Columbia Valley Pioneer, June 23, 2022

June 23, 2022 Vol. 19/Issue 25

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

June 23, 2022

The Columbia Valley

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Shuswap Band celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day on Tuesday, June 21. The day coincides with the summer solstice, an event of particular importance within traditional Indigenous culture. Pictured here is the Grand Entrance Ceremony that was held at noon on the Shuswap Band Hall field.

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invermere.bc.libraries.coop Another beautiful spring Saturday and another great EV Car Show show by Wildsight Invermere. The event provides a chance to chat with EV owners, and service businesses, like Cleanline Automotive, to learn how they made the transition in a mountain town, with four seasons of mountain weather. Community Energy Association brought Gene, a 7,000 lb. portable battery to demonstrate how charging capacity can be moved to meet EV charging needs throughout the Kootenays. While it was there, it silently charged cars and a mobile food truck (possibly a first!). And it can be used for highway construction rerouting, disaster recovery and special events.

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June 23, 2022

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS

Invermere to create short-term rental bylaw District will use both business licenses and temporary use permit to regulate STRs, and is considering steep fines for illegal STR operators

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The District of Invermere is aiming to have a bylaw regulating short term rentals (STRs) in place by this fall.

At its most recent committee meeting, Invermere council received a report from district staff detailing how other B.C. municipalities deal with STRs and outlining options for how Invermere can tackle the issue. The report recommended Invermere take a two pronged approach, using both mandatory business licensing and temporary use permits (TUPs) to manage STRs in the district.

Council then directed staff to begin creating a draft bylaw regulating STRs, as well to draft how-to-guides and applications forms for STRs owners seeking business licenses and TUPs. It also directed staff to plan public consultation with local residents, businesses and STR operators.

STRs in Invermere and elsewhere in the Columbia Valley have been an issue for almost a decade, but one that has generated increasing controversy in recent years and the sheer number of them has exploded. Critics have slammed STRs for decreasing the already scant amount of long term rental housing here for both residents and local businesses employees, for contributing to skyrocketing housing prices, and for leading to noisy parties in quite neighbourhoods, parking issues, and trash left out

(and attracting bears) by departing weekend visitors. Fans of STRs, on the other hand, point out that the earnings from them greatly help people who might not otherwise be able to afford their homes, and that the staggering variety of accommodation options offered by STRs brings many more tourists to the valley than in the past.

Other resort municipalities in B.C. began taking official steps to regulate STRs as early as five years ago.

Radium Hot Springs became the first community in the Columbia Valley to begin that process starting in 2019, and last summer it officially adopted its STR bylaw. The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) began looking at STRs in 2021, and its board of directors voted this past April to use TUPs to regulate them.

Radium’s bylaw ultimately took two years to come to fruition, and the RDEK’s efforts are still far from finished, despite being already more than a year in the making. Frustrated local residents have pressed Invermere in recent months, asking why it appears to be dragging its feet and letting other municipal entities lead the charge on STRs. Council members had often, in response, cited a desire to learn from other communities’ trial and error before embarking on Invermere’s own STR regulation process.

Having started slowly, in that respect, the district is now sprinting to the finish line, with plans to have a bylaw and the TUPs in place in less than four months time.

“We took some time, it’s true. We really wanted to dig into what others were doing to find out what works well and what doesn’t. We wanted to get this right. And staff have done a great job, so we can now move ahead quickly,” Invermere Mayor Al Miller told the Pioneer.

“Hopefully we will bring it (the bylaw) to adoption before the end of our term as council (prior to the municipal election in October). We were slower going in the first stages, but hopefully this is now resulting in a faster process overall, and will result in us having something that works fairly well right out of the gate as opposed to something that needs to be revisited not long after being introduced. Several communities with STR regulations have ended up having to redo their bylaw, and then redo again and again.”

The report did indeed include a very thorough comparison table comparing and contrasting other resort municipalities’ efforts to manage STRs. Of the two-pronged approach recommended for Invermere, the report made the case that “if the TUP approach is pursued along with a rigorous STR business licence and regulation bylaw, as well as supporting application forms and information brochures... district staff believe the combined package will be especially effective.” TUPs are more flexible than zoning, noted the report.

Continued on page 7...

Missing paddler on Bugaboo Creek well as ground searchers.

“Columbia Valley RCMP are asking pedestrians to avoid the search area, Earlier this week Columbia Valley namely the banks around the Lower Search and Rescue volunteers and Co- Bugaboo Falls area and Bugaboo Creek, lumbia Valley RCMP were out in force, to allow search teams to work freely,” searching for a kayaker who had gone said Columbia Valley RCMP Sergeant missing on Bugaboo Darren Kakuno.

Creek.

The RCMP supplied an Peter Jolles, 46, image of Jolles (shown beof Virginia, set out low) and said he was last seen on Sunday, June 19, wearing a black dry suit, grey on a solo kayaking life jacket and white helmet. trip down the creek, Jolles is described as a Cauwhich like other locasian man, standing 6’5, cal rivers and lakes Peter Jolles smiles with his kayak. weighing 180 lbs, with a Photo submitted by RCMP fit physique and shoulder is full and roiling with spring runoff. Later that same day length wavy hair. he did not appear at his designated pickOn Tuesday, June 21 at 4:05 p.m., up location as expected, and was report- RCMP released a statement saying they ed missing to police. suspended their search after exhaustive The RCMP received the report at efforts in dangerous conditions. In the 8:23 p.m. and immediately contact- release, Sergeant Kakuno stated, "At this ed Columbia Valley Search and Res- point, we have exhausted land and air cue (CVSAR). A rescue hasty team set search efforts, and conditions are far too out by air and ground teams searched dangerous for continued water efforts. the road and river into the night. The We will look at these opportunities in searchers found Jolles’s green inflatable the future when water levels recede." He green kayak, but not Jolles. adds that the Columbia Valley RCMP On the morning of Monday, June will continue to investigate until such 20, the search resumed and was expand- time that Jolles is located. ed, with members of Golden Search Anybody with information about and Rescue and Kimberley Search and Jolles’s whereabouts should contact the Rescue joining the efforts. The rescue Columbia Valley RCMP at 1-250-342includes both swift water technicians as 9292 and cite file 2022-1463.

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PROFESSIONAL FILM PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED

This past week, June 13 through June 19, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 60 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

• On Monday, June 13 at about 9:30 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop with a Ford F350 pickup on Highway 93/95 near Invermere and discovered one of the passengers had an outstanding arrest warrant. The passenger was arrested and during the search of the individual, a quantity of a suspected illicit substance was located and seized. The adult male was released on an Appearance Notice to attend court on a later date.

• On Monday, June 13 at about 11:45 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop with a Lexus RC300 on Highway 93/95 near Fairmont Hot Springs. The driver was not able to produce insurance or registration for

the vehicle and the officer formed suspicion the driver had alcohol in his system. The driver complied with a roadside breath demand and blew two “fails”. As a result, the driver was issued a 90-day immediate roadside driving prohibition, a violation ticket for failing to produce registration/insurance and his vehicle was impounded for 30-days.

• On Thursday, June 16 at about 1 a.m., Columbia Valley RCMP officers conducted a road check on 4 th Street in Invermere and while doing so, spoke to the driver of a Ford F350 pickup. While speaking to the driver, the officer noticed an open can of liquor in the cup holder and formed suspicion the driver had alcohol in his system. The driver complied with a roadside breath demand and blew two “warns”. As a result, the driver was issued a 3-day immediate roadside driving prohibition.

• On Saturday, June 18, the operator of a Hyundai Tucson discovered someone had cut the fuel line and stole approximately half a tank of fuel from the vehicle while it was parked at the visitor centre in Radium Hot Springs. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbia Valley RCMP or Crimestoppers.

Lake Windermere Pulse Check www.lakeambassadors.ca

Submitted by Lake Windermere Ambassadors, June 21, 2022

d, 1972

June 23r

Happy 50th Anniversary Wayne & Mimi Love from your family

Average Water Temperature: 16.3 Average Water Depth (m): 4.87 Average Turbidity (NTU): 5.25 Average D.O. (mg/L): 6.46 Average pH (H+): 8.1 It was a sunny, yet windy day for our weekly sampling.

The water temperature has been on the rise and is perfect for a quick dip. The depth has risen quite a bit in the last two weeks so now is a great time to put your boats in. Thank you to this week’s citizen scientist volun-

teers, Eleanor Lynn from Sunderland, UK and Allie Freezell from Kitchener, ON .

To join the Ambassadors out on the lake on a Tuesday morning this summer, please contact Emma at intern@lakeambassadors.ca The Lake Windermere Ambassadors would like to thank the Columbia Basin Trust, Columbia Valley Community Foundation, Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund, BC Gaming Grants, District of Invermere, Regional District of East Kootenay, Canada Summer Jobs, Eco Canada, BC Conservation and Biodiversity Awards and community donors for supporting our 2022 programming.

