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VALLEY NEWS
STRs get permits with reduced guests
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
Once again short-term rentals (STRs) dominated discussion at the most recent Invermere council meeting.
The October 8 meeting was the third one on the trot in which STRs were the main topic, and for the third meeting in a row there were more chairs full of residents than empty chairs in the public gallery. (In comparison, before STRs became a hot button issue, it was often possible to count audience members on one hand.)
The latest meeting saw Invermere council approve temporary use permits (TUPs) for four STRs in Invermere, but in each case council restricted the STRs to fewer guests than the operators wanted. Under Invermere’s new STR regulations, all STR operators in the district need a business licence and those in areas not zoned for visitor accommodation (i.e. many single family residential neighbourhoods) also need a TUP. Any TUP application for more than the maximum of eight guests outlined in Invermere’s STR regulations must go to council for consideration.
“It’s constant, constant traffic, coming and going. The sound carries like a son of a gun in the winter.”
Jill McCorry, resident
The four STRs reviewed on October 8 included one in the Fort Point neighbourhood; one in the Kpokl neighbourhood; and two in Upper Invermere (the neighbourhood of Invermere bounded by 10th Avenue in the east, 13th Avenue in the west, and 10th Street in the south) – one on 6th Street, and another on 5th Street. All sought 12 guests, except the Kpokl STR, which sought 14.
Invermere councillors allowed the Fort Point and Kpokl STRs to have 10 guests (rather than the 12 and 14 requested); but limited both Upper Invermere STRs to eight guests. The decisions to allow the Fort Point and Kpokl STRs were close, each passing only by a threeto-two vote (in both those cases, councillors Kayja Becker and Theresa Wood wanted a maximum of eight guests, and so they voted against the motions). The decisions on the Upper Invermere STRs were not close, each vote passing unanimously.
The TUP for the 5th STR was approved only for a one-year term (as a sort of “probationary” trial) instead of the normal three-year TUP term.
There were multiple letters of concern sent in for each TUP application (15 for the Fort Point STR; two for the Kpokl STR; three for the 6th Street STR;
and eight for the 5th Street STR. The 5th Street STR was the only STR to attract a letter of support.
During discussion on the TUP applications, Invermere councillors outlined many factors that contributed to their votes.
Wood explained that in her opinion a lot of discussion and effort went into arriving at a maximum cap of eight guests in Invermere’s STR regulations.
“I was expecting them (the TUP applications) to be for fairly extenuating circumstances. Not just ‘we have more bedrooms, can we have more (than eight guests) please?’ Which is what we seem to be getting,” she said.
Invermere councillor Gerry Taft said “the bigger homes in the more traditional single family neighbourhoods are the pressure points. No one seems to have a problem with an STR in a two-bedroom condo in Lake Windermere Pointe. It’s a tricky balance.” Later speaking more specifically about the 6th Street STR, Taft said “this is getting into what I feel are the more traditional residential neighbourhoods . . . it’s (the home) really not that big, and there’s really not that much parking. I think 12 (guests) is a stretch. I think this is where eight makes sense.” Later he outlined similar sentiments for the 5th Street STR, saying it “is in the core of Invermere . . . I’m not sure some of these neighbourhoods are the best place for 12 guests.”
Becker said, in regards to numbers of guests, “more people is more noise” and outlined a desire to stick with a maximum of eight guests. “In a sense we are subsidizing people’s businesses. Because operating an STR in a residential area, you are running a business in a residential area. You are paying residential taxes, not business taxes. That bothers me,” she added.
A large number of the public gallery were Fort Point residents, but there were also some there specifically for the 5th Street TUP application. Several neighbours came to speak against the STR, voicing complaints about noise and parking issues, while owner Ryan Neal spoke in defence of his operation. Feelings ran strong on both sides, and discussion seemed to highlight a deep divide in the neighbourhood. At one point Invermere mayor Al Miller cut off neighbour Bill Ark, saying “I’m going to call this right now . . . I’m not going to put up with you attacking other people.” Ark protested he was merely outlining what he saw as facts, and added he simply wants to understand the rationale behind the district’s approach to STRs, saying “it certainly isn’t for the good of this town and 99 per cent of the locals.” Neal countered that the complaints have been “deliberate, deceitful, and dishonest about what’s going on at my house.” He noted he lives in the home
as his primary residence “65 per cent of the time” and that a complaint about a huge number of STR guests staying at his home this past June was actually his sister and her friends gathering at the house prior to David Thompson Secondary School graduation activities. He said that neighbours have taken photos of his friends, photos of vehicle licence plates in his driveway, as well as thrown beer cans and even a bag of dog poo into his yard.
At one point Neal said Ark had taken photos of his sister, and Ark said he had not. Miller interjected again, asking (more gently this time) both to refrain from making any personal attacks.
Pat Bavin said that he had taken some photos of vehicles at the 5th Street STR, and said “my concern is egress for emergency . . . it’s a really serious matter.”
Former school teacher Jill McCorry also spoke, saying “it’s constant, constant traffic, coming and going.” She noted she’s been out at 1 a.m. in her pyjamas because of loud noise. “The sound carries like a son of a gun in the winter,” said McCorry, pleading for “a little more understanding of the people around you.”
At the end of the meeting Neal told councillors “I’m quite disappointed by (council’s) decision.” He questioned why the Fort Point STR was allowed 10 guests while his was allowed eight. “If it (the STR) has to be listed as sleeping eight, it really brings the price down.” Neal asked what the financial impact to Invermere is for losing four tourist visitors multiple times a year. “That should have been part of the research,” he said.
Radium library ready for autumn
This week’s column was written by Friends of the Radium Library volunteer Donna Tunney and temporary library director Danielle Conolly. Call 250-347-2434 for more information.
Our fourth annual book sale takes place on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Radium Hot Springs Centre (4863 Stanley Street).
Between now and then, we’re looking for donations of complete jigsaw puzzles and gently used books in a variety of genres: history, romance, mystery, fantasy, young adult, self help, cookbooks, children’s titles, and classics. We cannot accept dictionaries, textbooks, National Geographic, Reader’s Digest, encyclopedias, DVDs or CDs.
Donations help supply our November book sale and generate funds for the library throughout the year and can be made at the library.
This year we’ve got an abundance of extra space to store your kind donations, thanks to Radium Storage. They’ve generously donated a locker to the Friends
of the Radium Library to help us manage our supply. So, once you’ve de-cluttered your bookshelves and dropped off your gently used titles, get ready to discover your new favourite author during the annual book sale. There will be colouring sheets and letters to Santa for children, and cookies and cider for all.
Fall is now in full swing! In addition to Storytime on Wednesdays at 11:30, and Little Lambs on Thursdays at 11:30, we will have a special birding story time on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 2:30 p.m. with a guest from WildSight BC.
October’s STEAM activity takes place on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 11 a.m. This month’s Grab & Go kit, for ages 13-19, is a fall decoupage clay ghost.
All ages are welcome to Wild Woolies drop-in fibre crafts program on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. We also have WildSafe BC joining our library for a talk about living in wildlife country on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m.
Wholesome Hobbies craft group meets on October 18 to “spook up” rather than “spruce up” some thrifted landscape paintings. The group is aimed at ages 50-plus with supplies provided.
The Community Book Club will meet on October 19 to discuss the book ‘The Island of Sea Women’ by Lisa See, and vote on November’s book.
We thank you for your support of our community Fall Food Drive.
STR rules enforcement to begin soon
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
More details about enforcement of the District of Invermere’s new short-term rental (STR) regulations emerged during last week’s council meeting.
While much of the talk on October 8 centred on temporary use permit (TUP) applications for four STRs in Invermere (see story on page 3), local officials also outlined more about the district’s use of digital contractor Granicus to monitor STRs here and to enforce the municipal STR rules that the district brought into effect this past May.
A question came from the public gallery about when the deadline is for STR owners and operators to apply for the business licences and TUPs they need to operate. (All STRs need business licences, those in areas of Invermere not zoned to allow tourist accommodation also need TUPs.)
