Bruno’s Plumbing Service
Mike Sylvestre 250.342.5105 brunosplumbing@shaw.ca
Sunday, November 17 - 4:00pm columbiavalleycc@mnbc.ca
Lions Hall - 651 Hwy 93/95, Invermere
Brisco mill burns in late night blaze
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
A late night fire in Brisco last week burned part of the local mill to the ground.
The mill, one of the major landmarks and employers in the community, caught fire some time during the evening of November 7.
The flames engulfed the mill’s treatment plant and its shop, destroying both. Although the fire did subside as the night wore on, it was still burning on Friday, Nov. 8.
The cause of the blaze is unknown, but will be investigated by the provincial Office of the Fire Commissioner.
“It’s
devastating when a fire like this happens . . . we will do whatever we can to support them and to support the community.”
- Area G director Roberta Schnider
Brisco lies outside of the Edgewater fire protection service area, meaning the Edgewater fire crew (and other Columbia Valley fire crews) were not allowed to attend the blaze. The RCMP came to the scene to ensure public safety and to monitor the situation.
No one was hurt in the fire, and the other buildings that are part of the mill were far enough away that the flames did not spread to them.
The mill is part of Brisco Wood Preservers Ltd., which makes wooden utility and telephone poles for clients across western Canada, including BC Hydro. Brisco Wood Preservers Ltd. employs 22 people, and five or six of them will likely be out of work until the company can rebuild the treatment plant. The other employees will continue to work in the pressing building and the company’s offices that escaped the fire, as well as in other capacities.
“We don’t know how it started,” Bris-
co Wood Preservers Ltd. operations superintendent Ken Oler told the Pioneer Oler was called at 11 p.m. last Thursday and guesses the fire likely started about two hours before that.
The company will continue its operations, but will send logs to another of its treatment plants in Edson, Alberta (near Hinton). The logs will be brought back to Brisco and then sent off to their final destinations.
Oler noted there would be a lot of extra freight costs involved in that arrangement, but at this early stage it is hard to tell exactly what the overall cost to the business will be.
Brisco Wood Preservers Ltd. intends to re-build the treatment plant as soon as it can.
“Right now that’s what we plan to do. It’s all pretty new, so we need to figure it out. We’ll have to navigate the insurance. But that’s the initial plan today, to re-build,” said Oler.
Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Area G director Roberta Schnider offered her support to all those affected, saying “there are no words to adequately convey the impact of this fire.”
Schnider told the Pioneer that the mill was a key part of the identity of Brisco. “It’s been there as long as I can remember, when I was growing up. There’s never been a Brisco without a mill in my lifetime.”
Those affected include not just the people who worked directly at the mill, but the many who work in related industries, such as the forestry sector, and others involved in getting the logs to the mill.
“It’s about supporting community. It’s devastating when a fire like this happens,” Schnider said. “Brisco doesn’t have a lot of large economic drivers. This was one of them. We will do whatever we can to support them (Brisco Wood Preservers Ltd.) and to support the community.”
Schnider has heard concerns from residents about potential impacts to
the Columbia River Wetlands (near the mill) and about the potential for chemicals used to treat the wood poles to affect air quality. The Pioneer heard similar concerns from the public.
“Unfortunately we won’t have a sense of that until we get some reporting back,” explained Schnider, adding the provincial Ministry of Environment will be the agency to examine those potential impacts, and that such an inves-
tigation will take time.
“While we don’t know what is ahead, I do know the incredible heart and sense of community in Area G, and I have no doubt we will rise up in support of all those who’ve been impacted in whatever way we can in the days and weeks to come,” said Schnider.
Following the fire, many residents expressed their support for the company on Facebook.
Flames consume the Brisco mill on Thursday, Nov. 7, causing significant damage but no injuries. The cause has yet to be determined.
PHOTO MIKE RIOPEL
?akisq’nuk appeal Trethewey project
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
The ?akisq’nuk First Nation has launched an appeal challenging modifications to the Trethewey marina on the east side of Lake Windermere. The modifications include dredging, which the ?akisq’nuk (?AFN) say extends well beyond the natural footprint and bed of Lake Windermere.
The appeal was filed with the provincial Environmental Appeal Board, and questions the B.C. Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship’s decision to approve the Trethewey project.
The ?AFN wrote in a press release that the appeal is based “among other things, on the ministry’s failure to adequately consult and provide accommodation of ?AFN’s rights, which will be impacted by the project’s contribution to the cumulative effects of development and recreational use of Windermere Lake, and the project’s impact on wildlife using the area to spawn.”
The press release highlighted the shallowness of Lake Windermere, which has an average depth of 3.4 metres (11 feet).
