 am – 5 pm and suggest the following gift ideas: Official Parks Canada/Kootenay National Park and Radium Hot Springs branded souvenirs, shirts, and hoodies.

Locally crafted jewelry, glassware, and artwork.

Books: children’s, adventure, local history, and local flora/fauna.

Located at the Radium Information Centre 7566 Main Street East, Radium www.friendsofkootenay.ca

DECEMBER

Keepers of the Seasons offer health and wellness workshop through an Indigenous lens

By Haley Grinder Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A virtual four-day professional and personal development workshop successfully concluded last week. The goal was to promote health and wellness by addressing it with an Indigenous lens. Keepers of the Seasons was in charge of the event, teaching attendees self-care techniques and wellness planning strategies with the overarching message on how to live happily with and for the land around us.

Darcy and Jenny Fisher, partners and owners of Keepers of the Seasons, say the inspiration behind the workshops first started as a way of sharing ancestral knowledge and helping young people and community members. However, the increased social isolation and mental health issues that rose during the COVID-19 pandemic caused the pair to shift gears slightly, focusing more on how they could bring such knowledge and experience to the Indigenous communities themselves.

The workshop was executed virtually from Montana, U.S. However, the invitation was extended to those within the Columbia Valley as Darcy is a member of the Akisqnuk Nation and a former council member for the band.

It was offered in four hour-and-a-

half sessions occurring on Nov. 30, Dec. 2, Dec. 7, and Dec. 9 and welcomed all individuals who wished to learn about traditional Indigenous health and wellness culture. The teachings focused on topics such as eco-immersion, plant knowledge, land stewardship, and the natural law of reciprocity.

Both Darcy and Jenny share the importance of eco-immersion on one’s mental wellbeing. “It’s being able to immerse yourself in the land while remembering and honoring our ancestral knowledge,” says Darcy. “Being able to have that connection with who we are genetically while knowing that some of the plant knowledge and our language and culture lives within our genes. So it’s that ability to reawaken those teachings and to be able to pass them to our children.”

The pair also stress the idea that “it takes a village,” to alleviate mental health struggles within a community, which is why they’ve taken it upon themselves to teach longterm strategies within the workshop. They wish to publish a book about connectedness, seasonal foraging, and storytelling early next year.

Keepers of the Seasons is also responsible for hosting the virtual storytelling event later this month. Read more on page 13.

Invermere home builder makes finalist list for Keystone Awards Submitted by Canadian Home Builders’ Association Central Interior Invermere-based home building company, Quiniscoe, has made the short list for the Keystone Awards, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) Central Interior’s housing excellence awards.

Quiniscoe is now in the running to take home a Keystone Award in the Best Marketing Project Website category.

“The Keystone Awards is like the Oscars of the residential construction industry,” explains CHBA Central Interior president Jere Lorenz.

There are over 20 categories that homebuilders, developers and interior/ house designers can enter their projects.

It’s open to all CHBA members who

have built or renovated a residence in the B.C.’s Central Interior and/or East Kootenay regions.

This year the CHBA Central Interior received a record-number of entries.

“It goes to show how busy our industry has been over the last few years, and we’re excited to recognize these members for all their hard work,” said Lorenz.

The Keystone Awards has been held since 2005. However, due to the pandemic, the CHBA Central Interior did not hold an awards ceremony in 2021— making the 2022 Awards Gala a bit different. “We accepted entries from 2019 to October 2021, to make up for the year we couldn’t host the Keystones,” explained Lorenz.

This year’s black tie gala event will be held on Feb. 12, 2022 at the Thompson Rivers University Grand Hall.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

December 16, 2021

Virtual event will be held to share traditional Public Indigenous stories Notice Keepers of the Seasons will host on Dec. 21: All are welcome

teachers or natural teachers, so I’m hoping for a wide, wide array of knowledge that comes through these stories.”

A number of knowledge holders have Keepers of the Season is hosting a virtual storytelling event on Dec. 21 from 4 already agreed to speak at the two-hour p.m. to 6 p.m. to celebrate the official first event, including aq’am Chief Joe Pierre, day of winter. The event is completely free who shared the Ktunaxa Creation Story for attendees, and will feature a variety of virtually in October earlier this year.

Darcy himself will also be sharing different Indigenous speakers, all sharing during the session. “The stories that I share traditional stories.

This will be the first storytelling event are usually connected to ancestral teachthat Darcy and Jenny Fisher, owners of ings. They come from creation, they come Keepers of the Seasons, put together. from ancestral teachings and knowledge,” However, they hope that it inspires other he says. “But ultimately, “they come from band members or knowledge holders to the heart.”

Knowledge keepers who attend the host similar events in the future.

Darcy Fisher says the stories will vary session will also be given the opportunity to share afterwards. widely, however, For those who are often based “They come from creation, they come would like more around a speciffrom ancestral teachings and knowlinformation or ic moral. “Some edge. But ultimately, they come from are interested in of them are conthe heart.” nected to creattending, email owner@keepersoftation. Some are Darcy Fisher, heseasonsllc.com told through the Co-owner of Keepers of the Seasons for the Zoom link eyes of animals or plants or our and login details.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13 In accordance with Forest Planning and Practices Regulation section 20 (4), the public is hereby notified that amendment #4 of CANFOR’s Forest Stewardship Plan has been approved without having been made publicly available for review and comment given the need to expedite the start of harvesting as soon as possible. Amendment #4 proposes to manage one (1) visual sensitivity unit immediately East of Wasa, BC to a Maximum Modification Visual Quality Objective (VQO) rather than a Retention VQO to facilitate the expedited salvage logging of the 2021 Mt. Bill Nye wildfire (N11629) and mitigate forest health concerns. The amended FSP is effective December 13th, 2021.

For any questions, concerns and/or to request more information, please contact: Paul Picard, RPF Planning Supervisor, Kootenay Woodlands, Canadian Forest Products Ltd 1000 Industrial Road #1, PO Box 2200, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 4C6 Ph.: 250-402-3681 • Email: paul.picard@canfor.com

By Haley Grinder Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Thank you While there are too many amazing sponsors to list, your generous contributions allowed us to make the season a little brighter for 250 families this year.

