vol9issue8

February 24, 2012 Vol. 9/Issue 8

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

The Columbia

Valley

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1 February 24, 2012

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 24, 2012

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Recess cancelled due to deer for food. That’s the concern. It changes things when we have a circumstance when a wild animal isn’t behaving the way a wild animal should be behaving.”

Recess at Eileen Madson Primary School was cut Conservation officers attended the school the next short on Thursday, February 16th, as a precautionary day, but there were no deer in the locale. They advised measure due to deer refusing to leave the playground. school staff that the behaviour was not uncommon There have been three incidents where students were when deer have been fed by hand, and requested that the either brought indoors or moved to a different part of school call them immediately if there are future concerns the playground because of deer not leaving the area, with deer refusing to move away, Mr. Carriere stated. said Paul Carriere, superintendent for School District “As well, in the case of Eileen Madson Primary 6, stressing that the moves were made as precautionary School, the principal, Lisa Tenta, will be doing a check measures, not because of the playground just students were in any im- “The deer didn’t have the natural fear that it should have. It prior to recess to ensure should have been moving away from the children, but rather we don’t have issues.” mediate danger. it was moving towards them.”

Thursday’s incident There really isn’t occurred when a group of much people can do in Paul Carriere, deer on the playground the event of an aggresSuperintendant of Schools started to leave the area, sive deer encounter, said but one turned back and Conservation Officer seemed interested in a green ball the children were play- Lawrence Umsonst, as there is very little direction from ing with, he reported. the provincial government to the conservation officers “Normally what you would expect is a large number themselves, let alone the general public. of children come out onto the field and the deer make “Depending on the nature of the aggressiveness they their exit,” Mr. Carriere said. “That’s kind of what hap- should call us for sure ... This is really different than compened, but one of the deer turned around came back paring it to when a cougar or a bear becomes aggressive,” onto the field, not really pursuing the green ball but just he said. “Every backyard is different and every situation kind of curious about it. Then apparently the deer took is different. We don’t have a pamphlet. The provincial interest in students that were holding fruit or vegetable government doesn’t really have steps one to five that you items in their hands. That got the attention of our super- should do to address aggressive deer complaints.” visors who ushered the kids out of the area.”

If an individual deer can be positively identified, On rare occasions, children are kept inside due to conservation officers can address the concern regarding bear or cougar sightings in the area, but keeping them it, and either euthanize the animal, relocate it or attempt inside for deer is a fairly new situation for the school to condition it against the behaviour using rubber buldistrict, Mr. Carriere said. lets. As deer lineups aren’t commonly seen, it’s difficult “It is more of a common sense kind of thing than a to know how easily a deer could be identified after an district policy. Under normal circumstances deer on the incident occurs, Mr. Umsonst joked. perimeter of the school property during the school day “It does still seem that most of the aggressive behavwouldn’t garner this kind of attention because they are iour comes when someone is associated with a dog, but all over the community. in this situation it was so weird that they were coming in “What has the attention of the principal is the deer for the kids’ apples,” he added. didn’t have the natural fear that it should have. It should “The way the call centre worded it, I was wondering have been moving away from the children, but rather it at first if the deer were stealing the kids’ lunch money!” was moving towards them and it appeared to be looking To report wildlife conflicts call 1-877-952-7277.

By Joshua Estabrooks Pioneer Staff

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

Valley NEWS

Firemen douse blaze at Delphine Lodge

By Kelsey Verboom Pioneer Staff Smoke poured from the roof of the historic Delphine Lodge in Wilmer on February 20th, as firefighters drenched the building’s smouldering roof.

At around 12:30 p.m., a passerby noticed smoke rising from the roof of the building to the right of the main lodge building, and shouted, “Fire! Fire!”

Lodge owners Jill and Sebastian Bell saw the smoke plume and ran next door to help tenant Roy Baker, who was trying to decide what to eat for lunch and was unaware of the trouble building upstairs.

With help from neighbours who ran to the rescue, Roy and the Bells were able to remove most of the 1,000 cherished books Roy kept upstairs.

While they worked, Roy said he saw smoke pouring from the ceiling, but no flames.

“I went upstairs to get something just before I left, and I could hear a crackling in the roof.”

While the group rescued Roy’s belongings, another neighbour crawled up onto a nearby roof and sprayed the fire with a garden hose until fire crews took over.

Roy and his neighbours stood roadside once the Invermere Fire Rescue arrived with 18 members, and watched as firemen blasted the burning roof with water and fire retardant foam.

“The firemen got here in great time,” Roy said of their efforts.

Once the blaze died down, firemen opened up the roof from the inside, pulling out smoking pieces of insulation. The fire was confined to the home’s roof near a woodburning chimney. Its cause is still being investigated.

Invermere Fire Rescue wish to thank all those who helped with the fire before they arrived.

Roy has lived in the historic space for the past eight years after he moved to Wilmer from the Okanagan to

WHERE THERE’S SMOKE — Two Invermere Fire Rescue members spray water at the roof where the fire was contained while a fellow firefighter, Fire Chief Roger Ekman, and Deputy Chief Tom McNeil look on.

Photo by Kelsey Verboom be “somewhere quiet” and live near his daughters, Kim and Terri Baker.

Holding a cup of coffee brought to him by neighbour Kathryn Petrunia, Roy mused, “I sure love it here.

It could have been a lot worse.”

The Delphine Lodge was built in 1899 by George Starke, and was named after his wife Delphine. The lodge was once the hub of Wilmer, formerly Peterborough, and housed guests for $1.35 per night. It was the

site of numerous poker tournaments, and once boasted Pierre Trudeau as a guest.

The lodge buildings have been renovated a few times by various owners, and in addition to lodging have served as the post office, a gas station, and various other stores.

The building’s fragrant gardens are a favourite stop for locals and tourists during the summer months.

Jill and Sebastian Bell are the current owners, and live in the main lodge building.

4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 24, 2012

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RCMP seize cocaine during search In the late afternoon of February 13th, two search warrants under the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act were executed at the same time at two different residences. One warrant was executed in the Pinewood condos in Radium in the 4800 block of Stanley Street, and the other in the 1400 block of 7th Street, Invermere. Cocaine was seized from each location. As a result of the warrant on Stanley Street, two adult males, brothers aged 29 and 23, were charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking. The search on 7th Street has resulted in a 28-year-old female being charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking. The investigation is continuing.

Columbia Valley Detachment responded to 29 complaints over the weekend of February 18th. Many involved thefts from vehicles and noise complaints.

• On February 18th at 12:37 a.m., RCMP attended to a disturbance complaint in front of Bud’s Bar and Lounge after a 20-year-old male from Saskatchewan was denied entry. Police attended and the male departed, but then made the mistake of returning to cause further problems. The male was highly intoxicated and was offered accommodations at the detachment. He was released when sober with a ticket for being drunk in public.

• On February 18th at 4:17 a.m., Columbia Valley Detachment members responded to a single-vehicle accident on Highway 93/95, three kilometres north of Invermere. A 2010 Chevrolet was located in the ditch.

Footprints leading away from the vehicle led the officers to Wilmer Pontoon Road, where the 42-year-old driver from Invermere was located. Evidence at the scene and from the driver when located indicated the male was impaired. Due to injuries sustained, the male was taken to the hospital and a blood demand was read. Blood was received and will be sent to the lab for results in the future. If the results are over .08, the male will be charged.

• On February 18th a 9:40 a.m., two unlocked vehicles were broken into in the 7400 block of Rivercrest Road in Radium. A BMO Mastercard, Acer laptop and driver’s licence were taken. The card was later used. An investigation is continuing with regard to the location where the card was used.

• Later on February 18th, police received a report that two more vehicles that were left unlocked in the 7500 block of Jackson Avenue in Radium were broken into. A purse with identity cards and cash was stolen.

• On February 18th at 10:45 p.m., RCMP responded to a disturbance that occurred as a result of a good friend allowing his friends to invite unknown males to use his hot tub. The unknown males became unruly and refused to depart until the police were called.

A fight broke out before the unknown males left.

The males were located in Radium and a 25-year-old male from Calgary and an 18-year-old male also from Calgary became friends with the RCMP and were invited

to a sleepover at the detachment. Both males were released when sober and given tickets for being drunk in public. The complainant did not wish to pursue assault charges.

• On February 18th a 11:45 p.m., a victim in Invermere responded to an email from the Bank of Montreal that she thought was legitimate. The email requested personal information be filled out on a link to enhance her security. Private information was given, which resulted in the victim having a large sum of money taken out of her account. Do not respond to such emails. If in doubt contact your bank.

• High School floor hockey update: RCMP: 9, high school students: 3. How they can walk with their heads held high is beyond me. How do these boys get dates?

Should have stopped There is a good explanation for the above picture.

One of a few accidents I’ve had with a police car.

I happened to be working the Pitt Meadows area doing some radar patrol when a vehicle went by me that in my opinion was going a little too fast.

The problem was that it was rush hour in the early morning and I thought if this guy in front of me got some room to go, he would go. The Detachment border ends at the Coquitlam bridge. Once the target car got over the bridge, a smart officer would have backed off — the target lives for another day.

Well, not so smart. I continued to follow the vehicle well into the Coquitlam area. It was raining heavily and there was a big lineup of cars, so this guy had no room to speed. I was going to back off, but an opportunity came up at the intersection.

The fellow was approaching a light that had just turned yellow, and he slowed down and then sped up.

The light was about to turn red and I let go of the brakes and actually accelerated a bit to stay behind.

However, the fellow then braked hard and stopped for the yellow light. He stopped; I didn’t. The picture is the end result.

I jumped out to check on the driver I hit only to find out it is a fellow police officer friend who was driving an unmarked police vehicle. I was well out of my area and now two police vehicles were out of action.

I gave my friend hell. I told him that if he was going to run a yellow light and that’s what he decided (as was obviously his intent), then have some commitment and don’t be wishy-washy about it. His indecisiveness resulted in an accident! I tried to find an accident cause code for that on the accident sheet but it wasn’t to be found. I made up my own code: “s--t happens.”

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

February 24, 2012

Radium assaults result of drug dealer conflict

By Pioneer Staff Three of four recent assaults in Radium Hot Springs were the result of drug conflict, and are nothing more than cases of grown-up schoolyard bullies, said Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment Staff Sergeant Marko Shehovac.

In four separate instances, individuals were assaulted, sustaining injuries. None of the four alleged assaults was reported to police, but RCMP have followed up with those involved.

Three of the assaults were the result of conflict between people involved in drug activity. The fourth assault, however, concerned a 63-year-old man who was knocked to the ground and kicked by a group of adult males while on his way home from the store with an eight-pack of beer on January 29th.

Radium Mayor Dee Conklin said that since the incident involving the 63-year-old man, she has heard safety concerns from residents, council members, and a business owner.

“Of course people are concerned. Safety is paramount in any community,” Mayor Conklin said.

Staff Sgt. Shehovac said he doesn’t believe regular Radium residents need to be worried about their personal safety in town.

“Normally, the people they pick on are part of their own lifestyle.”

The people involved in these conflicts aren’t organized gangs, but merely groups of “grown-up schoolyard bullies,” Staff Sgt. Shehovac said.

“To call one specific group a gang is giving them too much credit. They like to intimidate people, they like to bully people, and they like to do it in groups.”

For the most part, these bully tactics are used on other drug associates. Rival drug dealer activity is common in larger city centres, and is no different in a small community, Staff Sgt. Shehovac said.

Drug trafficking in the Columbia Valley is a problem not just in Radium, and one the RCMP keeps close tabs

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“In my opinion, we’re doing a good job. Whenever we have the opportunity to make life uncomfortable for them, we do, to the point where some have left the area.”

But when one group leaves, another usually comes in to fill the void.

“These are people who have come in and have found The Economics of Happiness: a lucrative area for dealing drugs,” Staff Sgt. Shehovac said.

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For those entwined in the drug lifestyle, Staff Sgt. Shehovac has nothing but tough love.

“My message for those who are in that lifestyle is he ioneer take the intimidation, take the bullying, and expect more of it. You will continue to be victims of your supThe valley’s only locally owned, locally operated newspaper posed friends.”

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February 24, 2012

perspective

We’re all in it together

Historical Lens

Young soldier Elmer Palmer poses for a portrait in military uniform, 1940. If you have any more information or memories about this photograph, email us at news@ cv-pioneer.com.

By Kelsey Verboom Pioneer Staff While photographing the Delphine Lodge fire earlier this week, I witnessed a small but simple exchange that reminded me of something I fear some people in the community are losing sight of.

As the roof of Roy Baker’s rental suite burned and he fretfully looked on, his neighbour from across the street, Kathryn Petrunia, brought him a mug of hot coffee, putting her hand on his shoulder.

This simple gesture embodies everything I love about the Columbia Valley and the people who call it home.

It seems whatever personal trouble someone is in, people in our community always step forward to help and do the “neighbourly” thing.

Sometimes though, I think we all lose sight of this rare and increasingly-important quality.

Most recently, I’ve watched the deer cull issue unfold, a little ball of worry growing in my stomach. The issue has divided many members of the community, and has been the cause of much name-calling, accusationflinging, and a seething sort of hatred that doesn’t have a place in the valley.

No matter what the issue, I urge the people of our valley to not lose touch with what’s really important, which is a sense of community.

Hold a strong opinion? Most definitely. Voice it?

Yes, please. That’s what creates vibrant discussion and a thriving political and news culture. But while you’re voicing your opinions, be sure to remember that we all need to live in our relatively small community together.

There are so many horrible things that happen in other places of the world every day. In comparison to places with violent political conflict, we live in heaven on earth.

The Columbia Valley is a much more pleasant place when neighbours act like good neighbours. Let’s keep it so that if you need a strong cup of coffee to pull you through a difficult time, you know it will be there.

Photo A797 courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society

Pioneer weekly web poll goes viral Each week The Pioneer runs a reader poll on our website, www.columbiavalleypioneer.com.

The poll is unscientific and is meant to casually engage readers about an issue in the newspaper. The results aren’t official, but they certainly spark great conversation.

This week’s controversial poll was re-posted on several Facebook pages, and voter numbers surged to an unprecedented 480 as of press time — more than triple the results of any other web poll on our website. Here are the results:

What do you think of the injunction that has halted the deer cull?

I’m against the cull and the injunction.

3.32% (16 votes)

I don’t care. 0.21% (1 vote) What a waste of time and money. I hope it gets thrown out in court. 46.47% (224 votes)

I’m incredibly pleased. Save the deer! 47.93% (231 votes)

I disagree, but respect the right to protest. 2.07% (10 votes)

Total Votes: 482

The Columbia Valley

Pioneer

is independently owned and operated, published weekly by Misko Publishing Limited Partnership, Robert W. Doull, President.

Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Ave., Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Phone: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 250-341-6229 Email: info@cv-pioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Rose-Marie Regitnig Publisher/Sales Manager

Kelsey Verboom Editor

Kate Irwin Reporter/ Special Publications Editor

Joshua Estabrooks Reporter

Kathy Sutherland Advertising Sales

Emily Rawbon Graphic Design

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Gayle Engstrom Office Assistant

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

February 24, 2012

LETTERS The ‘silent’ speak out Dear Editor: We try to remain impartial in most political issues, as we do trust in the democratic process and the individuals who we elect to do the job. But as the deer cull process is being turned into a debacle, we feel the need to speak out.

The Invermere Deer Protection Organization (IDPO) does not speak for us.

We believe it is time that all the people who support our council and the process stand up and be counted.

The IDPO has brought a civil lawsuit, along with the injunction halting the cull, to the court, suing the District of Invermere for emotional and physical suffering due to imagining what would happen to the deer in the cull.

Do we now all get to sue for emotional distress whenever we don’t like a decision? The 14 plaintiffs must be beyond distraught during hunting season.

That people can come in and subvert the process distresses us beyond anything else. When does it end?

What then is the purpose of having a governing body, when after the process has been gone through people can just complain and stop it? Where were the protestors when the committee couldn’t get enough people? Why weren’t they standing together united in the cause then?

That they can arrive at the eleventh hour, and call the council members names and compare the cull to a historical atrocity is reprehensible. They have not followed the correct process to air their

complaints in the way everyone else must when we need to talk to the council.

We know that there are no arguments to change anyone’s mind on either side, and we won’t try. However, regardless of the opponents’ opinions, we are compassionate, and our concerns stem from the fear that young families are feeling, the fear that pet owners with their leashed dogs are feeling, and from the sadness of watching animals who are hurt, wounded or sick that cannot be culled by a natural predator as we have chased them all out of town. Deer are prey and a cull in nature is provided by predators and is necessary.

Please stand up and voice your support for the council and by extension the cull. They made a difficult decision no one would want to make, with the permission of the Crown, and have made it through due process.

Don’t Miss an Issue!

Congratulations!

Brian and Brenda Stringer are proud to announce the graduation of their daughter

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8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 24, 2012

Cull controversy is ‘out of hand’ Deer frighten Dear Editor: I’ve been waiting for approximately a month now for this deer issue to “just blow over.” I had no specific plan to write anything on the matter. However, as this is a passionate subject, things have gotten a little out of hand.

I’ve heard many arguments on both sides which have merit, and many on both sides which are completely ridiculous. Arguing against the cull on the basis of the “beauty and prestige of the majestic animal” is as extreme and closed-minded as the “kill ‘em all and let God sort ‘em out” side.

The claim that the District of Invermere didn’t properly consult residents on the matter is hard for me to buy.

I say this to anyone with opinions on either side who feel as though they weren’t asked for their opinion.