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June 23, 2022

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

Affordable and employee housing project aims to start construction this summer

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Ground has broken on a new project that aims to provide affordable housing for valley residents and workforce housing for local business employees.

Trees have been cleared and some dirt work been done in recent weeks at the Pinetree Valley development at the corner of 15th Avenue and Pinetree Road, close to Eileen Madson Primary (EMP) School.

Project developers Generation Homes are currently awaiting development permits from the District of Invermere, and if those are granted soon, the company plans to start construction this summer.

In total, Pinetree Valley will encompass 108 housing units, all in fourplexes, spread across 27 different buildings, and development will proceed in two phases, explained Generation Homes President Christine Scott. Each building will be built in the style of a single family home.

Some of the units will be one bedroom homes, and a few will be three bedrooms, but most will have two bedroom homes.

The first phase will include 32 homes, ranging in size from 550 square feet to 1,400 square feet, which will be sold at affordable prices. Scott said there are no firm prices yet, but that the one bedroom homes will likely cost under $300,000, and the two bedroom homes will be around $350,000, which she noted “is much more affordable than pretty much anything else available right now.”

The second phase will see 76 rental homes built and will involve Generation Homes partnering with the nonprofit Columbia Valley Housing Society. The society is still forming, with those efforts are being spearheaded by the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce (CVCC).

“The idea is that once that part of the project is established, they’ll be able to maintain the rental rates,” said Scott.

There will also be four single family homes at the top of the hillside the development includes, which will be sold at

market rates. All homes will be built to at least B.C. Energy Step Code Level Three, and some quite possibly will be built to Level Four, which Scott noted will mean “super low utility costs” and she added that the single family home building style means the project “will fit into the neighbourhood really well.” Generation Homes is keen to start building in July, if possible.

“The land is clear, we just are waiting for the final go ahead from the District of Invermere and hopefully we can then start selling soon,” she said.

CVCC Executive Director Pete Bourke told the Pioneer that in fact the Pinetree Valley development was the impetus for the chamber to take a leadership role in forming the still nascent Columbia Valley Housing Society. “Christine’s project really expedited our efforts with the society,” said Bourke. He cautioned that since the society has not yet officially formed, “all the details are still to be determined” but added that if things go to plan the society would “take as many units (in Pinetree Valley) as we feel would be needed or could be redistributed.”

There are different homeownership models under consideration. Bourke repeatedly emphasized that nothing is set in stone yet, but explained that options being discussed include outright ownership (by individuals and businesses), workforce rental opportunities, as well as resident-restricted entry level equity positions in which individuals who live in or work in the Columbia Valley year-round can purchase homes with a “capped equity model, which would be different than the open market.”

“It’s a great step in the right direction.

I think everybody will agree it’s a much needed model,” said Bourke. “But there are still quite a lot of details to iron out...

Once the society is formed, hopefully we’ll have some more answers and clearer details on how this will work and what our role in the project will be.” The society is currently working on registering its name and forming a board of directors.

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PERSPECTIVE

June 23, 2022

Historical Lens

More Publishers Need a Fair Deal

Submitted by Paul Deegan, President and CEO of News Media Canada and Maria Saras-Voutsinas, Executive Director of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada.

During the 2021 federal election campaign, several political parties made commitments to introduce news remuneration legislation.

Why is such legislation needed?

First, the need for strong, independent local news has never been higher – it keeps communities connected and informed on issues that are impacting them directly. Covering city hall, provincial and territorial legislatures, our courts, and holding parliamentarians to account is vital to our democracy. We asked Pollara, a leading research firm, to put a question to Canadians. 90 per cent of respondents said they believe it’s important that local media outlets survive. And for those outlets to survive, they must be commercially viable.

Second, there is a significant imbalance of power between tech giants and Canadian news outlets. To put this in perspective, the market capitalization of Google is about $2.3 trillion; Meta is over half a trillion. Together, that’s larger than the GDP of Canada, Brazil, Italy, or India. On a combined basis, these companies take of online ad revenues stands at more than 80 per cent. And the pandemic has only worsened the situation.

Third, with the prospect of Canadian legislation, Google and Meta negotiated content licensing agreements with a dozen or so news publishers, including large players like the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star. These publishers should be getting compensated for their content. But we now have a situation of haves and have nots among Canada’s news publishers with Google and Meta picking winners and losers. And that’s not fair – especially to many smaller publishers who have been left out in the cold.

In April, Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage, introduced bill C-18, the Online News Act. According to that same Pollara survey, 80 per cent of Canadians support parliament passing a law that would let smaller outlets negotiate collectively with the web giants.

Our organizations represent hundreds of trusted news titles in every province and territory, supporting this legislation for three reasons.

First, it allows us publishers to come together and negotiate collectively. Currently, the Competition Act bars us from forming a collective. Given the overwhelming power imbalance, we will be in a stronger bargaining position if we stand together.

Second, it includes an enforcement mechanism.

Baseball-style final offer arbitration ensures that parties

Two cars on wooden truss bridge. Located at Toby Creek. C1707, 1934, courtesy of Windermere District Historical Society. put their best offer forward and the arbitrator picks one or the other. The hammer of arbitration incents both sides to reach a fair settlement on their own.

Third, similar legislation in Australia is working. According to Rod Sims, the former chair of the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission, the amounts paid to news organizations were over $200 million.

More important than how much is who reached content licensing agreements. Country Press Australia, an affiliation of 160 smaller regional newspapers, was able to reach settlements with Google and Meta. More recently, a group of 24 small Australian publishers reached a deal with Google. We believe that Google, to their credit, has signed a content licensing agreement with every eligible Australian publisher.

Bill Grueskin, Professor of Professional Practice at Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism wrote in a paper for the Judith Neilson Institute, “Monica Attard, a journalism professor in Sydney, says she can’t persuade most students to take internships these days because it’s so easy for them to land full-time jobs — and she assumes the code deserves much of the credit: ‘I swear to

God, I have not seen it like this in 20 years’.”

While there are clear benefits to publishers from collective negotiation, the question is: How should members of each collective organize themselves in a way that is inclusive, fair, and transparent to all its members?

As a matter of principle, News Media Canada and the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada believe that publishers large and small should benefit equally from any settlement – based on their proportionate investment in newsroom employees. Simply put, any settlements from collective negotiation would be shared among publishers on a pro rata basis – based on their total salaries and wages paid to eligible newsroom employees – less the expenses associated with this collective negotiation.

C-18 builds on the success of Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code. While not a silver bullet, it brings the value of trustworthy, high quality Canadian journalistic content to readers through more licensing deals, which will allow more publishers to reinvest in their newsroom and in their digital business transformation.

The Columbia Valley

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

Pioneer

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

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

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

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Associate Publisher/ Sales Manager Ext. 102

Haley Grinder Editor Ext. 107

Steve Hubrecht Magazine Editor/ Reporter Ext. 105

Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Ext. 106

Lerissa McLaughlin Christina Boucher Sales Office Representative Administrator Ext. 103 Ext. 101

Emily Rawbon Graphic Design Ext. 104

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

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

June 23, 2022 ...Continued “Bylaw” from page 3 “You’ll need both a business license and TUP to run an STR,” Miller told the Pioneer. “Using TUPs gives us as a district a bit more control, because it is much easier to revoke a TUP than a business license, if the conditions are not being met, and because by their very nature TUPs must be renewed.”

This means if owners are not managing an STR responsibly and in a way that respects neighbours — if the STR frequently accommodates far more people that it is legally allowed to, if there are many loud drunken parties, or plenty of garbage left out, for instance — “then they won’t be able to carry on,” said Miller.

He also explained that TUPs in addition to business licenses also makes sense for STRs because “there’s a lot of significant differences when it comes to running an STR, in terms of the impact to the community, as compared with

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

running a retail business in the commercial downtown core.”

Miller said that there although the draft STR bylaw obviously has yet to be drawn up “there will likely be a part of that lays out that STR owners or operators need to be on site themselves or appoint or hire a manager who is in close proximity to the property, who can respond promptly to any issues that arise ...STRs can be a positive thing, but they need to be managed property, not just be a revolving door of partiers.”

The STR bylaw will likely include significant financial penalties for those who break it, added Miller, noting that nearby Kimeberley’ STR bylaw carries $50,000 fines.

“We’ve had a bit of discussion and the feeling is, they’ve (the fines) got to be reasonably stiff, so that would-be illegal STR operators don’t just view the fine as their cost of doing business,” he said.

Invermere to adopt plastic bag ban

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The District of Invermere appears to be heading in the direction of banning single-use plastic checkout bags.