The continued support from valley businesses, visitors, full-time residents, and part-time residents is overwhelming and received with heartfelt gratitude.

A huge thank you to Community Foundations of Canada who helped to fund us this year and to all the volunteers at the Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley.

For more information contact us at cvcb@shaw.ca

christmasbureaucv.ca

Santa on the Town Santa Claus is returning to Invermere for a drive by tour on Saturday December 18th Santa Claus is taking to the streets of Invermere beginning at 4 pm, starting at the Invermere Legion. With the help from Invermere Home Hardware, Santa will be driving through the Invermere neighbourhoods wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season.

Santa can be seen from the ends of drive-ways and through the front windows of homes. Watch for the flashing lights of a fire truck from Invermere Fire Rescue who will be escorting Santa on his tour!

A map will be released on the Invermere BC Events Facebook page in the coming days showing the route that Santa will be taking throughout the community.

Anyone waiting to see Santa are encouraged to stay on the sidewalk or lawns to ensure the roads are clear and social distancing is maintained.

Presented by:

Windermere District Branch 71

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 16, 2021

Spirit of the holidays is always at the library

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

My favourite part about the holiday season is how it reminds us all to be a little kinder, more generous and patient towards others. My favourite part about the library is how it operates on that good faith of the giving season all-year round. Many of us, of course, do our best to be kind, generous and patient all year, but very few institutions operate with these ideals in the way libraries do.

I work with an exceptionally kind staff, who all foster the lovely environment that makes the library the community’s gathering place. And we can gather again! We had our Christmas Craft Night on Dec. 9 and it was so lovely to have everyone join us to create some adorable crafts (all courtesy of Ginny). The joy and laughter was ringing through the building, and everyone left in high

spirits. We also recently started a writer’s group, Write On!, and we are creating a great place for writer’s to share their work and build a little community. Join us for the next meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. Not to mention the fun we have weekly at storytime and our STEAM/Craft programs for elementary school kids.

Please check our website or social media channels for current program details.

Libraries operate in a constant state of giving, most notably by lending books & materials for free. This is only possible because our patrons promise to give the books back when they are finished, so that they can be shared with someone else. It is a reciprocal relationship based on the promise to come back that seems to exist in

Invermere Public Library.

Apply now

Pioneer file photo

fewer and fewer places these days.

We also wouldn’t be able to operate at the capacity we do without the generous time & monetary support of the Friends of the Library. They just wrapped up their online Christmas Silent Auction and you can find Christmas books for sale by donation at the front of the library.

Our group of Friends are all volunteers who spend a ton of time and energy working to support our library and we are most grateful for them!

Our patrons also support our library in huge ways: by coming in and checking out materials, attending our programs, and supporting the library through our Adopta-Book program and other fundraisers. If you Adopt-aBook this month, you get a beautiful handmade ornament as a keepsake, and provide a gift for all! Our patrons further add to the good faith of the library by coming in with smiles on their faces (we can tell you’re smiling under the masks), and simply letting the library be a part of their routine and lives. I wouldn’t have the best job in the world if it weren’t for all of you, so thank you!

We hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year! Let’s all try to hold onto the spirit of the holidays throughout 2022, and you can always stop by the library for a reminder of that good faith.

COMMUNITY INITIATIVES AND AFFECTED AREAS PROGRAM

Wish to apply for project funding?

The Community Initiatives & Affected Areas Program is now accepting applications for: ADMINISTERED & MANAGED BY

• City of Cranbrook • District of Sparwood • Electoral Area C

• City of Fernie • Village of Canal Flats • Electoral Area E

• City of Kimberley • Village of Radium Hot Springs • Electoral Area F

• District of Elkford • Electoral Area A • Electoral Area G

• District of Invermere • Electoral Area B

Applications must be submitted using the Trust’s online application system.

Learn more: engage.rdek.bc.ca/cbt or contact Nikki Bradshaw at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335 or CIPApplications@rdek.bc.ca 1.250.489.2791 1.888.478.7335

Apply by 2:00pm, Monday, January 17, 2022

A PROGRAM OF

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE – BYLAW 3101 – Bylaw Amendment – Fairmont Hot SpringsSCHEDULE A

¬

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an application by William Sheard, Mark Ariss & Anne Schiedel to amend the zoning designation of their property located at 3464 Crooked Tree Road north of Fairmont Hot Springs from SH-4, Small Holding Rural (4 Hectare) to SH-3, Small Holding Rural to permit a future 2 lot subdivision.

Bylaw No. 3101 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 379, 2021 (Lyttle Lake / Ariss, Schiedel & Sheard)” will amend the zoning designation of Lot C, District Lot 4596, Kootenay District, Plan 16749 from SH-4, Small Holding Rural (4 Hectare) to SH-3 Small Holding Rural.

A public hearing will be held via Zoom webinar conference: Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 5:00 pm.

The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F and Electoral Area G. If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaw, you may prior to the hearing: SH-4 • inspect the Bylaw and supporting information by requesting that an information package be emailed to you by contacting bkormos@rdek.bc.ca. Information package may be requested to up until Friday, December 17, 2021 at 4:30 pm; SH-3 • mail or email written submissions to the addresses shown below before Friday, December 17, 2021 at 4:30 pm; TO PRE-REGISTER visit the Meetings page on rdek.bc.ca and choose • present verbal submissions at the public hearing.

Public Hearings & Meetings You must pre-register in order to attend and provide verbal presentations or make comments at the hearing. The deadline to register is: Friday, December 17, 2021 at 4:30 pm.

Register in advance for this webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9wCOp56WTG-ZyRIGlzTKFQ or by visiting the RDEK website, Meetings/Minutes, Public Hearings and Meetings Please note that a question and answer period will not occur during the Zoom webinar conference. You must address any questions relating to the bylaw to the planning technician prior to the above date.

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

This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw. For more information, contact Brett Kormos, Planning Technician, at 250-489-0306, toll free at 1-888-478-7335, or email bkormos@rdek.bc.ca This is Schedule A referred to in Bylaw No. 3101 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 379, 2021 (Lyttle Lake / Ariss, Schiedel & Sheard).”

