????? ??, ???? Vol. 13/Issue 2
Your Weekly Source for News and Events
The Columbia
Valley
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1 January, 8, 2016
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Serving The Upper Columbia Valley including Spillimacheen, Brisco, Edgewater, Radium, Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats
value added
3 deer relocation
5 whiteway plowed
8
On December 24th, 65 skiers and snowboarders wound their way down the slopes at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Ski Area for the 30th Annual Torchlight Parade and Fireworks attended by close to 1,000 guests. Ski Area manager Peter Harding, who organized the inaugural Torchlight event on Christmas Eve in 1985 and hasn’t missed one since, was honoured with a huge cake for his 30 years of service.
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torchlight troubadour
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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
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Thank you! The Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley would like to thank all of the people of the Columbia Valley who supported our initiative to help make Christmas a little more merry and bright for many of our local families. Cheers and a huge THANK YOU to all the generous valley residents, local businesses, and our part-time residents who became sponsors. Thank you to those that picked an angel from the Angel Tree. Many thanks to all the volunteers past and present who have given so generously of their time and energy. No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another. With love from The Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley. Check out our Facebook page!
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JONATHAN SIEVENPIPER, J.D. TO OUR FIRM Jonathan will be practicing in the areas of Real Estate, Wills and Business Law. Jonathan will be joining our Invermere location 906 – 8th Avenue, Box 2647 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Ph: (250) 342-4447 | Fax: (250) 342-3298 Email: jsievenpiper@rockieslaw.com Web: www.rockieslaw.com
Trailing ahead In the early morning hours on New Year’s Eve, a small group of Greenways Trail Alliance volunteers gathered together to stamp, shovel and scrape out a 500 foot-wide bicycle on the ice just off Fort Point in Invermere to raise awareness for the Westside Legacy Trail. The project, led by Greenways Event Co-ordinator Kim Turgeon, took about 1.5 hours to complete. Top: The photograph was taken thanks to a drone supplied by Panorama Mountain Resort. Right: A group of children work on clearing the ice for the seat of the bike. The Westside Legacy Trail (#OurTrail) will be a 25-kilometre paved, non-motorized pathway connecting Invermere to Fairmont. For the entire length of the trail, it crosses Westside Road only once; two Trailhead Kiosks will mark the beginning and end; there will be four parking areas for visitors; and benches, bridges and picnic areas along the trail will further enhance the experience. The project will cost $5 million to complete and the Greenways Trail Alliance is currently fundraising. Visit www.ourtrail.org to learn more. Photos submitted
January 8, 2016
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3
VALLEY NEWS
Three Voices centre loses government funding By Breanne Massey Pioneer Staff The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) has ceased funding the Three Voices of Healing Society (TVOHS) in Invermere after their third party partner, White Rock Consulting Inc., recently conducted a financial review of the Aboriginal addictions treatment centre’s spending following some alarm bells about the organization’s debt and financial mismanagement. Sonia Isaac-Mann, executive director of Community Health and Wellness Services with the FNHA, stated that investigating the TVOHS debt and how it could be paid back unearthed a bigger picture than the organization could fathom. “We actually also received a call from Peace Hills
Trust around the debt position and how that would be paid back by TVOHS,” said Ms. Isaac-Mann by phone. “Then, there was also a request from TVOHS for additional funding, which triggered a financial review that the board of TVOHS, FNHA and the Shuswap Indian Band (SIB) actually agreed to, so a third party manager was appointed to do that review in June of 2015.” The accredited inpatient alcohol and drug abuse treatment society had been operating the 28,000 square foot TVOHS centre on 6.2 acres of Shuswap Band Land since 2012. It received about $1.26 million in funding in 2013/14, including approximately $950,000 from FNHA. However, the financial review — which examined the TVOHS accounting books from April 2010 to March 2015 — revealed significant debt in 2013/14 and that the society was overdrawn by $307,801 —
one third of its total funding. The debt grew by over $56,000 in 2014/15. Some of the expenditures listed in the financial review that concerned FNHA included a staff development session at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas for $5,000 in 2014; pedicures at a resort spa for $253; $10,000 to cover travel and accommodation costs for three people to visit a rehab centre in Italy; an executive director salary of $178,464.14, approximately 40 per cent of the total centre’s salary and benefits payments; the sale of a personal vehicle by Ms. Tikk’s husband to the centre for $14,000; excessive moving expenditures including pet boarding charges; the purchase of two iMac computers in 2014 for $4,629.22; and $1,741 for four tires for executive director Delena Tikk’s personal vehicle. Continued on page 21 . . .
Property assessment values in valley see slight increase By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff B.C. Assessment’s notices for this year are in the mail. As Kootenay-Columbia region residents receive them in the next week or so, most property owners in the Upper Columbia Valley can expect to see the value of their homes having increased by about 10 per cent as compared to last year. The 2016 assessment notices reflect the assessed value of homes on July 1st, 2015. For Invermere, the average 2016 single family home assessment value is $371,000 (up about 10 per cent from the average 2015 home assessment value of $342,000); in Radium Hot Springs, the average 2016 single family home assessment value is $328,000 (up from $304,000 in the 2015 assessment notices); and in Canal Flats, the average 2016 single family home assessment value is $176,000 (up from $159,000 in the 2015 assessment notice). “The majority of residential home owners within the region can expect an increase,” said Kootenay-Columbia region deputy assessor Ramaish Shah in a press release. “Most homeowners in the Kootenay-Columbia region will see modest increases depending on their location.” Mr. Shah told The Pioneer, however, that the increase does not represent a signifi-
cant change in the housing market. “Anything from a five per cent drop to a 10 per cent increase is not a big shift and indicates a stable market to us,” he said. The increased assessment values across the Kootenay region and in the Upper Columbia Valley reflect the market value of the current year, according to Mr. Shah. The assessment covers more than 142,000 properties and found that in the Kootenay-Columbia region as a whole, the assessment roll increased from $36.97 billion in 2015 to $37.89 billion this year. Mr. Shah attributed the change to market movement as well as to $361 million in growth due to subdivisions, rezoning and new construction. The 10 per cent increase in Invermere and the similar increases in Radium Hot Springs and Canal Flats were among the highest in the entire region (no data on regional district properties was made available in the press release). Most municipalities in the Kootenay-Columbia saw more modest growth, and a few even saw no growth or a drop in the average single family home assessment value. Looking at different types of property, the average change in assessment value for single family homes ranged from a zero per cent increase to an increase of 10 per cent (depending on municipality); the average change for residential strata units Continued on page 5 . . .
ADULT & CHILDREN MULTI-WEEK LESSONS — BEGINNING IN JANUARY! —
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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
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Submitted by Staff Sgt. Marko Shehovac Columbia Valley RCMP More police presence In response to the letter to the editor (January 1st Pioneer), regarding an accident near Marble Canyon on December 17th, that stated the RCMP must answer as to why they were not on the highway on this very busy day. The letter voiced concern that it took police and ambulance two hours to respond. The accident was called in at 2:44 p.m. Traffic services and one detachment member from Invermere were on scene at 3:45 p.m. Road conditions were very poor. Police and ambulance from the Banff detachment responded and were on scene, and the injured were taken to Banff hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The author of the letter did not remain on scene as other people were caring for the injured and would not have realized this. As for why no police were in the park on what the author described as one of the busiest days of the year may have just answered his own question. Limited resources and we can’t be everywhere. Busy highway required slower speeds on this particular day. Hope I was able to answer the author’s concerns. New Year’s Eve Police responded to 10 complaints, four being alcohol-related. Not bad. Appreciate everyone taking care of yourselves and your friends.
h e Pioneer ca T n
N E W S PA P E R
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New Year’s Resolution Going to gain 10 pounds, start smoking a cigar when fishing and try single malt Scotch. • On Thursday, December 31st at 1:46 p.m., a 2012 Arctic Cat High Country Snow Pro 800 sled was stolen from the back of a 2012 Dodge Ram pickup in the 1200 block of 9th Street. • On Thursday, December 31st at 11:30 p.m., police attended to a disturbance complaint in the 7000 block of Revelstoke Drive in Radium. An adult female and adult male were eventually arrested and lodged in cells for being drunk in public.
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• On Friday, January 1st at 3 a.m., as a result of a disturbance complaint on 13th Street, patrols were made resulting in a 19-year-old highly intoxicated male located without a shirt on in -15 C degree weather. The male was provided warmth and a ticket for being drunk in public. • On Saturday, January 2nd at 11:30 p.m., police received a report of a male attempting to start fights at the Copper City Saloon. The male departed prior to police attending. Cst. Myers spotted the male on 10th Avenue and arrested the male for being drunk in public. The male ran on Cst. Myers. Not realizing that Cst. Myers has been on a strict physical fitness program, he was quickly apprehended and lodged in cells. • On Sunday, January 3rd at 11:30 p.m., Invermere fire and police attended to a vehicle fire on Industrial #4 Road in the parking lot of Cleanline Automotive involving a 2009 Chev Tahoe. The vehicle was left unattended. The investigation is continuing as to the cause of the fire. Bear loose in the office While working in Maple Ridge many years ago, to lighten up the mood in the detachment, I walked around with the head of our bear mascot. I happened to walk by the breathalyzer room where it just so happened that a highly intoxicated male was sitting down, waiting to blow on the breathalyzer. The officer operating the instrument was not in a position to see me, but it was clear the intoxicated male could see me as he proceeded to wave at me. So, I waved back. I could hear the curious officer ask the male what he was waiving at. Of course he responded: “ A bear, you have a bear in the hallway.” I got out of the way as I heard the officer walking towards the door. In order to prove just how intoxicated the male was, I had no doubt the officer would document that the subject of the investigation sees a bear in the police office and is waving at a bear. Minutes later, I walked by the breathalyzer room, briefly stopped, and the male waved again. I waved back. He responded to the officer: “The bear is back.” I moved on. Later, after the male was released and the officer was making his notes at his desk, I slid up beside him with the bear head on and advised him the guy was not that drunk. He really did see a bear.
