vol6issue20

Page 1

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

Vol. 6/Issue 20

May 15, 2009

TEE TIMES

FREE

See our ad on page 9

2550-342-05562 250-342-0562 Serving The Upper Columbia Valley including Spillimacheen, Brisco, Edgewater, Radium, Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats

WAITING LIST

Nice guys do finish first

5 NEW CONDUCTOR

16 VALLEY PEOPLE

34 better. together.

Freedom is a good thing. mortgages

home renovation loans

equity lines of credit

Your home offers you a lot more ďŹ nancial freedom than you think. Our FLEXIBLE CHOICE MORTGAGE and FLEXLINE LOC can help you maximize the value of your home. Ask us how today.

1 888 368 2654 www.kscu.com


2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 15, 2009

S ol i d W o od Bl i n d s Call The Blind Guy!

Interior World

(250) 342 4406

Valley NEWS Bears are back in town

45 Luxury Condominium Suites

in Radium & Invermere

BC Approved Accommodations

250-347-2460 •1-866-458-0919 www.radiumvacationrentals.com

Patty’s Greenhouse

Poppy Poster Literary Awards Presentation Sunday, May 24th, 7:00 p.m. Branch #71 Royal Canadian Legion Branch 71 Windermere wishes to announce that the 2008/2009 Poppy Poster Literary Awards Presentation for 2008 entries will take place at 7:00 p.m. Sunday at the Legion in Invermere. The public is cordially invited to attend. Again this year there were many successful “prize winning” entries including many “Zone” winning entries. Awards presentation will commence at 7:00 p.m. sharp.

They were in his front yard when he got home from work. Signs have been Floyd honked the car placed in Invermere horn and the cubs ran and Radium warning away, but the mother residents that the bears bear didn’t budge. are back. “I rolled the Kathy Schofield car forward and she and Mark Hendricklooked like she was son of Invermere spotgoing to charge the ted a large, healthycar,” he said. looking bear on May He left them to 5th at around 6 a.m. it and visited with a climbing out of Westfriend. Ninety minside Park in Invermere MOTHER OF THREE – This family kept Floyd Verge of Ra- utes later, his wife onto 15th Avenue dium out of his home while they cleaned out his bird feeder. called to say that the – just 500 metres from family of bears had fiEileen Madson Primanally left. ry School. It was the birdseed in the Verge birdfeeders that “It was the biggest black bear we’ve ever seen,” they were after. Kathy said. Mark estimated it weighed between 300 “We thought it was safe to put out the bird feedand 400 pounds. ers,” Floyd said. “I guess not.” The Hendricksons called the District of Invermere, The Village of Radium Hot Springs has put up and municipal staff put up two signs warning of bears five bear caution signs: one at Radium Valley Vacation in the area. Municipal technologist Grant Gyurkovits Resort, and four at each of the entrances to Sinclair said the signs were purchased two years ago but hadn’t Creek Greenway. been needed until now. According to Bear Aware provincial coordinator He added that since it was only one sighting, the Jacques Drisdelle, the best way to keep bears out of area could be safe. “The bear has probably gone back your yard is to make sure you don’t have anything they up into the hills now,” he said. might consider as food. Town planner Rory Hromadnik said the signs are “Bears have a strong sense of smell, so if there is a precautionary measure. smelly compost, a dirty barbecue, a garbage can or pet “We put up the signs to increase awareness,” he food in the yard, they will be attracted to it,” he said. said. “The bears are awake and hungry.” Avoid attracting bears by: Meanwhile, a mother bear and three cubs were • keeping your garbage bin behind closed doors out and about in Radium last week. – inside the house, in the garage or a storage area, or Floyd Verge, who lives in Radium Valley Vacation buying a bear-resistant bin; Resort, said the bears surprised his wife in the yard. • feeding your pets indoors; “The momma bear came charging around the • not hanging bird feeders; house at our dog,” he said. Fortunately, the dog was • cleaning your barbecue after every use or, better faster and it got safely into the house. yet, keeping it inside; On Tuesday night, Floyd said, the bears kept him • stirring your compost often and avoiding putfrom driving his car onto his driveway. ting meat scraps into it. By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff

Best Rates in the Columbia Valley 350 Laurier St.

(beside the Dair y Queen)

Invermere• 250-342-9700 • Pick-ups are Available


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

May 15, 2009

Valley NEWS

Norm takes all, even the valley By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff Local supporters of NDP candidate Norm Macdonald were thrilled when they heard that the incumbent MLA had clinched his spot in the legislature for another four years. Mr. Macdonald defeated Liberal candidate Mark McKee of Revelstoke, taking Columbia River-Revelstoke with a total of 7,174 votes to Mr. McKee’s 4,807. Parachute candidate Sarah Svensson of the Green Party garnered 854 votes. (All results are unofficial until confirmed by Elections BC.) “I was very pleased with the results and I was particularly pleased with how the campaign was run,” an overjoyed Mr. Macdonald said from his campaign headquarters in Golden. “Our campaign relied on volunteers – we literally had hundreds of people from Revelstoke to the Columbia Valley to Kimberley who spent a tremendous amount of time to make the campaign a success. It was a good grassroots campaign, and I think that’s ideally how politics is done.” A dozen NDP supporters gathered at his local headquarters at Parkside Place in Invermere, equipped with only a radio, some snacks and a few bottles of wine while they anxiously awaited the results. When the first poll came in from Brisco at 9:40 p.m., the office erupted in cheers. Mr. Macdonald had taken it with 61 votes to Mr. McKee’s 36. Edgewater results came next and the excitement began to build – Norm took Edgewater with 107 votes

compared with McKee’s 80 votes. As the rest of the results trickled in, so did the supporters – all congregating to show their support for the popular MLA. Shortly after 10 p.m., the noise level had reached a dull roar when the news crackled over CBC Radio that NDP candidate Norm Macdonald had secured Norm Macdonald NDP

Mark McKee Liberal

Sarah Svensson Green

Brisco Edgewater Radium Invermere Windermere

61 107 106 583 168

36 80 169 479 178

3 25 21 69 29

Fairmont Hot Springs

76

130

19

Fairmont/ Canal Flats

18

49

7

Special and Advance polls

144

134

12

1263

1255

185

TOTAL

his spot in the Columbia River-Revelstoke riding. The announcement was met with cheers, hugs and laughter as the supporters celebrated. But many supporters wanted to see the results on paper before beginning their victory dance. The final results showed Mr. Macdonald on top in 61 of the 93 polls in the riding. In the 23 Columbia Valley polls, Macdonald sneaked past Mr. McKee with eight votes – a count of

1,263 votes for Macdonald to 1,255 for McKee. Mr. Macdonald said he was very pleased with the number of votes he received in the valley. “When you see the number of Liberal signs, as a candidate it’s a bit disconcerting,” he said. “But after going door to door we had a very good sense about where things were and where they were going. It felt very positive, so it was nice to see that it turned out the way you felt it was going to turn out.” Mr. Macdonald also pulled out winning numbers in Revelstoke, Mr. McKee’s home town, a feat that had many supporters breathing a sigh of relief. “Issues that people in the Columbia Valley care about like local decision-making, these are concerns people share in all of our communities, and I think that the results in Revelstoke reflect that,” Mr. Macdonald said. “I am pleased with the results across the constituency.” First elected as the MLA for Columbia River-Revelstoke in May 2005, he defeated Liberal candidate Wendy McMahon. Before his career in politics, Mr. Macdonald was the principal of Nicholson Elementary School outside Golden. During the last four years in legislature, he has served as Municipal Affairs critic and Tourism, Sport and the Arts critic, and Education critic. He has also taken a leading role as the Chair of the Opposition Rural Caucus, a group of 14 MLAs who have established a rural agenda for British Columbia. For more election coverage, see Pages 8 and 9.

McKee loses, but vows he’ll be back By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff Despite a hard-fought campaign to unseat NDP incumbent Norm Macdonald in the Columbia River-Revelstoke riding, Liberal candidate Mark McKee finished well behind, failing even to carry his home town of Revelstoke. “I think we ran a really good campaign,” Mr. McKee commented after conceding defeat to Mr.

Macdonald after Tuesday night’s election. “The people have spoken and that’s the way it is.” Across the province, however, the B.C. Liberals won their third straight majority government, sending Gordon Campbell back to the Premier’s Office. Inclement weather and apparent voter apathy contributed to a low turn-out at the polls. It rained continuously from before the polls opened to well after the votes were counted. Elsewhere, hail was

reported and even snow in the higher altitudes. The day before the election, Mr. McKee lamented that so few people turned out for last week’s All Candidates’ Forum and those who did, he said, had already made up their minds. Despite an extremely close race in the Columbia Valley, Mr. McKee’s failure to carry Revelstoke resulted in a lopsided victory for Mr. Macdonald. Continued on Page 8 . . .

THE GOLF SEASON IS HERE! Choose from three breathtaking courses. For tee times call: Riverside 250.345.6346 ext. 22 Mountainside 250.345.6514 t Creekside 250.345.6660 fairmonthotsprings.com


4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 15, 2009

PROTECT

RCMP Report

…your property from theft and vandalism

By Staff-Sergeant Marko Shehovac Columbia Valley Detachment

www.valleyhawk.com

Licensed & Insured

250-688-HAWK

Invermere & Surrounding Areas

FREE

JUMBO WILD BUMPER STICKERS It’s time to show you care

342-3147 • www.jumbowild.com

COMMUNITY COUNSELLING SERVICES • • • •

Counselling topics include: Marriage Counselling • Anger Management Personal Growth • Life Transitions Grief Counselling • Work Related Historical Abuse Concerns Issues for Men • Fertility Issues

Calgary man dies in snowmobile accident On May 9th at 6:44 p.m., RCMP received a report of a medical emergency in the back country involving an accident with a snow machine in the area known as Thunder Water Lake. A 48-year-old male from Calgary and his companion were going across the lake when they collided with what appears to be a large snowdrift, which took the machine and the driver airborne up to 60 feet before hitting the ground. The 48-year-old male received injuries and was unable to respond to his companion. His companion left to get help and came across four other snowmobile operators. On their return to the male, he was found to be deceased. Air ambulance was notified and dispatched at 5:40 p.m. and on attendance confirmed the male was deceased. Once it was determined that the area involved was in the Columbia Valley Detachment area, it was decided due to the amount of daylight remaining that

the Golden Coroner, RCMP and Golden Search and Rescue would attend to the area and investigate. RCMP was notified through the Bugaboo Lodge of this incident. The Columbia Valley Detachment is continuing the investigation and assisting the Coroner’s office.

Male driver in custody On May 11th, Columbia Valley RCMP responded to a driving complaint on Highway 93/95, and as a result of driving evidence, charged a 22-year-old male with impaired driving and breach of conditions as a result of consuming alcohol. The male remains in custody.

Drunk driver arrested near Brisco On May 8th at 3:43 p.m., RCMP received a complaint of an impaired driver in the Brisco area. Police located the vehicle and charged the adult male from Invermere with impaired driving, driving over .08, and having no insurance. The male will appear in provincial court on August 25th.

A Day in Court By Pioneer Staff • On Monday, May 4th, in Invermere Criminal Court with Judge D.C. Carlgren presiding, Clayton Horan pled guilty to Care or Control of a Vehicle/Vessel with Over .08. The court heard that Mr. Horan was recorded with a blood alcohol level of 170 mg. He was fined $690 and given a one-year

driving prohibition. • On Thursday, May 7th, in Invermere Criminal Court with Judge Ron Webb presiding, Jason Scarlett pled guilty to Care or Control of a Vehicle/Vessel with Over .08. The court heard that Mr. Scarlett was recorded with a blood alcohol level of 100 mg. He was fined $690 and given a one-year driving prohibition.

Counselling Fees may apply Family Resource Centre, 625 – 4th Street Invermere, B.C. • 342-4242

NO-BS Yard Services We do: • Weekly Mowing • Bi-Weekly Mowing • Yard Clean-ups • Deliveries • Dump Runs

Call Brendan at 250-341-7372

THIS IS A BUYER’S MARKET!! Record low interest rates! Great selection of product! Now with the added bonus of Aeroplan miles!! Work with one of our agents and you could earn up to 15,000 Aeroplan Miles on your purchase!! Clients earn 500 Aeroplan Miles for every $10,000 in purchase price up to a maximum of 15,000 Aeroplan Miles. Some conditions may apply.

CALL NOW FOR DETAILS!!!! WINDERMERE VALLEY REALTY Office 250 342 9450 Toll Free 1 866 342 9450 Good service is not Expensive, It’s priceless

www.windermerevalleyrealty.com

Gordon Bagan Cell: 250-342-5115

Virginia Jopp Cell: 250-341-1419


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

May 15, 2009

SENIORS’ HOUSING—A 24-unit expansion of Invermere’s Lakeview Manor, affordable housing for seniors, is under consideration by District of Invermere Council. The work would make room for a waiting list of 22 seniors. Photo by Brian Geis

Expansion would ease senior housing crunch By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff The 22 Invermere seniors on a waiting list to get into Lakeview Manor might not have to wait as long as expected. Invermere council said it would aggressively pursue an opportunity to expand the low-income senior housing complex in Invermere’s Tunnacliffe Heights by an additional 24 units. “I think this is of real importance and the timeline is now,” Invermere Councillor Al Miller commented. “I really want to push hard on this.” Responding to an invitation from the provincial government to form a partnership to access millions of dollars in matching federal and provincial funds, council agreed to convene a committee of the whole to pursue the matter. According to Invermere Mayor Gerry Taft, the Lakeview Manor Society — led by former hospital administrator Larry Root — has been pressing the district for additional land to expand the complex. “We’ve been aware of this for a long time,” Mayor Taft commented. “There has been a desire to expand it for a long time. I think the timing is right, with the funding available, with an agency already involved and operating the build-

ing and with most of the land already in place. I think we’re really in a situation where this is a very do-able project.” The Seniors’ Rental Housing Initiative, administered by the Ministry of Housing and Social Development, is part of a new federal-provincial housing agreement announced by Premier Gordon Campbell in April. Under the terms of the new agreement, funding of $123.58 million will be provided to create up to 1,000 housing units over the next two years for seniors and persons with disabilities. The federal and provincial governments will each provide matching allocations of $61.79 million. It is estimated that the funding will create approximately 800 jobs in B.C. According to Mr. Root, the society has plans to double the current occupancy from 24 to 48 units by connecting a three-storey addition with an elevator serving both wings. The society, he said, was granted two lots to build the existing building in 1977 and now needs an additional two lots to complete the expansion. “We own land up there,” Councillor Miller commented, “and I would like to see this put on the table as an agenda item, to talk about the possibilities of slicing off a piece of district land and moving in the direction that would enable Lakeview Manor to proceed with some additional units.”

THERE’S ONLY ONE THING BETTER THAN SHAW HIGH-SPEED INTERNET. 2 MONTHS FREE

19

$

95

*

PER

MONTH

SHAW HIGH-SPEED INTERNET FOR FREE.

FIRST 6 MONTHS

Not only are your first two months free, if you sign up today you’ll get the following six months for only $1995/month and FREE INSTALLATION. That’s a savings of over $215.**

Call 310.SHAW TODAY 24/7/365SERVICE TSX 60 / NYSE *Customers who sign up for Shaw High-Speed Internet service before May 31, 2009, will receive the first 60 days of service at no charge and will pay $19.95 per month for months three to eight. Beginning in month nine, customers will pay as little as $33 per month when bundled with any other Shaw service. Modem rental is included. Shaw maintains ownership of equipment. Modem must be returned upon termination of service or equipment charges may apply. Offer applies to new customers who have not been a Shaw Internet customer within the past 60 days. Other conditions may apply. **Savings of $215 is based on standalone pricing for High-Speed Internet over eight months.


6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

perspective Historical Lens

Congratulations to our new MLA By Elinor Florence Pioneer Publisher Whatever your political views, one thing is evident: Norm Macdonald deserved to win. He ran a good campaign, he made a lot of public appearances, and he seems to genuinely care about all the issues expressed by various groups and individuals in this unreasonably-large and diverse riding. What I like about him professionally is that I’ve never met a politician who makes himself so readily available to the media, and did so throughout his term in office. What I like about him personally is that he seeks consensus, and seems like the kind of guy who would try to build fences rather than take a polarized political position. In other words, he lacks that streak of meanness seen in so many politicallyactive people. I’m not referring to Mark McKee. The Liberal candidate also seemed like a good choice for the riding, smart and capable. But his campaign was too short for people to become familiar with him, let alone comfortable. If Norm could beat Liberal Wendy McMahon in the 2005 election, who was a long-time valley resident and minister in Campbell’s cabinet, then Mark McKee was definitely fighting against the odds. Thank you for making a valiant effort, Mr. McKee, and perhaps you’ll take another shot at it next time. What’s unfortunate, however, is that we are now back in the same position

we were before – with an MLA whose party is in a minority in the provincial government. Wouldn’t it be great if we could elect a candidate whose party was actually in power, who might be able to give our views credibility in Victoria? Perhaps I’m being naive. I know from living in Vancouver that everything east of Surrey is considered “The Interior,” and even “The Interior” only goes as far as Kelowna. After that, the fog descends and we might as well be in Outer Mongolia as far as the Lower Mainland is concerned. When I worked at The Province in Vancouver – a newspaper that is supposedly dedicated to covering the province, hence its name – I was continually appalled at the way Surrey defined the newspaper’s coverage area, and “Joe Blow from Surrey” was openly considered the newspaper’s typical reader. Given that attitude, even the strongest Liberal representative from this riding probably couldn’t make much of a mark in the halls of power. I picture the representatives from places like here being tolerated only because this is, after all, a democracy. But let’s look on the bright side. Norm has been in power for four years now, and he knows his way around. No doubt his calm, rational manner has earned him some allies in and out of government. And he garnered a strong vote of confidence from this riding with 55 percent of the popular vote, up from 52 percent in 2005. Congratulations, Norm and best of luck in the future. We are confident that you will do your best.

May 15, 2009

Early gardener Sybil Walker, who later became Sybil Knight, is shown here in 1937 in the garden of her family home on the Walker homestead at Ben Abel Creek, on the south side of Invermere. If you have any more information about Photo C1438, email us at upioneer@ telus.net. Photo courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society

Thanks for our clean valley Dear Editor: The service clubs are to be congratulated on their efforts in organizing the valley’s clean-up program. Valley Pride was an opportunity for all communities to rally together and clean up the unsightly debris littering our streets and highways. Windermere had a turnout of 50 people, which demonstrates that the people here are willing to give freely of their time in order to enhance the beauty of the town in which we live. Windermere Elementary has for many years done a major spring clean-up in the community. While many of us were aware that this was an annual event, we had no idea how

extensive and thorough a job they did. The students and teachers covered about 90 percent of the town. They did a fantastic job. They are indeed the unsung heroes of the community and we thank them. Valley Pride is to be an annual day of clean-up, which is a fantastic project; however, we could avoid such an event if we stopped littering. How much more difficult would it be to drop garbage in a bin rather on our streets and highways? A very special thank you to all who participated. Keith Carscadden Coordinator, Windermere Community Association

The Columbia Valley

Pioneer is independently owned and operated and published weekly by Abel Creek Publishing Inc. Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Phone (250) 341-6299 · Fax (250) 341-6229 Email: upioneer@telus.net · www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

The material, written or artistic, may not be reprinted or electronically reproduced in any way without the written consent of the publisher. The opinions and statements in articles, columns and advertising are not necessarily those of the publisher or staff of The Columbia Valley Pioneer. It is agreed by any display advertiser requesting space that the newspaper’s responsibility, if any, for errors or omissions of any kind is limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the space as occupied by the incorrect item, and there shall be no liability in any event greater than the amount paid for the advertisement.

Elinor Florence

Brian Geis

Sally Waddington

Cayla Gabruck

Dave Sutherland

Zephyr Rawbon

Michele McGrogan

Publisher

Editor

Reporter

Reporter

Advertising Sales

Graphic Design

Office Manager


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

May 15, 2009

Student numbers down, but no closures planned in this school district Dear Editor: The Windermere Zone Trustees of the Rocky Mountain School District would like to respond to the letter to the editor, ‘The stakes are high: vote for education this May 12th’. While the Board of Education did not take a position regarding the political parties in the election, we wish to ensure that the information regarding the financial situation of the Rocky Mountain School District is factually presented to the public. The letter referred to ‘the preliminary budget (as presented to trustees)’. In fact, the trustees were presented with budget estimates for the next school year and the preliminary budget will not be presented until the June Board Meeting. I trust that the following information will assist the public in understand Student enrolment Total operating grants Average funding per student Average school allocation/student

ing the financial reality of the Rocky Mountain School District: Preliminary 2009/10 estimates show a decrease of $522,433 (a 1.59percent decrease) in funding, of which $342,337 (a 1.12-percent decrease) is from Ministry operating grants. The other $180,096 decline is from other grants and revenues. To put this into perspective, we are projecting an enrolment decline of 122 students, which amounts to a 3.83-percent decrease in our student population. We are projecting a reduction in expenditures of $1,436,102 (a decline of 4.2 percent). However, school allocations are decreasing by $497,360 (a decline of 2.2 percent). The following table provides some comparisons between 2001/02 and 2009/10 funding levels for our District (the 2009/10 figures are estimates.)

