July 16, 2020 The Valley Voice 1

Volume 29, Number 14 July 16, 2020 Delivered to every home between Edgewood, Kaslo & South Slocan. Published bi-weekly. Your independently owned regional community newspaper serving the Arrow Lakes, Slocan & North Kootenay Lake Valleys. Ferry line-ups highlight community concerns in Fauquier by John Boivin, Local Journalism they had cinnamon buns and coffee,” Nakusp.” A spokesperson for BC Hydro Transportation says the ministry was Initiative reporter says Fraser. “The community was doing The community club is calling on said discussions regarding a proposed running the ferry system 24 hours a When Heather Fraser looked out what they can, but when you have this BC Hydro and the Province to come Needles-Fauquier Bridge over the day and on constant demand to help her window July 2, all she saw was a huge issue with washrooms, it’s not up with contingency plans, to be ready Arrow Lakes Reservoir have always minimize queuing times. long line-up of cars. up to us.” when traffic backs up next time. Fraser, been between the Province and local “The ministry and the maintenance “We just felt concerned for those Stranded for hours, waiting for the club’s treasurer, says they want to communities. contractor are always open for ideas on people stuck in the line-ups,” she says. their turn to cross, travellers soon found see portable washrooms stored nearby, “As transportation issues are outside ways we can improve our service, and “It was anywhere from a five- to six- nature calling. emergency garbage pickup, flag people of our mandate, BC Hydro is unable to we have debriefed the response to this hour wait.” “And they couldn’t even walk to who can direct and prioritize local make any commitments regarding the incident to ensure appropriate resources Fraser lives near the ferry crossing the ferry washrooms, it was far too far, traffic, better signage outlining services bridge,” said Mary Anne Coules. are brought in when situations like this in Fauquier, a small community south and if you have a single person or one available in the area, and better warnings A statement from the Ministry of occur in the future.” of Nakusp on the shores of the Arrow parent with kids, you can’t leave the car when there’s congestion at the ferry Lakes. It’s also the point where Highway unattended, and then if you do, and the crossing. 6 crosses the lake, connecting the West line-up moves, you lose your place.” “DriveBC had on their sign [near Kootenay to Vernon and the North The result was toilet paper littering Nakusp] that it was a one-hour wait, Okanagan. the road and ditches all the way up and when it was actually a five-hour wait. It’s just a short crossing, and a down the line-up. Travellers have left That would give people the opportunity small ferry. So when flooding closed their ‘mess’ along the road before, says to say, maybe, ‘lets eat here, let’s go PHOTO CREDIT: JOANNE COWAN CREDIT: PHOTO the Trans-Canada Highway earlier this Fraser, but she says the community has to the washroom now, we don’t know month, traffic that was rerouted down never seen anything quite like this event. what’s going on.’” Highway 6 quickly overwhelmed the “There’s always toilet paper, you Fraser says the problem is BC service. can’t blame anybody,” she says. “But Hydro’s responsibility. Hundreds of travellers were the highway this time, the rain has taken “Everyone understands there’s stranded trying to cross at Fauquier, care of it now, but the highway was going to be road closures – there are in a line-up stretching nearly three more of a mess than in past years. More fires, mudslides, whatever. But BC kilometres back from the ferry. stained. So we don’t know if campers Hydro made a conscious decision not to “A lot of them were stuck there were letting their grey water go too. build a bridge. They are inconveniencing overnight, a lot didn’t have any food, a “The highway was very wet.” everyone, so they should be there to lot didn’t even know where they were,” It wasn’t only the septic mess that’s provide things for people, make it not Fraser says. “They were coming into a a concern. The Fauquier Community as bad a time waiting. town they have no idea what facilities Club plans to write to the provincial “It’s not up to us. BC Hydro, the they have, so a lot of them were not government and BC Hydro, with Department of Highways, they have prepared. concerns that the backed-up traffic to start being responsible for what’s “And it was all night, all night. Very presented a safety risk as well as a health happening,” she says. “It’s not fair. Our unsafe conditions.” risk to the community. town was just overwhelmed.” There were some bright moments, “I felt bad for anybody locally who Fraser says the worst thing is Fraser says. A YRB employee handed had to go to Nakusp, trying to get back knowing this will happen again. out water bottles to people stuck in the home, why should they be sitting in a “It’s happened before. But I can’t line-up. And some enterprising locals five-hour wait?” she says. “And what believe here in 2020 it’s like they just started up a pop-up food stand to try about emergency vehicles? We heard don’t care,” she says. “BC Hydro to help out. sirens, and they were going against the built this town, now they’re just “The girls were fantastic. They had traffic. They have no idea when the next walking away like they don’t have any Looking towards the ferry at Whatshan bridge. When flooding closed the Trans-Canada Highway earlier this month, traffic that was rerouted down Highway 6 quickly overwhelmed the service. a barbecue going all day. For breakfast, load of ferry-goers are coming towards responsibility at all.” 2 NEWS The Valley Voice July 16, 2020 Building bylaw changes for energy efficiency kicked further down the road by John Boivin, Local Journalism meeting. bylaws closer to matching upcoming and continue to be offered through the build, the consultant fee equals the cost Initiative reporter “I voted against that with provincial legislation, which sees Regional Energy Efficiency Program: “of a very small closet.” Local politicians hit the pause enthusiasm,” says Paul Peterson, the a five-step process towards higher New Home.” Still, Peterson questions that figure. button last month on promoting higher Area K politician who helped lead the energy efficiency in new homes. Implementing the changes now “It think that’s what you pay the energy efficiency standards for new push to delay. “In my personal opinion, “Changes to the BC Building Code also allows homeowners to access guy, but what happens if you don’t homes in the Regional District of the Province has a one-size-fits-all rule are coming,” staff noted in a written REEP, or the Regional Energy meet his approvals? You have to do this Central Kootenay. for the whole province when it comes report for the board at its June 18 Efficiency Program, an effort to and that. I think it’s a bit misleading,” At its June meeting, the to building inspection, and with the meeting. “The BC Energy Step Code improve housing conditions for RDCK he says. RDCK board voted to delay early building code changes they come out has set a goal of Net Zero energy use residents. The proposed motion from “Here we are with people out of implementation of stricter energy-code with every year, it seems to cost tens buildings by 2032.” staff also suggested builders adopt an work, we could be looking at going requirements for new homes. Staff had of thousands more dollars to build a To get to ‘net zero’ energy even higher level of energy efficiency into a recession, if not a depression, proposed making the changes effective new house.” emissions, the Province has set – Step Three – on a voluntary basis. very easily, so to add even more to all at the end of July. The board will have The changes were proposed to deadlines for builders to meet “Emphasizing energy efficiency the rules doesn’t make sense.” another look at this at its December move the Regional District’s building progressively higher targets. and providing access to incentives for In the end, board directors Step One would see builders having Energy Advisors enables homeowners overwhelmingly voted to put off the to hire an energy consultant to review to invest in a higher standard of voluntary changes another six months. their plans and make recommendations. construction that will build a legacy The board is also bringing its The recommendations are not binding of energy efficient homes in our concerns to its provincial organization. on the builder at that stage, though the communities,” it adds. “BC Energy It passed a motion to bring forward to builder still has to meet other energy Step Code is an opportunity to build the annual Union of BC Municipalities requirements. better homes.” convention, calling on the “BC Staff were hoping for the board to That may be, but the extra cost Building and Safety Standards Division adopt the new requirements 18 months the requirement tacks onto the cost of [to] assess regional financial disparities early in order to ease the transition, the a home made it a non-starter for most making building affordability and report to the board states. directors, says Peterson. flexible low-cost building methods “The RDCK can use this time “It costs $400,000 to build a a priority for the revision of the BC and its leadership to support and plain-Jane house nowadays, and in Building Code in 2022.” prepare the construction community my estimation $100,000 of that is due The motion goes on to ask that any for this change through education and to poor legislation,” he says. “And additions to the building code that are training,” the report says. “Builder here we are in a housing shortage, and beyond structural integrity and safety workshops have been active since 2017 I don’t get it. “be addressed through incentives, not “I think there’s frustration among punitive or prescriptive measures.” AMPHIBIAN SURVEY rural directors that know most of their But the RDCK decision only Of 40 wetlands surveyed in the W. Kootenay, folks, and frustration with the things delays the inevitable. Barring major 72% had Columbia Spotted Frogs, 42% had the Province has come up with, that policy changes, provincial legislation Pacific Chorus Frogs, 40% had Long-toed have made new housing starts so hard.” mandating energy reviews of new Salamanders, and 27% had Western Toads. The board report argues the cost homes and cuts to the carbon footprint One site had Northern Leopard Frogs (Dulisse of an energy adviser is about $1,000- will take effect on December 31, 2021. & Hausleitner 2008). When fish were present $1,200, and is offset partially by an At that point, neither the RDCK there were fewer amphibians due to predation, energy grant. Staff say with the average nor homeowners will have a say on competition for habitat and food, or pathogens home costing $250 per square foot to the matter. being transferred from fish to amphibians. Cooper Creek Cedar sues local logging protesters by Jan McMurray proposed cut blocks is necessary to Cooper Creek Cedar (CCC) is slow climate change globally, and suing a small group of local logging necessary to prevent the destruction protesters for losses it allegedly of local habitat.” suffered as a result of blockades at All four object to being its logging operations in Balfour and characterized as “activists” and say Argenta last summer. that they have acted as “good citizens.” The company is seeking damages They assert in their responses that and costs from Jessica Ogden, Brock CCC has filed the lawsuits against Snyder, and Mick Grabowsky in them “for the improper purpose of connection with both the Balfour and harassing and intimidating” them. Argenta blockades, and also from Tom No court dates have been set. Prior in connection with the Argenta In related news, Ogden has filed a blockade. complaint against the RCMP “because The Balfour blockade caused a there were many flaws in how the loss of four days’ work in June 2019, local RCMP handled a civil matter and the Argenta blockade caused a loss [primarily at the Greyhorse Ridge of eight days’ work in August 2019 protest near Meadow Creek in winter while the company went through the 2018-19].” process of obtaining court injunctions She says at the Greyhorse protest, to order the protesters off the roads. the RCMP arrested protesters without CCC says in court documents a court order, did not respond to a 911 that the blockades caused “irreparable call from the protesters when loggers financial and reputational harm” allegedly drove through the protest by preventing its contractors from line, were unnecessarily aggressive working, by limiting the company’s during her arrest, and denied her access ability to harvest its allowed volume to her lawyer. of timber, and by limiting the amount The complaint is being of timber CCC could deliver to its investigated by the Civilian Review customers in a timely fashion. and Complaints Commission for the In their written responses filed RCMP, an independent agency that at the Nelson Court Registry, all “ensures that public complaints made four defendants say: “Although this about the conduct of RCMP members defendant denies that he blockaded are examined fairly and impartially,” or obstructed the plaintiff’s agents or according to the website. Ogden notes employees in any way, the defendants that a former local RCMP officer has assert that stopping the plaintiff’s been assigned to investigate the case. July 16, 2020 The Valley Voice NEWS 3 Rule change could boost food security, meat processor says by John Boivin, Local Journalism a province-wide solution.” adds. Wiebe says allowing Class D or regional food security, and despite Initiative reporter The Province allows farms in “Meat processed in a Class D E licencing in a wider swath of the much chatter to the contrary in the A West Kootenay meat processor areas distant from slaughtering facility may also be sold to local province would also acknowledge Kootenays, we still have little to boast is pushing for changes to regulations facilities to butcher and sell their own food service and retailers for resale, and regulate an activity that is already of for a food or agricultural industry,” to allow more farm slaughter of meat, after going through a licencing a significant benefit over Class E.” taking place. But one roadblock, he he says. “Recently, COVID-19 has animals in the Slocan Valley. process. In a recent decision, the Wiebe has skin in the game, so says, is that farmers slaughtering revealed that our supply chains are Kyle Wiebe, the president of BC Province designated farms in RDCK to speak. His operation used to have illegally now are reluctant to come very vulnerable to global forces. Meatworks, wants farmers in the Area D – the region generally north a Class A licence, but he let that go forward and lobby for change. “For the provincial government valley to have the same ability to of Kaslo – to be eligible to apply for when he was blocked from moving “The constituents