Columbia Valley Pioneer - April 4, 2024

VALLEY NEWS

Master plan for LWR lands park unveiled

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Planning consultants have completed a master plan to turn the Lake Windermere Resort (LWR) lands into Lakeside Waterfront Park.

The plan is extensive and eye-catching, including a lakeside gathering and nature play area; a bank swallow conservation area; a central lawn and amphitheatre; another non-lakeside nature-theme play zone and barbecue grove; sports courts; a small area of mixed retail development; a motorized pull-in boat launch; and a large paved parking lot and multi-use space near the boat launch.

The estimated price tag for all this is also extensive and eye-catching — in the neighbourhood of $25 million to $30 million.

Invermere council members told the Pioneer that as wonderful as the plan is, there is simply no way the District of Invermere will be implementing all of it any time soon.

“It is a very ambitious plan,” said councillor Kayja Becker. “But it doesn’t look at all realistic for us to do, unless we win the lottery.”

Becker added that council has

asked district staff to check with the planning consultants — Urban Systems Ltd. — to see if the plan can be broken down into separate parts.

“How do we phase this in a way that’s digestible? And, if we can, what are the first steps?” she outlined.

Councillor Gerry Taft concurred with Becker, wanting to know which initial steps can be feasibly taken in the plan. Taft noted that, given the astronomical costs, the entire plan won’t be completed for a very long time, and wondered if — in the interim — there is something relatively simple and inexpensive that can be done across the entire property so that large parts don’t continue to resemble a vacant lot for years to come.

“The potential costs were shocking. We don’t have that kind of money, and even if we did have that kind of money, we have other competing priorities,” added Taft. It would be hard to justify spending $5 million on a natural amphitheatre for the park, he opined, when the district’s water and sewer system is in the midst of desperately needing very expensive upgrades and when there is an affordable housing crisis. “Those need to take precedence,” he said.

Continued on page 5

Shown

RCMP REPORT

Police look for stolen bicycle

By Cpl. Brian Davie Columbia Valley RCMP

This past week, March 25 to April 1, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 46 calls for service.

There was a definite uptick in traffic and overall volume throughout the long weekend. Below are two notable mentions:

On March 26, police received a report of a stolen mountain bike from a hotel in the Radium Hot Springs

area. The bike was described as a green Norco Hardtail, pictured below.

On March 29, police were dispatched to a disturbance at a vacation property between the area of Brisco and Edgewater. While police were on scene and investigating, the discovery of a prohibited weapon (switch-blade) and illegal cigarettes (Excise Tax Act – noncompliant) was made. These items were seized under the authority of the Criminal Code and further evidence gathering is ongoing.

Options to deal with disease limited

Parks Canada emphasizes public’s role in prevention

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Precious little can be done to get rid of whirling disease now that it’s arrived in the East Kootenay, but residents and visitors must remain extra vigilant to keep it from spreading any further and to keep out other invasive species.

That message came from Jeannette Goulet, Parks Canada aquatic invasive species regional coordinator for the mountain national park.

The Pioneer spoke with Goulet last week following the announcement that Parks Canada would keep all waterbodies in Kootenay National Park (and nearby Yoho National Park) closed for public access for another year. Parks Canada issued a statement saying the extended closures are meant to help prevent the spread of the parasite that causes whirling disease (reported in the March 28 Pioneer).

Goulet shed more light and gave more details on what exactly the federal agency plans to do during the closures, explaining “we are going to do a lot more monitoring in the coming year.”

A lot of that monitoring will be in Kootenay National Park, which thus far

has not been tested as extensively as Yoho National Park. That makes sense, since it was in Yoho that the first cases of whirling disease ever found in B.C. were confirmed last year. Parks Canada did do some testing in Kootenay National Park as well, but unlike in Yoho, that testing did not find whirling disease. Now, with a bit more time on its hands, Parks Canada wants to give Kootenay National Park a more thorough check too.

“We’ve not had a chance to test Kootenay as much as we’d like, so that will be a focus this season,” said Goulet, adding there will also be more testing in Yoho.

“We want to get a better sense of the distribution of this parasite,” she said.

To that end Parks Canada will deploy several techniques — including using a sentinel cage, testing wild fish, and conducting environmental DNA sampling.

A sentinel cage is a cage with stocked fish, which will be placed in a waterbody in Kootenay National Park. The fish are fed and raised for a set time period without being let out of the cage. At the end of the time period, the fish are tested to see if they have contracted whirling disease as a result of being in that particular water body. Wild fishing testing is more straightforward:

Park plan revealed

Continued from page 3

“It (the plan) is a lot more elaborate than what I expected we would do down there. My vision was that it would not be so commercial-looking in parts, that it would be more natural in scope, with some opportunities for recreation,” said councillor Grant Kelly. He agreed that “the cost is indeed shocking. It’s quite a lot, even if we do spread it out over the long term.”

Invermere Mayor Al Miller said he likes what he sees in the plan, even though it does seem to him a tad “futuristic.” But he cautioned repeatedly that “this is a very long term plan. We bought the land to keep it public and to create more waterfront access, both for residents and for visitors . . . this plan is something we can work towards over a

long time. The thing to keep in mind is that we have to bite it off one piece at a time to keep it reasonable.”

Cost breakdowns for the various elements of the master plan are: between $6.8 million to $8.1 million for the lakeside gathering and nature play area; $1.5 million to $1.8 million for the bank swallow conservation area; $4.8 million to $5.7 million for the central lawn and amphitheatre; $3.5 million to $4.2 million for the non-lakeside nature-themed play zone and barbecue grove; $1.6 million to $2 million for the sport courts; $1.3 million to $1.6 million for the mixed retail development; $2.6 million to $3.2 million for the motorized pull-in boat launch; and $2.9 million to $3.4 million for the large paved parking lot and multi-use space near the boat launch.

catch the fish, take a sample and test for whirling disease. Environmental DNA sampling involves Parks Canada staff taking water samples to see if the DNA of the parasite causing whirling disease is present in the water itself.

The samples are sent to a lab for testing. Goulet couldn’t say precisely when the results will come back, but did explain that last year, while operating under a roughly similar timeframe, re

sults came back in September.

“So likely we’ll know sometime in the fall or early winter,” she said, adding “we will use that information to inform further decision about what measures we need to put in place.”

Goulet outlined that although the sampling techniques have been chosen, the exact location for testing has not been finalized.

Continued on page 7

Map depicting test results for the parasite causing whirling disease in Yoho National Park.

PHOTO

PERSPECTIVE Historical Lens

The RCMP continue to come under fire for their response in the Nova Scotia killings in 2020, and many people believe the force will never change the way it does business despite the recommendations in the Mass Casualty Commission’s final report on the tragedy.

Yes, their response could have been better to save more lives. Yes, some officers use excessive force, and yes, racism exists in some of the ranks. But let’s not forget the invaluable service the RCMP provide in our communities. Law enforcement aside, the RCMP perform a plethora of duties behind the scenes; tasks that largely go unnoticed and unrecognized.

Picture a cold winter morning outside a popular drinking establishment. A tipsy young woman appears disoriented while standing outside, waiting for something . . . someone. Inappropriately dressed, no winter coat. A police officer patrolling the area spots her with a hint of worry, then wonders how impaired she is. He pulls up, offers her a warm cruiser to wait while she calls her dad for a ride home. The officer subsequently calls the father (on her phone) to ensure he is on the way, saying his daughter is safe. Five minutes later the father pulls up to the cruiser where his daughter gets out and stumbles into the car while the officer explains the situation.

On the way home, the dad is shaken; his youngest born could have hopped into a predator’s car, driven to a strange home and raped. That officer prevented that possible outcome and acted like a father figure to a woman he never saw before.

There are countless stories like this where police have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

“Sometimes it’s the small actions of our members that truly make an impact, no matter how big or small,” the police superintendent told the father afterwards, following a letter of commendation.

Yet another example:

“Smash!” The child hurled something at her door during a tantrum that the parents could not control. A struggle ensued and the mother struck her daughter while trying to wrestle her phone out of her hands. The father was beside himself and didn’t know what to do, so he called the RCMP for help. An officer came over and calmly mediated the quarrel, listening to both sides. It ended with the parents apologizing for the ruckus. The child also expressed remorse and the trio went back to being a family again, thanks to the officer’s intervention.

Tomorrow, it could be a domestic dispute between a husband and wife, or a lost child that an officer found hiding in a neighbourhood dog house.

Often maligned, often criticized, the RCMP are the ones on the front lines making split-second decisions to protect the good, the bad, and the ugly, all while risking their own safety. They have families who often wonder if they’ll ever see them again after a shift.

Police find themselves battling a system that isn’t on their side, but they continue to forge ahead because of the oath they swore to uphold the law and keep their communities safe — a job nobody else wants to do.

Lyonel Doherty, editor

Food relief growing concern

January and February 2024 saw a sharp increase in food bank use in the Columbia Valley. Coupled with rising costs of living, more residents of the valley are turning to emergency food relief to put food on the table.