“In recent years, Windermere Lake has seen heavy boating use for recreational purposes, including large wake boats which create turbulence that can reach eight metres into the water column, significantly impacting the shallow water system,” wrote the ?AFN, pointing out that Lake Windermere is interconnected with Columbia Lake (which is the headwaters of the Columbia River), adding that “this past summer Columbia Lake experienced a cross-species mass die-off impacting hundreds of fish.”
The ?AFN outlined that it takes its stewardship role on its traditional territory quite serious, emphasizing “?akxam’ is q’ api qapsins” — a concept of the Ktunaxa
language meaning “all living things.” “Recreational use needs to be balanced against the actual capacity of the water systems and all living things that rely on the ecosystem. Destroying our lakes will destroy tourism, harming the livelihood of those that call the Columbia Valley home,” wrote the ?AFN.
The ?akisq’nuk propose co-developing a Windermere Lake Stewardship Plan along with the provincial government, to help understand and manage the cumulative impacts on Lake Windermere.
“Until a stewardship plan is in place to limit the damage caused by the overuse of Lake Windermere, ?AFN will continue to take action to oppose developments in and adjacent to Lake Windermere,” wrote the ?AFN.
?akisq’nuk Nasu?kin (Chief) Donald Sam told the Pioneer that “it’s a little bit concerning that there’s not a strategic plan. We need a balance between recreation and environmental considerations.”
Sam explained that he’s not opposed to recreation on the lake, and that he in fact enjoys it too. But he added, “I just worry about the lasting impact . . . we all need to be mindful of the lasting impact.”
Lake Windermere “is not very deep to begin with. Small boats are fine, but with big wake boats my understanding is that they may not be appropriate on a shallow lake that is really just widening of the river. There are other lakes in B.C. that are deep enough to have a lot of recreational boats, but we are not sure this is one of those lakes,” said Sam. “Until we understand that better, we are opposed to the dredging.”
The ?akisq’nuk sent in some of its concerns about the Trethewey project to the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, explained Sam. “But the response to these concerns was less than adequate.”
He also noted there have not been baseline studies on the lake, such as those envisioned in the proposed stewardship plan. These studies could give policy makers a basis to inform their decisions about the lake.
“We really need to address the environment around us,” Sam told the Pioneer. He noted the mass fish die-off in Columbia Lake, which from what he gathers may have been related to high temperatures. “The die-off has nothing to with the dredging. But when you look at the bigger picture, when you look at everything together, the lakes seem to be saying ‘maybe there’s something wrong here’,” he said, adding the first step should be to figure out whether or not something is indeed wrong with the lake before any more developments or projects happen on it.
The Pioneer reached out to the Trethewey Beach Society as well as the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. The Trethewey Beach Society politely declined to comment, since the matter was before the environmental appeal board. The Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship did not respond to the Pioneer’s requests for comment.
The ?akisq’nuk First Nation is appealing dredging plans at the Trethewey marina, shown in this screenshot.
The art of the comeback
A decisive Trump comeback —did anyone think this was even possible after his shenanigans, not to mention felony conviction? Apparently millions did. Don’t forget, he wrote a book called The Art of the Comeback, so he obviously practised what he preached.
A lot of people love this guy. He shoots from the hip like the old west; no wonder he took the state of Texas by storm due to its strong stance on the right to bear arms. And the fact he survived an assassination attempt won’t change that one bit.
A lot of people loathe Trump too. Many consider him a racist for wanting to close the borders to illegal immigrants.
And those shenanigans? Let us count the ways: interfering with the last presidential election, mishandling classified documents, inciting a riot on the capitol, and falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
Yet scores of people ignored all of this and voted him back in for another term, so you can’t argue with democracy. In fact, now that he’s been re-elected, prosecutors are deliberating dropping the cases against him due to a longstanding policy that prohibits a president from facing legal consequences while in office.
This strangely charismatic individual (for lack of a better term) won the popular vote, plain and simple. Who else would invite UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) head Dana White to say a few words during their presidential acceptance speech?
Trump’s rival, Kamala Harris, arguably did well during the presidential debate, but the voters weren’t convinced that she was the better choice (coming from the Joe Biden camp). Many people may have wanted someone like Harris to represent women’s rights.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated Trump on his victory, as did beleaguered Russian President Vladimir Putin, which was a bit of a surprise.
It still remains to be seen how Trump’s victory will impact Canada-US relations, but business experts are worried that his new trade tariffs will cost Canadians billions of dollars. Now we must wait and see.
If nothing else, Donald Trump will keep everyone amused and entertained. People want to see what he will do next, they want to see who he will offend next, and how he is going to “make America great again.”