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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5
Deer relocation project underway By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff An urban deer relocation trial study will start this winter in several East Kootenay communities, including Invermere. The trial has been the subject of considerable discussion in recent months, and will be carried out by Cranbrook-based VAST Resource Solutions Inc. The launch of the project, even in pilot form, comes after years of back and forth on the urban deer issue between Kootenay municipalities, a few municipalities from elsewhere in B.C., and the provincial government (which has jurisdiction over all wildlife in B.C., including urban deer). “The objective of this project is to test how urban mule deer respond once they’ve been moved to natural environments,” said lead project biologist Ian Adams, in a press release. “For the project to prove successful, translocated deer must not return either to their home communities or any other urban area. From the outset, we’ve been clear that deer moved from one community are not to become a nuisance elsewhere.” Mr. Adams told The Pioneer the study aims to capture and relocate about 15 to 20 deer in each community, for a total of about 80 animals. The deer will be caught using clover traps (larger clover traps than the ones used in culls) or a type of tranquilizer dart gun. “One of the reasons the province has been previously reluctant to do relocation trials is that moving mule deer has not gone well on the past, and has proved quite stressful on the animals,” said Mr. Adams. “However, some similar recent projects in New Mexico and Utah — which used a new Valium type of drug — have had much more success. That success, I think, is what has allowed the government to now say ‘yes, let’s give this a try.’ We will be using the same kind of drugs as they used in New Mexico in our study.” But he added that the lack of previous relocation efforts in the East Kootenay creates uncertainty about the trial’s outcome. “We really don’t have a sense of how it will turn
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out,” he said. The captured deer will be moved to various winter ranges throughout the East Kootenay. “We’ll be putting them in areas where they natuBuilding or rally would be at that time of year, but making sure renovating? We those places are at least 50 kilometres from their home provide custom community and at least 25 kilometres from any other shower door community,” Mr. Adams told The Pioneer, adding that installation at GPS radio collars will be put on 20 of the total 80 urcompetitive prices. ban deer relocated, in order to track them. A similar project on non-urban mule deer is using the same GPS collar technology, allowing scientists to compare movement and survival of translocated urban deer with natural mule deer in the same areas at the Serving the Columbia Valley for over 35 years same time — an ideal scientific control, according to #3, 109 Industrial #2, Invermere B.C. Mr. Adams. 250-342-3659 • Fax: 250-342-3620 “There has been some concern that urban deer have www.invermereglass.ca become naive to predators, that they have learned to respond to dogs, for instance, by staring down the threat. That approach probably won’t work as well with cougars or wolves,” said Mr. Adams. “But we have some SURVEY SURVEY SURVEY!! hope that urban deer have Columbia Valley: From Weekend Playground to Year Round Home retained some of their innate predator response instincts, We seek your input into the Columbia Valley Permanent Resident Retention & Attraction Strategy because we often do see them The municipal partners of the Columbia Valley* are developing a Resident Attraction and Retention Strategy. respond much more aggresI’m sure you appreciate that the region already has a lot going for it, but we want it to be better. We want it sively to off-leash dogs than to be a place that is top of mind for those who are looking for a place to live full-time or start a small business. dogs on leash. They seem to You and your family are invited to participate in a survey. We want to know what would make the Columbia realize different threats reValley more appealing to you. What can be done to help attract new residents? But just as important, how can quire different responses.” we keep you happy living here? With your input, real progress is possible. The more we understand your perspective, the more effective our The biologists are not solutions will be. We would love to hear from you! yet sure when they will be in Below is the link to copy or you can visit our website at www.invermere.net for the link. Invermere to capture deer, https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Upper_Columbia_Valley although it will likely be in Sincere thanks for all you do to support our communities! late winter, said Mr. Adams. See next week’s Pioneer for reaction of local officials and organizations to the trial study.
. . . ‘Property’ from page 3 (condominiums) was an increase of zero per cent to an increase of 10 per cent; the average change for commercial real estate varied from a five per cent decrease to a five per cent increase; and the average change for light industrial property also varied from a five per cent decrease to a five per cent increase. B.C. Assessment has re-launched its website to include more details about 2016 assessments, property information and trends, and offers self-service access to the free online e-valueBC service that allows people to search, check and compare 2016 property assessments anywhere in the province. Kootenay-Columbia residents who feel their 2016 assessment is inaccurate can call an appraiser at the B.C. Assessment office. If they are still not satisfied, they have until February 1st to submit a notice of complaint for an independent review by a Property Assessment Review Panel. The B.C. assessment can be reached at www.bcasssessment.ca or by calling 1-866-825-8322.
COLUMBIA VALLEY: FROM WEEKEND PLAYGROUND TO YEAR ROUND HOME
We seek your input into the Columbia Valley Permanent Resident Retention & Attraction Strategy The municipal partners of the Columbia Valley* are developing a Resident Attraction and Retention Strategy. I’m sure you appreciate that the region already has a lot going for it, but we want it to be better. We want it to be a place that is top of mind for those who are looking for a place to live full-time or start a small business. You and your family are invited to join fellow residents as we shape the region’s future. We want to know what would make the Columbia Valley more appealing to you. What can be done to help attract new residents? But just as important, how can we keep you happy living here? With your input, real progress is possible. The more we
understand your perspective, the more effective our solutions will be. We would love to hear from you! Join us for an open conversation and refreshments. Tuesday, January 26, 2016 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Lions Hall (Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce Office) Located at 651 Highway 93/95 Please confirm your attendance by January 14, 2016 by contacting Chris Prosser at 250-342-9281 ext 1225 or cao@ invermere.net. Sincere thanks for all you do to support our communities!
6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
January 8, 2016
PERSPECTIVE Historical Lens
Trap... and relocate By Nicole Trigg Pioneer Staff
A long-awaited alternative to culling deer is in the beginning stages. While clearly Invermere is one municipality that has thrown its weight behind culling as a way to control the urban deer population within its municipal boundaries, not everyone has agreed with this method. This has been evidenced by several local public protests and many letters to the editor, as well as the efforts of the Invermere Deer Protection Society in the form of an animal rights lawsuit against the District of Invermere, which was ultimately dismissed, but did cause the cessation of culling until the court case was over and the district was issued another provincial permit to continue. However, while a referendum on whether or not culling should be used in Invermere for deer control purposes saw 74 per cent of voters in favour, it’s conceivable that had relocation been offered as a viable option at the time, this method likely have found a lot of public support. The Lake Windermere District Rod and Gun Club has been a strong advocate of relocation, having offered, in a letter sent to Invermere council last November, to help with any efforts to relocate the deer living in Invermere. Rod and Gun Club president Rick Hoar told The Pioneer that the impetus for the offer came about because the number of mule deer outside Invermere has decreased dramatically as the number of deer living in the district has increased. The clear consensus is that people feel there are too many deer roaming Invermere’s streets and something needs to be done. Now that relocation efforts are underway with scientists studying everything from stress on the animals to predator response instincts, it’s hopeful that a solution benefitting both the human and the deer populations can be achieved.
Let it snow In this image with no date, Percy Lake stands with a snow shovel in front of several snow-covered structures. If you have any more information, e-mail us at information@columbiavalleypioneer.com. Photo (A366) courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society
Correction
In The Pioneer’s December 25th Historical Lens, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s year of birth, and consequently age, were incorrect. He was born in 1971, not 1972, and is 44 years old.
May Queen Edna Olson identified Dear Editor: Re: 1938 May Queen Ceremony photo in The Pioneer’s December 18th Historical Lens. Edna Olson is my mother. She passed away January 15th, 1991. She was 15 years old when the picture was taken, but went on and did great things with her life. She was in the Canadian Women’s Army Corp during the Second World War, where she met her first husband (who was American, but joined the Canadian army before the United States entered the war because he was anxious to fight) and moved to California after
the war. We went to Invermere for the first time in 1960 for my grandfather’s (Simeon Olson) funeral and she reunited with her family after almost 15 years. I still have a ton of family members all over Canada and am happy to say we keep in touch. If you have any questions about Edna Olson, please call me at 916-332-5001, or contact me by email at l_hennessy@yahoo.com. Thank you, Linda Hennessy California
The Columbia Valley
CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013
Pioneer
is independently owned and operated, published weekly by Misko Publishing Limited Partnership. Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Ave., Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Phone: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 1.855.377.0312 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com
Dean Midyette Publisher/ Sales Manager
Nicole Trigg Editor
Steve Hubrecht Reporter
Breanne Massey Reporter
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Emily Rawbon Graphic Design/ Associate Publisher
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January 8, 2016
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7
LETTERS
Request to come forward Dear Editor: I was very disappointed to come out to my truck after having a wonderful lunch at Kicking Horse Coffee on December 28th at around 2 p.m. only to find that someone had sideswiped my truck and did not take
the time to come and tell me or leave me a note. I would hope they read this and come forward and give their insurance information, as this is over $1,500 in damage. Caroline Oja Invermere
Photo taken on ‘Settlers Trail’ Dear Editor: Re: The Pioneer’s January 1st Historical Lens photo. The photo of the team of horses and sleigh are Frank Richter, his wife Helen and their kids bundled up under the blankets. It is taken on the “Settlers Trail,” now known as Settlers Road. Mitchell Ridge is in the background
because they are parked along side the Kootenay River near the south end of Kootenay Park. They are travelling into their homestead, which is now Nipika Mountain Resort. All the best,
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Editor’s note: Sanda Taylor called The Pioneer to say she was one of the children in the sleigh. “I was quite young, I might have been five or six. All I remember about that particular time was that it was -30C and I was told to keep my head under the old wool blanket, which would scratch your nose when you were breathing. I remember being under the blanket with my younger sister and my mom. My dad was the person standing on the far left. It was taken in the 1930s by Bob Tegart. He was a guide in those days and owned the horses and sleigh. We had to get a grubstake (supplies) to our home (now Nipika) and there were three to four feet of snow. Then there was a cable car system across Kootenay River and we had to walk a quarter mile to get to the house. I have the actual photo framed in my home.”
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We want to hear from you Email your letters to info@columbia valleypioneer.com or visit our website at www.columbiavalleypioneer.com. Mail your letters to Box 868, Invermere, V0A 1K0, or drop them in at #8, 1008-8th Avenue. 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. No attachments, please. Letters may be shortened for space
requirements. We reserve the right to edit for space, clarity, civility and accuracy. Please state your connection to the subject you’re writing about so that readers can judge your credibility and motivation. Please ensure that the facts cited in your letter are accurate. You are entitled to your own heartfelt opinion, but not to your own facts. Errors of fact mean either that we can’t run your letter or that we will have to run it with an accompanying correction. Opinions expressed are those of the writer, not The Pioneer.
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8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
January 8, 2016
Lake Windermere Whiteway welcomed at last “I spent most of the morning doing ice checks all over the lake and the average is 12 inches,” he said. “We need more ice for the Kubota, which weighs The Whiteway should be up and running by about three tons.” the time this edition of The Pioneer is printed, with Mr. Kitching said that ice re-forms after it cracks Whiteway maintainer Brad Kitching having made when his Toyota drives over it, much like a broken the first plow of the world-famous Nordic ski and arm builds up with calcium when healing, and that ice skating trail the afternoon before the paper went makes the ice stronger in the end. to press. “So it is not just how thick the ice is, but it’s also “I just put down the first plow of the year, so we a matter of time, going over it with the Toyota a few actually now have a Whiteway this year,” Mr. Kitchmore times. That, along with a few more inches of ing told The Pioneer on Tuesday, January 5th. “We’ve ice and not seeing any major changes in the safety of got it opened, I’ll do some track setting and it should the ice, such as ice plates shifting, will do it.” he said. be good to go tomorrow afternoon.” PAY FOR A PASS — Don’t forget to support the Whiteway if you plan “We’re really close.” A basic classic track had been in place around on being a user. The Toby Creek Nordic Club is selling day use passes as The rain and warm temperatures in early Departs of the lake prior to the plowing, but not a prop- well as season’s passes. Visit www.tobycreeknordic.ca. Photo submitted cember ruined what might otherwise have been one er classic and skate ski track. of the best seasons ever for the Whiteway, according Mr. Kitching said he didn’t get the best look at the ice surface while plowing, but to Mr. Kitching. that from what he can tell, the surface is generally not in the best of shape for ice skating. “It was tough to see that rain in December. Before that, the ice was as good as I’d “But in some sections, the ice will be absolutely great, particularly (the area of) the hole ever seen it in 10 years. I thought we were shaping up for a really good season,” he said. west of Timber Ridge (Mr. Kitching’s photo of the hole appeared in the December 25th isIn the meantime, Lake Lillian already has a mini-Whiteway up and running, thanks sue of The Pioneer in a story cautioning lake users about thin ice conditions). That part froze to a volunteer plowing effort by local resident Norm Hendricks. up after we had the rain and melt down in December, so that should be primo,” he added. “That allowed us to put up a Nordic track there, even though there wasn’t much The ice on Lake Windermere is now about 12 inches thick — just enough to allow snow,” said Mr. Kitching. “That really saved our bacon.” Mr. Kitching to use his old Toyota truck to do the plowing, but not yet thick enough for Last season, the Whiteway had an earlier-than-normal start, being up and ready to him to take out the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club’s prized Kubota — newly purchased last go in early December, but also had an earlier-than-normal end, when warm temperatures year — which plows, sweeps and grooms all at the same time. in late January put an end to the skating and skiing trail. By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff
Columbia Valley Skating Club is excited to be hosting the
ColumbiaValley Skating Club
East Kootenay Invitational Figure Skating Competition.
