Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine October/November 2018 issue by Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine

October/November 2018

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C H A N G E S

CONTENTS

Creative Director Aaron Orlando The 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. Each month we distribute 3,000 free copies to over 200 public venues across Revelstoke, including accommodations, shops, restaurants, cafes, community centres, bars, and everywhere people meet. We are an independent, locally owned publication dedicated to showcasing our amazing mountain town and the great people who create the stoke. For more information, including details on our very affordable advertising rates, please contact us:

News Briefs

18 Roadside memorial

30 Ski town blues?

New developments proposed

Entertainment

New signs commemorate interned Japanese-Canadian workers

World music collective plays RPAC

Abby Cooper checks out the new local race

www.revelstokemountaineer.com on the advertising tab. 250-814-8710 info@revelstokemountaineer.com

16 Feature

35 Brown Bag history

Reporter Alex Cooper chases down rumours of plans for a gondola on Mount Begbie

Our Q&A with mayor and council candidates

Writer and photographer Rob Sim shares his experience guiding in India Cathy English publishes book on Revelstoke history

36 Health

24 Journey’s Perch

14 Artist profile

There are lots of resources in Revelstoke to help you out

32 The bag

22 Meet the candidates

20 Skatepark etiquette

Events calendar

11 Women’s Enduro

Illustration by Benji Andringa for Revelstoke Mountaineer Find out what’s happening this Magazine October and November

Hayley Stewart combines acrylic and aerosol for unique look

PO BOX 112, 606 Railway Avenue, Revelstoke, B.C. V0E 2S0

How to unplug for your sanity

Former church is now home to 39 Spokin’ Word converted boutique hostel Go slow to go fast

28 Ski town problems Reporter Melissa Jameson finds Revelstoke’s problems are pretty universal for ski towns

Contributors COVER PHOTO Revelstoke photographer Laura Szanto captures the first snow peaking through the clouds at Rogers Pass. Aaron Orlando

Alex Cooper

Amaris Bourdeau

Bryce Borlick

Laura Szanto

Heather Hood

Laura Hodge

Shannon MacLean

Rob Sim

Louise Stanway

Abby Cooper

Natalie Daley

Claudia Bambi

Creative Director

Melissa Jameson

NEWS BRIEFS

New Revelstoke city council will have to tackle Development Cost Charge bylaw updates DCC bylaw update ends without conclusion after last-minute drama By Melissa Jameson The current Revelstoke city council defeated a motion to approve proposed changes to the city’s Development Cost Charge bylaws not once, but twice. Council first defeated the proposed amendments at an amended second reading during a regular council meeting on Sept. 5. The amendment included removal of a number of projects, effectively lowering the total cost of DCC’s to below what was originally recommended by engineering consultant McElhanney Consulting. Major changes included the deferral of several projects.

The discussion focused on uncertainty around timing and a reduction of the municipal assist factor for sanitary sewer projects. The last version of the bylaw pegged the municipal assist factor starting at 50% and reducing to 40% over five years. The vote was split with councillors Connie Brothers, Trevor English and Aaron Orlando opposed. Councillor Scott Duke was absent from the meeting. Councillors who were opposed to approving the amended second reading cited concerns over proposed rates for both developers and taxpayers, and a lack of engagement with stakeholders outside of the development community.

However, at council’s next meeting, Revelstoke mayor Mark McKee used a special resolution to bring the defeated motion back to the council table during the regular meeting on Sept. 18. Under section 131 of the Community Charter, a mayor may require council to reconsider and vote again on a matter that was the previous subject of a vote. Charter rules state the consideration can be initiated within 30 days following the meeting where the vote took place. However, at the Sept. 18 meeting McKee rescinded his request for council to reconsider the motion, saying he did not believe the outcome would change with a new vote. It will now fall onto the new city council to

contend with updates to Revelstoke’s decade old development cost charge bylaw. In a statement at the Sept. 18 meeting after the bylaw failed to come forward, Councillor Gary Sulz, who is widely tipped to become the next Mayor of Revelstoke, said he wanted to re-engage with the DCC bylaw update soon after the next election. (Sulz is facing one challenger for the mayor’s job in candidate Darcy Wyonzek, but the low-profile candidate has yet to make any discernable public campaign moves, and hasn’t responded to multiple requests from the Mountaineer to engage in interviews or answer questions, putting the seriousness of her campaign into question.)

Public hearing on local cannabis rules Oct. 9 Bylaw changes target Oct.17 legalization date

By Melissa Jameson

The results of a recent Revelstoke survey on the new cannabis show there is strong support for cannabis-related businesses, but survey respondents also want to ensure limited access to youth. Federally the legal age to access cannabis products is set at 18, but provinces have the ability to set their own age requirements. In B.C., the provincial government has set the legal age of consumption and purchasing at 19 years old. During a recent presentation to council, city planner Daniel Sturgeon said 857 people filled out a recent community survey on cannabis Among the top concerns was the buffering between cannabis businesses and services catering to youth, concerns over cannabis business clustering, and the issue of odours from second-hand smoke. At its regular meeting on Sept. 18, city council passed the following motions relat-

ed to bylaw amendments in preparation for the legalization of cannabis: -First and second readings of zoning amendment bylaw 2236 with a public hearing set for Tuesday, Oct. 9. -First and second readings of Business Licensing & Regulation Amendment Bylaw 2237. -First, second and third readings of Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw 2238. -The council report and bylaws titled Cannabis Regulatory Framework are to be referred to the economic development commission and the advisory planning commission to review and provide response by Sept. 25. What are the proposed rules around key community concerns? Specific regulations for Revelstoke include: -A 100-metre buffer zone between cannabis related businesses and services that cater to youth such as schools, parks, and other

Revelstoke’s recreational cannabis local bylaws are on track for completion this month. youth-oriented services. -A 100-metre buffer zone between cannabis businesses in the central business district (downtown Revelstoke) -A 300-metre buffer between cannabis businesses in commercial zones outside of the central business district. -Hours of operation to be the same as liquor stores (9 a.m.–11 p.m.) -Business licensing requirements to be the same as for liquor establishments. The city is also able to restrict where cannabis can be consumed through its clean air bylaws. City staff recommended the clean air bylaw be amended to prohibit smoking of cannabis in all areas of city parks includ-

ing park roads and parking lots, but not including a rented private camping site. Council raised some concern over allowing smoking of cannabis in campgrounds at Williamson’s Lake due to the close proximity to the playground, beach and public picnic area. Mayor Mark McKee said he felt the smoking of cannabis should be prohibited on the entire Williamson’s Lake property. Sturgeon said it is difficult to strike a balance. It’s likely a number of concerns over cannabis consumption at Williamson’s Lake will come up during a public hearing set for Tuesday, Oct 9 at 3 p.m.

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NEWS BRIEFS

Heli lobby group warns of caribou impacts Heliskiing and CAT skiing lobby group HeliCat Canada says pending mountain caribou conservation plan could have big impacts on the industry By Alex Cooper Measures under consideration to protect mountain caribou in British Columbia could result in the loss of $55 million in revenue by the province’s heliskiing and catskiing industries, according to a new industry report. HeliCat Canada, the industry trade association for heliskiing and CAT skiing operators, recently announced the findings of an economic impact analysis of moves to protect more caribou habitat. “The helicopter and snowcat skiing industry is a valuable part of the economic and social landscape across rural British Columbia, with close to $200 million per year in sales revenue,” stated the organization in a news release. “Although the industry has been directly involved in caribou conservation for decades, recent pressure to protect mountain caribou habitat may threaten the viability of this industry unless solutions unique to the sector are implemented.” Southern mountain caribou populations have been in decline for several decades and some herds are considered effectively extirpated due to their small numbers and/or lack of females. Environmental groups, including the North Columbia Environmental Society, have called for habitat protection, while other tools such as maternity pens and predator/prey management have also been called for. Provincial legislation to protect caribou, which largely leaves out habitat protection, has so far proven ineffective at reversing the decline. In May, Catherine McKenna, the federal Minister of the Environment, declared southern mountain caribou were facing “imminent threat” and issued an order to the government to take action. Should an emergency order be issued, large swaths of caribou habitat would be placed off limits to many activities, including forestry, snowmobiling, heliskiing and catskiing. HeliCat Canada says this would impact 19 of 41 helicat companies in B.C., six of which would have to close down. The Revelstoke area is home to numerous heliskiing companies, some of which operate in areas that would be impacted by an emergency order. The report finds that heliskiing and catskiing companies would see their opera-

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tions threatened because mountain caribou feed in the alpine in the winter, when the deep snowpack allows them to feed on the lichen on trees. Snowmobiling has already been restricted in many areas north of Revelstoke. According to HeliCat Canada, terrain closures would lead to a loss of $55.2 million in revenue, 466 jobs and $20.3 million in household income. “With so much at risk, the helicat industry is concerned about its very viability,” stated the news release. “Expert and science-based decision-making is crucial to the sustainability of this important world-class product.” Caribou habitat protection could also have a significant impact on Revelstoke forestry companies. Earlier this year, the provincial government sought feedback on a new management plan for mountain caribou. It’s unclear when the government will unveil their new, revised plan. The plan will likely seek to strike a balance between conservation efforts and economic interests, such as forestry and backcountry recreation. It will also have to satisfy the federal government’s species at risk legislation, under the potential threat that the federal government could step in to take over the mountain caribou portfolio if it is unsatisfied with the provincial plan.

NEWS BRIEFS

New hotel, residential development in the works By Melisa Jameson The city of Revelstoke’s advisory planning commission (APC) has given its recommendations for two proposed developments, including a hotel at Revelstoke Mountain Resort and phases 2 and 3 of the Mackenzie Village development. The APC reviews proposals for things like form and character, and it’s often the first public preview of upcoming development. The proposed phases 2 and 3 at Mackenzie Village includes includes four separate four-storey buildings. Each building includes a groundfloor commercial space and three stories of apartments. The proposed development included a request for a land-use change and a zoning amendment to increase the maximum floor space for individual commercial units from 200 square metres to 350 square metres and an amendment to permit a fourth-storey on the apartment buildings without providing underground parking. However, Macken-

zie Village developer David Evans and the city disagreed over the proposed zoning amendments and landuse change. The city insisted the the changes were necessary, Evans was equally insistent they were not. As a result of the disagreement over variances and zoning amendments Evans told the Mountaineer a decision had been made to remove the proposal to have two-thirds of the units in buildings 1 and 4 as restricted monthly market rentals in order to add underground parking to those buildings. In addition, the size of the commercial units has been decreased back down to 200 square meters. Evans said the changes mean there won’t be a request for any rezoning for Mackenzie Village, and says his expectation is that the application will be brought to council for consideration. The second development permit application considered by the APC is a hotel at Revelstoke Mountain Resort. The proposed multi-storey, 158 room hotel will include conference, retail and guest amenities and

A rendition of the proposed new phase of the Mackenzie Village development in Arrow Heights. Image: City of Revelstoke document two stories of semi-underground parking. Proposed facilities include offices, storage areas and a spa,hot tub,sauna and gym. Portions of the proposed building will be as high as eight stories. In a report, city planner Daniel Sturgeon said that while the zoning for the proposed hotel location at 2955 Camozzi Road does permit a maximum of eight stories it does not

provide a specific numeric upper limit on height. The recommendations from the advisory planning commission were forwarded to Revelstoke city council for their consideration. Council had not yet met to discuss the proposed developments and amendments prior to the Mountaineer magazine’s publication deadline.

Provincial Sales Tax (PST) Notice Notice to all Short Term Vacation Rental Accommodation Providers Provincial Sales Tax Act These changes are effective October 1, 2018.

This notice explains important changes to how PST and the municipal and regional district tax (MRDT) apply to accommodation sold in BC.

What is Changing?