The Columbia Valley Food Bank (CVFB) saw a 67 per cent increase in hampers distributed in January alone and a 48 per cent increase in February. During 2023 we supported more than 3000 individual food bank visits of which 1000 of those recipients were children.

We humbly acknowledge the diligent efforts of our volunteers for their consistent, weekly contributions of 90-hours plus of collective volunteer time. The enthusiastic consistency of volunteers ensure we are stocked up and ready to serve an anticipated 50 per cent increase (or more) of households in need during 2024.

Our food costs for January alone nearly doubled from the previous month, capping at $10,565. With costs of living continuing to increase, the Columbia Valley Food Bank is anticipating an annual food budget of upwards of $125,000 this year.

In addition to meeting the increased demand of emergency food relief, Food Banks Canada, Food Banks BC, and member food banks continue to advocate and develop strategies for long-term policy solutions to food insecurity in Canada.

We are so thankful for our generous community that helps us ensure no valley resident goes hungry. We encourage your continued support and invite you to join us for a community barbecue at Home Hardware on April 12 and 13 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., hosted by Invermere Rotary. All proceeds will support the Columbia Valley Food Bank. And while you are there, you can check out the Invermere Home Hardware Home Improvement Expo, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 12, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 13.

For other ways to contribute, visit www.cvfoodbank.ca/donate-to-the-columbia-valley-food-bank/. Your continued donations help us achieve our vision of relieving hunger in the Columbia Valley.

Katrina Chapman, executive director Columbia Valley Food Bank

Whirling disease in fish concerns biologists

Continued from page 5

Does this mean that the waterbody closures in Kootenay National Park (and Yoho) are likely to be extended again in March 2025?

Goulet couldn’t say for sure, but did tell the Pioneer that “we will continue monitoring for years to come” and that any action, such as further extending the closures, will depend on the results of testing this summer as well as on additional information from the B.C. provincial government about the bigger picture of whirling disease in the province.

“Unfortunately the options are limited once it (the disease) is in the system.”

Parks Canada only has jurisdiction over waterbodies within the national parks. But rivers don’t just stop at park boundaries — they are connected to (and indeed part of) much larger water systems that spread throughout B.C. The B.C. government has jurisdiction over those, and with whirling disease having spread further than previously thought through the Kicking Horse River system in Yoho, the two agencies may need to work together.

When whirling disease was first

detected by Parks Canada last year it initially appeared as though it was just within Emerald Lake. That raised the possibility of eradicating all the fish in Emerald Lake to curb the disease. Parks Canada had already done just that in Alberta (where whirling disease has been present for several years) in Little Herbert Lake in Banff National Park, using a chemical called rotenone.

“It was something we thought about for a few months,” said Goulet.

But that plan was tossed aside when further testing in Yoho revealed that whirling disease is in fact present at other spots along the Kicking Horse River, including below Wapta Falls. Eradication using rotenone is only effective in relatively small geographic areas.

In Yoho, whirling disease “is already too widespread” for eradication to work, explained Goulet.

What else can Parks Canada do to combat the disease?

“Unfortunately the options are limited once it’s in the system,” said Goulet.

There are some places south of the border where authorities have simply let the disease run its course through the ecosystem “but that takes decades,” she explained. And, letting that happen decimates local fish population; the disease has extremely high mortality rates (upwards of 90 per cent for young fish) in iconic fish species such as Kokanee salmon, west slope cutthroat trout and mountain whitefish.

Residents and visitors alike now play the biggest role in containing whirling disease as much as it can be

contained.

“The main way it is spread is through recreation activities and human movement,” emphasized Goulet. Typically this is done inadvertently by people using their watercraft (boats, standup paddle boards, canoes or kayaks) in different waterbodies without properly cleaning, draining and drying the crafts between uses. It can also be spread in mud on fishing gear or other outdoor gear.

You need to clean, drain and then dry your watercraft for a minimum of

48 hours in B.C., Alberta, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. If you are coming from other provinces, then it’s clean, drain and then dry for 30 days.

That’s to help prevent the spread of other undesired invasive species, such as zebra and quagga mussels, which are already present in the Prairies and eastern Canada.

“Prevention is the best bet. Even though whirling disease is here, there are a whole bunch of other invasive species knocking at the door,” said Goulet.

TAX

The first sitting of the Parcel Tax Review Panel will be held at the Municipal Office, 4836 Radium Boulevard, Radium Hot Springs, B.C., on Monday, April 22nd, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. The Parcel Tax Review Panel may review and correct the Parcel Tax Roll and hear complaints on one or more of the following grounds:

• an error or omission respecting a name or address on the parcel tax roll;

• an error or omission respecting the inclusion of a parcel;

• an error or omission respecting the taxable frontage of a parcel;

• an improperly allowed or disallowed exemption.

The Parcel Tax Roll will be open for inspection at the Municipal Office during regular office hours.

A complaint shall not be heard by the Review Panel unless notice of the complaint has been made in writing to the Director of Finance of the Village of Radium Hot Springs, Box 340, Radium Hot Springs, BC, V0A 1M0, at least 48 hours prior to the time appointed for the sitting of the Review Panel. For further information contact the Village Office at 250-347-6455.

Karen Lillejord Director of Finance

Mountain whitefish are also susceptible to the disease.

Jeannette Goulet Parks Canada

Westlope cutthroat trout can be susceptible to whirling disease.

PHOTO CHRISTIANNAFZGER/GETTY IMAGES

Unmetered water rates to see big increase

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Unmetered water rates will jump drastically in Invermere starting next year.

The District of Invermere implemented universal water metering more than a quarter century ago, back in 1998. All Invermere residents were supposed to get water meters installed and pay for their water according to their use. However, a small handful of locals, giving various reasons, managed to put off installing the meters, and even today, 26 years later, there are still 10 unmetered water user in Invermere.

“Since then (1998) they have enjoyed very low water rates,” Invermere chief financial officer Karen Cote told Invermere council.

How low? Water users pay a flat rate of $600 a year.

That’s comparable to Wilmer, where the annual flat rate for unmetered water is $800 a year, but is a red hot bargain compared with annual flat rates for unmetered water in many other nearby communities — $3,600 a year in Edgewater; $4,800 a year in Rushmere;

$6,100 a year in Spur Valley; and $11,400 a year in the communities along the east side of Lake Windermere.

At the March 26 council meeting, Invermere councillors unanimously voted to bump Invermere’s unmetered water rate from $600 a year to $4,000 a year. The new rate will come into effect in April 2025.

Cote outlined that over the years, the district has made calls and pursued other measures to get Invermere’s uncooperative water users to install meters. Nothing has worked so far.

“I like that this is not punitive, in the sense that they (unmetered water users) have a full year to get a water meter before they start having to pay more. They have time,” said Invermere councillor Kayja Becker. “I don’t know how else we can get their attention on this issue, short of standing outside their houses.”

Invermere councillor Gerry Taft was also happy with the April 2025 start date for the new rates, saying that “maybe there really are some very valid reasons that they don’t have water meters. This gives them a lot of time to bring up those reasons with us.”

Invermere to get new Type 3 fire engine

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Invermere will get a new fire truck this year.

Last week Invermere councillors agreed to Invermere Fire Chief Jason Roe’s request to buy a new fire engine in 2024 instead of in 2025 as had originally been planned. Councillors were happy to make the move because it will save the district a bundle of money.

The district had budgeted up to $650,000 for the new bush truck fire in 2025. But there is a new version of a Type 3 fire engine available now for $560,000. Savings of that sort are a big deal in the world of Columbia Valley local government spending.

“It’s a new type of engine that is available,” Roe told council. The new Type 3 engine is smaller than the standard Type 3 engine “which allows us to get it into smaller areas,” he explained.

The Type 3 has the capability to respond to structure fires as well as bush fires, said Roe, adding that it can carry twice the water and has a larger pump ca-

pacity.

“There is one available now,” said Roe. “It is a bit of a surprise (that it’s available), but we do feel it fits our needs.”

The new Type 3 engine will replace the department’s aging Type 6 engine (a purely bush fire truck). The old Type 6 “is overloaded and unsafe,” outlined Roe, explaining that it has a 25-year-old cab and chassis, a nearly 50-year-old box and pump, exceeds current weight limits and has degraded suspension.

The new Type 3 engine “would significantly enhance our capability to respond to wildland (and) grass fires,” said Roe, adding that “for Invermere, where we encounter small, narrow and steep driveways such as Johnson Road and the Toby Benches, the adoption of a Type 3 engine is particularly prudent. Its compact design ensures safer and quicker access to these types of challenging locations.”

Roe explained that the Fire Underwriters Survey (FUS) is thinking about implementing a separate rating for communities built along the wildland-urban

interface. “Proactively, a decision to have a Type 3 engine with greater water carrying capacity may positively influence future insurance rate decisions in Invermere’s favour,” he said.

A member of the public at the March 26 council meeting asked if the new Type 3 fire engine would be light enough to cross Fort Point Bridge (which has restrictions on weight and traffic in place while it awaits upgrading or replacement).

“Unfortunately any firefighting vehicle we purchase, aside from a firefighting commander’s half ton pickup truck, will not be able to use the bridge and will have to go around,” responded Invermere Mayor Al Miller.

