Vol13issue51 by Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 16, 2016 Vol. 13/Issue 51

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

The Columbia

Valley

The Columbia Valley Pioneer â&#x20AC;¢ 1 December 16, 2016

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(Left to right) Pontus Carlsson, Hannah Lawson, Josh Hawkins and a mystery man were the lucky four to claim the first chair of the 2016-2017 ski season on Friday, December 9th when Panorama Mountain Resort officially opened to the public. For an account of opening weekend and more photos, see pages 26 and 27.

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 16, 2016

VALLEY VIEWS

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It’s official! On December 8th, the Westside Legacy Trail received the last permit it was waiting for from the Agricultural Land Commission — which means construction of the Trail can officially begin. Project Coordinator Tess Bekkering and Executive Director Mark Halwa with the Greenways Trail Alliance jumped for joy at the news. “We are absolutely thrilled to receive approval to construct the trail,” said Ms. Bekkering.“This will pave the way for actual trail construction to begin on or before April 1st, 2017,” added Mr. Halwa. Visit www.OurTrail.org. Photo submitted

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December 16, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS

Invermere deer cull gets provincial funding By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff The provincial Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations will contribute financially to help offset the cost of deer culls in several East Kootenay communities, including Invermere. The ministry announced on December 9th that it would provide four communities with a total of slightly more than $50,000 to conduct deer culls and do research into population control methods such as relocation and immuno-contraception under the new Provincial Urban Deer Cost-Share program.

Invermere will receive $10,200 to cull 51 deer through the program. “The formula used was essentially $200 per deer,” Invermere mayor Gerry Taft told The Pioneer. “But the way they’ve approved the grants doesn’t match what we’re going to do.” Mayor Taft said Invermere plans to continue with its deer cull, which was made operational more than two years ago and, as per the permit the district received from the ministry, has been conducted from December 1st to March 31st during each of the two winters since. When they made the cull operational, district council had capped the number of deer to be culled at a maximum

of 30 per winter, capped the cost at a maximum of $30,000 per winter, and directed staff to take a targeted approach, culling aggressive deer based on complaints from residents. In the two winters since the cull was made operational, the cull has not reached its cap in terms of either numbers or costs. The first winter, 26 deer were culled; and last winter, nine deer were culled. “Last year we weren’t even close (to the cap of 30),” said Mayor Taft. “It’s trying to pinpoint the problem deer, rather than just knock down the population. We’re going to continue the targeted approach and continue taking other approaches.” Continued on page 36 . . .

Radium residents express concern over loan approval By Eric Elliott Pioneer Staff The Village of Radium Hot Springs held its second open house presentation on December 7th to show residents the nearly finalized design for the new community hall. The design of the building wasn’t what residents were mostly concerned with, though. Instead, after the presentation by architect Shelly Craig of Urban Arts Architecture, residents voiced their displeasure with the loan approval process of borrowing $3.2 million for the completion of the hall. The Village of Radium Hot Springs council had passed a motion on October 26th for the alternative approval process

to acquire the loan, which, while avoiding a referendum, requires 10 per cent of the eligible electorate to come forward in opposition of the loan for it to be rejected. The loan will require residents to pay an extra $105 per year in property taxes. Some residents at the presentation were unhappy with the alternate approval process and voiced their displeasure after the design portion had concluded. “I think we should have a referendum,” said Pat McHarg, a resident of Radium. “The reason we’re not having a referendum is because we’re talking about saving $2,500 on the cost of having a referendum — $2,500 versus $3.2 million that we’re borrowing? I just have a real problem with us saying yay or nay to this based on 58 people in this community.” Continued on page 36 . . .

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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The past week, Columbia Valley RCMP responded to about 50 calls for service. The following is a small sample of those calls: • During the afternoon of Monday, December 5th, RCMP were dispatched to assist the fire service at a structure fire in Windermere. Windermere Fire Rescue advised that they were attending to a cottage that was on fire and they were unsure if there was anyone inside. The RCMP immediately attended and met with Fire and Ambulance. They advised that there did not appear to be anyone home and they extinguished the fire. The initial investigation revealed the fire was likely caused by the downstairs wood stove. Nesting materials were located resting against the chimney pipe, which likely ignited and caused the cottage to burn. The roof had many acorns, sticks and other ignitable materials that had been stored by a nesting animal. Although the investigation is continuing, it does not appear to be a deliberate arson. • During the late evening hours of Friday, December 9th, Columbia Valley RCMP received a call for a possible break and enter in progress at the RK heliplex at Panorama ski hill. The caller reported that they had the individual with them and he had kicked in a window. Panorama security attended the call to secure the scene and detain the culprit until RCMP arrived. Once on scene, the RCMP spoke with security who explained there was a window broken in the rear of the building and pointed out the co-operative male was the one who was witnessed breaking it. RCMP arrested the male for mischief under $5,000. It was obvious to the police that the subject was intoxicated by alcohol. Eventually, the matter was handled without the laying of any charges as the culprit apologized for his actions and paid for the window to be replaced. • On Saturday, December 10th at about 2:30 p.m., the Columbia Valley RCMP were dispatched to a single vehicle rollover in Kootenay National Park on Highway 93 near Kootenay Crossing. A passerby advised that

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they drove by a gold coloured SUV on its side and the occupants outside of the vehicle gave her a thumbs up indicating they were OK. While the RCMP were on their way to offer assistance and conduct their investigation, dispatch received a call from a motorist who had picked up the three occupants and was driving them to Invermere Hospital with minor injuries. The police continued to the scene and confirmed no further injuries or accidents in the area as there were multiple reports of vehicles that had slid off the highway. When the driver was spoken to at the hospital, they told police they were coming around a sharp corner where the vehicle started slipping on ice. The driver was unable to regain control and the vehicle slid off the pavement and then flipped onto its side. All the occupants were slightly injured as a result of the incident. • On Saturday, December 10th at about 7 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP were dispatched to an address on 8th Avenue in Invermere for a hit and run. The complainant called police after someone hit a 2006 Hyundai Sonata outside the home. The complainant saw a pickup truck perform a U-turn, and struck the left-front of the Sonata. The witness believed that the truck was a Toyota pickup, extended cab or double cab, light grey in colour, with a canopy that was level with the roof of the truck of the same colour. It appeared no serious damage was done to the Sonata and unknown damage to the truck. If anyone has any information about this, or knows who is responsible, they are asked to call the detachment. • On Monday, December 12th at about 7 a.m., Columbia Valley RCMP responded to a single car versus elk motor vehicle incident just north of Canal Flats. Police and EHS attended. The lone occupant of the car was slightly injured from the glass of the broken windshield, but other than that the driver was uninjured. The elk did not survive the collision. Statistics summary The past week saw the following statistics: one abandoned 911 call; four calls to False Building Alarms; nine Motor Vehicle Incidents that included three Impaired Operation.

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December 16, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

Order of Merit awarded On December 8th in Edmonton, Governor General David Johnston presented the Order of Merit of the Police Forces to Sergeant Howard James Burns, M.O.M., for his achievements in policing, for his contributions to fostering relationships between police agencies and the wider community, and for his support for other serving members. Sgt. Burns is a Columbia Valley local who grew up in Invermere. Photo by Sgt. Johanie Maheu/ Rideau Hall

Greenways highlights trail benefits By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff Columbia Valley trail advocates are seeking to highlight the value of well-organized community trail networks, in the wake of a series of letters to the editor and the Lake Windermere District Rod and Gun Club raising concerns in last week’s Pioneer about the proposed Barbour Rock trails. “Almost every other community in B.C. and many in Alberta already have much more extensive legally sanctioned community trails than we do and are moving ahead at the speed of light compared with us on developing more,” Greenways Trail Alliance chair Lyle Wilson told The Pioneer. “It’s important to remember these are not just for mountain bikers. Any trails developed in proximity to town will in essence be multi-use, yearround trails. The Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club is working on using the Johnson-Kloosifier trails as cross country ski trails in the winter, and they’ll do the same with the Barbour trails.” Mr. Wilson added such trails also cater to hikers, trail runners, snowshoers or those who just want to walk their dogs.

“Trail systems are good for the well-being of a community,” he said, in reference to a point made in last week’s issue by Rick Hoar, that valley’s fastest growing demographic is those 55 years of age or older. “What possibly is better than self-propelled trails in an aging community?” said Mr. Wilson. “There are plenty of older people who use trails. I’m 67 and I ride my bike 100 days a year. Maybe you could say I’m not normal, but I’m not that abnormal either. Larry Meadows is 73 and he rides 200 days a year.” Mr. Wilson also took exception to points made by Mr. Hoar that the Barbour trails could be harmful to species at risk, such as the Lewis woodpecker and nighthawk. “Yes, Lewis woodpeckers and nighthawks are on the species at risk list. But they are found throughout the valley. You could make the same argument at every single site in the valley. Are we then to, all of us, stay out of the woods entirely?” asked Mr. Wilson. “And how many Lewis woodpeckers or nighthawks have been hit by cyclists and killed? How can a bike rolling quietly underneath a nesting site possibly be more disturbing to the birds than a rifle being discharge underneath a nesting site? To say that one activity specifically is going to Continued on page 36 . . .

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 16, 2016

PERSPECTIVE

Barbour backlash

Historical Lens

By Nicole Trigg Pioneer Staff

Here we go again. A recreational development plan for the Columbia Valley has been put forward and is meeting resistance. Accusations are flying back and forth from either side, and while The Pioneer is proud to be the platform that is encouraging meaningful debate over the Barbour Rock Trail System proposal, one has to wonder why this conversation hasn’t taken place before now? A standard 60-day referral process that invited public comments was announced back in September. At that point, the trail proposal was already fully fleshed out, complete with maps, and the Columbia Valley Cycling Society — who put forward the proposal in conjunction with the Greenways Trail Alliance — had already laid some track. At the time, The Pioneer, in this column space, fully endorsed the proposal based on the merits presented by the cycling society and the implicit understanding that comprehensive community consultation had taken place. But it turns out the consultation had fallen short of the mark. Several Toby Benches residents with no personal connections to the cycling club or Greenways informed The Pioneer they were completely unaware of the proposal until they read about it in the paper. The valley’s largest club, which has dedicated time and money to conservation projects in the area — the Lake Windermere District Rod and Club — wasn’t invited to participate in the planning process. Indeed, local rock climbers, who caught wind of the project in the summer, were prompted to form a society in order to be recognized as a formal user group that could then have some input into the planning in order to protect aspects of the rock climbing area that were to be affected. And when The Pioneer tried to report on the trail proposal at that time, the cycling society withheld comment until the standard referral process began. An organized extensive multi-use trail system absolutely does have untold merits. But the crux of the problem in the case of the Barbour Rock seems to be less about hunters versus mountain bikers, and more about an exclusionary process undertaken in its development rather than inclusionary. In a community this small where wildlife concerns are paramount, the wisest course of action prior to a formal government application would have been a widely advertised open house, something the cycling society has said it intends to hold, but a slew of letters to the editor and a month later, and the date is still not forthcoming.

Building it up In this image from 1909, Athalmer is being built, and we see Mt. Nelson and Mt. Bruce behind it. In the middle we see the Coronation Hotel, and in the foreground we see Bank of Montreal being built. If you have any more information, email us at info@columbiavalleypioneer.com. Photo (A184) courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society

Challenge met and raised – again! Dear Editor: Cobblestone Creek Cottage and Lodging Co. and our Vacation Homeowners would like to seriously answer the challenge by Kanata Inn as we would like to donate the funds for 30, 15-pound turkeys. We all feel very fortunate to be a part of the Columbia Valley community and caring for our neighbours is what this community is all about! As this time of the year can be a difficult season for many families, our hope is that this small gift would be a blessing to those who might be struggling, especially over the Christmas and New Year’s season. If this simple gesture, along with the generosity of so

many others who make the Columbia Valley Christmas Bureau a success, can bring hope to even one family, well, isn’t that what this season is all about? We would further challenge all the other accommodators in the valley, even the individual homeowners who own a vacation home in the valley, if they can, to donate even one turkey or sponsor a family. Together, we can all bring a smile and perhaps some hope to a struggling family, during the Christmas and New Year’s season. Merry Christmas! Matt Semmler Cobblestone Creek

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

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December 16, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

LETTERS

Offer French at both schools Dear Editor: Since our SD6 Zone Trustees circulated a two-question survey at the end of the last school year regarding the future location of the Intensive French Program (currently at Windermere Elementary School), a contentious divide has been opened in the valley. This issue has been interpreted as a “winners and losers” conversation where one school will “win” the Intensive French Program for a maximum of 30 students. Unfortunately, this has proven to be highly inflammatory and led to a visceral response from parents, caregivers and students. Despite the negative framework however, this action by the Windermere Zone Trustees has the potential to be the most positively productive that has occurred regarding the IF program since its inception. Active debate and community engagement has revealed the depth of commitment that exists in this community to offering our children province-leading programming in second language education, and the possibility of low enrollment, which may mean the program will not thrive in the high school, has ignited concern community-wide. The Windermere Zone Trustees have posed that due to low class sizes in upcoming years at WES, the program would benefit from re-location to the larger J.A. Laird School in Invermere. The IF program however, has become integral to the identity and community of WES and this strong support base is evidenced in the fantastic results that students are seeing at DTSS when they continue their French language education. If our school board is truly invested in providing the best second language opportunity for all of the students in our zone, and the support from the parents, staff and students is also present at J.A. Laird (as our Zone Trustees have proposed), then this program should also be offered there. By providing access to enhanced French at both schools, the IF program at DTSS has the opportunity to flourish, and our school zone can offer all of our students a learning asset that will open doors for them into the future. Our school board administration has posed that if there is to be a move, this program will be discontinued at WES effective next year. Parents have asked the Trustees

why it is imperative that this program be moved quickly, without any attempts to find solutions to the barriers to enrolment that have been raised by parents, such as lack of information and poor bussing options; issues that will remain if it moves. We have asked for the numbers of enrolment that suggest a move of the program at all will be advantageous, or the budget issues that may be driving the seemingly single-minded push to move it. In reply, parents have been informed that other solutions have not been sought, those numbers have not been gathered and the forecasting has not been done. This has left many of us wondering how can a case be made that the IF program will be better off elsewhere, and why is there a rush on this decision that so deeply affects so many families who have made significant commitments to this program already? But above all, why are we not seeking solutions that make the program stronger and accessible to more students in our community? The conversation is well underway and has presented the opportunity for our school district to truly lead in the area of second language education, with all of the attendant learning benefits it provides. I implore our Trustees not to allow this opportunity to pass by engaging in divisive administrative policies and exclusive decision-making. They now have the opportunity to operate as a robust democracy in which a school administration is held accountable to an elected board, who are responsive to the voices of their constituents. A robust system requires collaboration, communication and engagement from and between all parties. They have before them an engaged constituency, a rare opportunity in a world of increasing apathy toward the democratic process. I hope that our board members will carefully consider the options and commentary that have been presented here, and by others. I encourage them to seek further public engagement and further exploration of the whole issue to ensure that the decisions we have placed in their hands reflect the pursuit of best practice, respectful collaboration, and effective communication. Michelle Rievaj Windermere

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 16, 2016

Is Barbour the new Jumbo?

