Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine July 2023 issue

HOW MORTGAGE PREAPPROVAL CAN IMPROVE YOUR BUYING EXPERIENCE

So, you want to buy real estate, but instead of enjoying the experience you’re finding yourself overwhelmed with questions: How do I find a realtor to help me? How do I start looking at houses? What is a home inspection? What about home insurance...? And the list goes on.

I’ve responded to all these questions – and more—but the first one I usually ask a new client is: have you talked to a lender yet?

Imagine you’re looking at a new sled and you want the PTX 4000 8 Series (as you can tell I know nothing about sledding. Please sledders reading, call me up and school me). The sled retailer takes you out on it and you have a great day. You decide this is the sled you want to buy. Then, you find out the price, and it turns out you can only afford the trailer you’ll need to transport the sled. Same goes for real estate. Before we go look at property and start digging in it’s good to know what you can afford to finance. This is why I ask all my clients to talk to a bank or a mortgage broker before you start this process, so we can start looking at real estate in the price point you can afford or want to pay. When you are applying for a mortgage pre-qualification the bank or lender will be looking at your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Which is all your monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income. Documents they may ask for include: a job letter, previous years of T4’s and Notice of Assessment from the CRA, financial statements if you’re self-employed, and a letter for any gifted money. They will typically do a credit check with your permission to see what you have in outstanding debt.

In real life when you apply for a mortgage the bank or mortgage lender will quote you with a pre-approved rate held for a fixed amount of time. As of the date this article was written the posted rate for a five-year fixed insured rate

is 5.09%. This means your mortgage payments will be approximately $600 monthly for each $100,000 borrowed. If you do the math, if you were to borrow $400,000 your monthly mortgage payment would be approximately $2,400. The bank will also make sure that not only do you qualify at the posted rate, but also make sure you qualify for the stress test rate, which is generally 2% higher than the posted rate. Just in case things get spicey again and rates go up. This article certainly does not encompass everything you need to know but will get you started. Ready to have the conversation with me about buying? Call me up to chat and we can get you started. Or perhaps you’re planning on selling. Call me again and we can talk strategy about how to make the mortgage you have work for you.

*Tara Sutherland, Associate Broker – RE/MAX Revelstoke Realty – 250-814-8677 or tara@revelstoke-realty.com

WHY YOU SHOULD TALK TO A BANK OR MORTGAGE LENDER BEFORE YOU START LOOKING FOR YOUR DREAM HOME

TOURISM TALKS

HELP US GIVE BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY

Show us how you make Revelstoke a better place. Participate in our Community Contributors campaign by sharing a photo or video that showcases your positive contribution to the community or the environment. Capture yourself or a friend volunteering for a local initiative, picking up trash, helping a community member in need, or engaging in environmental conservation activities.

Each entry received will generate a $100 donation to Community Connections, a local organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of community members. In addition, all eligible entries will be entered into a draw for a chance to win a 2023/24 season’s pass to Revelstoke Mountain Resort, generously donated by the resort.

To enter the campaign, participants need to post their photo or video to their feed or reel on a public Instagram or TikTok account. When sharing their content, they must include a description of how they are making a positive contribution to the community and use the tags @revelstoke, #TheRealStoke, and #SustainTheStoke. Individuals who wish to participate without a social media account can upload content on our website. By entering the contest, participants grant Tourism Revelstoke permission to share their content through various channels, including social media and our website.

This donation will help support the vital services provided by the organization. This campaign supports the priorities identified in our recent Revelstoke 2073 resident survey and recognizes the importance of critical non-profit organizations that support our residents and community wellbeing. Learn more or submit your photo on our website.

To read previous Tourism Talks columns and to learn about destination management in Revelstoke, head to DestinationRevelstoke.com or listen to Think Revelstoke wherever you get your podcasts.

Photo: Chris Istace

Photo: Logan Williams

Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine is a free monthly publication featuring the best of Revelstoke outdoor life, food, style, visitor experiences, lifestyles, entertainment, home style and healthy living.

We are an independent, locally owned publication dedicated to showcasing our amazing mountain town and the great people who create the stoke.

Each issue we distribute 2,000 copies to public venues across Revelstoke, including hotel rooms, shops, restaurants, cafes, community centres — everywhere people meet.

For all inquiries, please contact us at info@revelstokemountaineer.com

For Revelstoke daily news online, please see our sister publication www.revelstokemountaineer.com

· 250 814 8710 info@revelstokemountaineer.com

606 Railway Avenue. Revelstoke, B.C. P.O.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Brandi Schier info@revelstokemountaineer.com

EDITOR

Brandi Schier info@revelstokemountaineer.com

REPORTER

Melissa Jameson melissa@revelstokemountaineer.com

EDITORIAL DESIGN/ADVERTISING DESIGN

Chris Payne chris@revelstokemountaineer.com

WEBSITE Chris Payne chris@revelstokemountaineer.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Aaron Orlando

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS & ILLUSTRATORS

Hannah

New ownership for Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine

Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine is under new ownership.

This past month, Discourse Community Publishing acquired Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine and revelstokemountaineer.com, adding the publication to its growing stable of independent, journalism-focused publications. For details on the changes, see our announcement on page 12.

The change means the departure of Revelstoke Mountaineer owner and longserving editor, Aaron Orlando, who has served in senior editorial roles in Revelstoke since 2008. He was editor of the Revelstoke Review from 2008 to 2014, then founded revelstokemountaineer.com in late 2014, then published the first issue of Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine in 2016. In total, he edited and published just under 60 issues of the print magazine.

Other staff and contributors remain on with the Mountaineer, including web and print designer Chris Payne and contributing journalist Melissa Jameson.

Discourse Community Publishing has plans to hire a new full-time journalist for Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine and revelstokemountaineer.com, and prefers to

hire locally, so tell those who may be interested to look out for the position posting soon. This issue has been a transition issue, as we begin the process of changing over to new systems.

What we know for sure is Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine is a well liked local publication; readers of all ages access the magazine and often have compliments about its positive vibe and mix of stories that matches the energy and creativity of Revelstoke.

We hope to be good stewards of that public support for the magazine and website and build on the legacy in the years to come.

We can't do it without you; we encourage readers to consider supporting the publication by donating online via our website. For advertisers, we're looking to support your business in the community and want to hear from you. Please check out our advertising rates, which are published on our website, and please reach out to info@ revelstokemountaineer.com with any questions.

-Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine staff

Dotznroth, Pat Bruderer, Hywel Williams, Tom Poole, Willow Hopkins, Pat Morrow

COVER AND INSET PHOTO: Residents gathered to watch the launch of a Sinixt canoe journey from Revelstoke in mid-June. The group was on a multi-day journey down the Columbia River ending in Kettle Falls. For more, see our story on page 20. Photos cover and inset: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine.

16

CONTENTS

6

EVENTS CALENDAR

Find out what's happening around Revelstoke in July 2023 by checking out our events calendar. Don't forget to add your community event online at www.revelstokemountaineer.com

8

REVY.LIVE RETURNS

Revelstoke's summer-long free music performance series returns to Grizzly Plaza this summer with nearly two months of nightly performances. Check out the list of bands here.

10

NEWS BRIEFS

Our collection of news and happenings from Revelstoke over the past month.

12

NEW OWNERS FOR

14

REVELSTOKE MOUNTAINEER MAGAZINE

New owners Discourse Community Publishing have bought Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine and revelstokemountaineer.com. Find out more about the changes in this media release.

14

ATTRACTING IMMIGRANT EMPLOYEES

In May, the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce hosted a workshop that informed employers about options for recruiting migrant employees, a trend that has rapidly increased in the past few years. In this story, we sought out trends and details on this significant change to the employment scene.

16

GRIZZLY PLAZA RENOVATIONS

Plans for renovations in Grizzly Plaza has been around for several years and have engendered controversy. Now,

the city has proposed another scaled down design for the rejuvenation project.

17

LATINOS EN REVELSTOKE

Revelstoke's growing Latino community has been organizing social gatherings and has plans for more public events in the future. We checked in with the organizers to find out more.

18

ARTS BRIEFS

Our arts briefs explore upcoming arts programming in the community. Find out what's next this summer.

20

SINIXT CANOE JOURNEY

Sinixt members passed through Revelstoke on a canoe Journey down the Columbia River to Kettle Falls in mid-June. Find out more about the event here.