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January 15, 16, 17, 2016 at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena. 200 skaters and their families will be joining us in what promises to be a fantastic skating experience. Columbia Valley Skating Club would like to thank all our sponsors for their help in making this event a reality. Come on down to the arena and take in some great Figure skating.
columbiavsc.uplifterinc.com
Did you welcome a new addition to your family in 2015? Show off your little bundle of joy in the January 22nd edition of The Columbia Valley Pioneer! Simply submit a high resolution photo of your baby (or grandbaby, niece, nephew...) along with the child’s full name, date of birth, weight at birth, parents’ names and a fun fact about the child. The cost is $35+tax, deadline for submissions is Friday, January 15th. For more information or to book your space, contact Amanda Nason at 250-341-6299 or advertising@invermerevalleyecho.com.
The Columbia Valley Skating Club is still taking registrations for their winter intake of skaters. Please see the link above for information on the various programs the club offers and to register online.
Any questions please call or email: Leanne Beddie 250-342-6607 beddie@telus.net
N E W S PA P E R
January 8, 2016
The Columbia Valley Pioneer Page•99
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY
MUSIC • VISUAL ARTS • DINING • BAR SCENE • ENTERTAINMENT • PERFORMANCE ARTS SMOKIN’ SOUND
PAGE 10
ALL IN THE FAMILY
PAGE 12
Banana brainchild
Out & About
On January 15th and 16th, the David Thompson Secondary School Senior Theatre class is presenting The Banana Peel: An Evening of One-Act Comedy Plays, directed by Grade 12 student Matty Helmer, who is pictured here with drama teacher Shelley Little. Turn to page 10 to learn more.
Your weekly guide to what’s happening around the Columbia Valley
Photo by Breanne Massey
PAGE 11
Cinefest Film Series @ Pynelogs I’ll See You In My Dreams Tuesday January 12th
The Second Mother
Tuesday January 26 What does ART mean to you? at 7 pm · Tickets at the door th
Visit columbiavalleyarts.com for our current events calendar, or call 250-342-4423.
Happy BirtHday to pynelogs! 1914 - 2014 · Celebrating 100 years
10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
January 8, 2016
MUSIC • VISUAL ARTS • DINING • BAR SCENE • ENTERTAINMENT • PERFORMANCE ARTS
Smokin’ Ray gets set to smoulder By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff
Smokin’ Ray and the Detectors are set to take Fairmont Hot Springs by storm with their thundering classic rock sound. The Golden-based band has only been playing together for about a year and a half, but most of the band members have at least five decades of being musicians under their belts, and their combined talent has already had heads turned and toes tapping in previous Columbia Valley shows in Invermere HOT STUFF — Smokin’ Ray and the Detectors will be lighting up the and Radium Hot Springs. Bear’s Paw and Grill in Fairmont on January 8th and 9th. Photo submitted “We do R&B, blues, classic rock and fashioned rock,” said Mr. Comrie. a few late ‘50s surf tunes,” said keyboard The other band members include Smokin’ Ray Munplayer Brian Comrie. “And we often take old ‘60s and ‘70s tunes and then give them a bit of a modern twist. A lot of roe on guitar and drummer Lori Bru. “I’m not exactly sure where the Smokin’ Ray nickus cut our teeth playing in garage bands during that time (the ‘60s and ‘70s) and the music in those days was really name came from, but everybody in the Golden music innovative, always had good rhythm and groove to it, so scene has known him by that handle for a long time. He really is a great guitar player. I used to live in Calgary and that’s why we play it.” The Friday, January 8th and Saturday, January 9th was involved with the music scene there, and so I got know shows at the Bear’s Paw and Grill at Fairmont Hot Springs quite a few really good guitar players. When I moved to Resort will be the band’s first appearance in the venue, Golden I didn’t expect to find a guitarist of the same calialthough they have previously played quite close by — at bre in such a small town. But then there was Ray and I the Hoodoo Lounge — and band bass player Gar Stewart have to say he’s one of the best, if not the best, I’ve ever played with,” said Mr. Comrie, speaking to the origins of is a Fairmont Hot Springs resident. “Because Gar lives there in Fairmont, he has some the band’s name. “At some point Lori decided that if Ray was smokin’, connections and that’s how these shows came about,” said the rest of us should be the detectors, you know, fire detecMr. Comrie. “The rest of us are up in Golden, but I love going down there (to the Columbia Valley). It’s a fabulous tors,” he said. “It’s a goofy name, sure, but what the heck, nobody remembers the band name anyway. But they will area and there are a lot of nice people.” remember getting up and dancing all night, and that’s The shows promise to be lively. “If you do come, put on your dancing shoes. It always what matters.” Both shows in Fairmont Hot Springs will begin at 9 gets moving. You’re not going to hear a lot of sensitive lyrics or folk tunes. It’s all wailing guitars and good old p.m. and go until closing time.
Comedy comes to DTSS By Breanne Massey Pioneer Staff The David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS) senior theatre class will be performing The Banana Peel: An Evening of One Act Comedy Plays, which will feature a trifecta of productions from Grade 10, 11 and 12 students on both Friday, January 15th and again on Saturday, January 16th at 7 p.m. “There are three different types of comedy being performed in three one-act comedies, so hopefully we can offer the community some laughs in January when there’s not very much to do in town,” said Shelley Little, English and Drama teacher at DTSS. “We wanted to end the semester with some comedy after completing Dracula (last year), which was a big success, but it was a lot of work and it was very serious and atmospheric with a lot of costumes and props, so this is perfect.” Matty Helmer, a Grade 12 DTSS student, has written and directed a one-act comedy show entitled “This Page Has Been Intentionally Left Blank” that features 11 of his peers. It will be the first, and longest, of all three plays. The 17-year-old’s first leap into the director’s seat will be the first of three one-act comedies performed at the DTSS theatre. “To be completely honest, I didn’t know what to call (my screenplay) and I had a pretty blank mind so I thought that the title sounded pretty good,” said Mr. Helmer. “Ms. Little offered me a chance to write and direct a play and I thought that was a great idea so I jumped on it and here we are today. ” Continued on page 12 . . .
Refunds or exchange available for cancelled CV Arts show Submitted by CV Arts The Florian Hoefner show scheduled for Tuesday, January 19th at Pynelogs has been cancelled. Unfortunately, featured saxophonist Seamus Blake had to withdraw from the performance and it was decided that, without him, the show just wouldn’t be the same. Anyone having purchased tickets for the show can contact Jami at Pynelogs (250-342-4423) for a refund or alternatively tickets will be accepted for the next scheduled show, which is at Christ Church Trinity on Monday, March 21st and will feature the dynamic duo pianist Chris Donnelly and clarinetist Kornel Wolak. Check them out at www.kornelwolak.com or on YouTube.
January 8, 2016
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11
MUSIC • VISUAL ARTS • DINING • BAR SCENE • ENTERTAINMENT • PERFORMANCE ARTS
Out & About Please call 250-341-6299 or e-mail us at info@columbiavalleypioneer.com to enter your event in our FREE listings.
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-off events, so weekly events may only run occasionally. Friday, January 8th • 1 p.m.: Duplicate Bridge at Invermere senior’s hall, $2. Everyone welcome. • 9 p.m.: Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Join us for live music by Smokin’ Ray & The Detectors. Blues, R’s n B and more.
Saturday, January 9th • 9 a.m.: 2nd Annual Dragon Tail Loppet, 9km Nordic Loppet from the Panorama Nordic Centre. Registration at 9 a.m. and race at 11 a.m. Open to all ages and abilities. No separation of classic or skate disciplines. Start and finish at the Panorama Nordic Centre. Email nordic.centre@panoramaresort.com or call 250-341-4106 for more information. • 7:30 p.m.: Columbia Valley Rockies vs. Creston Valley Thundercats at Eddie Mountain Arena. • 9 p.m.: Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Join us for live music by Smokin’ Ray & The Detectors. Blues, R’s n B and more.
to attend the open house to review the draft and provide feedback. The public comment period runs until February 1st.
Thursday, January 14th • CVCC 6th Annual Local Government Update.
Friday, January 15th • 7 p.m.: January 15 and 16, The Banana Peel: An evening of one act comedy plays presented by DTSS Senior Theatre class. Tickets available at the Blue Dog Café or DTSS at $8 for adults, $3 for students. Delicious desserts prepared by the Chef Training class will also be available at intermission for $5. • 9 p.m.: Bear’s Paw & Grill at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Join us for live music by Swillbillies with blues, folk and pub-style tunes.
Saturday, January 16th • Snow Golf at Kinsmen Beach. Get your tickets now, call 250-342-5557. • 9 a.m.: Locals Day at Fairmont Ski Hill. Ski all day for just $2, plus $2 tubing. 12 - 4 p.m. BBQ. Fun games on the hIll. Valid for residents from brisco to Canal Flats (ID with proof of local address required) • 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.: CV Community Centre Shred-AThon. Panorama, Mile One Chair. Registration at 7:30 a.m. on the Great Hall deck. Minimum pledge of $80 per person or $300 for a team of 4. Cost includes a lift ticket for the Mile One Express Chairlift, a $10 meal voucher, prizes and day-long entertainment. A fundraiser for the Columbia Valley Community Centre.
Tuesday, January 19th
Weekly meetings begin on January 20th (no meeting on February 24th).
Thursday, January 21st • 5:30 - 7 p.m.: Hospice Bereavement Support Group at Hospice Society office, Frater Landing, Invermere. Weekly meetings begin on January 21st (no meeting on February 25th).
Friday, January 22nd • January 22nd - 24th: Lake Spiel. For more information, contact the Invermere Curling Centre by calling 250-342-3315, emailing invermerecurling@ shaw.ca, visiting www.curlinginvermere.ca or going to “Invermere & District Curling Centre” on Facebook. • 4 - 8 p.m.: SnowFlake Festival & Taste of the Valley. Live music, fire pits, ice skating. Taste of the Valley at 6 p.m., Fireworks at 8 p.m.
Saturday, January 23rd • 12 p.m.: Winter Loop the Lake. $35 for adults, $25 for children. A westside Legacy Trail fundraiser. Contact ae.events@outlook.com.
Sunday, January 24th • 6 p.m.: The Raven & The Fox are doing a quick Columbia Valley tour. Will be playing at Saftas in Invermere. Find them on Facebook at “The Raven & The Fox”.
Invermere Library Hours • Tuesday to Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• 6:30 p.m.: Westside Legacy Trail Open House at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, Pine Room. Come and experience what the WLT is, how it will impact the valley, and show your support. Snacks and refreshments will be served. • 7 p.m.: Cinefest film series featuring the film I’ll see you in my Dreams. Tickets $12 at the door.
• 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.: OPT clinic at the Invermere Health Unit. 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. Confidential service: low-cost birth control, and STI testing. • 7:30 p.m.: Florian Hoefiner Group at Pynelogs Cultural Centre. Tickets are $20, $10 for students and are available at Tiffany’s Thredz and at Pynelogs. Call 250-342-4423 for more information. • 8 p.m.: Columbia Lodge No. 38 meets every 3rd Tuesday at 8 p.m. Sept through June. 1301 7th Ave, second floor above Lambert Kipp.