“If they are in business, they should he applying right now,” answered Invermere mayor Al Miller.
Invermere planner Rory Hromadnik added that several letters have already been sent to people operating STRs in Invermere that have so far not applied for business licences or TUPs.
Hromadnik explained that it will take six to eight weeks to upload all the data Granicus needs to begin fully enforcing the STR regulations.
“We’re about five weeks into it (the upload process),” said Hromadnik. “More than half the data is uploaded. So we know some of it, but we don’t have the whole picture yet.”
Still, that “some of it” was already enough to identify a few STRs that appear to be flying under the radar, and to send a warning to them.
The full data upload is a “painful process” conceded Hromadnik. “But within three weeks we should have that,” he said. “We will know if you are operating an STR (illegally) and there will be a fine. That’s coming quickly.”
In the interim, district officials have been meeting with Granicus weekly. Miller explained that under Invermere’s STR regulations, there is a $500 penalty per offence, and that each single day someone operates an STR without a licence and permit is a separate offence.
This translates to a $3,500 penalty for operating an unlicensed STR for a week, or between $14,000 and $15,500 for doing so for a month.
Invermere chief financial officer Karen Cote explained that any penalty fees collected by the district will go into general revenues.
Councillor Grant Kelly pointed out that although any STR currently operating must apply for licences and permits very soon, the “intake is ongoing.” If for instance, “someone who used to do STRs stops (running the STR) for a few years. If they decide they do STRs again, they can apply (for a business licence and,
More funding approved for STR enforcement in RDEK
Columbia Valley Pioneer staff
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has increased its budget by $71,000 for short-term rental (STR) enforcement services.
The board approved the allocation at its October 11 meeting when directors discussed STR compliance on a contractual basis.
In the 10 months since the STR temporary use permit process was initiated, 150 applications were received, with approximately 120 permits issued and three refused. Staff reported the received applications represent approximately 20 per cent of the likely overall number of STRs present in the RDEK, including those existing on parcels zoned to allow for tourist accommodation.
Last year the provincial Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act was adopted containing several provisions that add enforcement mechanisms to regulate STRs. These mechanisms are limited to local governments where business licensing is in effect.
Because the RDEK does not currently have a business licensing program, the Act contains minimal en-
forcement support, resulting in the need for the RDEK to undertake focused enforcement of STRs on its own.
Staff report that a service provider would assist with address identification to provide information regarding properties being offered as STRs and ownership of those properties. The service provider would also assist with sending enforcement notices to property owners who are in violation of RDEK regulations.
Staff say that without these services, “achieving significant compliance will be challenging.”
It is reported the estimated cost of hiring an STR enforcement service provider would be $60,000 per year. The allocation of the $71,000 would include $18,000 for the remainder of 2024 and $53,000 to be allocated to 2025.
The RDEK has received approximately $134,000 in application fees since the initiation of the STR program. The fees are split 60 per cent to bylaw enforcement and 40 per cent to planning.
The board recently adopted an amendment which will increase the STR temporary use permit fees to $1,500 for delegated and $3,000 for non-delegated applications starting January 1, 2025.
if needed, a TUP). Or if someone new moves to Invermere and wants to start an STR, they can apply.”
In other words, the regulations do not mean that anyone who wants to operate an STR in Invermere at any point now or in the future must apply in the next few weeks.
Once Granicus is fully monitoring Invermere STRs, data will be re-updated each month. The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has also hired Granicus to monitor STRs in a similar fashion in its rural electoral areas (including Area F and Area G in the Columbia Valley). Several other B.C. municipalities dealing with STRs have hired Granicus too, including Kelowna, West Kelowna, and (closer to Invermere) Kimberley. Invermere will pay Granicus slightly less than $10,000 a year for its work, and will use the money it gets from STR business licence and TUP application fees to pay Granicus.
One member of the public gallery remarked that $10,000 for Granicus is “a pretty good deal.”
Another asked if the district could produce a revenue statement report, outlining all the expenses stemming from dealing with STRs, and all the revenue brought in from licences and permit fees.
Councillor Kayja Becker said it might be a good idea to include such a report in the district’s annual budget meeting, noting it might generate a good deal of interest and improve the otherwise lackluster public attendance the budget meetings usually get.
The RDEK board continues to discuss its short-term rental rules and their enforcement.
The old coot grumbled and cursed while he sat in his favourite recliner watching the leaders’ debate on television.
“Promises, promises,” he heckled, sprinkling some more salt on his Granny Smith apple. “No good for nothin’. . . the lot of ‘em,” he spat, looking at his wife whose brow was crinkled with consternation over her Charles Wysocki puzzle.
“Damn politicians think they know everything,” he croaked, wagging a calloused finger at the screen.
“That’s it, Hilda, I ain’t votin’ this year,” he rasped, shoving another piece of apple into his gaping maw.
Hilda stole her eyes away from the puzzle. “You gotta vote, Horace, it’s the only power you have as a citizen these days,” she explained.
Horace sat up and nearly choked, hacking his response: “What, you believe in that nonsense . . . democratic rights and all?”
He cursed again and mumbled something else that Hilda couldn’t quite make out. “Horace, ‘member what grand-dad used say, God rest his soul. He said if ya don’t vote, ya got no right ta complain. And believe me, you’re doin’ a lotta that lately.”
Horace pressed the mute button and cast her a flabbergasted stare, not quite believing what he just heard.
“What the hail, Hilda. You done hurt my feelins’ talkin’ like that. I’m not complainin’, I’m just statin’ facts, is all.”
Hilda put down her puzzle piece and gave Horace her own icy stare.
“Horace Arnold McKinnon . . . you stubborn ol’ goat. You listen here. Many a young soldier died so you could bask in your freedom sittin’ there in your comfy recliner waggin’ fingers at everyone ‘cept yourself. People done a lotta hard work and shed a lotta blood and tears so you could live without tyranny and have the right ta vote, and now you’re sayin’ you ain’t castin’ a ballot?”
Horace was dumbfounded by his wife’s retort because she never done spoke to him that way before.
“But Hilda, nothin’ is ever gonna change by votin’. Once they’se in power, they do what they want and collect their big fat pension while you and I are still scrapin’ the bottom of the barrel.”
Hilda stood up straighter than the National Guard, knocking one of her puzzle pieces to the floor.
“Don’t ya Hilda, me. Nothing’s gonna change as long as you’re angry at the world and refuse to listen. Dang it, Horace, you’re as entrenched as an outhouse rat.”
Horace shrank deeper into his recliner, watching the leaders in muted debate. “Well, heck, I don’t know who ta vote for, Hilda,” he finally conceded.
Hilda shook her head and picked up the puzzle piece that had fallen. “Listen to what them politicians are spoutin’ about and vote with your conscience. Read about their campaigns and what they’se gonna do to make health care and housin’ better.”
“Ya mean, more expensive,” Horace chirped.
Another cold stare and Horace slinked away like a coyote. “Okay, okay, I’ll vote,” he surrendered.
Lyonel
Doherty, editor
Revised housing still invasive
This is regarding the Métis proposed development on 13th street.
The Pioneer reports the more positive response by District of Invermere council to a smaller development and I fear council will approve this proposal.
Considering the three-storey condo housing on 14th street, it is easy to visualize just how a three-storey apartment building on 13th Street will impact this residential neighbourhood. Pardon my suspicions, but it does seem that rejection of the first proposal might have been anticipated and now by presenting a less invasive development, it would meet with council approval
The revised plan is still invasive and grossly out of sync with the Official Community Plan which specifies new development should be in harmony with the existing neighbourhood.
As the District of Invermere is very much in favour
of affordable housing, there is in fact an ideal vacant piece of land on 8th Avenue where the former community hall was situated. It meets the possible needs of access to shopping and easy access for school buses.
Another excellent site is the northwest corner of the Athalmer/Chabot park area which sits undeveloped due to lack of finances. Selling that corner for the three or four-storey apartments would bring in money needed for park improvement. Tax revenue is another incentive.