2001/02 4,172 $31,291,724 $7,500 $5,516

The Board of Education wishes to reassure parents and our community that, even with declining enrolment, school closures are not under consideration. The Rocky Mountain Board and staff set high standards for student success and focus on providing outstanding

2009/10 3,051 $30,332,755 $9,942 $6,794

% Change -26.86% -5.60% +32.56% +23.17%

learning opportunities for our students. Trustees Greg Anderson, Jim Jenkinson and I encourage you to contact us for further discussion regarding school district matters. Roberta Hall, Board Chair School District No. 6

Corrections In our May 1st article, “Lakeview Road residents hear sewer proposal,” the figures quoted were incorrect. To the Regional District of East Kootenay, property owners would pay an annual $3,380 parcel tax, plus user fees estimated to cost $1,200 per year. Included in the annual parcel tax is an $8,000 connection fee, or capital contribution fee, with payments spread over 30 years. Privately,

residents would pay a contractor to install pipes from the road to their house, estimated to cost between $5,000 and $15,000. We apologize to Lakeview Road residents and Windermere Water and Sewer Company for the error. *** James and Rose Stoddart had two children: a son who drowned and a surviving daughter, Evelyn.

LONG WEEKEND SPECIALS Pine furniture ~ 20% off Baskets and buckets ~ 20% off Stone buddhas ~ 20% off All other furniture ~ 10% off Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 11 p.m. – 4 p.m. We will also be open holiday Monday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Ph: (250) 342-0707

e-mail: klein@nucleus.com • www.tepapanui.com Invermere Industrial Park (just off the road to Panorama)

Ron in

Spur Valley says:

The only thing better than having Nanofibre speed at Spur Valley is having it before Greg Deck got it at Canyon RV. My campers love it! Now all our guests have the freedom to access the world from our special hideaways.

Why wait? Switch to NanoFibre today!

www.nanofibre.ca • (250) 347.2424


8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

ELECTION 2009

May 15, 2009

McKee graciously admits defeat Continued from Page 3 . . .

Mark McKee and wife Pat react to his loss at party headquarters in Revelstoke. Photo by David F. Rooney

Unofficial results show Mr. Macdonald winning by more than 2,000 votes – a safe margin, considering the Green Party candidate Sarah Svensson could muster only 854 votes. “I phoned Norm and congratulated him,” Mr. McKee commented. “He ran a good campaign. He’s a good guy. A lot of people in the valley supported him. I didn’t fare that well in Revelstoke, which was a bit of a surprise.” Excitement was palpable among a couple of dozen Liberal supporters who gathered at the Invermere Inn to watch election returns. That excitement turned to disappointment and disbelief when Invermere developer Barry Brown-John rushed into the room and announced that radio reports had already declared Macdonald the winner. Attention returned to the widescreen TV for confirmation which came in short order. After a telephone conversation with candidate McKee, Columbia River-Revelstoke Riding Association president David Pacey of Radium Hot Springs addressed those gathered. “I want to thank everyone here. You’ve done a tremendous job. Win, lose or draw, we made our name known in this riding. Mark is an absolutely tre-

BOGO! IT’S OUR BIGGEST GOLF SALE OF THE YEAR.

Buy one item of clothing at the regular price, and get a second item of clothing at 50% off (of equal or lesser value). Sale runs May 15-18 only, at Riverside and Mountainside Golf Shops! Call 250.345.6346 for details.

mendous individual and if the riding has chosen to go back to Norm, so be it. Not everyone has the intelligence that we do, I guess,” he joked to lighten the mood. “Norm’s a nice guy, a very nice guy. Unfortunately, he doesn’t really get a lot done. Mark would, I obviously believe, would do a fabulous job way beyond what Norm has done. It would also help to be part of the cabinet and, I believe, Mark would have been. But that’s the way the cookie crumbles. “If Norm, if fact, has won, I congratulate him. He put up a good fight. Maybe we didn’t do a good enough job of marketing Mark, but I tell you we did a hell of a good job doing what we did do, and I want to congratulate everybody for what they’ve done. Thank you very much.” Mr. McKee said he is not bitter, that he enjoyed campaigning and will be back in the future. “Do I have any regrets? No, I don’t have any regrets. I met some really nice people along the way,” he said. “People asked me — my wife asked me — why I was running in the first place. I have my businesses and I own buildings. I’m busy. But I don’t think Columbia River-Revelstoke has seen the last of me.”


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

May 15, 2009

Liberals win third straight majority government By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff On Tuesday, the status quo was upheld across B.C. as the Liberal Party won its third straight majority government, propelling Gordon Campbell into the Premier’s office for a third term for the first time in a quarter-century. Only three other British Columbians have matched that feat: W. A. C. Bennett, his son Bill Bennett (no relation to Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett) and Richard McBride. Unofficial results show the Liberals winning 49 seats, well over the threshold of 43 needed to form a majority. The NDP will retain official opposition status by taking 36 seats. Liberals garnered 46 percent of the popular vote with the NDP showing up for 42 percent. The balance was split among the other minor parties, most notably the Green Party, which earned 8.1 percent. Premier Gordon Campbell thanked supporters, candidates and all British Columbians Tuesday night for electing a Liberal government to a third term. “I want to thank British Columbians for having

such tremendous confidence in our province and for having faith in a B.C. Liberal team committed to moving B.C. forward,” he said. “The choice British Columbians have made will provide the stability to move our province forward and their decision will make an important difference for generations to come.” Voters in the Kootenays upheld the status quo as well, returning three NDP candidates to the legislature and only one Liberal, Kootenay East MLA and cabinet minister Bill Bennett. The NDP were hoping Kootenay East would swing in their favour, creating an all-NDP team representing the Kootenays, but Mr. Bennett’s “I’m one of you,” campaign earned him a resounding win with 51 percent of the popular vote. Kootenay East NDP candidate Troy Sebastian could muster only 35 percent of the vote. Mr. Campbell is claiming the win delivers his party a clear mandate to proceed with its economic and environmental agenda. “I want to thank every candidate in all parties for their commitment to public service. We have elected some tremendous individuals who I know are committed to representing their communities,” he said.

Electoral reform fails ... again For the second time in as many elections, British Columbians rejected the Single Transferable Vote system of electoral reform. The proposal to switch from the current first-past-the-post system to single transferable vote failed to meet the 60 percent threshold and received even fewer votes than in the last referendum. Only about 39 percent voted for the change. In Columbia River-Revelstoke, even less, just 36.56, supported STV in the referendum. The switch would have reduced the total number of ridings across B.C. from the current 85 to only 20, and increase the number of seats in each riding from one to as many as seven. If the reform movement had succeeded, voters would have chosen multiple candidates ranking them in order of preference. Under the proposed system, multiple rounds of counting would have transferred votes from disqualified candidates to others still in the running. It was the second time the measure failed at referendum. In 2005, the proposal was supported by a whopping 57.7 percent of the vote, just a few points away from passing.

SLATE & TILE 18” x 18”

HONED TRAVERTINE

3

* 50% O F Fsale $ 99 GAUGED SLATE/ CALIFORNIA GOLD Reg. $ 99 sale

6

STAINMASTER ULTRALIFE CARPET

18” x 18”

3

$

MANNINGTON RESILIENT

CLUB HOUSE

Make the Pioneer Room your first choice for that meeting or small private group function.

99 *

UP TO

70% OFF

IN STOCK

CUSTOM WOOL AREA RUGS

GOLF SHOP

Victoria Day Weekend Sidewalk Sale May 15th – May 18th

(No room charge for the month of May)

Experience Service Beyond™

UP TO

70% OFF UP TO

70% OFF

*Plus tax and shipping if applicable

Dining 250-342-6560 • Golf 250-342-0562 www.eagleranchresort.com • Toll Free (877) 877-3889


10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 15, 2009

Invermere holds the line on taxes By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff Invermere Council conducted a bevy of financial housekeeping on Monday night at a meeting advanced by one day to accommodate Tuesday’s election. In less than three hours, council was audited for 2008, received first quarter 2009 financial statements, raised taxes and spent $1.67 million on infrastructure.

Audit received

rowing money for capital assets and things that have a future value to them, but it’s a debt that needs to be satisfied through future taxes. “The district is in a strong position, I think, as far as it doesn’t have too much debt for the assets that it has, and it has a good taxation base.” Councillor Ray Brydon noted that the full report will be released to the public as part of the district’s annual report in six weeks.

Tax rates set

Harley Lee of the firm BDO Dunwoody presented the results of his firm’s financial audit of the District of Invermere. The municipality, he said, has financial assets of $10.8 million, of which $8.5 million is in cash – $8 million of which is restricted for specific purposes. Total liabilities are $12.4 million, of which $4.5 million is long-term debt, including $2 million of new debt during the year. The district’s net financial liability position stands at $1.5 million in excess of assets. “That’s really the position that the municipality is in. It’s got a liability position and needs to generate future taxes or other revenue in order to satisfy its debts,” Mr. Lee explained. “But that’s still not a bad position to be in, a net financial liability. You’re bor-

Despite a $30.82 increase in the parcel tax needed to pay down long-term debt on water and sewer infrastructure improvements, there have been other tax decreases as well. Director of Finance Karen Coté reported that the overall increase this year is $21.66 for the average homeowner in Invermere. Mayor Gerry Taft noted that the bulk of the increase reflects the regional district’s $20 per parcel tax levied to generate a land conservation fund. Even with that new $20 tax, the average increase per parcel is about 20 or 21 dollars,” he said. “So, in effect, if you took out the conservation fund there will be zero tax increase for the average assessed home in Invermere. Which is, I think, an important thing – based on the economy and what’s going on – but I think it’s also an excellent position when we have

been able, as a municipality, to set aside money into reserves, pay off debt early and work on capital improvements and things like Pothole Park at the same time as keeping taxes without an increase. “To be able to accomplish all this in one year, we’re really lucky. We’re actually extremely lucky compared to other communities in the province which are facing some really serious choices, tough decisions and potentially big tax increases.” A parcel tax for roads, Ms. Coté said, will be retired on June 1. “Five years early,” she said, “because council has been diligent about saving money. That will save the taxpayers almost $400,000 in interest.”

Sewer plant upgrade contracts awarded

Council awarded a $1.3-million contract to add a screening facility to the wastewater treatment plant to the Penticton-based firm Wildstone Construction and Engineering. It also spent $331,000 on a screening machine that will filter inorganic solids. Invermere Mayor Gerry Taft noted that even though the contract was awarded to an out-of-town firm, an effort will be made to fill the subcontractor list with as many local companies as possible. Manager of Utilities Brian Nickurak said the contractor has agreed to hire some local people.

Grand Opening! DOOR PRIZES!

Saturday, May 16 , 9:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

Join us from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. for Hot Dogs and Refreshments Served by the Bighorns Football Team. Supplies courtesy of Fairmont Mountainside Market.

For all your indoor and outdoor renovations needs…

Visit our fabulous 3,000 sq. ft. showroom

Ph: 250-342-HOME (4663) • www.HomeRenovationCentre.ca


> >>>

Encore

Page 11

What’s Happening in the Columbia Valley

Music • visual arts • dining • Bar Scene • entertainment • performance ARTS

Rootsy rollers to raise the roof Long-time Toby Bencher and Juno Award nominee, Mark Koenig, returns to the valley this weekend to play Christ Church Trinity with his band, including Invermere’s own John Cronin, recently returned from a winter of music in Austin, Texas. Bluegrass darling of the Kootenays, Elena Yeung, will open the Saturday night set, May 16th at 7:30 p.m.

MOVIE REVIEW

PAGE 12

BUY THIS PRINT

PAGE 15

Out & About Your Weekly Guide to What’s Happening Around the Columbia Valley Page 13

Valley Voices Spring Concert • Christ Church Trinity Valley Voices Spring Concert – May 22 and 23.

Farm Fragments Exhibit • Pynelogs Cultural Centre Farm Fragments Exhibit by Jean Pederson – May 12 to 24.

What does ART mean to you? Pynelogs Café Open • Wed to Sun 11 am - 4 pm Visit columbiavalleyarts.com for our current events calendar, or call 250-342-4423.


12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 15, 2009

Music • visual arts • dining • Bar Scene • entertainment • performance ARTS

Movie Review: Taken Reviewed by Elinor Florence When I first started watching this movie I couldn’t help feeling sorry for the main actor, Liam Neeson, who lost his wife Natasha Richardson recently in a freak skiing accident in Quebec. But it wasn’t long before I forgot about the plight of Neeson and became engaged with the character he plays, which is the hallmark of an excellent actor. He plays divorced father Bryan Mills, an ex-CIA agent who took early retirement to salvage his relationship with his 17-year-old daughter Kim. Work kept them apart when Kim was young, and in a story that will ring true for many parents, now that he is ready to have a family life, she has grown up and away from him. Kim lives with her mother and her wealthy step-

father, but she convinces the reluctant Bryan to allow her to travel to Paris with her friend Amanda. In typical teenage girl fashion, they immediately fall prey to a handsome stranger at the airport, who subsequently sends a gang of Albanians to their apartment to grab them and sell them into the slave trade. While the kidnapping is in progress, Kim manages one frantic phone call to her father back in California before the bad guys drag her away. The demented Dad, of course, flies to Paris and launches a search for her, using his old business connections, plus his considerable weapons training and hand-to-hand combat skills. From then on it’s just one crazy car chase and gun battle after another. Neeson does a great job of portraying a rage-filled superman with a mission: to find his daughter at any cost.

Although Neeson, to my knowledge, has never before played an action hero, it’s difficult to imagine any other actor bringing the tormented, obsessed father to life as well as he does. As a mother, the movie left me with a lingering sense of horror at the fate suffered by young girls sold into prostitution and sadly, there are so many. I also couldn’t help hoping that all young girls who see the movie might learn a lesson about not talking to strangers in airports, and in general listening to what their parents tell them. But I guess that’s just wishful thinking.

RATING: 9 OUT OF 10 HEADS

GREAT LS PECIA DRINK S KEND ALL WEE

Slow Pitch Central

May Long Weekend Lineup • Friday - DJ Brenzz • Saturday - DJ Futa Sunday

$

Ring girl try out to follow ghts.

Grass Mountain Hobos Show starts at 8:30 p.m.

Gone

D WOOD YWO LY HOLLY V

I D E O

5

$ 00

1000

Rashad “Suga” Evans vs. Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida

Saturday, May 27

Friday Night: Bud Sleeves $475 • Jugs on Special

NO COVERR

Saturday, May 16th – Live Music with “Late” Sunday May 17th

Johnny Tornado & Mighty Joe Young With the Voodoo Healers

Kitchen Open til 1:00 a.m. • Dine in or Take Out 1310 - 7th Ave. • Invermere • Call: 250-341-3344

OPEN DAILY 9 AM – 11 PM

NO COVERR

Located in the Best Western Invermere Inn

1310 - 7th Ave. • Invermere • 250-342-9246 Gone Hollywood’s

TOP FIVE OF THE WEEK Last Week’s Top p 5 Rentals 1 2 3 4 5

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Bride Wars Slumdog Millionaire Yes Man The Wrestler

Ticketes at Availabrl City Coppeoon Sa$ l 00 15

New Releases Mayy 12 1 Taken 2 Underworld: Rise of the Lycans 3 Passengers g 4 The Grudge g 3 5 S. Darko: A Donnie Darko Tale

New Releases Mayy 19 1 Paul Blart Mall Cop 2 Valkyrie y 3 Myy Bloodyy Valentine 4 Driven to Kill 5 Dr Dolittle: Million Dollar Mutts

We carry all game console accessories

Wii • XBox 360 • PS3 PO Box 2800, 503 - 7th Ave., Invermere, V0A 1K0

250-342-0057

ghvinvermere@hotmail.com


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

May 15, 2009

Music • visual arts • dining • Bar Scene • entertainment • performance ARTS

Out & About Please call 250-341-6299 or Email us at upioneer@telus.net to enter your event in our FREE listings.

Toby Theatre • 7:30 p.m. May 13-16: Race to Witch Mountain • 7:30 p.m. May 20-23: Monsters vs. Aliens

Friday, May 15th: • Columbia Valley Mixed Slowpitch Tournament at the crossroads ball diamonds today until Monday, May 18th. Cost: $400 team entry fee for long ball competition. Prime rib dinner and dance on Saturday, May 16th at Invermere curling rink includes silent and live auction. Tickets $25. Funds raised for Road to Rescue campaign. For info: 250-342-3841. • Baseball Burgers for sale all three days at the crossroads ball diamond, Copper City Sports Bar and the Farside Pub in Fairmont. • Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Inside Edge Long Ball Competition. Men and women can hit it out at the crossroads ball diamond. Prizes available. • Noon-2 p.m.: Native taco sale at the Shuswap Band Office near the Invermere crossroads to raise funds for the Gathering of the Bands event in June. For info: Suzie at +250-341-6858. • Farm Fragments exhibit by Jean Pederson at Pynelogs Gallery until May 24th. Pynelogs Café open Wednesday to Sunday weekly, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, May 16th: • 9 a.m.: Radium Public Library Book Sale on Radium’s Main Street. For info: 250-347-9131. • Noon: Spur Valley Community Meeting at Brisco Community Hall. Email: wee@winkwireless.ca. • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hot dogs and refreshments served by Bighorns Football team at grand opening of the Home Renovation Centre, on Arrow Road near the Invermere crossroads. For info: 250-342-4663. • 3-6 p.m.: Artists’ reception At Effusion Art Gallery for exhibition: An Unrestrained Expression of Emotion. Show continues until May 25th. • 7 p.m.: Canada’s Double Portion award-winning gospel music band in concert at Radium Christian

Fellowship. For info: 250-342-6633. • 7:30 p.m. Mark Koenig, John Cronin, Gary Snow and Michael Heiden play at Christ Church Trinity, along with Elena Young. Songs featured from their new CD. Tickets $20 each at the door. • Lake Windermere District Rod & Gun Club’s 7th Annual 3D Shoot at Lake Lillian Archery Range, today until Monday. Free family archery lessons on Sunday, May 17th. For info: 250-342-9033. • X-Alps Fundraiser Fun Competition for paragliders off Mount Swansea, today and Sunday. 6 p.m.: benefit party at 905 Osprey Point, Lakeview Meadows. Barbecue, music by Electric Squirrels, silent and live auction. For info: www.flyingmax.com.

Sunday, May 17th: • 11 a.m.: Pine Ridge Mountain Resort Spring Walk and Run. See our new trail system in Invermere by participating in a four-km run/walk, with funds raised for the Road to Rescue campaign. Cost: $5 donation. For info: www.pineridgemtnresort.com.

• Billy Jive and the Funktastic Five at Radium Hall for a Spring Fever Dance.

Sunday, May 24th • 7 p.m.: Royal Canadian Legion hosts the Poppy Poster Literature Awards Presentation to students who won prizes in this annual nation-wide competition. Public is very welcome to attend.

Wednesday, May 27th: • 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.: Two-day workshop called Built Green at College of the Rockies, today and Thursday. $295 per person. In-depth review of building science and sound building practice. For info: 250-342-3210.

Thursday, May 28th: • “Shot Shapers” Beginner Ladies’ Golf lessons start at Windermere Valley Golf Course. Cost $169 for four days: May 28, June 4, June 12, June 18. For more info: 250-342-3004.

Wednesday, May 20th: • 6:15 p.m.: Purcell Mountain Bike School’s Ladies’ Wednesday Night Ride five-week program begins. Registration $120. Ages 16 plus. Meet at Rob’s Bicycle Works. For info: 250-341-1346. • 6:15 p.m.: Purcell Mountain Bike School’s Kids Ride five-week program begins. Focus is on dirt jumping, skate park and cross-country skills. Ages 713. Registration $60. Meet at Rob’s Bicycle Works. For info: 250-341-1346.

