Columbia Valley Pioneer - December 26, 2024

PIONEER

PHOTO SYD DANIS

?Akisq’nuk First Nation

COMING EVENTS

?Akisq’nuk First Nation is proud to celebrate a successful 2024 with much growth and achievement marked by its groundbreaking ceremony of the new multipurpose centre and at the flag raising celebration at the new property and offices in Invermere. Ki?suk Kyukyit Kukun Makut (Happy New Year).

Submitted by Shuswap Band

In 2024, the Shuswap Band administration and health team celebrated a year of significant accomplishments and strong community involvement, while reaffirming their commitment to Secwepemc culture and environmental preservation.

With the guidance of a dedicated Chief & Council, they successfully advanced numerous initiatives and events for the Shuswap community. Looking ahead, there is a sense of optimism, with a continued focus on community engagement, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship to build on their success in the coming years

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Summit Youth Hub celebrating 30 years

Submitted by Pauline Chevanne Summit Youth Hub

The Summit Youth Centre Hub has a remarkable story of growth, starting from a basement with one youth night and volunteers to a thriving centre with dedicated staff and essential programs, including youth mental health support.

Over 30 years, it transformed into a trusted, inclusive space for youth, reflecting the founders' vision and community commitment, and has become a cornerstone for youth development, mentorship, and connection in the Windermere Valley.

This would not be possible without all of our supporters: the incredible volunteers, the private donors, and the local businesses who jump to all opportunities to help us out.

From Canal Flats to Spillimacheen, we’re grateful to everyone who’s been part of this journey, whether by visiting our drop-in centre or taking part in our programs.

In fall 2023, the youth outreach worker position was launched, with Emmett visiting valley schools to mentor students in Grades 7-12.

In early 2024, two new youth mental health initiatives were introduced: Open Gym and free counselling services, allowing registered youth access to indoor sports and up to eight counselling sessions. These programs honour the late board member Nadine Hale. Additionally, program coordinator Sierra keeps contributing fresh ideas and activities at the centre.

Throughout the year, the youth centre has also been active in many community events and collaborates with local nonprofits and charities.

Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my incredible team. I am truly fortunate to work alongside such talented people and am deeply thankful for our volunteers' unwavering support.

Windermere history

Submitted by Windermere District Historical Society

The Windermere District Historical Society had a very successful year with support from the District of Invermere. Their fee for service assisted us in the operation of the Windermere Valley Museum. They also came to our rescue when a ferocious summer wind blew a tree onto the Brisco School House which is one of the many small buildings on the museum grounds.

We have one paid employee, the curator. We offer memberships for $20 and we are able to issue tax receipts for any donations.

Throughout the year we completed the restoration of the pioneer cabin, with help from Jim Coy, as well as the notary building with help from Jessie Blakley and David Gulbe. We also shingled the station building with help from CXL and a grant from Panorama Foun-

dation.

We worked along with many volunteers, such as spring cleaning, raking, painting and sorting files.

But we aren’t all work and no play. We had a coffee gathering on the lawn as Norm Babin shared his work in preserving the history of aviation in the valley with a display in the Blakley cabin. We visited an historic ranch (Brady Creek) thanks to the Davidsons. We participated in BC Heritage Week with the showing of a 1961 historic tea and May Day parade. We also had the pleasure of listening to Jenny Feick as she shared her research on ecological reserves, focusing on two east of Canal Flats. We participated in Valley Appreciation Day, Show and Shine Poker Run and the July 1 parade.

Our summer theme has been the history of health care in the district. The 2025 summer theme will be a salute to the volunteer.

Hospice Society

Submitted by Michele Neider Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley

In 2024, the Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley supported individuals with chronic or life-limiting illnesses, those at end of life, and bereaved clients through its Nav-CARE, End-of-Life, and bereavement programs.

Nav-CARE provided personalized care navigation and emotional support, empowering clients to manage their conditions and connect with essential community resources.

The End-of-Life program offered compassionate companionship, ensuring individuals and their families faced this transition with dignity and minimal distress.

Bereavement services included grief counselling, support groups, and tailored programs to help clients process loss and build resilience.

The society also prioritized community engagement, regularly hosting outreach initiatives, educational events, and partnerships to raise awareness about its services and the importance of hospice care. We wish you a peaceful holiday season.

Summit Youth Hub is celebrating over 30 years of service to the community.

Invermere Seniors Association

Submitted by Invermere Seniors Association

The Invermere Seniors Association had a successful year including concerts by the O’Sullivans and Saskia.

Marty played for one special lunch, which celebrated all of the members who had 90th birthdays in 2024.  We participated in the July 1 parade and put up scarecrows in October.

Lunches were hosted every third Tuesday throughout the year, plus bingos on the same evening.

Activities all through the year (and continuing) include floor curling, crib, games, scrapbooking, and bridge.  Friday mornings find the seniors interacting with students from Eileen Madson Primary, enjoying games, books and art activities.

Chair Yoga  (every Monday and Wednesday) and Chair Fitness (every Tuesday and Thursday)  are sponsored by the District of Invermere with our assistance.  Terry Schreder, our president, offered bridge lessons this fall which have been enjoyed by all.

The annual Health Fair was held in October, and the seniors Christmas dinner, with music,  took place on December 5 .

Activities at the hall (and yoga/fitness) cost $2, including the soup lunches and are open to all seniors. Note: Barbecues cost $5. Come and enjoy being a senior and meet new friends.

Invermere Public Library

Submitted by Invermere Public Library

It has been a year of change at the Invermere Library. Our lovely director since 2019, Anne Rogers, retired in early spring. We all miss her dearly, but the lessons she shared allow us to continue offering the best library service possible with grace and patience.

The year 2024 marks a year of significant progress with the Bookmobile project: we’ve confirmed partnership with Radium Public Library through personal donations, fundraising, grants, and local business support; we have raised just over $131,000 towards

A huge thank you to the Friends of the Invermere Library, Copper Point Golf, Rona, and Station Pub for your support for far. Canal Flats Family Pantry and K5 Mechanical will also be supporting the project once it’s on the road. We would not have this current total without the support of the Panorama Foundation, who have awarded us with a $45,000 grant!

We are still seeking funding support, and if you have yet to decide on your year-end donee, we would gratefully appreciate your help with the project (tax receipts issued for $20 or more).

Details can be found on our website (invermere.

Parade participants Terry and Ernie.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Network committed to well-being of animals

Submitted by Invermere Companion Animal Network

Invermere Companion Animal Network Society (ICAN) is having a busy year. Heavy winter snows and winds caused damage to our outdoor enclosure and to our returnables sorting shed. Dedicated volunteers and a very capable Administrator were able to effect repairs to the latter but the former had to be removed from service. Thankfully, we were allowed to divert a Columbia Valley Community Foundation grant from another project for materials. Don Buckner, Barry Brown-John, Jesse Sutherland with Timber Point Contracting, and some dedicated volunteers, were able to clear the damaged structure and debris to construct an amazing new covered “catio”, completed in October.

This year brought an explosion of surrenders, the

result of guardians passing, needing to move, or no longer able to afford their loveable companion’s ongoing medical issues. The “special needs” cats require foster home care or their own space at the shelter, restricting the number of other animals we can take and add to expenses. In terms of numbers, we had 17 carry-overs from 2023 and have added 54 so far this year, rehoming 37.

Like every non-profit in the region (the country?), we have been operating with a shortage of able, reliable volunteers and the increased influx has stretched our foster homes to the limit. With our annual general meeting in March, we are also seeking Board members. To become a member or volunteer e-mail info@ icanbc.com , visit our website at https://icanbc.com/, or phone 250-341-7888. Our administrative office hours are 11:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays.

Ambassadors dedicated

Submitted by Lake Windermere Ambassadors

The Lake Windermere Ambassadors formed in 2010 out of Wildsight’s Lake Windermere Project. Fourteen years later, we continue to conduct water monitoring and community outreach to realize our vision of ‘healthy waters for healthy communities.’

This year has been filled with building connections and relationships with the community and other organizations. Our project work included weekly lake sampling, and beach and creek monitoring throughout the summer.

A successful aquatic invasive plant survey and water bird survey were also conducted, with no evidence of invasive species found in Lake Windermere. As part of our education and outreach initiatives, we were excited to offer free kids' camps again this year, as well as

community events.