Invermere resident Steph Van de Kemp — along with her husband Aaron and three daughters — lobbied Invermere council about banning plastic bags in the district once again last week, picking up an effort she had begun in 2018 and 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic put it on pause. This time, however, council members were solidly enthusiastic about the idea across the board — a noticeable contrast to the mixed reactions Van de Kemp’s campaign has gotten from council in the past.

“We’ve done this before,” Van de Kemp said during the Tuesday, Jun. 14 meeting, referencing her last appearance before council, back in December 2019.

“But a lot has changed.” She noted that since then, both the federal government and the provincial government have made announcements about plastic bag bans, that the number of B.C. municipalities with local bans in place or in process has grown to 34, and that even Walmart has stopped using single use plastic bags.

“We are seeing this movement progressing,” said Van de Kemp, adding, however, that “it’s hard to comprehend the magnitude of the plastic problem.”

She pointed out that plastics are now in every level of the global ecosystem, are in fact part of the geologic fossil record, are literally in our food, and have become a part of human physiology.

Van de Kemp referenced some doubts council had voiced previously, back in 2019, about a plastic bag ban in Invermere — that there may be legal challenges, and that it may not be easy to enforce such a ban — and noted that other B.C.

municipalities that have implemented such bans have managed to navigate those potential hurdles.

“I see (banning) plastics as lowing hanging fruit...It can be done,” said Van de Kemp, adding that in 2018 a District of Invermere opinion poll (held in conjunction with the municipal election) showed more than 70 per cent of local residents in favour of a plastic bag ban, and a 2019 petition by Invermere residents in favour of plastic bag ban garnered 1,073 signatures.

“Your constituents have spoken. The opinion poll, although not binding, was very clear,” said Van de Kemp.

She outlined that multiple local businesses, both large and small, have already taken action and stopped their use of plastic bags, but noted that others have not.

That’s why a bylaw banning plastic bags is needed, said Van de Kemp.

“It’s attainable. I agree with you. I think it’s time, I think we’re there. There’s enough examples (of other B.C. communities with plastic bag bans) out there. I don’t know why we’re not going ahead with it,” said Councillor Greg Anderson.

He added that the district is currently in the process of hiring an environmental planner, and that once somebody has filled the position, one of the first tasks for the job could be to create a draft plastic bag ban bylaw for council to review.

“It’s time to move forward. It needs to be put on a priority list,” said Invermere Mayor Al Miller, adding the environmental planner, once hired, could work out the details of a plastic bag ban ahead of time, even before it officially makes a strategic priority list, so that as soon as it is on list, action can be taken swiftly.

Van de Kemp received sustained applause from the large public audience (most of who were attending the meeting for a different issue) as she sat down at the

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June 23, 2022

Columbia Valley Pride Festival returns

Public notice:

Canadian Navigable Waters Act British Columbia Hydro & Power Authority (BC Hydro) hereby gives notice that a submission has been added to the Common Project Search (online registry) pursuant to the Canadian Navigable Waters Act described herein and its description.

Pursuant to paragraph 4(l) of the said Act, British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority has deposited a notification of a minor work in accordance with the requirements set out on the External Submission Site, on the online Common Project Search Registry (at cps.canada.ca) and under registry number 5208, a description of the following work: Proposed construction of a 25kV three-phase aerial cable watercourse crossing over the Spillimacheen River from District Lot 11455 Kootenay District to District Lot 11454 Kootenay District except part included in Plan NEP19781, spanning over that portion of unsurveyed Crown Land being the bed of the Spillimacheen River at approximately 50°54’11.77”N, 116°24’30.38”W. Posted at Cranbrook, British Columbia this 1st day of June, 2022.

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Present…

Summer Gardening Workshops Eager to learn how to do a little more for the sustainability of the earth?

Groundswell and Home Hardware Summer Gardening Workshops are coming soon.

small towns can be a challenge, especially for youth - you lose the nebulousness of the city, and it can be hard to live your This year will mark Columbia Valley’s truth. But we’re here, we’re always availthird annual Pride Festival, to be held on able to talk, and we’re excited to meet new June 25 from 12 to 4 p.m. The celebration people this summer.”

June is Pride month (officially deof diversity and love will be held at the surrounding greenspace of CPR Lodge, clared in Canada back in 2016) and is a located by Kinsmen Beach in Invermere. time for Canadians to celebrate unique“We’re just rediscovering how to host ness and diversity in an inclusive environevents, while I can’t say we’ve made leaps ment for LGBTQ2IA+ communities.

Columbia Valley Pride has been celeand bounds in terms of scale, we’ve definitely got last year’s beat,” says Darian brating pride for the past five years and is Ariss (she/her), board member since 2019 currently comprised of eight, local active and recently-elected acting president. members. However, due to the pandemic, There will be a silent auction, vendors, the last two years were celebrated differlive music, and activities for kids. An am- ently, with brightly-decorated vehicles paateur drag show will run from 7 to 9 p.m. rading through town.

“It’s such a relief to see people again, “We’re so very grateful to have an actual festival again this year,” says Ariss. to be able to interact outside of a staticky “It’s important to us that we establish our- Zoom meeting, to get to know someone selves in the community and let the valley as a person instead of their email address. know that they’ve got allies and support I want people to know that the queer pophere if needed. Finding queer spaces in ulation here isn’t just a statistic. We’re a community and that there are absolutely people here - most of the populace, in fact - who you can be your authentic true self with,” she says. “Hopefully they can meet a few of them at our festival.”

The most amazing thing about the world we live in is its diversity. So let your rainbow flag fly, and come celebrate love and inclusive pride this Saturday. For more information on Come and celebrate Pride month with Columbia Val- Columbia Valley Pride or the ley Pride on June 25 from 12 to 4 at CPR Lodge near event, visit www.columbiavalKinsmen Beach. Wave your rainbow flag and celebrate leypride.org. diversity and love.

Photo Submitted

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

If you have a gardening topic you want to learn more about or teach to others please let us know groundswellnetworksociety@gmail.com

REGISTER NOW!

Watch for upcoming summer and fall garden tours in Invermere, Wilmer, Windermere, Radium and Spilli. If you have a garden we could learn from – either problems, beauty, specialities or other topics of interest please contact us.

Lake Windermere Alliance Church Vacation Bible School Kids Camp is back!

July 11-15 from 9 am to noon each day.

See you in the garden.

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

This program is for children entering Kindergarten in September, up to and including completed Gr 6.

Cost is $20/child for the week which includes a T-Shirt.

Register at lwac.ca and email your fillable registration form to kids@lwac.ca

June 23, 2022

Columbia House Healing Gardens holds grand opening

will be held here and it will be available for weddings, and for grads to get their photos taken. It’s just a beautiful spot for people to come.”

Local bands L8 and Smarty Pants entertained those Life moves pretty fast, so stop and smell the garden flowers. Invigorating fresh aromas and the rippling in attendance under the fully wired for power canopy. sounds of water flowing down a rock fountain are sure “Every Tuesday musicians play here year-round,” to soothe the senses on even the hardest of days. Serenity says Newton. “It’s weather dependent of course in the and pleasure can be found at the Columbia House Heal- gardens under the canopy, but we’ve already had L8 ing Gardens, now open to the public. Columbia House come out to play on our nicer days this year.” L8 and loHealing Gardens-A Place for Peace had its grand opening cal musician Mike Smith wrote and performed their own on June 21, our summer solstice from 1 to 3:30 p.m. original tributes to Columbia House on Tuesday’s Grand “We’re really happy with how it came out. We want opening. Interior Health, and head gardener Elizabeth to get the word out that this is a public facility that we en- Shopland spoke to the benefits of the garden, while other courage the community to use, says John Newton, Pres- dignitaries such as Mayor Al Miller spoke at the event. ident of the Columbia House Enhancement Society “It’s The ribbon was cut at 2 p.m., declaring Columbia House called a Place of Peace, and that’s really the idea. Events Healing Garden- A Place for Peace a public space.

“This is an amazing place,” Mayor Al Miller told the Pioneer. “All the folks that have participated in the building of the gardens have done a great job! It’s going to be a huge community asset for both residents and citizens alike to enjoy. I’m certainly very pleased to be a part of it.”

Columbia House Healing Gardens started its first phase four years ago when what was once just an open field would become a space where people could just go and sit and enjoy. What was supposed to be a two-year project doubled in length due to the pandemic. The upper patio above the gardens belongs to the 35 resiResidents of Columbia House cut the ribbon at 2 p.m. on Tues- dents of the long-term care facility which is intended day, Jun. 21 for the grand opening of the Columbia House for them, staff, and visitors.

Healing Gardens-A Place of Peace, declaring it a public space Continued on page 19... for all to enjoy.

