Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine October 2023 issue

HOW A LIST PRICE CAN AFFECT YOUR SALE

It’s that pumpkin spice time of year. Hopefully we are seeing the warmer temperatures of this past summer during our long walks through the leaves. There are a few times a year when Sellers are roaring to get their properties on the market, and late fall is one of them. This helps to facilitate a move that isn’t too wet, and hopefully before that fluffy white stuff hits the ground.

When getting your home ready there are the basic steps that most online articles and realtors have reiterated over and over again; declutter, clean, minor repairs, and the list goes on. But the one I want to focus on this month is Pricing. Correctly pricing your home out of the gates leads to a smooth and seamless listing process, purchase negotiations, and ultimately a timely sale.

One comment I get often during an initial meeting with a potential seller is, “Hey Tara, why not just throw it out there at a higher price to see what happens?” This is actually very counterproductive as it could cause price reduction after price reduction.

First impressions are everything. The goal is to get potential buyers into the property and making offers with minimal impact to your day-to-day life. The first 30 days on the market are very important and the longer the home sits on the market the more potential buyers see the property as stigmatized.

If you are lucky enough to attract a buyer willing to pay the inflated asking price the battle isn’t over there. Most buyers require lending, and with lending come bank appraisals. The bank will hire a qualified market appraiser to give the property at a price the bank will lend on. If this price is lower than your accepted offer price the potential buyer will need to come up with the balance of the sale price in cash.

Generally speaking, most buyers are not interested in decreasing a downpayment to come up with more cash to pay this price.

What about tax value? How does that play a role? Your tax value is the value of your property in relation to tax assessed values in the area. To determine the value of your property, an assessor compares your property to actual sales in the same area. Some of the characteristics the assessor compares are: location, size, land surface (topography), shape, use, age and condition of buildings. The tax assessed reported value can be higher than the market value today because it is not taking into consideration retreating market factors like rising interest rates. This is predominantly accurate in today’s Revelstoke housing market.

Good realtors will tell you honestly that you want more for your home than you can reasonably expect. However, there are also agents out there who will tell you precisely what you want to hear. This summer proved to be an interesting market as the average sale timeline decreased from 119 days in July to only 55 days in August. When I review the 10 sales in July, all sold within 1-5% of their final list price. 3 price reductions, and I sold over asking price. The takeaway is that the more accurate the list price the quicker the sale!

If you’re interested in more detailed information or want a market evaluation specific to your home or property, please reach out. I am always interested in meeting with the members of our amazing community to talk everything real estate and in particular your individual experiences and thoughts!

I’ve held a real estate licence since April 2016 and am currently Associate Broker with RE/MAX Revelstoke Realty. I can be reached at 250-814-8677 or tara@revelstoke-realty.com.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

**sale Information taken from the MLS for Revelstoke specifically on September 21, 2023.

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

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· 250 571 9525 info@revelstokemountaineer.com

606 Railway Avenue. Revelstoke, B.C. P.O. BOX 112 · V0E 2S0

PUBLISHER

Brandi Schier info@revelstokemountaineer.com

EDITOR

Hollie Ferguson info@revelstokemountaineer.com

REPORTERS

Melissa Jameson melissa@revelstokemountaineer.com

Lys Morton lys@revelstokemountaineer.com

EDITORIAL DESIGN/ADVERTISING DESIGN

Chris Payne chris@revelstokemountaineer.com

WEBSITE

Chris Payne chris@revelstokemountaineer.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jamie Forbes

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS & ILLUSTRATORS

Jamie Forbes

Introduction

I’m still new to town, but I’d hazard a guess Revelstoke isn’t unaware of its local resources. It started off as a railway centre for the region, after all. The steady move of trains through the area, being prepared for any situation the coming winter months will throw at you, a community with a reputation for looking out for one another. This is an area frequently aware of what resources are available and where.

With that awareness comes a call for filling in the gaps. Melissa Jameson interviewed Nathan Cullen, minister for the newly created Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship to talk about how the provincial government is trying to create equitable access to the natural resources in BC. As Cullen notes, a focus is to, “ensure that B.C.’s natural resources are sustainably managed now and into the future.”

Meanwhile I break down the latest report exploring what an inter-city transit system

would look like and why it’s needed. Some of the team were shocked to learn there are local residents travelling over 600 kilometres to access healthcare. Expanding our transit only partially addresses that resource need, but at least it’s something.

I also chatted with councillor Tim Palmer about Revelstoke’s current emergency response plans and why he thinks a major upgrade to that resource is well overdue. Not just because of how long since our last emergency response plan was updated, but because of changing socio and environmental factors that are changing how disasters play out.

Check out the preview for the upcoming 30th annual Business Excellence Awards and get ready to vote for your favourite local businesses and organizations to see who takes home the prizes at Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming gala.