Friday Night Shopping

Dear Editor:

The Fairmont Business Association and participating merchants would like to thank everyone who came out to play in the cold but merry evening on Friday, December 9th. 1st Prize of 10 x $25 gift certificates went to

Are we the only ones who are confused by all the letters and articles opposing trails at Barbour Rock? If the Barbour Rock area has so many endangered species and environmental concerns, shouldn’t it be closed to everyone including ATVs, hunting, Christmas tree harvesting and rock climbing? The province hasn’t identified the Barbour Rock area as a wildlife habitat area and it was assessed by a professional biologist… let’s call it like it is. This has nothing to do with environmental concerns; it is all about how recreation and expectations of access are changing and some people don’t like it. This is 2016 and mountain bikes are a legitimate user group. The Columbia Valley Cycling Society (CVCS) has developed some great trails that are used by walkers, runners, snowshoers, fat bikers, cross country skiers and mountain bikes. These trails are a significant asset to our community for both locals and visitors of all ages and abilities. Count the number of bikes on cars in the spring, check out the group mountain bike rides and trail runs almost every day of the week, count how many

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of our business owners and doctors are trail users, then tell me trails don’t make our town a better place. Right now we only have 53 kilometres of legally approved multi-use singletrack trails in the vicinity of Invermere — this is nowhere near enough for the number of residents and visitors of our valley. That is only a couple days of mountain biking or a week of running for the average person. As business owners in the valley, one of the first questions many people ask us is, ‘Where are the trails?’ We even had someone suggest that you had to be part of a secret society to know about trails in our area! They did not believe we had so few legal trails, they just thought we didn’t want to share them. Are we going to pretend the demand isn’t there and hope all the user groups that want signed, mapped and maintained trails will go away? How about some of the opponents to Barbour Rock make some suggestions about where they believe trail development should occur in the valley? Jordie and Beva Kirk Crazy Soles Owners Invermere

Is the Canadian Blood Services missing the point?

3rd Annual

Dear Editor: On a recent visit to my doctor, I had a few questions for her about blood work. The conversation progressed to blood donations in the East Kootenays. I was surprised to hear that the closest donation facility is located in Calgary, Alberta. We often hear about the lack of blood supplies available for our hospitals. Why wouldn’t they take advantage of the population of the East Kootenay to hold a blood drive or even have a permanent Blood Services donation point located in a central location. I was told that in years past a mobile blood donation vehicle would travel throughout the Kootenays collecting donations —

Thank you! A special thank you to our volunteers, donors and sponsors in all five locations for making this possible. PALLISER PRINTING

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what a great idea. I wonder why this service stopped? Blood is the gift of life and unfortunately the need is always greater during the holiday season. I’m sure there are many people in the Columbia Valley who would be happy to donate. You never know if you’ll need the service but if you do, it would be nice to know it’s there for you. I would be happy to donate to help someone in need and I’m sure the feeling is mutual throughout our region. Not sure what can be done, but I’m sure someone out there knows. Have a happy and safe holiday season. Dave Lister Invermere

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December 16, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

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10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 16, 2016

Pioneer piece nails survey Dear Editor: I am writing to congratulate Eric Elliot on his article “Dumb and Dumber” on the Perspective page of The Pioneer in the Friday, December 9th issue. I, too, filled in the survey but could not believe how largely unrelated to what they were supposedly wanting input on the questions were. It rephrased and asked the same questions time and again. Towards the end of the survey, where one was given only two choices and no other and no room anywhere to explain or clarify why one chose a particular answer, I became quite frustrated. The survey did not allow

one to skip a page where neither answer was relevant. In my opinion, you would be doing Canadians a great service if you sent your article to Justin Trudeau and Maryam Monsef and anyone else in the Liberal caucus who may have had something to do with that flawed survey. I expect Wayne Stetski will have read it, but a copy for his records may be helpful. In fact, if you can have your article printed in other Canadians newspapers, it may get Canadians thinking. Lynn Askey Invermere

Survey is extremely suspect Dear Editor:

2015 & 2016 Centurion Award Recipients

The Extra Mile Team Scott Sauermann Owner/REALTOR®

250-342-5889

scott.sauermann@century21.ca

Ken Becker

Owner/Managing Broker

250-342-1161

ken.becker@century21.ca

We are proud to welcome our newest REALTOR®

Joe Evanoff REALTOR®

250-341-7045

Here we go again. WARNING: Be careful if/when filling out the My Democracy “voting” survey on https://www.mydemocracy.ca/. It is very deceitful because it slants the questions, using “even if ” statements to steer people toward a response that is UN-favorable to Proportional Representation. Both Liberals and Conservatives see a democratic proportional system as a threat. They love a USA-style two-party system… so undemocratic and so UN-Canadian!! Also note… the survey does NOT work on all browsers. Eric Peter Invermere

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The Pioneer Get your FREE copy every Friday on newsstands near you!

December 16, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer 11 Page•11

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

MUSIC • VISUAL ARTS • DINING • BAR SCENE • ENTERTAINMENT • PERFORMANCE ARTS

Ice queens

SKOOKUM CAFE

PAGE 22

SKI AREA OPENS

PAGE 26

This year’s winners of the annual Catch the Freeze contest were Gerri Brightwell (left) and Emily Kohorst (right), pictured with Invermere mayor Gerry Taft and holding up their prizes. See the full story on page 24. Photo by Megan Peloso

Xmas Gift Ideas!

Cinefest Film Series & Love It Live Concert Series Tickets Call 250.342.4423

Visit columbiavalleyarts.com for our current events calendar, or call 250-342-4423

Out & About Your weekly guide to what’s happening around the Columbia Valley PAGE 13

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 16, 2016

Silent auction set with proceeds going to charity Submitted by Pine Ridge Mountain Community

Singing Seniors The Senior Sing-Alongs recently sang Christmas Carols to the residents of Columbia Garden Village and Ivy House on Monday, December 12th. The senior choir meets Monday mornings at 10 a.m. for weekly practices. If you enjoy singing, please join them at Columbia Garden Village for a practice. Photo by Dean Midyette

Copper Point Christmas Countdown

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Merry Christmas from Statesman with Pine Ridge Mountain Community! We will be hosting a silent auction at our cozy show home in Pine Ridge. All proceeds from the silent auction will be matched by Statesman and donated to both the Christmas Bureau and the Columbia Valley Food Bank to ensure all our residents in the valley have a very Merry Christmas. Bring a non-perishable item for the food bank to receive an extra ballot for our New Years Gift Basket. Open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. and open from Monday, December 19th to Friday, December 23rd from 2 to 6 p.m. with cookies and hot apple cider to enjoy! We’re located at 1904 Pine Ridge Mountain Link in Invermere (above the high school — watch for the sandwich boards). Here’s to a season filled with warmth, comfort, and good cheer! Huge thank you to our contributors: Inside Edge, The Rainbow Donkey, Ambiente, Inspire Floral Boutique, Three Bears Gift Shop, Home Hardware, Copper Point, Pharmasave, Sobeys, Tim Hortons, AG Valley Foods and Fairmont Goldsmiths.

Wednesday

Idea Complimentary 6 TakeHoliday your parents 7 Family Swim

$15 Meazer’s (Meal Caesar)

11 $15

Meazer’s (Meal Caesar)

Outdoor Activities 2 pm – 5 pm

12 “drinks” of Christmas cocktail special Did you know… Our Tomato Soup is Gluten & Dairy Free?

12 “drinks” of Christmas cocktail special Christmas Day Brunch

Reservations recommended Santa Breakfast Visits

4-course Christmas Dinner $40. Reserve now!

Holiday Idea Invite your friends for a snowball fight.

12 “drinks” of Christmas cocktail special

$15 Meazer’s (Meal Caesar)

Holiday Idea Go Skating on our Lake Windermere White Way trail

26 African

Specialty Coffee Feature

Amaretto, Triple sec Fresh Brewed Starbucks Coffee Whip cream

760 Cooper Road 1-250-341-4000 copperpointresort.com

$7.50

for a drive and admire Christmas lights and décor

Complimentary Family Swim 12 pm – 8 pm 30% off Swimwear 12 “drinks” of Christmas cocktail special

12 “drinks” of Christmas cocktail special

Introducing Elements New Wine Menu Did you know… Our #1 Selling Dinner Entrée is Beef & Prawns?

27 Russian

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Tia Maria, Frangelico,vodka Fresh Brewed Starbucks Coffee Whip cream

$7.50

Open for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

7 DAYS A WEEK

Thursday

20% Discount Lazy One Slippers

12 pm – 8 pm

30% off Swimwear

Holiday Idea Build a snowman with your family

Enter our Take a selfie with our Bear Contest

12 “drinks” of Christmas cocktail special

Friday

Saturday

50% discount on Golf Clothing in our Copper Mine

20% 9 discount on

20% 10 discount on

Build-your-Bear in our Copper Mine Retail Store

Scarves in our Copper Mine 4th Annual Small

Outdoor Activities 2 pm – 5 pm

16 Business Big Party 17 Event – call for tickets

12 “drinks” of Christmas cocktail special

Free Movie Night 12 “drinks” of Christmas cocktail special Did you know… Our Salmon Entrée is Wild Pacific Salmon?

Christmas 12 “drinks” of 22 Christmas 23 Christmas cocktail 24 4-course Dinner $40 cocktail

28 Jamaican

29 Hawaiian

$7.50

Specialty Coffee Feature

Dark rum, Brandy Fresh Brewed Starbucks Coffee Whip cream

12 “drinks” of

special Did you know… All deserts are made in house?

20% Locals Discount in Elements *applies to Regular Menu Only

Specialty Coffee Feature

Macadamia nut liqueur Fresh Brewed Starbucks Coffee Whip cream

special Did you know… Our Hollandaise Sauce is made from scratch daily?

30 Italian

Specialty Coffee Feature

Grand Marnier, Kahlua Fresh Brewed Starbucks Coffee Whip cream

$7.50

Reserve now!

12 “drinks” of Christmas cocktail special 4-course NYE 31 Dinner & Dance $75 Dance only $45 January 1st: New Years Day Brunch Mimosa & Caesar Specials

Entries for the Bear Selfie Contest can be sent to #copperpointbear

SHUTTLE SERVICE

Contest closes January 9th

Call 250-341-4000

December 16, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

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, December 16th • Invermere Caregiver’s Support Group monthly meeting on the 3rd Friday of each month. Contact facilitator Leanne Brooks at 250-341-5683 for more information. . • 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.: LEGO Club at Invermere Public Library. All ages welcome (under 8 accompanied by an adult please). Weekly building challenges will be awaiting you! Activity is free. • 6 p.m.: Bingo at Shuswap Band Hall every Friday. Doors open at 6 p.m., Bingo starts at 7 p.m.

Saturday, December 17th • 10 a.m.: Christmas Crafts and Storytime for preschoolers at the Radium Library. • 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Photos with Santa at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort (FHSR). • 10 a.m.: Lego for all ages at the Radium Library every Saturday. • 11 a.m.: Preschool Story Time at the Invermere Public Library with stories, songs, and crafts. Every Saturday except December 24th. • 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Canal Flats’ Christmas Fair at the Civic Centre with vendors, visits with Santa, face painting, gingerbread contest, free hot dogs and more. For information call 250-349-5447. • 12 p.m.: Elinor Florence will greet old and new friends, and sign copies of her bestselling Canadian novel, Bird’s Eye View at Ambiente Home Design on 7th Avenue. • 6:30 p.m.: Meat Draw and 50/50 at Branch 71 Legion in Invermere. Every Saturday. • 7 - 10 p.m.: Summit Youth Centre Fresh Film Nights - newly released films or crowd favorites every Saturday.

Sunday, December 18th • 9 a.m.: Lessons & Carols at All Saints Church in Edgewater.

• 10:30 a.m.: Lessons & Carols at Christ Church Trinity in Invermere. • 7 p.m.: Blue Christmas Service at Christ Church Trinity. A special service for those who’ve lost loved ones, pets or are dealing with difficult circumstances, with a lighting of candles for remembrance. For more information, call 250-342-6644 or email office@wvsm.ca.

Monday, December 19th • 10 a.m.: Senior Singalong Group meets every Monday at Garden Village. • 1 - 3 p.m.: Brain Injury Support Group meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at Columbia Garden Village. Contact Debbie for more info 250-344-5674. • 7 p.m.: Christmas Bingo at Canal Flats Civic Centre, doors open at 5:30 p.m. $250 and $500 game prizes plus door prizes. For information call 250-349-5447.

Tuesday, December 20th • 2 - 4 p.m.: ‘Crafternoons’ at the Invermere Public Library. Drop-in between 2 - 4 p.m. to create some festive crafts from Tuesday December 20th to Friday December 23rd. Complexity of crafts are suitable for school-aged children, but everyone is welcome! Younger children to be accompanied by an adult please. Crafts are free. • 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.: Options for Sexual Health is operating a drop in clinic in the Public Health Unit next to the Invermere Hospital the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. Call 250-342-2360 for more information.