Photo by Chadd Cawson

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

Alex & Carol MacKay

Learn to Swim

Please join us for swim lessons at Fairmont Hot Springs Pool

Please contact info@rockymountainswimlessons.ca

GARAGE SALE Saturday, June 23rd 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Next to the Courthouse (Invermere) Proceeds will go towards sponsoring Rotary projects.

Many thanks for your support!

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

June 23, 2022

June 23, 2022

cvevents cv events.ca .ca

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

WHAT’S HAPPENING? POWERED BY THE COLUMBIA VALLEY CHAMBER

Thursday, June 23 • 9-11 a.m.: Strong start sessions (drop-in program for caregivers and children ages 0-6). Thursdays are at MME Elementary (Canal Flats). Call 250-409-4251 to reserve.

• 10-11:30 a.m.: Free Parent and Tot Connect for kids 0-6 at the Early Years Center; 926 7th Avenue in Invermere. Call or text 250-341-8678 to register.

• 10:15 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Tech Time Thursdays at the Invermere Library. Need help with your electronics? Call to book your free appointment: 250-342-6416.

1:30-4:30 p.m. - continues at the Radium Library.

• 10:30 a.m.: Drop-in seniors’ fitness class at the Columbia Valley Centre for $2/ class.

• 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, skate nights, VR, gaming, music.

• 3:45-5:15 p.m.: Teen Hiking Club. Meet outside the College doors, for grades 10-12 • 6 p.m.: Darts, Cards and Cribbage at the Invermere Legion every Thursday.

• 6-8 p.m.: Steamboat Mountain Pickleball. At the Radium Rink • 7 p.m.: Drop-in adult dance classes At Confi-Dance athletics: confidanceathletics.com

Friday, June 24 • 9-10:30 a.m.: Momfit and preschool group at the Columbia Valley Centre.

Stay for Family Storytime (10:45) for stories, songs and crafts.

• 9-11 a.m.: Strong Start Sessions: a drop-in program for caregivers and children ages 0-6 at Edgewater Elementary. Call 250-409-4251 to reserve.

• 11-1 p.m.: Co-ed Tennis. Drop in Doubles at Kinsmen Beach.

• 12 & 5 p.m.: Edgewater Legion wing day! 12 p.m.: Takeout, 5 p.m. dine-in, call 250-347-9725 • 1 p.m.: Seniors’ duplicate bridge: Costs $2 at the Senior’s Hall.

• 3 p.m.: Free youth Drop-in Youth Fun at the Summit Youth Centre. See above for info.

• 3:45 p.m.: Summer Break Parade in Edgewater. Ride your bike, pull a wagon, ride your scooter or walk with us! Dress up and decorate your ride to win a prize. Starting point is at the Edgewater Legion. All ages

Monday, June 27 scan me!

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

• 4-7 p.m.: Market on Main At the Radium Visitor Centre Lawn.

• 5 p.m.: Magic the Gathering. Friday Night Magic playing Magic the Gathering.

Entry $10-$40 depending. Call 250-342-3440, space 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.

• 10:30 p.m.: 80’s Night with Val Killmer and the New Coke at Ullr! 80s cover band and an 80s best dressed contest at Ullr. Tickets are $20.

Saturday, June 25 • 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Invermere Farmers Market. At the Lakeview Parking lot (528 6th Ave, Invermere) • 12-4 p.m.: Columbia Valley Pride Festival at the CPR lodge and Greenspace by Kinsmen beach. Live performances, crafts, bake sale, vendors, and activities.

Head to Horsethief pub at 9pm for April Storm’s Birthday Drag Show!

• 2-8 p.m.: Columbia Valley Smokeshow BBQ Festival at the Invermere Visitor Centre Parking lot & Ball Diamonds.

• 4-8 p.m.: Pub Grub at the Invermere Legion, Fridays and Saturdays.

• 7 p.m.: Requiem for a Glacier opening Reception at the Columbia Valley Centre. Scheduled events at 3:00pm until June 30.

Sunday, June 26 • 9 a.m.: Hike/Walk in Memory and in support of Hospice. Take a leisurely walk or a longer guided hike, bring your own picnic. 9am registration, 10:30am walk begins ($30/ adult, $5/ child) at K2 Ranch.

• 9 a.m.: Bottle drive - Rotary Fundraiser. The Rotary Club collects refundable bottles at the Invermere Transfer Station. Raised funds are used for the community.

• 12-5 p.m.: Columbia Valley Smokeshow. At the Invermere Visitor Centre and Baseball Diamonds • 1 p.m.: Seniors Cribbage: Costs $2 in the Senior’s Hall.

• 2-4 p.m.: Steamboat Mountain Pickleball. Edgewater Franks Rink.

• 9 a.m.: Bottle drive - Rotary Fundraiser. The Rotary Club collects refundable bottles at the Invermere Transfer Station. Raised funds are used for the community.

• 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Seniors Fitness. Columbia Valley Community Centre on Mondays and Thursdays ($2). Email events@invermere.net or call 250-342-9281 ext. 1232.

• 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Co-ed Tennis. Drop in Doubles at Kinsmen Beach.

• 1:30 p.m.: Seniors Carpet Bowling. Join us for $2 at the Senior’s Hall.

• 4-7 p.m.: Youth LGBTQ+ and 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 caregivers and children ages 0-6. Mondays are at Eileen Madson Primary + light dinner. Call 250-409-4251 to reserve.

• 6:30 p.m.: Poker Night at the Station Pub: Chip up for Charity. Every second Monday, bar is open with light snacks, 19+.

• 6 p.m.: Adult Co-ed Soccer Drop in. Facebook group has updates and details..

Tuesday, June 28 • 9-11 a.m.: Strong Start. A drop-in program for caregivers and children ages 0-6).

Tuesdays are at Edgewater Elementary. Call 250-409-4251 to reserve.

• 10 a.m.: Free Parents and Tot Connect: by Family Dynamix for children ages 0-6 at the Early Years Center; 926 7th Ave, Invermere. Text/call 250-341-8678 to register.

• 3 p.m.: Free youth drop-in Youth Fun: at the Summit Youth Centre. See above for info • 7 p.m.: Drop-in Adult Dance Classes: Join Confi-Dance athletics on Tuesdays for Hip Hop & Burlesque.

More at confidanceathletics.com • 6-8 p.m.: Steamboat Mountain Pickleball. Edgewater Franks Rink • 6-8:30 p.m.: Second Winds Community Band Rehearsal: Tuesdays at the Invermere Catholic Hall. Dust off your old instruments and join. Contact Ian at 250-342-9733.

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

Wednesday, June 29 • 9-11 a.m.: Strong Start a drop-in program for caregivers and children ages 0-6 at Eileen Madson Primary. Call 250-409-4251 to reserve.

• 10 a.m.: Seniors Yoga: Columbia Valley Community Centre ($2). Email events@invermere.net or call 250-342-9281 ext. 1232. (Canceled June 29) • 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Seniors catch up (Zoom): Family Dynamix Catch up Café. Join us if you have felt isolated during the pandemic. Email Tricia at patkin@familydynamix.ca .

• 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Co-ed Tennis. Drop in Doubles at Kinsmen Beach.

• 12 p.m.: Seniors duplicate Bridge: $2 at the Senior’s Hall.

• 12-8 Wear Wednesdays. Come to Arrowhead Brewery wearing our swag for $1 off your pint.

• 3 p.m.: Free youth Drop-in Centre: at the Summit Youth Centre.

• 3-6:30 p.m.: Agri-Park Farmers Market. At the Crossroads.

• 7 p.m.: Drop-in Adult dance Classes: Salsa class. More at confidanceathletics.com

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

June 23, 2022

Quick reaction keeps Edgewater basement blaze confined the quick and coordinated efforts of the firefighters, they were able to confine the fire to the basement and save the structure,” said Columbia Valley Rural Fire and Rescue Swift reactions from Edgewater, Radium and Wind- Duty Chief Joss Advocaat. “The crews from all three deermere firefighters and an Edgewater homeowner helped partments did an excellent job working together on this call, and ensuring the fire didn’t spread.” keep a blaze in a local basement contained.

The firefighters sprayed water from hoses from the At about 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Jun. 15, Edgewater fire department firefighters responded to a house fire in basement door, explained Sinclair, adding that “there were never flames evident from outside, but it was clear the 5700 block of Vermillion Street in Edgewater.

“The call came after a homeowner discovered smoke there was a fire in the building.”

Sinclair credited the homeowner with finding the fire coming from their basement,” Columbia Valley Rural quickly, calling for help right away, Fire and Rescue Chief Drew and then swiftly getting himself and Sinclair told the Pioneer.