Activity reports for 2024 will be posted on our website once the data has been reviewed.

We were excited to complete and publish the twoyear ‘carrying capacity’ study and host a webinar with a live Q&A session about the results. The study provides scientific data on Lake Windermere, covering its ecology, water quality, and aesthetic value, while also offering constructive recommendations for ensuring the lake's future health. The study and webinar recording can be found on our website.

We would like to express our gratitude to our dedicated staff, board members, funders, donors, community, and volunteers — without whom our success in 2024 would not have been possible.

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you all next season. Email us at info@lakeambassadors.ca

Never too many ‘Friends’

Submitted by Linda Tutty Friends of Invermere Public Library

Our community continues to show how much it appreciates the Invermere library by generously supporting the fundraising events staged by the Friends of the

Library.

By donating books, attending the Pop-Up and BIG Book Sales, valley residents make valuable contributions that allow the Friends to assist the library financially.

In the 2023-2024 fiscal year the Friends transferred $23,400 to the library to be used for books and programs. And the Friends’ online auction in November netted $6,240 to kick off fundraising for the next year.

The book donation centre, across 6th Street from the library, accepts gently used books year-round. Just place your donations in the cupboard in front of the building. The Friends are most grateful to the Akisqnuk First Nation for allowing us to use this building. The library can never have too many Friends. If you would like to join the group to help sort books and organize events, please leave your name with the library staff.

Please join us on New Year’s Eve as the Village is celebrating 34 years as a municipality.

Festivities begin at 3:30pm at Brent’s Shack on Stanley Street and will end with a fireworks display at the Springs Driving Range, 6:30 pm sharp.

Hot dogs, hot chocolate, and birthday cake will be served from Brent’s Shack.

Donations to the Radium Volunteer Fire Department are gratefully accepted.

Kittens, kittens everywhere. Thank goodness for ICAN. PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Lake Windermere Ambassadors are dedicated to preserving water quality in one of B.C.’s most beautiful lakes.

RDEK director reports busy year in Area F

Submitted by Area F director Susan Clovechok RDEK

The return of the film industry to the valley has been an exciting boost to our local economy and it’s been fascinating to learn more about the ins and outs of the industry.

The Columbia Valley Active Transportation Plan is in the process of being drafted and I’d like to acknowledge the Technical Review Committee for its input and involvement.

Work has continued on the implementation of the short-term rentals policy and there have been welcomed recent additions of additional monitoring and enforcement tools.

The Cold Spring Creek Debris Flow Mitigation Project is nearing completion and I want to acknowledge the hard work of the project team and contractor who have been working so hard to see it completed.

From wildfires to windstorms, the summer of 2024 was busy for our local firefighters, all emergency personnel in the region; and Fairmont Airport volunteers who worked tirelessly to support the BC Wildfire Service.

Heading into 2025, the ReDi grant program intake will begin January 6, the rural transfer station optimization study will be completed, and a new planning process will begin to consider additional changes to zoning regulations related to secondary suites and accessory dwelling units.

The significant number of building permits issued in 2024 kept planning staff busy and will continue to contribute to the employment opportunities for trades people in the valley throughout 2025.

Thank you to all those who helped make 2024 so successful. And to everyone I wish you a merry holiday and a happy and prosperous New Year!

Area G director Schnider thanks volunteers

Submitted by Area G director Roberta Schnider RDEK

It’s hard to believe 2024 will soon draw to a close and that I am half way through my first term as your Area G director.

As I reflect on this past year, I want to begin with my gratitude for the support I’ve received from the communities in Area G and acknowledge the efforts of all those who contribute to making our region so special. From our paid-on-call firefighters, who are so dedicated to protecting and serving, to the ESS team members, community volunteers, friends and neighbours who support each other. Our region is stronger because of this sense of community and giving.

From wildfires to major structure fires, severe wind events and power outages, there were so many events

in 2024 that brought out the best in our communities during difficult and trying times. These events have made us all more mindful of the power of mother nature and the importance of being prepared – from having an emergency kit to taking steps to FireSmart our homes and properties.

The RDEK board has continued to work on the implementation of the short-term rentals policy and will be considering the Climate Action Plan.

The Columbia Valley Active Transportation Plan will be publicly available in the new year, and our Accessibility Committee continues to make progress toward our first Accessibility Plan. We also anticipate the completion of the Radium Transfer Station project in 2025.

May peace, love and joy surround you this holiday season.

‘Flats Fest’ is always weekend to remember

Submitted by Val Bracken

Flats Fest 2024 was an absolute blast!

With over 1,500 people rocking out to 20 bands on two separate stages, it was a weekend to remember.

Headliners Darryl Worley on Friday and David Lee Murphy on Saturday brought the house down – especially when Lee sang his classic "Dust on the Bottle!"

It was a non-stop weekend of smiles, dancing, and kicking back to some incredible tunes.

Flats Fest just keeps getting better, and we’re already pumped for 2025. Mark your calendars because this is one valley event you don’t want to miss. Early-bird tickets go on sale May 1 every year, and next year’s dates are August 15 and 16.

There's fun for the whole family. We have a great selection of food trucks, a saloon style beverage garden with a chuckwagon keg, vendor market, and a kids’ zone on Saturday afternoon. Come hungry, thirsty, and ready for good vibes – see you next year at Flats Fest! Visit flatsfest.ca.

Flats Fest is anything but flat in the Columbia Valley.

Area F director Susan Clovechok

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Area G director Roberta Schnider PHOTO SUBMITTED

PHOTO SAM TYRELL

Radium radiates with achievements

Submitted by Mayor Mike Gray Village of Radium Hot Springs

The Village of Radium Hot Springs will build on its momentum in 2025.

Over the past year the village initiated renewal of its foundational community document, its Official Community Plan or OCP. The OCP development will continue into 2025.

Community priorities like housing accessibility, ongoing revitalization of the community’s downtown and Highway 93 coming into Radium and the Columbia Valley, and policy around shortterm vacation rentals in the village are key components of the OCP. (https:// radiumhotsprings.ca/ourpathforward/)

Notable 2024 achievements include:

• Completion of a village housing needs report. The report outlines housing challenges and needs within the village and policy is being developed within the OCP to support access to housing.

• Active transportation investments including an east-west connection

throughout the village, passing Radium’s main park, and redevelopment of St. Mary’s Street in downtown Radium Hot Springs.

• Development of a new Emergency Management Plan for the village.

• Wildfire forest fuel reduction treatments completed on village-owned lands around Sinclair Creek. This work was generously funded by the Columbia Basin Trust and supports village resiliency to wildfire.

Notable community events in 2024 included Woodcarver Days in May, another successful Adventure Radum Summer Camp, the annual Columbia Valley Classics car show in September, a well-attended community Eat, Meet, and Greet event in October, and the upcoming village 34th anniversary of incorporation/birthday party at the main park on New Year’s Eve, followed by an epic fireworks display organized by the volunteer fire brigade.

Christmas Bureau makes holiday brighter

Submitted by Donna Deschenes Christmas Bureau of CV

The Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley is a not-for-profit organization that has been helping to make Christmas a little bit brighter for families since 1992.

Sponsors, volunteers and donations from valley citizens are vital to the Christmas Bureau. We truly appreciate the many businesses, organizations and people whose kindness and support help us make life better in the valley.

With the funds raised and gifts donated, we purchase gift cards from our

local grocery stores for families and assemble seasonal bags of personalized gifts and goodies for children, teens and seniors. These gifts are wrapped and distributed to families and individuals from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats.

Your efforts really do help families experience the joy of the season. Last

year, with everyone’s help, we proudly assisted over 300 families, 200 seniors and we assembled 265 gift baskets! Together, we’re fostering a sense of community and compassion.

To apply to be a recipient or to find out how you can donate and/or volunteer, go to christmasbureaucv.ca

Radium Hot Springs Mayor Mike Gray. FILE PHOTO

Thanks to the Christmas Bureau, many families have a better holiday in the Columbia Valley. PHOTO

RDEK chair commends local firefighters

Submitted by Rob Gay RDEK Chair

As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on all that has been achieved and look forward to what lies ahead.

The Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Service has once again had a busy year – responding to over 300 calls this year and devoting over 300 hours to training. In addition to their dedication to protecting our communities, several firefighters deployed this summer to assist with protecting homes in other parts of BC.  We remain deeply grateful to all of our firefighters for your dedication and incredible service.

Our Emergency Management Program’s Regional Emergency Operations Centre activated in support of a number of emergencies, including wildfires, debris floods, and the windstorm that hit the Columbia Valley in August.

The East Kootenay FireSmart Program had another dynamic year with over 2,200 residents reached, and 37 neighbourhoods certified. We commend everyone who is working to make their homes, properties and neighbourhoods more resilient to wildfire.

The building team has been kept busy with over 335 building permits issued and 119 dwellings created in the rural areas of the RDEK as of November 1. Elsewhere, the Cold Spring Creek Debris Flow Mitigation Project is nearing completion, the draft Climate Action Plan is complete, and we look forward to the CV Active Transportation Plan in 2025.

To stay informed or provide input on active projects, visit engage.rdek.bc.ca or join the RDEK email group on www.rdek.bc.ca.

Warm wishes to you and yours through the holiday season and for a wonderful year ahead. RDEK chair Rob Gay.

Columbia Valley Pride sees positive growth

By Columbia Valley Pride

Another year of growth, activism and cheer for our organization.

Our 2024 Pride Festival was a success, involving more entertainment, food and support than ever before. This year we are also so grateful for the support of the community as well as the District of Invermere for creating a beautiful and resilient rainbow crosswalk. This year also

marked the beginning of our ‘safe space’ events, which will be happening once a month. We are partnering with local businesses to create a safe space, event or activity for 2SLGBTQIA+ and allies to attend.

In November the Summit Youth Centre Hub hosted a tea party and game night, and on December 5 the Invermere Public Library hosted a winter painting craft.

Keep your eye on our social media for our next event.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

OUT OF OFFICE…

Festivities & Reflection

It’s the time of year of celebrations and new beginnings; for festivities and reflection. This year has been full of exciting changes, and this is the time to celebrate the successes of the past and look to a fruitful future!

This year the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce began monthly networking events called Chamber Connections. These casual, drop in events are hosted by a different Chamber member on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30-7:30pm. These events are a great way to meet the Chamber Board members; there are at least two board members (and one staff!) at every Connections event, and the locations stretch all over the Columbia Valley. If you are interested in hosting, please let me know; there are some cool new places and old favourites on the docket for next year already! January 14th will be hosted by Panorama Mountain Resort at Alto Kitchen and Bar – I am so looking forward to it! There is no

registration required, and everyone is welcome to come talk business!

The Chamber partnership with Columbia Valley Economic Development has been particularly exciting this year; their tireless work bringing different industries to the valley culminated in the filming of the movie “All Night Wrong” in locations all over the valley! There are more potential movies scouting in our area, so hopefully we can gain momentum in the industry and become a film destination!

There is a new Manager of the Columbia Valley Housing Society; there are many changes on the horizon, including supporting attainable and affordable housing with each area within our region.

In the immediate future, the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce has been working on a

WINTER WONDERLAND MARKET

simplification of their membership – now instead of 7 tiers based on employee numbers, there will be large business category and a small business category – current members will have already received information on how this will affect their renewal (whenever in the new year that might be). There are also optional upgrades to Chamber Champion and a new, influential option: Chamber Partner! You can get all the details and view some of the more tangible benefits of Chamber membership on the website starting in January: cvchamber.ca

The Chamber Team is always happy to answer any questions or chat to members or future members – we are a friendly bunch! On behalf of the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce team, Happy Holidays, and may we all meet 2025 with renewed vigour and enthusiasm! Huzzah!

-Deanna Berrington

DECEMBER

Thursday, December 26

• 11:00am-4:30pm: Village Sleigh Rides in Radium. Radium Hot Springs Centre. Experience the magic of a Sleigh Ride in the Village! Your group will cozy up in a horse-drawn sleigh for a tour of the Village of Radium. Book your sleigh ride by calling the Radium Visitor Centre at (250)-3479331.

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

Friday, December 27

11:00am-4:30pm: Village Sleigh Rides in Radium. Radium Hot Springs Centre. Experience the magic of a Sleigh Ride in the Village! Your group will cozy up in a horse-drawn sleigh for a tour of the Village of Radium. Book your sleigh ride by calling the Radium Visitor Centre at (250)-3479331.

• 11:00am-3:00pm: Winter Wonderland Market. Radium Hot Springs Centre. Join Tourism Radium and the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce on December 27 & 28 for the Radium Hot Springs Winter Wonderland Market! Find local treasures and goodies such as jewelry, art, food, and so much more!

• 3:00pm-4:00pm: Festive Winter Craft. Radium Public Library. Join decorations! For ages 5+, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

• 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!

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

• Saturday, December 28

• 11:00am-4:30pm: Village Sleigh Rides in Radium. Radium Hot Springs Centre. Experience the magic of a Sleigh Ride in the Village! Your group will cozy up in a horse-drawn sleigh for a tour of the Village of Radium.

Book your sleigh ride by calling the Radium Visitor Centre at (250)-3479331.

11:00am-3:00pm: Winter Wonderland Market. Radium Hot Springs Centre. Join Tourism Radium and the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce on December 27 & 28 for the Radium Hot Springs Winter Wonderland Market! Find local treasures and goodies such as jewelry, art, food, and so much more!

• 12:00pm-2:00pm: Pauline Tokarski Live alcohol Ink Demo. Effusion Art Gallery. This is your opportunity to meet the artist and watch how she creates small works of art using alcohol ink. Effusion will also be featuring some of Paulina’s beautiful collection of original alcohol ink paintings inspired by stunning regional landscapes, treescapes, and abstracts that softly shimmer in the light, along with her limited prints and cards.

• 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.

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

Sunday, December 29

• 11:00am-4:30pm: Village Sleigh Rides in Radium. Radium Hot Springs Centre. Experience the magic of a Sleigh Ride in the Village! Your group will cozy up in a horse-drawn sleigh for a tour of the Village of Radium. Book your sleigh ride by calling the Radium Visitor Centre at (250)-347-9331.

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

7:00pm-9:00pm: 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, December 30

• 3:00pm-4:00pm: 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 register.

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

Tuesday, December 31

• 5:30pm-11:00pm: New Year’s Eve Dinner at the Great Hall. Panorama. Celebrate the coming of the New Year with a decadent buffet banquet dinner at The Great Hall. Beautifully crafted, the menu features a mouthwatering array of dishes and seasonal favourites. Join us for an evening of live music and joy as we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new with a dining experience your whole family will enjoy, right in the heart of the village. Seating times are planned around the torchlight parade and fireworks that are taking place on the slopes outside The Great Hall between 8 - 9 PM.

• 8:00pm-1:00am: Windermere Community New Years Eve Party. Windermere Community Hall. Party with Rockinomix. Cash Bar, Light Snacks, Champagne Toast at Midnight.

8:30pm-9:00pm: NYE Fireworks. Panorama Mountain Resort. Celebrate the New Year with a bang! Our fireworks show is presented by Globalfest and features music. Join us at the base of the Mile One Express!

• 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, January 1

Happy New Year from the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce!

Increase the

Inc rease

e waste

PAPER & CARDBOARD PRODUCTS

YES.

E R C AR D B OAR

• Newspapers/flyers

• Magazines/catalogues

• Office paper/envelopes

• Paper gift wrap/greeting cards

• Corrugated cardboard

• Boxboard (cereal/shoe/tissue/etc. boxes)

• Paper towel roll cores

• Molded boxboard (take-out containers, egg cartons, etc.)

• Kraft paper (paper grocery bags, envelopes, etc.)

• Multi layered paper bags (sugar, flour, etc.)

• Pizza boxes

Nope.

• Hardcover or paperback books (donate ‘em)

• Ribbons/bows

• Musical greeting cards

• Wax coated cardboard boxes

CONTAINERS

YES.

• Coated paper cups (hot or cold)

• Cartons and boxes for milk and milk substitutes

• Frozen dessert boxes

• Soup containers (tin & carton )

• Milk jugs

• Foil/paper layered bags

• Plastic/paper layered bags

• Paper towels/tissue/napkins

• Juice cartons and boxes return for refund

Plastic/paper layered bags towels/tissue/napkins car tons

• Foil gift wrap/bags

YES.

t

• Clear glass containers

• Coloured glass containers

• Glass food packaging

Nope.

