Columbia Valley Pioneer, March 17, 2022

March 17, 2022 Vol. 19/Issue 11

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

March 17, 2022

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March 17, 2022

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March 17, 2022

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS

Tensions in Ukraine, gas prices continue to rise Sanctions on Russian oil affect local economy left oil buyers scrambling for what’s left at higher prices therefore affecting local economies across the country.

“Economically and officially, what is hitting us all is the cost of fuel,” Invermere Mayor Al Miller told the As the tensions between Ukraine and Russia continPioneer. “What I’d like to stress more than anything is ue to rise, so do the gas prices across Canada and the U.S. no one likes to see what’s happening in the Ukraine, the In an interview with BBC on Feb. 24, President Vololives that are being taken is heartdymyr Zelensky stated that Russia had nearly 200,000 breaking and uncalled for.” troops and thousands of combat vehicles lined-up along Mayor Clara Reinhardt of the Ukrainian border months prior to the invasion earlier Radium Hot Springs echoed that day. While the attack was not a complete shock, how the most obvious impact the destruction, and killing of innocent civilians that is across the country is the cost of happening has shocked many countries in disgust. Effuel. “The crisis has impacted evforts have been made from the G7 Nation, and others to aid the Ukrainian military. Canada was the first of eryone. We can’t pretend it isn’t happening and most of us are in the G7 nations to ban all oil imports from Russia. a bit of shock,” said Reinhardt.

On Monday, February 28 Prime Minister “The outpouring of support both Justin Trudeau said in a BBC interview that oil emotionally and practically from revenues have helped to prop up President VladiCanadians has been heartwarmmir Putin and Russian oligarchs. While according ing.” to Statistics Canada, Canada only imported $289 GasBuddy shows that our million of energy products last year. Russia is the Albertan neighbours are paythird largest oil producer in the world behind the United States and Saudi Arabia. With Canada ing the lowest in the country at 169.3 a litre while gas prices in banning all Russian oil products, and other counVancouver and on Vancouver Istries following suit, there is a mass scramble for a product that was already in high demand coming Fuel prices have increased more than 20 cents over the last few weeks across the valley. Gas Plus land have reached over $2 a litre. out of two years of COVID and lockdowns, say in Radium, and Invermere’s CENTEX was selling for 188.9 last week with expectations for the Photos by Chadd Cawson Continued on page 5... experts in a Mar. 4 National Post interview. Gas cost to increase higher in the weeks to come.

By Chadd Cawson chadd@columbiavalleypionneer.com

prices were already on the rise before the attack on the Ukraine, but recent banning of Russian oil in support of the Ukraine has made the price at the pumps skyrocket, surpassing our already higher projected 2022 rates.

Dan McTeague, the President of Canadians for Affordable Energy told the Calgary Herald on Jan. 13, that Canadians were going to see a 25 per cent increase in gas prices of at least 165.0 a litre, long before the first shot was fired in the Ukraine. The banning, and removal of Russian oils in some countries overnight, according to Rory Johnston, author of the newsletter, Commodity Context, has

Seasonal camp could be staff housing shortage solution

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Plans are afoot for a unique solution to the lack of housing options for the Columbia Valley’s seasonal tourism industry workers.

The problem has been an issue in the valley for more than a decade, but has gotten markedly worse in the last few years, as the housing market has soared, and as the number of short term rentals (STRs) here has increased — and consequently the number of longterm rentals has declined.

The potential answer suggested by Radium Mayor Clara Reinhardt during the Wednesday, Mar. 9 Radium council meeting is to create a temporary “camp”, made up of trailers, for seasonal workers.

The idea, as described by Reinhardt at the meeting, sounded similar in many respects to seasonal tree planting camps, except with trailers instead of tents.

She outlined to council members that the trailers would be somewhat basic, but would have water and sewer as well as television and other amenities.

Reinhardt added that she has talked

with a local landowner in Radium who is amenable to the idea of having the camp on his property.

“We’ve got a plan, we’ve got a place, but we’ve got to find a way to fund it.

We’ve got to find the money,” Reinhardt told council, adding the camp would specifically be for seasonal staff. “We really are exploring all our options... It (the housing issue) really does keep me awake at night sometimes.”

Reinhardt later explained to the Pioneer that the idea for a camp for seasonal workers came to her after seeing a wildland firefighters’ camp in Radium last summer.

“They were tenting, rather than in trailers, but Parks Canada had brought in a wash and shower tent, a mess tent, and a few other things, and it just got me thinking about what in fact may be possible,” Reinhardt told the Pioneer.

Reinhardt has been coordinating with Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce business recovery advisor Theresa Wood, who was already actively working on a broader scope housing project.

Continued on page 7...

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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RCMP Report

Submitted by Cpl. Jeff Witzke Columbia Valley RCMP

This past week Mar. 7 through Mar. 13, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 65 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

• On Tuesday, Mar. 8 at about 7:30 a.m., Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of a suspicious motorhome in Canal Flats that was suspected of being involved in a theft of tools from a campground. Witnesses had followed the vehicle onto a rural road south of Canal Flats. RCMP officers from Columbia Valley and Kimberley Detachment converged on the motorhome and arrested two adult males and an adult female for break and enter and theft. A search of the vehicle uncovered evidence of the theft. The investigation is ongoing.

• On Wednesday, Mar. 9 at about 6:45 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP were on patrol when they observed a vehicle being operated by a male well known to police who was aware he was a prohibited driver. A traffic stop was initiated where the driver was arrested for operating a motor vehicle while prohibited. After assessing the sobriety of the driver, he was released from police custody and will be appearing in court at a later date.

• On Wednesday, Mar. 9 at about 9:50 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of a vehicle fire in Fairmont. Police attended and noted that the Fire Department already had most of the fire extinguished.

March 17, 2022

Fire appeared to have started in the engine bay as the front of the vehicle was destroyed. No one was injured.

Thanks to the bystander for calling in the fire and the Fire department for their quick response. Fire deemed non suspicious.

• On Thursday, Mar. 10 at about 2 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP responded to a complaint in downtown Invermere of a belligerent male arguing and getting into people’s faces over the mask mandate. This call came within an hour of BC’s Health Orders changing the mask mandate, however not taking effect until midnight.

Members were on scene within minutes however, the unknown male had already left the area.

• On Saturday, Mar. 12 at about 1:30 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP received a call regarding the location of a possible stolen golf cart. Members attended the location and confirmed the golf cart was in fact stolen and had been painted in an attempt to disguise it. While on scene, the officers also discovered two vehicles that also had been stolen. All three vehicles were recovered and the investigation is still ongoing.

• On Saturday, March 12 just after midnight, the Columbia Valley RCMP received a call from a bystander reporting an unknown male was laying down on the grass near 13th St and 8th Ave in Invermere. Police officers attended the area and located an intoxicated male, who admittedly stated he had drank way too much this evening. A ride home was provided to ensure the male made it home safe.

Minor Hockey Minutes U18 Female division girls are sadly losing some girls. Olivia Dorogdi, Rachel Angebrandt, Maddy Roe, Jersey Ponych and Pressly The U18 Female Rockies took on two challenging Irons are graduating and Coral Eccles and Mya SpenAlberta tournaments this year cer have played their final year as well. These girls have been a great as well as roughly six additional games in Invermere. They unaddition to our team for the past fortunately weren’t able to join years. Maddy, Jersey and Pressly the Alberta League this year due have been in our association for 12 to COVID, but are hoping to years and will be missed.

We wish these girls success in return there for the next season.

The team had lots of fun their new pathways. The remaining this year and are looking for- The graduating U18 Midget Female hockey girls are going to be a strong team ward to a more normal season players and coaches Brandi Riches and Jason and we look forward to what these next year. This year the senior Roe (also their last year). Photo by Tanya Roe girls have in front of them.

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March 17, 2022

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

...Continued “Ukraine” from page 3

soon to see what’s going to happen,” says Valley Foods owner Sydney-Anne Porter.

“Manufacturers, and wholesalers can’t pivot on a dime; they do their best to hold off raising costs for as long as they can.”

The Columbia Valley is currently sitting at an average gas price of $188.9 per litre, and though daunting, is still cheaper than parts of Ontario, the Maritimes, and Quebec.

However, prices are still ex“The crisis has impacted everyone. We pected to rise. can’t pretend it isn’t happening and most of us “Gas prices are way too are in a bit of shock.” high right now, wages are not enough to keep up with the Clara Reinhardt, Radium Mayor gas prices,” Vick Singh, manager of Lucky Strike Gas, told the Pioneer.

“We try to be cheaper than other staSobeys Manager Rick Lockhart also tions in the surrounding area, but this has hasn’t seen any stock shortages that weren’t all been bad for business as you are not already there before the recent attack on going to drive further than you have to, Ukraine. “We’ve only stopped selling any to fill up.” While the manager at Inver- products from Russia which was a corpomere Centex was too frustrated with what rate decision.” says Lockhart. is currently happening to comment, Zakir While what is happening is putting a Hayder owner of Radium Gas Plus had strain on wallets across the country, forcthis to say; “It’s affecting everybody, and ing us to budget our daily road trips; Mayeveryday life.” or of Radium Clara Reinhardt helps put In a Mar. 10 interview Prime Min- it in perspective for valley residents. “This ister Justin Trudeau told Global News will be a very long journey for Ukrainithat Canada will be sending $30 million ans,” says Mayor Reinhardt. “We must dollars to Ukraine for support. “Canada remember there are still other crises in will help,” says Prime Minister Trudeau. other countries in the world, and that we “Canada is there to help.” are very fortunate to live here in the CoWith no movement towards a cease- lumbia Valley!” fire as of late last week, there is no end in Higher gas prices, while a shock and sight for this war. Ukrainians are holding frustrating to us all is still a small cost steadfast for their freedom and their coun- compared to the price other countries in try. crisis are paying.

