Columbia Valley Pioneer, October 11, 2018

Photo by Dauna Ditson

Métis reconciliation

Métis Nation British Columbia presi dent Clara Morin-Dal Col (right) travelled to Invermere to meet with local Métis people as part of a province-wide effort to discuss Métis rights and reconciliation. Debra Fish er, president of the Columbia Valley Métis Association, was thrilled about the gather ing at Christ Church Trinity on Wednesday, October 3rd. “I’d never ever dreamed that in my lifetime we’d be where we’re at now as Métis,” she said.

While Métis people have been treated harshly and it wasn’t always safe to identify as Métis, she said “being Métis right now is something to be very proud of.”

Photo by Dauna Ditson

Batallion of veterans stand guard over downtown Invermere

By Lorene Keitch lorene@columbiavalleypioneer.com

A parade of veterans mark Invermere’s downtown, marching proudly down 7th Avenue.

Their names are noted, their faces preserved, on park bench-sized banners hung taut above the light-posts. The banners pay tribute to soldiers who have called the Columbia Valley home. The veterans include those who served in the Boer War, the first and second World Wars and the Korean War, as well as veterans that served in other ways. The banners are two-sided, with a total of 96 veterans featured.

The project started last year with 74 veterans, lim ited by the number of frames in Invermere’s downtown core. But thanks to funding from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 71 of Invermere, they were able to have more banner frames built and installed this year, adding 24 more veterans to the local battalion.

Spearheading the project was Elinor Florence, who first spotted the idea while on a trip back east, and Sandi Jones, who has taken over the lion’s share of coordinating the project this year. It was while back east on a trip that Ms. Florence, a local author with a deep interest in vet eran’s stories, first heard about a veteran’s banner project.

“This program began in the Maritimes and has spread to several Ontario towns,” she explained. “It is now catching on in Western Canada as well.”

While watching the banners go up on Monday, Oc tober 1st, Ms. Jones reported that the feedback they got last year was nothing short of amazing. She heard sto ries of people who had travelled to Invermere just to see their relative’s banner, and had requests about when they would be put up this year for people wanting to come here when the banners are up. Others commented how much they enjoyed buying the biographies and learning about each veteran as they walked through the streets.

“It’s so exciting. People are planning visits to In vermere just to see these,” Ms. Jones remarked. The banners went up Monday, October 1st, and will come down some time after Remembrance Day. The

Photo by Lorene Keitch

banners run along main street, down 9th Street and up 12th Street. Biography booklets can be purchased at the Legion, A&W, AG Valley Foods, and the Pioneer for $3.

To help the project along, Anvy Digital in Calgary did the printing for a great deal, and Palliser Printing’s Dee Conklin donated her time to set the banners ready for printing. Fraser Smith of Invermere Custom Wood working built sturdy storage containers to keep the ban ners safe the rest of the year, and the District donated staff time to install the banner frames and put up the 48 banners.

The banners were sponsored by the families of the veterans and by the two local First Nations bands to hon our band members who served. If you are interested in learning more or want your family’s veteran added, email Ms. Jones at sandijones@shaw.ca.

District of Invermere staff members Shawnna Warriner and Greg Nyuli install one of the banners Monday, October 1st.

VALLEY

Area F forum finds little friction

By Dauna Ditson reporter@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Voters crowded into a meeting room at the Lions Hall to interview the three can didates who are competing for the job of representing them as their Area F director for the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK).

Tom Symington, Susan Clovechok and Dawn Chabot Attorp responded to the first few questions at the All-Candidates Forum by reading pages of their prepared remarks. They loosened up as the hour-and-a-half interview continued and as questions from the floor left them forming their responses on their feet.

On the issue of affordable housing, Mr. Symington raised the idea of co-op housing and said he would “certainly promote multi-family housing.”

Ms. Clovechok said she would like to see changes to the provincial residential ten ancy act “so that there’s some attraction for people to rent out their property.”

Ms. Chabot Attorp said she was “surprised to find out that Area F has opted out of having secondary suites.” She supports rezoning, allowing secondary suites and looking into creative solutions.

All of the candidates valued consultation with First Nations.

Ms. Clovechok said: “We need to work harder and work together” and that “it’s very important that we consult the First Peoples.”

Ms. Chabot Attorp wants to see “a continuum of engagement... depending on the magnitude of the project” with increased opportunities for First Nations to be involved.

Mr. Symington said his experience in West Africa gave him a broader perspective

on the long-lasting impacts of colonialism and informs his interest in making sure the Valley “is a good place for everyone.”

The candidates offered their perspectives on how to strike a balance between eco nomic benefits and environmental protection when it comes to the area’s lakes and rivers.

Continued

Area G forum an amiable evening with adversaries

By Lorene Keitch lorene@columbiavalleypioneer.com

It was an amiable evening at the Edgewater Community Hall for the Area G all-candidates de bate.

Incumbent Gerry Wilkie and first-time can didate Stephanie Stevens answered four prepared questions then a handful more from the sparse audience of about a dozen people at the forum Wednesday, October 3rd.

During introductory remarks, Mr. Wilkie said he and Ms. Stevens have known each other for a long time as she has been his alternate director for many years. However, he said, since he has not

missed a single board or committee meeting in 10 years, she has been unable to act on his behalf. He went on to talk about why he is running for an other term.

“I have a strong, strong passion for what I’m doing on behalf of Area G,” he said. “I want to make it clear: one more term. There are so many things that are in the hopper, in the works, I want to see completed.”

He began to outline projects he would like to follow through on such as planning for some com munity property in Edgewater; however, his time limit ran out before he could continue.

Ms. Stevens spoke next, timing her two

Tom Symington, Susan Clovechok, and Dawn Chabot Attorp at the all-candidates debate for Area F director Wednesday, October 3rd.

Photo by Dauna Ditson

Gerry Wilkie and Stephanie Stevens take a moment to chat after the Area G all-candidates forum. Photo by Lorene Keitch

RCMP Report

Submitted by Sgt. Darren Kakuno Detachment Commander Columbia Valley RCMP

This past week, October 1st through October 7th, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 56 calls for service. The fol lowing are some of the more notable files our officers responded to.

• On Tuesday, October 2nd at 7 a.m., police responded to a single vehicle col lision on Highway 93 in Kootenay Na tional Park. The driver of a GMC Yukon explained he had driven too close to the soft shoulder of the highway as a semi passed and ended up in the ditch. The driver and his passenger were uninjured but his vehi cle had to be towed.

• On Wednesday, October 3rd at 2 a.m., police re ceived a report of a male staggering down the middle of Athalmer Road in Invermere. An officer located the male and provided him a safe ride home.

• On Thursday, October 4th at 2 a.m., a family dis turbance was reported at a residence on Upper Lakeview Lane in Invermere. The owner of the residence requested assistance in removing an unwanted individual. An in toxicated male was arrested for mischief and held in cells until he was sober enough to care for himself.

• Sometime between the evening of October 5th and the morning of October 6th someone drove a vehicle

onto the David Thompson Secondary School field and caused significant damage. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Co lumbia Valley RCMP.

• On Saturday, October 6th at about 9 p.m., police were notified that a mountain bike had just been stolen from the Fairmont RV resort and the suspect departed in a grey GMC pickup. Officers located and stopped the suspect truck on Hwy 93/95 near Fair mont. A 25-year-old male from Golden was arrested for theft and possession of stolen property and the bicycle was returned to its rightful owner.

• On Sunday, October 7th at 4:21 a.m., a resident on Westside Park Avenue called police to request assistance in dealing with an intoxicated friend who had caused property damage and was refusing to leave. The subject of the complaint had left the house prior to police arriv al but was located nearby. Police arrested the female for causing a disturbance and being intoxicated in a public place and held her in cells until she was sober enough to care for herself.

• On Sunday, October 7th a resident on 10th Avenue in Invermere reported his white 1996 GMC pickup had been stolen sometime over the night with the keys left in it. The truck was located later the same day parked be hind the Copper City Saloon. The truck was undamaged but some tools were missing.

Aversive conditioning sends bear on its way

Tales from the field

By BC Conservation Officer Sgt. Drew Milne

Did you think you heard some gun shots or perhaps some “fireworks” on September 25th and 26th in and around 13th Ave? If you did then you were cor rect. However, these weren’t your ordinary gun shots, they were the nonlethal kind. The sounds you heard were rubber bullets, bean bags and cracker shells being shot at a conflict bear from a normal shotgun. Conservation Officers, with the assistance of the RCMP, were using nonlethal intervention options to manage a specific black bear’s behaviour. Basically, aversive conditioning is a behavioural conditioning technique where a less de sirable behaviour is punished and a desired behaviour is rewarded. Officers intervened in this manner as the bear was deemed to be a good candidate for a behav ioral conditioning. Aversive conditioning and can be successful with the right candidate and if deployed in a timely and effective manner; timeliness is so important.

Using a handful of negative stimuli on the 25th and 26th, the COs pushed a juvenile black bear out of the built up ar eas. Once the bear demonstrated a more desirable behavior and/or was out of built up areas the negative stimuli was stopped. Aversive conditioning can include: rub ber bullets, bean bags, cracker shells, loud noise, trained dogs and forced movement. This type of wildlife management should only be done by trained professionals as there are many safety related and wildlife behavioral facets that need to be considered, orches trated and delivered for the technique to be safe and effective.

The Conservation Officer Service would like to thank all that reported the bear’s presence to our Re port All Poachers and Polluters hotline at 1-877-9527277 (#7277 on your cell). The timely reports allowed officers and WildSafe BC to quickly respond, assess why the bear was around, deploy aversive conditioning, educate folks about attractants and most importantly keep the public safe and keep that bear alive and wild.

Provincial referendum questions answered at Invermere event

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

A recent presentation in Invermere about the up coming provincial referendum on electoral reform, held on the same night as several municipal election forums, drew a modest crowd to the Invermere library.

A total of five people turned out last week to hear two representatives from Fair Vote Canada — a nonprof it group in favour of proportional representation — ex pound on the different proportional representation op tions that will appear on the referendum ballot.

The referendum, which will be conducted by postal ballot between October 22nd and November 2nd, will be the third province-wide vote on proportional representation in the past decade and a half, and conducting it fulfills promis es for the B.C. NDP and B.C. Greens (the two parties that jointly control the Victoria legislature), both of which campaigned on introducing proportional representation during the 2017 provincial election.

that a party must receive at least 5 per cent of the popular vote across the province before it can get seats, which the pair said will prevent “extremist fringe” parties gaining undue influence over government. They also offered their opinion that proportional systems are, in fact more sta ble than first-past-the-post, since they do not create what they termed “wild swings” of huge majorities from one party to another, from election to election.

The duo talked about how proportional systems work in other jurisdictions around the world.

“Some of those have been raving successes, others less so, but none of them have since decided to go back to first-past-the-post,” said Ms. Remnant.

ank you!

e Columbia Valley Rockies would like to thank all the participants, sponsors and donors who made our September 22nd 5th Annual Golf Tournament a huge success. Hosted at Copper Point Golf Course –e Ridge Course.

Major Sponsors:

• Anonymous Hole In One:

Golf Tournament Donors

• Kanata Hotel

• Kicking Horse Co ee

• Landmark CinemasCranbrook

Ann Remnant, Fair Vote Canada

If B.C. does adopt a part ly proportional system follow ing this referendum, a second ‘confirming’ referendum must be held two provincial election cycles later, asking whether B.C. residents wish to keep the adopted proportional system or go back to first-past-the-post.

• Lambert Insurance

• Walkers Auto Repair

• NAPA Auto Parts

• Kool Country Towing

Silent Auction and Prizes:

• Arrowhead Brewery

• Bill Hay

• Bank Of Montreal

• Canadian Tire

• Canterbury Inn

• Columbia Basin and Trust

• Copper Point Golf

• Copper Point Resort

• Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce

• Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

During the Wednesday, October 3rd presentation, Fair Vote Canada representatives Sjeng Derkx and Ann Remnant outlined why they feel B.C. needs proportion al representation, and then covered the basics for each of the three proportional representation systems on the ballot.

The poll will ask two questions: whether respon dents want to keep the current first-past-the-post vot ing system or prefer tweaking the system to add some form of proportional representation; and then, if B.C. does change its electoral system, which of three proposed systems incorporating proportional representation (dual member proportional; mixed member proportional; and rural-urban proportional) do respondents most prefer to see used.

“It’s important to remember we will keep local repre sentation. I can’t stress enough that in all the systems we will be keeping first-past-the-post, but adding a propor tional element to it,” said Mr. Derkx.

He and Ms. Remnant also presented counter argu ments to some of the common critiques of proportional representation, in particular pointing out (several times) that all the systems proposed on the ballot have a caveat

The province previously held referendums on a B.C.-specific type of proportional representation called B.C. single transferable vote (BC-STV) in 2005 and 2009. B.C. residents voted 57.7 per cent in favour of BC-STV in 2005, however the government had set a 60 per cent approval requirement to adopt the new electoral system. In the second referendum (which did not have a 60 per cent approval threshold) only 39.9 per cent of respondents favoured BC-STV. BC-STV is not one of the proportional representation systems on the ballot this time around.