Wednesday, January 13th
Wednesday, January 20th
• 7 - 9 p.m.: Draft Toby Benches Official Community Plan Open House. Held at the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce. RDEK staff will do a brief presentation at 7:30 pm. Residents are encouraged
• Thursday - Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• 2 p.m.: Genealogy Group at Columbia Gardens Coffee Room. Every 3rd Wednesday of the month. • 3:30 - 5 p.m.: Hospice Suicide Grief Support Group at Smoking Waters Coffee Shop in Fairmont.
Radium Thrift Store Hours
Tuesday, January 12th
Radium Hot Springs Library Hours • Tuesday: 6 - 8 p.m. • Wednesday and Thursday: 1 - 4 p.m. • Saturday: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Windermere Valley Museum Hours • Tuesday: 12 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Research: 7 - 9 p.m.
Invermere Thrift Store Hours
• Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Friday and Saturday: 12 - 4 p.m.
The 2016 MaxWell calendars are in for pickup! 1214 -7th Ave., Invermere, B.C. Box 2280, Invermere V0A 1K0
Ph: 250-341-6044 Fax: 250-341-6046
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DANIEL ZURGILGEN 250-342-1612
SCOTT WALLACE 250-342-5309
BERNIE RAVEN 250-342-7415
GLENN POMEROY 250-270-0666
GEOFF HILL 250-341-7600
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CHRIS RAVEN 250-409-9323
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12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
January 8, 2016
Three generations serve at Panorama nice gradually began to take on more responsibilities and soon started When 18-year-old to follow the family in Jazlyn Oaks talks about what she later described going to work at Lusti’s as tradition. Cappuccino Bar and “I spent all my time Ski Rentals retail store up there as a kid,” exat Panorama Mountain plained Renice. “There Resort, she thinks about wasn’t any daycare and family. my mom worked up When Jazlyn began there too. Dad would working for Peter (a.k.a. haul us up there, and “Lusti”) Lustenberger we’d be under his feet MULTI-GENERATIONAL —The Oaks family (left to right at the age of 15, she for a while, but as we got promptly realized that a are Jared, Dave and Jazlyn with Renice on the far right, posing bigger and started skiing, vault of memories sur- with Jane and Peter Lustenberger in front of Lusti’s) have all we were out of his hair a spent time working in the popular ski shop and cappuccino bar at little bit more.” faced for her parents. Photo submitted Jazlyn and her broth- Panorama Mountain Resort. She began running er Jared are their family’s third generation to start a career at the cash register at the mere age of eight years old to help the community’s favourite ski resort. Their parents, Renice out Mr. Hromadnik. and David Oaks, have both spent a significant amount of “I know there are a few people in the valley who time working at Panorama in various positions, but the remember me standing on top of milk crates because I common theme is that each family member has worked at couldn’t reach the till,” said Renice about the day lodge. “I Lusti’s Ski Shop and Cappuccino Bar as well. think that, overall, I worked in different positions up there “It’s like a family up there,” Jazlyn said about going for about 27 years, and one of those positions was in the to work at Lusti’s full-time this winter. Jared works there ski shop for Lusti.” part-time on the weekends and holidays. “I also like to go Her husband, David, also spent roughly eight years skiing with my parents as much as I can, too. I’ve been go- working for Lusti during the winter months. ing there (to Lusti’s) my whole life, so it’s pretty cool that “Panorama has a neat spirit, which attracts families I get to know who I’m working with.” and people from all over,” David added. “A lot of people But the memories date back even further for some. seem to come for a year, and stay for a while.” Renice has memories of visiting her own father (JazHe chuckled about the fact that now their children lyn’s grandfather), Siegfried Hromadnik, while he worked work for Lusti. at Panorama Mountain Resort. Mr. Hromadnik began “When I first came out here, I didn’t expect to have a working in the old A-frame day lodge in 1969 and worked daughter,” said David. At the age of 26, his plan was inithere for almost two decades, in addition to five years at tially to spend a gap year working in the Rockies. the Inn The Beginning (ITB) Lodge. “I was going to take the winter off and came out “He ran it for 17 years and then there was a period here (from Ontario) for my buddy’s wedding on the West where the ITB Lodge (adjoined trailers that were used as a Coast,” he explained. “Then, I thought it would only be “temporary” lodge for approximately 16 years, from 1980 one year, maybe two, but I ended up at Panorama for to 1996) came into play and he had to move over there,” eight years.” said Renice. “Then, he ran that until ’85.” “I feel very lucky to be up there all the time,” exWhile visiting Mr. Hromadnik at the ski resort, Re- plained Jazlyn. “It’s so nice… I know everybody around By Breanne Massey Pioneer Staff
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there, so it’s a good feeling.” Jazlyn added that the staff at Panorama have become her second family. “It’s a bit surreal,” replied Renice when asked about Jazlyn working at Lusti’s this winter. “But when our kids became of age to work, Lusti asked us to send them up there for busy weekends and holidays and we did. Now it’s been about four years for Jazlyn, who is the third generation of our family to work up there.” . . . ‘Comedy’ from page 10 He estimates writing the short comedy took a mere weekend to complete. “I kind of pulled a John Hughes and did it over the weekend,” said Mr. Helmer. “Basically, it’s about one struggling playwright and his obnoxious roommate trying to write a play for school.” However, Ms. Little was then tasked with finding a way to include the entire class in the project. “His show wasn’t big enough for the whole class, so we also found two other short one acts so that everybody had something to do,” she said. Students will also be performing in the comedies “Cousins?” by Jim Jarmusch featuring Japhy Hunt and Justin Larson, as well as “The Mouse and the Raven” by Tim Kelly, which will feature five female students. A banana motif will be present throughout the evening in each act, added Ms. Little, and it will even be on the menu as the chef training class taught by Andrea Salzbrenner will be serving $5 desserts during the intermission. “We’ve always talked about doing dinner theatre so eventually that’s the goal, but this time we’re going to be doing desserts,” said Ms. Little. Ms. Little believes that Mr. Helmer, her first student to direct a show at the school, has a unique voice that will be appreciated by others in the Columbia Valley. “I really felt that Matty was ready for the next challenge,” she explained. “He’s a very professional and reliable actor — he always knows his lines right away so he’s really taken (acting) as far as I can show him what to do so I want to give him a new challenge.” Ms. Little is eager to see the final result. “I think it will be neat for Matty to sit in the audience and see how the blank screen he started with can come to life with a live audience,” she explained. Mr. Helmer has voiced a strong desire to pursue further education at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver with a focus on film-making and music after graduating from DTSS. To purchase tickets in advance, please visit the Blue Dog Cafe or DTSS. There will be an $8 admission fee for adults and $3 admission fee for students to attend.
January 8, 2016
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13
Early valley residents Curator’s Corner By J.D. Jeffery Museum Curator I want to take a quick moment to wish you all a Happy New Year and invite you to come to the museum and enjoy the history and displays. This month I also want to expand on the details I wrote about in a previous article. In November I wrote about people being in the valley as early as 1600s — the debate was over who they were. First Nations people travelled and stayed in the Columbia Valley thousands of years before Europeans arrived; the museum records contain one interview that confirms their presence before the 1600s. Even with Ktunaxa first settling the land, many First Nations came to hunt and gather in the valley, sharing the resources that they may not have had available to them in their home territory; even from the east. In 1807, David Thompson arrived in the valley, exploring and surveying the area. His arrival marked the beginning of the first European to come to the valley. Years later in 1845, the missionaries arrived in the valley, meeting
with First Nations people and baptizing them during their stay. South at Wild Horse Creek near Fort Steele, gold was discovered and the Gold Rush began. Those people who didn’t follow the Gold Rush panned their way up the Kootenay and later the Columbia Rivers, looking for more colour. From there, the European people started to settle the land by ranching. In 1881, a homesteader wanting to ship his potatoes to Golden built the first steamboat. In 1883, the town of Windermere was surveyed on the map and the history of the modern-day valley goes from there. There are more details to reveal, but those are future articles. I have had many comments on how readers enjoy the historical aspects of the landmark names as well as the old sayings. I will continue to write on those as time goes by. If you have anything you want covered or expanded on, please let me know when you see me, or contact the museum by emailing wvmuseum@ shaw.ca. I would love to hear from you. Learn more about what’s happening at the museum by visiting www. windermerevalleymuseum.ca.
Taxes, workshops and more
Happy New Year! Did you make a New Year’s resolution for 2016? Maybe it was to learn how to do something new? The Invermere Public Library can help you achieve your goals. Library resources have helped patrons teach themselves many a skill. From painting techniques to knitting to building a canoe from scratch, people have learned how to do a variety of new things and so can you. Stop by the library and see what we have on our shelves to help you to keep your resolution this year. For those of you who may have resolved to give back to the community, the library will be offering the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP)
once again in 2016. This program is run by the Canada Revenue Agency and is hosted locally across the country by organizations such as the library. We are currently seeking volunteers who are interested in providing other community members with assistance in completing their 2015 tax returns. Volunteers will take part in online training provided by the CRA beginning in February, and assistance with tax returns will begin in March. If you are interested in being a volunteer, please contact the library at 250-342-6416 or at publiclibrary@invermere.net. Want to volunteer, but taxes aren’t for you? The Regional District of East Kootenay is seeking two people to sit on the library’s Board of Trustees, one to represent Area F and one to represent Area G. If you are a resident of either of these areas, contact us for more info about how to Continued on page 14 . . .