Wednesday, December 21st • 8 a.m.: Radium Hot Springs Sunrise Rotary meets for breakfast the 1st and 3rd Wednesday from November thru March at Higher Ground Cafe. • 11:45 a.m.: The Rotary Club of Invermere meets every Wednesday at the Curling Rink. • 2 p.m.: Genealogy Group at Columbia Gardens Coffee Room. Every 3rd Wednesday of the month.

Thursday, December 22nd • 10:30 a.m.: Preschool Story Time at the Invermere Library with stories, songs, and crafts. Every Thursday. • 1 p.m.: Play Cribbage at Invermere Seniors Hall every Thursday. • 2 p.m.: Seniors Tea at the Invermere Library the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. Tea and a light snack is provided over friendly conversation. If you would like to attend but do not have transportation, please contact the library at 250-342-6416. • 4- 6 p.m.: Summit Youth Centre Chef-It-Up. Every Thursday. Call 250-342-3033 for more info. • 5 - 6 p.m.: Wine tasting in the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort lobby every Thursday. Enjoy four B.C. wines with the in-house Sommelier. $15 per person or $25 for two. • 6:30 p.m.: Texas Hold Em’ Tournament at the Invermere Legion every Thursday. $35 buy in.

Friday, December 23rd • 5 - 9 p.m.: Summit Youth Centre Holiday Party with karaoke, games, white elephant gift exchange (bring something cool that’s 2nd hand, wrap it up!).

Saturday, December 24th • 5:30 - 7 p.m.: Torchlight Parade at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort with fireworks at 6 p.m. plus special guest appearance by a very-busy Santa. • 6 p.m.: Christmas Eve Service at Christ Church Trinity. • 8 p.m.: Christmas Eve Service, All Saints Church in Edgewater. • 8 p.m.: Annual Christmas Eve fireworks at Conrad Kain Park in Wilmer. Bonfires and free hot chocolate. • 10 p.m.: Christmas Eve Service at St. Peter’s Church in Windermere.

Sunday, December 25th • Swim free all day with a Food Bank Donation at FHSR Public Natural Mineral Hot Springs. • 10:30 a.m.: Christmas Day Service at Christ Church Trinity.

Saturday, December 31st • 3 p.m.: Radium Hot Springs New Year’s Eve festivities at the skating rink on Stanley St. with fireworks display at The Springs driving range at 6:30 p.m. Free hot dogs, hot chocolate, chili and birthday cake. Donations to fire department gratefully accepted. • 7 - 9 p.m.: FHSR’s New Year’s Eve Tropical Pool Party at the Natural Mineral Hot Springs; fun for all ages. • 9 p.m.: New Year’s Eve Party at Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill in FHSR. Free champagne at midnight. • 10 p.m.:Fireworks at the Historic Bath House in FHSR.

Invermere Library Hours • Tuesday to Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. • Story Time: Thurs. 10:30 a.m. Sat. 11 a.m.

Radium Hot Springs Library Hours • Tuesday: 6 - 8 p.m. • Wednesday and Thursday: 1 - 4 p.m. • Saturday: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. • Closed December 18th until January 3rd.

Windermere Valley Museum Hours • Tuesday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Invermere Thrift Store Hours • Thursday - Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. • Closed December 18th to January 11th. • No donations accepted Dec. 23rd to January 2nd.

Radium Thrift Store Hours • Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Friday and Saturday: 12 - 4 p.m

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Come in for stocking stuffers, take a break from shopping and enjoy a burger!

Holiday and Special Occasion Grief These times can be particularly hard because of traditions and memories that may take you by surprise or spark new experiences of loss. • Honour the traditions that are important to you • It is OK to let go of traditions that are less important now • Make new rituals • Tell people (particularly family members) what you need • Remember your physical needs

December 16, 2016

More uses for new centre All about our

CENTRE A group little known as a user of the Lake Windermere Memorial Hall is the Columbia Valley Rockies. We know the Rockies Junior B ice hockey team best in their “real business” of playing hockey in Invermere’s Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena. However, the hockey players participate in our community beyond the ice arena. Rockies head coach Wade Dubielwicz has implemented a strong coaching system that, in addition to hockey teamwork, skating skills and physical fitness, emphasizes education, community service, mentorship and personal development. Players develop relationships with billet families, mentor minor hockey players, participate in One-onOne reading programs with local elementary school students and work with the Rockies’ Wood Pile fundraiser. Some attend classes at David Thompson Secondary School or the College of the Rockies or work at part-time jobs in the community. In addition to four skating workouts a week, they practice with local yoga teachers to develop flexibility

DRY-LAND DRILLS — Rockies circuit training in the Lake Windermere Memorial Hall. Photo submitted and mental focus and do dry-land training in the Lake Windermere Memorial Hall. Under the supervision of assistant coach and dryland trainer Kris Ekelund, 20 to 25 Rockies train once or twice a week in the community hall. Athletes participate in group exercises and circuit training, using equipment like pylons, hurdles and medicine balls to develop core strength and stamina. Like the rest of our community, the Rockies will welcome a move to the new, spacious Columbia Valley Centre in 2017. For more information and to donate, visit www.columbiavalleycentre.ca.

If you are having a hard time with the holidays, we can help. 250-688-1143. Cranbrook/Invermere

Proud Sponsors of the Hospice Society

Proud Sponsor of the HSCV Bereavement Program

www.hospicesocietycv.com

VISUAL UPDATE —The new Columbia Valley Centre is coming along nicely. Photo by Ruth Fast/Painted Sun Photography

The 2017 MaxWell calendars are in for pickup!

DANIEL ZURGILGEN 250-342-1612

SCOTT WALLACE 250-342-5309

BERNIE RAVEN 250-342-7415

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1214 -7th Avenue, Invermere • Ph: 250-341-6044 • maxwellrealtyinvermere.ca

December 16, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

Valley makes ‘coziest’ list By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff Invermere and Radium Hot Springs have been named among Canada’s coziest municipalities. With winter setting in, Expedia.ca last week released its list of Canada’s coziest cities, ranking Radium Hot Springs 30th and Invermere 35th. According to author Jennifer Cuellar, the results were compiled by analyzing thousands of ratings given by Expedia users to all accommodation options in a given municipality. To make the “coziest” list, a city or town’s accommodators need to earn an average score of 4.0 out of 5.0 in the “comfort” category. “These reviews referenced everything from pillows to fireplaces and anything in between,” wrote Ms. Cuellar. Local officials from both towns were happy to be included in the list. “It’s pretty cool. There are certainly some times of the year — especially in the winter and shoulder season — when Invermere is a quaint and cozy town. Even in the high season during the summer, when it seems quite busy here to local residents, Invermere is still quaint in comparison with Banff or Canmore,” said Invermere mayor Gerry Taft. “In light of the valley-wide branding and marketing efforts going on, maybe this is something

It’s a great reason

that can be used in promotions, to let tourists know what a great place this is to visit even in the not-so busy times of year.” “That’s cool. I didn’t know about that,” said Radium councillor Tyler McCauley of Radium being ranked the 30th most cozy municipality in the country, adding it makes sense, since “Radium is really a great place to stay. We’ve got a lot of things going for us.” Radium Hot Spring mayor Clara Reinhardt also said she was delighted by the rankings. Both Councillor McCauley and Mayor Reinhardt pointed out that Radium has also received recognition from another reviewer-generated tourism website, with two local accommodators being listed on Trip Advisor.ca’s 25 top budget motels in Canada — with the Gateway Motel being ranked 15th and the Cedar Motel being ranked 17th. “Of course, we are always pleased when our businesses are recognized for the work they put in,” said Mayor Reinhardt. “A lot of people may believe that it’s expensive to vacation here, but this shows that there really is something for everybody.” MeetPacific.com (the parent company of Expedia. ca) communications specialist Jessica Estrada told The Pioneer this is the first time Expedia has ranked the cosiness of Canada’s municipalities, but that going forward, the company is considering creating the list annually.

…to call the valley home

Christmas Star Winner for December 12th

Katharina Staub

$50 gift certificate redeemable at any participating business. For more information on this contest, please see our ad on page 38 of this week’s Columbia Valley Pioneer or visit www.cvchamber.ca/christmas-star

Myth: Change your ads all the time. Readers get tired of the same thing. Reality: Develop a good campaign, or theme for your ads. Stick with that one campaign, and only make small changes of headlines or details. Call Dean or Amanda at 250-341-6299 to find out more.

N E W S PA P E R

8, 1008 8th Ave. Invermere, B.C. Ph: (250) 341-6299 Fax: 1-855-377-0312

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com • info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

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16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 16, 2016

Destructive discourse doesn’t do any good Fresh old ideas By Arnold Malone Pioneer Columnist In years long gone by, during my graduate studies in Inter-Personal Communication, there was an interesting course on “Language and Behaviour”. Multiple studies have established that when we wish to change behaviour, we need to first change our language about such behaviour. How we communicate precedes how we behave. Today, the way some persons communicate is worrisome. The world recently seems angrier. Too many people are talking as if they are mad at something or everything. Civility has given way to violent, volatile verbiage. The United States has just concluded an awful, awful terrible, terrible election. Two years of candidates vilifying each other with accusations of character flaws and malicious unproven indictments. They pretend that by nasty words the public is better able to choose the best leader for the Free World. What a terrible, terrible process. This election should be thought of as the harpooning election. Less was focused on the needs of citizens and more on scoring a

damaging hit on the personality of a challenger. For those who exhausted themselves watching these seemingly never-ending attacks on character, the question must have arisen: “What has become of our democratic process?” It is true that personal jabs at opponents have long been a part of our political history. However, the excessive practice of attacking has driven civility into oblivion. No longer are we asked to reflect on serious issues, but rather to judge which candidate is the least disgusting. As Canadians, we need not be smug. The USA election was a never-ending marathon of insults, but we also have reason for concern. Recently, when Sandra Jensen crossed the floor from the Progressive Conservative party to the NDP, the follow-up comments on social media were adhorent. Being called a “traitorous bitch” was amoung the milder examples of abuses and there were a lot of them. Michelle Remple, MP, had similar experiences. There are reasoned arguments against switching parties. Yet when the attack is against the individual rather than an issue, we nose-dive down the slope towards the cesspool of political muckery. Democracy becomes threatened. Vilification of others does not pass for acceptable public discourse. Nasty talk is not limited to politics. Some perverse examples of over heated language are the cowards on social media who often hide behind such a pseudonym as maddog1983. The comment section following Internet articles is of-

ten an insult rather than a contribution. Democracy yearns for critical thinking. Too often a criticism is about personalities rather than offering an alternative. Perhaps Winston Churchill was right when he commented: “The greatest argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.” This lack of decorum is sadly widespread across society. Movies are no longer The Sound of Music, Camelot or even Bonanza. Movies today are hour upon hour of explosions — ray gunfights filled with coarse, vitriolic language. Radio talkback programs are a mix of values. Some advance thoughtful discussion, but many are a diatribe by a belligerent host demeaning every caller who has a view that differs from his/her own. There was a time when displays of respect for one another was a sign that we had matured into a cultured society. A new year is just around the corner. This might be a good time to resolve to talk ideas rather than personalities. To emphasize the good in others and reflect on two of my dad’s occasional sayings: “After two pigs have rolled over once in the hog wallow, it is very hard to tell which one started the fight”; and “There is so much bad in the best of us and so much good in the worst of us that there is no need for any of us to complain about the rest of us.” Arnold Malone served as MP for Alberta’s Battle River and Crowfoot ridings from 1974 through 1993. He retired to Invermere in 2007.

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December 16, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

Solstice cycles explained By Brian Fenerty Pioneer Columnist One of the nice things in life we can learn from our Winter Solstice, when the sun stops moving south. Or so it appears. Of course, we know we are on a planet tilted in relation to our own local star. Earth’s tilt stays the same but as we orbit the sun, the tilt becomes more sideways to the sun and, toward summer, with Earth at this same tilt but now on the other side of the sun, the sun appears high. Science can explain what is going on each midwinter. But like movements of stars in ancient times before astronomy science arose, the movement of our own star has emotional meanings to many. Even scientists can feel the emotional effect of the sun “stopping” and starting to return north. If nothing else, it reminds us humans, who are susceptible to pessimism in grey, cold days of our endeavours, that “things can turn ‘round” — things cycle. It’s not just poetry: the stars on the large scale have cycles, the atoms at the small scale work with cycles. In the middle of the scale, we humans have, for example, vital metabolic cycles. Society is complex enough so we humans go through cycles, economic, emotional, challenges and opportunities. What looks grey one day in this overall structure is where we may find sunrise shining on the next — and the sun returning northward. Why were various special stone circles built by the ancients? The reasons are not all understood. But consider one example, the alignments of rocks to a winter solstice sunrise: they give a quite consistent way to know how long before planting crops or how fast one can use up winter food sup-

plies. With wintery variations, such consistency could be literally lifesaving. The exact moment of solstice does vary, however — on the calendar. The Earth’s tilt to our Sun is still quite consistent, but calendars are on a slightly different cycle, so the timing on them varies year to year. Also, the Earth gradually wobbles and other planets can speed or slow Earth up or down. Solstice timing is thus due to a complexity of cycles. So, next year, we cheer the sun’s return northward at a different time. But this coming Wednesday, December 21st, it is at 3:44 a.m MST. The sun would not be offended if we save our celebrations until later on Wednesday. Midwinter appreciations of the sun returning in some old traditions were different days, or spread across several days around solstice. You might want to web search Yule celebrations as you hear the holiday phrase “Yuletide”. Because the sun is starting to return north on the solstice, shouldn’t sunrises also return to being earlier? Earth, however, has an elliptical orbit whereas wristwatches work as if the orbit were circular. The shortest day for us is indeed on solstice: seven hours, 59 minutes and 34 seconds long. But sunrises according to circularorbit-based watches wait until December 31st before returning to rising earlier. As we look up these nights (when clear!), we note another visual sign of return. Under Orion’s belt of three stars, the faint nebula, visible by eye under it, is where the dust from old exploded stars are being reborn as new ones — just as one time our own star, our Sun, was born of the dust of older stars. Brian Fenerty is a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Contact him at fenertyb@telus.net.