22

MANUFACTURED HOME POLICY

JULY 2023 CALENDAR

JULYEVENTS

SATURDAY, JULY 1

REVELSTOKE FARM & CRAFT MARKET/ REVELSTOKE LFI

FARMERS MARKET

Downtown Revelstoke, 8 a.m.-1p.m. Head downtown to Mackenzie Ave and First Street where you’ll find not one, but two farmers’ markets full of locally grown produce, arts & crafts and much more.

CANADA DAY PARADE & CELEBRATION

Queen Elizabeth Park, 219 Ninth Street East, opening ceremony at 2 p.m. Celebrate Canada Day as a community. Enjoy the parade, live music, flag raising ceremony, games and fun! Note there will be an alternate parade route this year. Visit City of Revelstoke –Parks, Recreation and Culture on Facebook for details.

REVY.LIVE OUTSIDE

Queen Elizabeth Park, 219 Ninth Street East, 3 p.m.& 5 p.m. Arts Revelstoke’s popular Revy. Live Outside kicks off on Canada Day with performances by local roots/country/rock/Americana band Shoestring Necktie at 3 p.m. A performance by honky-tonk/ western swing/outlaw country group Slick Nik and the Porch Hounds follows at 5 p.m. For a complete list of Revy.Live performers visit arts revelstoke.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 2

REVY.LIVE OUTSIDE

Grizzly Plaza Gazebo, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Bardic Form and David Jay, “The Spaniard” are storming the REVY.LIVE Outside stage for an unforgettable experience. REVY.Live takes place in Grizzly Plaza every night in July and August. For a complete list of Revy.Live performers visit arts revelstoke.com.

TUESDAY, JULY 4

REVELSTOKE MUSEUM DOWNTOWN HERITAGE WALKING TOUR

Revelstoke Museum, 315 First Street West, 11 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Join curator Cathy English for a one-hour guided tour of Revelstoke’s historic downtown. Discover why the downtown moved from its original location and why Campbell Avenue is so wide, and find some hidden features in Grizzly Plaza. $10.

RCMP MUSICAL RIDE

Selkirk Saddle Club, 1447 Airport Way, shows at 2 p.m. & 6 p.m.; pre-show greetings at 1:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. A symbol of tradition, honour and pride, the Musical ride is a Canadian icon recognized at home and abroad. During the 30-minute performance a troop of 32 riders – all police officers – and their horses perform intricate drills set to music, lasting about 30 minutes. Entry is free with a donation to the foodbank. Please note parking is limited with onsite parking only for those with accessible parking permits.

SATURDAY, JULY 8

REVELSTOKE FARM & CRAFT MARKET/ REVELSTOKE LFI FARMERS MARKET Downtown Revelstoke, 8 a.m.-1p.m.

Head downtown to Mackenzie Ave and First Street where you’ll find not one, but two farmers’ markets full of locally grown produce, arts & crafts and much more.

SUNDAY, JULY 9

REVELSTOKE FARM & CRAFT MARKET/ REVELSTOKE LFI FARMERS MARKET

Downtown Revelstoke, 8 a.m.-1p.m. Head downtown to Mackenzie Ave and First Street where you’ll find not one, but two farmers’ markets full of locally grown produce, arts & crafts and much more.

THURSDAY, JULY 13

REVELSTOKE ART GALLERY: JULY EXHIBITION OPENING EVENT

Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre, 320 Wilson Street, 2 p.m.-8p.m.

Featuring the first member’s show of the year in the main gallery with the theme “from the forest floor.” Work by artists Shantael Sleight, Riki Kuropatwa and Alex Stewart showing in the side galleries. Viewing from 2-5 p.m.; social event with live music and refreshments for purchase from 5-8 p.m. Entry $5.

SATURDAY, JULY 15

REVELSTOKE FARM & CRAFT MARKET/ REVELSTOKE LFI FARMERS MARKET

Downtown Revelstoke, 8 a.m.-1p.m. Head downtown to Mackenzie Ave and First Street where you’ll find not one, but two farmers’ markets full of locally grown produce, arts & crafts and much more.

REVELSTOKE ROLLER DISCO

Revelstoke Forum, 1100 Vernon Avenue, 6:30p.m.-9:30p.m.

Come out for a great night of skating and disco music! Adults $10, under 18 $5, kids under 10 are free. Skate rentals $5. This event is a fundraiser for Re-

Celebrate summer solstice on June 21 with free yoga at RMR. Photo: Tom Poole/RMR

The RCMP Musical Ride comes to Revelstoke on July 4. The famous equestrian event features precision riding. Photo: Handout

velstoke Roller Derby. Contact revelstokerollerderby@gmail. com for more info or check out the event page on Facebook.

HIGHLAND EYEWAY W/ GURTH

Revelstoke Legion, 600 First Street West, doors open at 7 p.m., music starts at 8 p.m.

Revelstoke metal band GϋRTH opens for Vancouver-based psychedelic rock band Highland Eyeway. Tickets $20 at the door.

TUESDAY, JULY 18

REVELSTOKE MUSEUM DOWNTOWN HERITAGE

WALKING TOUR

Revelstoke Museum, 315 First Street West, 11 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Join curator Cathy English for a one-hour guided tour of Revelstoke’s historic downtown.

Discover why the downtown moved from its original location and why Campbell Avenue is so wide, and find some hidden features in Grizzly Plaza. $10.

SATURDAY, JULY 22

REVELSTOKE FARM & CRAFT MARKET/ REVELSTOKE LFI FARMERS MARKET

Downtown Revelstoke, 8 a.m.-1p.m. Head downtown to Mackenzie Ave and First Street where you’ll find not one, but two farmers’ markets full of locally grown produce, arts & crafts and much more.

TUESDAY, JULY 25

REVELSTOKE MUSEUM DOWNTOWN HERITAGE WALKING TOUR

Revelstoke Museum, 315 First Street West, 11 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Join curator Cathy English for a one-hour guided tour of Revelstoke’s historic downtown. Discover why the downtown moved from its original location and why Campbell Avenue is so wide, and find some hidden features in Grizzly Plaza. $10.

GIRLS GONE MILD –SOCIAL RIDE SERIES

Revelstoke Mountain Resort, 2950 Camozzi Road, 4 p.m.-7 p.m.

A fun and social ride for ladies to enjoy green and chill blue trails in a supportive environment. Led by a professional bike guide from the Mountain Bike School. Free, but does not include the cost of lift ticket or rentals. Visit revelstokemountainresort.com/whats-happening for more details.

SATURDAY, JULY 29

REVELSTOKE FARM & CRAFT MARKET/ REVELSTOKE LFI FARMERS MARKET

Downtown Revelstoke, 8 a.m.-1p.m. Head downtown to Mackenzie Ave and First Street where you’ll find not one, but two farmers’ markets full of locally grown produce, arts & crafts and much more.

COLUMBIA BASIN CULTURE TOUR

Various locations, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Meet people behind the scenes at galleries and museums, visit studies and venues not normally open to the public, and experience special events planned for a summer weekend. Visit

wkartscouncil.com/culture-tour for details.

DERAILERS BOUT DAY

Revelstoke Forum, 1100 Vernon Avenue, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

Revelstoke Roller Derby’s second and final home bout of the year! Food, beer gardens, music, roller derby. Tickets $10 in advance available at the Farmers’ Market and Society Snow & Skate or $12 at the door. Kids 12 and under are free. Family friendly event. Email revelstokerollerderby@gmail.com for more info.

SUNDAY, JULY 30

COLUMBIA BASIN CULTURE TOUR

Various locations, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Meet people behind the scenes at galleries and museums, visit studies and venues not normally open to the public, and experience special events planned for a summer weekend. Visit wkartscouncil.com/culture-tour for details.

Stop in at the Girls Gone Mild social ride for women at Revelstoke Mountain Resort.

Photo: Tom Poole/RMR

Riki Kuropatwa's works are featured in the July exhibit at the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre.

Photo: Handout

REVY.LIVE OUTSIDE PERFORMANCE LISTINGS

Throughout the summer, Arts Revelstoke is hosting live music every evening at the Grizzly Plaza from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The performances feature a variety of genres from artists across B.C. and Canada. For more information on the performers, visit artsrevelstoke.com

JULY 2

Bardic Form and David Jay

"The Spaniard" – Folk / classical / contemporary / metal

The musicians are coming together for an unforgettable performance, mixing an array of genres and styles.