Chair

Corporate Officer Date

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

December 16, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

Household waste can increase more than 25% in the holiday season. Take action to prevent and reduce your waste.

Choose gifts with minimal or no packaging. Reuse gift wrap, ribbons and bags.

Shop local to reduce excessive shipping packaging. Give gifts of experience. There are endless opportunities to limit your household’s waste this year.

Together let’s reduce, reuse, recycle & rejoice this holiday season.

As of January 1st, 2021 all new homes built

engage.rdek.b

learn more

in the rural areas of the Regional District of

c.ca/recycle

the East Kootenay will be required to meet Step 1 of the BC Energy Step Code.

As of January 1, 2022 all new homes built in the rural areas of the Regional District of East Kootenay will be required to meet Step 2 of the BC Energy Step Code.

The RDEK joins several East Kootenay communities that

require, or will require, the Energy Step Code by The RDEK joins several East Kootenay communities that already require, or will require, the Energy Step Code by January 1, 2022 already including:

CITY OF CRANBROOK

CITY OF KIMBERLEY

DISTRICT OF SPARWOOD

January 1st, including:

DISTRICT OF ELKFORD•

DID YOU KNOW? The Performance Pathway of BC Energy Step Code changes the building process in 3 main ways. New builds will now have to: 1. Conduct energy modeling at the design phase 2. Quantify mechanical efficiancy and heating needs 3. Test air tightness at completion

• • •

CITY OF FERNIE

City of Kimberley District of Sparwood District of Elkford City of Fernie

HOT TIP

An Energy Adviso r can do all three.

RIGHT NOW Performance Pathway of BC Energy Step Code changes the Incentives may be available, including rebates for the use of an Energy Advisor and conducting air tightness testing. Details are available fromThe individual municipalities.

For more information visit: www.communityenergy.ca/EKstepcode

HOLIDAY HOURS CRANBROOK RDEK OFFICE 19 24th Ave S Dec 24 Dec 27-31 Jan 3

8:30am-3:00pm Closed Closed

COLUMBIA VALLEY RDEK OFFICE 1164 Windermere Loop Rd Dec 24 Dec 27-31 Jan 3

8:30am-3:00pm Closed Closed

INVERMERE TRANSFER STATION Industrial 1 Rd in Athalmere

KIMBERLEY TRANSFER STATION 800 Jim Ogilvie Way

Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 26-30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2

Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 26-30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2

9:00pm-3:30pm Closed 9:00am-6:00pm 9:00pm-3:30pm Closed 9:00am-6:00pm

8:30am-3:30pm Closed 8:30am-5:30pm 8:30am-3:30pm Closed 8:30am-5:30pm

building process in 3 main ways. New builds will now have to: 1) Conduct energy modeling at the design phase HOT TIP 2) Test air tightness at completion An Energy 3) Quantify mechanical efficiency and heating Advisor can do needs all three!

Incentives may be available, including rebates for the use of an Energy Advisor and conducting air STATION tightness testing.

CRANBROOK TRANSFER STATION FERNIE TRANSFER Details available from individual municipalities.

2405 22nd St N Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 26-30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2

6000 Highway 3

8:30pm-3:30pm For more Dec 24information,9:00am-3:30pm go to: Closed Dec 25 Closed www.communityenergy.ca/EKstepcode 8:30am-5:30pm Dec 26 10:00am-4:00pm 8:30am-3:30pm Dec 27-30 9:00am-5:00pm Closed Dec 31 9:00am-3:30pm 8:30pm-5:30pm Jan 1 Closed Jan 2 10:00am-4:00pm

SPARWOOD TRANSFER STATION 1001 Highway 3

ELKFORD TRANSFER STATION #6 Inkaneep Rd

COLUMBIA VALLEY LANDFILL 1875 Windermere Loop Rd

CENTRAL LANDFILL 600 Eager Hill Rd (commercial & contrator only)

Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 26 Dec 27-30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2

Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 26 Dec 27-30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2

Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 26-30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2

Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 26 Dec 27-30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2

9:00am-3:30pm Closed Closed 9:00am-5:00pm 9:00am-3:30pm Closed Closed

9:00am-3:30pm Closed Closed 9:00am-5:00pm 9:00am-3:30pm Closed Closed

9:00am-3:30pm Closed 9:00am-6:00pm 9:00am-3:30pm Closed 9:00am-6:00pm

9:00am-3:30pm Closed 9:00am-4:00pm 9:00am-5:00pm 9:00am-3:30pm Closed 9:00am-4:00pm

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

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 16, 2021

HERE TO SERVE YOU SERVICES

SERVICES

SERVICE EXCELLENCE

North American Warranty

IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

SINCE 1991

All Makes and Models

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

141 Industrial Rd. 2 • 250-342-9424 • Open Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

• • • •

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

Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700

unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca

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

(Servicing the Valley since 1999)

NEW SEWER CAMERA

• • •

• Septic Tank Pumping • Portable Toilet Rentals

• Complete sewer/drain repairs Reasonable rates – Seniors’ discount • Speedy service – 7 days a week

A well maintained septic system should be pumped every 2-3 years Avoid costly repairs

Fraser Elrick • 250-688-1271

Scott Postlethwaite

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

Free Estimates

invermereelectric@gmail.com

HOW WE ROLL Gerard Rehman 4950 Hot Springs Rd. Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. V0B 1L1

Ph: 250-688-ROLL (7655) LetUsRoll4U@Gmail.com

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

20 years experience • Satisfaction guaranteed!

LAMBERT-KIPP

CONCRETE

PHARMACY (2019) LTD. I N

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

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

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

250-342-6612

INSURANCE

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

www.kootenayinsurance.ca

KITCHEN CABINETS & COUNTER TOPS

• Interior/Exterior Painting • Staining • Clear Coat • New Construction • Renovations

INSURANCE

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

PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR THE VACATION HOME OWNER SINCE 2006

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

Beat the fall rush ~ clean your Chimney this spring!

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE ON ALL WOOD BURNING APPLIANCES • WETT INSPECTIONS

Bob: (250) 341-5014

WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS

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

valleysolutions@shaw.ca

House Checking and more!