Effective October 1, 2018, if you sell any accommodation in BC, you must be registered to collect PST and MRDT Accommodation includes lodging provided in: -Short Term Vacation Rentals of any kind -Hotels, motels, resorts, boarding houses, rooming houses, bed and breakfasts -Lodging houses, bunkhouses, cabins, condominiums, dormitories, hostels, mobile homes, trailers and all short term vacation rentals -Dwellings operated by clubs or associations, whether a membership is required for the use of the dwelling -A residential dwelling, or any part of a residential dwelling, used as lodging if the dwelling is listed on an online accommodation platform -A stationary vehicle A residential dwelling is: -A house, cottage or another detached dwelling -A duplex, apartment, condominium, townhouse -A multi-use building that is used for residential use -Land that is attributable to one of the above buildings Exemptions: -Your revenue is less than $2500 per year, or anticipated revenue for the coming year is less than $2500. -You are ONLY listed on an accommodation platform, such as Airbnb, that already collects these taxes An online accommodation platform is an online marketplace that enables or facilitates transactions for accommodation located in BC. Online classified advertising or listing services that do not collect payment on behalf of the person offering the accommodation are not online accommodation platforms for the purposes of PST and MRDT.

ENTERTAINMENT

BC World Music Collective brings worldwide journey to RPAC Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre will play host to the ‘World music super-group’ By Laura Hodge Bringing together 13 talented musicians from across the globe who now call British Columbia their home, the BC World Music Collective is a collaborative project, taking listeners on a “worldwide journey without ever leaving home.” With musicians hailing from Canada, Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Zimbabwe and the UK, the project celebrates the multiculturalism that makes up the

population of B.C. The collaboration began back in 2015 when the artists were brought together by Vancouver Island Music Festival’s director Doug Co for a one-off performance. With only one week of intensive rehearsals to bring it all together, the hard work paid off and the performance turned out to be a huge success. It was then that the band decided that they weren’t satisfied with just one

performance. After a few weeks of planning, the group decided to turn the BC World Music Collective into a long-term project. Since then, the band has taken their high-energy performances to numerous festivals and concert venues across the province. In October, the band will perform at our very own Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre. “We chose the BC World World Music Collective to kick off our 2018/19 season ... because they are flat-out exciting and amazing to watch and experience,” said Revelstoke Arts Council (RAC) chairperson Carol Palladino, on why they chose to bring the band to Revelstoke, “The Revelstoke Arts Council strives to present high quality professional artists across several genres and this fabulous group ticks all the boxes. “A few members of the collective are also in the B.C.-based band the Paperboys, and if you saw them this summer at the Streetfest in Grizzly Plaza in August, you will know that the you will have the best time ever!” “We are so excited to be bringing such a highly talented, diverse and passionate music group to Revelstoke,” added RAC Executive Director Margot Wyllie “Being a small and somewhat remote community doesn’t have to mean missing out on experiencing culture and music from around the world.” We spoke to band member Tom Landa ahead of the performance. BC World Music Collective focuses on each of the musicians telling their stories and how they came to be in B.C. Revelstoke Mountaineer: Tell us a little bit about your background.

Tom Landa brings the B.C. World Music Collective to the Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre on Oct. 17. Photo: handout

Tom Landa: My background is from Mexico. I was born and raised in Mexico City and I moved to Canada when I was fifteen. I moved to a small town in Ontario called Thunder Bay and the first couple of years I was real keen to just fit in to my new culture and fit in to Canada. I kind of abandoned everything that was Mexico and I tried to get rid of my accent. I was basically just ignoring my Mexican background and it wasn’t until I was older that I got back in to my Mexican culture. I started playing guitar when I was fifteen and writing songs and at the time I was more influenced by music that was coming from England

or Canada as opposed to Mexico. That really came later in my early twenties when I got reacquainted and got back in touch with my roots and where I was from. RM: What does being part of the BC World Music Collective mean to you? TL: It’s important for me to be a part of this collective because I feel that what we’re doing is important in this day and this space in time. I think that modern politics have made people divisive. I think modern US politics have made it OK to be xenophobic and racist, so I think it’s important now more than ever to have a different voice — a voice that is proud of multiculturalism, that’s proud of people that come from other places. I wish I could say that the current US politics doesn’t affect us because we live in Canada, but I think it very much does. So I think that it’s really important to have this outlet that is the opposite — that is about unity and multiculturalism and about people coming together and sharing different ideologies and different ideas and sharing where they come from. And from a musical standpoint, I don’t currently think this is being done. It’s not only multicultural, but it’s multi-generational. It goes from people from their sixties to those who are in their twenties. It’s both women and men and I think it ticks off a lot of boxes with a lot of people from different cultures and different walks of life. Finally, what’s your favourite thing about British Columbia? I adore this province! I think the whole Pacific Northwest is the most beautiful spot on earth. I think we are blessed with what we have here from mountains to forest to oceans and lakes and rivers and just abundance…abundance and beauty are two words that come to mind. I’m proud to be a British Columbian, as well as being of Mexican heritage. BC World Music Collective will perform at the Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre on October 17, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

Our Performance Season is Opening!

PRESENTED BY

OCTOBER SHOWS BC WORLD MUSIC COLLECTIVE Tickets $25

Wednesday October 17, 2018 7:30pm

FRED PENNER Tickets: Adult $10, Child $5

Saturday October 20, 2018 3pm

Tickets available at the Visitor Centre & online at www.revelstoketheatretickets.com

BC WORLD MUSIC COLLECTIVE

FRED PENNER

ENTERTAINMENT VISIT REVELSTOKEMOUNTAINEER.COM/CALENDAR FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN EVENT FOR FREE FOR INCLUSION ONLINE AND IN OUR MONTHLY PRINT CALENDAR. *Please check the event on the day as details may change*

WEEKLY EVENTS MONDAY Soup and a Smile @ Revelstoke United Church 11:30 a.m.–1p.m. Enjoy soup and a sandwich each week at the Revelstoke United Church. Cost is by donation or free for those who cannot afford to pay.

Community board games night @ Revelstoke Alliance Church 6:30p.m.–9p.m. Community games night every second Monday. Join for some table top game fun: board games, cards, dice, tile, strategy and more. Lots of games provided but more are always welcome.

WEDNESDAY Brown Bag History @ Revelstoke Museum & Archives 12:15 p.m.–1 p.m. Every other Wednesday listen to museum curator Cathy English talk about Revelstoke history.

Women’s ice hockey drop in @ Revelstoke Forum 8:25p.m.–9:25p.m. Get out and have some fun! All skill levels welcome $10 drop in. Equipment available to help get you started. Check out Revelstoke Women’s Hockey on Facebook for more info.

THURSDAY

Family night out @ Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy 5:30 p.m.–7p.m. An evening program with lots of fun activities for families with children of all ages. A light meal is provided. Call 250-805-2305 for more info.

SATURDAY

Chicago Blues Hall of Fame and Grammy elected Australian blues rock artist Michael Charles plays the Rivercity Pub.

Chickadee & Manufactured Grass @ The Last Drop Pub 10 p.m. Chickadee & Manufactured Grass perform at The Last Drop Pub.

Bears Den Classic Squash Tournament @ Revelstoke Racquet Den Squash Club 3 p.m–6p.m. Don’t miss the annual Bears Den Classic Squash Tournament! Check out Revelstoke Racquet Den Squash Club on Facebook for more information.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17

Farmers Markets @ Grizzly Plaza & Mackenzie Avenue (*Until end of October) 8 a.m.–1p.m. Stock up on fresh veggies, crafts and more.

EVENTS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2 Innovation Night: Sports Tech and Culture @ Revelstoke United Church 6 p.m.–9p.m. Startup a new outdoor activity, sport or recreational business in the Kootenays. Fuse technology to make it powerful in the digital age. Connect with other entrepreneurs and form a partnership. Have an idea? Let us know and pitch it for our hackathon to get you off the ground.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5 Revelstoke Jazz Club @ The Selkirk Room in the Regent. 6 p.m.–9p.m. Vancouver based singer Andrea Superstein performs at the Revelstoke Jazz Club

Michael Charles @ River City Pub 10 p.m.

BC World Music Collective @ Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre 7:30 p.m. The BC World Music Collective brings together musicians from Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, Africa, and London, who now make their home in BC. Tickets are $25 available at revelstokeartscouncil.com or at the door.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19 Bears Den Classic Squash Tournament @ Revelstoke Racquet Den Squash Club 3 p.m–6p.m. Don’t miss the annual Bears Den Classic Squash Tournament! Check out Revelstoke Racquet Den Squash Club on Facebook for more information.

Fred Penner @ Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre 3 p.m. National treasure Fred Penner kicks off the Revelstoke Arts Council’s Family Series. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 children and are available at revelstokeartscouncil.com or at the door.

Revelstoke Grizzlies @ Revelstoke Forum 7 p.m. Catch the Revelstoke Grizzlies in action as they take on the 100 Mile House Wranglers in Junior B hockey action.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 20

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ENTERTAINMENT

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 The Deeds @ Last Drop Pub 9 p.m.

Revelstoke Grizzlies @ Revelstoke Forum. 7 p.m.

The Deeds play soulful roots rock

Catch the Revelstoke Grizzlies as they take on the Spokane Braves in Junior B hockey action.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21 Cedar Shaker Cyclocross @ RMR 9 a.m. The 5th annual Cedar Shaker Cyclocross race takes place at Revelstoke Mountain Resort. For more information visit cedarshaker.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24 Movies in the Mountains @ Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre 7:30 p.m. Movies in the Mountains presents Finding Your Feet. This UK film a middle class, judgemental snob discovers her best friend and is forced to exile with her sister who lies in an inner-city council estate. Tickets are $8 available at revelstokeartscouncil.com or at the door.

action.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3

Delhi 2 Dublin with Frase @ Last Drop Pub 10 p.m.

Montreal Guitar Trio @ Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre 7:30 p.m.

World fusion band Dehli 2 Dublin perform along with Frase at the Last Drop Pub

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26 Revelstoke Grizzlies @ Revelstoke Forum 7 p.m. Catch the Revelstoke Grizzlies as they take on the Sicamous Eagles in Junior B hockey action.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27 Children’s Toy and Clothing Exchange @ Begbie View Elementary 9 a.m.–11:30a.m. CBAL hosts the annual Children’s Toy and Clothing Exchange. Call 250-837-6669 for more info.

NOVEMBER EVENTS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2

The Sadies @ Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre 7:30 p.m. The Sadies are an eclectic group comprised of singer/guitarists brothers Dallas and Travis Good, bassist Sean Dean and drummer Mike Belitsky. Tickets are $25 available at revelstokeartscouncil.com or at the door.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4 Revelstoke Ski Swap @ Revelstoke Community Centre All Day Revelstoke Ski Club Fundraiser. Come down and buy or sell new and used gear.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Revelstoke Grizzlies @ Revelstoke Forum. 7 p.m. Catch the Revelstoke Grizzlies as they take on the Kelowna Chiefs in Junior B hockey

For over 20 years, the trio’s virtuosity, rigour, creativity and impressive stage presence have been winning over audiences around the world. Tickets are $15 available at revelstokeartscouncil.com or at the door.

NOVEMBER 18 Farm & Craft Christmas Market @ Revelstoke Community Centre All Day Get a start on your holiday shopping at the annual Farm & Craft Christmas Market.

NOVEMBER 20 National Children’s Day free swim @ Revelstoke Community Centre All Day In celebration of National Children’s Day all kids can swim at the pool free of charge.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23 Moonlight Madness movie & swim @ Revelstoke Community Centre

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ENTERTAINMENT 5p.m.–8:30 p.m. Drop the kids off (ages 7-12) while you shop at Moonlight Madness. Kids will enjoy a swim, pizza and a movie. Only 20 spots available. Call 250-837-9351 to register.

Revelstoke Jazz Club @ The Selkirk Room in The Regent 6 p.m.–9p.m. Montreal jazz vocalist Elizabeth Shepherd performs at the Revelstoke Jazz Club.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24 Welcome Week @ Various Locations All Day Revelstoke’s annual welcome week features a wide variety of events to help welcome newcomers to our amazing city.

Community Connections’ Soupalicious @ Revelstoke Community Centre TBA Enjoy a meddley of soups from Revelstoke’s “cream of the crop” restaurants while supporting programs provided by Community Connections.