JULY 3

Misery Mountain Boys – Blues / jazz

The band combines classic and fresh music with a variety from upbeat jazz to slower love songs.

JULY 4

The Parsons

JULY 5

Headway – Rock / country / funk

The band plays infectious music, intended to get the crowd on the dancefloor.

JULY 6

Under the Rocks – Bluegrass

The band features bass, guitar, fiddle and banjo to create a mix of traditional bluegrass and singer-songwriter music.

JULY 7

Bend Sinister – Rock

The band has evolved through many genres from progressive rock to pop, giving them an original sound.

JULY 8

Gold Mynd – Reggae

The well-known regional artist has a unique sound and ability to connect with listeners.

JULY 9

Denis & Myra – Fiddle / country

The duo draws inspiration from Appalachian tradition, mixing old country songs with traditional fiddling.

JULY 10

Tennyson King – Indie folk

The musician uses his edgy sound to combine indie folk rock with earthy roots and pop.

JULY 11

WiL – Indie folk / rock

The artist’s signature is his unusual strumming technique, combined with a full acoustic guitar sound.

JULY 12

Nik Winnitowy Band – Alternative country

The singer-songwriter’s performances draw from his new material in the recording process.

JULY 13

Jack Jackson – Country

The musician performs songs by country music’s most loved entertainers throughout the years.

JULY 14

Electric Religious – Guitar-driven

Inspired by the psychedelic sounds of Jimi Hendrix, the Métis musician exudes inspiration and hope.

JULY 15

Brass Camel – Rock

The band’s recent debut has been compared to the likes of Supertramp, Rush, King Gizzard and Queen.

JULY 16

Penny Shades – Alternative soul

The band sings modern groovy tunes and features strong fourpart harmonies.

JULY 17

Kaeley Jade – Pop / indie folk

The artist sings a mix of ballads and upbeat songs, always bringing electricity to the stage.

JULY 18

Soul Motivators – Soul

The nine-piece band mixes soul with 1970s funk, hip-hop and psychedelic jams.

JULY 19

Diyet & The Love Soldiers –Folk

The musician sings in both English and Southern Tutchone, mixing folk with alternative country in songs about her Indigenous world view.

JULY 20

Maddie Storvold & The Walnut Collective – Folk

Often compared to Joni Mitchell, the artist’s honeyed voice and emotive fingerpicking enhances her storytelling.

JULY 21

Leila Neverland – Rock / indie pop

The composer plays authentic music with horns, strings, percussion, piano and her strong voice.

JULY 22

Velavox – Alternative pop

The duo combines their vocals, synths and electric guitar to create personal songs about mental health and embracing oneself.

JULY 23

Rainbow Calculus

JULY 24

Cara Bateman – Pop / R&B / soul

The musician’s authentic music and raspy voice flows between sultry and powerful.

JULY 25

The Gabriel Palatchi Trio –Latin / jazz / funk

The trio blends music from around the world, creating complex rhythms and a unique sound.

JULY 26

Zuffalo – Rock

The band performs harmony-enriched songs and was formed by a shared love for the Beatles, Grateful Dead and James Brown.

JULY 27

TrunkVanCar – Alternative soul / reggae / rock

The band plays a mix of covers and original groovy melodies with a three-part harmony.

The Misery Mountain Boys play Revy.Live on July 3. Photo: Handout

JULY 28

Jocelyn Pettit and Ellen Gira –

Fiddle / cello

The duo combines traditional and contemporary styles, creating an uplifting performance.

JULY 29

Sweetgrass Caribou

JULY 30

Kuja Collective – Celtic / pop

The band reinvents popular music, creating a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh.

JULY 31

Daring Greatly – Rock / country

The band blends rock and country influences to create a soulful sound, making their music familiar and fresh.

AUGUST 1

Goodnight Sunrise – Rock

The duo sings guitar-driver songs with themes of trying to make sense of the world.

AUGUST 2

Ranger Smash – Indie folk / rock / pop

The band is known for their powerful vocals and harmonies, energetic music and passion for groove.

AUGUST 3

Bob Rogers Band – Jazz / funk

The band performs a variety of original songs, as well as their own take on jazz and funk favourites.

AUGUST 4

Garret T. Willie – Rock

The musician gives traditional rock a modern twist, with a mix of fun and heartbreaking stories.

AUGUST 5

Vibetown – Soul / pop

The band’s music is led by horn instruments, taking a jazz-inspired spin on pop classics.

AUGUST 6

Apollo Suns – Jazz / rock

The nine-piece instrumental band creates a unique sound, intended to get the crowd on the dancefloor.

AUGUST 7

Maritime Kitchen Party – Rock / pop / celtic

The band puts their own spin on a variety of recognizable music, from Celtic fisherman songs to upbeat classic rock

AUGUST 8

Zonnis – Folk

The band performs a mix of covers and originals with only an acoustic guitar and their powerful vocals.

AUGUST 9

Childish Bambino

AUGUST 10

Spiritual Warriors – Rock / reggae / contemporary

The band performs a mix of Indigenous chants and contemporary music, singing in both English and U’cwalmicwts

AUGUST 11

Dixie Fried Hep Katz – Rock

The band is the perfect mix of old rock and their own modern, fresh style.

AUGUST 12

Buddy Wackett & the Floorwalkers – Honky tonk

The band plays the purest of honky tonk, but also includes a couple waltz songs in their performances.

AUGUST 13

Beef Dip – Rock

The band has a unique style, fusing drums, syncopated riffs and bass to create psychedelic rock.

AUGUST 14

The Doggone Brothers –Country / Bluegrass

The band plays acoustic covers and originals, inspired by bluegrass and old country.

AUGUST 15

Sister Speak – Alternative rock / folk / blues

The musician is known for her soulful voice, guitar-driven songs and socially conscious lyrics.

AUGUST 16

Munro & Patrick – Country / rock / jazz

The duo mixes aspects of several genres with lyrics about the emotions of life.

AUGUST 17

Heather Gemmell – Bluegrass

The musician is a one woman band, blending electric stand up lap steel, banjo, harmonica, foot percussion and acoustic guitar.

AUGUST 18

Kayla Williams & The Yacht

Daddies – Pop

The artists play feel-good music that pay homage to 1970s soft rock, with soulful vocals and an upbeat energy.

AUGUST 19

The Trippin Lankies – Folk

The duo plays a mix of original tunes, contemporary favourites and traditional folk music

AUGUST 21

Abigail Lapell – Folk

The artist is a multi-instrumentalist who plays modern folk songs.

AUGUST 22

Half/Asian with Amy the CODA – Pop / sign language

The duo sings harmonies in both English and sign language with a synthesizer from the 1980s.

AUGUST 23

Jared Wayne and the Neckties

– Alternative country / rock

The band performs stripped-down versions of rock and country classics.

AUGUST 24

Blue Moon Marquee – Blues / jazz

The duo performs groovy original songs influenced by artists such as Lonnie Johnson, Louis Armstrong and Blind Willie Jonson.

AUGUST 25

Dinosaur Fight – Rock / pop

The band performs with soulful guitar riffs, drumming and vocal melodies, taking influence from a wide variety of genres.

AN INCREASING NUMBER OF

PEOPLE

ARE ACCESSING THE FOOD BANK IN REVELSTOKE

FOOD COSTING IN B.C. 2022 REPORT HIGHLIGHTS INADEQUATE INCOMES AS THE ROOT CAUSE OF HOUSEHOLD FOOD INSECURITY

By Melissa Jameson

The Community Connections Food Bank says it is seeing an increasing number of people accessing its services.

“We are experiencing a huge demand at the food bank – more clients in total, and those clients are visiting more often. Additionally, donations have decreased while our food costs are also increasing. More folks need help with food, and less folks have extra to donate,” Melissa Hemphill, co-director of Community Outreach and Development at Community Connections wrote in an email to media. “It’s not a great financial situation and any help that community groups or individuals can give is very appreciated at this time (and always).”

In B.C., food banks do not receive core funding, and often rely on public donations and small grants to provide individuals and families with nutritious foods.