Invermere Mayor Al Miller said that There are also easy ways to help offset as the war continues, we could see other these rising fuel prices, including plancommodities such as the price of food be- ning your route ahead of time, using GPS ing affected like it has affected fuel. The mapping systems to ensure most efficient Pioneer reached out to local grocery store route, accelerating gently, avoid speeding, owners and managers who have said they and turning off your engine rather than have not seen any big changes. “It’s too idling.

Village of Radium Hot Springs

NOTICE OF PROPOSED OCP & ZONING AMENDMENTS Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Village of Radium Hot Springs is considering amendments to the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Zoning Bylaw.

BYLAW 471, 2022 OCP AMENDMENT Change the land use from Highway Commercial to Mixed Commercial Residential for this specific property: 4883 Stanley Street, Lots 6,7,8,9, Block 3, Plan 2606, District Lot 2580, Kootenay District BYLAW 472, 2022 ZONING AMENDMENT Change the Zoning from C1 Highway Commercial to C2 Pedestrian Commercial/Residential.

A PUBLIC HEARING on the proposed Zoning Amendment Bylaws No. 471 & 472 will be held: COUNCIL CHAMBERS VILLAGE OFFICE 4836 STANLEY STREET. RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, B.C. AND VIA ON-LINE MEETING Note: Social distancing rules will be in place at the Radium Hot Springs Council Chambers.

All persons who believe that their interest in property is affected by the proposed bylaws may submit written presentations to the Village of Radium Hot Springs, PO Box 340, Radium Hot Springs, BC, V0A 1M0 or Fax: 250-347-9068 or email: cao@radiumhotsprings.ca prior to the date and time of the hearing. Persons may also present written and/or verbal submissions at the public hearing. Submissions will not be received after the public hearing has been adjourned.

The full bylaws may be inspected on the Village Website: www.radiumhotsprings.ca. For further information, contact 250-347-6455.

Arne Dohlen, Interim CAO

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

PERSPECTIVE

Manners in a maskless world

March 17, 2022

Historical Lens

To wear, or not to wear

By Pioneer staff haley@columbiavalleypioneer.com After nearly two years of living amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the time has finally come to take off one’s mask if you choose to. Friday, Mar. 11 marked the official date that the B.C. government dropped the mandatory mask requirement — effectively having society ditch the veiled piece of fabric and relearning how to interact with society with our emotions on display.

Despite the overwhelming relief many feel with the slowly-lifting mandates, the transition back to the world’s “new normal” seems more difficult than previously anticipated. So much so, that some people wish to keep the mask on, either as a precautionary measure or simply because it provides a sense of safety for the wearer. Ultimately, the choice to wear or not wear a mask falls to the individual themselves.

However, businesses do have the option, and right, to continue to require masks within their privately-owned establishments, and they are not required to provide reasoning as to why. Nor should they need to. We as patrons should remain respectful, abiding by such rules, or politely declining to enter said business. This is also especially relevant when it comes to children, as they have grown accustomed to wearing masks in many aspects of their daily lives. Whether it be from the sidelines, in their classrooms, or on public transportation, these children may consider a mask a safety net, as it has been highly prevalent during their more formative years.

Regardless of whether this choice “to wear, or not to wear” is fueled by immunocompromised close contacts or a form of recently-dubbed “re-opening anxiety,” we must stay true to community. This transition period is not an easy one by any means and will require a heightened level of empathy for our fellow neighbour — especially important considering the number of mental health issues are at an “all-time high” since the pandemic first emerged. CBC, in partnership with the Angus Reid Institute, surveyed Canadians and their mental health status earlier this year, finding that “54 per cent of Canadians said their mental health had worsened during the past two years — with women faring significantly worse than men.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has been nothing short of divisive, which is why now — as the light at the end of the tunnel slowly looms closer — we must remain compassionate and understanding of whatever choices individuals make.

Cars and trucks sit parked outside of two-story Coronation Hotel, where beer could be purchased at only 10 cents a glass. Located in Athalmer.

C1867, 1940, courtesy of Windermere District Historical Society

Spring brings snow fleas face searching for something to eat — usually pollen or other windblown organic material.

Snow fleas are not fleas in the true sense, but belong to an order of insects called Springtails. They are minute, wingless insects that normally move about by walking on the tips of their claws. However, when frightened they release· their springtail (an appendage that is bent forward under the body just in-front of the rear end) which catapults them forward. It is this hopping motion that gives them their common name, the snowflea.

Dear Editor,

If you have not seen them you would likely classify snow fleas in the same category as the sasquatch and sidehill gougers. But those who have seen thousands of tiny dark specks hopping about on the snow, know that snow fleas are real.

I came across these at Dog Lake in Kootenay National Park, (just where you expect to see fleas on a dog right).

They are usually seen on winter days when the temperature is warmer than -4 degrees Celsius.

During these days, the snow fleas are moving Snow fleas gather on top of snow. about on the snow sur Photo by Larry Halverson

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

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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.

March 17, 2022

Steamboat recreation survey gets tremendous response ers need space, the mountain bikers need space, and the campers need space,” Reinhardt later told the Pioneer, expanding on Earlier this winter the Columbia Val- her comments at the meeting. “The results ley Recreation Planning Initiative (CVR- of the survey clear show that the public is PI) sought public input — in the form on the same page.” of survey — in helping develop a recreReinhardt added that while the results ation strategy for Steamboat Mountain. are near unanimous, they are not comThe results of the survey are now in — in pletely unanimous. large numbers — and they show a desire “There is a small group, but a group for designated trails among respondents, nonetheless, of people that feel the Steambut also an understanding that those trails boat Mountain area should remain unmust not interfere with ecological values managed, without a plan. When we broke or traditional uses. down the survey results based on where The CVRPI had launched the survey they were coming from, we found that on recreation use, issues, impacts, stew- most people that want Steamboat to reardship and management in the Steam- main completely unmanaged are from boat Mountain area on Jan. 27 and it ran outside the valley,” she said. until Feb. 16. Through that time, a total Reinhardt added that the document of 1,002 people answered in the survey. that eventually comes out of the Steam“Even the consultant shook his head boat initiative will not be an official reguand couldn’t believe it (how many re- lation or legislation, but rather a guiding sponses there were),” said Radium Mayor document that B.C. Recreation Sites and and CVRPI Steamboat initiative co-chair Trails (which operates under the umbrelClara Reinhardt at the Wednesday, Mar. 9 la of the provincial Ministry of Forests, Radium council meeting. “That was pret- Lands and Natural Resources Operations ty significant.”

— FLNRO) will use in its planning.

She theorized the huge response to the survey may have come because of “Steamboat’s proximity (to Radium). It’s so accessible.”

“For a survey of this type and style, to get 1,002 surveys back is an excellent response,” CVRPI Steamboat initiative co-chair Adrian Pery told the Pioneer. “Yes, there are clear preferences, and it seems people understand the pressure recreation is The CVRPI had launched the survey on recreation putting on the valley, and the need use, issues, impacts, stewardship and management there is to preserve what we have... in the Steamboat Mountain, gathering a total of People seem to understand that we 1,002 responses.

Photo from Getty Images can’t go on doing nothing in terms of management, and that we can’t Reinhard told council that there seems keep on going willy nilly into wild areas to be almost unanimous agreement that without regard for the impacts that may designated trails for different user groups have.” are needed, almost unanimous agreement Pery underscored the need to consider on the need for official recreation sites (for both ecological values and cultural values, camping, with signage and bathrooms) such as traditional First Nations and Meand almost unanimous agreement that tis use, as well as to consider the rights of these trails need to avoid important wild- existing tenure holders in the area (such as life corridors and sensitive habitats. ranchers).

“When we started this, one of our “I’m impressed by the response we mantras was that ‘there has to be a place had, impressed by people’s understanding for everybody’, and ‘we need to protect of the need to balance the benefits of reckey wildlife corridors and key habitats’. reation with other values,” said Pery.

Outside of that we need to be inclusive: the dirt bikers need space, the quad ridContinued on page 20...

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

We want to hear from you Email your letters to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com or visit our website at www. columbiavalleypioneer.com. Mail your letters to Box 868, Invermere, V0A 1K0, or drop them in at #8 1008-8th Avenue. Letters to the editor should be sent only to The Pioneer, and not to other publications. We do not publish open letters or third-party

letters. Letters for publication should be no longer than 400 words, and must include the writer’s address and phone numbers.

No attachments, please. Letters may be shortened for space requirements. We reserve the right to edit for space, clarity, civility and accuracy. Opinions expressed are those of the writer, not The Pioneer.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7 items such as trailers, which are not permanently part of the village.

“So we would need a private part“Right now it’s very much preliminary pie-in-the-sky. Really just an idea ner, or several private partners, to make and nothing more. But at this point, it work,” she said.

It could be possible for local busiwe’re willing to try anything,” said Renesses to collectively own the trailers, in inhardt.