The resident noted that the only other way around involves a rail crossing. If a train were to be stopped on the tracks at the crossing when a fire broke out in Fort Point that could mean a potentially very long wait before firefighters arrived on scene at the blaze.

“We’re all worried about that bridge,” agreed the mayor.

Unmetered water rates will see a significant increase in Invermere.

PHOTO ANTPKR/GETTY IMAGES

Invermere Fire Chief Jason Roe (right) and Deputy Chief Colin Matheson are looking forward to getting the new Type 3 fire engine.

PHOTO MORGAN ODLAND

DTSS students make community safer

Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

The Columbia Valley is a safer place to live thanks to Grade 10 students from David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS) and Open Doors.

A unique collaboration between Dr. Jane Fleet and Christina Paolini from the school’s physical and health education department has resulted in the students learning first aid to address health emergencies in the community.

Thanks to support from the Brett Wilson Foundation, DTSS Parents Advisory Council, the school district, and College of the Rockies, all Grade 10 students have the opportunity to complete the emergency first aid course.

“I learned how to do CPR, how to treat a wound and what to do if someone chokes,” said proud student Keegan Kelly. “I think the likeliness of these sorts of things happening are low, but it’s good to know just in case it happens.”

Paolini said students in Grade 10 are at a critical juncture where they're seeking more independence and are engaging in activities such as working, driving, and socializing outdoors where emergencies can arise.

“This training may guide them towards health care careers, given their exposure to risk-taking situations,” she said.

In addition to providing training, the school and the health care sector are passionate about raising awareness about the importance of quality CPR

and the availability of defibrillators within the community.

“After all, anyone can be a lifesaving rescuer, and the more people trained, the better the chance of survival in emergencies,” Paolini said. “With 100 new first aiders annually, it will make a significant difference in our community's safety and well-being,” she added.

Student Charlotte Carey said she liked how hands-on the course was. “It was not like we were just reading a book. We would read how to do it and then we would go and do it a few times with different situations. That is what I really love about the course, and I am very happy I got the chance to take it.”

Fellow student Myles Altmann said he feels more confident in responding to emergencies now. “My knowledge of CPR was wrong before the course, now I feel able to help.”

Fellow student Tyson Clarke said he’s going into the automotive tech industry where there could be a lot of workplace accidents. He plans on putting his first aid training on his resume.

Peer A. Karklin said they feel the training will be helpful in a medical situation, while Noveah Harris added it’s good to have basic first aid when it’s necessary to help someone in an emergency situation.

Dr. Fleet told the Pioneer that she is very pleased without the outcome of their collaboration.

“Christina and I generated this idea last spring and to finally see it come to fruition is amazing.”

Fleet said the students have done the heart and stroke emergency first aid program. This involves CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) training along with regular first aid such as splinting, management of bleeding, etc.

“Having more people trained in the community is so valuable. Over all the years that I have worked as a physician we have slowly seen that the focus should not be on fancy medications and tubes, but really, on good quality CPR and early defibrillation.”

Fleet noted the more people in the community that know how to do this,

there is an increased chance of survival from cardiac arrest.

“In our community, where so many people are out in the backcountry, the more people that know how to manage first aid emergencies the better.”

Fleet said the goal is to have this training ongoing every year for all Grade 10 pupils.

“This is a terrific age for doing this; the students are starting to wonder about their career paths, they are starting to want more independence, and it is the last year that physical education/ health is mandatory.”

Students receive training in first aid as part of a unique collaboration to enhance health care in their community.

OUT OF OFFICE…

Estate and Financial Planning Services

On Wednesday the CVCC had its 2024 AGM. Included in the Meeting Package was a copy of our Strategic Plan to serve as a reminder of the vision, mission, and core values of the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce.

In support of these strategic priorities, CVCC has partnered with Rhiannon Tutty, local financial advisor with Sun Life Financial. On Wednesday, April 10th, the Estate and Financial Planning Services (EFPS) team at Sun Life is presenting Tax-Efficient Planning Opportunities for Business Owners.

The order to support our local business owners, Rhiannon has advocated to have this informative presentation available virtually. “Learning opportunities and workshops are easily attended when you live in a larger center, but we have engaged entrepreneurs in smaller centers too, and they should also be accommodated.” Rhiannon explained, “The technology exists to be able to include those clients who are not near the city where these presentations are hostedso I am really pleased to have been successful in my efforts! Although Sun Life facilitated this virtual option with clients in mind, I wanted to extend the invitation to all local business ownerswhich is why I approached the Chamber to

partner on this.”

EFPS is the Financial Planning team at Sun Life Financial. They are available in partnership with the individual financial advisors around Canada. Often individual Financial Planners are specialists in one or two specific areas that meet the needs of their main market, whereas Sun Life takes a unique approach of having an entire department containing all the specialists available to all their clients. EFPS provides full professional financial planning services including estate planning, retirement planning, taxation, investment strategies, money management and contingency planning. “I am fortunate to work for Sun Life as they do take a client-centric approach, including the availability of EFPS for myself and my clients.” Rhiannon shared, “This means that regardless of the specific needs of my clients, working within the Sun Life team, either I have the knowledge myself, or have access to a team member who does instead. Either way, the client gets the information and personalized strategies for their unique circumstances.”

The April 10th virtual presentation of the EPFS event includes:

» Planning opportunities that business

owners need to consider.

» How business owner can ensure their business and their family are protected and meet income needs

» Integrating personal planning with planning on the business side

» Succession planning and preparing business for transition to family or outside buyers.

» Taxation for passive assets inside a corporation

» Strategies Clients can use to reduce the passive tax on corporate investments and allow business owns to build wealth taxefficiently.

In addition to the virtual presentation from EFPS, host Rhiannon is also bringing in an investment specialist. There will be an inperson conversation on tax-efficient corporate investing as well as the ability to ask questions and have further discussions.

Included with your registration will be a delicious take-out dinner from FUZE! The event is coming up on Wednesday, April 10th at the CVCC starting at 6pm. Please join us for this informative session! Register soon to facilitate the planning and organization of this event at www.cvchamber.ca.

Thursday, April 4

• 10:15am-1:00pm: Tech Tutors. Invermere Public Library

• 2:00pm-4:00pm: Tech Tutors. Radium Public Library

Free one-on-one help with your computer, phone or tablet!  Assistance with websites or electronic forms.  Learn about games on your phone or iPad.  Please book an appointment with the library you would like to attend. By Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy.

• 6:30pm-9:00pm: Bob Ross Paint Night. Arrowhead Brewing Company. Come paint a Bob Ross painting with Black Star! $50 gets all your supplies and a beer! Contact Black Star to register at 250-342-6663.

• 10:30am-11:30am: Senior’s Fitness Columbia Valley Centre, $2 drop-in. **please note that this week this event will take place at the Invermere Seniors Hall**

• 11:30am-12:00pm: Little Lambs – Baby Program. Radium Public Library. Join us for songs, rhymes, and stories with your babies! No registration required.

• 2:00pm-3:00pm: Needles & Hooks. Invermere Library. Join us on the 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month at 2:00pm for Needles & Hooks. Bring your current yarn project and meet with other makers. All welcome!

• 6:45pm: Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Invermere Legion. $30 buy-in.

• 7:30pm: Families Housing that Fits. Zoom meeting with host Ben Postmus. Inclusive and supportive housing in your community. diversefamilyroots@gmail.com

• 7:30pm: Trivia Night Windermere Whitehouse Pub. Host Mandi Cox $3/ person, teams of more than 6 will be split into two groups. Ages 19+

Friday, April 5

• 10:30am-11:00am: Family Storytime. Invermere Public Library. Join us weekly on Fridays for Family Storytime at the library! With stories, songs & a craft. Geared towards preschool age (2-5) but all welcome.

• 2:00pm-4:30pm: Wild Woolies. Radium Hot Springs Public Library. Join our fibre arts circle! Everyone and every skill level welcome. No registration required.

• 6:30pm - close: Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion! Members and guests welcome!

Saturday, April 6

• 10:30am-11:00am: Family Storytime. Invermere Public Library. Join us weekly on Saturdays for Family Storytime at the library! With stories, songs & a craft. Geared towards preschool age (2-5) but all welcome.

• 11:00am-12:30pm: LEGO/Duplo Club Invermere Public Library. We'll have Lego, Duplo, big blocks & more out to play with on Saturday mornings! All ages welcome.

• 2:00pm-4:00pm: Buddy Reading. Invermere Public Library. Contact us to book a 30 minute session to read with a librarian. Practice reading aloud one-on-one to build skill, confidence & a love of reading! Open to all ages and reading abilities.

• 6:30pm: Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion! Members and guests welcome!

Sunday, April 7

• 2:00pm: Cards, Cribbage and Darts Come to the Legion and have some fun! Members and guests welcome.

• 7:00pm: Live Music Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery. Accompanied minors are permitted. No cover.