Hemphill’s appeal for donations comes on the heels of a recently released BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) report on food costs across the province. The Food Costing in BC 2022 report, released in May 2023, assessed the affordability of healthy eating for individuals and families across all four regional health authorities. The report revealed the provincial average between May 2022 and June 2022 was $1,263 for a family of four (defined as “consisting of a male adult, a female adult, male child, and female child”). The average cost to feed a family of four in the Interior Health Region was $1,264.

“The purpose of the Food Costing in B.C. 2022 report is to highlight that inadequate incomes are the root cause of household food insecurity,” Linda Boyd, Public Health Dietician with Interior Health wrote in an email. The report, which reviewed five different household compositions and income scenarios, revealed many people and households living on low incomes – particularly those on income or disability assistance – cannot afford a nutritious diet after paying rent.

To learn more about how you can support the food bank in Revelstoke visit community-connections.ca/get-involved.

The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society celebrated its 10th anniversary in mid-June. The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention, management, and reduction of invasive species on the Columbia Shuswap Regional District.

“This significant milestone marks a decade of dedicated efforts to protect ecosystems in the region from threats posed by invasive species,” the society said in a statement. CSISS was established in 2013 and is part of a network of 13 regional invasive species groups in the province. The groups work in cooperation with the Invasive Species Council of BC.

The society held its milestone celebration on June 15. The event featured a presentation on invasive species by CSISS technician Nolan Novotny, and a nature walk – which included a stop at an interactive boot brush station installed on the Revelstoke Greenbelt --led by outreach coordinator Jess Both. In its statement, CSISS said the celebration was an “opportunity to honour the contributions and commitments of past and current staff and board members, key partners, funders and volunteers.” Awards were presented to recognize the contributions of individuals who have played a pivotal role in the society’s success over the past decade.

COLUMBIA SHUSWAP INVASIVE SPECIES SOCIETY TURNS 10

ESTABLISHED IN 2013, CSISS IS PART OF A NETWORK OF INVASIVE SPECIES GROUPS IN BC

By Melissa Jameson

“Since its inception, CSISS has made progress in tackling invasive species and their impact on our natural environment. Through collaboration, education, and onthe-ground initiatives, we have been working to preserve the delicate balance of our local ecosystems. Our achievements are the product of the dedication of our staff, board members, and the support of the community and funders.”

The society has created priority invasive plant lists, which can be found on its website columbiashuswapinvasives.org. High priority invasive plants identified in Revelstoke include Bighead knapweed, giant hogweed, nodding thistle, plumeless thistle, poison hemlock, scotch thistle, wood sage,

yellow flag iris, and bur chervil among others.

The retail area of the Revelstoke Food Bank.

Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer file photo

Photo: 2023 CSISS Board and Staff: front row staff include Robyn Hooper (ED), Marlee Verleih (Program Assistant), Jess Booth (Outreach Coordinator), Katie Dzyngel (Program Assistant), Laura Gaster (Operations Manager), Nolan Novotny (Field Technician). Back row Board members include: Chris Cochran (Chair), Mike Manson, Hamish Kassa, Erin Vieira, Peter Tarleton (Vice Chair), Jeromy Schuetze, Adam Croxall, Laurel Corrigan, John Braisher. Not pictured: Diane Millar, Chris Gill.

B.C. GOVT PLANS HIGHWAY REST STOP UPGRADES

UPGRADE ANNOUNCED, BUT WHEN ASKED, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS SAID PLANS ARE PRELIMINARY WITH FEW DETAILS YET

By Revelstoke Mountaineer staff

In May, the B.C. government announced it was planning upgrades at the rest stop on the Trans-Canada Highway just west of the Revelstoke Bridge.

Currently, the rest stop is in poor shape: The blacktop is aged with giant pot holes, and the facility features ridimentary outhouses, some garbage cans and some cobra lights. It serves as a rest stop and is also key during highway closures, when it is used to store vehicles. It varies by season, but the rest stop is sometimes home to people living out of their camper vehicles.

Following the announcement, revelstokemountaineer.com followed up with the Ministry of Transportation for details, but the ministry provided few details, saying it was still in early stages.

We asked about scope, cost and schedule for the planned upgrades: "The project is in the early stages of development and does not yet have a defined scope, cost or schedule," a ministry spokesperson responded.

We asked if "new lighting, paving, toilets, physical expansion, or other facilities not currently in the area [are] planned?" In response, the ministry spokesperson said, "Improvements under consideration include improved washroom facilities, optimizing traffic flow and increased space for both commercial and private vehicle parking. However further planning is needed before details can be confirmed as we need to thoroughly assess the property to understand the available footprint."

When asked how residents could engage with the project, the spokesperson said it would be consulting with the City of Revelstoke, BC Trucking Association, Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement "and others not identified yet in these early stages."

The spokesperson said that once preliminary planning had been done, the province would create a project webpage.

TOURISM REVELSTOKE ANNOUNCES SUSTAIN THE STOKE CAMPAIGN

Contributed by Tourism Revelstoke

Tourism Revelstoke is thrilled to announce the launch of its new campaign, "Sustain the Stoke: Celebrating Community Contributors."

This innovative initiative aims to recognize and celebrate the individuals who make positive contributions to our vibrant community. By sharing their stories through photos or videos, participants will not only have a chance to win exciting prizes but also contribute to a worthy cause.

People in Revelstoke are invited to participate in the campaign by sharing a photo or video that showcases their positive contribution to the community or the environment. These contributions can be as diverse as volunteering for local initiatives, picking up trash, helping a community member in need, or engaging in environmental conservation activities.

Each entry received will generate a $100 donation to Community Connections, a local organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of community members. In addition, all eligible entries will be entered into a draw for a chance to win a 2023/24 season's pass to Revelstoke Mountain Resort, generously donated by the resort.

To enter the campaign, participants need to post their photo or video to their feed or reel on a public Instagram or TikTok account. When sharing their content, they must include a description of how they are making a positive contribution to the community and use the tags @revelstoke, #TheRealStoke, and #SustainTheStoke. Individuals who wish to participate without a social media account can upload content at https:// seerevelstoke.com/celebrating-community-contributors/. By entering the contest, participants grant Tourism Revelstoke permission to share their content through various channels, including social media and the official website (www.seerevelstoke.com). The winner of the season's pass will be randomly drawn on or before August 15th, 2023. As part of the campaign, Tourism Revelstoke has committed to donating a total of $20,457 to Community Connections, representing 2% of its annual budget. This donation will help support the vital services provided by the organization.

Mt. Begbie. Revelstoke Mountaineer file photo

The highway rest stop just west of the Revelstoke Bridge on Highway 1 is slated for upgrades. Photo: Revelstoke Mountaineer file photo

DISCOURSE COMMUNITY PUBLISHING ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF REVELSTOKE MOUNTAINEER

DISCOURSE COMMUNITY PUBLISHING TO EXPAND ITS IMPACT ON LOCAL NEWS

ECOSYSTEM WITH PURCHASE OF REVELSTOKE MOUNTAINEER MAGAZINE AND REVELSTOKEMOUNTAINEER.COM

VELSTOKEMOUNTAINEER.COM

Independent community journalism company Discourse Community Publishing (DCP) completed the acquisition of all assets of the Revelstoke Mountaineer on June 12, 2023.

“DCP is excited to welcome the Revelstoke Mountaineer into our family B.C.-based local news outlets and continue serving the Revelstoke community with in-depth, valued community news,” said Brandi Schier, CEO of DCP. “The Mountaineer has established a strong commitment to serving Revelstoke through this publication which we plan to continue and build on.”

Revelstoke Mountaineer owner and editor Aaron Orlando said when he committed to selling the Mountaineer property, Discourse Community Publishing co-owner Brandi Schier was the first person he reached out to.

“I’m a fan of Brandi and the team at Discourse Community Publishing and I’m excited to see where the new team takes the magazine and I will support them by subscribing,” Orlando said.

DCP, which recently won nine Canadian Online Publishing Awards, was founded in 2022 with a mission to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable news ecosystem by innovating a new model for in-depth news in underserved communities. It includes Discourse outlets in Cowichan and Nanaimo, Sun Peaks Independent News, The Wren, IndigiNews and

now the Revelstoke Mountaineer.

“Discourse Community Publishing has put in the work studying and developing readersupported journalism models and Brandi’s team are best positioned to operate the business and improve and evolve the Mountaineer hyperlocal journalism brand,” Orlando said. “Discourse’s engaging approach will be noticed and appreciated by Revelstoke community members.”