A total of eight firefighters his two dogs out of the home. “Early detection plus a quick response from from Edgewater soon arrived the fire team meant a good result this on scene and were then joined time,” he said. by five firefighters and an enAn emergency social services regine from the Radium Fire Desponse, provided by the Canadian partment and four firefighters Red Cross, was activated and provided and an engine from the Windermere Fire Department.

Members of the Edgewater, Radium and Wind- the homeowner with accommodation.

The cause of the fire “is still un“When we arrived, it was ermere Fire Departments responded to a strucdetermined the fire originat- ture fire in the 5700 block of Vermillion Street der investigation at this time,” Sinclair ed in the basement. Thanks to in Edgewater last week. Photo by B. Rossman told the Pioneer.

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

A Recre

ation Community

Visit our stunning show home Thursday 12 pm - 5 pm Friday 12 pm - 7 pm Saturday 10 am - 6 pm Sunday 10 am - 4 pm Or by appointment, 250-688-1247.

1925 Pineridge Mountain Run, Invermere, BC

7th ANNUAL

SRL K2 Ranch

Hike & Walk for Hospice

Sunday, June 26th

Walk in Memory

Historic K2 Ranch on Westside Rd From Invermere: 12.3 km south of JA Laird School From Fairmont: West on Hwy 93/95; then north 13.3 km on Westside Rd

Walk in Support Join us for a leisurely walk or longer guided hike.

Bring-your-own picnic lunch and water bottle.

DOGS ON LEASH WELCOME

EVERYONE WELCOME • RAIN OR SHINE

9:00 am Register & Check-in 10:00 am Barn Tour 10:30 am Hike & Walk Starts $30 / Adult, $5 / Child (12 and under)

The 11th Annual

Steamboat Mountain Music Festival Edgewater, BC

Register Online:

HospiceSocietyCV.com Special Thanks to ranch owners Bob & Barb Shaunessy for inviting us to hike at K2 Ranch

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

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

ANNUAL REPORT AND MEETING Pursuant to Section 98 of the Community Charter (BC), the Annual Report for the District of Invermere will be presented during the June 28th, 2022 Regular Meeting of Council. The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at 914-8th Avenue, Invermere, B.C. Council invites submissions and questions concerning the Annual Report. In order to be considered they need to be submitted to the Municipal Office before 4:30 pm on Tuesday, June 28th, 2022.

Please email submissions, questions, or comments to info@invermere.net Copies of the Annual Report are available for public inspection at: • District of Invermere webpage: www.invermere.net • District of Invermere Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ districtofinvermere • District of Invermere Municipal Office located at 914 – 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC VOA 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934 (copies are available during regular business hours, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm) Questions concerning the content of the Annual Report may also be addressed to District staff by email, telephone call, or in person.

Andrew Young, MCIP, RPP Chief Administrative Officer

FRIDAY, JULY 8

FEATURING:

SUNDAY, JULY 9

• Columbia River Dancers from Shuswap Band • A-Muse Troupe • Kootenay Lately • Broke Down Trucks • The Wardens • Tiller’s Folly • Shred Kelly • Tennyson King • Fairwater 54 • Patty D, Emily Rawbon and the Postmistress • Rockinomix

Music Workshops at Edgewater All Saints Churchyard 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

And MORE…

Sequential Porch Parties around town 5 - 11 p.m.

SATURDAY, JULY 9 Live Music on Stage at Edgewater Community Park Noon - 10 p.m.

Followed by a Dance in the Hall 10 p.m. - Midnight

Image from a painting by Elizabeth Segstro

Early Bird Tickets available on website or at various outlets around the Valley

ARNIE J. CHARBONNEAU FOUNDATION

www.steamboatmtnmusicfest.ca

June 23, 2022

Fairmont flood watch ends

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The B.C. River Forecast Centre has ended its flood watch for Fairmont Hot Springs and the rest of the Columbia Valley.

The centre issued the watch on Sunday, June 12 for all areas of the East Kootenay prone to flooding. At the time, several days straight of heavy, prolonged rain loomed in a 72-hour forecast calling for 50 millimetres of rain in Fairmont. At the same time local rivers and lakes had already begun to fill up with spring runoff.

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) then put out a press release advising local residents to be cautious, especially around areas such as Cold Spring Creek and Fairmont Creek, which have seen significant flooding or debris flows multiple times in the past decade.

Prolonged rain did come to the Columbia Valley, but quite not as much as had been feared. By Wednesday, Jun. 15, when the lo-

cal flood watch in the Columbia Valley ended, the total amount of rainfall across the East Kootenay was in the 20 mm to 30 mm range, according the B.C. River Forecast Centre.

“Temperatures dropped significantly, with reduced snowmelt rates and some precipitation falling as snow at mid-to-high elevations. Rivers are experiencing lower levels than forecasted,” reported the centre. “In some areas, flows remain high but are not anticipated to reach flood stage as the runoff from this recent storm continues to pass over the coming day.”

On Friday, Jun. 17, Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the East Kootenay, including the Columbia Valley. A storm did come, but did not result in another flood watch.

Still, the B.C. River Forecast Centre is noting that advisories and warnings may change quickly and is advising the public to stay clear of the fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks during the high-streamflow period.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

Akisqnuk First Nation to hold health and wellness fair

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter We live in difficult times. Physical and mental stresses take their toll, so it’s important to prioritize one’s health and wellness. In light of that, the Akisqnuk First Nation is holding a Health and Wellness Fair for their members on Thursday, June 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fair will run out of their Recreation Centre.

“It’s a new initiative that we are holding for the community to help them understand what sort of services they can have access to when it comes to their health and wellness and to better promote the activities and availability at our health centre,” says Haney Hafez Human Resources Generalist at Akisqnuk First Nation.

Twenty-five vendors throughout the valley have committed to offering several services, including a foot care clinic, along with a mental health liaison team from Kinbasket Child and Family Services.

“This year’s health and wellness fair is going to connect people to resources available at the health centre as well as within the wider community,” says Jason Juell, Registered Nurse for Akisqnuk.

“It will assist us in showing all the different resources available for the community as well as creating networking opportunities for professionals. We are hoping as many members as possible of the community who can attend, are in attendance,” he adds.

Continued on page 19..

A DINING EXPERIENCE IN WHITE

JULY

9

2022

12:00pm Secret event location revealed via email 6:00pm Event grounds open 6:30pm Live performance with singer Baiden Holland 7:00pm Wave your napkins-It’s dinner time 8:00pm - 10:00pm Live performance with Hamburgers on Wonderbread Band

25

Tickets $

Get yours Online at MountainAlFresco.com

This is an ADULTS ONLY event.

All guests must wear white attire for entry, no exceptions.

No outside liquor is permitted.

Cash Bar available on site.

Be original and classy. If you would like to pre-order a meal, please do so online (mountainalfresco.com) before July 3rd, 2022.

About Mountain Al Fresco 6th annual “flash mob” style dining event. This event features some of Invermere’s favourite restaurants. Held at a top-secret location with all guests dressed strictly in white. Sit back or kick off those white shoes and dance! Enjoy dining al fresco at Invermere’s Mountain Al Fresco, a dining experience in white!

250-342-9281 ext 1232 events@invermere.net invermere.net

See website for details, tickets, and meal options:

mountainalfresco.com

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

June 23, 2022

B.C.’s Family Fishing Weekend a success

By Haley Grinder haley@columbiavalleypioneer.com This past weekend, June 17 to 19, marked B.C.’s offcial Family Fishing Weekend. The weekend, which conveniently corresponds with Father’s Day (Jun. 19) was a huge success, with an official organized event hosted right here in the Columbia Valley on Father’s Day itself. The event, held at Lillian Lake Recreation Site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. was sponsored by the B.C. Freshwater Fishing

Society and encouraged those of all ages to come together with family, friends, and fathers and learn to fish.

The three-day event is an annual celebration, waiving the requirement for residents of Canada to require a fishing license. Though there are some exceptions to what you plan to fish, it is an excellent time to try out the sport. Local Senior Conservation Officer Greg Kruger said that the event was “a great collaboration between the Lake Windermere District Rod and Gun Club, the BC Conservation Officer Service and BC Freshwater Fisheries Society. Also in attendance for public enquiries were the BC Wildfire Ser-

vice, Invermere Fire Smart Program and Columbia Valley Search and Rescue Conserveration officers and Rod and Gun Club members provided boats with a ‘captain’ to take new fishers out on the lake were several rainbow trout were hooked.”

Lake Windermere District Rod and Gun Club organized the fun-filled afternoon, also generously donating a barbecued hotdog and bratwurst lunch, complete with pop or water. “All attendees were very grateful for the free fishing prizes and BBQ lunch provided. Everyone left with the new satisfaction of the peaceful fishing experience and an appreciation of our beautiful natural backyard,” adds Kruger.