Lyonel Doherty, editor
Reader happy with paper
I would like to compliment the people of the Pioneer for publishing a first-class paper each week. The journalism, editorial, guest writers, letters, etc. are all first
informative and so well done. Keep up the good work. Jim Fisher, Invermere Historical Lens
Boucher
LETTERS
Electric home heating costs astronomical
The following letter is addressed to MLA Tom Shypitka of Kootenay east
Many of us out west here are not too happy with the federal carbon tax. The issue is particularly aggravating by a peculiar situation in the Invermere/ Windermere area where a large number of residences are heated mainly with electricity.
Your staff will confirm for you that our area is one of the few in B.C. where there is no natural gas link for home heating, so the only choice here is to heat via electricity, propane or wood. Heating oil is also not an option and burning wood is much too polluting.
“It is becoming more and more difficult for those of us with older houses heated only with electricity to make ends meet.”
Given the ever increasing price of electricity, it is becoming more and more difficult for those of us with older houses heated only with electricity to make ends meet. Those of us with these older homes made the decision some 40 years ago regarding whether to go electric baseboard or propane furnace. Those who chose the latter have ducting in their residences. The rest of us do not have ducting in our homes, so switching is no longer an option.
You should know that those of us on electric heating pay anywhere from $300 to $500 per month for heating during the peak cold months of December, January and February.
By comparison, if we had natural
gas or propane, I am told that we would be paying in the neighbourhood of $100 to $150 per month during those same peak heating months.
So where do we go with this dilemma? Well, Saskatchewan has come up with an interesting twist wherein they provide for a 60 per cent carbon tax relief for those homes heated exclusively with electricity.
Although the 60 per cent (amounting to some $21 per month) may be good for Saskatchewan users where electricity is generated primarily with natural gas, our power is pretty much all generated by hydro, so our carbon tax credit should be more like 100 per cent, if not even more through whatever other program might be available to us (ie the BC Electricity Affordability Credit) so that we could get down to a more reasonable peak home heating number like $200 to $300 per month.
Over the last number of years we have had considerable dialogue with BC Hydro and even the BC Utilities Board about the high cost of heating with electricity. Their response has pretty much been that there is little they can do but recommend we install heat pumps, more insulation and better windows. We have done all that and received at least some modest grants from your government in doing so, yet the costs of electrical home heating are still astronomical compared with other alternatives.
Your early attention to this issue would be greatly appreciated. I would be more than happy to share my heating costs with your staff so they can further review this matter.
Or
Floor Curling at 1:30 on Thursday Or Bingo on Nov 19, 6:30 pm. $20 Or Scrapbooking on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Or Duplicate Bridge on Wednesdays and Fridays at 1 pm
Or Yoga at the CVC on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 am Or Fitness at the CVC at 10:30 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays Most activities are $2. All are fun and better than TV. Participate!
Karl Adam, Windermere
Instead of $300 to $500 per month for electric heating, Windermere resident Karl Adam would like to see a more reasonable cost to make ends meet. PHOTO LIUDMILA CHERNETSKA/GETTY IMAGES
Karl Adam
New movie to start filming in Radium soon
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
Radium Hot Springs, get ready for ‘All Night Wrong’ — the new movie that will start filming in the village soon.
The Pioneer reported earlier this fall that the Columbia Valley was to be the backdrop and shooting location for the independent comedy film, which stars Maria Bakalova and Zach Cherry.
Up until now, however, details on where and when that filming will take place have been kept under tight wraps. But it recently became clear that several scenes will be shot in Radium, after film industry location manager Matheson Kincaid and Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce business advisor Theresa Wood appeared before Radium council seeking its blessing to start filming.
“It’s a really exciting opportunity, not just for Radium, but for the entire Columbia Valley,” mayor Mike Gray told the Pioneer. “A lot of the film will be in Radium this time around. But maybe it will be Canal Flats next. Or part of (Regional District of East Kootenay) Area F.”
If the filming goes well, there’s a chance for similar projects in the future, he noted.
“This is an industry that much larger communities would love to have, so if we can attract it here, and es-
tablish it here in a smaller community, it could open a lot of doors for us,” said Gray.
The Columbia Valley has a unique location in terms of both natural setting and options for filming venues, he outlined.
There will be a considerable economic impact, especially for the food and beverage industry, catering, accommodators, and potentially also for electricians, carpenters and other contractors, added Gray.
“That will be direct jobs and direct income in our community,” he said.
Gray didn’t know exactly where in Radium all the filming will occur, but said several locations had been scouted and that film industry representatives have been making arrangements with the neighbours. He wasn’t sure how long filming will last, but guessed it may be approximately four weeks.