• Deposit glass return for refund

• Drinking glasses or dishes

• Cookware

HOLIDAY HOURS

CRANBROOK RDEK OFFICE

19 24 Ave S

Dec 23-27 Closed

Dec 30 8:30am – 4:30pm

Dec 31 8:30am – 3:30pm

Jan 1 Closed

Jan 2 8:30am – 4:30pm

COLUMBIA VALLEY RDEK OFFICE 1164 Windermere Loop Rd

Dec 23-27 Closed

Dec 30 8:30am – 4:30pm

Dec 31 8:30am – 3:30pm

Jan 2 8:30am – 4:30pm

Building inspection services will not be available from December 23 to January 6, 2025.

The Building Department will be available via phone or email December 30, 31 and January 2, 3 for any urgent matters.

• Glass soap packaging

• Clear glass bottles

• Coloured glass bottles GLASS CONTAINERS Accepted at RECYCLE BC DEPOTS ONLY.

• Window glass or mirrors

• Ceramic products

• Light bulbs

TRANSFER STATIONS

CRANBROOK TRANSFER STATION 2405 22 St N

Dec 24 8:30pm-3:30pm

Dec 25 Closed

Dec 26-30 8:30am-5:30pm Dec 31 8:30am-3:30pm Jan 1 Closed Jan 2 8:30pm-5:30pm

FERNIE TRANSFER STATION 6000 Highway 3

Dec 24 9:00am – 3:30pm

Dec 25 Closed

Dec 26-27 9:00am – 5:00pm

Dec 28-29 10:00am – 4:00pm

Dec 30 9:00am – 5:00pm

Dec 31 9:00am – 3:30pm

Jan 1 Closed Jan 2 9:00am – 5:00pm

• Containers for food products (oil, vinegar, condiments, etc.)

for produc ts (oil,

• Detergent/fabric softener jugs

tener

• Body care product containers

• Plastic take-away clamshells

• Plastic cold drink cups

• Plastic garden pots/trays/plastic pails less than 25L

• Microwavable containers

• Rigid plastic packaging

• Margarine/yogurt/sour cream/ cottage cheese tubs

• Plastic jars (peanut butter, jam, vitamins, nuts, etc.)

• Single use coffee/tea pods (empty with lid removed)

• Black bottom/clear top deli trays

• Aluminum cans/lids

• Aluminum foil wrap/containers

• Empty aerosol containers (not spray paint)

• Steel food cans/cookie tins

Nope.

• Motor oil, vehicle lubricant or antifreeze containers

• Plastic/foil blister packs

• Lawn edging or tarps

• Biodegradable/compostible packaging

• Garden hoses

• Plastic paint containers

• Pails larger than 25L

KIMBERLEY TRANSFER STATION 800 Jim Ogilvie Way

Dec 24 8:30am – 3:30pm

Dec 25 Closed

Dec 26-30 8:30am – 5:30pm Dec 31 8:30am – 3:30pm

Jan 1 Closed Jan 2 8:30am – 5:30pm

SPARWOOD TRANSFER STATION 1001 Highway 3

Dec 24 9:00am – 3:30pm

Dec 25 Closed

Dec 26-30 9:00am – 5:00pm

Dec 31 9:00am – 3:30pm

Jan 1 Closed Jan 2 9:00am – 5:00pm

• Aluminum drink containers return for refund

• Spray paint cans

• Propane cylinders

• Foil lined cardboard containers

• Paint cans

• Metal hardware or scrap metal

LANDFILLS

INVERMERE TRANSFER STATION Industrial 1 Rd in Athalmere

Dec 24 8:30am – 3:30pm

Dec 25 Closed

Dec 26-30 8:30am – 5:30pm Dec 31 8:30am – 3:30pm Jan 1 Closed Jan 2 8:30am – 5:30pm

ELKFORD TRANSFER STATION #6 Inkaneep Rd

Dec 24 9:00am – 3:30pm

Dec 25 Closed

Dec 26-28 9:00am – 5:00pm

Dec 29 Closed

Dec 30 9:00am – 5:00pm

Dec 31 9:00am – 3:30pm

Jan 1 Closed Jan 2 9:00am – 5:00pm

9:00am – 4:00pm Dec 30 9:00am – 5:00pm Dec 31 9:00am – 3:30pm Jan 1 Closed Jan 2 9:00am – 5:00pm

OLUMBIA VALLEY LANDFILL 1875 Windermere

PAP

With 6 Recycle BC Depots, Yellow Bins and many municipalities offering curbside pick-up, recycling has never been more convenient in the East Kootenay. However, not all programs are the same. This guide will help you distinguish what goes where and how the various services differ.

= Recycle BC Depots

= Yellow Bins

= Cranbrook Curbside system

= Kimberley Curbside system

= Fernie Curbside system

= Invermere Curbside system

Recycle BC Depots (located at all RDEK staffed Transfer Stations) offer the greatest opportunity for keeping products out of the trash. The Recycle BC system is funded by producers that supply packaging and paper products to BC residents and the RDEK is PAID per tonne of materials collected. So, you can recycle more and it costs less to operate - it’s a win, win! Please use Recycle BC as much as possible for your residential recycling.

YES.

• Grocery bags

• Bread bags

• Squishy foam packaging

• Bulk food bags

• Water softener salt bags

• Driveway salt bags/garden soil/manure bags

• Mattress overwrap

• Frozen food bags

• Outer wrap for paper towels/toilet paper

• Zippered pouches

• Deli meat packaging

Nope.

• Plastic squeeze tubes

• Plastic lined paper (laminated)

• Plastic strapping

• Stand-up pouches

• Potato chip bags/candy bar wrappers

• Cheese slice wrappers

• Net bags (avocados, onions, etc.)

• Cereal bags/pasta bags

• Plastic padded mailers/bubble wrap/ air packets

• Woven plastic bags (rice, etc.)

• Pet food bags

• Baby food pouches

• Shrink wrap

• Transparent recycling bags

• Plastic drop sheets

• Stretch wrap/cling wrap

• 6-pack rings

• Biodegradable plastic

• PVC/vinyl

Make sure to give your dirty recyclables

The Yellow Bin Program is intended primarly for businesses, institutions and the rural areas of our region that don’t have nearby access to Recycle BC Depots. The Yellow Bins accepted a limited variety of products and are separate from Recycle BC. The Yellow Bin Program is funded by taxpayers and the RDEK has to PAY for every tonne of material collected. The more we can divert to the Recycle BC program, the better it is for all.

The Fernie, Cranbrook and Kimberley curbside programs are also part of the Recycle BC program however, due to the nature of the collection, not all products can be placed in the curbside bins. Plastic bags, flexible packaging, glass and styrofoam must be taken to a Recycle BC Depot. So to reduce household waste, please set these items aside and make a quick trip to a transfer station every so often.

The Invermere curbside program collects the same materials as the Yellow Bin Program, but gives the convenience of curbside pick-up. In order to reduce the amount of waste generated in your home, we encourage you to set aside products that are not accepted in the curbside program but that can be recycled at the Invermere Recycle BC depot and drop them at the Transfer Station in the Industrial Park when you have time.

Accepted at RECYCLE BC DEPOTS ONLY.

YES.

• White foam meat trays

• White foam produce trays

• White un-printed foam cups

• White foam packaging

Nope.

• Foam insulation

• Absorbing pads used in meat trays

• Packing peanuts/chips

• White un-printed foam take-out containers

• White un-printed foam disposable bowls/plates

• Labels/tape on foam packaging

• Squishy/flexible foam

• Furniture/mattress foam

COLOURED/PRINTED STYROFOAM

YES.

• Foam meat trays

• Foam produce trays

• Foam egg cartons

• Coloured foam packaging

Nope.

• Packing peanuts/chips

• Foam insulation

• Labels/tape on foam packaging

• Printed foam cups

• Printed foam take-out containers

• Printed/coloured foam disposable bowls/plates

• Squishy/flexible foam

• Furniture/mattress foam

• Absorbing pads used in meat trays

Disposal of Christmas Trees

Christmas trees can be discarded at no charge at any staffed transfer station throughout the East Kootenay as well as at the Columbia Valley Landfill or the Canal Flats, Tie Lake and Wasa wood waste piles.