who are to restrict farm-gate processing of any slaughter animals on their property Class D licences. to the Beasley area outside Nelson nervous about local meat production food at this time smacks of tone-deaf as was recently granted to farmers There are two common meat and setting up a processing operation are more vocal than those who are policy making.” in Area D of the Regional District of processing options for small farm there in 2018. He now has plans to currently running the underground Central Kootenay. operations in BC. They can apply for move to Slocan Park and set up a system. And I don’t blame them for SHELLEY BORTNICK, He says allowing small farms a Class E licence – allowing them to much smaller ‘Class D’ operation. it,” he says. to slaughter more animals on their slaughter up to 10 ‘animal units’ – or But he says he’s pushing for “Those running the underground MSW, RSW property would help build food a Class D licence, which allows up wider loosening of the restrictions to system are doing 25 animals, it is Individual, couple and security in the region. to 25 ‘units’ a year. A unit is 1,000 help everyone. happening regardless, it’s whether family therapist “While I celebrate Area D and pounds of live animal. “I think the Class E belongs they want to vocalize their support 30 years experience Director Aimee Watson’s successful “Making this region (and others) everywhere, because it’s the stepping for getting a Class D licence.” Offers counselling services involving bid to restore the ability for farmers to eligible for Class D licencing would stone in food systems,” he says. Wiebe is calling on local farmers mental health (depression, anxiety, sell their product, the few regions that increase local meat capacity by 500% “To go from Class E, which is 10 to contact the RDCK director for the etc.), addictions, grief and loss, were added to the Class D designated mathematically, and perhaps more in animal units, to Class A which is a Slocan, Walter Popoff, as well as trauma and life transition issues. area in BC will have little profound effect, due to increased viability for half-million dollar investment, and the provincial agriculture ministry For appointment, please call effect on regional food security,” business prospects,” argues Wiebe. to try that with no market testing, no to lobby for RDCK Area H (Slocan says Wiebe. “After all the time and “Additionally, many permaculture organic growth… to make that leap Valley) to be included in the new 250-265-3397 money that’s been spent studying and farms would benefit from an increased is very difficult. regulations. boasting about how important local local supply of compost for fruit and “There needs to be something He thinks a decision on this food systems are, by every level of veg production.” in the middle and there’s currently should be made in favour of farmers. government, I would have expected That’s not the only benefit, he nothing.” “Canadians in general have largely neglected the issue of Recycling depots to reopen by August 1 compiled by Jan McMurray be accepted: paper and cardboard, am-2 pm; Nakusp (core) - Monday Our valley’s green The recycling depots in the North plastic and metal containers, and 9-12:30 and Wednesday, Saturday grocer since 1990 Slocan Valley, Arrow Lakes Valley glass. This is due to the additional 9 am-4 pm; New Denver (core) - and Kaslo area are scheduled to re- hauling costs and space restrictions. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 10 am-4 open later this month. So, styrofoam, plastic bags and other pm; Silverton (satellite) - Wednesday, • Fresh Kaslo, Marblehead and Balfour plastic films should be saved for trips Friday 10 am-4 pm; Slocan (core) - are expected to reopen between July to the nearest core depot. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 9 am-3 • Organic 20 and 25; New Denver, Silverton, Descriptions of Recycle BC pm; Winlaw (satellite) - Monday, Slocan, Nakusp, Burton and categories and acceptance at depots Wednesday 10 am-4 pm. Edgewood are expected to re-open can be found at www.rdck.ca/ • Wholesome between July 27 and August 1. recycling. In order to save time, Advertise in the 1290 Hwy #6 The depots at Crescent Valley residents are reminded to sort all Crescent Valley Hall and Winlaw have already re- recyclables into main categories at Valley Voice. opened, as have the depots in Nelson, home to make the process easier at 250-359-7323 Castlegar, Crawford Bay and at the the depot. It pays!!! Kokanee Park Marina. New depot staff will be on-site Call 833-501-1700 for details – Open daily – The temporary closure of the during operating hours to answer (Closed Christmas & New Year’s day) depots is due to the transition to questions about sorting and acceptable [email protected] the new Recycle BC system. This materials. new system is being implemented For residents in areas experiencing throughout the province, as a result of service gaps, the RDCK encourages Support the Valley new provincial recycling regulations. storing recyclables until depots open, Voice with a voluntary Under the new regulations, the cost of or travelling to the nearest open recycling is being shifted away from Recycle BC depot. subscription taxpayers and onto industry. Recycle Hours of operation BC is a non-profit organization set up Hours of operation of depots in our Only $5-$50 by industry to design and implement area are as follows: Burton (satellite) the new system. - Saturday 10 am-2 pm; Crescent Send Cheque or Money Order Recycle BC allocated 12 ‘core’ Valley (core) - Tuesday, Thursday, to: Valley Voice, Box 70, depots to the RDCK. The RDCK Sunday 10 am-5 pm; Edgewood (core) New Denver, BC V0G 1S0 elected to operate 11 ‘satellite’ depots - Sunday 9 am-1 pm (October 1-May to maintain the level of local recycling 31) and Sunday, Wednesday 9 am-1 services that RDCK residents have pm (June 1-September 30); Kaslo enjoyed for years. Recycle BC funds (core) - Sunday, Tuesday, Friday 9 all post-collection costs for core am-3 pm (May 1-September 30) and The Valley VOICE has a depots, including hauling, processing Sunday, Tuesday, Friday 10 am-3 pm and marketing of the recyclables. (October 1-April 30); Marblehead For satellite depots, the RDCK pays (satellite) - Wednesday, Saturday 10 for hauling to the next core depot or new telephone number another consolidation point, where Recycle BC accepts the materials. On- Toll-Free site infrastructure, site maintenance, staffing, and other depot operational costs are paid by the RDCK, with 1-833-501-1700 some financial incentive provided by Recycle BC based on volumes accepted and material quality. All acceptable materials can be taken to core depots for recycling. At satellite depots, however, only the three main categories of materials will 4 OPINION The Valley Voice July 16, 2020

ferry line-up to come home. There is also Open letter to RDCK an issue with emergency vehicles coming from Nakusp. Flag people are needed to Director Paul Peterson direct Fauquier traffic and emergency re: ferry line-ups vehicles on the wrong side of the road I am writing this to you to get your (facing traffic) all the way into Fauquier. opinion and guidance on the ongoing Also on the Edgewood side, vehicles are problem of ferry line-ups and its effect on coming around the bend at a good speed our small community of Fauquier. before the reduced speed signs, only to be Letters were written to the Minister stopped immediately by the line-up. This of Transportation and to YRB Nelson in is a safety issue and road signs need to be 2016 to try and rectify issues that occurred placed to slow down traffic well before the from highway closures in the past. I was ferry landing. informed that a response was not received YRB staff were handing out water, and here we are again with the same which was great, but I do not know when issues. This will continue to happen in they started or how long they did that for, the future due to fires, mud or rock slides but it was appreciated. Thank you for that. and flooding. I was in a ferry line-up for Some of the ladies of Fauquier set up five hours in 2015 on the Edgewood side a BBQ for burgers and were selling coffee coming from the airport because two and cinnamon buns to help out on our highways were closed due to fires. side. This was well received. Thank you I think that because BC Hydro has for helping out. decided not to construct a bridge, they There also should be signage for should be responsible to have some sort people heading out of Nakusp coming our of proactive plan in place when highway way that there is a five-hour wait at the closures impact our area. Needles Ferry. I am told the sign said there There was at least a five-hour ferry was a one-hour delay. The signage should – KASLO HOTEL IS OPEN – wait on July 2 with people needing be current. Pub open 11 am to 10 pm, dining-in 11 am to 8 pm, take-out 11 am to 8 pm, off-sales washrooms, food and water. The traffic Everyone was asking us to open the was diverted from the highway closure hall so more washrooms could be used. The WELCOME BACK! west of Revelstoke. last time this was done, they just opened www.kaslohotel.com 250-353-7714 Why is there no plan in place to up the hall and left it unsupervised and the The Ingrid Rice cartoon is a satirical look at current events in politics and is sponsored by the Kaslo Hotel. The Hotel does not necessarily share the political views of the artist. provide portapotties on the Fauquier side of bathrooms were a mess. The hall would worth their weight in gold. These two some inhabitants became Christians. the ferry landing as well as the Edgewood have to be supervised, so that means having Thank you letters should be copied and sent to all UN Resolution 194, which has been side? Vehicles were backed up so far shifts set up all night and our volunteers As a legal BC resident living in the major newspapers. Everybody should reaffirmed many times, also gives the from the washrooms that portapotties are would need to clean the facilities on a Slocan Valley who immigrated to read these! Both speak to my heart, and Palestinians the right to return to their needed. Highways should have a supply regular basis. This is far too much to ask of Canada before the current crisis, I just I could not possibly have constructed a homes from which they were driven out on hand and store them close by so they volunteers. Also because of COVID, we are wanted to send out a thank you to the clearer letter. Thank you, both! Yes, I in the war of 1948. can be set up quickly. People are going to not stocked with masks and sanitizer that other residents of the valley. I have not am both confused and frustrated, and I Ms. Law writes how impressed she the bathroom in our bushes (and I do not would be needed to protect our volunteers. been able to change the Idaho plates on did live in fear of losing my spirit. Yes, is by how well the Israeli Arabs and blame them) but there has to be a better This again is too much to expect. my truck over to BC plates yet and still people, the vaccine is to be avoided at all Israeli Jews get along. Arabs are mayors way, especially when we know this will This is not a Fauquier problem. This is the vast majority of people that I see greet costs. This all to me is very Orwellian. of towns, own businesses and have happen again and again. a BC Hydro and the Ministry of Transport’s me with the smiles and waves I’ve grown So, thank you, Lisa and Rick for voicing voting rights and seats in the Knesset. The washrooms at the ferry landings issue that needs to be resolved. We are the accustomed to when meeting a stranger exactly how I feel. (The COVID-19 That is good news. It shows that Arabs were in such a mess. When you have line- ones left with all the mess and we obviously in the valley. So thanks to all those taking musings are even giving me a chuckle.) and Israelis can get along. But they are a ups like we had, those washrooms should feel terrible for the people. Dr Bonnie Henry’s advice on kindness to So yeah, I will stay strong. Like the minority. The ‘Arabs’ in occupied West be cleaned and stocked more often. The Any guidance in how to proceed heart. And, to those that may be nervous King of the Wildings says in Game of Bank live under harsh military law. Israel same goes for the garbage bins at the ferry would be appreciated. We would like the about seeing a US-registered vehicle Thrones, we do not kneel! controls Gaza and runs it like a prison. landing. They are usually full in normal people who are responsible for this to have around town, feel free to ask why. I’m Kudos to you both. These ‘Arabs’ live on land controlled by times. Why is this not automatically done? the opportunity to rectify this. willing to bet that in almost every case G. Stein Flag people are needed. Anyone from Fauquier Community Club Israel and should have the same rights as you’ll come away feeling safer and Nelson other citizens. Excluding them creates a Fauquier coming home from Nakusp board of directors more comfortable based on the response should not have to wait five hours in the Fauquier system of apartheid. Other countries in you get. Share the land the Middle East will resent Israel for this In “Response to ‘Where does Will Gorrisen and it will not foster peace in the region. EDITORIAL / LETTERS POLICY Canada stand?’” VV July 2, 2020, Joan Slocan It is time to share the land. The Valley Voice welcomes letters to the editor and community news Law writes Israel has a historic right and Ed Zak articles from our readers. claim to West Bank, portions of which it Re: COVID-19 Nakusp Letters and articles should be no longer than 500 words and may be is annexing. The Palestinians also have edited. We reserve the right to reject any submitted material. musings and the new historical rights and claims to the land. Please mark your letter “LETTER TO THE EDITOR.” Include your Zinc-no! normal is not normal Many of them are original inhabitants of Here we go again. Another campaign address and daytime phone number for verification purposes. I want to express my deepest the land. After invading Palestine in the We will not knowingly publish any letter that is defamatory or libelous. of development at the expense of the admiration to Rick Galbraith and Lisa 8th century, the Mohammedans offered high quality of life we have here, and the We will not publish anonymous letters or letters signed with pseudonyms, Ross from Kaslo for their opinions in lower taxes to those who converted except in extraordinary circumstances. surrounding ecology. Individuals behind your June 4 issue. Both their amazing to Islam. Many converted, as both Opinions expressed in published letters are those of the author and not Brent Harley & Associates over in Whistler, insights and fantastic expressions are religions have similar roots. Earlier, necessarily those of the Valley Voice. I truly wish you all the unimpeded success you can bring about for yourselves. I unequivocally want to be surrounded The Valley Voice Box 70, New Denver, BC V0G 1S0 by community members who thrive and Phone/Fax: 1-833-501-1700 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.valleyvoice.ca revolve around abundance. But this sends me back to my Dan Nicholson Jan McMurray Andrew Rhodes Art Joyce Publisher - • Editor - • Food Editor Emeritus - • Arts & Culture Editor - years experiencing what made people Reporters - Barbara Curry Mulcahy, Moe Lyons & Kathy Hartman begrudgingly move here, away from Local Journalism Initiative Reporter - John Boivin This position is funded by the Government o Canmore and Banff. Small town familiarity Published and printed in British Columbia, Canada gone. Affordability way gone. Tourist The Valley Voice is distributed throughout the Slocan and Arrow Lake Valleys from South Slocan/Playmor Junction to Edgewood and Kaslo on Kootenay Lake. machine taken over. Circulation is 7,600 papers, providing the most complete news and advertising coverage of any single newspaper serving this area. I do not wish a Canmore on anybody. Mother Nature in Canmore is and always SUBSCRIPTIONS: CANADA $54.60, USA $84.00, OVERSEAS $126.00. E-Mail Subscription $22.40 (Prices include GST) will be a gem regardless of attempts Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement #40021191 continued on page 5 July 16, 2020 The Valley Voice LETTERS 5