The cameras haven’t started rolling yet, but “enough people know about the film that there is some excitement already,” said Gray. “Once the film crew start work, we’ll probably see a lot more buzz about it.”
Bakalova earned an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress in ‘Borat Subsequent Moviefilm’ in 2020 and also starred in ‘The Apprentice’, released earlier this year. Cherry earned critical acclaim for playing one of the lead roles in the 2022 series ‘Severance’.
By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavallekypioneer.com
A long-lived local resident is nearing the end of his life, and from his hospital bed extended heartfelt gratitude to the outpouring of help he’s received in recent weeks.
Jim Ashworth has lived most of his 105 years here in the Columbia Valley. He grew up in Invermere and then Cranbrook, before enlisting in the Royal Canadian Air Force. His time in the air force included serving in the Allied forces’ Burma Campaign during the Second World War, on the ‘Forgotten Front’, in parts of what is now India, Bangladesh, and China.
After retiring from the air force in 1965, Ashworth and his wife Gaetane returned to the Columbia Valley, where they took up a new career helping operate the Hoodoos Resort near Fairmont Hot Springs.
Many valley residents know Ashworth, who is a familiar face from Remembrance Day ceremonies through the years, and from his many volunteer endeavours, including his fundraising efforts for the Columbia Valley Food Bank in 2020, when he walked 101 blocks at age 101.
Ashworth is now in the Invermere hospital. Despite knowing that he doesn’t have much longer to live, he was as cheerful and generous as ever when the Pioneer visited on Saturday, Nov. 9. He modestly insisted the Pioneer not write much about him, but instead expressed his sincere thanks for the wave of kindness he’s experienced from the community.
“It’s been beyond belief . . . so many good things have happened. The help has been amazing. People have been visiting me, feeding me. The reaction is beyond me, I’m just a normal guy,” Ashworth said, adding it’s more than he deserves. “Thank you, everyone.”
Maria Bakalova will co-star in a new movie to be filmed in Radium soon.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
BEYOND THE BLUE LINE
Rockies tame Cats, banish Ghostriders
By Stephanie Stevens
It’s about more than just on-ice practice; you need trust as well.
The Columbia Valley Rockies levelled up their play last weekend with back-to-back wins, first in an away game against the Creston Valley Thunder Cats November 8 and then home in Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena hosting the Fernie Ghostriders November 9.
“I thought the weekend was excellent, not just from the perspective of winning both games. I was really happy to see the way the guys started trusting each other and having each other’s backs,” said head coach Tayler Sincennes.
“We executed the little details really well in both games. In the Creston game we dominated with simple play and high-paced hockey.”
The 5-1 win started with captain Kobe Mason beating the ‘Cats goalie in the first period (assists by Dylan Duzan and Teo Fath).
The second period cinched the win with goals from Carter Velker (Owen Ditzel and Carter Hensch), Peter Godley (Ethan Cerone and Bryan Kim), Kim (Cerone and Godley) and Duzan (Johnny Lozeman and Paddy Donahue). Between the pipes Ryan Bain stopped 29 of 30 shots on goal.
Back home in the Eddie the next night the Rockies continued to use that training and trust.
“Saturday we had to stick with it a little bit more as we were in a tight checking playoff style game and again, I thought the guys did an excellent job trusting the process,” said Sincennes. “We never wavered from our game plan.”
Associate coach Tucker Braund said
he was really pleased with how the entire weekend went.
“We played our whole lineup, all 25 guys saw action over two games and we won two big divisional games,” Braund said. “Fernie definitely had that playoff game feeling, our team did a good job sticking together and sticking with the plan, and we finally got a bounce our way with a late powerplay and we executed on it.”
Braund added: “We battled, we had a late penalty against us in the third period and our penalty kill had to go to work against Fernie's good powerplay and they did an excellent job which gave us the chance to win later in the game.”
Lucas Masters (Carter Tuplin and Fath) opened up the scoring for the hometown boys in the first period with Velker (Noah Asmundson and Ditzel) taking the lead at the end of the first.
The ‘Riders tied it up in the second, and the third period saw the teams battle it out right to the last minute when Ashton Sledz (Kim and Asmundson) potted the winning goal.
Jaiden Jakubowski was in goal and stopped 29 of 31 shots.
Braund said both goalies proved their mettle in their respective games.
“(Ryan) Bain had a great game Friday. Even though they got the first goal he stuck in there and battled it out so we could win,” he said. “Jako gave us the chance to win Saturday . . . he was really good the whole game.”
“The crowd on Saturday was really great . . . lots of energy and lots of people which was awesome to see,” added Sincennes.
The Rockies will be away playing Kimberley Friday, Nov. 15 and the next home game is Saturday, Nov. 16 against the Beaver Valley Nite Hawks.