Workin’ hard to keep it Clean

Over the holidays, the Yellow Bins and Recycle BC Depots see a huge increase in volume. The days between Christmas and New Year’s are typically our busiest days of the year (by a lot). While our contractors will be working hard to empty the bins more frequently, sometimes they will be full. If you encounter a full bin, please look for another open bin in the area or come back. If a bin has a closed sign on it, please don’t try to open it. Never leave recyclables on or around the bins.

Our Yellow Bins are often on private property and it is important that we keep them clean. Please put all recyclables in the bin.

Living Lakes Canada fights for watersheds

Submitted by Emily Jerome Living Lakes Canada

Each year of water monitoring in the Kootenays gathers critical information about the state of regional watersheds, and 2024 was no exception.

Monitoring streams, lakes, wetlands, snowpack, and groundwater in the Columbia Valley offers valuable insights into the evolving impacts of climate change on freshwater.

Living Lakes Canada, a locally founded non-profit, and its partners are key in collecting this essential data.

This year, the first Living Lakes watershed bulletin revealed that groundwater levels across aquifers in the Columbia Basin region are responding differently to surface conditions. Some wells saw their lowest levels on record, including those near Windermere, Skookumchuk, Brisco and Columbia Wetlands benchlands. Meanwhile, several wells showed earlier spring rises

in water levels compared to previous years.

A 2024 survey conducted by Living Lakes showed 72 per cent of respondents are highly concerned about groundwater in the region, citing risks to drinking water, ecosystems, agriculture and food security. These findings underscore the need for expanded monitoring.

Another bulletin showcased an innovative water mapping project with the Argenta Safety and Preparedness Society.

Released shortly before this summer’s Argenta Creek wildfire, the maps helped crews quickly orient themselves to access available water for firefighting. This collaboration demonstrated how understanding local hydrology can significantly support wildfire suppression.

Visit livinglakescanada.ca to read the full bulletins and donate to help safeguard watersheds for future generations.

Kootenay Conservation Program

Submitted by Kootenay Conservation Program

Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) is a partnership of over 85 organizations that share a common vision: to have connected habitats and landscapes in the Kootenays that sustain biodiversity and naturally functioning resilient ecosystems that, in turn, support community well-being.

KCP began as EKCP in the Columbia Valley 22 years ago by a dedicated group of concerned residents and organizations who recognized the value of working in partnership for private land conservation. Then in 2008, in partnership with the RDEK, the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund (CVLCF) was established, creating a tax-based fund dedicated to local conservation projects and the first of its kind

in Canada. In 2024, KCP and the RDEK continued to co-deliver the CVLCF, which awarded funding to nine conservation projects this year, directly benefitting the Columbia Valley’s internationally recognized natural ecosystems. In April, the CVLCF was highlighted in the Association of Kootenay Boundary Local Government convention when officials toured three project sites.

The Local Conservation Fund concept has been so successful that it has expanded to other areas of the Kootenays and beyond. In 2024, KCP also continued to coordinate the Kootenay Connect Priority Places project in the Columbia Valley, a federally funded conservation initiative focused on conserving species at risk.

This year the Kootenay Connect project expanded into the Columbia Lake region. Learn more at kootenayconservation.ca. Warmest wishes to all for a happy, healthy, and fulfilling 2025, from the KCP Team.

ASAP members study water resources map.

PHOTO LOUIS BOCKNER

Kootenay Conservation Program is dedicated to ecosystem health. PHOTO SUBMITTED

Boxing Day Sale

Lest

Submitted by Marius J.A. Hoofd Royal Canadian Legion

The Royal Canadian Legion stands as a beacon of service and unity, dedicated to supporting veterans, military personnel, RCMP, and their families. Our mission is not just about honouring the past but inspiring the present and shaping the future through remembrance and community support.

In 2024, our collective efforts made an incredible impact, allowing us to contribute nearly $50,000 to organizations at the local, provincial, and national levels. This achievement reflects the vibrant spirit of our community and the success of initiatives like the Invermere Farmers’ & Artists Market, the Legion Market and Saturday barbecues.

Revenue from signature events such as the Burns Ceilidh, Spring into Summer, Hokus Pokus Murder Mystery, as well as cherished holiday traditions

like the Christmas market and breakfast with Santa (which saw an incredible three sittings this year) make our community contribution possible.

Our Wednesday evening suppers, monthly seniors’ lunches, and countless hall rentals and catering opportunities further fuel our ability to give back. At the heart of all these endeavours are our dedicated volunteers, heroes in their own right, who pour their time and passion into every effort. Their unwavering commitment makes it all possible, and we are profoundly grateful.

We are continually moved by the unwavering support of our community, particularly during the poppy campaign and Remembrance Day. These moments remind us of the sacrifices made by so many, inspiring us to stand together in gratitude and hope. Together we honour the past, support the present, and build a brighter future for all.

CBEEN’s 20 years!

Submitted by Duncan Whittick

The year 2024 marked the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network’s 20th year of supporting outdoor and environmental learning in the Columbia Valley.

Started by a small group of educators in 2004, we now have over 400 annual members. And this past year we supported over 30,000 educators from across the Columbia Valley and around the world through our social enterprise—the Outdoor Learning School & Store.

A few highlights of the past year:

• Our Wild Voices for Kids nature education programs were offered to over 2,000 students.

• Over 30,000 people signed up for our workshops, courses and events.

• Our annual Outdoor Learning Conference sold out over 400 spots in under two hours.

• While based in the Columbia

Valley, we now support educators in 54 different countries.

In 2025 we look forward to continuing to broaden our engagement and deepen our offerings. A few things we are excited about include:

• We are working hard to deepen relationships and build learning opportunities to support ‘truth and reconciliation’ which is foundational to our work.

• We will be opening registration for the 4th season of learning in the 4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning course this Spring.

• We are now a book publisher, and we offer a number of locally created books and kits.

If our work speaks to you, we encourage you to leave a lasting legacy through our Endowment Fund held by the Columbia Valley Community Foundation: https://cbeen.ca/forever

Pedal power

By Don Devlin and Blaine Nester Cycling Without Age Invermere

We had a great season this year with Cycling Without Age.

With wonderful support from our local care homes, our fantastic volunteer pilots were able to give 373 passengers over 2,900 kilometre of rides throughout the community.

This service is so valuable to those

who struggle with mobility; it gives them the chance to get some much needed fresh air and allows them to connect with their community. It takes dedicated volunteers (pilots) to ride our bikes, care home staff to help our passengers, and partners in the community to help make this program work.

We are very appreciative of all of your support and look forward to continuing bike rides in 2025.

Cycling Without Age is an amazing program for people struggling with mobility. PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network has many supporters at its events. PHOTO SUBMITTED

Cyclers can’t get enough of Society

Submitted by Dallas Husar Columbia Valley Cycling Society

This year was a fun-filled year for the Columbia Valley Cycling Society.

We hosted three races with over 70 people in attendance. Our first race at the Lillian Lake trail network saw 21 folks show up, half of whom were youth, to enjoy a fun cross-country race.

Twenty people turned out for our second race, the SwanseaTop2Bottom race. The third was held in collaboration with Toby Creek Adventures where close to 30 people raced the Air Downhill.

‘May-tenance’ evenings saw CVCS members carry out maintenance on all three of the trail systems we take care of in partnership with Recreation Sites and Trails BC (Lillian Lake, Kloosifer, Swansea). Each evening volunteers enjoyed delicious eats sponsored by a variety of local businesses.

Our annual Bike Swap morphed

into a Summer Gear Swap. We partnered with Summit Trail Makers Society and Wildsight to pull off our largest yearly fundraiser.

One of the most exciting outcomes from the 2024 season was the success of the Youth Bike Club. The fall session saw 28 youth come out each week to enjoy the trails and encourage each other to have fun.

Fat biking group rides continue to be a popular weekly activity, and everyone is excited to get back at it. Each week we post the ride date and location on our social media pages so be sure to follow along if you would like to join.

Please head to www.cvcs.ca to grab your annual membership today!

Grand

Submitted by Rachel Milner Columbia Lake Stewardship Society

This year was special for CLSS because it was our 10th anniversary!

Our mission is to help preserve the ecological health and water supply of Columbia Lake, and so a large part of our work is monitoring the quantity and quality of its water.