The buildings would fit in nicely with the four-storey buildings opposite on 3rd Avenue.
These suggestions have already been proposed to mayor and council but no reply has materialized. The District of Invermere needs to be more creative regarding this housing scheme.
Eileen Fiell, Invermere
Watershed security must define future
As the 2024 BC Election approaches, there is a lot of debate dedicated to party platforms and campaign promises. Among the trending topics of concern – the economy and the cost of living, housing and health care, and the contentious carbon tax – there’s one underlying issue critical to the rest: the concept of watershed security.
Watershed security involves protecting the health of watersheds, which are vital for clean water, flood control, groundwater recharge, biodiversity, agriculture, recreation, and overall well-being. Healthy watersheds are key to a prosperous B.C.
But climate change is wreaking havoc on B.C. watersheds. And this reality is here to stay until the global community gets a grip on planet-warming emissions. Atmospheric rivers and out-of-control wildfires can cause catastrophic damage; heat domes and intense drought negatively impact human
and ecosystem health. Combine intensifying climate impacts with unsustainable land-use practices (e.g. clearcut logging in a drought-stricken area) and the result is devastating.
The 2024 State of the Climate report published by Oxford University grimly states that Planet Earth is “on the brink of an irreversible climate disaster… a global emergency beyond any doubt.” A survey of B.C. residents conducted earlier this year on behalf of Organizing for Change found that 76% of B.C. residents are concerned about climate change. In a regional poll about groundwater — a vital freshwater source that is facing increasing demand as climate change stresses surface water supplies — Living Lakes Canada found that 88.8% of Columbia Basin respondents were concerned or very concerned, with drinking water and ecosystem health concerns topping the list.
As the world grapples with the tran-
sition to a low-carbon future amid rising inflation and climate uncertainty, the road ahead is challenging and can seem overwhelming.
The good news in British Columbia is that countless individuals, organizations and First Nations are working together to protect and restore local watersheds and their natural functions. However, the long-term success of this watershed security work is dependent on political will and sustained funding.
In recent years, the B.C. government has made significant progress through initiatives like the 2021 Healthy Watershed Initiative and subsequent watershed investments totalling $57 million that funded close to 150 progressive projects across the province. The creation of the Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship was a much-needed development that moved healthy watershed management out from under the Ministry of Forests, and the establishment of B.C.’s first Watershed Security Fund as an endowment fund in Budget 2023 with an initial $100 million investment was a progressive step, but the buck can’t stop there. The annual baseline budget for grants and programs that this fund will generate is $3-5 million, a paltry sum compared to the $11.2 billion investment over three years that Budget 2023 allocated for new health-care infrastructure.
Watersheds are natural infrastructure that require substantial funding support just like health-care infrastructure. Investing in watershed protection is a critical component of societal well-being. For example, Living Lakes Canada used the 2021-2022 provincial funding to launch a monitoring network guided by local Indigenous and non-Indigenous community priorities in under-monitored areas across the B.C. Columbia Basin. Today, 144 mon-
itoring sites are collecting important water and climate data to inform local adaptation strategies and water management planning for rural communities.
A water mapping resource, using this data, accelerated the response time in the fight to save the community of Argenta from an out-of-control wildfire in July. Without sustained funding, this invaluable community-based monitoring network risks becoming a stranded asset, leaving its full potential untapped.
Living Lakes Canada is calling on all candidates in the 2024 BC Election to sign the non-partisan Watershed Security Pledge (www.watershedsecurity. ca/pledge) organized by the BC Watershed Security Coalition.
By signing the pledge, candidates commit to advocating for two actions: empowering local watershed management at the community level, and increasing funding for watershed security to equip local communities with the jobs, tools and resources they need to protect their watersheds.
According to the BC Watershed Security Coalition, a $1-billion fund, supported by provincial, federal, private and philanthropic investments would provide $75 to $100 million annually, required to make real progress on healing our watersheds.
You can find out if your local candidates have committed to being champions for watershed security in B.C. by visiting the pledge tracker webpage. Thank those who have, and ask those who haven’t to sign.
We all need to work together to ensure healthy, functioning watersheds — our future depends on it.
Kat Hartwig and Nicole Trigg Living Lakes Canada
Hydrometric monitoring on Assiniboine Creek is helping to advance watershed security in southeastern BC. PHOTO LLC
Former mayor releases detailed memoir
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
Invermere councillor Gerry Taft has released a book about the very public nervous breakdown and mental health struggles he suffered last fall.
The book — ‘The Safe Word is Pineapple: My Journey from Mayor Through Crazy’ — is part memoir, part social commentary and charts blow-by-blow Taft’s travails, starting with the sudden onset of psychosis and paranoia last September. This was followed by his arrest under the Mental Health Act, the ensuing loss of his career as a realtor, the abrupt changes in his personal relationships as well as pretty much everything else in his life, culminating in a year-long healing process.
It’s a gripping ride that bounces around in time and location, as Taft tries to navigate his mental health crisis, and to hold onto his sanity and his family. It flashes back to fill in his backstory (including much that is already familiar to Pioneer readers, such as his rise as a local gelato entrepreneur, his decade as Invermere mayor, the deer cull lawsuits, his unsuccessful run at provincial politics, and his transformation into a real estate agent). The book also uses Taft’s experience as a platform to examine a range of larger scale issues, such as gaps in the mental health care system, and his polarization in society over political
and social issues.
“I’m a bit biased, but I think it is an interesting story, and I hope the themes are relatable,” Taft told the Pioneer. “A lot of people have, or know someone who has, suffered from burnout or dealt with mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. Maybe this book can give a little bit of insight into what that is like, or at least what it was like for me.”
Taft frankly admitted that time in his life “was pretty rough.” He’s now able to look back and has learned some lessons as a result of the experience, but said he’d much rather have come to those conclusions in a less dramatic fashion.
“In some ways it was therapeutic to write the book, to go back and go through what happened. But I also wanted to share what I learned,” said Taft.
‘The Safe Word is Pineapple’ is not candy-coated. The impending sense of dread Taft felt is bleakly palpable in some of the sections describing the start of his mental descent; as is the frantic fear that later seizes him, making him run down the street, clutching his daughter, desperately certain he needs to save her from demons. And he is honest about his faults, both during his mental health crisis and throughout his life, leaving him looking less-than-heroic in multiple instances.
“I felt I needed to do that, to tell everything and to be as transparent as
possible. One of the things I feel I’ve learned is that if you are vulnerable, it allows other people to be vulnerable back,” said Taft. “It’s okay to struggle. It’s okay to fail. You can pick up the pieces and rebuild after.”
‘The Safe Word is Pineapple’ is available at Invermere’s Four Points Books on main street, on Amazon, or
through Taft’s author website at www. thesafewordispineapple.com.
The book came out on October 8, but there will be an official launch party on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at the Bistro Restaurant in downtown Invermere on main street from 6 to 9 p.m. with a pineapple theme, pineapple pizza and pineapple drinks.
District of Invermere may provide financial assistance or a grantin-aid to non-profit or local organizations that provide services to our community. These grants are awarded annually by Council through an application process and we invite applications for financial assistance in preparation of our 2025 budget. The total budget allocation for all grants is $10,000 and the maximum grant per applicant will be $1,500. Those groups or organizations wishing to apply for financial assistance are requested to make written application before November 8, 2024 to be considered for the following year. Application forms are available at the Municipal Office or our website: www.invermere.net
Gerry Taft (top right) has just released his memoir (left) about his mental health struggles. Shown with Taft in top photo is Canadian television host George Stroumboulopoulos.
PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Windermere artist featured in Italy again
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
Think of it as the chance of a lifetime once again.
A Windermere artist last year found himself chosen, to his own surprise, to be part of a prestigious art show in Tuscany. This year he’s back in Italy again, at the same show.