Myth: One big ad will make a big impression. Reality: The same money invested in a regular series of small ads will yield bigger results. Call Dean or Amanda at 250-341-6299 to find out more.

N E W S PA P E R

8, 1008 8th Ave. Invermere, B.C. Ph: (250) 341-6299 Fax: 1-855-377-0312

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com • info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

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18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 16, 2016

YOUR MONEY

Should you use low volatility funds? One of the most popular new categories of mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are so-called “low volatility” funds. But does this approach really protect investors from excess volatility? How they work Low volatility funds and ETFs try to offer investors a smoother ride by buying stocks with a history of milder price swings than the rest of the market. For a mutual fund, a team of managers trade stocks within the fund based on their volatility parameters. In the case of an ETF, a computer algorithm buys and sells stocks to match a low volatility index. In both cases, if a stock suddenly experiences volatility beyond certain limitations, it is removed from the investment. On the surface, buying stocks that tend to suffer less price fluctuation than others makes sense, but there are a few problems with this strategy. Rear-view mirror investing Contrary to popular belief, low volatility funds and ETFs don’t promise low volatility on a forward basis. Both strategies invest in stocks that have traditionally experienced lower volatility than the markets as a whole. This does not mean that these investments will necessarily have lower volatility than average going forward. For example, since July of this year, the average low volatility fund has experienced poorer returns than a

traditional S&P 500 fund, even posting sharper losses during the worst down days. From August through September, the two largest low volatility ETFs in the North American marketplace lost about four times more than the S&P 500’s loss of 1.2 per cent. Having historically lower price fluctuations does not mean they don’t fluctuate at all. It also doesn’t mean they won’t fluctuate more than other investments, even other stocks. Market cycles Along with market cycles, most equity sectors experience cycles of their own. These cycles are tied to interest rate expectations and realities, inflation, prices of commodities and investor sentiment, among other things. Due to these and other factors, virtually every stock at some point or another will experience more volatility than it does on average. In other words, yesterday’s winners are often tomorrow’s dogs. Having a rear-view mirror approach can sometimes work out, but not always. Selling into a downturn Investments following low volatility principles tend to sell stocks after they have experienced price volatility. These sales often come when the stock price has fallen, not before or after. As the old adage goes, it’s best to buy low and sell high, not sell low.

Not a bond In today’s low interest rate environment, finding returns without taking on too much risk can be difficult. This has forced many traditionally conservative investors into dividend-paying stocks, preferred shares and other asset classes. These are all great investment strategies, as long as investors understand the risks associated with each of them. In other words, it’s important to remember that low volatility funds are not a proxy for bonds. They are still comprised of stocks, and carry the risks associated with stocks. With a bond, investors are guaranteed to get their principal back plus interest, barring default of the issuer. Low volatility ETFs and mutual funds have no maturity, income or return guarantees. Final thoughts There is nothing wrong with owning low volatility ETFs or mutual funds as long as investors understand what they are. There is no guarantee of lower volatility going forward with these types of products, so investors have to take their chances. Further, the majority of low volatility investments are comprised of stocks of large-cap companies, not unlike a traditional large-cap mutual fund. If you are interested in low volatility funds, or are wondering about how to lower the volatility profile in your investment portfolio, speak with your financial advisor.

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Free consultations! • Ph: 250-342-2112 • Fax: 250-342-2113 • 530 13th Street , Invermere • www.invermereadvisors.com

December 16, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

Familiar face becomes new real estate agent By James Rose Pioneer Staff

PO A SHOLS T O ID P E

For those looking to buy, sell or learn more about Columbia Valley real estate, Radium Hot Springs based Century 21 Rockies Realty is pleased to welcome a new real estate agent to their team. But although this individual is new to the profession, he is certainly not new to the valley — and will be familiar to anyone involved in the Columbia Valley golf scene. Joe Evanoff, former manager of golf operations for both The Springs and Radium Resort golf courses, is pleased to announce that he is a now fully licensed real estate agent. “I was looking for a new opportunity and felt that the skills gained in my 28 years in the hospitality industry crossed over into the real estate business,” said Mr. Evanoff. “I became licensed at the end of October and it is very exciting to have the opportunity to help people with what can be one of the most important decisions in their lives and share all of the great attributes of being in the Columbia Valley.” In making his career transition, Mr. Evanoff said he feels fortunate to join both Ken Becker and Scott Sauermann at Century 21. “They both have extensive real estate experience and have been very willing to share their knowledge and they continue to be tremendous mentors as I progress in the industry.” “My background in providing strong customer service and building relationships are key to being successful as a real estate professional,” he commented. “And it is my goal to exceed clients’ expectations and to work hard to deliver the best in service and market knowledge.”

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DOWNTOWN BUSINESS NEEDS ASSESSMENT The District of Invermere is seeking a firm or individual with a strong track record in community economic development that can work with the Council, the management team, and community stakeholders to identify business sector needs within the community to assist in expanding and diversifying the business sector to offer new development and business opportunities. The request for proposal submission must include the requirements outlined in the Request for Proposal, which can be found on the District’s website. www.invermere.net . Documents will be available through BC Bid, Civicinfo and on the District Website. Proposals must be presented or delivered in sealed packages, clearly marked “Request for Proposals: Downtown Business Needs Assessment”. Completed proposals must be received no later than Wednesday January 4, 2017 at 2 p.m., MT. Completed proposals must be received at: District of Invermere PO Box 339 914 8th Avenue Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 All inquiries related to this Request for Proposal shall be directed to: Chris Prosser, Chief Administrative Officer District of Invermere Phone: 250-342-9281 ext 1225 e-mail: cao@invermere.net

MAKING THE LEAP — Formerly the manager of golf operations for The Springs and Radium Resort courses, Joe Evanoff is now the newest face at Century 21 Rockies Realty in Radium Hot Springs. Photo submitted With 2016 being an active year for the Century 21 office, Mr. Evanoff said he is looking forward to playing a trusted role in the many opportunities present for both buyers and sellers going forward into the new year and beyond. For more information, Mr. Evanoff can be reached by phone at 250-341-7045 or via email at joe.evanoff@century21.ca.

There will be no public opening. Faxed submissions are not accepted and will be rejected. The District of Invermere reserves the right to accept or reject all or any proposals and to waive any informality, incompleteness or error in any proposals.

N E W S PA P E R

For all your advertising needs, call Dean or Amanda at 250-341-6299

12 Days of Christmas SALE

DEC 19

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REGULAR PRICED RASGUARDS & PADDLE PANTS 30% OFF

ALL SALE CLOTHING 60% OFF

CHRISTMAS GIFTWARE 60% OFF

DEC 26

DEC 30

DEC 22

ALL FOOTWEAR 60% OFF

ALL KITCHEN GIFTWARE 60% OFF

DEC 27

ALL BAGS 60% OFF

SOUVENIR CLOTHING: BUY 1: 25% OFF, BUY 2: 30% OFF, BUY 3+: 35% OFF

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DEC 31 ALL SALE ITEMS ARE AN ADDITIONAL 70% OFF

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 16, 2016

English Pork Stuffing (Gluten-free) 1 kg ground pork sausage meat 25g fresh sage 75 g gluten free bread crumbs (approx 2 slices of gf bread) 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 tbsp salt 1 tbsp freshly ground pepper Combine breadcrumbs, sage and onion. Add 2 tbsp of boiling water and mix thoroughly. Gradually add sausage meat. Chill until your turkey is ready to be stuffed. Fill turkey cavity with filling, bake remainder for 30 minutes at 375 F or until golden brown.

Food & Drink

Maple Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon 2 lbs brussel sprouts 3 thick slices of smoked bacon 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 1/4 cup nuts (your choice) 1 tsp olive oil 2 pinches of sea salt 1/2 tsp of freshly ground pepper

Preheat oven to 375 F (350 F in a convection oven). Wash, then cut off ends of brussels sprouts. Place in bowl, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then toss and set aside. Cook bacon and nuts in skillet until nuts become toasted (4-5 minutes). Set aside. Do not wash skillet. Transfer brussel sprouts to skillet, add maple syrup, then cook for 5 minutes until caramelized and golden brown. Put skillet with brussel sprouts in oven for 30 minutes, then add bacon and nuts. Roast for 10 minutes longer. Add salt and pepper and serve.

Vegetarian Christmas Wellington 1 butternut squash, halved, peeled, deseeded and cubed 2 tsp olive oil 1 red onion, chopped 4 rosemary leaves, chopped 300 g pack mushrooms, chopped 1/2 oz dry sherry 200g ready cooked chestnuts, chopped 500g vegan puff pastry 2 tsp cranberry sauce 1 egg for glazing Flour for dusting Preheat oven to 375 F (350 F in convection oven). Bake butternut squash, glazed with oil, for 20-30 minutes until tender. While squash is cooking, heat oil then add onion (stir till soft), then add garlic and rosemary and cook for 1 minute, then add mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until soft. Increase heat of the filling and add sherry and chestnuts and cook for 4 minutes. Set aside to cool. Roll out pastry in a 12” x 16” rectangle. Spoon filling and squash into middle of pastry and dot edges of pastry with cranberry sauce. Moisten pastry edges with water, then bring edges together and seal. Brush with egg. Bake for 40 minutes or until golden and puffed. Garnish with holiday coloured berries.

December 16, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

Food & Drink

Christmas Quesadillas

Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast 1 bone-in whole turkey breast (4 1/2 - 5 lb/2 - 2.5 kg), thawed if frozen 1/2 cup (125 mL) butter or margarine, melted 1/4 cup (50 mL) dry white wine or apple juice 2 tbsp (25 mL) chopped fresh thyme leaves or 1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) dried thyme leaves 1 tsp (5 mL) salt 1 tsp (5 mL) paprika 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 tsp (10 mL) cornstarch 2 tbsp (25 mL) cold water

Heat oven to 325 F. Place turkey, skin side up, on rack in large shallow roasting pan. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is in thickest part of breast and does not touch bone. Roast uncovered 1 hour. Mix butter, wine, thyme, salt, paprika and garlic. Brush turkey with half of the butter mixture. Roast 30 minutes; brush with remaining butter mixture. Roast about 1 hour longer or until thermometer reads 165 F. Remove turkey from oven and let stand 15 minutes for easier carving. Meanwhile, pour pan drippings into measuring cup; skim fat from drippings. Add enough water to drippings to measure 2 cups. Heat drippings to boiling in 1-quart saucepan. Mix cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water; stir into drippings. Boil and stir 1 minute. Serve with turkey.

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99¢

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+10

BONUS MILES

2 for

Lucerne Eggnog or Light, 2 L

Prices Effective December

FRI

$ 00 SAT

Lay’s Potato Chips

1000

Selected varieties, 240-255 g

SUN

MON

TUES

4 for

WED

THURS

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

PROUDLY CANADIAN

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1 pkg (334 g) large flour tortillas 2 2/3 cups (650 mL) shredded cheddar or Colby cheese 1 large tomato, diced (about 3/4 cup/175 mL) 5 medium green onions, chopped (about 1/3 cup/75 mL) 3 tbsp (45 mL) chopped green chilies (from 127 mL can) Heat oven to 350 F. Sprinkle 4 of the tortillas with about 2/3 cup (150 mL) cheese each. Top cheese with remaining ingredients except salsa. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake about 5 minutes or just until cheese is melted. Cut each quesadilla into 6 wedges. Serve with salsa.

Fresh Meats, Produce, Bakery & Deli, Hunting/Fishing Licenses, Household Hardware, Summer Toys and Automotive Supplies.

LIQUOR

Wacky Wednesdays

20%

Come in EVERY WEDNESDAY to receive 20% off all regular priced items in store. 20% discount also applies to fresh meat on sale. Some exceptions apply. (Tobacco, liquor, gas, lottery, Shaw Direct are exempt from the discount). Also come in on your birthday for the same deal! Proof of birth date is required.

Shop for Christmas and Save on December 21st!