The property that Reinhardt has shares, “but that could get tricky, belooked at and talked to the landowner cause some of our businesses are very small, and it about is located would be hard within the vilfor them to put lage boundaries, “We’ve got a plan, we’ve got a place, in the big monbut Reinhardt but we’ve got to find a way to fund it. ey we would added that the We’ve got to find the money.” need to make camp could be this work.” hard to pull toClara Reinhardt, Radium Mayor The plan gether, especialhas gone from ly in time for just an idea in the start of the valley’s summer tourism season, which Reinhardt’s head to being discussed in begins on the Victoria Day long week- council meetings in just 10 days, but she concedes there is still a long way to end in May. It would be too expensive to lease go if it is to become reality.

“It’s very new. It is very bare bones, the trailers, so it would be necessary to purchase used ones, explained Rein- as plans go. It’s a Hail Mary,” she said. hardt, but the village can’t legally own “But we need to try to do something.” ...Continued “Housing” from page 3

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 17, 2022

Get set to slow down on Forsters Landing Road

lf urse e yo mers

im

11th Annual General Meeting Thursday, March 17th, 6 p.m.

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

You are invited! Please visit our website for more details. www.lakeambassadors.ca/2022-agm/

Join us: new board member wanted We’re looking for a new public representative for our Columbia Region board—someone who can bring a regional perspective, represent a broad range of public interests, and make a three-year commitment.

As a member of our board, you will review proposed fish and wildlife projects and join other board members in guiding the work of the FWCP in our Columbia Region.

Visit fwcp.ca/join-columbia-region-board for more information.

Apply by Friday, April 8, 2022.

The Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program is a partnership between BC Hydro, the Province of B.C., Fisheries and Oceans Canada, First Nations, and public stakeholders to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife in watersheds impacted by BC Hydro dams.

FOI and Privacy

Invermere Film Festival is back Seven films, three days

By Chadd Cawson chadd@columbiavalleypioneer.com

We want to hear from British Columbians about BC’s freedom of information and protection of privacy law.

Share your views by March 31, 2022.

For full details, visit www.leg.bc.ca/cmt/foi or call 250-356-2933 or toll-free 1-877-428-8337.

Special Committee to Review the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

www.leg.bc.ca/cmt/foi

Drivers in Radium Hot Springs will be heading down Forsters Landing Road a little slower later this month, with the village council poised to adopt a bylaw lowering the speed limit there later this month.

The planned bylaw was discussed during the Wednesday, Mar. 9 Radium council meeting, and is meant to make the area a little bit safer for cyclists, pedestrians and wildlife, and reduce some of the noise and dust that stems from the logging trucks heading down the road to the Radium sawmill.

The speed limit will be knocked down to 40 kilometres per hour, and this could be in effect as early as Thursday, March 24. The bylaw reducing the speed limit was given first, second and third readings at the Mar. 9 meeting, and — if all goes to plan — will be officially adopted at the Wednesday, Mar. 23 meeting, and in effect the very next day.

In anticipation of the bylaw being adopted, village staff are already preparing new speed limit signs.

“It is the only road under our (the village’s) control that doesn’t already have a speed limit of 40,” said

The Invermere Film Festival (IFF) is back and will run from Mar. 25 to 27 at the Columbia Valley Centre (CVC). Festival organizer Bill Johnston got his first taste of the film festival scene in Invermere, when he helped host Mountainfilm, a festival based out of Telluride, Colorado during 2018, and 2019. “Based on the success of Mountainfilm it was realized there was a great audience for film here,” Johnston told the Pioneer. “The Invermere Film Festival was born the following year in 2020.”

After last year’s second virtual festival that sold over 120 passes online, IFF is back for its third annual year as a live-in-person event with a great line-up of seven feature films over the course of three days. The festival has always fallen on the second weekend in February, however, was pushed back this year because of the earlier peak in numbers from COVID-19 cases.

The festival’s opening-night film is Drinkwater and starts at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Mar. 25. Drinkwater in the style of 80’s Director John Hughes is a coming-of-age story starring Daniel Doheny, and Eric McCormack (Will & Grace) shot in Penticton B.C. “As soon as we heard about it, and viewed it, we booked it. “We knew it was going to play very nicely here, as there aren’t many movies filmed in B.C. that are actually B.C. stories,” says Johnston. “So, when we heard

Spring is back and so are we! Opening for the season on winderberry.ca

Radium Mayor Clara Reinhardt at the Mar. 9 meeting, going on to add the road is used frequently by cyclists and walkers, that neighbours in the area do sometimes complain about noise and dust, that the idea of reducing the speed limit originated with Canfor (which runs the Radium sawmill), and that Canfor has already reduced the speed limit for traffic entering its yard from Forsters Landing Road.

The area has also been a spot at which, in the past, some of Radium’s bighorn sheep have been struck and killed by vehicles.

“Given the traffic on it, it should be (40 kilometres per hour),” said Reinhardt, adding that council can check in on the speed limit change one year from now to make sure it’s working out as intended.

Radium Chief Administrative Officer Arne Dohlen noted there would be four signs the village would need to change, and said the village could add a bright orange ‘speed reduced’ sign below the new 40 kilometres per hour signs to better emphasize the speed reduction.

Reinhardt said that would be a good move, and added that from what she understands the reduced speed limit within the Canfor yard has already helped cut back on noise and dust there.

Friday March 25

about Drinkwater being shot in Penticton B.C., we thought we must have that film! Invermere is an Interior B.C. town, how can the Invermere Film Festival ignore this film.”

The Pioneer spoke with Penticton resident Graham Fraser and producer of his first film, Drinkwater.

He came up with the idea with his son who is also in film, as something fun to do and a way to fill the time during COVID. “I’m late to the game, but this was the right time to do it,” jokes Fraser. “Four of us created the story, and the characters, we all went to L.A. in February 2020 and just sat down and created the characters, the storyline, and the beats, and then we let the two writers Luke and Ted go write.”

Fraser along with his four friends were able to see this idea come to fruition as it grew legs and went through about 15 different renditions. “The director, and the actors come in and add a lot to it. It’s really a collaborative effort of the story to get it out there.”

Both Doheny, and McCormack have received nominations for Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor from Vancouver Film Critic Circle for their performances in this heartwarming coming-of-age film.

“McCormack was looking for something to do and his agent really liked the script, and he liked it too” Fraser told the Pioneer. “Next thing you know, he is on a plane to Vancouver for quarantine to shoot the film.”

Continued on page 19...

Free Pruning Clinic Saturday March 26 • 1 to 2 pm

Edibles Café

Get a taste of your favourite from us.

Seeds, soil and spring gardening advice.

We’re here for you!

Mon- Sat 9 - 5pm • Sun 10 - 4

Please call to register or email lin@winderberry.ca Hwy 93/95 Windermere 250-342-3236

March 17, 2022

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort: IMMERSION Festival Sign Up Fairmont Hot Springs Resort welcomes a new event this spring!

IMMERSION is a 42-day festival running from April 9 - May 19.

The festival is based in Fairmont Hot Springs, but open to participation by businesses anywhere in the Columbia Valley to inspire visitation to the area. Businesses can participate by offering an in-business special for the duration of the festival, displayed on a Festival Passport for purchase by guests. The Festival Passports will be displayed in the IMMERSION Festival App for easy validation in businesses.

The signup deadline is Friday, March 18.

Interested? Learn more at fairmonthotsprings.com

Together, we’re building a In good times and tough times, British Columbians take care of each other.

The BC Government is taking action to build a StrongerBC together.

Budget 2022 includes new investments to support people by: ▪ Lowering child care fees by 50% for kids under six ▪ Reducing surgical wait times ▪ Expanding access to training for jobs in health care, technology and skilled trades ▪ Fighting climate change with over $1 billion in new funding for CleanBC

Action today. A plan for tomorrow.

L E A R N M O R E AT

StrongerBC.ca

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 17, 2022

OUT OF OFFICE…

Put your money where your house is!

Have you heard yet? Its March Maintenance in the Columbia Valley so put your money where your house is, and you could win big!

Been putting off a job around the house? We could all use a little help with our taxes... am I right!?

Maybe you want to shed those winter pounds in time for summer? Speaking of summer, have you locked down someone to care for your lawn yet?

Don’t even get me started about that back pain I • • • • • • • • • • •

Aquair Water and Air Solutions Ascend LLP Aspire Cleanline Automotive Columbia Valley Engineering DevTel Home Hardware Zen Technologies Fiona Psychic The Hearing Loss Clinic MET Homes

keep trying to ignore!

Simply receive a quote, have a consultation, or

do business with any one of them and you could be rewarded in over $4000 in local cash!

But only during March and only in the Colum-

• • • • • • • • • • •

• Haworth Development Consulting • Valley Fitness Centre • Endeavour Fitness • K5 Mechanical • Dusk Building Systems • Tutty Financial • FEHR Seasons HVAC • Napa & Walkers • Copper City Physical Therapy

What if we told you these tedious tasks are now SUPER EXCITING! Check out this incredible list of local businesses involved in the ‘Love Local March Maintenance’ campaign (powered by your Chamber)

Elevation Massage & Spa Flourishing Health GC Doors Ion2 Progression Suspension Timber Point Contracting Triptician RFE Alarms Diamond Heating Rona Angie’s Lawn, Pool and Spa Care All Dolled Up

MEND IT - REBUILD IT - MAINTAIN IT - REPLACE IT - FIX IT - REPAIR IT - IMPROVE IT - YOU NAME IT! And then visit www.valleystrong.ca to enter!