Mr. Derkx summed up by saying that, in general, proportional systems eliminate the need for strategic voting, result in more elected officials acting against party line (if their conscience so dictates), more private member’s bills, more independent candidates getting elected, better cooperation across the political spectrum, and more political parties in the legislature (he said that a proportional system in B.C. would likely see Liberal, NDP, Green, Conservative and possibly a few indepen dent MLAs in a near-future election).

An audience member asked if the referendum would bring an end to partisan politics.

“Bad habits are hard to break. They won’t be singing

Continued on page 8 . . .

• From Scratch

• Hearing Loss Centre

• Home Hardware

• Manny Osborne-Paradis

• Mineral Mountain Ziplines

• Mr. Getzlaf

• NAPA Auto Parts

• Old Timers Hockey

• Panorama Mountain Village

• Peacock Embroidery

• Rocky River Grill

• Radium Hot Springs

• Roger Dubielwicz

• Selkirk Beverages/ Pepsi Cola Group

• Sobeys

• Station Pub

• Syndicate Board Shop

• Tayton Bay Distillery

• Tim Hortons

• The Inside Edge

• Valley Fitness

• Varel Rock Oil & Gas

Project Funding Available

Do you have a Health Based Community Project in mind ?

The Invermere Health Care Auxiliary Society is pleased to invite non-profit organizations to apply to its Fall Funding Process for projects that will enhance health care and healthy living in our community. This new funding format is to be used for all applicants. In the future the IHCAS is offering this Health Based Community Funding initiative twice a year, Fall and Spring.

The source of funding for the IHCAS is The Invermere Thrift Store, 170 plus volunteers working tirelessly to strengthen health initiatives in the Columbia Valley. For Applications and questions email seona@shaw.ca .

Community Health based grants will generally not exceed $5,000.

Deadline for applications being received is October 29, 2018, successful applicants will be notified mid November 2018.

Scholarships for College/University Students

Pursuing Careers in Health Related Fields

The Invermere Health Care Auxiliary Society, at discretion, will be awarding a scholarship in the amount of $1,500 to a student entering a second or subsequent year of a health program at a recognized post-secondary institution. Preference will be given to students who have attended David Thompson Secondary School, Invermere, BC and who have been junior volunteers at the Invermere and District Hospital, Columbia House or other health-related fields.

Applications must be received by October 29th, 2018. Please contact Paige Ukass 250-342-0088, email: paige_u@hotmail.com or Wendi Ede 250-342-0093, Wendi_pooh@homtail.com .

“People Helping People in our Community”

e Columbia Valley Community Foundation is accepting 2018 fall grant applications

CVCF granted funds are available for registered charities which support projects that enhance the quality of life for Columbia Valley residents from Canal Flats to Spillimacheen.

Deadline for applications: October 31st, 2018

Granting guidelines and application forms available at www.valleyfoundation.ca

For information on the granting process, contact Laurie Klassen, 250-342-2845 or email laurie@valleyfoundation.ca

For Good. For Community. For Ever.

“Some of those have been raving successes, others less so, but none of them have since decided to go back to first-past-the-post.”

PERSPECTIVE

Newspapers matter

By Bob Cox News Media Canada

It is common these days to nd news outlets that run features under headlines like: “A look at what didn’t happen this week.”

Journalism never used to worry about what didn’t happen. Airplanes that landed safely — and didn’t crash — never made the news.

But we live in the age of Fake News, with the reality that false information spreads quickly around the world, causing damage that ranges from disrupting democratic elections to tarnishing the reputations of countless innocent individuals.

It has reminded us that in-depth, credible, independent reporting done by trusted news sources is more important than ever.

We have a job to do. A small part of that job is ghting Fake News by revealing the truth. No, Justin Timberlake did not say pedophiles control the music industry and no, Canada does not impose a 35% tari on vacuum cleaners from the United States, as some supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump have claimed.

e biggest part of the job is to be your trusted source, to work every day to bring you real news, which is as vital to democracy as clean air, safe streets, good schools and public health.

It isn’t getting any easier. To misquote Mark Twain, reports of the death of newspapers are greatly exaggerated. But the business of bringing you the news — in print, on your phone, your tablet or your desktop computer — is challenged as it has never been before.

In the digital age, our audiences are larger than ever. ere is a steady desire for news and information. But paying for it — maintaining the strong newsrooms that tell the stories of our communities — is harder and harder.

Advertisers have shifted much of their money to global giants that don’t spend money on reporting, whether it’s what happens on Parliament Hill or at City Hall.

We are seeking new business models that can continue to do the hard work of independent journalism across Canada—and asking for your help to secure a future in which real news remains strong.

During National Newspaper Week 2018, we’re asking you to show your support for the Canadian news media industry.

Let’s send a message — to businesses, to government, to journalists across Canada — that newspapers matter. Now more than ever. Pledge your support at www.newspapersmatter.ca.

Bob Cox is the publisher of the Winnipeg Free Press and chair of the board of News Media Canada. National Newspaper Week was October 1st-7th.

At

Historical LensHistorical Lens

Putting on the pageant

Pier proposal for Lake Windermere

Dear Editor:

I would like to start the dialogue for the District of Invermere to build or participate in the building of a major pier into Lake Windermere.

Most tourist destinations have some sort of attraction that gets the attention of tourists and keeps them coming back or gets them to brag about things they saw to their friends and families. Invermere has a good number of these things already, such as the skiing at Panorama, ne gol ng at Copper Point and the many other ne courses in the Valley, our ne restaurants, the ziplining facilities, in addition to the lake itself.

And I don’t even know where we would put the pier or what to build it out of given the winter icing issues and such... how about a pier where the wier currently is... we might be able to regulate the water levels better in the lake over the summer... clear-

ly a number of sites are in contention... my favourite would be Kinsmen Beach because people would be able to walk into Invermere for some shopping or eating, etc.... but clearly any such pier should have an area for day mooring of boats, areas where kids could sh o the sides, enough room for people to walk out to enjoy the scenery, and of course adequate parking.

And I can’t even remember how often our visitors have asked whether we could go by boat to that restaurant on the lake again...only to have to tell them that the Lakeshore Inn is no longer open...it is even di cult to go by boat to the fast food outlets in Athalmer.

Karl Adam Windermere

David ompson and

of

Photo (A133) courtesy Windermere District Historical Society

Dean Midyette Publisher/ Sales Manager

Amanda Nason Advertising Sales

Dauna Ditson Reporter

Lorene Keitch Editor Steve Hubrecht

Editor/

Amanda Murray

ce Administrator/

Sales

Emily Rawbon

Design/

Letter writer Karl Adam suggests a pier o of Kinsmen Beach would help attract tourists. File photo

LETTERS

Tax should fund treatment

Dear Editor:

Cheers to the Pioneer for clearly outlining the risks of cannabis use in this well written article (Valley goes to pot - October 4, 2018 - page 20).

With addiction rates in teens at 1 in 6 and in the general population at 1 in 11, it is incumbent upon governments collecting tax revenues from the legal sale of cannabis to use a good portion of these funds for public education and rehabilitation programs.

However, if past government performance with alcohol taxation is any indication, this is unlikely to happen.  Our country does a pathetic job of applying alcohol taxation revenues to alcohol addiction detoxi cation, treatment and rehabilitation programs.  A great example of this is the fact that most adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder cannot access a medical assessment because federal and provincial governments have failed to include access to diagnosis as a bene t under our “universal” Medicare programs and the $3,000 - $5,000 cost of assessment is prohibitive.  Many such individuals are homeless or incarcerated. is is a national disgrace.

Another example is the government’s failure to provide adequate alcohol and drug treatment and rehabilitation facilities in the Columbia Valley. Look around. What’s available for the loved one in your family with an alcohol addiction? Are tax revenues from alcohol sales that paltry that governments can’t a ord such programs and facilities?

It’s time that revenues from “sin taxes” be earmarked to prevent the harm being done and provide those addicted with the treatment programs they deserve. It’s the cost of doing business and for governments it’s big business. With marijuana sales, it’s going to be even bigger business.

We want to hear from you

Email your letters to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com. Letters to the editor should be sent only to the Pioneer, and not to other publications. We do not publish open letters or third-party letters. Letters for publication should be no longer than 400 words,

and must include the writer’s address and phone numbers. Letters may be shortened for space requirements. We reserve the right to edit for space, clarity, civility and accuracy. Opinions expressed are those of the writer, not the Pioneer.

Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund Request for Proposals

The Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) and Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) are seeking proposals for projects that will benefit conservation in the area from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats utilizing the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund (CVLCF).

The purpose of the Fund is to provide local financial support for important projects that will contribute to the conservation of our valuable natural areas. CVLCF funding is available for conservation projects that result in the reduction to a known threat to biodiversity. The themes for the Fund are water conservation, wildlife and habitat conservation, and open space conservation.

Projects that are technically sound and effective, and provide value for money through partnerships with other funders will have priority. Proponents must be a registered notfor-profit organization, First Nations band, or local government. Unqualified groups or organizations may partner with a qualified organization. A Technical Review Committee will review project proposals and make recommendations to the RDEK for final funding approval.

To apply for funding go to www.kootenayconservation.ca/cvlcf. Review the Terms of Reference paying particular attention to Section 8 – Fund Design and then apply using the application form provided.

Closing dates for project submissions is 4:30 pm MT, November 1, 2018.

Project proposals must be delivered by email to info@kootenayconservation.ca.

Serving Radium, Invermere, Fairmont, Panorama and the Columbia Valley

US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

Murray Trusler MD, MBA, FCFP, FRRMS Fairmont Hot Springs

On Saturday, October 20, 2018, District of Invermere residents will vote in their new mayor and council. A NON-BINDING opinion poll will be included on the ballot seeking your input on the potential consideration of a “Plastic Checkout Bag Ban” within Invermere. is handout provides background information on the impacts of plastics on the environment and why a ban should be considered. If you have questions, please contact the Chief Election O cer, Kindry Luyendyk at corporateservices@ invermere.net or 250-342-9281.

“Do you support a bylaw that bans plastic check out bags at all retail stores

PLASTIC CHECKOUT BAG BYLAW

District of Invermere is considering drafting a bylaw to regulate the business use of single use plastic checkout bags.

kumbaya in the legislature if B.C. adopts proportional rep resentation. But over time, out of necessity, it does create more cooperation. We’ve seen that happen time and again around the world,” responded Mr. Derkx.

Another audience member expressed concern about making ridings larger (one proposed proportional system entails combining every two ridings into one, another en tails making each riding 20 per cent larger), asking “doesn’t that make it harder for the representative to meet constitu ents and get feedback?”

Mr. Derkx answered that “riding size matters less in the digital age,” but that in any event, the systems pro posed had caveats against any more “crazy big” ridings such as those in B.C’s north, and that any enlarged ridings in the Kootenay region would be no geographically larger than the current federal Kootenay Columbia riding.

Push for a more proportional electoral system in B.C. has come, at various times, from all sides of the political spectrum. The current push is from the NDP and Greens, but the first two referendums were held under the previous B.C. Liberal government and stemmed, in part, from the 1996 election in which the NDP were re-elected as a ma jority government with 39.5 per cent of the popular vote and 39 seats (the Liberals had 41.8 per cent of the vote and 33 seats).

B.C.’s electoral system has, in its long history, been modified more than a dozen times (without referendum), and aside from the traditional first-past-the-post system, the province has used an alternative vote (or ranked ballot) system and has had ‘at large’ voting districts (which oper ated exactly the same as do municipal council votes, with each voter able to cast votes for as many candidates as there are legislative seats available in the given district). The last of these ‘at large’ districts was abolished before the 1991 provincial election, which was the first in B.C. to be held using only first-past-the-post.

Fair Vote Canada shared this graphic on their Twitter page, writing “First Past the post completely ignores the total votes, leading to skewed election results. We wouldn’t accept this in hockey. So why do we accept this in our democracy?”

Mr. Derkx and Ms. Remnant conceded that none of the three partly proportional systems on the referendum ballot are entirely perfect (“they are approximations, each with some flaws and some advantages,” said Mr. Derkx).

Outlining the details of each system to be on the ballot greatly exceeds the scope and space constraints available in this Pioneer story, but those interested in learning more can see a neutral third-party rundown of the options on the Elections B.C. website at elections.bc.ca/referendum/ voting-systems/voting-systems/.

The Columbia Valley Chamber also planned to host an electoral reform event after the Pioneer’s press time Tues day, October 9th, with special guest Michael Lee, MLA for Vancouver-Langara.

OPINION POLL

2018 General Local Election

e reasons for the bylaw are

• to reduce the creation of unnecessary waste and associated costs carried by the district;

to improve the stewardship of district property including ditches, streets, parks and other green spaces;

• to promote responsible and sustainable practices that are consistent with the values of our community

Plastic pollution has become a worldwide epidemic

to the United Nations, humans throw out enough plastic to encircle the Earth four times. On June 5, the theme for the UN’s 2018 World Environment Day was “Beat Plastic Pollution” and the global community was asked to take concrete action.

One of the most common sources of plastic pollution is plastic bags, which can cause considerable harm to terrestrial and marine ecosystems, often end in land lls (instead of being recycled), and become a visual nuisance, ending up in trees, bushes, ditches, waterways and elsewhere as litter.