This year, as usual, we measured lake levels and outflow, and a variety of chemical parameters that help us to assess water quality. We share our data in annual reports and through the Columbia Basin Water Hub (Living Lakes Canada).

Our work goes beyond data collection and involves our local communities. This year, we joined the Fairmont Lions Club and Community Association to organize a community cleanup, with over 40 volunteers picking up roadside garbage.

We also continued our collaboration with the RDEK and Fairmont Hot

Springs Resort to organize toilet and garbage facilities at the Columbia River access points in Fairmont.

As a part of BC Interior Health’s beach sampling program, we conducted microbiological sampling at the swimming area in Tilley Memorial Park in Canal Flats, and we organized a knapweed pull, in partnership with the East Kootenay Invasive Species Council, to remove knapweed from the western shoreline of Columbia Lake.

In 2024, we also collaborated with Lake Windermere Ambassadors to host free outreach booths and educational summer camps for kids. The camps were held at Tilley Memorial Park in Canal Flats, and James Chabot Provincial Park in Invermere.

As always, we are grateful for the efforts of all our fabulous volunteers and citizen scientists.

Notice of Intent

Rocky Mountain District Road Closure

Notice is given, pursuant to Section 60(2) of the Transportation Act, that the Ministry of Transportation and Transit has received an application to permanently close a portion of Baltac Road right-of-way in Windermere.

The proposed closure is within NEP 4321. The area is to be adjoined to Block K of District Lot 705, Kootenay District Plan 4321, for the purpose of access and setback.

A copy of the plan showing the proposed road closure can be emailed upon request.

Anyone supporting or objecting to this road closure should submit written comments to the ministry’s Rocky Mountain District office at 129 10th Avenue South, Cranbrook, B.C., V1C 2N1, or by email to Debra.Keely@gov.bc.ca, no later than January 10, 2025.

For more information or to request a copy of the plan, please contact Debbie Keely at 250 420-6561 or at Debra.Keely@gov.bc.ca

The Youth Bike Club gets set for another adventure with Columbia Valley Cycling Society.

PHOTO THE KIRKS

The knapweed pull for the Columbia Lake Stewardship Society.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

PASS go, collect big!

Submitted by Nicole Morgan Panorama Adaptive Sports Society

Origins began 20 years ago to give everyone a chance to have fun on snow.

Fourteen coaches and 20 athletes took on the slopes. With equipment so slick, it ain’t no joke.

Sharing laughter and speed with a trio of sit-skis, is indeed, an inspiring sight to see.

We’re a society that strives to continually refresh our coach's abilities and skills, evolving programs for those who are differently abled, either physically or cognitively.

We aim to never say no to a lesson or ski opportunity and be able to meet any need.

slopes.

If you love that feeling of soul-filling, flow-finding, you know that indescribable happiness. Come and share it!

So, given that 2024 was the busiest season yet, more volunteers we can always use.

If you’re keen to spread some magic and joy in the mountains, come join us; all are welcome.

You don’t have to be a coach or instructor; if you’re just keen to help, we’d love to have you.

Panorama Adaptive Sports Society (PASS) provides pathways to gaining experience, training and adaptive certification if interested.

To learn more, check out https:// panoadaptive.com/

Bright New Minds

Submitted by Jenn Broadfoot Bright New Minds Child Care

This past year was a big one for our child care centre.

Since it’s inception in 2007, the daycare was known as Sonshine Children’s Centre and operated as a ministry of Lake Windermere Alliance Church. After 16 years of providing exceptional early childhood education and care services to our community, the church felt the time had come to hand the centre over to the community and Bright New Minds Child Care Society was created.

children nine months old to school age.

In June, we amended our licence to include a preschool and an out of school program. These programs were a welcome addition to our centre as we are now able to meet more of the community’s need for child care.

With a strong board made of both parents and community members, they took over the daily operation of the daycare on February 1, 2024. For the first five months, Bright New Minds Child Care Society operated just as it has in the past, offering quality child care for

Submitted by Peter Von Niessen Lake Windermere District Rod and Gun Club

In the spring of 2024 the egg tubes used to plant 40,000 fertilized kokanee eggs in Able Creek in the fall of 2023 were dug up from the incubation platform and sterilized for future use in the fall of 2024.

Fish counts were conducted by a group of volunteers in September when 43 kokanee were counted which was up from six in 2023.

Permits were in place to transplant another batch of kokanee eggs in the fall of 2024 and 30,000 eggs were made available for placement in Abel Creek. The placement of the eggs in the incubation platform was carried out in late October with the help of the BC Freshwater Fisheries Society and club volunteers. This is the second of eight planned transplants with the goal of boosting each four-year run cycle twice.

The club is working with the District of Invermere on the removal of another culvert in 2025 down Walker Lane which

The children and educators of Bright New Minds Child Care Society enjoyed another busy year participating in as much as the Columbia Valley had to offer. Together the children and educators explored the many different wooded areas, playgrounds, and parks. They also spent time connecting with other members of the community with visits to Columbia Gardens, Mt. Nelson Place, and touring local businesses.

We look forward to another exciting year creating a nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environment for children to learn, and thrive.

is another obstacle the fish have to navigate.

Turtle basking log material was hauled over ice into the National Wildlife Refuge - Wilmer Unit at Ritchies Point to be installed at a later time.

We constructed 30 swallow nesting cups for the barn swallow project.

We placed turtle basking logs on Nature Trust wetlands at Columbia River and Hoodoos property with Nature Trust BC staff assisting.

We assisted with building turtle nesting beds at Spillimacheen, and placed basking logs for winter placement at Zehnder Ranch.

The Club held multiple successful shotgun shoots, and had another successful outdoor 3D archery shoot.

We held a pellet gun program for kids in the winter, and started meeting to organize a womens hunt/fish program.

Two members won national awards for their lifetime of conservation efforts. The Canadian Wildlife Federation Roland Michener Conservation Award was won by Ben Mitchell-Banks, and Richard Hoar won the King Charles Coronation Medal.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Bright New Minds Child Care staff just love what they do for the little ones.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Chamber has local businesses covered

Submitted

by

Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce

The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce (CVCC) continued to focus on our provincial and federal presence this year, leveraging our “Chamber Influencer” provincial status.

Executive Director Pete Bourke, along with current President Rhiannon Tutty, and Past-President Cris Leonard attended several important events including both the provincial and the national conferences. They represented our business community, while participating in important debate and policy discussion with our Chamber network and with elected government representatives.

Pete continued to be involved as the past president of the Chamber Executives of BC, and as a director on the board of the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada.

“It is an honour to represent our region through

Submitted by Columbia Valley Community Economic Development Office

This year the work of the CVCEDO was focused on key areas such as a workforce and student transit study, working with early childhood service providers, business support services, sector development, and the provincial nominee program for entrepreneurs. Notably, two main areas of focus were supporting film production attraction and completing an energy study in partnership with the support of a PhD student from the University of British Columbia. The film sector work resulted in a film production taking place this fall which brought awareness to our area and financial support to many businesses in our region during a historically slower time of the year in the valley.

these channels to maximize the opportunities to communicate our needs and promote our successes to larger audiences”, says Pete.

Our annual Chamber Golf Tournament and Business Excellence Awards were highlights again this year, and the new monthly Chamber Connections have been a successful addition to our events. These are a great way to connect and network with other business owners and organizations in the valley and take place on the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Be sure to sign up to our communications by checking out our website (www.cvchamber.ca) and follow us on social media.

We sincerely thank our new and returning members, as well as our community for your support. Our team here at CVCC is very much looking forward to 2025 and continuing our valuable work in advocating for our valley businesses and supporting them in their path to success.

Economic development Housing those in need

Submitted by Columbia Valley Housing Society

The Columbia Valley Housing Society (CVHS) maintained forward momentum in 2024.

After working with the Village of Radium Hot Springs and their purchase of a three-unit multi-family dwelling, the CVHS took over management of the property. This is a win-win for both organizations and a great example of how to work well together to secure long-term attainable housing in the valley.

In March, the CVHS completed the deliverables that were related to initial funding that was largely provided by ETSI-BC to hire our first contracted staff role. Additional funding or in-kind support came from local governments, the CV Tourism Marketing Society, Work BC, and CV Chamber of Commerce.