- Lys Morton, community reporter

COVER AND INSET PHOTO: Revelstoke's Grizzly Plaza is a location for various resources including transit. Photo by Lys Morton

CONTENTS

6 EVENTS CALENDAR

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

8 REVELSTOKE ‘NOT IMMUNE TO ISOLATED CRIMINAL INCIDENTS’

The Mountaineer spoke with Sergeant Chris Dodds to gain a better understanding of Revelstoke’s crime severity index.

9 INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATIONS OFFICE OF BC OPENS CASE FOR REVELSTOKE SHOOTING

IIO is investigating what led to an RCMP officer discharging their weapon in an Aug.27 shooting that left one dead.

10

TRANSIT REPORT SUPPORTS CALLS FROM COMMUNITY FOR IMPROVED PUBLIC TRANSIT OPTIONS

Communities in the southern interior region are still trying to reconnect transit after Greyhound pulled out of the region. A recent transportation study highlights how many in the community could benefit from integrated transit.

11 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce is preparing for the 30th annual Business Excellence Awards after the community nominated over 290 local organizations for the awards.

12

NEWLY CREATED MINISTRY OF WATER, LAND AND RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP FOCUSED ON HELPING RESOURCE SECTOR MINISTRIES

Ministry says affordable housing on Downie Street continues to progress through planning phase, with construction estimated to start in 2024.

14

REVELSTOKE’S EMERGENCY RESPONSE

The Revelstoke Mountaineer chatted with councillors and officials about how the city is responding to the changing needs of the community in terms of emergency preparation.

16

THE IDEA FACTORY SHOWCASES REVELSTOKE’S BUDDING TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION SECTOR

The Revelstoke Mountaineer sat down with the Idea Factory to learn more about how local inventors can use the space to come up with the next great technology breakthrough.

18

OUT OF ORDER

Crossword Puzzle

OCTOBER 2023 CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 11

BROWN BAG HISTORY, MANNINGS: FROM CANDY STORE TO CHINESE RESTAURANT

Revelstoke Museum & Archives, 315 First St. West, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

OCTOBER EVENTS

SATURDAY, OCT. 7

REVELSTOKE FARM & CRAFT MARKET/ REVELSTOKE LFI FARMERS MARKET

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

3 VALLEY GAP GHOST TOWN FRIGHT NIGHT

3 Valley Gap, 8903 TransCanada Highway, 2 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Come out for a Ghost Town scavenger hunt, Halloween displays and ghost train cars Oct. 7 and 8. No reservations required; tickets available at theatre doors. Adults $16, seniors $14, youth 12-17 $11, kids 6-11 $8. Optional train ride $2.50 per person. Please note the hotel and restaurant will not be open. This is a pet free, alcohol-free event.

Bring your bag lunch and join museum curator Cathy English to learn about Manning’s restaurant, from its beginnings as a candy store to its current operations as a Chinese restaurant. $8 admission fee. Tickets available at revelstokemuseum. ca or at the museum. Due to staff allergies, the museum requests all outside food does not contain peanuts.

SATURDAY, OCT. 14

REVELSTOKE FARM & CRAFT MARKET/ REVELSTOKE LFI

FARMERS MARKET

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

REVELSTOKE OKTOBERFEST

Queen Elizabeth Park, 219 Ninth St. East, 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Come celebrate the 7th annual Revelstoke Oktoberfest hosted by the Revelstoke Rotary Club! There will be traditional food, games and of course beer from

Mt. Begbie Brewing Co., as well as other alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and live music. Kids are welcome, and there is a kids’ corner again this year. All proceeds from the event go towards a new local project. For more info search Revelstoke Rotary Club on Facebook.

GÜRTH, LUKE LUSCIOUS & SPECIAL GUESTS JACE AND JEREMY

Revelstoke Legion, 600 First St. West, 7 p.m. Revelstoke’s own Gürth will perform along with Luke Luscious and special guests Jace and Jeremy. Tickets $20 at the door, doors open at 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCT. 20

FILM FRIDAY: WASHED AWAY

Revelstoke Museum & Archives, 315 First St. West, 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Enjoy a special screening of Washed Away – Stories of Displacement on the Columbia River, upstairs at the museum. Screening starts at 2 p.m. sharp. Coffee, tea and cookies provided. Tickets are $8 and available at revelstokemuseum.ca or in person at the museum.

SATURDAY, OCT. 21

REVELSTOKE FARM & CRAFT MARKET/ REVELSTOKE LFI FARMERS MARKET

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

SOMATIC MEMORY: BABERAID & GUESTS

Fable Book Parlour, 102-311 First St. West, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Somatic Memory, brought to you by Baberaid and guests is a night of music celebrating life. Profits donated to STEPP in Vernon. STEPP is the shortterm evaluation planning program run out of Interior Health’s Willowview Stabilization Unit. Baberaid stayed at STEPP after spending six weeks as an involuntary psychiatric patient in Vernon. It was instrumental in her transition back to community living. Tickets available at fablebookparlour.com

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH – CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF JOHN DENVER

Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre, 1007 Vernon Ave., 7:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. Sing along to your favourite John Denver hits as brothers Rick and Steve Worrall and band honour the incredible legacy of songs Denver left us.