Across Canada, communities are taking steps to ban the distribution of plastic shopping bags. Montreal’s citywide ban began January 1, 2018 and the City of Victoria followed suit this summer, enacting their own ban bylaw in July. Smaller communities throughout B.C. have begun to investigate taking similar steps, and the District of Invermere is prepared to do its part.

e DOI prides itself on being a progressive, leading edge community, with a history of pushing sustainability in many areas. Many businesses in Invermere have already begun to take voluntary actions to reduce the use of plastic checkout bags, and the DOI is ready to support these initiatives with a draft bylaw that would come into e ect before the end of 2019. is opinion poll will provide the guidance to the new Council when considering a community wide plastic bag ban.

Please note that this bylaw will not apply to the large box store retailers and businesses located at the Crossroads as this area lies outside the District of Invermere boundaries.

Ms. Chabot Attorp said the area hasn’t been doing enough to keep this natural resource healthy. She criticized the RDEK decision to approve a 60slip marina that “disregarded” the Lake Windermere Management Plan’s objective to have fewer motorized boats moored on the lake.

Ms. Clovechok wants to see the area develop additional cultural and recreational activities that don’t depend on the lake and to continue promoting new and existing opportunities to enjoy the Valley without motorized boats. She also wants to see a carrying capacity study done to guide lake use.

Mr. Symington said he believes it’s possible to balance the con icting desires to enjoy lakes and to protect them. He discussed following and updating the water management plans and holding “continuous and regular consultations with all of the stakeholders” to determine the best way forward.

e candidates also wanted to see more e ort to ensure that public access points along the lake are available for use and not blocked by landowners’ structures. While they agreed that enforcement would be tricky –the RDEK and provincial responsibilities overlap – Ms. Clovechok and Ms. Chabot Attorp suggested enlisting a group like the Lake Windermere Ambassadors to meet with landowners who are encroaching on the public space.

Each candidate supports contributing nancially to the Columbia Valley Centre in Invermere because it bene ts residents in the broader community.

ey all agreed that rural roads are a concern and that residents and the new director will need to lobby the provincial Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for improvements.

When asked which of their personal characteristics qualify them for the job, Ms. Clovechok led with: “I’m

a hard worker. I’m a quick study. I listen to learn and I don’t make decisions without evidence.”

Ms. Chabot Attorp began her response by saying: “I’m very collaborative and I really appreciate the public approval processes and I commit to listen to the input.”

Mr. Symington said he enjoys teaching and learning. “I like challenges and I study hard and I think I’m also a good listener,” he said.

e last question of the night was about the candidates’ long-term vision for the area. ey were asked: “Under your leadership, what will your community look like in 10 years?”

Mr. Symington answered rst and said: “We all love the Valley.”

He wants to see a sustainable community, where the businesses are thriving and the hotels are full. He also foresees “that we’re planning for the future and not overdeveloping.”

Ms. Clovechok was up next. She said: “Our lake will be healthy, we’ll have transportation services throughout the Valley, we’ll be able to age in place and we’ll be safe.”

She also envisions exporting products created locally and having “a world-class standard of living.”

Ms. Chabot Attorp got the last word. She would like to see lake assessments completed and management strategies in place. She envisions businesses booming, progress made on a ordable housing and welcoming both local First Nations to the RDEK board as members.

e next question is up to you. Who will you choose to be your new director?

( e candidates responded to additional questions and provided more-thorough answers than can be shared in this space. For more information on their stances on particular issues, voters can reach out to their candidates directly. eir phone numbers, provided on the resume brochures they provided for the audience, are: 778-5232524 for Mr. Symington; 250-342-6545 for Ms. Chabot Attorp; and 250-270-9314 for Ms. Clovechok.)

BACKGROUNDER

2018 General Local Election

On Saturday, October 20, 2018, District of Invermere residents will vote in their new mayor and council. A NON-BINDING opinion poll will be included on the ballot seeking your input on the potential purchase of the former Lake Windermere Resort Lands in Athalmer. is handout provides background information on the reasons why this is a community opportunity that should be considered. If you have questions, please contact the Chief Election O cer, Kindry Luyendyk at corporateservices@ invermere.net or 250-342-9281.

“Would you support the District purchasing the ‘Lake Windermere Resort Lands’, located in Athalmer, for an amount not to exceed $5,000,000?”

POTENTIAL LAND PURCHASE

e District of Invermere has made an o er to purchase the Lake Windermere Resort Lands in Athalmer for $5,000,000 - subject to public process - and is seeking community feedback through the non-binding opinion poll that will be included on the 2018 municipal election ballot.

ese lands (see bolded area on map) have seen nothing happen on them for 25 years and the opportunity to purchase them has presented itself. e asking price has dropped considerably since the DOI entered into talks in 2017.

e District’s primary intent was to acquire the Athalmer public boat launch lands in order to develop a proper boat launch that will bring important improvements to this widely-used community facility, including safety, accessibility and sensitive habitat protection. However, the current owners would not sell the boat launch lands separately from the entire lot.

Currently, the lands are zoned to accommodate buildings

up to 45 metres in height, which the DOI believes to be inconsistent with the values of the community. e DOI has considered proposals on these lands in the past, turning down the development of single family homes and trying to encourage economic development to take place, but the landholding group has not proceeded.

e DOI considers these lands to be an important piece of property that has the potential to shape Invermere’s destiny, and wants to see something tangible occur with this property based on realistic planning that would serve the local community in the long-term.

Public water access is the most important aspect of this potential purchase. Despite being a lakeside resort community, Invermere’s only district-owned public water access is Kinsmen Beach, with the rest being privately owned (with a few small exceptions, such as the small boat launch area adjacent to the Invermere Bay Condos - James Chabot Provincial Park belongs to the Province).

In addition to improving public water access and the boat launch (which will lend to improved recreational access to the Columbia Wetlands), acquiring the lands will deliver additional tourism bene ts through the development of a new economic area that will link the historical community of Athalmer to Invermere’s downtown. ere is also the potential of strengthening ties with local First Nations.

is would be the largest land purchase in the DOI’s history and would give the community control over the “Gateway” to Invermere and the Columbia Wetlands. e community can expect a lengthy public process to assist with rede ning the Athalmer neighborhood should the acquisition be approved.

While a property appraisal has been completed, a feasibility study to analyze the potential outcomes of this project has not, and there have been no discussions around nancing options. We want to gather your feedback through the opinion poll before proceeding to the next step.

Seniors

Community issues up for discussion

By Dauna Ditson reporter@columbiavalleypioneer.com

part of the Pioneer’s commitment to helping res idents inform themselves before the municipal elections on Saturday, October 20th, candidates were asked to ad dress issues that may be of concern for their individual communities, from water quality in Invermere, to an ag ing population in Radium Hot Springs and to business development strategies for Canal Flats, Area G and Area F. The Pioneer reached out to residents on Facebook to ask for their thoughts on how the issues should be managed.

Water quality in Invermere

According to the District of Invermere’s 2017 annu al report on the local water supply, the District received approximately 40 complaints from residents concerned with their water quality last year. The complaints were related to taste, odour and discoloration.

While the District responded by visiting residents at their homes and doing water testing, the four-sentence complaint section of their 37-page report doesn’t men tion any action taken to address the issues. Instead the re port states that the operators “explained that Invermere’s water comes from a series of man-made reservoirs that have decaying organic matter in them, which sometimes results in taste and odour issues but that the water is safe to drink.”

One Facebook commenter who responded to the Pioneer’s post wrote: “I would like drinkable water that tastes like the good ol’ days!”

While the District was flushing the water lines over a six-week period this spring, a Facebook Cheers and Jeers post showed photos of a jug of tap water that looked like iced tea. (The Facebook page is not affiliated with the Pi oneer.)

Flip to page 17 to see how Invermere’s candidates for mayor and council intend to manage what comes out of your taps.

Aging population in Radium

The population of Radium Hot Springs is holding steady but the numbers of those 65 and older has grown by eight per cent – to 22.5 per cent – over the last five years.

Nationally, seniors now outnumber children, and the federal government admits that the aging population presents challenges.

Issues Radium could face include a lower percentage of the population participating in the work force, running businesses and paying income and business taxes. There are also potential issues related to health and well-being that communities may want to consider.

One Facebook commenter offered the following sug gestions: “To make Radium more appealing for potential younger residents, affordable accommodations need to

Photo by Peter Panneton

increase. The condos and townhomes currently in Radi um seem to be a solution – I think we need more (and so does Invermere). In terms of attracting younger families to the town, even for the day, an indoor waterpark/pool needs to be built (like the Kimberley Aquatic Centre).”

Check out page 18 to see how Radium’s slate of ac claimed council members anticipate moving forward.

Business development in Canal Flats, Area F and Area G

According to a three-year old report by the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation, challenges facing rural communities include: “social and economic restructur ing; decline in the significance of the primary industries; decline in the manufacturing sector; demographic ageing as young people leave their home communities; and the diminishing of the social safety net.”

One of the report’s conclusions is that “rural stake holders need creativity and new ways of doing rural de velopment and supporting rural development” for their communities to thrive.

However a business owner who responded to the Pi oneer’s Facebook post said he is not receiving adequate support from the Regional District of East Kootenay.

“We are trying to expand our current operations but the RDEK is not equipped to deal with new and innova tive ideas. We need a representative that understands and supports progressive ideas and can see them all the way through the bureaucratic process,” he wrote.

To see how candidates in Canal Flats, Area F and Area G intend to address business development in their communities, see pages 15 and 16.

Invermere residents face clarity issues with water sometimes.

Photo by Dauna Ditson

LIL series boasts iconic artist cameo

By Breanne Massey Special to the Pioneer

The Love It Live (LIL) music series being offered at Pynelogs will offer sounds of a familiar blend for some longtime res idents and blues aficionados.

Opening act, Emma Kade, will per form at the Kinsmen Beach-based venue around 6 p.m. with a set that combines folk and pop genres for a unique blend of tunes before an iconic artist returns to the Columbia Valley’s stage.

Juno Award & Great Canadian Blues Award-Winning Acoustic Blues Guitarist Ken Hamm will be performing at 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 14th at Pynelogs.

“I’ve been playing Pynelogs for quite a few years now and I’m looking forward to getting back,” said Mr. Hamm. “You know what keeps me going back there?

“People seem to like me there… I live for the little pockets of people where there’s an interest in what I’m doing.”

While Mr. Hamm began visiting the Columbia Valley in the 1980s, he describes a strong pull to the area that ramps up his desire to perform in the community timeand-time again. When asked about how he stumbled upon the community, he re plied: “At the time, it was a great area for a musician (in the East Kootenay region), so I started running into those folks when I was living in Calgary and gave it a try. It was a good time to show up.”

But after a brief hiatus from touring the Columbia Valley, Mr. Hamm is eager to return with some of his latest material all the way from Forget, Saskatchewan.

He plans to include five antique in struments, ranging from the 1920s and

Ken Hamm brings his beautiful blues to Pynelogs this Sunday. Submitted photo

1930s, into his show on this trip.

“No matter what I do, it always seems to be that metal body guitar (a 1932 Na tional) that seems to bring out the biggest memories for people, so I suppose that will be the highlight of the night for most people,” he concluded.

Mr. Hamm will be bringing two al bums to sell at the show, including “Mo komon” and “Galvanized.”

For more information about Mr. Hamm, visit www.kenhamm.com/home.

To purchase a ticket for Mr. Hamm’s return at LIL this weekend, visit www. columbiavalleyarts.com/CVARTS/event/ ken-hamm-love-it-live-music-series or call Pynelogs at 250-342-4423. Tickets are also available at the door, for $25.

Out & About

Submissions must be received by the Monday prior to publication. We may only run an entry for two weeks prior to the event. Please limit your submission to 30 words. Priority is given to one-o events, so weekly events may only run occasionally.

ursday, October 11th

• 10 a.m.: Pickleball at Pineridge Courts, every ursday, Saturday and Tuesday.

• 10:30 a.m.: Stretch and Move Classes for Seniors at the Invermere Seniors Hall every ursday and Monday.

• 1:30 p.m.: Seniors Carpet Bowling at Radium Hot Springs Centre every ursday.

• 2 p.m.: Seniors Tea at the Invermere Library the 2nd and 4th ursday of every month. Tea and a light snack is provided over friendly conversation. If you would like to attend but do not have transportation, please contact the library at 250-342-6416.

• 6:30 p.m.: Texas Hold Em’ Tournament at the Invermere Legion every ursday. $35 buy in.

• 7 p.m.: Horseback Archery Club at Luxor Corrals in Spur Valley every ursday. 250-347-9048 for details.

• 7 p.m.: Columbia Valley Narcotics Anonymous meet at 4878 Athalmer Road every ursday.

Friday, October 12th

• 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: Intergenerational Program between Seniors & Kindergarten children, every Friday at Invermere Seniors Hall. Seniors interested in assisting call Madelene at 604-798-3061.

• 1 p.m.: Duplicate Bridge at Invermere Seniors Hall, $2. Every Friday and Wednesday.