Orlando will continue on as a part-time contract business consultant with Revelstoke Mountaineer during the transition period for the next year, but will not be involved in editorial decision-making.

“I’ve been in a senior editorial role in Revelstoke, B.C. for 15 years, since 2008 as editor of the Revelstoke Review and then Revelstoke Mountaineer since 2014,” Orlando said. “I would like to thank so many people in the community for all of the energy and time you have given me to help make the publications the best they can be.”

Orlando will remain in Revelstoke where he works as an instructor and professor at Okanagan College and also serves as a Revelstoke City Councillor since late 2022. He’s looking forward to having more time to ride his bike this summer.

The July and August issues feature the best

of Revelstoke summer activities, and the Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine September issue is the Arts Annual issue featuring the best in Revelstoke arts. Book your advertising here.

Revelstoke Mountaineer began publishing in 2014, first digitally with revelstokemountaineer. com and then added the print Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine in 2016. It is a journalism-based community news and lifestyles publication serving the mountain community of Revelstoke, B.C.

Discourse Community Publishing is a subsidiary of Discourse Media, which was founded in 2014. In 2018, the company pivoted to local news and launched The Discourse Cowichan, innovating a new model for indepth news in underserved communities. It has since expanded The Discourse in other B.C. communities and adapted its model to create a storytelling space for Indigenous communities by launching award-winning IndigiNews in partnership with the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. In 2020, Discourse Media spun out a subsidiary, Indiegraf, to help other independent media grow community-powered journalism. To date, Indiegraf has partnered with more than 75 independent news publishers across North America.

By Joint media release by Discourse Community Publishing and Revelstoke Mountaineer Communications Ltd., June 20, 2023

Former Revelstoke Mountaineer owner Aaron Orlando with Brandi Schier, the CEO of Discourse Community Publishing, which has acquired Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine and revelstokemountaineer.com.

Photo: Revelstoke Mountaineer

Please be aware of traffic disruptions along Highway 23 North for slope stabilization work.

Where: Highway 23 North across from Revelstoke Dam

When: Work is currently underway and will be completed by July 31, 2023

We ask drivers to make safety a priority when travelling through this work zone. When driving through the area please slow down, obey posted speed limits, and watch for traffic control on the highway. While no road closures are scheduled, the road will be closed for short periods of time for worker and traffic safety, for up to 20 minutes at a time. Delays should be expected.

If you have any questions about this work, please contact Susan Edgell at 778 694 9386 or by email at susan.edgell@bchydro.com

A Sparkling New Career for a Young Creative

Kat Cadegan began making jewellery at her kitchen table over a decade ago. Her business was expanding which meant the need for accelerated production, while keeping a consistently high standard of work. Kat hired Bronson Rabishaw (above) a recent graduate of a jewellery program for a short time. But with help from the Trust’s Career Internship Program—which provides up to a 50 per cent wage subsidy for emerging professionals over a set time period—Kat was able to extend the three-month period into a year-long internship, that is now a full-time permanent position.

More remarkable stories of people and places in the Columbia Basin

stories.ourtrust.org

“The internship program made a tremendous impact on my business, with really tangible results,” Kat says. “It’s allowing my dreams to come true—and his.”

EXPLORING THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN REVELSTOKE

people with permanent or temporary disabilities that prevent them from using fixed-route transit without assistance from another person”).

Discussions are in the works between the City of Revelstoke, BC Transit and Everything Revelstoke (Revelstoke Transfers) over how to best amalgamate the ski-hill shuttle with BC Transit operations. During a recent public infrastructure committee meeting, City of Revelstoke director of infrastructure and planning Steve Black told its members the current schedule appears to be working, and they are now working on components of revenue stream such as creating a common fare for all users and looking at opportunities to create a monthly or annual pass.

Black said the transit consolidation — including what the fares will look like — will likely be in front of council within the next month or so.

“It’s coming and I’ve also asked BC Transit to start considering what it looks like when BC Transit operates the total system. It’ll be a slightly different system… We will be implementing this under the assumption that none of the financing changes for this year.”

The current BC Transit Revelstoke website includes a page titled Transit Future in Revelstoke. It states that “Transit Future guides transit investment that is supportive of livable communities, through:

- Offering more transportation choice

- Supporting smart land use plans that focus on walking, cycling and transit

- Meeting climate change goals

- Making it easy to access everyday services on foot, by bike and by transit

By Melissa Jameson.

Change and potential change is in the air for the local and regional transit system in Revelstoke. In this story, we reached out to stakeholders to find out what’s being explored and planned.

There are myriad reasons people use a public transit system. Locally, here in Revelstoke, it may be getting to and from work or appointments, going to visit friends or borrow books from the library. Inter-city public transit options (travelling between two or more communities) are desirable for those needing to travel out of town for medical specialist appointments, or to access cheaper groceries and other household necessities or getting to or from the Kelowna International Airport.

A series of recent developments have signalled real planned changes and potential future changes. In this article, the Mountaineer examines the current landscape of both local and inter-city transportation for Revelstoke, and explores what efforts are underway to expand transit options.

A SCAN OF CURRENT PUBLIC TRANSIT OPTIONS: WHAT’S AVAILABLE FOR IN-TOWN TRAVEL

In Revelstoke those wanting to use public transportation to travel within the city can use either the resort shuttle or BC Transit (which also operates the handyDART, described as “an accessible, door-to-door transit service for

The BC Transit Revelstoke website (bctransit.com/revelstoke) also emphasizes the importance of user in-put and is encouraging people to get involved and be part of shaping the future transit system.

A SCAN OF CURRENT PUBLIC TRANSIT OPTIONS: WHAT’S AVAILABLE FOR INTER-CITY TRAVEL

Currently, options for inter-city public transportation are available, but limited. For those needing to get to and from the Kelowna Airport, Everything Revelstoke (Revelstoke Transfers) operates an airport shuttle between Kelowna and Revelstoke. The Revelstoke Transfers website currently lists its price as $151 for passengers 13 and older, $75.50 for passengers ages three to 13 and free for ages two and under.

The most cost-effective option for inter-city travel is the health connections bus, operated by Interior Health. While its priority is providing transportation for those needing to travel for non-emergency medical appointments, the bus sometimes accommodated non-medical passengers if there are seats available. The cost is $5 one-way, with the bus travelling between Revelstoke and Kamloops on Tuesdays and to and from Kelowna on Wednesdays. On both travel days, the bus leaves Revelstoke at 8 a.m. and begins its return journey at 3 p.m.

Greyhound Canada’s announcement that it would be discontinuing bus and shipping services in Western Canada effective October 2018 due to declining ridership left a huge gap in public transportation options for those looking for reliable inter-city travel. Shortly after, Regina-based Rider Express emerged

BOTH LOCAL AND INTER-CITY TRANSPORTATION NEEDS TO BE ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE WHILE CATERING TO RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ALIKE, STAKEHOLDERS SAY

Several groups are at early stages of planning new options for inter-city transit in the region.

Photo: Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine file photo

to fill the gap in service left after Greyhound’s departure. Revelstoke is included in Rider Express’s Vancouver/Calgary route which also includes stops in Sicamous, Salmon Arm and Kamloops. A round trip between Revelstoke and Kamloops will run you about $133 before taxes. There is no option to travel to Kelowna.

All three inter-city public transit options ability’s to bring multiple bags on the bus is limited and likely this wouldn’t be the best option for someone looking to go out of town to stock up on lower priced groceries.

“I think our affordability challenges also make us unique, just having access to low-cost groceries,” said Taha Attiah, City of Revelstoke community development coordinator. “The importance of connecting isn’t just to get to major sectors and the airport. We’re starting to see people here relocating to Sicamous to live because the cost of housing is cheaper.”

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: CONSIDERING THE NEEDS OF ALL

Attiah said there’s been ongoing informal discussion within the social development sector about the challenges and difficulty in getting in and out of the community without access to a reliable vehicle, noting that it’s only one part of a much bigger conversation that needs to take place around affordability and cost of living — something the city’s poverty reduction and affordability strategy looking to tackle.

“That strategy, the focus really is of those main cost of living components that we all kind of need to get by. The cost-of-living increase across the board is really what it’s focused on, and it comes down to housing, transportation, food, and childcare — those four make up the bulk of a family’s budget,” said Attiah.