Brother’s Rick and Steve Worrall are joined by an all-star band as they honour the legacy of John Denver at the Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre on Saturday, Oct. 21.

Photo by Rick Worrall

In this 2015 photo, Revelstoke historian Cathy English holds a copy of her newly released book Brown Bag History, Revelstoke Origins. This month’s Brown Bag Talks take place Oct. 11 & 25. Revelstoke Mountaineer File Photo

Includes compositions by Denver’s original conductor-arranger, Lee Holdridge. This is an all ages event and $5 from each ticket will go to support families affected by Okanagan fires. Tickets $48.50-$52 available on Eventbrite. For more info visit rockymountainhighconcert. com.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 25

BROWN BAG HISTORY, MULTICULTURALISM & RACISM IN REVELSTOKE

Revelstoke Museum & Archives, 315 First St. West, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

Bring your bag lunch and join museum curator Cathy English for a discussion about multiculturalism and racism in Revelstoke. $8 admission fee. Tickets available at revelstokemuseum. ca or at the museum. Due to staff allergies, the museum requests all outside food does not contain peanuts.

THURSDAY, OCT. 26

OPENING EVENT:

HAYLEY STEWART, KRIS KUPSKAY & MEMBERS SHOW

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

Enjoy the vibrant creations of Revelstoke-based Canadian landscape artist Hayley Stewart, along with works by Whistler-based muralist Kris Kupskay in the main gallery. Then, check out the Revelstoke Visual Arts Society’s Member’s Show in the side galleries. Viewing from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.; social from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Admission $5. Visit revelstokeartgallery.ca for more info.

ARE YOU LISTENING?

ZAYNAB MOHAMMED

Fable Book Parlour, 102-311 First St. West, 6:30p.m.-9p.m.

Zaynab Mohammed is an award-winning professional performance poet. She was born on the coast of B.C. to immigrant parents fleeing war torn countries. Are You Listening is informed and inspired from 47 interviews she conduc-

Add your event.

ted with her local community in the spring and summer of 2022, asking participants the same six questions. Her questions were to better understand and learn the art of listening to ourselves, each other and to the earth. Admission by donation.

SATURDAY, OCT. 28

REVELSTOKE FARM & CRAFT MARKET/ REVELSTOKE LFI FARMERS MARKET

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

REVELSTOKE SKI CLUB’S SKI & BOARD SWAP

Revelstoke Community Centre, 600 Campbell Ave, 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Support Revelstoke Ski Club programs while getting yourself geared up for the upcoming ski/ board season without breaking the bank! Consignment dropoff takes place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Consignment fees are $2

plus 20 per cent commission. The sale runs from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is $2 per adult or $5 per family.

Visit revelstokeskiclub.ca for more info.

TUESDAY, OCT. 31 KALI (HALLOWEEN EDITION)

The Last Drop Pub, 200 Third St. West, 9 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Flatmate Productions & Infinite Sounds are bringing the people of Revelstoke a proper night of Bass music with Manchester-based Kali, who is on his debut tour in Canada. The night also includes some extra PK Sound and custom visuals from Nibbs. Advance tickets $5, or $10 at the door the night of the event. Tickets available at the pub only.

Revelstoke Ski Club’s Ski and Board Swap takes place Saturday, Oct. 28 at the community centre.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

View new works at the Revelstoke Visual Art Centre’s Opening Event on Oct. 26. Revelstoke Mountaineer File Photo

REVELSTOKE ‘NOT IMMUNE TO ISOLATED CRIMINAL INCIDENTS’

IN THE WAKE OF AN RCMP SHOOTING, SERGEANT CHRIS DODDS EXPLAINS LARGER CRIME INCIDENTS CAN SKEW CRIME SEVERITY INDEX IN SMALLER POPULATIONS.

By Lys Morton

With a recent shooting that left a suspect dead under investigation, RCMP sergeant Chris Dodds says that the region is “not immune to isolated criminal incidents.” Revelstoke’s crime severity index (CSI) follows the same COVID-19 drop and jump as other municipalities in B.C., StatsCan shows. A region’s CSI is based on all criminal offences, from traffic tickets to multiple victim homicides. Each crime has its own specific weight rating that is added to the overall index. Separate indexes are created for violent crime and youth crime. If a region is small and usually experiences lighter criminal offences, one major criminal offence can easily skew the region’s average.

“In detachments of this size, where we see very low levels in most crime types, one or two additional calls for service can sometimes result in a large percentage change for that crime type,” Dodds told the Revelstoke Mountaineer.

Revelstoke's overall CSI in 2019 was 68.48, followed by a dive in 2021, when the CSI was 51.98. In 2022, the CSI went back up to 65.78. While Dodds was unable to share specific details on what caused these fluctuations, he agrees that Revelstoke followed similar trends of a decrease in the CSI during 2020 and what could seem like a sharp increase in 2021 as residents and visitors adapted to a COVID-19 world.