• 7:30pm: Dads Matter. Zoom meeting with host Ben Postmus. Dads connecting, Dads Supporting, Dads Inspiring. Do you have a son or daughter with Diverse Abilities? So do I. diversefamilyroots@gmail.com

Monday, April 8

• 10:00am-11:00am: Senior's Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, Invermere. $2 drop in, open to all seniors.

• 6:30pm: Poker (Chip up for Charity). The Station Pub $20 buy-in. Every Monday.

Tuesday, April 9

• 3:00pm-5:00pm: Seniors’ Game Days. Invermere Seniors’ Hall. Come out to the Invermere Seniors' Hall for an afternoon of playing board games and connecting!  Snacks and beverages will be provided.  This is a free event and pre-registration is encouraged: wvcoordinator@cbal.org or call/text 250-409-4251.

• 5:30pm-7:30pm: Chamber Connections. This month at The Station Pub! Join two Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce Board members (Rhiannon Tutty and Jacqueline Leduc this month) for a casual, drop-in networking event. No registration required!

• 10:30am-11:30am: Senior’s Fitness Columbia Valley Centre, $2 dropin.

• 10:30am-11:30am: Homeschool Meetup. Invermere Library. Drop-in, all-ages programming with open-ended STEAM play, group activities

and art projects. A chance for homeschool kids and families to get together! Please contact us to get on the Homeschool email list to stay up to date and see what extended programs are coming up.

• 1:00pm-3:30pm: Art in the Afternoon. Radium Public Library. A free program for local artists and art enthusiasts! Whether you sketch, paint, carve, knit or crochet, bring your supplies and work alongside fellow artists.

• 6:30pm-8:00pm: Second Winds Community Band. Practice at Invermere Catholic Church Annex. For info please email dalvande@ shaw.ca

• 7:00pm: Ullr Presents: Musical Bingo with Tim Richards. Ullr Bar. Every Tuesday - $5 per card.

• 7:30pm: Families on Tuesday. Zoom meeting with host Ben Postmus. Families connecting, Families Sharing, Families Supporting Families: Support, Listening, Sharing, Connecting. diversefamilyroots@gmail. com

• Wednesday, April 10

• 10:00am-11:30am: Ready, Set, Learn. Edgewater Community Hall. Join other families and caregivers with pre-school aged children at a FREE Ministry of Education and Child Care funded family oriented event. Receive information about FREE local early learning programming and services available for you and your child.

• 6:00pm-9:00pm: Tax-Efficient Planning Opportunities for Business Owners. Chamber Offices/Lions Hall. Virtual Presentation by Sun Life’s Estate and Financial Planning Services on tax-efficient planning opportunites for business owners. In addition, there will be an in-person Corporate Investing Specialist on Corporate class investments and corporate investing strategies at the event for questions and discussions. Please register at cvchamber.ca

• 10:00am-11:00am: Senior's Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, $2 dropin.

• 11:30am-12:00pm: Story Time. Radium Public Library - preschool & all ages.

• 3:00pm-4:30pm: After School Club. Invermere Library. A window of transition time between school and home or extra-curriculars. Come colour, bead, play with LEGO and catch up with friends! Open to all school-aged kids and teens. Drop-off allowed for Grade 2 students and up. Younger kids are welcome with a grown-up. Please bring your own snacks! Register. https://invermere.bc.libraries.coop/

• 6:00pm-9:00pm: Wednesday Dinners & Meat Draw & 50/50 Invermere Legion. All welcome.

7:00-11:00 Walk

“Premier Skookum” Birding Excursion with Lyle Grisedale and Brian Wesley Skookumchuck area

7:30-9:30 Walk

Feathered Friends Forest Walk with Christine Gursky Invermere area

8:00-11:00 Walk

Fairmont Meadows Meander with Claude Rioux Fairmont Hot Springs area

9:00-11:00 Paddle

Wetlands Paddle with Columbia River Paddle Invermere area

9:30-11:30 Walk

Source of the Columbia River Trail with the Columbia Lake Stewardship Society Canal Flats area

10:00-11:30 Tour & Taste

The Path to the Perfect Cup: Kicking Horse Coffee Facility Tour Invermere

8:00-11:00 Walk

Wacky Waterbirds with Cam Gillies Invermere area

8:00-11:00

2:00-3:30 Talk & Tour

Groundswell Community Greenhouse & Garden with Dale Wilker Invermere

2:00-4:00 Walk

Big Horn Sheep Overpass History & Future with Jenna Schulhof - Wildsight Radium Hot Springs area

2:00-5:00 Walk

Forest Bathing Columbia Walk with Pat Bavin Radium Hot Springs area

2:30-4:30 Walk

Redstreak Restoration Ramble with Rick Kubian Radium

4:30-6:00 Chirp & Chat

Host Location: Arrowhead Brewery Invermere

Walk

Explore the Skookumchuck Prairie Important Bird Area with Randy Harris Skookumchuck area

8:30-11:30

Walk

I Look Up, She looks Down with Don Delaney and Kathleen Mpulubusi Wilmer area

9:00-11:00

Walk

Windermere Creek Sampling Tour with Lake Windermere Ambassadors Windermere area

9:30-11:30 Indoor/Outdoor Event

Ayurvedic Harmony: Connecting with Nature’s Rhythms with Kelly Carlson Invermere area

10:00-2:00

Waterfalls and Wetlands with Ron & Tracy Grams Spillimacheen area

Hike

11:00-1:00

Walk & Lunch

Exploring connections between our local food system, our gardens and the natural environment Edible Acres Farm + Cafe, Windermere

12:00-1:30 Luncheon Presentation

Conscious Captures: Wildlife Photography in Focus with Jayden Daniels & Hunter Scrimshaw Invermere

2:00-4:00 Outdoor Workshop

Applied Eco-Psychology: Web of Life Imperative with Natalie Forrest Wilmer area

2:00-4:00 Walk

Recovering Grasslands: Restoring Diversity at Redstreak with Elena Olsen Radium Hot Springs area

2:00-4:30 Indoor Workshop

Create Hanging Bird Plaques with Pottery Playground Invermere

2:00-4:30 Walk

Ecological Tour of the Historic Upper Ranch with Dave Zehnder Radium Hot Springs

2:30-4:30 Paddle

Lake Lillian with Columbia River Paddle Invermere area

8:00-10:30 Walk

Radium Pond & River Meander with John Pitcher and Sherry Dewey Radium Hot Springs area

8:30-11:30 Hike

Upper Trails of Back 40 Retreat at Brisco Mountain with Katherine Friedley and Adrian Pery Brisco area

9:00-11:00 Paddle

Historic Tour by Voyageur Canoe with Columbia River Paddle Invermere area

9:00-11:00

Walk

Collision, Competition or Cooperation with Tracy Flynn - Wildsight Invermere Canal Flats area

9:30-11:30 Walk

Foraging in the Columbia Valley Ecosystem with Heather Fischbuch Invermere area

12:00-1:30 Luncheon Presentation

From Thinking to Action: Saving Native Trout in the Kootenay National Park with Shelley Humphries Invermere

1:30-4:30 Walk

Waterbird Wandering with Lyle Grisedale and Brian Wesley Canal Flats area

2:00-4:00 Walk

Flower Power with Andrea Petzold Radium Hot Springs area

2:00-4:00

Walk

What’s Bugging the Trees? A stroll through the forest with Jakub Olesinski Radium Hot Springs area

2:00-4:30 Walk

Connecting Lakes to Mountain Streams with Ben Mitchell - Banks Invermere area

2:00-4:30 Walk

Invasive Species from our Backyards to Beyond with Morag Turnbull - East Kootenay Invasive Species Council Radium Hot Springs area

2:00-5:00

Walk

I Look Up, She looks Down with Don Delaney and Kathleen Mpulubusi Wilmer area

4:30-6:00

4:30-6:00 Chirp & Chat

Host Location: The Station Pub Invermere

7:00-9:00

Evening Presentation

Alpine Rising: Sherpas, Baltis, and the Triumph of Local Climbers in the Great Ranges with Bernadette McDonald Hosted by Four Points Books Pynelogs, Invermere

Chirp & Chat

Host Location: Rocky River Grill Invermere

7:00-9:00

Evening Presentation

Impacts of Light Pollution on Birds with Roland Dechesne Pynelogs, Invermere

9:15-11:45 Indoor/Outdoor Event

Cygnus: Flying into the Light with Tim MacIntosh Invermere area

Spring Bluebirds Fairmont

Walk

7:00-10:00

8:00-11:00 Walk

Edgewater Wander Birding Excusion with Brian Wesley and David Gibson Edgewater area

8:30-11:00 Walk

Radium Pond & River Meander with Jody Allair Radium Hot Springs area

8:30-11:30

Luxor Linkage: Connections to Land & Water with Haley MacDonald and Cindy McCallum Nature Conservancy of Canada Edgewater area

9:00-11:00 Paddle

Wetlands Paddle with Columbia River Paddle Invermere area

9:00-11:30 Walk

Bears, Birds & Bees on the Side of Brisco Mountain with Katherine Friedley and Adrian Pery Brisco area