Thursday, May 21st: • 1 p.m.: The Trades Assistance Program will host an information session for people looking for a job or a career at the Columbia Valley Employment Centre, 1313-7th Avenue, Invermere. For info: Roy Cimolai at 250-421-9212 or email: rcimolai@sica.bc.ca.

Friday, May 22nd-Saturday, May 23rd: • 7:30 p.m.: Valley Voices Spring Concert at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere. For info: 250-342-2455.

Saturday, May 23rd: • Lake Windermere District Rod & Gun Club offers free small rifle shooting with club instructors. Family, youth and beginners, guns and ammo available on loan. For info: 250-342-9033.

Friday, May 29th: • 7:30 p.m.: Brisco Social and Community Aid Meeting at Brisco Community Hall.

Saturday, May 30th: • Second annual Crazy Soles Nipika Trail Run. Distances 3, 10 and 25 km. T-shirt, swag bag and lunch included. Register at www.zone4.ca or call Beva at 250-342-2074 for more info.

Wednesday, June 3rd: • 7:30 p.m.: Literacy Charity Golf Tournament. Registration $125 includes gourmet breakfast, awards banquet, live music and prizes. Special guest poet Barbara Adler. Entry forms at College of the Rockies, Radium Resort, Invermere and Radium Libraries. For info: Joe Evanoff, 250-347-6266.

Friday, June 5th: • Full Moon in June: 36-hour Adventure Race starts, including mountain biking, alpine trekking, kayaking and fixed ropes, Panorama Mountain Village. Discounted fees for Invermere and Radium teams. For info, visit www.fmij.com or email race@ fmif.com. Volunteers needed now for first aid, communications and more.

Eagle Ranch is open for golf!

Callaway Demo Weekend Casual and Fine Dining – Enhanced

Saturday, May 16th and Sunday, May 17th • 9 am to 4 pm

• Dining (250) 342-6560 • Golf (250) 342-0562 • www.eagleranchresort.com • Toll Free (877) 877-3889


14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

EXHIBITION

“An Unrestrained Expression of Emotion” May 16 - 25 Reception Saturday May 16th, 3 – 6pm Artist in attendance

Galen Davison

Fraser McGurk

Chili Thom

Join us for Customer Appreciation Weekend Visit our online gallery at www.effusionartgallery.com Monday-Saturday 10am-5:30pm Sunday 12pm-4pm

Tel: 250 341 6877 1033 7th Ave Invermere, BC

Life Time Warranty on all Blinds Call The Blind Guy!

Interior World

(250) 342 4406

May 15, 2009

Art from three free spirits show at Effusion Art Gallery Submitted by Effusion Art Gallery This May long weekend, “the paint flies” at Effusion Art Gallery with the Unrestrained Expression of Emotion Exhibition, from May 16th to May 25th, featuring works by free spirits Chili Thom, Galen Davison and Fraser McGurk. Effusion is also celebrating its one-year anniversary with Customer Appreciation Day. A reception will be held SatMeet artist Chili Thom of Whistler at Effusion Art Gallery on Saturday, May 16th. urday from 3 to 6 p.m. Artists will be in attendance, and beverages and ly-textured, unique visual terrain on wood veneer. cake will be served. Galen’s paintings, now collected in many corpoChili Thom is hot, hot, hot, once again winning rate and private collections, recalls during his first year the title of best artist in Whistler. His whimsical land- of painting full-time that he painted one every day. “I scapes have claimed his fame, but he continues to learned and created mostly muck – but I learned.” progress into more graphic-inspired style. Chili not Canmore-based Fraser McGurk uses intense coonly paints but truly lives the artist’s way, through un- lours and bold, simple lines in his wood inlay art. His bridled exploration of paint, music and film. artistic wood paintings capture the spirit and beauty of “I find that I am most inspired to paint when I Rocky Mountain living. A loyal following appreciates feel a turning point in my emotions, such as sorrow to this artist for his joyful view of landscapes mounted on joy, anger to love, lack to lust. I find that my clarity of thick barnwood frames. thought is at its peak when I am creating, and I often When it comes to inspiration, McGurk is an “aduse it as meditation to draw conclusions about events venturist” as he coins it – never graduated from kinand issues in my life,” says Chili, who has recently dergarten, plays Hendrix on the loudest decibel, and taken up spray can art. searches for organic moments in nature’s moods, hues Galen Davison has been rocking B.C.’s Interior and shapes. with his funky, mixed media art. His work is like arSo come walk the line with us and these three dyriving at an archaeological dig and trying to decode namic artists at the opening of An Unrestrained Exthe layers of history. Through a distinctive use of zinc, pression of Emotion Exhibition, and a celebration of copper, wood, ceramics and oil paint, he delivers rich- our first year in business.

~ Fa m i l y D i n i n g ~ Gre a t Fo o d ~ Sp o r t s B a r ~

Spectacular Sunday Brunch! 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Open Seven Days A Week – 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Licensed Dining ~ Next to the Super 8 Motel, just north of the Crossroads, Invermere • 250-342-8885


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

May 15, 2009

Artym Gallery celebrates life of Armand Vallée on canvas) and is sold at the Artym with the proceeds going towards the “Road to Rescue” campaign. This year’s painting The Artym Gallery has several spewas done by local artist Mark Sharp. cial events taking place this long weekSpeaking of his painting “Invermere end, and everyone is welcome to come Outlook,” Mark says that he wanted to to the gallery to enjoy them. capture the first view of the landscape Firstly, Saturday, May 16th will see around Invermere, with the mountain a special release of 14 paintings by the range, the lake and wetlands, and, of late Armand F. Vallée. course, Mount Nelson. The following day, on Sunday, May “It is a very special view,” says Mark, 17th, artist Mark Sharp will be at the “and Mount Nelson is like our Mattergallery signing and personalizing new horn. It looks over us and it should have giclées of his piece “Invermere Outmore praise and be associated with the look,” the Columbia Valley Map Book town of Invermere. I like painting Mount Cover project for 2009. Nelson – it has good character!” And, as always, there will be new Finding the Rockies an endless source Fourteen paintings by the late Armand Vallée will be on sale this weekend. work from 60 Canadian artists on the of inspiration, Mark takes the bright light, walls all weekend. blue sky and rugged landscape and paints Armand F. Vallée. There will be no pre-sales, and the The Artym is saddened to anwith intense colour and clean lines. nounce the passing of Armand F. Vallée (1921-2009), doors open at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 16th. Phone There will be two sizes of the reproduction of world-renowned painter. There will be only 14 paint- and e-mail will be checked at 10:15 a.m. “Invermere Outlook” available; the smaller size is 12 On Sunday, May 17th you can have the oppor- inches x 18 inches, and the larger size is 24 inches x ings released, which have been carefully selected to represent almost 50 years of Armand’s career (from tunity to help out a good cause by purchasing a great 36 inches. There will be 250 giclées available in total. 1961 to 2007), and sample many of the subjects he is piece to hang on your wall. The image selected to be Mark Sharp will be at the Artym Gallery on Sunday, on the cover of the Columbia Valley Map Book (pub- May 17th from noon to 2 p.m. Take this opportunity well-known for painting, in several different media. Avid collectors and new fans alike should not lished by The Columbia Valley Pioneer) is reproduced to buy a beautiful piece, help out the community and miss this opportunity to see these incredible works by as a giclée (a very high quality and accurate print done have your print personalized by the artist. Submitted by Deanna Berrington Artym Gallery

Armand F. Vallée

Mark Sharp

View paintings online at artymgallery.com downtown Invermere ~ 250-342-7566 ~ info@artymgallery.com


16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 15, 2009

Valley Voices to perform with new conductor Currently, he is employed as an assistant superintendent for Rocky The Valley VoicMountain School Dises choir has officially trict No. 6, specializing named Paul Carriere as in human resources and their new conductor. technology. Paul takes the place He began his career of previous conductor with the school district in and founder Ken Mal1998, after taking a job lett, who stepped down as principal of Edgewater in January and so far, he Elementary School. said, he is loving every His wife Barbara is minute of it. also a teacher, who is “It was a real honour teaching Grade 1 and 2 to be asked to fill the poat Eileen Madson Primasition,” Paul said. “I hope ry School in Invermere. Paul Carriere the choir is enjoying it as Paul graduated from much as I am.” Western Washington Paul moved from University with a BachGolden four years ago with his wife elor’s degree in Music, and went on to Barbara and their two children James, obtain a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies 10 and Thomas, 8. He spent six years as from the University of Victoria. principal of Golden Secondary School. Although his career is in the eduBy Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff

cation sector, Paul’s love for music remains steadfast. He spent many years as a music teacher, school choir conductor and also served as the director of the Abbotsford Concert Band from 1992 to 1995. Paul was singing in the community choir in Golden when he first heard of the Valley Voices. “I knew it was a quality group and I was interested in becoming involved when I relocated,” he said. After taking a year to get settled after his move to the valley, Paul began singing with the Valley Voices in 2006 under the director of Ken Mallett. “The choir was really well received and that was because of Ken’s leadership and talent as a musician,” he said. “It was a pleasure working with him.” After two and a half years working with Ken, Paul is now busy preparing for the choir’s upcoming spring concert, his debut performance as conductor.

“I am having a great time,” he said, “and I think the public will find the concert very entertaining.” Those who attend next weekend’s performance can expect to see a varied program, including an opening number written by a former Invermerian. “We are going to have some folk songs, some sacred pieces, a little bit of jazz and even some Abba,” Paul said. “We are also privileged to have a number of strong soloists in the group who will be featured that night.” Valley Voices will perform their spring concert twice, on May 22nd and 23rd, at Christ Church Trinity. The shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $10 per adult. Valley Voices has become locally famous and their concerts are usually standingroom-only. For more information, contact Paul at 250-342-2455 or Terry Taft at 250342-0385.

CHEERS TO BC WINES!

WINE TASTINGS EVERY THURSDAY Join us in the Lodge Lobby Thursday evenings starting April 30th to sample and learn about a fine selection of British Columbia wines. The tasting begins at 5:00pm. $10/person. One couple will receive a 25% off voucher for dinner in the Mountain Flowers Dining Room. Save the date! The 8th Annual East Kootenay Wine Festival is November 6-7, 2009 at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.

Got an entertainment, sports or news tip? Give us a call! 250-341-6299


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

May 15, 2009

Literacy gets $1.2 million By Columbia Basin Trust Columbia Basin Trust is doubling its support for Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy programs to $1.2 million over three years. “Columbia Basin Trust is proud to be able to increase its support and provide certainty and stability to Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy, allowing them to build effective and quality programs and networks,” said

Neil Muth, President. Columbia Basin Trust has been partnering with the alliance since its inception in 2000. Starting with five literacy programs, the alliance now operates 115 successful literacy programs in 16 basin communities residents with access to programs in reading, writing, early language learning, English as a second language support and computer literacy.

Literacy : more than words WED JUNE 3 2009 RD

09 at the Invermere Community Hall. Start collecting your old books! You can drop off your gently-used books to the library. Pictured here is Reece Lawrick, 4, showing off a decoration for the Mother’s Day card she was making. Photo by Sally Waddington

gourmet breakfast awards banquet live music • prizes

Entry forms available at: Public Libraries College of the Rockies Radium Resort

Kids love the library Little readers met at Invermere Public Library on May 8th for story time in the newly renovated children’s area. The upgrade was paid for with the funds raised at last year’s BIG Book Sale, organized by the Friends of the Library. This year’s Book Sale will be held on Saturday, July 18th

REGISTRATION $125

Contact Joe Evanoff Radium Resort Golf Pro (250) 347-6266

SPECIAL GUEST: SPOKEN WORD POET BARBARA ADLER design by www.proseart.com

KITCHEN AND BATHROOM CABINETS FURNITURE QUALITY BY FURNITURE BUILDERS RESTAURANT NOW OPEN!

Contact Dale Elliott • 250-341-7098 www.kekulibaycabinetry.com

The Mountainside Clubhouse has re-opened after a complete renovation of the ambience and menu! Chefs Lara and Adrian McCormack are excited to present mouth-watering new selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and special meals just for kids. Come savour the stunning panoramic mountain views. See you soon! Located at the Mountainside Golf Course Clubhouse. Everyone is welcome! Call 250.345.6019 for more information.

• Bedding Sand • Drain Rock • 3/4 Crush Gravel • Landscaping Rock


18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Builder Blow Out! Name Your Price ONLY 5 UNITS REMAIN

Show Suite Open Friday – Sunday Noon to 5:00 p.m.

1-866-272-7134 • www.thepinewood.ca

May 15, 2009


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

May 15, 2009

Brent Miller, Cathi Jakubiz and Ben Reed are eager to serve you. Photo by Cayla Gabruck

Ray Ray’s owners ready for summer By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff Nothing says summer like a cold beer, a hot day and a breathtaking view. Nothing says summer like Ray Ray’s Beach Pub. Invermere’s newest restaurant and pub near Kinsmen Beach is the perfect place to enjoy a summer day. “Our vision was to make a place where generations of people can grow up and enjoy – someplace where they can make memories,” said new owner Ben Reed, formerly of Calgary. Ben, 34, and his partners, Cathi Jakubiz, 37, of Calgary and Brent Miller, 33, of Leduc, officially took over the former Station Pub in mid-March. An entrepreneur, Ben always dreamed of owning his own restaurant. His interest in the food industry developed while he was attending university in Ottawa. Cathi brings a wealth of knowledge to the business, as her family has owned restaurants in Banff including the King Edward Hotel, Cassis Bistro and Out of Bounds, a popular sports bar. Brent brings technical know-how to the business, taking care of finances and mechanical issues. He will also be trying his hand behind the bar. When the group first saw the restau-

rant last fall, they were instantly sold on the location. Now, with a soft opening and numerous renovations under their belt, the trio says: “Bring on summer!” One of their goals is to showcase live music that most people will enjoy. “We will have a live band every weekend from now until September,” Ben said. Featuring an eclectic menu full of fabulous food, 12 types of draft beer, 36 bottled varieties, six different coolers and a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages, Ray Ray’s Beach Pub is definitely worth a look this summer. There is also a family section, making it suitable for everyone. So far, the pub has had a great response from patrons and even a few words from competing businesses. “Our menu says, ‘Arguably the best burger in the valley, possibly the world,’” Ben said. That claim has earned the new pub a challenge from Luxor Creek Cantina, located at Spur Valley Greens Golf Course. Patrons are invited to test a burger at both establishments and place their votes for best burger in the valley. The contest will close on July 1st. Ray Ray’s will hold its long weekend kick-off party this weekend, featuring performances by The Groove Demons of Calgary.

Join us May 15th– 16th for our…

LONG WEEKEND KICK-OFF PARTY! Live Music Friday & Saturday:

The Groove Demons from Calgary

12 Beers on Tap! Crazy Drink Specials all weekend! Try our ‘Best Burger’ Special. NEW ATMOSPHERE ATMOSPHERE NEW ATTITUDEE

Open Sunday – Thursday, 11:00 a.m. – Midnight Friday – Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. 1701 - 6th Avenue, Invermere (Formerly the Station Pub)


20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 15, 2009

YOUR MONEY

How to transfer your vacation property Tax-saving strategies to help keep the cottage in the family Your family cottage is a valuable asset. And not just in a financial sense: it brought you and your family years of enjoyment. Surely, keeping it in the family is an important goal. In normal circumstances, an appreciating asset is something to be happy about. But when it comes to the family cottage, things are rarely so simple. In fact, a substantial appreciation in the family cottage can create a “cottage crisis” within your family. Here’s why.

A typical scenario David and Mary purchased a vacation property 25 years ago. Although their children are grown, the kids still frequent the cottage, now with their own children. Over the years, the cottage has appreciated dramatically—it’s now worth $300,000 more than its original purchase price. While capital gains taxes have declined in recent years, the tax bill on this family cottage is expected to be substantial. If nothing is done to rectify the situation, a full $150,000 would have to be included as taxable when

the cottage passes to the children. At a tax rate of 41 percent, the total bill will be $61,500. If the children don’t have the resources to cover the tax, they may be forced to sell the property. It doesn’t have to be this way. Here are some simple suggestions that can help you avoid the same predicament David and Mary find themselves in.

Gifting While gifting will not eliminate capital gains taxes, it can control them. By choosing to give the family cottage to your children before you pass away, the property is deemed to be disposed at market value, thereby triggering taxes. However, future capital gains will be the responsibility of the new owner. This can be an effective strategy if such a transfer is made early enough, and if family conflict is not an issue. Families with more than one child will have to be certain that all of the children want to take ownership of the family cottage.

Life insurance Universal life insurance can be an effective way to help heirs with a tax bill.

Universal life insurance combines permanent life insurance and an investment account, allowing for a build-up in policy value. Funds from a policy are paid to beneficiaries tax-free, and are usually transferred to heirs more quickly than standard estate distributions. These funds can then be used to pay the capital gains tax on the family cottage with ease. Term insurance can also be an affective way to fund the capital gains on the family cottage. Unlike universal life insurance, however, term insurance purchased will run out at some point in the future if you do not pass away and can become money spent with no benefit to the next generation.

Principal residence If you find that the capital gains owing on your cottage will be higher than capital gains on your home in the city, it might make sense to designate the vacation property as your principal residence. This way, any increases on the cottage will not be taxed, thanks to the principal residence exemption. Keep in mind, however, that taxes will then accrue on your home in the city. As you can see, there are many ways to save taxes and keep a vacation property in the family. A discussion with your financial advisor or with your accountant can help get you started.

Brendan Donahue Investment Advisor

MANULIFE SECURITIES INCORPORATED

MANULIFE SECURITIES INSURANCE AGENCY

Worried about providing income in your retirement? Ask us about Manulife’s IncomePlus that helps provide the potential for market growth and 5% income for life.* *certain conditions apply

Brendan Donahue Insurance Agent

• Life Insurance • Critical Illness • Disability • Accident & Sickness • Segregated Funds • Annuities Call us for local, friendly, professional free consultations!

Sara Worley Insurance Agent

Insurance products and services are offered through Manulife Securities Insurance Agency (a licensed life insurance agency and affiliate of Manulife Securities) by Manulife Securities Advisors licensed as life agents. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company is the sole issuer of the Manulife GIF Select insurance contract which offers the IncomePlus benefit and the guarantor of any guarantee provisions therein.

250-342-2112 • 712-10th Street, Invermere

Investments Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Income Trusts, RRSPs, Preferred Shares

GIC Rates*

Cashable 90 Days 1 year 2 yrs 3 yrs 4 yrs 5 yrs

as of Mayy 12th

1.00% 1.05% 1.65% 2.25% 2.65% 3.00% 3.25%

*Rates subject to change without notice.

Phone: 250-342-2112 Services Planning RRSP Loans, Pension Transfers, Group RRSPs

Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Income Splitting, RESPs, RRIFs

Preferred Shares Issuer TD Bank Series AE Manulife Series D HSBC Series E

Term Apr 30, 2014 Feb 14, 2014 Apr 25, 2014

Yield* 4.70% 4.83% 4.87%

*Yield factors in the current share price, call date and set quarterly dividends. Rates are subject to change without notice. Can be sold prior to maturity.

Corporate Bonds Issuer Scotia Bank, Shaw Comm TD Capital Trust,

Term Jan 31, 2013 Nov 20, 2013 Jun 30, 2019,

Yield** 3.50% 4.75% 6.55%

** Estimated NET yield as of March 10, 2009, based on minimum commissions. Subject to change without notice and subject to availability. Actual yield obtained may differ.

Ask about our FREE consultations.


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

May 15, 2009

Need Blinds? Best Quality Call The Blind Guy!

Interior World

(250) 342 4406

For your FREE Consultation, call

Fubuki Sushi opens new location in Invermere Fubuki Sushi, which opened its first location in Panorama last winter, will launch its Invermere location this weekend, right across from Syndicate Boardshop in Athalmer. Here chef Haru Watanabe shows off the revamped interior of the new restaurant. Fubuki Sushi will

Build a brighter future here in Windermere

Financial Advisor

host its grand opening on Friday, May 15th. The restaurant will offer full catering and takeout, as well as inhouse dining. For more information, or to place a takeout order, call 250-342-2442. Photo by Cayla Gabruck

INVESTMENTS | RETIREMENT PLANNING | INSURANCE

O HOPUEN SAT/ SE SUN 12-5

PM

Fully serviced geo-thermal home sites complete with a clubhouse, pond, trails and magnificent views Clubhouse

Private pond

Trail system

$195,000

To Vancouver

95

93 To Calgary

95

from

93 WINDERMERE

www.aspenmeadows.net

Lake Windermer e

Windermer e Rd

ASPEN MEAD OW S

Enjoy life on the warm side of the Rockies with championship golf and water sports nearby. Live in a community complete with a clubhouse, fitness facilities, private pond and hiking trails. Aspen Meadows offers you all this and an excellent choice of 36 fully serviced geo-thermal home sites in a mountain view setting, just a short walk from Lake Windermere.