Saturday, October 13th

• RAD Ugly Pants Golf Classic at Copper Point Resort. $70 registration gets you 13 holes on e Ridge Course with dinner, silent auction and live music from Small Town Dirtbags. Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Contact tanellebolt@gmail.com to register.

• 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Maker Space is holding a Discovery Day at the Canal Flats Civic Centre so you can learn about the Columbia Valley Maker Space Society and how to build with electronics, make wearable technology, repair home items, metal construction and more.

• 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.: Family LEGO Club at the Invermere Library, every Saturday morning. DUPLO free play will also be out for the younger builders.

• 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.: Seniors’ Health Fair at e Columbia Valley Centre, Invermere. Free admission, door prizes and refreshments. Discover services o ered in our valley. Everyone welcome!

Sunday, October 14th

• 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Sunday Toast and Jam, an all-ages music jam at e Base Camp in Canal Flats every Sunday.

• 1:30 p.m.: Seniors Carpet Bowling at Radium Hot Springs Centre every Sunday.

• 5:30 p.m.: Last Toonie Tuesday of the season is on a Sunday! $2 entry, participants must be a member of the CVCS. is Toonie Day organized by: Nipika Mountain Resort; location: Nipika.

• 6 p.m.: Love it Live Music Series at Pynelogs Cultural Centre hosted by Columbia Valley Arts Council features Ken Hamm. Opening act, Emma Kade at 6 p.m., main act at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available online at columbiavalleyarts.com or at the door.

Monday, October 15th

• 10 a.m.: Senior Singalong Group meets every Monday at Columbia Garden Village.

• 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Baby Goose program at the Invermere Public Library for caregivers and their babies aged 0-24 months. To register call 250-342-6416 or email publiclibrary@invermere.net.

• 1 - 3 p.m.: Brain Injury Support Group meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at Columbia Garden Village. Contact Debbie for more info 250-344-5674.

• 6:30 p.m.: Duplicate Bridge at Invermere Seniors Hall, $2, every Monday.

• 7 p.m.: Lake Windermere Lions Club meet the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at the Lions Hall (behind Chamber o ce).

• 7 p.m.: CV Arts announces e Monday Night Drum Circle at Pynelogs, led by Patrick Carrick. $10 if you bring your own drum, $15 if you don’t. Call Patrick for more info 250-409-4110.

Buying or selling?

Wednesday, October 17th

• 8 a.m.: Radium Hot Springs Sunrise Rotary meets for breakfast every 1st and 3rd Wednesday from April thru October at e Springs golf course.

• 10 a.m.: Breastfeeding Mommas support group meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the Invermere Library.

• 10:30 a.m.: Seniors ‘Chair’ Yoga at Invermere Seniors Hall, $2, every Wednesday.

• 11:45 a.m.: e Rotary Club of Invermere meets every Wednesday at the Rocky River Grill/Kanata Inn.

• 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.: Radium Art Guild meets every Wednesday at the Radium Public Library to create and share their Art.

• 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.: Happy Hands Knitting and Crocheting group meet every Wednesday at Columbia Garden Village.

• 2 p.m.: Genealogy Group meets at Columbia Gardens Co ee Room the 3rd Wednesday of the month.

• 6:30 p.m.: Invermere Library Book Club’s discussion on e Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese.

• 7 p.m.: Play Cribbage at Invermere Seniors Hall, every Wednesday.

ursday, October 18th

• 6 p.m.: Invermere Public Library presents Food Preservation 101, Learn How to Preserve. Basic techniques for canning and drying food with erese Pal. Phone to register 250-342-6416.

Friday, October 19th

• Invermere Caregiver’s Support Group monthly meeting on the 3rd Friday of each month. Contact facilitator Leanne Brooks at 250-341-5683 for more information.

• 2 p.m.: Invermere Library Book Club’s discussion on e Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese.

• 7:30 p.m.: Newfoundland Kitchen Party featuring Heather Walter, Eric West and Gayle Tapper at the Wilmer Community Hall. Nibblies, tea and co ee served. Bring your own mug. Suggested donation $20.

For more info contact: baiba@patmorrow.com.

Saturday, October 20th

Cell: 250•341•1395 Toll Free: 1•888•258•9911

Tuesday, October 16th

• 1:30 p.m.: Needles and Hooks Club at the Invermere Library every Tuesday. Bring current projects or start a new one. Refreshments will be supplied.

• 1:30 p.m.: Seniors card games at Radium Hot Springs Centre every Tuesday.

• 6 p.m.: Shuswap Indian Band Bingo - Fundraising for National Aboriginal Day Powwow 2019. 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at the Shuswap Indian Band Hall. Doors open 6 p.m., games start at 6:45 p.m.

• 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.: Options for Sexual Health drop in clinic in the Public Health Unit the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. Call 250-342-2360 for information.

• 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.: Michael Kluckner, a BC writer, artist and historian, is giving a talk on his latest graphic novel, Julia at the Radium Public Library. 4863 Stanley St.

• 7 p.m.: Trivia Night at Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort every Tuesday. $2 entry, teams up to 6 people, winners take all.

• 7:30 p.m.: Columbia Lodge No. 38 Freemasons meet the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 1301 7th Ave. in Invermere.

• 10 p.m.: Karaoke at the Farside Pub in Fairmont every Tuesday night.

• 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Maker Space is holding a Discovery Day at the Invermere Legion so you can learn about the Columbia Valley Maker Space Society and how to build with electronics, make wearable technology, repair home items, metal construction and more.

• 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.: STEAM children’s program at the Radium Public Library. Ages 3-9 years old. e third Saturday of the month.

Columbia Valley Food Bank Hours

• Tuesday and ursday: 1 - 2 p.m.

• 3rd Wednesday of the month: 5:30 - 7 p.m. by appointment only, 250-342-0850.

Invermere Library Hours

• Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Wednesday and ursday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

• Story Time: ursday 10:30 a.m.

• Baby Goose: Monday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Radium Hot Springs Library Hours

• Tuesday: 1 - 8 p.m.

• Wednesday and ursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Friday: 1 - 4 p.m.

• Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Story Time: Wednesday 10 a.m.

Windermere Valley Museum Hours

• Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Ready for winter

Photo by Dauna Ditson

speech, noting Area G has always

minutes

“I’m not so much running against Gerry as I am running for Area G. I generally feel I’m ready, but I have a lot of respect for this guy,” she said, gesturing to Mr. Wilkie sitting beside her.

Moderator Jim Neilsen then asked the questions, which had been set by an all-candidates committee prior to the event and were based on queries submitted beforehand. When asked about wild re protection in Area G, Mr. Wilkie reported the regional district undertook a wild re priority study that has led to some targeted work, and noted he has encouraged Area G communities to take part in the FireSmart program. Ms. Stevens said there needs to be a focus on keeping individual properties and communal properties clean, as well as ensuring neighbours check in with each other for emergency preparedness.

e two had similar responses when asked under their leadership, what will Area G look like in 10 years.

“You can’t deny there’s going to be a certain amount of growth. I would like to see that controlled though,” said Ms. Stevens, adding she would prefer to see more primary than secondary homeowners, alternative developments that open up possibilities for young families and seniors, and to see a thriving economy, but not at the expense of the environment.

“I would like to see fewer families struggling to nd a place to live, and I would like to see everyone have clean water, and would like to see light industry, environmentally friendly, business happening, and a lot of local togetherness,” Ms. Stevens said.

Mr. Wilkie said he sees room for some innovative housing. He agreed that “long-range” residency is a key area of potential growth.

“It’s a big part of the economy, the second homeowners, but we have an opportunity in Area G I think to support long range, long term residents, and in Edgewater especially, we have a remarkable school and it’s a community that I think can withstand some substantial growth for longterm residents,” Mr. Wilkie said.

e two di ered slightly in responses when asked about bylaw enforcement as it relates to cleaning up the community. Mr. Wilkie said while he knows nuisance properties are a “real tough issue,” and that the RDEK board recognizes that, there is a system in place to target those owners, beginning with voluntary compliance and following with litigation which, he notes, is a very slow process. He informed the audience that the RDEK board is in the process of “bee ng up our bylaw compliance.”

Ms. Stevens said while voluntary compliance is great, she would like to see something with a “little more teeth” in it, such as giving owners a warning, then sending a team in to get the job done, and a bill for the property owner.

Following the questions asked by Mr. Neilsen were questions from the public, including concerns related to Ministry of Transportation work on the highway, encouraging alternative housing projects such as mobile home parks, nding easy access to the river, and how the area director will regain trust and faith in the community of Edgewater after an outfall with some members of the re department earlier this year. On that question, the two candidates di ered. Mr. Wilkie responded that he wants the public to know how valued the re department volunteers are and what a sacri ce it is for the re ghters to be involved. Ms. Stevens responded to the question that to rebuild trust, the area director needs to show up, to listen, to talk and to mull things over as best you can.

“Once a trust is broken, it’s di cult to get back, so it requires patience and commitment,” Ms. Stevens said in the nal comments of the evening.

Greg

. . . ‘Area G’ from 3

is deer ts right into a winter wonderland scene in Pothole Park Wednesday, October 3rd after a surprise snowfall hit the Valley.

Village of Canal Flats candidates

With the former Canfor lands now taking on life, how would you like to see the community develop moving forward? How do you plan to merge the vision of the private landowner with the needs and desires of the broader community?

e Pioneer is running the submissions as received; no editing has been done unless the respondent went over the designated word count.

Councillor

Paul Marcil

We lost our Mill and we struggled - what could we do to help sustain and grow our Village? And then along came Bid - with investment, promises of jobs and long term plans. Our job will be to embrace the changes coming and, guided by the new O cial Community Plan, take advantage of this golden opportunity to have people make this Village their home. Having more people will create the opportunities for entrepreneurs to build new housing and open businesses. We need more residents for not only businesses to prosper but to keep our school open, be able to have enough kids to form sports teams and have community programs for all ages not available now due to population numbers. We all must embrace the potential.

Douglas McCutcheon Todd Rotvold Kimberly Swerdferger

is is a huge bene t for our community, being careful with this opportunity is very important for our future. In my view the focus must be on the “quality of life” for our citizens and providing industrial businesses the opportunity to be successful well into the future. If done right both can co-exist comfortably.

e urban planning process is a well-established method involving a collaborative approach with industry and the community.

It is important to note the community is the leader in this process and with careful involvement, that includes all industrial client(s), the right long term solution is there for our citizens and industry.

I mention “quality of life” for our citizens”. is has to be the central focus.

I have extensive experience in working with jurisdictions on industrial planning and know I can help.

ank you for the opportunity.

Many communities who have lost a primary industry, whether it be shing, coal or timber would see the BID Group / Columbia Tech / Pod Tech as an economic recovery blessing. Every struggling community in Canada has mandated “ e Attraction of New Business” through some form of economic development or Chamber of Commerce. Private land owners can only bene t from the infrastructure upgrades and new employment opportunities. I would work hard to keep communications open between large and small business, private land owners, and local and part time residents, working cohesively through surveys, referendums and petition processes if required.

I would like to see a balanced approach to development, allowing the opportunity for legacy and new land owners to utilize their lands in a manner that supports the growth of the village. oughtful land zoning must be utilized to provide for the development of a ordable housing, commercial, retail and light industrial. I believe this can be achieved with the use of tax incentives, proper zoning and by-law development. Tax incentives can be provided to land owners and existing businesses that wish to make improvements or develop and modernize their lands for the betterment of the village.

Roy Webb Benoit Charbonneau

No response was received from the candidate prior to deadline.

No response was received from the candidate prior to deadline.

Councillor

Moving forward - I’d like to see our community embrace smart growth,

and preserve the best of the past. I would encourage and support entrepreneurs bringing much needed services to our community and diverse job opportunities. We still want to be a town where we know and help our neighbours. We need to start preserving the history of our town through a legacy project that will show where we came from, where we are now and where we are going.

I nd it positive to see the sawmill lands changing. I believe that merging the CLTC master plan with “what we’ve heard” from the community will result in a vibrant village. We are a lifestyle destination in need of housing options, amenities and services like banking, and doctors. ere is a growth threshold needed before we will see certain amenities. I will embrace balanced change as a Councillor.

e Community is very fortunate that the old Canfor land has been given

new life with e Columiba Lake Technology Center and Bid.

e new owner has presented to the Community their vision, and it will be the responsibility of the Town Council to ensure the Community’s vision is included in those plans.

e Community needs a diversity of people, and business; from permanent and seasonal home owners, to those that just wish to visit us for the day.

Marie Delorme Bill Lake

Brian Woodward Karl Sterzer

I attended the new Canfor landowner’s open house to view his long-term development plans. His vision is to create residential and commercial developments that will enhance and merge with those already present within the community. I understand he has also expressed interest in hiring employees with children, to enhance the school population.

In order for the community to understand the land development over the next 20 years, changes to the O cial Community Plan and zoning bylaws will require public hearings, to give our community opportunity for input and direction. It is important that residential development is related to a type of housing that is modern but ts with the current type of housing in the Village.

It is important that developments pay their way without imposing additional costs to the current tax base, while implementing subdivision servicing contracts, development permits, and connection fees to current water, sewer and road networks.

