Columbia Valley Pioneer - June 6, 2024

Bruno’s Plumbing Service

Mike

COMING EVENTS

Play the Ridge at Copper Point after 12:00pm on Monday, June 10 to help support the Bookmobile Project!

The meanderings of a spotted sandpiper create mirror reflections in the water on a fine Columbia Valley day.

VALLEY NEWS

Fire crews chase multiple fires along highway

Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

Last Friday night was a hectic one for fire crews who found themselves chasing multiple grass fires along the highway north of Windermere.

Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Deputy Chief Jon Tames said eight to 14 fires were burning over a two-kilometre distance.

“Extremely grateful” were the words he used to describe the help from Shuswap Band, the general public, and other response agencies.

Nine crew members and four pieces of apparatus from the Windermere Fire Department responded to the call on May 31 near North Subdivision Road just after 8:30 p.m. They remained on site until the fires were fully extinguished. Radium firefighters responded and patrolled the highway for additional fires, and three RCMP officers also attended the scene.

Fire officials couldn’t tie any evi-

dence to the cause, which led them to think the incidents were suspicious, but they are still investigating.

Anyone with information or who may have seen unusual activity alongside the highway during the early evening on May 31 is asked to contact the RCMP.

“To every single person who responded and helped, thank you,” Tames said. “Although we’ve had cooler temperatures and a bit of moisture of late, with this many fires stretched across such a wide area, it very easily could have become a much more serious situation.”

Tames noted that everyone’s actions made a big difference.

People are reminded that dry conditions can exist in springtime, and that caution is needed to prevent small grass fires from burning out of control.

Also, authorities urge residents to watch out for any suspicious behaviour and report any incident of concern.

Senior escapes injury

There were no injuries but significant damage was caused to the Westland Insurance building in Invermere after a single-vehicle collision on May 30.

Columbia Valley RCMP report that an elderly female crashed into the brick wall of the building on 13th Street at approximately 11 a.m.

“Fortunately no one was injured in the incident, and speed, alcohol, or other impairment has been ruled out,” Sgt. Ed deJong told the Pioneer.

A lot of damage was observed to a section of bricks below two windows, and a glass door also received heavy damage.

Westland Insurance Group communications director Jessica Thiessen told the Pioneer that their primary concern was that nobody was injured.

“We are incredibly grateful for the fast response from our employees and local emergency services during the aftermath of the accident. Our priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved and we’re currently cooperating with authorities to investigate the incident.”

Thiessen noted their business location had to be closed, however, they took immediate steps to repair the damage and restore normal operations. The office has since reopened.

Members of the Windermere Fire Department with support from Radium, RCMP, and several residents responded to multiple grass fires along the highway north of Windermere on May 31.

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Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

RCMP REPORT

Travel trailers set on fire

Sgt. Ed deJong Columbia Valley RCMP

This past week, May 27 to June 3 the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 64 calls for service.

The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to:

On May 30 at approximately 11:05 a.m. the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to a report of a vehicle driving into the Westland Insurance building in the 700 block of 13th Street.

Investigation revealed an elderly driver had failed to stop while attempting to park in front of the building. Alcohol and drugs were not suspected to be a factor and no one was injured in the incident.

On Friday, May 31 at approximately 7:52 p.m. the Columbia Valley RCMP, Windermere and Radium fire departments responded to a report of several fires

burning along Hwy 93/95 between Invermere and Dry Gulch.

Upon attendance, a total of eight small fires were located along the east side anywhere from one to 10 feet from the pavement. All fires were extinguished and an extensive search did not locate anything suspicious to suggest they were set deliberately.

If anyone witnessed the cause of the fires or has dashcam video, please contact the Columbia Valley RCMP at 250-342-9292.

On June 2 the Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of a fire on the Akisqnuk First Nation where two travel trailers were intentionally set on fire.

The investigation is ongoing and a suspect has been identified.

If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact the Columbia Valley RCMP or CrimeStoppers.

Thank You

With

Pulse Check

Average water temperature: 15.1°C

Average water depth: 3.7 m

Average turbidity: 0.95 NTU

Average D.O.: 9.6 mg/L

Average pH: 7.6

Lake sampling results on Lake Windermere show that water depth is lower than it was last year during the same period. Turbidity results are also lower than last year, likely due to decreased runoff and sediment input from spring freshet, which we haven’t really experienced yet this season.

To join the Ambassadors out on the lake this summer, please contact us at (250) 3416898 or info@lakeambassadors.ca

Thank you to this week’s citizen scientist volunteer Emma from Fairmont and to the crew at the District of Invermere for supplying the boat.

Local chef cooks up a storm to be on cover of magazine

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Fairmont Hot Springs chef Lara McCormack is in the running to be on the cover of Taste of Home magazine.

McCormack is taking part in the Favourite Chef — one of the biggest online cooking competitions on the continent and she’s on a roll.

When the Pioneer spoke with her last week, voting for the first round of the competition — the top 60 — had just closed, and McCormack had swept into the second round with ease, finishing with the third most votes of any of the 60 competitors. As this issue of the Pioneer went to press, she was in the midst of the second round of voting — the top 20 — and appeared poised to continue her streak of success, sitting third out of 20 competing chefs.

But be warned, with a gap of a few days between press deadline and when the Pioneer ends up in most readers’ hands, nothing is guaranteed and those standings are subject to change. Readers can do their part to send McCormack into the third round by casting a free vote online at favchef.com/2024/lara-mccormack. But hurry – voting for the second round closes at 8 p.m. MDT on Thursday, June 6 – the day this edition of the Pioneer hits newsstands.

The Favourite Chef, presented by celebrity chef Carla Hall, draws thousand of participants from across North America. It’s run annually by media company Colossal.org. The winner gets a $25,000 prize, goes to New York to meet and cook with Hall at the James Beard House, and appears on the cover of Taste of Home magazine. The contest also doubles as a fundraiser for the James Beard Foundation. Everyone can cast a vote online in the Favourite Chef for free once each day. But, for a donation to the James Beard Foundation, you get extra votes.

McCormack is well known to many Columbia Valley residents as the co-owner (along with her husband Adrian) of From Scratch: A Mountain Kitchen in Fairmont Hot Springs. The McCormacks sold the restaurant part of their business last year, but they continue to run their catering services and doing the hot lunch programs at local schools. They still operate their production kitchen, where they create condiments and frozen meals sold throughout the valley and offer cooking classes. And they are still regular vendors at local farmers’ markets.

A friend suggested McCormack apply to be part of the Favourite Chef earlier this winter. McCormack is not particularly competitive by nature, and so was initially unsure.

But the nonprofit James Beard Foundation supports many culinary-related causes dear to McCormack’s heart. And by late winter most people in the valley’s food industry are subject to seasonal economic doldrums. “So I thought it might be a good, fun pickme-up. That, plus it helps those good causes,” McCormack told the Pioneer

She filled out an application, which took two full hours to complete, sent it in and didn’t hear back for more than a month. “I thought I hadn’t been picked,” she said. Then, seemingly out of the blue, she got a message. She was chosen and had to start setting up her page on the competition site.

McCormack has been busy posting photos of the dishes she cooks, the people that make up her cooking world; and sharing images of the Columbia Valley.

Favourite Chef contestants and other viewers are able to see their position in the voting, but not the exact number of votes each contestant has. This inspires

Annual General Meeting

Saturday, June 15, 10am

Windermere Community Hall 4726 North Street, Windermere All are welcome to attend wcabrd@gmail.com

the contestants, and their family, friends and network of supporters to keep tuning in and voting, as they are never entirely sure how many votes their candidate needs to make it to the next round.

Initially McCormack was 19th out of 60 contestants in the first round. As the voting went on she rose to sixth place, and then up to third as first round voting closed.