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14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
January 8, 2016
Firsthand account of test driving a Tesla 90D By Rob Orchiston Pioneer Columnist Editor’s note: This column was previously published in the December 25th, 2015 Pioneer but a production error made the introduction illegible so here it is again in its entirety. I’ve just taken a new $140,000 Tesla 90D luxury sports sedan for a drive. Actually, it took me for a drive, with the Autopilot feature that was released in October 2015. Driving 40,000 kilometres per year myself — a task I don’t love — I was quite ready to hand my life to another computer programmer and say, “Let’s see if you can drive me up Deerfoot in winter conditions approaching rush hour and not crash yourself.” I anxiously engaged the Autopilot. The last time I let someone else drive my car, she wrote the car off after just a few minutes while I slept in the passenger seat, but I had a lot more confidence in billionaire Elon Musk’s teams of engineers, plus I still had my hands near the steering wheel and my foot near the brake should this laser, camera, radar guidance try a Terminator move. Actually, while the car doesn’t have artificial intelligence, it does have “fleet learning,” so, over time, all your very granular driving movements are stored so that Tesla can better teach the car to mimic humanoid driving styles and “learn” how to tackle things that currently stump the Autopilot. This car isn’t your $40,000 tiny Nissan Leaf elec-
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tric car. This is a luxury AWD electric performance engine, Tesla will send a technician to your house at sports car with a 430-kilometre range and recessed your convenience to have the car serviced. Yes, there door handles! If you’re feeling the need to repent from have been a few problems with the early Teslas and all all those years driving your mere 400HP Hummer, you 90,000 Model Ss are currently under a voluntary recall too might want to consider trading up to a 532HP six- for a minor seatbelt issue. While the performance is seater Model S sedan, which you can fill up at home for without question, the reliability of some early Teslas around $11 of electricity. And in “Ludicrous” mode, is under scrutiny, although 97 per cent of owners say you’ll zip to 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds. they would buy another Tesla. Elon Musk’s Tesla moIt’s the fastest four-door sedan on (and off) the tor company is named after Nikola Tesla, the Serb fuplanet and quicker than a Porsche 911. Despite the turist inventor who was one of the greatest geeks and aluminum chassis, this outwardly petite 4,600-pound electrical engineers of all time. behemoth carries its weight well. That’s heavier than So despite the snow, which might have confused a minivan. The eightthe Autopilot, we continued year unlimited mileup Deerfoot, the computer age batteries, which lurching us a little more erratisit in the floor, are cally than I would like, from heavy, but they also left to right within the lane give the Model S a with a digital jerkiness rather very low centre of than smooth analogue driving gravity, which hopethat one might expect. fully Autopilot won’t However, the Tesla was no test out today by atmore intoxicated than most tempting a rollover. other drivers on the Deerfoot. With at least Just like your iPhone gets one local owner, you smarter, this car will too. SevThe Tesla 90D electric luxury sports sedan. might very likely see a eral times a year, software upModel S driving itself around Windermere, hopefully dates are pushed to your car via its LTE network. with someone at the helm. Even though the navigation console sports a masTesla’s boutique showroom in Calgary’s Chi- sive 17-inch display, we missed a couple of exits and nook Mall opened three weeks ago. It just fits a luxury ended up back in Chinook Mall in one piece, except Model S and a cutaway chassis showing the two elec- someone had stolen our parking spot. tric motors and floor-mounted batteries. There are five “Oh Autopilot, didn’t you think to phone ahead Model Ss below in the mall car park that you can re- and reserve yourself a stall?” serve for a spin. Unlike traditional automobile dealer“I’m sorry Rob, I’m afraid I can’t do that… yet.” ships, which make their money by selling you servicing Questions or corrections? Email geek.zone.echo@ for those hundreds of moving parts in your gasoline gmail.com. . . . ‘Taxes’ from page 13 apply to become a trustee. Information about the role of a trustee is available on the library’s website at http:// invermere.bclibrary.ca under the “About Us” tab. For others who are working on bettering themselves, the library will be hosting a two-part personal visioning workshop in February and March. On February 3rd, the group will spend the evening reflecting on their achievements, both personal and professional, and will be treated to a special presentation from local speaker Dr. Donna McArthur. At the end of the night, the group will begin to develop a vision of what they would like to focus on next. At the second meeting in March, the group will create a paper doll that collects the ideas that came out of the first night’s workshop using a variety of materials, under the guidance of local artist Juanita Violini. The workshop is free of charge, but space is limited and pre-registration is required. Contact the library to register. And don’t forget that we also provide one-on-one instruction on the library’s e-services for those new electronic devices that people received for Christmas. Book an appointment to find out how to use e-books, audiobooks, e-magazines, and movie streaming. Dropin tech time is available on Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m. Get 2016 off to a great start by stopping by the Invermere Public Library. We wish you all the best in 2016 and look forward to seeing you. This week’s column was written by Nicole Pawlak, director of the Invermere Public Library, which is located at 201 7th Avenue. Visit their website or call 250-342-6416 for more information.
January 8, 2016
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15
This year, parents, let’s live and let live
Family Ties By Lynsey Burke Pioneer Columnist
As my pal Leonardo da Vinci once said: “The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding” — a quote that rattles through my mind on the regular. Instead of passing judgment and seeing the world through a narrow scope, LDV reminds us to take the approach of empathy, to seek meaning, to learn and to have compassion. This year, I resolve to practice this, especially when it comes to hot parenting topics. To the momma who’s working full time and managing her brood of babes simultaneously — you go girl! Your passion for your career and hard work in providing
for your family is amazing; your children will admire your aptitude. You’re a great role model! And conversely, to the mom who stays at home with their kids: spending your days occupying little minds and busy bodies isn’t an easy gig. Those days, months and years spent together are so precious. You’re a good mom! To the family who carefully sources ingredients and regularly prepares home cooked meals, the nourishment and skill set that you are providing for your children is really wonderful. Way to go! To the parents who need to fill the gap with a food of convenience because life doesn’t always allow you the time, surely the kids aren’t complaining. Sanity sometimes trumps satiation. You guys rock! To the parent who is publicly disciplining their misbehaving child: good for you for having the confidence in your parenting skills to set them straight — no matter the setting. You’re a parent-extraordinaire! To the parent who is biting their tongue as their
Hospice Society hosts support groups By Breanne Massey Pioneer Staff Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley executive director Maria Kliavkoff has recently completed 150 hours of training with the internationally recognized Center for Loss and Life Transition in Fort Collins, Colorado. She has obtained the Death and Grief Studies Certificate after completing five training seminars (Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Grief; Understanding and Responding to Complicated Mourning; Exploring the Shadow of the Ghosts of Grief; Companioning the Traumatized Griever: Reframing PTSD as Catch Up Mourning; and Suicide Grief: Companioning the Mourner) taught by the Loss and Life Transition founder Alan D. Wolfelt. “Thanks to a very generous grant from the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) social grant program, I was able to take this training with Dr. Wolfelt,” said Ms. Kliavkoff, noting the training will help her and the Hospice Society team support people in the Columbia Valley through the loss of a loved one in a healthy way. When asked what the studies will help Ms. Kliavkoff bring to the valley, the answer was simple. “We have a real misconception about grief in North America,” she explained. “We believe that somebody dies, then you grieve and you’re sad for a while, but then you get over it. The challenge is to understand the distinction between grief and mourning. Grief is the sadness that you feel at the loss whereas mourning is the external expression of that sadness, and when you mourn a loss, then you are able to step through and move on with your life and discover what you life will be like without that
person — and that’s a long process.” Twelve-week Bereavement Support Groups will be offered to the Columbia Valley in two streams: there will be a Suicide Grief Support Group running between 3:30 and 5 p.m. from January 20th until April 13th (except there will not be a meeting on February 24th) at Smoking Waters Coffee Shop in Fairmont; and there will also be a Bereavement Support Group running between 5:30 and 7 p.m. from January 21st to April 14th (except there will not be a meeting on February 25th) in Invermere at the Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley office in Frater Landing. There will be a 10-person maximum capacity at each private session to ensure that participants’ needs are met. Ms. Kliavkoff is prepared to repeat the 12-week support groups if there is a strong desire from the community to participate in the process of grieving and mourning. “North American society is really not geared toward supporting people who are mourning, so many of us carry our grief inside and it never really gets converted to mourning over the period of a couple of years where we’re carrying this heaviness in our heart but have no way of working through it,” she said. “We find that we’re living diminished lives. We’re not as joyful as we used to be. We’re sad and we can’t really put our finger on it… these support groups are all about helping individuals who have been carrying grief to transform it into mourning — a really authenticate mourning to release that sadness and find a new purpose in life so these 12-week support groups are really important.” To register for a free support group, or to find out more about the screening process to participate, call Ms. Kliavkoff at 250-688-1143.
child has a major public meltdown, you know your child better than anyone else to know how, when and where to discipline your kid. We feel for you, we’ve all been there. Did I mention that you’re a good parent? To the dad who works long days or is employed out of town: your sacrifice in order to provide for your family is admirable, your children will be glad to see your face oh-so-soon. Gold star daddy! To the dad who has a flexible schedule and mounds of time to spend with his offspring: filling your days with child-friendly activities and domestic duties is an amazing contribution for the entire family. You’re a great dad! To the new mom who is burdened with pressure to feel, act and be on her A-game: you’re not alone. Your fellow new moms will appreciate how candid you are about motherhood. You’re knocking it out of the park, momma bear! To the mom of a newborn who transitioned into her new role without a hiccup: you are an inspiration. Your humble competence is a gift. You’re amazing! To the family that co-sleeps or sleep trains, uses cloth diapers or uses disposable diapers, buys organic or buys conventionally grown, breastfeeds or formula feeds, gives their kids chore money or expects them to contribute without compensation, allows access to technology or puts devices off-limits: we’re all doing the best that we know how. Live and let live my friends and assent to 2016 being a year of understanding. Family, adventure and the exploration of the unfamiliar is what fuels freelance writer and editor Lynsey Burke’s creativity in writing. Visit www.lynseyburke.com.
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2016
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Feeling unbalanced?
Looking for Vitality? Look no further!
The Columbia Valley's fi rst health and wellness magazine, Vitality, will be available starting December 30th at select locations from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats. Packed with information and advice from local experts, Vitality is the valley's go-to guide for getting healthy and staying healthy. Pick up a copy and turn over a new leaf for the new year!
16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
January 8, 2016
Toby Benches OCP unveiled, nominations sought Submitted by the Regional District of East Kootenay Draft Toby Benches OCP Unveiled Almost exactly one year ago, the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) started working on an Official Community Plan (OCP) planning process for the Toby Benches area. The draft OCP is now available for review and comment. “We have been working with residents and other stakeholders every step of the way and are excited to be at this point in the process,” says RDEK Planner Kris Belanger. The draft OCP and map schedules are posted on the RDEK’s website and Mr. Belanger says they have an Open House planned for mid-January to provide more information to the community. “At the Open House, we will review the draft OCP and will be encouraging comments and questions.” The Open House will be held Wednesday, January 13th at the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce from 7 to 9 p.m. and RDEK staff will do a brief presentation at 7:30 p.m. “If people are not able to attend the Open House, or if they would like additional time to review the draft before making comment, we have a public comment period running until February 1st,” adds Mr. Belanger. Comments will be reviewed by the RDEK and will help inform revisions to the draft OCP. An Official Community Plan (OCP) is a long-term strategic planning document that reflects the community’s vision for the future while providing a policy
Your Local
framework to promote greater certainty in land use decision-making by the Regional District Board. More information about the Toby Benches Official Community Plan process can be found on the RDEK’s website at www.rdek.bc.ca. RDEK on the Hunt for Outstanding Volunteers If you know an outstanding volunteer in one of the rural areas in the region, the RDEK wants to hear from you! Nomination forms are now available for the 2016 Electoral Area Volunteer of the Year and, as it has in past years, the Regional District will once again be honouring one outstanding volunteer from each of its six Electoral Areas. “Our Volunteer of the Year program recognizes an individual or couple from each of our Electoral Areas and gives us the opportunity to pay tribute to them and to all the volunteers who give selflessly to contribute to the spirit, culture and people of their communities,” says RDEK board chair, Rob Gay. Nominees must be a resident of an Electoral Area and make voluntary contributions to their community. Nomination forms can be filled out or downloaded from the RDEK website (www.rdek.bc.ca) and can also be picked up at the Cranbrook and Columbia Valley RDEK office (Box 2319, 4956 Athalmer Road or phone 250-342-0063), and from the Electoral Area Advisory Commissions. The deadline for nominations is Tuesday, January 26th. Visit www.rdek.bc.ca or email info@rdek.bc.ca for more information.
COLUMBIA VALLEY REAL ESTATE
Buying or selling… Your greatest investment is worth a second opinion!
Glenn Pomeroy
MaxWell Realty Invermere 1214-7th Avenue, Invermere, B.C.
glennpomeroy@shaw.ca
Cell: (250) 270-0666 Office: (250) 341-6044 Fax: 866-600-0673
Cell: 250•341•1395 Toll Free: 1•888•258•9911 pglassford@telus.net www.PaulGlassford.com
Professionals
Wende Brash Broker/Owner
RE/MAX Invermere Independently Owned and Operated 1022B - 7th Avenue, Box 459 Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0 E-mail: wendebrash@telus.net Fax: 250-342-9611
Office: 250-342-6505 • Cell: 250-342-1300
HERE TO SERVE YOU • Air Conditioning/Heat Pumps • Fireplaces • Full Heating and Ventilation Systems Call for your FREE consultation and estimate
Sales ~ Service ~ Installation
UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700
unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca WETT Certified
Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential
Judy: (250) 341-1903
www.valleysolutions.ca valleysolutions@shaw.ca SOLUTIONS FOR THE VACATION HOME OWNER SINCE 2006
• House Checking • Complications • Details
January 8, 2016
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17
HERE TO SERVE YOU LAMBERT-KIPP
Lambert
P H A R M A C Y LT D .
INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.
BOX 2228 BOX 459 742 - 13th STREET 7553 MAIN STREET INVERMERE, BC. RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BC V0A 1K0 V0A 1M0 PHONE: 250-342-3031 PHONE: 250-347-9350 FAX: 250-342-6945 FAX: 250-347-6350 Email: info@invermereinsurance.com • Toll Free: 1-866-342-3031
Come in and browse our giftware
J. Douglas Kipp, B. Sc. (Pharm.) Laura Kipp, Pharm D., Irena Shepard, B.Sc. (Pharm.) Your Compounding Pharmacy
Your search for quality and dependability ends with us. Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialists Truck Mounted System • Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed
Open Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Dean Hubman
Toll Free: 877-342-3052
Certified Technician
1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere
250-342-6612
Invermere, BC V0A 1K3 odysseyrestoration@telus.net
250-342-3052
Phil Bibby Journeyman Carpenter
250.341.1995 philbibby@live.ca New Homes • Custom Builds • Renovations Big Or Small
Plumbing • Heating • Electrical
Rigid Plumbing Ltd. Andy Charette
Quality you can see!
E: rigidplumbing@hotmail.ca P: 250-341-5179
Spray Foam InSulated ConCrete FormS
Residential & Commercial Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
pennerinsulation.com • 250-270-0284
Bus: 250-342-9692 Cell: 250-342-5241
Box 802 | 422 – 14th Street | Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0
RR#4 2117 - 13 Avenue Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K4
Fax: 250-342-9644 rugclean@telus.net
www.ptarmigan-invermere.com
ROSS‛S POOLS & SPAS
SHOLINDER & MACKAY EXCAVATING Inc.
Commercial – Residential Installation – Maintenance – Repairs
Septic Systems Installed ~ Pumped ~ Repaired Prefab Cement Tanks Installed Water Lines Dug and Installed Basements Dug
Darren Ross Box 72, Canal Flats, B.C. V0B 1B0
Cell: 250-341-7727 • Fax: 1-778-523-2426 • poolman-911@hotmail.com
WINDERMERE 250-342-6805
THE VALLEY’S LARGEST WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM
Skandia I N P U R S U I T O F Concrete EXCELLENCE
• Roller Shades • Roman Shades • Cellular Shades
• Manufactures & suppliers of quality • Environmentally responsible concrete & gravel products • Steamed aggregate beds for top • Experience, professional operators quality year round concrete supply and the right equipment to get your • We stand behind our service, job done quality and products • Serving the valley for over 30 years
• Pleated Shades • Horizontal Blinds • Shutters
• Vertical Blinds • Automation • Residential & Commercial
Come visit our showroom,
492 ARROW RD., UNIT 1B 250-342-HOME (4663)
• Office: 250-342-6500 • Batch plant: 250-342-2812 • Toll Free: 1-888-341-2221
Kitchen cabinet & counter top SpecialiStS
Invermere and East Kootenay Region
• Journeyman Carpenter • Contracting • Framing/Siding/Finishing • Timberframe • Custom Log Railing & Decks
Westridge Cabinets Dealer ~ Granite and Quartz Counter Tops Come visit our showroom,
492 arrow rd., unit 1b 250-342-hoMe (4663)
New Home Construction
Scott Wilisky
stwcarpentry@live.ca • cell 250 270 0745
18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
January 8, 2016
HERE TO SERVE YOU 250-341-1182
Box 424, Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0
Serving the Columbia Valley
www.cabincare.ca
• • • •
Renovations Decks Finishing Interior/Exterior Painting David Gulbe Mike Bernicot
BOUTIQUE VACATION HOME MANAGEMENT RENTAL SERVICES “Proven and successful Management and Marketing Services for your Vacation Home” “Trip Advisor Vacation Rental of the Year 2011, 2012 and 2013”
Call or visit online
PH: 1-888-711-ESCAPE (3722) • WEB: www.cobblestonecreek.ca
• Ready Mix Concrete • Commercial concrete sealer • Concrete Pumping retarder for exposed • Over 50 colours available aggregate and in stock • DeliveReD ON TiMe • Concrete stamps for rent at a fair price • Full range of coloured release • Full range of sand and agents for stamping gravel products.
Phone: 250-342-5833 • Cell: 250-270-9444
385 Laurier Street, Invermere, B.C.
Phone: 250-342-7100 Email: info@diamondheatingandspas.com
www.diamondheatingandspas.com
• •
Interior Finishing Kitchen and Vanity Cabinets • Countertops • Small Renovations • Decks and Interior Railings
Invermere, B.C.
Septic Tank Pumping Portable Toilet Rentals NEW SEWER CAMERA
• • •
Complete sewer/drain repairs • Reasonable rates – Seniors’ discount • Speedy service – 7 days a week
• • • •
1320 Industrial Road #3 Box 159, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0
FAIRMONT RIDGE RENOVATION
250-342-5682
Scott Postlethwaite
New Homes/Renovations
FILTER - IT Serving the Columbia Valley
Registered with the Canadian Water Quality Association Filtration• Purification • Reverse Osmosis • UV
Chris Jones
Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. 250-345-6231 or 250-688-1325 chris.filterit@hotmail.com • www.filterit.ca
• Bathroom Renovations • Additions • Decks • Finish Carpentry • Basement Renovations
5077 FAIRMONT RESORT RD., FAIRMONT BC EMAIL: fairmontridge@telus.net
GlacierMountain Homes.com Call Matt Roberts 250-342-1517
A well maintained septic system should be pumped every 2-3 years Avoid costly repairs
Doors Windows Flooring Painting/ Interior/Exterior • Kitchen Renovations
• Trusses • Engineered Floors • Wall Panels Tel: 250.341.6075 Fax: 250.341.3427 Email: info@duskbuildingsystems.com www.duskbuildingsystems.com
250-341-7098
Bruce Dehart 250.347.9803 or 250.342.5357
All products are available at 9120, Hwy 93/95 which is five kilometres north of Tim Hortons
• FURNACES • HEAT PUMPS • AIR CONDITIONING • FIREPLACES • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE
Dale Elliott Contracting
design@gldlandscaping.com • 250-688-0757 w w w. g l d l a n d s c a p i n g . c o m
Free Estimates
Residential, Commercial Electric Furnace and Hot Water Tank Repair and Service For All Your Electrical Needs invermereelectric@gmail.com
1710 10 Avenue – Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 th
READY MIX CONCRETE Concrete Pump • Sand & Gravel Heavy Equipment Rentals • Crane Service Proudly Serving the Valley for over 50 years
For competitive prices and prompt service, call: 250-342-3268 (plant) 250-342-6767 (office)
January 8, 2016
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19
Pioneer Classifieds
• • • •
Phone: 250-341-6299 Fax: 1-855-377-1312 Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com
THANK YOU
ANNOUNCEMENT
CHEERS & JEERS
CHEERS & JEERS
CHEERS & JEERS
LOST & FOUND
Thank you
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 250-342-8255.
Jeers to the person complaining about the Village of Radium’s Christmas decorations and comparing them with Invermere’s. You may not have noticed that some communities place their priorities in the proper order.
Cheers to Craig at Canadian Tire for supplying the Christmas trees for the hospital.
Lost: Gold wedding band, Dec. 18th, downtown Invermere. Very sentimental, reward offered. 250688-0450.
CHEERS & JEERS
Cheers once again to George Gray for the beautiful Christmas light display in Fairmont. You rock.
Cheers to the gentleman who picked up my wallet outside of Valley Foods. And a big Cheers to Richard from Valley Foods who got ahold of me before I even knew I was missing it. After a long and tiring week of working the busy holiday rush in the valley you guys saved my day!
A tremendous thank you to everyone for your donations to the annual Wilmer Christmas Eve fireworks. Without your continued support they would not be the success they are. We would also like to thank Kootenay Coffee Works for the hot chocolate; Gary Prosser for the use of his garage; Columbia Valley Sign Artists for the sign; Local View Print Shop for the flyers; Pat Hemmelgarn for canvassing; Bill Hemmelgarn for firewood; Shawn Murray and Pat Hemmelgarn for overseeing the set up and lighting of the fireworks along with their elves Brett Archer and Clinton Hemmelgarn; also to those that made donations the evening of the fireworks for the show next year. Happy New Year everyone - see you next year! Thank you to Dr. Weber and nurses Natasha and Lacey at Invermere Hospital for your compassionate care of my husband Al Farmer, who died peacefully December 22nd, 2015.
ANNOUNCEMENT The Kinsmen Christmas Tree Pickup is Saturday January 9th. All donations support the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Please have your trees by the road by 9 a.m. 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.
Cheers to Kootenay Coffee Works for donating the hot chocolate for the Wilmer fireworks and to everyone who donated. A huge CHEERS to all those up at the lovely little Fairmont Ski Hill who responded with grace and understanding when the bathrooms crashed at the end of a busy day! Closed a half hour early but still oh so well worth it! Keep on truckin’ Fairmont! Jeers to the guy in Radium, who was yelling, screaming and swearing at his co-worker in front of my condo, my kids heard every word you said. Cheers to the young girl he works with for being the bigger man and walking away. Good on you. Cheers to Litonya of the Black Forest Restaurant for returning my earring she found in the restaurant. I am impressed by the honesty of the staff and also the quality of the food. Cheers to the Radium Volunteer Fire Department, Santa and Elves who drove through our local neighbourhood with the beautifully decorated Christmas Fire Truck. You made Christmas Eve even more special for everyone! Cheers to Panorama Mountain Resort for offering local kids a free lesson and subsequent lift ticket. Our boys had a lot of fun riding in their first lesson ever with instructor Andrew. Cheers to this great program!
Cheers to my Chiropractor Margaret Radermacher. You truly are the best. Cheers to the businesses that closed Christmas day to allow their hard working staff the day off to spend with family and friends! Cheers to Valley Foods, especially Tommy. Above and beyond for the new and improved arts and crafts centre. Happy New Year! Jeers to the cranky lady who we wished a Happy New Year to and she told me to go explicit myself. Cheers to the entire Valley for welcoming myself and husband and supporting my business endeavors! This is a wonderful place to call home, even if we’re still only part-timers! Cheers to the Westside Legacy Trail for the cool bike carved out on the lake! Cheers to Chantal and Cherish for giving everyone rides home on New Year’s Eve. What a great service to provide to the Valley! I’m sure you had the boys tipping well! BIG Cheers to all who were involved with the amazing Radium fireworks display! It was priceless to see our 5 year old grandson’s reaction to all the “explosions”!
Jeers to me for falling off the fitness wagon over the holidays. Big Cheers to Shawna and Sonja for another round of Aquafit for all of us cheaters. Cheers to Sandy and Joanneformer owners of Canterbury Flower Shop, for your amazing customer service over the years. We are going to miss you. Best wishes in your future endeavors. Cheers to Julie for creating the Columbia Valley and KNP Road Conditions Facebook page, what a terrific way to share road condition information! Jeers to Drive Thru places that don’t stir teas. Every time I’ve gotten a tea in the passed 2 years it has not been stirred, leaving all the sugar at the bottom. Are we not paying for that convenience? Jeers to the people who can’t be bothered to clean off their vehicles. Do you realize how ridiculous you look trying to drive a 5,000 lb vehicle when you can’t see where you’re going? Cheers to the mystery cookie monster who made a delicious delivery to 1319 – 14th Street. Call for a personal Cheers and a Merry Christmas! Jeers to the couple that leave their black cat outside all year long with no shelter. Animal neglect is animal abuse. Give the cat to ICAN or GALS. It deserves a home!