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 16, 2016

Skookum Inn introduces new cafe concept By James Rose Special to The Pioneer The grand opening of the newest restaurant concept in the Columbia Valley — the Skookum Inn Café — is set to take place next week. With a soft opening occurring this week, the grand opening of the 60-seat diner will feature a unique promotion involving the pricing of certain menu items as if it were the late 1970s and early 1980s. “Since the 1950s, there has been a restaurant in the Skookum Inn building and we thought it would be fun to bring out some menus from many years ago and use their pricing as a sort of promotion for the opening of this latest restaurant concept,” said John Tames, the owner of Skookum Inn. “Skookum Inn Café’s menu will feature a basic down home menu with the fanciest

Canal Flats Arena Ice Schedule Ice Schedule From December 15th to December 21st Thursday, 15

Friday, 16

12:15 12:30 12:45

Saturday, 17

Sunday, 18

8:30-8:15

8:30-3:15

Calgary Atom Novice Tourney

1:00 1:15 1:30 1:45

1:30-7:15

2:00

Calgary Atom Novice Tourney

2:15 2:30 2:45 3:00 3:15 3:30 3:45 4:00

3:30-4:30 Public Skate

4:15 4:30 4:45 5:00

4:30-5:30 Youth Shinny

5:15 5:30

Calgary Atom Novice Tourney

Calgary Atom Novice Tourney Calgary Atom Novice Tourney

5:45 6:00 6:15

5:45-7:00 CFMH

6:30 6:45

Calgary Atom Novice Tourney

7:00 7:15

8:00 8:15 8:30 8:45

7:30-8:30 Adult Shinny

Calgary Atom Novice Tourney

Calgary Atom Novice Tourney Calgary Atom Novice Tourney Calgary Atom Novice Tourney

Calgary Atom Novice Tourney Calgary Atom Novice Tourney

7:30 7:45

Calgary Atom Novice Tourney

7:30-9:00 Badgers

Monday, 19

Tuesday, 20

Wednesday, 21

3:30-4:30 Public Skate

Calgary Atom Novice Tourney Calgary Atom Novice Tourney Calgary Atom Novice Tourney

3:30-4:45 Public Skate

4:45 - 6:00 Public Skate

3:30-4:45 Public Skate

4:45 - 6:00 Public Skate

4:30 - 5:30 Youth Shinny

5:45 - 7:00 CFMH

6:30 - 8:30 Private Booking

Private Booking

4:45 - 5:45 Youth Shinny

5:45 - 6:45 Adult Shinny

6:15-7:30 Adult Shinny 7:00 - 8:00 Kin City

8:00-9:15 CF Oldtimers vs Invermere

Schedule is subject to change. Any bookings will change this schedule. If you are coming from out-of-town call to confirm the posted schedule. Arena # is 250-349-5617

7:30 - 8:45 Adult Shinny

RATES

Time

dish being a steak sandwich,” he added. “We looked at the valley’s restaurant scene and realized there were enough restaurants catering to more niche tastes. For the Skookum Inn Café, the bottom line is that we are a roadside diner and we want to offer that kind of menu in a quality and affordable fashion.” Norma Barette will be the restaurant’s manager. Before taking on this role, Ms. Barette operated a Norma’s Restaurant inside the AG Valley Foods building and before that worked the old Skookum Inn restaurant for 20 years. “We are so very fortunate to have Norma as the new restaurant’s manager. She is known around the valley for being a dessert maker par excellence,” chuckled Mr. Tames. “Desserts, and specifically a large assortment of pies, may just as well become the restaurant’s signature dishes.” “I am excited to be back at Skookum Inn,” said Ms. Barette. “Homemade plain basic food is the focus for our menu and will feature burgers, fries, turkey, roast beef, meat loaf, a variety of desserts and much more all homemade in the kitchen.” Focusing on a traditional and affordable menu will hopefully draw the broadest number of people from the entire Columbia Valley. “We wanted to offer a menu that catered to the daily eating habits of the people who live here, but at the same time be able to do so while offering dinner menu items for between $10 and $12 and breakfast items from $7 to $9,” said Mr. Tames. “With that strategy, we are hoping that this will lead to the restaurant having a long longevity.” Since Mr. Tames became the owner of Skookum Inn 14 years ago, there have been six different restaurant operators that have all come and gone. “The history of the Skookum Inn goes so far back, and I would be fairly confident to say that the dining room is one of the oldest in the valley. Before the dining room opened in 1952, there was a rotating counter style coffee shop that existed throughout the 1940s,” he said. Skookum Inn Café will operate six days per week (closing on Mondays) and will employ approximately 11 people altogether. For more information, call the Skookum Inn Café at 778-526-5262. A website for the new restaurant will be released soon.

Youth $3 Adult $5 Family $12

BACK TO ITS ROOTS —Skookum Inn owners Jane and John Tames (left) are excited to have Norma Barette (far right) manage their new restaurant, which will be going back to the original concept of an affordable roadside diner. Photo by Angela Miller Photography

December 16, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

Food bank use up locally, across Canada said the number of hampers given out by the Columbia Valley Food Bank equates to roughly 400 families using the food bank. He cautioned not to read too much into that figure, however, since some families consist of a single individual, while others can Use of food banks is up across the country, including here in the Columbia Valley. be up to seven people. “It’s hard to put a finger on it (the reasons for the local increase in food bank use), Food Banks Canada recently released its 2016 Hunger Count report, which highlights a nation-wide increase in food bank use of 1.3 per cent compared with last year, but it’s probably partly related to the economic situation in the western provinces. There seemed to be quite a few (new food bank users) that were and up 28 per cent compared with 2008 (the first year the Hunger hoping to find something in the valley. Many of our new families Count report was issued). had 403 area codes when we first met them, so you can guess they The numbers in the report varied province by province, but may be here because of the downturn in the energy industry in Alfood bank use has increased this year in each of them, with the berta,” he said. “It’s not hard to see why they might come to valley, exception of Ontario. In B.C., food bank use was up 3.4 per cent since it’s certainly a friendly place. A small place, and an expensive compared with last year, and up 32.5 per cent compared with 2008. place, but a welcoming place.” “It (the increasing trend) certainly holds true here,” Columbia Valley Food Bank chair Lawrie Mack told The Pioneer, adding the The food bank is working hard to meet this extra demand. “Our costs have gone up considerably this year, but we are dolocal food bank has seen 102 new families come in so far this year, A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT ON HUNGER AND FOOD BANK USE IN CANADA, AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHANGE ing OK,” said Mr. Mack. “We don’t have any grant money coming as of the end of October. in, so we are supported entirely by donations. I am always amazed “That’s huge for us. It’s big numbers, and when you’re in the by the support we get. There are so many local businesses and lofood bank, it’s a busy place,” said Mr. Mack. cal individuals that contribute. I am astounded by the donations As of the end of October, the Columbia Valley Food Bank had we pull out of our mailbox every day. The support from the comalready distributed 773 food hampers. In comparison, it had given munity — whether it’s donations from businesses or whether it’s out 653 hampers by the end of October 2015, distributing 778 for things such as getting meat from the deer cull — it all helps us the entire year in 2015. keep going.” “With two months left to go this year, we should be well Mr. Mack extended an enormous thank you to donors, and to the food bank’s over 1,000 hampers for the year, as November and December tend to be our busiest volunteers. months,” said Mr. Mack. Those interested in learning more can contact the food bank at 250-342-0850, or Although exact numbers are hard to ascertain, since some families use the food bank regularly throughout the year while others only use it sporadically, Mr. Mack can contact Mr. Mack directly at 250-342-5092 or lwrmack@yahoo.ca. By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff

HUNGERCOUNT2016

The Invermere

ALLEY CHO

Pick up the Pioneer’s sister paper ~ The Invermere Valley Echo ~ every Wednesday.

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There’s more to the valley than meets the eye… See this week's December 7th Invermere Valley Echo for:

We Rent Tools!

150 Industrial Road #2, Invermere • 250-342-4400 Local child care receives influx of CBT funding (page 1)

Invermere will hold public hearing on CastleRock rezoning (page 4)

Mussel defence program nabs 17 contaminated boats (page 2)

Annual East Kootenay Senior’s Open returns to Fairmont (page 15)

Revamped pediatric care planned for Cranbrook hospital (page 3)

Rockies losing on more than just the ice (page 16)

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24 â&#x20AC;˘ The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 16, 2016

Catch the Freeze winners announced especially with the Whiteway and people are getting interested in using the lake in the winter as well,â&#x20AC;? she said. The freeze date data additionally allows the Lake Windermere Ambassadors to compare the health of their lake against After a long warm fall in the Columbia Valley, residents other lakes in the area to draw potential conclusions. may have noticed that, along with the cool winter air, Lake â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sort of just to get a sense of how our overall environWindermere has recently frozen over. While thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good news ment is changing or fluctuating so we know that water is somefor skaters and skiers looking to get out on the Whiteway in the Year Date thing thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good indicator of climate because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always movfuture, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great news for Gerri Brightwell and Emily Kohorst 2004 13-Dec ing so the freeze and the melt, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expect them to be the who are co-winners in the annual Catch the Freeze contest. 2005 3-Dec same day every year, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interesting to see when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s later or Having correctly guessed December 7th as the date that 2006 27-Nov earlier,â&#x20AC;? she said. the lake would freeze, Ms. Brightwell and Ms. Kohorst were 2007 23-Nov One of the other opportunities the contest provides the awarded with â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Love My Lakeâ&#x20AC;? T-shirts along with Gerry GeLake Windermere Ambassadors and the community at large lati merchandise and frozen dessert gift certificates from the ice 2008 25-Nov with is educational, she said. cream shop. 2009 5-Dec â&#x20AC;&#x153;We usually take this opportunity to remind people that Megan Peloso, program co-ordinator for the Lake Wind2010 5-Dec because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a living system, there are places on the surface that ermere Ambassadors, said she collected 20 guesses from people 2011 16-Nov arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t safe,â&#x20AC;? Ms. Peloso said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mapped those out, but around Invermere on when they thought the lake would freeze 2012 10-Dec just to remind people to be aware that there are places on the over. 2013 22-Nov lake surface that are thinner and no frozen ice is safe 100 per She said that people typically guess using numbers such as 2014 29-Nov cent.â&#x20AC;? a loved oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthday or their favourite number and that this 2015 25-Nov yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winners guessed December 7th because it marked one According to their records, Lake Windermere froze over last 2016 7-Dec year on November 25th with this year being the latest recorded month prior to each of their wedding dates. freeze since 2012 where the lake froze over on December 10th. Ms. Peloso said the Ambassadors originally started the â&#x20AC;&#x153;The truth seems to be that it is possible (though perhaps contest years ago after learning about a similar contest held by the Lake Windermere District Lions Club each spring when the lake melts called the not advisable) for the brave to be paddleboarding at the end of November and skating before mid-December,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If the cold decides to come on strongly and stick Ice Out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No one was really doing the freeze so we decided that it was an exciting time around, it makes for a great and solid freeze.â&#x20AC;? By Eric Elliott Pioneer Staff

Lake Windermere Freeze Dates *2004 - 2016*

Regional District of East Kootenay Are you a book lover? Do you enjoy volunteering? Do you believe in public libraries? If you answered YES to any of these questions, we might have an exciting opportunity waiting for you! The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is looking for two people to represent the RDEK as Trustees on the Radium Hot Springs Public Library Board as follows: â&#x20AC;˘ one person to represent Electoral Area G; and â&#x20AC;˘ one person to represent Electoral Areas F and G, District of Invermere, and Village of Canal Flats To be considered for a position, an applicant must be a resident or elector of the above area(s) and cannot be employees or elected officials of the RDEK, District of Invermere, Village of Canal Flats or the Library Board. These volunteer positions are for a two year term expiring January 31, 2019. If you are interested, please submit a letter of application and brief resume including reasons for your interest and related experience to Shannon Moskal, Corporate Officer, at the RDEK. ,

By hand at the RDEK Office - 19-24th Avenue South, Cranbrook Via email in PDF format to smoskal@rdek.bc.ca By mail to Shannon Moskal, RDEK, 19-24th Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8

For information on the Library and the services it provides, please visit: http://radium.bc.libraries.coop/ Applications must be received by 4:30 pm on Wednesday, December 21, 2016.

19 - 24th Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8 Phone: 250-489-2791 Toll Free: 1-888-478-7335 Email: info@rdek.bc.ca Website: www.rdek.bc.ca

December 16, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

Holiday Recycle Guide

Batteries

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - it all adds up! Wrapping Paper All paper based wrapping paper can be recycled in the yellow bins or Invermere’s blue bag program. Foil based papers cannot be recycled and should be thrown in the garbage if they can’t be saved and reused. Please consider paper based paper when purchasing gift wrap.

Ribbons & Bows

Cardboard Boxes

These cannot be recycled. They can be reused or put in the garbage.

All cardboard and boxboard (like cracker and cereal boxes) are recyclable. Please flatten them to conserve space in the bin or blue bag.

Tin Cans All tin food and beverage cans can be recycled. They must be rinsed out. Labels can be left on if they are difficult to remove.

Aluminum Pie Plates & Roasters

Glass

Styrofoam

Electronics

These cannot be recycled in the Columbia Valley. The only recycling depot for tin roasters, foil etc. is the Cranbrook Bottle Depot.

Even though Styrofoam is marked with a #6, it is NOT recyclable in our program. The only place in the East Kootenay that Styrofoam can be recycled is the Cranbrook Bottle Depot.

Plastics All plastics with the triangular recycling symbol and number between 1 and 6 (except Styrofoam) can be recycled in the yellow bins or Invermere’s blue bag program. They must be clean and every piece of plastic must be numbered. Lids often are a different type of plastic, and if there is no number on the item, it goes in the garbage if it can’t be reused. Plastics Not Accepted: #7 plastics, dirty plastics, plastics with no number. They go in the garbage if they can’t be reused.

Glass goes in the yellow bins marked GLASS ONLY. The ONLY glass accepted for recycling is container glass. That means jam jars, salsa jars, wine bottles, olive oil bottles, etc. NO other glass (including dishes or drinking glasses) is accepted. If in doubt, please leave it out. Glass bins are located at the Columbia Valley Landfill, Edgewater Post Office, Fairmont Transfer Station, Invermere Industrial Park, Invemere Bottle Depot, and Radium Liquor Store

The electronics & small appliance recycling depot for the this area is: Invermere Bottle Depot 133 Industrial Rd. #2 Phone: 250-342-7272 Hours: Tues-Fri 9:00am-4:00pm Sat 10:00am-4:00pm They accept: • Televisions • Fax • MP3 players • Computers, Machines • Tablets peripherals • DVD/VHS • Earphones (keyboard, players • Microphones mouse) • Scanners • Telephones • Monitors • Stereos • Speakers

Batteries

One of the items people seem to stock up on at this time of year is batteries. Both alkaline and rechargeable batteries are recyclable. The following locations in Invermere accept batteries: Home Hardware, Rona - Northstar Hardware, Selkirk Cellular & Office Supplies, and The Source at the Tamarack Mall

For more information, contact the RDEK at 1-888-478-7335

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer Land Act:

Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land Take notice that Joseph Maskell of 531-5791 Oak Street Vancouver BC V6M 2V7 has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO}, Kootenay Region, under the Adventure Tourism Program) for a Lease situated on Provincial Crown land north of Canal Flats (Gibraltar Mountain Lookout) near and containing 0.02 hectares more or less. The Lands File for this application is 4405759. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to FrontCounter BC, 1902 Theatre Road, Cranbrook BC V1C 7G1 or email to: AuthorizingAgency. Cranbrook@gov.be.ca. Comments will be received by MFLNRO up to Jan 18, 2017. MFLNRO may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the website at http://arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp ➡ Search ➡ Search by File Number: 4405759 for more information. Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/ freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

December 16, 2016

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort open to skiers and snowboarders By Eric Elliott Pioneer Staff Skiers and snowboarders: get excited for Fairmont Hot Springs Resort’s opening day today (Friday, December 16th). After a cold couple of weeks, the Fairmont Ski Area will be opening two runs for the public to enjoy. “We’re all super excited,” said Rachel Dick, marketing co-ordinator at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. “Everyone around the resort is super excited to get the ski hill open because we have a lot of activities and events planned up there and some fun family activities over the holidays as well. It’s always such a fun environment up at the ski hill with the lodge and activities.” The first major event outside of opening day will be on Christmas Eve for the 31st Annual Torchlight Parade. Starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 24th, skiers and snowboarders will be able to wind their way down the slopes with their torches, which will be followed by a fireworks show for the public. Any skiers or snowboard-

ers are invited to sign up to participate in the event if they want. While there will be a number of other family friendly events over the holidays, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort will also be getting ready for Locals Day, which will happen on January 14th. Then, locals from Brisco to Canal Flats will have access to the chairlifts for the low price of $2 along with s’mores and other activities on the mountain. Ms. Dick said this year’s opening is actually comparable to years past despite the warmer-than-usual November that the Columbia Valley experienced this year. “We always try to open on the Friday that kids get out of school so last year we were pretty much at the same time when we opened,” she said. “It’s been very cold the last couple of weeks and it’s supposed to stay super cold so we’ll be able to make snow non-stop and hopefully get everything opened soon.” Visit www.fairmonthotsprings.com/ski-area/ for ticket information and more.