continued from page 4 altered through chimeric research was consensus. That’s why it’s crucial for and little to no empathy. built roads. Is it wise to add more trails, made by entrepreneurs and developers. moved from North Carolina to Wuhan, negotiators to hear from the public now. Thankfully, we’re living in a different soil compaction, roads, disturbance The sellout of Canmore for us resulted in but I see no proof that the condition we are Our group, the Upper Columbia time. We can speak directly to negotiators and other infrastructure to this already $3,000-plus yearly in property taxes, and calling COVID-19 is caused by that virus. Basin Environmental Collaborative, and ask them to make sure ecosystem unstable terrain? Is it in our downstream minimum wage jobs housekeeping and A SARS-CoV2 virus has supposedly been is participating in an Indigenous-led function becomes the third treaty purpose interests to further fragment the forest? waiting tables. That was a sure-fire way of isolated, but analyzing the studies does research process investigating how a so that river flows will be shaped to also 3. First Nations: local Sinixt people enticing kids to stay for a lifetime – not! not support this. All the tests have serious modernized treaty could improve the benefit ecosystems and their diverse (and settlers) use the area for important Personally, spending most of my time issues. Dr. Tim O’Shea has described health of Canadian ecosystems. This plant and animal communities. Send cultural activities such as berry picking, between Slocan City and Crescent Valley, them in detail and offered a $5,000 reward spring, we released a discussion paper and a comment to negotiators today by root digging, fishing, hunting and I wish for the highway and adjacent areas to anyone who can prove a COVID-19 summary on this topic—and we welcome email ([email protected]), medicine harvesting. The proponent to not get any louder with highway nor diagnosis. On the basis of pseudoscience public comment. The Columbia River Facebook (@ColumbiaRiverTreaty), claims to have jumped through the heli-noise. Setting ourselves up for more and fear-mongering, we have allowed our Treaty Local Governments’ Committee or Twitter (@CRTreaty). And when the hoops of First Nations consultation one- or two-occupant vehicles going to lives to be turned upside down. has provided similar recommendations. Province holds its next round of formal but this is not free, prior and informed Zinc-no does nothing to get me on board. The data for COVID-19 cases and The new Columbia River Treaty public engagement, we all need to show consent from the traditional occupants I adore bush cycling, I adore time spent in deaths has been so manipulated it’s hard must include ecosystem function as up. We are fortunate to have government of THIS land. In complete violation of Nature, don’t get me wrong. to know where to begin. Here are some a third primary purpose, equal to the officials in charge who truly want to listen. the UN Declaration on the Rights of Selling the idea by saying that Zinc- examples. There is a financial incentive in existing purposes of international flood Let’s seize the opportunity. Indigenous People, he has not consulted no will bring jobs to locals is unfair, as we the US to diagnose COVID-19 pneumonia risk management and hydropower. This Upper Columbia Basin the Sinixt who uphold their millenia- all deserve more than scraps. People here rather than normal pneumonia, especially means adjusting dam operations to help Environmental Collaborative long inhabitation, use and laws on their deserve good jobs to blend well with a great if the patient is put on a ventilator. Doctors restore land now periodically inundated unceded traditional territory. Regardless locally-lived family life. are being told to put COVID-19 on death by reservoirs and improve conditions Zincton of official governmental recognition, I will give my practically unconditional certificates if the patient tested positive for fish and other aquatic species in proposal flawed the United Nations Declaration upholds support to entrepreneurs in cooperatives (after faulty testing), even if the cause of downstream river reaches. In general, I’ve been suffering from an intense Indigenous rights to “determine and who grow food for local consumption or death was something else. There have reservoir operations should mimic natural case of deja vu these past few weeks. develop priorities and strategies for the generators of local electricity as in Sandon. been cover-ups of empty hospitals. There systems as much as possible. We also My community is grappling to respond development and use of their lands or I will support endeavours that provide has been rampant censorship. There have need to have more flexibility in Canada to an oversized real estate development territories and other resources.” sound local alternatives without overtaking been COVID-19 diagnoses based on to adapt to climate change. We can make disguised as a ski resort proposal in prime 4. Socio-economic impact: the Mother Nature or our social fabric. This is symptoms common to other conditions. these changes while still generating plenty grizzly habitat. Hmmm.... give-away that a ski resort is a poorly 2020. Soon to be 2030, 2040. Can we be Environmental factors in the worst-hit areas of power and protecting communities Local activists learned much about disguised land grab is the proposal’s done with old paradigm grasping! aren’t considered. The Canadian Centres from floods. To support this new mandate, ski resort development during the 30 scale. The magnitude of Zincton with Question: How much of the profits will for Disease Control total figures for cause Treaty governance must be reformed with years we fought to keep Jumbo Wild. its 1,500 daily visitors is completely out actually be spent in New Denver? of death are similar compared to the same biologists working alongside engineers, Our communities across the East and of whack with our 500-inhabitant village Last thing, about your 20-year build- period last year, but while respiratory deaths better international collaboration, and West Kootenay came together to uphold culture, infrastructure and services. This out: I do not wish upon the administration go up, deaths attributed to other causes go Indigenous nations central in decision- shared values of wilderness preservation, volume of tourists would swamp New of New Denver or the RDCK to have their down at the same rate. If we are told of a making. The public must have a strong right-sized, appropriate development and Denver and Kaslo, rather than support staff and budget consumed by 20 years of second wave, remember this history. voice. a democractic process that included local a resilient and right-sized economic exorbitant costs of lawyers and consultants. Tragically, death rates did later start More of the ongoing treaty revenue settler and First Nations priorities. What growth. Note that ‘bunk houses’ for the There are huge issues of rights, legalese, to rise... not from COVID-19 but from paid by the US should be dedicated I learned was that we, collectively, have inevitable out-of-town, out-of-country contracts and laws and bylaws. the lockdown. People are so afraid of to relevant Basin needs. Many people the ability to stand for what we value. young folk who staff most resorts in The end result is not a direction to COVID-19 that they avoid going to the mistakenly believe the Columbia Basin And we can do it again. our area are rampant with drug use go in, what with how mega-investment hospital for other conditions. Suicides are Trust is funded by the treaty. In fact, it The Zincton Village proposal is and violence against young women. I tourism is still done nowadays. This skyrocketing. People are dying of stress- was created with a one-time $376 million deeply flawed in many ways, but I’ll encourage folks to consider and support evidently is a rebuttal not only to Zinc-no related conditions. As unemployment goes payment from the Province, representing highlight just a few. the kinds of proposals that do resonate but also to the grasping at anything that up, so do total death rates. Read Naomi well under 10% of BC revenue to date. 1. Wilderness: red-listed, blue-listed, with our local values and needs. makes money no matter the cost. Klein’s The Shock Doctrine in light of A new agreement should provide new grizzlies, goats, toads and wolverines Studies clearly show (Hal Clifford’s Marc Heroux current events. funds for (1) adaptive ecosystem research, included, one just has to walk/ cycle/ “Downward Slide”) the numbers of Slocan We are living in a social engineering restoration, and management, (2) salmon drive between New Denver and Kaslo skiers is in decline and the Kootenays experiment. It ends when we stop reintroduction, (3) watershed education to understand the profound ecological already have 13 ski resorts – many not Reframing acquiescing. This is why I am brave enough for youth and the public, and (4) local values of that area. A diversity of animals fully subscribed – in that economic COVID-19 to keep telling an unpopular truth. food security. and plants thrive there because the basket. Thirty years and Oberti never I could write a book about COVID-19. Lisa Ross The renegotiation of the treaty is a ecosystem is robust. How many places could find investors... As for Harley’s Staying within 500 words is challenging. Kaslo once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure are still so healthy? Places that we can “zero-carbon” claim, all I can do is laugh. Rather than pack in statistics to support a just, ecologically prosperous, and easily travel to where the animals still Ridiculous. my claim that the ‘new normal’ is a bad Basin residents need to economically sustainable future for the roam freely? Put the wreck-reational And for Godsakes, why is the idea, I will focus on one idea to reframe speak up on Columbia Basin. UCBEC applauds the Canadian resorts in places where people have Whitewater watershed in the Zincton current events, while recommending negotiating team, which includes the already done their damage. Our modern Village proposal?!?! The trails there sources much better than myself for River Treaty federal and provincial governments and infrastructure and “needs” make it no were developed by Valhalla Wilderness more information: Drs. Buttar, Kaufman, On June 29 and 30, Canada and the the Ktunaxa, Secwepemc, and Syilx longer wilderness. Or, in the words of Society and EcoSociety for public use Tenpenny, Mikovits, and Bigtree, as well as United States met for the tenth round of Okanagan nations, for breaking away Art Twomey who fought to establish with public monies. VWS volunteers Bobby Kennedy Jr. Listen on LondonReal. Columbia River Treaty renegotiations. from the treaty’s dark history. the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy, maintain these trails. This watershed is tv, since censorship is wiping their message The negotiations were held by web Nothing since colonization has “wilderness is where you can get eaten.” particularly precious to locals as well as from other platforms. When deciding conference due to COVID-19. Unlike had a more destructive impact on the And, as this is core grizzly habitat as folks from the whole region. whether to believe them or those attacking previous rounds, negotiators actually Upper Columbia Basin than the treaty. revealed by the work of biologists like K.L. Kivi them, consider what the motivations for started debating specific proposals. Four large dams (Hugh Keenleyside, Michael Proctor, that’s not just words. New Denver these attacks might be, and whether those According to press releases issued by Duncan, and Mica in Canada and Libby 2. Water: one only has to witness attacking present verifiable data or rely on both sides, Canada responded to an initial in the US) were built through the treaty, this year’s freshet blowout on Carpenter ridicule, threats, and authoritarianism. Go proposal from the US and presented a which together inundated around 1200 Creek to know that there are land stability Support the one step further than ‘debunking.’ Is there counter-proposal. This is big news. square kilometres of ecologically and issues up above. Kane Creek, which Valley Voice debunking that debunks the debunkers? If The week before, in fulfilment of a agriculturally rich land, flooding over a is in the proposal area, is one of the those going against the grain risk losing pledge made to continue to engage with dozen communities. To this day, Canadian tributaries of Carpenter that uprooted with a voluntary their careers and reputations (or worse) for Basin residents around their issues and treaty dams are partially operated to massive trees and continues to send what they are saying, shouldn’t we consider concerns, the BC Treaty Team released meet treaty requirements that serve coffee-coloured water downstream to subscription their message, particularly when they its latest report on local interests. The downstream American interests. In 1964, Slocan Lake. Erosion and subsequent resort to none of these tactics but carefully, Province also committed to engage the federal government signed the treaty sedimentation have huge impacts on courteously, show us the data leading to Indigenous nations, local governments, without consulting with Indigenous water quality and quantity, affecting Only $5-$50 and citizens on final decisions about the nations or Basin residents. BC Hydro their conclusions? everything and everyone down to the Send Cheque or Money Order The cure is worse than the disease. treaty once options become clear. But as and the Province enforced the removal of lake and beyond. Areas within the to: Valley Voice, Box 70, Consider this: Coronaviruses are mostly negotiations with the US proceed, options condemned communities with what many proposal are already deeply impacted by New Denver, BC V0G 1S0 associated with the common cold. A strain will be whittled down toward a narrow people felt was inadequate compensation old mining activity, logging and poorly 6 COMMUNITY The Valley Voice July 16, 2020 SD8 commits funding to fix up its schools by Jan McMurray ahead of some of our maintenance in this year’s planning,” McLellan surplus properties, its unspent capital see more of these projects,” McLellan School District 8 has adopted an issues, and committing to dealing said. funds, and $400,000 per year from its said. “It allows our dollars to go aggressive five-year plan to tackle with them over a period of time,” The $4 million per year will operating fund. further, and the amount of volunteer the long list of repairs and upgrades said Michael McLellan, secretary- come from the Ministry of Education “This $400,000 is more than the hours by the club was an incredible needed at the schools across the treasurer and chief financial officer and School District 8. The ministry board has historically committed benefit to School District 8.” district. at SD8. provides roughly $3 million to the each year from the operating fund. McLellan explained that the The plan is to spend $4 million McLellan stressed that the projects district every year for improvement It’s not an unreasonable amount – it’s extent of the maintenance work per year, for a total of $20 million would be done based on priority need. projects. The SD8 board of education less than 1% of our total budget. But needed on its facilities became clear over the next five years (2020-25), on “Whichever school needs it the most has agreed to top that up with an combine that with the local capital and during the Long-Range Facilities Plan improvements to the school district’s will get it,” he said. additional $1 million per year for the it comes to $1 million, and that will process. During the Facilities Plan properties. SD8 includes the Slocan Some of the 2020-21 projects in next five years. let us go after projects in a big way.” process, the district looked at data Valley and Kaslo area schools, as well the Slocan Valley and Kaslo families “That extra million bucks is a As part of this program, the provided by the ministry about the as the schools in Nelson and Creston. of schools include the long-awaited 33% increase in capital spending, school district is inviting community state of its facilities. Every five years, “This marks a change in well and water treatment system so it should make a very visible groups with ideas for projects on SD8 the ministry sends engineers around philosophy at School District 8 – at Brent Kennedy; a new HVAC difference in the coming years,” properties to put forward proposals. to the school districts to assess their from hoping the ministry will fund system, new lighting and gym floor McLellan said. “We realized that by “If a group has a sports or arts project facilities. projects to more of a partnership with at Mt. Sentinel; new lighting and using only the ministry funding on that would benefit our students, the “When they come around the ministry, and proactively getting gym floor at JV Humphries; gym capital projects, we were treading board is happy to consider providing again in 2024, hopefully we’ll have floor at WE Graham; a new bottle water or falling behind, so that extra land and matching funds,” McLellan dealt with some of the issues and Smokey Creek Salvage fill station at Jewett; and a new roof, million per year will get us ahead. The said. made a difference to our learning 24 HR TOWING gym floor, exterior doors, disabled ministry component is amazing, but An example of this is the new environments,” McLellan said. New & Used Auto Parts, Back Hoe Work, Certified Welding & Repairs, Vehicle Removal access, and interior painting at Winlaw we realized in our facilities review that tennis court at LV Rogers in Nelson, a “The goal is to improve them and WE BUY CARS & TRUCKS Elementary. the board needed to do more.” partnership between the school district modernize them and make them 359-7815 ; 1-877-376-6539 “Winlaw was viewed as having The school district will come up and the Nelson Tennis Club. “This better for students. We’re progressing 3453 YEATMAN RD, SOUTH SLOCAN priority needs, so it was a major focus with the $1 million per year from the was a win win for the community, the towards a new curriculum and a new proceeds of the sale or lease of its club and the students, so we want to economy.” VILLAGE OF Silverton council, July 8: Felled trees from Lakeside Campground fetch $4,600 by Moe Lyons musicians on the Outdoor Mining partnership), and has set immediate NEW DENVER • A $4,600 bid was accepted for Museum grounds at the Slocan Lake future work plans. They will be the logs from Lakeside Campground. Arts Centre. This must be done in researching grant opportunities, PUBLIC NOTICES This was brought forward from accordance with COVID rules, and refining and expanding the data, and the in camera portion of the June requires that he “work with and continuing discussion around service NEW EMERGENCY 10 meeting. Councillor K. Gordon require permission from the Slocan models. asked that the motion be amended to Lake Arts Council (SLAC) for use of • Council received a letter from NOTIFICATIONS SYSTEM read “municipal felled trees” rather electricity and washroom facilities.” Karen and Jim Haley objecting to a The RDCK is rolling out a new Emergency Notifications System than “logs,” and this was accepted. It was also agreed that SLAC would “directive” from CAO Hillary Elliott st called Voyent Alert. The official launch date is July 21 , but the • CAO Hillary Elliott reported be responsible for assuring all informing them of a change in their system is already operational, and residents can sign up online that the washrooms in the Day Park COVID protocols are observed and street address from Water Street at https://rdck.ca/emergencynotifications. are now open Thursday to Sunday have a plan for dispersing people if to 5th Street. A staff report from and cleaned daily. The campground the numbers become too large. the CAO explains that the Water RDCK RECYCLING PROGRAM at Creekside was to open July 15 • Mayor Jason Clarke reported Street address does not comply with The RDCK has joined the Recycle BC (RBC) program and for all kinds of camping, including that SLAC would like to start Village bylaws. She says the House accepts new materials including plastic bags and Styrofoam. tents, and with both washrooms and up its lease again and produce Numbering Bylaw currently has RBC is a Product Stewardship Program mandated to collect and outside sinks. The number of sites programming “if they can come up no numbers for Water Street, “as recycle residential printed paper and packaging. For information available will be determined by the with a plan approved by the COVID that street was not intended for the regarding the new materials and categories, check the RBC campground operators in accordance Information Planner.” planning purposes,” such as water Depot Guide. The opening date for the recycling depot in New with the COVID-19 plan. • Councillor Main reported on line access, snow plowing, hydrant Denver is July 27-August 1. For any questions or concerns, The Memorial Hall project is the Slocan/ Nakusp Connectivity access, etc. please call the RDCK office at 1-800-268-7325. expected to be completed by the end Working Group’s work on the The Haleys’ letter explains that of the month. broadband project. The group has they negotiated the Water Street CAMPGROUND AND NIMC OPEN • Council agreed to allow Nick, reviewed preliminary cost and address as part of the Development As part of our phased reopening of facilities and services, the musician and Red Mountain Road revenue projections, service delivery Permit application process for their Centennial Campground is scheduled to resume full-service resident, to perform music with other models (public, private or blended property, and lists reasons why the starting July 15. Washrooms will be available to campground change of their address to 5th Street and day-use visitors. Please follow COVID-19 related signage would cause them inconveniences. and practice physical distancing. Council directed staff to get more New Denver/Silverton information on how to best move The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre (NIMC) is also open to forward with this, and indicated visitors daily, 10 AM to 5 PM until September 30. Please read Area Businesses! that they do not want to penalize our COVID-19 protocols on our website and follow signage at Do you need help providing disposable masks and the Haleys. the site to ensure safety of staff and visitors. • Council received a letter from hand sanitizer for yourself and your customers? Rossland City Council asking WILDFIRE MITIGATION REBATES The COVID-19 Community Action Team is that the Village join the ‘Global Planning to do some wildfire mitigation this summer? Did you offering free supplies to Covenant of Mayors for Climate and know that you can get up to 50% of mitigation costs (maximum Energy,’ a collective effort to combat $500 per property) reimbursed? To qualify, you will need to local businesses. climate change. Although council have a FireSmart Assessment on your property conducted felt favourably inclined towards by a qualified Local FireSmart Representative. After your the proposal, they noted the Village first assessment, you are required to complete activities that Please contact Ana, was already working on similar are recommended and that are eligible under the FireSmart [email protected] initiatives and felt they needed more Community Funding & Supports program. After completing the information before signing on. activities, a follow-up assessment is required to review your • Council adopted the Council activities, as well as costs or receipts before your rebate is Remuneration and Expenses Bylaw, approved. For more information on eligibility or rebates, please which sets the annual remuneration at $5,000 for the mayor and $3,000 for contact the Village Office. the councillors, with annual increases Residents who would like a free home or land assessment based on the Consumer Price Index on their property can contact Slocan Integral Forestry CO-OP granted to Village employees. (SIFCo) by phone 250-226-7012 or email [email protected]. • The permissive tax exemption was removed from the former United 115 Slocan Avenue · P.O. Box 40, New Denver, BC V0G 1S0 Church building, as it is now a (250) 358-2316 · [email protected] · www.newdenver.ca private residence. July 16, 2020 The Valley Voice COMMUNITY 7 BC Craft Farmers Co-op proposes economic development partnership with BC and Canada by Jan McMurray force of craft cannabis sector leaders The new BC Craft Farmers to “reset” the regulations by the end Co-op, supporting small cannabis of 2020. farmers and processors, submitted In addition to regulatory reform, a proposal to the federal and BC the co-op’s proposal requests an governments in June that focuses economic partnership agreement on regulatory reform, economic with the federal and provincial development and job creation. The governments. “The government does co-op has asked for more than $108 this all the time with different sectors, million over two years to pilot the like aviation, for example,” Hurford proposed program. said. “They collaborate with strategic According to the co-op, the industries. This is a way to get the proposed project will help revitalize legal cannabis industry on its feet and the economy in the wake of support farmers for the transition and COVID-19, achieve the original set them up for success. We want to goals of the Cannabis Act and provide create an environment for growth.” craft cannabis farmers and processors The economic development with a safe, accessible alternative to partnership would be led by a the illicit market. Project Advisory Group, which “The federal government has would oversee a suite of programs started to acknowledge that the way with economic development and they set up the regulations is not job creation as the goals. One of working,” said David Hurford of the these programs would be a micro- co-op in an interview. “The public credit program, offering small interest of the Cannabis Act is not farmers $95,000 loans to help them being achieved. The black market is get established in the new legal still doing really well. More than half environment. of consumers are still getting their The proposal asks for 50- cannabis outside of the legal market.” 50 funding from the federal and Hurford points out that micro- provincial governments of about cultivation licences were included $108 million over two years to pilot in the new regulations to ensure the proposal. there weren’t only large, corporate “The project funding request cannabis producers in the legal is proportionate to government industry. “But in the Globe & Mail in investments in other key job creating February, it was reported that Health sectors and proposes a two-year Canada has given out 1.2 million return on investment for taxpayers of square metres of grow space and only at least $4 and up to $8 of revenue for 0.17% of that is for small farmers every $1 invested,” states a summary – less than a quarter of 1%. In BC, of the proposal. “An economic the number is 10 [micro-cultivation analysis prepared for the BC Craft licences]. That’s sad, because we Farmers Co-op last June confirmed have thousands of people legally a properly legalized craft cannabis licenced to grow cannabis for the sector can create over 20,000 direct medical system – 6,500 in BC and and indirect jobs over the next two 25,000 across Canada. Why can’t we years – and $400-800 million of transfer them over?” taxable income and direct taxes for In the co-op’s proposal, the all levels of government.” federal Minister of Health is asked The co-op was incorporated in to transition 30% of micro medical March, opened its online membership growers into the new legal system application portal in June, and will this summer on a temporary basis, have its first annual general meeting for 12 months. Currently, these on August 29. Nominations for board people can grow enough medical members are due July 29. cannabis for up to two people. If they “We have a strong response so are brought under the Cannabis Act, far for membership and for board “they can grow more and put that members,” Hurford said. “We’re into the legal market,” said Hurford. seeing a nice response from across “This will have a very positive effect the province, and lots of interest from on the provincial economy when we the West Kootenay.” need it the most.” Visit bccraftfarmerscoop.com for The proposal also calls for a task more information.