Area G Director

Change is uncomfortable for people, but the fact is that our community has shifted over the years; losing businesses a ecting lifestyle quality.

Moving forward we need to create partnerships with developers, and business owners.

e Village’s job is to communicate an “a ordable, familyfriendly community” vision, and implement our Economic Development Strategy: grow from 700 to a sustainable 1000 people, attract families, keep the school open, re-build downtown, increase connectivity, decrease taxes, and provide a ordable housing innovation.

Mr. Fehr’s group has been great – both re-shaping the future of jobs and working on these deeper community issues.

Our partnership approach is paying o as the vision for these lands features development of a new downtown core, expansion of employment, creation of mixed use commercial residential, along with a variety of a ordable housing solutions. e CLTC’s future economic capabilities (agriculture to technology) will provide Canal Flats a strong regional position.

Area F Director

Area director candidates

Dawn Chabot Attorp

I would welcome all legitimate business to start up or expand in Area F. I think our most important role as a Regional District is to provide the services, infrastructure and appropriate regulatory requirements to encourage businesses to locate here.

For most businesses, solid infrastructure is key and one of the primary reasons why they would pick one location over another. As an example, Bid Construction choosing to locate in Canal Flats, that company no doubt chose Canal Flats as there is everything there that they need to run the business – water, sewer, land base, transportation, communications.

Another hugely important part of attracting and retaining businesses is a fair tax structure. We need to ensure that our taxation regime is competitive relative to other local governments so that we are not discouraging investment.

For more information on this topic, please visit Dawn Chabot Attorp for RDEK Electoral Area F Director.

Susan Clovechok Tom Symington

I will work to attract more technology businesses, nomadic entrepreneurs and home- based businesses, businesses that have low impact on our environment and potentially high impact on our economy. To attract these businesses and entrepreneurs we need broadband. Broadband is coming but not fast enough I will work to accelerate broadband access that will support the growth of not only the tech sector but all businesses.

In my capacity at the Chamber I have worked closely with the Community Economic Development O cer (CVCEDO) and with our support he is completing a Business Retention and Expansion Study that will inform a report to identify the actions required to retain, grow and attract businesses. e Area F Director is on the EcDev Commission to whom the CVCEDO reports and in that capacity, I will continue to be a strong knowledgeable voice for economic growth.

Area F is predominantly rural and dependent on tourism, non-resident property owners, related commercial services and agriculture for its economic well-being.

e FHS Columbia Lake OCP speci es that a local medical and related health-care services clinic would be an asset for Fairmont. e entire electoral area would bene t from additional tourism-related (eco-tourism, commercial recreational) and local commercial enterprises. Local market gardens and food product processors are other businesses ripe for expansion. e CVCC works to attract new businesses and strengthen existing ones. Its activities and those of the cooperative tourism-marketing project for the valley are important tools to encourage economic growth. e RDEK’s CVCEDAC promotes increased economic resilience through its initiatives such as increasing yearround quality local employment opportunities. Imaginekootenay. com promotes life and business in the Kootenays, and the CBT o ers assistance to businesses through its Basin Business Advisors Program. I support all of these initiatives for growing our economy.

Under the current  Steamboat Jubilee O cial Community Plan, the guiding document for land use

and development in Area G, small scale commercial development is  limited to de ned areas in Brisco-Spillimacheen, Edgewater, Dry Gulch, Radium Resort and Wilmer. I  support small businesses  that cater to the needs of residents as well as to the travelling public within these speci ed nodes. To be considered, any  furthur commercial, industrial development proposed for Area G whether on private or Crown Land would  require rezoning, would need  to show how it would

minimize its environmental impact, demonstrate its compatibility with surrounding land uses and   how it would contribute to socio-economic stability in the region. Home based business  may be  an  achievable opportunity  for some people and  I encourage innovative  economic diversication on the limited  land base available. Most private land in Area G is in the ALR, and while applications can be made for non-farm use, the land is  reserved for the business of agricultural.

No response was received from the candidate prior to deadline.

What types of businesses woud you like to see start up or expand in your area? How will you attract entrepreneurs or companies to help your economy grow?

Gerry Wilkie

Stephanie Stevens

Village of Canal Flats Mayor

With the former Canfor lands now taking on life, how would you like to see the community develop moving forward? How do you plan to merge the vision of the private landowner with the needs and desires of the broader community?

Mayor

but it conforms to all BC Guidelines.

Our water and sewer depts have done a great job keeping every thing owing.

Mark Topli

Water quality in Invermere is not the best

Councillor

With aging infrastructure ,water monitoring is key. ink 60% of the worlds population does not have running water be thankful.

District of Invermere candidates

Addressing poor water quality concerns will be a

challenge, as di erent people have di erent ideas as to the overall quality. In certain areas of town the water quality is better than others. is is due to old infrastructure, water ow, circulation, end of lines etc. We currently work with Urban Systems who are our engineers responsible for infrastructure. I am happy to say we have safe, clean, drinking water at our source with the ltration that we have put in

place. at is not to say it tastes great by the time it gets to your home for reasons I have pointed out earlier. ere is a x available at the source to add additional high quality ltration systems, but at a much higher cost. Asset management which includes pipes in the ground, will be top of mind for me going forward xing the problem areas, while balancing the budget.

No response was received from the candidate prior to deadline.

When there is nothing else to talk about, people complain about the weather or water. e reality is that the water in Invermere is safe and for most homes and businesses- it is tasty right out of the tap.

Although it appears that many people will grumble about water quality very few people will come forward with an o cial complaint. Being able to document the time and location of water quality concerns helps the District of Invermere to pint point the problem, and assists in properly maintaining and upgrading the water distribution system.

e vast majority of water quality complaints or issues, has been related to the use of a re hydrant (or the water ushing program) or it has had to do with deadend lines or faulty pressure reducing valves.

e water sources and treatments exceed standards. e distribution system needs ongoing maintenance and improvements.

e water quality in Invermere su ers along with much of the other infrastructure. It seems we have  allowed improvements to water, sewer, streets, sidewalks and maintenance of public amenities to fall behind. I would look into existing water quality data. I would want to know how to mitigate the inconvenient, often unpleasant characteristics and seasonal changes of our water supply, what would it cost and where those funds would come from.

Although present council is voicing interest in spending Invermere tax payer money on acquisition of privately owned lands to the north end of Lake Windermere, I think it is more prudent and wiser to spend money on infrastructure that would improve overall quality of life for all residents. is same improved infrastructure may assist with the construction of more a ordable housing as well.

ough our water is safe, water quality concerns have been raised for years. No question there’s more to do and I will ensure we remain vigilant, but there are recent improvements that residents may not be aware of.

We have two water sources and both are alarmed if a quality issue arises. e Mount Nelson AP well water is chlorinated. In 2017, the new water treatment system at Paddy Ryan came online. It has two treatment barriers, a UV disinfectant and chlorination. Both water sources meet IHA and Canadian drinking water standards. I’d encourage folks to review the extensive monthly water reports on the DOI website.

Unfortunately, the requirement to ush waterlines to clean out sedimentation is unavoidable. While not harmful, no question the aesthetics aren’t great when ushing occurs! To help reduce these impacts, I will continue supporting the ongoing process of replacing our old iron and dead-end waterlines.

Addressing the concerns of water quality in Invermere is one of my biggest focus areas as our water a ects every single resident in town. Living in an area surrounded by rivers and lakes, it would make sense that our water is a source of pride, and yet for years, residents have had sub-par water. Council will need to focus on the sourcing of water, the infrastructure for water delivery, and encouraging grey water and rainwater usage to further reduce consumption of potable water. Council will also need to address deciencies noted in the 2015 Invermere Water Model Update and Analysis in regards to water ow for re hydrants. e last few summers have shown us that harsh re seasons are becoming more prevalent, and we will need to be proactive to keep our residents safe.

ank you to the Pioneer for bringing this question forward. I have worked in Invermere for the past 10+ years and lived here for the past year and a half and the issue of water has come up almost on a daily basis. Water quality should be one of the highest priorities of Council. e District website shows several water studies that have been done in recent years and I will commit that I will work with Council and sta to review these studies and advocate for implementation of any recommendations that will improve our water situation. In addition, having an Asset Management Plan that includes the water system is an e ective tool to identify issues and plan for the future. We will not be able to promote our area to visitors and future residents if our basic infrastructure is not up to par.

LET MY EXPERIENCE WORK FOR YOU!

Shawn Risdale

Ute

Juras

Kayja Becker Gerry Taft

Richard Unger Greg Anderson

Water quality in Invermere is an ongoing issue for residents. How will you address the continued concerns of poor water quality?

Al Miller

Village of Radium Hot Springs candidates

e population of Radium Hot Springs remained stagnant according to the latest census release, with a continuing rise in the population of those 65 and older from 14.5% to 22.5% over the last ve years. How will you work to attract a more varied and sustainable demographic to Radium?

Mike Gray Dale Shudra

Todd LoganClara Reinhardt

e Village of Radium Hot Springs participated in a 2016 valley wide initiative called the Resident Attraction and Retention Strategy. One of the outcomes was the hiring of a Columbia Valley Community Economic Development O cer. It has been recognized for several years that the communities in the Valley are inextricably linked through business, housing, schools and economy and need to work together to remain viable. While it would be ingenuous to second guess the census numbers, we have many former part-time residents who have converted to full-time during the census period, the mill went from shutdown to fully operational, and the Edgewater school enrollment increased 34 % between 2013 and 2018! Radium students consistently made up 39% of the totals. I believe that the direction council has been moving in conjunction with the rest of the Columbia Valley is the right one, and hope to continue down the same path.

We live in an aging society. For perspective, 16.9% of the Canadian (and 18.3% of the BC) population is 65 or over, compared to 22.5% for Radium. I am not surprised. I know a number of Radium homeowners who have transitioned from being Radium part-timers to full-timers (or plan to do so). I am not convinced there is a need for a more varied and sustainable demographic. Maybe our future should accept, even embrace, the notion that there we are and will remain an older population. e reality of a small centre is that certain services are present while others are unlikely to economically locate there. If our population grows (regardless of age considerations) it will bene t service providers both in the Village and nearby communities, enhancing sustainability for all. E ort should be made to attract new residents, of any age.

Radium is a beautiful village, and I like what we have. e demographics of Radium have been in ux since the school closed. e reality is we have no operating school in Radium, so we are targeting young families we need to carefully consider if the proposed steps can overcome this fact. Without a school, I think our focus should be on year-round employment opportunities, and the a ordable housing we discussed in a previous column.

I disagree with the premise that the demographics of Radium are not sustainable. We have a steady stream of vacation homeowners who become full time residents, and our population is remaining steady. Sure, let’s debate if this is the right demographic to be attracting, but I believe it is sustainable.

Regardless of decision we make as a community, the question about demographics is exceptionally complicated and we need lots of input.

Our job as council is to build and maintain our infrastructure, such as sewer, water, roads and public buildings. Past councils started the process by building our state of the art water treatment and sewer plants. In past years we have added new playgrounds, improved pedestrian pathways, built a rehall and most recently completed a beautiful new Centre, which also houses the public library. I have seen younger families with children moving to Radium in recent years. I believe that we are on the right track and that Radium is a family oriented community, which will continue to attract a varied demographic.

No response was received from the candidate prior to deadline.

30.5). Additionally, no interest in the Reserve can be transferred or assigned (by way of leasehold or otherwise) without the written consent of Council (s. 35.3). Moreover, any document which purports to grant or dispose of such interests without Council consent will be deemed void (s. 30.3).

Furthermore, the Land Code requires that all interests in the Reserve be registered in the First Nation Lands Register, absent which they will not be enforceable (s. 28). As a result, “buckshee leases” (leases which have not followed the appropriate procedures set out in the Land Code and which have not been registered accordingly) are not enforceable and are strongly discouraged by the Shuswap Indian Band.

Finally, we note that pursuant to the Land Code, Shuswap Indian Band has the right to make laws on a variety of land related matters which may impact on the property to be purchased.

Given this, we ask that all potential buyers or sellers of property on Reserve be aware of the Land Code authority. We further ask that you direct all interested in purchasing property on the Reserve to make an appointment with the Shuswap Indian Band Lands Department to discuss these matters at (250) 341-3678 (Ext. #1014), or landclerk@shuswapband.net. Obtain a copy at the Administration Officer or download from: www. shuswapband.net/images/_pdfs/LandCode.pdf.

The

For

NOTICE

Properties

If

at:

between the

Tyler McCauley

Councillor (acclaimed)

School

No response was received from the candidate prior to deadline.

I fully recognize that the word “trustee” has within it the word “trust”. Parents trust us to do what’s best for their kids. My personal and professional background has required that I work with and relate to a wide variety of people and organizations at all levels from government, non-pro t and business sectors as well as the general public. I have always tried to listen attentively and remain objective, analytical, fair and compassionate. Parent Advisory Councils at both the school level, and now at the District level, are key parents’ voices heard at the Board. at line of communication is established from the parent to the school, to the administration, to the Board. at communication has been reinforced by the newly-formed District PAC invitation to Board members to attend meetings.

e Board’s agenda meets monthly in a di erent school and allows for direct input from teachers/principal, parents, and even students.