CONTACT US TODAY AND HAVE YOUR BUSINESS FEATURED 250-342-2844

March 17, 2022

cvevents cv events.ca .ca WHAT’S HAPPENING? POWERED BY THE COLUMBIA VALLEY CHAMBER

Thursday, March 17 • 10:30 a.m.: St. Patrick’s Day seniors Fitness Class: Wear your green and come join a special fitness class for seniors. This is a drop-in class, at a cost of $2 per class.

• Spring Break Fun at the Invermere Library for ages 6-12, limited space so contact publiclibrary@invermere.net to reserve your spot.

• In-person Bingo at the Radium Community Hall. We will play 5 Bingo games, have cash prizes, a 50/50 draw and door prizes. For more info, contact Sharlene at 250-6881561.

March 17-19 11 a.m. -4 p.m.: Vanishing Bighorns Art Exhibit at Pynelogs. Celebrate this iconic species for this limited time exhibit.

Wednesday, March 23 • 6:30-8:30 p.m.: FireSmart Workshop for Construction and Landscaping Professionals.

Join for a free 2-hour virtual workshop, customized for construction, development and landscaping professionals. To register, email FireSmart@invermere.net

Thursday, March 24 • 7:30-8:30 p.m.: Read Local Book Club. Discussion: What Narcissus Saw by Gordon Sombrowski (Fernie Author). Join other book lovers in the Kootenays and meet the author on zoom! Email Kootenaylibrariesprogramming@gmail.com to register.

Ongoing Events

Thursdays • 9-11 a.m.: Strong Start sessions, a drop-in program for parents/ caregivers and their children ages 0-6. Thursdays are at Martin Morigeau Elementary (Canal Flats). Call 250-409-4251 to reserve your space.

• 10-11:30 a.m.: Free Parent and Tot Connect by Family Dynamix for children ages 0-6 at the Early Years Center; 926 7th Ave in Invermere. Contact mferster@fdx.family or text/ call 250-341-8678 to register.

• 10:15 a.m.-1 p.m.: Tech Time Thursdays, Invermere Library. Free tech support for your computer, phone or tablet? Call the library to make an appointment: 250-342-6416 • 1:30-4:30 p.m.: Tech Time Thursdays at the Radium Library. Free tech support for your computer, phone or tablet. All day between 2 different locations!

• 10:30 a.m.: Seniors Fitness. Drop-in seniors fitness class at the Columbia Valley Centre for $2/ class. Proof of Vaccination required.

• 3 p.m.: Free youth drop-in fun at the Summit Youth Centre. After school fun for grades 7-12. Free food, safe hang-out spaces, Friday skate nights, virtual reality, gaming computers and the music room. Masks mandatory.

• 6:30 p.m.: Darts, cards and cribbage at the Invermere Legion every Thursday.

• 7 p.m.: Drop-in adult dance classes. Join Confi-Dance athletics on Thursdays for Burlesque. More at confidanceathletics.com .

Fridays • 9-10:30 a.m.: Momfit and preschool group at the Columbia Valley Centre. Proof of vaccination required for caregivers. Invermere Public Library. Story time follows at 10:45 a.m.

• 9-11 a.m.: Strong Start sessions, a drop-in program for parents/ caregivers and their children ages 0-6. Edgewater Elementary. Call 250-409-4251 to reserve your space.

• 10:45 a.m.: Family Storytime at the Invermere Public Library. Join for stories, songs and crafts.

• 12 and 5 p.m.: Edgewater Legion wing day Fridays! Noon: Takeout, 5 pm dine-in, call 250-347-9725.

• 1 p.m.: Free youth drop-in fun at the Summit Youth Centre. Come for some after school fun for grades 7-12. Free food, safe hang-out spaces, Friday skate nights, virtual reality, gaming computers and the music room. Masks Mandatory.

• 1 p.m.: Seniors’ duplicate bridge: Costs $2 at the senior’s hall (must be vaccinated).

• 4-8 p.m.: Pub grub at the Invermere Legion every Friday and Saturday.

• 5:30 p.m.: Magic the Gathering. Come for Friday Night Magic and Play Magic the Gathering. Entry $10-$40 depending on format. Call 250-342-3440, no registration but space is limited (ages 10+).

• 6 p.m.: Rotary Community Bingo: Must be 19+ to play. Join us to raise money, give back, have fun, and support local. Visit us on Facebook to purchase your bingo card.

• 7:30 p.m.: Beer league hockey in Canal Flats. Send an email to badgershockey2019@ gmail.com for details, carpool from Invermere available.

Saturdays • 4-8 p.m.: Pub Grub at the Invermere Legion, every Friday and Saturday: Wings and Things.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

Sundays • 9 a.m.: Bottle drive Rotary/Kinsmen Fundraiser. On Sundays and Mondays, the Rotary Club collects refundable bottles at the Invermere Transfer Station, this money goes right back into the community.

• 1:30 p.m.: Seniors Cribbage: Costs $2 in the senior’s hall (must be vaccinated)

Mondays • 9 a.m. Bottle drive: Rotary/Kinsmen Fundraiser. On Sundays and Mondays, the Rotary Club collects refundable bottles at the Invermere Transfer Station, this money goes right back into the community.

• 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Seniors Fitness. Columbia Valley Centre on Mondays and Thursdays ($2). Masks and vaccines required. Email events@invermere.net or call 250-342-9281 ext. 1232 and leave a message with your name.

• 1:30 p.m.: Seniors carpet bowling. Join us for $2.00 at the senior’s hall, must be vaccinated.

• 4-7 p.m.: Youth LGBTQ+ & Allies Drop-in. Come to the Summit Youth Hub for after-school LGBTQ+ drop in and hang out in a safe space, age 12-18 welcome.

• 5-7 p.m. Strong Start: (a drop-in program for parents/ caregivers and their children ages 0-6). Mondays are at Eileen Madson Primary, a light dinner will be served. Call 250-409-4251 to reserve your space.

• 6:30 p.m.: Poker Night at the Station Pub: Chip up for Charity with funds going to the Columbia Valley Youth network. Every Monday at 6:30. Bar is open, light snacks available (must be 19+).

Tuesdays

• 9-11 a.m.: Strong Start: (a drop-in program for parents/ caregivers and their children ages 0-6). Tuesdays are at Edgewater Elementary. Call 250-409-4251 to reserve your space.

• 10 a.m.: Free Parents and Tot Connect: by Family Dynamix for children ages 0-6 at the Early Years Center; 926 7th Ave in Invermere. Contact mferster@fdx.family or text/call 250-341-8678 to register.

• 3 p.m.: Free youth Drop-in Youth Fun at the Summit Youth Centre. Come for some after school fun for grades 7-12. Free food, safe hang-out spaces, Friday skate nights, virtual reality, gaming computers and the music room. Masks Mandatory.

• 6 p.m.: Drop-in Adult Dance Classes: Join Confi-Dance athletics on Tuesdays for Cheerfit.

• 7 p.m.: Drop-in Adult Dance Classes: Stick around for adult Hip-Hop. More at confidanceathletics.com • 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Second Winds Community Band Rehearsal: Meet every Tuesday at the Invermere Catholic Hall. Dust off your old instruments and join the band! Contact Ian at 250-342-9733 for more info.

• 8 p.m.: Games night at Ullr Bar: Every Tuesday is games night at Ullr, $5 cover. Fun prizes to be won!

Wednesdays

• 9-11 a.m.: Strong Start, a drop-in program for parents/ caregivers and their children ages 0-6). Eileen Madson Primary. Call 250-409-4251 to reserve your space.

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 17, 2022

Residents propose climbing gym in Invermere

culture — and the library — into the centre, as opposed closed to the general public since the start of the ongoto recreation. Taft added that there is some recreation in ing COVID-19 pandemic, and that, Caldbick, told the the centre, including judo and air rifle practice, but that Pioneer, is why he and Pierson are keen to see a separate A pair of local residents keen on fitness in general, “at the time, a conscious decision was made not to have a climbing wall or climbing gym established in the comand climbing in particular, presented to Invermere coun- rec centre, but to instead prioritize arts.” munity. cil recently, pitching an informal proposal for building a Taft added that division of funding is often an issue “We all went there, to Herb’s climbing wall. Every climbing gym, possibly integrated with the planned new when it comes to larger projects, such as the one outlined Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening. It’s much more fitness centre, right here in town.

by Caldbick and Peirson, and that than just a climbing wall. It’s sort of a community nexus: The proposal was on the there has been friction and frus- a gathering place, a meeting place. The valley can be quite agenda during the Tuesday, Mar. tration in the past when Inver- a hard place to get to know people,” said Caldbick. “But 8 Invermere council meeting, mere ends up paying for what its as soon as I started going to the climbing wall, I started and was presented to council as residents feel is a disproportionate to meet people. Within a year of moving here, I had met “seeking guidance and knowlshare of a facility that is used by a great group of friends and I had met my partner, all edge on how to build and create the entire Columbia Valley. through the climbing wall. I felt at home in the valley. a community centre that includes “That is a huge stumbling Without the climbing wall, I don’t know how long that a gym, climbing gym, and comblock to new projects. The 3,900 would have taken. Definitely more than a year.” munity pool” with emphasis that people in Invermere can’t foot the In March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic arthe building would function as a bill for every new project,” said rived in the Columbia Valley, “they had to shut the wall meeting point for local residents Taft. down. The gym at Laird was only open to students, not and the community.