The family of Bob Workum would like to thank everyone associated with his rescue! With a special call-out and thanks to Will Chambers 8 COMMUNITY The Valley Voice July 16, 2020 West Kootenay Legions managing way through pandemic shutdown by John Boivin, Local with about 1,790 members. Besides Castlegar, branches hall to rent for bingo and other “In Slocan, it costs us about the Junction to Summit Lake, Journalism Initiative reporter While all Legions have felt the in Slocan, Nelson, and Rossland events. $500 a month to remain open – will provide about $24,000 in The zone commander for pinch from closures and social have also chosen to remain “We went from about 15 for phones and power. That’s not assistance to various causes the Royal Canadian Legion distancing rules, local branches closed until September, he says. people a day to some days with too bad,” he says. this year. in the West Kootenay says he are doing reasonably well. However, Rossland is usually as few as six. Saturdays have Kaslo has always operated But donation sources are doesn’t see any local branches But each branch is a little closed in summer anyway, and been really bad because those with many employees and big drying up. closing – if things return a little different, and is being cautious, Nelson’s been closed while the are the days you count on the expenditures, says Gates, so “In Slocan, we didn’t do the more to normal by the fall. notes Gates. landlord does renovations. meat draw,” said Truax. he’s not sure how it will weather Mother’s Day pancake breakfast John Gates was responding “But it is what it is. You Trail and Kaslo are open Truax says the draw, one of the storm long-term. But Gates this year, or the Pig Roast, which to a recent news report that one look at the age demographic four days a week, while Nakusp the branch’s biggest fundraisers, doesn’t see any of the local is the big one we normally do. in 10 Legions across the country – the high sixties, early and Grand Forks are open for will be resuming in July. That branches closing anytime soon, We won’t be doing the Garlic could close because of financial seventies is the average age three. Grand Forks has laid attracts more people to the though that would become more Festival either because it’s not stress caused by the COVID-19 of Legionnaires,” he says. off its staff and is relying on hall. And he says the Legion likely should the limitations happening. Right there you have pandemic and subsequent “And that’s just the bad spot, volunteers to remain open. has some money in the bank on business and gatherings lost almost $10,000,” he says. economic shutdown. according to [BC’s provincial The Salmo branch has “to tide us through,” as well as continue long after September. “We’re not going to be able to “On the whole, everybody health officer] Dr. Henry. reported some difficulties, says a donation from the national Still supporting give as much this year as we here is handling it,” says Gates. That’s why Castlegar decided Gates, but says the organization Legion. community normally do.” “But it’s difficult.” to shut down until September. has secured Columbia Basin “But it’s not going to do us a The West Kootenay Gates says continuing Gates oversees nine Their whole executive is in Trust grants and is doing lot of good if we don’t get open branches’ donations to the public support is important to Legions in the West Kootenay, that group.” renovation projects this summer. soon,” he warns. community haven’t been keep local Legions in good In Nakusp, Legion Branch Other branches are different significantly affected by the shape. New shipment #20 reopened on June 17, after financially. Both Trail and economic impact of COVID to “Stick with your of fence posts closing in March. Nelson are sitting on healthy date. Gates says every Legion membership in the Legion if “Some days it’s not too bad nest eggs from selling their in the West Kootenay met its you are a member,” he says. and fencing at all, while other days we’re buildings in recent years, says obligation to provide student “If we don’t have members, the now in!!! not paying wages,” says Harvey Gates, while Slocan and other bursaries this spring (about Legion’s going to die. And if it Animal feed for Truax, president of the Nakusp branches were doing pretty well $10,000 of support in total). dies, it’s a big chunk out of the chickens, horses, branch. He says the big loss before the pandemic and can And he says the Slocan Branch, fundraising for a lot of groups for his branch is not having the weather the storm. in the Valley.” pigs, sheep, dogs, which supports projects from cats & more With new funding, work proceeds apace at Mount Abriel trails Septic tanks by John Boivin, Local the top of Mount Abriel to the outside and with distancing in Rossland, Castlegar, Trail Journalism Initiative reporter shore of the Arrow Lakes by place, the work schedule hasn’t and Nelson – bringing tourist & pipe The manager of the project 2022. The park is designed for been seriously impacted. dollars to the local economy. building the Mount Abriel both experts and beginners, “Fortunately, as About 14 people will be We are limiting people mountain bike trails says the has an adaptive trail for construction, we’ve always employed by the trail project to 3 customers in the weather has been a bigger seniors, children and disabled been deemed an essential this year, says Balls. store at any one time. headache this year than the riders, mogul fields, and other service,” says Balls, who was Money for this year’s Social distancing of 6 COVID-19 pandemic. facilities for a world-class bike hired as the project manager project was supplied by the feet is required. “To be quite honest, facility. There also is a 30-space this year. “Being outside has provincial Rural Dividend Fund, Please no sickness we’ve been very lucky. The campground. helped. We put in a robust the federal-provincial Investing allowed in the store. biggest factor that’s slowed us This year the Nakusp and COVID-19 policy, following in Canada Infrastructure down has been the weather,” Area Bike Society, which all the advice WorkSafeBC Program, Columbia Basin says Adam Balls, the project is spearheading the project, and Interior Health were Trust’s Community Initiatives Be flood prepared – manager. “But we’re really received about $550,000 to publicizing.” program, and WorkBC’s Job sump pumps, hoses happy with the way things are complete several components Balls says what’s been Creation Partnership program. going. “ of the project, including: really exciting this year is Balls said it would be The construction season two 20 x 20 post-and-beam seeing visitors using the helpful if people enjoying the Open 10-4 daily, including Sunday started with some remediation timber-frame gazebos; 15+ facilities, even though the trails would join the Nakusp work to repair winter and spring kilometres of trail, completing pandemic has put a damper on and Area Bike Society, to runoff damage on the trails. large sections of the peak-to- summer programming that had help support and finance Then there have been the near- beach trail; three kilometres of been planned. maintenance of the trails in the daily rains. But Balls says climbing trail; a machine-built “It’s been amazing!” he long term. You can learn more he’s confident they’ll finish jump line – a series of moguls says enthusiastically. “It’s by visiting their Facebook page this year’s scheduled work as called Roll-Aids; completion really great to see so many or website, nakuspbikesociety. planned before winter sets in. of a set of dirt jumps started people out there using the trails ca. “You just have to be last year; and two bike-repair with smiles on their faces. And Locals can also support flexible. There’s things you can stations, one at Mount Abriel people using it as a destination, the trail construction by do in bad weather and things and one in Nakusp. from all over the region. It’s participating in the volunteer you can’t do. We’ve just had COVID-19 has forced a really fantastic investment, work parties, held the last to adapt and work with it,” he the crews to take precautions constructing this.” Sunday of every month. Check says. “Fortunately, our guys are according to health regulations, He says many of the people the society’s Facebook page or good at doing that and we are but generally, with staff working using the facility come from website for more information. just plugging away at it.” Started in 2017, the June weather: nice, if you’re a duck $1.25-million project will by John Boivin, Local weather forecaster Jesse of six.” see about 50 kilometres of Journalism Initiative reporter Ellis notes. “This was likely Temperatures were pretty mountain bike trails built from The summary of June’s due to local showers often average. The highest value Support the weather by the Southeast being quite variable in nature (31.8°C on June 23) fell about Fire Centre’s forecasters is a with significant differences eight degrees short of the record Valley Voice contradiction: it rained a lot, in amounts reported over maximum; the lowest value but it didn’t rain a lot. relatively short distances.” (5.1°C during the morning of with a The centre’s forecasters Indeed, 55.6 mm of rain June 9) was a good 3.5°C above say the West Kootenay saw fell in June, compared to an the record minimum; and the voluntary about 10 low-pressure systems average of 72.3 millimetres. mean monthly temperature of and associated waves of Pacific There was more extreme 13.9°C was only a tenth of a subscription moisture pass over the area in weather during the month as degree above normal. June. well. In other words, if you’re Only $5-$50 “Rain fell at some point “There were 50% more a gardener, June was great for Send Cheque or Money Order during all but five days, but thunderstorms compared to the leafy greens; not so much to: Valley Voice, Box 70, the month’s total rainfall normal,” notes Ellis. “Nine this if you’re trying to grow corn or New Denver, BC V0G 1S0 was 23% below average,” month compared to an average cucumbers. July 16, 2020 The Valley Voice COMMUNITY 9 New history book tells silver rush story of the Silvery Slocan by Jan McMurray “I strongly believe that a helped him make some of the Newmarket Hotel before it His research in the 1970s a lot more complicated than I A new Silvery Slocan picture is worth 1,000 words. those connections. burned down.” included doing interviews thought it would be,” he said. history book is on the market. The photos are integral to the Smith grew up in Victoria Smith says he was very with oldtimers such as Gene In the acknowledgements Silver Rush: British Columbia’s text. They help tell the story,” and first visited the Silvery interested in BC history but Peterson and Neil Tattrie. “But section at the beginning of the Silvery Slocan 1891-1900 by Smith said. Slocan in the early 1970s. had never heard of the silver none of them had been in the book, Smith mentions many Peter J. Smith is available at The photographs come “Leaving Slocan City, driving rush in the North Slocan. “I was area at the beginning of the local people who helped with Raven’s Nest and New Market from BC Archives, the Silvery through the tunnel on the old fascinated by the local history silver rush, and I was eager to the project. Foods in New Denver, Otter Slocan Historical Society, the highway, it was like entering and then in the summer of 1977 learn more about how this all Smith has a degree in Books in Nelson, and online Kootenay Lake Historical a whole new world,” he said. or ’78, I worked at the museum started. So that took me back anthropology, and a post- at www.silveryslocan.ca Society, and from private “It was pretty exotic for me.” in New Denver and started further, researching historical graduate degree in folklore. He “It’s not the Coles notes individuals. “So many people He stayed in the area for a thinking about writing a book. I newspapers.” worked for the BC government version of the history, but I hope have been exceedingly kind few years in the ’70s. “Me and felt there was a huge gap in the When Smith retired, he in Victoria for most of his it’s pretty comprehensive,” in terms of letting me use some friends bought a mining broader canvas of BC history picked up the project again. “It career. He is now retired and said the author in an interview. their photos,” Smith said. claim south of Silverton from because there was not much on took a lot longer than I thought lives in Ladysmith. The more than 600-page “Some had been passed down Ran Harding, so it was a back- the Slocan. So I started doing it would once I got going. I “I always thought I’d get book is very well researched, from family members from to-the-land kind of time,” he research back then – but then I like doing everything myself, back to New Denver but never and features many historical the 1890s.” Smith said local said. had a family and a career and I so I self-published, and it was did.” photographs. historian Greg Nesteroff “I got to have breakfast at let it sit for 30 years.” Silvery Slocan Museum building gets fixed up by Jan McMurray refreshing its displays. is sound. We did some structural The lathe and plaster was Renovations to the Silvery The Visitor Info Centre may work on a few walls and a bit removed on some walls and Slocan Museum building in New yet open in the building this in the attic. But there was too replaced with plywood and Denver are almost complete. season. Watch for updates. much moisture. We had to fix drywalled. The interior main The museum, however, Work done on the building some rot.” hall and stairwell were given won’t open this year. The Silvery will help to keep the moisture To keep the moisture out, a fresh coat of paint, and the Slocan Historical Society is out, Project Manager Greg the foundation was waterproofed lighting was switched to LED. taking the opportunity presented McTaggart said. and flashed. Ventilation was Some cracked glass panes were by the renovation project and “Overall, the building is added to the crawl space, and the replaced. The fire suppression COVID-19 to spend the summer good structurally. The foundation backyard was regraded. system was also redone and certified. “All that’s left is to finish up the exterior painting and install the awnings when they come in,” McTaggart said. The $54,433 project was funded by the Columbia Basin Trust, which covered 90% of the cost through its Built Heritage program. The remaining 10% came from the Village’s Heritage Reserve Fund. Peter Smith with his newly published book about the silver rush in the Silvery Slocan.