We greatly appreciated all the efforts that Bill Kirkpatrick gave to the CVHS to create a foundation for us to build from.

Local government continued their support with funding from the five Columbia Valley communities within the CV Services Area through the Regional District of East Kootenay. Additionally, the District of Invermere and the Village of Radium Hot Springs contributed funds directly to support the Society. This has led to the hiring of our current Housing Society Manager, Nicole Morgan.

Our AGM took place in November where the majority of our dedicated board of directors remained in-

With the energy study we are looking at alternative and creative energy solutions for the entire valley. We are excited about the longevity potential for both areas.

Recently, the CVCEDO Advisory Commission comprised of elected leaders and volunteers from throughout the Columbia Valley came together to draft a strategic plan to provide direction to the CVCEDO over the next three years. During the meeting, the Commission was provided updates from local Indigenous communities, professional services, trades, the building sector, forestry, resort and tourism operations, manufacturing, and small/medium size businesses. The plan is currently being finalized and will be available on our website (www.investcolumbiavalley.ca) in early 2025.

COLUMBIA VALLEY

CH AMBER OF COMMERCE

The District of Invermere Council meets regularly throughout the year on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Office (914 – 8th Avenue, Invermere).

January 14th & 28th

February 11th & 25th

March 11th & 25th

April 8th & 22nd

May 13th & 27th

June 10th & 24th

July 8th

August 12th

September 9th

October 14th & 28th

November 12th & 25th

December 9th

Agendas are posted on our website www.invermere.net prior to the meetings.

place, continuing the strong foundation of board skills in areas such as legal, accounting, real estate, local government, property management, trades, planning, and project management, to name a few.

Currently the CVHS is assessing several development opportunities and planning a housing symposium for 2025. Part of this work will be to understand funding sources that can best serve the Columbia Valley, as well as facilitating community engagements as business plans and feasibility studies are presented.

The District of Invermere Committee of the Whole meets regularly throughout the year on one Tuesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Office (914 – 8th Avenue, Invermere)

January 14th

February 11th

March 11th

April 8th

May 13th

June 10th

July 8th

August 12th

September 9th

October 14th

November 12th

December 9th

Agendas are posted on our website www.invermere.net prior to the meetings.

•

• Experienced, professional operators and the right

•

Submitted by Columbia Valley Rockies

Easily the youngest coaching team in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, Columbia Valley Rockies trio Tayler Sincennes (head coach), Tucker Braund (associate coach) and Tanner Wit (assistant coach) took the local Junior A team significantly further into the 2023/2024 playoffs than anticipated and have no intention of slowing down for the remainder of the 2024/2025 season.

Colloquially known as T3, the trio emphasize teamwork within the coaching circle as well as with the players, and that approach has succeeded in them building a team well worth watching.

The staff, volunteers and players work hard all year to keep the team running smoothly during the regular and playoff season.

Catch the action at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena during home games. The schedule is posted online at rockieshockey.ca.

Here’s to a solid Foundation

Submitted by Thiloma Hofer

Columbia Valley Community Foundation

This past year has been one of growth for the Columbia Valley Community Foundation (CVCF). In 2024, CVCF administrated five separate granting streams and in total we will distribute over $400,000 into our community.

This year CVCF brought the management of Neighbourhood Small Grants for the Columbia Valley in house. With the aid of coordinator, Cajsa Fredin, 12 individuals spearheaded projects aimed at fostering togetherness in our community.

The projects ranged from Little Free Libraries to community gardens to workshops. Look for news of these wonderful projects on our social media pages and website. Applications for 2025 projects will open in March.

bia Valley Food + Farm, CBAL and Windermere District Farmer’s Institute.

On August 2, W. Brett Wilson and friends presented the fifth! #BrettBrettBaltacBoatConcert to raise funds for local youth mental health initiatives. Once again, concertgoers were treated to an outstanding performance by Canadian country star Brett Kissel, and over $93,000 was raised! Over the past five years, this unique concert has raised $500,000 for the Columbia Valley community. We are incredibly grateful to Brett, Brett and all the music lovers who support this event.

The Foundation also supplied administrative support for the Province of BC’s Community Prosperity Fund. This funding stream provided over $145,000 in funding to three local not-for-profit organizations to address the issue of food insecurity.

We are looking forward to the difference this substantial investment will make to the efforts of Colum-

As usual, the Foundation administrated its student award program with $159,000 made available to students this year. We again ran a fall cycle and saw a 100 per cent increase in the applications received versus 2023. Nearly all Columbia Valley youth pursuing any accredited post-secondary education (ages 17-35) are eligible for these awards and students may receive awards twice.

Please follow the Foundation’s social media accounts or subscribe to the CVCF newsletter to receive reminders of application deadlines.

The Foundation will soon complete its Community Grants process which will see a record $103,000 distributed to support local projects. This program saw

a 25 per cent increase in applications over last year.

To address this growth, the CVCF is modernizing its systems. In 2024, we implemented a new application portal and refreshed our website to manage the additional funding opportunities, and the increasing number of applications received in each stream.

Of course, all of this is only possible because of the continued generosity of our donors, partners, and volunteers – we are so thankful for each of you.

PIONEER CLASSIFIEDS

Raven, Anne Mildred (nee Kubat)

Mildred Raven (nee Kubat) 92, of Invermere, B.C. passed away peacefully on December 17, 2024, at Columbia House. Anne was born December 21, 1931 in Kohoutov, Czechoslovakia to Anna and Otto Kubat. Anne’s family immigrated to Canada in 1937, and settled on a farm near Margo, Saskatchewan. In 1953, Anne met and married her soulmate, Herman Raven, and they raised 4 children together. Anne and Herman moved their family from Manitoba to the Windermere Valley in 1964.

Anne was a kind, devoted Mother and Grandmother, who enjoyed visiting with her family, baking, gardening and walks in the fresh mountain air.

Anne also enjoyed the many years she worked at lnvermere District Hospital.

Anne was predeceased by her loving husband Herman, her parents, and five siblings. She is survived by her daughter Bev (Bob) and sons, Gordon (Ramona), Walter (Irene) and Michael (Kathy). By grandchildren James, Amanda, Maynard, Tyerel, Meagan, Melissa and Brandon. Also, by ten great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a charity of your choice.

Mom you are always remembered, and forever loved.

Party with Kinsmen

Submitted by Kinsmen Club

This has been a great year for your local Kinsmen Club. It has been our pleasure to raise money and provide services to this amazing community.

As we enter our 43rd year of service to the Columbia Valley, we thank former members for their service, we celebrate our current expanding roster and we are looking to recruit new members for 2025. If you are male and are over 19 who would like to have fun and contribute to our great community; contact us: kinsmenwv@gmail.com

Our Christmas tree pick up event is taking place in the Invermere area on January 4, 2025. Please have your trees by the curb by 8 a.m. This is a ‘by donation’ fundraiser for the Canadian Cystic

Fibrosis Foundation. Envelopes will be provided for donations. You can also send donations all year for any event to: kinsmenwv@gmail.com.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of our Fishing Derby event. It will be held on January 25, 2025. This event is a local favourite, so come on out and join in the fun.

Unfortunately, we are saying goodbye to our long-standing Snow Golf event due to unpredictable weather in recent years. We are very grateful for this past event and to those who have supported it. It has been a great fundraiser for us and the local community.

Thank you for helping us to support our community’s greatest needs.

We wish you happy holidays and a Happy New Year.

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.

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

Narcotics Anonymous. Mondays 7-8 pm, ONLY VIA ZOOM.

Meeting ID: 772 6822 4234 Passcode: 4ZgPXP

HIRING: Accredited Silviculture Surveyors

Columbia Extreme Contracting is looking for accredited silviculture surveyors to join its team from MayOctober with a flexible work schedule out of Radium Hot Springs. We can accommodate most schedules on a part- or full-time basis.

Applicants must have good physical fitness, excellent communication and high standards of safety.

mark@columbiaextreme.com

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

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

Three Cheers to Doug and David from Bike it Forward. Thank you so much for all you do to bring smiles to so many in the Columbia Valley!

Cheers to Heinz and Ricky Meyer for dropping off treats at the office. You are wonderful people, so thoughtful.