The Rockies’ Carter Velker races down the ice during a game against the Fernie Ghostriders. PHOTOS STEPHANIE STEVENS
OUT OF OFFICE… Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM
Submitted by Cris Leonard
As a past president of the CV Chamber of Commerce, I’ve had the privilege of attending two Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) Annual General Meetings, with the most recent being in Halifax mid October. My wife and I had always wanted to explore Nova Scotia, so we planned a 15-day trip, blending business with pleasure as I participated in the 3-day CCC conference during our travels.
At the AGM, there’s always the standard business that needs to be handled, just like with any non-profit organization. However, the real highlight is the focus on policy development. Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade from across the country bring forward policy proposals that are debated and voted on. If approved, these proposals become part of the CCC’s official policy platform, which is then advocated to the Canadian government. The CCC, as Canada’s largest and most influential business association, represents over 200,000 companies across the country, working with a
mission to foster a competitive and thriving business environment. Through focused advocacy, it has successfully influenced policy in key areas such as taxation, trade, infrastructure, workforce development, energy, and immigration—each critical to the growth and competitiveness of Canadian businesses. By aligning government policies with the needs of the
features breakout sessions and informative speakers. These sessions provide invaluable insights, allowing us, as board members of local chambers, to learn new and innovative ways to improve services for our members and support local businesses more effectively. Perhaps most importantly, the AGM provides plenty of opportunities to network with others from across the country. Meeting fellow chamber leaders and business professionals was incredibly enriching, and Halifax, with its welcoming atmosphere and hospitality from the hosting Chamber, made the experience even more memorable. On a personal note, I also want to give a huge shout-out to the province of Nova Scotia. My wife and I travelled over 2,400 km, exploring as much of the region as we could, and it was absolutely amazing. We discovered so many beautiful places and can’t wait to return to spend more time in
Thursday, November 14
• 7:00pm-9:30pm: Summit Youth Hub Centre AGM. Youth Hub. All members and interested parties are invited to attend this annual meeting to review 2024 operations and provide 2025 outlook. Please advise if interested in joining the board!
• 10:15am-1:00pm: Tech Tutoring. Invermere Public Library. Free help with your computer, phone or tablet, assistance with websites or online forms, or even to learn to play games on your phone or ipad! Please pre-register by contacting Invermere Public Library: 250-342-6416
• 10:30am-11:30am: Senior’s Fitness Columbia Valley Centre, $2 drop-in.
• 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: CommuniTea. Invermere Public Library. Join us for a cup of tea and a chat on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month. All welcome!
• 2:00pm-4:00pm: Tech Tutoring. Radium Public Library. Free help with your computer, phone or tablet, assistance with websites or online forms, or even to learn to play games on your phone or ipad! Please book an appointment by calling Radium Public Library at 250-347-2434.
2:30pm-4:30pm: Wild Woolies. Radium Public Library. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the Month. Drop in; Join our fibre arts circle! No registration required. *Supplies not provided.
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, November 15
• 3:00pm-7:00pm: Basketball Skills Clinic. DTSS. Free basketball skill clinic with NBC Head Coach Shawn Stetson. For youth 12 - 18 from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats. Email summit.centre@gmail.com or stop by the youth centre to register. Friday 3pm-5pm Grades 8 and 9 Friday 5pm-7pm Grades 10, 11 & 12
• 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!
• 12:00pm-1:00pm: Scrabble Tournament. CBAL. Free, fun, friendly Scrabble tournament for adults! Friends and conversation, snacks and drinks, prizes. Come alone or bring a friend. Pre-registration is required: 250-409-4251 or wvcoordinator@cbal.org
• 2:00pm-3:30pm: Wholesome Hobbies. Radium Public 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!
• 6:30pm - close: Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion! Members and guests welcome!
• Saturday, November 16
9:00am-1:00pm: Invermere Thrift Shop 1 Day Christmas Pop-Up Sale Invermere Seniors Hall. Christmas Trees. Decorative Lights, Holiday Houseware, Festive Linen, Party Attire, Puzzles and Toys.
• 10:00am-5:00pm: Basketball Skills Clinic. DTSS. Free basketball skill clinic
with NBC Head Coach Shawn Stetson. For youth 12 - 18 from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats. Email summit.centre@gmail.com or stop by the youth centre to register.
Saturday 10am-12pm Grades 7
Saturday 12:30pm-2:30pm Grades 8 and 9
Saturday 3pm-5pm Grades 10, 11 & 12
• Noon: Friends of the Invermere Public Library Christmas Auction opens. Online auction at 32auctions.com/FOIL2024. Lots of sports, restaurants, art, miscellaneous and gift certificates. All funds to the Invermere Public Library. You can preview the items before bidding starts November 16.