Dirty Catfish Brass Band 7:30 p.m. In true Louisiana tradition, these boys stick to the spontaneity of festivals, alleyway performance and all around late nights. The band doesn’t ask permission to play, and the crowd certainly doesn’t ask them to stop! Tickets $15 available at revelstokeartscouncil.com or at the door.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25 Welcome Week @ Various Locations All Day Revelstoke’s annual welcome week features a wide variety of events to help welcome newcomers to our amazing city.

Crimestoppers No Host Bazaar @ Revelstoke Community Centre TBA The annual Crimestoppers No Host Bazaar

The Revelstoke Grizzlies are back in action at the Revelstoke Forum. Check the Revelstoke Mountaineer calendar online and in print for game times. Photo: Aaro Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine file photo features a variety of homemade and other products for sale.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 Welcome Week @ Various Locations

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26 Welcome Week @ Various Locations Welcome Week @ Various Locations All Day Revelstoke’s annual welcome week features a wide variety of events to help welcome newcomers to our amazing city.

All Day Revelstoke’s annual welcome week features a wide variety of events to help welcome newcomers to our amazing city.

Movies in the Mountains @ Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 7:30 p.m. Welcome Week @ Various Locations All Day Revelstoke’s annual welcome week features a wide variety of events to help welcome newcomers to our amazing city.

Volunteer Fair & Community Dinner @ Revelstoke Community Centre 4 p.m.–7 p.m. Spirit of Revelstoke awards at 6:30 p.m.

Movies in the Mountains Kayak to Klemtu. The film follows 14 year old Ella as she travels the length of the Inside Passage, along the shores of the Great Bear Rainforest by kayak to protest a proposed pipeline that would see oil tankers going through her beloved homeland waters. Tickets are $8 available at revelstokeartscouncil.com or at the door.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29

All Day

Revelstoke’s annual welcome week features a wide variety of events to help welcome newcomers to our amazing city.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30 Welcome Week @ Various Locations All Day Revelstoke’s annual welcome week features a wide variety of events to help welcome newcomers to our amazing city.

Revelstoke Grizzlies @ Revelstoke Forum. 7 p.m. Catch the Revelstoke Grizzlies as they take on the Beaver Valley Nighthawks in Junior B hockey action.

OUTDOORS

Revelstoke hosts women’s enduro event

New race attracts competitors from across the province and beyond By Abby Cooper

Shrieks chased by giggles, cheerful encouraging howls and some silent but grinning, the first gaggle of ladies were off on the course and everyone in earshot knew it. Eagerness spread like wildfire in the parking lot prior to their departure. If nerves were part of any riders equation it wasn’t detectable, unified in stoke for a day of riding the ladies gathered with gusto. Formally the first Revelstoke Women’s Enduro was underway with all the hype that preceded it. The year previous founders Robyn Goldsmith, Jenn Avery and Dana Ferguson had organized a trial event with 25 local riders. Well received the dirt loving crew went big for the first formal event with a rider cap of 120. Completely selling out three months prior to race day, those with interest were waitlisted, a sure sign that this event would be a keeper. Word travelled fast and far, only a third of the registries were from Revelstoke bringing in women from across Alberta, B.C. and some from the western states. Based on traditional enduro format the race consisted of timed downhills and untimed climbs. Four stages made up the course each with a scanner to time yourself in or out of the race. At the end of the four stages the riders individually accumulated time would determine their final rank. Each stage finished with an aid station stocked with snacks (provided by CLIF), water, first aid supplies (by Coast Mountain Medical), bike tools and most importantly a big cheering section. Revelstoke community pride shown as local business including Mackenzie Peak Law Group, Valley Retreat, Skookum Cycle and Ski, and Monashee

Courtnay Romkey charges the enduro course. Photo: Abby Cooper/Revelstoke Mountaineer

Distillery each hosted one of the aid stations. Monashee Distillery was camped at the finish line serving up craft cocktails and tempting ladies with a shot ski. Most riders welcomed the well-earned après before crushing the last hundred meters down to a fresh lunch donated by La Baguette. Founders Robyn Goldsmith, Jenn Avery and Dana Ferguson seemed to have thought of everything! These three passion driven organizers gave no indication that this was only the second year of the event and this year a substantially bigger feat. Nothing like a bonfire, food and beer to bring out a Saturday crowd. Friends, family, furry fans and riders alike gathered at the Boulder parking lot for an afternoon of celebrations. While times were not

The Specialized bike went to Sara McCartney from Edmonton. Photo: Abby Cooper 11

OUTDOORS

Stephanie Claivaz-Loranger navigates the wet course at the Revelstoke Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Enduro race in September. Photo: Abby Cooper/Revelstoke Moutaineeer Magazine

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Una Trivanovic, Niki Peletz, and Sabrina Gauthier meet up for cocktails after the descent. Photo: Abby Cooper/Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine

released until later that evening, the afternoon featured ladies coated in mud, piles of bikes, unlimited stoke, beer and a unified bike community. Offering a break in the race day scheduled for some down time to clean up, the enduro ladies gathered again that evening wearing a little less mud at the donated venue of Traverse. Here Specialized, an event sponsor gave away a bike and the crew tossed swag donated by other local business, but what they were all really there for were the race results and of course to dance away the lactic acid setting up in their quads Reigning the Traverse staged podium were riders Lindsey Corrigan taking first, Elinor Brown in second and Bronwyn Cormack with third. For a wildcard win Taylor Ruest was crowned with a medal “Queen of the Mid-pack” showing the intention for the event, “camaraderie, challenging yourself, finding your limits, giving back to the biking community and most of all, fun.”

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Artist Profile:

Hayley Stewart Landscape provides inspiration for aerosol and acrylic fusions By Louise Stanway

Beauty is born out of chaos. At least, that is what the artwork of local talent, Hayley Stewart, suggests. As Hayley leads me through the diverse gallery at Revelstoke’s Art First!, my gaze is immediately drawn to her work at every turn, despite the busy walls competing for my attention. What captures my interest, though, is her use of vivid, saturated color alongside the juxtaposition of background and foreground techniques. These coworking factors help create a multi-dimensional, ‘leap off the page’ effect. Hayley talks me through the process achieving this duality. “There are typically two stages” she says, “chaos and order.” In stage one, aerosol paint is applied somewhat loosely onto a canvas. This — she assures me — is just as fun as you could imagine. It is a messy business though. Grateful for the vast, open-aired spaces that Revelstoke has gifted us with, she uses the great outdoors as her work studio in summer. The natural ventilation and picturesque mountainous decor are simply bonuses. In this space, she is free to experiment with color and new techniques, drawing inspiration from the beauty in the landscapes surrounding her. The outcome of stage one

(the background) is a seemingly endless depth that often resembles starry galaxies or radiant auroras. The second stage (foreground) is much more calculated and controlled. Planning, sketching and mapping are crucial steps before the application of her second medium; acrylic. “I think this contrast in my work creates balance and visual complexity,” she explains. Her passion for the outdoors is seamlessly translated through her concise brush strokes that highlight nature’s intricacies. So, why aerosol and acrylic? Hayley’s choice of mediums tells us her story. “I’ve always been influenced by street art and graffiti,” she admits. Growing up, she was given her first taste of urban jungles when she studied Fine Art at the OCAD in the bustling, metropolitan city of Toronto. “During that four-year stint, I got into (somewhat mischievous) urban exploration — skateboarding, climbing, biking, rooftop ventures, and urban infiltration. Having come from a smaller town in Ontario, the city offered a different kind of ‘venturing into the unknown’,” she explains. After a time though, her heart was drawn to the rugged mountains of the west, a place where she could pursue her passion

for snowboarding and outdoor sports. She found her feet in Golden, B.C. “Golden was the perfect spot to bench [watch for graffiti on] trains. I lived right by the tracks and could view the trains — and their artwork — passing by from my bedroom window.” The cozy — yet diverse — community allowed her to infuse her new passion for the mountains with her urban-art roots. She has recently moved to Revelstoke and plans to stick around. This small town is jam-packed with successful artists and I’m curious how easy it is for a newcomer to break into the scene. “All the artists here have been super welcoming,” Hayley assures me. “It is not as competitive as a city, where people can be more cut-throat for business. The crowd here leans more towards encouragement and inclusivity — which is awesome.” She’s even encouraged other local female artists to hop-aboard the spray-paint scene too. Hopefully you had the chance to check out her interactive geometric dome, created with Kate Shea and Claudia ‘Turbo’ Bambi, at the Luna Arts festival in September. If you didn’t, or if you’re left wanting more, you can view Hayley’s work at ArtFirst!, at various locations around town, or at www. hayleystewart.com.

NEWS

Chasing rumours of gondola plans for Mount Begbie The rumours have been swirling around Revelstoke for months. We sent local journalist Alex Cooper to beat the bushes and find out what’s up. By Alex Cooper

Mount Begbie’s twin summits and glacier are Revelstoke’s icon. It is the backdrop to countless photographs and has awed most people who have travelled through the region. It’s the community’s greatest symbol. The first recorded climb was in 1907 and a trip to the summit in summer is a rite of passage for locals. The views from the top provide commanding views of the Monashees, Selkirks, and the Columbia River far below. In winter it has become a go-to spot for locals as a ski touring destination. When I first heard rumours of a gondola going up on Mount Begbie back in April, my reaction was, “Why would someone even consider that?” Surely the pubic would be overwhelmingly against it. Over the summer I heard the rumour brought up a few more times and in late August, I was asked to dig into it. Someone I consider reputable and well informed said they’d been asked to be involved in the project. Another person said they’d sat in a meeting about it. Someone said they’d seen plans. The story I heard was a group of investors were looking to build a gondola up Mount Begbie, similar to the extremely popular Sea-to-Sky Gondola in Squamish. It would be catered to summer sightseeing and winter skiing and would include all the trappings that come with such an amenity. Still, I had nothing concrete to work with – just idle talk. I

reached out to a few contacts hoping to secure proof but came up empty. I checked the government websites where they post applications for land tenures and found nothing. I contacted the Ministry of Forests, Lands & Natural Resource Operations, who would review any application, and they replied, “No application, or expression of interest, has been received from the Mt. Begbie proponent.” I called Loni Parker, the director for Area B Rural Revelstoke, who said she had not seen anything, but had talked about it with Ian Tomm. I was at work when I talked to Parker, but I ended the call saying I would ask her thoughts once I knew more. I’ve known Tomm for a while, since he was the executive director of the Canadian Avalanche Association and I was a reporter at the Revelstoke Times Review. Since then, he’d moved on to become the head of HeliCat Canada, and is now a consultant and ski guide. We met on a Friday morning at his home in Upper Arrow Heights and I asked for more information about the rumoured Mount Begbie project. He told me he’d been hired by two different investment groups — one American and one Canadian — to look at investment possibilities around Revelstoke. He said he’d been studying land use in the area from Shelter Bay to Mica, and from Three Valley Gap to Rogers Pass, and was looking at possibilities for some sort

of resort that would complement Revelstoke Mountain Resort, not compete with it. “We’re looking at a small-scale resort project somewhere in the area,” he told me. He did not confirm that an application to put a gondola on Mount Begbie was being developed. “There’s a whole bunch of ideas but really at the end of the day we don’t know what we want to do,” he said. “We’re still very much in research stages and there’s a whole bunch of ideas on the table.” I pushed the question a few more times, but Tomm dismissed it as nothing more than the typical Revelstoke rumour mill in action. I asked him why another resort was being considered — even a small one and he talked about how successful Revelstoke has been economically recently and how much tourism is booming. He noted tourism from China is increasing and that ongoing improvements to the Trans-Canada Highway will only get more people to come here. “There’s a lot of people going through Revelstoke and more and more of them are stopping,” he said. “Those trends are not going to stop.” In essence, Revelstoke is poised to capitalize even more from the tourism boom and there are investors who want to get in on the action. Another big question is should this happen? Revelstoke is already home to two mountains with easy access to the

alpine (RMR and Mount Revelstoke National Park), and numerous others where a combination of logging roads and trails can get you up there (Sproat, McCrae, Cartier, Frisby, Sale, Joss, and Keystone, amongst others). Should there be more access to alpine environments? Tomm called it a philosophical question, adding accessibility was an issue for many. “For the very young and the very old, accessibility is an issue. You go to Rogers Pass and it’s a long way to get somewhere. Not all people can do that. Philosophising aside, I think communities like Revelstoke will continue to grow and diversify.” He also argued that a sustainable resort development could have less impact than other land uses. Forestry companies have logging rights and many mining claims exist that could be developed in the future. The south shoulder of Mount Begbie has been logged extensively and a cut block was harvested on the main face a few years ago. “Forestry has the rights to cut all the timber we can see from Revelstoke,” Tomm noted. “As the economy changes, is that in the best interest of Revelstoke? “A project that we’re considering could actually be an interesting form of land use because it would protect trees from being cut,” he added. I spoke to Loni Parker a second time after my conversation with Tomm. She said Tomm told her they were planning a proposal for a gondola on Mount Beg-