Silvery Slocan Historical Society President Henning von Krogh works on a new display of heritage photos of New Denver in the newly renovated museum building. Nakusp council asked to allow more cannabis shop locations by John Boivin, Local at any time. current bylaw allowing only Journalism Initiative reporter “This would effectively end one dispensary,” says Trisha Some local businesspeople the business and their ability Albertine, who owns What’s are asking Nakusp Village to operate in Nakusp. When Brewing on Broadway. councillors to consider changes putting together a business plan, She’s also requesting to the town’s cannabis bylaw. this does not provide a sound council change the distance- Council received two foundation on which to build.” from-school limit from 500 to different requests at its July 13 Hughes asks council to 300 metres. This would allow meeting to consider allowing reconsider the site in their her to open a cannabis retail different locations for cannabis site-specific bylaw, and allow outlet in a room that’s currently shops than the one currently 205 Broadway Street W as a used for a U-Brew. specified in its bylaw. location. She also has an excellent Council’s cannabis bylaw, If council would consider address for a pot shop. passed in 2018, only allows one the change, Hughes says they “I own the building at 420 cannabis retail site in town, and can apply for a licence under Broadway. This is an advantage only in one particular location – the provincial cannabis retail since I do not have to worry 312 Broadway. bylaws. They also note their about whether a lease agreement But there are problems with location complies with all other would be renewed or not,” she that site. aspects of the bylaw regarding told council. (‘420’ is popular “This site currently has an distance from schools, daycares, slang for smoking cannabis.) occupant that has chosen not to etc. Administration operate a cannabis shop,” says Coincidentally, council recommended council refer Andrew James Hughes, who received a second request for a the matter to staff, so they can says he’s considering opening a change to the bylaw. go through the requests and shop in Nakusp with his partner. “I am asking that the Village offer suggestions for council “This site is also for sale, so if a of Nakusp change the first at its August meeting. It wasn’t licensed cannabis retail operator bylaw to allow for two cannabis known at press time if council were to rent this space and set up dispensaries to operate within would allow the referral, or shop, the property may be sold the village limits instead of the reject one or both proposals. 10 COMMUNITY The Valley Voice July 16, 2020 Slocan Valley locations dominate latest Heritage Register additions by John Boivin, Local Journalism descent during the Second World War, as a kind of housekeeping exercise, to As well, by being on the registry, the they can visit the RDCK’s new planning Initiative reporter have been included. get the RDCK’s efforts to preserve its owners or stewards of those sites could and heritage commission web page. The Regional District of Central Also making the list from this area heritage sites on solid ground. have access to preservation funds. The site also has a map providing more Kootenay is set to add another 21 are the historic townsite of Sandon, “The advantage of also including “The other exciting thing is many of information about all 300 sites already buildings and places to its Community including its cemetery and a general these sites on RDCK’s local register these are being maintained or restored by identified as important. Heritage Register. store, the City of Ainsworth shipwreck, is, should any change affecting them not-for-profits, so being on our register “It’s a big catalogue,” she says. “Plus The register, established in April, the Vallican Heritage Hall, the Merriwake be proposed, leadership around their can open the doors to more funding there’s a nomination form, so if you see helps preserve places “with aesthetic, boat in Kaslo, and the Billy Clark cabin conservation can come from the RDCK opportunities for them,” she says. something that we don’t know about historic, scientific, cultural, social, or in Meadow Creek. in collaboration with the identifier of the More than 300 sites were identified already, you can nominate it and we can spiritual significance for present and This is a second intake for the heritage resource and the land owner as as historically, culturally or socially add to the ‘places that matter’ map. future generations,” planning officials newly established Community Heritage well as interested/ affiliated community important in the regional district during “It’s not meant to be a static thing. say. Register. An initial five locations were groups,” Hawkins wrote in a report public consultations held in the fall of We hope to keep it alive, so hopefully as Nearly a third of the 21 sites to be selected earlier this year. to the board. That means should local 2019. The process has been funded by the time goes on, new sites will be raised and added to the register are in the Slocan Most of the listings are already on government receive a request to alter Columbia Basin Trust and Heritage BC. we’ll keep adding onto it.” Valley, and remember one of the darker federal or provincial lists of historically or demolish a structure on the register, Hawkins says if residents are The RDCK board was expected to periods of Canadian history – Japanese important sites, says Dana Hawkins, a staff will be immediately alerted of its interested in learning more or want to approve adding the 21 sites to the registry internment camps. Six of the camps, planner with the RDCK. historical importance. get involved in preserving local heritage, at its meeting July 16. which housed Canadians of Japanese They were chosen for inclusion now New landscape construction company starts up by Jan McMurray Calgary and worked for a landscaping has built Les Furber golf courses in Greenstone Landscape Construction company for two years. “I quickly Saskatchewan, and has run the excavator is a brand new business, started up by realized that running the excavator was on oil rigs. New Denver native Mitch Peterson. the best job in the company,” he said. “I like to play in the dirt,” Mitch Mitch offers his services throughout the He moved to Kelowna, where he said with a big grin, “and I’ve always West Kootenay. got a business degree from Okanagan envisioned myself in business. So this Mitch was born and raised in New College and worked for a builder doing is where it comes together.” Denver, graduated from Lucerne School landscape installations. He has worked Contact Greenstone Landscape and then left the area for 15 years to in landscape construction in Australia, Construction at 587-226-8603. work, study and travel. “I looked for paradise all over the world and finally realized it was in the backyard all along,” Mitch says. He came back a year ago, bought a property near New Denver and fixed it up, and is now ready to take on landscape construction jobs. With his mini excavator and dump trailer, Peterson offers excavating, Family and friends of Frances Harding are invited to gather landscaping and hardscaping services. at the New Denver Village Cemetery on Tuesday August These include trenching, grading, site preparation; installing trees, shrubs, sod 4th 2020 at 11:00 am for a graveside service. Please be and mulch; and building retaining walls advised that social distancing must be observed. Due to and installing paving stones. Covid there will be no tea to follow. After graduating from Lucerne School in New Denver, Mitch went to

New Denver native Mitch Peterson has started up Greenstone Landscape Construction, offering his services throughout the West Kootenay.

• Excavating, utility trenching, grading and site preparation • Tree, shrub, rock and mulch installation • Retaining walls, paving stones and drainage solutions • Dump trailer

Precise and efficient with reasonable rates. Serving the West Kootenays – Nakusp, Castlegar, Nelson and in between Call Mitch 587-226-8603 July 16, 2020 The Valley Voice COMMUNITY 11 New Denver displayed prominently in new documentary by Kathy Hartman in 1997. He worked closely with looking towards Idaho Peak, you can local geography, making the gardens Post-production on the film A Calgary-based film crew has the Nikkei Centre’s construction see the juniper hedge following the uniquely Canadian. Each garden uses should be completed in October. wrapped up principal shooting for supervisor, Ken Butler of New line of the peaks in the distance. Or, the materials from the local area. The It’s scheduled to be shown on CBC a new documentary detailing the Denver, and two members of the looking through the original entrance filmmakers made sure to take shots TV and CBC Gem. The filmmakers life of a master gardener who left an Kyowakai Society, Tsuneko Kokubo you can see how it follows the line of near Sandon of the rock outcrops and say they would be happy to arrange indelible mark on New Denver. and Sakaye Hashimoto. All three are the Valhallas looking over the lake. dense forest materials that you find for a showing in New Denver later Racing against the setting sun, interviewed in the film. Sumi also borrows from the in the Heiwa Teien garden. this year. director Guillaume Carlier and “New Denver is sitting on a cinematographer Bryce Zimmerman really critical piece of history,” shot the last footage at New Denver’s explains Carlier. “And it’s tied Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre together with this work of beauty.” on July 8. The film follows Sumi’s life “New Denver is going to be through three of his masterful woven into the large tapestry of big gardens. It begins soon after his movements in history, one man’s internment, when he helped create life, and touch on philosophy,” says the Nitobe Memorial Garden at UBC Carlier, describing the community’s in Vancouver. This garden was the place in the film. first gesture of goodwill and peace The documentary, called between Canada and Japan after Borrowed from Nature follows the World War Two. life and work of Japanese Canadian The film then moves on to the master gardener Roy Tomomichi Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in Sumi. Like hundreds of his fellow Lethbridge, where many Japanese Japanese Canadians, Mr. Sumi was Canadian internees were moved to held in internment camps in Tashme, work on sugar beet farms. It finishes Rosebery and New Denver during its story in New Denver, and Sumi’s the Second World War. experiences there. He returned to New Denver in By the time Sumi returned to 1994, at the age of 85, to design and New Denver, he had been nationally oversee the creation of the Heiwa and internationally recognized for his Teien Peace Garden at the Nikkei work. He was awarded the medal of Internment Memorial Centre. Zuihosho by the Emperor Hirohito Carlier has been coming to the of Japan for his ‘contributions to his Kootenays every summer since he community and for promoting the was a boy and had always been cultural interest of Japan in his work’ struck by Sumi’s work. and by the University of British “I thought that it was a beautiful Columbia for his work on the Nitobe gesture. You don’t hear about people Gardens. going through something traumatic Typically, Sumi’s gardens are and then coming back to the place in the Shakkei style, which means and making something beautiful ‘to borrow from nature’ – hence the out of it,” he says. “Not stern or name of the film. For example, the moralizing. Something that says ‘Just trees and hills in the garden may be enjoy this. Its peace. Its healing.’” situated to highlight or frame a vista The Heiwa Teien garden was of mountains in the distance. Sumi’s final garden before his death In the Heiwa Teien garden

PHOTO CREDIT: KATHY HARTMAN KATHY CREDIT: PHOTO

Filming for a documentary about master gardener Roy Tomomichi Sumi happened last week in New Denver, where Sumi created the Heiwa Teien Peace Garden at the Nikkei Interment Memorial Centre. Pictured here are New Denver Councillor John Fyke, the director, and the cinematographer. 