Stephen McGarva grew up in Windermere with an artistic bent. His talent earned him a scholarship to the Emily Carr University of Art + Design after he graduated from David Thompson Secondary School. Instead he became a mechanic and set off for new life opportunities in southern California. He’s since married, had a family, and lived all around the world; in Bavaria, Boston, Italy and Rhode Island. Despite all the moving around, he says he still feels the valley is home, and eventually he did make good on the artistic promise he showed as a teenager, attending art school as an adult.
For years after art school, McGarva enjoyed art as a passion, not necessarily expecting much to come of it. Then one day last year, completely out of the blue, he was invited by organizers of the Cavalli d’Autore show in Siena, Italy to be part of their event.
He was stunned — the show focuses on horses and although relatively new, has quickly become renowned for attracting top artists. With encouragement from his wife and daughters, McGarva agreed to do the show, spending most of October in Siena (where the famed Palio horse race takes place twice each year in the town’s main square). That lead to McGarva being selected to participate in two other Italian art exhibits, one in Umbria and another in Rome, and to being featured in the annual Cavalli d’Autore book.
It also lead to McGarva being invited back to the 2024 Cavalli d’Autore exhibit.
The Pioneer spoke with him on October 3, the day before the show opened.
McGarva and the other artists had just finished setting up for the exhibit, and he was cheerfully enthusiastic about the show, about Siena, about art, and about life in general.
“It’s an amazing group of artists. I feel very lucky, very honoured, to be here,” McGarva told the Pioneer. “Every single piece of art, every interpretation is so different from the others.”
Each artist gets one piece at the show (owing to limited space). McGarva’s piece ‘Providence’ is inspired by a horse his younger daughter Ella rides. Although it looks like a drawing, it is not; it is ‘stippling’, an art style done with an ultra-fine pencil (just 0.1 millimetres thick, about 1/10 the width of a dime). McGarva uses the pen to make many, many dots that collectively create a vivid, photo-realistic image.
How many dots?
Well, ‘Providence’ is composed of 3.6 million dots (by conservative estimate) and creating it took McGarva 270 hours over the course of three months.
“It’s very committing,” said McGarva, with understatement. “There’s quite literally no room for mistakes. If I feel that I’m not focussed enough, if I’m starting to mentally drift, I have to stop and come back (to the art) later. Because you can be 100-plus hours into a (stippling art work) and then bottle it up in a moment. If you’re not paying attention, and then there’s a big blot of ink, unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do to erase it.”
‘Providence’ is a stippling drawing of a horse of the same name. The horse is owned by famed equestrian trainer and dressage rider Hilda Gurney, who also happens to train Ella. “That allows me a lot of time to photograph and study a horse, how it moves, its musculature, its personality,” said McGarva.
He very clearly remembers the first time he saw Ella ride Providence. “This is a horse that is very forward. Big. Majestic. It really wants to work, but is particular about who its rider is . . . when you see Hilda ride Providence, wow. It’s amazing,” said McGarva. Providence
Beginners’ Bridge Classes
12 Lessons - $25
Starting Monday Oct 21, 6:30 pm, Invermere Seniors’ Hall
Will play twice a week for 6 weeks. Second day will be determined by the class. To Register:
Contact Terry Schreder (instructor) at terryschreder@yahoo.ca or Gerriann at donahue43@gmail.com
“has the most soulful eyes. And for me, every portrait starts with the eyes. Whether it’s horses or humans, kids, grandparents, military veterans, it all starts at the eyes. And boy, when this horse connects with you through its eyes, it is really meaningful. That’s important. I can’t just pick up a pen and make dots. There has to be a connection first.”
McGarva’s connection to horses started as a teenager in the Columbia Valley, when he spent time with former ?akisq’nuk First Nation Chief Alfred Joseph and the Burgoynes, learning how to ride and care for horses.
“It’s a gift that Alfred gave me, and I’m very grateful,” said McGarva.
This year’s Cavalli d’Autore runs for a month until November 4, with McGarva there for most of the show.
“Siena is a magical place. It’s a city, but it feels very much like a village. People care a lot about community. The atmosphere is amazing. You walk the streets here, and you are literally walking through history,” he said, nothing that this history heavily involves horses.
“The Palio has been running for hundreds of years, twice per year, and they’ve only ever missed two races, when COVID-19 happened,” he said. “The pride and joy and love that Senese (people) feel for their town, for the races, for horses, it’s very apparent.”
Seniors Health Fair
For all seniors and valley newcomers
October 24, 1-3pm Columbia Valley Centre Free Admission Door Prizes
Sponsored by the Invermere Seniors’ Association
If you want to be a vendor or for more information, Contact Gerriann at donahue43@gmail.com
INVERMERE SENIORS ASSOCIATION
Artist Stephen McGarva is seen here doing what he does best - stippling, a painstaking but beautiful medium. The Windermere man has been invited back to a prestigious art show in Italy.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
OUT OF OFFICE…
Home Retrofit Fair 2024
Columbia Valley homeowners are increasingly seeking ways to make their homes more energyefficient, and the upcoming Home Retrofit Fair 2024 is set to be the perfect event to meet that demand. Organized in partnership with Columbia Valley Economic Development, Wildsight, East Kootenay Climate Hub, and the Community Energy Association, the fair will bring together businesses and residents for an afternoon of learning, networking, and inspiration focused on sustainable home renovations and retrofits.
Taking place at the Columbia Valley Centre on Sunday, November 10th, from 12:00 to 4:00 pm, the event offers an excellent opportunity for local businesses to showcase their products and services to homeowners eager to adopt greener living practices. The fair is designed to connect residents with businesses that provide energyefficient solutions for home upgrades, whether through insulation improvements, energy-efficient appliances, solar installations, or other retrofit options.
Why You Should Participate
For businesses, the Home Retrofit Fair provides a free registration that includes several valuable perks:
• A display table where you can exhibit your products and services to an engaged audience.
• Light refreshments to keep the energy flowing throughout the event.
• A comprehensive advertising and marketing package to ensure your business reaches as many potential customers as possible.
• Logo placement on all digital advertising, giving you exposure leading up to the event.
• The exclusive chance to host a 30-minute workshop or information session, where you can dive deeper into the benefits of energy-efficient retrofits and showcase your expertise.
This event offers a rare opportunity for local businesses to not only promote their services for free but also directly engage with a community that is eager to learn more about sustainable living.
How to Register
To take full advantage of this opportunity, businesses must register by Tuesday, October 29th. Securing a spot guarantees your place in the promotional materials and ensures your business gets the visibility it deserves. Interested businesses can register online at www.investcolumbiavalley. ca or email ced@investcolumbiavalley.ca
If you’re a business owner in the Columbia Valley specializing in energy-efficient products or services, this is an unmissable chance to expand your reach and make a positive impact on your community. For more details, don’t hesitate to reach out to the event organizers.
Mark your calendars, and we look forward to seeing you at the Home Retrofit Fair 2024!
Thursday, October 17
• 10:30am-11:30am: Senior’s Fitness Columbia Valley Centre, $2 dropin.
• 11:30am-12:00pm: Little Lambs. Radium Library. Join us for songs, rhymes, and stories with your babies! Every Thursday, no registration required.
• 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.
• 6:45pm: 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, October 18
• 7:00pm-10:30pm: Robert Larrabee Live! Invermere Legion Branch 71. Show $35 dinner also available. Get ready to be serenaded by Robert Larrabee as he takes the stage to perform some of the greatest hits of the biggest legendary performers of all time. It's going to be a night you won't want to miss! See you there!
• 10:30am-11:00pm: Family Storytime. Invermere Public Library. Join us at the library for stories, songs and a craft! Geared towards preschool age, but all welcome to attend!
• 2:00pm-3:30pm: Wholesome Hobbies. Radium Library. Every 3rd Friday of the Month; join us each month to try out a new project! For adults 50+ but all adults welcome. Registration is required. Call 250-347-2434 to save your spot!
• 2:00pm-3:00pm: Friday Fundays! Invermere Public Library. Drop in programming! Drop off allowed for ages 7+. Younger children are more than welcome to join with an adult! STEAM- open-ended play with Ozobots, Dash Bots and other fun tech!