• 5:00pm: 11th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival. Columbia Valley Centre. The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is Wildsight Invermere’s annual, awesome fundraiser and one BIG night of films, story telling, shared food, drink, and friends (that’s you!). Tickets will be on sale from October 14th. Check wildsight. ca/invermere for updates and ticket sales.
• 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 Public 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.
• 2:00pm-3:15pm: Community Book Club. Radium Public Library. Final Meeting of the Community Book Club. All adults welcome! November's book: The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles. Pick up your copy at the library!
• 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!
• 7:00pm-9:30pm: Rockies vs Beaver Valley Nighthawks. Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.
Sunday, November 17
• 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, November 18
• 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 Public Library to sign up.
• 6:30pm: Poker (Chip up for Charity). The Station Pub $50 buy-in. Every Monday.
Tuesday, November 19
• 12:00pm-2:00pm: Introduction to Extreme Clutter. Invermere Seniors Hall. Free! Lunch available at noon with RSVP. Join us for this dynamic workshop. This presentation is about understanding clutter and hoarding disorder, including what it is, why it happens, and how it affects people. It will help you understand and learn more about clutter and hoarding and looks at ways to help through community support, assessments, and teamwork. Who is this program for? Everyone! Please register: volunteer@ hospicesocietycv.com or 250-688-8012
• 10:30am-11:30am: Senior’s Fitness. Columbia Valley Centre, $2 drop-in.
• 1:00pm-3:30pm: Art in the Afternoon. Radium Public 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 Public Library. This month we are reading Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. 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, November 20
• 11:30am-12:00pm: Firefighter Storytime. Radium Public Library. Sound the alarm! Firefighter Storytime; join us for stories, songs and a craft with a firefighter from the Radium Hot Springs Volunteer Fire Department for a special storytime! Geared toward preschool ages but all ages are welcome!
• 6:00pm-9:00pm: Bighorn Bash. Canal Flats Civic Centre. A FREE event for all to learn more about your wonderful neighbours - the Columbia Lake Bighorn Sheep herd! Come and find out more with interactive displays, kid-friendly activities, discussion panel, and screening of 'Transmission', a documentary film about the M. ovi threat to wild sheep. Delicious appetizers will be provided and a door prize draw means one lucky attendee will go home with a gorgeous canvas print by local artist Leslie Cartwright. More information and optional registration here: https://wildsight.ca/events/bighorn-bash/
• 10:00am-11:00am: Senior's Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, $2 drop-in.
• 3:30pm-4:45pm: After School Club. Invermere Public Library. A window of transition time between school and home or extra-curriculars. Come colour, bead, play with LEGO, and catch up with friends! Open to all school-aged kids. 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-7:00pm: Write On! Writers Group. Invermere Public Library. November challenge! Write a Weird Al style parody of your favourite song! Share your written lyrics with other local writers for feed back. No singing required, but we'd love to hear you sing if you're up for it! All welcome to attend. Please contact the library for more information or to get on our Write On! email list!
• 6:00pm-9:00pm: Wednesday Dinners & Meat Draw & 50/50 Invermere Legion. All welcome.
Gay, Clovechok acclaimed
If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.
This could be the analogy some people would use to describe the acclamation of Rob Gay and Susan Clovechok as RDEK chair and vice-chair for another year.
On Friday, Nov. 8, Electoral Area C director Gay was acclaimed for his 14th term as chair.
“Our board is highly effective and a big part of that successful working relationship lies in our collective effort to be collaborative and respectful of differing opinions. This makes for good, well-rounded discussion and decision making,.”
Gay has been on the board since 2005 and is the RDEK’s longest serving chair. November 8 marked his 157th consecutive meeting.
Electoral Area F director Clovechok is serving her fifth year as vice-chair, and said, “Over the past four years I have deeply valued the learning opportunities I have had, not only in this capacity as vice chair, but from my fellow directors around the table who are all strong leaders in their communities.”
MIX
DISTRICT OF INVERMERE
NOTICE OF SHORT-TERM RENTAL TEMPORARY USE PERMIT APPLICATIONS UNDER DISTRICT OF INVERMERE CONSIDERATION
Pursuant to Section 494 of the Local Government Act, public notice is hereby given that the District of Invermere is considering the Short-Term Rental Temporary Use Permits (STU-TUP) listed in the table below. Issuance of the permits will be considered by council or a delegated authority at the Invermere District office at 914 - 8th Avenue in Invermere, BC, at the corresponding date and time as listed below:
All persons who believe they are affected by any of the Short-Term Rental Temporary Use Permits are encouraged to submit their concerns in writing to the Invermere office at 9148th Avenue, Invermere, BC, or by email to dpcoordinator@invermere.net prior to NOVEMBER 19, 2024 at 12:00 PM MST. All submissions should include your name, address, and contact information. All written submissions are public information pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. All submissions will form part of the public record. Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250-342-9281. For more information regarding the above applications contact the Invermere Planning Department at 250-342-9281 or by email at dpcoordinator@invermere.net or at the Invermere Office between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.