The issue has seen a lot of discussion up until now in the proper forums in order to make an appropriate decision and a decision one way or the other had to be made.

If this was something that people (on either side) feel so passionately about now, where were the groups supporting or protesting it two years ago? Why didn’t people band together as like-minded citizens at that time, join said forums in constructive discussion and help make our elected officials’ jobs that much easier in the decision process?

People like to say that those in charge purposely make decisions contrary to the will of the people, or what’s considered right, but that’s a hard claim to make when the option to chime in at ANY TIME is there, yet

Council is on target

is not taken until the eleventh hour.

Anyone who wants the deer culled simply because they are a nuisance is off on the matter. Though I support the cull, it isn’t due to an opinion of inconvenience or minor annoyance. The main (and probably only) solid case to kill the deer is due to public safety.

I am a firm believer that preventative measures in the way of wildlife must sometimes be made. Although it can appear cruel or heartless, a drastic reduction in the number of mule deer within town limits very well may save someone serious injury, even death. Though this is speculative, if I imagine a situation where I was given the choice between the life of a loved one, and the death of 100 deer, I’d cull them myself.

The ultimate fate of this cull, and the deer, now lies in the hands of the courts. A lot of unnecessary anger and resentment between neighbours and friends has surfaced, most of which could have been avoided.

In the future, people need to use the tools of democracy that we are guaranteed by right.

Feeling passion for something is great, but if they aren’t going take a stance on the matter during the time frame when it can make a difference, filing frivolous lawsuits and protesting a matter that’s been open for discussion for two years is a childish way of trying to accomplish something.

Dear Editor: This letter is for all those who do not want the deer to be culled. I myself am against it but I am not ignorant enough to ignore that these deer vandalize property and are a danger to everyone who walks near them.

Have you watched your puppy get trampled by said deer because she happened to snoop too close?

Have you had your fence, compost, and/or rabbit hutch broken by deer? Have you been stalked by a deer? Have you had to avoid streets, risking being late for work because you know that if you walked past a herd of deer you are risking a lot more than being late?

All this has happened to me and I’d imagine if these things had happened to you, you would understand that these deer are not the cute little deer in stories and movies. These deer are dangerous and something needs to be done about it.

Culling these deer is the only logical action. If we were to relocate them somewhere else, they risk slow, painfully agonizing deaths by cougars, wolves and other predators. I am against all unnecessary ends to the lives of people or animals, but there isn’t a safe way out of this. It was the people of this town who created these monsters and now we have to do something about it.

I’m a 16-year-old boy. I don’t have fears but these deer are scaring me and I don’t like it.

Daniel Schnider, Invermere

Thomas Clare, Invermere

Dear Editor: Being a new resident to the valley (fulltime now, part-time for five years) I have not had the opportunity to attend the public input sessions which were held to discuss the growing problem of deer herd size. Now that I am a fulltime resident I feel I have a say in how it’s dealt with in my backyard — by my elected officials.

Unfortunately the time for public debate on this issue has past. The town officials have

spent the money and time to come up with a plan (with the input of those who bothered to attend the meetings) and now the plan should be put into action. This is called democracy!

I am not a supporter of government spending wastefully, so to see all this time and money be wasted because a few people have suddenly thought to speak up is troublesome.

Now I see that they are wasting more tax dollars on a court injunction. Shame on you.

I shall offer that maybe the time would

MAKING THEIR VOICES HEARD — Members of the Invermere Deer Protection Organization (IDPO) gathered at Cenotaph Park in Invermere on Saturday, February 18th, to voice their opposition to the deer cull planned by the District of Invermere. The group won a temporary injunction to halt the cull until February 24th, and has concurrently launched a lawsuit against the district. Invermere Mayor, Gerry Taft, said that the district’s lawyers will be responding, but couldn’t say

be better spent researching the effects of overpopulation of deer, like lime disease, deforestation and destruction, and danger to human life when interactions go wrong.

I know that I will be doing my homework before the next opportunity to have my say in what happens in my community comes around. My support goes to the council on this one.

R. Davidson, Invermere

when they would be in court. Pictured, left to right: IDPO members Larry Bachinski, Vince Zurbriggen, Devin Kazakoff, Sylvia Walker, a woman who refused to identify herself, Rhonda Elliott, Jennie Hilder, a woman who refused to identify herself, Marie Pike, Dave Reiber and Kathy Bishop. Global News Network, BC, attended the protest and produced a short segment on the issue.

Photo by Joshua Estabrooks

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

February 24, 2012 . . . LETTERS continued from page 8

Bigger issues to protest Dear Editor: I am constantly amazed that people will march down main streets, petition various levels of government, and boycott the businesses of those who favor animal control in their communities, but remain silent on the much more important issues of injustices in the nation’s courts.

John R. Ginter, a retired RCMP officer, provided us with a great example of this in his excellent Letter to the Editor regarding injustices in Canada’s courts in the February 17th edition.

Why are a disproportionate number of rogues in society given such little attention among concerned members of the citizenry who seem to find time in their normally busy routines to take a stand on things negatively affecting their communities? I can’t figure it out!

Shouldn’t safety, and protection from criminal activities rate far higher than a deer or rabbit eating our daisies?

Isn’t it time we start standing up to a system that allows criminals to walk free from persecution for serious crimes committed or which reduces the penalty to practically nothing, because of a technical

error in proceedings?

Nobody protests these things! Decent people should be parading down the main streets of this country petitioning and screaming for our leaders to fix our seriously flawed court system — especially the unaccountable judiciary — but they don’t!

No drunk, child molester or anyone else charged with a crime should be handed a free pass back into society, because someone during the preliminaries forgot to cross a ‘T’ or dot an ‘I’. It’s simply crazy that this happens in such a civilized place as Canada.

Some call this country the best place on earth to live — not a point most would argue.

But that view may vary depending on whether or not the person making the declaration has been the victim of a serious criminal action, and then later witnessed the guilty party walk away from his crime, laughing at a system that served him a weird kind of justice on a silver platter.

Invermere: what a great place to grow up.

Two years ago, four young men had a dream to be champions. With the help of the community, their dream has come true.

Ian Redeker, Sam Gaspar, Logan Powell, Garrett Kashuba, and Justin Pollard recently became the Juvenile Kootenay Zone Champions in curling, and will be traveling to the B.C. Winter Games to represent the Columbia Valley.

A dream is only a dream without the help of others.

The Invermere Curling Centre members and Board of Directors unselfishly helped us with ice time, uniforms, league and bonspiel dues, game experience, and

Welcome

Isla Maud Dare

Reality: Develop a good campaign, or theme for your ads. Stick with that one campaign, and only make small changes on headlines or details.

Call Kathy at 250-341-6299 to find out more.

N E W S PA P E R

Born to Jessie and Garrett Dare of Skookumchuck, B.C. on January 5th, 2012 in Cranbrook, B.C. Proud Grandparents, Tish & Jim Kendrick of Invermere, B.C. and Ken & Diane Dare of Calgary, AB.

Delivering employment services in the Kootenays since 1997 Steele O’Neil announces the closing of their East Kootenay employment centres and the winding down of employment and support programs on March 31, 2012.

Alvin Shier Canmore, Alberta

Provincial-bound curling boys give thanks Dear Editor:

Myth: Change your ads all the time.

Readers get tired of the same thing.

coaching.

Michelle, Christine, Jack, Rick, Vick, Slap, Dave, and local media helped publicise our dream. The Pioneer, Valley Peak, and the Valley Echo were always eager to spread the good news.

When we needed money for travel, the fundraising efforts of the team’s parents were met with open arms by local organizations and charities who could see the value supporting our youth.

Thank you to all the businesses and individuals who have donated to our dream. With your help it is coming true.

We hope to make you proud at the B.C. Winter Games.

Dave Gaspar, team coach Windermere

Programs ending: East Kootenay Employment Assistance Services (Kimberley, Invermere) • Community Assistance Program (CAP) • East Kootenay Targeted Initiative for Older Workers • Targeted Wage Subsidy Program (Cranbrook and Kimberley) The Basin Business Advisors Program continues with Will Nixon delivering services in the East Kootenay region.

We are grateful for the support of our funding partners, primarily the Province of BC, Service Canada and Columbia Basin Trust. Thanks to Bob Haley and Kelle Maag for their guidance and support from the beginning.

We have been so fortunate to work with a dedicated and committed team of employment counsellors and support staff, who have consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty to assist and support our clients.

For more information contact: Steele O’Neil Cranbrook 250.489.4180 Alpine Employment Resource Centre Kimberley 250.427.7720

It’s been an amazing fifteen years!

Columbia Valley Employment Centre Invermere 250.341.6889

Have something to say? Letters to the editor can be e-mailed to upioneer@telus.net

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 24, 2012

Nancy Tegart: farewell to a ranching legend

By Kelsey Verboom Pioneer Staff Nancy Tegart’s 99 years are a story worth telling.

Born in England in 1912, Nancy (nee Lee) moved to the Columbia Valley in 1927.

When the Second World War broke out in 1939, there were no women in the armed forces. Many Canadian women lobbied the government for the chance to contribute, and in 1941 and 1942, the Canadian military created its own women’s forces.

In 1942, Nancy joined the women’s division of the Canadian Air Force. When the government started to allow select women overseas, Nancy was one of the few chosen. She was the only woman from her base in Toronto picked for the cherished position. She, along with only 20 other Canadian women, sailed from Halifax on a Royal Mail Lines ship.

While overseas, Nancy worked doing motor transport, WITH POISE — Nancy Tegart in her Air Force uniform (left) and this past spring at Columbia House (right). driving a truck that delivered rations to bases near Allerton Park in Yorkshire, headquarters for the RCAF bombing sta- to move to Columbia Garden Village, and later Columbia want to call it that. She was a very strong woman and a tions that were set up all over northern England.

House, where she passed away at 99 on February 10th. good role model for young women. She proved that just When Nancy returned to Canada after the war, she Nancy was visited weekly by her friend and caregiver, because you’re a woman doesn’t mean you can’t do it.” married Lloyd Tegart. The couple ranched together at Sharon Wass, who wrote Nancy’s biography called ‘LetNancy’s feisty spirit sometimes got her in trouble, the Hidden Valley Ranch near Invermere until Lloyd ters From the Ranch.’ Sharon and Nancy met at a writer’s Sharon said, laughing, but her strong will allowed her to was burned to death in an accident. Nancy stayed on at conference and became fast friends. accomplish many things. the ranch for four years after Lloyd’s death, before selling “We spent time together every weekend. Sometimes “Some people didn’t like her sharp tongue, but she the ranch and making the Olde Corby Place Ranch in we worked on the book, and sometimes we just played really had a heart of gold.”

Windermere her home. crib or talked,” Sharon said. “Once we published the An account has been set up at the Credit Union to Nancy had a great love for animals, especially horses, book, I didn’t want to say goodbye to her. continue the annual award Nancy set up for agricultural and she remained on the ranch until her health caused her “I always really enjoyed her feminist viewpoint, if you students, the Nancy Lee Tegart Agricultural Award.

Columbia River Treaty Learn about our past.

Think about our future.

Learn About the Columbia River Treaty

YOU’RE invited

Columbia Basin Trust, in partnership with the Regional District of East Kootenay and Columbia Valley communities, is hosting an information session to build awareness about the 1964 Columbia River Treaty between Canada and the United States. Learn more about how this international agreement relates to reservoir and lake levels and why it’s important to your community, the entire Columbia Basin and all of BC.

We’re ready... are you?

COLUMBIA VALLEY WHAT: Open House Free Dinner Presentation

2:00 to 7:00 p.m.

6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

WHEN: Wednesday, February 29, 2012 WHERE: Lion’s Hall, 651 Hwy. 93/95 At Invermere Crossroads

www.cbt.org • 1.800.505.8998

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

The Columbia Valley Pioneer 11 Page• 11

February 24, 2012

What’s Happening in the Columbia Valley

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

Rock ‘N Roll Tommy Gunns, member of Calgary-based Broken Toyz, pumps out some classic 80s jams at Bud’s Bar and Lounge on Sunday, February 19th.

PAGE 12

HIGHLAND FLING

PAGE 14

Out & About Photo by Joshua Estabrooks

Columbia Valley Arts Council AGM Thursday March 1st - 7 pm at Pynelogs Cultural Centre Refreshments following AGM · Everyone welcome!

First Friday’s Open Mic @ Pynelogs

What does ART mean to you? Friday March 2nd at 7 pm · Licensed Premises

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

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

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 24, 2012

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

Movie Review: Fireflies in the Garden Reviewed by Emily Rawbon I was absolutely stoked to see this film. The previews suggested a down-to-earth story of love, hate, power struggles and the ties that bind them together — yep, you’ve got it: a dysfunctional family.

Supported by a stellar cast including Julia Roberts, Willem Dafoe, Emily Watson and a freshly-bearded Ryan Reynolds, Fireflies in the Garden promised to be a bright light among the lineup of DVDs being released this week. But, like so many movies I have seen with high expectations, I walked away from this one rather disappointed.

Up front, the Taylor family appears to be a successful and happy mid-western American family. The father, Charles (Dafoe), is a professor well on his way to becoming president of his college; the mother, Lisa (Roberts),

is about to graduate college decades after leaving school to raise a family. Their son Michael (Reynolds — with added believability along with the facial hair) is a successful romance novelist, while their daughter, Ryne (Shannon Lucio), is about to enter law school.

But despite outward appearances, The Taylor family is anything but functional. We quickly discover that Charles is an abusive control freak. As for Lisa, well she is having an affair with her English professor. Michael’s strained relationship with his father is causing all-round havoc. And Ryne is quite possibly the illegitimate daughter of Lisa’s much-younger sister, Jane (Emily Watson).

Inevitably, these skeletons start coming out of the closet after a tragic accident ends Lisa’s life right before her graduation. To add insult to injury, Michael has written a manuscript that would shed light on his family’s

issues for everyone to read.

Now, if all this is sounding promising, I’m sorry to disappoint. Once I immersed myself into this drama I found the storyline and main characters to be shallow at best. And the pace at which things unravelled was like tar-thick molasses slowly oozing across the kitchen counter. Yes, a horribly sticky situation. But life seems to reflect that every once in a while.

Unmet expectations aside, I can honestly say that Fireflies in the Garden is neither a great movie nor a bad one. It wouldn’t hurt to check it out.

RATING: 6.5 OUT OF 10 HEADS

C O LU M B I A VA L L E Y P I O N E E R S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N

2012 Radium Hot Springs Magazine PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS IN RADIUM’S PREMIERE MAGAZINE • • • • • •

The Radium Magazine produces results!

Creates visibility for Radium in the competitive tourism market Educates visitors to BC’s Best Mountain Getaway Village Provides marketing information to lodging guests Promotes “Stay and Play Another Day” in Radium Hot Springs Increases revenue to local businesses with longer visits

THE RADIUM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS PROVIDING A 10% DISCOUNT FOR ITS MEMBERS.

Radium Hot Springs Magazine is a beautiful glossy magazine aimed at more than 500,000 tourists who visit our resort community each year. Placed in the majority of local hotel rooms, distributed to Visitor Centres across BC and available online at www.radiumhotsprings.com, it’s a great way to promote your business to this target audience.

Gone

HOLLYWOOD V

I D E O

No one should ever be pressured, forced or tricked into giving money — even to loved ones. If someone you trust is taking advantage of you, help is out there. Learn the signs of financial abuse to protect yourself and the people you love.

An initiative of the Radium Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, the magazine is also used as a national and international marketing tool to draw tourists to the Columbia Valley.

ADVERTISING DEADLINE March 2nd, 2012

Contact: Kathy Sutherland N E W S PA P E R

ne? e c S e m I r c IS ThIS a

A Radium Chamber of Commerce marketing initiative.

E-mail: kathy@cv-pioneer.com Ph: 250-341-6299 Fax: 250-341-6229 Box 868, Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0

To find out more from the Government of Canada about preventing elder abuse, visit www.seniors.gc.ca or call 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) TTY: 1-800-926-9105

4576_ElderAbuse_ENG_03

Gone Hollywood’s TOP FIVE OF THE WEEK Last Week’s Top 5 Rentals New Releases February 21 1 2 3 4 5

Rum Diaries Drive Twilight - Breaking Dawn Money Ball Ides of March

1 2 3 4 5

Tower Heist J. Edgar Puss in Boots Fireflies in the Garden The Rebound

New Releases February 28 1 2 3 4 5

Hugo Johnny English Reborn Sympathy For Delicious Insight Race Begins

RENT ONE GET ONE

HALF OFF

Coupon valid for half off one rental of ANY movieat your locally owned independent video store.

Maximum ONE coupon per household.

Cannot be combined with other offers.

Stores reserve the right to limit redemption.

Expires: March 24th, 2012.

503 - 7th Ave., Invermere • 250-342-0057

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

February 24, 2012

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

Out & About Please call 250-341-6299 or e-mail us at info@cv-pioneer.com to enter your event in our FREE listings.

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

Toby Theatre

Coffee Works. For info: 250-341-3254.

• 8 p.m.: The Great Hall Live series presents Ski Bum: The Musical at Panorama Mountain Village. $15 per person. Ticket available at Panorama’s Guest Services or by calling: 1-800-663-2929.

Monday, February 27th: • 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.: Chamber Women in Business meeting at Lion’s Hall. Vision Boards. What would you do with your life if you knew you could not fail? $20 for members, $30 for non-members. To register: 250-342-2844.