Cheers to The Bakery and Natalie for holding their Gingerbread House decorating classes. Our 2 visiting Grandsons attended on Dec. 19th in the afternoon, and loved every ‘lick and bite’ of it! It was a highlight of their visit to our Valley.
Found: Cat in Luxor area, summer of 2015, adult male, neutered. Solid grey, short hair. Super friendly, missing his family badly. Call ICAN 250-341-7888.
Found: Cat, Spur Valley sometime around Oct. 2015. Adult, male silver grey, short hair tabby, white chin and small white patch on chest. CHEERS &Friendly, JEERScall ICAN 250-341-7888.
Cheers to Cindy of BMO for remaining calm and professional during my post-holiday hissy fit. I am embarrassed. Sponsored by
Cheers to the person who placed my goggles on a truck after I dropped them at Panorama on January 2, 2016! I returned 10 minutes later to find them safe and sound! Cheers to the Marshall Family for spreading Christmas cheer on Christmas day by delivering sausage rolls for the Panorama staff working Christmas morning! It’s a treat to look forward to each year! Happy New Year and keep the Cheer coming in 2016!! Cheers: Towards the end of last year I was referred by Dr. Mannheimer to Interior Health’s Community Care Nursing for treatment. I was not previously aware of this service, but within a short time, thanks to the exemplary knowledge and skills of nurses Maxine, Carole and a therapist, the treatment was satisfactorily completed. Cheers to all the people that have donated to their favorite nonprofit. It’s that spirit that keeps the heart warm and many smiles on faces.
STORAGE NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE Various sizes available. Now with climate-controlled units. Call 250-342-3637. STORAGE SPACE – assorted sizes, easy access, immediate availability, long-term or short-term. Deck Properties Warehouse, Industrial Park: 250-342-3166.
COMMERCIAL SPACE NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE 24 x 36 shop power included, propane heat at tenant’s expense, $650/mo first and last D.D. required. Contact Newhouse Multi Storage 250-342-3637. For lease: 2,000 sq.ft. office and warehouse space. Located at #5 108 Industrial Road #2. Presently occupied by the Invermere Vet. Phone Leo at 250-342-1177.
20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
January 8, 2016
COMMERCIAL SPACE
COMMERCIAL SPACE
SUITE FOR RENT
CONDO FOR RENT
FIREWOOD
SERVICES
Retail/Shop for sale: Two levels total 2700 sq. ft. Please call 250270-0216 or 250-270-0405 for more details.
Shop or storage for rent in Invermere, close to downtown, 30’ x 28’ with 10’ ceilings. Insulated and secure. $450/ mo plus electricity. 403-669-7273 or spur.ltd@gmail.com.
For rent: Black Forest Village Apartment, 2-bdrm, 2 bathrooms. W/D, D/W, $875/mo. Ph. 250-3423790.
For rent in Radium, 2-bdrm, 4 bath, ground level condo. Beautiful views, backs on to The Springs golf course. All appliances, fireplace, fully furnished. 2 car garage. N/S, N/P, references please. $1650/mo, call 250-342-3790.
Pine or Fir Firewood, $200/cord for Pine. Split and delivered. 250-3421586.
Triple J Services * Window Cleaning * Gutter Cleaning * Residential snow plowing * Weekly insurance inspections * Work Safe and fully insured Call Jim Detta 250-349-7546.
2-bdrm condo near Sobeys, N/S, N/P. $750/mo, call 250-342-6255.
Premium larch, fir and pine. Split and delivered, please call 250-3415551.
Second floor office space in Radium starting at $250/mo. 403-5599625.
kimberleyrae.ca
photography studio picture framing passport photos …look for the red door behind the Invermere Dry Cleaners!
250-342-5102
SUITE FOR RENT Radium: Fully furnished units for rent. Bedsitting, 1-bdrms, 2-bdrms. N/S, pets negotiable. Call Joan at 250-342-7517 to view and check availability. Rent includes heat, hydro, cable and all linens. STARTING AT $500/mo. Invermere, 3-bdrm, close to schools, lower suite private entrance, up/down duplex, 5 appliances, large storage shed, N/P, N/S, $875/mo plus damage deposit includes water. Phone 403-651-0008.
Radium: Motel Bavaria, low low rates, daily, weekly, monthly. Kitchenettes available. Call 250347-9915. 2-bdrm second floor suite, newly renovated, bright, spacious. Fridge/ stove, dishwasher, washer/dryer, N/S, N/P, storage shed, hydro included. $910/mo + D.D. 250342-3335.
HOUSE FOR RENT Duplex for rent, 2,090 sq. ft., at Copperhorn Drive, unfurnished, 3-bdrm, 3-bath, $1,000/mo, no utilities. Photos http://goo.gl/ yz1QVZ. Contact Erick 587-2164426, ecosierragolf@gmail.com. 3-bdrm upper suite Windermere, close to school, $950/mo + utilities. Call 250-342-8662 for details.
Rockies West Realty Independently Owned and Operated
492 Highway 93/95, Invermere, BC
Kim Collens
Representative
toll free: 1.877.342.3427 cell: 250.342.1671
kim@rockieswest.com www.kimcollens.com
Recipe Of The Week GINGER GLAZED CARROTS
2 tbsp Butter 2 cloves Garlic, minced 1 tbsp fresh Ginger, minced 2 bunches thin Carrots, trimmed (leave greens)
¼ tsp each Salt and Pepper Pinch Nutmeg 4 tsp Liquid Honey 1 tbsp Tarragon, chopped 2 tsp Lemon Juice
Halve carrots lengthwise leaving a bit of the stem. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat; add garlic and ginger stirring for 1 minute. Add carrots, salt, pepper and nutmeg; cook, stirring until slightly softened. Add honey and ½ cup water; cook, stirring until carrots are tender crisp. Remove from heat, add tarragon and lemon juice.
Home Of The Week Relaxing Radium Style!
Luxurious condo offers contemporary décor, 2 bedrooms plus den, large deck and lots of upgrades. Clubhouse with pool and hot tubs for the family to enjoy!
$209,000
MLS® 2401704
Long term rental in Edgewater, 2.5 acres, perfect for horses. 4 bdrms plus den, 2 full baths, soaker tub, hardwood floors, wrap-around deck. Fully fenced with irrigated pasture. F/S, W/D, D/W, micro, underground sprinklers, wood stove, walk-out basement, large shed. Water/sewer included. $1,800/month.
CONDO FOR RENT BEAUTIFUL 1-bdrm luxury condo for long term rent in Sable Ridge Resort. Fully furnished and stocked with some amenities. Just move in. Furnished with Penthouse furnishings, gourmet kitchen, ensuite laundry, queen bed, 3rd floor view, fireplace, B.B.Q., underground parking, outdoor hot tubs, clubhouse and seasonal pool. Move in: Anytime in January or Feb 1st, $875/mo including utilities (except cable). Please contact JOE at 403-909-5544.
Cozy 1-bdrm condo for rent in Radium. Fully furnished with 7 appliances, underground parking, pool and hot tub. $850/mo + $400 D.D. Available February 1st. Call 403-880-9719 or 403-512-2168. 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. $1,050/mo. Available Feb 1st. 403-663-0446.
HOUSE FOR SALE Great house For Sale on the Windermere Golf Course, close to all Valley amenities. Reduced price $518,000. Would accept reasonable offer. View at PropertyGuys.comID #266529. If you want additional information or want to view call 250-342-6508 or 250-342-5432 to make an appointment.
MISC FOR SALE
FIREWOOD: Birch, fir, larch and pine. Www.horizonridgeranch.com 250-688-0143.
FITNESS Zumba Fitness-Julie Parent Zumba classes start for the New Year on Monday Jan. 4th at 5:30 p.m. Classes located at Laird School Gym Mon., Wed. and Thurs. at 5:30 p.m. Monthly and drop in rates available. For more info please call 250-341-5474 or www.julieparent. zumba.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 . Shannon’s Blinds & Designs Thank you for your votes - Best of Business Awards! We are grateful and appreciative of your support and loyalty “Blinds, Drapery, retractable screen doors and more.” 250-342-5749.
Wicker three drawer dresser, mint green in color, 30” wide, 29” height. $75 O.B.O. 250-341-3541.
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. Older gentleman is looking for someone to make breakfast and some light cleaning, 2 hrs, 5 days a week. 250-342-3785. 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.
FIREWOOD Support Rockies Hockey firewood. Larch, fir, and pine split and delivered. Call 250342-6908. Dry/split firewood for sale. Big or small volumes. Free local delivery. 403-404-1577, 250-342-3040 or aranwood@ hotmail.com.
Fiona Millar, AEP Intuitive Reader
250-342-1713 fiona@fionapsychic.com • www.fionapsychic.com
CAREER OPPORTUNITY MANAGER, COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS Permanent, full-time in our Cranbrook office. Apply before January 27, 2016, noon PT.
Apply at cbt.org/careers 1.800.505.8998
January 8, 2016
HELP WANTED
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21 . . . ‘Three’ from page 3
There was also questionable spending recorded with unsupported transactions dating back to 2010. “The one thing we want to make sure is clear is that FNHA went into this with patient safety and welfare at the forefront of our discussions with the board to make sure that the patients in our care were actually receiving the treatments that they were supposed to be receiving,” said MGM Industries is looking for a Ms. Isaac-Mann. “Part of what we did in terms of Welder/Fabricator. Wage based the wind down, or the ceasing of the funding (to on experience. Drop off resumes TVOHS), was done in between treatment cycles, in person or email: mgm_ind@ so there would be very little impact on patients.” First Nations clients in B.C. seeking residentelus.net. tial drug and alcohol treatment can now be accommodated in one of 0911611 BC LTD o/a Tim Hortons 11 FNHA-funded 496 Highway 93/95 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K2 treatment centres. Part and Full-time Positions Available FNHA currently Start date – ASAP funds 254 residenYear-round Employment tial treatment beds Excellent Medical/Dental Benefits in B.C. “Round Lake (Treatment Centre located near Permanent, Shift Armstrong) has No education required One to two years agreed to take on experience required. additional clients Nights/early mornings/weekends (from TVOHS),” $12.40/hour + medical/ said Ms. Isaacdental/group benefits. Mann. Apply in person or via email She would (timhortons.invermere@gmail.com) for both positions. like to see a new Strands Old House Restaurant is accepting applications for a cook/chef two to three years experience in casual fine dining preferred. Evenings and weekends. Apply to Tony Wood at tony@strandsrestaurant.com or 250-342-6344.