Panorama celebrates opening day By Eric Elliott Pioneer Staff

N E W S PA P E R

Pioneer Holiday Deadlines Due to the upcoming holidays and office closure, our deadline for booking into the Friday, December 30th Pioneer is Monday, December 19th at noon. Call 250-341-6299 or email ads@columbiavalleypioneer.com to book your advertising

peratures than we had so we did find that a lot of people were coming from the freezing cold there, so they were happy even though we’re experiencing colder weather Recently recognized as North American Resort of than we normally would,” she said. the Year at the 2016 World Snow Awards, Panorama Despite Panorama not able to open as many runs as Mountain Resort also celebrated their opening day on they would have liked, Ms. Matthew said the constant Friday, December 9th. cold weather will make it easier for their snow-making After top ski racers from around the world warmed teams to continue working on opening more runs on up the slopes throughout late November, local skiers the mountain in the near future. and snowboarders were able to “I think our snow making enjoy the full 4,000 feet of verSnowboarders under the Champagne system is probably the biggest tical with trails on opening day chair on opening day. advantage that Panorama has,” despite only having a smaller she said. “We weren’t able to selection of runs open to the open too many runs as it seems public. Laura Matthew, marketlike mother nature just wasn’t ing and media specialist at Panquite on our side last week but orama Mountain Resort, said it the really cold temperatures was easy to see the excitement leading up to opening weekend amongst people on the moundid allow our snow making tain last Friday. and grooming teams to work “Honestly, I think people were really excited to be hard and get some really good coverage on the runs that out there back with their friends and back with their we did have open.” skis,” she said. “You could tell leading up to that weekAs of Friday, December 16th, the Nor-Am racing end that the town was just buzzing with anticipation. event, featuring over 17 countries’ top national skiers, Everyone was really excited getting their gear ready and will be wrapping up as Panorama prepares for a host just being happy to be back on the mountain and enjoy- of events during the Christmas season for the public to ing the beautiful views.” attend. “We’re really looking forward to that and it does Given the clear weather that the region experienced look like the cold temperatures are extending into the over the weekend, guests were able to experience the foreseeable future so we’re going to continue making 360 degree views at the summit of the mountain while snow and open terrain for people to enjoy themselves,” grabbing a bite to eat at the Summit Hut, she said. she said. “We’re lucky in that Calgary had even colder temVisit www.panoramaresort.com.

December 16, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer â&#x20AC;˘ 27

Opening weekend!

Scenes from opening weekend at Panorama Mountain Resort where skiers and snowboarders were able to get up the mountain and experience all 4,000 feet of vertical that Panorama has to offer. Photos by Katie Watt except for left column, middle photo by Panorama

N E W S PA P E R

Holiday Office Closure Our office will be closed for the holidays from Thursday December 22nd thru Sunday, January 1st. We will re-open for business on Monday January 2nd.

28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 16, 2016

Community Foundation grants $50,000 to community

Canal Flats Civic Centre

By Laurie Klassen, Executive Director Columbia Valley Community Foundation MONDAY, DECEMBER 19th 7 p.m.

$500 Bonanza • $500 Free Game $250 WrenchBender Special Door Prizes!

For information, call 250-349-5447

Look for Our Trust magazine in your mailbox this week or find it online! Wishing you every happiness this holiday season and throughout the coming year. Request a free 2017 calendar at ourtrust.org/trustcalendar. ourtrust.org/magazine 1.800.505.8998

Canal Flats Civic Centre

Fair SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17th 11 am - 3 p.m.

• Vendors • Visit from Santa • Kids Corner Face Painting • Ginger Bread Contest • And more! Free Hot Dogs, Coffee ,Juice For info Call 250-349-5447

Your Local

This grant round marks a major milestone for the Columbia Valley Community Foundation. Celebrating 15 years in our community, the Columbia Valley Community Foundation announced that 14 local organizations were awarded over $51,000 in grants for projects in the Columbia Valley; the largest amount granted back to our community in one grant cycle. Our grants are a result of gifts made by people who care about our community and since 2001, the Community Foundation has distributed over $618,000 in grants and student awards back to the community. “It is so rewarding to be a matchmaker between donors and organizations making an impact in our community. People working together can make a difference in our communities”, said Katherine Harmsworth, Chair of the Grants Committee for the Columbia Valley Community Foundation. Organizations and projects supported by our donor funds for 2017 include: Friends of the Invermere Library Donor: Kootenay Savings Community Foundation • Outfitting the children’s section of the new Invermere Public Library Windermere Valley Youth Centre Donor: Kootenay Savings Community Foundation & Community Fund • Summit youth music/DJ program CV Youth Soccer Association Donor: Opportunities for Youth Fund & Community Fund • Equipment for growing youth soccer programs Invermere Judo Club Donor: Community Fund • Equipment for judo club and other groups in new Columbia Valley Centre. Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy Donor: Ann Tilley Memorial & Opportunities for Youth Fund

• Guys Read program Family Dynamix Donor: Our Children’s Legacy Fund • Columbia Valley Ability Hub — support for people with diverse abilities Steamboat Mountain Music Society Donor: Community Fund • Steamboat Mountain Music Festival 2017 Glacier Peaks Gymnastic Society Donor: Community Fund • Equipment for programs Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley Donor: Kootenay Savings Community Foundation •Hospice Society Resource Centre lending library Rotary Club of Invermere Donor: Sherry and Harvey Doerr Family Fund (BC) • Community Message Centre Fairmont Community Association Donor: Gordon Wilder Memorial Fund & Fairmont Family Fund • Fairmont walking and biking path Our 2017 grants also include support for five local projects celebrating and creating legacies for Canada’s 150th in the Columbia Valley. With matching funding provided by Community Foundations of Canada, we are proud to support Canada 150 celebrations and projects led by the following organizations: Columbia Valley Arts, Friends of the Invermere Public Library, Panorama Adaptive Sports Society, Steamboat Mountain Music Society and Village of Canal Flats. About the CVCF Your Columbia Valley Community Foundation (“Foundation”) is a collection of endowment funds, now totaling more than $3.2 million, established by donors from all walks of life to build legacies in our Valley communities. Funds are pooled and invested with the income distributed as grants to charitable organizations, and students, in a broad and inclusive manner that benefits the Columbia Valley between Spillimacheen and Canal Flats.

COLUMBIA VALLEY REAL ESTATE

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December 16, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

Sign up for the Christmas Bird Count By Sarah Kloos Special to The Pioneer The Christmas Bird Count for the Columbia Valley is coming up! The bird count takes place on Boxing Day each year, in a 24-kilometre diameter circle around Wilmer. “It’s the same circle every year. It’s centred on Wilmer, it goes a bit into Radium, and a bit near the lake (Lake Windermere). It’s always the same circle and it’s always Boxing Day. It’s the 117th year for this in Canada, so it’s been going on a long time,” said local organizer and count compiler Randy Hopkins. Continued on page 32 . . .

Tinsel and tears: grief in the Holiday Season

TARGET AREA — A map of the 24-kilometre circle that delineates the area for this year’s bird count on Boxing Day. Image submitted

Submitted by Maria Kliavkoff, Executive Director Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley The holidays are a time of cherished family traditions shared with the ones we love. The holidays can be a particularly difficult time when you are grieving the death of a loved one. How do we handle the loneliness and isolation that can happen when the traditions feel hollow and the tasks seem overwhelming? Grief is a time when your body is telling you to slow down. You feel drained by the simplest of tasks. How then are we supposed to gear ourselves up to do the work of the holidays? The simple answer is that in years when we are grieving, the holidays take on a different meaning. They can become a healing time, if we allow them to. The holidays give us an opportunity to convert our grief (our inner experience of sadness) into mourning (the external expression of that sadness) by giving us a pathway to work through our memories and reconcile with our loss. As we chop or shop for our tree, we remember when Dad took us to find the perfect tree. While baking the cookies, following the recipe written in Mom’s handwriting, we remember her hands kneading the dough. Which songs bring comfort? What memories dance in our head longing to be shared? Which traditions, even as we do it, bring us to tears with remembering the way it was; the way we wish it could be again? Those tears are the pathway to softening the symptoms of grief (the heaviness, the sadness, the anxiety and/or the despair). Allow the tears a space in your holiday and you may find a spark of joy there, too. Ironically, the tears and the stories are the pathway to healing and hope. The journey through grief is a journey of reconciliation with the new reality. If you are grieving and need some help, please stop by the Hospice Office — our resource centre has pamphlets and books that can support you in your journey. In the New Year, we will start a number of Bereavement Support Groups including one designated for those grieving a traumatic death or death by suicide. Our intention is to help you mourn well so that you can live well. We at Hospice wish you and yours a peace-filled holiday and all the best for the New Year.

“

The greatest gift you can give that will last forever is knowledge.

’’

- Brian M. Geller

Happy Holidays cotr.ca

30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 16, 2016

HERE TO SERVE YOU CARPET CLEANING

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N E W S PA P E R

December 16, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31

HERE TO SERVE YOU CONCRETE

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32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 16, 2016

. . . ‘Christmas’ from page 29 Each count across Canada is in a 24-kilometre diameter circle, and is organized by a count compiler. The Christmas Bird Count is a well-organized event, which is why all participants have to make arrangements with the count compiler if they want to join in. “There’s no real meeting place for the group. What I do is I send out an email, and they can go out whenever they like. There’s no real schedule, it’s just when people are comfortable to get out — could be morning, lunchtime, or afternoon,” added Mr. Hopkins. “Volunteers need to dress for winter,” he said. “If this cold keeps up, it’s going to be chilly, but we still hope volunteers will go out and count what they see. The more they get out, the more they can see.” Volunteers follow certain routes through their designated circle, counting every bird they see or hear all day. It’s not just a species tally, it’s the indication of the total number of birds in the circle that day. Anyone who lives in the designated circle can stay inside and report the birds that visit their feeders all day, as long as they’ve made prior arrangements with the count compiler. “The number depends on who gets out, and where they can get to. It’s also depends on the weather, because if it’s really cold, (the birds) are a lot less active. Like songbirds, which tend to be out in the morning.” In 2015, there were 46 species counted with approximately 1,700 individuals in the local circle. White-winged Crossbills were relatively abundant with a count of 65 seen. Also very abundant were Pine Grosbeaks with 112 seen, and five Stellar’s Jays were counted. With usual numbers, there were ravens, crows, wild turkeys, Mountain and Black-capped Chickadees, Dark-eyed Juncos, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Townsend’s Solitaires, Black-billed Magpies, and Downy, Hairy and Pileated Woodpeckers. For more information on how to sign up for the count, find out where it’s happening, or to get in touch with the count compiler, call 250-688-6694, or email inv-cbc@outlook.com.

Churches hold special events By James Rose Special to The Pioneer Both Invermere’s Catholic Church Of Canadian Martyrs and Christ Church Trinity have upcoming events pertaining to the Christmas season. On Thursday, December 15th, the Catholic Church is having their usual live nativity, but for the fourth consecutive year the church is also adding a “posada” beforehand. A posada, which is a Spanish word for “Mother Mary’s Walk”, traditionally involves a Christmas procession consisting of 30 to 40 people that recreates the Holy Pilgrimage of Mary and Joseph as they made their way to Bethlehem where Jesus was born. For Invermere’s Catholic Church, Father Gabriel will have participants conduct processions around the 13th Avenue school grounds for roughly one hour starting at 6 p.m. (last year it was around the Invermere and District Hospital). After the posada, the annual live nativity will be taking place just outside the

church. The nativity will then be followed by an open house at the new church extension, which was recently finished. “The live nativity is of course welcome to everyone in the Columbia Valley, both visitors and locals alike,” said Father Gabriel. “I encourage people to come visit and enjoy the fellowship and Christmas festivities with light refreshments provided.” At Christ Church Trinity, the church is hosting their annual Blue Christmas Service on Sunday December 18th at 7 p.m. The Blue Christmas Service is a special service for those who have lost loved ones, pets or are dealing with difficult circumstances. During the service, there will be a lighting of candles for remembrance. For more information on the Blue Christmas Service, call 250-342-6644 or visit www.wvsm.ca. For more information on the Catholic Church’s posada and the live nativity, Father Gabriel can be reached anytime at the church or by phone at 250-342-6167.

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December 16, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 33

Pioneer Classifieds

• Phone: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 1-855-377-1312 • Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com • www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

ANNOUNCEMENT

CHEERS & JEERS

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 250-342-2424. 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.

The meaning of Christmas is to give Christmas meaning. Have a REAL TREE Christmas.

Cheers to Ashley at ICBC and Alexis. It was a long process and I appreciate all your help! From the “maddest picture taker”.

Cheers to Mountain Side Market for their generous donation for our Winter Formal door prize, much appreciated!

Cheers to the Copper Point Golf staff and the many volunteers who “Fed the Valley” on Sunday the 4th. Double Cheers to those who were able to donate to the local food bank.