9:30-11:30 Walk

You Belong Among the Wildflowers with Kathleen Mpulubusi Radium Hot Springs area

10:00-11:30 Indoor/Outdoor Workshop

Creating Photos with IMPACT at Dorothy Lake with Kimberley Rae Invermere area

2:00-4:00 Walk

Being Bear: Experience a Spring Walk

Throughthe Eyes of a Bear with Reno Sommerhalder Fairmont Hot Springs area

2:00-4:00 Walk

Introduction to Environmental Consulting with Sidney Kwok and Darren Filipic Invermere area

2:00-4:30 Walk

Connecting Lakes to Mountain Streams with Ben Mitchell - Banks Invermere area

2:00-4:30 Walk

Walking with Coyote with Dr. Shelley Alexander Radium Hot Springs area

2:00-4:30 Walk

Creating Photos with IMPACT at Lake Enid with Kimberley Rae Wilmer area

Live Music Performance with Over the Moon Cash Bar

Doors open 6:15

Music Performance 7:00-9:00

Columbia Valley Centre, Invermere

7:30-10:00

7:30-11:30 Walk

National Park “Saturday Birding” with Brian Wesley Radium Hot Springs area

8:00-11:00

Walk

Fairmont Meadows Wetland Wander with Cam Gillies and Jody Allair Fairmont Hot Springs

8:00-11:00

Walk

Columbia Wetlands Overview with Claude Rioux and Myrna Pearman Fairmont Hot Springs area

9:30-11:00

Talk & Demo

Learn about Soaring over the Rockies in High Performance Gliders with Herrie ten Cate Invermere area

9:30-3:00

Paddle & Lunch

Invermere to Radium with Columbia River Paddle Invermere area

10:00-12:00

Family Wetland Adventure with Gareth Thomson Invermere area

Walk

10:00-2:00 Hike & Lunch

Mt. Swansea Lookout with Chris Skinner - Playwest Experiences Invermere area

11:30-12:30

Indoor Workshop

Owl sitting in a tree painting with Black Star Studios

Invermere

12:30-3:30

Forest Bathing Columbia Walk with Pat Bavin Radium Hot Springs area

Walk

12:30-3:30

Hike

The Columbia Lake Spirit Trail Loop with Charmaine Dittrick (STMS) and Sharon Morgan Fairmont Hot Springs area

1:00-2:00

Indoor Workshop

Clay Mountains - Make a landscape out of polymer clay with Black Star Studios Invermere

1:30-3:00 Drumming

Rhythm by Nature with Patrick Carrick Invermere

2:30-3:30

Indoor Workshop

Water Mountains using mixed media with Black Star Studios Invermere

Wings Gala Celebration & Keynote Presentation with Bob McDonald

Cash Bar

Special Book Signing

Doors open 5:15

Dinner begins at 6:00

Keynote Presentation 7:00-9:00

Columbia Valley Centre, Invermere

8:30-11:30

9:00-11:00 Paddle

Wetlands Paddle with Columbia River Paddle Invermere area

10:00-1:00 Walk

As Above, So Below –Digging Deep Into the World of Soil with Dale Wilker - Old Blue Truck Farm Invermere area

1:00-3:00 Tour & Taste

Taste Testing & Celebration with Taynton Bay Spirits Invermere

1:30-3:00 Outdoor Family Event

Leave No Trace Colour Forage with Kristin Whitlow Invermere area

1:30-3:30 Walk

Afternoon at the Apiary with Kim Weaver and Steve RootWeaver’s Bee Co. Invermere

2:30-4:30 Walk

Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1495, 2015, Amendment Bylaw No. 1653, 2024 And Zoning Bylaw No. 1145, 2002, Amendment Bylaw No. 1654, 2024

NOTICE is given that the following bylaws have received first and second readings by the District of Invermere Council:

• Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1495, 2015, Amendment Bylaw No. 1653, 2024 and

Zoning Bylaw No. 1145, 2002, Amendment Bylaw No. 1654, 2024 and pursuant to Part 14, Division 3, Section 464 of the Local Government Act a Public Hearing for these bylaws is to be held in the Columbia Valley Centre located at 646 – 4th Street, Invermere, BC at 7:00 pm MT on Thursday, April 4, 2024. The hearing is scheduled to address:

Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1495, 2015, Amendment Bylaw No. 1653, 2024 which will if adopted:

Add provisions to the District’s Official Community Plan (OCP) to provide guidance and direction to the public and the District of Invermere (the District) when considering a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) application for a Short-Term Rental Accommodation Unit (STR). In the District of Invermere a STR TUP is intended for use where the District’s Official Community Plan (Bylaw No. 1495, 2015, as amended) or Zoning Bylaw No. 1145, 2002, as amended, do not otherwise allow an STR; for example, Invermere’s single-family residential and low-density residential areas. The District’s preference for managing STRs in these areas, where it is appropriate, is with TUPs.

Zoning Bylaw No. 1145, 2002, Amendment Bylaw No. 1654, 2024 which will if adopted: Add provisions to the District’s Zoning Bylaw to provide guidance and direction to the public and the District of Invermere (the District) when considering issuing a business licence for a Short-Term Rental Accommodation Unit (STR) where the use is permitted under the District’s Zoning Bylaw No. 1145, 2002, as amended.

In general terms the purpose of the Public Hearing is to provide an opportunity for public input respecting the two bylaws. Following the Public Hearing the Council of the District of Invermere may consider giving third reading to Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1495, 2015, Amendment Bylaw No. 1653, 2024, and Zoning Bylaw No. 1145, 2002, Amendment Bylaw No. 1654, 2024.

Persons who wish to provide written comments on the proposed bylaws and amendments, can submit them in one of the following ways provided they are received by the Corporate Officer not later than 12:00 pm MT, Wednesday April 3, 2024:

By Mail or Hand delivery to the District of Invermere Municipal Office at 914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

Email sent to corporateservices@invermere.net

Facsimile sent to 250-342-2934

By attending the Public Hearing on Thursday, April 4th at 7:00 pm MT

Written comments received will be distributed to Council for their consideration at the Public Hearing.

Those members of the public in attendance at the Public Hearing will be allowed to make presentations to Council or present written submissions respecting matters contained in the proposed bylaws.

A copy of proposed Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1495, 2015, Amendment Bylaw No. 1653, 2024, and Zoning Bylaw No. 1145, 2002, Amendment Bylaw No. 1654, 2024 and related documents may be inspected at the District of Invermere Municipal Office at 914 – 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC during regular business hours 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday from March 21, 2024, to April 4, 2024. The proposed bylaws may also be inspected online at the District of Invermere website: https://invermere.net/news/

If you have questions or require more information about Bylaw No. 1653, 2024, or Bylaw No. 1654, 2024 please contact the District of Invermere Municipal Office at (250) 342-9281, or by email to: info@invermere.net

Andrew Young, MCIP, RPP

Rory Hromadnik, RPF Chief Administrative Officer Director of Development Services

RTP cuts disturbing

Since the NDP approved funding cuts to the B.C. Provincial Retinal Treatment Program, I have received dozens of calls, emails, and visits to my offices from constituents in Columbia River-Revelstoke who are dismayed at the prospect of losing access to vision-saving treatments.

This program has operated successfully since 2009 and covers professional fees, administrative fees, and drug costs for the treatment of wet macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion.

The program has saved families over $2 billion in health care costs, with annual savings in the range of $250 million.

It is hard to imagine why the Ministry of Health has decided to approve a 32 per cent reduction in compensation to retinal specialists participating in the program.

With inflation and the rising costs of facilities, equipment, supplies and staffing, it is not sustainable for retinal spe-

“These are crucial treatments that give people the ability to see, and this cut has been heart wrenching for families”

cialists to continue participating in the program. With no agreement in sight, all retinal specialists will be withdrawing from the program and patients will be individually responsible for fees and drug costs.

Folks simply cannot afford this extra financial burden during an affordability crisis. These are crucial treatments that give people the ability to see, and this cut has been heart wrenching for families.

Some of these patients are caregivers for their partners. When an individual loses their sight, it creates a hardship for many.

My colleagues and I in the BC United Caucus have been advocating relentlessly for Health Minister Adrian Dix to walk back the cuts. On March 22, Shirley Bond, the BC United Shadow Minister for Health, reached out to Minister Dix requesting urgent action. The letter is as follows:

Dear Minister Dix, I write this letter requesting that you take urgent action to resolve the issues related to the Retinal Diseases Treatment Program. As of March 31, 25,000 British Columbians will be impacted by the

budget reductions that were approved by your ministry. The impact of this decision will result in retinal specialists withdrawing from the program. In the event this reduction proceeds, the consequences for patients will be devastating.

This program is not just a medical service; it is a lifeline for those facing sight-threatening conditions, offering monthly injections that prevent blindness.

My colleagues and I have raised this issue with you multiple times. Despite your assurance on March 14 that British Columbians would “continue to get the free service they deserve,” we have received no indication that they won’t have to start paying in just a few days.

The impact of these cuts extends far beyond statistics and budgets. It will further exacerbate our health care crisis by placing an unfair financial burden on individuals fighting to maintain their sight. Many are left in a state of panic, desperately seeking ways to fund their own care to avoid losing their vision.