Tire Sales and Installation

We give all students 15% off with valid student ID

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

Judy: (250) 341-1903

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

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

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

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

P U R S U I T

O F

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

• 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

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

N E W S PA P E R

December 16, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

...Continued ‘local author’ from page 8 Prompted by his life coach’s questions, Taylor grabbed hold of that thread and began writing a mystery novel. It was never published, however that didn’t bother Taylor and he continued pumping out short stories, dabbling in both fiction and creative nonfiction.

Five Card Draw falls in the latter category: it’s all fact, but reads like fiction. When Taylor heard Chicken Soup for the Soul was looking for dog stories, he sent it in.

“I was ecstatic to find out it was accepted.

I had submitted a lot of stories by that point, and had gotten nothing but rejection notices,” Phil Taylor and Shasta. Submitted photo he said.

He said the inspiration for the story, and the credit for its success rightfully lies with Shasta, who has since passed away.

Taylor and his wife had a bearded collie before Shasta, and now have another one (“Shasta’s predecessor and successor,” Taylor calls them), but even among what has now become the Taylors’ lineage of three grey-and-white coloured, floppy-eared, long-haired pooches, Shasta stands out from the others. Shasta was eight years old when Taylor wrote Five Card Draw, and lived to be 14, making her a veritable canine Methuselah. “She was high energy, just like my wife and I. We took her everywhere with us. We’re the type of dog owners who think of their pets as ‘fur kids’. Shasta was unique because she would smile at us, literally smile. I’ve never seen a dog do that,” said Taylor. He paused, the raw emotion of the memories momentarily causing his voice to catch, then added that “bearded collies are just great dogs: playful, friendly, even a bit mischievous.”

Indeed, the beloved pooch in the famous 1959 Disney film ‘The Shaggy Dog’ was a bearded collie.

My Hilarious, Heroic, Human Dog: 101 Tales of Canine Companionship is the sixth Chicken Soup for the Soul book to focus on either dogs or cats, and royalties from its sales will be donated to the nonprofit American Humane organization, which focuses on animal welfare.

The book can be purchased in bookstores both large and small, as well as through major online book platforms such as Amazon.

Cover page of Chicken Soup for the Soul book series that contains Phil Taylor’s short story: ‘5 Card Draw.’

Submitted photo

HERE TO SERVE YOU CONCRETE

CARPET CLEANING Enjoy life, we’ll clean it up!

• Ready Mix Concrete • Commercial concrete sealer • Concrete Pumping retarder for exposed • Over 50 colours available aggregate and in stock • DELIVERED ON TIME • Concrete stamps for rent at a fair price • Full range of coloured release • Full range of sand and agents for stamping gravel products.

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

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

• Carpets dry in 1 hour • Environmentally friendly products • Disinfectant kills COVID-19 • Fresh clean scent – no steam • Area rugs and upholstery • Protector • 100% guarantee • Prompt reliable service

Call NOW:

Visit www.heavensbest.com for more information

250-688-0213

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

For competitive prices and prompt service, call: 250-342-3268 (plant) 250-342-6767 (office) CONTRACTING

TILE AND GROUT CLEANING Business: 250-342-9692

CONTRACTING INTERIOR • EXTERIOR • WALL COVERINGS

Gary’s

Seniors Discounts

kekulibaycabinetry.com

Professional Painting & Decorating Ltd. 1978

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

• Authorized dealer • Designer • Installer

Where to recycle?

Dale Elliott Contracting

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

dale@decontracting.ca • 250-341-7098

Cell: 250-342-1273

ptarmiganrugclean@gmail.com

CONTRACTING

Kekuli Bay Cabinetry

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

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

Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood.

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

We also offer round-

Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia the-clock service calls. www.rcbc.ca

A licensed, registered and bonded company

Give us a call! James, 250-688-1267 or Jerry, 250-342-5299 Email: jeffersoncontractingltd@gmail.com Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR

FREE Estimates

Local Resident

CUSTOM WOOD FINISHING FAUX FINISHES JOURNEYMAN RED SEAL

403-650-4622 • garysptg@gmail.com

Where to recycle?

Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia 604-RECYCLE (732-9253) 1-800-667-4321 Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR

C

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 16, 2021

P ioneer C lassifieds ANNOUNCEMENT

THANK YOU

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.

I would like to thank all of the customers, that have become friends, over the past 35 years, for the support they have given me and Lambert Insurance. I would also like to thank all my former employees, I couldn’t have done it without you. It has been an amazing journey and as I retire I am looking forward to my new adventures. I wish you all the best. Thank you. Jane from Lambert Insurance.

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.

Invermere Bottle Depot needs help tracking down who owns the 2 RV’s and 1 camping trailer stored in their compound. These 3 Vehicles must be removed by Jan 1 or they will be towed at owner’s expense. Please call 250-342-7272 or (cell) 250-3417861.

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS Cheers to the new owners of Lucky Strike Gas Bar.

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS At Christmastime a home with a real Christmas tree smells like Christmas.

Cheers to my Mom for being so generous and buying me grocery gift cards. They make a huge difference!

Cheers to Tammy and Mark Chadney for being such great humans. You two are kind, generous and community minded. Awesome people!

Cheers to Kathy Sutherland for being such an awesome friend and always having a listening ear. You are the best!

S OBITUARY S Rasmussen, Gord April 17, 1952 – November 26, 2021 With great sadness, the family of Gordon Rasmussen must inform of his passing on November 26, 2021. He will be remembered as a loving father, partner, and brother. Born April 17, 1952 in Prince George, Gordon lived a hardworking, full life and he was a thoughtful, kind, caring man. A very capable outdoorsman and forestry worker, Gordon was also always interested in learning, writing and was a respected network and encryption specialist. Gordon was equally passionate about running, training and and pushing himself through the years. He always taught the value of listening and critical thinking, seeing between the lines and understanding the greater purposes in life.

Gordon, you are lovingly remembered always and carried on by your family.

A wake in Gordon’s honour will be held on Dec. 26, 2021.

Messenger (FB) Shelley Ford for details.

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

A huge cheers to the hard working, dedicated volunteers at the Thrift Store. 7 days a week someone is volunteering in one capacity or another so they can donate funds to improve health care to all community members.

Your leadership in making decisions helps to keep all us safe. Everything you do is much appreciated.