Double JEERS to the boys who keep ringing a senior’s doorbell! Now it’s at 9:45 pm. What did I do to you? Why are you bullying a grieving widow? I bet your parents are so proud!!

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 250-3428255.

THANK YOU The Johnston Families wish to thank all our extended family and friends for their love and support in our time of sorrow. We would also like to send a special thank you to Dr. Olmesdahl, Father Gabriel, McPherson Funeral Home for making our time of loss as easy as possible. A very special thank you to Hospice Society for providing empathy, love and support to Frieda, Wray and Family. The Pioneer apologizes for miss spelling Johnston in last week’s issue.

OBITUARY

James Brown James “Jim” Brown, well-known and much-loved Fairmont resident, passed away on December 5, 2016 at the age of 90. Preceded in death by his wife Marion, James is survived by his children Bill Brown, Mary-Anne Mars, and Jim Brown; his daughter-in-law Carrie Kidder-Brown; and his grand-children Olivia and Hudson Brown.

The staff at BigHorn Meadows Super big Cheers to the Rotary club would like to send a big Cheers to for the excellent Christmas party Michael for an amazing Christmas they hosted for the seniors at the CHEERS &Black JEERS Forest. Much appreciated. party and Jenn for organizing it! Sponsored by

Cheers to Copper Point for another great Feed the Town Turkey dinner. Much enjoyed, looking forward to next year! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Cheers to Invermere Vet Clinic for going above and beyond when our 14 year old terrier was attacked by the neighbor’s German Shepherd. Dr. Cerny was amazing. Much appreciated!

Cheers to Anna Steedman, Randy MacSteven and Valley Foods for generously providing a delicious turkey lunch to EMP School. Cheers to the parent volunteers who helped decorate the gym and serve the lunch. We had full tummies and full hearts! Cheers to Eagle Ranch Golf Course for supporting David Thompson Secondary School’s Winter Formal.

OBITUARY

Cheers to NAPA auto parts (Columbia Valley auto parts) for helping me out by coming out to install a new battery on sight, when my SUV died in the cold. Really appreciate the speedy service and you helping out a damsel in distress during this deep freeze. Massive Jeers to dog owners who allow their dogs to bark NON-STOP while out in your back yard. Get your pet a “stop barking” shock collar as a training tool if you are not going to take the time to train your dog properly. Not everyone is at work when your little angel is outside barking and barking! Cheers to Rick from the Radium Fire Dept. and his wife Judy. You have such big hearts! Our kids had a blast at the Christmas party! Big eyes will smile at you one day.

James was proud of many things in his long life — from his farming roots in Springside, Saskatchewan, to winning the top salesman award in Canada in the 1950s, to his successful data consulting business in Calgary — but he was most particularly proud of his property in the Fairmont Valley, the place he called his second home for almost 40 years. It was there that he was his happiest, manicuring his lawns and weeding his garden beds. He will be missed by all who knew him. A very special thank you to the Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley for their loving care and support during what has been and continues to be a very difficult time. Also, thank you to McPherson Funeral Home for all of the arrangements.

Funeral services will be held at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC on Thursday, December 15 at 10 am. She will be dearly missed.

Friends in the valley are honoring his memory by hosting a service at Christ Church Trinity (110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0) from 12 pm to 2 pm Saturday, December 17, 2016.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the BC Alzheimer Society http://www.alzheimer.ca/bc. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www. springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.

Cheers to Bobbie and my Farside ladies bridge friends for making my oxygen tank look so festive. Cheers to Rotarians, Black Forest and second winds. It was a very special, wonderful Seniors dinner. And Milt-jokes were great; we will be by for the taxi and extra parachute. Merry Christmas. Cheers to the anonymous gentleman who paid for our treats and coffee at the Invermere Bakery when we forgot our wallet. You are outstanding in ALL fields!!! Cheers to the Invermere Library for letting me have my 8th birthday there. It was awesome!

S IN MEMORIAM S Celebration of Life

BORDEN, Karen Ann Karen Ann Borden passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, December 11, 2016. Karen will be remembered for her great sense of humour, love of music, generosity and dedication to family. She is survived by her husband Ken, daughters; Shelley (Dwayne), Sherrey (Wayne), Susan (Frank), Wendi, Debbie (Tim), her 12 grand children and 1 greatgranddaughter. She was predeceased by her son Trevor.

Cheers and Happy Birthday to my husband! 34 looks great on you!

1926-2016

for the late Mr. James (Jim) Brown of Fairmont Hot Springs who passed away on December 5th, 2016 will be held at Christ Church Trinity, 110 7th Avenue, Invermere on December 17th, 2016 at noon.

Gerald (Gerry) Wayne Miller June 3rd, 1940 December 14th, 2010 You lived a life of grace, dignity and compassion. Your generous and caring spirit continues to leave a rich legacy. Six years ago you went to be with your Lord. We will always miss you and love you deeply. Your adoring family, Bendina, Barb, Mike, Cole and Adam, Pam, Chris and Sam

34 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 16, 2016

CHEERS & JEERS

STORAGE

SUITE FOR RENT

FIREWOOD

SERVICES

Cheers to Vivian bond. Your kindness, patience and compassion is something we aspire to. You’re an amazing RN. Keep doing what you do.

Jeers to the person using an ambulance in Fairmont to taxi around the Fairmont Hot Springs partying staff that live in the apartments. Waking up people, then parking half on the road. I’m sure the salt truck was impressed! Snow covered roads, pretty easy for someone to slide into it, especially if the truck can’t clean the road properly.

STORAGE SPACE – assorted sizes, easy access, immediate availability, long-term or short-term. Deck Properties Warehouse, Industrial Park: 250-342-3166.

For rent in Radium: Modern 2-bdrm, lower level suite. W/D, D/W, N/S, N/P. $850/mo, utilities included. 250-342-3790.

Support Rockies Hockey firewood. Larch, fir, pine and poplar split and delivered. Call 250-342-6908.

Shannon’s Blinds & Designs

Cheers to the Edgewater Legion for preparing such a beautiful and delicious luncheon for the Edgewater Elementary School students and staff. We are very grateful. Cheers to everyone involved in returning my keys that I had lost in Dry Gulch and believe it or not that was my only set. An extra special Cheers to the person who brought them into the Pioneer office. Have a great Christmas and New Year! You made mine really special.

LOST AND FOUND Found: Possibly prescription sunglasses found in Invermere. Call 250-342-1108 to claim.

Cheers to Eric Rasmussen for providing the Invermere Seniors Club with a beautiful Christmas tree to decorate the hall. We all love it.

STORAGE NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE Various sizes available. Now with climatecontrolled units. Call 250-342-3637.

NOTICE Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land

Take notice that Brent Dubois (dba A Bar Z Outfitters) of 4573 Burns Ave, Canal Flats, BC, V0B 1B0 has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), Kootenay Region, to amend his current Licence of Occupation under the Commercial recreation program situated on Provincial Crown land west of Windermere Lake BC and containing 36,500 hectares more or less. The Lands File for this application is 4404189. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to FrontCounter BC, 1902 Theatre Road, Cranbrook BC, V1C 7G1 or email to: AuthorizingAgency. Cranbrook@gov.bc.ca. Comments will be received by MFLNRO up to January 9, 2017. MFLNRO may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the website at http://arfd.gov.bc.ca/ ApplicationPosting/index.jsp → Search → Search by File Number: 4404189 for more information. Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/ freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

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. 1,490 sq. ft. of shop/retail space in Athalmer, 2 large overhead doors!, $1272/mo, all utilities included. Newhouse Multi Storage, 250-3423637, newmulti@telus.net.

Roomy walkout basement suite within walking distance to downtown. N/P, N/S. Single $675/ mo, double $850/mo. Available Jan 1/17. 250-342-3474.

VACATION RENTAL

1-bdrm for rent in town with private bath in a 3-bdrm house. W/D, N/S, dog negotiable, small yard. Must be super clean, active and fun. $625/ mo, DD $625. References yes please. Bills included. Available immediately. Please call 778-252-1167.

INVERMERE GUEST SUITE

SUITE FOR RENT

Clean, spacious, fully furnished 3 bedroom, 1 bath. Efficiency kitchen, living room with fireplace, and study. All linens and towels. Cable and internet included.

Bright 1-bdrm furnished basement suite for single or couple $850/mo. Gas range, shared laundry, utilities included, N/P, available Jan 1st. 250-342-9404. Radium: 2-bdrm main floor apartment, D.D. required. N/S, $900/mo., utilities included, available Jan 1/17. Call 250-3426904. Rustic log cabin. Partly furnished, references please, mature tenants only. Call 250-342-9636, leave message.

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.

CONDO FOR RENT

SHARED ACCOMMODATION

Walk to town, beach, free ski bus!

DAILY, WEEKLY, MONTHLY

From $99 daily, $500 weekly, $1,500 monthly. John Newton Cell/text 250-342-5723 john20newton@gmail.com

VEHICLES FOR SALE 2001 Chevy Cavalier, silver, sunroof, new tires, new windshield, great condition. 250-342-5152.

FIREWOOD Pine Firewood, pine and mixes available. Call 250-342-1586.

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.

HELP WANTED

Windermere: 3-bdrm, 1.5 bath, upper level of home. $1250/mo includes utilities. Detached 2-car garage at extra cost. Available Feb. 1st. 250-342-8662.

For lease: 2,000 sq. ft. office and warehouse space. Located at #5 - 108 Industrial Road #2. Rent negotiable. Phone Leo at 250-3421177.

Radium: Downtown bachelor suite, N/S, $360/mo + D.D. Includes utilities. Call 250-342-6904.

SERVICES

HOUSE FOR RENT

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.

Radium: Motel Bavaria, low low rates, daily, weekly, monthly. Kitchenettes available. Call 250347-3315.

Firewood For Sale. $220 per cord. Cut, split and delivered. 250-3413544.

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

Looking for F/T, P/T baristas, cooks and front counter attendants in Invermere. No experience required. Wage dependant on experience. Fun atmosphere to work in, free meals and many other perks! Submit resume to crystal@box100. com or call 250-688-0561.

December 16, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 35

HELP WANTED

Subway Radium is looking to fill Full-time and Part-time positions. Call 347-9988 to apply or drop off resume.

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.

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 250342-6344. Radium Valley Vacation Resort is looking for a year round housekeeper to join our awesome team. Must be able to work weekends. Incentive plan and benefit package. Wage dependent on experience. Great working environment! A “can do” attitude and previous housekeeping experience required. Resumes accepted by fax 250 347-9808 and email at radval@shaw.ca.

Please email classified ads to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Holiday Classified Deadlines

Due to the upcoming holidays and office closure, our deadline for booking into the Friday, December 30th Pioneer classifieds is Monday, December 19th at noon.

N E W S PA P E R

Call 250-341-6299 or email info@columbiavalleypioneer.com to book your classsified advertising.

Early bird Star!

h e Pioneer ca T n

take you r do llar With 6,400 copies far in circulation each week, th er your message is resonating

with residents and visitors alike. Phone: (250) 341-6299 Fax: 1-855-377-0312 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com N E W S PA P E R

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Christmas Star early bird shopping spree winner Christa Stimming enjoyed her $500 shopping spree by visiting some participating merchants on Wednesday, December 7th. Today (Friday, December 16th) is the last day to win the $1,000 Christmas Star Shopping Spree Grand Prize! See ad on page 38 for details or visit www. cvchamber.ca/christmas-star. Photos by Dean Midyette

36 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer . . . ‘Invermere’ from page 3 Mayor Taft mentioned one of these approaches was the trial relocation study carried out last winter in several East Kootenay communities, which resulted in 11 urban deer being relocated from Invermere to the backcountry near Canal Flats. He added that, from what he understands, two radio collared deer from that group have since made their way back to Invermere, as have two other deer with ear tags, which may or may not have been part of the relocated group; and that, generally speaking, mortality rates of urban deer moved as part of the study have been quite low. “There is still some nastiness going on online around the deer cull,” he added. “Opponents have been trying to publicize the location of traps, and that’s been a challenge in terms of property owners being afraid to have a trap on their property because they don’t want to be subject to a negative campaign. The other reality is that (the cull) is quite weather dependent. Different conditions, amounts of snow and things like that can make the deer less likely to go in the trap or even to be in town in the first place.” Regardless, he’s happy with the recent funding announcement. “It’s a good first step for the province to accept that these are the province’s animals, so they bear some responsibility for dealing with them. It will help reduce the cost to Invermere taxpayers.” He said that, from what he can tell, the district has gotten fewer complaints about deer since the operational culls began. “We’re not getting a ton of complaints. You do hear informal complaints, but not many official complaints, so there’s a bit of a disconnect there, but we see that same disconnect with bear complaints,” said Mayor Taft. “It’s important to keep in mind that of all the issues in Invermere, (the deer cull) is not the most important one. It gets a lot of media attention, it gets emotions going, but the numbers and the cost are small, and it’s not that big a deal compared with projects such as the multi-use centre.” Animal Alliance director and deer cull opponent Liz White criticized the funding in a press release, saying “the ministry should fund non-lethal alternatives, such as relocation and contraceptives that have broad support and do not kill innocent animals and divide communities.” Ms. White cited an increase in mule deer population in Cranbrook (which will receive more than $19,000 through the Provincial Urban Deer Cost-Share program) while the city conducted culls that “show that culls don’t work.” “In addition, clover traps capture any deer that ventures inside,” she said, adding that in last winter’s cull in Cranbrook “half of the animals killed were white-tailed deer and juveniles — not the target animals.” Cranbrook will use at least part of its $19,900 grant to conduct a relocation study that will build on the relocation trial study run in Invermere and other communities last year. The Provincial Urban Deer Cost-Share program stems from a commitment made by the ministry at the the 2015 Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) meeting.

December 16, 2016 . . . ‘Radium’ from page 3 The other concern he had was that people who own a second home in Radium are not being properly addressed to participate in this process. “The other members of the community, the 571 who happen to be snowbirds going for the winter, get no say in this,” he said. “Theoretically, there were three of us there at the last committee meeting. If that was the interest in the community on whether or not we’re going to borrow $3.2 million, I’m afraid it’s going to be a white wash and it will be pushed through.” Not everyone in attendance was in favour of a referendum, however. Lawanda Neilsen said that she doesn’t support referendums in politics. “I don’t think it serves democracy very well,” she said. “We’ve had a place out here since 2003, but I always thought that I had a voice through the surveys and I knew this was coming so my part of democracy is I vote in the council to make good decisions. If there is a referendum, I will certainly go out and vote, but that would not be what I feel is necessary to move this.” Radium mayor Clara Reinhardt, speaking after Mr. McHarg, mentioned that while the $3.2 million loan is substantially higher than the initial reported loan of $2.2 million estimated in September. “We’ve had some preliminary work done and we’re confident that we’re not going to have to pay that much, but when we ask for permission we have to ask for the worst case scenario so that’s why it went up that much,” she said.

Chief administrative officer Mark Read said that the $3.2 million also includes a $900,000 contingency fee, which is above the 25 per cent increase in costs that are projected for the project. “Our building contract manager has been having discussion with trades people and contractors and has been evaluating various different cost estimates and we’re entirely convinced that we’re going to be able to bring those costs down considerably,” he said. Originally, Mayor Reinhardt said they avoided using the referendum to get approval for the loan because of the costs associated with running a referendum in addition to it taking longer to come to a formal conclusion. “Based on the fact that people have known for arguably eight years that we are on a platform of building a new hall, we felt that with the surveys and the fact that people are on board with a new hall that everyone had an implicit understanding that if you’re going to build a hall, you’re going to have to pay for it,” she said. That process may be changing however, with three candidates having put their name forward to fill the vacant position on council created by former Councillor Karen Larsen’s departure, which could force a by-election as early as January 14th. If that is the case, Mayor Reinhardt said they would decide at the December 14th council meeting (which took place after The Pioneer’s press deadline) if they would attach a referendum to the ballot as it wouldn’t cost any more money and would bring about a quicker decision on the loan approval.

. . . ‘Greenways’ from page 5 be damaging, while the others aren’t, that doesn’t make sense. There’s not one study that indicates pedestrian trails have high impact on birds. Motorized trails for quads and dirt bikes? No question. But not pedestrian trails.” He also wanted to clarify that, if the Barbour trails are set up, it doesn’t automatically mean there will be no hunting allowed in the area. “That’s absolutely not true. It’s not allowed within 100 metres of developed parts of recreation sites, such as viewpoints and picnic sites, but it is allowed on the trails, unless the local Recreation Sites and Trail B.C. technician specifically designates the entire trail as non-shooting. In B.C., 98 per cent of sanctioned trails still allow for hunting,” he said. “In our area, the only recreation site trail network that is designated nonshooting is Cross Canyon. You can hunt all you want on the Johnson-Kloosifier trails. Hunting and trails can go hand in hand.” Mr. Wilson said he’s unconvinced of a link between bikes and invasive weeds, saying “not many seeds get caught on carbon-fibre bikes and carried very far.” He added that if there is a connection, Greenways can easily organize an annual weed pull. According to Mr. Wilson, demand for multi-use trails exists in the valley, and that having legally sanctioned trails built to standards is safer and better in the long run. “You’ll have people developing rogue trails on their own, and they will be poorly built, will not be concentrated into just a few areas, and will not be built with an eye to long-term maintenance,” he said, adding that several such unofficial trails already exist in the valley. “We can create more and better trails in less kilometres than what exists today.” He also outlined the economic benefits of sanctioned trails. “Mountain bike tourism has become a multi-million dollar industry in Canada. Isn’t it advantageous to develop some trails and cater to that?” he asked. “If you look at the number of vehicles in town on a long weekend with Alberta plates and bike racks, there are quite a lot. It almost rivals golf.” Mr. Wilson cited a study that found mountain biker tourists spend, on average, $120 per person per night in the communities they visit, which could be of huge benefit to the valley.

December 16, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 37

EMP and J.A. Laird celebrate with turkey By Eric Elliott Pioneer Staff Smiles were shared as mouths were filled last week as students from Eileen Madson Primary School and J.A Laird were treated to a turkey dinner thanks to the generous donations from AG Valley Foods, and Randy MacSteven and Anna Steedman from Edible Acres who catered the lunch. The turkey dinner makes its return to the two Invermere schools in the lead up to Christmas after skipping 2015 due to logistical issues, said organizer Rhiannon Tutty. “It was heartbreaking for a lot of people because I, over the years, have children come up to me and say that that’s the only turkey dinner that they get this year,” she said. “It’s really important for that sense of community

and it also brings members of the community into the school.” Having worked to organize the turkey dinner for a decade now, Ms. Tutty said they’ve only recently transitioned from the parents cooking and preparing the food to the volunteer and donation-based lunch that they shared last week. When it was all said and done, AG Valley Foods donated as many as 24 turkeys for the dinner in addition to the vegetables, stuffing, buns and other goods for the students to enjoy. “It’s enough food for 500 people,” she said on her best estimation of the dollar amount donated. “If they hadn’t stepped up (to do both schools), we would have had to choose funding from the school which means it takes it out of the activities and the different things we purchase for the school.”

GENEROUS GIFTS — Greg Lapointe with AG Valley Foods, Randy MacSteven, Anna Steedman and Sydney-Anne Porter with AG Valley Foods volunteered their time for the turkey dinners held at EMP and J.A. Laird. Photo by Sarah Kloos

TURKEY LUCHES — Students from Eileen Madson Primary (photos at top of page by Sarah Kloos) and J.A. Laird (photos at bottom of page) enjoy their turkey dinners provided by AG Valley Foods and catereres Randy MacSteven and Anna Steedman from Edible Acres in Windermere.

38 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 16, 2016

Thrift Store makes big donation Male, 23, killed in early By Eric Elliott Pioneer Staff Cassandra Schwarz, executive director for the East Kootenay Foundation for Health, received a pleasant surprise last week when she came to the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary (IHCA) to do a presentation on the new MRI machine to be installed at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook. Wendi Ede, president of IHCA, presented Ms. Schwarz with an astounding Starlite gift of $50,000 to the MRI: An Image of Health campaign. The Starlite campaign is an annual fundraising drive whereby donations light up stars on the roof of the regional hospital in Cranbrook — this year’s campaign is raising money for a new permanent MRI at the hospital. “I was like, ‘You sneaky, sneaky ladies’,” Ms. Schwarz laughed. “This absolutely brought us over the top for our Starlite campaign to raise $150,000, so that $50,000 just lit all our stars at the hospital here (in Cranbrook) so it meant so much to have the support of the ladies at the Health Care Auxiliary in Invermere and, really, to show the regional impact from all the communities involved.” The gift comes from the extensive work and dedication by volunteers operating the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary Thrift Shop located in downtown

Invermere. Their main objective is to raise funds for equipment that can be used to better serve people within the Columbia Valley. With 85 permanent members, the local auxiliary estimates they have put approximately $1.4 million back into the valley in addition to the regular contributions they’ve made to the East Kootenay Foundation for Health. Ms. Schwarz said that IHCA is regularly involved in regional projects like the Intensive Care Unit renovations and mammography campaign in the past. “We are thrilled to be able to provide this donation for the MRI. It is because of the dedication of our outstanding group of volunteers and awesome customers that we are able to make this gift to bring the much needed permanent MRI to the East Kootenay,” said IHCA president Wendi Ede in a press release. “We are thrilled to have the support of the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary for the MRI. It is always amazing to see the difference an incredible group of volunteers can have to improve healthcare. The Invermere Health Care Auxiliary has been an amazing partner in improving health care for all residents of the East Kootenay and this gift is just another example to their amazing legacy of improving healthcare for all,” Ms. Schwarz said in the release.

morning collision

By Eric Elliott Pioneer Staff At approximately 4:45 a.m. on December 14th, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to a motor vehicle incident on Highway 93/95 that claimed the life of a 23-year-old pedestrian. Police responded to a dispatch near Dry Gulch, located between Radium Hot Springs and Invermere, where there had been a reported motor vehicle collision between a half-ton truck and a pedestrian. Preliminary investigation suggests that a 23-year-old male was walking southbound in the northbound lane on the highway when he was struck by a passing vehicle. While the road conditions were patchy with ice, investigators concluded they did not contribute to the collision and that the driver was not impaired. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The Columbia Valley RCMP and the BC Coroners Service are continuing their investigations into the collision and the man’s death. A traffic reconstructionist with the Southeast District Traffic Service from Cranbrook is assisting in the investigation. The highway was closed during the morning hours until reopening to traffic some time before 11 a.m.

December 16, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 39

FAITH

Angelic presence By Father Gabriel St. Joseph’s Catholic Church The angelic presence is so very vivid, vibrant, eyecatching and fascinating in the Christmas story. The word “angel” comes from the Greek “angelos” which means messenger. The angels communicate God’s plans to humans. Zoroastrianism (Persia) speaks about the guardian angels who guide humans at every step of the way. Judaism takes pride in the angels as the messengers of divine will, especially in the Torah — they are considered supernatural messengers. Angels perform specific activities both in heaven and on earth, according to Christianity. Angels are benevolent celestial beings who act as intermediaries between God and humans. Angelology is a Theological Study that depicts angels with bird-like wings on their back with halos, robes and with a variety of glowing lights. Angels worship God continuously and that is their primary activity. They ascend to heaven amidst flames and smokes with our sacrifices and prayers that are placed on the sacred altar of God. Angels are also known by their proper names: 1. Michael (known with the phrase “who is like God” and he fights against the demoniac powers like a warrior); 2. Gabriel (brings good news and is recognized as the “strength of God”); 3. Raphael (helps everyone with a healing touch and he volunteers to help out — he is admired as the “healing of God”); 4. Lucifer/Jophiel (was known as the beauty of God, but he rebelled against God and was de-robed from his glorious state); 5. Apollyn (known as the fallen angel who engages in demoniac activities); 6. Uriel (is known with the phrase “God is my light” and he leads the humans to their destiny); 7. Samael (is known as the venom of God and the angel of death). These seven angels are considered as the totality of God’s helpers, who minister to him at his bidding. Newborn babies are named after the first Three Angels for

prosperity and blessing, but people normally avoid the fallen angels while christening their babies. Angels are also known as Cherubims and Seraphims. Originally, when humans saw an angel, they had to fall down to the ground. Even Daniel fell with his face to the ground on seeing an angel (Daniel 8:17) to spare his life. Angels also perform the following functions such as: mediators, deliverers, redeemers, warriors, agents of creation, agents of destruction, and agents of healing and guiding, sentinel who are holy and vigilant, and watchers. The Christmas story begins with the fascinating presence of the angels. “Christmas would be inconceivable without the angelic presence,” wrote Scott Hahan in his book, Joy to the World. Angels play a fantastic role in the sacred story of Christmas, beginning with Annunciation through the birth of Christ and breaking this joyfilled message to the shepherds, and the plight back and forth to Egypt and the return of the Holy family. A crib without an angel would not complete or bring out the entire story of Christmas, says Pope Francis. Angels gave clarity of mind and heart to Joseph when he was heavily burdened with the pregnancy of his would-be wife Mary. The angels guided him to rely on God and his providence to care for Mary and the Christ child when they were faced with life-threatening challenges (Mathew 1:20). Angels forewarned Joseph about the impending danger to the life of the Christ Child from King Herod and persuaded him to flee to a safe place. Angels also brought good news to the elderly couple Elizabeth and Zachariah (Lk 1:11-17). When the angel appeared to Mary, she was perplexed and troubled. When the angel appeared to Zachariah, he was frightened. But the angel never intended to hurt or harm the recipient of God’s grace, because they came to humans with a pleasant message from God. Hebrews 13:2 tells us that people entertained the angels (Ge 18:1-5, Tobit 5:4-9). Today, we are invited to make these spiritual beings our intimate friends. As we approach the glorious birthday of Christ our Saviour in human history, which brought immense joy and happiness to the world, let us join the angelic choir to sing the wonderful hymn of the Angels, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth blessings to the people of good will”. May the angelic presence assist and guide us in our pursuit to behold the face of God revealed in the Babe of Bethlehem.

Pioneer Newspaper @PioneerNewsTip

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Sunday, December 18th 10:30 a.m. — Fourth Sunday of Advent

Worship And Life Instruction, “God Speaks – Mary and Joseph: Love” … Pastor Matt ministering. “K.I.D.S.” Church, for children Age 3 to Grade 1; and Grades 2-7, during the Morning Service.

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 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

40 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 16, 2016

join us for a

HOLIDAY

CELEBRATION ENJOY THIS MAGICAL TIME AT FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS RESORT CHRISTMAS EVE

CHRISTMAS DAY

NEW YEARS

TORCHLIGHT PARADE AT THE SKI HILL PARADE & FIREWORKS AT 6:00PM SHARP

BRUNCH 9:00AM-1:00PM

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER 5:00-9:00PM

$28 FOR ADULTS*

ASIAN-INSPIRED BUFFET $30 FOR ADULTS*

PANCAKE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT 10:00AM IN MOUNTAIN FLOWERS RESTAURANT FOR $5 PER PERSON

ALL YOU CAN EAT PASTA NIGHT STARTS AT 5:00PM

DINNER BUFFET 5:00-9:00PM $32 FOR ADULTS*

SWIM FREE ALL DAY AT OUR LEGENDARY NATURAL MINERAL HOT SPRINGS WITH A FOOD BANK DONATION

$20 FOR ADULTS*

SING-ALONG CAROLS IN THE LOBBY 6:00–8:00PM

ImmerseYourself FairmontHotSprings.com Or call: 250.345.6070

NEW YEAR’S EVE TROPICAL POOL PARTY 7:00-9:00PM AT THE PUBLIC HOT SPRINGS FUN FOR ALL AGES!

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY 9:00PM IN BEAR’S PAW FREE CHAMPAGNE AT MIDNIGHT

NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS AT THE HISTORIC BATH HOUSE

AT 10:00PM NEW YEAR’S DAY BRUNCH 9:00AM-1:00PM $28 FOR ADULTS* *SENIOR & CHILDREN PRICING ALSO AVAILABLE