Thank you!

The Hayward family would like to express our deep gratitude to the community for the outpouring of support and kindness during the difficult days since the loss of our Husband, Father and Grandpa, Howard.

To everyone who has called, visited, sent flowers, made food, mailed cards and sent messages, from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU! We truly appreciate you all and wanted, in this small way, to express how much it’s meant to us.

A very special thanks is owed to Frank and Janet Schmidt, Ron Weaver, Dr. Johnson and McPhersons Funeral Service. They’ve all gone above and beyond in their own way to help us through these difficult days and it has not gone unnoticed.

¬

SCHEDULE A

Ho u l g r ave Rd

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE – BYLAW 3162 – Bylaw Amendment – Toby Benches

Rd

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an application by Darcy Seel and Laurie Ruault to amend the zoning designation of their property located near Bear Mountain Road west of Invermere for a future two lot subdivision as shown on the attached map.

Bylaw No. 3162 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 385, 2022 (Toby Benches / Seel-Ruault)” will amend the zoning designation of Lot A, District Lot 4596, Kootenay District, Plan EPP40743 from A-2, Rural Residential (Country) Zone to SH-3, Small Holding Rural (Open Space) Zone.

A public hearing will be held at: Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce 651 Highway 93/95 Invermere, BC Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at 6:00 pm A-2 The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F and Electoral Area G. If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed to Bylaw, you may prior to the hearing: SH-3 • inspect the Bylaw and supporting information at the RDEK office in Cranbrook from June 10, 2022 to June 28, 2022 or by requesting that an information package be emailed to you by contacting bkormos@rdek.bc.ca.

Be ar Mo unt ai • mail or email written submissions to the addresses/numbers shown below before Monday, June 27, 2022 at 4:30 pm; or n • present verbal submissions at the public hearing.

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

This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw. For more information, contact Brett Kormos, Planning Technician, at 250-489-0306, toll free at 1-888-478-7335, or email bkormos@rdek.bc.ca

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

June 23, 2022

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

HERE TO SERVE YOU CONCRETE

I N

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O F

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

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

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

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

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250-409-5189 infoBC@greatwesterninteriors.com

A licensed, registered and bonded company

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

Kekuli Bay Cabinetry

Our services

kekulibaycabinetry.com

CO N T R AC T I N G

Invermere and Golden, British Columbia

250-272-0468

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

Patryk Jagiello

www.kootenayinsurance.ca

N E W S PA P E R

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

• Authorized dealer • Designer • Installer

Dale Elliott Contracting

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

dale@decontracting.ca • 250-341-7098

We also offer roundthe-clock service calls.

STAIN/LACQUER/PAINT INTERIOR/EXTERIOR patco_dev@shaw.ca

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

Patco Developments Ltd. PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS

•

Excavation

•

Hauling

•

Landscaping

•

Basements

•

Water lines

•

Gravel Screening

•

Gravel Products

•

Site Prep

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

June 23, 2022

HERE TO SERVE YOU

SERVICES

(Servicing the Valley since 1999) NOW OFFERINGAC HYDROVES! SERVIC

• • •

LANDSCAPING THE COLUMBIA VALLEY’S CHOICE FOR

• Septic Tank Pumping • Portable Toilet Rentals

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

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

WINDERMERE, BC 250-341-7029 GET YOUR QUOTE AT WWW.GREENLEAFTREE.CA INFO@GREENLEAFTREE.CA

250-347-9803

GOLDEN, BC 250-344-0188

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

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

SERVICES

SERVICES

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

HOW WE ROLL Gerard Rehman

Tandem Dump for Hire

4950 Hot Springs Rd. Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. V0B 1L1

INTERIOR • EXTERIOR • WALL COVERINGS

Local Resident

Free Estimates

(7655) LetUsRoll4U@Gmail.com

CUSTOM WOOD FINISHING FAUX FINISHES JOURNEYMAN RED SEAL

403-650-4622 • garysptg@gmail.com

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

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

Let us deliver it for you!

Locally Owned and Operated

Home Filtration Systems and Bottled Water Delivery to your Home and Business!

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE ON ALL WOOD BURNING APPLIANCES • WETT INSPECTIONS

250-409-4851 • kootenaywater@gmail.com • • • •

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

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

915 7th Avenue, Unit B, Invermere • 250-342-4663

• Patches • Driveways • Parking Lots • Roads • And more!

Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700

N E W S PA P E R

unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca

Lerissa McLaughlin

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

Kootenay Paving

Fully Insured & WCB Covered

Kootenay Paving Toll Free 1-888-341-2221

Call now for a free quote!

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

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

Here to Serve You Advertising 250-341-6299

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

Sales Representative

FREE ESTIMATES • Pruning and Removal of ALL Trees and Shrubs • Stump Grinding • Fully Insured & WCB Covered

Chimney and Eavestrough Cleaning and Repair Specialists

Toll Free 1-888-341-2221

invermereelectric@gmail.com

th

Water Delivery

Professional Painting & Decorating Ltd. 1978 FREE Estimates

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

Ph: 250-688-ROLL

20 years experience • Satisfaction guaranteed!

Gary’s

Seniors Discounts

Scott Postlethwaite

You name it!

I’ll take care of it!

YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP for all home maintenance from raking your lawn to renovating your entire house.

OVER

30

YEARS EXPERIENCE

Keep your local businesses alive.

Get your tree services right here in Invermere!

Please call Steve ~ a real local you can trust! 250-342-1791

SERVICE EXCELLENCE 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

June 23, 2022

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

ANNOUNCEMENT

ANNOUNCEMENT

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

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

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

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS Cheers delicious cheers to Dilly food truck.

S OBITUARY S Steven Vander Maaten It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Steven Nickolas Vander Maaten, at the age of 68, at home, after a lengthy battle with illness.

Steve was born on August 15th, 1953, in Kimberley BC and spent many years there. Once he was ready to settle down, he chose Canal Flats as his home. As an avid outdoorsman, Steve spent much of his time out in nature – hunting, fishing, and hanging out at the lake with his family.

In his later years, he devoted much of his time to his grandchildren.

Steve’s memory will be treasured in the hearts of his loving wife Lynda, children Savannah, Jesse (Courtney), Bayley, and his grandchildren Raina, Tayton, and Rosalie. His father Stein (Donna), sister Jo Ann (Merv), brothers JH (Judi), Cal, Martin (Dorie), brother-in-law Allan (Lori), many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Steve was predeceased by his mother Edna, and sisters Judy and Joan.

A Celebration of Life will take place on July 30th, at 1 p.m. at the Canal Flats Civic Centre.

Gorecki, Sonja Alice August 19, 1940 June 18, 2022

On June 18th with her daughters by her side, Mom passed away peacefully. She was born August 19, 1940 to Fred and Klara Hansen in Edson, Alberta. In 1948 the family moved to Hinton.

Mom graduated in 1958 in the very first graduating class at Hinton High School, then attended McTavish Business College in Edmonton and returned to Hinton for employment at Northwestern Pulp & Power in January 1959. This was her only place of employment, with breaks in between for raising her family until 1996, at which time she and husband Bill retired to Radium Hot Springs. Mom relocated to Sherwood Park, which brought her closer to family, in July of 2016 after the passing of Dad in 2014.

Mom’s cause of death was Mesothelioma, caused by asbestos.

Symptoms began in August 2020 with a diagnosis in January 2022. Mom was predeceased by her parents and husband Bill .

Left to cherish her memory are: daughters; Alara (Dan), Karen (Mark), Tracy (Steve), grandchildren; Camber, Meagan (Greg), Mitchell, Grant (Fran), Laura (Dan), Patrick (Jennifer), Brandon, great granddaughter; Kinsley and a few grand pets.

Mom wanted to thank friends, relatives and Strathcona Homecare with a special thanks to Meagan K for their care and support. If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Mom’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Mom on Monday, June 27, 2022 at 11 a.m., Park Place Funeral Home, 51 Broadway Blvd.

Sherwood Park, Alberta.

P ioneer C lassifieds GARAGE SALE Saturday June 25 9a-12p 1202 9th Ave Furniture, antiques, sporting equipment, tools, housewares, lumber and kitchen cabinets.

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS Amazing tantalizing taste combos, ahmazing portions, good prices, makes myvegetarian-happy-choices, and the chips, oh the chips and monster dills. Unique outdoor seating, horseshoes, good people watching spot. Kristen and Adam so obviously love feeding us. My new fav to meet friends, impress my guests and great “ to go” in this miserable weather.

Cheers to Elder Pheb Goulet for teaching us Metis beadwork inspired dot art. It was great to learn a new craft and it was fun too!