Centre intends to continue operating In an exclusive interview with The Pioneer, Ms. Tikk and TVOHS president Karen LeClair criticized the financial review. “It’s nowhere near accurate,” said Ms. LeClair by phone. When asked if TVOHS stood behind the transactions that were included in the financial review, the duo replied: “Those all happened, but the way they happened was not recorded in the review or in the (Province story) properly.” Ms. LeClair believes the auditor who completed the financial review “selectively omitted the information that was provided to him” by Ms. Tikk. In fact, Ms. Tikk alleges that payments from FNHA arrived late for payroll, which prompted her to use $13,000 of her personal money on staff. “Payroll happened before the FNHA money came,” explained Ms. LeClair. “The executive director put in $13,000 of her own money to make payroll for the centre so the centre owed (her), so part of the payment back to the Passion or interest for Beer, Wine and Spirits? executive director was for tires.” In addition, Ms. Tikk added that the trip to Italy (previously reported on by The Pioneer) was a staff development expense that had been approved is now accepting resumes. by the TVOHS funders and board We are looking for great people for our NEW store opening in front of Canadian Tire April 2016! members. Supervisory and Sales Associate positions available. We are looking for people who will: “There was documentation and receipts — everything was provided to Maintain a high level of customer service • Stock shelves with product Maintain a high level of product and service • Work in partnership with Store Managers and the reviewer in May when he was here knowledge other employees to maximize store sales and by both myself and our auditor but Generate sales in-store presence he didn’t put that in his statement,” Participate in merchandising and promotional • Maintain a professional appearance, demeanor, said Ms. Tikk. “Everything was preactivities and attitude at all times approved, passed with motions or Ensure accuracy in all transactions, inventory, • Rate established based on position whatever. Everything was accountable and procedures and experience and accounted for in the budget.” Participate in all manners of store maintenance Now, Ms. Tikk and Ms. LeClair are Experience in retail and/or hospitality would be an asset but not necessary. planning to keep the doors of TVOHS We offer professional and personal growth through educational opportunities. If you are open in the same location, and plan to interested in working in a fun productive environment submit resume to: pursue financial support from private Jennifer McLennan partners and other avenues. invermereliquorstore@gmail.com “We are staying open and we are or hand deliver to Radium Liquor Store attn Jennifer McLennan pursuing funding,” said Ms. LeClair.
Food Service Supervisor
• • • • • •
program developed that best meets the needs of clients in the Columbia Valley and has ensured funding for drug and alcohol treatment in the region will continue to be made accessible to prospective patients, but she emphasized the importance of determining how patient services will continue moving forward with other programs. “One of the things that we were made aware of was that, when TVOHS was operating, 40 per cent of their clients were from Alberta,” she said, explaining that the funding provided by FNHA was intended exclusively for B.C. residents. FHNA will not be pursuing legal action against TVOHS at this point in time, as it wants to focus on safety for clients and staff first.
“We’re in negotiation for a contract right now and we fully anticipate that we will be offering drug and alcohol addictions services to First Nations people, but we will not be part of the National Native Alcohol and Drug Addictions Program.” There were 18 applicants to TVOHS over the holidays, according to Ms. Tikk, that she alleges will be denied access to the program due to the loss of funding. Community reacts The Columbia Valley community has responded to the TVOHS’ controversial spending habits that diurectly benefited Ms. Tikk and her family. “FNHA funding is intended to support the treatment of First Nations people and not for the benefit of specific individuals,” wrote Shuswap Indian Band chief Barb Cote in a recent press release. “FNHA acted under its own authority and with the highest level of professionalism, while addressing a very difficult situation.” The audit provided a recommendation to the effect that: “the executive director does not approve any cheque requisitions or sign cheques that are payable to her or her family, where she is receiving a direct benefit such as travel, training and rent. All cheques made payable to the executive director must be signed by two board members.” In addition, the review documented concerns about the use of credit card spending that mixed personal and professional expenses due to the use of a personal credit card, and recommended a board policy that prevented the use of personal credit cards for TVOHS purchases. However, the FNHA issued a termination notice to TVOHS effective on Thursday, December 31st. “I think the FNHA acted responsibly in carrying out an appropriate investigation and acting accordingly,” said Dr. Murray Trusler, former board chair and family physician at TVOHS. Some of the staff who were terminated as a result of the funding cancellation expressed grave concerns about the findings of the financial review. Glady Sam, a former TVOHS intake worker, called the situation “disgusting” and questioned how Ms. Tikk could justify spending money on trips abroad for training that had “no direct benefit to the clients” when herself and other staff frequently chipped in their own money to cover the cost of food and recreational activities for clients — like bowling and hockey games — on top of their needed office supplies at work. “I’m sad,” replied Gerard Gregoire, former TVOHS senior counsellor, when asked about the loss of funding. “I’m disappointed because it was a good program that made a difference in the lives of the participating men.”
22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
January 8, 2016
Holiday happenings Crowds gathered in Radium Hot Springs on New Year’s Eve to bid farewell to the old year, welcome the new one and celebrate Radium’s 25 years as an incorporated municipality. Fireworks, outdoor fires, hot treats at Brent’s Shack, tobogganing, and a huge birthday cake were some of the highlights of the night (photos by David Webster); Mount Nelson wore a rainbowcoloured crown of light, visible from Panorama’s Nordic Valley Trail on December 28th (photo by Nicole Trigg); and a mule deer was helping himself to some holiday treats outside the Summit Footwear & Fashion store in downtown Invermere on December 30th (photo by Michaela Heinke, who also took the small photo of the deer on the front page).
January 8, 2016
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23
FAITH Why a dove?
By Rev. David Morton, Associate Pastor, East Kootenay Lutheran Parrish There is much about the life of Jesus that I find curious. It is true all that happens to Jesus is foretold by the many prophecies found throughout the Bible, yet I am still intrigued by it all. For instance, I find it fascinating that the Holy Spirit is specifically described at the baptism of Jesus as descending upon Him “like a dove.” Why not as angel’s wings, encompassing Him? Is that not more picturesque? After all, we’re talking the “Lord of the Universe” here. Shouldn’t He deserve a spectacular theophany when the heavens are opened and God’s voice is heard? A dove, really? That’s the best God could do to represent His Holy Spirit? The fact that the Creator of the heavens and the earth would use a mere dove to represent Himself… Clearly, this merits further investigation. In Jesus’ time, every day, morning and evening, 365 days a year, a lamb was offered at the temple for
sacrifice. And then, in addition to that, on the Day of Passover (in Jesus’ time), just on that one special day alone, it is estimated that over 250,000 lambs were slaughtered (one per every 10 people or household) to remember the deliverance of the Israelites from the tyranny and slavery of Egypt by the mighty arm of God. Yet all that sacrificial bloodshed is nothing compared to the number of doves that would have passed through the temple each and every hour of the day throughout the year at the temple as sin offerings, burnt offerings and guilt offerings by the pious and devout. Doves — that is to say, not the domesticated pigeon, but “wild caught” as in “of God” — were truly the common fodder of the sacrificial system of Jesus’ time. Well, over 30 times in the Bible, the dove is mentioned in conjunction with sacrifice. While it is true the dove was associated with innocence, it is also very clear the dove was first and foremost associated with sacrifice. This is precisely why God chose the form of a dove for people to see His Holy Spirit alight upon Jesus at the moment of His baptism. In front of everyone, with one image — the Holy Spirit’s descent upon Jesus like a dove — God communicates to the people, to us, who Jesus is and why He has come: He is of God, He is without sin, yet He will be sacrificed for our sin. He will be a fulfillment of the law, He will be available to all, if you can “catch Him.” That is to say, if you will but believe in Him.
LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Sunday, January 10th, 10:30 a.m. Worship And Life Instruction “Follow Me - The Messed Up Disciple”
Pastor Trevor Hagan ministering. The Lord’s Supper will be served. KIDS Church for children Age 3 to Grade 1; and Grades 2-7, during the Morning Service. 7 p.m. “Sing & Celebrate” at LWAC. You are welcome to join us for an evening of singing the great hymns of the faith; food; fellowship.
Lead Pastor Trevor Hagan • Associate Pastor Matt Moore 326 - 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lakewindermerealliance.org 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 - Dec. 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.: at St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats. Saturday, 5 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m.: at Canadian Martyrs’ Church in Invermere. Sunday, 11 a.m.: at St. Joseph’s Church in Radium. Father Gabriel • 712 -12th Ave., Invermere • 250-342-6167 ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN MISSION OF INVERMERE Worship services every Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Christ Church Trinity, 110 - 7th Ave., Invermere Pastor Rev. David Morton • 250-417-5017 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 Adam Pasowisty • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs • 250-341-5792
You can remember someone special with your gift to the Canadian Cancer Society
Birds of a feather . . . The Fairmont Bookies held their annual Christmas Pot Luck Book Club Meeting at Judy Beck’s home. “We were very fortunate to have Elinor Florence author of Bird’s Eye View as our guest. Elinor gave a wonderful presentation and it was greatly enjoyed by all,” said Fran Lapinskie. From left to right are Susan Lawson, Bobbie Charter, Geri Eaket, Fran Lapinskie, Elinor Florence, Liz Usher, Lorna Robitaille, Sylvia Robertson, Heather Buck, Judy Beck, Brenda Callaghan, Bonnie McMillan, Doreen Murray, and not shown, Connie Watson (photographer).
To donate In Memory or In Honour: www.cancer.ca | 250-426-8916 or call toll-free 1-800-656-6426 or mail to: #19, 19th Avenue South Cranbrook, B.C. V1C 2L9 Please include: Your name and address for tax receipt Name of the person being remembered Name and address to send card to
Let’s Make Cancer History
www.cancer.ca
24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
January 8, 2016
YOUR MONEY
Financial New Year’s resolutions For many Canadians, the new year brings new financial resolutions. Unsure of how to go about it? Here’s how to get started. Set SMART goals When people fail to reach their goals, the reason why isn’t always due to a lack of effort, or a deficiency on their part. Often, they fail due to the nature of the goal itself. The key to success in any endeavour is to set SMART goals, and see them through. A SMART goal is one that is specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-sensitive. A vague goal like “save more money,” or a potentially unrealistic one like “become debt free,” lacks focus, and if insurmountable, guarantees failure. A SMART financial goal might be to save $3,000 by the end of the year by saving $250 per month, rather than simply deciding to “save more.” The Lay of the Land Before making any new financial decisions, consider writing or updating a personal budget and net worth statement. This will spell out your current income, expenses, assets and liabilities and provide necessary framework for making financial decisions. Unsure about where money goes? Consider using a spreadsheet or an online program like Mint to track spending. This will help highlight adverse spending behaviour and how much money is available for other financial goals.
It’s important to remember that even with a budget in place, it’s easy to become complacent about finances. Even when regulating spending, attempting to save money through everyday activities is worthwhile, and that spending for the sake of spending is a poor mindset. Debt reduction Few people think of paying down debt as a form of savings, but in actuality, payments over and above one’s minimum “earn” a risk-free rate equal to the interest rate charged on the debt. This “return” comes in the form of cost savings; paying interest on a smaller principal portion than before. Further, high interest debt “earns” more than low interest, so there’s an incentive to pay off credit cards and lines of credit sooner than one’s mortgage. Make no mistake, except for in certain circumstances, debt reduction is an appropriate solution for every Canadian and should be a part of their financial plans. Savings goals Those who have their debts under control should consider setting savings goals and strategies in which to achieve them. First, identify the goals you most want to achieve, such as building an emergency fund of at least three months income, maxing out an RRSP or TFSA, or contributing to an RESP. Those who aren’t sure what they should do are en-
couraged to speak with their financial advisor. Consider income When it comes to financial management, many people are disproportionally focused on controlling expenditures. However, with many costs of life being fixed, it’s just as prudent to analyse one’s level of income, and more specifically, whether it can be boosted in 2016. To do this, consider a career change, an extra parttime job or starting a small business. Sometimes, time is better spent earning more money than obsessively cutting back on spending. Final thoughts There are many things other than budgets that need reviewing on a regular basis. These items include ensuring that one’s will and personal directives are current and upto-date. In the age of increased fraud, one’s credit report should be checked annually to ensure the information is current and all items on it belong to them. Further, as life changes, one’s insurance needs may change as well. Review insurance policies and coverages once per year and after any major life changes to ensure they are still adequate. Failure to plan is one of the biggest reasons why people struggle against financial headwinds. Start from the bottom up: set SMART goals and commit to them. Once this framework is in place, let consistency and dedication do the work.
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