Without travel throughout the region, Dodds notes that Revelstoke is a relatively isolated community and changes to travel levels will have large impacts on Revelstoke’s CSI.

“Being located on Hwy 1 does allow for travelling/transient criminals to visit, commit crime in our City and then quickly move on.”

In terms of where the CSI for Revelstoke is headed, Dodds suspects it will fall back in line with past years.

“I suspect the total calls for service to likely come back to follow previous levels moving forward, but we are certainly working to keep them on the lower end.”

Revelstoke RCMP head office.

Photo by Lys Morton

INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATIONS OFFICE OF BC OPENS CASE FOR REVELSTOKE SHOOTING

IIO IS INVESTIGATING WHAT LED TO AN RCMP OFFICER DISCHARGING THEIR WEAPON IN AN AUG.27 SHOOTING THAT LEFT ONE DEAD.

By Lys Morton

An Aug. 27 shooting in downtown Revelstoke is under investigation by the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC after the suspect of a reported automobile theft was reportedly shot and killed by a Revelstoke RCMP officer.

Staff Sergeant Kris Clark, senior media relations officer at the RCMP E Division told the Revelstoke Mountaineer local RCMP units received reports of a stolen vehicle at 11 p.m that day.

Officers were able to locate the vehicle with the suspect inside. A collision between the reported stolen vehicle and a chase vehicle occurred and the suspect attempted to flee the scene. While being pursued on foot, the suspect reportedly entered an RCMP vehicle and an officer discharged their weapon. Emergency Health Services were called to the scene and transported the suspect to hospital where they were later pronounced deceased.

IIO told Revelstoke Mountaineer they were made aware of the incident and officially opened an investigation Aug. 28 at 12:10 a.m.

IIO, an independent civilian oversight agency for police forces in B.C., asks any witnesses and those with footage of the incident to contact them via their Witness Line toll-free at 1-855-446-8477 or the contact form on the iiobc.ca website

Investigators and RCMP observe the scene of a vehicle altercation and shooting in Revelstoke.

Photo by Aaron Orlando

TRANSIT REPORT SUPPORTS CALLS FROM COMMUNITY FOR IMPROVED PUBLIC TRANSIT OPTIONS

WITH OVER 40 PER CENT OF RESPONDENTS TRAVELLING MORE THAN 600 KILOMETRES TO ACCESS HEALTHCARE, A NEW TRANSIT REPORT STRATEGIZES HOW TO CREATE RELIABLE INTERCITY TRANSIT

By Lys Morton

A report on the BC Southern Regional Ground Transportation Study (SIRGTS), which looked at regional transit in B.C.’s southern Interior, highlights the need for reliable public transportation throughout the region for health, housing and work needs.

With the 2018 loss of the Greyhound bus service in the Columbia-Kootenay region, a significant gap appeared – and remains – for intercity travelling, vital to support the 50 per cent of the population living in rural areas.

The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) released the final report on the study after community feedback, regional surveys and collaboration with BC Transit.

The study, which was granted funding in May 2023, aimed to identify existing transportation services throughout the region and target how they could be used to build a connective service for southern Interior communities and rural areas.

This report noted that the Columbia-Kootenay region is home to 25 per cent of the southern Interior population, and has no major urban centres that could operate as key transit hubs.

“Rural residents typically need to travel to nearby towns or the regional centres to access employment, education, healthcare and services,” the report stated.

Reliable public transportation is often a key need

for two of the faster growing demographics for the southern Interior region; people above 75 years of age and youth under 14 years of age, which make up nearly a quarter of the population. The report notes both populations frequently rely on public transportation when private transportation is not available.

Additionally, populations with lower incomes are often a large ridership for public transit, and the report shows that the median income, for both individuals and households, is about $20,000 less than British Columbia as a whole, making transit an affordable travel option.

Out of the survey and in-person roundtable results, the report found that more than 40 per cent of respondents were travelling over 600 kilometres to access healthcare, with Kelowna, Cranbrook, Trail, Kamloops and Penticton cited as key destinations for healthcare needs.

Based on current gas prices with an average-sized car, this puts a round trip at roughly $110. With so many people relying on public transportation for health needs, the report highlights current frustration from users regarding limited schedules and infrequent stops.

“Nobody uses transit because there aren't enough routes and schedules aren't posted or easily accessible,” the report quotes one respondent as saying.

The SIRGTS recommends building stronger technology resources to aid riders in mapping out

routes between districts, including updating the BC Transit app to keep riders up-to-date on schedules, delays and alternative services.

The report also recommends changes to the BC Transit Act so Indigenous communities can be brought on as sponsoring partners and developers, allowing for better partnership with BC Transit and the nations who account for much of the rural populations throughout the region. With the Dãkelh Dené, Ktunaxa, Nlaka'pamux, Secwepemc, St'át'imc, Syilx and Tsilhqot'in nations all in the region, The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls highlights safer intercommunity travel as vital.