Councillor Greg Anderto the public. Which The scope of that idea was son suggested the pair check of course, I completely scaled back right off the top, with the nonprofit Valley agree with, and which with presenters Jack Caldbick Fitness Centre (VFC), as makes total sense,” said and Heath Pierson outlining that that group is actively planCaldbick. “But there is Jack Caldbick on belay while climbing on the their very preliminary research ning to build a new facility, now this gap, there is no south side of the old bridge at Toby Creek. has already made clear that muwhich Caldbick and Pierson longer an outdoor-fo Submitted photo nicipal swimming pools are treagreed was a great idea. cused community meetmendously expensive to build and maintain, and that Caldbick later contacted the Pioneer, noting ing place in Invermere, they were dropping that part of the proposal. that the VFC’s plans for a new fitness centre — and that’s the gap Heath “We want to gauge the temperature of council on which will cost $5.5 million dollars, and will spread and I want to help fill, if this,” said Caldbick, adding that currently those who across 15,000 square feet — do include a climbing we can.” want to use a climbing gym need to drive down to Kim- wall (along with a large weight room, a cardio and Caldbick noted berley/Cranbrook or to Banff or Canmore. “We also stretching mezzanine, a spin studio, a double-sized that several Invermere want to know: what were the barriers in the past?” aerobics studio which can double as a basketball residents have smaller Invermere Mayor Al Miller replied that affordability court, as well as a smoothie bar and private studio bouldering caves set up was one of the most significant barriers, then motioned space and offices to rent.)

Heath Pierson backcountry ski tour- in their garages, but that to the Columbia Valley Centre, in which the meeting was Caldbick and Pierson are passionate climbers, ing at Jumbo Pass. Submitted photo these do not engender taking place, noting that it was completed only five years and both found when moving to the Columbia Valthe same social aspects ago and “it came with a pretty hefty price tag. There was ley (Caldbick five years ago, and Pierson three years ago) and sense of community as does a two-storey climbing some discussion about adding a fitness centre to this cen- that the climbing wall run by Herb Weller in J.A. Laird wall. tre, but it just wasn’t feasible at that time, given the cost.” Elementary School was a great spot to meet new people, When the Pioneer last communicated with Caldbick, Invermere Councillor Gerry Taft added that during and greatly eased their integration into the valley com- on Friday, Mar. 11, he and Pierson were planning to planning and construction of the Columbia Valley Cen- munity. reach out to the VFC and learn more about the climbing tre, there had been a “big push for” incorporating arts and The J.A. Laird climbing wall, however, has been wall it plans to include in its new building.

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Time is Running Out to Save B.C.’s Inland Rainforest Submitted by Sadie Parr In celebration of this year’s International Day of Forests on Mar. 21, a new website, “www.standwithus4oldgrowth.org“, is being launched. The primary goal of the website is to raise awareness about the existence of a rare rainforest located in British Columbia, and to increase interest about an opportunity to preserve one of the worlds last functioning Inland Temperate Rainforests.

Public citizens in Golden, B.C. (collectively forming the ‘Stand With Us’ movement) are working together to share knowledge and appreciation of B.C.’s

Inland Temperate Rainforest, while bringing attention to the severe environmental threats it is facing.

Stretching south across B.C.’s interior from Prince George into Idaho, a rainforest exists that is reportedly more at-risk of ecological collapse than the Amazon Rainforest, and yet many people do not even know that this ecosystem exists in B.C. In a recent publication in the journal “Land,” scientists identified the Inland Temperate Rainforest in B.C. as a red-listed (endangered) ecosystem, at risk of losing its ability to perform ancient ecological functions and processes.

Continued on page 19...

Sullivan River Valley in the Interior Temperate Rainforest north of Golden. Taken Oct. 11, 2021.

Photo by Rachel Darvill

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March 17, 2022

Rockies weekly roundup Playoff recap Submitted by Mark Teterenko After a heavy battle with the Fernie Ghostriders in round one and the Kimberley Dynamiters in round two of the Teck Cup playoffs, the Columbia Valley Rockies have officially been eliminated from the 2022 postseason - losing the second round series 4-2 to the Dynamiters.

Round one saw the Rockies face the Fernie Ghostriders in a very tough series that ultimately ended with the Rockies winning 4-2. Highlights from this series include the Rockies’ 7-0 shutout victory backed by goaltender Grady Nicholas (33) and with league-leading goal-scorer Kayde Kinaschuk rounding out the series with four goals and four assists including the series-winning overtime goal against the Ghostriders in game six.

Round one games finished as follows: Tuesday, Feb. 22 - Fernie 2 - Columbia Valley 5 Wednesday, Feb. 23 - Fernie 5 Columbia Valley 2 Friday, Feb. 25 - Columbia Valley 3 - Fernie 4 Saturday, Feb. 26 - Columbia Valley 6 - Fernie 2 Monday, Feb. 28 - Fernie 0 - Columbia Valley 7 Tuesday, Mar. 1 - Columbia Valley 3 - Fernie 2 (OT)

Round two had the Rockies go up against the then undefeated Kimberley Dynamiters who had swept the Golden Rockets 4-0 in their first round matchup.

Although the series ended sooner than the team had hoped, there were four one-goal games over the six game series and had highlights that included a gutsy 2-1 game 1 win in Kimberley, and back-and-forth game 5 win with Nolan Palmer (5), Dylan Malarchuk (19), Vaughn Strutt (17), and Kayde Kinaschuk (29) all scoring to bring the series back home to the Eddie.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

Hats off to the Rockies Season ends for the Rockies, as Dynamiters win the series 4-2

Round two games finished as follows:

Friday, Mar. 4 - Columbia Valley 2 - Kimberley 1 Saturday, Mar. 5 - Columbia Valley 2 - Kimberley 5 Monday, Mar. 7 - Kimberley 4 Columbia Valley 3 Tuesday, Mar. 8 - Kimberley 5 Columbia Valley 4 Thursday, Mar. 10 - Columbia Valley 5 - Kimberley 4 (OT) Friday, Mar. 11 - Kimberley 6 Columbia Valley 2

The top five scorers of the playoffs for the Rockies were:

Kayde Kinaschuk (29) - 10-7-17 Reed Sparrow (7) - 6-9-15 Colby Phillips (14) - 2-13-15 Jonah Fournier (26) - 4-7-11 Dylan Malarchuk (19) - 4-7-11

On behalf of the Columbia Valley Rockies organization, we want to take a moment to thank all fans, volunteers, and supporters for everything they have done over the 2021-22 season. Without each and every person and organization involved in Columbia Valley Rockies Junior B hockey, the overall success would not have been possible.

The Columbia Valley Rockies organization also wish each and every player moving on from their KIJHL career nothing but the best going forward, and thank them for all of their time and effort put in as a “Rockie.”

By Chadd Cawson chaddcawson@columbiavalleypioneer.com It was hats off to the Rockies for making it to game six last week. Not to mention it was also masks off for the fans who came out to support the players, as the mandate for wearing masks for the attendance of live events in B.C. was lifted as of 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Mar. 11. The Rockies won game five of the playoff series hosted at the Kimberly Civic Centre on Thursday, Mar. 10, after the Dynamiters won the previous two games against the Rockies on their home ice. For Rockies fans that didn’t make the drive up to Kimberly, they missed seeing the Rockies win in overtime. Rockies forward Kayde Kinaschuk (29) with an assist from defenseman Jakob McLean kept the Rockies alive in game five, moving them on to game six back at home.

“The win felt fantastic,” Head Coach Briar McNaney told the Pioneer on Friday, Mar. 11.

“The best part about the win, was seeing our captain Trevor Ebeling wearing the brightest smile, I’ve ever seen on a players face.” Eberling, who is in his final year of junior hockey, was recently suspended for a play that injured one of the Kimberly Dynamiters. “We truly wish that player, and his family our best in his recovery,” Head Coach McNaney told the Pioneer Friday afternoon. “The strategy for tonight would be to continue the playstyle we entered with on Thursday night’s game, with but execute a bit tighter. We got away from what we

The Columbia Valley Rockies wave to the crowd as their season wraps up after a 4-2 series loss to the Dynamiters. Submitted photo

were trying to accomplish a few times which created some opportunities for them, so limiting our mental mistakes, and keeping control of our emotions are big keys to winning tonight’s game. We are excited to see the fans.”

The fans came out in droves to make some noise. The loud stomping, boos, and chants of “Let’s go Rockies” didn’t faze the Dynamiters one bit. Dynamiters Justin Sommer (18) was the first to score in Friday night’s game at 9:23 with the assist of Jack Karpyshyn (28).

At 11:47, Rockies forward, Reed Sparrow (7) was given a ten-minute penalty for a hit to the head. The Dynamiters scored again in the first period at 12:40 on a power play, leading the game 2-0 in the first. Fans were chomping at the bit for a goal at the beginning of the second period. Murray Phillips from Red Deer, who was at Thursday night’s game for the Rockies’ overtime win in Kimberly, was full of excitement as his fists pounded the plexiglass while cheering on the Rockies. “This game is so huge for us, said Phillips. “It’s so exciting they made it this far, we have to beat them!”

This Cinderella story may not have a happy ending, but while the Rockies didn’t end up number one in the series, they are still number one in the hearts of their fans, evident from the overwhelming support at the game. Thursday night’s win produced a silver lining as Captain Trevor Eberling (with his suspension ending after Thursday night’s win) was able to help his team on the ice for one final game. That he did, with the help of teammate Colby Phillips (14), Eberling’s assist led to the Rockies second, and final goal of the last game of their season, knocked in by Rockies Forward #29 Kade Kinaschuk. It was a valiant effort for the Rockies, but their season ends as the Dynamiters win the series 4-2.

“It is a mixed bag of emotions,” Head Coach Briar McNaney told the Pioneer the next day after the game. “If you were to poll every team in any league that if they were guaranteed to be playing a game six in the second round of playoffs, without knowing the outcome, for better or worse, they would take that nine times out of ten.” “We’re off Monday to start recruiting in pursuit of winning the championship next season.”

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 17, 2022

Fulltime We are growing again… come join us in Invermere!

We are hiring for all positions: General Labourers, Apprentices, Skilled Labourers, Ticketed Journeyman Carpenters.

What we have to Offer YOU: • Top wages in the valley • Full-time work • Monday to Friday, no weekends • Learning environment • An employer that respects and values you!

What you need to offer US: • Must be reliable and respect quality work • Must have a vehicle to commute within the Columbia Valley Please email or call Jason: BrainardCustom@gmail.com or call 250-341-7421.

Have questions? Ask! We look forward to working with you!

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Gardener 1 The District of Invermere has an opening for a Gardener (Permanent Position) within the Public Works Department.

This position is within the CUPE Local 2982 bargaining unit and is a seasonal, 40 hours per week position from April until October each year.

Minimum Qualifications: • Horticulture Certificate(s) or equivalent experience is required.

• Excellent public relations skills are required.

• Ability to supervise other employees.

• Ability to to make independent decisions • Working knowledge of WorkSafe BC Regulations and safe work procedures is preferred.

• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s License. Submission of a Drivers Abstract is required.

• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and rain and perform physical labour which includes walking, lifting, and maintenance work with a shovel and rake.

• Preference will be given to applicants with experience in landscaping, gardening or working towards Horticultural Certification.

• Ability to work weekends.

This position is primarily focused on flowerbed planting and maintenance.

Typical duties include designing and preparation of flowerbeds, gardening tasks involving the cultivation of a variety of flowers and plants in large garden areas, planting, weeding, fertilizing, and pruning numerous varieties of plants, flowers, shrubs, bushes, and trees and assists with scheduling, training, and supervision of parks and greenspace staff.

General Hours of work: • 8 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday. Weekend work will be required.

Employment Term: • Employment will commence in April and will terminate in October.

Pay Rate: • Probationary Rate: $29.39 per hour. Upon successful completion of the 600 hours probationary period, the pay rate will increase to $30.27 per hour.

Applicants are invited to submit their resumes by 2 pm on Monday, March 21st, 2022 to:: District of Invermere Attn: Andrew Young, CAO and Kindry Luyendyk, Corporate Officer PO Box 339, Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0 Fax: 250-342-2934 • Email: corporateservices@invermere.net

Parttime

SPRING Opportunities Employment

Local businesses experience staffing shortage Employment opportunities in the valley are plentiful it’s going to be very busy in the valley this year as restrictions are lifted, opening opportunities up for travel, gatherings, and socializing,” says Ryan Haynes owner Spring is in the air, restrictions are lifting, and with of Radium and Fairmont Mountainside Markets. “I’m tourist season around the corner, businesses of all kinds lucky that I have a great core group of management, and throughout the valley struggle to find staffing. “I believe staff,” says Haynes. “With that being said, we will need to fill about 30 positions over the next few months. We offer year-round positions, with many opportunities for advancement.”

A sign that says now open may be misleading as Boardwalk Restaurant located at the Mountain View Resort and Suites in Fairmont, has had to temporarily close their doors due to a staff shortage. General Manager Debraj Dutta told the Pioneer they are hoping to reopen the restaurant in April. “We are desperately looking for staff for the busy season starting mid-April,” says Dutta. “We always encourage our employees to work with us on a yearly basis, but the nature of the business is seasonal, so opportunities can Mountain View Resort and Suites is one of many local businesses looking for be limited, and with the housing shortage employees as the busy season quickly approaches. Due to a recent staffing short- it is hard for people to stay here to work.” age, they have had to temporarily close Boardwalk Restaurant.

Photo by Chadd Cawson Continued on page 15...

By Chadd Cawson chadd@thecolumbiavalleypioneer.com

WHY WORK WITH US? • We offer subsidized staff accommodation.

• Competitive compensation.

• A great work environment with opportunities for development and career advancement.

• Extended health benefits after 6 months of employment for full-time employees (Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents only).

• Use of the properties’ facilities including pools and fitness centre.

• The opportunity to live and work in the beautiful Columbia Valley a truly unique mountain culture.

Available positions:

Front Desk $17/ hour Housekeeper $17/ hour Line Cooks $19/ hour Server $15.20/ hour + tips Front Desk Manager Starting salary $45,000 - $55,000 depending on experience.

Apply by visiting our websites’ career page at

www.copperpointresort.com/careers

0911611 BC Ltd. O/A Tim Hortons 496 Highway 93/95, Invermere BC, V0A 1K2 Tim Hortons Invermere is currently looking for

FOOD COUNTER ATTENDANTS Permanent, full-time, part-time, shift, weekend, day, night, evening. $16 per hour + benefits • Start Date: ASAP Please apply via email at timhortons.invermere@gmail.com or in person at 496 Highway 93/95 Invermere, BC

Barista/Sales Person Part-time/Full-time

Career Opportunity for a cheerful, responsible, energetic team member who would enjoy serving our customers and loves fresh pastries and coffee.

If you like to work in a welcoming, quick-paced, creative environment with incentives, we would love to hear from you!

Apply with a resume at the Bakery Store or email to office@invermerebakery.com.

The Invermere Bakery Downtown Invermere Phone: 250.342.4422 Fax: 250-342-4439 www.invermerebakery.com Open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

March 17, 2022

Fulltime

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

Parttime

SPRING Opportunities Employment

...Continued “Shortage” from page 14

wide range of housing options, and reasonable costs will make for a healthy community.”

For those living locally the sky is the limit for upcoming employment opportunities in the valley, but for those that are looking to move to the community from elsewhere, may quickly hit a wall when looking for a place to live, as the housing problem in the valley remains unsolved, making obtaining, and keeping employees a challenge.

General Manager of Eagle Ranch Resort, Kendall Keeley is also looking to hire for all positions for the upcoming tourist season. “It can be a challenge, young people that would jump at the opportunity to come out and do seasonal work, are deciding to stay closer to home, times have changed. I recently got my hands on a study that said the average age to stay and live at home with parents now is 28,” Keeley told the Pioneer.

“The housing crisis here has definitely affected some of our hiring of senior staff in the past,” Keeley adds.

“We have had potential hires turn us down because they will go online and see that there isn’t any rentals or affordable housing available.”

Available housing continues to be a challenge for people already living in the valley, and new hires coming in. Those that have been staying in resorts, and hotels during the off-season will need to find new lodgings, as tourist season quickly approaches.

“Affordable housing is such a challenge,” says Haynes. “It is very important that the local government sees this as a priority, so that View of Eagle Ranch Resort’s outdoor heated patio. The resort is also looking to hire our valley can continue to grow. A for all positions for the upcoming tourist season.

Photo by Haley Grinder

Akiskinook Resort STRATA RESORT GROUNDSKEEPER POSITION SUMMARY – Akiskinook Resort is looking to fill seasonal groundskeeping positions. This is an outdoor hands-on role assisting with lawn maintenance and gardening, as well as care of the marina, beach, tennis courts, boatyard, recreation centre, and overall grounds.

RESPONSIBILITIES – You will be accountable for the overall maintenance of the common areas throughout the resort at a level consistent with the high standards expected of Akiskinook.

QUALIFICATIONS – The successful candidate must possess the following competencies and experience: • High attention to detail • Team player • Ability to run and maintain equipment • A love of the outdoors and a great work ethic Wage will be determined based on experience and qualifications. Resumes may be submitted to akisk01@telus.net or faxed to 250-342-0122.

WE ARE HIRING AT THE Mountain View Resort and Suites!

Food & Beverage Manager Maintenance Technician Food & Beverage Server Cook Room Attendant GIVE US A CALL TODAY 1.877.527.8354 or 780.987.7322

Front Desk Agent Pool Attendant

SEND YOUR RESUME TO: HR@KASTELHOLDINGS.COM DEBRAJ@KASTELHOLDINGS.COM

Subsidised accomodation available with select positions Opportunity to grow within the company Staff get 50% off at the restaurant

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 17, 2022

HERE TO SERVE YOU

CONCRETE I N

P U R S U I T

CONCRETE

READY MIX CONCRETE

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

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)

• 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

• 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

CONTRACTING

Columbia Concrete Inc.

Kekuli Bay Cabinetry

20 years’ experience • Anything concrete!

• • • •

kekulibaycabinetry.com

Basements Garage pads Driveways Patios

• • • •

Decorative Exposed Stamped concrete Acid staining Serving the Columbia Valley

250-688-3739 CONTRACTING

CARPET CLEANING

Richard Vernon – Master Plumber & Gasfitter • Authorized dealer • Designer • Installer

dale@decontracting.ca • 250-341-7098

BROAD

PLUMBI N G &CON T R A C T I N G

LTD

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

250-688-4868

ST

Dale Elliott Contracting

Enjoy life, we’ll clean it up!

rvbroadstreet@gmail.com broadstreetplumbing.com

Call NOW:

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

250-688-0213

INTERIOR • EXTERIOR • WALL COVERINGS

Gary’s

Seniors Discounts

Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood.