Cheers to Gigi Statham for your help with my propane delivery. Within minutes of contacting you, everything was arranged. You are so awesome, I don’t know what I would do without your help! Cheers to Cindy R. for the nuts and bolts. I wait and look forward to this gift all year long. They are sooo good!

SALE

2025 Columbia Valley Calendars for sale $25 each

Local photography by Cheri Hann (Cheri’s Creations on FB).

Available for pick up at The Pioneer and Local View (during office hours), or email: cherihann9@gmail.com

Cheers to our awesome neighbor in Westside Park for shoveling our driveway! So touched! From 2136!

Cheers to Irene Ogilvie for your thoughtfulness. You checked in on me every single day while I was sick. That was so kind of you. It was nice to know someone cared.

Big Cheers to Dr. Mannheimer, the nurses, and staff at Columbia House for taking such excellent care of our mom.

Commercial space for rent in downtown Windermere 1500 sq ft. Phone 250-342-3819

Anne

Wings Over the Rockies in tune with nature

Submitted

by Wings Over the Rockies

Wings over the Rockies Nature Festival celebrated its 27th year in the Upper Columbia Valley in 2024.

Our mission is to promote conservation, education, stewardship and economic development by hosting a seven-day festival with over 100 events for all to enjoy. From field events, luncheons to evening presentations, our theme, ‘Wings Way over the Rockies’The Big Picture was a huge success.

Three signature events were held at the Columbia Valley Centre that included a screening of the multi-award-winning film, “500 Days in the Wild”, a live music event with Over the Moon band and an end of festival gala dinner and keynote presentation with CBC Radio program host, Bob McDonald.

Many thanks to all who attended the events, our generous sponsors and donors and incredible team of lead-

ers, volunteers and business affiliates. Thank you for keeping Wings flying.

In 2024, Wings over the Rockies Nature Festival Society worked with the Columbia Valley Community Foundation and created the Ross MacDonald Memorial Legacy Fund in memory of Ross MacDonald. Ross passed away in June 2023. Right up until his last days he remained a highly dedicated supporter of Wings over the Rockies and its mission.

This legacy fund provides funding for projects in the Columbia Valley that support community environmental education and/or land-based conservation such as habitat restoration, maintaining or improving ecological conditions, or species at risk protection.

Come and join us May 5 – 11, 2025. For more information, follow us on social or visit www.wingsovertherockies. org.

RAD, totally RAD! SKIP:

year in review

Submitted by Tanelle Bolt Recreation Adapted Society (RAD)

In 2024, RAD Recreation Adapted Society (RAD) continued to break barriers with the addition of a brand new electric assist all-terrain wheelchair to our inventory.

Welcome to the first phase of the renovation to the Invermere GearBox, supported by a grant from the Columbia Valley Community Foundation and Brett & Brett. This GearBox project is establishing a safe, wheelchair-accessible access to our storage shipping container, with further improvements planned for its evolution into an operable rental location.

Meanwhile, winter sledge skates and cross-country sit sledges are available for rent at The Inside Edge—thank you, Inside Edge!

Our Ugly Pant Classic Golf Tournament has moved to Spur Valley Golf Club, scheduled for Oct. 5, 2025. We

appreciate everyone who helped keep the tournament alive this year and look forward to an exciting dress-up extravaganza next year!

We are also excited to announce the fully operational prototype GearBox in Langford, providing affordable, accessible adaptive bikes, water access equipment and more through partnerships with the City of Langford, the University of British Columbia and the Disability Alliance of BC. As well as our Victoria Foundation supported partnership with the Victoria Tool Library, in offering three pieces of adaptive equipment in their inventory.

We remain committed to encouraging individuals to maintain active, healthy lifestyles, regardless of mobility.

Looking forward to seeing everyone this Family Day long weekend's 9th Annual RAD Polar Plunge! Thank you from the bottoms of our hearts for always making this the most fun and successful event of the year.

Submitted

The Shuswap Band and the District of Invermere continued the work of their ‘SKIP’ – Shuswap Kenpesq’t.

The Invermere partnership originally started through the ‘CEDI’ program (Community Economic Development Initiative) from 2018 through 2021. The partnership has a working group made up of leadership and staff from both communities who meet monthly and also hosts various workshops throughout the year.

In this past year the partnership updated their Joint Strategic Plan, which is largely focused on Joint Active Transportation Network and other economic initiatives. There was also a jointly hosted emergency preparedness workshop earlier this year that brought together

key agencies from around the valley, the East Kootenays, and from the province.

“The relationship between our two communities is foundational to working together now but also for future opportunities”, said Chief Barb Cote.

Mayor Al Miller agreed and added, “Working together in this relationship helps us better understand what is most important for our communities and how we can come together more often on a variety of things.”

Moving into 2025 the partnership is focused on the two core areas of focus noted above and to exploring other ways the communities can work together. They are also committed to outcomes that extend beyond their two communities out to all Columbia Valley residents and visitors.

While the District of Invermere recognizes the efforts by short-term rental owners to host responsibly and to welcome guests who respect their neighbours, we realize that sometimes STR regulations are not followed.

If you would like to report compliance issues such as noise, parking, trash, or other problems with a shortterm rental in your neighbourhood, we invite you to reach out!

The Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival is celebrating its 27th year.

Honouring legacy of Rolf

Submitted by Valerie Bracken Radium Village Arts & Culture Society

The Radium Village Arts & Culture Society is thrilled to announce significant progress on Woodcarver Park, a project dedicated to honouring the memory and legacy of Rolf Heer.

This year, we obtained the development permit to move forward with construction, which is set to begin in the spring of 2025. This milestone reflects countless hours of planning and effort, and we’re excited to soon bring this vision to life.

Woodcarver Park will celebrate Rolf Heer’s remarkable contributions to the community and his iconic "Home of a Thousand Faces," which once stood on the property.

A treehouse structure inspired by Rolf’s distinctive hat will be a central feature, capturing the essence of his creative spirit.

The park is envisioned as a welcoming space for children to play, storytelling, and appreciation of the surrounding natural beauty. Our goal is to complete Woodcarver Park by fall of 2025, creating a lasting tribute to a cherished artist and community figure.

radiumarts.ca

Fairmont Lions Club roars

Submitted by Lynda Devenish Fairmont & District Lions Club

This has been a most productive year for our Fairmont Lions Club as besides our annual 23 local donations and four scholarships, we have completed two pickleball courts and a Lions Community Garden. These are additions to the memorial trees, picnic tables, soccer field, horseshoe pitch, and volleyball court in our Wilder Memorial Park situated at the bottom of Wills Road.

We could not have accomplished these projects without our community donations, our recycling, Golf Challenge and the hard work of our community members working out of the kindness of their hearts helping out the Lions, constructing boxes, walkways, a gazebo and a tool shed.

The garden which is wheelchair accessible with high boxes was completed in 14 months with all boxes planted and producing vegetables and flowers. There is a children’s garden to teach them about growing food with plans for art classes making gnomes, fairy houses, bird houses, etc. and hosting the Invermere Library’s Story Time in the Park.

The Pickleball courts have proved popular and it has been said that they are the finest in the valley. The Lions Wilder Memorial Park is popular for sports, meetings and socializing, and a legacy for the Fairmont & District Lions Club.

We are welcoming new members.

2024 busy year for DOI

Submitted by Kindry Dalke, DOI

Here are some highlights from a busy 2024:

• Initiated the short-term rental application, licencing and reporting system.

• Installed the Mount Nelson Athletic Park accessible playground.

• Continued the SKIP partnership with the Shuswap Band where there is a desire for collaboration on common community priorities including a new “Friendship” bridge over the Columbia River

linking the two communities and the local RDEK communities.

• Hired an environmental planner who will be focused on organics, recycling, EV charging, community greening and active transportation initiatives in 2025.

• Completed the new signage on the Columbia Valley Centre.

• Completed parkland improvements at the Lake Side Lands, adjacent to James Chabot Provincial Park.

• Completed the tennis court resurfacing and practice wall.

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

Christmas Eve Services Edgewater - 5:00pm, All Saints Invermere - 7:00pm, Christ Church Trinity Windermere - 9:00pm, Stolen Church

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

Woodcarver Park is a hugely anticipated project to honour Rolf Heer. PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Fairmont Lions Community Garden is a popular place. PHOTO SUBMITTED