No response was received from the candidate prior to deadline.

As a trustee, I will look for opportunities to visit the schools in the trustee area. In my experience, upon entering a school, there is a sense of the school climate and the vibrant life within each school that one notices.

When there are school meetings or events where parents and other community members are invited to attend, it is my intention to participate in these events as considered appropriate.

To further engage with schools and connect with parents, I will look for opportunities within each respective school community to observe, to learn, and to interact with individuals and groups in a thoughtful and respectful manner. I am willing to listen and to engage in conversations and discussions in order to gain a better understanding of the unique aspects of each school community and of my role in supporting such communities.

Ryan Stimming

Amber Byklum

Denny Neider

Jane urgood Sagal

Books for Kids Campaign kicks o in October

e Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL), its sta and volunteers are teaming up with Black Press, local credit unions and Blue Sky Clothing Company for the 8th annual Reach a Reader –Books for Kids campaign.

We want to help children be the best readers they can be! e Books for Kids campaign raises funds to help children in communities across the Columbia Basin and Boundary have access to quality books and free programs that support reading and early literacy skills.

Strong literacy skills are the stepping stones which help to create con dent individuals, healthy families and resilient communities. Literacy skills go beyond being able to read and write; they include using technology, communicating and problem-solving.

“Supporting families is our business and we want to help all children develop the literacy skills needed to be con dent lifelong learners,” says Desneiges Pro li, Executive Director of CBAL. “Literacy programs build on the rich literacy experiences that begin in the home and books open the doors to endless possibilities. e modern world is complex, but the skills needed to be successful begin developing early with the simplest experiences.”

CBAL is a not-for-pro t literacy organization that develops and delivers literacy programs and services for families,

Submited

school children, youth, adults and seniors. In the 2017-18 program year, 5,972 adults and 6,855 children and youths accessed CBAL’s free services and programs throughout the region.

All funds will stay in the community in which they are raised. Donations can be made anytime online at cbal.org, or on ursday, October 25th you can make your contribution in person when you see CBAL sta and volunteers around town collecting donations.

You may ask yourself, “Why should I donate?” Reading is a skill that can provide hours of enjoyment and entertainment. It builds vocabulary, improves focus and concentration and helps with writing and spelling skills. Your donation to Books for Kids will make a big di erence!

Help us reach a reader! To learn more contact Sandy Kalesniko , Windermere Valley Community Literacy Coordinator at wvcoordinator@cbal.org or go to cbal. org.

Submitted by Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy

Books

e Copper Point Player assistants, through their weekly C U Wednesday event, raised $5,252 this season - the proceeds were donated to the Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley. Submitted photo

Sobeys raised $3,054 for the Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley through their butter y campaign. Photo by Dean Midyette

Legacy donation for Westside Legacy Trail

By Lorene Keitch lorene@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Work on the ground is likely stopping at the end of this month for the Westside Legacy Trail, putting a winter’s pause on the new community trail wending its way beside Westside Road.

In August, project manager Mark Halwa passed the reins over for the project to Lianne Lang, the new interim project manager.

“We’re hoping to continue building on the great work he did, and move this along to the nish line in 2019,” says Ms. Lang.

She is excited to be taking over the interim position.

“Having spent the last year engrained in the project, you really get a passion for seeing people out there and using it,” she says. “It’s such a great project for the community. It’s got great in uence for economic development, it brings tourism to Invermere, and is for everybody.”

Katie Watt saw rsthand the users this summer in her role as a trail ambassador. She saw many families with young kids and those with mobility issues. She gave guided tours, took pictures for social media, and talked to trail users daily.

“ ere were two main reactions,” she shares. “ e main was ‘this is really great, I love it.’ And the second was ‘this was a lot harder than I thought’.”

Ms. Watt found that users who had been on other similar trails commented on how secluded and quiet the Westside Legacy Trail is by comparison. She sees the trail as bene cial for facilitating community events, such as Loop the Lake or guided walks.

Ms. Lang reports that the trail is now paved to the 10 km mark, ready to be paved to the 15.6 km mark, and is cleared up to the 17 km mark. ey are also preparing to hand the rst four segments of the trail over to the Regional District of East Kootenay soon. While the trail is not to the point organizers wanted it to be at this time, Ms. Lang notes the snow and other unexpected delays put the trail slightly behind schedule.

Fundraisers have crunched the numbers and are reporting they will need an estimated $3 million more added to the $5 million price tag to complete the 25-km trail which will go from Invermere to Fairmont Hot Springs.

A chunk of that target was met last Saturday, when the trail received a $500,000 donation from the Markin and MacPhail families. e donation came with naming rights; expect a new name soon to re ect the Markin and MacPhail families.

“We are pleased to be able to support this wonderful new trail that will bene t so many people in the Columbia Valley and beyond. Construction to date looks fantastic and we are happy to be contributing to its completion. Everyone should give it a try and enjoy the view and the experience,” wrote Allan Markin and Keith MacPhail in a press release.

e chair of the fundraising committee was obviously thrilled with the announcement.

“We are incredibly grateful to these two philanthropic families who have stepped up in such a signi cant way to support our trail. I also want to thank everyone who has donated so far – together weare making this a reality,” wrote Bob Shaunessy, chair of the fundraising campaign.

e Regional District of East Kootenay board also agreed to donate $375,000 to the Westside Legacy Trail at their last board meeting Friday, October 5th.

Kathy Arney, campaign counsel for the Westside Legacy Trail, is newer to the team but has been busy gathering support for the trail. She just concluded an online auction last weekend, with experiences like cabin stays at Nipika, cooking classes at From Scratch, an e-bike from Columbia Cycle, and more. ey also held a thank you barn dance at K2 Ranch last Saturday, October 6th.

Ms. Arney says with that larger price tag, they are still actively fundraising. She urges others to donate to this project.

“It’s called the legacy trail because it’s a part of the fabric and the history here,” says Ms. Arney. “I see the value of it not only for recreation and wellness, but for tourism and for the vision of connecting the valley, and for the economic value as the valley is seen as a recreation destination.”

Westside Legacy Trail is currently hosting a photo contest. Share your trail experience pictures; winner will receive a free, custom-made Westside Legacy Trail t-shirt. e contest ends October 21st. Submit photos to katie. watt@greenways.ca.

To learn more, visit www.ourtrail.org.

The Art of Stepping Back

Friday, October 26th, 6 pm

Bob Shaunessy, chair of the fundraising campaign, praises Allan Markin, Keith MacPhail and their families for the philanthropic contributions.

Photo by Dauna Ditson

A

to

Surname Usual Names

Sterzer Karl Woodward Brian

ce(s) of Councillor – Four

to be elected

Surname Usual Names Charbonneau Benoit Delorme Marie Lake Bill Marcil Paul McCutcheon Douglas Rotvold Todd Swerdferger Kimberly Webb Roy

Road.

ADVANCE VOTING will be available to quali ed electors as follows: Wednesday, October 10, 2018, 8 am and 8 pm, and Wednesday, October 17, 2014, 8 am and 5 pm at the Columbia Discovery Centre (Village o ce), 8866 Grainger Road

If you are not on the list of electors, you may register at the time of voting by completing the required application form available at the voting place. To register, you must meet the following quali cations:

• 18 years of age or older

• Canadian citizen

• resident of BC for at least 6 months immediately preceding voting day

• resident of OR registered owner of real property in the Village of Canal Flats for at least 30 days immediately preceding voting day, and

• not otherwise disquali ed by law from voting.

Resident electors will be required to produce 2 pieces of identi cation (at least one with a signature). Picture identi cation is not necessary. The identi cation must prove both residency and identity.

Non-resident property electors will be required to produce 2 pieces of identi cation (at least one with a signature) to prove identity, proof that they are entitled to register in relation to the property, and, if there is more than one owner of the property, written consent from the majority of the property owners.

Regional District of East Kootenay

Sylvie Hoobano

By Lorene Keitch Lorene@columbiavalleypioneer

events and activities, non-pro t groups and services, private businesses that assist for aging in place or those with mobility issues, and others. ere are more than 30 vendors already signed up.

“ ere’s a lot of services within the community that seniors don’t know about,” says Gerriann Donahue, director of activities at the Invermere Seniors Centre. She says at last year’s inaugural event, even she and other members of the Invermere Seniors Association, which puts on the fair, were surprised by some of the o erings found in our humble valley home such as an in-home denturist and foot care specialists.

Ms. Donahue notes that some people had been driving to Cranbrook for mobility aids such as wheelchairs and canes as they didn’t realize there is a local company that o ers such devices. It’s success stories like this which motivate the organizers to once again put together the open house.

e event is geared towards seniors, but would also be bene cial for children taking care of aging parents, for businesses and tourism operators who may wish to direct visitors to services, and to anyone interested in learning more about what is o ered in the Columbia Valley for our aging population.

e Seniors Health Fair takes place Saturday, October 13th from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Columbia Valley Centre. Entrance is free. ere will be door prizes and refreshments.

Invermere Seniors Centre:

e Seniors Fair is an initiative of the Invermere Seniors Association, which runs the seniors centre. For seniors looking to get connected or stay active, the centre should be your rst stop. With activities happening every weekday, there seems to be something for everyone. Mondays kick o with a tness class in the morning and carpet bowling in the afternoon. Tuesday is game day, with lunch once a month added on. Wednesday mornings you will nd yoga, followed by duplicate bridge in the afternoon and crib in the evening. ursdays is tness in the morning; new this year will be oor curling starting up soon for those who like to curl but aren’t big fans of the slippery ice anymore. Fridays the seniors centre opens their doors to young students from Eileen Madsen Primary for the intergenerational program, connecting seniors and kids together

“It’s busy,” quips Ms. Donahue. e centre’s o erings have resonated with the community, evidenced by membership jumping from 90 to 200 members in less than two years. Ms. Donahue attributes much of that success to the tness classes, which are geared towards seniors and means when you exercise, you don’t feel like you’re competing with a 19 year-old next to you. She has seen the bene ts of the centre for not only senior couples who want to get out together, but for single seniors looking for friendship and social time together.

For $20 annual membership, you get access to the programming (plus a minimal drop-in fee for most activities). If you’re not sure if it’s for you, the association allows you to test out a couple sessions rst for free. And as a tip of the hat to the most senior of the Valley’s citizens, there is free lifetime membership for those over 90. e Invermere Seniors Centre is located at 1309 14th St. Invermere.

Amy, Elizabeth M

Elizabeth passed away peacefully at the Columbia House Nursing Home in Invermere, BC at the age of 92 years. She was predeceased by her husband George “Bud” Amy a well-known local artist. She is survived by her two sons Arno Brockmeyer (Jo-ann) and Wolf Brockmeyer (Maureen) as well as her many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

Where I have gone I am not so small.

My soul is as wide as the world is tall.

I have gone to answer the call, the call Of the One who takes care of us all.

Wherever you look, you will find me there In the heart of a rose, In the heart of a prayer, On butterflies’ wings, on wings of my own, To you, I’m gone, But I’m never alone. I am home.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Columbia House for their loving care and compassion.

Cremation will take place as per Elizabeth’s wishes and no service will be held. The family asks that you celebrate and remember Elizabeth in your own way. Nothing is ever lost when you remember it.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.

Larrabee, James Lloyd (Big Jim)

October 2, 1935 - October 2, 2018

Jim passed away peacefully at home in Wilmer on his 83rd Birthday, surrounded by Family. Born in lnvermere, Jim lived in Wilmer where he met his wife Margaret Hemmelgarn. ey married December 23, 1959, and started their family that has bloomed into many generations.

Jim is survived by his wife Margaret; children Elaine (Glen), Danny (Marja), Wilfred, Roxane, Michael (Beth), and Ashley; grandchildren and great grand children.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 13th, 2 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion, lnvermere.

Ballard, Larry

1949–2018

The family of Larry Ballard is shocked and saddened by his sudden but peaceful death at his home on Saturday, October 6th.

Larry was born in North Bay, Ontario on May 25, 1949 but spent his youth growing up in Ottawa. He came to the valley in the early 70’s. He first bartended at Fairmont, then built homes with Hermann Mauthner, LandH Construction.

After returning to Queen’s University and completing his studies he and Nancy returned to the valley. Larry taught almost 30 years at J.A.Laird. He loved the teaching. He loved the kids. He also spent a few years as President of the WDTA, the local association of the BCTF. Larry believed strongly in the work of the BCTF and what it did for teachers and students throughout the province.

Larry leaves to mourn Nancy, his wife of 44 years, his son Geoffrey (Stephanie) and two precious grandchildren Emma and Derek, his daughter Megan, his sister Randi in Ottawa and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

A gathering will be held at the Laird School on Saturday, October 13th at 2 p.m. followed by refreshments at Allium, Pynelogs. Larry’s family would be happy to see you there. If you would like to make a donation in memory of Larry he would have chosen the food bank.

CHEERS: To the entire Coy’s Par 3 Golf Course family and sta . We have recently held our 25th annual tournament at Coy’s and we cannot say enough about the fun, the food and the friendly service.

Cheers to Wendy Booth for 10 years of hard work, dedication and accomplishments with the RDEK. Good luck with the next chapter in your public service career.