McCormack was overwhelmed by the support, calling it heartwarming, and said she was amazed by how the contest has reconnected her with old friends and acquaintances. “I’m getting emails and notes from people I haven’t heard from for years,” she said. “I’m going to enjoy this ride and whatever it brings. I’m having fun.”

Explaining what inspires her to cook, McCormack said she believes in the art of gathering over a delicious meal with good company, which nourishes body and soul. “Whether I am cooking for my family, a client or 150 kids for hot lunch, the amount of happiness I see over a meal keeps my soul and inspiration going,” she noted.

Her go-to dish is what she calls 'Gloria's Lasagna' — one of her mother's recipes, which she recalls fondly from childhood.  “I use only high quality ingredients and ideally make my lasagna noodles from scratch. Fresh tomatoes and herbs from the garden along with valley-raised ground beef or veggies . . . of course, a lot of mozzarella, parmesan, cottage cheese and farm eggs to boot,” added McCormack.

If she wins the competition, she plans to give half the winnings to the Windermere District Farmers’ Institute to help get a proper roof over the Wednesday Agri-Park Farmers’ Market at the crossroads.

“When it rains, the vendors get soaked. My heart aches when all the baked goods get wet,” she said.

McCormack will use the rest of her winnings to pivot her business into personal cooking classes and to finish a cookbook she has in the works.

While nestled in a quiet neighbourhood, this beautiful 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home is steps away from downtown Invermere.

Large windows allow light to flow into the bright interior and provide spectacular mountain and lake views. The property boasts a double car garage, workshop, spacious deck and large backyard.

Local chef Lara McCormack is on a roll when it comes to online cooking competitions.

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Teachers get top marks too

Mr. Cubberly was a beloved math teacher in northern Ontario. He adored his job and loved those moments when the light bulb went on in a student’s head after solving an equation. The short, squat man had arms like tree trunks and a brain for numbers; it was like he was put on earth to teach kids not to be afraid of fractions and how they impacted people’s lives.

Mr. Cubberly was one of the few educators who gave part marks for the formula, even if you got the answer wrong. It was the one detail that his students loved about him. They also loved the fact that he didn’t believe in corporal punishment in the classroom. Unlike some of his colleagues, he didn’t rap his pupils behind the ears or shake them like Raggedy Ann dolls. Strange how this behaviour among students would often bring swift consequences, but not for stalwart teachers.

Forty-five minutes into Mr. Cubberly’s class and everyone knew it was time for . . . The Black Donnellys. Every day, like clockwork, he pulled out the book and began reading to his captivated charges who couldn’t wait to hear more about Canada’s deadliest crime feuds. Not sure if the principal would have approved of such extra-curricular study, but the kids surely didn’t complain; they hung onto every thrilling passage like a cheetah to a gazelle.

Whatever the method used, teachers are worth every penny in the education budget. In their continual pursuit to engage our children, they wear many hats by sculpting, counselling, guiding, facilitating, and redirecting where opportunities lie. They are the guardians of our youth, the stewards of their future, the molder of dreams.

Surprisingly or not, a group of parents and educators plan to open up their own micro-school in Invermere this fall. The plan is to go beyond the confines of the traditional classroom by embracing an outdoor education model. Stay tuned for more information on Invermere Rise Academy led by guide Dylan Dainard, an award-winning educator.

While self-directed (personalized) learning would have been scoffed at 40 years ago, it is being embraced today. Mechanical (rote) education may have worked in that bygone era, but it simply doesn’t cut it these days; students aren’t robots anymore.

As graduation approaches, pupils will be saying goodbye to some of the most important people in their lives — their teachers who had a profound impact on how they grew up and viewed the world; a world they will hopefully change for the better.

Lyonel Doherty, editor

Hail the heroes of Normandy

Death struck deeply into those who waded ashore on June 6, 1944, struggling to quickly move from their landing craft to the sand of Normandy beach.

Burdened by the heavy weight of their equipment, and the sights and sounds around them. Before them lay a terrifying array of obstacles waiting to trap, maim, and destroy anyone who attempted to challenge the terrible might of the nazi occupation of France.

Service men and women came from all across Canada. Local militia units like the Canadian Scottish, British Columbia Regiment (DCO) and 6th Field Company Royal Canadian Engineers were mobilized for active war service. These part-time “Saturday night” soldiers were busy in their armouries and drill halls, recruiting and training its new members. Some would find themselves “storming Juno beach” on June 6, while others arrived sometime later, joining the 3rd Canadian Division as they consolidated their foothold on the Normandy coast.

The liberation campaign slowly progressed mile by bloody mile across France until Paris was freed on

August 25, 1944. In its wake were left countless dead and injured, destroyed towns and cities. Names of places became etched into the memories of the soldiers who fought in battles like Bourguébus Ridge, Carpiquet Airport, Caen, the Falaise “Gap”, Vaucelles, and Verrières Ridge. The campaign to liberate France from its occupiers would end up taking the lives of 5,021 Canadian soldiers.

The number of war veterans who fought in the liberation campaign has steadily declined as the years have passed. Fortunately, some of these remarkable old soldiers are still living. They are resilient people who followed a path of duty, endured hardship, faced danger and experienced things we could never imagine. Through the National Order of the Legion of Honour medal program, the Embassy of France in Canada continues to bestow their nation’s highest medal to our veterans who are proudly known as the liberators of France.

Guy Black, Coquitlam, recipient of Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation

Consultation begins on 25-metre cell tower

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Cell phone reception may get better in Invermere and surrounding parts of the Columbia Valley.

Rogers Communications Inc. will soon begin public consultation on a new cell phone tower within District of Invermere boundaries.

Rogers wants to put the new tower — described as a 25-metre high mono-

pole — on a 10 metre by 10 metre square area at the eastern edge of the Lakeview parking lot, behind Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.

Currently Rogers provides service in the Columbia Valley from a macro cell tower at Mount Swansea.

Telus Communications Inc. has a macro cell tower in the same spot, but also has one in downtown Invermere — a 17-metre high monopole atop the building on the southwest corner of

By advertising in this feature you have helped make it possible for The Pioneer to produce this memento for

Ad deadline: Friday, June 14

Pioneer Publication date: Thursday, June 27 the grads of

For more information contact Amanda Nason at 250-341-6299 ext 102 or e-mail advertising@columbiavalleypioneer.com

main street (7th Avenue) and 4th Street, near the Sobey’s and the Columbia Valley Centre.

Rogers also wants a downtown tower too, which it says will help the company improve coverage within Invermere and nearby parts of the valley. It initially proposed putting a 30-metre high monopole tower in the space between the Invermere fire hall, the Rocky Mountain School District No. 6 office building, the Windermere Valley Child Care Society’s daycare, and the Columbia Valley Centre parking lot.

That location was shot down by Invermere council. Invermere chief administrative officer Andrew Young explained that council and district staff were concerned about how close that spot was to the daycare and the aesthetic effect it would have on the Columbia Valley Centre.

“It also would have been quite visible as you drive up the hill into Invermere. It would not have been a great

welcome to town,” added councillor Theresa Wood.

Invermere council members and staff feel the spot behind the arena is better.

“It should not be very prominent or dominant on the horizon and I think it is a good location,” said Young.

Invermere Mayor Al Miller added the spot is somewhat wooded and said he hopes Rogers paints the cell tower green to help it blend in better.

The land the cell tower would be located on is owned by the district, and Rogers would pay the district rent. The agreement would initially be for five years, with three possible extensions, each of a further five years.

The rental rates would be $15,000 per year for the first five years, $17,250 per year for years six through 10, $19,837 per year for years 11 through 15, and $22,813 per year for years 16 through 20. This equates to $374,500 in revenue for the district over the full 20 years.

would look like as viewed from the east, and the vacant piece of land Rogers hopes to build on.