• 6 - 9 p.m.: Climate solutions for the Kootenays - Trash Talk. Free waste reduction workshop at the Invermere Community Centre. Food will be served, please bring cup, plate and utensils. To register contact: tammy@wildsight.ca.

• February 24th - 25th, 7:30 p.m.: Mission Impossible - Ghost Control.

• March 9th - 10th, March 15th - 17th, 7:30 p.m.: The Adventures of Tintin.

For info: www.tobytheatre.com.

• 7 p.m.: Groundswell presents Queen of the Sun at David Thompson Secondary School. A gorgeous and relevant film about bees, our food system and future.

Door prizes. For info: www.groundswellnetwork.ca.

Friday, February 24th:

Wednesday, February 29th:

• 12 noon: Soup and a Bun at Edgewater Legion. $6 per person, includes dessert and beverage.

• 1:30 - 3 p.m.: Fabulous February Fun at Invermere Library. For students from Kindergarten to Grade 4. A free afternoon of crafts, stories, games and fun.

Pre-registration is required. Call 250-342-6416 to register.

• 4 - 9 p.m.: Night skiing at Fairmont Hot Springs ski area. Starlight Challenge final Friday dual slalom race. Drop-ins welcome. For info email: cmalone@ fhsr.com.

• 4:30 - 9 p.m.: Free lift-accessed tobogganing at Panorama Resort kicks off Panorama’s Mardi Gras weekend. Pick up free ticket at Guest Services Desk.

For info: 1-800-663-2929.

• 8 p.m.: Torchlight Parade at Panorama Resort. For info: 1-800-663-2929.

• 2 - 7 p.m.: Columbia River Treaty information session Open House at Lion’s Hall, at Invermere Crossroads. Hosted by Columbia Basin Trust, in partnership with the Regional District of East Kootenay and Columbia Valley communities.

• 6 - 9 p.m.: Columbia River Treaty dinner and presentation. Building awareness about 1964 Columbia River Treaty between Canada and United States. For info: www.cbt.org/crt.

Saturday, February 25th: • 5:30 p.m.: Lake Windermere Rod and Gun Club Banquet and Dance at the Invermere Community Hall. $40 per person. Tickets for sale at The Book Bar, K5 Mechanical, Home Hardware or Kootenay

Tuesday, February 28th:

Thursday, March 1st: • 7 p.m.: Columbia Valley Arts’ Annual General Meeting at Pynelogs. For info: 250-342-4423.

• 7:30 p.m.: Brisco Riding Club’s Annual General Meeting. For info call Karel at 250347-0085 or Amanda: 250-347-2125.

Friday, March 2nd: • 1:30 p.m.: World Day of Prayer at All Saint’s, Edgewater. For info call Erika: 250-347-9690.

• 6:30 p.m.: Economist Mark Anielski, author of The Economics of Happiness: Discovering Genuine Wealth, at the Invermere Community Hall. $12 per

person. Tickets available at Circle Health and The Book Bar. For info and registration: www.wildsight. ca/findingbalance.

• 7 p.m.: World Day of Prayer at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere. For info call Helen: 250-3426751.

• 7 p.m.: Open Mic at Pynelogs Cultural Centre.

For info: 250-342-4423.

Saturday, March 3rd: • Finding Balance: A Forum on Community.

Environment and economy in the Columbia Valley.

All-day seminar at David Thompson Secondary School with four guest lecturers. $35 includes lunch.

To register: www. wildsight.ca/findingbalance.

• 5:30 - 8 p.m.: Wildsight’s Annual General Meeting at the Invermere Community Hall.

Dinner, refreshments and a slide show in celebration of Wildsights’ 25th anniversary to follow.

Tuesday, March 6th: • 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.: Options for Sexual Health at Invermere Health Unit. For info: 250-342-OPTS (6787).

Wednesday, March 7th: • 6 - 8 p.m.: Scrabble Night at the Invermere Public Library. For info: invermere.bclibrary.ca.

Thursday, March 8th: • 6 p.m.: Yoga with Fe Saraiva from the Desiderata studio at Copper Point Resort. Refreshments, light snacks and featuring Yoga Women, a documentary. Attendance is by donation with all proceeds going to Womens’ Services, the Family Resource Centre. For info email: yogadesiderata@ gmail.com or call Pat Cope at 250-342-5566.

Saturday, March 10th: • 5:30 p.m.: ‘Clearly... a Breast Friends’ Bash’ at the Black Forest Restaurant. Dinner, fashion show and silent auction. $40 per person. A fundraiser for East Kootenay Health Foundation to acquire a digital stereotactic mammography unit for Cranbrook Regional Hospital. Tickets are available at AG Valley Foods, East Kootenay Realty Insurance. To donate an auction item or buy tickets, call Sheila at 250-342-9059 or email: sheilatutty@telus.net.

926-7th Avenue, Invermere, BC

Maxwell Realty Invermere/Panorama

(next door to Fairmont Goldsmiths) Office: (250) 341-6044 Fax: (250) 341-6046 www.maxwellrealtyinvermere.ca

DANIEL ZURGILGEN 250-342-1612 landman@cyberlink.bc.ca

SCOTT WALLACE 250-342-5309 scott@scottwallace.ca

BERNIE RAVEN 250-342-7415 braven@cyberlink.bc.ca

GLENN POMEROY 250-270-0666 glennpomeroy@shaw.ca

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 24, 2012

Sisters jig and fling with new dance classes

By Joshua Estabrooks Pioneer Staff Hike up your woolen socks and get your kilt pressed.

Two young entrepreneurs from Canal Flats are on a mission to bring Scottish dancing to the valley.

For sisters Monika Juras, 14, and Angelica Juras, 18, the traditional Gaelic art of dance is more than just a hobby. The two dancers have been studying the ancient steps for more than ten years.

Scottish dance is also referred to as Highland dancing, a style of athletic solo dancing which developed in the Gaelic Highlands of Scotland. Highland dance evolved in its current form during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and it is often performed to the accompaniment of Highland bagpipe music. The style has been influenced over time, specifically by Irish dance and ballet.

Admittedly the girls got into Scottish dancing as it was one of the few activities offered in Canal Flats at the time, but their initial interest soon turned into a dedication to keep learning. The duo now travel to Cranbrook once a week to continue their studies with teacher Liela Cooper of the School of Highland Dance.

The two sisters have reached a point in their development that they wish to begin teaching the style to others, and have decided to hold classes in both Canal Flats

and Invermere for anyone interested in picking it up.

“We thought it would be cool to share what we know with the valley,” Monika said. “It’s really fun. It’s unique, and it’s really good exercise.”

Dancing is also a great way to improve flexibility, and the steps can be taught to pretty much anyone, she added.

Every year the sisters take an exam from the British Association of Teachers of Dance on what they have learned. A sanctioned evaluator travels from Scotland to conduct the tests, but not everyone who takes the class will be required to be that serious.

“If you just want to dance that’s fine,” Monika said.

“We want to continue to learn more so we can keep teaching more. We are excited to start teaching what we know.”

The sisters’ teacher strongly endorses their desire to teach in the valley, and exclaimed that they have shown incredible dedication to the art of Highland dance during the eight years she has been their teacher.

“I’m excited and proud that they want to continue the traditions of dance and take on some students of their own,” Ms. Cooper said.

The classes are set to run once a week for ten weeks.

For more information about Scottish dance classes in either Invermere or Canal Flats, contact Monika at 250919-3718 or Angelica at 250-919-3708.

READY TO TEACH ­— Monika Juras (left) and Angelica Juras, here in their traditional dance outfits, are now teaching how to dance like a Scot. Photo by Joshua Estabrooks

Sunday Brunch

Hours of operation:

Tapas Nights

10 am to 2 pm

Wednesday to Saturday: 11:30 am to 8:30 pm

Wednesday to Sunday From 5:00 pm

À la Carte

2 5 0 - 3 4 2 - 6 5 6 0 • w w w. e a g l e r a n c h re s o r t . c o m • To l l Fr e e 1 - 8 7 7 - 8 7 7 - 3 8 8 9

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

February 24, 2012

Cousins

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Janine Mom & Dad – & Wyatt Miller 11 December 8, 20 oz.

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DOWN THERE — Event organizers are readying their underwear for the sassy fundraiser, the Underwear Affair. Left to right, Meaghan Shouse, Emily Purcell, Jasmine Cadenhead, Ashley Killin and Katie Israelson. Photo by Kristian Rasmussen

Valley women kicking cancer where it hurts

By Kristian Rasmussen Pioneer Staff A team of Columbia Valley women need your help to kick cancer below the belt at this year’s Underwear Affair in Calgary, Alberta. The event is a 10 kilometre run, or 5 kilometre walk, to raise funds and awareness for cancers that occur below the waist.

“Traditionally, cancers below the belt haven’t gotten much attention because people don’t want to talk about them. We want to do a loud, bright, out-there fundraiser to raise money and awareness,” said Invermere resident Meaghan Shouse.

The team is looking for support from the Columbia Valley at their tight-and-bright themed party on March 3rd, in the T-Bar at Panorama Mountain Village. Participants are encouraged to show up in their brightest and tightest 80’s themed clothing. The group will be taking donations at the door to support cancer research.

Team member Katie Israelson has a personal connection to the event. “My mom was diagnosed with skin cancer at the time I was involved with the Relay for Life.

A year later she was diagnosed with colon cancer.”

Ms. Israelson said she enjoys the camaraderie of the Underwear Affair. “I have done the Relay for Life, but I

was trying to find something geared more towards my age group. The Underwear Affair is perfect. It is a great way to get together and raise money for something that is important to everyone.”

The team members all have different levels of experience with the event.

“We have set personal goals for ourselves. Everyone is very encouraging,” said team member Jasmine Cadenhead.

Participant Emily Purcell is completely new to the event. “It is my first year running. I am glad that it is a very supportive group I am participating with,” she said.

The event can be a racy affair and organizers encourage participants to arrive in costume. Suggestions on the charity’s website include corsets, capes, feathers, and frills.

The group has a few ideas on the table for costumes.

Ms. Shouse has suggested beaver outfits with custom tails to bring, as she says, “Awareness to down there’ness.”

It is estimated that cancers occurring below the belt accounted for 40 per cent of all cancer deaths in B.C. in 2011. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths for both men and women.

All proceeds from the Underwear Affair go to support the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and 15 other cancer organizations across Alberta.

Private donations can be made to the cause at www. uncoverthecure.org.

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 6 (ROCKY MOUNTAIN)

Kindergarten Registration Eligibility - Age Children whose fifth birthday occurs on or before December 31, 2012 are eligible to enter Kindergarten in September 2012. For registration, please bring your child, as well as your child’s Birth Certificate, Care card, and custody papers (if applicable). If you have questions regarding which school your child should attend, please call the School Board Office at 342-9243, ext. 4404.

Please phone your child’s school for an appointment time.

Eileen Madson Primary: 250-342-9315 Kindergarten registration forms can be completed from Monday, March 5th to Friday, March 9th.

WELCOME TO KINDERGARTEN Orientation will take place on April, 25th.

Windermere Elementary: 250-342-6640 Registration forms can be completed during school hours until March 16 and will be accepted after that date if space is available.

Orientation for parents and new Kindergarten students.

April 5, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Please call school for appointment.

Martin Morigeau Elementary: 250-349-5665 Appointments will be scheduled for Monday, March 5, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Orientation will take place at a later date.

Edgewater Elementary: 250-347-9543 Registration will take place from Monday, March 5 to Friday, March 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Orientation will take place on April 23.

LEARNING@HOME PROGRAM: If you are interested in finding out more about the Learning@Home Program and/or wish to register for this program, please phone either Becky Blakley at (250) 347-6379 or e-mail Becky.blakley@sd6.bc.ca or Ed Main at (250) 427-5308 or e-mail Ed.main@sd6.bc.ca

For the latest financial tips, see Page 18 every week in…

N E W S PA P E R

Phone: (250) 341-6299 • Fax: (250) 341-6229 • Email: info@cv-pioneer.com

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 24, 2012

All-You-Can-Eat

Sundays!

can eat pizza including 1100 Allouryoufamous caesar salad $ 1300 Jugs of Fernie Beer! $ 1100 1/2 Litre Red or White Wine

$

Open at 4:00 p.m. (Friday & Saturday @ 4:30)

1018 - 8th Avenue Avenue, Invermere · BC

Wildsight hosting talks about Columbia Valley economy

By Kelsey Verboom Pioneer Staff Environmental group Wildsight will be hosting a gathering to promote discussion about a “green” Columbia Valley economy that includes the green of the environment, not just the colour of cash.

The forum is part of Wildsight’s year-long 25th anniversary celebrations, and will feature four keynote speakers from other regions who are economists, businesspeople, and environmental advocates.

Economist Mark Anielski will discuss the “economics of happiness” and “genuine wealth” in regional economies, while Dr. Richard Kool will tackle the economics of “local.” Businesswoman Amy Robinson will talk about making small businesses greener and more sustainable, and John Thompson will discuss the economic impacts and benefits of protected areas.

While the speakers are visiting from outside the immediate region, there will be a guest panel of local representatives to generate discussion in between speakers.

“The idea is to broaden our awareness of what eco-

nomics is and what we depend on,” said Juri Peepre, Regional Chair for Wildsight.

“A lot of Wildsight’s work is closely linked to the economy. This forum explores the links between the economy, conservation and our communities.

“The economy is very much about conservation and conservation is very much about the economy,” he added.

The two-day forum will run from Friday, March 2nd to Saturday, March 3rd, beginning with keynote speaker Mark Anielski at 7:30 at the Invermere Community Hall.

Saturday’s all-day public seminar will run from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at David Thompson Secondary School.

Saturday evening is Wildsight’s Annual General Meeting, held at 5:30-6 p.m. at the Invermere Community Hall. The public is welcome to attend.

Drinks, dinner, and a slide show in celebration of Wildsight’s 25th anniversary will conclude the weekend.

The festivities will be from 6-8 p.m. at the Invermere Community Hall.

All of the weekend’s events are open to the public.

Tickets to all or portions of the forum can be purchased online at www.wildsight.ca.

Earl Grey Lodge recognized for service

By Kelsey Verboom Pioneer Staff

• • • •

Winser Timber Ltd. Road Building Land Clearing Basement Excavation Water & Sewer

Screened Top Soil Sales & Delivery

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

Don Mcintosh

Box 2505, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

Ph: 250-342-1377

E-mail: wintim@shaw.ca

• Screened Topsoil • Sand & Gravel • Subdivision Development

“For all your dirt-moving needs”

Earl Grey Lodge at Panorama Mountain Village has a new feather in its cap in the form of a ranking as one of the top-25 hotels in Canada in terms of guest service.

The ranking is given by the popular international travel website Tripadvisor.ca, dubbed “the world’s largest travel website.”

The site tracks online guest reviews for hotels across Canada, and lists the top spots for service accordingly.

Earl Grey Lodge secured spot 23 in the 2012 Travellers’ Choice Awards, up against stiff competition from major hotel brands like the St. Regis Hotel in Vancouver, Fairmont Pacific Rim in Van-

couver, and the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton in Lethbridge.

Lodge owners Phil and Clare Marshall learned of the honour from a guest, and said they are “elated” with the recognition, especially because it is customer-driven.

Phil said he believes it is their acute attention to detail that earned them the ranking.

“We do go beyond the call of duty for people, and it shows,” he said, citing examples of helping with a wedding that was held at the lodge this fall, and how Phil always makes sure guest’s vehicles are brushed clean of snow and stocked with water.

“What you get here is like staying with friends.”

Earl Grey Lodge has five rental rooms and a fine dining room open to the public. For more information: www.earlgreylodge.com

Have something to say?

Letters to the editor can be e-mailed to news@cv-pioneer.com

February 24, 2012

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

Winterfest

FROSTY FAMILY FUN— The annual Winterfest festival in Radium attracted a big crowd on Saturday, February 18th. The event featured a wilderness challenge, curling competition, tobogganing, a kids craft fair, potato topper competition, and a needle in the haystack contest.

Pictured clockwise from top left: Sal Chiodo of Calgary competes in the wilderness challenge; 4-year-old Kateri Wasch of Calgary tries her hand at hockey; Steve Plesa tries to start a fire during the wilderness challenge; eight-year-olds Lukas Schan of Invermere and Griffin Morsette of Edgewater enjoy the slopes; Calgary’s Parker Wade, 6, gets help from Mickey Hess during the kids craft fair at the event; 7-yearold Veronica Edwards of Calgary tries to find candy and coins during the needle in a haystack competition.

Photos by Kristian Rasmussen

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 24, 2012

YOUR MONEY

How to withdraw from Registered Education Savings Plans Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) are an important part of funding many Canadians’ postsecondary education. Thanks to Government of Canada grants, these plans can help parents increase their children’s educational savings by 20 per cent or more.

Many parents are familiar with contributing to their children’s RESPs, but have questions when their offspring enrol in a post-secondary institution. Here is some information to help determine the best method for withdrawing money from your child’s RESP.

Upon enrolment Students do not need to be attending classes to make a Registered Education Savings Plans withdrawal. In fact, once your child is enrolled in an eligible post-secondary institution, an RESP withdrawal may be requested. Generally, all that is needed to start making RESP withdrawals is proof of enrolment in a qualified program.

Withdrawals usually only take a few business days to be processed and can generally be deposited directly into the bank account of the Registered Education Savings Plan owner or beneficiary student.

Some parents withdraw only what they need per semester for their children’s education; others withdraw an entire year’s worth of funds all at once. Having the flexibility to take out larger sums than immediately needed from RESPs gives parents options when planning for their children’s education.