Contact:

Build your dream home or family retreat overlooking a scenic pond surrounded by trails. Close enough to enjoy the lake without the high cost of waterfront property. With today's value pricing you won't find a brighter spot in the Columbia Valley to build your custom home.

Dennis Mabbott: 250-270-0590

disclosure statement, E and OE.


22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 15, 2009

Dehart Sewer reminds homeowners to keep septic tanks cleaned By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff

FAMILY BUSINESS – Pumper Glen Wall with the Dehart family: Christopher, Andrew, Bruce and Alison. Photo by Sally Waddington

Glacier Mountain Homes Ltd. Custom Home Building

250-342-1517 gmhltd@telus.net www.glaciermountainhomes.com

GET PUMPED TODAY Why should we pump out septic tanks?

- Avoid costly repairs, regular maintenance is cost effective compared to replacing your septic system - It could stop working at the most inconvenient time (middle of winter, or a party, etc) - Save the environment, a full (or malfunctioning) tank could saturate and pollute the surrounding area, including creeks, ponds, and lakes. This could give off a foul smell, affecting the neighbourhood - Tanks close to the surface could freeze during the winter months if not used regularly - Septic tanks not used regularly also tend to fill quicker as the bacterial action stops working when not used (part time user should have their tanks pumped just as often as full-time users) - Your septic system is designed to last a very long time if maintained properly

TANKS SHOULD BE PUMPED EVERY 3 YEARS For More Info:

Contact Bruce of Dehart Sewer & Drain Ltd. 250-347-9803

Most people prefer not to think about their home’s septic tank or sewer pipes – for obvious reasons. But septic tanks need to be pumped every two or three years, and failing to do that could lead to a big, expensive mess. Bruce Dehart, of Dehart Sewer and Drain, has been pumping septics since 2001. He bought the family business from his uncle, Don, eight years ago when it was simply a pumping operation. “I expanded it to include portable toilets, sewer and drain cleaning and a sewer camera,” Bruce said. Now he has two semi pump trucks and two smaller pumper trucks. He employs three people: fellow pumper Glen Wall, bookkeeper Jennifer Swan, and Bruce’s wife Alison Brown, who looks after administration. Bruce has lived in the Columbia Valley ever since high school. His former career was in logging, and he moved to the Queen Charlotte Islands for work after he finished school, returning here in 1994. Bruce met his wife, Alison, six years ago and they have two children: Christopher, 4, and Andrew, 1. Bruce has two older children from a previous marriage: Shawn, 21, and Natasha, 19. And he’s a grandfather, too, as Natasha has a daughter, Shyanne, 2. While Bruce’s work has expanded now, pumping is still a significant community service. Outside the municipalities, properties on septic tanks can get into trouble without Bruce’s attention. “Pumping protects the environment,” Bruce said. “If the sewer fails it could saturate the ground with sewage and contaminate water tables – lakes, streams or ponds.” Seasonal homes are not exempt from needing maintenance. “It is just as important for part-time residents to pump as full-time,” Bruce

explained. “After time, the bacteria stops working – similar to a compost. If the septic is not pumped regularly, it could give off a foul smell, affecting the neighbourhood. “Septic systems are designed to last a long time if they are maintained properly,” Bruce added. What’s more, there’s no predicting when the septic system will fail. “It could stop working at the most inconvenient time if not pumped – like in the middle of a party . . . not to mention digging up the lawn to repair it.” When construction increased in the valley in 2004, Bruce added portable toilet hire to his list of services. Back then, he had just six toilets available; now he has around 100. The toilets can be hired for parties, too, or community events. They can be pumped throughout the hire, or just pumped when Bruce or Glen come to pick them up. Dehart Sewer and Drain expanded again in 2005 to include sewer and drain cleaning. Usually, Bruce is called in to deal with blockages in a home’s pipe system – anywhere from the sink to the septic field or the connection to the municipality’s main line. “I scrape the sludge out of the lines and clear blockages in the septic field or in the house,” Bruce explained. Dehart Sewer’s newest addition is a top-of-the-line sewer camera. It is attached to the end of a cable and gets fed into the sewer pipes to help pinpoint the location of a problem, such as tree root intrusion, sagging or incorrectly installed pipes, or collapsed lines. Because of this, you won’t need a trench dug across your whole lawn. “A locator pinpoints where the camera stops. In the yard, I can locate the head of the camera and dig right at that spot,” Bruce said. “In the old days, you had to dig up the whole lawn.” You can reach Dehart Sewer and Drain at 250-347-9803 or 250-3425357.


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

May 15, 2009

Communities being analyzed for accessibility

Four Seasons For All Reasons!

Thank you for your business!

Just a reminder that I’m here to serve you year-round! If you need a gift – Just Call! •

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff The communities of Canal Flats and Invermere are putting accessibility under the microscope. Measuring Up committees are seeking community input on issues for disabled people. An initiative of the province’s 2010 Legacies Now operation, Measuring Up awards funds to British Columbia communities to aid accessibility. “The focus of the project is to try to encourage accessibility and inclusion for seniors and people with disabling conditions,” explained Glenys SnowDymond, coordinator of both projects. Invermere and Canal Flats councils were awarded $15,000 each last year. They have until the end of May to complete projects and a community assessment. “A number of people in the community have looked at what level of access already exists in the community, and how access can be improved,” Ms. SnowDymond said. In Invermere, improvement is focused on accessible parking. Parking stalls that can be used by accessible vans and motor vehicles are being created, and curbs are being moved. Now Ms. SnowDymond is issuing a questionnaire for Invermere residents. Using a rating system, it asks people to consider where accessibility is adequate, and where it needs to be improved. The committee is hoping to receive at least 500 completed questionnaires. “Take a look at the community through the eyes of a disability lens,” Ms. SnowDymond said. “Turn obstacles into opportunities.” The survey is available at numerous locations including Columbia Garden Village, the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce, Invermere library, the medical clinics, and Spring Health Foods. A final evaluation will be presented to the District of Invermere, who will use the outcomes to address issues. Meanwhile, residents of Canal Flats with disabling conditions are being asked to fill out a form that would explain their condition so their needs would be met in the event of an emergency evacuation. “People can feel confident their information is held securely and only used at the time of a major risk,” Ms. SnowDymond added. “Then hopefully at the time of a major need, no one is neglected.” The form is available at the village office. Call 250349-5462 to pick up a copy. The Village of Canal Flats has also undergone modifications to its office to allow access for people with mobility problems. Also, a parking stall able to accommodate accessible vehicles has been built at the post office. Other projects are ongoing.

custom landscape design and construction for all lifestyles & budgets

250.341.1899

Rob Lee

Contractor/Sales Coordinator

Amy Woodruff

Floor Systems/Trusses

www.hybridlandscapes.ca

Mike Roblin Doors/Windows

Independently owned • 410 Borden St., Athalmer • Phone: 250-342-6226


24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 15, 2009

Pynelogs gallery, café open for 2009 summer season Submitted by Jessica Gowling Pynelogs Centre

We sell New products include

250-341-1114 support@moondancetechnology.com

NOW OFFERING CORPORATE PASSES AND PUNCH CARDS

CANOE OR KAYAK LADIES NIGHT

COLUMBIA RIVER OUTFITTERS

Canoe & Kayak Rentals & Tours • 250-342-7397 www.ColumbiaRiverOutfitters.com

Just a reminder… The classified deadline is 12 noon Tuesday.

The Columbia Valley Arts Council is pleased to announce the beginning of a new and exciting season at Pynelogs Cultural Centre. With 12 innovative exhibitions planned featuring more than 70 artists, some unique musical performances, the Cinefest Independent Film Series, artistic workshops throughout the summer for all ages and the proximity of the delicious Pynelogs Café, it should be hard for valley residents to have a boring summer. So don’t be shy, come down to the gallery, visit us online at www. columbiavalleyarts.com or give us a call at 250-342-4423 for more information about this year’s stimulating season. The first solo exhibition from our brilliant summer line-up of artists is on display until May 24th in the Pynelogs Gallery. This exhibit, entitled ‘Farm Fragments,’ exclusively features the creations of Jean Pederson. Developed from an interest in her grandparents’ homestead in the Saskatchewan prairies, Jean has at-

Lady golfers welcome

Jessica Gowling tempted to understand the family farm through its beginnings and its evolution. Whenever she was visiting the family farm, Jean would collect old receipts, pieces of linoleum, doors, moldings, found objects and photographs in an attempt to amass an understanding of the changing landscape and social fabric of the prairies. ‘Farm Fragments’ displays these artifacts in carefully crafted installations and creations that also incorporate art-making techniques

Windermere Valley Ladies Club Captain Sharyn Schmidt welcomed 21 hardy ladies who braved the elements and played nine holes of Team Count Your Putts before enoying a lovely spread of wine and cheese on the first day of the 2009 Season. Three teams shared the game’s

such as collage, painting and photo-transfer. Jean describes this exhibit “as eclectic as the people who made up rural society.” While visiting Jean Pederson’s exhibition, why not make a lunch date with some friends or family and sit down at the Pynelogs Café? Enjoy a variety of original and delicious lunch items created daily by the chefs, including fresh-made soups and salads. Or you can stick with one tasty item that will never leave the menu – the scrumptious Scotty Burger, a perfectly-seasoned eight-ounce 100-percent Alberta beef burger with the toppings stuffed right inside the meaty centre. No matter which item you choose to chow down on, you won’t be disappointed. So feed your cravings for delectable food and feast your soul on groundbreaking art by visiting Pynelogs today! Editor’s Note: Summer student Jessica Gowling has returned to Pynelogs for the second summer to write a weekly column about the centre’s exciting arts and entertainment events. Welcome back to the valley, Jessica.

prize with Doreen Stewart and Diane Kochorek splitting the Putting Pot. Coreen Ruault won the door prize. “Welcome back!” to Rene Gaspar and Clara Hart and new member Carole Macrae. Tee-off time is every Wednesday at 2 p.m. and visitors are most welcome.


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

May 15, 2009

Bellies of the ball The Arabian Mountain Spice belly dance troupe performed outside Interior World last Saturday in celebration of World Belly Dance Day. The group raised $320 in support of Plan Canada’s cause “Because I’m a Girl.” Shown here are three members of the group. Left: Iris Grolla of Invermere. Far right, Deanna Berrington, and Sandra Mercier. For more information or to join the group, visit their website at www.arabianmountainspice.com. Photos by Dave Sutherland

KICK UP YOUR HEELS WITH…

JOHNNY TORNADO, MIGHTY JOE YOUNG AND THE VOODOO HEALERS TH SATURDAY, MAY 16  PRIME RIB DINNER Dinner by Anne Riches

Joe Peters Curling Rink – $25 Advance Tickets Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets Available at Grant’s Foods Invermere and PetroCan in Radium, and McGillvray’s Landing in Windermere . For more information call 250-342-3841 or e-mail wincreek@shaw.ca • Limited Tickets Available for the Dinner FUND RAISING EVENTS, SILENT AND LIVE AUCTION IN SUPPORT OF THE LIONS’ ROAD TO RESCUE VEHICLE

The Pioneer Triple the circulation, triple the advertising power of any other local newspaper!


26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 15, 2009

 



   

 

 



   

 

 



   

 

 



   

 

 



   

 

 

Skier sues resort, RCMP following wife’s death By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff A skier who lost his wife in a tragic accident near Golden this winter is now suing various authorities for damages resulting from negligence. Gilles Blackburn, whose address is listed as Whistler, B.C., has filed a civil suit in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, naming the Attorney General of Canada, Her Majesty the Queen in right of British Columbia, and the Attorney General of British Columbia (all responsible for the Golden Detachment of the RCMP); Golden and District Search and Rescue Association; and three bodies doing business as Kicking Horse Mountain Resort – Ballast Nedam Canada Limited, Grouse Mountain Resorts Ltd. and Columbia Basin Trust. The action comes two months after Mr. Blackburn and his wife Marie Josée Fortin skied out of bounds at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort on February 15th and became lost in the Canyon

Creek area near Golden. Seven days later, Ms. Fortin died of hypothermia, two days before Mr. Fortin was rescued. The lawsuit says that Mr. Blackburn stamped “SOS” signals in different locations into the snow in an attempt to attract the attention of passing aircraft. According to the lawsuit, although the signals were spotted and reported to authorities, a search was not launched immediately. In the lawsuit, Mr. Blackburn alleges that he has sustained injuries including the loss of parts of both feet; nervous shock, depression, nightmares and anxiety. These injuries, court documents state, have caused pain, suffering and permanent physical disability. Several days after Mr. Blackburn was found, former Golden RCMP Staff Sergeant Marko Shehovac issued a public apology to Mr. Blackburn and his family members because the RCMP had failed to initiate a prompt search. Mr. Shehovac is now the Staff Sergeant at the Columbia Valley Detachment in Invermere.



   

 

 





    

Lakeshore campground seeks new leaseholders By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff

 

 



   

 

 



   

 

 



  

  



It’s been less than a year since second homeowners at Lakeshore Resort and Campground located on the southeastern shore of Lake Windermere were asked to remove their trailers and leave the property. Since then, the Akisqnuknik Development Corporation, the corporation responsible for the campground, has offered the previous tenants a renewal on their lease. The new five-year lease has been signed by some of the summer residents who were happy to return to their much-loved cottages, said Lillian Rose of the Akisqnuknik Development Corporation. However, some previous owners declined the terms of the new lease, which was not made public.

Over the past 26 years, some of the trailers have become permanent structures, their owners adding decks, fences, retaining walls and even docks. Those who refused the lease were instructed to remove their trailers and leave a clean, vacant lot. Some owners have paid to have their trailers removed, while other owners have walked away and abandoned their property. In addition to the 82 seasonal sites – some of which are now available for lease – the campground has 49 overnight sites without services, a day use area and two mobile homes for rent. For more information on Lakeshore Resort and Campground, call 250-342-6352. For information on leasing a seasonal site, call Lillian Rose at 250-342-4409.


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27

May 15, 2009

The CVCC would like to THANK the following corporate sponsors for their generous contribution to our 11th Annual Business Excellence Awards: GOLD: • •

Canadian Pacific Copper Point Golf Club

SILVER: • • • • •

HSBC Bank Canada Palliser Printing Panorama Mountain Village Real Storage (Windermere) Royal Lepage Rockies West Realty

CATEGORY: • •

AG Valley Foods CIBC

and Tom McNeil, with a $2,327.86 cheque for the new rescue vehicle. The funds were courtesy of the bank’s Employee Charitable Foundation. The firefighters are raising money for a new state-of-the-art road rescue vehicle.

• • • • • • • • • • •

Community Futures East Kootenay Eagle Ranch Golf Resort Fairmont Business Association Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Fairmont Mountainside Villas Invermere Hardware & Building Supplies Co. Ltd. Kootenay Group Insurance Planners Moondance Technology Radium Resort Smith Green Andruschuk LLP The Valley Echo

Innovative Design and Practical Solutions

Rescue Vehicle gets Bank of Montreal donation Bank of Montreal branch manager Jordan Kulicki and assistant branch manager Amanda-Lynn Arkell present Lake Windermere District Lions Club representative Rick Hoar, along with Invermere Fire Chief Roger Ekman

CATEGORY:

Book Your FREE Consultation Today

250-342-5676 www.RockWorksLandscape.com

Over 6 weeks Of luxury livinG frOm $5,000 / year. Exquisitely furnished 2 - 4 bedroom townhomes / Prime golf, lake and ski season use / Eighth, quarter and whole ownership options / Club membership / RCI exchange privileges / a new fairmOnt hOt sprinGs is takinG fOrm. whOle Ownership frOm the $550’s Quarter fractiOns frOm the $120’s eiGhth fractiOns frOm the $80’s pOssessiOns summer 2009

1.877.646.5890 fairmontridge.ca


28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 15, 2009

POTTERY ART: LESLIE STARNES

GROW WITH THE BEST! Your favourite bedding plants From asters to zinias

Colourful planters & hanging baskets Ready to go!

Rocky Mountain & Designer Geraniums Non-Stop Begonias & Fuschsias Proven Winners™ Basket Stuffers & Wave™ Petunias Perennials • Groundcover Ornamental Grasses

IN THE NURSERY

Fruit trees • Evergreens Flowering shrubs • Shade trees

FOR THE GARDEN

Seeds • soils • fertilizers • mulch wildflowers & grass seed

Soccer season kicks into high gear Monday to Saturday 9 - 6 • Sunday 10 - 4 Highway 93/95 Windermere (250) 342-3236

Just a reminder… The classified deadline is 12 noon Tuesday.

David Thompson Secondary School soccer player Haley McDonald of Invermere, left, battles for control of the ball with a member of the Trail Hawks at last weekend’s East/West Kootenay Championships held at the J. Alfred Laird and Kootenay Savings field at Mount Nelson Athletic Park. The Lakers lost the game 0-3.

Timber Ridge I-Built for comfort!!

This tournament marks the end of the school soccer season, but league games organized by the Columbia Valley Recreation Society are in full swing. Hundreds of boys and girls from around the valley are enrolled in this popular sport. For info, visit www.cvrec.ca. Photo by Cayla Gabruck

aria and Dayna would like to welcome

Amanda Brash A

to the Anglz team (until September). manda can help you with all of your colour, cut and perm needs. She would like to remind all of you grads to book r appointments soon!

Glenn Pomeroy Representative

Office: (250) 341-6044 • www.maxwellrealtyinvermere.ca

Hair and dio Tanning Stu

0-342-3227


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

May 15, 2009

Green Zone welcomes guest columnist By Harold Hazelaar Pioneer Columnist Without mentioning any names, I must hand over this week’s column to a local brand new golfer. Seems he somehow caught the bug and felt it was worthy of my attention. So he submitted the following column. *** Since I’m going to the “dark side” and selling golf gear, I figured I’d better get out myself and see what all the fuss is about. I traded an old mountain bike for some clubs from the head pro at Eagle Ranch. I don’t exactly know what I have in the bag, but some are named Ping and others are made by Taylor. I also picked up a very new shiny pair of golf shoes because I thought that was part of the gear I should have. Part of the reason I haven’t golfed until now is that I know myself all too well and will be all-consumed by it. Anyway, my first golf experience was at Radium Resort. I decided to go to the range, but felt pretty intimidated walking out amongst the pros with my bag of goodies. I parked myself at one end in order to limit the amount of ridicule I was sure was coming. Brent told me to start at the small ones and work my way up. Anyway, I started with the nine iron (opposite to Brent’s advice) and had some success with it. Mind you, some chunks of grass went further than some of the balls I hit. I had a Rescue Fairway 3 and really didn’t know if I should tee it up or continue with the trough I was digging.

Before I started to hit with the woods, I decided to get some advice from one of the two older men next to me. My new friend was more than willing to give me a few tips about how to stand, and also showed me a way to line up the ball for hitting with any club. As he was talking, he quickly lined up the ball and cranked a beautiful straight drive. I was wondering if I was being set up and looked around for the hidden camera. While he graciously gave me more advice he cranked ball after ball straight down the fairway in the 200 plus range. The reason I am telling you this is because this patient, gracious man who took time out of his day for an obvious rookie was Mr. Teneese (not sure of his first name). Apparently in his day he was one of the best golfers in the valley. (I found this out from the other man once Mr. T. had moved on). I am a professed adrenalin junkie and a very reluctant hacker, but was very thankful for the time that these veterans took out of their day to help me. My golf experience was very humbling, to say the least. More importantly, I realized that golf is a lifelong sport that crosses lots of social boundaries, including age. The gentlemen I met at the range are true ambassadors of the sport. *** I lied about the part where I wasn’t going to mention any names. Next time you see Stacy Szabo out on the golf course, encourage him to continue playing but quit writing my columns! The Green Zone Quote of the Week is by Arnold Palmer: “Golf is deceptively simple, yet endlessly complicated.”

Selling dream homes, delivering lifestyles. Jenny Bueckert Representative

At the River’s Edge With views of Mt.Nelson this 1,188 sq. ft., 2 bedroom plus den, provides loads of room for the whole family. The large master bedroom with walk in closet & en-suite is sure to make momma happy. Close to the beach & playground, the resort offers a fitness room and an outdoor pool with hot tubs. Downtown Invermere is a short walk away and both Eagle Ranch & Copper Point golf courses are within a 5 minute drive. Let’s write an offer!!