Friday, July 5

Porch Parties around Edgewater - From 5-10pm Saturday, July 6

Live Music on Stage - All day from 11am

Edgewater Community Park

Dance Party in the Hall at 10 pm Sunday, July 7

Workshops at All Saints Churchyard

Rogers Communications Inc. is proposing to build a 25-metre tall monopole cell tower behind Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena. These screenshots from Invermere council documents show (top) a simulation of what the tower

LETTERS

Property tax deferral may help seniors

Since becoming B.C.’s seniors advocate in March 2024, I’ve been travelling the province meeting with seniors in communities big and small. Overwhelmingly, the number one issue I’ve heard from older people is their struggle with affordability.

In B.C., 80 per cent of seniors own their own homes, compared to 70 per cent of the overall population. The vast majority of seniors want to age in place and remain in their homes. However, in many B.C. communities, there are very few or no condominiums or apartments available if a senior wanted to downsize. The costs of home ownership such as taxes, maintenance and insurance are often equal to, or in some cases, greater than rents. In fact, 49 per cent of low-income senior homeowners report they

cannot afford needed major repairs for safety or accessibility.

One program that seniors are taking advantage of more and more is B.C.’s Property Tax Deferral Program which allows eligible homeowners 55+, surviving spouses and persons with disabilities to defer paying their property taxes until the homeowner passes away or sells the property. The current interest rate is 5.2 per cent which is simple, non-compounding, and below the prime rate. In many cases, the rising equity in the home covers the cost of the property taxes and interest owing when the home is sold or transferred.

Since 2019, the Consumer Price Index has risen 15.1 per cent in B.C. and seniors with fixed incomes are feeling the pressure when buying food, med-

Open Gym a success

Summit Youth Centre has just concluded the first season of its Open Gym project, which began in the fall of 2023.

This initiative was launched in response to feedback from local youth who expressed a need for a place to play sports during the winter months.

Many of these young people are not interested in joining sports clubs because they do not wish to compete, while others face barriers such as fees and transportation. Additionally, some young athletes need to train to maintain their skills but cannot afford gym memberships.

The Youth Centre stepped in to address these needs. Thanks to funding

from the Rotary Club of Radium and Brett Wilson, distributed by the Columbia Valley Community Foundation, and the District of Invermere, we were able to rent a gymnasium on Fridays and Saturdays almost every week from February to the end of May.

The program has been very successful, with a total of 150 visits over 23 sessions. We are excited to resume the Open Gym program next October.

We would like to take this opportunity to once again thank our generous donors.

Pauline Chevanne, centre manager Summit Youth Hub

ical supplies and prescriptions, home support, personal care and other necessities of life. Deferring property taxes could save older homeowners up to $400 or more each month which could be spent on maintenance or modifying a residence to help a senior remain in their home longer.

I encourage anyone eligible to consider deferring their property taxes. The

best time to apply is after receiving your property tax bill and before the taxes are due.

Please take the opportunity to learn more by visiting https://www2.gov.bc. ca/gov/content/taxes/property-taxes/ annual-property-tax/defer-taxes.”

Invermere Summer Sports Camps

Basketball Camp

July 1-5 @ DTSS

Ages 8-13

(just finished grade 4 to just finished grade 7) 8:30am - 2:30pm

Cost for full week $375

Ages 13-17

(just finished grade 8 to just finished grade 11) 7:30 - 9:30pm

Cost for full week $125

Volleyball Camp

July 8-12 @ DTSS

Ages 8-13

(just finished grade 4 to just finished grade 7) 8:30am - 2:30pm

Cost for full week $375

Ages 13-17

(just finished grade 8 to just finished grade 11) 7:30 - 9:30pm

Cost for full week $125

For more information, or to register, email: lebourdaiscamps@gmail.com

The Summit Youth Centre thanks its generous donors for the success of the Open Gym program. PHOTO SUBMITTED

OUT OF OFFICE…

Springtime Garden Party

On Thursday June 13, everyone is welcome to attend a Springtime Garden Party at the Columbia House Healing Gardens; it is free to attend, and there will be light refreshments served. The Columbia House Enhancement Society has worked very hard to create a beautiful and calming atmosphere in these lovely gardens and are excited to show them off to the community at large – these gorgeously landscaped grounds are a fantastic addition to the community at large but play an important role in the lives of the residents of Columbia Gardens.

Columbia House is a care facility for longterm residents; spending time outside has long been a recognized source of healing for those who are in long-term care. In fact, healing gardens have been a staple in health care for hundreds of years, providing peace and solace throughout the ages. This garden has been designed and developed through the efforts of the Columbia House

Enhancement Society whose goal is to create and maintain projects that will benefit and enhance the quality of life of the residents of Columbia House and their families.

The space has been designed to be accessible to all, including smooth non-slip walking surfaces and safe spaces for those with dementia and balance issues. The design incorporates spaces for socializing as well as solitary contemplation, and there are areas for gentle exercise as well as for eating meals, or just sitting together. It is undeniably beautiful in all seasons and the water features add a soothing auditory atmosphere.

To quote the landing page on their website (cohogarden.org): “The Columbia House Enhancement Society aims to redefine the perception of nursing homes with the Healing Garden, located adjacent to Columbia House. The garden is designed

to offer a warm and compassionate environment, particularly during the summer months. Accessible and therapeutic, it encourages residents, families, staff, and the community to spend at least one hour per day outdoors. With the support of Interior Health and generous donors, the 2-acre Healing Garden has become a reality, providing a stunning and functional space for relaxation and sensory stimulation”.

Take this opportunity on Thursday June 13th to visit the gardens for yourself, and support this vital addition to the community that is life-changing to the residents of the Columbia Gardens, both present and future. We hope to see you at this casual, free, drop in event! For more information on the Columbia House Enhancement Society or the Columbia House Healing Gardens, their history and their future goals, please visit their website: cohogarden.org

Thursday, June 6

• 10:00am-12:00pm: Pickleball. Invermere Curling Club. Drop in. 10:30am-11:30am: Senior’s Fitness Columbia Valley Centre, $2 dropin.

• 1:00pm-3:00pm: Pickleball. Invermere Curling Club. Skills & Drills #2

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

• 6:30pm-8:30pm: Pickleball. Invermere Curling Club. Advanced Round Robin.

• 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, June 7

• 6:00pm-8:00pm: The Frean Chronicles by Jordan Bartlett – Reading & Signing. Four Points Books. Join local YA fantasy author Jordan Bartlett for a reading and signing of her newly released Queen's Catacombs, the second book in the Frean Chronicles series. The reading starts at 7 pm. See https://www.fourpointsbooks.ca/events for all the details!

• 10:00am-12:00pm: Pickleball. Invermere Curling Club. Drop in Open Play.

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

6:30pm-8:30pm: Pickleball. Invermere Curling Club. Novice Play.

Saturday, June 8

• 10:00am–12:00pm: Family-Friendly Foraging Walk. Wildsight – Lake Enid. Enjoy a hike for all the family around the shores of gorgeous Lake Enid and discover the art of foraging for wild plants. Kalista Pruden from Avalily Permaculture and The Earthskills Institute brings a wealth of local and Indigenous knowledge to lead the walk, showing what you can and can’t eat, exploring medicinal and other cultural uses of wild plants, and how to harvest them safely, sustainably and respectfully. 14 and up$10; 5-13 - $5; Under 5-Free. Register at: https://wildsight.ca/events/family-friendly-foraging-walk/

• 10:00am-12:00pm: Pickleball. Invermere Curling Club. Drop in.

• 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.

2:00pm-4:00pm: Pickleball. Invermere Curling Club. DUPR Play.