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bie. (Tomm denied this: “To reiterate what I said the other day, I’m consulting for multiple different groups. We are looking at a whole bunch of different projects.”) “The question for the community should be where do you want development to go and how much is enough,” she said. “We really need to have a community dialogue on what gets done where before any more tenures are given out.” Parker is retiring from her role as director of Columbia-Shuswap Regional District Area B this year. (This role makes her the elected local goverment representative for a vast swathe of land outside of Revelstoke city limits, stretching from Mica Dam to Trout Lake). Parker said she hopes to get started on a backcountry land use plan for the Revelstoke area as her last project. She said development should remained focused on RMR, which was the subject of extensive community debate. As far as a gondola on Mount Begbie, if it did move forward, she would be out in front opposing it. “It’s incredulous that someone would thing they should do that in this community,” she said. “We have enough development and it’s ongoing. “It’s our iconic Mount Begbie and I think it should be left alone,” she added. “It’s the wrong place to do something

like that.” So, is another tourism development worthwhile, or is it out of the question? Is it better than logging (or mining)? Is that what we should be asking should another resort somewhere nearby ultimately be proposed? If the proposal is indeed on Mount Begbie, do we need to reconsider our community’s connection to the mountain? What’s wrong with a gondola when we already allow logging? Should we accept both, oppose both, or choose sides? I wonder what they said in Whistler when lifts opened on Blackcomb Mountain in 1980. Is that a fair comparison? I was hoping to write a breaking news story here about a plan to put a gondola on Mount Begbie, but I didn’t find the evidence I need. Given the rumours that have circulated, I still felt it was worth writing something, if only to spark a discussion while investors and developers work on plans. Last month I wrote in this magazine about how development dominated the agenda of the outgoing Revelstoke City Council. While I was unable to produce any smoking gun about a Mount Begbie gondola development, it’s clear Revelstoke will continue to see investment and development and the community discussions around those issues will continue to be at the forefront of our discourse in the years to come.

You may have already seen the Revelstoke HearingLife (formerly Canadian Hearing Care,) clinic staff around town. Hearing Instrument Practitioner Dameion Notte and Client Service Administrator Abbey Renaud have been servicing the Revelstoke community for years. Dameion and Abbey both wanted careers that they could grow with and help people in. They found that in the hearing healthcare industry. “Seeing people hear better as well as seeing the reaction of their family members when they can hear is most rewarding for me,” says Dameion. “The thing I find most rewarding is when a client comes in stressed out about a hearing or hearing aid related issue and seeing their face light up when we help them solve the problem,” adds Abbey. “It’s truly

HearingLife has a hearing healthcare clinic at 305 1st Street West that is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. The HearingLife staff provide hearing evaluations, hearing aid services, and custom hearing protection to Revelstoke residents, but the appreciation that these hearing experts have for the Revelstoke community goes beyond business. Dameion loves the familiarity of the town and Abbey was born and raised here. “I love the small town feel and the ability to walk down the street and wave to everyone,” says Dameion. “I love how I know almost every person in the grocery store, or walking down the street. Most of the time, clients stop me to ask a question about their hearing aids, or to tell me a story about my Dad when he was younger. I like how connected everybody is.” As a Client Service Administrator, Abbey cleans and repairs hearing aids, books appointments, and answers client questions. If you are interested in booking a free hearing appointment with Dameion at the Revelstoke HearingLife clinic, please call Abbey at 1-888-542-1170. Formerly

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COMMUNITY

New Three Valley Gap memorial commemorates interned Japanese Canadians responsible for building highways The project marks 75 years since the Japanese Canadian internment during World War II By Laura Hodge

New memorials will commemorate interned Japanese Canadian workers who helped build the Trans-Canada Highway near Revelstoke. It’s a part of Canadian history that’s not widely talked about. In 1942, after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbour, Japanese Canadians were declared a national security threat and labelled as “enemy aliens,” despite the majority being Canadian by birth. A 100 mile restricted zone was set up around the West Coast of Canada as part of the War Measures Act. Over 22,000 Canadians of Japanese descent were forced out of their homes on the West Coast of B.C. and made to sell their belongings. Separated from their families, around 1,700 Japanese Canadian men were taken eastwards to road internment camps, where they were forced to build many of Canada’s highways, including the Revelstoke–Sicamous Highway 1. Those who refused to be separated, or who refused to work, were arrested

and sent to Prisoner of War camps in Ontario. Finally, four years after the end of World War II, in the April of 1949, the internment camps were dissolved and Japanese Canadians were released. On September 22, 1988, former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney issued an official apology and a compensation package to all of those affected. It’s a piece of Canada’s past that not many know about, but a series of commemorative road signs aim to change that. After a four-month nomination period, members of the B.C. public chose 56 historic locations with significance to Canadians of Japanese descent as part of “the government’s continued efforts to recognize and celebrate the diversity and multiculturalism of B.C.” On Friday, September 28, the Ministry

of Transportation and Infrastructure in partnership with the Japanese Legacy Committee unveiled a new Highway Legacy sign at the Rutherford Beach Rest Area near Three Valley Gap. The sign remembers those who were interned at the Revelstoke–Sicamous road camp and who worked hard to build the Revelstoke–Sicamous Highway 1 that many of us use today. “The organizing committee’s goal is education. They see this sign project as an opportunity to learn the lessons about the mistakes of our history, which happened in our own backyard not so long ago so that we don’t make the same mistakes again. The next time you get onto the highway, send a quiet nod of thanks to those of the past and present who helped build our great highways.” The Revelstoke-Sicamous road camp consisted of six camps: Solsqua, Yard

Creek, North Fork, Taft, Griffin Lake and Three Valley Gap, which housed a total of 500 Japanese Canadian workers. The men spent two years and four months improving, aligning and reconstructing various sections of 44.5 miles of the Trans-Canada Highway west of Revelstoke for a salary of 20 cents per day. The men interned at this camp set up hockey, baseball and basketball teams with their hockey team receiving particularly high recognition. The men at Three Valley Gap even built a flower garden and a Japanese bath (nihon buro) so they could rest and rewind after a tough day of labour. The head Engineer for the project lived in Revelstoke and when the men were granted permission to visit their families in 1943, he issued permits to allow them two weeks of leave. The camp was the first one to be shut

Interned Japanese Canadians at a camp near Taft, B.C. down as many men either left to be reunited with their families or found work that paid better. The Revelstoke-Sicamous sign is one of 8 interpretive signs located around B.C. to commemorate the men held at the

internment and road camps. As written in the project’s fundraising letter by Howard Shimokura and Chuck Tasaka: “It is about racism, about social injustice and how, acted out and driven by fear

and hysteria, they can shatter families and communities. It also teaches us about hardship and struggle, models the courage, love and resilience of the human spirit in overcoming adversity. By sharing our stories, the Japanese Canadian story

becomes the story of each and every one of us. We can be inspired to learn from the mistakes of our past to make a better tomorrow.”

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ELECTIONS

Q & A with city council candidates: What made you decide to run for a spot on council? Revelstoke city council candidates introduce themselves Campaigning for Revelstoke’s upcoming civic election on Oct. 20 is well underway. As part of our coverage the Mountaineer’s civic affairs reporter Melissa Jameson and former Revelstoke Review editor Alex Cooper teamed up to create a comprehensive list of questions for the candidates. The questions cover a wide-variety of issues that are likely to be central to the election and our series in the Mountaineer online features candidates verbatim answers. The topics include everything from housing to the environment, community development and more. This is part of a series of questions that will be published on revelstokemountaineer.com. To kick off the election coverage series we asked council candidates the following question: Tell us a bit about yourself and what made you decide to run for a spot on Revelstoke City Council? The following are the responses from the candidates waho got back to us prior to our publication deadline.

Gary Sulz (candidate for mayor) For me, Gary Sulz running for Mayor of Revelstoke is a natural progression. I have served this community as a funeral

director for the past 34 years. Working in this profession allows me to meet residents of all walks of life and understand their needs and concerns. I have also served with the RCMP Auxiliary program for 10 years from 1991-2001 and as Emergency Social Services Director for the past four years. I have served one term on

On October 20th, 2018

RE-EL EC T B I L L M AC FA R LA N E for SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE

YOUR EFFECTIVE, COMMITTED VOICE FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION 22

City Council 2014-2018 and having lived in this community for many years, I have seen the changes, heard the concerns and understand the problems we face through growth and transition from resource-based economy to an adrenalin-based economy.

ELECTIONS Michael Brooks-Hill (candidate for council) My name is Michael Brooks-Hill and I have lived in Revelstoke since 2003. Not a long time in the local pecking order, but long enough to have witnessed a rapid transformation. I came here originally for work (treeplanting), to ski and spend time with my family. The years passed, and as I travelled, I began to realize that I had never really found a better place than Revelstoke. In the last election, I ran for Mayor because I wanted to see change in both the tone, and the trajectory of our town’s development. I am running again because I still see large segments of the town that are not being represented at the council table. Revelstoke is growing, but we need to ensure that we know what we wish to become. We are reaching a crucial time in the development of our town. I feel it is very important that as we move forward, we do so with all of the residents in mind.

Peter Humphreys (candidate for council) Almost 20 years ago, the opportunity arose to buy Hooker Shell (now Big Eddy Fuel) and we jumped at the opportunity. We sold everything and moved to Revelstoke to run a trucking business. Revelstoke has always gone through big economic swings due to dam, railway or highway construction. When we moved to town, it was at the bottom of one of its’ cycles. Houses were cheap, few new homes were being built and the highway and snowmobiling was our only tourism. Our kids had the full K-12 experience here and have now moved away. Fast forward to today when forestry

is booming, the railway is busy and tourists are flocking to visit our mountain gem. The saying, “Make hay while the sun is shining” is very relevant today. We must take advantage of this boom and set ourselves up for the inevitable bust. I believe we have been holding back progress, not in the name of protecting our community but due to the lack of leadership, communication and organization. I have commented publicly, for the last several years on local issues. Running for Council is a logical next step in my progression. I like crunchy peanut butter over smooth.

Tim Palmer (candidate for council) I have over 25 years experience in all aspects of local government from operations to administration. My formal education includes Business Administration (MBA, Royal Roads),Local Government Management (Capilano University), Trades (Red Seal Millwright and Electrician), Electrical Technology (BCIT). In my younger years I worked in trades in construction and manufacturing. For the past four years I have run a successful business helping local governments to perform better I am running for City Council to: •Ensure decisions are based on complete information. •Improve accountability and transparency. •Protect and enhance our natural surroundings and culture. I want to help the Revelstoke Council and the City of Revelstoke administration and operations to perform better. Specifically, I see a need for •better public engagement and feedback on issues including, Development Cost Charges (DCCs), wastewater solutions, and community development.