Conversations around affordability are crossing sectors, with Tourism Revelstoke prioritizing housing for community in its recently released destination management plan. Like the city’s community development sector, Tourism Revelstoke has also had conversations centred on public transportation.

“On an informal level, we have engaged with a few groups who are interested in expanding links – including the group proposing the e-bus,” said Robyn Goldsmith, destination and sustainability manager with Tourism Revelstoke. “We have also engaged in advocacy initiatives over the years to continue or develop transportation links, particularly after the Greyhound service ceased. Transportation has been recognized as a key priority by regional stakeholders and we have been involved in engagement sessions with Kootenay Rockies Tourism (KRT), who have been exploring the regional transportation opportunities, challenges and options.”

Goldsmith said KRT took on exploration of regional visitor transportation models that could work for the area, and then lead the implementation of a pilot initiative to build a business case for transportation operators to consider, but said she isn’t sure where things left off.

B.C. GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES FUNDING TO SUPPORT RURAL REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION

At the end of May 2023, the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure announced it would provide funding to help maintain safe and affordable regional transportation options for rural communities. This funding includes $2.5 million (one-third of the money each) to the Northern Development Initiative Trust, the Island Coastal Economic Trust, and the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior to conduct regional engagement on analysis of rural, regional inter-city transportation.

“The [ministry] will then use the outcomes of the trusts’ engagements, completed by further engagement with other regions in the coming months to help inform next steps for developing options on transportation solutions in rural communities,” read a statement from the Ministry of Transportation.

Laurel Douglas, chief executive officer, Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI), said the organization – which includes a service area that reaches from Hope to the Alberta border, and from Clearwater to the U.S. border – is focusing on stakeholder group engagement with nine regional districts, 53 municipalities and 33 First Nations. They have engaged Watt Consulting to help them with the study.

“It’s a massive area and this study is to cover all that,” said Douglas.

“Obviously some of these communities have done a lot of work already… there are numerous services already underway that connect certain communities… what we’re doing is we work with local governments, First Nations, non-profits, all the economic development stakeholders. That’s who [Watt Consulting] is doing consultation with, we want to find out from stakeholders what their constituents have said.”

While Revelstoke is sometimes viewed as a complex area for transportation planning, Douglas pointed out the community benefits from strong coordination and collaboration.

“The Chamber, Economic Development, Community Futures – all those groups are highly integrated and aware of what the other communities are doing. Within the Southern Interior we have Dr. Sarah Breen [Selkirk College’s BC Regional Innovation Chair in Rural Economic Development] on the working group, as well as representatives from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District.”

Attiah said it’s important for Revelstoke to advocate for the needs of its community members. “Where we are currently, the city is not equipped to provide intercity transit, but we want to be as prepared as we can and be as supportive as we can. Whatever conversation we’re in, whether it has provincial or national partnership, the city is well positioned to know our community members best.”

Douglas said any money left over after the research is completed will be used to provide communities with the ability to pursue their own intercity transportation priorities.

“That’s very much in line with how we operate, trying to facilitate creating value for the eco-system. Our sweet spot is community-based funding, supporting resiliency and growth.”

The report, which will include an inventory of all transportation services that exist, should be completed by the end of this summer.

SO, WHAT COULD (OR SHOULD) THE FUTURE HOLD FOR PUBLIC TRANSIT?

Protect Our Winters Canada (POW), an organization made up of “community enthusiasts, professional athletes and industry brands,” advocates for policy solution to climate change at the federal level. The organization is advocating for a national sustainable transportation strategy. Ali Wines, POW executive director said data gathered by POW’s research lead as part of PhD research with the University of Waterloo is looking into reducing emissions for regional tourism economies.

“Transport in Canada is currently everyone’s responsibility, and no-one’s. Decisions are made by combinations of federal, provincial and municipal authorities, with private providers thrown in for good measure. This results in a gap-filled network that leaves travellers stranded in small towns cut off from jobs and economic opportunities that a coherent transportation network would provide. Studies show that transportation is a critical tourism product, but Canada lags badly in this area,” said Wines.

Data gathered by POW from regional tourism numbers, with emissions calculations based on distance driven by an average internal combustion engine car revealed the following for Revelstoke:

- Revelstoke has 768,400 visitors annually or 5,000 visitors per day

- The average group size is 1.9 people

- This amounts to 404,000 cars annually

At Tourism Revelstoke, Goldsmith agrees an improved transportation network could help tourism by making Revelstoke a more accessible destination, while encouraging shared transit and more environmentally friendly travel.

“It would also allow people to avoid driving on our snowy and often dangerous highway corridors. The viability of a Powder Highway trip, for example, would be greatly improved if we had transport links to the Kelowna Airport and Golden,” Goldsmith said.

Wines said while POW expects transport would still be managed at the provincial and local levels, a national strategy “would set the vision for a Canadian transport system that could effectively and efficiently move people around our country in a much more sustainable way.

“This might look like identification of critical corridors and connection hubs high-level route planning and allocation of funding for sustainable forms of transit.”

No matter which level of government is responsible there is agreement that both a local and inter-city transit system need to provide accessibility for a wide range of users. While serving visitors is a helpful economic boost for Revelstoke’s tourism economy and the broader community, Goldsmith points out there is also a need to ensure the service is practical for full-time residents.

“We also need to ensure that the difficulty of winter travel in particular is a consideration for drivers and users, and that potential delays due to avalanche closures are considered as part of any proposal,” said Goldsmith.

On top of all that, Wines points out that not only does transportation need to be accessible, inclusive and safe, but it also needs to be convenient and reliable, so it becomes more desirable than driving for most people.

“Too many governments make the mistake of under-funding transport and when people don’t use it because it’s not reliable, they cut funding further …. As a side note, we often hear complaints about the ‘subsidies’ for public and active transport. It’s really important to remember that governments massively subsidize the construction and maintenance of roads every year as well. Funding transport isn’t a new type of investment, it’s just shifting our priorities.”

NEW GRIZZLY PLAZA PLAN REVEALED IN INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE

Disclaimer: Melissa sits on the Grizzly Plaza Enhancement Committee as the member at large with a focus on accessibility.

City of Revelstoke public infrastructure committee members recently received an update on two ongoing projects that are likely to have the most impact on the community — Fourth Street traffic calming and Grizzly Plaza enhancement.

Plans to install permanent traffic calming bollards along Fourth Street won’t be happening this summer. Members of the city’s public infrastructure committee are recommending council extend the Fourth Street pedestrian improvement project to include active transportation and public consultation.

By Melissa Jameson

During a presentation to the committee, Steve Black, City of Revelstoke director of infrastructure and planning, said the project consultant has suggested the need for more public outreach and engagement prior to implementing permanent traffic calming solutions along the busy road to ensure community support.

“We know Fourth Street is a fast street. It’s very

wide and it is difficult for people to cross, so we do need to implement some traffic calming so that the crossing distances are minimized,” said Black, noting while the current temporary bollard systems put up last year accommodate pedestrians, but not cyclists. Fourth Street is identified as a major bike route.

While the Fourth Street project will be delayed, city staff are hopeful work to upgrade Grizzly Plaza can begin later this summer. Black said staff and the project consultant have tried to take the softest touch possible while making improvements to the plaza, which is used for farmers’ markets, ArtsRevelstokes popular REVY.Live Outside concert series, and other events.

“We now have a plan we can take to the Grizzly Plaza committee, the heritage group and council for final approval,” said Black. The plan includes additional seating, more pass throughs from the parking lots to the plaza, removing some of the old wrought iron fencing, and improvements to the band shell including the addition of an accessibility ramp and acoustic enhancement.

GRIZZLY PLAZA PROJECT RENDERINGS SHOW GAZEBO WITH RED ROOF WILL REMAIN; FOURTH STREET PEDESTRIAN CALMING EXTENDED FOR ADDITIONAL PUBLIC OUTREACH

An image of proposed renovation items at Grizzly Plaza. Image: City of Revelstoke report

NEW GROUP SEEKS TO CONNECT AND BUILD REVELSTOKE’S GROWING LATINO COMMUNITY

NEW RESIDENTS FROM MEXICO, CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA SEEK TO BUILD CONNECTIONS WITHIN A COMMUNITY UNITED BY LANGUAGE

By Aaron Orlando

Members of Revelstoke's growing Latino community are striving to unite and share their culture with the community, starting off with hosting two dance parties at the Revelstoke Legion in the past months.