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

Sunday, June 9

• 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, June 10

• 12:00pm-6:30pm: Golf Fundraiser for the Bookmobile Project. The Ridge at Copper Point. Play a round of golf on Monday, June 10th on the RIDGE COURSE at Copper Point starting at NOON! Half of your green fees will be donated to support the Invermere Public Library and the purchase of a Bookmobile!

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

• 10:00am-12:00pm: Pickleball. Invermere Curling Club. Drop in. 6:30pm: Poker (Chip up for Charity). The Station Pub $50 buy-in. Every Monday.

6:30pm-8:30pm: Pickleball

Tuesday, June 11

• 5:30pm-7:30pm: Chamber Connections. Palliser Printing & Signs. Join the Chamber and Board Members for a casual free monthly networking night. Second Tuesday of each month; no registration required.

• 10:00am-12:00pm: Pickleball. Invermere Curling Club. Drop in.

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

• 2:00pm-3:00pm: Novel Idea. Invermere Public Library. This month we are reading Probably Ruby by Lisa Bird-Wilson. Copies of the book are available at the front desk. Contact us to reserve a copy or to request large print. All welcome to attend!

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

6:30pm-8:30pm: Pickleball. Invermere Curling Club. Skills & Drills #1

• 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, June 12

• 11:30am-12:00pm: Story Time with Ktunaxa Kinbasket Child & Family Service Society. Radium Public Library - preschool & all ages. Join us for stories, songs, and a craft with a special guest from KKCFSS!

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

• 10:00am-12:00pm: Pickleball. Invermere Curling Club. Drop in. 3:00pm-6:30pm: Wednesday AgriPark Farmer’s Market. Crossroads next to Chamber of Commerce Offices. Local Farmers Market with Live Music. Featuring Farm Fresh Produce; local meat; eggs; and honey. Chefs, artisans, and bakers come to sell their goods in the historic barn. Facebook @ agriparkfarmers

• 6:00pm-9:00pm: Wednesday Dinners & Meat Draw & 50/50 . Invermere Curling Club. Ladies Night

Invermere officials plot UBCM meetings

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The annual Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) convention isn’t until mid-September, but Invermere councillors and staff are already planning what issues to lobby for and discuss with provincial ministers.

This year Invermere officials hope to meet with BC Hydro to talk about improving power supply and distribution in Invermere, and about BC Hydro’s role in new developments. They also want to touch base with the B.C. Ministry of Municipal Affairs about additional support for replacing and upgrading municipal infrastructure; and with provincial officials about leasing the former provincial highways maintenance yard in Athalmer to the district and the BC Wildfire Service so that it can be used as a base of operations by fire crews and for future development as industrial park space by the district.

Local officials will also try to meet with the B.C. Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport to persuade the ministry to include infrastructure projects

on the list of what Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) funding can be spent on. Invermere council and staff noted that high tourism levels (such as those experienced by Invermere) put increased pressure on municipal infrastructure.

Other planned meetings include one with fisheries and aquaculture officials about ongoing funding help to replace existing culverts and bridges (Invermere diverted a substantial part of its 2023 paving budget to pay for the new Abel Creek culvert) as well as more funding for the Lake Windermere Ambassadors (LWA); and with the B.C. Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy to update ministry officials on efforts to transfer control over James Chabot Provincial Park from the province to the District of Invermere and Shuswap Band.

Invermere officials also hope to meet with Interior Health and the B.C. Ministry of Health to advocate for more hospital staff and for new or upgraded equipment for the Invermere hospital — in particular the hospital’s need for CT scan equipment.

Invermere has lobbied on several of these issues at past UBCM meetings, and when the matter came up during last week’s council meeting, Mayor Al Miller expressed some polite frustration saying “some of these things we’ve been advocating for so long now.”

He likened the meetings with ministers at UBCM to speed dating, pointing out that each meeting lasts 15 minutes at most and said that “when people say government operates slowly, they have good reason . . . there’s a few of these things that have not got done yet, that I really thought we’d have finished by now.”

Miller later attributed that senti-

James Chabot Provincial Park and to the highways maintenance yard in Athalmer, both of which Invermere has been working on for years. Still, Miller said he’s optimistic they will both eventually be resolved, telling the Pioneer “I’m a positive guy, so I’m hopeful.” He added that the delay on James Chabot Provincial Park is likely due at least in part because the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy “needs time to make sure everyone – all parties — are properly consulted.”

Invermere councillor Gerry Taft suggested adding a meeting about housing to the list, saying he feels it is “worth being the squeaky wheel on this

Shuswap salmon release brings culture back

Submitted by Shuswap Band

In a sign of unity in Invermere, on May 24 the Shuswap Band Chief and Council, staff, and membership gathered with participants for the Secwépemc, Ktunaxa, and Okanagan Nations to release nearly 1700 sockeye salmon fry into Lake Windermere.

The ceremony included prayers, songs, and speeches to honour the importance of salmon in Indigenous culture and to the ecology of the river. Salmon Chief Mark Thomas led the ceremony alongside Youth Salmon Chief Devin Capilo.

This release is part of an ongoing effort to reintroduce salmon into the Columbia River Basin, where salmon have not been seen in over 85 years due to the dams blocking their migratory routes.

The lack of salmon has had severe impacts on communities that rely on them for survival, including the loss of language, culture, health, economy, knowledge transfer, identity and self worth. The ceremony aimed to “Call the Salmon Home” and strengthen the many communities’ connection with this vital resource.

The first release gave Elders the opportunity to handle the fish, as they have felt the impact of the salmon’s absence the longest. This year, more

spectators and participants were invited to participate and witness the event, including 160 students from Kimberley and Windermere Schools, who have been participating in the Fish in School (FinS) program.

Each school had an aquarium with 100 salmon eggs to raise from January until now. We are very grateful to the students for their great care for the fish and the opportunity to engage in a cultural manner.

It was very moving to see the interactions with the students and the culture being taught to them. The gratitude and respect the students showed displayed their reverence for what they were learning and what they’ve accomplished as stewards.

Kukstéc-kuc to everyone who made this event possible, including: Braydi Rice for leading the event coordination and all Shuswap Band staff involved in planning; support provided by the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council; the attendance of Secwépemc, Okanagan, and Ktunaxa Elders, youth, and Knowledge Keepers; the ONA Hatchery for providing the 1500 salmon fry and 200 eggs to FinS that were ultimately released; local dignitaries who attended; our donors who helped fund the event and make it possible; and everyone else who were present to see this historic event unfold.

SHUSWAP BAND WOULD LIKE TO

Please join the Shuswap Band in Invermere on September 14 for the annual Salmon Festival. This event will provide participants with the opportu-

nity to learn about salmon, enjoy some of the local artistry, and immerse themselves in Indigenous culture.

THANK OUR SPONSORS:

Salmon Chief Mark Thomas shaking Michael Fisher’s hand and presenting him with a $1,000 cheque. Michael is the winner of the Salmon Release Logo Contest. See inset photo. PHOTO SUBMITTED

Jon Bisset & Associates

Invermere on the

ANNUAL MEETING AND 2023 REPORT

Pursuant to Sections 98 & 99 of the Community Charter (BC), the Annual Meeting and presentation of the 2023 Annual Report for the District of Invermere will be presented during the June 25, 2024 Regular Meeting of Council. The Annual Meeting will take place at 7:00 pm in the Invermere Council Chambers located at the District of Invermere Municipal Office at 914 – 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC VOA 1K0

Invermere Council invites submissions and questions concerning the 2023 Annual Report. In order to be considered by Council, submissions and questions need to be submitted to the Municipal Office before 4:30 pm on June 24, 2024.