British Columbians need more than reassurances; they need to see a complete reversal of the 32 per cent cut so they aren’t forced to pay for the medical care they require to maintain their vision.

British Columbians deserve access to health care that protects their quality of life. I urge you to prioritize this issue and reverse this harmful budget cut.

With only a few days remaining before the program will end, Adrian Dix has yet to respond. It is unbelievable that despite the government increasing spending that will lead to a record $8 billion deficit, that funds are not available to maintain this vital service. The Ministry of Health’s and the PHSA’s own recommendations from just three years ago made clear that this program should continue, stating, “…the benefits of the treatments continue to outweigh the potential risks.”

Without these safe and effective drug treatments, affected patients are at a much higher risk of vision deterioration and/or possible blindness. This issue extends beyond the financial aspects. For the sake of ensuring quality care for British Columbians, it is critical for this government to take urgent steps so individuals are not forced to pay out of pocket so they can maintain their sight.

I want to hear from you about any concerns you have about this or any other issue. I read every email I receive. Please reach out to me at doug.clovechok.mla@leg.bc.ca or call my office in Kimberley at (250) 432-2300 or Revelstoke at (250) 805-0323.

by Arnold Malone

Thrift is good quality to have in your life

The Great Depression of the 1930s was more than just a decade on a calendar.

For those who were influenced by those years their values were changed forever.

The practice of thrift during the depression stuck like a wrenched and rusted nut.

Our mother said that during the depression there were periods when they did not have money. There was no money in the bank, none in a purse and none in a wallet.

As farmers they just lived off the farm. They had pork, beef, chicken, eggs, milk and home-ground flour, along with a huge garden from which they raised healthy children.

In July of 1929 the price of wheat hit a high of $1.40 per bushel. It dropped to $0.96 in March of 1930 and hit a low of $0.26 per bushel in 1931.

This was at a time when Agriculture Canada indicated that it cost $0.28/ bushel to plant a crop.

My dad recalled selling a rail car load of two-year-old market beef animals and getting a bill for the freight. Normally, there would be a cheque with the freight cost removed. In his case, the value of the steers did not cover the cost of shipping.

What was drilled deep into the values of those families was their adherence to thrift. Waste was utterly unacceptable.

Anyone who was wasteful was fodder for condemnation. This was a generation of people who squeezed value out of everything. Clothes were made, not purchased. Fat was used for making soap, hides were kept for coverings, and cardboard was used for insulation.

That doesn’t mean that people who were influenced by the depression would not, at a later time, buy a fine car or live in a nice home. Rather, it was a collection of many little things that clung to their behaviour.

People from that generation have hands that automatically switch off a light when they leave a room. They may find themselves entering a sun-filled bathroom, therefore no light is flicked on, and upon leaving, without thought, flipping the light switch which puts an unnecessary light on.

President Lyndon Johnson had a reputation of going through the White House turning the light off in the rooms he left.

Even shaving is done with thrift. People born in more recent years tend to change the blade when the blade is a bit dull. That is not the case of those who were influenced by the depression. They use the same blade until it feels like you are pulling whiskers away with pliers.

The same practice applies to tooth paste. The toothpaste tube wants to know where to go to report abuse. The tube gets squeezed, twisted and crumpled until the last morsel of paste is extracted. Those depression folks got an extra week out of every tube.

They guarded their pennies, and their dinner plates were returned as if the dog had licked it. Paper towels get re-sized for multiple uses.

Items were used and then re-used. Machines were taken apart and the bolts and metal kept and stored.

Cans and bottles were saved as they might be useful some day. At night when families prayed, the coal oil lamp was turned to dim. It was a time when value was extracted from items that scarcely had value.

This is not an advocacy to return to that kind of thrift but it is a reminder that once there was a time when thrift was an essential practice.

Throwing re-useable stuff away is still unfortunate. Mother Earth needs her best chance to serve us over the long term. Thrift is still important.

When we are about to discard something, the question to ask is, “could anyone else use this item?”

This tube wants to know where to report abuse. Those ‘depression’ era folks got an extra week out of every tube by squeezing the life out of it.

PHOTO OCTAVIAN LAZAR/GETTY

th MAY 18 Saturday 2024 Boogie Bash!

Gates Open: 6pm

Opening Act:

Humongous Fungus

Location:

Limited number of Early Bird Discounted Tickets and VIP Passes

Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena

Invermere BC

Tickets:

www.showpass .com/the-boogie-bash-with-colin-james

SPORTS

BEY ND THE BLUE LINE

Rockies awards

A recent ceremony saw numerous Columbia Valley Rockies players awarded for their efforts during the past season. Clockwise from top left: 100 games milestone Kade Cochlan, Kyran Gromnisky, and Nathan Kaye (shown with coaches); Rookie of the Year (for Rockies and Eddie Mountain Division) Carter Velker; Most Improved Kaelan Bodnarchuk; Energy Player of the Year Kyran Gromnisky, Top Forward Kobe Mason; Community Member of the Year Kaelan Shelton; Goalie of the Year (for Rockies and Eddie Mountain Division) Nate Glenn; and Top Defenseman Luke Hamilton.

PHOTOS STEPHANIE STEVENS

SPORTS

Invermere teen swims to silver medal

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

A local teen was on a ‘silver’ streak when he recently ended up with a podium finish at the Swim BC Winter Divisionals in Penticton.

David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS) Grade 10 student Jackson Turner finished second, earning the silver medal in the 50-metre breaststroke event in the Okanagan which brought together more than 1,000 young swimmers from across the northern and Interior parts of B.C.

The 15-year-old Jackson has participated in several other divisional swim meets in B.C., as well as the B.C. Winter Games back in 2022, and last year in the Manitoba and Saskatchewan open provincials, but this is the first time he’s come home with a medal.

“I did not expect to get a medal. I would have been happy just to shave a bit of time off my personal best,” Jackson told the Pioneer

The young athlete was modest about his achievements, saying simply that he felt “a lot of excitement in general” when he realized he’d finished second.

Jackson’s elated mom wasn’t at the swim meet in Penticton, but she was

tracking the results in near-live time through an app on her phone.

“Of course, I was pretty excited,” she bubbled, before pausing to wipe away a tear of joy. “It’s pretty cool to see your kid fulfill his goals in such a big way.”

Jackson joined the Columbia Valley Swim Club when he was six years old, participated in his first local swim meet when he was seven, and began travelling to bigger swim meets when he was eight.

The Columbia Valley Swim Club is normally based in the cool pool at Radium Hot Springs. The cool pool, however, has been closed for ongoing renovations for more than a year now. In the meantime, Jackson has been swimming at the pools at Copper Point Resort and at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. He has also been temporarily attached to the swim club in Cranbrook, travelling down there as well to train.

Jackson loves the individuality of swimming. “There is a team aspect, but how you do at each meet is down to what you are capable of on a given day,” he said. “I like that.”

The breaststroke is Jackson’s favourite stroke and he competes in the 50-metre, 100-metre and 200-metre breaststroke events. He prefers sprint distances instead of longer distances, so he also competes in 50-metre

and 100-metre events in “almost every stroke except the backstroke. I don’t like the backstroke.”

The nature of the swim meets Jackson competes in varies — some of the larger divisional and provincial meets have anywhere from 1,600 to 2,400 swimmers competing. The regional

meets held in the Kootenay region tend to have 200 to 250 participants. But all are fun, said Jackson.

His next big swim meets are the Swim BC Summer Divisionals in Vernon, followed by another trip to the Manitoba and Saskatchewan open provincials.

DTSS Grade 10 student Jackson Turner (left) scored silver at the recent Swim BC Winter Divisionals in Penticton.

PHOTOS

PIONEER CLASSIFIEDS

250-341-6299

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Al-Anon. Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? For more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship, please call 250-878-2448 or 250-342-8392

Alcoholics Anonymous. If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. All meetings are at 7 pm. Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the BC Service Building, South End-624 4th St. Invermere. Please call 250-3422424 for more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship.

Narcotics Anonymous. Open meeting.

Mondays 7 pm at the BC Service Building, South End. 624-4th St. Invermere

Annual General Meeting of the Edgewater Recreation Society

Tuesday, April 9, 2024 7:00PM at the Community Hall

Everyone Welcome (Voters must have registered for membership by March 10, 2024)

info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

A blue-sky cheers to Max Powers for taking time and giving such wonderful effort in announcing the coming of our first born by air!

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

LAWN RANGER 250-342-9222

Lawn & Dump Services

• Yard Cleans

• Hedge & Brush Trims

• Dump Runs

B. B.’s Home and Design Services Renovations, Masonry & Handyman Services, Blinds, House checks, eavestrough/ yard cleaning/dump runs.

250-688-2897 or 403-861-8782

THE HEARTFELT COMPANION

A warm cheers to Amber & Gord McIntyre for coordinating a most memorable day for our Gender Reveal event!

Cheers to Connie, Irene, Mary and Val for a fun evening at the Legion. I had a blast. Laughter is good for the soul.