• 6:30pm - close: Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion! Members and guests welcome!
• Saturday, October 19
9:00am-9:00pm (Mountain Time): BC Election. Columbia Valley Centre. Make your voice heard - see you at the polls!
• 1:00pm: 2nd Annual Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater Classic. Street in Front of Ullr Bar. Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater Classic will feature Pumpkin Racers battling in a unique side-by-side elimination race featuring handcrafted, decorated Pumpkin Racers in a ridiculous and hilarious display of racing fun!
• 7:00pm-10:30pm: Robert Larrabee Live! Invermere Legion Branch 71. Show $35 dinner also available. Get ready to be serenaded by Robert Larrabee as he takes the stage to perform some of the greatest hits of the biggest legendary performers of all time. It's going to be a night you won't want to miss! See you there!
• 10:30am-11:00pm: Family Storytime. Invermere Public Library. Join us at the library for stories, songs and a craft! Geared towards preschool age, but all welcome to attend!
• 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.
• 11:00am-12:00pm: STEAM. Radium Library. Sessions are designed to encourage children to develop an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering Art and Math at a young age. New activities and gadgets featured at each session. *Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Please register Space is limited. Every 3rd Saturday.
• 3:00pm-4:30pm: Buddy Reading. Invermere Public Library. Practice reading aloud one-on-one with a staff member to build skill, confidence and a love of reading! 30 minute sessions at 3:00, 3:30 or 4:00 pm. By Appointment Only!! Contact Invermere Library to sign up.
• 6:30pm: Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion! Members and guests welcome!
Sunday, October 20
• 5:00pm: Harvest Dinner – Edgewater Seniors. Edgewater Community Hall. Roast beef dinner with dessert and coffee. $15.00/plate, Kids under 12 $5.00. Everyone welcome!
• 5:13pm: Hocus Pokus: A Halloween Murder Mystery. Invermere Legion. Prepare for a spine-tingling evening (with dinner!) where magic meets murder. The stakes are high, the magic is dark and death... is just the beginning. Doors open 5:13 Show starts at 5:30 Get your tickets at the Legion - $60 per person includes the show and a three course Halloween Dinner. Limited to 60 tickets.
• 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, October 21
• 10:00am-11:00am: Senior's Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, Invermere. $2 drop in, open to all seniors.
• 3:00pm-4:30pm: Buddy Reading. Invermere Public Library. Practice reading aloud one-on-one with a staff member to build skill, confidence and a love of reading! 30 minute sessions at 3:00, 3:30 or 4:00 pm. By Appointment Only!! Contact Invermere Library to sign up.
• 6:30pm: Poker (Chip up for Charity). The Station Pub $50 buy-in. Every Monday.
Tuesday, October 22
• 7:00pm-9:00pm: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: Monthly Movie Night Columbia Valley Centre. Doors open at 6pm. Popcorn, snacks and beverages available for sale. Purchase tickets online or at the door.
• 10:30am-11:30am: Senior’s Fitness. Columbia Valley Centre, $2 drop-in.
• 10:30am-11:30am: Homeschool Meetup Junior (K-Gr.7). Invermere Library. Drop in programming for kids K-Gr 7. Open-ended STEAM play, group activities and art projects. Contact the library for more information!
• 1:00pm-3:30pm: Art in the Afternoon. Radium Library. A weekly gathering for artists! 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.
• 2:00pm-3:00pm: Novel Idea. Invermere Library. This month we are reading Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts. 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!
• 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, October 23
• 2:30pm-3:00pm: Birding Storytime with Wildsight. Radium Library. Join us for a special storytime all about birds with a special guest from Wildsight! Listen to stories, sing songs, and learn about birds and our new borrowable Birdpack! *This will be an outdoor program so please dress accordingly! *Geared toward preschool ages but all are welcome!
6:00pm-8:30pm: Living in Wildlife Country. Invermere Library. Join Wildsafe BC Community Coordinator, Anna Grant at the Invermere Public Library for a discussion about Living in Wildlife Country! There will be a presentation and a Q&A session afterwards. All welcome to attend! No registration required.
10:00am-11:00am: Senior's Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, $2 dropin.
11:30am-12:00pm: Story Time. Radium Library - preschool & all ages.
3:30pm-4:45pm: After School Club. Invermere Public Library. A window of transition time between school and home or extracurriculars. Come colour, bead, play with LEGO, and catch up with friends! Open to all school-aged kids. Drop-off for Grade 2 and up. Please bring your own snacks! One time registration required. Find the form on the After School Club page on our website or fill it out at the library.
• 6:00pm-9:00pm: Wednesday Dinners & Meat Draw & 50/50 Invermere Legion. All welcome.
Library patrons are the best, assistant says
This week’s column was written by Dallas Husar, library assistant at Invermere Public Library, located at 201 7th Avenue. Visit their website or call 250342-6416 for more information.
Summer has come and gone, and so has another busy season at the Invermere Public Library (IPL).
Quiet days at IPL are few and far between and seem to grow smaller in numbers as the years fly by, and this summer was no exception.
It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is already behind us. To many, Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, eat delicious food, enjoy the beautiful setting we are so fortunate to call home, and reflect on the things we are grateful for in our lives. In my family, regardless of what we have done that weekend, who we are able to gather with, whether we are eating a fancy meal or leftovers, we always take the time to list something we are grateful for.
It gets me thinking about how grateful I am to be part of such an incredible
place as the Invermere library. Every day we are fortunate to work as part of a wonderful team. We encourage each other to bring our best every day and celebrate each other’s strengths. The respect we hold for each other is evident and we always support each other. Not every workplace is as lucky, and it doesn’t go unnoticed here.
Our patrons are the best! Walking through the door, we are greeted by smiling faces and excited hellos. Children and adults alike anticipating the latest novel they are taking home, sharing stories of their lives with us, or seeking assistance, knowing we will do our best to help solve their issue. It is so heartwarming how many people allow us glimpses into their lives by sharing tales of their adventures, their families, the books they love, and things they are passionate about. I think I speak on behalf of all of us here at the Invermere Public Library when I say it’s a real honour.
Through our programming we have gotten to know so many patrons. I for one am so grateful I get to be a part of the lives of the children who join our programs. Watching them grow and learn is incredible. I have witnessed babies’ first steps, the discovery of a new talent or mastering of a skill a child didn’t think they would grasp. It’s something that makes me smile all the time. As staff, we
are always trying to grow and learn new things and make new connections with residents and patrons. We are grateful for each programming opportunity as it not only offers a chance for others to learn and grow, but for us as well. And the fact others are willing to take the journey with us is even more special.
We would be remiss not to thank all the volunteers and donors who help make the library the wonderful place it is.
The Friends of the Invermere Public Library are a group of folks who donate their time to fundraise on behalf of the library. They are responsible for the BIG Book Sale, all the Pop-Up Book Sales and the silent auction that takes place every year. This year’s online auction will run November 16-26 here: www.32auctions. com/FOIL2024 and donations of new or like-new items can be dropped off at the library.
These events raise thousands of dollars every year that help the library in many ways. Our board is also made up of community volunteers who help with the operation of the library. Our community consists of many generous individuals and businesses who donate funds towards the operation of the library. Whether it’s a donation of a dollar or thousands of dollars, we are grateful for everyone who has contributed to making IPL the fantastic place it is.
Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan (CWRP)
The District of Invermere has initiated the development of a Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan (CWRP). The CWRP is intended to identify hazards and strategies to better protect the district from wildfire.
The work is being completed by a registered professional forester with Nupqu Resource LP. This brief survey will help to inform the CWRP.
Funding for this project is generously provided by the Union of BC Municipalities.
The survey is intended for residents and property owners within the District of Invermere.
The survey will close on October 31st 2024.