“The need for more frequent and accessible transportation services to be made available to Indigenous women,” is a call to action based on hitchhiking being a common means of transportation for some rural communities, putting Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit populations at risk.

The report also calls for partnering with the tourism industry and developing funding channels to connect high traffic tourism spots.

“The tourism industry has seen a desire for connections between key areas such as Sun Peaks and Revelstoke,” the report stated.

Revelstoke Mountaineer previously reported that Revelstoke’s transit needs are complex and will need work to meet proposed growth in the region, including intercity travelling.

A BC Transit bus stops at the Revelstoke transit hub at Grizzly Plaza.

Photo by Lys Morton

30TH ANNUAL BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS PREPARES FOR COMMUNITY VOTE

WITH OVER 290 BUSINESSES

NOMINATED, REVELSTOKE WILL SOON VOTE FOR THEIR FAVORITE LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS AT THE BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS IN NOVEMBER

By Lys Morton

The Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce (RCC) is gearing up for another year celebrating Revelstoke’s favorite community businesses.

The 30th annual Business Excellence Awards will be held Saturday, November 4 at the Revelstoke Community Centre in an evening of fine dining, networking opportunities and community appreciation.

The event not only highlights innovation and collaboration in Revelstoke’s economy, it’s also a key financing resource for the chamber of commerce.

“As our most significant fundraising event of the year, the Business Excellence Awards play a vital role in supporting our ongoing work to empower and uplift our local businesses and community,” RCC stated on the awards page.

RCC provides resources for member and non-member businesses through their Business Outreach Program, which develops community safety plans, helps businesses navigate government recovery programs and connects those with outdated technology and online presences with resources in Revelstoke.

Over 290 local businesses and organizations were nominated for the BEAs this year, with official nominees to be announced on the RCC website. RCC must first verify that each nominee fits in the categories to be eligible for awards.

Previous categories have included Youth Employer of the Year, previously won by Little Big Works, Technology and Innovation Excellence, previously won by Adaptive Homes Ltd. and Entrepreneurial Excellence, previously won by Joanne Gawler and Revelstoke After School Society.

Not only are local businesses celebrated, but the BEA’s also recognize an outstanding citizen of Revelstoke. Last year’s winner, Dylan Kardy, was recognized for his overarching contributions to the community, including work with Revelstoke’s Recovery Task Force, the Revelstoke Idea Factory, Community Futures Revelstoke and more.

Winners will be announced at the BEA Gala Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Revelstoke Community Centre. Spots for sponsorship and silent auction donations are still being taken, contact the RCC or visit their website to learn more information about sponsorship opportunities.

TOURISM TALKS

SUSTAIN

THE STOKE QUIZ

Want to learn more about Revelstoke AND look incredibly fly?

One of Tourism Revelstoke’s goals is to ensure that our visitors understand our community and have a positive impact on our environment and community.

This fall, we’re implementing our Sustain the Stoke quiz to ensure that our residents and visitors are in-the-know about best practices for our environment and community.

Here’s all you need to do:

1. Head www.seerevelstoke.com.

2. Take (and pass!) the quiz.

3. Bring proof of your quiz completion to the Visitor Information Centre to get your Sustain the Stoke hat!

The quiz includes reading material that covers information about local history, wildlife encounters, First Nations, and environmental sustainability information.

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.

Fall in Revelstoke.

Photo: Lukas Dembicki

Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce.

Photo by Lys Morton

Q & A FEATURE WITH NEW MINISTRY OF WATER, LAND AND RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP

Established in April 2022, the provincial Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship has a broad mandate to work “with other natural resource sector ministries to achieve British Columbia’s goals of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, economic development and environmental sustainability.”

The Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship reached out to the Revelstoke Mountaineer following Minister Nathan Cullen’s visit to Revelstoke in July. Due to scheduling conflicts, the Mountaineer sent questions to Cullen and staff via email.

Here’s what the Mountaineer learned about the new ministry, the work it’s doing and some of the potential benefits and impacts for Revelstoke. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Revelstoke Mountaineer: Could you provide an explanation of the scope of the work being completed as part of the ministry’s mandate?

Minister Cullen: Natural resources are central to B.C.’s economy, and are the backbone of many local economies across the province. B.C. is the most geographically and biologically diverse province in Canada and its ecosystems provide the essential clean water, air and food that people rely on.

Managing B.C.’s natural resources is one of our government’s greatest responsibilities.

We all want our natural resource sector to support reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, provide long-lasting economic benefits to communities and ensure that B.C.’s natural resources are sustainably managed now and into the future.

The Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship was formed to improve collaboration across ministries, and to convene the people needed to tackle the transformative changes that will advance a more integrated approach to natural resource management.

To achieve [our] goals, the Ministry works with First Nations, stakeholders, partners and across government to strengthen relationships and make real progress towards shared decision making on the land base, use of water and stewardship of the coast,advance a new approach to land use planning and sustainable natural resource management,find new solutions to B.C,’s permitting and authorizations system to speed up approvals and cut down on the backlog of permit applications and bring decision-making to the landscape level to ensure we’re considering interconnected habitats and the cumulative effects of development.