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

Professional Painting & Decorating Ltd. 1978 FREE Estimates

Local Resident

CUSTOM WOOD FINISHING FAUX FINISHES JOURNEYMAN RED SEAL

403-650-4622 • garysptg@gmail.com

A licensed, registered and bonded company

We also offer roundthe-clock service calls.

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

TILE AND GROUT CLEANING Business: 250-342-9692

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

ptarmiganrugclean@gmail.com

Zimmer Ranch ~ Windermere

Patryk Jagiello

CHICKS:

STAIN/LACQUER/PAINT INTERIOR/EXTERIOR

• Hatched to order • Incubated year-round • Barn yard mix

patco_dev@shaw.ca

(250) 270-0345 in Calgary since 2002 in Invermere since 2004

Patco Developments Ltd. PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS

Cell: 250-342-1273

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

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

“Fresh every day by happy hens!”

(Lohmann Leghorns, Red Sussex, Whiting True Blue) • Free Range Hens • Multi-coloured layers • Spoiled rotten

zimmerranch@outlook.com • Text: 403-707-5915 1264 Sunridge Road, Windermere

March 17, 2022

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

HERE TO SERVE YOU INSURANCE

INSURANCE

PHARMACY

LAMBERT-KIPP

PHARMACY (2019) LTD. INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

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

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

www.kootenayinsurance.ca

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

Irena Shepard, B.Sc. (Pharm.)., Tannis Hartwig, B.Sc. (Pharm.)., 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

SERVICES

LANDSCAPING THE COLUMBIA VALLEY’S CHOICE FOR

• Septic Tank Pumping • Portable Toilet Rentals

C E R T I F I E D TreeT Pruning REE EXPERTS

WINDERMERE, BC 250-341-7029

Tree Removal Stump Grinding FireSmart Treatmemts Certified. Insured. WCB Coverage

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

GOLDEN, BC 250-344-0188

NEW SEWER CAMERA

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

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

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

• • •

•

Complete sewer/drain repairs Reasonable rates – Seniors’ discount Prompt service

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

250-347-9803 • Interior/Exterior Painting • Staining • Clear Coat • New Construction • Renovations

SERVICES

• • • •

(Servicing the Valley since 1999)

KITCHEN CABINETS & COUNTER TOPS

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

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

20 years experience • Satisfaction guaranteed!

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

IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

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

We give all students 15% off with valid student ID

North American Warranty All Makes and Models Tire Sales and Installation

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

Zimmer Ranch ~ Windermere

Fresh Farm Eggs Available Daily

5

$ 00

“Fresh every day by happy hens!”

/Dozen

• Free Range • Hand Gathered • Farm Fresh• Multi-Colored

zimmerranch@outlook.com • Text: 403-707-5915 1264 Sunridge Road, Windermere

Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700

unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com N E W S PA P E R

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

Scott Postlethwaite

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

Free Estimates

invermereelectric@gmail.com

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

4879 Hwy 9395 Fairmont Hot Springs BC, V0B 1L1

Trenton Mailo Service Technician mailoheating@shaw.ca

Mailo Heating and Cooling

250-270-0324

SERVICE EXCELLENCE

Beat the fall rush ~ clean your Chimney this spring!

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

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE ON ALL WOOD BURNING APPLIANCES • WETT INSPECTIONS

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 17, 2022

P ioneer C lassifieds

• Phone: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 1-855-377-1312 • Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com • Web: www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Please see our employment feature section on pages 14 and 15 for more employment opportunities.

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

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

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

Columbia Valley Food & Farm Fundraiser Time to do some Spring Cleaning!

Donations of Kitchen Wares and Gardening Tools, etc. for our Garage Sale can be dropped off 7 days a week, 9-5 at Winderberry Nursery in Windermere. Help us support and promote a local sustainable food system in the Columbia Valley. Sale will take place Saturday, March 26 10 am - 4 pm at Winderberry Nursery.

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS Cheers to Janine at AG Valley Foods for your outstanding customer service.

CHEERS to Joe/Danny at No Frills for ordering our Furry Friends they’re favorite cat food .We they are soo happy.Can’t beat shopping local.

Big cheers to Fuze Food. As always, the food was excellent but we tried dine-in this time and what a wonderful experience! Lovely ambiance; friendly, courteous service (as always) and enough space for all of us. Cheers, Fuze! You rock!

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

ACCOMMODATIONS WANTED

Cheers to Shannon from Shannon Blinds. It feels like my friend was installing my blinds.

LOVE them, LOVE them!

Retired bachelor seeking rural rent or caretaking accommodation. No vices.

References. 1-250-426-4445.

Cheers to Dale of Dale Elliott Contracting who made a recent house call to repair a pull-out drawer. Upon hearing about the broken drawer, he expressed concern to fix it immediately so that my toes would not be damaged from falling canned goods. Cheers to your great service and prevention of an injury!

COMMERCIAL SPACE

Cheers to the Educators at Windermere Valley Child Care for their dedication, caring and support they give to their children.

Cheers to Sheila Wahl for coming back into our life again and helping us during these difficult times. Your friendship means so much to us.

Cheers to all who attended ERHA St. Patrick’s tea, making it a success. Cheers to the volunteers for their time and ERHA supporters for the many door prizes and raffle items. Columbia Valley rocks!

LISTINGS NEEDED! I WANT TO SELL YOUR HOUSE!

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

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

BUYING OR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202

gerrytaft.ca Personal Real Estate Corporation

Rockies West Realty Independently owned and operated

585 square feet of retail space in Invermere, prime downtown location. Onsite parking, street frontage, deck for additional use. Available immediately. Call Marion at 250-688-2374.

SERVICES

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

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

Over 35 year’s experience.

Call 250-688-2897.

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

Crossroads Market is NOW HIRING for all positions!

• Above industry standard pay.

• Flexible work hours!

We will accommodate your busy schedule.

• Mornings, afternoons and evenings available in the Deli, Bakery, Produce & Meat departments.

• Cashier positions available for mornings, afternoons and evenings • High season bonus beginning on the May long weekend and running through to the September long weekend.

Apply in person at Crossroads Market or email your resume to Kgtltd2020@gmail.com

RidgeView Resort. Full-time Seasonal Landscape Position Job duties are mowing and watering of lawns, maintaining irrigation system and equipment and assisting with general resort maintenance as required. Must be able to work early morning and weekend shifts. This could become a year-round position in our Maintenance Department for the right person.

Dreaming of Summer?

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE

Golf cart and lawn tractor tuneups. Pick up and delivery service available. We buy used golf carts. Call Jeff 250-341-8146.

Please leave a message.

BUYING OR SELLING?

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

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 Elkhorn Country Estates Phase 4 now selling 3.2 to 5.7 acre parcels. Only 3 lots left. Private yet close to town.

Individual wells.

Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-342-1268 www.elkhornranches.com

MISC. FOR SALE For Sale: Power Seat Massager – Total back massaging system.

Use at home, office or car. Comes with A/C - Auto adapter and controller. $40. 250-341-6299 ext. 104.

LEATHER COUCH FOR SALE Leather couch, brown, manual leg support lift. $750 obo. Email for pictures rfr111@hotmail. com. Located in Invermere. PH: 780-399-0142.

Pioneer Classified Advertising 250-341-6299

AARON’S HOME SERVICES -Lawn Care -Yard Cleans -Power Washing 250-342-9222 THE HEARTFELT COMPANION: Services for Seniors Since 2014 we’ve provided kind and compassionate non-medical care, transportation to Cranbrook, overnight care, meal prep, grocery shopping and more.

Excellent local references.

250-341-5683 Heartfeltcompanionservices. com

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.

Helna’s Stube is looking for a part-time evening server please send resume to mail@helnas. com. Phone 250-347-0047.

RidgeView Resort. Full-time Seasonal Landscape Position Student applications welcome, we can accommodate part-time hours during the school year. Job duties are mowing & watering of lawns, maintaining irrigation system and equipment and assisting with general resort maintenance as required.

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!

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

RPT(80%)

CAMPUS: Invermere START DATE: ASAP - Competition # 22-CU-07 CLOSING DATE: Open until filled For a full description of this job posting and instructions on how to apply visit: http://www.cotr.bc.ca/HRD/

cotr.ca

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

March 17, 2022

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

Spring break in the Columbia Valley

By Chadd Cawson chadd@columbiavalleypioneer.com Spring break began on March 14 and will run until March 25 for Rocky Mountain School District No. 6 and both staff and students are more than ready for the break. The Pioneer spoke with Principal Terry Hayes of J.A. Laird Elementary School. “It’s been a unique year for sure, and with the nice weather, and longer days, we are all looking forward to enjoying some time outdoors.” Hayes told the Pioneer that during past breaks a lot of her students have enjoyed skiing with their family up at Panorama Mountain Resort.

For those wondering what to do after the ski season comes to an end, Kootenay Little League Spring Season starts on May 2 for children ages 9 to 15. The nicer weather makes it a great time to play catch with the kids, and prepares them for the upcoming 2022 season— an exciting concept after two years of socially distanced life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information on signing up you can visit http://kootenay-little-league. sportssignup.com/site/. “We are all very happy and excited for our kids that baseball and soccer are coming back this year,” says Hayes.