For more information please visit the DOI FireSmart website: https://invermere.net/operations/fire-safety/firesmart/
Want a great adventure? Want a little mystery? Then check out the Invermere Public Library. PHOTO PAWELL_B/GETTY IMAGES
ENTERTAINMENT
Draquarius live (but dead) in Invermere
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
Vampires have been part of folklore for centuries in many cultures. And if that weren’t enough, in modern times, there’s Bram Stoker’s classic novel ‘Dracula’, the ‘Dracula’ film starring Bela Lugosi, ‘Interview with the Vampire’ with Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, the Twilight series, and, of course, Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Surely people would have a handle on vampires by now. But no, they remain poorly and sorely misunderstood. Good thing Draquarius is here to set the record straight.
The 594-year-old lounge singing vampire will be performing live (but undead) in a semi-interactive musical comedy performance at ULLR Bar on Saturday, Oct. 26. Along with classic crooning, standup comedy, a buffet dinner and dancing, you’ll also, hopefully, get a bit of insight into the much-maligned life (or more accurately, afterlife) of a bloodsucker.
Draquarius, perhaps more widely known (at least for now) as popular public librarian Japhy Hunt, wants you to know that vampires have feelings too.
“There are some big misconceptions about what it’s like to be a vampire,” Hunt told the Pioneer. “Even though Draquarius is, well, a vampire, he’s very human in many ways.
Draquarius was bit (and first became a vampire) in 1430. Being undead prompted a career switch, and Draquarius became a lounge singer, touring the alehouses of 15th century Europe. He met with mixed success: his songs were great, but he was run out of Transylva-
nia for “draining” his audience.
Still, talent is talent, and he’s starting a comeback here in Invermere just before Halloween.
Draquarius is “cheesy but classy, like many lounge singers,” described Hunt. “He’s pretty old, so he has a lot of different influences from a lot of different eras.”
Tunes from Gloria Gaynor, Bonnie Tyler, Kate Bush, Eartha Kitt, Johnny Cash, John Denver, and more, Draquarius does them all. In fact, he originally wrote the tunes. Or so he says.
“Draquarius insists his versions are the originals,” confirmed Hunt.
The problem is that when Draquarius first wrote the songs, his understanding of musical copyright was pretty shaky. Everyone’s understanding of musical copyright was shaky; it was the 15th century after all.
Hunt’s acting and impersonating has been well documented in the Pioneer over the past decade, and Draquarius is one of Hunt’s latest characters. Unlike some of Hunt’s previous portrayals (Jack Sparrow, for example), Draquarius was dreamed up by Hunt himself.
It began six years ago with a challenge from a friend: sing a song of your choice as a character. Hunt responded to the challenge by singing ‘Age of Aquarius’ as Dracula.
“It was really funny. I hadn’t realized before how many times the line ‘let the sun shine in’ is repeated in that song. It’s kind of ironic if you’re a vampire,” said Hunt.
For a few years, Draquarius stayed on a mental back burner in Hunt’s head. But then the COVID-19 pandemic struck
in 2020, and Hunt returned home to the Columbia Valley from acting school in Vancouver. He revived Draquarius (as much as an undead character can be revived), taking and performing song requests as Draquarius online.
The pandemic subsided, but Draquarius did not, with Hunt performing as the character at local farmers’ markets and other venues.
“For a long time, with acting, I stayed away from singing and from standup comedy. Being Draquarius challeng-
es me to do both. It’s been good,” said Hunt.
The doors open at 7 p.m. for the ULLR show and the buffet begins at the same time. Draquarius stakes (sorry, takes) the stage at 8 p.m. for a two-hour performance, and the dance begins at 10 p.m. Tickets are $40 and include dinner, show and dance. They can be purchased through eventbrite.ca, or through Japhy Hunt’s Instagram page or ULLR’s Instagram page.
Just in time for Halloween, Draquarius (Japhy Hunt) is coming to ULLR Bar on Saturday, Oct. 26. PHOTOS SUBMITTED
BEYOND THE BLUE LINE
Rockies come back to defeat Rebels 4-2 SPORTS
By Stephanie Stevens
They say the devil is in the details, and so, sometimes, is the win.
The Columbia Valley Rockies hosted The Castlegar Rebels in the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena October 12 and won the game 4-2, a welcome victory after two frustrating losses on the road the weekend prior.
“We've had an interesting week of injuries and sickness, trying to piece our team back together a bit,” said associate coach Tucker Braund. “We've worked a lot on the small details and the habits we need to have to be a winning team.”
Braund added he thought they did a better job implementing those details at last Saturday’s game.
Scoring first for the Rockies was Owen Ditzel (assisted by Carter Krause), with Peter Godley (Bryan Kim and Carter Velker) and Ashton Sledz (unassist-
ed) adding two more in the second.
An empty netter from Johnny Lozeman (Carter Hensch) in the third cinched the win.
Netminder Jaiden Jakubowski stopped 31 of 33 shots on goal.
It was also a low penalty game for the boys, with the Rockies only tallying six minutes in the box, significantly lower than the average 27 minutes so far this season.
“We played a little desperate at times which is good,” said Braund. “Every team can win on any given night if you don't have the effort … we just need to remember that every weekend.”
The boys are away this weekend playing the Princeton Posse, Grand Forks Border Bruins and Osoyoos Coyotes, respectively. They are back in the Eddie for back to back home games the following weekend hosting the Spokane Braves and Quesnel River Rush.
Cheer on DTSS junior/senior volleyball teams
Stockley and Maren Gillies urge the public
Rockies’ forward Dylan Duzan (left) and defenceman Jack Hefferan watch the play against the Rebels.
PHOTO STEPHANIE STEVENS
Rockies’ coach talks shift in playing style
By Emanuel Sequeira KIJHL
Tayler Sincennes enters his second season as the Columbia Valley Rockies’ head coach-general manager following a 25-win season and advancing to the second round of the playoffs.
In their Kootenay International Junior Hockey League ‘Quick Shift’ team preview, Sincennes talks about a shift in playing style.
KIJHL: What should fans be excited about when it comes to this team?
TS: We’re going to play a hard-nosed, gritty style, which I think suits our community a little bit - the Australian fans, the people coming from other parts of the world. They enjoy the contact. I think our defence core is going to be really solid and we’ve added some really good young pieces to complement the veteran players. We’re going to play a fast, physical style of hockey.
KIJHL: What areas are you looking to improve from last season?
TS: In a perfect world, the improvement would come on the offensive side to produce a bit more. I don’t think we scored a ton of goals last year. (Note: the Rockies were 10th among 20 teams with 149 goals.) We were the benefactors of some pretty good goaltending and decent defensive play. I think we will continue to play really well defensively.
KIJHL: Are there any returning players that you are expecting to have big seasons? Talk about what you are hoping to see from them.
TS: Carter Velker is going to come in and I expect him to put up good offensive numbers. Velker led the Rockies with 37 points in 44 games.
Bryan Kim got his confidence going by the time we made it into the playoffs. He scored some huge goals for us in the post season (four goals in 11 games). I expect him to produce. He had eight points in 12 regular season games.
Kobe Mason is going to be a key piece to success. He was an alternate captain and will continue to grow his leadership ability and offensive game. Mason led the Rockies with 16 goals.
Teo Fath was an alternate captain and is going to take another step in the right direction, leadership wise. He is a defensively sound player that pushed for offence. He will have a good offensive year with the tools he has. Fath averaged .71 points-per-game with 25 in 35 games.
Wyatt Wurtz is going to be a huge impact player. He moves the puck really well and is sound defensively. He played on our power-play.
Paddy Donohue is a local who year-to-year has improved so drastically it's incredible. He makes a good first pass. He will have a big year as a defensive blueliner.
KIJHL: Are there first-year players who can make a seamless transition to make an immediate impact?
TS: I don’t know that it is ever totally seamless for young guys.
Peter Godly (2006 - Calgary Rockies U18 JPHL / 43 points in 32 games): We just signed him and he will fit into our top six right away. He is an offensive minded player with strong hockey sense, shoots the puck really well and his passing skills are elite. He’s got a lot of tools.