349,900 349,900 plus GST

$

1st Time Home Buyers!! With a 360 degree panoramic view this neat & clean 3 bedroom is situated on a quiet street in the friendly community of Wilmer. Plenty of room for the kids, pets and the families gardener plus there’s room for a garage, shop or an addition. Must be seen to fully appreciate this fabulous home.

229,900 229,900 00

$

Timeshare & Fractional Re-Sales Now Available at RE/MAX Invermere www.time-sharecanada.com 250-342-6505 250-341-5168

E-mail: remaxbilly@telus.net www.remaxbilly.com • www.bcrockiesproperty.com www.remaxinvermere.com

Is excited to introduce:

Stroller StrideS A Get-Fit Program for Mommies! Introductory Pricing of only

$80.00 for 6 Weeks!

Mondays 9:15-10:45

Allowing you to drop off and pick up your school-aged children!

Trainer: Lexie Humeniuk Guest Trainer: Michelle Taylor of LifeSports

For Information call Lexie 250.688.0135

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, May 17, 808 Lakeview Meadows Road

Register at Valley Fitness Centre (limited availability)


30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 15, 2009

Proposed Fairmont parks and trails service will be put to voters in fall referendum By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff Residents of Fairmont Hot Springs will go to referendum in September to decide whether to establish a parks and trails service area. The service area is designed to generate enough tax revenue to maintain a system of parks and trails. It would also pave the way for the regional district to require the dedication of parkland or cash-in-lieu from a developer at the time of subdivision of property within the service area. According to Andrew McLeod, manager of planning and development services at the Regional District of East Kootenay, the service area, as proposed, is designed to raise up to about $140,000 annually for park and trail maintenance. The maximum tax rate is $0.20 per $1,000 of assessed value of land and improvements — about $56 for a residence with an assessed value at build-out, still years away, of $300,000. Any capital costs involved in building the parks and trails would come from a third party. It is anticipated, he said, that during the first few years the regional district will require only a portion of that amount to fund the service, as very few assets will

have been created that require maintenance. At an open house on May 6th, the Regional District of East Kootenay unveiled plans for an extensive trail system between Fairmont, Columere Park and Columbia Ridge. The paths would include recreational trails, boardwalks and local trails and sidewalks. There would also be several scenic overlooks, a boat launch on the Columbia River and one on Columbia Lake. “The plan covers everything from sidewalks in the core of Fairmont to get people off the highway, all the way up to hiking trails and pathways linking the community of Fairmont to Dutch Creek, Columere Park and Columbia Ridge,” explained regional director Wendy Booth. “The next step is to take that to the community for input.” A proposal for trails in Fairmont went out for community input in 2006, but failed to garner the required majority support. “There was not a lot of detail and it was defeated because of a perceived lack of a plan,” Mr. McLeod commented. “With more detailed planning, we are hoping to

WEDNESDAY MAY 20th

THURSDAY MAY 21st

address the concerns brought up in 2006.” Fairmont Hot Springs Resort hired Calgary architecture firm Land Architecture Studio to draft the plans. The regional district is now asking residents whether they are prepared to pay an additional tax to maintain the trails. A document presented to the public at the open house says, “The regional district does not intend to develop the system, only to maintain it after the trails and other assets are developed by third parties.” The referendum will be held on Saturday, September 19th at Fairmont Fire Hall. “I am hopeful that the community will get behind the proposed service area in September,” Director Booth commented. “There is still plenty of opportunity for the community to seek information about the proposed service area in order to make an informed decision in the fall. “It is important to note that the plan being presented, is just that – a plan – and it can change once a service area is established. These decisions and priorities will be made by the Fairmont Area Recreation and Trails Society, keeping all decisions local.” More information is available at www.rdek.bc.ca.

FRIDAY MAY 22nd

SATURDAY MAY 23rd

SUNDAY MAY 24nd

WAREHOUSE DIRECT SALE

CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY MAY 18th, 19th TO PREPARE

11:00 a.m – 5:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m – 5:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m – 8:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m – 6:00 p.m.

12:00 noon – 5:00 p.m.

Dented, scratched, discontinued, floor models and demo’s.

UP TO

STORE WIDE

1708 CRANBROOK STREET (ON THE STRIP) CRANBROOK (250) 426-2311 • www.ashleyfurniturehomestore.com


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31

May 15, 2009

Looking for a job or career? SOUTHERN INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION

The Trades Industry Wants You! Check out one of our upcoming sessions to get information on speciďŹ c trades. Next information session: Thursday, May 21st, 1:00 p.m. Columbia Valley Employment Centre 1313 – 7th Avenue South, Invermere

Call Today! Roy Cimolai, Trades Assistance Program Ph: 250-421-9212 • E-mail: rcimolai@sica.bc.ca Funded in whole or part through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement

John McCarthy

FAIRMONT TRAIL SYSTEM – Purple lines show the routes of existing and proposed trails between Fairmont and Columbia Ridge, in one of several drawings prepared by the Regional District of East Kootenay, although these

have not been finalized. The service area will be established only after voters have the chance to approve the funding in a September referendum. For details, contact Area F Director Wendy Booth at 250-345-6155.

Your Local TEAMRAVEN.ca

Professionals

Mountain Creek Properties Ltd. S trata, Rental & Commercial Property Mana g emen t

For professional management of your strata corporation or rental property, overseen by a Certiďƒž ďƒžed Property ManagerÂŽ, please contact ÂŽ Bill Weissig CPM , RI, RPA, CPRPM, CLO, SMA, CRES. Our property managers are licensed under the Real Estate Services Act of B.C. For more information regarding their extensive qualiďƒžďƒžcations and experience, please visit our web site at http://www.mountaincreek.ca. Phone: 250-341-6003

Email: bweissig@mountaincreek.ca

Paul Glassford Sales Consultant $FMM t

Daniel Zurgilgen www.maxwelldaniel.com

Invermere, Windermere, Panorama, Fairmont and Radium Hot Springs

EACH OFFICE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

Glenn Pomeroy glennpomeroy@shaw.ca


32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 15, 2009

CO LUM B I A VA L L E Y P I O N E E R S P E C I A L P R OJ E C T

Buy this giclée by Mark Sharp

Featured on the cover of the

2009 Columbia Valley MAP BOOK and help purchase a new Rescue Vehicle.

To purchase your copy of this beautiful print, please visit Downtown Invermere

(250) 342-7566 artymgallery.com

Friends of Kootenay National Park The volunteer group is dedicated to the protection of the national park and its surroundings. It is now sponsoring a Bighorn Photo Contest. Winners will be published in a book called Sheep in the Village, about the Bighorn Sheep around Radium. Here the board is pictured at their annual general meeting. Back row: Rod Conklin, Deb Griffith, Natalie Wallace, Ron Verboom. Front row: Melody Krasnuik and Wendy Bennett. Missing is Karen Lassen. For more information, visit www.friendsofkootenay.ca.

OR DESIGN SER VICES • INTERI

• HU NTER

INGS R E V CO DOUGLAS WINDOW

This Weekend Only

Saturday 10 am -5 pm, Sunday 10 am- 5 pm , & Monday 11 am - 4 pm

Check Out Our New Look! We’ve renovated to provide better access and to better showcase our flooring selection. • Featuring renewable flooring from Cork, Bamboo and Eucalyptus • Reclaimed Wood Flooring

• Non-Toxic Finishes • Large Selection of Area Rugs • Tile, Stone and Carpet

#109-901 7th Ave., Invermere

TENT SALE Great savings on select items.

492 ARROW ROAD INVERMERE BC

V0A 1K0 250 342 8668 1 877 342 8668 INFO@THENATURALHOME.CA


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 33

May 15, 2009

Grand Prize Photo Winner

Image courtesy of Natural Art Images - Brad Hill - www.naturalart.ca

The Nature of Things, a CBC documentary program hosted by David Suzuki, has awarded John Niddrie of Invermere first prize in its Nature in Focus Environmental Photography Competition. During the forest fire in Kootenay Park in 2003, John snapped this photo of some weary firefighters resting outside Kootenay Park Lodge. “I had my small point-and-shoot digital camera and knew that this was a moment that I had to capture,” he said. John has won a vacation for two to Quebec City, courtesy of Quebec City Tourism, plus a digital camera, courtesy of Nikon Canada. The judging panel included Canada’s first woman in space and renowned photographer Roberta Bondar. John has worked for Parks Canada for the past 30 years and also operates a guideoutfitting business in Mount Assiniboine. “My passion, besides my family, is wilderness adventure and travel, and photography is a good fit with my lifestyle,” says John. This is the first photography contest John has ever entered. He and his wife Lise have two sons, Thomas and Nick.

To our 2009 Sponsors who graciously ‘gave’ to the Wings Over the Rockies Bird Festival Golden Eagle Adventure Canada Bald Eagle BC Hydro Natural Art Images - Brad Hill Navigator MultiMedia Nipika Mountain Resort Osprey Cangar Holdings, LTD (KOWA) Wood Duck 2M Design & Discovery Web District of Invermere High Country Properties Interior World

Invermere Home Hardware Invermere Veterinary Hospital Kicking Horse Coffee Palliser Printing Panache Interiors Panorama Mountain Village Village of Radium Hot Springs Windermere Lakeside Bed & Breakfast Mountain Bluebird Bavin Glassworks BJS Accounting Services Eagle Ranch Golf Resort Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Jill Unger Lambert Insurance

Lambert-Kipp Pharmacy Lynne & Leo Grillmair Nature’s Scene Prestige Radium Hot Springs Rona/North Star Hardware Sobey’s Invermere The Nature Trust of British Columbia Raven Dave’s Book Bar Crazy Soles Running Store Nory and Julio Esteban Pauline Newhouse PN Clay Studio Tex Lortscher-High Country Auctions The Canyon RV Resort

Winderberry Nursery Pileated Woodpecker Copper Point Golf Course Great Divide Nature Interpretation Travel World Windermere Valley Golf Course Woodnuts - Roy Healy Great Blue Heron AG Valley Foods Artym Gallery Babin Air CertainTeed Gypsum Canada, Inc. Columbia River Outfitters Coys Par 3

Dr. Pat O’Sullivan East Kootenay Realty Ltd.(Ins. Div.) Effusion Art Gallery Friends of Kootenay National Park Gerald and Carol Wilkie Joel Hagen and Nadine Fletcher Kalahari Management Inc. Lake Windermere District Rod and Gun Club Parks Canada Schickedanz West Shirley Campbell Royal Lepage Rockies West Realty Te Papa Nui Antiques The Wildbird General Store

Mountain Chickadee Bob & Lorraine Campsall Canterbury Flowers Columbia Cycle and Sport Invermere Petro Canada Jim & Sheila Bonny Konig Meat and Sausage Company Kootenay Savings Martha Christie The Wild Bird Store Quality Bakery Spring Health Foods Strands Old House Restaurant Summit Footwear & Apparel Warwick Interiors

Volunteers, Trip leaders and Presenters are also a very important source of support for the Wings Over the Rockies Bird Festival and we extend a beak-full of thanks to all those that get involved.

On behalf of the Wings Over the Rockies Board of Directors

keep on birdin’

Jim Bonny · Mike Gagne · Nory Esteban · Al Leslie · Terri-Joe Henry · Stan Markham · Lyle Wilson · Larry Halverson · Elizabeth Stuart

www.wingsovertherockies.org


34 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

VALLEY PEOPLE

May 15, 2009

From a plantation in Trinidad to the valley they now call home: Ken and Ruth Gordon By Dorothy Isted Special to the Pioneer

ORCHID GROWERS— Above, Ruth’s home in Port of Spain. At right, two early photos of the young couple. The second shows Ken holding a six-week-old Robbie Gordon under their company house. Below, the Gordons lead the mount, Biscayne Bay, from the winner’s circle in 1981.

Photos courtesy of the Gordon Family

Ruth and Ken Gordon first experienced the Columbia Valley in 1973 when they came to visit their son Rob Gordon, who was teaching elementary school in Canal Flats. At the time, the Gordons were living in their lifelong home, the Caribbean island of Trinidad, 11 kilometres north of Venezuela. Their families had emigrated there from Britain in the 1800s. On the remote chance that one day they might live in the valley, the couple purchased land in Juniper Heights. The couple loved golf. At the time, there were only two nine-hole courses: Radium Resort and Mountainside. Bavin Construction built their home, with Rob acting as general contractor for his parents, who moved here in 1985. Both Ruth and Ken were born on the island of Trinidad. Ruth’s father was employed by a South African oil company and Ken was born on his family’s cocoa plantation, Santa Rosa. At one time, Trinidad was the third-largest cocoa producer in the world. However, several factors contributed to the decline in cocoa production. World War One caused a disruption in shipping. The Great Depression caused prices to plummet. Blights damaged the trees. An emerging oil industry provoked labour shortages. Trinidad now produces only a tiny fraction of the world’s cocoa. Ken’s father died when he was a little boy. His widowed mother did not drive a car and their 800acre plantation was too remote for the children to attend school. As a result, Ken often found himself playing outdoors and excelled at sports. From an early age he played cricket, soccer, field hockey and tennis. When he was 12 years old, the family moved to Scotland so the children could be educated. Four years later, in 1940, when Hitler overran France, Ken recalls, “Everyone thought England was finished, so we came back to Trinidad.” People were trying to get their children to safe places, away from the war zone of Britain. The captain of the ship on which they sailed refused to take responsibility for 35 children on board, so Ken’s mother took charge, ensuring that they reached their final destination after landing in port. Continued on Page 35 . . .


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 35

May 15, 2009

HAPPY COUPLE — Left, Ruth and Ken Gordon enjoy each other’s company as residents of Invermere’s Columbia Garden Village. According to Ken, “Everything I’ve done has turned out good.”

Photo by Cayla Gabruck Continued from Page 34 . . . When Ken was 18 years old, he decided to enlist in the air force. A friend of his had attended school in Ontario and Ken decided to sign up with the Royal Canadian Air Force, for two reasons – the Canadian pay was higher than the British pay, and the Brits were being trained in Canada. However, the war ended before Ken was sent to Europe and he returned to Trinidad. The families in Trinidad, in their social sphere, were very close and that’s how Ken met his beloved, Ruth McLean. They were married in 1948 and children followed soon after. Their son Rob was born in 1949 and their daughter Jenny in 1952. Ken started out in the oil business in 1945 as a driller and worked his way up to management. Their son Rob Gordon recalls his childhood: “We lived in the bush, a long way from what you would call civilization. In terms of miles it wasn’t that far, about 50 miles to Port of Spain, but the roads weren’t that great. The company camp had everything: swimming pools, tennis courts, playing fields.” In the camp, there was a two-room school with a teacher in each room. When children were about 10 years old, they had to go further afield for education and were boarded with families during the week in Port of Spain and returned home on weekends. Most homes were built on stilts, so it was cool underneath. In the rainy season, people parked their cars under the house. The oil company provided their employees with small trucks called jitneys. Rob remembers: “From our house, we could count the derricks all around in the jungle. They’d clear the

jungle and you could see the rigs sticking up through the trees. It was an amazing life. We were outside all the time, riding our bikes and fishing.” Ruth ran the house and looked after the children. Her hobby was gardening and she grew orchids under the almond trees, which were flat and gave the orchids shade. She recalls with light in her eyes, the beautiful red spider orchids and the bee orchids with sprays of 20 flowers on them. Some orchids were purchased from nurseries, but others came from the jungle. Ken left the oil business in 1974 and, at his family’s request, began the complex task of developing the cocoa estate. There was a lot of red tape involved and it took three years to accomplish. The government had to approve the plan before it could be sold. Ken remembers, “It was a bit of a palaver.” Now there are many homes and even industrial areas covering the land of his childhood. About this time the Gordons got interested in horse racing. Ken purchased and bred race horses. On this small island only 20 to 30 miles across, there were three racetracks, which was extraordinary. Another pursuit was golf. Ken started when he was 13 years old, but Ruth didn’t take it up until she was in her 40s. She had always been athletic, even playing field hockey on a national team against British Guiana. Golfing got into her blood, and Ken laughs that she became “addicted.” After moving to the Columbia Valley in 1985, the Gordons continued to golf in a big way. In 1987, Ken played on the East Kootenay golf team at the B.C. Summer Games and they took bronze, the first time a team from the Kootenays had placed. Ruth had to

quit golfing ten years ago due to problems with her knees. Two years ago, Ken had a heart attack on the golf course and had to give it up. However, he figured he’d “give back something to the young people of the valley,” and provided a golf bursary for junior golfers at David Thompson Secondary School. The recipient must be a good all-around student. Ken was humbled to be eligible for Canadian Veterans Affairs benefits, which provide him with medical help. He never imagined when he volunteered with the Canadian air force 60 years ago that he would actually live in Canada one day. In his words, “Everything I’ve done has turned out good. I came to Canada from a little island in the Caribbean. Canada has been very good to me. My friends here have been more than kind and generous towards me as an immigrant. Ruth and I feel so lucky to be living in this valley.” Ruth and Ken now live at Columbia Garden Village in Invermere. Both of their children, Rob and Jenny, came to Canada to attend university and remained in this country. When Rob was in university, he worked one summer at Lake Louise, saw the Columbia Valley and decided to move here. He and his wife Linda have two children, Ian and Katherine, who were born in the valley but now live in Vancouver. Rob retired from teaching at J. Alfred Laird school in Invermere five years ago. Jenny is a painter, now living in Montreal with her husband Paul Smith. She has taught at Concordia College and Lethbridge University. Their granddaughter Isobel attends college in Quebec.


36 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 15, 2009

HERE TO SERVE YOU Dunlop Contracting All Your Excavating, Hauling, Landscaping Needs

Bruce Dunlop Cell: (250) 342-1793 Home: (250) 342-9081 E-mail: dunmal@telus.net

Box 75 Athalmer, BC V0A 1A0

• Take advantage of the Home Renovation Tax Credit • All types of rooďŹ ng, re-rooďŹ ng and repairs • Licensed, insured and full WCB coverage It cost nothing to compare: FREE estimates

250.688.0959 • koss.exteriors@gmail.com

CLUB TOWING

)&"7: "/% -*()5 508*/( "/% 3&$07&3: :FBST 4FSWJOH UIF 7BMMFZ

K.B. Creations

GRESIUK TRUCKING

“Quality Craftmanship� 36 Years Experience

Tim Gresiuk ph 250•349•5659 cell 250•919•2957 Box 245 Canal Flats, BC V0B 1B0

• Drinking Water Systems • Water Softeners • Whole House or Specialised Filtration NEW Duct Cleaning Service Call (250) 342-5089 385 Laurier Street Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

• FURNACES • HEAT PUMPS • AIR CONDITIONING • FIREPLACES • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • SERVICE & MAINTENANCE 385 Laurier Street, Invermere, BC Phone: PO Box 86, Athalmer, BC V0A 1A0 email: info@diamondheatingandspas.com Fax:

(250) 342-7100 (250) 342-7103

www.diamondheatingandspas.com

Decks, Finishing, Hardwood Floors and Accentuating Timber Projects

• • • •

Carpentry Taping Plastering Drywalling

• • • •

Masonry Tiling Acoustics Concrete

REASONABLE RATES – ALL WORK GUARANTEED FOR FREE ESTIMATES CALL 1-250-688-2897

• Road Sweeping • Landscaping • Property Maintenance

Kari & John Mason

• Trucking • All Grading • Mini Track Hoe

250.270.0821 Invermere • Panorama

Specializing in ALL types of stone!

• Residential • Commercial • Jesse Vader – Ken Johnson Call:

250.349.5564

HAPPY FEET

Specializing in Pedicures & Massage

Farnham Construction

Shonese Hogarth

Enhancing your mountain setting is our specialty.

Licensed Hairstylist Licensed Esthetician Licensed Massage Therapist

(250) 347-7746

Ask about Pedicure Parties 250-347-2244 shonese_hogarth@yahoo.com

Box 33 Edgewater BC V0E 1A0

Need Blinds? Interior World

window fashions

Call Bill Cropper (250) 342 4406

VJ (Butch) Bishop Owner/Operator

4846 Holland Creek Ridge Rd. Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

• Excavators • Mini-Excavators • Bobcats • Dump Trucks • Water Trucks • Compaction Equipment • Snow Plow • Sanding Equipment • Crane Truck • Mobile pressure Washing & Steam Cleaning • Underground Services • Site Prep & Demolition • Road Building • Land Clearing • Controlled Burning • Rock Walls • Rip Rap • Top Soil • Sand & Gravel

CONTRACT OR HOURLY MACHINE RENTALS AVAILABLE


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 37

May 15, 2009

HERE TO SERVE YOU LAMBERT-KIPP PHARMACY LTD.