Cheers to the Elliott family - Gary, Elna, Maxine and Wayne for your kindness. It was so nice of you to invite me to join your family dinner when you saw me sitting by myself. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

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

Get-ER-Done Handyman

Landscaping, Asphalt Pads, General Contracting, Cleaning Gutters, House Checks, Pressure Washing. Call Ryan 604-346-5087

4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home in Windermere for long term rental.

1 year lease $2500/ month plus utilities. 403-519-9634

HELP WANTED

We’re Hiring!

Water Stewardship Assistant

May to August 2024

Alpine Building Operations is looking for lawn maintenance staff at Panorama Resort. Duties include mowing, weed trimming, garbage removal, skid steer operation and general labor.

Phone: 250-270-0435

Email: alpinebuildingops@gmail.com

The Water Stewardship Assistant will be an outgoing, adventuroius youth (15-30) who is passionate about the environment and is looking forward to a summer spent working outdoors. Their main roles are to provide support to our water quality and quantity monitoring program and offer public stewardship education about Lake Windermere and the Columbia River Basin. For more information visit www.lakeambassados.ca or email info@lakeambassadors.ca

Summer Route Sales Rep

Are you hungry for an exciting and challenging opportunity in a fast-paced, diverse organization? You will develop and sustain a growing snack foods business and leverage your skills by selling and delivering our products to your assigned group of retail customers at grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores.

What you can expect from us:

• Opportunity to gain exposure to PepsiCo’s Co-op or New Grad programs

A dynamic and inclusive culture that promotes you to bring your whole self to work

• A chance to win our Top Summer RSR Award with a $1500 bonus

• Ability to grow your earnings through performance

Estimated Commissioned Summer Earnings: $12,000-$15,000

For more details about the opportunity please visit: www.pepsicojobs.com or apply to Zoe.fitzsimmons@pepsico.com

Brian Joseph Yves Neill

September 10, 1961 – February 26, 2024

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Brian Neill. Brian returned to Mexico in midOctober, 2023 and, shortly after that, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The tumor was benign, yet life threatening. It was successfully removed in November, 2023 and his recovery was going well until he contracted bacterial meningitis. He fought like hell and was able to overcome the infection, though the battle left him very weak and, on Monday, February 26, 2024, his body could no longer endure the trauma and he suffered a fatal heart attack. His loving partner, Tracy Frederickson, was by his side when he passed. Brian was 62.

Brian was born on September 10, 1961 in Montreal, Quebec, and spent the first 30 years of his life in Eastern Canada, where he worked in the Food & Beverage industry. Brian was a talented carpenter and, given the opportunity to wield his hammer, he moved West to Calgary, Alberta, where he restored historical buildings in the downtown core. One of his proudest accomplishments was renovating the #3 Firehall in Inglewood into the Hose & Hydrant Pub, now known as the Hose & Hound Neighborhood Pub. When Brian retired in 2012, he sold his house and bought his beloved sailboat Woodwind 1. It was his lifelong dream to live aboard and abroad.

Brian spent the last 11 winters living on his boat in Paradise Village Marina in Nuevo Vallarta, MX. He always had projects on the go, whether it be replacing canvas, making repairs to the boat, or helping fellow cruisers. Many a Happy Hour were spent with friends at Hector’s Beach Bar. On Sundays, Brian would take his Honda Goldwing motorcycle, nicknamed Goldmember, for a spin up the coast. His faithful dog, Zoey, was constantly by his side and would sit in the saddlebag of the Goldwing, causing many a head to turn.

Brian called British Columbia home in the summer, yet he was actually a resident of the world. The last 6 summers he resided in RVs, either living off the grid near Panorama Mountain Village, BC, or traveling across Canada. Brian loved driving and was right at home behind the wheel of his motorhome. During a cross Canada trip in the summer of 2023, he was able to reconnect with many of his family and friends. Brian got an adrenaline rush racing go-carts and riding his electric dirt bike, and he had aspirations of driving a Formula 1 car. He was excitedly planning to attend the Mexico City Grand Prix in October, 2024.

Brian is predeceased by his mother Nicole Neill, his Uncle Alec Neill, his Uncle Neill Neill and, the light of his life, his dog Zoey, who passed away while Brian was fighting for his own life. Brian had forgotten Zoey was gone and often thought she was in his hospital bed with him.

Brian is survived by spouse Tracy Frederickson, sister Sandra Neill, her son Landen, his Auntie Lee Neill, stepfather David Neill and his other puppy Puddle. Rest in peace, Brian, and know that you will eternally be loved.

There will be a celebration for The Life of Brian on Sunday, May 05, 2024 in Calgary. If you would like to attend, please visit brianneill.brownpapertickets.com, register, and select the number of tickets. Registration deadline is April 21, 2024.

1935 - 2024

Deputy Director of Finance

Invermere is a rapidly growing community of approximately 3,800 permanent residents nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere in the Columbia Valley. The District of Invermere is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced individual to become our Deputy Director of Finance. If you enjoy the outdoors and wish to live in a community that offers year-round activities and an incredible quality of life, Invermere is your ideal place to live, work and play.

Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Deputy Director of Finance is responsible for and supervising the completion of month-end and year-end accounting procedures including journal entries, reconciliations and adjustments; prepares year-end working papers, schedules, reports and statistics for financial statements, annual reports, and provincial reporting; assist the Director of Finance and the District’s management team with the financial administration of a variety of statutory programs and financial processes; and manages line staff functions within the Finance Department.

The preferred candidate for this position will possess the following or equivalent:

A University Degree

Enrolment in the CPA Professional Education Program

Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation, or significant advancement in the CPA Professional Education Program with completion and designation anticipated. A minimum of three years of accounting work experience.

Municipal work experience will be considered an asset.

The selected candidate will be expected to possess:

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB), and municipal/fund/public accounting.

Proficient with financial accounting software.

Intermediate level knowledge of Excel.

Ability to analyze financial information while maintaining a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

Ability to plan, prioritize, and communicate effectively.

Ability to deal tactfully with the public, in person and on the telephone, in a courteous manner.

Ability to communicate effectively with the public, elected officials, other staff including management both verbally and in writing, including reports.

Exceptional attention to details.

Strong interpersonal skills and desire to work in a team-oriented environment.

Excellent organizational, time management, and priority assessment skills including ability to perform effectively while under pressure.

• Proven capability to maintain confidentiality and to exercise a high degree of tact, diplomacy, and discretion.

Ability to defuse sensitive situations in a tactful and professional manner.

Sensitivity to the political and organizational environment.

Salary will be commensurate with experience and education. The pay range for this position will be between $46.70 and $54.94 per hour plus benefits. This is an exempt position, and the Deputy Director of Finance is expected to work 35 hours per week Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, some evening work may be required.

A job description for this position is available on the District of Invermere website. Persons interested in applying for this position are invited to submit their resumes by 2:00 pm, Monday, April 22, 2024 to:

District of Invermere

Attn: Kindry Luyendyk, Corporate Officer

Box 339, Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0

The Chassé family is saddened to announce the passing of their beloved mother Marie Chassé on Mar. 22, 2024, at the Invermere Hospital.

Marie Chassé 1935 - 2024

Marie is predeceased by her husband Onidas (Oly).

The Chassé family is saddened to announce the passing of their beloved mother Marie Chassé on Mar. 22, 2024, at the Invermere Hospital.

She is survived by her 7 children and their partners Jean-Pierre (Marie), Jacques (Shelly), Danielle (Keith), Marcel (Len), Gaston (Loreen), Christine (Ralph) and Isabelle (Kelly), many grandchildren (13) and greatgrandchildren (17). She is also survived by her sister Francoise, and brother Francis.

Marie is predeceased by her husband Onidas (Oly).

She is survived by her 7 children and their partners Jean-Pierre (Marie), Jacques (Shelly), Danielle (Keith), Marcel (Len), Gaston (Loreen), Christine (Ralph) and Isabelle (Kelly), many grandchildren (13) and greatgrandchildren (17). She is also survived by her sister Francoise, and brother Francis.

Marie lived a full life raising her family and enjoying many leisure activities. Some of her favourites were hiking, golfing, carpet bowling, skiing and walking. She took part in several BC Seniors Games travelling to Coquitlam, Langley and Richmond with her team.

Marie lived a full life raising her family and enjoying many leisure activities.

Some of her favourites were hiking, golfing, carpet bowling, skiing and walking. She took part in several BC Seniors Games travelling to Coquitlam, Langley and Richmond with her team.

She loved outings to the many beautiful scenic areas in

She loved outings to the many beautiful scenic areas in the valley and observing the wildlife. Birds always made her days brighter. She will be greatly missed.

As

As per Marie’s wishes, no funeral or memorial will be held.

Email: corporateservices@invermere.net

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

Marie Chassé

Celebrate beauty of Indigenous language

By: Julia Magsombol Local Initiative Reporter julia@columbiavalleypioneer.com

March 31 marked Indigenous Language Day — an opportunity that honoured many Indigenous languages in Canada, including the Ktunaxa language, Secwepemctsín, Michif, and others.

In 1989, the Assembly of First Nations founded National Indigenous Language Day — a day to raise awareness of Indigenous languages across Canada. And most importantly, to build support for language preservation.