PO Box 339, 914 - 8th Ave, Invermere BC V0A 1K0 250-342-9281 info@invermere.net www.invermere.net
Residents pay tribute to the fallen
Invermere residents gather at the cenotaph on November 11 to honour veterans and to remember the fight for freedom.
PHOTOS CHRIS MOSELEY
PIONEER CLASSIFIEDS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BUYING OR SELLING?
Serving Invermere & Area cell 250-341-1202 gerry@gerrytaft.ca
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Narcotics Anonymous. Open meeting. Mondays 7 pm at the BC Service Building, South End. 624-4th St. Invermere
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.
CHEERS
CHEERS
Cheers to Gigi Statham for your help with finding a gas fitter to look at my propane furnace. I so appreciate you. I was panicking and didn’t know what to do. You saved the day.
Cheers to CVMA for hosting the Community Strengthening Dinner. The food and entertainment were great. Cheers to the volunteers who helped with organizing and clean up. It was a great evening.
Cheers to Brad Lawrence for entertaining us at the Community Strengthening dinner.
I had my car winterized and new tires put on. When I went to pick it up, a big surprisemy bill was paid in full by my grandson. Cheers to Cody, love Omi.
Huge Cheers to Top Shelf Heating & Gas. Bert and Nick are fantastic to deal with. They are punctual, knowledgeable, respectful and friendly. Communication was great-they kept me informed every step of the way. I highly recommend this company!!!
Cheers to Kootenay Coffee Works and Horsethief Pub for providing the food for our Community Strengthening dinner. It was really good.
Cheers to Julia Staniszewski RMT for the education, stretches and overall improvement of my physical health. You are amazing at your career, and I am grateful.
Cheers to the generous and compassionate patient of Invermere Optometry, who secretly paid the rest of the bill for a fellow patient’s glasses, to help them when money was tight, and did not want to be named. That gesture was so unexpected and touching, all involved will remember your kindness.
PIANO TUNING
Piano Tuning
Art Gieck of Country Piano House will be tuning November 19 - 21. Call 250-347-9882 for an appointment.
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
Akiskinook Resort fully furnished 1 bedroom condo. Ground level. Cookware, linens, internet included. Indoor pool and spa. $1250/ month. 403-281-3991 call or text.
and
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
MICHAEL LEROY KLAS
July 1, 1964-October 18, 2024
It is with great sadness and feeling of loss that the family of Michael Leroy Klas announces that he passed away at his home in Oklahoma City after a courageous and determined battle with cancer. He faced the cancer with bravery and the heart of a gladiator, and at the end was more concerned about the family he was leaving than himself and the pain he was undergoing.
Mike was born in Nampa, Idaho with his R.N. grandmother as the attending nurse. Over his life he lived in southern Idaho, Utah, Newfoundland, Nevada, Texas, and most recently in Oklahoma City. He grew up in a loving and active family and extended family. He attended Catholic schools from K-12 in Newfoundland and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland. He was a very talented and popular morning show radio host in St. John’s, Newfoundland, where his children were born, before he moved to west Texas, where he continued his role as morning show host on country radio. He had a sonorous, deep voice which his listeners enjoyed. He loved country music, particularly Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson. Most recently he served as a social worker with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services in the Adult and Family Services, Long-term Care Division, helping others with his warm, compassionate manner. He was very active and interested in a variety of sports throughout his life and was a die-hard New York Jets fan.
He grew up in Outer Cove, Newfoundland and had many close, family-like friends with whom he kept close contact and visited throughout his entire life. They all miss him, as evidenced by their numerous comments recently on social media. He frequently
visited his immediate family in Fairmont Hot Springs over the years and had many friends there as well.
Mike was predeceased by his brother Phillip Joseph, his loving grandparents Joe and Lela Slansky and Lawrence and Leona Klas, and several uncles, aunts, and cousins, all of whom he grew up with, who followed him and his adventures and supported him. Fortunately, our family has years of photos and videos to remember them and all of the wonderful times we had together over his lifetime.