Chance Cole (2006 - Prairie Hockey Academy U18): He is going to be an offensive-minded defenceman. While a bit undersized, he skates really well to
RECRUITMENT DRIVE ON NOW
Communities in the RDEK rely on the individuals who make up our paid-on-call fire departments to help protect their communities from emergencies and assist with medical aid when needed. They train, practice and maintain equipment so they are ready when the call comes. They support community events and are part of the heart of their communities. No matter your skill set, you can contribute to public safety in your community.
keep himself out of trouble and makes a good first pass.
Carter Tuplin (2006 - Swift Current Broncos U18AA): He is going to be a physical presence at 6-0, 175 pounds. He plays the game really well, fast and will be a kid that is fun to watch.
Jack Thorne (2006 - Saint John Vitos U18AAA): He is going to be a very solid defenceman and will be noticed.
KIJHL: When it comes to your leadership group, what are the important characteristics that you want each player to possess?
TS: What I look for the most is are they kids that are able to come into my office and chat with me, give me a pulse on what the room needs and wants? Are they confident enough to know what the group needs? On the ice, I want hard-working, quality characters.
Rockies’ head coach Tayler Sincennes wants to improve offense this year.
PHOTO STEPHANIE STEVENS
PIONEER CLASSIFIEDS
Invermere & Area cell
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
Cheers to Tracy
for your help and guidance during a very stressful time. Your calm demeanor was just what we needed to de escalate the situation.
ATTENTION ASPIRING MUSICIANS
from Parson to Canal Flats
Applications are open for the Carol Wilkie Memorial Steamboat Mountain Music Bursary. Musicians of all levels and any age may apply. Funds may be used for: workshops, music camps, lessons, master classes, college, or university music programs. Deadline: November 15 Download application: steamboatmtnmusicfest.ca
Cheers to Dr. Walsh for going above and beyond to help one of your longtime patients. You are a good man!
Cheers to Christine for the great haircut!
Cheers to Deanna at the Chamber office for the great work!
Cheers to Lyla B. for being a great friend with a listening ear.
Cheers to Mary O. for your kindness and generosity.
Cheers to Brent Ayers for being there for us during a crisis. You are amazing and we appreciate you.
Cheers to Kelsie at Red Apple. You knew I was having a bad day, and you showed me a great deal of kindness and compassion. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Cheers to Jenna Jasek for supporting the important work of helping our whole community (and beyond) take positive steps towards truth and reconciliation. Kukstéc-kuc!
Cheers to the Horsethief Pub for generously donating a hot lunch to Edgewater Elementary students. The deluxe mac and cheese brought big smiles and kept them coming back for more. Thank you so much!
Cheers to Ann at Tim Hortons for helping with Timbits to Ivy and Columbia House for Thanksgiving. From Edgewater/ Radium Hospital Auxiliary.
SERVICES
Get-ER-Done Handyman
Landscaping, Asphalt Pads, General Contracting, Cleaning Gutters, House Checks, Pressure Washing. Call Ryan 604-346-5087
POLLMANN, Wolfgang Werner December 18, 1952 - September 21, 2024
It is with the saddest broken heart that I, Eva Pollmann announce the sudden loss of the most special person I ever met in my entire life, my husband and best friend Wolfgang Pollmann.
Wolfgang was born in Freiburg, Germany where he grew up started his career as a police officer. He then immigrated to Canada, where he joined the Saskatoon City Police Dept. During that time, I had the good fortune to meet him and later become his wife. In 2007, we fulfilled our mutual long-time dream of building our retirement home in Invermere, BC.
B. B.’s Home and Design Services
Renovations, Masonry & Handyman Services, Blinds, House checks, eavestrough/ yard cleaning/dump runs. 250-688-2897
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
TOWN HOME FOR RENT
Akiskinook 1 Bedroom Townhouse for Rent Ground Floor/Corner Unit/ Private Entrance. Has dishwasher, new appliances, deck, gas barbecue. Clubhouse with indoor pool/hot tub. Squash, tennis and pickle ball courts, fitness equipment and beach. $1699/month including utilities, wi-fi/cable. 403-383-0600 allwest@shaw.ca
In the valley, Wolfgang became known for his love of motorcycles and overall kindness. We often could be seen walking our slobbering “kids” in the form of Newfoundland and Bernese Mountain dogs. Wolfgang made many good friends over the years in Germany, Saskatoon and Invermere. We will all miss him dearly.
Lieber Wolfgang, Du wirst für immer in unser aller Herzen bleiben! I would like to thank all our wonderful neighbours and friends in Invermere and the Highlands for the outpouring of support since Wolfgang’s passing. I am truly blessed to live in such a caring community.
SALE
36ft Westport Avion 5th Wheel - 1997
Good condition. RV parked at a Resort for the last 20 years and must be moved. Priced to sell! Perfect for use as an office or temporary accommodation. $4,000 o.b.o Call 403-472-2314
2 sheets of thick glass, 6’(72”) x 4’(48”) x ¼”(5mm) $20 each Ph: 250-342-2263 FOR SALE
Correction - Last week’s photo of these bluebirds was incorrectly credited to Syd Danis. It should have been credited to Priya and Archie Photography
Logan at Chisel Peak Medical
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Darrel Bert Johnson on October 3, 2024, at the age of 78, following a private, 10-week battle with pancreatic cancer.
Darrel, fondly known as Papa, was born on April 29, 1946, in Cranbrook, B.C. to Lorne and Doreen Johnson. Throughout his childhood in Jaffray and Windermere, Darrel supported the family business, and developed his passion for cooking, farming, and gardening, all knowledge passed from his mother and father – and shared with his two siblings Rosalie and Ken.
Following his high school graduation, his desire for higher learning led him to the University of Victoria, where he began his studies to become an educator. He achieved his master’s degree in education from Gonzaga University in 1992. Starting his teaching career in Golden in 1968, Darrel went on to become a teacher and principal in the Prince George, Kamloops-Thompson, and Gold Trail School Districts until his retirement. Darrel was well known to be the adventurous teacher, if there was a will, he would find the way to explore the world firsthand. This included hatching chicks every year, maintaining fish tanks, and baking cakes for library prizes. Darrel always provided opportunities to students that connected the real world with the classroom environment, which he continued with his grandchildren long into retirement. He fondly reminisced about the many field trips, including taking the train to Ottawa and Victoria, overnight trips to McQueen Lake Education Centre, and exploring Drumheller. He also was always enthusiastic about extra-curricular activities to support learning and building the school community. These included sponsoring multiple Science fairs, Battle of the Books competitions, Young Author conferences, coaching Odyssey of the Mind teams, especially during his years as a teacher-librarian. He supported Healthy Schools initiatives with home reading programs, skating rinks and school gardens, but nothing made him smile more than walking the halls in his Halloween costumes! These included Snuffleupagus, Care Bears, and Tigger to name just a few, all made by his talented wife.
with their children Danya, Dara, and Michaela. Darrel was the ultimate caregiver to all the women in his home. He generously shared his knowledge and love of learning, gardening, and family cooking, including his famous perogies and kalach bread. But most of all, he was the kindest, most compassionate, patient, loving husband and devoted father. These skills and life experiences set him up perfectly for retirement in 2003. Darrel enjoyed his time with the Kamloops Thompson Retired Teachers’ Association, however the true sparkle of his eye was spending time with his six grandchildren. If a grandchild needed a ride, something baked, a science fair project, Papa was there. Visiting Nani and Papa’s Gloaming home is where the garden and toys would burn energy for hours! Time spent in the garden resulted in the creation of “Papa’s Foods”, the one-stop shop from Papa’s Garden or cold storage room, for homegrown fruits and vegetables and dried foods or canning. Darrel always opened his home to everyone who would join or needed a welcoming home to feel the love shared by this family.
Darrel is predeceased by his parents Lorne and Doreen Johnson, mother-in-law Dorothy Atkins, brother Ken Johnson, brother-inlaw Roy Green and nephew Kevin Green.
His legacy will live on in his wife of 45 years, Marg Johnson, daughters Danya (Warren), Dara, Michaela (Colin) and grandchildren Jordyn, Tylor, Anderson, Gloria, Maya and Chloe as well as his sister Rose Green, nephew Gord (Pam), niece Kim (Jon), and extended family. Additionally, his influence will continue among the community of former educators, students, and gardeners who he inspired.