Jeers to the inconsiderate person who thought it was a good idea to destroy the high school soccer eld by doing doughnuts in the snow. Because of you, the eld is now destroyed with ruts, a eld used by many for recreational activities. If you have a shred of dignity, you should return and x the eld that you managed to destroy.

Cheers to our neighbour who rescued my puppy from Bambi’s Dad!

Jeers to terrible managers and poorly run companies. Jeers to managers who have to pick on sta and gossip about everything. You shouldn’t be in the position you are. You are a bully! I am so grateful to be gone. More than a year of my life wasted!

Greta Strom Gill is survived by her son John Martin (Julie), her daughter Shannon Stahldorf (Peter), her granddaughters Madeline and Meredith, and her step-grandson Matthew. Greta was born in Calgary, Alberta at the beginning of the Great Depression. She and her mother Maria were on their own, and this was a period that formed her incredibly strong will power and independence. Greta and her Mom lived in remote areas, and Greta had a long walk to school, through the forest, even at30 degrees. But this is where her great love of nature began. Greta also drove grain trucks at age 12, as most men were gone fighting World War II.

Greta and her Mom moved to Burnaby, and she met Jack Martin, her high school sweetheart and husband of 25 years. Greta’s mother died of cancer when she was 19, and she was married soon after.

Jack became a physician, and Greta a teacher, and they moved to Invermere, BC, in the heart of the mountains. They had two children, John and Shannon. Greta specialized in teaching learning disabilities, and had a long teaching career in Invermere. Any time she was not working, or being a teacher, she could be found hiking in her beloved mountains, or skiing.

At age 45, Greta moved to Calgary, and ultimately to Tsawwassen, BC in her late 60’s to be near her children and grandchildren, whom she loved to see.  She taught Madeline and Meredith to read when they were a young age.

In later life she met Bruce Owen, and his son David (Mary), and had a number of happy years together until he passed away.

In her final years, Greta resided in her condo until she just couldn’t manage anymore.  In the past year she moved across the street to the Waterford Care Center, and ended up in the same room Jack once occupied until his death 5 years ago!

A thank you to Dr. James of the Waterford, and all the great nurses and care aides. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Salvation Army (dear to Greta) would be appreciated. Condolences may be offered at www.deltafuneral.ca Delta Funeral Home (604) 946-6040.

Columbia

Your lowest

your best turf. Established in 2000. Call 250-344-2419.

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

GILL Greta Strom (née Beck) June 1930 – September 2018

Sponsored by

CHEERS

Buckets and buckets of Cheers to the RDEK for hitting the ground running on Oct. 1/18 with the takeover of Windermere Water and Sewer Services. I had two problems in three days. Norm, Krista and Jay responded immediately. They were knowledgeable, helpful and courteous. Much appreciated!

CHEERS & JEERS

Jeers to people who come in to restaurants with bad colds/flu and just love to tell everyone how sick they have been. Please don’t do this. Get take out!

Cheers to all the awesome knitters who, have made slippers for the health unit. Greatly appreciated!

ANNOUNCEMENT

Alcoholics Anonymous. If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. All meetings are at 8 p.m. For more information, please call 250342-2424. Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at the BC Service Building, South End –624 4th St., Invermere. Radium Friendship Group: Friday at the Catholic Church, East Side of Main St. With the exception of Tuesday, all meetings are open.

COMMERCIAL SPACE

Two Spaces for rent 1,500 sq. ft. space and 2,000 sq. ft. space in Meadowland Art Works building. 4884 Athalmer Rd. Phone 250342-3388.

STORAGE NEWHOUSE

STORAGE

Various sizes available. Now with climate-controlled units. Call 250-342-3637.

SUITE FOR RENT

Invermere: 2-bdrm upperlevel furnished suite with large yard. Available Nov. 1st or Dec. 1st to April 30th. Close walk to downtown. N/S, N/P, W/D. $1,000/mo for single $1,200/ mo for a couple + utilities, has woodstove, references required. 250-342-6605.

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE

ELKHORN COUNTRY ESTATES

June 29, 1941– Halifax, Nova Scotia October 2, 2018– Calgary, Alberta

Anne Joy of Calgary, passed away peacefully at the Rockyview Hospital on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 after a brief illness. Her husband and children were at her side.

Anne brightened up the world with her joyous laugh and caring nature, always putting the needs of others ahead of her own. She wholeheartedly loved her family, and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and aunt. Her life was enriched with her broad circle of beloved friends, many that she’d had since her twenties. Anne also doted on her Standard Poodles Coco and Harry.

One of Anne’s noted ways to express her love for friends and family was cooking and baking. Dinners at Anne’s table would last well past the delectable meals and tasty desserts, continuing on with lively debates and discussions of current events and politics. And of course, being surrounded by her heart-warming laughter.

Emily Ruth Anne Jerrett was the youngest of five siblings, along with sisters Kay, Mary and Joan and brother William. She was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on June 21, 1941, and moved to Calgary in her teens. Anne went to the Holy Cross School of Nursing where she formed many life-long, cherished friendships. Anne moved to Montreal in 1964 to pursue surgical nursing. There she met the love of her life, David. After marrying and starting their family, they moved to Calgary where Anne continued to nurse at the Holy Cross Hospital, and later worked as a realtor. In 1990, Anne and Dave purchased the Delphine Lodge in Wilmer, BC. Running the inn gave Anne the perfect opportunity to indulge in her genuine interests: cultivating a beautiful flower garden, baking pastries, and decorating the Delphine with antiques. She loved living there, being surrounded by nature and birds. Guests as well as locals regularly convened in the Delphine’s garden for weddings, afternoon tea, and other events. Anne and Dave eventually moved back to Calgary in 2000.

Amongst Anne’s many other interests were reading, music (particularly singing), stitching, swimming and travelling. She and Dave enjoyed holidays in Mexico and Europe and visiting family in Ottawa and England. Anne spent many wonderful summer vacations at Canal Flats, BC.

Anne is survived by the love of her life Dave with whom she was married to for 51 years; daughter Donna and son-in-law Hugh Prodan, and son Christopher and daughter-in-law Shauna Kelly. She will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren Peter, Jena, Rheanne and Evelyne. Anne is also survived by her sisters Kay and Joan, and brother-in-law Frank, as well as cherished nieces and nephews.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre St North ,Calgary, AB) on Friday, October 12, 2018 at 2 p.m. Reception to follow immediately after at the Glencoe Club (636 29 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0P1). Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.

In living memory of Anne Joy, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5 • Ph: 403-243-8200

Al-Anon. Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us. Al-Anon meets EVERY Monday in Invermere at 7:15 p.m., at the Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church, 712 – 12th Ave (behind the Invermere hospital). For information, please call 250342-8255.

Mountain Creek Properties Ltd. is accepting quotes for snow removal services (i.e. clearing roads, parking lots, sidewalks and wooden stairs to the units, applying sand, de-ice and grit as needed, as well as completing gravel clean up in spring) for a Strata Corporation located in Canal Flats. For more information please call Juliana 250-341-6003. Please apply prior to October 15.

LOST & FOUND

FOUND: Single key in the old Community Hall parking lot on Sept. 27th. Contact the Pioneer at 250-341-6299 ext. 101 to claim.

FOUND: Honda key at Garage Sale Sept. 22nd at 1721 13th Ave. Contact the Pioneer 250341-6299 ext. 101 to claim.

FOUND: Cat in Fairmont on Riverview Rd., Sept 19/18. Adult (1.2-2yrs?), neutered male. Medium length fur, black and white “Tuxedo”. Very friendly. Call ICAN 250-341-7888.

COMMERCIAL SPACE

Prime commercial space, complete with industrial bay and off street parking. 108 Industrial Road #2, 2,000 sq. ft. unit. Available Oct. 1st. 403899-9480 or carykienitz@ rockypeakent.com.

STORAGE SPACE – assorted sizes, easy access, immediate availability, long-term or short-term. Deck Properties Warehouse, Industrial Park: 250342-3166.

OFFICE SPACE

1313 - 7th Ave. Prime second floor office space, complete with off street parking. 1 - 735 sq. ft. office, 1 - 1,167 sq. ft. office. Can be divided into two offices 1 - 710 sq. ft. + 1 - 457 sq. ft. Prime ground floor office/ retail space, complete with off street parking. 2,425 sq. ft. Call for availability 403899-9480 or carykienitz@ rockypeakent.com.

ACCOMMODATION WANTED

Looking for a rental property for August and September of 2019. 2-bdrm, small dog included, 2 to 4 people - all adults. We are golfers, responsible, no partying. Contact 1-403-678-1009.

SUITE FOR RENT

Windermere 4-plex: Bright, 2-bdrm suite, available immediately. Pet friendly, fridge, stove, W/D. Large yard, 2-blocks from beach. Call/text 250-4097435 or email shellimilley@ gmail.com.

Brand new 2.5-bdrm, main floor of duplex in Edgewater, W/D, child or cat welcome, no dogs, no smokers. Available Oct. 15, 2018, $1,300/mo includes utilities. 250-342-6904.

Spectacular lake views. Windermere, N/S, references required. Main floor of house: 2-bdrm, 2-bath, patio, dishwasher, W/D, fireplace. $1,050/mo. + utilities. Available Nov. 1st, 403-651-2002 or marilyn.thompson@outlook. com.

Lake View Meadows modern 2-bdrm apartment, lower level, semi furnished/unfurnished, AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY. Backs onto green space and Copper Point Golf Course. The apartment comes with 2 underground parking stalls and storage unit, and access to the Lakeview Meadows Recreation Centre: indoor pool, hut tub, outdoor pool, soccer field, tennis court, beach volleyball court, private beach. Minimum 6 months contract, $1,200/mo + Hydro, no cable. Reference required. Email at camirusnac@yahoo. com or call 1-403-312-9137.

HOUSE FOR RENT

TimberRidge: 3-bdrm, 3 bathroom fully furnished entire house for rent. $1,850/mo. + utilities. Email doug.charriere@ ufa.com.

CONDO FOR RENT

Furnished 2-bdrm, 2 washroom, on second floor of The Peaks in Radium. Ensuite laundry, D/W and A/C. Rent includes all utilities. Long term or short term lease. $1,100/mo. Available immediately. 403-470-7758.

Lakefront, Resort lifestyle, Rec. centre. Fully furnished 2-bdrm Condo for rent on Windermere Lake. $1,200/mo. Damage deposit and references required. Utilities negotiable. 403-8181890.

HOUSE FOR SALE

Only 1 acreage left in phase 2, 5.3 acres, water well up to 30 gallons per minute, no building commitment. $199,000 + GST. Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-342-1268. www.elkhornranches.com.

MISC. FOR SALE

Top Quality Hay Round bales, no rain. Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-342-1268.

Schutter Farms JV Horse Hay/Wheat Straw

Contact Egbert 1-403-393-2418 or Ehren 1-403-360-5544. Small squares stored inside hay sheds.

1 set of Michelin winter tires used one season, P255/60R19, excellent condition, $900 O.B.O. 250-341-8649.

FIREWOOD

Support Rockies Hockey firewood. Contact email cvrockies.firewood@gmail.com or call 250-342-1624 for more info or to place an order.

Seasoned Firewood for Sale. $250/ bush cord delivered 250-688-0373.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

Chevy Impala 2003, good condition, well maintained, winter and summer tires. $1,700 250-342-2173.

FREE GIVEAWAY

FREE: older large fridge and small bar fridge. Good for beer/pop. Located in Radium RV park. You move Oct 1315. Text 403-816-7942 Email mcguire1hagel@xplornet.com.

SERVICES

Heaven’s Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Environmentally friendly products. Dry in 1 hour! Call 250-688-0213 or visit www. heavensbest.ca.

Handyman: Small projects around the house. Tune-up Golf Carts, Ride on Lawn Mowers etc. Call Jeff 250-341-8146 leave a message.

JOY, Emily Ruth Anne (Anne) (nee Jerrett)

BOARD MEMBERS

In accordance

Membership on

To be eligible, you must be a resident or elector of the District of Invermere.

Members of the Invermere District Council, employees of the District of Invermere and employees of the existing Library

Members

Copper for

Normal

SERVICES

Shannon’s Blinds & Designs

Thank you for your votes - Best of Business Awards! Blinds, Drapery, Phantom Screens & more 250-342-5749, shannonsblinds@yahoo.ca.

B.B.’s Home & Lawn Care Services: Eavestroughs to fall yard cleanup, tree cutting, deck repairs, roofs, small moves. Blinds, drapery and installation. Handyman services 250-6882897 or 403-861-8782.

SERVICES

A.J. Siding and Eavestrough

Serving the Valley for 24 years.

5” continuous gutter All types of siding, so t and facia. Phone 250-342-7177 for an appointment.

HELP WANTED

Invermere Petro-Can is currently accepting resumes for F/T and P/T employment. Apply in person to 185 Laurier Street, Invermere between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

HELP WANTED

Wanted 2 F/T Restaurant Cooks, Rocky River Grill, 8888 Arrow Road, Invermere, B.C. Permanent, F/T shifts, overtime, weekends, days and evenings, $16/hour for 40 hours per week. Overtime after 40 hours. Minimum several years experience and completion of Secondary School. DUTIES: Prepare and cook full course meals, prepare and cook individual dishes and foods, ensure quality of food portions, work with minimal supervision, prepare dishes for customers with food allergies or intolerances. Inspect Kitchens and Food service areas. Please forward resume to Justin Atterbury by fax 250-342-8889 or email justatterbury@hotmail. com.