How much can I take out?

Funds withdrawn from an RESP account can be put towards any expense a student incurs while attending school. This includes tuition, books, food and rent/dorm fees. No receipts or any other kind of justification of use is required by the RESP provider.

Tax Considerations Post-Secondary Education Payments are not taxable, whereas Educational Assistance Payments are considered taxable income in the hands of the student. This is usually of little consequence since most students don’t pay much, if any, income tax. However, if a student is in a

Contributions vs. non-contributions An RESP account has two parts: the contribution amount — money the family has invested; and the noncontribution amount — the government grant money and investment gains.

If the student is attending post-secondary education, either a Post-Secondary Education Payment — a withdrawal from the contribution amount, or an Educational Assistance Payment (EAP) — a withdrawal from the non-contribution amount may be taken.

This distinction is important because Post-Secondary Education Payments are not taxable income and there are no limits on withdrawals. EAPs are taxable in the student’s hands, with a $5,000 limit for withdrawals during the first 13 weeks of schooling.

taxable situation it may be beneficial to adjust the payments so that the EAP amount will be reduced, thus lowering the taxable income for that year. $7,200 per student In the case of an individual Registered Education Savings Plan, there is no chance of withdrawing too much grant money for a single beneficiary. However, with a family RESP, all of the contributions, government grant money and growth money are in one pool. This can cause errors when withdrawals are made.

Currently, the maximum amount of government grant money available for each child’s education is $7,200. If the maximum withdrawal amount is exceeded, the excess must be returned to the government.

What if the money is no longer needed?

Any non-contribution money not withdrawn as an Educational Assistance Payment is subject to penalties.

If a student finishes school early or doesn’t need all the non-contribution money in the RESP, it is advisable to withdraw it all as an EAP anyway, to avoid penalties.

If the child does not attend post-secondary education all the Post-Secondary Education Payment contributions may be withdrawn by the RESP owner, but the grant money must be repaid. For an individual RESP plan, if the beneficiary child does not go into post-secondary education, their account can be transferred to a sibling under the age of 21, but there may be fees applied.

Investments, Insurance & Financial Planning Brendan Donahue BCOMM, CIM, FCSI

Senior Investment Advisor Insurance Agent

Offering the valley…

Investments

Stocks, Bonds, GICs, Income Trusts, Preferred Shares, ETFs, Mutual Funds and more.

Accounts

RRSPs, RRIFs, TFSAs, LIRAs, RESPs, Corporate Accounts, Cash Accounts

Services

Estate Planning, Financial Planning, Insurance Planning, Retirement Planning Sara Worley Investment Advisor Insurance Agent

Selection

19 GIC Companies, 15 Insurance Companies, 100 Mutual Fund Companies

Research

TD Newcrest, Credit Suisse First Boston, First Energy Capital Corp, MFC Global Investment Management

GIC Rates*

as of February 21st

Cashable 90 day GIC 1 year 2 year 3 year 4 year 5 year

1.20% 1.45% 1.85% 2.05% 2.40% 2.40% 2.70%

*Rates subject to change without notice.

Manulife Securities Incorporated is a Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. 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 provision therein.

Call us for professional, free consultations! • Ph: 250-342-2112 • Fax: 250-342-2113 • 712-10th Street, Invermere

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

February 24, 2012

INVESTMENTS | RETIREMENT PLANNING | INSURANCE

Jason A. Elford, CFP

buildingwealth@cmkwealth.com

Certified Financial Planner

250.342.5052 877.342.5052 877.719.7927 250.270.0270

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Office Toll Free Toll Free Fax Cell

Suite 303, 1313 – 7th Ave. PO Box 429 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 www.cmkwealth.com

Full Service Independent Investment Counsellor We offer no load, no back-end sales charge, low fee, and strong performing portfolios directly to all our investors. >>Contact Justin to book a no-obligation appointment.

For more info, please visit our website or look up MFi Funds at www.globefund.com or Matco is registered as a Portfolio Manager, Investment Counselor and Investment Fund Manager.

JUSTIN G. CHARBONNEAU*, CFA, DMS, FCSI Portfolio Manager

*Board Member of the Calgary CFA Society

DIRECT: 403.718.2130 TOLL FREE: 1.877.539.5743 EMAIL: jcharbonneau@matcofinancial.ca WEB: matcofinancialinc.com OFFICE: 400,407 8th Ave. SW, Calgary, Alberta

Drop-in

T2P 1E5

at the t h nig

HOME AWAY FROM HOME — A conceptual drawing of the new 20-lot development at Radium Springs Golf Course shows the gated communities’ close proximity to holes one and nine.

Image submitted

1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

New development begins Brisco Riding Club at Radium Resort Annual General Meeting

invermere.bclibrary.ca

By Joshua Estabrooks Pioneer Staff

Boasting the valley’s first-ever golf course, Radium Resort is still growing, recently unveiling a 20-lot development entitled Radium Springs Estates. The development is nestled between the 1st and 9th hole of The Springs golf course in Radium Hot Springs.

Nine acres in total, the development will see the creation of 0.25-acre lots with fairly roomy building envelopes.

“We started this in 2009. The timing wasn’t right at that time, but now we’ve grown more confident,” said Wilda Schab, General Manager of Radium Resort.

“This is a very unique piece of property, and according to our research it’s what people want.”

The target market for the gated community is the boardrooms of Calgary, with prices ranging between $250,000 - $325,000 based on today’s real estate numbers. Construction of the communities’ entryway and service road will begin this spring, and with four lots already sold and three more on hold, Ms. Schab said she expects the properties to move.

“The development will have a small footprint, and

it’s within Village [of Radium Hot Springs] boundaries.

It is consistent with the official community plan, and it provides an opportunity to commune with nature as well as the community.”

Each lot will maintain a buffer of green space bordering the golf course, and will allow owners easy walking access to all of Radium’s businesses and services, Ms. Schab explained.

There is no building commitment on the lots, but once construction commences it must be completed within a year. There are also design and architectural guidelines and requirements, which must be approved by the Radium Resort Limited Partnership, the group that took ownership of the company in 2009.

Once the lots are sold, the owners will be expected to form a strata to organize and manage security, snow removal and other community maintenance issues, Ms. Schab said.

“We want the Springs Estates to be a place to call home. It could be purchased as a second home, investment, or by a professional that chooses to relocate permanently and work from their home. The setting is absolutely stunning.”

For more information: www.radiumresort.com.

Thursday, March 1st 7:30 p.m. at the Brisco Hall.

Volunteers are needed for the upcoming year. For more information call Karel at 250-347-0085 or Amanda at 250-347-2125

h e Pioneer ca T n

take you r do llar With triple the far circulation of other th er ! local newspapers, your advertising is really going somewhere.

Phone: (250) 341-6299 Fax: (250) 341-6229 Email: info@cv-pioneer.com N E W S PA P E R

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 24, 2012

Building Community & Business Together!

651 Highway 93 & 95 PO Box 1019, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Phone (250) 342-2844 LEARN MORE AT…

www.cvchamber.ca

COLUMBIA VALLEY HOME INSPECTIONS

Member CAHPI B.C. CPCB License #53244

Dennis Klim Owner

4882 Windermere Road Windermere B.C.

By Kristian Rasmussen Pioneer Staff

250-688-1237 39hudson@telus.net www.columbiavalleyhomeinspections.com

F

ree Homes In c ieldt

• Renovations Inside & Out • Custom Decks • Design & Build • Finish Carpentry • Doors & Window Replacement Experts

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Complete Restoration & Auto Body Repair Your Fender Bender Mender

Business community celebrates chamber week

• Vintage restoration • Sports and utility • Custom body and paint • Insurance claims • Domestic and import welcome

Shawn Ottmann

Owner / Operator

#35 - 109 Industrial RD #2, Invermere • 250-342-9696

Community business leaders across B.C. are celebrating the kickoff of Chamber of Commerce Week February 20th-24th.

“The week gives all of us small business owners a sense of belonging and community,” said Radium chamber President Graham Kerslake.

Mr. Kerslake is currently developing a triple-prong approach to fighting recession losses in the Radium community.

“First we have to get the tourism traffic into Radium; then we give them a reason to want to stay, then a reason to come back,” Mr. Kerslake said.

Susan Smith, Executive Director of the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce, said the local chambers are a great way to stay connected.

“One of the ways that I first connected to the Invermere community was at the chamber. It is a great place to network, whether it is marketing yourself, your business, or just connecting with like-minded people,” In the challenging world of small business, chamber membership offers some real rewards, Ms. Smith added.

“It is really important to have the networks in place when you have an issue as a business. When you are an entrepreneur you don’t have a board of directors or a management team to bounce ideas off. It is even more important in a rural community to have a network like the chamber.”

Although B.C. chambers have achieved success in promoting local business, Ms. Smith said she feels that there is still a way to go for the Columbia Valley.

Story continued on next page . . .

WORKING FOR COLUMBIA VALLEY BUSINESS­— Graham Kerslake is the President of the Radium Chamber of Commerce.

Radium Hot Springs The Mountain Resort Community

Radium Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce PO Box 225, Radium Hot Springs, BC V0A 1M0 Toll Free: 1.888.347.9331 Phone: 250.347.9331 Fax: 250.347.9127 Email: info@radiumhotsprings.com Web: www.radiumhotsprings.com

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

February 24, 2012

Your premier choice for restoration and carpet cleaning service

. . . story continued from previous page “I would like there to be opportunities for our postsecondary graduates to be able to work and have career opportunities in the valley,” she said.

“Watching our kids leaving to earn a decent living to support their families is not what we want to see happening.

I want more career opportunities, not just jobs.”

The Columbia Valley will need to draw strength from its communities if it wants to keep its young people.

“The only way we are going to improve business, community, and economy is through people getting involved and lending their expertise on a volunteer scale where we need it,” said Ms. Smith.

One of the strategies the Columbia Valley has developed to garner local business is through the visitor centre.

“The visitor centre represents the community. We are able to sell what we have available, whether that is shopping, accommodations, or restaurants,” said visitor centre manager Jackie Lysak.

British Columbia’s chamber groups represent 30,000 different members and businesses in varying sectors across the province. The 120 community chambers promote business all the way to the legislative scale.

“The chambers of B.C. have more policies approved by the provincial government than any other chambers in the country,” said Ms. Smith.

PO Box 2903 Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0 250-342-0090 reception@rainbowkootenays.ca www.rainbowkootenays.ca Independently owned and operated franchise

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For all your travel needs - give us a call.

Supporting local makes cents Dear Editor: I really enjoyed reading and seeing the smiling faces of so many local women in the February 10th edition’s Women in Business section who are working hard at contributing to our great community.

I know times are tough for a lot of people right now and working together and supporting one another has never been as important as it is lately.

I work at the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce as the Visitor Centre Manager and am fortunate to not only greet tourists to the area but also meet many locals as well. I hear your stories and sometimes your struggles.

I make a point of supporting local business and never think of going away for a “better deal” as I see the bigger picture of the cost of fuel, wearand-tear on my vehicle, not to mention my time and keeping jobs in our community.

Here is a thought: if I have $100 and spend it with business #1, and business #1 spends it with #2, and then #2 spends it with #3, we have gener-

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Judy: (250) 341-1903

PAGE 10

The third annual Columbia Valley Business Magazine will be published this summer.

• House Checking • Cleaning • Complications • Details

C

US

TOM

Last year’s pricing held until April 30 . Reserve your spot early.

FR EE

by The Columbia Valley Pioneer.

Columbia Valley Business is published Photo by Kate Irwin

Call Kathy Sutherland today! 250-341-6299 or email ads@cv-pioneer.com

New Construction Renovations • Commercial

T

Show our valley residents and visitors the strength of our business community!

This popular magazine features profiles from the wide variety of valley businesses, highlighting the unique products and services available. 10,000 complimentary copies are distributed in the Columbia Valley. th

www.valleysolutions.ca valleysolutions@shaw.ca

SOLUTIONS FOR THE VACATION HOME OWNER

Jackie Lysak Visitor Centre Manager Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce

E

Sydney-Anne Porter, Greg Lapointe and Eric Lapointe from AG Valley Foods.

(Columbia Valley) (Cranbrook)

IL

Family business

Ph 1: 250-342-5564 Ph 2: 250-464-5564

XT

2011-2012

IN RADIUM, INVERMERE, WINDERMERE

Julie St.Amand

C O LU M B I A VA L L E Y P I O N E E R S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N

Columbia Valley

BUSINESS A GUIDE TO SHOPS AND SERVICES

ated $300 revenue with $100.00. Does it work?

Can it work? It will work if WE work it!

I enjoy our community and want to see it sustain itself in the future and I hope you do too.

On a side note, when I was interviewed for the paper last week I was in the middle of some other calculations and mistakenly said that the Chamber has only 170 businesses registered this year. Well, I was off by 100 so I am happy to report we are over 270 strong.

The Chamber supports local business and we are working hard at organizing some great workshops to help businesses grow.

Remember, we are all in this together. We are a great community!

#3 755 13th Street, Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0 Phone: (250) 342-6978 Toll Free 1-888-982-8888 Email: tvlworld@telus.net

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22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 24, 2012

Edgewater logger makes her mark as heavy machinery operator

By Kelsey Verboom Pioneer Staff Wearing neon reflective safety clothing and heavy work boots, Amanda Jopp stands casually on a fresh cut log, fiddling with a sliver of wood between her oilstained fingers.

Amanda’s hands are working hands.

Standing in the door frame of a mammoth logging machine, she is totally at ease. And she should be — Amanda’s family has a long history of working in forestry, and she’s been operating one type of machinery or another since she was an elementary school student.

Amanda, 27, grew up in the Brisco area on an acreage with her parents, Clayton and Diane Mattson, and her younger sister Hailey. Running around on the farm as a youngster, Amanda learned how to drive a truck at age 9, and eagerly helped with chores like haying.

“She’d get up at five in the morning to go haying because we’d let her drive,” Clayton remembered, chuckling.

Clayton has worked in forestry since he was 23, and started his own company in the valley, M&H Logging Ltd., 24 years ago. The company currently employs around 10 people.

As a kid, Amanda often tagged along with her dad in the bush, riding in the truck and watching the logging equipment on Clayton’s work sites with awe.

Clayton would sometimes let her get on the machines and move them around, getting a feel for their power.

After graduating from David Thompson Secondary School, Amanda started working for her dad as a camp cook, making meals for 16 men, tracking log loading slips and tending to the camp area.

“When I was at camp I tried to get on the machines whenever I could,” she said.

After a while Amanda told Clayton she wanted to work with the machines exclusively, so she started out skidding on a bobcat, and later moved on to operate the log loader machine that stacks logging trucks with cut timber.

She worked on the loader for six years before switching to a processor, a more complex piece of equipment which takes fresh-

cut trees, de-limbs them, cuts them to a specific length, and stacks them for loading.

Amanda is the only female in the Columbia Valley to operate this type of machinery.

She’s in charge of maintaining her machine, making sure it can handle the volume of logs she pushes through it.

Depending on the length and size of the logs, Amanda processes anywhere from six-14 logging truck loads each nine-10 hour day she works.

“She can now do pretty near most of the jobs,” Clayton said. “She’s made a reputation for herself throughout the whole valley. I don’t even want to run a machine around her because she’s better than me,” he added, laughing.

“She’s always been keen, eh. I think she’s driven. She wants to be the best she can be at anything she does, and she really takes it seriously. Plus, she doesn’t put up with crap from guys.

“A lot of guys will tell you that women make really good machine operators because they just care a little more about the equipment,” Clayton said. “She not only cares about the equipment, she’s damn good at operating it.”

Amanda said that on the job site, everyone treats her fairly and respects each other.

“Couple of times I got scared in the winter going up hills and stuff, but the guys helped me out and it was all good.”

Amanda and the crew mostly log private land and small business sales since Radium’s Canfor mill shut down.

“I’m pretty happy with this,” she said of the lifestyle she’s chosen. “I love the scenery and being out in the bush. The freedom of it. I don’t know, I guess I just really like big machinery and the power of it.”

As one of the only local females who operate logging machinery like the processor, Amanda is a pretty straight shooter. “If you like it and think you can do it, just go ahead and do it.”

Three years ago Amanda married her childhood friend and fellow logger, Blaine Jopp, on her family’s property in Brisco. Together from their home in Edgewater they run Joppers Exteriors installing eavestroughs, and deliver firewood. Amanda is also the president of the Brisco Riding Club.

TOUGH STUFF ­— Amanda Jopp (above and inset) is the only woman in the Columbia Valley who operates a log processing machine like the one pictured above.

Photos by Kelsey Verboom

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

February 24, 2012

Environmental Assessment of the Proposed Line Creek Operations Phase II Project

Open House and Invitation to Comment Teck Coal Limited (Proponent) is proposing to expand its existing Line Creek Operations (LCO) by developing two new mining areas, referred to as Burnt Ridge North and Mount Michael (proposed Project). The proposed Project would be located approximately 22 km northeast of Sparwood in southeastern B.C. immediately north of the existing Line Creek mine. The proposed Project would provide an estimated aggregate total of 59 million metric tonnes of clean coal and would extend overall mine life by approximately 18 years.

The proposed Project is subject to review under British Columbia’s Environmental Assessment Act and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. The Proponent has now submitted its application (Application) to obtain an environmental assessment certificate which is required before any work can be undertaken on the proposed Project.