RM: Housing is listed as a priority for the province with the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship leading an initiative to streamline the permitting process for provincial housing applications and leading a Housing Action Taskforce. Could you explain what the purpose of the task force is, and what work has been done so far to streamline the permitting process? What is the definition of provincial housing?

MC: We are taking steps to tackle the housing crisis by creating a new permitting strategy for housing across the natural resource ministries. We’ve allocated 42 full-time employees to the B.C. Housing Action Taskforce that will work across ministries to speed up approvals to build more homes for people faster.

By Melissa Jameson

The Taskforce is prioritizing Indigenous-led projects, projects that include multiple units and BC Housing projects. Budget 2023 builds on this strategy, providing $77 million to speed up natural resource permitting. This will support an additional 161 staff across several ministries to reduce permit backlogs, allow projects to move forward and unlock economic potential.

MINISTRY SAYS AFFORDABLE HOUSING ON DOWNIE STREET CONTINUES TO PROGRESS THROUGH PLANNING PHASE, WITH CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATED TO START IN 2024.

Nathan Cullen is the minister for the newly-established Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.

Photo by Nathan Cullen

A single housing application service will be released over the coming months…[to] connect people to project experts…these experts will guide homebuilders through the permitting process and provide a personal, one-stop-shop that will speed up the process.

RM: When it comes to housing, regardless of the type, there is often the need for municipal approvals, as well as provincial. How is the ministry working with local governments and provincial bodies like BC Housing to ensure these projects are not bottlenecked by bureaucratic processes?

MC: Everyone should be able to build a good life in B.C. — and it starts with finding a good home, however, B.C. is in a housing crisis, and supply has not kept up with demand.

We know the best way forward is to work across all orders of government, ministries and sectors to address this crisis and act urgently in developing an approach that delivers housing that meets people’s needs, faster.

The Housing Action Taskforce has identified relevant applications that have been delayed or are currently sitting in queue. These applications will inform the next step towards prioritization and where accelerated efforts can be best applied.

At this time, transparency and availability of information are key initial targets. While the single housing application service is being established over the coming months, permit and authorization decisions will be expedited through a crossministry team focused solely on processing housing permits.

We’re continuing our work on better tracking housing projects to provide accurate information with respect to turnaround times. With that data we will be able to target improvements in areas where challenges are identified and report out on the progress made.

RM: Speaking of housing, BC Housing has yet to begin construction on a proposed 174-unit affordable housing development for Revelstoke. Will the Ministry be supporting this project in any way? If so, how and is there a timeline available?

MC: On the affordable housing project at 420 Downie St. in Revelstoke, the project continues to progress through the planning phase, with a call for partners to build and operate the housing expected later this year. BC Housing expects to apply for development and building permits in winter 2023, with construction estimated to begin in 2024.

In many B.C. communities, the local development approvals process has also increased in complexity and length without necessarily delivering better outcomes. That’s why the province is also actively working with municipalities to…streamline the local

development approval processes.

The Development Approvals Process Review (DAPR) will help local governments reduce barriers to affordable housing and accelerate the construction of new homes by supporting a more effective and efficient approvals process…[which] is critical to building the homes people need. To help local governments do this work, we’ve undertaken early actions including: [revising] public hearing requirements for zoning matters that are consistent with official community plans, [supporting] local governments with $15 million in funding to streamline and implement best practices for their development processes; and gave elected officials the ability to delegate decisions on minor development variance permits to staff.

Further work on increasing the efficiency of development approvals continues, in partnership with local governments and with input from key stakeholders. Our goal is to increase overall housing supply by supporting local government partners to identify local housing needs and to move forward on approving housing as efficiently as possible.

The province is working to find solutions to help local governments, developers and housing advocates deliver more affordable housing for everyone in B.C.

We are also digitizing the building code and building permitting processes to help speed up approvals and construction.... It will also ensure that permitting improvements are integrated into a shared digital platform that connects provincial and local government approvals processes, allowing data and information to flow efficiently throughout the development process.

The following questions were answered by regional staff of the ministry

RM: You visited Revelstoke over the summer and had a chance to sit down with Mayor Gary Sulz. What are some of the challenges you see Revelstoke facing in terms of the work the Ministry is doing? What are some successes or positive partnerships you see being created to help meet the goals of the Ministry in partnership with other resource-based ministries in Revelstoke?

RS: Revelstoke is diversifying its economy by adding a great mixture of winter and summer recreation opportunities to its traditional transportation and resource focus. This diversification creates opportunities and challenges. For example, with an increasing population there is a need to ensure that water quality and quantity are provided for environmental, economic and residential needs.

Working with other resource-based ministries allows us to maximize opportunities and minimize challenges on B.C.’s landscape. We look forward

to working with partners in local communities and other ministries to provide training and employment opportunities.