Cheers to Mrs. Reid’s Kindergarten class for the beautiful homemade snowmen cards they made for the seniors!

Cheers and hugs to Monique at the Radium post office and all the other people that took time out to help me look for 3 tiny little diamonds I Lost from my ring on the gray, salt covered floor at the post office. amazing we found them. so happy and grateful for your kindness.

Three cheers for Steve and the staff at Nipika for hosting our birthday party. You made sure we were comfortable and prepared, and made us aware of all the fun stuff we could take advantage of there even though the weather hadn’t cooperated all week. What a great place and what great people!

So many of us are missing Eva’s efficiency, smiles and her loving help to the neediest of us. A mountain of Cheers to you and your future! .

Cheers to the staff at The Brick in Invermere gave me EXCELLENT service. Their knowledge and patience during a busy time was very comforting in letting me know they had my best interest at hand. A special Cheers to Robin Aldred who delivered and set up my TV on his own time.

THE BRICK is a welcome addition to Invermere BC. Cheers to the Invermere Bakery for donating a gingerbread house kit to the residents at Columbia House! Shout out to Danny for personally delivering it to us. The residents say CHEERS to a wonderful businesses like yours!

Cheer to the person returning minions wallet to Sobeys full intact merry Christmas to you Cheers to Dieter for the first class job you do of servicing our computers for two seniors. You always return our phone calls and make a point of fitting us into your busy schedule. Well done!

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

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE

Last Minute Christmas Sale

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

BARRY BROWN-JOHN “Rocky Mountain Land Man”

Call or text

250-342-5245

b.brownjohn@gmail.com WANTED

Cheers to the two young men, Zack and his friend? Sorry I can’t remember your name.Cheers to you for spending so much time replacing my wiper blades. Hope your good deed comes back to you two fold. Happy holidays.

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.

Cheers and Merry Christmas to all the friendly,helpful staff at Chisel Peak Medical Clinic. A special Cheers to our kind, caring family physician, Dr.Edward Schaeffer. Great team.

Local Family searching for home.

New pastor and young family working in the Valley looking for 4 bedroom home under $450k in Invermere. Phone Josh, 250342-9535. Email: josh@lwac.ca

Cheers to the various Christmas light displays around Invermere.

LISTINGS NEEDED! I WANT TO SELL YOUR HOUSE!

SERVICES

MISC. FOR SALE LIBRARY BOOK CASE Nice five shelf book case 72” high X 33” wide X 16” front to back. $35.00 contact: prapro@shaw.ca Phone: 250-341-3540.

Assortment of skis. Must see.

Call 250-342-2263.

Buy One & 75% off the 2nd blind Expires: Dec. 25th “Buy a Gift Certificate and receive a free option” Customized Window Blinds and Phantom Screens Shannon’s Blinds & Designs 250-342-5749

HELP WANTED WANTED 2 F/T Restaurant Cooks, Rocky River Grill, 8888 Arrow Road, Invermere, B.C. Permanent, F/T shifts, overtime, weekends, days and evenings, $16/hour for 40 hours per week. Overtime after 40 hours. Minimum several years’ experience and completion of secondary school. DUTIES: Prepare and cook full course meals, prepare and cook individual dishes and foods, ensure quality of food portions, work with minimal supervision, prepare dishes for customers with food allergies or intolerances. Inspect kitchens and food service areas. Please forward resume to Justin Atterbury by fax 250-3428889 or email: justatterbury@ hotmail.com Dreaming of Summer?

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

SERVICES B.B.’s Home & Design Services Blinds & Installation, Tiling, Painting, House checks/ Cleaning, Dump runs, Snow removal.

Over 35 years experience.

Call 250-688-2897.

Rockies West Realty Independently owned and operated

Please email classified ads to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

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

1609 Lower Lakeview Lane $2,350,000 MLS# 2461991

• 1/52 ownership of the “beach” lot • Erin Reid Designed Lake Home. www.InvermereLakefront.RealEstate

Geoff Hill PREC* REALTOR® Fair Realty

250-341-7600

www.geoffhill.ca The BEST properties sell with Geoff!

December 16, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

Continued “bylaw officer” from page 7 Kebe also worked as a meat cutter at the old Radium Foods grocery store (which his family owned), and at the old Keith’s Pub (now the Horsethief Pub). So wellknown is Kebe, particularly when it comes to the bighorns, that there are in fact people in Radium who know him simply as “the sheep man”.

This familiarity is an advantage in his new role, he said.

“I know the town well, and it does help to have that background and that history,” said Kebe.

“When people know you, when they like you, then it makes things that much easier.

There’s Kent Kebe. nothing that can’t Submitted photo

be fixed. You just have to have the energy to deal with people.”

Some parts of the bylaw officer role — particularly those involving animal control or dealing with Radium’s bighorn sheep (especially issues arising from unleashed dogs) — come naturally to Kebe, given his wildlife experience. But other aspects of the job are new to him, and he’s loving those too.

“The job has really been a positive experience so far. I’ve gone on many calls.

Every day is busy,” he said. Aside from the bighorns and off-leash dogs, other big issues landing on Kebe’s plate include parking, residents putting out their garbage too early and attracting bears, and dealing with short term rental (STR) operator applications. (This past summer Radium became the first municipality in the Columbia Valley to adopt an STR bylaw).

“I’m very approachable. If you need to talk to me, I’m here,” said Kebe.

HELP WANTED

is seeking a

Client Care Representative to join our Hospital Team.

It is our Mission to provide “Collaborative, compassionate care for our Columbia Valley Creatures.” Our values and commitment are evident each day as we strive to treat our patients, clients, and professional team with the utmost respect and compassion.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, customer service driven individual with reception experience. Previous work within a clinic or hospital setting would be an asset. The Client Care Representative plays a key role in our hospital team as they are the first point of contact for our clients and patients and support the hospital’s mission of delivering exceptional client service.

We offer a ‘pawsitive’ work environment, competitive wages, and a generous benefit package. To apply please email cover letter and resume to careers @invermerevet.com. Please visit our website at www.invermereveterinary hospital.com to review other positions available at our clinic.

Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with Santa at the Invermere Legion on Sun, Dec 12. Children and their families enjoyed a banana bread french toast breakfast with Santa. Photos submitted

by Cortney Pitts, Leisure Services Manager for the District of Invermere.

HELP WANTED Lake Windermere Pointe is looking for a self-motivated caretaker to help care for the Strata property. The tasks vary from LOCALlandscaping, AUTHORgroundskeeping, painting light plumbing, light electrical and pool maintenance and much more.

We are looking for someone with 2 to 3 years’ experience. This could be a be a full-time year-round position. Wages depend on experience.

If interested, please contact Cathy at lwp.general.manager@lakewindermerepointe.ca.

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

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.

Ski & Snow Board Technician Fairmont Rental and Repair.

Located at the base of Fairmont Hot Springs Ski area. Minutes away from town site. Experience preferred. Lone Harding 250342-5386 Text or call accepted.

Village of Radium Hot Springs

Employment Opportunity: Utility Maintenance Operator The Village of Radium Hot Springs is seeking a Utility Maintenance Operator. This is a wide spectrum position entailing a variety of tasks related to the construction, maintenance, operation and administration of municipal water and sewer utilities, roads, parklands and facilities, buildings and grounds, machinery and equipment, sidewalks, and infrastructure.

BCYCNA CLASSIFIEDS

The job description, which includes the expected skills, education, and certifications, may be viewed on the Village website:

Reach almost 2 million people in 92 papers for only $395/week for a 25-word text ad, or $995/week for a formatted display ad

http://www.radiumhotsprings.ca/village-contact/careers We are currently seeking full and part-time employees for the following positions:

Early Childhood Educators Qualifications: • Needs Certificate for ECE License to Practice or Certificate for ECE Infant/ Toddler Educator.

• Have documentation of a clear criminal check and a Child First Aid Certificate.

• Develop and implement childcare programs that support and promote the physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of children.

• Lead activities by telling or reading stories, teaching songs, taking children to local points of interests and providing opportunities to express creativity through the media of art, dramatic play, and physical activity.

• Plan and maintain an environment that protects the health, security and well-being of all children.

• Assess the abilities, interests and needs of children and discuss progress or problems with parents and other staff members.

• Guide and assist children in the development of proper eating, dressing and toilet habits • Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with co-workers and community.

Call Pat Miller at 250-342-3168 or email resume to wvccs@telus.net

Decoy Landscaping is looking for 2022 employees. Must be physically fit. Experience with Skid Steer an asset, willing to train the right person. Wages $21 - $26/hr. depending on experience. Phone Sue at 250341-5353.

Applicants making sufficient progress towards obtaining the necessary certifications may also be considered, providing the individual is committed to acquiring the qualifications within a prescribed period of time.

This is a non-unionized position based on a 40-hour work-week with the usual hours of work being 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., five days per week. This position will involve working during weekends, evenings and holidays when on assigned standby duty or during unusual circumstances. A comprehensive benefits package is included.

The deadline for receipt of applications will be December 17th, 2021 at 4 p.m. Only those applicants short listed will be contacted for an interview. Questions regarding the position may be directed to Bruce Zwiers, Public Works Superintendent: Bruce.Zwiers@radiumhotsprings.ca Applications may be sent to the attention of Bruce Zwiers at: The Village of Radium Hot Springs PO Box 340 4836 Radium Blvd Radium Hot Springs, B.C. V0A 1M0 Bruce.Zwiers@radiumhotsprings.ca love a good photo submission.

SHUTTER BUGS WeIf you have a snapshot to share, email info@columbiavalleypioneer.com WELCOME

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20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 16, 2021

Shake A Tree launch party set for Saturday

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may have thwarted the Steamboat Mountain Music Festival for the past two summers in a row, but the Steamboat Mountain Music Society is still marking the 10th anniversary of its iconic event in style.

The society has just launched a double CD to celebrate its first decade, and the discs are jam packed with songs from no less than 26 different Columbia Valley musicians and bands, many of which would have preformed at the Edgewater-based music festival this past

PUBLIC NOTICE As part of Canfor’s Forest Stewardship Council Certification and Sustainable Forest Management Plan, the public is invited to comment on the updated forest development proposals in the areas listed below.

Forest License A19040/K1W - Elko/Sparwood/Cranbrook Area

Landscape Unit/ Location

Sundown/Yahk River area

C01/Moyie

Hellroaring area

C04/ Hellroaring

Yahk River, Ward/Haller/ Ranger Creek area

C09/ Yahk

Cherry Lake/Bloom/Wickman area

C10/Bloom-Caven

Teepee/Jake/Jim Creeks area

C11/Teepee

Gold Creek/Plumbob Creek

C36/Mayook

Morrissey Ridge/Creek area

C17/Upper Flathead

Ladner Creek area

C24/ Lower Elk

Cranbrook Mountain area

C30/ Cranbrook

Elko/Burton Lake area

C34/ Jaffray

Chain Lake, Deep Lake and Sink/ Purcell Creeks area

C37/Linklater - Englishman

Contact Paul Picard, RPF @ 250-402-3681 or email at paul.picard@canfor.com

Forest License A20212/A20214 - Creston Area

Landscape Unit/ Location

Duck Lake/Creek area

K25/ Duck Lake

Carroll/Mission Creek

K02/Little Moyie River

Contact Paul Picard, RPF @ 250-402-3681 or email at paul.picard@canfor.com

Forest License A18978- Canal Flats Area

Landscape Unit/ Location

Mud Cr. North and South/ Larson Lake

I04/Premier

Kootenay Bypass

I10 / Nine Mile

Kootenay River

I11 / Kootenay

Dutch Creek

I14/Brewer-Dutch

Contact Brian Feeney, RFT @ 250-347-6655 or email at brian.feeney@canfor.com

Forest License A18979- Radium Area

Landscape Unit/ Location

Lower Cochran Creek

I21 / Cochran

Ravenshead

I24/Pedley

Cross River

I23 / Cross

Kootenay FSR North

I19 / Fenwick

North Steamboat Mountain

I29 / Steamboat

Contact Brian Feeney, RFT @ 250-347-6655 or email at brian.feeney@canfor.com

Tree Farm License 14- Parson Area

Landscape Unit/ Location

Twelve Mile Lower Benches

I38 / Twelve Mile

Contact Brian Feeney, RFT @ 250-347-6655 or email at brian.feeney@canfor.com

Please contact the appropriate Planner at the numbers listed above to arrange a mutually agreeable time to review the plans. Comments received by Jan. 14, 2022 will be considered in the planning and harvesting phases.

summer, had it gone ahead in its normal live format.