In order to provide information to the public about the Application, and to receive comments from the public, the Environmental Assessment Office of British Columbia (EAO) invites the public to attend an Open House to be held: at: Sparwood Causeway Bay Hotel 102A Red Cedar Drive on: February 28, 2012 from: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

And: at: Cranbrook Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort 209 Van Horne Street South on: March 5, 2012 from: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

At 6:00 p.m. there will be a presentation by the EAO on the process with an opportunity to ask questions about the process. A second presentation will also be given by the Proponent in relation to the proposed Project.

The intention of seeking public comments is to ensure that all potential effects – environmental, economic, social, heritage and health – that might result from the proposed Project are identified for consideration as part of the assessment process.

The EAO accepts public comments through the following ways: • By Online Form at: http://www.eao.gov.bc.ca • By Mail: Karen Christie Project Assessment Director Environmental Assessment Office PO Box 9426 Stn Prov Govt Victoria BC V8W 9V1 • By Fax: 250-356-6448 An electronic copy of the Application and information regarding the environmental assessment process are available at www.eao.gov.bc.ca.

Copies of the Application are also available for viewing at these locations: • • • • • • • • •

Cranbrook Public Library (1212 2nd Street North, Cranbrook, BC) Municipality of Crowsnest Pass Town Office (8502-19 Avenue, Coleman, AB) Crowsnest Pass Library (2114-127 Street, Blairmore, AB) District of Elkford Municipal Office (816 Michel Road, Elkford, B.C.) Elkford Public Library (816 Michel Road, Elkford, B.C.) Fernie City Hall (501-3rd Avenue, Fernie, B.C.) Fernie Heritage Library (492-3rd Avenue, Fernie, B.C.) District of Sparwood Municipal Office (136 Spruce Avenue, Sparwood, B.C.) Sparwood Public Library (110 Pine Avenue, Sparwood, B.C.)

There are 45 days for the submission of comments by the public in relation to the Application. The comment period will begin on February 20, 2012 and end on April 5, 2012. All comments received during this comment period will be considered.

NOTE: All submissions received by the EAO during the comment period in relation to the proposed Project are considered public and will be posted to the EAO website.

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 24, 2012

Valley SPORTS PLAYING WITH PASSION—The Lakers defeated the Selkirk Storm 48-28 in grade 9 boys basketball at David Thompson Secondary School Friday, February 17th. From left to right: Reece Williams, Austin Santoro, and Logan Powell set up a play to take the wind out of the Storm. Number 13 Cole Heide battles past storm defensemen.

The gymnasium bleachers were packed with excited fans that came out to cheer on the Lakers during Friday and Saturday’s basketball tournament at DTSS.

Photos by Kristian Rasmussen

Fan Flashmob for Rockies last game

By Joshua Estabrooks Pioneer Staff

SUPPORTING THEIR TEAM — Hundreds fans of the Columbia Valley Rockies hockey team storm the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena for the team’s last home game on Friday, February 17th.

Photo by Joshua Estabrooks

Fans of the Columbia Valley Rockies hockey team were out in full force to show their support for the team on the eve of their last home game on Friday, February 17th.

The idea to flood the rink with cheering fans in a flashmob style show of appreciation was the brainchild of Fairmont residents Graeme, Noelene Anderson, who along with their son Luke got the ball rolling with a mass facebook message. The community took hold from there, and with the support of most of the local minor hockey teams the mob completely filled the stands at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena right before the national anthem was played.

The event was kept secret from the players, who, according to Head Coach and General Manager, Marc Ward, were completely surprised and very appreciative of the gesture.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

February 24, 2012

Valley SPORTS

Rockies wrap up tough rebuild season

By Joshua Estabrooks Pioneer Staff The Columbia Valley Rockies may have ended the season with only three wins and a seven-point total from their 52 games, but their head coach is calling the first season of the newly-revamped team a success.

Going into the season, racking up wins was not the goal; establishing and developing a strong foundation for player development was the main priority, said Marc Ward, the Rockies’ head coach and general manager.

“Everyone defines success in their own way,” he explained. “I didn’t define success by getting 30 wins. Success for me and this team was getting the program on track, getting the right people in place in terms of off-ice training and assistant coaches and it was very successful.

“We had some ups and downs. We played in a lot of tough games that I feel we should have had a better fate in, but all-in-all it was a very good season on a rebuilding note.”

Not-once filling out a full roster, and being, at times,

two full lines short had its challenges, Mr. Ward admitted, as many games ended unfavourably, even after the team played two strong periods. The players would simply run out of gas in the third period, allowing the opposition, who mostly had four or five more players on any given night, to light up the scoreboard, he added.

Those involved in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League that the Rockies play in gave the team credit, stating that, come next year, if they can fill out their roster, they will be a force to be reckoned with.

“Our program is being recognized and we are getting a lot of positive feedback,” Mr. Ward said. “We are trying to make the organization as professional as possible. Everything is going in the right direction.”

One of the main components of the new program is community involvement, which Rockies players have been embracing with gusto. They have been taking part in a one-on-one reading program with elementary school students, skating with minor hockey teams, helping residents with various tasks like moving heavy items and shoveling snow, and they all take regular woodpile shifts.

Rockies players get schooled Columbia Valley Rockies players Alex Roskell and Josh Hayley join Ms. McCorry’s Grade 1 class at Eileen Madson Primary School for the last day of a one-to-one reading program on February 15th. Since January, Rockies players have been joining students at the school to share the fun of reading, as well as enjoying a little ball hockey in the gym. Right, Josh Hayley takes on Mrs. Holmes’ Grade 3 class. Photos by Joshua Estabrooks

The interaction works both ways, Mr. Ward said, as it not only helps build a positive reputation for the players and the team, but it also allows them to get to know who they’re playing for every night, creating a true community feel on and off the ice.

Being a Junior B team, there’s no telling who will or won’t be back next year, but after taking a small break from hockey, Mr. Ward will be out in the spring attending camps and banging the recruitment drum as hard as he can, something he is excited to focus on now that the team has a solid footing.

“We want guys who want to move on to the next level and want to play hockey,” he said. “We have a lot of fresh ideas to bring more people into the building to watch the games next year as well. It’s going to be an exciting second season for sure.”

The Rockies will be hosting a spring camp from April 20th – 22nd, where Mr. Ward said he will be looking to being some top defencemen to the mix, as well as adding a few more high end players and some gritty, grinding, depth players to the Rockies roster.

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 24, 2012

Invermere opposes Mountain Resort Municipality rules

By Joshua Estabrooks Pioneer Staff The District of Invermere is taking steps towards asking the provincial government to change the way they set up Mountain Resort Municipalities.

At their regular council meeting on February 14th, council unanimously agreed to forward a resolution to the Association of Kootenay-Boundary Local Government’s (AKBLG) annual meeting in April.

The resolution asks the province to revisit Bill 11 – 2007 Community Statutes Amendment Act (Sections 16 & 17), which “allows the province to establish an area that is not a mountain resort improvement district and potentially has no residents and no development, as a new Mountain Resort Municipality, and allows the province to appoint the council and direct the development decisions of that council through letters patent and exemptions from the Community Charter.”

According to the resolution, because a resort municipality may never grow to have enough of a permanent population to have an elected council, which would result in an unelected and provinciallycontrolled municipality forever, council is asking that the “AKBLG oppose the concept of an undemocratic municipality controlled by the province and developer, the AKBLG urge the province to consult with UBCM [Union of B.C. Municipalities] on creating reasonable criteria to guide the establishment of new Mountain Resort Municipalities.”

The resolution is related to Jumbo, but has much larger provincial implications in terms of future resort develop-

ments throughout B.C., Mr. Taft said.

In August 2009, the Regional District of East Kootenay asked the province to establish Jumbo as a Mountain Resort Municipality. In light of the 2009 decision and because of the province’s ability to appoint a governing body in perpetuity for the resort, Mayor Taft said he is concerned that the public could be excluded from issues such as land use planning, which he said should be subject to public consultations.

“That request was after the province made those changes that allows them to create a municipality out of thin air,” Mayor Taft said. “It says right in Jumbo’s business plan that there is a very small likelihood there will ever be a permanent population, so they could essentially never have a democratically elected council.”

District of Invermere Council stated that they were not passing judgment on whether or not Jumbo should move ahead. Their issue is with the province in allowing the potential for undemocratically elected councils throughout B.C. “It’s an excellent resolution,” Councillor Paul Denchuk said. “To me, it’s the province going around the democratic process.”

“It [the current rule] seems very unacceptable,” Councillor Spring Hawes stated.

Councillor Greg Anderson said he thought the province needs to look at the “big picture.”

Now that the resolution has passed council, it will be forwarded to the AKBLG, and if approved there will go on to the UBCM. If it is carried at UBCM, it will become an agenda item that will be brought up with the province, who would have the ultimate deciding power.

DO YOU HAVE A HOT NEWS TIP? Phone The Pioneer News Department 250-341-6299 or email news@cv-pioneer.com

North Rock Holdings purchases Golden Timber Frames building

By Joshua Estabrooks Pioneer Staff Since local company Golden Timber Frames Limited filed for bankruptcy and entered into receivership in May of 2011, there has been a small flurry of activity as the company’s assets were sold.

The building and the sawmill were purchased in late fall by local development company North Rock Holdings, and the furnishings and equipment were purchased by Sand Creek Post and Beam out of Texas.

The decision to purchase the building was made out of a desire to retain some value on the site, Joe Helmer, a Director of North Rock Holdings, said. Otherwise a cement pad would have been all that would have remained on the land.

“At the time that we bought it we thought, ‘let’s salvage what we can here and see if there is an opportunity to carry on some kind of wood manufacturing process.’

“But in this current market, and it not being our business, we couldn’t find anybody in the shortterm and so we didn’t really have anything in mind. Then the roller derby girls came along and asked if they could use it and the whole thing started to gel,” Mr. Helmer said.

There was interest by the Texasbased company to purchase and remove the building, so North Rock Holdings had to win the bid, even though they were also investors in the original operation along with Columbia River Properties and the Kinbasket Development Corporation, Mr. Helmer said.

The land will remain as First Nations land, in the hands of the Capilo family, he added, and there are no outstanding debts associated with the property, building or saw-

mill.

“As an investor we don’t expect that we are going to get any of our initial investment back. As far as I know all of the assets have been sold and removed,” he said.

Discussions with the fledgling sports group that wishes to gather enough sports groups together to cover the rent, headed up by Invermere Councillor Justin Atterbury, are going well, Mr. Helmer said, adding that he would like to see the facility used for the benefit of the community as a whole, including the First Nation.

“I think that being on First Nations land, the First Nations people should play a part in making use of the facility for sports and cultural events. It can be like another community centre.

“With North Rock being the owners, if we can cover our costs that would be wonderful. Sometimes it is hard to justify investing more but it was certainly felt that we should do that so we don’t just end up with an eyesore along the highway, and now we have something that could be useful for the valley.”

Golden Timber Frames Limited was originally created to manufacture a wide range of timber frames and timber components for residential and commercial use. The manufacturing facility was constructed on Hwy 93/95, just north of Invermere on Shuswap First Nation’s land, but filed for bankruptcy before it began operating.

North Rock Holdings is a land development company that has been in existence for about 10 years.

The company has facilitated a number of major developments on Shuswap territory, including Home Hardware, Tim Horton’s and Kicking Horse Coffee.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27

February 24, 2012

Laird students taught medal-worthy lesson

By Kristian Rasmussen Pioneer Staff Rattling cowbells greeted the Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team as the students of J.A. Laird Elementary gave them a medal-worthy welcome on Monday, February 20th. The team came to address a packed gymnasium about the importance of reaching your goals no matter what life hands you.

Matt Hallat, the reigning Canadian para-alpine champion in both slalom and giant slalom, shared his unique story to help inspire his young audience.

“I lost my leg when I was five years old,” Mr. Hallat told students. “One day, I crawled out of my room because my leg hurt a lot and I couldn’t really walk on it. My dad asked me, ‘What’s wrong?’ We went to the doctor and found cancer in the bottom part of my leg.”

When queried by a student as to how he is able to stand, Mr. Hallat responded, “One thing we all have in common is that we spend a lot of time working very hard to stand up. Sometimes you get it the first time, but most of the time you don’t. It takes a lot of time and practice to stand and make it all the way to the finish line.”

Para-alpine athlete and Kimberley native Josh Dueck told students about the importance of never giving up on your goals, even when they seem out of reach.

“I had an accident on the mountain. Just like everybody else here I never let my disability stop me,” he said.

Mr. Dueck fell over 100 vertical feet after overshooting a ski jump in March 2004 feet, a mistake that broke

his back and rendered him paralyzed from the waist down.

After his accident, Mr. Dueck went on to receive the 2011 Winter X Games mono-skier cross gold medal and, earlier this month, became the first-ever athlete to successfully complete a backflip in a sit ski.

“The idea [of doing a backflip] was born in the hospital when I broke my back eight years ago,” he said. “I put the idea on the back burner and concentrated on racing.

After 2010, I realigned my focus to doing the backflip.”

Mr. Dueck still recalls the nervous anticipation of conquering the unknown, “As soon as we had the date dialed in I freaked out. The consequences could be quite high if I did anything wrong. We made sure that we had the best possible environment: deep snow, perfect jump, and a safety crew on hand.”

The athlete recounted to his eager listeners what he felt when he made the landing, “It was shock. I was nearly drained. It was eight years of anticipation and working towards something.”

The students were encouraged by the Kimberley local to follow his example and face their fears. “Doing new stuff is cool, right?” he told them. “It’s OK to be afraid, but it is also good to overcome your fears.”

Staff at the school were delighted with the visit.

“The kids loved it,” said Principal Jill Jensen. “The fact that they are all lining up for autographs shows how excited they were.”

Residents can come out to cheer on Canada’s ParaAlpine Ski Team from March 13th-16th at the 2012 International Paralympic World Cup Ski finals at Panorama.

VISIT FROM A CHAMPION — Para-alpine ski champion Matt Hallat signs autographs for students at J.A. Laird Elementary. Members of the Canadian Para-alpine ski team came to speak to students about being an athlete with a disability.

Photo by Kristian Rasmussen

Invermere’s firefighters given green light for live burn

By Joshua Estabrooks Pioneer Staff Flames may soon be claiming a building in Athalmer, but it’s no cause for alarm, just the Invermere Fire Department carrying out some much-needed live burn training.

It’s been more than five years since the Invermere firefighters were permitted to engage in a live burn exercise, but at the February 14th District of Invermere council meeting, Fire Chief Roger Ekman was given the go-ahead to conduct to do just that.

Speaking to council, Mr. Ekman emphasized the importance of practical, hands-on experience, divulging that of his 26 current members, 11 have limited exposure to real fire situations. By setting up some training scenarios this spring within a five-room structure in Athalmer, that’s something he’s looking to change.

“If you don’t have the real thing to work on you don’t get the same effect,” said Mr. Ekman. “It’s experience you just can’t get from a book; it has to be

hands-on.”

The property in question is located immediately next door to the existing fire department training area in the Invermere industrial park, and is known locally as either the old Kelly or old Dobson house.

There are two structures on the piece of land, one that Mr. Ekman plans to use for live burn training for his members, and another that will be utilized as a structural collapse exercise for the higher-ranking officers from several valley fire departments.

During the meeting, Invermere’s mayor, Gerry Taft, explained that the previous ban was put in place due to concern from the community regarding the frequency with which burns were occurring. Residents were also worried that much of the toxic material in the structures being burned was not removed prior to ignition.

“It also seemed, due to all the development, that landowners were using it as a cheap way to get rid of a building to avoid any type of tipping fees,” Mr. Taft added.

Council discussed the location of the property in

question and the value of the hands-on training a live burn provides, before voting to allow the request, providing the toxic material is removed prior to burning.

The landowner will strip all of the exterior asphalt products and the flooring will be removed by the fire department.

The burn will only go ahead if the conditions are favourable, Mr. Ekman said, explaining that the air currents must allow the smoke to rise up and exit the area without bothering residents in order to allow the burn to proceed.

“We use good common sense before we go ahead,” he added. “We want to do this early in the spring so we will have lots of moisture on the ground. As well, the owner will make sure the area around the buildings is safe.”

Permission has also been granted for the secondary structure to be used for the first-ever building collapse training exercise in the valley. Officers from each fire department in the area and a specialized team of contractors who are experts in building demolition will be involved.

28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 24, 2012

Hoffmans’ legacy lives on through donations

By Rod Turnbull The Rotary Club of Invermere

came in by bus from as far as four hours away to ask Lisa to help them as well. Sadly, many were declined as books, money and manpowThere is a quotation somewhere someer were just stretched too thin. thing to the effect of, “If you teach a child to The Rotary Club of Invermere continues read, you teach the family.â€? to support Leer y Creer as part of its InterIn the Puerto Vallarta area there still exnational Service mandate. The Rotary Club ists the legacy of local Rotarians Dell and BahĂ­a de Banderas also lends some encourBev Hoffman, tragically murdered on their agement as part of their Community Service way to Mexico to help kids in need. A fellow program, but they have severely limited reRotarian, Dennis Hemus, patiently searched sources. out a fitting project in Mexico that would As can be appreciated, funding is the bighelp sustain their memory and continue their gest hurdle for the program to grow. Funding dream of helping children in Mexico. for books, as everything else, is on a volunSeveral years ago, Dennis happened upon tary basis. a young woman, Lisa Schala — a teacher at Due to the success of this reading proThe American School of Puerto Vallarta (a gram, The American School of Puerto Valconfusing name as the student body is 90 per cent Mexican). Through Lisa, Dennis learned LENDING A HAND — Rod Turnbull donates funds from the Rotary Club of larta was recognized in 2009 with the Trithat reading as a recreational pursuit is not Invermere to Deborah Mestre, National Honor Society student, and Lisa Schalla, Association Community Service Award for part of the Mexican culture and the concept coordinator of the Leer y Creer program at The American School of Puerto Vallarta, outstanding Community Service Project.