Cheers to Steamboat Mountain Music Fest - what a stunning poster! Delightful Betty’s art and the line up! Everyone, join us July 8&9 - we will be the happy dancing birthday tribe.

Really appreciate the volunteer organizers.

Cheers to Leanne, Ella, Nancy and any other Heartfelt Companions workers I may have missed. The service you provided my Mum in my absence was indeed heartfelt and second to none. You all went over and above to ensure my Mum was safe and happy, and me, well informed and confident that she was. You and your services are the best!

Cheers to Rick Lake. You are such a good person, always willing to help when there is a need. You are a man of your word and a great friend.

A big cheers to my awesome husband, Shane for working so hard on your days off to renovate our home. it looks amazing.

You’re the best!

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

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS

Cheers to Miss Kayja Becker of United Dance for teaching children the love of dance. The children looked like they had the time of their life. Thats what it is all about. Cheers to the parents who support her and her students and trust her judgement in her decisions.

After all she does have the DANCE background.

LISTINGS NEEDED!

Cheers to Marlene McLaughlin for being such a kind and generous gal. You are one special lady.

Cheers for Tim Hortons Tim bits that Edgewater/ Radium hosp aux used for Father’s Day tray favours at Columbia house, Ivy House ,and the hospital :) Cheers to Kootenay Flooring for the great job in replacing our stairwell rug. Appreciate the workmanship and the personalized service.

BIG cheers to Brenda at Home Hardware gardening area for helping a lost shopper in selecting the best tools to garden. Especially choosing what to use to weed.

Cheers to Edgewater Legion’s Community! Friday night’s fundraiser succeeded in covering costs of product stolen in April’s break-in, plus covered the upgraded security that was installed as a result. Usual Suspects not only played at the event, but kindly donated their fee to the cause! Cheers to you all!

A huge Cheers to Elizabeth Peters for her heartfelt letter to the editor in the June 16/22 edition of the Pioneer. How very sad that she had to do so because of being verbally assaulted by a so called ‘Freedom Fighter’ because she and Ron were wearing masks. I wonder what our new Ukrainian neighbors think of all this as they flee their WAR torn country.

Just a reminder… The classified deadline is 12 noon Monday

CONDO FOR SALE

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!

Top Floor Condominium with cathedral ceilings.

Unobstructed Mountain/ Lake View Beautiful 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Condominium. Newly renovated. Fully furnished turn key Airbnb. Sleeps 6 Lake Windermere Pointe.

Call Vicky 780 233 8399 for a viewing!

*Not intended to solicit those already working with an agent.

WANTED

BUYING OR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202

gerrytaft.ca Personal Real Estate Corporation

Rockies West Realty Independently owned and operated

LOT/ACREAGE WANTED

Looking for space to put 5th wheel trailer for 3 months. Will trade for labor-roofing, framing, decks, siding, soffit, fascia, etc 403-803-5357

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 SoundAsleep Raised Air Mattress (Queen) with built in 120V AC Pump $125.00 Phone 250-3425755.

MISC. FOR SALE COW MANURE WELL AGED $100 per pick up load Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-342-1268 1 Round Patio Table with 6 chairs and cushions ( white in color) $100. 1 collapsible table with 4 seats that fold into small carrying case including umbrella (red in color) $50 Phone 250345-0065.

NOTICES

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS Estate of Klaus Springer who died on May 7th, 2022 If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by and provide details of your claim to Emily K. Smyth at Underwood Gilholme 210, 4954 Richard Road SW Calgary, Alberta T3E 6L1 If you do not file by the date above, the estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.

Have an opinion?

Email your letter to the editor to

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

BOAT FOR SALE BOAT FOR SALE 2006 Glastron GS185 Red Mercruiser 4.5L Bimini, EZloader, spare tire, stereo.

Winter tarp. Located in Windermere. $21,500 Contact The Turners 250-342-9851

SERVICES B.B.’s Home & Design Services Handyman Services & Renovation’s, Masonry, Blinds and Installation.

Housechecks/home/yard/ eavestrough maintenance/ dump runs.

Over 35 year’s experience.

Call 250-688-2897.

THE HEARTFELT COMPANION: Services for Seniors Since 2014 we’ve provided kind and compassionate nonmedical care, transportation to Cranbrook, overnight care, meal prep, grocery shopping and more. Excellent local references.

250-341-5683 Heartfeltcompanionservices. com

June 23, 2022

SERVICES

HELP WANTED

LESSONS/TRAINING

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.

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

Rocky Mountain Swimming Lessons welcomes all swimmers back to the Fairmont Hot Springs Pools. Register at info@ rockymountainswimlessons.ca by submitting your child’s name, age, swimming level most recently passed and the week you would like lessons.

HELP WANTED Old Salzburg Kitchen now accepting resumes for the upcoming summer season.

Dishwashers start at $16/hr.

Cooks start at $18/hr. Please email resumes to: scottstorvik@ gmail.com Invermere Optometry has permanent career opportunities opening soon to replace retiring employees. For full career descriptions refer to our website.

Live In Companion Required Our family is looking for a live in companion to help support our amazing 96 year old mom to continue to live in her own home Free rent in a self contained suite in the house overlooking the lake plus competitive salary. Call Ross at 1-250-342-5247.

Everett Frater Enterprises now hiring Lawn Maintenance employees for Monday- Friday.

Weekends off. Call 250-3425645

NOTICES

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

bccommunitynews.com/ advertise 1-866-669-9222

Book by province or whole country and save over 85%!

If you are hard working, have a great attitude and you are safety conscious and would like to join our team, please send your resume and drivers abstract information to marlene@ chasseholdings.com.

We thank all applicants however only those that are selected for an interview will be contacted.

Wo

ke to see this eve i l u r yo

yd ? ay

WeCONNECT is growing!

The Board of WeCONNECT is seeking an enthusiastic individual to join our team and help move us forward on several key strategic initiatives! This part time, non-union position will help complete or achieve milestones for several key strategic initiatives, including: 1.

2.

3.

Facility renovations Community programming Managing minor real estate holdings

The work includes project management/support, information gathering, grant writing, and community liaison. Rate of pay will be based on education and experience.

For a detailed job description and information on how to apply, email: info@weconnectbc.org.

Applications will be accepted until 4 p.m. on Friday July 8, 2022.

WeCONNECT is a local society serving people with diverse abilities.

Weconnectbc.org

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

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

Audio/Visual Theatre Technician The Columbia Valley Centre (CVC) is looking for help in the Tech Department!

As the entertainment industry begins to reopen, the CVC has an opportunity for part-time and casual employment in the tech department. The District of Invermere is updating its contact list of technical staff to provide technical support and guidance to theatre users and rental clients.

Work hours will coincide with shows and events. The successful candidate must be available to work a variety of shifts including nights, weekends, and Statutory Holidays.

Chasse Holdings Ltd., located in the East Kootenay is currently accepting applications for a full-time Automotive Technician/ Mechanic, experience preferred and available for immediate start. Consideration may be given to those enrolled in an apprenticeship or wanting to be in an apprenticeship training program with ITA. Must be willing to achieve certification and remain for a period of two years following certification. Must be willing to work overtime. We offer a competitive wage, a comprehensive health benefit plan, pension package and an awesome work environment to its employees.

uld

Needed in Windermere, full or part-time positions available.

Please apply at terravistagm@gmail.com.

GET RESULTS!

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN/ MECHANIC

Manager of Strategic Initiatives

MAINTENANCE AND GROUNDS PERSON

The CVC supports a wide variety of performance experiences. The ideal candidates will work not only with our Manager of Leisure Services and staff in our Public Works Department, but also with clients involved musical performance, live theatre, dance, and special events.

The following assets are preferred, but not all necessary …

• Knowledge of analog and digital mixing consoles (Midas, Avid, Allen & Heath etc.) and professional sound systems.

• Knowledge of theatrical lighting & dimmer programming on lighting control console for bands, theatre, performances etc.

• Troubleshooting technical issues and resolving problems quickly when they arise.

• Liaise with internal team to develop solutions for audio/ video/lighting configurations to meet project requirements.

• Provide exceptional customer service experience to clients and/or venue staff.

• Knowledge of basic video (projectors, laptops, VGA, HDMI).

• Experience working at heights and operating a platform lift.

Please let us know if you have certification for working at heights and lift certification.

• Position may require the lifting of production equipment and backline.

• Monitoring the condition of equipment including lights, sound, and rigging equipment; arranging for the repair and replacement within budgetary constraints; performing preventive maintenance on equipment.

• Other duties as required.

Job Types: Part-time, Casual, Seasonal Salary: Negotiable

Do you want to live and work in the amazing area of Radium Hot Springs, B.C.?

We are looking for people with personality, talent, skills, character and smiles!