•protection and enhancement of parks, trails, and natural amenities. •decision making with residents interests first: including timely processing of permits,expansion of arts, and affordable housing. We need to protect our unique social fabric and provide more accountability in spending. Gary Starling (candidate for council) I came to Revelstoke in 1980 on a holiday. After only a few days, I decided this is where I wanted to be. In October of that year I took a job with CP Rail and worked there until January of 2013. I retired as a locomotive engineer. I also was very involved with the union for the last 8 years or so. My duties with the union included both Secretary Treasurer and Legislative Representative. As Legislative Representative I became familiar with several different government agencies. This experience served me well previously on council. I ran for council successfully in 2011 and, I am again seeking a seat on council. I have a great passion for Revelstoke that has never wavered since I first came here. My first term on council was a very good experience. I worked diligently to try to improve our community in many ways.

Steve Kent (candidate for council) I’m running for city council because I feel I can do a good job of it. With 14 years of experience working in the Provincial government (BC Parks), I am comfortable making decisions in a team environment and am used to the challenges encountered within bureaucratic processes. In addition, my 16 years of experience as a local contractor have given me an insight into the

character of our community and a practical, pragmatic approach to problem solving. I have lived in many communities over the years and, as such, have developed an open minded, objective perspective which I feel would be valuable to council and the community. The next 4 years will, in all likelihood, come with many important decisions for Revelstoke and I would like to have the opportunity to be part of that process.

Cody Younker (candidate for council) My Name is Cody Younker and I have lived in Revelstoke since 2015. I instantly fell in love with this community and since that time, have changed jobs and purchased a house downtown in order to remain a part of Revelstoke. I decided to run for Council as I believe public service is a great way to give back to the community and I feel that the current council hasn’t done a very good job of truly listening to its electorate. Revelstoke is currently at a crossroads where we can either continue to go down the path of spend and tax, spend and tax or we can begin to reign in our spending, slow the rate of taxation, encourage sustainable economic development and thus begin to solve the affordability crisis that we currently face.

Steve Cross (candidate for council) Growing up in a small rural town I discovered early how important nature and being outside was. My passion for the outdoors remains strong to this day. I studied environmental science and sustainability and later I studied

TIM PALMER FOR REVELSTOKE CITY COUNCIL

Help Revelstoke Perform Better ✓ More accountability and transparency ✓ Revelstoke Citizens first ✓ Sound decision making based on complete and accurate information ✓ Fiscal responsibility ✓ Protect the environment and social fabric of Revelstoke

Vote for a Wiser, Stronger & Better Council Vote for Experience, Knowledge and Skills

VOTE FOR

TIM PALMER

✓ 23

ELECTIONS accounting and worked with my father in his business. Later still, I did graduate studies and received my MBA degree from Queens University. As an entrepreneur the “school of hard knocks” taught me much. I know what it is to build something only to lose it, and I know what it is to pick myself up and build it again. I always do whatever I can to make things better. At Mountain Equipment Co-op I led the development of a collaborative team-based service culture and helped champion sustainability and green roof projects. While at the Canadian Centre for Ethics I wrote the business case for ethical leadership. I decided to run for office out of a deep love for what Revelstoke is and a deep respect for the work of others who made that happen. We have a lot of challenges coming at us and I believe that my experience with governance, working collaboratively and dealing with change, can help make a difference.

Nicole Cherlet (candidate for council) I come from a background in hospitality, service and education. I grew up in Winnipeg, traveled some after university, and settled here in Revelstoke almost 10 years ago, when the recession hit the world. My husband and I originally came for the snow we’d heard so much about, but we stayed because of the amazing community we met the following summer. I’ve worked in various restaurants and shops, while trying to figure out how to make Revelstoke a home that we could afford. Like many who work in service, we’ve struggled to make ends meet. I embraced my inner entrepreneur, and bought Big Mountain Kitchen & Linen at the start of 2014. This was made possible with the support of Community Futures and Deenie, the previous owner (when it was well-known as Chantilly Kitchen). I’ve always felt strongly that it’s up to each of us to volunteer and engage to make the world that we want to live in. I’ve volunteered with the Chamber of Commerce and the Revelstoke Local Food Initiative for several years, and lately have been feeling that my voice could better serve my community from the Council Chambers.

Tony Morabito (candidate for council) I’ve resided in Revelstoke since 1952 and currently live downtown with 24

my wife Ila of 50 plus years. I retired in 2015 after careers in both the public and private sectors with the Dept. of Highways, several logging companies and a short stint in Heavy construction as a labourer, machine operator and supervisor. My interests include hockey, skiing and fishing. Being the first president of the Grizzlies hockey club I am extremely proud the team is still operating in the KIJHL since the ‘93/’94 inaugural season. Since retirement I have been involved with construction of the roundabout, heli-pad and Nordic club upgrades. My experience with snow removal, construction and maintenance related activities should serve the community well in the decision processes involving City related activities. I decided to run in order to add a reasonable voice to the complex issues facing this community.

This story first appeared in the Mountaineer online. You can read other election stories, including coverage of the School District 19 (Revelstoke) trustee candidates, and candidates for the Columbia Shuswap Regional District Area B director at revelstokemountaineer.com.

STEVEN CROSS for Councillor

Building Community Together

COFFEE HOUSE CHATS Rob Elliot (candidate for council) Fifteen years ago my family and I moved to Revelstoke from the town of Canmore. Canmore in turn was a 10-year stopover after exiting Calgary and a corporate accounting career with Canada Safeway and a private bankruptcy firm. With accounting left behind: I’ve since created and operated several businesses, from restaurant/ cafes to modular home rebuilding; I’ve managed two mechanized snow cat operations; I’ve worked as a lead ski guide; I’ve held the general managers’ role at Revelstoke Mountain Resort and I’ve even done time as a timber faller. A small housing development currently maintains my attention with progress pending subdivision finalization.. The issues prevalent in 2003 Canmore were in many ways similar to the concerns Revelstoke now faces: skyrocketing home prices, affordability, worker shortages, infrastructure inadequacies, black windows (absentee home owners), and loss of town identity. In 2003, Canmore had no clear plan to address the town’s rampant growth. Consequences made running businesses in the community challenging, altered the town’s makeup and created strains in many areas. Revelstoke can be different. I want to participate on Revelstoke’s city council to ensure we welcome change/growth without fear and create a sustainable community shaped with intent. The Mountaineer made several attempts to contact mayoral candidate Darcy Wyonzek, however we had not heard back from her before our publication deadline.

Drop by, share a java, and let me know what you think is important. Looking forward to hearing what is on your mind! October 3, 10, 17 at The Modern – 10 am to 11 am October 4, 11, 18 at Conversations - 1 pm to 2 pm

Let’s work together to build “made in Revelstoke” solutions for our unique town.

Gary Sulz

has filed his nomination papers for the upcoming municipal election. Sulz currently a City Councillor is running for Mayor this time around.

“I’ve been in service to this community as a funeral director for the past 34 years and I have seen and experienced much change during these years. My ability to actively listen brings with it a sense of understanding of community needs. My management style will enhance trust within all sectors of our community. I feel that by my example others will feel empowered knowing that we work together for the benefit of the entire community. I believe Revelstoke has come a long way in the past few decades and is now ready to embrace positive action through someone who understands it’s needs and it’s people. I feel I am the right person to lead our community forward. I look forward to your support during the upcoming election.”

What’s next Revelstoke? Ahead of the October municipal election, Mountaineer city hall reporter Melissa Jameson reflects on why Revelstoke’s next city council needs to look at the past as well as the future. By Melissa Jameson As you’re reading this it’s very likely the candidates for Revelstoke’s next mayor and council are busy campaigning for votes in the upcoming October 20 civic election. Some will take to social media in an attempt to reach a wide audience. Some will print up pamphlets and ask supporters to post campaign signs on their front lawns. Some will take a more old school approach to election campaigning, choosing instead to go door knocking. In the tradition of small communities, it’s likely all will engage in curbside chats, sharing their thoughts and attempting to answer questions on topics deemed important by potential voters. As happens in most civic elections, the perceived failings of the previous council becomes the platform on which candidates build their argument for a place at the council table. This time around election campaigns were quickly built up around Revelstoke’s proposed development cost charge bylaw updates (and its subsequent demise at the council table), upgrades and improvements to the wastewater treatment facility, the lack of longterm affordable rental housing and a rising concern about the shift from a more industry-based economy to one relying on tourism dollars. At its roots though, all of the aforementioned topics can be summed up as a desire to navigate and control the changing cultural fabric of Revelstoke. The recent squashing of the proposed development cost charge bylaw updates is a key point in considering this. While it may have been met with a collective sigh of relief from its opponents, it was very likely a factor in all but one of Revelstoke’s current council members seeking re-election. Of the two current council members, Gary Sulz has thrown in the hat in the ring for mayor, challenged at the last minute by a newcomer candidate, Darcy Wyonzek. Perhaps it’s a city council filled with new faces that Revelstoke is in need of as we navigate our way into the future. To be blunt Revelstoke has a history of being change-resistant. My own great-grandfather, Rollie Hold, is a prime example of this. He came to Revelstoke from Prussia by way of Saskatchewan sometime in the 1920s and owned an experimental dairy farm on Mount Cartier. When BC Hydro began purchasing farmland south of Revelstoke as part of the Keenleyside Dam project in the 1960s, my great-grandfather steadfastly refused to sell. He was among the very last to agree to sell his farmland to BC Hydro, and as family lore tells it, was only after he had a stroke that

Revelstoke is undergoing a time of change. Revelstoke Mountaineer city hall reporter Melissa Jameson reflects on why we need to consider both our past and our future as we move through transition. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine file photo he finally gave in. I bring this up only as a way to showcase how resistant to change Revelstoke residents can be, something that still holds true in 2018. Fast forwarding back to current times, while Revelstokians can indeed be insular, on the flip side there have been and still are those who advocate for forward looking change. Caught in the middle is ‘Joe taxpayer,’ often swept to one side or the other without factual consideration about the longterm and financial impact of one side or the other. At the present moment in time, Revelstoke seems stuck in the same opposition as when the Keenleyside Dam near Castlegar became a reality, flooding the Arrow Lakes valley all the way up to Revelstoke. Only in this case it’s the aftermath of the community’s decision to embark on a journey towards becoming a ski resort town just over a decade ago. It’s easy to blame Revelstoke Mountain Resort for our community’s problems, and for certain the resort’s owners do need to partner up when it comes to helping to solve our community’s most pressing problems. On the same vein, however, as a community we have chosen this path and the complicated politics that come with it. As we look towards the future, the idea of an almost entirely new council roster seems exciting, but in truth they’ll face many of the same hurdles the current council has spent the past four years attempting to navigate, while simultaneously trying to fairly

divvy up the financial pie individual tax payers, business owners and developers have to pay. Over the past two years, I’ve sat through numerous council meetings, and the one conclusion I’ve come to is that while it’s easy to play armchair mayor and councillor in the comments section, it’s another thing entirely to affect change that is going to please everyone — or sometimes, anyone at all — when you’re an actual voting member on any city council. And no matter who comes to the table the same issues are still — development (and development cost charges), wastewater treatment upgrades, housing, and economic development. There are other issues, of course, but until we get it right these are the issues that will continue to plague the community. Whether Revelstoke’s new council is comprised entirely of new faces, or if it includes those few brave enough to put their names forward in the aftermath of the recently squashed proposed DCC bylaw updates, the fact is time needs to be set aside to make new decisions about priorities and forward looking community vision. City administration needs to take time to work together to realize community goals and to work through past issues. This is likely easier with a potential council made up of new faces than it is for city staff, but the truth is each side needs to come to terms, let go of past misgivings and start working on how we, as a community, can start working together for the future.

I get that last sentence seems cliche. To be honest, I cringed a bit while writing it. However, the truth is the new council inherits the previous council’s (and the council before that’s) level of service decisions which decide services provided, along with the city’s financial plan. What many voters may not realize is that before any decisions can be made there is a need for new council members to become familiar with how city politics actually work. “Sometimes new council members think that community leadership is fairly straightforward and not that dissimilar from running a business and that results can be achieved rather quickly,” said City of Revelstoke chief administrative officer Allan Chabot. “Those with that view quite often become frustrated with the pace and requirements of democratic decision-making and find it difficult to contribute or achieve as much on council as desired.” Perhaps it is those new faces willing to make it past the frustration who can help bring us into the future. However, I’d also argue that no matter who sits on council that they key to moving forward politically is keeping a strong lens on our past.