Mike is survived by his loving spouse, Pamela Russwurm, who was a huge support to him through his illness, his parents Leroy and Brenda Klas of Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C., his brother Matthew (Andrea) and nephews Jake, Lucas and Jackson Klas, all from Lions Bay, B.C., his son Lee Francis of Fairmont Hot Springs, his daughter Amy Allison (Edin) Jakupovic and his three adoring grandchildren Lincoln, Isla and Alen from Chicago and step-sons Clayton and Cole from Texas. All of his immediate family visited, comforted and supported him during the final stages of his life. Thanks are expressed by his family to the Oklahoma City Cancer Center and its staff for their efforts and dedication to save and extend Mike’s life over the last three and one-half years.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held in Oklahoma City by his family there, and another will be held by the Klas family in the near future, likely in Chicago.
A message from all of Mike’s family is that our society must find a better and more effective way to treat the scourge of cancer and all of its varieties and versions. If you wish to remember Mike with a donation, please consider the Cancer Research Society in your area.
Cheers to Mara at Invermere McDonald’s for your friendliness and patience.
FAITH
Resting in His promises, trust
By Pastor Wayne Frater Radium Christian Fellowship Church
Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus speaking:
“Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
So as you read this, Jesus is telling you:
When, not if, you’re weary and burdened, come lay it all down. Find rest in His mercy where peace can be found. The Word tells us His yoke is easy, His burden is light, find rest in His promises, find strength in His might. Trust in His word, Jesus gives us a refuge, our prayers are heard, and in His loving arms we will find peace and be blessed. All we got to do is repent
and enter into His rest.
I know for myself that my soul finds rest in God alone. He is my fortress, my shelter, my home, He is my rock that will not be moved, I do rest in His promises. His word tells me in Isaiah 40:31 that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength, they’ll soar on wings, go the distance, the length, They will run, and not grow faint or be stressed, that if we rest in His promises, His love will be manifested in us and through us.
Be anxious for nothing, but in prayer and thanksgiving, draw near to the Lord, God’s peace will guard you, dispelling all fear, His peace will surround you, your heart will be blessed, rest in His promises, find comfort and rest.
Rest in His promises, trust in His word. If you have a Bible, get into it, study it, meditate on what it says, dig out those promises God has for you.
If you don’t have a Bible, come see us at the Blessing Thrift Store and we will give you one. If you need prayer call us, or join us at the church on Thursday at noon, or Sunday at 10 a.m. I would love to meet you and pray for you. Be blessed, have a great day.
Books, programs await you
This week’s column was written by Friends of the Library volunteer Donna Tunney and temporary library director Danielle Conolly. Call 250-347-2434 for more information.
Stock up on pre-Christmas bargains at our 4th annual Big Book Sale happening Saturday, Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Radium Community Hall (4863 Stanley Street).
Browse through thousands of gently used books in all genres — history, fantasy, romance, mystery, thriller, young adult, self help, cookbooks, classics, and more.
Peruse coffee table books for breathtaking images to complete your mountain retreat décor. Bring the kids along for an assortment of children’s books and jigsaw puzzles, colouring sheets, and a head start on their letters to Santa. (Remember, letters to the North Pole require a return address so that Santa knows where to respond.)
There will also be separately priced handcrafted gifts and a refreshment stand with homemade cookies and cider. Fun for the whole family!
The Friends of the Library are still accepting donations for the sale. Drop off your gently used books and
complete puzzles at the Radium Public Library. No dictionaries, textbooks, National Geographic, Reader’s Digests, CDs or DVDs, please.
Pinball machines, memento holders, storytime with special guests — it’s all happening here at the library.
Storytime continues Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. with a Radium Hot Springs volunteer firefighter joining us on November 20, and a member of the Canadian Armed Forces with a special Remembrance theme on November 27.
This month’s STEAM activity for ages 5-12 is MakeYour-Own Pinball Machine on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 11 a.m. Teens ages 13-19 can make their own painted rock memento holder with our November Grab & Go kit. The library is also hosting a Santa letter-writing event on Friday, Nov. 22 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. with hot chocolate and cookies.
All ages can drop in to Wild Woolies fibre crafts program on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. If you need assistance with email, computers, smart devices, and more, you can book an appointment with our CBAL Tech Tutor on Thursday afternoons. And our Art in the Afternoon drop-in group continues to meet Tuesdays from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Wholesome Hobbies craft group meets on Friday, Nov. 15 to fold adorable hedgehogs out of recycled books. The group is aimed at ages 50+ with supplies provided.
The last Community Book Club meeting happens Saturday, Nov. 16 to discuss The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles.
Columbia Valley Churches
Don’t miss Radium library’s Big Book Sale on Saturday, Nov. 23 at Radium Community Hall. And check out the library’s many programs, too. PHOTO PAWEL_B/GETTY IMAGES
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
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