Unfortunately, many Indigenous languages are becoming extinct in Canada due to the Indian Act and Indian residential schools.

Thankfully, some of the existing elders continue teaching and sharing their language.

The Columbia Valley is one of the places in BC that has many Indigenous language classes on offer.

Ktunaxa language

The Ktunaxa language is known as a culturally isolated language. It is different and unique on its own. The language is unrelated to any other in the world and is critically endangered, but many people are willing to teach and learn the language, which keeps it alive.

Mara Nelson, a traditional knowledge and language support worker from the Ktunaxa Nation, and Alfred Joseph, a respected Elder, have taught the Ktunaxa course for years.

"I'm very excited. It's just growing and evolving, and there's so much more interest and resources, and as far as a language learner goes, this is a beautiful time to be Ktunaxa, this is a beautiful time to learn Ktunaxa," Nelson said.

The Ktunaxa language program finished successfully last year and will continue with a new one this year. Nelson explained that it will be similar to last year but at a higher level. It will be about understanding how the sentence structure works, the endings of words, and others.

"There's so much forward movement, and everything that we do, we're centering it on our language,” Nelson pointed out. "I'm a mother. I am an educator. I've worked in really incredible places. I've had a lot of beautiful things happen in my life. But learning my language has truly changed the foundation of who I am. And it will forever propel me in new places that I never imagined," she added.

For more information about the recent course, read: https://www.columbiavalleypioneer.com/ktunaxa-language-course-very-successful/

Secwepemctsín

The Shuswap Band speaks the Secwepemctsín. It is an interior Salish language used by the large Salishan language family. Secwepemctsín is an oral language, meaning it does not have a writing system.

The language itself consists of 43 consonants and five vowels. As it is very unique, many of the sounds of this language are not found in the English language. The language meaning and pronunciation vary throughout Secwepemcúlecw as there are three dialects.

"Many Indigenous Peoples don't like to use the term extinct. Extinct means that is it no longer, and because there are still very few who speak the languages and many who are learning it," said Tisha Tardif, the language coordinator of Shuswap Band.

Its language proficiency course has just started in the valley.

Tardif explained that the Shuswap Band (Kenpésq’t) has two fluent speakers, two proficient speakers, and seven ‘silent speakers.’

Recently, the Shuswap Band was part of a Secwepemctsín language proficiency program called the Accelerated Language Program (ALP). Tardif said there were nine participants who will receive their Secwepemctsín language proficiency diploma.

"Learning our language helps preserve our culture and gives us our identity as Secwépemc," Tardif said.

If you are interested in the Shuswap Band's language course, reach out to Tardif at Language@ shuswapband.ca

Michif

The Michif language, spoken by Métis people, is also unique. The language is a combination of French nouns and Cree verbs. It is known that the highest numbers of Michif speakers can be found in the Prairies.

Many Métis people also speak Cree, which is more widely spoken than Michif. To preserve and protect the Michif language, many Métis people are involved in several Michif lessons.

Its origins are in the Red River Valley area in Manitoba, and this language is now applicable across many provinces in Canada, including BC.

The Michif introductory language course will begin on April 8. Michif speaker Marie Schoenthal and Amy Cross will teach the course. There will be six classes ending in May. The participants will learn basic conversational skills, learn to say prayers in Michif, and introduce themselves in the language.

For more information about the course, visit, https://outdoorlearningstore.com/event/michif-online-language-course/

A young bald eagle soars against the breathtaking blue in search of prey.

FAITH

Proper footwear for followers

Rev. Terry Dyck Lake Windermere Alliance Church

This is a bit of an awkward season. What kind of shoes or boots do you wear when you are going to experience at least three different seasons during the day? And then you’ll be inside at some point too.

Have you ever tried to tell a toddler that their boots or shoes are on the wrong feet? Ha!

First try and convince the youngster that their footwear is on the wrong foot, and then get them to switch feet … not going to happen. The response I get, “it’s okay grandpa.”

What comes to my mind this season is the account recorded in the Bible of two, then three people, on a walk home from Jerusalem. Church folk often call this the Emmaus Road journey.

I would have suggested that they check their footwear as they walked and processed the recent events of their lives. They walked and talked about their connections and journeys with other Je-

sus followers. It was a confusing, heartbreaking, hope-crushing arrest, suffering and death of the One they were walking alongside.

Others had been on this same journey, the two of them had been witnesses together, but this familiar walk out of Jerusalem was punctuated by the unfamiliar pain and questions. They had the wrong footwear for the journey, or their shoes were worn out. How they were doing in life, what they were relying on to bring joy and thrive in their daily walk, wasn’t adequate anymore. And then the news of Jesus no longer dead. I am shouting, “your shoes are on the wrong feet”, “look at your footwear”, “you need different shoes for this journey”, “things have changed, you are changing.”

Of course there will be more joy in the journey, deeper connections in any walk or journey when you choose good footwear. When you wear adequate shoes or boots a hike can be exhilarating.

Sunday April 21st, 6pm potluck, 7pm AGM, followed by ‘Beyond Climate’ film (narrated by David Suzuki).

Lions Hall, 651 Hwy 93/95 Invermere. All welcome. Email invermere@wildsight.ca for info.

We are all on a life walk or journey of some sort. Sometimes we tread the same path repeatedly. Consider your footwear.

What happens when you get a soaker? Getting a “soaker” is an old idiom describing what happens when the water level you are walking or jumping in exceeds the height of your boots. This allows sums of water to cascade into your footwear, soaking your feet, socks, and tucked-in pant legs. And since your boots are waterproof (sort of), the water does not escape until you remove the boots.

Life can be like that. We all get soakers. Some on purpose.

Who cares if you get a soaker? The pure joy of jumping in puddles can far exceed the cold, wet slog back home. That’s a sign that there is something deeper going on inside; your journey isn’t always about perfect conditions or footwear. Unless you come to me like children, Jesus said that about faith and trust.

Jump in a puddle this week … wear your boots on the wrong feet – on purpose! Walk and journey in life like children, that was Jesus’ counsel.

Columbia Valley Churches

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

While you are with us, you are always welcome to join us.

Sunday at 10:30 am 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 | www.lwac.ca

WINDERMERE VALLEY

SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED

Minister: Brent Woodard

Sundays at 10:30 am, in-person or on Zoom. For the Zoom link, please visit our website at wvsm.ca. 110 - 7th Ave. in Invermere.

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY

Pastor: Justin Furse

Sunday 10 a.m. Worship Service 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 | www.vcachurch.net

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats: Saturday, 4 pm

Canadian Martyrs’, Invermere: Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 9 am St. Joseph’s, Radium: Sunday 11 am

Father Francis Dela Cruz | 712 -12th Ave., Invermere 250-342-6167

RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service

Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater | 250-342-6633 #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.

On February 18 my wife Donabelle Williams, who was my bride for over 63 years, succumbed to cancer and entered Heaven. We had a blessed life. This article intends to say a profound thank you to exceptional people who made an incredible difference in my life.

The Invermere Hospital and Columbia House, including Doctors, Nurses and all the staff, provided excellent care and compassion. The extremely evident personal attention to keeping me informed and their comforting of my wife was incredible and made the experience much easier to cope with. Many wonderful people recognized me and took a moment to see how I was, which was much appreciated.

On February 27 the Lake Windermere Alliance Church held a Celebration of Life. Their participation in arranging the Service and amazing lunch to follow was superb. Thank you to the Pastors, Fay, Cherie and the many volunteers who made it possible.

Lastly, I want to thank Sara at McPherson Funeral Home, who exhibited extreme compassion, looking after so much administration, special considerations, details, and made regular contact to comfort me. All the staff were very much appreciated.

President Kendyn Mackensie • Columbia Valley Branch • 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs 250-439-9041

CHURCH OF CHRIST (Iglesia ni Cristo)

Worship Service: Sunday 9 a.m., Thursday 7:45 p.m. Chamber of Commerce (Lions Hall)

For inquiries: 250-688-1643

250-270-2208 or 250-688-0629

For more info about the church, you can Google online at incmedia.org or pasugo.com.ph

All systems go for takeoff.

PHOTO SYD DANIS

Lo

Hea ring probl ems c an beg in gr adu ally with out discomfort.

L et us giv e y ou the peac e o f min d y ou dese r v e!

The Hearing Loss Clinic has become an integral par t of my family’s healthcare team. As an athlete and coming into the medical field myself, I can appreciate how each aspect of our health contributes to the bigger picture. Hearing health is an impor tant par t of how we interact with the world, which correlates to so many other par ts of our humanity. It’s all connected. The Hearing Loss Clinic team really understands this and it shows in their passion for what they do and how they treat their patients, from the moment someone walks in the door to the final testing and fitting.

Dr.

2023 - Chamber of Commerce

Customer Ser vice Excellence Award Winner

2022 - Chamber of Commerce

Professional Ser vices Excellence Award Winner

2020 - Chamber of Commerce

Business Of The Year Award Winner

Hayley Wickenheiser, 4-time Olympic Gold Medalist Hockey Canada