Journey’s Perch Converted church now home for weary travellers

By Amaris Bourdeau Rick Nybakken travelled Europe, Asia, and the Americas before realizing that the people you come across while drifting are the true superstars of any destination. He wanted to take the people aspect of his travels and turn it into a career, a feat not easily achieved. Luckily, the incredible hosts he met along the way helped him recognize that he had the same knack for hospitality as they did. Nybakken bought what is now Journey’s Perch Guesthouse back in 2016. The lodging is located just above the hill past the Illecillewaet Bridge. It took over a year of renovating before it opened officially in October of last year. The space had previously been used as a Presbyterian church, giving it an incredibly inimitable allure—but that’s just one small part of what’s inimitable about the guesthouse. “We think of the Perch as a hybrid,” says the host. “We treat it like a guesthouse but we do have dorm beds.” Indeed, the prices are slightly higher than your typical hostel (dorm rooms are $50 and private rooms $135). As well, the average age of guests varies dramatically. Plus, in lieu of cramming dorm beds everywhere, the space remains open with plenty of communal lounging and eating areas. This dynamic blend creates an incredibly unique experience, one that is certainly unprecedented in Revelstoke. The Chamber of Commerce lists 68 properties under its accommodation section. Most are guesthouses, bed & breakfasts, and inns. One is a hostel. Both categories are notably distinct, and the Perch is somewhere along the lines of both lodging styles. That’s because

Nybakken picked all the basic things that had made his various stays great over the years. Comfortable beds, plugins for the dorm beds, and welcoming common spaces are among these characteristics. Journey’s Perch guests often comment on the fact that they’ve never stayed in a shared accommodation before, but that the website’s photos had intrigued them. With dorm rooms, mutual lounge spaces, and shared bathrooms, community is at the forefront of the Perch’s values. In fact, Nybakken says the Perch came about because of a collective desire between himself and various friends to recreate the same unique experience of community they encountered when they first moved here. When first making the move to Revelstoke from Edmonton (for the town’s glorious winters, of course), he fell in love with the community, the town, and the attitude of the townspeople. His goal is to make his guests feel that way, too. This much is made obvious when stepping foot on the premises. Nybakken has two employees, Vie Fisette

and Hannah Vesterback, to whom he attributes much of the Perch’s success. Guests are treated as friends and the ultra-Canadian, naturally lit common areas seem to be just another part of the mountains. “I think it’s what people want to see when they come to Canada,” he explains. “I made sure to incorporate some of Revelstoke here.” Much of the art is sourced locally and multiple nature-inspired DIY features are made visible. The restored church, perched atop the steep hill that comes just after the Illecillewaet River crossing, has kept some of the building’s original features.

The dramatic exterior, stained glass windows, and wide-open spaces formerly used to seat churchgoers remain. But Nybakken has made a point of completely revamping the structure, making it one of the warmest accommodations imaginable. A resting point for everyone’s journey, as the Perch’s warm host so eloquently puts it. While accommodations will always be a key player in our town’s landscape, the Perch has found a way to stand out. A beautiful, high-end pit spot with the communal, hostel-esque spirit its host fell in love with over his travels.

Journeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Perch features an eclectic interior with hints of traditional and natural decor.

COMMENTARY

Revelstoke has ski town problems When it comes to navigating the journey to becoming a resort community it turns out we’re not that special By Melissa Jameson Pick a ski town, any ski town, and chances are you’ll find a community facing a myriad of problems. From a lack of affordable housing to difficulty attracting workers for seasonal and low-paying jobs, all the way down to concerns about how ski resort development impacts a community’s culture these are issues that impact every ski resort community. Not only in North America, but around the world. Revelstoke’s decision to turn Mount Mackenzie into a world destination ski resort didn’t come lightly. It was only after years of negotiating and decision making that the community decided that yes, a ski resort was the best option for Revelstoke’s economic vitality. And let’s be honest, pre-ski resort Revelstoke’s economic health wasn’t the best. Traditionally supported by a more industrial-based economy Revelstoke has had a history as a boom-and-bust community. As the years passed, it was becoming more and more clear that something needed to be done to help support Revelstoke’s economic health during the downturns the industrial sector is wont to experience. The thing is, despite the fact that the decision to become a world-class ski resort has helped Revelstoke’s economy in many ways over the past decade and a bit, we are still struggling to come to terms with the issues that have come along with it. Finding solutions to Revelstoke’s housing problems needs to remain a top priority. Revelstoke’s lack of housing, and especially affordable housing, arguably remains the number one issue the community needs to solve. Despite more than a decade of discussion, Revelstoke has made little movement when it comes to actually providing tangible solutions to address not only the overall lack of housing, but specifically the lack of affordable rentals. While there are developments underway that are intended to be rented out at a lower cost to tenants, the Revelstoke Community Housing Society’s Oscar Street development remains as the only current affordable solution, although in many ways I struggle with it’s notion of affordability since its rental rates are still relatively high. Many have argued that Revelstoke’s housing problems have been made worse by the fact that RMR has yet to build staff housing. While this may be true, when it comes to solving the housing crisis, we need to do more to 28

meet the demand head-on, rather than relying on yet-to-be-seen promises. The 2008 downturn in the economy no doubt played a factor in RMR’s decision to forgo its initial promise of employee housing. To put it bluntly, we need to stop wasting time laying blame and spending more time working together to find solutions. As a community, Revelstoke has been clear in its desire to avoid becoming another Whistler. That being said, it’s sometimes good to look at not only the problems, but the solutions, of a community you want to avoid becoming. There is no doubt Whistler has had, and continues to have, its share of issues. We would be remiss as a community to not look at the creation of the Whistler Housing Authority, an independent municipally owned corporation that focuses on having a goal of 75 per cent of employees locally and has an inventory of resident restricted housing, providing affordable rental and ownership accommodations for locals. Collaborative solutions needed to combat seasonal worker shortage. Here’s the thing when it comes to ski resort towns: someone has to clean the hotel rooms, someone has to man the ski lifts, someone has to work tirelessly to provide much needed ski patrol, and still someone has to pour jugs of beer to throngs of people who are either sharing their excitement over the days powder rungs or complaining relentlessly over the fact one member of their party slept late, making them miss the best pow runs of the day. Like other ski resort towns, Revelstoke relies heavily on international workers keen on spending a season or two in our beautiful town, to help fill up the mainly minimum wage service jobs that help keep our tourism economy alive. It’s not an easy problem to tackle. Service industry jobs have long remained viewed as being acceptable for people with little or no education, and are seen by many in North America as being less than acceptable jobs. While focusing on international workers willing to work for lower wages in exchange for a season in our powder town is a great idea, I think the real solution lies in finding ways to support local businesses to be able to pay staff a yearround living wage, even if it means that staff person doesn’t stay in the community all year. In the August, 2018 edition of the Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine I wrote a story on the worker shortage. In that

article I spoke about a possible solution to the worker shortage through creating a regional employee pool. At that time the Kootenay Workforce Development Team, which includes Revelstoke, was exploring the possibility of a project that would see the creation of an employee task force in the region. While the project was focused on creating opportunities for foreign workers to experience multiple communities during different seasons, I cannot help but wonder if something similar could be applied within our community long-term residents who struggle with keeping employment due to a decision to work within the service industry. In addition, there is a strong need to find ways to support local businesses so that they can stay open through our shoulder seasons, and pay staff a living wage. Many of our businesses here in Revelstoke are locally owned, independent and want to be able to support those in our community as longer-term staff. It’s not an easy feat for local business owners who are also impeded by our seasonal economy. As a community I think we could be doing more for local business owners willing to go the extra mile. Helping business owners access available provincial and federal employment funding to help offset wages is a great start. In addition, I see a need to create a pool of “staff sharing” where employers can create a database of employees with multiple skills. For example, perhaps someone could be employed as a liftee at RMR during the winter, and then as a server at a local restaurant during the summer. I know many workers already do this, but the idea would be for the employee to have year-round employment without the need to seek out work between one season and the next. It would already be done. Navigating the path of development while keeping Revelstoke’s community culture. I will never forget my first months moving to Revelstoke. I have strong family ties here. My grandparents (Earl Fey and Edith Fey (Rix) grew up here during the 1930s. My mom was born in the Save On Foods parking lot (the location of the Queen Victoria Hospital prior to its relocation to Arrow Heights), and if I watch closely while at the Revelstoke Dam Visitor Centre, I can find my dad among the men videotaped during the building of the Revelstoke dam in the early 1980s. I didn’t grow up in Revelstoke, and neither did my parents, but the commu-

nity’s culture of “family first” has long been instilled in me and my younger brother. I recall both my grandparents and parents refusing an invite because no kids were allowed. For my grandpa especially, an invite without allowing children was an invite you simply did not accept. No kids allowed? No thanks, we won’t be attending. I believe it is this strong community culture of family connection that has seen so many wanting to move here over the past decade, in addition to those individuals coming here for a season of epic powder adventures. As we move forward as a community we are seeing the need for increased development and infrastructure upgrades. How this will be navigated and paid for remains to be seen, but the truth is we are growing as a community and as a result our sewer, water and roads do need to be upgraded. It’s a complex issue and one that has yet to meet a middle ground within the community. My fear is that this will be the breaking point in Revelstoke, used to create a community culture of “us and them” rather than focusing on bringing newcomers into the cultural family fold. After all, what would our Revelstoke ancestors have said to a newcomer showing up on the farm? I’ve no doubt that if they showed up at my family’s farmstead they may have been met with a fair amount of skepticism, but been given a hot meal and a chance to share their story all the same. Maybe it’s that healthy farmer skepticism and railway worker view of family and community events we really need to get back to when it comes to navigating our way through ski town problems. No farmer or railway worker ever thought they were special. They just did what they needed to do. I think we need to be doing the same. The bottom line when it comes to navigating our path to becoming yet another ski-town is this: We need to stop sticking our heads in the sand when it comes to solutions to our problems. Revelstoke has a history of being insular. As a community, we come by it a bit honestly. Our past history has been based on our isolation as a community. And while the occasional avalanche may still render us cut-off from the rest of the world on occasion, the fact is we do have connections to solutions to our ski town problems. Let’s stop pretending no one else has ideas and instead start looking at what other communities in our exact same situation have done to mitigate ski town problems.

LUNA NOCTURNAL ART & WONDER REVELSTOKE, BC

2018

Zuzana Riha Mist and Mystery

TO ALL THE ARTISTS, VOLUNTEERS, SPONSORS, PARTICIPANTS, GUESTS AND CHAMPIONS OF LUNA...