Photo submitted Lisa has also been awarded a Paul Harris Felof libraries in schools for recreational reading Mexico. low recognition from The Rotary Club of Inis nonexistent. He also discovered that in the — not books from the curriculum, but fun books.

They vermere for her hard work.

Mexican school culture there was no concept explain that they can take them home to read, with mom Donations to help keep the program running and of community service.

A plan was conceived and continues to run success- and dad following along, thus introducing to parents the expanding are welcomed and can be made to the Rotary fully to this day. Leer y Creer (read and grow) is mentored concept of reading as a pleasurable pastime for them also. Club of Invermere or by mail to the American School of Since its inception in 2005, the program has spread Puerto Vallarta, with the cheque marked Leer y Creer.

by Lisa and run by the National Honor Society students.

Any amount works, as pennies make dollars and These grade 10-12 students visit elementary schools in- to 50 schools, all of which now have at least a few leisure terested in starting a lending library, while Lisa works reading books. There are now 30 functioning libraries those dollars purchase books which can help kids and families read and grow together. For more information, with staff to encourage kids to read for fun, explaining and the demand is akin to a runaway train.

Before school began this fall, Lisa had a workshop speak to any Rotarian in Invermere or call Rod Turnbull the concept of “borrowing� books to take home.

The grade 10-12s also sit and read with the students for the existing libraries. Word leaked out and teachers at 250-342-3966.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

February 24, 2012

HERE TO SERVE YOU ■ Lockout Service ■ Lake Recovery ■ 24 Hour Towing ■ Prompt Service • •

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30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 24, 2012

HERE TO SERVE YOU Renovating?

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31

February 24, 2012

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32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 24, 2012

‘Breast’ friends bash fundraiser Submitted by Sheila Tutty I’ve heard it many times before. “I will never get breast cancer.” I, too, was one of those people who did not fit the criteria for someone susceptible to getting breast cancer. Yet I did. Not once, but twice.

That is why it is so very important for people to be diligent in their own self-examinations as well as to have regular mammograms. Here in B.C. this service is free to us, so there is no reason not to get it done. Four-hundredand-forty-five women are diagnosed with breast cancer every week in Canada and 100 of those will die from it.

Early detection is the key to survival. Research has shown that women who have regular mammograms are more likely to survive breast cancer. Early detection may also mean less treatment and less time spent recovering.

The biggest argument I hear for women not getting a mammogram is that it is uncomfortable, or it hurts.

Well, a wonderful solution is on its way. The East Kootenay Health Foundation (EKHF) began a fundraising campaign the first week in October to acquire a digital stereotactic mammography unit for the Cranbrook Regional Hospital. This machine costs $1 million.

It is faster, which allows for more women to be screened in less time. It shows the image within 10 seconds and fewer repeat exposures are required. The digital mammography will also detect more breast tumors in women with dense breasts, and it is much less invasive.

If the technician finds something, a small biopsy is taken

immediately, so there is no need to book another appointment. As anyone who has had cancer knows, the waiting is probably the worst.

In short, this machine will save lives. Which is why it is so important for our community to do as much as it can to get this unit as soon as possible. If you want to contribute, here is a fun way you can help.

On Saturday, March 10th, we will be holding ‘Clearly... a Breast Friends’ Bash’ at the Black Forest Restaurant. The evening will include a delicious three-course dinner, a fashion show and a silent auction. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., with the fashion show and auction to follow.

All of the models in the fashion show will be breast cancer survivors. These courageous women have agreed to take part in this fun evening because they know this is very important. Each and every one of them has survived this horrid disease and wants to do what they can to help other women. They will be modeling designer clothing from Tiffany’s Thredz, Essentials Department Store and Inside Edge Boutique and Sport.

Attendees are encouraged to dress in pink, and prizes will be awarded for the best dressed. Advance tickets are $40, and are available at AG Valley Foods, East Kootenay Realty Insurance or from me. Seating is limited, so make sure to get your tickets soon. If you would like to donate an item for our auction, or are looking to buy tickets, please feel free to contact me at 250-342-9059 or e-mail sheilatutty@telus.net.

Get new spring cleaning ideas Submitted by Wildsight Spring is around the corner, and to help with residents’ spring-cleaning efforts, Wildsight will be hosting a free waste reduction workshop on Monday, February 27th at 6 p.m. at the Invermere Community Hall.

The workshop is part of a pilot project in Invermere that is being implemented to increase the knowledge and awareness of the general public to climate change in the East Kootenay region, and to provide the knowledge, tools and resources that empower individuals to implement change in their own lives and communities.

“Treating garbage differently — recycling it, composting it, making sure it gets to a safe place — is new to many people,” said Tammy Stehr, program coordinator with Wildsight’s Climate Solutions program. “We really want to help all people understand what’s available locally and how to take advantage of it.”

To sign up for the event, send an e-mail with your name to Tammy@Wildsight.ca. Drop-ins are also welcome.

HERE TO SERVE YOU RENOVATIONS REFERENCES AVAILABLE

INTERIOR FINISHING - REPAIRS - PAINTING INTERIOR/EXTERIOR - KITCHENS, BATHS & BASEMENTS - FURNITURE REPAIRS

1422 12A Avenue, Invermere B.C.

attheshop@live.ca

LICENSED

250-341-5096 NHPC Registered Massage Therapist

Jeanette Riches is welcoming new clients to her massage studio located in the Fairmont Mountainside Mall.

To book, visit synergymassageyogafitness.com or call 250-341-5331.

Great Rates! Great Service! Great Results!

• Deep Tissue • Myofascial Release • Relaxation • Reflexology • Hot Stone

• Snow Removal • Gravel Clean-up • Residential & Commercial

From Framing to Finishing Al Tallman

Call Al at

We Do It All!

Everett Frater Enterprises Phone: 250-347-9228 • Cell: 250-342-5645

Fully Insured & WCB Covered

FREE ESTIMATES

Chimney and Eavestrough Cleaning and Repair Specialists

You name it!

I’ll take care of it!

YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP for all home maintenance from raking your lawn to renovating your entire house.

• Pruning and Removal of All Trees and Shrubs • Stump Grinding • Fully Insured & WCB Covered

OVER

30 YEARS

EXPERIENCE

Now offering snow removal for your decks, driveways, sidewalks and small parking lots.

Please call Steve ~ a real local you can trust! 250-342-1791

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 33

February 24, 2012

Pioneer Classifieds

• • • •

Phone: 250-341-6299 Fax: 250-341-6229 Email: info@cv-pioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

ANNOUNCEMENT

cheers & Jeers

cheers & Jeers

cheers & Jeers

commercial storage

SUITE FOR RENT

Alcoholics Anonymous. Open to all. Regular meetings of the Columbia Valley A.A. are held at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the 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. Call 250-342-2424 for more info.

Cheers to Cory at the Windermere Landfill. It is nice to see your smiling face back at work. We have missed you these past four months.

S.J. and S.D.

Cheers to my grandsons, age 7 and 9, who both celebrated a birthday this past week. They requested that their friends not buy presents but rather make a donation so they could help the charities of their choice. Traiten made a donation of $160 to the Cochrane Humane Society and Carson donated $245 to the Alberta Children’s Hospital. I am one proud Grandpa.

Cheers to Mary at the Radium Husky for a great dinner on Friday.

For Lease: Approximately 2,800 sq. ft. Across from Invermere Post Office. Contact Gordon at 250-3429271.

Al-Anon. Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us. Al-Anon meets EVERY Monday in Invermere at 7:15 p.m. at the Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church, 712 – 12th Ave (behind the Invermere hospital). For information, please call Carol at 250-347-9841.

Cheers to the cross-country skier (and his Husky) for picking up three bags of garbage on the trail near Pine Ridge. Jeers to me for snowshoeing right by it and not picking it up! Double Jeers to the pickup truck driver who littered in the backcountry. We know who you are, your names were on the paperwork in the garbage!

Cheers to the IDPO to have the courage to serve the mayor/DOI an injunction to stop the deer cull.

There are better, humane options for life, not death. With all the natural resources and technology, we should all wise up!

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

CARRIAGE COURT APARTMENTS! Conveniently located behind Sobeys within walking distance to downtown. 2-bdrm townhouse units, outside entrance. Sliding glass doors open onto balcony, overlooking private courtyard.

Fireplace and W/D included in each unit. Long-term preferred, NP. Utilities not included. $850/month.

Available immediately. 250-2700729.

Windy Café . . . is now open for lunch from 11:30-2:30 and dinner as always from 5-9 p.m. Enjoy 10% off all orders.

Cheers to Jerry Kohorst and Judy Frain for their splendid velvet painting donations!

Calling Wood Artisans The Cross Roads Collective is a live woodworking shop and consignment-type gallery featuring wood artisans from the Kootenays. We will have our grand opening in Invermere in early May and we are currently seeking artisans interested in consigning pieces and being involved in a collaborative artisans community.

For more information, please call Jessie at 250-688-0061 or email crossroadscollective@yahoo.ca.

cheers & Jeers Cheers to Mike and Marty and to all the local artists who give so generously of their time to entertain the residents at Columbia Garden Village. You all brighten our lives and we appreciate it tremendously.

Cheers to the people in the Columbia Valley who say “hello” on the sidewalk. It’s so nice.

Jeers to the semi-truck driver who nearly took out several Bighorn sheep on the Radium hill while passing uphill at high speed and blasting your horn.

Jeers to S.T. who decided he could deposit bodily fluids wherever he pleased at our house. We’re waiting for the apology buddy!

Cheers and thank you to Staff Sergeant Marko for buying our coffee. From, the ladies who nearly hit your police cruiser at Tim Hortons. You made our day!

Jeers to the kids at J.L. Laird who had the deer cornered against the fence and were trying to catch them. This is the deer’s home! They were here first!

Cheers to Lola Nicholas and Sam Paul for helping me in my time of need.

Cheers to Jon at the Skookum Inn Gas Station. Thanks for the ride to the hospital. Your kindness is very appreciated. Thanks again, Aaron.

Cheers to Rhonda for making the best Greek-style minestrone soup EVER. Mmmmm mmmm!

Cheers to Lori and her team at Sign Artists. You are amazing. You are awesome. You rock! Thank you!

Cheers to the lady who lent me the gloves at the bonspiel. Linda has them. Thank you!

Jeers and shame on those of you who want to save money and kill 100 of our deer because of a few problem deer. And before you listen to what someone says about “The Injunction,” make sure you read it yourself!

Cheers to the town council for listening to the majority.

Jeers to the minority groups who say, “We didn’t get what we want, so let’s sue.” We don’t want American-style tactics in the valley.

Double jeers to the person suing the Edgewater Volunteer Fire Department.

Cheers to the Edgewater Fire Department. The community as a whole appreciates everything you do. Some people need to stop taking advantage of how lucky we are to have such a great group of people.

storage NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climate Controlled units.

Call 250-342-3637.

You own it we can store it! Secure, fenced compounds any size up to one acre. Secure containers available. Would also build building to suit for long-term tenant.

Zoned heavy industrial. Invermere Industrial Park. Phone 250-3425297, 250-346-3011 or 250-3422100.

commercial storage Rent/Sell approx 2,400 sq. ft. between Home Renovation Center & Fitz Flooring. For more information please call Lorne @ 250-270-0102.

864 sq. ft. Warehouse space with loading dock, unheated, $625/ month. Available immediately. Call 250-342-3637.

For lease: approx 3,000 sq. ft. 5037th Ave below gone Hollywood and Valley Spas – Beside Back Door Wine Cellar. Overhead door/heated. $5.00/per sq. ft. triple net. Call 250342-0603 or 250-341-5845.

1,200 sq. ft. building in fenced yard. Excellent highway exposure at Invermere Crossroads. Available immediately with good lease options. 250-342-5667.

For lease: 1,200 sq. ft. office space.

Available immediately. Call Scott at 250-342-5758.

SHARED ACCOMMODATION Private room with cable, phone, laundry access, Internet, and all utilities included, $400/month + $200 DD, N/P, 250-342-4020.

Spacious 2-bdrm suite. $460/ month (per room) with utilities, Internet and cable. Call Gordy 250688-0326 or 250-347-6420.

SUITE FOR RENT Invermere: large, bright, 2-bdrm basement suite with separate entrance. Appliances shared, W/D, central location, 2 blocks to D/T, school and hospital. 3 blocks to groceries and beach. Pets OK, N/S, available now. $625/month + utilities. Call Grant: 403-493-1245.

Radium: Bachelor – 1-bdrm – 2-bdrm fully-furnished units.

1-3 bdrm unfurnished apt. Rent includes heat, hydro, cable, and parking. D.D. required. N/S, pets possible. Call Joan at 250-3427517 for more information and availability.

2-bdrm apartments, downtown Invermere, clean, quiet units, parking, walk to everything. Start at $775/month, N/S, references required, D/W, W/D hookups. Call Dennis, 250-342-6912.

Beautiful 1,200 sq. ft. luxury apartment 2 bdrms, 2 baths, 5 appliances. Must be seen. N/S, N/P. $1,200/month + hydro. References required. Available immediately.

E-mail panacheinteriors@telus.net or 250-342-5805.

Invermere: huge, bright 2-bdrm main floor suite, with extra-large fenced yard. Nice wood burning stove. All appliances (shared W/D). Central location 2 blocks to downtown, schools, hospital.

3 blocks to grocery store and beach. Pets OK, N/S, available immediately. $850/month + utilities. Call Grant 403-493-1245.

for lease

Prime Airport Hangar Sites

FOR LEASE Flexible design • Flexible storage Year-round access Limited availability. Call now!

250.345.6129

34 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 24, 2012

SUITE FOR RENT

SUITE FOR RENT

SUITE FOR RENT

homes FOR RENT

homes FOR RENT

condo FOR RENT

Brand new large, bright, 2-bdrm basement suite in downtown Invermere. Private entrance and enclosed patio, all new appliances, N/S, $700/month + utilities.

Available immediately. Call 403874-0483.

1-bdrm furnished suites. Lots of storage space, shared laundry and fenced yard, off street parking, and close to hospital. $725/month utilities and cable included + D.D. Call 250-342-9404.

New 2-bdrm suite in builder show home with lots of light. Yard and garden space available + garage.

New appliances, references required, W/D, N/S, N/P. $900/ month utilities included. E-mail dlherbs@telus.net or call 250-3423381. Avail. April 1st

Invermere: 3-bdrm semi-detached.

Close to all schools and downtown.

Available now! Pets negotiable. $850/month + utilities. Call Joan 250-342-7517 for viewing.

HOME FOR RENT IN INVERMERE: 3 bdrm, 1,000 sq. ft. bungalow. On dead end street, walking distance to schools. Newly renovated bathroom and kitchen. Appliances included. Lots of storage. Fenced front yard with garden, flowerbeds and mountain views. Fenced back yard, great for pets, with fire pit, tree house, shed and lean-to.

Parking for 3 vehicles and toys.

Rent $1,100/month + hydro. Lease negotiable. Available April 1st. Call 250-341-7190.

Spacious Condo for rent in Castlerock Estate, Invermere.

Double garage, hardwood, granite, stainless steel appliances, washer/dryer. N/S, N/P $1,200/ month utilities included. Available immediately. Call 250-342-1314.

1-bdrm apartment in 12 unit building. In D/T Invermere, parking, easy walk to downtown, amenities, no stairs, on-site Laundromat. $579/month + Hydro, N/S, references required. Please call Sharon 250-688-1365.

Radium: brand new, furnished lower level suite for rent. 2 bdrm, 2 bath, lots of windows, bright and clean. Available immediately, N/S, N/P. $750/month + utilities. 250342-3790.

3-bdrm upper suite in Radium.

Newly renovated, deck, fenced yard, all appliances, N/S. $900/ month + utilities negotiable with 1 year lease. 250-342-5129.

2-bdrm suite, newly painted, furnished or unfurnished, 5 appliances, adults, no pets. Quiet neighborhood, walking distance to downtown and beach. $750/ month + utilities. 250-342-7096 Lovely, large 2-bdrm suite in Invermere with private entrance.

Very close to downtown and schools. W/D, fridge, and stove. $690/month + utilities. Available immediately. Ph 250-688-1105.

Athalmer: 2-bdrm, 1-bath upper level suite with large deck and shared yard, W/D, N/S, pets negotiable. $600/month + utilities + D.D. Call 250-342-8933.

2-bdrm apartment (upper floor) in Canal Flats. Available immediately. $550/month + utilities + D.D. N/S, N/P. Call 250-342-3345 after 6 p.m.

2-bdrm (upper floor) deluxe apartment. Available immediately for long term rental in Canal Flats.

Newly renovated, fridge, stove, W/D, perfect for couples or 2 roommates, N/P, N/S. $700/month + utilities + D.D. Call after 6 p.m.

250-342-3345.

Invermere: Large 1-bdrm with 5 appliances N/S, N/P. Available immediately. $700/month includes hydro. Call 250-342-6607.

Fully furnished, 1-bdrm basement suite in Invermere close to all amenities. $600/month utilities included. N/S, N/P. Wood heat is provided. Available immediately.