Employment Opportunity OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
The Village of Radium Hot Springs, known for its small-town charm and warmth, is seeking an organized and detail-oriented Office Administrator to join our growing Village team!
When residents or visitors arrive at the office, you will be the first to greet them and determine the reason for their visit! Personality is key! The successful candidate will wear ‘multiple hats’; is an excellent communicator; and is comfortable dealing with the public in a role that requires tact, empathy and diplomacy.
Computer experience (emphasis on Microsoft Office) is required, as is basic accounting knowledge. The ability to work independently within established policies and procedures is key.
If you thrive in a busy environment, are skilled at managing multiple priorities and are willing to learn new systems and skills, this opportunity is for you! This role offers a wage of $28-32/hour, depending on experience, plus excellent benefits.
For more information on the role and qualifications, please email corporate@radiumhotsprings.ca
To apply, email your cover letter and resume to corporate@radiumhotsprings.ca, or send by mail or fax to the Village Office.
Darrel moved south to Kamloops in 1977, and somewhere between teaching and breeding Boston terriers, he found the time to meet and woo the love of his life, Marg. They quickly became an instant family. Married in 1979, Darrel and Marg cherished their time and adventures in Kamloops and Lillooet
A celebration of Darrel’s life will be held on October 26, 2024, at 1:00 pm, at the Coast Kamloops Hotel, Vista Room. A block of hotel rooms is available for those traveling, under “Remembering Darrel”. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice Home in Kamloops – to support the care teams to provide for others. Their unwavering support for Darrel and the entire family was monumental as he made his final journey to the everblooming garden.
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss
Rasmussen, Martin
“Eric”
Martin “Eric” Rasmussen, 89, passed away peacefully in his home on September 29, 2024.
He is survived by his two children, Thora and Reid (and daughter-inlaw Heidi); and his sister, Ann Kiefer. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 50 years, Margaret.
Eric was born in Brisco, grew up in Edgewater, and lived most of his life in the Windermere Valley. He was a lifelong outdoorsman: farming, logging, and raising Christmas trees. He served tirelessly on the Regional District and in various volunteer roles. Engaged in the community right to the end (even from his scooter), he enjoyed sharing stories about nature and the community he cherished.
A Celebration of Life Open House will be held at the Invermere Seniors Hall on November 26, 2024, from 2:00-4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Invermere Seniors Hall or the Rotary Club of Invermere.
HELP WANTED
PASSION FOR CANNABIS?
We are accepting resumes for a
STORE MANAGER
Responsible for but not limited to:
Strong knowledge of Cannabis and related products
• Day to day store operations
• Opening/closing store
• Hiring and training staff
• Ordering, inventory management
Ability to provide outstanding customer service
• Must have or able to obtain Selling It Right Certification
• Strong knowledge of laws around the sale of Cannabis In front of Canadian Tire
If you are interested in working in a fun and productive work environment with competitive wages, submit resume to: Jennifer McLennan - gmjenliquor@gmail.com or hand deliver to Jennifer McLennan at the Invermere Liquor Store
H ERE TO S ERVE Y OU
Submitted by Barb Facklemayer
When chronic wasting disease (CWD) was detected in BC for the first time in early 2024, the Shuswap Band decided to start their own monitoring program.
The disease, which affects cervids (deer, elk, moose, and caribou), is 100 per cent fatal as there is no vaccine or cure. The impact of CWD on cervid populations depends on many factors, but when there is a lack of management the declines can be over 40 per cent.
There is no direct evidence that consumption of meat from CWD- infected animals or other types of exposure cause disease in humans, however, the BC government and the World Health Organization do not recommend eating meat from CWD-positive animals. CWD- positive meat has been suspected of causing Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), which is the human variation of CWD. The disease is also fatal in humans.
The BC government has been sur-
veilling for CWD in cervid populations for several years. The program consists of hunters dropping off heads or lower jaws (for deer only) at designated locations. However, the program has presented challenges to some hunters. For example, if the hunter wants to keep parts of the head for cultural purposes, they cannot also drop off the head for CWD testing.
With the help of a grant from United Way BC, the Shuswap Band purchased their own freezer and testing supplies. Hunters can now drop off a head, have the samples collected and then they can re-collect the head later. The program also cuts down on wait times to receive testing results by an estimated one to two weeks.
The program is helping add to provincial surveillance efforts and hopes to keep participants free of CJD.
If you would like to drop off a head for sampling, please contact band councillor Richard Martin or Meghan Anderson, senior wildlife biologist at 250-341-3678.
FAITH
Thanksgiving call for awareness
By Brent Woodard Windermere Valley Shared Ministry
Thanksgiving has passed. From an old-fashioned perspective, Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for the harvest, for having an abundance of food to get through the dormant season, and for the abundance of beauty and goodness in life.
That’s nice, but it is simple. Our relationship with food, water and the material necessities of life is complicated.
Last Sunday’s scripture was from the prophet Amos, who indicted the wealthy for turning a blind eye to injustice, trampling on the poor and having fine homes and lovely things to consume while “pushing aside the needy at the gate.”
We can’t and don’t consume anything without it affecting nature, someone else in the world, and the earth and people in the future. We are tied to the wellbeing of others by the meat we eat, the bread we butter, the fruit we peel, the beverage we drink, the water we use, and the fuel by which we get power.
In order to feed, water, house and make mobile nine billion people on the earth we “industrialize” food and resource extraction and distribution. The very scale of this endeavour makes “harvesting” a social, economic and environmental justice practice.
Most of the industries are run and controlled by wealthy individuals and corporations. While they are not inherently more evil or selfish than the rest of us, corporate CEOs and shareholders are guided by self-interest. Their primary motivations do not typically align with the needs of those who are struggling or with the best interests of the planet. Furthermore, the
political and the economic systems we operate under prioritize short-term goals over long-term sustainability. Politicians focus on short-term satisfaction to secure re-election. Capitalism, defined as “an economic and political system in which a country’s trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit,” tends to emphasize short-term profits.
Recently, the term “greedflation” has emerged to describe inflation driven by corporate greed, as companies maintain high prices after initial post-COVID increases. While CEOs and shareholders may be seen as greedy, we consumers also play a role in this greed by demanding “the lowest price to be the law.” We incentivize corporations to provide goods as cheaply as possible, though most of us are among the most affluent people of the world. Greed all the way around means the poorest in the world, and the planet, keep picking up the bill.
I’ve been hearing from friends in southern Alberta about the ever-depleting amount of head-water in the foothills. The M.D. of Pincher Creek is spending a million dollars a year trucking water to four small communities, and irrigation farmers downstream are wondering how they are going to water their crops.
I read recently that half the world’s topsoil is gone because it has been depleted by farming. A farming friend of mine in Manitoba says, where they used to let fields lay fallow, now they fertilize every field every year. Our dependency on potash, nitrogen and phosphate for producing food is a big issue.
To be honest, I’m very ignorant of how the larger food and resource system works. Like all of us, I benefit from ignorance, and it is hard to be educated. But for some reason the adult part of me is glad to be prodded to care more about how my way of life may be “trampling on the poor.” It seems to me, nowadays, Thanksgiving needs to be a call for greater awareness.
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)
Sunday Services - 10:30 am 110 - 7th Ave. in Invermere website - wvsm.ca
Minister: Brent Woodard 250-342-6644
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
Winners all around - In top photo, congratulations go to Peggy Morrison (second from left) who won $2,000 in the Fairmont and District Lions Club hole-in-one golf challenge. Shown with Morrison are, from left, Norbert Schab, Ray Kolochuk, and Marj Stewart. In bottom photo, Arnold Scheffer (left) and Scott Wallace are all smiles after the Columbia Valley Classics Car Club donates more than $10,000 to Angel Flight.
TOP PHOTO SUBMITTED BOTTOM PHOTO CHRIS MOSELEY
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