HELP WANTED

Helna’s Stube is looking for an experienced evening server. Email resume to mail@helnas. com or call 250-347-0047.

Award winning market bistro, From Scratch - A Mountain Kitchen in Fairmont Hot Springs, is seeking a Full-Time Creative Cook and a Fabulous Part-Time Server to join our crew. If you love working with people, have a passion for great food and work well in a busy environment, email us your resume at lara@fromscratchfood.com to arrange an interview.

Bergles, CAO

Our team is searching for a talented, motivated and high performing O ce Manager to join us in a rapidly growing technology business! The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills, be innovative and exible, and will be committed to contributing to an innovative team. Experience: 2 - 4 years successful experience in an o ce setting, Successful experience in accounting and HR, Successful experience in organization of payroll, bene ts, taxes and nancials. Contact Lorri Fehr at lorri.fehr@cltc.tech.

P/T Bookkeeper required with experience, working 5 to 10 hours per week. Knowledge of Simply Accounting a must. Contact Tony at tony@strandsrestaurant.com, 250-342-5745.

Photo by Jennifer Cope

Whose beach is it anyway?

Watershed Wanderings

By ea Rodgers Lake Windermere Ambassadors

Dating back to the legal systems of Ancient Rome, the “public trust doctrine” is a principle which states that certain resources (like air, sea, waters, and forests) have such great importance to the public as a whole that the government must protect and maintain these resources for the public’s use.

94% of the land in British Columbia is provincial Crown Land, 2% of which is covered by fresh water. Crown Land is public land which falls under the umbrella of this public trust doctrine.

On Lake Windermere, Crown Land begins at the mean (or average) high water line, and extends down to include the bottom of the lake.

At the lake’s north end, there is an abundance of private docks, boat lifts, boathouses, and retaining walls along the shoreline, some of which extend across this Crown Land boundary and into the water. Some waterfront property owners may have applied for provincial leases that grant them rights to this area, but others may not - and these property owners may not be aware that the public has a right to access the beach area that lies below the mean high water mark, regardless of private property ownership in the area adjacent to the beach.

In plain terms, this means that property owners who have docks, boat lifts, walls, fences, ramps, or other structures extending from their titled property out to the water surface and who don’t have a speci c lease from the province, must technically provide a safe way over, under, or around their structures below the mean high water line so that the public can access this Crown Land.

Just last month some of our volunteers were harassed for legally walking along the edge of the beach during low water, well below the mean high water mark. Is this harassment acceptable, given that access to Crown Land is a public right?

Public land is an asset to our society, allowing everyone to bene t from our province’s natural resources. e public trust doctrine was enacted by the Roman emperor Justinian Code in order to protect resources with public bene t from private use and appropriation, and this concept has lasted throughout European and Canadian legal history.

On Lake Windermere, public access to the lake and the foreshore is a hot-button issue that we get asked about a lot. Although enforcement lies in the hands of the provincial government, the best the Lake Windermere Ambassadors can do is try to raise awareness about public access issues on the lake and try to increase the awareness of this concept among waterfront property owners. Hopefully, by doing so, we can help improve the public’s understanding of beach usage rights and help prevent future con icts between low-water beach-walkers and foreshore property owners.

As the emperor Justinian Code aptly wrote, in 535 AD: “By the law of nature these things are common to mankind, the air, running water, the sea, and consequently the shores of the sea. […]  e public use of the banks of a river is part of the law of nations, just as is that of the river itself.”

e Lake Windermere Ambassadors are a non-pro t society dedicated to the preservation of Lake Windermere and its water quality. You can contact us with your opinions

questions at info@lakeambassadors.ca.

Latch

BEY ND THE BLUE LINE

Rockies thankful for wins over weekend

Submitted by Columbia Valley Rockies

The Columbia Valley Rockies dominated the Thanks giving weekend and won two more games.

The Rockies displayed a speedy and aggressive effort during their Friday, October 5th home game against the Si camous Eagles. The game was opened with a goal by Zach ary Giacobbo at the 14 minute mark with help from Jesse Carr and Chase Hawkins. The Rockies carried the game to the Eagles with much of the play in the opposition end.

In the second period, although the Rockies were again taking the play to the Sicamous team, the Eagles were able to take a 2 to 1 lead midway through the period. The Rock ies took advantage of a late power play with Gavin Fleck from Kale Hawryluk with four minutes left in the period to end the second all tied up at 2.

It was obvious as the third period began that the Rock ies were determined to impose their will on the visitors both physically and with their unmatched speed. Logan MacDonald opened the floodgates for the Rockies with an unassisted goal at the 12.26 mark. Three minutes later Dace Prymak on a powerplay from Dylan Fontaine and Gavin Fleck provided the Rockies a 4 to 2 lead. The visitors were able to take advantage of a broken play and notch another but that would be all. The Rockies demoralized the visitors with a goal from Evan Woods helped by Zachary Giacobbo. The door was slammed shut with 55 seconds left as Kale Hawryluk buried one with help from Fraser McMann. Rockies took it 6-3!

Saturday, October 6th brought the Kamloops Storm to town and the only storm

brewing was from the Rockies as they continued their winning ways. Logan Macdonald opened the scoring two minutes into the game with help from Dylan Fontaine and the Rockies never looked back. Fraser McMann with help from Ryann Skytt and Greg Parker let the home team take a 2-0 score into the first intermission.

The Rockies took the play to the Storm in the sec ond and were comfortable with dumping the puck out of their zone as much as possible. Constant pressure allowed the Rockies to notch another goal from Connor Davison assisted by Ryan Skytt and Zachary Giacobbo. The home team took a comfortable 3-0 lead into the dressing room at the end of the second.

As the Rockies came out in the third it was apparent to all that their speed and puck movement simply out matched Kamloops this night. With the visiting team be coming very frustrated the Rockies kept the pressure on. Thirteen seconds into the third period Connor Davison buried his second goal of the night with help from Ryan Skytt. Five minutes later Erik Lloyd with help from Jes se Carr and Cooper Krauss gave the home team and the crowd a 5-0 lead. Gavin Fleck with help from Dace Pry mak and Logan MacDonald closed out the scoring as the Rockies put another ‘W’ on the board taking a 6-0 win at home on this Thanksgiving weekend.

Photo by Amanda Nason

The Rockies look forward to hosting The 100 Mile House Wranglers and the Bea ver Valley Nite Hawks this coming up October 12th and 13th weekend. The Rockies are looking for a great crowd to come out and plan on providing exciting and enter taining hockey.

Photo by Amanda Nason

Evan Woods battles for the puck in Saturday’s match against the Kamloops Storm at Eddie Mountain.

The Rockies earned a stunning 6-0 win against the Storm Saturday, October 6th.

Check your blindspots

By Pastor Murray Wittke Valley Christian Assembly

Hostility lls the room the moment she walks in. Quiet courage has brought her through the door. Rich and powerful men glare at her. Scowls and angry eyes loudly proclaim “Go away! You’re not welcome here.” eir animosity makes her uncomfortable. Standing there, memories of men hurting and humiliating her resurface. Struggling to maintain her composure she sits down. Her long hair falls loose on her shoulders. Tears begin to ow. Jesus gazes at this woman seated at his feet, pauses, and knowing their thoughts says to the men in the room… “Do you see this woman?” ey may have looked at her as she entered, may have seen her body but they did not see her. ey only saw “what kind of wom-

an” they thought she was. She lived in their blind spot.

For better or for worse, we learn to see the world from those we live among; parents, relatives, schoolmates, neighbours and friends at work. Over time their views and the language they use, the stories we hear, and the jokes we repeat subtly shape the way we look at others. We see the people around us but are rarely aware of who they are beneath their role in our life or how they’ve been labelled by society. ey’re in our blind spot.

Jesus’ question “Have you seen this woman?” has made me stop and examine my heart. Am I aware of the women in my life? Do they have my attention? Can I hear what they’re saying to me? Am I even listening? Have I taken time to discover their fears and challenges, joys and sorrows, regrets and frustrations, dreams and aspirations?

Am I familiar with their heart? All too often I’ve taken women for granted. It never crossed my mind to lean in for a closer look. Sadly, they’ve been in my blind spot a long time. I’m sure they’re not the only ones. But thank God for miracles. Jesus still heals seeing-impaired hearts. Where I was blind I’m beginning to see. Who’s in your blind spot? Have you checked lately?

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

Sunday, October 14th at 10:30 a.m. Missions Sunday, Access To Jesus … Lisa Rohrick, International Worker to Niger, West Africa, ministering. K.I.D.S. Church during the Morning Service. NO “SING and CELEBRATE” THIS EVENING. 326 - 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • o ce@lwac.ca • www.lwac.ca

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED

Worship every Sunday, 10:30 a.m. Children & Youth Sunday School at 10:30 a.m. Christ Church Trinity, Invermere 1st and 3rd Sunday, March - December 9 a.m.: All Saint’s, Edgewater 2nd Sunday, 7 p.m.: June - October at St. Peter’s Windermere Reverend Laura Hermakin 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-6644 • www.wvsm.ca

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY

Sunday 10 a.m.: Worship Services.

Pastor Murray Wittke 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Saturday, 4:30 p.m.: St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats. Saturday, 5 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m.: Canadian Martyrs’ – Invermere Sunday, 11 a.m.: St. Joseph’s – Radium. Father Jojo Augustine • 712 -12th Ave., Invermere 250-342-6167

ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN MISSION OF INVERMERE Lay Worship Services every Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Christ Church Trinity, 110 - 7th Ave., Invermere (Small Chapel) Pastor Ron Tabbert • Parish O ce: 250-426-7564 Email: mtzionlc@hotmail.com

RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • 250-342-6633 No. 4, 7553 Main St. Radium • 250-347-9937

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Worship Service, Sunday, 10 a.m. • Relief Society, 11:15 a.m. President Rick Daniels • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs • 250-421-3756

Drum from the heart at Pynelogs

By Lorene Keitch lorene@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The drumbeat becomes the body of the music Monday nights at Pynelogs.

If you should be a couple minutes late, you will hear the welcoming rhythm as you slip in the door and creak up the stairs. Strings of dainty lights and a couple spotlights cast an alluring glow, flashes of movement catch your eye as mallets pound up and down on the taut-stretched drumheads.

Ticka ticka bang bang. Tom patta patta patta tom tom tom. Djembe and tubano, frame drumes and North Amer ican buffalos beat out a rhythmic cacophony alongside a vast array of percussion instruments from every corner of the globe.

The room is overfilled, with chairs touching walls set in circles around a central rug, Patrick Carrick overseeing the beautiful noise. This is Monday Night Drum Circle, and all are welcome here.

“It’s about expressing yourself, without saying a word. We’re all in this together,” he says by way of introduction to the musicians.

It pulls you in. It’s something primal. Ancient. No vocal arrangements, piano riffs or guitar chords to move the mel ody along. Yet with a wave of arms or a meaningful look, he moves these hands to this beat, that section to another; the dichotomous sounds pull together into a complete. It feels as if the very heartbeat of Pynelogs quickens her pulse in response.

As one song crescendos, it sounds like the calling of muscled men pulling together on a warship, the handles of their long oars moving in rhythm to ‘hee’, ‘hoo’, breathed in and out through the beat of the drums.

Mr. Carrick pauses between songs to speak to the more

than 20 drummers: “It feels foreign to a lot of people, but it really isn’t foreign. Human beings have been doing this for a long, long time.”

Mr. Carrick, by day the manager at Village Arts and well known as the drummer from Small Town Dirt Bags, brought his love of drumming to the Valley when he moved here more than four years ago.

“Teaching music and sharing it is a true passion I have,” says Mr. Carrick.

He attended integrative community drumming work shops in Calgary to learn how to bring his love of drum ming to the greater community. He wants drumming to be as inclusive as possible, accessible to people in all walks of life, all skill levels, and to bring connectivity to the area through this ancient art.

“It taps into an element we’ve lost over time,” he muses. “It is an activity people have done for communication and celebration for thousands of years.”

There has been a good turnout from a broad age range the firest few sessions, and Mr. Carrick finds people coming for a number of reasons, whether novelty, for something to do, or for healing, tapping into something that was lost or broken inside and finding peace in the group rhythm.

“People are walking away surprised with how they’re feeling after the session, and very excited to return,” he says. “It’s great, it makes me feel like I’m on the right track.”

He has partnered with Columbia Valley Arts for use of the space. While it was originally set up as a 10 week pro gram, there is a possibility of it continuing should it prove sustainable.

The drum circles cost $10 if you have your own drum, $15 if you don’t. For ages 10-17, it’s $10. To learn more or sign up, visit Columbia Valley Drumming on Facebook, or call Patrick Carrick at 250-409-4110.

Basin Stories

coming

Patrick Carrick leads the packed house of drummers.

Drumbeats soothe the soul Monday evenings in Invermere.