Call 250-342-3832.

Quality low-cost seniors’ rental suites now available in Invermere.

1-bdrm units in Lakeview Manor. Clean, quiet, secure 24 hr apartment building. $460/month including cable, laundry and parking. N/S, N/P. Only applicants with 55 years + with low income need apply. Contact Phil Gillard (Manager) 250-342-6655 for more information.

Clean, quiet, bright, large, 1-bdrm upstairs suite for rent in Columere Park. $650/month + hydro. Call 250-345-6524.

Suite available immediately in Fairmont. 2-bdrm walkout basement suite includes utilities, satellite TV, internet, and W/D. Private yard backing onto crown land on Columbia River. $950/ month. Call 250-345-6226 and leave contact info.

homes FOR RENT

FOR RENT

INVERMERE: Lake Windermere Pointe starting at $1,100 per/month. Pool, underground parking, elevator and much more.

WESTSIDE PARK: 2 homes available at $1,400 per/month plus utilities.

WILDER SUBDIVISION: 2 bdrm. basement suite, furnished at $1,250 per/month including utilities.

WINDERMERE: Furnished 2 bdrm. cottage. Nice yard! $900/month plus utilities. Available immediately.

RADIUM: 4 bdrm. home, unfurnished long-term, no pets or smoking at $1,350/month plus utilities.

CANAL FLATS: Newer 2 bdrm. furnished townhome $850/month plus utilities.

Contact Dave or Eric

250-342-4040

www.FirstChoiceRentals.ca

3-bdrm, 1-bath home for rent in downtown Invermere with nice yard, N/S, N/P. Available immediately. $1,350/month + utilities. Call 250-341-1182.

For the latest rentals available please visit jennyb.ca.

Jenny Bueckert-Maxwell Realty Invermere. info@jennyb.ca or call 250-342-5711.

Edgewater: 3-bdrm home with wood or propane heat. Includes stove, fridge, W/D, D/W and large partially fenced lot. Available immediately. $800/month. Call 250-347-9768 or 250-342-3417.

3-BDRM HOUSE – GREAT LOCATION & LAKE VIEWS! One level, W/D, F/S DW. Available March 1st. $890/ month + utilities. Jeff 250-6881105.

Athalmer: Very cozy, 2-bdrm, 1-bath, wood and electric heat, 5 appliances, newly painted, great yard. Looking for clean, responsible person(s). Available now. Firewood included. $900/month + hydro + D.D. 250-342-8933.

Downtown furnished, immaculate 4-bdrm house for rent. A/C, W/D, fully developed basement. N/S. Available immediately. $1,375/ month + utilities. Contact Linda or Gordon at 289-795-4000 or 289795-4107.

Newly renovated mobile home for rent in Radium Hot Springs, BC. 2 large bdrms, 1 small bdrm, new kitchen and new wood burning stove. Claw foot tub in bathroom.

Home is on large lot with detached garage and lots of parking. Rent is $800/month + utilities. Discount is available if longer lease is signed.

Home has a fridge, stove, washer, and dryer. Great area for a family.

Home is available immediately.

Email for more info at mervinn@ telus.net or call 403-650-9329.

Bright and roomy 2-bdrm lower walkout suite in Black Forest Heights, Invermere. $800/month utilities included. Available immediately, N/S. 250-341-5898.

Townhouse for rent at Cedarwood Glen Estates. 3 bdrm, 1.5 baths, garage. $1,200/month + utilities.

N/S, N/P. Available immediately.

250-341-1182.

Fairmont on Riverside Golf Course: Bright 2-bdrm, fully furnished walkout suite including utilities, cable, internet, W/D, D/W. Suite backs onto 1st tee box. Rent negotiable. Call 403-710-1275.

Edgewater: 6-bdrm, 4 full bath, 2 full kitchens, 2 living rooms, includes 10 appliances on 3 acre lot. $950/month + utilities.

Available immediately. 403-6508654.

3-bdrm on main floor in Invermere.

Year round rental, lake and mountain views, close to beach and D/T. D/W, and laundry. $975/ month + partial utilities. N/S, references required. Available March 1st. Call 250-342-9605 (evening) or 250-342-8640 (day).

Downtown Invermere 2-bdrm, 1-bath, W/D, N/S, N/P. Available immediately. $650/month includes utilities. 250-341-6080.

Fairmont: Newer 1,600 sq. ft.

3-bdrm, 2-bath house. Large lot near river. All appliances included. $1,150/month. Call Mark 403-5190252.

Fairmont (Dutch Creek) 3-bdrm, 2-bath. Available immediately. $850/month. Pets negotiable. Call 250-345-0004.

Radium: Cozy bright 2-bdrm 2-bath trailer. Fenced lot, all appliances included, 2 outbuildings for storage. N/S $850/month + utilities. Available March 15th. Call 250-342-3841.

Invermere: Newer 2-bdrm, 1.5bath townhouse, 5 min drive to downtown. Garage, storage, clean, unfurnished. $895/month + utilities. Call Ben, Green Door Property management at 250-6880362. For more info & photos see Kijiji.ca Ad ID 356605656.

Edgewater: 3-bdrm, 2-bath, with large yard and deck. Well behaved pets OK. Available March 1st. $1,000/month + utilities. 250342-5332.

1-bdrm + office on acreage near Edgewater. Pets and pasture for horses may be considered. W/D, N/S. $750/month hydro included.

E-mail dlherbs@telus.net or call 250-342-3381.

condo FOR RENT Hillcrest Apartments have 2-bdrms, $800/month, 1-Bdrms, $600/ month, fully furnished, including utilities, TV and Internet. 250-3411182.

2-bdrm and full bath upstairs with large kitchen, patio with BBQ, living room, and ½ bath on main, single garage and spare/laundry room on ground floor. Furnished or unfurnished. Exceptional views.

Just painted and completely cleaned. Located at the Crossroads to Invermere on Hwy 93/95.

N/S. $1,000/month. Available immediately 250-342-1475.

Radium: furnished utilities, security.

Available 8777.

beautiful 1-bdrm, condo for rent includes underground parking, $750/month + D.D. March 1st. 403-818-

2-bdrm apartment in downtown Invermere. $750/month includes utilities and internet. Call 250341-5534 or 250-688-0111.

Downtown living in 2-bdrm condo.

1,300 sq. ft. $850/month. N/S, N/P. Available now! Call 250-342-5919 or 250-342-0554.

3-bdrm, 1.5 bath + den and sunny deck. Quiet street, close to downtown and beach. $875/ month + D.D. N/S, N.P January 2013 free for long term tenant.

Available immediately. Call 250342-9259 2-bdrm, 2-bath w/ den in Sable Ridge. Available April 1st. 950 sq. ft.

A/C, underground heated parking.

Club house, hot tub, and swimming pool. Asking $995/month including fees and utilities. Will sell for $229,900. Contact Roger at 403256-0694 or 403-650-5503.

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE ¼ (.24) Acre lot on the beautiful Springs Golf Course (Pinecone Lane) in Radium. $194,000. Call 250-341-5996.

MOBILE HOME FOR SALE

AFFORDABLE, 2002 Moduline, 1400 sq ft, 3 bdrm, 2 bath in quiet mobile home park. Vaulted ceilings, drywalled, energy efficient, 2 covered decks. Workshop wired 110/220, storage shed. Reduced Price $121,800 OBO. Call 250-347-6909.

View on Kijiji ID 356287595.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 35

February 24, 2012

HOMEs FOR SALE

condo FOR SALE

Price reduction! Central Radium, close to golf course.

Fully renovated, 6-bdrm home.

Like new! Stunning kitchen and suite potential. For full details visit www.propertyguys.com ID#266165. Asking $475,500.

Call 250-347-9399.

Mountain Home For Sale www.newbuildinglinks.com Quaint 1,100 sq. ft. home for sale in Edgewater. Close to elementary school & river. Large 80 ft. x 200 ft. lot with mature trees.

Excellent access with both side and back alleys. Fully renovated & new electrical. For full details and pictures visit www.propertyguys. com ID#266210. 250-409-9130.

Exceptional park-like in town acreage with country style executive home for sale. Call 250688-1508.

Windermere: 3-bdrm home for sale by owner. www.propertyguys. com Sign #266166 or call 250-5811425.

4-bdrm, 3-bath home with double garage on .20 acres. $408,000. 820 Westridge Drive, Invermere. Kijiji AD ID 35465119. Call 250-3420844.

BUSINESS FOR SALE Anglz Hair Studio is a full service hair salon that has been in business for over 17 years. Turnkey operations that include All Hair Services, Full Retail Area, 4 stations, Tanning room with Tanning Bed, Manicures, Pedicures, waxing, laundry/washroom.

Asking $42,500. Serious inquires only. Call Maria at 250-342-3227.

condo FOR SALE Ski to your door, fully furnished 1-bdrm condo, F/P, deck, heated parking, swimming pool, and hot tubs. Tamarack Lodge, Panorama, BC, $115,000 Firm. Call 250-3426858 after 6 p.m.

misc. for sale

services

services

services

Hot Tub Rentals Week or Weekend Rates. Valley Spas, 250-342-3922.

Dryer Vent and Furnace Cleaning & inspections. Call AQUAIR today!

250-342-5089.

Renew & Restore Professional tile and grout cleaning, re-grouting, repair and sealing of tile, grout, slate, and stone. Commercial and residential. 35 years experience.

New installations also available.

250-341-5645 refreshtile@yahoo.ca.

Flooring installations, lino, carpet, laminate and hardwood. 30 years experience. Call 250-347-9192 or 250-341-1235.

Support Rockies Hockey! Pine, Fir, dry and split. To order call 250342-6908.

$169,000- Centrally located, fully furnished, 2-bdrm, 2-bath level entry condo. Property assessed at $179,000. Call Jul at 250-318-7605.

wanted Do you have a cheesy old velvet painting gathering dust in your basement? Well how would you like to contribute that old gaudy piece to one of the fastest growing velvet painting collections in the valley? Nothing is too old or too small, if you have one you’d like to get rid of, please give Josh a call @ 250-341-6299.

Single, professional person seeking 2-4-bdrm home in Invermere for L/T rental. Preferably D/T. Dbl garage or better with large yard.

Needed immediately. Call 250342-1167.

King box spring and mattress – preferably pocket coil and pillow top. Email pollockal@yahoo.ca.

misc. for sale Top quality Hay and Straw, alfalfa/grass round bales. Call Elkhorn Ranch. 250-342-0617.

Firewood! Birch, Larch, Fir and Pine cut, split, delivered. ½ cords & full cords. Prices starting at $150.

Call 250-688-0143. Or visit www. horizonridgeranch.com.

Free brown couch. Clean and in good shape. Call 250-688-0450.

vehicles for sale 1986 CHEVY ½ TON, no motor, LOTS OF ACCESSORIES. Best Offer.

MUST GO! 250-341-7393.

2009 grey Mitsubishi Lancer GT. VIN# JA3AU86W39U605296. The outstanding charges on this vehicle are $4,325. Sale date is March 9th, 2012. Call Club Towing at 250-3429551.

services Phil’s Carpentry, Everything from roofs to decks, completion of basement and bathrooms. Phone 250-341-8033 (cell) – 24/7. 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.

recreational vehicles

Water treatment & purification, includes drinking water systems, softeners & conditioners, iron filters. Call AQUAIR, 250-342-5089.

Heaven’s Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning.

Environmentally friendly products.

Dry in 1 hour! Call 250-688-0213 or visit www.heavensbest.ca.

Buy One – Get 1/2 off Cellular Shades “Shannon Blinds and Designs were nothing but professional, fast and efficient. It was a comfort to me knowing she was close by and local for any further questions, purchasing locally was the best choice. Her team were so very friendly and quick to install. Thanks Shannon for all your help and for the wonderful blinds! Annaleis, Fairmont.”

Shannon’s Blinds & Designs 250-342-5749 shannonsblinds@yahoo.ca “Covering the Valley – One Window At A Time” Expires: February 24, 2012

Tile & Slate Installs Journeyman tile setter. 30+ years experience. Custom steam rooms, showers, floors, and cultured stone.

All work guaranteed.

Competitive rates.

Call 250-341-5645.

LBO Autobody Your Fender Bender Mender & The Valley Shine Shop Keep your vehicle free of salt & road grime. Have it detailed. Basic – deluxe packages available. Drop in for a free estimate on paint and body work @ #35 109 Industrial Rd #2, 250-342-9696.

Invermere Sharpening

Carbide and steel sharpening services. Carbide saw re-tipping, saw blades, router bits, planer knives, hole saws, ice auger blades, knives, scissors and much more.

250-341-5447. 345 Blair St., Athalmer.

Check out the daily deals at

91sheep.ca Your one stop shop for the Columbia Valley.

Executive Typing Services Over 20 years word processing experience. Resumes, manuals, data entry, and more. Accurate and fast! 250-341-1939.

misc. for sale

The Wait is Over…

Copper Point Resort in Invermere, British Columbia is now ready to sell off its leftover unused construction material.

Garage Sale for construction materials will be held at the resort in the underground parking area, Saturday March 3, 2012, 9 am- 4 pm.

Cash only, items must be taken upon sale.

We supply parts and service FOR ALL MAKES of: • snowmobiles • motorcycles • quads

Large 10 ft. x 40 ft. sea-cans are available for viewing and purchase now!

There are 10 sea-cans to be sold. Sea-cans must be bought as a whole and items are not sold separately. Appointments will be set up for viewing.

Rohit Communities 2010 & 2011 Edmonton Builder of the Year www.COPPERPOINT.ca

Please e-mail all inquiries to darren.still@rohitgroup.com

www.rohitcommunities.com

36 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 24, 2012

services

help wanted

help wanted

Are you an adult who has always wanted to learn to play the guitar?

Let me show you the basics and more. Available most evenings to come to your home. Group rates available. Call Emily at 250-3412793.

We are seeking: Golf Sales Associates, Reservation Specialists, Guest Service Attendants, Turf Crew, Beverage Cart Attendants. Wages and start dates depending on position. Resumes can be e-mailed to careers@eagleranchresort.com.

New day home child care available in Edgewater Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. $5/hr/per child.

Everything provided. If interested call Jolene at 250-347-6999.

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

help wanted

Huckleberry’s Restaurant is hiring F/T Cook. Duties include: prepare and cook menu items; maintain clean work area; assist with kitchen operations. Minimum high school diploma and several years experience. Wage $15/per hour.

Drop off resumes at 205 Laurier Ave, Invermere or email hucksbc@ telus.net.

Panorama Mountain Village is hiring year round Reservations - group fulfillment agent. Wage $12.45 – $14.90/hr. Essential Functions: Provide accurate quotes and book guest reservation packages over the phone and online. Work with multi resort systems and complete daily personal reports including calls handled, conversion rate, and accuracy checks. Maintain an inventory of vacancies, reservations and room assignments. Assist with data input or any other daily task as needed. Experience / Requirements: Post-secondary education. Must be proficient in English speaking and comprehension. 1-year of reservations call centre experience.

Previous sales experience in the hospitality industry, computer literacy, phone sales experience preferred. Able to work weekends and varied hours (evenings, early mornings). Ability to read computer screens, sit for long periods of time, type, and listen to various voice volumes over the phone.

Application: To review/fill job description, please visit and apply on-line via; www.panoramaresort. com/employment.

Part-time job, Full-time income potential. It’s true, work as much or as little as you like. Earn 30% commission as an independent representative selling sterling silver jewellery. Along with earning trips and free jewellery, being an independent representative is also a fun way to earn some extra money. Call me to find out how 250-341-5956.

F/T or P/T Heavy Duty Mechanic, Class 1 with Air an asset but not necessary. Heavy equipment experience an asset but not necessary. Fax 250-341-6006.

All Dolled Up is looking for some awesome people to join our team!

Must be certified in Manicures and Pedicures. Gel nails certification is an asset. Email resume to iwantajob@getalldolledup.ca. No phone calls please.

vehicles for sale

help wanted

Do you enjoy meeting people and having the opportunity to work in a fun, creative and team oriented environment?

Sunchaser Vacation Villas (formally Fairmont Vacation Villas) is seeking ambitious, customer service orientated individuals to fill the following positions for our summer season. Our property is in Fairmont Hot Springs B.C., Resort Villa Management.

• Aquatic Park Program Leader (APPL) • Aquatic Staff • Guest Services Attendants • Room Attendants • Maintenance Personnel • Recreation Coordinators • Two full-time year-round positions in the Housekeeping department Successful candidates will be required to work through to and including Labour Day. Some positions will run into October. Staff accommodations are available.

Applicants can submit their resume with references to: Personnel Manager cherrie@sunchaservillas.ca or fax (250) 345-6250 Thank you to all that apply; only those who make the short list will be contacted.

vehicles for sale

vehicles for sale

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

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

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

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

VEHICLE FOR SALE

VEHICLE FOR SALE

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Notice is hereby given that the District of Invermere invites Bids on the sale of the vehicle listed below.

Notice is hereby given that the District of Invermere invites Bids on the sale of the vehicle listed below.

Notice is hereby given that the District of Invermere invites bids on the sale of the vehicle listed below.

2000 Bobcat 773 - 2,806 hours approximately. Enclosed cab with heat, tires at approximately 30% and one smooth bucket.

1990 International 4900 Single Axel 3 ton Dump Truck - 5,299 hours and 103,025 km, comes with belly plow and Henderson sander.