The new Latinos en Revelstoke group organizes through a Facebook group that has helped organizers connect with more and more residents who are originally from South America, Central America and Mexico.

Organizer Gina Rodriguez, who moved to Revelstoke from Colombia and works as an education assistant at a local elementary school, estimated there are about 80 Latino migrants in

the community now, adding that they've met new community members through the party events.

"Everyone is looking for a better lifestyle," said Rodriguez, who moved here with her husband. The majority of the community is from Colombia, with contingents from Mexico, Peru, Chile, Argentina and several other countries.

Many are employed in food services jobs, where worker shortages is a big issue. "I think that Canada offers us great opportunities," Rodriguez said. "As long as Revelstoke keeps growing we will be growing and increasing our presence here."

The Latinos en Revelstoke group has grown to over 150 people, including non-Latinos, and its organizers estimate the community is about 80 people. They are planning a survey of the Latino community to better understand their wants and needs.

Belia Navarro, who was a Kindergarten teacher in Mexico and works as a nanny here, said Revelstoke has a nice environment and community feeling, but that breaking into the community can be challenging. Making friends within the Latino community her is easy, but "when they have to make friends outside of that community, it becomes a little hard."

Navarro and Rodriguez said they created the Latinos en Revelstoke group to make connections, to "find our community and at the same time share

with the community," Rodriguez said.

Their parties were a first step to make connections, but in the future they want to branch out into more cultural activities. Their next big project is a food festival event featuring foods from different cultures. They are also hoping to establish a formal society to enable more formal organizing.

When asked about how the transition to life in Revelstoke has been, both Navarro and Rodriguez said the community is welcoming, but that newcomers experience challenges integrating into Canadian systems, giving practical examples like doing income taxes, navigating the healthcare system, or finding information on how to start businesses. They often rely on word of mouth from other newcomers.

"Relations are easy to make friends, because our Latino community has passion," Navarro said. "We are energetic, we are passionate so it's not hard for us to make friends. It makes it feel more like home."

To connect, look for the Latinos en Revelstoke Facebook

group.

Top: Latinos en Revelstoke organizers (from left) Belia Navarro, Gina Rodriguez, Davi Pasapera, Claudia Torres, and Erick Guevara. Below: The second Latinos en Revelstoke party held at the Revelstoke Legion in June.

Photos: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine

The Columbia Basin Culture Tour is returning for the 15th annual year, allowing culture-lovers around the region to visit heritage sites and view the work of local artists.

Taking place on July 29 and 30, the tour features 111 locations around the Kootenays. It is free of charge and self-directed, meaning participants can drive themselves to the different locations.

The tour gives the road-trippers a chance to visit venues not usually open to the public, meet people behind-the-scenes at galleries and museums, shop for original art and enjoy special events.

There are four stops in Revelstoke, including the Railway Museum and Visual Arts Centre. The event also encourages participants to come enjoy REVY.Live Outside, which presents live music from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

In a special stop for the tour, Revelstoke resident and artist Susie Kathol will be featured. Participants are invited to visit Kathol’s studio garden, located at 426 Rokeby Ave., to watch demonstrations of her decoration technique. Some of her finished work will be displayed in her garden as well.

Other stops in the northwest basin are in Invermere, Parson, Nakusp, Galena Bay, Winlaw, Silverton, Sandon and New Denver.

To view full artist profiles and venues, visit cbculturetour.com .

COLUMBIA BASIN CULTURE TOUR FEATURES REVELSTOKE STOPS

By Kayla Empey

VISUAL ARTS CENTRE HOSTS MEMBER’S SHOW

By Kayla Empey

This month, the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre (RVAC) is accepting submissions and inviting community members for its first member’s show of the year.

The opening event will take place on July 13, with an art viewing from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a social event until 8 p.m.

The theme for the show is “from the forest floor.” Anyone who has created art that fits the theme and is interested in displaying it at the exhibition is welcome to bring it to the RVAC before July 8.

Alongside the member’s show at the main gallery, there will also be three artists featured in the side galleries.

Shantael Sleight, from Victoria, will be showcasing her solo show. Her work’s theme is “mothering: self, earth and other,” which includes expressions of care, connection, protection, love, guilt, exhaustion, transition and grief.

The second side gallery will feature Riki Kuropatwa, an artist from Edmonton who creates paintings using stills from the television series Antiques Roadshow. Her art presents an open-ended and ambiguous narrative of interplay.

Alex Stewart will also be featured at the exhibition. From Fort Langley, B.C., Stewart's art focuses on sustainability and preservation by documenting the process of creating emotive portraits and placing them in nature for a month.

The member’s show and side exhibitions will run at RVAC until August 6.

Revelstoke ceramic artist Suzie Kathol, whose works are pictured here, will open her studio in Revelstoke for the CBT Culture Tour. Photo: Suzie Kathol/file photo

Artwork by Shantael Sleight, displaying the theme of “mothering: self, earth and other.” Photo provided.

MURAL CREATION BY NEW-TOTOWN ARTIST

By Aaron Orlando

Antonia Otoya is a new artist to Revelstoke who created the new mural on the laneway side of Terra Firma’s kitchen. She arrived a few months ago from Cali, Columbia, where she worked as an artist painting murals.

She joins her wife Angela here, both working at Terra Firma’s, a local Victoria Road restaurant focused on local food.

The mural depicts veggies grown locally and prepared at the restaurant, in front of Mt. Begbie’s snowy summit bathed in alpenglow. Otoya said she was putting focus on the healthy farm to table vegetables at the restaurant.

Otoya explores contemporary 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy issues in her work. She said her favourite was a four-storey mural on a building on Calle Inta, a prominent public street venue in Cali. She said it “is my favourite because it’s an homage to drag culture and the positive visibility they provide for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.”

She studied fashion design and she used to run a clothing shop that manufactured dance party clothing. She painted murals on her shop and has focused on her painting and commissioned interior and exterior murals for over a dozen years.

Next January she has an exhibit at the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre. Her paintings will explore the theme, which asks what if feelings were alive. Otoya says she’ll explore “the importance of being in touch with your feelings” and seeking wellbeing support like therapy if you want.

She created murals in Cali, some of which you can see at @anto.otoya, her Insta.

In Revelstoke, she wants to make her mark in Revy by connecting with exterior and interior commission projects in the community.

REVY.LIVE RETURNS WITH FREE SHOWS IN GRIZZLY PLAZA

Contributed by Arts Revelstoke

Get ready to immerse yourself in 56 consecutive nights of sensational live music as REVY. Live Outside returns this summer from July 1 to August 25.

Revelstoke's premier outdoor music series, presented by Arts Revelstoke, promises to captivate audiences with an exceptional line-up of talented artists across British Columbia, Canada, and beyond.

As one of the longest-running music festivals in BC, REVY.Live Outside has nurtured many acts over the years, and previous and current performers have gone on to achieve amazing things.

The City of Revelstoke and Tourism Revelstoke are proud funders of the summer music series, enabling it to be a free event for community members and visitors.

The festivities kick off at Queen Elizabeth Park on July 1, in conjunction with the Canada Day celebration. Local bands Shoestring Necktie and Slick Nik and the Porch Hounds will take the stage from 3-6 pm, setting the tone for an unforgettable summer of music.

Following the opening, REVY.Live Outside moves to its iconic Grizzly Plaza location, where the atmosphere becomes electric as music enthusiasts gather to experience the best of diverse genres. From rock to folk, blues to indie, there's something for everyone. Each evening from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, the plaza will come alive with enchanting melodies and infectious rhythms, creating a laid-back, friendly community festival vibe.

The impressive band line-up for REVY.Live Outside Summer 2023 includes both local and international acts. Bardic Form and the Spaniard will kick off the Grizzly Plaza performances on July 2, setting the stage for a summer of music, community and good times.

Highlights of the line-up include the foot-stomping sounds of Misery Mountain Boys, the soulful tunes of Tennyson King, the energetic rock of Bend Sinister, and the mesmerizing melodies of Diyet & The Love Soldiers. Other notable acts include the captivating performances of Revelstoke favourite Leila Neverland, the harmonious vibes of The Gabriel Palatchi Trio, and the infectious rhythms of Goodnight Sunrise.

REVY.Live Outside is the perfect opportunity to revel in the magic of live music and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Grizzly Plaza. It's a summer festival experience that embodies the unique spirit of Revelstoke and is a free event for all to attend, thanks to our generous funders.

ANTONIA OTOYA CREATED NEW WORK AT TERRA FIRMA’S

Revy.Live in Grizzly Plaza. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine

Antonia Otoya with her new mural creation located behind Terra Firma's Kitchen.

Photo: Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine

SINIXT CANOE JOURNEY VISITS REVELSTOKE

A SINIXT CANOE

EXPEDITION DOWN THE COLUMBIA RIVER STOPPED IN REVELSTOKE FOR AN EVENING GATHERING AND A MORNING LAUNCH AT CENTENNIAL PARK

A flotilla of Sinixt paddlers travelled down the Columbia River in Revelstoke in mid-June, stopping to overnight in Revelstoke. They hosted a dinner at the Revelstoke United Church then launched their dugout canoes, a sturgeon-nosed canoe and contemporary canoes from Centennial Park.

Shelly Boyd, Arrow Lakes Facilitator at Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, was the main spokesperson and organizer at the church event and the morning launch.

She said the journey was an important part of reconnecting from the region after being cut off for years due to a federal government extinction declaration.“When we are paddling together it really is following a dream that will go all of the way to the mouth of the Columbia River," Boyd said.

“At the end of the day the salmon were taken away from this area at the same time our people were taken away from the area," said Boyd,

speaking of both the damming of the Columbia that prevented salmon migration and of the federal government extinction declaration. The result was “a salmon people who never got salmon," she said.

The next morning at the boat launch, over 100 people gathered to watch the launch. The Sinixt paddlers were joined by a Secwépemc contingent for the journey south from Revelstoke. Elementary school children gathered to watch the launch. The large dugout canoes were put into the river, then standard canoes and a sturgeon-nosed canoe.

As the journey's start approached, the paddlers gathered for a smudge ceremony and a speech from Shelly Boyd before beginning the day's journey south.

Words and photos by Revelstoke Mountaineer staff

From top left: 1. Shelly Boyd, Arrow Lakes Facilitator of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, was the lead of the event visit.

2. A Sinixt dugout canoe launches from Centennial Park. 3. Preparing for the trip. 4. Elementary school students gather to watch the event. 5. Preparing for the journey.

REVELSTOKE

FROM 12:00PM - 8:00PM

$7.50 22OZ STOKE LAGER

FROM 3:00PM - 6:00PM

CITY EXPLORES MANUFACTURED

HOME PARK POLICY

A draft tenant protection policy presented at a recent Committee of the Whole meeting won’t help tenants of a Southside mobile home park currently being displaced due to redevelopment. However, the Mobile Home Park Redevelopment Residential Tenant Protection and Strata Conversion Policy could provide better protection in the event of future redevelopment.

By Melissa Jameson

Revelstoke city planner Paul Simon presented a draft version of the policy during the June 15 Committee of the Whole Meeting. Simon said the theme of the policy is “all about protecting existing tenants that are at risk of being displaced with future redevelopment.”

Background

In 2019, tenants of the former Crescent Heights Mobile Home Park in Arrow Heights were evicted after losing a dispute resolution hearing with the park’s owners. In B.C. mobile homeowners are protected under the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act. Typically, with mobile or manufactured home parks, individuals own the dwelling but pay a pad rental fee for the land the building sits on. In Revelstoke, which currently has 19 mobile home parks, this is the case with all but Johnson Heights which operates as a strata. (It is important to note that individuals or families who do not own the mobile home and rent from its owner would fall under the BC Residential Tenancy Act, not the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act.)

While their fate was already written, residents of the Crescent Heights Park presented to the council of the day, highlighting local-level initiatives other B.C. municipalities had taken to address displacement of mobile home tenants. Specifics of these policies vary, but generally require landowners to provide additional protections including advance notification, a tenant communications plan, additional compensation, and relocation assistance programs. City council asked staff to explore options for Revelstoke, resulting in the draft policy presented to the committee of the whole.

What’s in Revelstoke’s draft policy?

Simon said the draft policy, which is guided by the Official Community Plan and Housing Action Plan, is broken down as follows:

- Redevelopment of existing manufactured/mobile home parks within the city

- Rezoning of existing properties that contain a residential building with five or more dwelling units (to ensure protection for tenants in those buildings)

- Existing buildings that are rental buildings that an owner is applying to stratify so that each unit in the building would have its own title and could then be sold independently rather than having one building on one title with multiple units being rented.

The bulk of the draft policy focuses on manufactured home parks. According to the staff

REVELSTOKE SPECIFIC POLICY WOULD SUPPLEMENT, NOT REPLACE EXISTING BC MANUFACTURED HOME PARK TENANCY ACT

A manufactured home park located near Downie Timber. City council is considering a policy that will impact rules around redeveloping manufactured home parks.

Photo: Revelstoke Mountaineer file photo

report, if all 19 manufactured home parks were fully built there would be an estimated 494 homes (about 13 per cent of all dwelling units in the city).

“So, this is a really big thing. We do need to place a high importance on it because there is significant risk for tenants being displaced with redevelopment,” said Simon.

Under the provincial Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act, landowners wanting to serve notice of eviction for landlord use of property (e.g., redevelopment), must obtain all required permits prior to issuing the required one-year eviction notice. Additionally, landowners must pay $20,000 to the mobile homeowner for their home that is being moved offsite. In instances where the home is unable to be replaced or moved, the owner can apply for additional compensation to account for the market value of the home.

Simon said the way the draft policy is crafted is intentional “with an opportunity to see higher density development. We are knowingly saying we want to look at protecting the existing rights and abilities of the tenants that are at risk of being displaced over just blanket redevelopment that would result in higher density development.” The policy is intended to supplement, not replace the provincial act which clearly states it cannot be avoided.

The draft tenant protection policy focuses on early notification to existing tenants. Owners planning on redevelopment need to notify tenants at least two weeks in advance of an application being submitted to the city. There are also additional criteria that need to be addressed along with the early notification including:

- Preparation of a tenant relocation plan for displaced tenants, including what their housing needs are and options on where they can go

- Information about local companies that can support tenants with securing alternative accommodation within the city

- Resources for assisting existing tenants with

determining the condition of their Manufactured Home and its ability to be moved

- Any plans for existing tenants to have right-offirst refusal to any new housing units proposed as part of the proposed redevelopment

“So, if they are proposing redevelopment in a way that would displace some of the residents they need to come up with a plan on where those residents are going to go, what their options are, and what their housing needs are,” said Simon.

Where feasible, the draft policy encourages redevelopment of existing parks in a way that will not displace residents. This includes rezoning to allow for stratification of the park; providing rightof-first-refusal for existing mobile homeowners, including through alternative financing options, and; including measures to minimize displacement of tenants who are currently renting units within a manufactured home park.

“This strategy to try and promote stratification is not something that we found in a review of other policies throughout B.C., so there will be some learning curves and some hurdles we will have to work through,” said Simon, noting that approval for a strata rezoning would come through council.

The policy also includes specific provisions for rezoning applications. In cases where stratification of an existing manufactured home park is not possible and residential rental tenure is not proposed, then there are additional requirements to those already required under city bylaw including a proposal for affordable housing onsite.

(The draft policy can be found on the city’s website, Revelstoke.ca, by navigating to the city council page and then to the section on committee of the whole where you can find the policy and a report from city staff in the June 15 agenda package.)

What’s next?

Following Simon’s presentation, committee of the whole members engaged in a lengthy discussion. Revelstoke city councillor Aaron Orlando put forward a motion for staff to refer the proposed policy to the social development committee, Revelstoke Community Housing Society, the economic development commission, the Revelstoke Women’s Shelter society, Community Connections, and third party lenders; that staff create an online feedback portal through Talk Revelstoke; schedule a public open house including delivering notifications to each mobile home residential address and mobile home park owner; and that the open house happen after initial feedback is sought from the other groups consulted. Supported by councillors Cherry and Luciow, the motion was defeated.

Councillor Stapenhurst then brought forward a motion that the draft policy be referred to council as written. The motion passed with the mayor and councillors Palmer, Stapenhurst and Devlin voting in favour.