Window Cleaning

250-342-0450

Kirk & Karen Davis, Invermere BC

J. Douglas Kipp, B. Sc. (Pharm.) Laura Kipp, Pharm D. Your Compounding Pharmacy

• Structural Timbers and Posts • KD Tongue & Groove (Pine, Cedar and Fir)

Come in and browse our giftware

Open Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

• KD Bevel & Channel Sidings • Radius Edge Cedar Decking 5/4 and 2” • Wide Plank F/L Flooring

Box 80 SKOOKUMCHUCK, BC V0B 2E0 PHONE (250) 422-9229 FAX (250 422-9227) Email: mardis@cyberlink.ca

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

342-6612

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS ESSO Automotive Repairs 7 days a week

GAS • PROPANE • DIESEL Freight & Passenger Depot

7507 Main St. West, Radium Hot Springs

(250) 347-9726

#109-901 7th Ave., Invermere

Specializing in Custom Drapery, Blinds, Shutters & Flooring Residential & Commercial Interiors Brenda E. Werbisky, C.I.D., Interior Designer For appointment call

(403) 861-8782

brenda@cordellsdesign.com

NEW AND USED ARCTIC CAT SNOWMOBILES AND ATVS REPAIRS, PARTS, SALES, WARRANTY, FINANCING

250-342-5047 1-888-357-4449

• RESIDENTIAL LAWN CARE • SPRING CLEAN UP ETC. • CONTRACT & HOURLY RATES • SENIORS DISCOUNT • FREE ESTIMATES Call

Call Judy: (250) 341-1903 Q Q

Q Q

Pierre E. Trudel Bus 250-270-0363 Fax 250-347-6948 pierre.trudel@sunlife.ca 4798 Selkirk Ave. Box 108 Edgewater BC V0A 1E0

WHOLE 9 YARDS MOWING www.valleysolutions.ca • valleysolutions@shaw.ca

LIFE’S BRIGHTER under the sun.

(250) 341-5512

YOUR PRIVATE CONNECTION

Darryl Stettler Insured and WCB

Professional Window Cleaning Lawn Maintenance Carpet Cleaning • Janitorial Services Staining & Painting • Gutter Cleaning Condo and Residential Cleaning Fax 250-342-0488 • www.yourprivateconnection.com Email: yourprivateconnection@yahoo.com

250-342-7622

READY MIX CONCRETE Concrete Pump • Sand & Gravel Heavy Equipment Rentals • Crane Service Proudly Serving the Valley for over 50 years

Warbrick Towing & Salvage

For competitive prices and prompt service call:

342-3268 (plant) 342-6767 (office)


38 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 15, 2009

HERE TO SERVE YOU Quality Hand-crafted Steel • Structural Steel • Welding • Fabricating & Machining • Custom railings and ornamental iron #117 Industrial Rd. #2, Invermere, BC Ph: 250-342-9926 • Fax 250-341-3956 e-mail: txn@telus.net

Your search for quality and dependability ends with us. Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialists Truck Mounted System • Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

250.342.9082 Invermere, BC BOBCAT SERVICE FOR JOBS BIG OR SMALL

Morning Dew Lawn Care 250-688-0575 • Residential Lawn Care • • •

edgewatermorningdew@hotmail.com www.morningdewlawncare.com

Spring Cleaning By Contract or Hourly Discounts offered to Seniors FREE Estimates

342-3052

“Bringing out your inner glow”

RR3, 4874 Ridge Cres. Invermere, BC V0A 1K3

•Shower Doors•Mirrors

Julie Parent

•Auto•Home•Commercial

Licensed Hairdresser & Certied Practitioner < Full Service Hair Salon, Alexandria Professional Body Sugaring, Cold Laser Therapy and Microdermabrasion Services For an appointment please call: (250) 341-5474

Telephone: 250-342-3659

Jeff Watson

invermereglass@cyberlink.bc.ca

Serving the Valley since 1995• #3, 109 Industrial Road #2, Invermere

Today’s Technology Old Style Craftsmanship

VACUUM CENTRE Sales • Repairs • Warranty Phone: 250-342-9207 “Your husband�called�and�said�you can�buy�whatever you�want...”

• Trusses • Engineered Floors • Wall Panels 1320 Industrial Road #3 Box 159, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

Certified Technician

INVERMERE GLASS LTD.

Fine Homeservices

Tel: 250.341.6075 Fax: 250.341.3427 Email: info@duskbuildingsystems.com www.duskbuildingsystems.com

Dean Hubman

www.legacykitchens.com

Invermere

250.342.3577


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 39

May 15, 2009

HERE TO SERVE YOU Cranbrook Pest Control p

Environmentally-friendly ronmentally-fr onm nm men me ennnt y eent integrated pest est m ma management. AAssk Ask sk about abboout ut our our ma maintenance m ce programs program pr gram ram am ms PESTT QUESTIONS? PEST QUUE UES ESTTIO ES EST IIOON OONS NS? Vis Visit our website website: eebsite: b itte: bsite bs bsit

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT CERTIFIED & LICENSED

www.cranbrookpestcontrol.com ALL WORK

GUARANTEED

info@cranbrookpestcontrol com

250-426-9586

NEW

Sewer/Drain Cleaning

Septic Tank Pumping Portable Toilet Rentals • Complete sewer/drain repair • Reasonable rates - Seniors’ discount • Speedy service - 7 days a week • A well-maintained septic system should be pumped every 3-5 years • Avoid costly repairs

Bruce Dehart 347-9803 or 342-5357

REFERENCES AVAILABLE

LICENSED

1422 12A Avenue, Invermere B.C.

250-341-5096

attheshop@live.ca

TM

Complete Automotive Repairs

(Beside the Petro Canada Car Wash)

Phone:

DCS Plumbing & Heating • Plumbing, Repair and Installation • Drain Lines • Hot Water Tanks 24 hour emergency service

250-341-8501 Senior Discount

342-6614 • www.autowyze.com

Call NOW:

688-0213

next to Skookum Inn

1484 Hwy 93/95 Windermere, BC V0B 2L1

Phone: 403 230-3961 Fax: 403 230-3969 Toll Free: 1 800 663-3969 info@classicmouldings.ca

Now taking bookings for cleaning and repairs!

• • • •

Doors Windows Flooring Painting/ Interior/Exterior • Kitchen Renovations

VERTICAL, VENETIANS, AND MORE COMMERCIAL OR RESIDENTIAL Call Doug or Cathy Cowan

345-2164

Lambert

250-342-5682

• Bathroom Renovations • Additions • Decks • Finish Carpentry • Basement Renovations

5077 FAIRMONT RESORT RD., FAIRMONT BC EMAIL: fairmontridge@telus.net

McGillvary’ varryry s Landing & Outpost vvary Fishing Rods & Tackle

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

BOX 2228 BOX 459 742 - 13th STREET 7553 MAIN STREET INVERMERE, BC. RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BC V0A 1K0 V0A 1M0 PHONE: 342-3031 PHONE: 347-9350 FAX: 342-6945 FAX: 347-6350 Email: info@invermereinsurance.com • Toll Free: 1-866-342-3031

Fishing Licenses Hours: Mon.-Fri.. 8:30-5:00 Sat. & Sun. 9:00-1:00 0-1:00

250-342-5567

Commercial and Hospitality IT

250.342.4426 Cell: 250.341.7227 Toll Free: 1.877.342.4426 Fax: 250.342.4427 redeye48@shawbiz.ca

315 - 41st Avenue N.E., Calgary, Alberta T2E 2N4

DIRTY BLINDS?

We aren’t the cheapest, JUST THE BEST! • Carpets dry in about 1 hour! • 100% guaranteed! • Low Moisture • No Steam • No Sticky Residue • Upholstery • Area Rugs • Wood & Tile Floors • Vehicle Interiors • Free Estimates See more online at www.heavensbest.ca

classicmouldings.ca

p

g, pp 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

250-342-6008

info@mountaincreektech.ca @ With four service Technicians and two support staff we have the resources to solve your computer problems.

Computer Networks Remote Backup Services Custom Programming

Data Protection Computer Repair IT Consulting

3D Modeling and Virtual Rendering Home Automation and Green Technology Computer Sales and Support


40 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 15, 2009

VALLEY PRIDE Thank you to the following for their support of the first Valley Pride project. • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

AG Valley Foods Back Country Jacks Bank of Montreal Bliss Hair CIBC Columbia Valley Trading Daniel Zurgilgen Deck Properties East Kootenay Insurance Essentials Dept. Store Inc. Fitz Flooring Gregory Whitman Inside Edge Invermere Hardware

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Interior World J.R. Enterprises Lambert Insurance Lambert Kipp Pharmacy Mei Mei’s Milt Deck & Associates Inc. Monkey’s Uncle Nature’s Floors Pamorama Pamper Yourself Spa Pharmasave Purcell Electric Quiniscoe Homes Ltd. Radium Esso Red Eye Rentals Rob’s Cycle

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Scrappy’s Do’s Screamer’s Ice Cream Selkirk TV And Appliances Sobeys South East Disposal Springs at Radium Springs Health Food Superior Propane Syndicate Board Shop The Investors Group Tim Hortons Travel World Ltd Tupperware

Coordinated by your Community Service Clubs

Just a reminder… The classified deadline is 12 noon Tuesday.

Kinsmen Home and Recreation Show huge success The Kinsmen Home and Recreation Show held last weekend at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena went off without a hitch. The attendance numbers were up from last year and with the help of four Kinsmen who shaved their heads, the group raised $2,500 for Relay for Life. Above: Kinsmen member Dave Moutray loses his

locks to Maria Small of Anglz Hair Studio, who donated her time to the cause. Next page, top: Brooklyn Goldsmith visits Constable Derek Balderston at the RCMP booth; bottom, Maria trims the tresses of Kinsmen member Bucky Dalke. Photos by Cayla Gabruck

HERE TO SERVE YOU RFE ALARMS Multi-room sound system without wires, all you need is high speed internet and a Sonos sound system from RFE Alarms. Play all the music in your computer, iPod and thousands of internet radio stations in any room in the house. www.sonos.com

www.rfealarms.com • 250-342-6549 Deep Connective Tissue/Fascia Bodywork Structural Balance

ROSS’S POOLS & SPAS Commercial – Residential Installation – Maintenance – Repairs

Darren Ross 4890 Stoddart Creek RR#2 Invermere, BC V0A 1K2

Cell: 250-341-7727 • Fax: 250-347-6363 • poolman-911@hotmail.com

SHOLINDER & MACKAY EXCAVATING Inc.

Septic Systems Installed ~ Pumped ~ Repaired Prefab Cement Tanks Installed Water Lines Dug Installed Basements Dug

WINDERMERE 342-6805 Your Weekly Source for News and Events

H E L L E R W O RK Jean-Luc Cortat

N E W S PA P E R

Certified Hellerwork Practitioner @ Renaissance Wellness Centre Box 185 / 505 – 7th Avenue, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 • 250-342-2535

Dave Sutherland Sales Associate

#8, 1008 - 8th Avenue Invermere, BC www.columbiavalleypioneer.com email: upioneer@telus.net


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 41

May 15, 2009

Valley Columbia

COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER DINING PUBLICATION

Dining Guide

2009

New Summer Lunch Hours

Thursday – Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Looking for a great place to eat?

Pick up your new DINNER DAILY:

Dining Guide

at valley businesses or call our office at…

From 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

722 - 13th Street • Reservations Recommended

250-342-0606

N E W S PA P E R

Phone: 250-341-6299 • Fax: (250) 341-6229 Email: upioneer@telus.net 8, 1008 – 8th Avenue, Invermere BC


42 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 15, 2009

P ioneer C lassifieds Garage Sale

Garage Sale

Dutch Creek Community garage sale, Saturday, May 16th , from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Retro plus garage/basement sale, 1117-5th St., Collier residence, Saturday, May 16th 8:00 – 1:00 pm. Saturday, May 16th, 9:00am – 2:00pm, 4856 Timber Ridge Road, (Phase 1 entrance, south of bowling alley). Furniture, bed, sink, stove, pictures, tools, etc. Saturday, May 16th, multifamily garage sale, numerous household items, strawberry plants, blue spruce trees & much more. 4825 Dell Road Windermere. 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

. Saturday, May 16th, 9:00, 1709 Windermere Loop Road. New & used golf clubs, pictures, many decorative hardware & misc. items. Saturday, May 16th , 9:00 am– 1:00 pm, 1233 15th St. Invermere. Everything must go! Multi-family garage sale, Saturday May 16th , 9:00am – noon. NO early birds. 1521 3rd Ave, Invermere.

.

Garage Sale

HENRI’S WOODWORKS YARD SALE YARD, GARDEN & PATIO ITEMS To clear & spring sale prices May 15 – 16 11am – 5pm 29 Westside Road (1 km north of Toby Bridge, on road to Wilmer) Phone 250-342-7338

Saturday & Sunday, May 16th -17th , 4773 Government St. Windermere. 9:00am – 2:00pm

Mother of all garage/estate sales! 602 14th St. (behind Angus McToogles) Saturday, May 16th , 9:00am-12:00pm. Early birds pay double.

OPEN HOUSE & Garage Sale, Saturday, May 16th , 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, 417 6th St. Invermere. No early birds.

Saturday, May 16th , 8:00 am. 3 family sale, 1004 11th Ave. Invermere.

OBITUARY LYDIA CAMPBELL Lydia passed away May 8th . She was born August 4th , 1912 in Walsh, Alberta, lived in Edmonton and Creston, moving to Invermere in 1968. She was predeceased by her husband, Daniel and all of her 8 siblings. She leaves behind a son Bill (Lorraine) of Edmonton and a daughter Janet (Frank) Schmidt of Invermere, 6 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 3 great-greatgrandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm, May 18th at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Highway 93/95.

Anneli Purschwitz

Dec. 11, 1953 – May 2, 2009 Michael and Frank Purschwitz are sad to announce the passing away of their wife and mother Anneli. To honor her we would like to invite all her friends and acquaintances over the years to an open house at Ken & Linda Hatt’s on May 17th from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Follow the balloons on Armstrong Road at Stoddard Creek. This is a celebration of the life of a woman who was truly loved.

Saturday, May 16th , 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, 4742 Wood Lane, Windermere. Household items, tools, camping items, no early birds. Gigantic Sale Friday, May 15th , 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Saturday, May 16th , 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, Sunday, May 17th , 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm. New assorted bedding & quilts, assorted kitchen & household appliances, mountain bikes, excellent condition, love seat sofabed, like new, assorted golf clubs, gas BBQ, cameras, Stihl chainsaw, assorted office equipment, new ladies’ clothing & gently used quality clothing. 474 Lakeview Road, acreage on hill named Deer Ridge B&B (just off Athalmer Rd). Saturday, May 16th , 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, tons of toys, clothes, household items, kids bikes, costumes, books. Too much to list, 1202 5th Street, Invermere. Saturday, May 16th , 9:00 am. Household items, no early birds, 4836 Nelles Cres, Invermere.

ANNOUNCEMENT

pm. Alcoholics Anonymous. Open to all. Regular meetings of the Columbia Valley A.A. are held at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday at the Valley Connection, far end of the Service B.C. building, 625-4th Street, Invermere. The Radium Friendship Group meets at 8 p.m. Friday at the Catholic Church, east side of main street, Radium.

Zehnder’s Local Beef (Free of antibiotics & growth hormones) Now available at Grant’s Foods 503 – 7th Avenue Scrapbooking Supplies, local, creative memories consultant for traditional and digital scrapbooking. Call Kathy, 250270-0254. Royal Canadian Legion, Invermere Hall rental and catering. Reasonable rates. Contact Sylvia at 250-342-6559. Compassionate Communication Workshop: Tools for Life. Saturday, June 20th , 9:30 am – 5:00 pm. Contact the family Resource Centre, 250-342-4242, visit www.sunwater.ca Options for Sexual Health Clinic in Invermere, new hours are first & third Monday of every month, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, starting June 1st .

BETTER THAN BOTOX Call 250-341-5022.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT . It’s a baby girl! Kirra Jade. Congratulations Jonathon and Cara-Lee Lloyd.

MEMORIAM

pm.

A celebration of life for Elna Louise Konkin (nee Christensen). Saturday, May 16, 2009. 1:00 pm Edgewater Cemetery Graveside, 2:00 pm tea at the Edgewater Legion Hall. In lieu of flowers, donate to the S.P.C.A

thank you Thank you for donating to the Food Bank. The need for food has increased substantially this year. There is always a need for canned soup.

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS:

A great big thank you to Coach Marlow & the Bighorns for doing a fantastic job at Pine Ridge Mountain Resort!

JEERS:

to the selfish person who takes off and leaves her dog alone, days on end. Get a grip! This is neglect. Shame on you! Take him with you or pay someone to look after him.

MEMORIAM A Celebration of the Life of

Jim Warne will be held on May 23rd at the Lions Club Hall from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on a drop-in basis.

Bring a Jim story to share! thank you

KINSMEN SAY THANKS The Kinsmen Club of Windermere Valley would like to thank the following for making this year’s Home and Recreation Show a Big Success Everyone who came out to the Show All of the Exhibitors for their great displays The Valley Echo LeAnne Spiry Quasar Western Electric Max Helmer Construction Canwest Propane Swanee Rocky Mountain Cranes The Columbia Valley Pioneer Tri-Del Automation The Valley Peak Palliser Printing CKIR Radio EZ Rock Invermere Citizens on Patrol Shaw Cable Sign Artists Maria & Anglz Hair Studio

Rona Bistro Family Restaurant Columbia Valley Recreation Society Eddie Mountain Arena Staff Home Hardware DTSS School District #6 – Invermere Maintenance Staff Grant’s Foods District of Invermere Lawrence Snyder Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce Columbia Valley Rockies Peppi’s Pizza


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 43

May 15, 2009

P ioneer C lassifieds storage NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE Various sizes available. Now with climate controlled units. Call 250-342-3637

COMMERCIAL SPACE

. Financial professional looking for other professionals to share space with. I have a great location with excess room. Please call 250-270-0270. Attention Contractors! Secure 20-foot storage container in fenced yard. Larger lots also available. Invermere Industrial Park. Call 250-342-2100 or 250346-3011. Panache Building, Invermere, BC. Beautiful building near public beach and walking distance to hundreds of condos in Canada’s most perfect fourseason town! 2400 feet on main, with two 1200-foot world-class apartments up. Perfect location for restaurant or retail. For info, call 250-342-5525. Building located in the heart of Invermere’s Industrial Park. 2000 sq. ft. main level, 1500 sq. ft. upper level. For more info phone 250-342-9295, from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm. Phone 250-3411404 after 6:00 pm.

SHARED ACCOMMODATION

. Private room includes utilities, internet access, cable and phone line, N/S, N/P, $400/month, 250342-4811.

SUITE FOR RENT

. Invermere, large I bdrm, 2 level lower suite, partially furnished, private entrance, shared laundry, off-street parking, fireplace. N/P, N/S, available immediately, $825/month + DD, includes utilities, 250-341-6096.

SUITE FOR RENT

. One or two bdrm bungalows, by the week or month, 250-3456365 Fairmont Bungalows. 2 bdrm suite in Invermere, bright, clean, close to schools, fridge, stove, W/D, N/S, N/P. Available immediately, 250342-1588. 3 bdrm ground level, new, never lived in, 1500 sq. ft., 2 full baths, 5 appl, on 3 acres. Available immediately, $1200, 403-6508654. 2 bdrm furnished large suite, N/P, N/S, no partiers, couple preferred, private entrance, references, $995 + DD, 250342-8651. Black Forest Heights, 2 bdrm basement suite, all appl, N/S, N/ P, prefer long-term, $950/month + DD. Available immediately, 250-341-1411. Large, new 1 bdrm walkout suite in quiet central neighbourhood in Invermere. Private patio, N/S, references required. $875/month includes utilities. Available June 1st 250-3420399/ 250-341-5956 2 bdrm basement suite w/ private entrance, all appliances, 5 mins from D/T Invermere, N/S, N/P, $950/month + util. References required, available immediately, 403-874-0483. Beautiful basement suite, separate entrance, newly renovated, new kitchen, new floors, 2 bdrm, large yard, shared garage, $1050/month, all inclusive. Call Jessica, 403473-7828. Windermere furnished, 2 bdrm, 2 bath, fireplace, wrap around deck with lake view, fridge stove, D/W, W/D, N/S, $1000 + util. Available June 1st , 403651-2002.