1997 Ford F-1S0 XL 4x4 Super cab - 168,012 km approximately, 4.6L with an automatic transmission.

The District of Invermere has endeavored to describe the vehicle as accurately as possible, no warranty or guarantee is expressed or implied.

The District of Invermere has endeavored to describe the vehicle as accurately as possible, no warranty or guarantee is expressed or implied.

The District of Invermere has endeavored to describe the vehicle as accurately as possible, no warranty or guarantee is expressed or implied.

Upset price will start at $10,000.00.

Upset price will start at $10,000.00.

Upset price will start at $ 1,500.00.

Purchaser shall provide proof of Transfer of Ownership and Registration on approved MDV form and Insurance or temporary permit prior to the removal off District property.

Purchaser shall provide proof of Transfer of Ownership and Registration on approved MDV form and Insurance or temporary permit prior to the removal off District property.

Purchaser shall provide proof of Transfer of Ownership and Registration on approved MDV form and Insurance or temporary permit prior to the removal off District property.

Vehicle described above comes as is with absolutely no guarantees.

Vehicle described above comes as is with absolutely no guarantees.

Vehicle described above comes as is with absolutely no guarantees.

To view and inspect, please contact Rick Waters @ (250) 342-3215.

To view and inspect, please contact Rick Waters @ (250)342-3215.

To view and inspect, please contact Rick Waters @ (250)342-3215.

Sealed Bids shall be clearly marked “(773 Bobcat Bid)” will be received by the municipal office at 914 8th Avenue or by mail to P.O. Box 339, Invermere VOA 1KO up to 2:00 pm, February 24,2012.

Sealed Bids shall be clearly marked “(1990 International Bid)” will be received by the municipal office @ 914 8 Avenue or by mail to P.O. Box 339, Invermere VOA IKO up to 2:00 pm February 24, 2012.

Sealed Bids shall be clearly marked “(1997 Vehicle Bid)” will be received by the municipal office @ 914 8 Avenue or by mail to P.O. Box 339, Invermere VOA 1KO up to 2:00 pm February 24, 2012.

The District of Invermere reserves the right to reject any and all tenders.

The District of Invermere reserves the right to reject any and all tenders.

The District of Invermere reserves the right to reject any and all tenders.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 37

February 24, 2012

Pioneer on the Road

help wanted

Camilla, Doug, Erika and Isak Serhan visit “the Arch” in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The Serhan family are the most recent entry into our travel photo contest.

Snap a picture with The Pioneer while travelling, and you could win a night’s accommodation and two tickets to a Calgary Flames game, courtesy of Invermere Travel World. Email news@cv-pioneer. com to enter.

SALES ASSOCIATE NEEDED

Summit Footwear is looking for a professional outgoing sales associate.

The successful candidate MUST love footwear, fashion and have retail sales experience. Please email resume and cover letter to summitfootwear@shaw.ca by February 28th.

Fitness Centre Manager 1 year Maternity Leave

Highly motivated service drivenPantone individual with leadership skills 476 required to manage the VFC for a 1 year maternity leave position.

Key responsibilities: membership sales, advertising, customer service, hiring, planning, scheduling, basic accounting, and coordinating a strong team of staff and instructors.

Our Ideal Candidate: • Previous management experience preferred • Strong knowledge of the Health and Fitness Industry preferred • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Customer-focused • Excellent organizational skills • C.P.R. Certification P.S. This job involves some cleaning, as we work very hard to keep our centre clean and tidy.

Please apply to the VFS Board of Directors at vfs@shapeupinvermere.com

by March 2, 2012

shapeupinvermere.com

Office Assistant

The Columbia Valley Pioneer requires a full-time Office Assistant to join our team and be responsible for the following tasks:

help wanted

help wanted

help wanted

Chisel Peak Medical Clinic 1-year maternity leave.

Corner Café is now hiring for a P/T Baristas willing to train. Also hiring for P/T kitchen help must love to bake, build sandwiched, and make great tasting soup. Please drop off resume at 926-7th Avenue or email roni@cyberlink.bc.ca.

Class 1 truck driver, must be experienced with clean driver’s abstract. Fax 250-341-6006.

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, answering phones, scheduling appointments and assisting patients. Our Ideal Candidates must have previous Medical Clinic experience, strong computer skills, excellent organization skills, strong interpersonal skills. Please apply to Chisel Peak Medical Clinic by March 9th, 2012.

Chisel Peak Medical Clinic, Box 2769, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0.

Attention: Clinic Manager.

Please call 250-341-6299 to place your classified ad.

Just a reminder…

The classified deadline is 12 noon Tuesday.

FUSION WELLNESS SPA and FUSION AT COPPER POINT RESORT ARE NOW HIRING FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS

• B.C. REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPISTS • NHPC MASSAGE THERAPISTS • CERTIFIED ESTHETICIANS • GUEST SERVICE PERSONNEL • HAIR STYLISTS Please submit your resumes to info@fusionwellnessspa.com attention Barbara Mullen.

Only qualified candidates will be contacted

518 13th Street • Downtown Invermere • 250.341.3511 • fusionwellnessspa.com

• Manage the front office, classified ads and flyer contracts • Answer phones, process payments, balance petty cash and filing • Produce daily, weekly and monthly reports for accounting, prepare weekly run-sheet • Handle incoming and outgoing mail and bank deposits • Sales support Please send your resume to Rose-Marie Regitnig, Publisher, at…

N E W S PA P E R

#8, 1008 - 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Phone: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 250-341-6229 Email: rose-marie@cv-pioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

N E W S PA P E R

For all your advertising needs, call Kathy Sutherland at 250-341-6299

CAREER FAIR Atlific Hotels’ Copper Point Resort is hosting an Open House Career Fair to fill seasonal full-time and part-time positions in the following departments:

FRONT OFFICE • HOUSEKEEPING MAINTENANCE • KITCHEN • RESTAURANT Join us on February 25th and 26th from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. to meet our hiring managers and see the resort.

Please bring your resume.

Copper Point Resort, 760 Cooper Rd., Invermere B.C.

38 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 24, 2012 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

Auto Financing FREE CASH BACK WITH $0 DOWN at Auto Credit Fast. Need a vehicle? Good or Bad credit call Stephanie 1-877-792-0599 www.autocreditfast.ca. DLN 30309. Free Delivery.

INSTANT AUTO CREDIT We can finance your auto loan in minutes, you Drive Home Now, or we can deliver to you. www.

DriveHomeNow.com. 877-7587311 or 250-751-5205.

WANT A VEHICLE BUT STRESSED ABOUT YOUR CREDIT? Christmas in February, $500 cash back. We fund your future not your past.

All credit situations accepted. www.creditdrivers.ca 1-888593-6095.

Employment Opportunities

Employment Opportunities

WEBCO LEDUC - division of Sun Media, requires Full-time Heatset/Coldset Journeyman Pressman. 15 unit Goss Community. Competitive rates and benefits. Email resume: et@ webcoleduc.com.Employment Opportunities

GO TO YOUR NEXT JOB interview with 2nd Year Heavy Duty Mechanic Skills. GPRC, Fairview Campus. Heavy Equipment Certificate program - Less than one year apprenticeship opportunity. Hands-on training.

Safety courses. On-campus residences. 1-888-999-7882; gprc.ab.ca.

EXPERIENCED DRILLERS, Derrickhands, Motorhands and Floorhands. Seeking full rig crews. Paying higher than industry rates and winter bonus.

Send resume c/w valid tickets.

Fax 780-955-2008; info@ tempcodrilling.com. Phone 780955-5537.

Employment Opportunities

CITY OF YELLOWKNIFE Lifeguard/ Instructor. We are seeking an experienced individual to be a Lifeguard/Instructor. Refer to: www.yellowknife.ca for the required qualifications. Submit resumes by February 29, 2012, quoting competition 602-107U to: Human Resources Division, City of Yellowknife, P.O. Box 580, YK, NT, X1A 2N4. Fax to: (867) 669-3471. Email: hr@ yellowknife.ca

WEBCO LEDUC - division of Sun Media, requires Fulltime Heatset/Coldset 1st & 2nd Pressmen. 15 unit Goss Community. Competitive rates and benefits. Email resume: et@webcoleduc.com.

SERVICE MANAGER - Hanna Chrysler Ltd. (Hanna, Alberta).

Opportunity in a perfect family environment. Strong team, competitive wages, benefits, growth potential. Fax resume: 403-854-2845. Email: chrysler@ telusplanet.net.

Business Opportunities BE YOUR OWN BOSS with Great Canadian Dollar Store. Franchise opportunities now available.

Call today for details 1-877388-0123 ext. 229 or visit our website: www.dollarstores. com.

Follow us on…

Equipment EXCLUSIVE “THINKBIG” Mechanic Training. GPRC Fairview Campus. $1000. entrance scholarship.

Paid practicum with Finning.

High school diploma and mechanical aptitude. Write apprenticeship exams. 1-888999-7882; gprc.ab.ca/fairview.

September 2012.

Financial Services If you own a home or real estate, ALPINE CREDITS can lend you money: It’s That Simple. Your Credit / Age / Income is NOT an issue. 1.800.587.2161.

For Sale

Motorcycles

Real Estate

STEEL BUILDINGS FOR ALL USES! Spring Deals! Make an offer on sell-off models at factory and save thousands NOW! Call for FREE Brochure - 1-800-6685111 ext. 170.

SPEND YOUR HOURS

Land of Orchards, Vineyards & Tides in Nova Scotia’s beautiful Annapolis Valley. Live! Work!

Bring Business! Free Brochure - Website: www.kingsrda.ca Email: mmacdonald@kingsrda. ca - Toll - free: 1-888-865-4647

SAWMILLS from only $3997 MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills. com/400OT 1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT. Health GET PAID TO LOSE WEIGHT. $5,000 For Your Success Story.

Personal Image TV Show. Call to Qualify: 416-730-5684 ext 2243. Joanna@mertontv.ca. www.mertontv.ca.

HERBAL MAGIC - With Herbal Magic lose up to 20 pounds in just 8 weeks and keep it off.

Results Guaranteed! Start today call 1-800-854-5176.

Help Wanted

DROWNING IN DEBTS? Helping Canadians 25 years. Lower payments by 30%, or cut debts 70% thru Settlements. AVOID BANKRUPTCY! Free consultation. www.mydebtsolution.com or Toll Free 1 877-556-3500

EARN EXTRA CASH! - P/T, F/T Immediate Openings For Men & Women. Easy Computer Work, Others Positions Are Available.

Can Be Done From Home. No Experience Needed. www.HWCBC.com

MONEYPROVIDER.COM. $500 Loan and +. No Credit Refused.

Fast, Easy, 100% Secure. 1-877776-1660.

Legal Services

Pioneer Newspaper @PioneerNewsTip

CRIMINAL RECORD? Don’t let it block employment, travel, education, professional, certification, adoption property rental opportunities. For peace of mind & a free consultation call 1-800-347-2540.

working on ATV’s, Snowmobiles, and Watercraft. GPRC Fairview Campus, Alberta. Learn to repair small engines, recreational vehicles.

Apprenticeship opportunity.

On-campus residences. 1-888-999-7882; www.gprc.ab.ca/fairview.

TWO WHEELIN’ EXCITEMENT! Motorcycle Mechanic Program, GPRC Fairview College Campus.

Hands-on training - street, offroad, dual sport bikes. Challenge 1st year Apprenticeship exam.

1-888-999-7882; www.gprc. ab.ca/fairview.

Pets LOVE ANIMALS? - Love your Career! Animal Health Technology diploma program.

GPRC Fairview Campus. Oncampus working farm. On-site large and companion animals.

On-campus residences. 1-888999-7882; www.gprc.ab.ca/ fairview.

Real Estate NAPLES FLORIDA AREA! Bank Acquired Condos Only $169,900.

Same unit sold for $428,895.

Own your brand new condo for pennies on the dollar in warm, sunny SW Florida! Walk to over 20 restaurants/100 shops! Must see. Ask about travel incentives.

Call 1-866-959-2825, ext 15. www.coconutpointcondos.com

Personals

DATING SERVICE L o n g - Te r m / S h o r t - Te r m Relationships, FREE TO TRY!!!

1-877-297-9883. Live intimate conversation, Call: #7878 or 1-888-534-6984. Live adult 1on1. Call: 1-866-311-9640 or #5015. Meet Local Single Ladies.

1-877-804-5381. (18+).

Services GET RESULTS! Post a classified in 125 newspapers in just a few clicks. Reach nearly 2 million people for only $395 a week – only $3.16 per newspaper.

Choose your province or all across Canada. Best value.

Save over 85% compared to booking individually. www. communityclassifieds.ca or 1-866-669-9222.

Travel

HAWAII ON THE MAINLAND, where healthy low-cost living can be yours. Modern Arenal Maleku Condominiums, 24/7 secured Community, Costa Rica “the most friendly country on earth”! 1-780-952-0709; www.

CanTico.ca.

Pioneer Classifieds Call: 250-341-6299

they work

o

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 39

February 24, 2012

Valley Churches

FAITH

No longer in Mayberry

By Father Jim McHugh Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church Remember the sleepy little town of Mayberry from 1960’s TV? I pretty much grew up there. I was Opie, running barefoot with my willow stick fishing pole or staring wideeyed into a robin’s nest.

My friends came from traditional families with old fashioned values. Most folks went to church on Sunday and Andy, Floyd, Otis, and Aunt Bee were our neighbours.

Like Mayberry, we rarely met anyone who looked, sounded, or thought differently from us. Life was slow and nothing much ever changed. We felt secure and we all liked it that way.

The rural simplicity and social uniformity of my home town shaped my values, my sense of right and wrong, and my understanding of life.

As a young man they became the glasses through which I looked at the world. Everything was clear and

well defined in black and white. There were no shades of grey. Things were right or wrong, good or bad. Then I left Mayberry.

Outside my community I discovered a world filled with exotic sights, sounds, tastes, and smells. Different religious beliefs, political opinions, cultural traditions, value systems, and lifestyles were all around. Looking through my black-and-white lenses, this unknown Technicolor world appeared dangerous. I felt vulnerable and alone.

Growing up, I’d been taught to love my neighbour as myself. To me that meant extending kindness, courtesy, generosity, patience, compassion, understanding, and respect to my neighbours. Back in Mayberry that was easy because my neighbours all looked, sounded, and thought like me. But out here who was my neighbour?

Who could I trust? Like Opie, I’d been warned, “Don’t talk to strangers,” and now that’s all I could see.

Then someone very, very different showed me love.

My fears were calmed, my heart changed, and my eyes opened.

Instead of living with suspicion and mistrust I’m seeing folks like He does, through eyes of love. I’m meeting and getting to know my new neighbours. I’ve discovered that despite our differences our hearts are all the same.

I’m no longer in Mayberry, but I enjoy the change.

Vive la difference!

With the power of a locomotive Shaun Verreault of Wide Mouth Mason (pictured) and Wil Mimnaugh of www.ibreakstrings.com strummed their way into the first of what will hopefully become a growing trend of live music at Panorama’s Great Hall. “As a musician, when you play in a venue where someone has taken the effort to make it musical, you tend to reward them exponentially,” said Verreault.

Photo by Kristian Rasmussen

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Sunday, February 26th, 10:30 a.m.

CELEBRATION SUNDAY, “The Journey: Three Proofs of Growth” Pastor Trevor ministering.

The Lord’s Supper will be served.

“K.I.D.S” Church, for children age 3 to Grade 1; and Grade 2 to Grade 5 during the Morning Service.

Pastor Trevor Hagan • 326 - 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lakewindermerealliance.org Windermere Valley Shared Ministry ANGLICAN-UNITED 9 a.m.: Morning Prayer at All Saint’s, Edgewater.

10:30 a.m.: Morning Prayer at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere led by Tess Moffatt Interim Priest In Charge, Katherine Hough 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-6644 • www.wvsm.info or www.christchurchtrinity.com Valley Christian Assembly Sunday, 10 a.m.: Worship and Word Kids’ Church provided.

Pastor Murray Wittke 4814 Highway 93/95, Windermere 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com Roman Catholic Church Saturday: 4:30 p.m. at St.Anthony’s, Canal Flats.

Father John Kellogg Saturday: 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 James 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 Fraser Coltman • 1-866-426-7564 Radium Christian Fellowship Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service Thursday 7 p.m. Fun Night Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • 250-342-6633 No. 4, 7553 Main St. Radium • 250-347-9937 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Worship Service, Sunday, 10 a.m. • Relief Society, 11:15 a.m.

President Barry Pratt • Columbia Valley Branch

You can remember someone special with your gift to the Canadian Cancer Society To donate In Memory or In Honour: www.cancer.ca | 250-426-8916 or call toll-free 1-800-656-6426 or mail to: P. O. Box 102 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Please include: Your name an address for tax receipt Name of the person being remembered Name and address to send card to

Let’s Make Cancer History

www.cancer.ca

40 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 24, 2012

Early Bird Golf Savings LAST WEEK FOR * $499 BOOK OF TEN

It’s your last chance to purchase book of ten rounds at the early bird price, redeemable at both Riverside and Mountainside Golf Courses.

Buy now and save! A book of ten is just $499* and worth up to $800 in value.

• Golf both Riverside and Mountainside Course.

• Use any day, any time. Even holiday weekends.

• Fully transferable — share them with friends and family.

• The book of ten never expires.

Early Bird Golf Hotline: 250.345.6346 ext. 22 Monday to Friday, 10:00am to 4:00pm. Available until February 29, 2012. *Plus applicable taxes. Not valid for tournaments. Power cart not included.

SCAN WITH YOUR SMART PHONE