Main Gallery

THANK YOU! SEE YOU NEXT YEAR

Luna is produced by the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre,

the Revelstoke Arts Council and the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce

September 29th- October 19th 320 Wilson Street 250 814 0261 www.revelstokeartgallery.ca

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

ACCOMMODATION ASSOCIATION

Funded by the Government of Canada

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia and the Province of British Columbia's Resort Municipality Funding Program. 29

COMMUNITY

The Sept. 10 Silent Vigil for World Suicide Prevention Day focused on what Revelstoke can do to help. Photo: contributed

Creating a more inclusive community in Revelstoke By Natalie Daley

I’m sitting down at Dose Cafe with Emily Kemp, Communications Specialist at Revelstoke Women’s Shelter Society. Within only a few minutes of knowing each other we’re digging deep into the social climate of Revelstoke, talking about the various consequences of living in a town whose modus operandi is to live life to the fullest. “It’s a sweet life but the expectation to always be living that is not a reality,” Emily says. “You’re going to have down days.” This is my second time living in Revelstoke — the first was, like many, an experiment in mountain town living with nothing but time, a part-time serving job, and the drive to get in as many days snowboarding as possible until I headed back east. Fast forward five years and I’m back, job in hand and a commitment to making it work. With a management role at an arts-based mental health non-profit focused on awareness and a side gig in running suicide prevention workshops (not a mouthful at all), my new outlook on town is to get to the heart of what connects us all: our mental health. Enter my impromptu coffee date with Emily. We chatted about the isolation that can accompany moving to a town that — while exciting and bustling — can feel overwhelmingly lonely at the same time. You know the 30

drill. With so many transient folks, the effort to meet people can be all encompassing. Our instinct is to ask, ‘Are you sticking around, or just here for the season?’ as a measure of how much we should invest in a friendship. Not to mention the housing crisis (basement-suite living for the win), weeks of all-smoke-and-no-fun, and the impending shoulder season where keeping your endorphins in check under cloud cover is a necessity. So, it’s no wonder why even though we live in an unbelievably beautiful spot, the effort required to make it work can take a serious toll on our wellbeing. From the outside it looks like Revelstokians have it all, so it’s easy for our complaints to feel invalid. In 2016, National Geographic wrote a two-part story focusing on the rise of suicide in mountain towns in the US, dropping the truth bomb that “the mere notion of living in paradise can amplify one’s feelings of depression and isolation.” I bring this forward to pose to you: how can we help one another? How can we make town feel a little less isolating? How can we have deeper and more compassionate conversations? Lately I’ve had amazing interactions with Revelstokians both short and long term, and have been inspired by the solidarity that exists under the

layer of stoke. Below are some of the folks and unique programs in town making a difference: CYMHSU The mouthful acronym you’ve seen around town, the Child and Youth Mental Health Substance Use collaborative has more offerings than just for youth. They connect most mental health service providers in town to develop an ecosystem of support, and host evenings like the Sept. 10 Silent Vigil for World Suicide Prevention Day. Do you have a wallet card yet? It lists all the mental health services in town in case you need to reach out. To learn more, connect with the amazing Stacie at revelstokecymhsu.wordpress. com/ safeTALK I’ve witnessed a desire from people to have safe spaces to talk about taboo topics like mental illness and suicide and to find out what small actions can be done to help support others. In B.C., 500 individuals die by suicide each year, and as I’m sure some of you know from experience, it is often the people you least expect who are

struggling. safeTALK is a workshop that empowers people to start conversations about suicide and learn how to spot and approach those who may be struggling. Some community workshops have been held, but employers in town are realizing speaking about suicide can no longer be swept under the rug. Take Avalanche Canada. This November as part of their staff-wide training they’re hosting a safeTALK workshop for the first time, and major kudos for doing so. Gilles Valade, AvCan’s Executive Director, says it’s critical. “I suspect most of us have unfortunately lost friends, colleagues or acquaintances to suicide. If there is anything that we can do to help prevent even one person to get to a point where ending their life is the only option, then we must do it. Learning about what to do and how to talk about this is a concrete and vital step.” Want to learn more? Contact natalieamdaley@gmail.com to learn about local trainings in the community or for your business. Moving Mountains A gap in men’s services has been addressed with the ‘Moving Mountains’ (MM) group, hosting gatherings that include campfires, frisbee, and hiking,

Rich reds herald fall flavours By Heather Hood Finally my enthusiasm for Rosé has started to wane, for now — even if it’s just temporary. So with the Rosé chilling in the cellar, the transition has begun to enjoy more red wines. The season is changing, the days are getting shorter and the layers of clothes are becoming more plentiful. There are some fun and delicious wines this month. I always enjoy trying new wines but there are periodically bottles that I taste which really reinforce what my palate likes. I’m not sure if you have the same feeling of joy when this happens but I find it really adds to the whole experience. It’s like your palate has a memory that wakes up and responds in a different way.

Beaumont Pinot Gris, 2015 West Kelowna, B.C. $23.61 A wine with strong aromas of grapefruit, notes of honey and subtle stone fruit. There is a viscosity to this wine that coats the mouth nicely with these flavours. This wine is a little hot, which means that it has a bit of a higher alcohol content and can be detected on the palate. The wine will pair well with rich foods such as a delicious cheese platter.

Larch Hills Maréchal Foch, 2017 Salmon Arm, B.C. $18.83

Websites, pamphlets, and several community organizations are there to help people in need. Photo: submitted to name a few. Men in B.C. are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. 53% of those men are above the age of 40. MM gathers together weekly in a non-threatening environment, building community through activity where people can be as involved as they’d like. Want to find out about the next adventure? Email movingmountains@telus.net Revelstoke Women’s Shelter Society (RWSS) Our relationships (whether they be intimate, family or friendships) have a huge impact on our outlook and success in life. Toxic relationships in particular can take a significant emotional toll. Add the effects of depression and isolation, and people undoubtedly cling to these relationships as a life raft. The RWSS provides a safe space and women are encouraged to get in touch for a chat (24/7 at 250-837-1111), support and programming: revelstokewomensshelter. com Death Cafe With a bold objective to increase awareness of death and help people “make the most of their (finite) lives,”

Death Cafe is a group-directed discussion of death with no agenda, and acts as more of a discussion group rather than grief support or counselling. Hosted the last Monday of each month at Dose, facilitator Theresa is committed to examining death and loss on a social level. “We’ve medicalized and sterilized death, and we can’t celebrate it like we do birth,” Theresa says. “It’s amazing how much laughter there is [at Death Cafes]. We all have death in common, so there’s no way that commonality and unity doesn’t happen.” Intrigued? Find out about the next one in town: https:// deathcafe.com/ or contact Theresa at thamilton88@gmail.com Despite its many challenges, Revelstoke is a pretty special place. For a town of this size to offer as many community supports as it does is revolutionary in my mind. The smallest of actions can go a long way in sparking meaningful dialogue, especially when mental health is our own internal way of processing the world, and ultimately something we’ll be talking about for the rest of our lives. To be impacted by something we all confront, yet not be talking about it fully as a community seems counterintuitive to this experience we call life. So, let’s start! After all, it takes a village.

Maréchal Foch, or Foch as it is also referred to, is a French hybrid. It is also named after the French general, Ferdinand Foch. As a grape, it has small clusters and can be tedious to harvest. As a wine, it is different from most reds as it has with deep inky purple colour, but has very light tannins, which can be appealing to people who might not like red wine. This particular wine is medium in body with flavours of cherry, tobacco and vanilla. This is an easy wine to drink with a nice finish. It would pair well with almost anything you can think of or be enjoyed on its own.

The Hatch The Smoke Show, 2015 West Kelowna, B.C. $27.96 The Smoke Show is a fantastic red wine that is made from Cabernet Franc grapes which came from the south Okanagan in 2015. That year, the vineyard was surrounded by wildfires and smoke which influenced the taste of the wine. This wine has flavours of black cherries and plums, tobacco, vanilla, cocoa and leather. It has medium tannins and lingers nicely on the palate. This wine would pair well with roasted meats, rich tomato sauce or easily enjoyed on its own.

All wines available at Cheers! Downtown Revelstoke Open 9am to 11pm Delivery to your door Call 250-837-4550

OUTDOORS

The bag

Words and photos Rob Sim

Circumstances can change quickly, and when Revelstoke photographer and guide Rob Sim’s plans changed, he went with the flow that landed him a gig shooting photos for an Indian Himalayan heli-ski outfit last winter. The following is an excerpt from that ongoing saga — one that keeps growing and could potentially never end if it ever links up with another saga. In the spirit of the great fall getaway, when Revelstoke peak season employees take a break from the rain and slush, we’ve published an excerpt from his story and (potential) upcoming local photo exhibit.

I suppose every travel journey begins with your trusty bag. It’s your life, packaged up in a to go container. Its contents chosen from all your worldly possessions to help you survive or thrive on your journey. It’s your lifeline. Without it you are truly lost until rescued. With that in mind, I fired my trusty crap into my old-faithful and headed for the familiar unknown. It was chaos upon arrival. In other words, Delhi. It just kind of shoves you along the current so to speak. The drama outside your taxi window acts like a TV screen as you flip through surreal channels, rife with poverty unlike what you’ve ever known. Your heart will be broken repeatedly within minutes of your arrival by dirty faces of innocent street children, pushed up close against your window, groomed to turn that very thing into Rupees from passing motorists. India, warts and all. This time, my arrival didn’t leave me at the security station, explaining at gunpoint, that the white powder spread throughout my snowboard bag wasn’t anthrax or blow, just Dr. Scholls. So that was new. I was met by a driver from Himachal Heli Adventures and was delivered to my hotel somewhere near Humayun’s Tomb, which might mean something to you history buffs. I got settled in and awaited the arrival of Himachal’s core team. Roger Kingston was my contact before my trip and was due to arrive next. He is the operations manager of Harris Mountain Heli Ski out of Queenstown, New Zealand, and upon meeting the bearded, grey and grizzled vet, my first thought was ‘Man! This guy is older than the hills!’ However being a Tasmanian, meant he was also harder than most of

those hills and promptly set off to find out where the coldest beers were and how quickly we could have them in hand. Next to arrive was Trevor Streat, Operations Manager at Mount Cook Heli, New Zealand. He needed no introduction as far as I was concerned. I had read books about his exploits in both New Zealand and the Karakoram. Widely considered New Zealand’s most prolific ski guide and author of most of New Zealand’s mountaineering textbooks. World-famous in New Zealand, as they say in New Zealand. He arrived, hash charra in hand, bitching about its quality to Summit, our handler while in New Delhi, who profusely was apologetic. Four a.m. the next morning came mighty quick as we gathered outside to watch our drivers struggle to load all our ski and snowboard bags into sedans. When it came time to shove my bag in the sedan, Trev’s eyes lit up … pointing at my bag, his eyebrows heightened in disbelief. “The bag! No! I know that bag! No way! It’s back … in my life! No!” Trev leant in for a closer look, noting the tear in the bottom corner, the broken strap that was emergency repaired and then left in that state. The logo, a Skaters Sportshop, maple leaf embroidered special. “This is the exact bag! I… I don’t get it!” Trev scratched his head as his eyes scanned for answers, finally settling on me, the only unknown in the whole equation. Then it hit him. In order to tell the tale of how Trev knew my bag, I’ll need to flash back to the year 2004 for a moment. I had just finished up a three-month mountaineering semester in Mt. Cook, New

Zealand with Alpine Guides. I had asked to store my snowboard bag there as I continued on travelling to Australia to chase waves. Figuring that I would be back almost immediately to pick it up but one year became two and time kept ticking over as the Effen Search dragged

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on in that part of the world. Shortly after my abandonment of it, the bag bounced around from office to office until it found its permanent home in Trev’s. For three and a half years, Trev and my snowboard bag shared the same space and developed a bit of a rapport. It lived almost exclusively behind the door in the corner of the room and sometimes it would make its presence known by slowly creeping into a fall along the wall, taking with it any pictures, certifications and memorabilia in its path. Other times it would fall across the closed door while Trev was out, completely jamming the door shut, which would result in him having to climb onto the roof and then abseil down through the open window of his second floor office. It had turned into such a thorn in his side that other guides would rib him in passing with quips like ‘How’s the bag, Trev?’ or ‘Probably the bag’s fault, huh Trev?’ Then one day he returned to his office and just like that, the bag had vanished. The only clue of the identity of its owner was the sound of an unfamiliar voice issuing a distinctly Canadian, ‘Thanks, Eh!’ on the way out the front door with the sound of its broken wheels being dragged across the parking lot, never to be seen again. At least, until that moment, eleven and a half years later, when he finds himself crammed beside it in a cab in Delhi as our driver, clearly agitated by the car ahead, lays on the horn and dives into oncoming traffic forcing everyone to swerve around him, nearly causing a multitude of accidents. ‘Women drivers! Yeah?’ He asks as he swerves back into the proper lane cutting off said ‘woman driver’ while extended long looks at us, expecting a quick agreement with his previous statement. Clearly the irony was lost on him; however, we were running late for the train to Chandigarh and I didn’t think it was an appropriate time to bring up the women’s rights movement bullet points while he drove fast and took chances. Ahead of us after driving right through the moshpit of Delhi’s train station, was a crammed four-hour train ride through the dusty Punjab plains to the city of Chandigarh. We had another 12 hours of rugged Himalayan roads rising up from the plains through a network of 34

valleys and high passes into the fabled Himalaya. For me it was a somber drive. Just before departing that morning, and Trev’s reunion with my bag, I was informed of the sudden passing of a friend back home, Gregg. Cancer. Gone too soon and leaving behind a wife and beautiful young daughter. Life has its ways of reminding you of its finitude at inopportune times. Contemplating the strange nature of life and it’s fragility isn’t really ideal while sitting in the front seat on those tight winding switchbacks where oncoming traffic appears without warning at speed and the risk of rolling down the never-ending mountainside was a real possibility. Especially when your chatty Indian rally champion driver needed constant reminders to keep eyes on the road during drawn out philosophical debates. ‘Yes, I get it Raj, Life IS like ice cream, Eye’s Up, Holy Sh…!!!’ ‘As I was saying, Mr. Rob, when the Lord Vishnu came to me in a dream and told this…’ “Raj!’ ‘Sorry Mr. Rob, Close one!’ Chuckles. ‘Yes… He told me this and after that I became rally champion for whole of Ind...’ ‘Raj!’ ‘It is fine Mr. Rob, we Hindus believe in reincar…’ ‘Raj!’ There I sat, staring out at the rugged vistas that weave through a cultural maelstrom of untold beauty as well as multiple grills of oncoming errant Indian-style concrete trucks overtaking other oncoming errant Indian style concrete trucks. The feeling of death’s icy presence wouldn’t leave me, sometimes due to Raj’s last-second, inattentive swerve, but mostly it would just linger in the back of my mind. Not an overbearing feeling, just one of an unwanted silent observer that had just walked in and taken a seat in the back of the room and looked at you with a familiar look of ‘Hello old friend, had you forgotten about me?’ I couldn’t shake that feeling for my entire time on the subcontinent. The Himalaya awaited and it definitely had something to say about that subject.