RM: One of the objectives listed in the 2023/24 -2025/26 Ministry Service Plan is to “strengthen partnerships and advance engagement with First Nations in the stewardship of B.C.’s natural resource values.” In Revelstoke, we lack the presence of a physical band office or Friendship Centre (although we do have an Indigenous Friendship Society). Does this lack of presence present any challenges when collaborating with other resource-based ministries? If yes, what is being done to work through these challenges?

RS: The Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship works closely with its partner ministries such as Ministry of Forests and Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. For example, ministries are working as a team with First Nations to collaborate on a stewardship vision for the Incomappleux Valley. We plan to invite local residents and stakeholders to add their voices to this vision in the near future.

The absence of a physical band office or Friendship Centre does not prevent us from working together to steward B.C.’s natural resources.

RM: Revelstoke is part of the traditional territory for four separate nations: the Sinixt, the Secwepemc, the Ktunaxa and the Syilx. How is the ministry ensuring that the voices of all four groups are included? What more needs to be done to ensure inclusivity of all Indigenous voices within the Revelstoke area?

RS: The Ministry engages with all Nations whose traditional territories are in the Revelstoke area and listens to – and incorporates — the input provided by their leaders, knowledge keepers and members.

The province works with each Nation on a wide variety of topics that are both short and long-term in nature. There are some scenarios, such as the Columbia River Treaty (at the border with the U.S.) when multiple Nations work closely together, and other times where a bi-lateral discussion between the province and an individual First Nation is more appropriate.

The province continues to seek ways to coordinate planning with these four Nations in forums that are both culturally respectful and effective for all parties.

WHAT DOES REVELSTOKE’S EMERGENCY RESPONSE LOOK LIKE NOW AND ‘IN THE FUTURE,’ COUNCILLORS ASK

COUNCILLOR TIM PALMER SAYS CITY COUNCIL NEEDS CLEARER AND UPDATED PLANS IN THE FACE OF GROWING CLIMATE EMERGENCIES.

By Lys Morton

At a recent city council meeting, residents expressed concerns about Revelstoke’s safety plans for future emergencies, and some council members shared their frustration that existing plans are out of date.

In a social post, Coun. Tim Palmer said he doesn’t have the assurance needed to pass on information to residents when using information from an emergency preparedness plan from 2006. In an interview with Revelstoke Mountaineer, Palmer guesses the 2006 plan was written in response to the 2003 fire season.

“I don't know for sure, but I suspect that the government rolled out grant programs for emergency plants as a response to the 2003 fires,” Palmer said. “Then [local] governments took that grant money and made plans in a reactive mode.”

Palmer said he favours preemptive plans over reactive plans and stated in his post that some Revelstoke residents feel the same.

“The subject of emergency preparedness is on the minds of many residents,” he wrote in the post. “We want assurances, but unfortunately, that assurance has not always been forthcoming.”

Emergency plans and Revelstoke’s role in assisting neighbouring communities came up in response to the McDougall Creek wildfire and Ross Moore Lake wildfire. Council members asked if emergency shelters were prepared to open

and if public washrooms could be made available 24/7.

“The mayor answered, ‘we can discuss the concerns you all have but these things need to be planned and not reactionary,’” Palmer explained in his post. “Does that infer we are not prepared?”

During our interview with Palmer, he noted residents are quick to informally offer help from those fleeing the fires. However, a lack of coordination and communication left many efforts unaccessed and residents seemed frustrated with the lack of direction.

“Yes, help citizens do their part,” he said. “But what are we doing as leaders in the community to make sure that we can address a crisis in our community? That's my concern.”

As emergency personnel urge residents to evacuate areas impacted by wildfires and stay away from wildland firefighter operations, residents throughout B.C. have offered help to evacuees in the Okanagan and Northwest Territories.

“I think it's common in most communities, but for sure Revelstoke,” Palmer said. “Our community really cares. So, what can we do as local governments to help facilitate that and make it more streamlined and more available?”

As emergencies throughout the Interior continue to change with humancaused climate change, Palmer noted not all the strategies developed in 2006, when the last emergency plan was created, are accessible in today’s Revelstoke.

“[Regional emergencies] appear to be getting worse,” he said. “So, really sit back and stop and say, ‘Okay, well, what does this look like in the future’?”

It’s not just the changing climate disasters that Palmer is trying to think ahead on, but the changing demographics and safety needs of residents in Revelstoke. Previous strategies of communication aren’t always accessible to those living in trailers, vehicles and jumping from rental to rental, Palmer said.

"How do we collectively be more prepared in the future with all these changes in society that we're faced with?”

The province is working to support communities in developing emergency plans through funding streams like the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund. The Columbia Shushwap Regional District recently received nearly $30,000 to help support plans for evacuation routes.

While Palmer urges residents to create personal emergency preparedness plans, he says city council and staff are still responsible for knowing how to communicate with residents and direct safety measures when a disaster hits.

In a recent video from Mayor Gary Sulz’s conversation with Dave Mohn, the emergency coordinator notes that Revelstoke’s 2006 plan is currently being reworked. Mohn told the Revelstoke Mountaineer renewing the plan was a priority.

The renewal comes after a hazard, risk and vulnerability analysis report, which Revelstoke completed in October 2022.

The Columbia Fire Zone sign at the Revelstoke Airport saw readings of extreme this year as wildfires spread across B.C. File photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine

THE IDEA FACTORY SHOWCASES REVELSTOKE’S BUDDING TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION SECTOR

Championing technology projects in Revelstoke is a priority for the city under the Tech 3.0 strategy. This includes building tech capacity to support ongoing business retention and expansion, investors and emergent opportunities that will help diversify and support long-term sustainable growth.

The Revelstoke Idea Factory is a local fabrication lab, established in 2018 in partnership with the Community Economic Development division of the City of Revelstoke. It promotes innovation and collaboration, as well as digital manufacturing technology, tools and skills training for Revelstoke to learn, develop and commercialize new marketable products.

Meet-ups at the Idea Factory are an integral part of the city’s strategy, offering tech entrepreneurs and workers a place to network, collaborate and drive the future of Revelstoke’s economy.

William Clack is Technology Strategy Coordinator for the City of Revelstoke and currently staffs the Revelstoke Idea Factory, taking care of the day-to-day operations. Clack chatted with the Revelstoke Mountaineer about the machines, design software and experience required for membership at The Idea Factory.

“The current goal of the Revelstoke Idea Factory is to standardize procedures and make the Revelstoke Idea Factory as user friendly as possible,” Clack said. “The Idea Factory is now set up so that users can show up without knowledge of process, and without the need for assistance by support staff.”

By Jamie Forbes

Revelstoke Idea Factory classes and training opportunities are aimed at connecting Revelstoke’s diverse community of makers, tech workers and anyone interested in digital manufacturing technology. A class in the spring on laser cutting allowed participants to learn how to create art,

William Clack holds a piece of work he created using machines at the Revelstoke Idea Factory.

Photo by Jamie Forbes

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION ARE AT THE FOREFRONT OF REVELSTOKE’S TECH STRATEGY AND THE IDEA FACTORY PROVIDES JUST THE PLACE FOR INVENTORS TO WORK.

enhance their business and speed up workflow.

“The laser cutter can engrave on metal, plastic, wood, pretty much any flat sheet,” Clack explained. “The 3D Printers are capable of using an array of endless filaments from carbon fibre to wood chips. The machine is automated, with all types of filaments that we buy downloaded in the machine. In many cases it is as simple as inserting your USB with your 3D part design and hitting print.”

There are also classes and camps aimed at equipping Revelstoke’s youth with the creative and technical skills to be the makers of the future. Kids are introduced to engaging, real-life problems faced by local businesses, their community and the environment. The instructors use STEM learning principles (Creativity, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Communication) to understand problems, find solutions and turn ideas into reality with computerassisted design and 3D printing. Kiddovate camp was recently held between Aug. 28 and Sept. 1 for kids ages seven to 11.

In 2021, the World Health Organization sounded the alarm after determining that health care workers were facing a critical shortage of personal protective equipment. Two Idea Factory board members worked with community volunteers to produce a 3D printed, low-cost prototype of a partly-reusable face shield medical staff could use when treating patients during the pandemic.

“The purpose behind the Idea Factory has always been to house machines mainly for prototyping and conceptual use,” Clack said of the items produced at the Idea Factory. “There are a few businesses in town prototyping mechanical plastic parts at the Idea Factory but most are not for final use.”

Have a product idea you want to prototype, but don’t have the time or the inclination to do it yourself? The Revelstoke Idea Factory can also help with Hire-a-Maker. Whatever your dream is, their team will be available to help guide you through the process from design, to prototype, to final product.

“A variety of design software options are available including AutoCAD, SolidWorks and Fusion for solo operators,” Clack said. “A great place for early adopters to start is by downloading parts from a website called Tinkercad, a database of parts that people have already created. Alternatively, if you have a 3D scanner you can scan a part that already exists.”

The Revelstoke Idea Factory is on floor two of the Tourist Information Centre at 301 Victoria St.

Clack is available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 – 7 p.m. to meet and help out early adopters prior to membership. Contact to arrange a time at info@ revelstokeideafactory.ca

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William Clack operates a machine at the Revelstoke Idea Factory.

Photo by Jamie Forbes

Out of Order

by Barbara Olson © ClassiCanadian Crosswords

Down

1 ___ salts (bath additive)

2 Aquarium fish

3 They ward off vampires, supposedly

4 Goat's gripe

5 Fervent passion

6 Weep at a wake

7 Old copy machine, for short

8 St. crosser

9 "Healthy" potato chip sprinkling

10 Stopped

31 "Take ___ song and make it better": Beatles lyric

32 Dodge rivals

33 Driver's turns that are "pulled"

34 See 34-Across

35 "The ___ of Sleepy Hollow"

37 Building boss, slangily

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