There are plenty of fun indoor things to do around town too. Some parents were quick on the draw, to sign their children up for Spring Break fun at the Invermere Library where during the break for onehour on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday kids will get to immerse themselves in

activities such as engineering challenges, robot play, and marble art. “Unfortunately, all these programs are already full, we had a great response,” says Blair McFarland of the Invermere Library. “This is our first re-entry back to in-person programming since we haven’t been able to do it for a while.” If your children are a little younger there is still plenty of space for a preschool story time at 10:45 a.m. on Friday, with a special Saturday story reading the same time on March 19.

Enjoy the break by embracing some arts. Parents, and children can learn about the vanishing Bighorn sheep together as the family friendly exhibit runs until March 19. “We currently don’t have any other programs, as we have had to regroup,” says Pynelogs Executive Director Cajsa Fredin. “There is a lot to take in like different skulls of the sheep, and a recording of them fighting.” Black Star Studios will offer four workshops daily Monday to Friday for those ages five and older.

Workshops offered will focus on painting, working with clay, and paper-mache.

Each class costs only $25 per person, making it an affordable and fun activity for the whole family. “We are busy every March break. It’s just as popular as our summer camps,” says Natalie Ruby of Black Star Studios. “It’s great for us, we get to see a lot of locals. It’s the beginning of Spring, people are creating, it’s a lot of fun.”

For more information on Black Star Studio workshops happening during the break visit their calendar at info@blackstarstudio.ca.

val to be seen,” Fraser told the Pioneer.

“Drinkwater is a very Canadian story, Drinkwater is just one of seven films filmed in small town B.C., so it really you can take in for Invermere’s third an- resonates with these types of towns like nual film festival. Individual tickets are Invermere.”

You can find out all the informa$10 while a pass which costs $30 will allow you to see all seven films. Using tion you need for this year’s festival like the CVC theatre, and with some seats showtimes, film descriptions, and more reserved for volunteers, film fans should by visiting https://iff2022.eventive.org/ act fast. “We’ll probably cut the passes welcome “Everything is done online this off at 150 or so,” Johnston said. “We are year, it’s the first time we’ve done it this way, and we will see how it goes,” says not there yet but we are getting there.”

With the theatre world focused on Johnston. “We’re planning to build this event even more over the big blockbustthe next few years.” ers like the Marvel The Invermere movies Fraser really Film Festival is curfeels that festivals rently looking for like the Invermere volunteers for this Film Festival are esyear’s festival. For sential. “It’s really more information nice that there is a home for films like Drinkwater will be the opening-night contact Karina at Drinkwater and the feature film for the Invermere Film Fes- kgaudreau@truekey. other six in the festi- tival at 6:30 p.m. Submitted photo ca

...Continued “Rainforest” from page 12 When these forests are lost it’s not only the trees that are gone; many species that rely upon these forests for survival are also at risk of being lost; including species still undiscovered.

Many of these species and ecological processes provide benefits (ecosystem services) to humans, for instance – air purification, spirituality and cultural connections, recreational opportunities, carbon sequestration, medicinal plants and fungi.

“Endangered southern mountain caribou are one of many species unique to this area and ongoing logging of their old growth habitat is the biggest reason for their decline,” says Sadie Parr, who lives in Golden.

“In some of the areas around Golden, there are still ancient ecosystems that remain untouched with large old trees. If these are to remain for future generations, more people must know

about them so we can take steps to conserve them,” says Parr.

‘Stand With Us’ sees time running out to preserve what remains. In B.C., the forest industry has been legally whittling away at the Inland Rainforest ecosystem at large for decades. “Unless people are aware and knowledgeable about the existence and uniqueness of the Inland Rainforest, we risk losing it and the species within. We want to inspire local interest and discussions about what we already know, and what we still need to know, to preserve the Inland Temperate Rainforest around us,” explains biologist Rachel Darvill, who also calls Golden home.

“We know others love this area as much as we do, and we believe that the vast majority of people would want to see its ecological integrity preserved, especially if they knew that this rare forest exists and how imperilled it is. We may still be able to do that if we start today,” Parr says.

G E T T H AT S U M M E R G L O W ALL YEAR LONG!

...Continued “Film” from page 8

Medical Grade Radio Frequency Full Body Skin Tightening Now in Invermere, BC! TempSure Tightens Skin, Minimizes Fine Lines and Wrinkles without Injections or Downtime.

Book now for your complimentary consultation.

Each week from March 10th - April 7th readers will need to find the Easter egg in the stories. They will be in print and online in 2 places . Readers will need to tell us where they found the Easter egg to be entered into the contest. There will be 2 chances per week; 1 in print and 1 online.

N E W S PA P E R

Email to enter is info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Web: theglowstudio.ca P: 250-409-5395 E: info@theglowstudio.ca The winner will receive a one-night

Stay & Golf Package immerse y ourself

at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort with a $50 CAD Resort Credit.

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

FAITH

God of the messy people

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

By Josh McCallum, 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 Sunday Services, 10:30 a.m., are currently online only, using Zoom. To access the zoom link, please visit our website at wvsm.ca.

Or call 250-342-6644 to leave a message.

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 p.m.

Canadian Martyrs, Invermere: Saturday 5 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.

St. Joseph, Radium: Sunday 11:00 a.m.

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 lutheranstpeter@gmail.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 Kendyn Mackensie • Columbia Valley Branch • 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs 250-439-9041

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your message is resonating with residents and visitors alike.

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

March 17, 2022

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

The Bible is a very interesting book when it comes to the recording of ancient history. Chroniclers in ancient times loved to emphasize their strengths, often to the point of “recording” the impossible to make their nation seem superior.

When it comes to the origins of God’s people, however, we see something a little different. God’s plan to rescue humanity had its beginning with one family, starting with Abraham. His family would become the people of Israel, God’s representative nation, tasked with displaying His goodness to everyone else. This story —in contrast to many origin stories — is a big, ugly mess. Lies, deception, and selfishness litter this account. Take, for example, Abraham’s grandson and his four (!) wives.

Deceived into marrying someone undesirable, he demands the bride he wants. Then when she struggles ...Continued “Steamboat” from page 7 More public consultation on Steamboat will happen in the near future, likely in April or May, and the CVRPI will complete its final report some time in July.

The Steamboat Mountain area begins just northwest of Radium Hot Springs, and then stretches up north of Edgewater, with the eponymous Steamboat Mountain sitting smack in the middle of the area (and giving it its name). It includes six public recreation sites (with a total of 15 campsites), as well as many informal campsites (especially near Radium), the designated Forster Village of Radium Hot Springs

ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK PLAN

Creek Trail winter recreation trail (managed by the Windermere Valley Snowmobile Society), some 17 kilometres of unauthorized non-motorized trails (often used by mountain bikers), 81 kilometres of unauthorized single-track motorized trails used by dirt bikers, and five kilometres of double-track trails used by ATVs. A total of 84 per cent of the Steamboat area (28,000 hectares) is classified as an ungulate winter range, used during the winter by local ungulate species such as elk, deer, and moose.

The world famous Columbia River Wetlands run through the Steamboat area, and there are also five species at risk with important habitat in the area.

Help shape the future of walking and bicycling in Radium!

The Village of Radium Hot Springs is seeking your input to help develop an Active Transportation Network Plan (ATNP) that will guide the future of active transportation in the community. Whether you walk, roll or bicycle, this Plan will help shape the way we move around Radium.

WHAT IS ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION?

to conceive, she offers a servant to have children in her place. If that weren’t enough, then the first wife follows suit, and Jacob is left with four wives and twelve sons, who will come to represent the twelve tribes of Israel.

When I read this story (and the many messy stories like it), I can’t help but wonder why things like these made it into God’s permanent record. Wouldn’t God want his people to be exemplary? Oddly enough, the answer is no!

The story of God’s people is not one of perfect people who earned their standing with God, but of messy people who needed a good God to meet them in their struggle. The messiness of the characters of the Bible shows us who God is—a God who won’t run away from the mess, but who jumps in to redeem it. That is exactly what He did in Jesus. God came to earth and lived the exemplary life and yet was betrayed and killed by the people He came to save. This was the plan, though, for His death in our place was the only way to get us out of the mess of our own making.

Now, regardless of how messy we are, we can come to Him and be made right. No one is too far gone for the God of the Messy People.

Active transportation is any humanpowered way of getting around, such as walking, biking, using a wheelchair or rollerblading. Facilities that support these activities include bike lanes, multi-use trails/pathways, and sidewalks. Other new and emerging transportation modes that are either assisted by or fully powered by electricity (i.e., micro-mobility), such as e-scooters and e-bikes, may also use these facilities.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED ONLINE SURVEY – A survey is open

from February 14 to March 27 to collect feedback from community members. Scan the QR code on your mobile device or visit www.radiumhotsprings.ca/news to access the survey.

Hard copies of the survey are also available for pick up and drop off at the Village Office (4836 Radium Blvd) until March 27.

INTERACTIVE MAP - Take a virtual tour around Radium’s existing sidewalks, trails and pathways and pin your comments on the map to let us know what walking and cycling facilities you like and where you think there is opportunity for improvement.

For more information on the project, visit www.radiumhotsprings.ca/news