The finished album, entitled Shake A Tree, has just recently hit the market, and the society is throwing an official CD release party at the Station Pub this coming Saturday night.

The album was the result of a B.C. Arts Council grant, given to the society to keep arts resilient during the pandemic. The society used the grant to stage a mini festival in Edgewater, with musicians playing to local residents while being driven around on the back of the Home Hardware flatbed truck, and to produce the CD. “Quite a lot of effort went into the CD,” society secretary treasurer Anne Jardine told the Pioneer. “It’s absolutely bursting with creativity, and features musicians up and down the valley from Parson to Kimberley.”

formances at the Steamboat Festival in pre-COVID-19 times, and was delighted to have her alt-country torcher ‘With Her’ recorded as part of the Shake A Tree lineup.

She wrote the song two years ago, based on experiences in her own life, and told the Pioneer she chose that song for the album because it was her most polished original tune. “It was great to be in a studio. I think I had three sessions. It was over so quickly, and it was really fun,” said Postlethwaite, adding the studio team helped her move the song from a pure country sound to an alt country sound and “it was neat to see that evolution.”

Strand (who makes up half the duo Gone Hollywood, along with former Pioneer staff writer James Rose) was also pleased to have his piano ballad Eternity included on the double album. Strand began playing live at open mic nights at university six year ago, and has continued doing so ever since he moved back to Invermere at the “No covers were allowed. We wanted valley music, start of the pandemic. He wrote Eternity at his parent’s by valley musicians” home earlier this June. “They have this beautiful baby grand piano. It’s hard not to play it. I just sat down one Anne Jardine, day, and started to play a melody, and then it snowSteamboat Mountain Music Society balled from there over the next few days,” Strand told Secretary Treasurer the Pioneer. After hearing of the Shake A Tree project Strand and Rose sent in a demo, and were then invited The double CD has some eye-catching artwork on to contribute. “It was the first time studio recording for the cover (an image of a tree with its roots and trunk me, and I loved every second of it,” he said. “The process spreading into the shape of a guitar, created by David was about six or seven hours, but it felt like half an hour.

Thompson Secondary School (DTSS) student, Cimone It definitely changed the song, certainly for the better.”

Zimmer) as well as on the inside (a watercolour of one The CD launch party at the Station Pub is Saturof the steamboats that used to ply the Columbia River, day, Dec. 18 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. To learn more about and from both Steamboat Mountain and the music fes- Shake A Tree, including how to purchase it (a great gift tival derive their names, created by local artist Bill Ark). for any music lovers on your Christmas shopping list), Recording was done this past spring and summer, with visit www.steamboatmtnmusicfest.ca.

Columbia Valley audio whiz, Mike Wallace acting as the album’s producer. Each disc in the double album has 13 songs. Every song is by a different local band or solo musicians and each song is an original composition.

“No covers were allowed, we wanted valley music, by valley musicians,” said Jardine.

Listeners will find the songs encompass a diverse range of musical genres. There’s plenty of acoustic folk and country tunes (for which the Steamboat festival is justifiably famous), but also blues, rock, and more. The originals-only rule has resulted in a few songs with unmissable local flavour, perhaps none more so than the upbeat country rocker Brisco by the Broke Down Trucks and Marty Beingessner’s artfully arpeggiated Edgewater, in which his rich baritone folk crooning is every bit as good as (and maybe even better than) a young Gordon Lightfoot.

Some tracks are bound to get your toes tapping, such as The Pickups’ infectious ditty Get Crazy, with its bouncy chorus (“I don’t think that we laugh enough/Not even ’bout half enough/So what’d ya say we pack it up/And go and get crazy”).

Hear it once, and it’ll be in your head for the rest of the day.

Shake A Tree also marks the first studio recording release for several young, up-and-coming valley musicians, including grade 12 DTSS student, Emma Postlethwaite, and Invermere’s, Tryg Strand.

Postlethwaite has been playing Musician Tryg Strand and producer Mike Wallace record part of Strand’s piano live throughout the valley for the ballad Eternity as part of the Steamboat Mountain Music Society’s 10th anniversary Submitted photos past five years, including two per- edition double album, which has just hit the market.

December 16, 2021

FAITH

Which King Do You Follow?

By Brent Woodard Anglican/ United Church On Sept. 2, 31 BCE, there was a battle off the west coast of Greece, now called “The Battle of Actium.” On that day the Roman western forces led

by Octavian defeated the Roman eastern forces led

by Antony and Cleopatra.

This ended a twenty-year civil war that threatened to tear the Roman republic apart. Antony and Cleopatra went back to Egypt and committed double suicide. So relieved were the senators and leading citizens of Rome that they made Octavian an emperor and the Roman republic became the Roman empire. They gave Octavian the title of “Augustus” which means “the one who shall be worshipped.” They deified him, which means they made him a god in his lifetime.

A story arose of Octavian’s conception happening between a human and a god. (An accepted motif back then). It was said that his mother, Atia, was impregnated by the god Apollo. Octavian was now called Caesar Augustus, the child of a human and a god, and was given the titles Divine, Son of God, God, God from God, Lord, Redeemer, Liberator, and Savior of the World. Octavian’s, now Caesar Augustus’, birthday was set as the beginning of a new creation. His birth was heralded as good tidings. Roman coins were forged which had, on one side, the image of the goddess Pax, the goddess of

peace, and on the other side, the image of the emperor, wearing military garb and holding a sword, with the words “Son of God.” The ideology of the empire was now established. The emperor reigned as a god, with the blessing of God, was to be worshipped, obeyed, and seen as the saviour of the world and the one who brings peace. This ideology was to be kept in perpetuity for all succeeding emperors. To be clear, though, the peace that the emperor and the empire brought came through violence and domination. This was represented with the goddess of peace on one side of the coin and the emperor in military garb, holding a sword, on the other side. It was peace through victory, peace through violence, peace through domination. Indeed, the Roman empire terrorized people, impoverished the masses, and maintained systems that worked for a few at the expense of the many.