Please email submissions, questions, or comments to info@invermere.net

Copies of the 2023 Annual Report are available for public inspection at:

• District of Invermere webpage https://invermere. civicweb.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 2023 Annual Report may also be addressed to District staff by email: info@invermere.net, telephone call to 250-342-9281, or by in-person visit at the Municipal Office.

Andrew Young, MCIP, RPP

Chief Administrative Officer

Local wins Zimmerman award

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Columbia Valley resident Tracy Flynn has won this year’s Ellen Zimmerman award.

The award, named after the renowned environmentalist, is presented annually by East Kootenay nonprofit group Wildsight and recognizes the efforts of residents of the Upper Columbia River region in environmental conservation and education.

NOTICE OF PROPOSED OCP BYLAW AMENDMENTS

Notice is hereby given under section 94 of the Community Charter, that the Council of the Village of Radium Hot Springs is considering an amendment to Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 396, 2013.

Proposed Village of Radium Hot Springs OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 508, 2024 will amend the Official Community Plan bylaw by adding exemptions to when a development permit is required, such as construction of fences, uncovered decks and accessory buildings less than 10m2

A PUBLIC HEARING on the proposed Village of Radium Hot Springs OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 508, 2024 will be held:

MONDAY, JUNE 10TH, 2024 - 3:30 pm

COUNCIL CHAMBERS 4836 RADIUM BLVD. RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, B.C. AND VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM (ZOOM INFO CAN BE FOUND ON THE VILLAGE WEBSITE)

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

The full bylaw may be inspected on the Village Website: www.radiumhotsprings.ca.

For further information, contact 250-347-6455

Flynn received the award and a piece of pottery by Golden potter Barry Johnson last week in a small ceremony in Wilmer, involving about a dozen people on May 27.

“I’m pretty surprised,” said Flynn, describing her humble reaction to winning the award. “You don’t think about awards when you’re doing volunteer work, and there are so many other people in the valley doing great things that I feel are more deserving of recognition than I am.”

Flynn and her husband retired to the Columbia Valley 15 years ago, and Flynn immediately immersed herself in all sorts of volunteer endeavours, most of which have an environmental flavour.

She joined the Summit Trail Makers Society (SMTS), the Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance, Wildsight (where she is now president of the Invermere chapter’s board of directors and leads the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Conservation and Biodiversity program) and the Fairmont volunteer fire department (“it helps keep me fit and active. All the hiking is good for your legs, but being on the fire department means you lug around heavy things and that’s good for you too,” she said).

After a visit from her brother who is involved in water conservation on Vancouver Island, she helped found the Columbia Lake Stewardship Society. She works with the East Kootenay Climate Hub, volunteers on the Columbia Valley Recreation Planning Initiative, and helped local youth interested in environmental advocacy set up Columbi-YA, which later launched the David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS) Climate Action Club.

In her spare time she manages to regularly attend municipal and regional government meetings, where she encourages local leaders to pursue greener policies, and also campaigned to protect a neighbour’s water source when it was threatened by logging.

Flynn’s environmental ethic was inspired by spending plenty of time outdoors as she grew up in remote  parts of northern Alberta. Her father was a forester and later opened a fishing lodge.

“We were always outside, all the time,” Flynn told the Pioneer Flynn studied engineering before she married and had kids. As she raised them, she worked as a swimming instructor, picking a job she knew nothing about but which fit with her kids’ schedules and allowed her to be active.

“There I was doing my Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross courses in my 30s.”

Later, when her parents got older, she and one of her brothers took over the fishing lodge which had grown to also become a seasonal camp for energy sector workers.

She was struck by how much the lake and the lodge had transformed since she was young.

“It was pristine when we first got there, but it changed,” said Flynn. “You get very busy with work, with kids. That’s how life is. Then when the kids were grown up, and we sold the lodge, it felt that in some ways the world had gone by and that I was finally able put my head up. And I realized just how much the world had changed. I thought ‘I need to help if I can’.”  Flynn and her husband cut back on plastics, changed some of their habits and purchased an electric vehicle. Still, she wanted to do more.

“I wanted to do something on a larger scale. If you become part of an organization, you have a bigger voice, and you also have the chance to teach others. So that’s what I did,” she said.

Today, Flynn has five grandchildren and says they help inspire her.

“I want to know I tried my best to make a different future for them.”  Flynn’s Wildsight colleagues feel she’s done an excellent job in that regard.

“It was thanks to her doggedness that there is now a large buffer of natural environment around the water source to protect it. If she wasn't literally sitting at the site meeting with the loggers and asking them to defer the harvest for a couple days, the drinking water source would have been damaged,” said Wildsight Columbia Valley conservation coordinator Jenna Schulof in a press release, speaking of Flynn’s work.

“Tracy’s dedication to finding ways to protect important ecological values on the landscape is something Ellen really would have appreciated," added Wildsight member Joan Dolinsky.

Wildsight conservation director Casey Brennan (left) presents Columbia Valley resident Tracy Flynn with a work of pottery by Golden potter Barry Johnson after Flynn won the Ellen Zimmerman award for her environmental efforts.

PHOTO PAT MORROW

Rocky Mountain Rally wows local fans

Last weekend’s Rocky Mountain Rally was a real showcase of the “cool” rally cars involved in the championship. The parade in downtown Invermere was a true crowd pleaser.

PHOTOS CORTNEY PITTS AND DAYLE DENTON

‘Thrift’ grant saves water in Invermere

Submitted by Barbara Thrasher

From thrift to thriving plants, Groundswell’s Community Garden saves water thanks to a grant from the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary (IHCA) and its incredible thrift store.

They know the value of every drop of water in the midst of this drought.

The grant enabled volunteer Doug Woolman, new community garden member, to team up with Stephan and Dona Krause, also new to the gardens, to convert several of the Groundswell Mt. Nelson community garden beds to water-saving wicking beds. A wicking bed uses half as much water as regular exterior water-

ing. It eliminates evaporation which depletes this precious resource.

It really takes a community to save water.

Max Helmer Construction donated the gravel for the beds, Winderberry provided deluxe rich soil, and Barrett Cowles delivered it free of charge. Pond liner, a gravel base and piping allows the gardener to put the water directly down into the bottom of the bed.

A drain inserted three-quarters of the way down shows when the water has reached the right level. Once that bed is prepped, top it up with a good soil and compost mixture, then plant your bed and cover it with grass clippings, straw or bark to help keep the moisture in and protect the surface soil from sun damage. This is permaculture and it imitates the no waste,

Lake Windermere District Lions

closed loop systems seen in diverse natural systems. Jake Jacobson, head of district public works, extended the environmental sensitivity with an electric truck which provided power for the tools. It sure beat hand sawing.

It is not too late to build a wicking bed for your own fresh produce. Even seeds will play catch up, and by the end of June you won’t know the difference between a bed planted in May and one in June. You will save water, you will save transportation costs and impacts by growing more of your own food.

It takes a whole village.

You can do your part to conserve the most precious commodity on earth — water.

Invermere residents to get say on annual report

By Steve Hubrecht  steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

CHARITY GOLF DAY

Invermere residents who want a say on the district’s 2023 annual report can do so in council chambers on Tuesday, June 25 at 7 p.m.

Valley Housing Society (CVHS) to develop a housing strategy; and a public communications function review.

TUESDAY

JULY 3RD 2018

TUESDAY JULY 3RD 2018

TUESDAY, JULY 2, 2024 Course

TUESDAY, JULY 2, 2024 Point

The meeting offers a chance for taxpayers to ask questions and give comments on the project-heavy report that was released last week.