SUITE FOR RENT

. Invermere newly renovated bright walk-out suite in quiet location near schools. Large 1 bdrm, fridge, stove, W/D, N/P, N/S, available June 1st . Single $650, couple $800 + 1 month DD, utilities included, 250-3423474. 1 bdrm suite, long-term, N/S, N/P, downtown, quiet mature person, $650 + DD, satelite included, 250-342-6357. 3 bdrm apartment in D/T Radium, $875 + utilities + DD, available July 1st , 250-3476420. Columere Park, bright 1 bdrm furnished upstairs suite, private beach, quiet, $750/month, 250345-6524.

house FOR RENT

. House on acreage. Property is set up for horses, pets welcome, N/S, references required, $1200 + util. Available immediately, 250-226-7660. Modern Invermere duplex for rent. 1200 sq. ft. 3 bdrm, 2 bath, attached garage, walk to beach/ downtown. DW, W/D, N/S, pets negotiable. $1500/month utilities incl. Avail. June15th, 250-341-6296. 2 bdrm, 1 bath in Radium, $1100/ month + util. + DD, references, available immediately, 780-6330595, 780-993-1579. Wilder subdivision, quiet, open floor plan, nice deck, 3 bdrm, single garage, walk to D/T & school, N/P, N/S, $1200/month + util, references required. Available immediately, 250342-2052. Radium, 2 bdrm trailer with addition and 2 outbuildings, N/ S, $1200, 250-342-3841.

.

house FOR RENT

FOR RENT Contact

250-342-5914 for seasonal or long term rentals or go online at

www.EricRedeker.com “Available Now” Rockies West Realty Independently Owned & Operated

. Newly renovated, beautiful, large, bright house, large yard, 5 min from lake, 2 bdrm, W/D, fireplace, must see. $1100 + util. Call Jessica 403-473-7828 Windermere, Timber Ridge 1, 3 bdrm, 1.5 bath, fully furnished & stocked, N/S, N/P, available Sept. 1st , $1400/month +util on 12 month lease. Call 403287-9968. EXCELLENT LOCATION. Very nice Invermere home on quiet cul-de-sac, walking distance to Kinsman Beach and Downtown, 3 bdrm up, 2 down, large private backyard, wood and electric heat. Dishwasher, Stove, Fridge, W/D included. Available June 1st, $1600.00 + util. 250-2700270. Canal Flats, 2 bdrm trailer, $525/ month, available immediately. Phone Vic, 250-349-5264.

condo FOR RENT

. 3 bdrm, 2 bath townhome plus garage in downtown Invermere, $1350 + utilities, N/P, 250-3411182. Sable Ridge, Radium, 2 bdrm, 2 bath w/den, fireplace, A/C, granite, pool, 2 hot tubs, heated underground parking, $1,195/ month includes utilities, 403256-0694 or 403-650-5503. Radium, new 2 bdrm condo, fireplace, W/D on main floor, underground parking, N/S, references, $1000/month, 403328-2944, 403-892-2731 (cell).

condo FOR RENT

. Pinewood, Radium on Stanley St, brand new 2 bdrm, 2 bath, laundry room, 2 parking stalls, professionally fully furnished, $900/month cable and utilities included, 403-999-2783. MUST SEE! Beautiful, spacious condo in Radium: 1800 sq ft, 3 bdrm, 3 bath, finished basement, $1300. N/P, N/S, unfurnished. Please call Ron, 403-387-7765 or email ron@ rpmteam.ca with full time rental inquiries only. Not suitable as a vacation rental. Spacious 2 bdrm, 1.5 bath, Willow View condo in Canal Flats. Beautiful 1000 sq. ft, newly built in 2007, in suite W/D, kitchen has 4 appliances, laminate flooring, 9’ ceiling on main floor. Furnished with dining set & futon. 10 min from Fairmont, 25 min from Invermere. Must see! $700 + utilities. Available May 1st , but can move in as early as Apr 16th . N/S, small pets negotiable. Call 403-873-8158, email canalcondo@live.ca for photos. RADIUM FULLY FURNISHED large windows & large deck overlooking 13th hole of The Springs Golf Course, available July 1st . 2 bdrm, 1 bath, bungalow style in Eagle Crest Villas. Single car garage. 6 month min. lease. $1190 (includes condo fees) + utilities + D.D., N/ P, N/S, references required, 403519-2216, 403-981-1551. 2 bdrm, 2 bath condo in Pinewood, Radium, fireplace, $900/month, includes utilities. Available immediately, 403560-5603. 3 bdrm, 2 bath, Pinewood, Radium, 1400 sq ft. underground parking in-suite laundry, $1300/ month. Available June 1st . Call Ali, 403-875-0214

condo FOR RENT

. Brand new, never lived in! Lakeview Meadows 3 bdrm, 2.5 bath top floor executive condo. SS appliances, granite, slate and hardwood finishes, gas fireplace. Backs Copper Point Golf Course. Full use of amenities include: indoor pool, tennis, beach access, paved walking/biking trails, underground parking and storage. Great views! N/S, $1800 + hydro, phone & cable. Long term only, references required, 250-341-6090. .

house FOR SALE

HERITAGE RANCH HOUSE OPEN HOUSE Sat. May 16th , 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Completely renovated house on 2.5 acres located outside of Windermere, in Elkhorn Country Estates, an exclusive private gated community, one of only 11 estates included in phase one. 4 bdrm, 2 bath, security system, working shutters, all services underground, furniture included, $485,000. Call Elkhorn Ranch at 250-342-0617 or 250342-1268.

House for Trade or Sale

Wanted home in Columbia Valley to trade for new, modern, furnished house in Calgary, adjacent to Elks Golf Course and close to D/T. Call Ray 403-9203359

417 6th St. 3 bdrm, 2 ½ bath, attached double garage, 100’ x 200’ lot, walking distance to all amenities. Asking $450,000, 250-342-2802.


44 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 15, 2009

P ioneer C lassifieds house FOR sale

. 1120 sq. ft. bungalow, 3 bdrm, 1 ½ bath, single detached garage, storage shed, main floor completely renovated, quiet neighbourhood, 7501 Revelstoke Ave, Radium. Asking $385,000, 250-347-2429.

.

house FOR sale

OPEN HOUSE 4795 Dell Road Windermere. Saturday 1:00 pm -6:00 pm & Sunday 1:00 – 6:00 pm

condo FOR sale

. Affordable downtown Invermere 12’x 68’mobile home, 2 x 13’x 14’ condo, 2 bdrm, $159, 000 + GST, additions, complete overhead, 250-341-1182. tin roof, wood/electric heat, Pinewood, Radium on Stanley must be moved, any reasonable St, brand new 2 bdrm, 2 bath, offer accepted, 250-347-2130. laundry room, 2 parking stalls, professionally fully furnished, Great starter home. $279,900, 403-999-2783. Manufactured home with newly renovated interior, 3 bdrm, 2 full acreages/lots for sale baths, living, kitchen, laundry & . bonus rooms, 1300 sq. ft., 0.2 acres. Large open yard, deck, hot tub, outdoor storage, open carport. Close to all schools and short walk to D/T, all appliances included. Asking $260,000, 2508 acres of hay meadow. 342-0618. Beautiful mountain view with 2 bdrm, 1 bath, older home, neat great building opportunity. & tidy, large corner lot facing Near Wilmer, Toby Hill Road, Radium Golf Course. Reduced $425,000.00. Call 342-2802. for quick sale, $259,000, 780633-0595, 780-993-1579. Quiet area of Invermere, 2 + bdrms, 2 bath, many extras, some renos, $385,000, 250342-9446. 2004, 39’ Terry Park Model on a tilled lot in Valleys Edge Resort, 5 min north of Radium. Beautiful mountain setting, swimming pool, clubhouse deck & landscaping are complete including outdoor fire pit, BBQ and some contents. Must sell $129,900 OBO 403-828-8402 or 403-238-3891. Home on 1.16 acres with panoramic Rocky Mountain and Columbia Lake view. Lake access and private moorage with par 3 golf course nearby. See welist. com. #39673. Call 250-3456226, Fairmont.

Exclusive Private Gated Acreage

Absolutely spectacular surroundings with unobstructed view straight down the snow capped Fairmont Rocky Mountain Range. Very private yet only 2 mins. to the beach & Windermere. Services to lot. Architectural controls ensure your investment, as well as no building commitment. See welist.com. Invermere. Must be seen to be appreciated, 250342-1167. BEAUTIFUL LOT PRICED TO SELL, local family has decided to say in their neighbourhood so are selling their golf course lot below cost, special mountain views are yours for the best price in the subdivision. $215,000, 250-342-9841 or 250-341-1541

acreages/lots for sale . Sunny South facing 59’ x 120 ‘ level lot, zoned R1MH in Canal Flats. Located on Spruce Avenue, between cedar fence and huge tree, $75,000, 250-342-7179. .

RESORT PROP. FOR SALE

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Golden www.adlerdevelopment.ca 250-344-8447 billy@adlerdevelopment.ca

WANTED

. Looking for a boat slip to rent for the 2009 season. Call 780-8185562. boat slip to rent for 2009 boating season on Lake Windermere. Contact Linda, 403-519-9240.

Misc. for Sale

. Top quality Hay, Alfalfa, grass mix, round bales $160/bale. Call Elkhorn Ranch, 250-342-0617. Quality Top Soil & Manure. Top Soil $160/dump truck load, $70/pick-up load. Manure $100/pick-up load. Call, 250342-1268. Kitchen cabinets, fridge, stove, dishwasher, range, like new. Open for offers, 250-341-7022. 2008 energy efficient Beachcomber 5 man hot tub. Used very little, comes with all wire GFI breaker, spa buddy spares, cover, hush pump, extra filter and chemicals, $6500 OBO, 250-788-1288 or 250-7885726.

Misc. for Sale

. Inglis washer & dryer, good condition, asking $250. Call 250-342-3680 or 250-342-1415 (cell).

Misc. for Sale

. Composted horse manure, will load, 5 km from Invermere, 250342-1526. Mushroom Manure compost, $65/pick up load, 1 cubic yard, 250-342-5224. Floating water slide, $350. Call 250-342-1384 100 + year old maple table and 4 chairs, $200, 250-342-9446. Roxton solid maple 6’ dining room table with 6 chairs, $800, 250-342-9720. 3 person hot tub, new pump, excellent condition. $3299, 250342-6899. Authentic Mexican Saltillo floor tile, 12”x12”, $11/box of 10, 250-346-3167. 19” Sharp TV, works well, $50.00. Call 250-345-6352 Antique, dark oak diningroom suite, table, 6 chairs, hutch & credenza. Great condition, $600, 250-345-0356 Whirlpool stove, very clean, good condition, $200. Pleated blinds, valance, rods, assorted sizes and colours. Offers, 250342-0320. Portable roadside sign with 2 sets of letters. Computer desk. Lowrey electric organ. Call 250342-6772. Craftsman 12” wood lathe, $250. 2 burgundy leather wingback chairs, $200 each. 4 Ford 17”, 8 bolt wheels, $50, 250-3421341. Cultured Stone, great lakes, split face, 55 sq. ft., 24 linear ft. of corners, offers, 250-342-1341

MOTORHOMES/TRAILERS . 2005 North shore, 28’ 5th wheel. 1 large slide out, rear kitchen, $17,900, 250-345-0096. Truck & Camper. Heart attack forces sale. 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD F.B. 4x4, fully loaded plus. 70,000 km, quad cab. 2007 Citation Supreme 9.2’ w/bumper & steps. Asking 28,000 for both. Will take reasonable offers, 250347-7718.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES . Dirtbike, 2002 Yamaha TTR125. Great condition, well maintained, lots of fun! $1800 each, 250-342-1526. 1995 Polaris 425 Magnum Quad, good condition, C/W snow plow, Bear Claw tires, heated hand grips, windshield and much more, well maintained, $4000, 250-349-5672. 2002 Honda XR70 $1100. 2001 XR50 $950 OBO, 250-342-1341. 2004 Kawasaki Super Sherpa 250, on/off road motorcycle, street legal. Ride to work and in the mountains, excellent bike, $2400, 250-342-1167.

BOATS FOR SALE

. 16’ Fibertech boat, 90 HP Johnston, new easy loader trailer, 55 lb Minn Kota trolling motor, depth finder, Clarion Marine stereo system, $9000 OBO, 250-342-3680 or 250-3421415 (cell).. 1984 Campion Bowrider, 78H Mercury, view in Columere Park, $3500 OBO, 403-397-1746 (cell), 403-271-0937. 14’ aluminum boat with 1999, 4 stroke Johnson 9.9 HP motor, 2 swivel cushioned seats with brackets. Motor is silent, complete with Shorelander trailer, $2200, 250-342-1167.

.

VEHICLE FOR SALE

2004 Ford Freestar Sport, 7 passenger van, 89,000 miles, $8500, 250-3429720. 1990 Dodge Neon, 84,000 km, 5 speed, blue, 2 door, car starter, mint condition, records available, $4000 firm, 250-3427077. 1992 Plymouth Voyager, 220,000 Kms, runs well, $900, 250-3420603 or 250-341-5845 1993 GMC Z-71 4x4. Excellent running condition, new tires, lined box, built on canopy, clean in & out, $3200, 250-341-6043, please leave message. 1996 Mercury Sable LS, very good condition, 24 valve, 3L, V6, good tires, 241,000 kms, $3000, 250-341-8442. 2000 Ford Ranger Super Cab, 4L, V6, 4x4 manual, good shape, new tires, $5000 OBO, 250-3479239. 2001 VW Jetta, black, fully equipped, 140,000 km, excellent condition, dealer maintained. Must see, $9500 OBO, 250-3476098. 2002 Chevy Tracker 4WD, 5 speed, 4 door, A/C, new tires, windshield, brakes and battery. Great condition, 180,000 km, $9900 OBO, 250-342-4436, Amy or Chris. 2002 Impala 40 MPG, like new, 3.5 L, 175 HP, $4800. OBO, 250347-6404. 2002 Pontiac yellow Sunfire, 2.2 L, 4 cyl, 5 speed, manual, 120,000 km, 2 door, CD, great on gas, excellent condition. Asking $4900 OBO, 250-342-6918.


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 45

May 15, 2009

P ioneer C lassifieds VEHICLE FOR SALE

services

. 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport, fully loaded, 174,000 kms, Very clean condition, priced to sell, $5500, 250-347-2130.

Spruce up your garage sale signs. Or give your restaurant a makeover. Call Peaks Upholstery in Canmore, 403-678-0410.

2006 Ford F350 4x4 XL Super Duty pick-up. Regular cab, 5.4 L, A/C, nice truck, 70,000 kms, $15,000, 250-342-1167.

Flooring Installations, lino, carpet, laminate and hardwood. 30 years experience. Call 250347-9192 or 250-341-1235.

services

We will pick up all recyclable cans and bottles at your location, between Radium and Fairmont. Call K&C Pickup at 250-3429503.

.

TILE & SLATE INSTALLS

Custom Steam Rooms, Showers and Floors All work guaranteed. Competitive rates. Call 342-0448 Phil’s Carpentry – Everything from roofs to decks, completion of basement and bathrooms. Phone 250-341-8033 cell or 250-342-8474 home. Not on valley time.

Vacuums

Parts, repairs & accessories, All makes & models Central Vacuums – sales and installations Bonded & licensed Fine Homeservices 250-342-9207, fhs@telus.net Furnace & duct cleaning services using the patented rotobrush system. Call AQUAIR for free estimates, 250-342-5089. Water treatment & purification, includes drinking water systems, softeners & conditioners, iron filters. Call AQUAIR, 250-3425089

ODD JOBS ENT HAULING Garbage, brush and construction disposal. Mulch deliveries. Dale Hunt @ 342-3569

CONCRETE FORMING & FINISHING Decorative, regular repairs. Call 250-342-1775. NO JOB TOO SMALL for College student with truck! Yard clean up, gutters, painting, haul trash or be the extra set of hands you need, 250-342-9446. Installations of ceramic mosaic quarry tiles, slate glassblocks, etc. For estimates call 250-3416869 Computer Technician A+ certified, Microsoft certified, systems engineer, software support, network specialist. Very reasonable rate/tune-ups/virus/ prevention/removal/hardware/ trouble shooting/replacement. All computer problems. Phone Russ, 250-341-1779.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNTY

. Barber Shop in Invermere, BC. Business only, nice sized clientele. For inquiries please phone 250-341-3240 or 250342-0655. Mobile pressure washing unit complete with 1 ton Chevy Cube van (gas propane), 2 washers (1 year old), 3 water tanks. All equipment, steady weekly work and full client list. Call Arno, 250-342-5349 or Wolf, 250688-0044.

careers

. Housekeeper required. Fulltime, part-time at Fairmont Bungalows. Call 250-345-6365, fax 250-345-6348, or email bungalows@shaw.ca Helna’s Stube is now accepting applications for kitchen help/ dishwashers and servers. F/T or P/T, evenings. Call 250 347 0047 or mail@helnas.com New Station Pub requires wait staff, bus people, hostess, dishwasher and prep cook. Apply in person with resume and ask for manager. Peppi’s Pizza is now hiring all restaurant positions, F/T, P/T and casual. Call 250-342-3421 or email p.fuel@yahoo.ca , Tim or Laura. FREE MOVIE RENTALS – F/T OR P/T. Join our team; receive good wages, free rentals, benefits. Please call Thora at 250-3420057, or fax 250-342-6583, email ghvinvermere@hotmail. com or drop off resume at Gone Hollywood. SCREAMERS is now accepting applications for full time and part time help in a friendly food service job, 250-347-9345. Limited space available. Timeshare with established massage therapists, estheticians, hair artists, nail technicians, health seminars, excellent established location, lake and mountain views, escape@ sunsationsdayspa or www. sunsationsdayspa.com. Many options, call Bonnie-Lou, 250342-6899. Looking for friendly salesperson for Saturdays. Hours are 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Position may lead to an extra day or two in the near future. Please fax resume to 250-342-7103 or email Stacey@ diamondheatingandspas.com.

careers

. Copper City Amusement Parks requires cashiers, go-kart attendants and bumper boat attendants. Please call Trish at 250-688-0711 to drop off resume. P/T housekeeping staff are required at the Alpen Motel in Radium. If interested please apply in person or call 250-3479823. Radium Subway is hiring F/T & P/T, employees. No experience necessary, training provided. Starting wage $10.50/hour + bonus. Bring in resume or pick up application at Radium Supermart/Petrocan or call 250347-9988. Tony’s Greek Grill now hiring cooks experienced in Greek cuisine. Seasonal, 40 hours/ week,$15/hour,accommodation available. Apply in person at 5009 Hot Springs Rd, Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C., fax 250-3456542, call 250-345-6661, email tonysgreekgrill@gmail.com

We have an opening for a

STAFF ACCOUNTANT at our busy public accounting office in Invermere. Formal training, a strong bookkeeping background and/or public accounting experience would be a definite asset for this position. Please submit your resumé in confidence to Gordon Green, C.A. SMITH GREEN ANDRUSCHUK LLP Chartered Accountants Box 460, 1229 – 7th Avenue, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 (250) 342-9271

SALES EXECUTIVE Mount Fairmont Vacation Villas is currently accepting applications for Sales Executives. The successful applicants will be involved in the direct selling of time shares to Mountainside Villas’ owner base, as well as in telephone sales. Past experience in this industry will certainly be an asset and priority will be given to applicants with time share experience. Comprehensive benefits package offered, including recreational amenities. Please forward your resume to Henry Karperien: ohenry1@shaw.ca or (250) 341-7421.

Accepting applications for experienced cooks at Farside Inn in Fairmont. Fax resumes to 250342-8880. Wanted Bus Driver with class 4 licence. Full time position. Call 250-345-4550 for details. Copper City Saloon requires full-time cook. Email resume to invinn@telus.net or fax 250342-6079 or apply in person to Brenda Gingrich. Mountain View Lodge requires front desk clerk/room attendant. Dual roles include checking customers in & out of motel and all duties associated with that process, cleaning and preparing rooms for guests. Must be responsible, dependable, punctual, and have a great work ethic. Must be available on weekends. Apply in person, or email rharveycga1@cyberlink. bc.ca.

The Award Winning Hoodoo Grill requires an experienced

Line Cook/Sous Chef

Wage starts at $17/hr. (negotiable), and accommodations may be available. If you like working in a fast-paced environment, with a creative and fun-loving team, then drop off your resumé at the Hoodoo Grill or email it to rsinnr@shaw.ca. 1 KM south of Fairmont at the Hoodoos

250-345-2166


46 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 15, 2009

Install Install aa central central air air conditioner/ conditioner/ heat heat pump pump and and qualify qualify for for

Government Rebates $ up to

2000 000

Call Today! d ! • Central Air

• Full Heating and

• Fireplaces – Wood Fir

• Over 20 Years Experience rience • Quality Workmanship ip

Conditioning Co • Heat Pumps H

Ventilation Systems

Guaranteed

& Propane P

GARDEN PARTY – Don Miller of Home Hardware serves up some delectable chicken wings to Invermere residents Peggy and Dick Barrett at the Home Hardware Customer Appreciation Garden Party held last Saturday. The garden party featured a free pancake breakfast on Saturday morning, samples fresh off the grill and door prizes.. Home Hardware owner Al Miller said that there were around a thousand customers who visited the event throughout the day. “We had just a tremendous day,” he said. Photo by Cayla Gabruck

(250) 342-1167 www.totalheatingsystems.com

P ioneer C lassifieds Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land

PO Box 151 Kimberley BC V1A 2Y6

To Unemployed Forest Workers in the Columbia Valley The Rocky Mountain Trench Natural Resources Society (RMTNRS) has received a Community Development Trust – Job Opportunities Project in the Columbia Valley. Funding has been secured to hire unemployed forest workers that live in the Radium to Canal Flats areas, to carry out grassland ecosystem restoration work in the Rocky Mountain Trench. Approved project activities include: hand slashing with chainsaws or hand tools, slash piling, pile burning, etc. On the job training, equipment, materials and supplies will be provided. The rate of pay is $18.00 per hour plus 4% vacation pay for 40 hours per week including travel time to the work site from two marshalling points in Canal Flats and Radium. You require no experience, but, must meet the following unemployment criteria: • Primary occupation was an employee of a major licensee, contractor, sub contractor, a processor, or was an independent owner / operator who reported for work at a location in British Columbia for a minimum of two, full consecutive years, and • Received at least 65% of earned income from forest industry work in each of these years, and • Was impacted on or after May 1, 2007, and You can find out more about the Community Development Trust – Job Opportunities Program at http://www.labour.gov.bc.ca/cdt/jobs/. Please email your resume to dgmurphy@telus.net or fax to 250-489-4059, if you have any questions, contact Dan Murphy, Coordinator, Rocky Mountain Trench Natural Resources Society, at 250-421-9320.

Do you want to grow? Both personally and professionally? Come to Golden, BC and join our amazing team. Just because we are small, it doesn’t mean we think small. Golden, BC – the place with Room to Grow!

CASUAL opportunities for…. RNs in Acute & Community LPNs in Residential, Community & Acute We invite you to apply online at www.roomtogrowbc.ca to:

130339 – RN Acute Care 130337 – RN Community 39326 – LPN Acute Care 94330 – LPN Community 39422 – LPN Residential or submit a detailed resume, in confidence to: Human Resources Recruitment Services 1212 Second St. N., Cranbrook, BC V1C 4T6 Phone: 250-420-2442 • Fax: 250-420-2425 E-mail: debbie.mandryk@interiorhealth.ca

www.roomtogrowbc.ca

FrontCounter BC Cranbrook has accepted an application made by Canal Flats Wilderness Club of Canal Flats, BC, on behalf of the Integrated Land Management Bureau (ILMB), Kootenay Region, for a Nominal Rent Tenure for the purpose of a shooting range situated on Provincial Crown land near Canal Flats and containing 14.164 hectares more or less. The ILMB File Number that has been established for this application is 4404941. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to the Natural Resource Officer at FrontCounter BC, 1902 Theatre Road, Cranbrook BC, V1C 7G1 or email to: lwbc.cranbrook@ victoria1 .qov.bc.ca. Comments will be received by FrontCounter BC until June 20, 2009. FrontCounter BC may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please refer to our website www.frontcounterbc.aov.bc.ca/ and follow the link to Crown Land Applications - Applications and Reason for Decision Database for more information. Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. For information, contact the FOI Advisor at Integrated Land Management Bureau regional office.


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 47

May 15, 2009

Green grants deadline May 25

Submitted by Columbia Basin Trust Columbia Basin Trust is now accepting community-initiated and community-supported project applications for its Environmental Initiatives Program. This program has provided nearly $3 million in funding over the past five years for environmental conservation, restoration, stewardship and education projects. This year, the trust has increased program funding by $100,000 to $450,000 and is looking to residents and groups in

the Columbia Basin for innovative projects that will help to maintain or enhance the environmental condition in and around their communities. The program includes a small grants stream, geared at projects under $5,000 and a large grants stream for projects up to $20,000. In order to provide this technical support in the development of project ideas, the trust is continuing its partnership with the Canadian Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fisheries Commission, The

Land Conservancy of B.C., and the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network. Applicants may be referred to the appropriate stewardship advisor based on either their location or project focus. Application form and guidelines are available at www.cbt.org/Programs. For more information contact Rick Allen at rallen@cbt.org or 1-800-505-8998. Deadline for submitting an application is May 25th, delivered to any Columbia Basin Trust office.

To place your Community Classified call The Pioneer at 250-341-6299 or toll free 1-866-669-9222 classifieds@bccommunitynews.com www.communityclassifieds.ca

Announcements

Automotive

Credit Counsellors

For Sale Misc.

For Sale Misc.

Personals

COLLEGE PENSION PLAN RETIREES. Join the attempt to save your health subsidies at: www.cirabc.ca.

BOW VALLEY FORD Canmore, Alberta. Used 08 F250 Supercab FX4, 80 km was $62,279, now $42,900. Used 08 F250 Supercab XLT, 217 km, was $57,454, now $38,900. Used 08 Explorer LTD, 18,202 km, was $60,744, now $45,900. Used Edge Ltd. AWD, 15,824 km, was $45,824, now $30,900. Call 403-678-6200 Sales now!

FIND OUT HOW TO REACH 11 million readers each week across Canada! Book now! Buy 3 ads get the 4th free. ads@ bccommunitynews.com or 1866-669-9222.

2 YEAR OLD Colorado Blue Spruce, 35cm, $1.49/each (180 for $268.20, free shipping). Also Pines, Hybrid Poplars, Willows, etc. Alberta grown, Alberta seed. 1-866-873-3846; www. treetime.ca.

SAWMILLS from only $3,495.00 - Convert your LOGS TO VALUABLE LUMBER with your own Norwood portable band sawmill. Log skidders also available. www. norwoodsawmills.ca/400T - FREE Information: 1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT.

AT LAST! An iron filter that works. IronEater! Fully patented Canada/U.S.A. Removes iron, hardness, sulfur, smell, manganese from well water. Since 1957. Phone 1-800-BIG IRON; www.bigirondrilling.com.

Help Wanted

DATING SERVICE. Long-term/ short-term relationships, FREE CALLS. 1-877-297-9883. Exchange voice messages, voice mailboxes. 1-888-534-6984. Live adult casual conversations1on1, 1-866-311-9640, Meet on chat-lines. Local single ladies 1877-804-5381(18+).

Auto Financing

DEBT CONSOLIDATION PROGRAM. Helping Canadians repay debts, reduce or eliminate interest, regardless of your credit. Steady Income? You may qualify for NEED A VEHICLE? Need cash? Up instant help. Considering to $6000 cash back! Guaranteed Bankruptcy? Call 1-877approvals! Over 400 vehicles to 220-3328 FREE Consultation choose from. Call Will or Ashley Government Approved, BBB Member. today! 1-888-289-8935. AUTOCREDIT EXPERTS will Employment earn your business with fast Business Opportunities Opportunities confidential service. Good credit, NEED MORE MONEY? Want a bad credit we deliver them all career? Work from home! We NEED A PHONE? Cheap phone reconnect with long distance, over Western Canada. Online train you! Check out the Freedom Project! www.judys-minioffice. calling features and internet. www.drivehomenow.com or 1Guaranteed low rates. Fast com. 888-501-1148. connections - No refusals. Phone REACH YOUR TARGET MARKET EAGLE AUTO LOANS. Easy through Community Classifieds. Factory Reconnect 1-877-3362274; www.phonefactory.ca. financing. Good credit, poor 11 million readers each week Financial Services credit, divorced, firsttime buyers, across Canada! Book now! Buy self-employed, bankrupt. We 3 ads get the 4th free. ads@ $500$ LOAN SERVICE, by phone, finance in-house OAC. Call our bccommunitynews.com or 1- no credit refused, quick and easy, payable over 6 or 12 installments. credit specialist 1-800-916-1723. 866-669-9222. Toll Free: 1-877-776-1660. Career Training www.secondchancefinance.ca. For Sale Misc. TRANSCRIPTION FREE VISA! Are you nervous MEDICAL TRAINING. Learn from home or AMAZING RELIEF the first night!!! about your credit? We bank on on-site! Work from home or on- Restless Leg Syndrome and leg your future not your past! For site! Financing may be available. cramps gone. Sleep deeply, safe fast, easy auto loans visit www. Contact CanScribe TODAY for with medication, proven results autoapprovals.ca. 1-888-261- FREE information. 1-800-466- guaranteed!!! www.allcalm. 5179 or call 1-888-261-5179. 1535 or info@canscribe.com. com. 1-800-765-8660. # 1 IN CREDIT REBUILDING. Need a car, truck, van or SUV? Auto Credit Fast. Bad credit! No credit! Bankruptcy, Repossession! No problem. Call today and drive away. Call Stephanie 1-877-7920599. Free delivery anywhere. www.autocreditfast.ca.

REMOVE YOUR RECORD: A CRIMINAL Record can follow you for life. Only PARDON SERVICES CANADA has 20 years experience. Guaranteeing record removal. Call: 1-8-NOW-PARDON (1-866-9727366). www.RemoveYourRecord. H & H TRAILER SALE. Bow com. Valley Ford, Canmore, Alberta. Homes For Sale Thousands in discounts. Clearing the lot. Cargos, flatbeds, car REPOSSESSED PRE-FAB HOMES!! haulers, goosenecks, much Save 50%+++!!! Canadian Manufacturer’s USA Downturn more! 1-800-403-0084 ext. 257 Order Cancellations. Brand or alan_way@bowvalleyford. New 1260SF Pre-Engineered com. Don’t delay! Package originally $29,950.00, HOME PHONE DISCONNECTED? Factory BLOWOUT LIQUIDATION Call Home Phone Reconnect $14,975.00!!! Other sizes Toll-free: 1-866-287-1348 - SACRIFICE PRICES! GREEN-RPANEL Building Systems: 1-800Reasonable rates, friendly 871-7089. Immediate/summer/ service. Don’t be without a fall delivery available! home phone. 1-866-287-1348. Personals A FREE TELEPHONE SERVICE ARE YOU LOSING a loved one to - Get Your First Month Free. addiction? Efficient and affordable Bad Credit, Don’t Sweat It. No drug rehabilitation program. Deposits. No Credit Checks. Call Immediate help available. No Freedom Phone Lines Today Toll- waiting list. Call 1-877-782-7409 Free 1-866-884-7464. or visit www.narconon.ca.

Property For Sale

LAC LA HACHE 28 acres, 4Bedrooms, 3Bathrooms, creek, pond, heated pool, guest cabin, workshop, 15 minutes to 100 Mile House $499,000. Contact 250-396-4688 or mccrea@ bcwireless.com for pictures. Steel Buildings

BUILDING SALE!... Unprecedented LOW PRICES. Reduced deposits. Flexible delivery. 25x30 $5,990. 30x40 $8,990. 35x50 $10,800. 40x60 $13,990. 50x100 $27,900. Others! 1-800-668-5422. Pioneer Steel Manufacturers, since 1980. Travel

TIMESHARE FORECLOSURES - Save 60-80% off Retail! Best Resorts & Seasons! Call for FREE catalogue today! 1-800597-9347. Browse hundreds of worldwide properties online. www.holidaygroup.com/bcn.


48 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 15, 2009

PIONEER ON THE ROAD

FAMILY HOLIDAYS – Clockwise, from top left: Kylie, Joanne and Dale Steedman in the Mayan Riviera, Mexico; Ryan Williams of Radium Hot Springs on top of Ryan Mountain in Joshua Tree National Park, California; Brandon, Marissa and Taylor Leyland at Orlando Disney World, Florida; Rod and Christine Turnbull at Casa Castillo, Guayabitos, in the

bay of Jaltemba, Mexico; Carli and Tori Maybuck, Kai and Chase Striegel, and Jacob, Naomi and Hannah Zehnder (missing is Luke Zehnder) in Tela, Honduras. Their names will be entered into a draw to win two tickets to a Calgary Flames game and a night in a Calgary hotel, courtesy of Travel World Invermere, in The Pioneer’s 2009 Travel Contest.


May 15, 2009

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 49

PIONEER ON THE ROAD

HITTING THE ROAD – Here are the latest entries in The Pioneer’s 2009 Travel Contest. Clockwise, from left: Krystle and Brady Chasse with son Kaydn at their wedding in Los Cabos, Mexico; Sharon Muir and Marlene Chabot in the Tofino rainforest on Vancouver Island; Ray and Carolyn Kolochuk at Coconut Garden Island Resort in Palawon, Philippines. They have been entered into a draw to win two tickets to a Calgary Flames game and a night in a Calgary hotel, courtesy of Travel World Invermere. Please send your largest photos to upioneer@telus. net or drop into our office at No. 8, 1008–8th Avenue, Invermere.


50 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 15, 2009

A PERFECT BLEND OF CONTRASTS. . . AT THE ULTIMATE RESORT DESTINATION

2 - 4 KM RUN/WALK FOR

MAY 17 11am - 5 pm PPINE RIDGE MOUNTAIN RESORT’S SPRING WALK & RUN FUNDRAISER

RESCUE VEHICLE CAMPAIGN

resorts GRAND OPENING - COME SEE US MAY 15 - 17 PINE RIDGE MOUNTAIN RESORT SPRING WALK & RUN FUNDRAISER

ACTIVITIES

WARM LAKE WINDERMERE

ACTIVITIES

WORLD CLASS SKIING

ROMANCE/TRANQUILITY

Welcome to your second childhood, with the Joy and Adventure better than your first. Pine Ridge Mountain Resort offers All-Inclusive VIP World-Class Resort Living on a 152-acre sustainable “green” community in the Columbia Valley, with breathtaking views of Lake Windermere and bordering Toby Creek Canyon. Enjoy exclusive access to the Pine Ridge Mountain “Resort Centre” featuring a World Class Fitness Facility, outdoor pool with water slide, hot tubs, tennis, basketball, beach volleyball and conference facilities. Connected to an 8 acre park, the Resort Center will also be the Trail Head for 8km of walking, hiking and mountain bike trails.

1-866-580-2588

Sales Center: 1010 - 7 Ave., Invermere, BC Mon-Fri 9:00am-5pm Sat, Sun & Holidays 10am-4pm denisem@statesmancorporation.com

www.pineridgemtnresort.com

SUNDAY, MAY 17 11am - 5pm on Pine Ridge Mountain Run RUN or WALK to Help Purchase a “Rescue Vehicle” for Invermere & Surrounding Communities 100% Proceeds will Benefit the Invermere Fire & Rescue Pledge Forms Online www. pineridgemtnresort. com PRIZES: including a FREE VACATION to TOSCANA RESORT OF PHOENIX

PURCHASE VIEW LOTS FROM $200,000

COTTAGE LOTS FROM $119,900

ALPINE 2-STORY TOWNHOMES FROM $499,000

RENTALS TOWNHOMES

CALL OR EMAIL FOR PRICES


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 51

May 15, 2009

Valley Churches

FAITH

The call to character Pastor Scott Peterson Valley Christian Assembly Election time, yet again. Recently we have all been assailed with a barrage of television commercials, stake signs, and various advertisements from our provincial candidates representing our various political parties. Of course they all claim to be more qualified than the other guys, promising to fully follow through on their campaign promises. Considering the inevitable compromises typically following a candidate getting into office, as well as our national state of economic recession with leaders in government and business arguing over courses to take, it strikes me that there is a trait which is missing all too often in many people today – character. Webster’s Dictionary defines character as this: “A quality or trait which distinguishes an individual or group.” I would go one step further; character is who you are when nobody else is around. You see, it goes beyond the facade we can put on for others around us, and beyond our “happy face” we may put on for our family or friends. Character is practising what you preach, living what you believe, and being honest about who you really are. I have more respect for the person who admits

he has made mistakes in his life, than for the person who never admits anything at all. I Corinthians 15:33-34 says, “Do not be misled: bad company corrupts good character. Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning.” Galatians 5:22 describes good character, called the “Fruit of the Spirit,” as the following, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.” God’s good character is developed as we choose to live for Him, according to His word, the Bible. It grows as we allow His spirit to speak into our hearts and guide us in our daily lives. The reality is that people who lack character are the ones who all too often walk out on their families, cut corners at their jobs, cheat on their taxes, lie to the public, harm their neighbour, and do whatever feels right at the time. As a society, we need people of noble character who will lead the way as an example to others. Will you decide to be one of those people? God desires to show us how. There are Bible believing churches in our valley, and I encourage you to get involved. Living a life of integrity is hard enough on your own, but with good friends by your side to encourage you it works out much better! At Valley Christian Assembly we are here to help you to grow in your personal life. On Sundays we provide practical teaching from God’s word, and currently we are showing a video series on Wednesday nights about creation vs. evolution. As we connect with a group of Christian believers, we enjoy the opportunity of growing together in the character of Christ!

Lake Windermere Alliance Church Sunday, May 17th: 10:30 a.m. Worship and Life Instruction. How to Shine: Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount. Pastor Trevor ministering. Sunday School, pre-school to Grade 5, during service. For sermons online: www.sermon.net/lwac Pastor Trevor Hagan • 326 -10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lakewindermerealliance.org Windermere Valley Shared Ministry ANGLICAN-UNITED Sunday 8:30 a.m. Communion Service, All Saints, Edgewater 10:30 a.m. Communion Service, Christ Church Trinity Rev. Sandy Ferguson • 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-6644 • www.wvsm.info or www.christchurchtrinity.com Valley Christian Assembly Sunday 10 a.m.: Worship and Word. Children’s Church provided during the message. Wednesday 7 p.m.: Seven-week video series featuring Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith, “Creationism vs. Evolutionism”. Pastor T. Scott Peterson • 4814 Highway 93/95, Windermere 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com Roman Catholic Church Saturday: 5 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Church in Canal Flats 7 p.m. at Canadian Martyrs Church in Invermere Sunday: 9 a.m. at Canadian Martyrs Church in Invermere 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Radium Father Jim McHugh 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. Fraser Coltman • 1-866-426-7564 Radium Christian Fellowship 10 a.m. Worship service 7 p.m. Special Praise, Special Prayer and Especially the Love of God 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, 10 a.m. • Sunday School, 11 a.m. • Relief Society, Noon. President Barry Pratt • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs • 250-341-5792

Selkirk TV & Appliance • Kitchenaid • Inglis • Whirlpool • Roper

Panasonic Pioneer Cell Phones Electronics & Service Christian Books, Music & Misc.

1229-7th Ave., Invermere

342-6415

LOWEST PRICED LAKEVIEW LOT! Quiet area, 100ft x 256ft serviced and ready to build-no DCC’s. Plus BONUS-2nd, 150ft lot with a great renovator lakeview home. CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO BUY NOW?

Gifts that inspire INVERMERE CHRISTIAN SUPPLIES May 16th, 7:00 p.m. • May 17th, 10:00 a.m. at Radium Christian Fellowship West Main Street, Radium (next to Fat Boys Pizza)

Selkirk TV & Appliances Ltd. “Serving you since 1971” MAIN STREET • INVERMERE (250) 342-6415

WHAT GOES INTO the h MIND TM COMES OUT in a LIFE

$515,000 MLS #K181167

• Radium • Invermere • Fairmont • Windermere • Panorama

Call 250-341-6151 or 1-888-341-6155

www.rayfergusonrealty.ca


52 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

r o f n 12 s o 09 u e n usth 20 i o j ho 16 e s en y a e pl r op y ma ou urda sat

May 15, 2009

pm 5 -

spring fever - dance the night away and stay! $99 studio suite or 2 bedroom suite (3 couples) for $239

Billy Jive and the Funktastic Five are coming to Radium Hot Springs on Saturday, May 23rd for a Spring Fever Dance at the Radium Hall. Stay the night at Bighorn Meadows Resort for $99 in a studio suite or book a 2 bedroom suite that sleeps 3 couples for $79.66 each.

call today to reserve your room! www.bighornmeadows.ca Uncompromising quality in luxury resort properties

1-888-766-9637 info@bighornmeadows.ca ďż˝


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.