In this world, in this context, came a different vision, a different way. It was articulated and modelled

by Jesus. He told people that they were the light of the world. He told them they could live in trust, as did the birds and flowers. He said they were blessed in their mercifulness and peacemaking. He called them to love their enemies. He instructed them not to rule over people, but to serve people. He invited people to pick up their cross and not their sword.

Years after Jesus died, his followers wrote about him. They were beautiful story tellers. They crafted the birth stories to be subversive in their context. They used the language of their time to turn the ideology of empire upside down. What they wrote was revolutionary. They offered a choice. “Which King do you follow?” That is still the question of Christmas.

Columbia Valley Rockies Weekly Roundup - Week 11

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

Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

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

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED We are back “in-person” at Christ Church Trinity Services start at 10:30am. Attendees must have received dual vaccinations and wear a mask. Or, you can join us online using zoom. To receive a link please call 250-342-6644 or email office@wvsm.ca Invermere – 110 7th Ave.

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

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

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

Canal Flats: Saturday 4.30 pm Canadian Martyrs, Invermere: Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 9 am.

St. Joseph, Radium: Sunday 11.00 am Father Jojo Augustine • 712 -12th Ave., Invermere 250-342-6167

ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Sunday 1:30 p.m. Worship Service at Valley Christian Assembly 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere www.eklutheran.ca mtzionlc@hotmail.com

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

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

Relief Society, 11:15 a.m.

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

h e Pioneer ca T n

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

your message is resonating with residents and visitors alike.

!

two games in hand.

Week 12 is a busy one as the Rockies first head on Week 11 was a short week for the Rockies as it only the road to Fernie to take on the Ghostriders on Thurs, consisted of one single game against the Kimberley Dy- Dec. 16. They follow that up with another away game namiters on Saturday, Dec. 11th. Kayde Kinaschuk got in Golden against the Rockets on Fri, Dec. 17 before things going on Saturday night midway through the finishing off a back-to-back-to-back at home against first period on a beautiful tic-tac-toe goal assisted by the Golden Rockets on Sat, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.

The Rockies are also having a blow-out merch sale!

Colby Phillips and Dylan Malarchuk. After the Rockies allowed two goals in the second, Bryson Monych tied Looking for a Christmas gift?! Maybe deck out the famthe game on a beautiful top corner goal from the bot- ily with some new Rockies gear?!

There is a limited amount of merchandise available tom of the right circle.

This gave the team motivation both from last season and our current season posted on our going into the second intermission and within seconds of the third pewebsite. Items for purchase inriod, Jakob McLean came through clude hoodies, shirts, shorts, hats, pucks, game worn gloves putting the Rockies up 3-2. After a and more. Visit https://www. tough battle to the very end, three rockieshockey.ca/merchandise goals were enough to deem the Rockies victorious. Despite only or email cvrockies.merchandise@gmail.com for sizing/ having one game this past week, it stock inquiries. All listed merwas one of the most important of chandise is subject to availabilthe season so far as the Dynamiters have consistently sat right below the ity and is sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Local game Rockies in the standings. Winning day pick up is free or we ship in regulation allowed the Rockies Bryson Monych (10) looking at his opanywhere in Canada (shipping to remain atop the Eddie Mountions before shooting and scoring the tain division with 33 points leaving cost not included). game-tying goal against the Kimberley Kimberley just below with 30 and Let’s go Rockies!

Dynamiters.

Submitted photo Submitted by Mark Teterenko

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

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

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 16, 2021

Canfor Calls on BC Government to Rethink Old Growth Deferral Process

Together We Can Protect Our Forests AND Workers AND Communities Dear British Columbians, At Canfor, we’re proud to have been operating in the province for over 80 years.

We take our role very seriously to help responsibly manage BC’s forests. Like all British Columbians, we want our forests to be diverse, thriving ecosystems. We employ hundreds of professionals, like foresters and biologists, who work hard every day to ensure our activities are environmentally responsible and will contribute to healthy forests for generations to come.

Around the world BC is respected for our leading sustainable harvesting and forest management practices.

We follow rigorous environmental standards and get permits from the government for all of our activities we undertake in the forest. BC’s Chief Forester sets the volume of trees that can be harvested. Each year this amounts to less than 1% of the harvestable area. We also plant three trees for each one that is harvested.

In addition, we greatly respect the rights and title of First Nations on whose traditional territories we operate and their valued roles in stewarding the forests.

That’s why we’re deeply concerned that the BC government has decided to defer 2.6 million hectares of old forests based on the advice of only five people. Government has not engaged with a broad group of Indigenous leaders, labour leaders, forest professionals and communities. Many important voices have been left out of this critical discussion.

This should be a time for unity. We can choose a path that brings First Nations, labour leaders, forestry professionals and communities together to develop a sustainable old growth management plan that protects our forests and ensures sustainable employment for our communities. We can build on the 75% of old growth forests that are already protected or outside harvesting areas.

To develop that plan, we are asking government, on behalf of our employees, Indigenous partners, contractors and communities, to immediately take the following steps: 1. Use the facts, based on objective and transparent science and Indigenous traditional knowledge, to identify potential old growth areas and deferrals.

2. Undertake a collaborative process that includes Indigenous leaders, labour leaders, forest professionals and communities to develop the old growth plan.

As the world comes together to fight climate change, carbonstoring, renewable forestry products from BC’s sustainably managed forests are in growing demand. This is BC’s opportunity to help support the transition to a low carbon world. Now more than ever, the world needs BC’s forestry products. And that’s something we can each be proud of.

“Let’s work together.”

“Many important voices have been left out of this critical discussion.”

Industry estimates that nearly 18,000 workers could be impacted. These are good people from communities across the province who care about the future and the environment in the place they call home. We directly employ over 4,000 people in BC. The more than 2,000 contractors, suppliers and Indigenous companies we partner with also employ thousands of people who work in the forest sector and, along with their families, contribute to our local communities.

Don Kayne President & CEO Canfor