Copper Point Course

Copper Point Course

TEE TIMES FROM 700AM - 400PM

TEE 700AM -

TEE TIMES FROM 700AM - 400PM

TEE TIMES FROM - 400PM

Come and play 18-holes of golf w/cart at the beautiful Copper Point Course Plus, enjoy full use of the driving range for $70

upgrades at the Crossroads Ballpark.” Harold Hazelaar, Event Coordinator

“Come and play 18-holes of golf w/cart at the beautiful Copper Point Course, plus enjoy full use of the driving range for $65 All proceeds from the day will be donated by the Lake Windermere District Lions Club for ongoing upgrades at the Crossroads Ballpark.” Harold Hazelaar, Event Coordinator

Come and play 18-holes of golf w/cart at the beautiful Copper Point Course Plus, enjoy full use of the driving range for $70 All Proceeds from the day will be used by the Lake Windermere District Lions Club for Crossroads Ballpark Upgrades.

All Proceeds from the day will be used by the Lake Windermere District Lions Club for Crossroads Ballpark Upgrades.

Thank you for helping the Lions help the community! Lions Club for minor sports initiatives in the valley.”

Thank you for helping the Lions help the community! Lions Club for minor sports initiatives in the valley.” Event

The public works and operations department looks set to be particularly busy in 2024 with (in addition to some of the projects mentioned above) plans for a wastewater treatment plant capacity study; a stormwater management master plan; an infrastructure priority plan update; designing a new spillway for the middle dam at the Paddy Ryan Lake reservoir; a composting facility startup; a sewer use bylaw; a Mount Nelson Athletic Park (MNAP) water treatment plant pressure study; and upgrades to Kinsmen Beach concession stand.

Also in 2024, the district will continue its efforts to hire a municipal environmental planner, a role that has been unfilled in Invermere for several months.

To book a ‘Charity Golf Day’ tee time call 250.341.3392 or 1.877.418.4653

To book a ‘Charity Golf Day’ tee time call 250.341.3392 or 1.877.418.4653

To book a ‘Charity Golf Day’ tee time call 250.341.3392 or 1.877.418.4653

To book a ‘Charity Golf Day’ tee time call 250.341.3392 or 1.877.418.4653

To book a ‘Charity Golf Day’ tee time call 250.341.3392 or 1.877.418.4653

To book a ‘Charity Golf Day’ tee time call 250.341.3392 or 1.877.418.4653

Thank you for helping the Lions help the community!

Thank you for helping the Lions help the community!

Thank you for helping the Lions help the community!

Thank you for helping the Lions help the community!

Aside from listing many of the projects undertaken by the district last year, the report also gives insight into what initiatives it hopes to accomplish in 2024. Some of the more notable ones that already have been completed earlier this winter or spring are the creation of new short-term rental (STR) bylaws and regulations; and the core area infrastructure assessments for downtown Invermere and for Athalmer. Ones that are still in the works include the replacing of Fort Point bridge; a drinking water strategy and security study; mitigating the stench from the sewage lagoons that often wafts over parts of Invermere in spring time; working with the Columbia

“The search . . . for Invermere’s new environmental planner has taken some time. We hope that this important position will be filled soon,” wrote Invermere Mayor Al Miller in the 2023 annual report.

The grant from IHCA will see several community garden beds converted to water-saving wicking beds. PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Canal Days!

This year’s Canal Days in Canal Flats featured a variety of events and activities including a parade and smearing an entire car with paint.

Employment Opportunity DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

The Village seeks a dynamic individual to join the finance team in an evolving role within the organization. Personality is key!

The ideal candidate will possess or be working towards a professional accounting designation with public sector experience. This key individual must have the ability to work well as member of a high-functioning team, enthusiasm to learn and contribute, and the desire to grow in a flexible, expanding position within the Village.

Desired knowledge and skills include:

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

• Understanding of BC municipal legislation as it relates to finance.

• Experience with asset management policies and practices.

• Written and verbal ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and financial software.

• Ability to interact professionally and positively with staff, council, and members of the community.

• Support of financial functions including accounting, budgeting/financial planning, reporting, processes and policies and risk management.

The Village can offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including a defined benefit plan, and flexible work hours. This position offers opportunity for advancement.

A comprehensive job description is available upon request.

Individuals interested in applying for this position should submit a cover letter and resume by 4:00PM, Monday, June 17, 2024 to:

Karen Lillejord

Director of Finance

Village of Radium Hot Springs

Box 340, 4836 Radium Blvd

Radium Hot Springs, BC V0A 1M0 finance@radiumhosprings.ca

The Village of Radium Hot Springs thanks all applicants for their interest. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

PHOTOS SYD DANIS

Tee up for the love of golf and local library

This week’s column was written by Invermere library assistant Dallas Husar. Visit the website or call 250-342-6416 for more information.

Calling all golfers; it’s time to tee up in support of the Invermere library. Mark your calendars, book the afternoon off and practise your swing. On the afternoon of June 10, Copper Point is generously donating half of all green fees from the Ridge Course towards our Bookmobile project. This is such an incredible opportunity for this project and we are truly grateful to Copper Point for supporting us.

What is a bookmobile, you ask? A bookmobile is a vehicle that allows a library to bring books and other library services to patrons remotely rather than having them come into the phys-

ical building. Many people think only of books when they think of libraries, but the truth is, libraries offer many services people may not have access to otherwise from WiFi, basic tech help, computer access, simple tax filing, and community connection, among others. The bookmobile will allow citizens of the valley access to most of our services that may otherwise be out of reach simply due to a lack of transportation or mobility.

Why do we need a bookmobile to begin with? Both Invermere and Radium libraries’ catchment area is very large, serving the Columbia Valley from Canal Flats all the way to Spillimacheen. In a survey we put out earlier this year, 177 residents took the time to answer our queries. Thirty-five per cent of respondents said they currently face transportation barriers which prevent them from accessing the library and its services. In addition, 65 per cent of people said that bookmobile services would increase their use of the library. We know from the 2021 Columbia Valley Vital Signs Report that the median age in the valley is 51. Setting up the

bookmobile now will allow us to better serve the community as our population grows and ages.

How will the bookmobile operate? The idea will be to have bi-weekly service stops to the different communities, parking at a set location and time. Locations will include places like Columbia Gardens and the Canal Flats Civic Centre. We will also be able to provide home visits for those in need as well. We are actively working with the Radium Public Library to find the best avenues for partnership on this project, after all, what do libraries do best if not share?

For more information on the Bookmobile project please visit our website (inveremere.bc.libraries.coop) or come down to the library to chat with us about it.

In the meantime, round up your friends, book club buddies, golf partners or co-workers and book your tee time on the Ridge at Copper Point for the afternoon of June 10. We appreciate everyone’s support, especially the folks at Copper Point.

We would also like to thank everyone who turned out for the LEGO Expo

in April. The amazing chair of the library board, Heather Walker, came up with the brilliant idea to gather LEGO enthusiasts to display their LEGO collections in the community centre. With the help of many volunteers, the Friends of the Library, the District of Invermere and the exhibitors, LEGO lovers young and old were treated to incredible displays from ferris wheels, trains, rollercoasters, entire cities, and even Hogwarts. The event was so well received that over 400 people attended and roughly $2,200 was raised for the Bookmobile project. We were blown away with what a successful event the day was and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year.

Group commends pupils

Submitted

The student council at Windermere Elementary (WES) is being commended for having a positive impact on school culture.

In fact, the students’ dedication has been rewarded with a $200 bursary from Masonic Lodge #38, which was presented recently by Freemason Don Tegart.

School principal Keri Gust explained that the student council (Grade 6 and 7 pupils) meet weekly to create, organize and facilitate opportunities for staff and students to participate in school events that are inclusive and student-centered. She noted the most remarkable event is the annual WES Variety Show which takes place every February at the Columbia Valley Centre. This is a student-run event which takes months to execute.

The students organize themselves

into committees to take on roles that adults would normally manage. The sound technicians run the music and microphones, the concession committee sells snacks, and the MCs and stage hands are also students.

Other activities that make Windermere Elementary School a happy, healthy place to attend are dances, spirit weeks, bake sales, and assemblies.

“These students are dedicated, reliable and they have fun too,” Gust said. Curiosity inspired Don Tegart to join Freemasonry; his grandfather was a member and Don spent time looking at a photo of him in his regalia. Further checking revealed that two of his father’s cousins were current members of the lodge.

Don talked to them, asked some questions and the next thing he knew he was signing a petition for initiation. That was in 1994.

Windermere Elementary School student council receives a $200 bursary from Freemason Don Tegart. PHOTO SUBMITTED

Volunteer drivers needed for Wheels of Hope

By Lyonel Doherty editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Recent funding has brought the much-needed Wheels of Hope program to the Kootenays, but volunteer drivers are needed to make it a success in Invermere.

The Canadian Cancer Society is seeking compassionate people to get behind the wheel to transport patients undergoing treatment in Cranbrook.

“It is such positive news for people facing cancer in these regions,” said recruitment coordinator Mark Kahan. “We are helping make access to cancer treatment easier and also taking a little stress off their (client’s) plate while they may be going through an incredibly difficult time in their life.”

Kahan said they are looking for volunteers not only in Invermere but in Golden as well. “We want to make sure that anyone who needs a ride gets one, but we can only do that with the support of volunteer drivers.”

Volunteers use their own vehicles with a mileage reimbursement or tax receipt.

Drivers will confirm the pick-up time with their clients the day before their scheduled treatment. If their appointment is short, they will wait for the client, but if it’s longer, they will come back to take the client home when the appointment is finished.

“Our volunteers provide so much more than just transportation. They offer the gift of compassion and kindness to these people. The magic really does happen in the drive (to and from the appointment),” Kahan said.

“A lot of times people don’t want to talk about cancer. They want to share stories from their own life and it can be a very special experience,” he noted. Just a listening ear is all it takes to make a difference.

Kahan said they would like to secure 10 volunteer drivers in Invermere and 10 in Golden.

“That way we can make sure that anyone who needs a ride can get one,

and secondly, we can rotate the volunteers so we don’t overuse anyone.”

The time commitment is flexible. “I always say if you have a few days a month to spare, enjoy driving and want to help someone out from your own community, please consider signing up.”

Kahan said this volunteer role is in credibly important, adding the program simply could not operate without the drivers.

He explained that most of their cli ents don’t have a vehicle, and frankly shouldn’t be driving after their treat ments. He stated that it can be a huge burden on the family if they have to drive the individual to the hospital for up to six weeks for radiation therapy.

“A cancer diagnosis doesn’t just affect the individual – it can affect the whole family,” Kahan said.

“We have found that if someone cannot find transportation, they don’t go. And that’s heartbreaking to me, that the only thing preventing them from treatment is just because they don’t have a ride.”

Drivers must be at least 18 years old and willing to undergo a criminal record check with references. They must have a good driving record with three or fewer demerit points, and drive a reliable, 100 per cent smoke-free vehicle.

Wheels of Hope operates Monday to Friday during the day.

“We ask for a minimum (commit ment) of three or more rides per month. We are very flexible. We just want peo ple to stick with us.”

One volunteer driver said he was dropping off a female client when she said, “It's because of people like you that people like me are still alive. This is one of the most moving statements I have ever heard.”

The volunteer noted that drivers get back so much more than they put into the program.

People can sign up to be a driver by visiting www.volunteercancer.ca. For more information they can email volun teer@cancer.ca or call 1-888-939-3333.

PIONEER CLASSIFIEDS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Curtis R. Huey

1928 - 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Curtis Huey on May 22, 2024.

Curtis was born and raised in Princeton, BC and lived there until 1972. He and his wife Evelyn came to the Columbia Valley and Curtis worked in the Radium sawmill. He was a member of the Radium golf course until he was in his mid-80s. He was an avid fisherman and could be found on the many lakes and rivers surrounding Radium.

On retirement he and Evelyn spent winters in Arizona golfing, gambling, and exploring. Curtis was a man who believed in hard work and a job well done. He was a Kinsman, served on school boards, and volunteered for many causes.

CHEERS

CHEERS

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

Curtis was predeceased by his wife Evelyn and leaves behind children Gerri (Pete) and John (Wendy), four grandsons, and eight great-grandchildren. It was a life well-lived and he will be missed.

Respecting Curt’s wishes there will be no service. He and Evelyn will be interred in the Radium columbarium.

Cheers to Sophie Berkhoff for the great massage today. You have healing hands!

Cheers to Catherine at Invermere McDonald’s for the great customer service.

Cheers to Tina at Lambert Kipp Pharmacy for always being so friendly and helpful.

Cheers to the gentleman in Pharmasave on Tuesday the 28th at 5 pm. (Sorry I don’t know your name.) You were very kind by letting me go ahead of you in line when you saw I was having difficulty standing. You made my day. My faith in humanity has been restored.

Cheers to Arne Gagatek for the great job hanging an outdoor blind. I really appreciate it.

Cheers to Ian Dewey for being a great neighbor!

In Loving Memory

Nadine Marie Hale (née Atwell)

Nadine passed away peacefully on June 1, 2024, surrounded by her family, after a courageous journey with pancreatic cancer.

Nadine will be forever remembered by her husband, Peter, and her children, Logan and Craig, who were truly the center of her world.

Her love for them was evident in every aspect of her life, and in the way she shared her passions with them. She is also survived by her family in Kelowna: her mother, Jeanette; sister, Robyn & family; brother, Brian & family; her mother-in-law, Alice, in Invermere; Peter’s brother David & family in Kimberley; and her many friends and extended family who cherished her deeply.

An ardent lover of the outdoors, Nadine found solace and joy in the beauty of the mountains and nature. Her adventures through the landscapes she loved deeply reflected her philosophy of connecting with nature and people. Nadine embraced the natural world with reverence, open arms, and a beaming smile.

Born in Scotland in 1974 and immigrating to Canada at the age of two months, Nadine grew up in Kelowna. After living in several communities across BC, Nadine and Peter ultimately settled in Invermere where they raised their children. In her passing, Nadine is embraced by those who have died before her, including her father, Les, and sister, Carolyn.

The family is so grateful for the love and support from the community during Nadine’s illness. It has been a tremendous comfort.

A celebration of Nadine’s life will be held at a future date. Her legacy of love, kindness, community spirit, and social justice, deeply intertwined with her passion for the great outdoors, will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Nadine will be deeply missed and remembered always.

Cheers to Karen Fahrni for her care in Chiropractic Services. Fast and convenient service, efficient and effective care. We will be returning to you for further body work. Satisfied clients in Invermere.

Cheers to Zimmer Ranch Animal Farm for a wonderful afternoon of fun and reminiscing from Columbia Garden Village Ivy House residents, and their families. Memories were made today!

Cheers to the Pioneer for the great quality of newsprint for the paper last week.

OK Tire and Brandon are the best!  Ryan from High Country Towing ( I appreciate it so much), took my tire to Brandon, and it was immediately fixed!  Brandon and OK Tire provide excellent service!  The valley is so fortunate to have them!  My heartfelt gratitude to Brandon for looking after me!

Hats off to Sahij at Canco Gas at Valley Alley.  He spent 2 hours of his own time helping me with my tire!  What an awesome, kind and generous young man! He will have all my business from here on in!

Cheers Sahij from the Bottom of my Heart!  Also a huge Cheers to Randy Hatt, who stopped by to help us and went well above and beyond.

Cheers to Fred at K5 Mechanical for the donation of new tires on the Lions Club’s utility trailer.