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Revelstoke Museum & Archives curator and author Cathy English at the release party for her new chronicle of Revelstoke history. Photo: contributed

Revelstoke — Creating a Community: Brown Bag History Volume II

In addition to this, there is a great foreword by the former Mayor of Revelstoke, Geoff Battersby, talking about the meaning of community, especially in relation to Revelstoke. Something that members of the Revelstoke community, both past and present, have shared are common interests. Whether it be appreciating the stunning location of this town, enjoying outdoor activities, or being self-starters with innovative business ideas, Revelstoke has formed into a friendly, strong and supportive community. To wrap up the book, we are provided

with Cathy’s chocolate banana cake recipe, which has become famous amongst community members who regularly attend the museum meetings and events. So as recommended by Cathy, go grab yourself a hot drink and a slice of chocolate banana cake and dive in to Revelstoke’s wonderful history! Revelstoke — Creating a Community: Brown Bag History Volume II is available to purchase from the Revelstoke Museum and Archives and Grizzly Book & Serendipity Shop.

Revelstoke Museum & Archives curator Cathy English releases new history book By Laura Hodge Since 2003, Cathy English, curator at the Revelstoke Museum & Archives and a well respected member of our community, has hosted fortnightly Brown Bag History talks, providing insight into various aspects of Revelstoke’s past. Following on from these informative lunch-time talks, Cathy has put together a book which further delves into the history of this wonderful little town. The book is divided into chapters, each covering a specific aspect of the town’s past. Some of the historical areas focused on within the book include hotels, law and order, the city parks and Revelstoke’s brewing history. Cathy begins with an exploration of Revelstoke’s various neighbourhoods, which then leads into a walking tour of Revelstoke, describing many of the town’s prominent buildings. We are provided with exciting glimpses into their past, learning about how the buildings came to be, the characters that resided within the walls and the stories that make them such an interesting part of Revelstoke’s history. When learning about the history of Revelstoke’s buildings, a common theme seems to arise: fire! Interestingly it would seem that at some point or 36

another, many of Revelstoke’s buildings have either been damaged or completely destroyed by fire, whether intentional or due to poor fire-proofing methods at the time. Snippets of stories found in old newspapers are used throughout the book, informing us of some of the interesting events that once occurred in this town — from an escaped circus monkey (who wreaked havoc in the dining hall of the City Hotel) to two schoolteachers who caused quite the scandal with their illicit love affair, eventually running away to the US. Another interesting story mentioned in the book highlights Revelstoke’s association with the Italian Mafia, aka the Black Hand, after a local member of the Italian community, Frank Julian, was murdered. It would appear that the Mafia were keen to establish themselves here in Revelstoke, but members of the Italian community (including Frank Julian) and the local authorities worked hard to keep them out. Ultimately, all of the fascinating stories compiled in Cathy’s book show us how Revelstoke has been shaped into the town and community that it is today. The book truly accomplishes Cathy’s goal of getting the community involved in Revelstoke’s story, allowing readers to feel some relation to the history in their own lives.

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How to be tech savvy Tech savvy used to nod at learning to control technology. Now the feat is not letting it control you. By Shannon MacLean, RHN These days, everyone is a brand. Websites, social media apps, and podcasts sandwich valuable information between external gratification, “likes,” suggestive imagery, and sensational catch-phrases. Social media has us networking more than ever yet reduces real-time human connection. Feelings of inadequacy arise while we compare our bumbling lives to carefully curated, filtered, and perfected images and media accounts. All the while, the ease of a click, swipe, or scroll is a constantly dangling distraction. Not surprisingly, a recent study in young adults showed a correlation between increasing cell phone use and decreasing grades. While previous generations used to grasp for information, our challenge today is to sift through it. According to Chris Kresser, the average American spends four hours per day on their phone, checking it 50 times. That means an American who lives to 80 years will have spent 12 of those years gazing into their phone. Our smartphones have been likened to slot machines, itches that we constantly scratch. Every ding that emanates announces a variable reward, either good or bad, bringing with it a strong dopamine rush. The unpredictability of the next hit is addictive and exciting. Because overstimulation of dopamine (the pleasure neurotransmitter) leads to neuron death, these cells have a self-protective mechanism; they down-regulate, causing a need for more and more hits to feel that same rush. This is called tolerance. When the neurons start to die? Addiction. In the words of Elon Musk, “Instagram is so thirsty, yet gives you Death by Water.” Serotonin (our happiness/contentment neurotransmitter) is inhibitory, not excitatory. Yet serotonin can be down-regulated by dopamine. Add stress to this civilized mess and you have the stress hormone cortisol down-regulating both serotonin (happiness) and dopamine (pleasure). In a seven-year follow-up study of over four thousand teenagers, more media use meant greater risk for depression. Before you techies get your cords in a knot, hear me out. Our smartphones are incredibly useful. They connect us to one another, streamline business and to-do lists, take great photos, and provide access to important information. Ironically, they are a necessary tool to be a responsive, available adult, yet overuse leads to irresponsiveness and unavailability. Since we stand to have so much to lose and yet so much to gain from technology, learning to use it responsibly is an important skill. It’s tech savvy. Nix Notifications Disable non-essential notifications on your smart phone. Phone, text message, and calendar notifications are likely the only essential ones.

Phone Fall Cleaning Uninstall social media apps from your phone. Check them from the web and set reasonable boundaries for usage. Sacred Space Create spaces of your home that are sacred – make the dining room table for eating, not phones or laptops. Keep technology out of your bedroom and let it be your healing sanctuary of rest and renewal. This improves sleep quality and duration, which improves will power. Day of Reset Make one day a week a phone-free day. Let your friends and family members know which day it is and keep it consistent. Use your Intuition We all have intuition and “gut feelings.” Give yourself a chance to gain confidence in yours before you google every uncertainty.

Follow these tips for paring down your screen time. Read a Book ...especially in the evening, instead of using the computer or TV. Outlandish, but effective. Connect Wherever you go, there you are. Connect to humans and animals in your immediate vicinity. The greatest gift you can give someone is your presence.

closer to them, rather than being pulled by what feels most urgent or loud to moment (which is often someone else’s vision). When you see progress and make contributions in line with your values, it feels good. Shannon MacLean is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and is currently accepting patients at Jade Wellness.

Contribute Get clear on your values and visions, so you can focus on tasks that lead you

Get Quiet Kelly Brogan states that “our phones have become the opiate of the masses.” The moment when you feel uncomfortable and reach for your phone to distract you is a squandered opportunity for growth that can keep you living in narrow emotional bandwidths. It’s important to breathe through emotions, rather than ignore them, as grief, pain, and sadness can be portals to joy. Aim to meditate for five minutes once a day, in a moment when you would’ve otherwise checked your phone. If you catch yourself reaching for it in a moment of discomfort, stop, breathe through your nose, and feel your contact with the floor, chair, or earth.

SHANNON MACLEAN

RHN, CHNC, BA-IR

Registered Holistic Nutrition.

Painless Posture Watch your posture when you’re on a laptop or phone. Can you keep your core engaged, your shoulders down your back, and your breath deep into your belly and back ribs? Try breathing in and out through alternating nostrils while reading emails. Switch up your laptop position. Try standing, laying down, and sitting on the floor with your laptop on the couch. Play a song that makes your groove and take a dance break. The body needs movement and doesn’t like moulding itself into the same chair for hours. Into the Woods Move your body outside every day and plan a few trips a year into service-free areas where you will be forced to abstain from technology. A place you can play in the woods and observe nature instead.

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Recers prepare for the Revelstoke Women’s Enduro event in September. Photo: Abby Cooper/Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine

Go slow to go fast By Bryce Borlick

From 20 feet in the air, he threw it all away. Josh Bryceland was on a scorcher of a run at the 2014 Downhill Mountain Bike World Championships and, with a sizeable lead over his competitors, he was headed for gold. But with the finish line in sight, Bryceland launched the final jump that everyone else had taken conservatively and, upon landing, shattered his left foot. Although he managed to finish his run, he lost precious seconds and, consequently, the title of World Champion. It was a costly mistake that highlights how sometimes the key to success lies in finesse. As they say in the world of downhill racing; jumps for show, corners for pros. While Bryceland’s famous leap may exemplify this quite literally, the underlying concept is that ragged riding and pizzazz, no matter how exciting it may be to watch, won‘t win any races. The pros who regularly step onto the podium ride with a precision and pace that isn’t the result of just letting the brakes go and holding on, rather it comes from the calculated process of gradually building speed. They craft a smooth race runs one rock, one root, one rut at a time. And in this case, what works for pros, works for Joes. Learn to ride smoothly and let speed come when you‘re ready for it. In the words of the indomitable Steve Peat, “slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” This concept of slowing down to go faster also rings true beyond the downhill track. In the world of endurance sports, rest and recovery are key elements to ensuring that your strength and stamina peak at the appropriate times of the season. Even

the most elite athletes, with their machinelike decimation of the most gruelling tests of mettle, will break down physically when the demands of training exceed their ability to recover. Some typical symptoms of overtraining are a higher resting heart rate, performance plateaus, loss of appetite, negative thought patterns, lower energy levels, and greater perceived exertion. When these start stacking up, it may be time to give your body a rest so it can recharge and come back stronger and more capable of tackling the goals you’ve set. Even Mother Nature gets it. If the cold, dark, and rainy conditions of Autumn don’t seem like a perfect excuse to take a break from training, then you may need that break more than you think. Unlike physical overtraining, mental burnout can be harder to recognize and often manifests itself as a lack of motivation or a general disinterest in goals that seemed so important just months or weeks earlier. Make some time for friends and family, take a class, tackle that list of neglected home projects, or just sit on a tropical beach with a Negra Modela in hand. When the time is right, you’ll find renewed vigour for athletic pursuits, or perhaps you’ll broaden your horizons and move on to something new. Either way, you’ll find what you need. Josh Bryceland made a full recovery and returned to professional racing for two more years before realizing his heart wasn’t in it anymore. As a professional freerider, he’s currently sending jumps and getting ragged like he was always meant to.

Ode to the clove The Track Street Growers Revelstoke Garlic Festival is turning into a fall classic, attracting hundreds to the small garlic farm at the foot of CPR Hill. Look out for this popular, growing, family-friendly event next September. Photos: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine