vol3issue32 by Columbia Valley Pioneer

2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 11, 2006

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Interior World

(250) 342 4406

VALLEY NEWS New staff-sergeant starts top RCMP job in valley the day he took over the Invermere posting. The size of the detachNewcomer Staff-Serment has now increased geant Doug Pack has asto the point where a sesumed command of the nior officer is required to Invermere RCMP Desupervise. The local office has 12 RCMP members, tachment. three administrative staff The 42-year-old caand one victim services reer officer was born and worker. raised in St. John’s, New“I’m really impressed foundland and earned a with the calibre of the degree in political science members and staff,” he and history before joining the force in 1985. said. He finished his Staff-Sgt. Pack said Doug Pack has spent his career moving around B.C. RCMP training in 1986 this is an open-ended and was posted to Powell posting and there are no River until 1992. There he met and married his wife plans to move him again after a short time. Josee. While at Shawnigan Lake, the new staff-sergeant “Tradition number one in the RCMP: marry a girl coached a rugby team of Grade 10 boys. from your first posting,” he told The Pioneer jokingly. He is certified through the National Coaching “Tradition number two: they transfer you.” Certification Program and would enjoy coaching rugStaff-Sergeant Pack and his wife began a series by again if enough interest is shown in this sport here of moves, from Powell River to New Denver, to the in the valley. Vancouver Major Crimes Unit, to New Hazelton, to Staff-Sgt. Pack has moved into a condominium in Victoria, and back to Vancouver again. Radium and plans to spend his free time enjoying the Along the way their nine-year-old daughter Cas- many activities in the valley with his wife and daughsandra was born in Hazelton. ter. The family’s last posting was to Shawnigan Lake He has replaced Sergeant Neil Cross, who moved on Vancouver Island in 2004. here from Salmo in April 2005. Sgt. Cross and his The officer was promoted to Staff-Sergeant on family have now been transferred to Vernon. By Elinor Florence Pioneer Staff

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244 speeders nabbed last weekend A traffic safety “blitz” on the August long weekend in the Columbia Valley netted 244 speeding tickets, according to RCMP. East Kootenay Traffic Services partnered with Golden Traffic Services, Golden Integrated Safety Unit and the local RCMP detachment to target aggressive drivers, drinking and driving, and seatbelt compliance. From Friday afternoon, Aug. 4 to Monday evening, Aug. 6 the police issued 244 speeding tickets, 27 of which were issued for excessive speed where the offender was driving more than 41 kilometres per hour over the posted speed limit. During the same period, police issued 189 seatbelt tickets.

Three drunk drivers were apprehended in the Invermere area, and 19 driving suspensions were issued where the driver was not allowed to drive for 24 hours until sober. Police also made 14 liquor seizures and one drug seizure. Seven people spent the night in RCMP cells for drunken behavior. Police impounded 12 vehicles for a variety of Motor Vehicle Act oﬀences. The visible presence of police on highways throughout the valley seem to have had a positive eﬀect on the motoring public. Although several accidents occurred, there were no serious injury or fatal collisions occurring over the long weekend.

28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 11, 2006

Landowner given permission to build triplex By Elinor Florence Pioneer Staﬀ The owner of a single-family lot in Invermere has been given the green light by Invermere council to build a triplex on the property. John Edgar owns the lot on 13th Avenue, at the junction of 7th Street. He applied to amend the Oﬃcial Community Plan rezoning from R1 to R2, MultiFamily Residential. A public hearing was held on July 26th at which several area residents expressed concerns about the impact of a multi-family dwelling in a single-family neighbourhood. “My fear is that eventually this community will consist of a hodgepodge of single-family homes, town-

houses, triplexes, condos and - heaven forbid - apartment buildings,” one neighbour wrote to council. After reviewing their comments, district staff recommended that Mr. Edgar’s application be denied. Among the reasons given were that the land use is not consistent with the Official Community Plan, and will impact the nature of a single-family neighbourhood. However, council voted against staff recommendations and agreed to allow the triplex to proceed. Councillor Bob Campsall said he supports a variety of housing types in town. “A hodgepodge is not necessarily a bad thing,” he said. Councillor Gerry Taft said he would prefer to see three occupied houses than one large home. “What we’re going to see here in future is more dark, empty monster houses,” he said.

Mayor Mark Shmigelsky agreed, adding that although a single-family home is still the most desireable choice for most people, multi-family dwellings will allow more people to enter the market. He did question the use of the term “aﬀordable” housing. “This is still a market-driven project and you won’t get a buyer who’s making $8 an hour being able to afford this,” he said. Councillor Sarah Bennett pointed out that in the larger sense, a triplex will always be less expensive than a single-family home. The project will proceed through a development permit rather than rezoning, with a restrictive covenant on the number of units. The appearance of the building will also be controlled through the permit, council was told.

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS CAREERS Certified dental assistant needed to cover 1 year materniy leave starting mid October, 2006. If you are self-motivated, people person with a professional but fun loving attitude you will fit right in with our great team. Minimum 4 days/ week with plans to move 5 days/ week. Competitive wages related to experience. Call 342-9663 days, 342-7384 evenings. Send resumes to Lakeview Dental Clinic, Box 2067 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 SWIM FOR FREE...Poolside Cafe at Radium Hot Springs pools are looking for part-time and full-time help. Competitive wages, call Hal or Jeannine at 347-9376, or drop off resume at the Cafe.

Riverside Golf Resort requires an evening Marshall for July & August. Applicant must be a responsible adult, and must have golf knowledge. Apply to Donna Slobodzian, 345-6346, ext 24, or donna@golfriverside.com. Helna’s Stube is hiring part-time evening kitchen/dishwasher. Wages starting up to $11/hr, DOE, summer and Christmas bonus. Medical and dental available after 6 months. Call 347-0047.

PEPPI’S Pizza is now hiring all

positions: servers, cooks, bus/ dishwashers, full and part-time. Work at night, play all day! Contact Tim, days or evenings, with resume. 342-3421 . Looking for energetic people for busy local restaurant. Need kitchen and serving staﬀ that want to help to develop fun, casual atmosphere. Good starting wage, possible accomodations available. No experience? No problem! Willing to train if you have the right attitude. Call A Taste of Greece, 341-6000.

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Are you being paid what you’re worth? Are you happy where you are working? Full-time, year-round employment, competitive wages, beneﬁts, and bonuses. Positions are front desk and room attendants. Please apply with resume at the front desk of Prestige Radium Hot Springs.

Fairmont Creek is looking for housekeeping staff. We offer full time, year-round employment, as well as part-time, weekend or summer employment with full benefits. We provide a friendly, team spirited environment where you can make a difference. For a confidential interview, call Carmen at 345-6116.

Housekeeper needed at the Mountain View Lodge, 747 12th Street, Invermere. Weekends a must, and some days during the week. Experience required, wage DOE. Great team, good work environment. Call Nicky or Al at 342-6618, or drop resume oﬀ (across from Post Oﬃce).

Looking for individual to help install ﬁreplaces and heating

systems. No experience required, valid driver’s license is a must. Could work in to a permanent full-time position. Please fax resume to Diamond Heating and Spa’s, 342-7103. Hoodoo Lounge & Grill requires front end server/bartender. Must love to have fun! Apply in person, 1 km south of Fairmont (formerly TJ’s Pizza).

Skookum Inn requires mature, responsible, outgoing individual for the position of cashier. Drop oﬀ resume at the store.

Permanent full and part-time permanent positions. Must be mature, energetic and enjoy serving the public. Must be bondable. Starting salary $10/ hr. Submit resume to Gone Hollywood.

Employment opportunity

Director of Development Resort and residential Development Company located in the Columbia Valley has an immediate requirement for a Director of Development. The successful candidate must possess the following skills: - Clear understanding of -Strata property titling -Development and Building permit processes -Municipal bonding requirements -Project cash flow / requirements - Experienced in all aspects of Zoning, Planning, and utility requirements. - Ability to establish working relationship with local governments. - Establish construction budgets, schedules, and measures of quality. - Insure cost effective quality build that meets all codes and developers’ standards. - Work closely with Architect, Developer, and General Contractor to insure efficient Build. - Perform risk assessments, project analysis, to prove out R.O.I. for project Shareholders. - Ability to multi-task and oversee numerous projects at one time. Local resident with excellent communication and computer skills would be definite assets of the successful applicant. Remuneration package negotiable based on applicants experience and skill set. Apply in the strictest confidence to: All applications will be responded to.

5105 – Wilder Loop Rd. Fairmont Hot Springs BC V0B 1L1

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

August 11, 2006

Development threatens historic sites, says expert By Adrian Bergles Pioneer Staff A member of the Akisqnuk First Nation with 30 years of experience in archeology says the rapid pace of development in the Columbia Valley is putting local archeological sites at risk. “Once they’re gone, they’re gone,” said Lillian Rose, who has worked in archeology since 1976. Ray Kenny of the B.C. Archeology Branch describes an archeological site as a place where there is “physical evidence of prior land use and occupation.” Currently there are more than 23,000 recorded archeological sites in the province, 400 of which Ms. Rose estimates are in the Columbia Valley between Parson in the north and Wasa in the south. The area is part of the traditional lands of the Ktunaxa people who’ve lived here for 8,000 to 10,000 years, she said. Two matters involving areas of archeological significance have come into the public eye recently. Work was halted on the Painted Rock development in Canal Flats. At Painted Rock the developer began excavation work on the site without first doing an archeological inspection, said Jane Warner of the archeology branch. The developer has now hired a professional archeologist. Then last month human remains were discovered on Fort Point in Invermere, near - but outside - the bounds of the planned Octagon Waterside development, which was searched before the development permit was granted. Those remains, likely of First Nations Ancestry, are more than 100 years old. Ms. Rose said there are many more areas within the valley where potential archeological sites exist. “They’re everywhere.” She would like individual landowners throughout the valley to become more active in initiating archeological reviews on their land. Mr. Kenny said the decision to investigate the archeological significance of any piece of land is up to the individual landowner. “If they want to follow all the procedures that exist, they would contact us,” he said. “It’s up to them to look into the various constraints that come with developing property.” Ms. Rose said she is not against development in the valley. “I tell developers it’s to everyone’s advantage that you don’t erase our history on the landscape. If you incorporate our history, you will have something that is of more value.” “It’s a much bigger issue than human remains being found,” said Ms. Rose. “We have a lot to lose.”

REGIONAL DISTRICT OF EAST KOOTENAY

19 – 24th Avenue South Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8 Phone: (250) 489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335 Fax: (250) 489-3498 Email: rdek@rdek.bc.ca

FAIRMONT AREA COMMUNITY PARKS AND TRAILS SERVICE NOTICE OF ALTERNATIVE APPROVAL PROCESS The Board of Directors of the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is considering adoption of the following bylaw which will establish a parks and trails service throughout the Fairmont Hot Springs area, including Columere Park, Dutch Creek and Columbia Ridge (as shown on the map below): Bylaw No. 1906

“Regional District of East Kootenay - Fairmont Area Community Parks and Trails Service Establishment Bylaw No. 1906, 2006”.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Local Government Act and Community Charter, the RDEK Board may adopt the Bylaw and proceed with the project as noted above if, after the deadline, less than 10% of the electors in the proposed “Fairmont Area Community Parks and Trails Service Area” have signed and submitted Elector Response Forms. If after the deadline of 4:30 p.m. on September 18, 2006, at least 55 electors (10% of 548) in the proposed “Fairmont Area Community Parks and Trails Service Area” have signed and submitted Elector Response Forms, the RDEK Board cannot adopt the Bylaw and cannot proceed with the service unless it receives assent of the electors by voting.

ELECTOR RESPONSE FORMS Elector responses must be given in the form established by the RDEK. The Elector Response Forms are available at the following locations: RDEK Office, 19 – 24 Avenue South, Cranbrook RDEK Office, 4956 Athalmer Road, Invermere RDEK Website – www.rdek.bc.ca (follow the link from the home page) To receive a Response Form by mail, please call the RDEK office toll free at 1-888-478-7335 or email smoskal@rdek.bc.ca. Accurate copies of the form will also be accepted. Only eligible electors in the proposed Service Area are entitled to sign an Elector Response Form. Forms may be submitted in person or by mail to be received at the RDEK office in Cranbrook or Invermere NO LATER THAN 4:30 P.M. ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2006. Postmarks WILL NOT be accepted as date of submission. Forms cannot be submitted by fax or email.

ELECTOR QUALIFICATIONS An elector is a person who meets the following qualifications as defined by the Local Government Act: RESIDENT ELECTORS: • age 18 or older; and • a Canadian citizen; and • a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately preceding signing the Elector Response Form; and • a resident of the proposed “Fairmont Area Community Parks and Trails Service Area” in Electoral Area F for at least 30 days immediately preceding signing the Elector Response Form; and • not disqualified by any enactment from being a registered elector or otherwise disqualified by law. NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY ELECTORS: • age 18 or older; and • a Canadian citizen; and • a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately preceding signing the Elector Response Form; and • a registered owner of real property (land) in the proposed “Fairmont Area Community Parks and Trails Service Area” in Electoral Area F for at least 30 days immediately preceding signing the Elector Response Form; and • not entitled to register as a resident elector; and • not disqualified by any enactment from being a registered elector or otherwise disqualified by law; and • if there is more than one registered owner of the property, only one of those individuals may, with the written consent of the majority of the owners, submit an Elector Response Form. To receive a Non-Resident Property Elector Consent Form, please call the RDEK office toll-free at 1-888-478-7335 or email smoskal@rdek.bc.ca.

SYNOPSIS OF PROPOSED BYLAW BYLAW NO. 1906 – “Fairmont Area Community Parks and Trails Service Establishment Bylaw No. 1906, 2006” – This Bylaw will establish a service to acquire and fund parks and trails throughout the Fairmont Hot Springs area, including Columere Park, Dutch Creek and Columbia Ridge. The maximum amount that may be requisitioned annually to cover the operating costs will be 25¢ per $1,000 of taxable assessment. The above is a synopsis of the proposed Bylaw. This synopsis is not intended to be and is not to be understood as an interpretation of the Bylaw. The full Bylaw may be inspected at the RDEK offices in Cranbrook and Invermere during regular office hours from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays, and on the RDEK website. FOR MORE INFORMATION contact Raeleen Manjak, Deputy Manager of Administrative Services, or Loree Duczek, Public Education Coordinator, at the RDEK office in Cranbrook. Lee-Ann Crane CAO