Cheers to my wonderful friends, Jamie, Sandy and Alex for the unconditional support you gave to a senior citizen as a result of water damage in her home. There are no words that would express my appreciation to you.

Cheers to Damian, Gracie, Dean and Tanner of Odyssey Restorations for acting quickly and coming to my home to handle the water damage that had occurred. Your professional help was very much appreciated and prevented a disaster.

Cheers to Invermere Bylaw officer. This guy was screaming at him because he got a ticket for parking in a no parking area. The sign was next to the truck. Bylaw officer stayed calm, smiled and said have a nice day. WELL DONE.

CHEERS to Invermere Canadian Tire, Tara and Adam, for the donation of flowers for our beautiful gardens at Columbia Garden Village and Ivy House. Residents and visiting families appreciate your support of our village for all to enjoy the vibrant colors.

CHEERS

CHEERS to “The Playing Pineapples” and “The Singing Bananas” of J A Laird school , and their instructor , Bryant Olender, who came to play for our Columbia Garden Village and Ivy House on Friday May 31. We LOVED every part of your performance, and hoping for more!

Cheers to Joyce Matheson for her wonderful hospitality and the delicious meal.  Much appreciated.

ACREAGE FOR SALE

ACREAGES FOR SALE

Last four acreages in Elkhorn Country Estates.

2.5 to 2.89 acre parcels.

Individual wells, no building time commitment.

Starting at $329,000 + GST

For more information, contact Elkhorn Ranches: 250-342-1267 www.elkhornranches.com

GARAGE SALES

Canadian Martyrs Parish Spring Garage Sale

712-12th Ave, Invermere

Friday, June 7, 12-6pm Saturday, June 8, 9am-4pm

TIMESHARE

FOR

SALE

Mountainside Villas, Fairmont, 2 bdrm, prime Golf, floating, in perpetuity, all amenities, access to free hot pools, all courts, on golf course. $4500. 250-428-6678

VEHICLES FOR SALE

2013 GMC Terrain. Good shape. Full set of snow tires. $6000 obo.

519-932-0740 (local call)

NOW HIRING

Part-Time and Full-Time Grounds Staff

Weekends & weekday shifts available Apply to terravistagm@gmail.com

The Columbia Valley Food Bank is Hiring a Summer Student

We are looking for a General Office Worker and Facility Support Assistant

Job components include clerical, data entry, research, community outreach, communications, and operations support.

This is a 9-week position commencing June 26th to July 2nd. Funded through Canada Summer Jobs, candidates must be between 15 and 30 years of age and legally entitled to work in Canada.

The position pays $18/hr for 30 hrs/week (M – F, some weekends).

Visit www.cvfoodbank.ca for job description and application details.

Sales Representative

The Columbia Valley Pioneer is currently accepting applications for a Sales Representative position. This role is ideal for individuals who are energetic, creative, and possess excellent listening and problem-solving skills. If you are a goal-oriented individual with an open mind to new ideas and previous sales experience, we encourage you to apply. The position is full-time with flexible hours, and compensation is based on experience. Must have a reliable vehicle.

Please contact Amanda Nason at 250-341-1111 or advertising@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Drop off resume at: #4A, 1014 8th Ave, Invermere

Tiny Titans Childcare now hiring!  Located in Radium Hot Springs. Looking for ECEAs/ECEs/ITs. FT/PT/Subbing Positions.  Flexible Start Dates. Competitive Wages. Apply at tinytitanschildcare@hotmail.com

Taynton Bay Electrical

Looking for experienced Electrician. Wages negotiable. Please forward resume to: cliff@taybay.ca or call Cliff : 250-342- 1355

PASSION FOR CANNABIS?

In front of Canadian Tire is accepting resumes.

We are looking for a great individual to join our team as a

BUDTENDER

The successful applicant will:

• Assist store management and work as a team with staff

• Perform all duties within the store, receiving, cash and customer service

• Work quickly and efficiently with attention to detail

• Be able to work weekends

• Be available to work days or evenings

• Take pride in great customer service - knowledge of Cannabis products an asset

• Training and education available

Must obtain Selling it Right Certification as required to work with cannabis. (Costs reimbursed). Must be 19 years+ to apply.

If you are interested in working in a fun and productive work environment with competitive wages, submit resume to: Bob Benvenuti, invermerecannabisstore@gmail.com or hand deliver to: Invermere Cannabis Store (in front of Canadian Tire) Attn: Bob Benvenuti

Starting rate based on experience. Opportunity for advancement,benefits and perks.

• Assist Store Management, and work as a team with staff

• Perform all duties within the store, receiving, cash and customer service

• Able to lift up to 30 lbs.

• Work quickly, efficiently, with attention to detail

• Have an eye for merchandising

• Be able to work independently

• Good customer service

• Training and education available

We offer professional and personal growth through educational opportunities. If you are interested in working in a fun productive environment submit resume to: Jennifer McLennan: gmjenliquor@gmail.com or hand deliver to Invermere Liquor Store, Attn: Jennifer McLennan

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

Emergency Maintenance CALL MARK

General Maintenance CALL MARK

Short-term Rental Call-out CALL MARK

Short-term Rental

Maintenance CALL MARK

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

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

Need Anything Fixed CALL MARK

Become a member, 24/7 Service

Mark Who?

Mark Kline 587-888-0387

Local Invermere Resident

Well Water Dowsing

Call before you drill

Dale Hunt 250-342-3569

Tristram Knives Knife sharpening. $1.50 per knife up to $2.00 over 8 inch blade. And any other sharpening. Call 250-342-6068

FAITH

Light and shadow define us all

Rev. Terry Dyck Lake Windermere Alliance Church

We are closing in on the longest day of the year.

Now don’t worry, I am fully aware that each day is 24 hours in length, 365 days in a year, except of course there’s that extra day this year, 2024 being a leap year.

You know what I mean by longest day of the year, right? Most of us celebrate the longer daylight hours that come with this season, providing increased opportunities for connecting and activities. And let’s not forget the benefits to our plants and gardens during this time. Light has a lot to do with that.

cast by the eclipse that turned day to a band of night brought street lights on for a few moments during the middle of the day. Light has long been a symbol of love, radiance, sanctity, justice and of the divine attributes of eternity, changeless and boundless. Shadow or darkness is characterized as temporary limitations and a distraction from the light. Light shows things for what they really are, shadows are the hidden things.

It’s not a great leap to move from the physical aspects of light and shadow to the spiritual, and to how we live our lives and influence others.

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.

The shadow side of things that we would rather ignore tells us that the daylight hours begin to shrink in just about a month. Recognizing both light and shadow as part of life’s rhythm is important. Awareness of the effects of both is vital for our lives.

We have been treated to a couple spectacular light displays in our region this spring. To be more accurate, one tremendous display of aurora borealis (northern lights) over a few nights was visible locally, and a solar eclipse was most visible in the eastern regions of our country. You may know people like I do that travelled a significant distance to witness this stellar spectacle. Both of these events gave us vivid demonstrations of light and shadow.

The colourful northern lights, and the sunshine provide metaphors for life and growth. The shadow

Each of us hold the power to project either shadow or light on some other part of the world, and on the lives of people. We shape the ethos in which we and others live. It is said that this ethos or influence can be “as light filled as heaven or as shadowy as hell.” We hold a great deal of power in the light and shadow we project.

A wise person has a high awareness of the interplay of their inner shadow and light, so their lives and actions do more good than harm. In terms of family life and parenting, it can be said that our children’s greatest challenge is us. The shadow side of our lives, and the light we bring from our own histories present great possibilities and potential problems. This is the case in all our relationships.

With intentional change, growing awareness of our light and shadow, and the community of people who are known as people of light . . . I believe we can be light to this world.

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, 11 a.m. Sunday School, 10 a.m. 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