Work in hospitality, golf, restaurant, retails and turf care. Indoor/Outdoor seasonal positions available.

HIRING NOW! Contact James Quilley, Group General Manager Email: gm@radiumgolf.ca

Schedule: • Day shift • Monday to Friday • Night shift • Weekend availability How to Apply: If this position is of interest to you, please apply to the District of Invermere using the contact information below by Monday, July 4th at 2 p.m. (MT local time).

District of Invermere Kindry Luyendyk, Corporate Officer 914 – 8th Avenue PO Box 339 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Email: corporateservices@invermere.net Tel: 250-342-9281 We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

June 23, 2022

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

SHARE YOUR VIEWS Review of the Representive for Children and Youth Act Are the functions of the Representative for Children and Youth meeting the needs of children, youth and young adults?

...Continued “Healing” from page 9 The idea for the healing gardens was one that sprouted long ago with donations made with the literal intention of it being seed money to see this idea bloom and come into fruition. The Columbia House Enhancement Society was then formed to build on it. The society is looking for stewards for funding and upkeep for this majestic place of peace.

“This is fairly expensive to maintain so we are looking for stewards of the garden, so we always have the money to keep it maintained like this. We need to raise about thirty grand a year. After the grand opening the idea is

...Continued “Fair” from page 13

Share your written input by July 27, 2022.

Different booths will be set up for specific topics of interest, such as housing and employment opportunities within the Akisqnuk nation. “The housing booth will advertise new buildings, the pricing, and application processes,” says Hafez.

The RCMP will also be present and very approachable to answer any questions on what they can do for the community as well as to promote and sponsor relationship building as well as recruitment.

“We are trying to promote that sense of community as it all just boils back down to self-determination, and self-governance of their own community.

In doing that there has to be the resources that will make that possible and one of its most crucial components is having access to sustainable health services that ensure wellness of all our community members,” says Hafez. “I just hope that they can realize the scope of the services that they can have access to. The sole reason for the Band Office is to serve the interests and the needs of the wider community. Membership is above everything, even Chief and Council. That is why we are here and why we do what we do.”

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

Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth

www.leg.bc.ca/cmt/cay

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

N E W S PA P E R

Support Worker Eva Joseph Learning and Cultural Society has a great opportunity for the right person to join our team. This is a temporary position, weekdays for July and August, 32-40 hours per week but could lead to permanent position in the fall.

The successful candidate will: • Love working with children and exploring the outdoors.

• Be an active member of our cohesive and cooperative team, which includes staff, parents, and community members.

• Knowledgeable and respectful of local First Nations communities and cultures.

The successful candidate must have: • A clear criminal record check for vulnerable persons.

• Possess a valid class 5 driver’s license.

• Valid Child Safe First Aid Certificate or willing to take.

We offer: • Competitive wages • Great Benefit package • Paid sick leave • Pension Plan To apply or for further information, submit a cover letter and resume, including 3 references to: Carrie Rickards General Manager Eva Joseph Learning and Cultural Society Email: carrie.littlebadgers@gmail.com Thank you to all applicants who apply however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

love a good photo submission.

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

to continue developing the garden. If we can generate $30,000 to 40,000 a year off our stewards, then we can not only maintain but also build more,” says Newton.

“It’s an idea much like Disneyland, every time you walk in the garden, we want it to be the same. Everything is perfect all the time, but you need the money to do that.

With this space we can see the community in here, and the residents coming out to see the action. There’s always something going on in here. That’s part of life. We want to see those relationships between the public and the residents build.”

For more information on the gardens and society visit cohogarden.org

Print and Digital Editor The Columbia Valley Pioneer is looking for a full-time Print and Digital Editor for our news operation based in Invermere. We operate a daily news site - columbiavalleypioneer.com, and a weekly community newspaper serving ten communities in the Upper Columbia Valley. We also publish various speciality magazines produced on an annual basis.

The successful candidate must work well in a team setting, but is selfmotivated. At present we have a staff of three in the newsroom plus various contributors. The magazines are typically produced by freelance contractors, but the magazine work has been significantly curtailed by the COVID-19 situation.

Qualifications • Journalism education: degree, diploma or certificate; or equivalent work experience.

• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

• Ability to organize work and give direction to others in order to meet deadlines.

• Ability to work collaboratively with the other members of the management team.

• Experience in InDesign, Photoshop, and posting to social media is a must.

Interested candidates should forward their resume to: Amanda Nason, Associate Publisher advertising@columbiavalleypioneer.com

N E W S PA P E R

The company offers competitive benefit and pension plans. The position is based in our office at 1008, 8th Ave Invermere, B.C. The position is available immediately.

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

FAITH

A flag for all values

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

By Brent Woodard, Anglican/United 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 am either in-person or on ZOOM. To access the zoom link, please visit our website at wvsm.ca. Recorded services are available at YouTube: WVSM Invermere Anglican United Church.

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

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

h e Pioneer ca T n

!

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

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

I have heard several people say that they don’t know if they can display a Canadian flag again the way they used to. “It has been given a different meaning,” someone said to me. One woman (who gave me permission to share her story) told me that her family came out of Holland after the war. Holland, she says, struggled then with divisions and sectarianism. Her family actually hid a Jewish family in their home during part of the war. Coming to Canada, her family felt a respect, a compassion, an inclusiveness, a “multi-point-of-view-ness,” that has always endeared her to Canada. And, for her, the Canadian flag was a symbol of those values. She still wants it to be.

I’m not here to defend the flag. Years ago, I read a book called “Idols of Destruction” which talked about how nationalism can be a significant idol that can claim people’s allegiance and become like a “god” in their life.

Nationalism has been a problematic force in many countries. It can be an ideology that blinds people to the humanity of all, and elevates the humanity of those in the country over those outside the country. So, as a religious/ spiritual practitioner, my desire isn’t to defend a flag or nationalism. Yet, values like tolerance, acceptance, respect, inclusiveness and kindness sound like “fruits” of what a healthy religion and spirituality want to help people real-

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

ize. So, I do want to promote those values.

For me, one way to look at what is going on with the flag these days has to do with the very difficult task all humans have of living in paradoxes. One understanding of paradox is that it is two virtues that are both true, but contradict each other. Living with paradoxes can be called “holding the tension of opposites.” It’s hard to hold such a tension. So, often, we accentuate one side and neglect the other.

For example, may I suggest that the Canadian flag stands for freedom, but it also stands for responsibility. It stands for individual human rights, but it also stands for the common good. It stands for being an independent actor, but it also stands for being a team player. It stands for the freedom to talk, but it also stands for the need to listen. Life is full of paradoxes, but it is, again, very common and human for all of us to get tired of holding the tension and so we slide to one side of the paradox to the neglect of the other. There are tensions in spiritual teachings. “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” Jesus said. That’s a paradox. We are saved by grace and we are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. That’s a paradox. The greatest among you will be the one who is the servant of all. Paradox.

My invitation, as we come up to Canada Day, is for all of us to appreciate the many important contradictory values that the Canadian flag has stood for and needs to stand for. We want it to be the flag for all values and not just of some.

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June 23, 2022

action to take while being respectful of another culture and process.

I was pleased to create an opportunity within local sports to show support for our local Indigenous comA weekly column featuring Last year when munity. By getting support to change our soccer goalsome of the dozens of local the Every Child ie jerseys to orange shirts, with the #everychildmatters businesses, schools and orga- Matters movement logo on them, it gives a visual solidarity with our comnizations which have com- started, the most im- munity. Furthermore, I feel that the gathering we had mitted to taking the time to pactful truth for me at our local soccer tournament was impactful: Not just deepen their understanding that I learned at that for those of us that were present to hear from the local of local Indigenous culture, time was that it was elders and survivors, but I felt that being able to matter history, knowledge, issues and MOST residential of fact include the ceremony and show that supporting perspectives, and doing their school students. I was our Indigenous community is just what we do! I am best to take positive action to ignorant of the vast- hoping in a small way it continues to bring the truth do better. ness of the atrocities. and reconciliation work to mainstream.

In addition, Sun Life financially supports/sponsors Until I had learned more, I had previously been less impacted, because I where their financial advisors volunteer. And I have had thought that it was obvious that there would have been able to direct these donations towards CBEEN and the work they do been wrongdoing because it was supporting our Indigethe time in history. My perspective has changed as I realized these nous community.

Overall, #valleywere not small, isolated incidents. strong, #supportlocal, Another ongoing learning that has and being active in our changed my approach to culture is a growth in my respect that difcommunity is where ferent pathways can still get to the my passion is. Supsame result and goal. I tend to Tutty Financial- Sun Life Financial participating porting our local Inbe intentionally goal oriented, and in the weekly Every Child Matters Year-long Learn- digenous community is that is not always the appropriate ing Challenge.

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