12 NAKUSP & THE ARROW LAKES The Valley Voice July 16, 2020 Arrow Lakes Hospital unveils newly renovated ER by John Boivin, Local Journalism The $2.1 million project, started a allows nurses to be able to monitor Shendruk says residents of the what makes it happen and we are so Initiative reporter little over two years ago, has outfitted patients and enhances patient and staff region played a key role in outfitting grateful for that.” Staff with Interior Health can’t ALH with a new trauma room, triage flows through the hospital. ALH with important equipment. The The project was funded by the say enough about how much they like area, exam bays, space for families and “I think it’s great,” says Mercedes Arrow Lakes Hospital Foundation and Ministry of Health (60%) and the West the new emergency department at the a work area for visiting specialists to Casley, a nurse at the hospital. “It the Arrow Lakes Hospital Auxiliary Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Arrow Lakes Hospital in Nakusp. see patients. allows patients to receive care in raised $250,000 – enough to purchase District (40%) along with the added “It’s beautiful,” Says Diane “When you have a modern facility an updated space. They can seek critical pieces of equipment, including $250,000 raised by the community. Shendruk, the executive director like this, it really improves the flow of emergency care and we can also see an equipment boom, monitors and the The Arrow Lakes Hospital serves of clinical operations for Kootenay patients so we can get them into the right them as outpatients. This gives us patient monitoring system. close to 5,000 people living in the Boundary. “It has lots of light, the care area, triage them appropriately, and more space and the ability to care for “We’re so grateful for the communities of Nakusp, Edgewood, space really enhances patient privacy, the workflow is much more streamlined critically ill and injured patients in our tremendous community support we Fauquier, Burton, Trout Lake and the it has an area for our visiting specialists because the visibility to see the patients community.” received,” says Shendruk. “It is really surrounding regions. right on site, a quiet area for families, is very good,” she says. “As well as the emergency room bays are quite a having access to the equipment, which bit roomier.” is so important.” Patients needing urgent care will first be assessed in the new triage area before moving into another area of care. The new trauma bay features an equipment boom while the exam bays offer more privacy. Families with a loved one receiving critical care can gather together in a private multi- purpose room. For staff, an inter-disciplinary MEET MR. PURRKINS! centrally located ‘touch-down station’ He’s sweet and gentle and just a little bit shy. This 5-year-old tabby is The Hungry Barber neutered and micro-chipped so he’s The new trauma room with equipment boom at the newly renovated Arrow Lakes Hospital emergency department. ready to move to your home. To find if your home is purrfect Tiny community reaches big FireSmart goal for this adorable kitty, call PALS by John Boivin, Local Journalism Regional District of Central Kootenay’s quickly when possible. today at 250-265-3792. Initiative reporter Area K to achieve ‘FireSmart “They’re quite involved,” says WEEKLY SPONSOR: Wednesday – Saturday A community on the west shore of Community Recognition’ status. Hamilton. “Each fire caddy has a 10 am – 6 pm the Arrow Lakes is the first in its area “It’s one of the smaller pump, a 500-gallon water tank on a to reach an important milestone for neighbourhoods that we’re dealing with, two-wheeled trailer, chainsaws, propane 313 Hwy 23, Nakusp protecting itself from forest fires. but it’s quite engaged, and it’s done a ton heaters, shovel, rakes and firefighting Nakusp Residents of West Arrow Park of work,” says Joel Hamilton, wildfire equipment.” (250) 265-3635 www.selkirkrealty.com 250-265-7258 have become the first community in the mitigation supervisor with the RDCK. The third element they are working With only eight residents, and no on is improving road access into and out stores or main street, there’s not much to of the community. MADDEN TIMBER see in West Arrow Park. It’s surrounded “There’s kind of an intrinsic value by forest, which places the community to getting together and working together in the 6-7 range (out of 10) when it communally – it kind of brings the comes to its fire threat rating. And the community together in the name CONSTRUCTION INC nearest fire truck is a ferry ride away of protecting your own homes and LICENCED BUILDER in Burton. communities,” says Hamilton. “It’s The community started working something everyone can relate to and 250-265-1807 toward FireSmart Community typically agree on.” Recognition status when the RDCK’s The RDCK has been working hard wildfire mitigation specialist for the area to protect more communities from fire was invited to help neighbours assess, danger, but West Arrow Park is the first organize and reduce the risk of wildfire. in Area K to get the designation. About Bree Lillies helped the neighbours 15 residential areas are working on their form a community board, which made FireSmart status, he says. a plan to mitigate their wildfire hazards. The citizens of West Arrow Park The community works together to will get a nice sign to mark their implement local mitigation solutions. designation as a FireSmart recognized “One of the components of being community. They could also be eligible a FireSmart recognized community is for reduced home insurance rates, putting together a FireSmart community depending on the provider. It can help plan,” says Hamilton. “So they identified support property values, says Hamilton. three major areas they wanted to work And community recognition can also on.” lead to more work being done to The first was an information protect the community by other levels campaign, reaching out to residents. The of government. second was upgrading the community’s But most of all, residents will two existing fire caddies, a portable be able to sleep a bit better at night, trailer and underground water storage knowing they’ve done what they can to tank system, to tackle fires locally and protect their community from wildfire. PRIME COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR LEASE 218 Broadway Street, ground level, Nakusp CONVENTIONAL CONSTRUCTION Approx. 1600 sq ft. Available immediately. LOG AND TIMBER FRAME Contact West Kootenay Property Rentals Inc. CERTIFIED PASSIVE HOUSE 250.359.5021, [email protected] DESIGN AND BUILD www.westkootenayrentals.com July 16, 2020 The Valley Voice VISITOR INFORMATION 13 Canada tables proposal during latest Columbia River Treaty negotiations submitted discussions, Canada responded to a collaboratively by Canada, BC made public. of BC will engage Canadian The 10th round of Columbia framework proposed by the United and Columbia Basin Indigenous Tabling proposals is one part of Columbia Basin Indigenous Nations, River Treaty negotiations between States during the previous round of Nations. a complex negotiation process and local governments, citizens and Canada and the United States was negotiations in Washington, DC, and Due to the confidential nature the exchange of options between stakeholders on decisions regarding conducted by web conference on tabled a Canadian proposal outlining of the cross-border negotiations, countries will take time. Once the a modernized treaty. June 29 and 30, 2020. a framework for a modernized details of Canada’s initial proposal process is sufficiently advanced and The next round of negotiation During this most recent round of Columbia River Treaty, developed and of the US framework cannot be options become clear, the Province meetings has not been scheduled. 14 KASLO & DISTRICT The Valley Voice July 16, 2020 Daycare expansion will meet part of Kaslo’s need, manager says by John Boivin, Local Journalism Smith. “So many children want to come runs Periwinkle, finds itself looking older or younger children, and that just Speirs. “We have recently decided to Initiative Reporter and we just don’t have the space.” for $371,000 from the province’s New doesn’t fit in with what we are doing, or offer attractive employment with wages/ The group that runs Kaslo’s A recent report commissioned by Spaces program, to build a whole new what we can design,” she says. benefits that are higher than average for only public daycare is hoping a grant Periwinkle shows the community needs building beside the existing 100-year- Living wages for ECEs/ ECEAs in this region. We feel they’ve applied for will help ease the at least 125 spaces to meet the growing old structure. workers strongly that living wages are needed for community’s shortage of child care demand for child care. The study shows However, the new spaces will only A board member for Periwinkle families in our region and that childcare spaces. there are no spaces available for infants be for the same age of children – 30 says the society is also addressing the providers have long been undervalued. But the manager of the Periwinkle or school-aged children in Kaslo. months to 5 years of age. Periwinkle daycare industry’s other problem – It’s time we change this!” Daycare warns the improvement won’t “Just before you called, I had a can’t provide space for infants or school- finding enough qualified early childhood Reeg-Smith says they hope to hear be seen for at least a year – and will only parent call for this coming year, and I age children, even with the expansion. educators and assistants, and paying from the Province on August 10. If they meet part of the community’s need. have no space,” says Reeg-Smith. “This That would likely take a whole new them living wages. Periwinkle’s been hit get the go-ahead, they’ll begin working “Sadly, this is going to take another year we are very short of spaces. It’s sad. facility, and another group to run it, says hard this year by the shortage. with an architect and engineers to draw year before our expansion will be ready It’s very hard.” Reeg-Smith. “As an organization, we have up plans. Construction would start in to double our capacity,” said Heike Reeg- Periwinkle’s expansion will allow “You would need other toys, worked hard to improve our wages and spring of 2021, with an eye to completion the daycare to add 15 spaces for children furniture, and space to accommodate benefit standards,” says Dr. Jessie Ann in September 2021. from 2.5 to 5 years of age – more than double the current capacity. Argenta-Johnson’s Landing cutting permit to be submitted early August “Where a few years ago, children by Jan McMurray 1 will not be constructed due to terrain comments. mostly attended one or two days per Planning for the Argenta-Johnson’s stability concerns. Instead, two forwarding However, he also says that in summer Since 1986 1986 week, and our services were primarily Landing logging operation in the trails will be built, and fully rehabilitated 2019, Herbison and CCC met with the BC Now open every day! viewed as ‘enrichment’ rather than care, Salisbury Creek to Bulmer Creek area is after harvesting. Caribou Recovery Team. “Although they Stop by and check out our we now have several children who attend coming to an end. Cooper Creek Cedar The update also says cutblock 6 was did not give any concrete suggestions, half-price sale on full time,” she says. “Most families has announced that it will submit the dropped from the plan because the terrain the Recovery Team did comment there selected summer clothing. are now accessing care to go to work. cutting permit soon after August 1. stability assessment concluded there were other caribou habitat areas in the 250.353.2566 Currently enrolled families are asking Site plans and maps for each of would be a high likelihood of landslide Region that ranked as higher priorities 408 Front Street, Kaslo, BC for more days and we do not have space www.figmentscanada.com the five cutblocks are posted on the initiation here if logged. for… full protection than the area CCC/ to support their needs.” company’s website at coopercreekcedar. Contrary to what we reported in our Brenda was managing,” Kestell says in As with many improvement projects, com. June 4 issue, cutblock 6 is not where signs the update. “The BC Caribou Recovery the expansion of Periwinkle started off as Assessments completed for the cutting of caribou were found. In spring 2019, Team did commend CCC for undertaking a much smaller affair. permit area (CP 405) for Cooper Creek caribou scat and tracks were found in special planning and management for “It all started as a leak in the ceiling Cedar (CCC) include a terrain stability cutblock 7. Cutblock 7 remains in the plan. caribou in an area where there was no legal of our cubby room, and a long wait list,” assessment, a karst potential assessment, “CCC will manage CP 405 consistent requirement to do so.” recalls Reeg-Smith. “We decided the a mountain caribou/ wildlife habitat and with the recommendations in Brenda In response to climate change cubby room was hardly worth fixing – risk assessment, and a visual impact Herbison’s wildlife report and will proceed concerns, Kestell explains in the update we needed to rebuild it.” assessment. All of these were posted on with harvesting in block 7 as per the that CCC manages for climate change Periwinkle raised $52,000 for that the website and shared with community recommendations in Brenda’s report,” “by ensuring stream culverting will be project, with about $38,600 from the members and other stakeholders. Kestell says in the June 10 update. large enough to handle sudden increased Columbia Basin Trust and the rest In a June 10 written update, CCC’s He says Herbison’s report was stream water flow that is expected to occur from other sources. But the project got Woodlands Manager Bill Kestell says referred to the BC Caribou Recovery more regularly due to increased extreme postponed, and that gave the board a a section of road proposed for cutblock Team, and the team had not provided any weather events.” chance to look at the bigger picture. “It was such a long wait list, so Kaslo: the ‘Communi-cultural Capital of BC’ we thought if we were improving and building and upgrading, we should by John Boivin, Local Journalism It’s a better way of engaging citizens and governance model could develop into a expand at the same time,” she says. “So Initiative Reporter than what is happening now through social new kind of community organization. then we started to apply for other funds.” BC Rural Centre’s Randy Morse media. “If Kaslo does this, it’s not only going to Now, the Kootenay Lake sees all sorts of opportunities created by “We take [the discussion] off be an economic, social and civic benefit for Independent School Society, which Kaslo’s community-owned fibre-optic Facebook,” he says, pointing out there the people who live and work here, it ends network – the smallest publicly owned one are 3,000 members of “this crazy, chaotic up being a lighthouse, a lodestar, to every in the world. community forum” in a town of 1,000 other community across the basin, across Speaking to council last month, he residents. “It makes you wonder where the the province and beyond,” predicts Morse. said the pandemic and subsequent global other 2,000 people are hanging out.” The idea will be discussed further by economic upheaval has increased our Instead, this widespread consultation Kaslo’s COVID Recovery Committee. reliance on technology. People – especially knowledge workers – have learned they can • Fresh Meat Cut Daily Big grant makes Woodbury be just as productive at home, and have a • Fresh & Frozen Seafood more balanced life. water improvements a reality • Freezer Packs “They’re looking at the ‘new rural,’” by John Boivin, Local Journalism to put the water intakes deeper under • Deli Sandwiches to go he says, places less stressful, less crowded, Initiative reporter water, install a new UV water purifier, • Awesome Cheese Selection and connected to nature. They want to Boil water orders could be a thing a new filtration system and convert the • Fresh & Smoked Sausage shop and eat local, just as the community of the past by 2021 for residents of the chlorinator from manual to automatic, • Smoked Salmon is reinvigorating local food supply chains. Woodbury Village subdivision south says McDiarmid. • Awesome Beef Jerky “And it’s just easier to get things done in a of Kaslo. It wouldn’t have been possible to • Custom Cutting small place.” That’s after a $480,000 federal/ do the work without help from senior • Weekly Instore Specials Kaslo should take on the title of provincial infrastructure grant has made governments, he says. ‘Communi-cultural Capital of BC,’ improvements to the community’s tiny “The water system couldn’t afford to marketing the unique combination of water system affordable. do any upgrades on their own. It would beauty, the arts, innovation, and history and “We didn’t have money to build have been just too costly for such a small world-class internet service. this,” says Jason McDiarmid, the utility water system,” he says. “We’ve been “The heart of that is the reinvention services manager for the Regional trying to figure out a solution to do this of the way we engage as a community District of Central Kootenay. “Even for years with limited funding available.” civically,” he said. “The idea is to create a really simplified watered-down About 22 customers – including open and transparent engagement by project would have resulted in massive some seasonal vacation homes – use connecting local folks to local issues.” rate increases for them that were the system. The fact Kaslo owns its own secure unaffordable. The improvements will mean an end fibre-optic network makes this a possibility, “We were lucky to get a grant that’s to ongoing water quality advisories and he says. Using secure software to confirm 100% funded.” boil orders for the system’s users. citizen’s locations identities, residents The Woodbury system draws water McDiarmid says the project will could respond to Village surveys and directly from Kootenay Lake before go out to tender sometime this summer, polls, or participate in discussion forums, being treated and distributed to residents. but work won’t likely start until early “providing insight to how folks who live The system was first built in the 1980s, next spring. He says when the project is here feel about a particular issue,” he says. It and the RDCK took over operations done, the RDCK will only have one or would transform the way civic government in 2012. two community systems left that have could work. The grant will allow the RDCK ongoing water quality advisories. July 16, 2020 The Valley Voice COMMUNITY 15 SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES – NOW MORE THAN EVER! Wilf Hewat Repairs LTD. New Denver Community Pharmacy NAKUSP & AREA Open Open Mon-Fri, 10 am-5:30 pm Anderson’s Automotive Services 250-265-4388, Facebook: @hewatrepairs We look forward to serving you! Open 7 am - 8 pm (temporarily – will resume regular hours to 9 pm when restric- Welcome to shop by visiting during business hours or: Save-On-Foods By phone: 250-358-2500, By fax: 250-358-2524, By email: kaslopharm@gmail. tions are lifted.) Practising physical distancing, enhanced cleaning Open 8 am - 7 pm daily; 7-8 am for seniors and people with health issues needing 250-265-3313 com (please use reference “NDCP”) more space to shop. Max customer limit in place. Please shop individually; leave 309 6th Avenue, New Denver V0G 1S0 Bon Marche Dollar Dollar recycle bags at home; No bottle returns at this time. Mailing: PO Box 550, Kaslo, BC V0G 1M0 Open 9 am - 5 pm Monday to Saturday. Contactless debit/credit 250-265-3662. Store Manager: Duncan, Asst. Manager: Ryan Phone 250-358-2500, Fax 250-358-2524 Cleaning protocols in place, customers reminded to social distance. Facebook: Bon Marche Dollar Dollar Nakusp New Market Foods 250-265-3644 KASLO & AREA Open every day, 8 am-6 pm ACE Building Centre-Kaslo You are welcome to come and shop. Keep your distance as much as you can Chumley’s Restaurant & Three Lions Pub Open 8 am-4 pm Mon-Sat, Open Sundays and most stat holidays 10-2 with others. We have hand sanitizer at the door as well as at the tills. Open at 11:30 Monday to Saturday. Four customers at a time If you are self isolating or not wanting to come to the store, we can do your Kitchen closes at 8:00 pm. Closed Sunday. 250-353-7628, [email protected], www.kaslobuilding.com shopping for you and have it delivered to you or you can pick it up. 250-265-3331 or 250 265-4944 for takeout orders. You can call the store at 250-358-2270 or email [email protected] to Angry Hen Brewing Company place your orders. Crescent Bay Construction Ltd. Open for off-sales Wed through Sun 3-6 pm Phone 250-353-7446 to pre-order Open Mon-Sat, 8 am-5 pm or to arrange a ‘beer-it forward’ delivery for a friend. Opening soon for indoor Raven’s Nest Nitrile gloves must be put on (available beside the door) when entering and and patio service - see you there! Open Tuesday thru Saturday, 11 am – 4 pm, and from 10 am on Friday. discarded (beside the door) when leaving. 250-353-7446, [email protected], https//m.facebook.com/angry- We’ve got cool clothes and great books – hope to see you soon. Phone orders and pick-up available. E-transfer payment available at cresbay@ henbrewing, https://www.instagram.com/angryhenbrewing telus.net • 250-265-3747 Valley Voice Cornucopia Open 1-833-501-1700; [email protected]; www.valleyvoice.ca Kal Tire Nakusp Now open Mon-Sat, 9:30 - 5:30, closed Sunday Wilds of Canada Cycle Open Mon-Sat, 8 am-5 pm 250-353-2594; [email protected]; Facebook Cornucopiakaslo Call or book online for appointment or tire purchases. Emergency and commer- Bicycle sales and service cial work done as required. Please only one customer in showroom at a time. Eric’s Meats Open Thurs-Fri, 10 am-5 pm Payments accepted by Debit or Credit. NO CASH please. Open Tues-Sat 9:30 am-5 pm Drop-off service for bicycle repairs. Call for appointment: 250-358-7941 Sanitization precautions being taken in showroom and all customer vehicles. 250-353-2436 Visit our Facebook page for full details. 250-265-4155, www.kaltire.com SLOCAN JB’s Pub & Restaurant Mountain Valley Station Gas/Convenience Kim’s Kustoms Open Thurs-Sun, 3-9 pm. Hours will extend in the summer. Open regular hours 8 am-7 pm daily Open regular hours, 8:30 am-5:30 pm Takeout available 250-353-7716; 250-353-7717 Bottle Depot open Tues-Sat 9-5, closed holidays 250-265-4012 Jones Boys Boats Taking precautions for everyone’s health and safety Leland Hotel We are open for business! 250-355-2245 Off-Sales: 11 am-11 pm; if door is locked, call 250-265-3314. www.jonesboysboats.com Village of Slocan – Fitness Centre, Library, Campground, Restaurant: Open 4-8 pm for takeout. Closed Tuesdays. 250-265-3314 250.353.2550 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/Jonesboysboats Playgrounds Marvin’s Small Motor Repairs Village Office open by appointment. Other facilities temporarily closed. Mon-Fri 9 am-6 pm; Sat 9 am-5 pm Kaslo Hotel Campground open June 15 to BC residents, self-contained units only. Open regular hours 250-265-4911 Open! Pub 12-10 pm; Dine in 12-8 pm; Takeout 12-8 pm; Off sales 12-10 pm 250-355-2277, [email protected], www.slocancity.com Front desk 12-8 pm for check-in and reservations. Strict sanitizing protocols in place. NACFOR 250-353-7714; kaslohotel.com; Facebook Slocan Village Market The NACFOR office is now open to the public for regular business hours between Open. Limiting number of customers in the store. Providing gloves and masks 8 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday, with COVID-19 safety precautions in place. Kaslo Husky to shoppers. 250-265-3656, [email protected] Open Mon-Fri, 6 am-8 pm; Sat & Sun 8 am-8 pm We are accepting orders by phone for pick-up for those who prefer not to Physical distancing measures in effect. 250-353-2205 enter the store. We are also offering delivery services on a weekly basis. Nakusp Computers 250-355-2211, [email protected] Open Mon-Fri, 10:30 am - 3:30 pm Kaslo Community Pharmacy 250-265-0129; [email protected]; facebook.com/nakuspcomputers Open Monday-Friday 9:30 am-5:30 pm We look forward to serving you! WINLAW Nakusp Farmers’ Market Welcome to shop by visiting during business hours or: Emery Herbals Botanical Dispensary, Healing Suites and Saturdays 9 am - noon, starting May 16 By phone: 250-353-2224, By fax: 250-353-2336, By email: [email protected] Teaching Centre Locally raised foods and vegetable starter plants. For prescription refills online visit: kaslopharmacy.myrefill.ca The Botanical Dispensary Open Thurs and Fri, 12-4. Limit of one client in the Crowd limit and handwashing stations. Bring your reusable tote bags. Money 403 Front Street, PO Box 550, Kaslo V0G 1M0 shop at a time. handling will be separate from vendors. Vendors of exposed products will wear [email protected], phone 250-353-2224, fax 250-353-2336 Order requests can be sent to [email protected] or by phoning 250- masks and gloves; produce will be shielded. Food harvesting done safely. 226-7744 for pick-up using our safe pick-up guidelines. We offer a $10 local Kul Nijjar, REALTOR(R) Fair Realty Ltd. ship rate and all local orders over $75 are shipped free. We ship once weekly. Nakusp General Store Open Our online shop is https://emeryherbals.com/online-apothecary/ Open 10 am-2 pm or call us to make arrangements to come at other times [email protected], 250-505-4722 • Colleen Emery, RHT (CHAofBC) is conducting all client consultation online Sanitizing and bleaching. 250-265-8423 Sunnyside Naturals or via the phone. Priority is for acute cases, new clients are welcome. Nakusp Glass Open Mon-Sat, 9 am-6 pm • All classes have moved online at this time. Open Physical distancing measures in effect. Food takeout Gaia Tree Whole Foods Drop in, call or email to make an appointment. Phone orders and delivery available. 250-353-9667 New COVID hours: Mon-Sat, 10 am-5 pm (closed Sun) 250-265-3252, [email protected] Village of Kaslo Email to order for pick-up Nakusp Taxi Open 10 am-3 pm, Mon-Fri. We’re also available by phone or email. [email protected] 250-226-7255 Pick-up and delivery of anything from licenced food, beverage and retail stores. [email protected], 250-353-2311 x101, www.kaslo.ca, facebook.com/KasloBC/ Kootenay Country Craft Distillery 250-265-8222 Woodbury Resort Open for online/telephone sales. Tasting room closed. Hand sanitizer available. Nakusp Tirecraft Boat rentals, Camping, Fishing! Angler Incentive Program Depot Ph: 250-353-7717; Fax 250-353-2004 [email protected] [email protected] Open 250-355-2702 250-265-4438, https://tirecraft.com/tirecraft-nakusp/ Facebook: @tirecraftnakusp Mama Sita’s Selkirk Realty SLOCAN VALLEY Open for takeout and delivery, 10 am-6 pm The office is closed, but the agents are working remotely and more than Phone or come in 250-226-7070 happy to help! They can be reached directly, or via 250-265-3635 or Nakusp@ NEW DENVER royallepage.ca Charlie’s Needful Things Winlaw Brew Op Toys, Food, Basic Necessities. Tanning now available! Open by appointment only Shon’s Bike - Ski - Stay Open Mon-Sat, 4-8 pm. Call anytime if you need something. 250-777-3789 250-226-7328, [email protected] Mon-Sat, 9 am - 5:30 pm Please drop off bike repairs to the rear entrance (in alley) of the shop. No Glacier View Service appointments are necessary for bike tune-ups. Our coffee shop and lounge Open 7 days, 8 am-5:30 pm SLOCAN PARK area is currently closed. 250-358-2445 StillPoint Pottery All 2019 bikes are on sale. 250 226-6876, 3019 Slocan Valley East Road, Slocan Park For all inquiries, call us as (250) 265-3332, email: [email protected], website: New Denver Coin Laundry You are welcome to visit us Tues-Sat, 10 am-4 pm in a safe, hygienic environment. www.shons.ca, Facebook: Shon’s Bike - Ski - Stay. Open 9 am-7 pm, 7 days a week For updates check Facebook, Instagram or our web page stillpointpottery.ca Studio Connexion Art Gallery Use your intelligence, engage in physical distancing and wash hands when you come in and when you leave. Soap is good. The premises are being cleaned Open by appointment or by chance Tues-Sat 11 am-4 pm twice a day. Your business could be listed here 250-265-8888; 203 Fifth Ave NW, Nakusp Contact: Wendy @ 358-7792 or Rod – phone numbers on signs inside the building. for only $10 + GST The Lodge at Arrow Lakes Restaurant Hours: 12:00PM – 8:00PM Front desk hotel hours: 8:00AM – Support the with a voluntary subscription 10:00PM Valley Voice Reopening date for The Lodge Lotto & Liquor Store still to be determined. www.arrowlakeslodge.com; www.arrowlaketavern.com; 1-800-663-0100 Only $5-$50 Send Cheque or Money Order to: Valley Voice, Box 70, New Denver, BC V0G 1S0 16 CLASSIFIED ADS The Valley Voice July 16, 2020 ANNOUNCEMENTS you’re eligible, you may also qualify for support your local farmers, artisans and FOR SALE FOR SALE BUDDY’S PIZZA, KASLO: Award the Self-Employment program where you food vendors. New hours: vendors will be FOR SALE: $5000 or best offer. Modular AFFORDABLE STEEL SHIPPING winning, hand-stretched artisan pizza. will receive ongoing business training and ready to serve you from 9:30 am to 12:30 building - approx. 28’ x 32’ /w truss roof. CONTAINERS 20 ft. and 40 ft. sizes. 250-353-2282. coaching and usually financial support pm. See you there. Sale includes all skirting/blocking, stairs/ Kootenay Containers Sales & Rentals, KOOTS KIDS CLOTHING while you start your business. To learn more SLOCAN SATURDAY MARKET railings - must be dismantled to be moved. Castlegar. 250-365-3014. EXCHANGE has kids’ clothes! Please call 265-3674 ext. 201 or email Nakusp@ featuring local farmers, food and artisans Removal and site clean up to be completed WATKINS PRODUCTS, HAND contact Robin at 250-505-4610 or futures.bc.ca. every Saturday, 10 am-2 pm June, July by August 15, 2020. Located at WE CRAFTS – Bertha Williams, #11 – 217 [email protected]. Donations can THINKING OF STARTING, buying and August. Expo Park. Village of Slocan. Graham School, 915 Harold St, Slocan, Zacks Rd. 250-265-9080. be mailed to LACE, Box 208, New Denver, or expanding your own business? If so, New vendors welcome. Call Christina BC. For information or to arrange for HEALTH V0G 1S0. Community Futures offers business loans, 250-355-2635. viewing contact: Bruce MacLean, Director SHADE TREE MASSAGE THERAPY AGM OF THE ARROWTARIAN Senior counseling & training; and delivers the of Operations, 250-354-4871 or Bruce. now welcoming new and returning Citizens Society, Monday July 27, 9:30 am, Self Employment program in the Arrow [email protected]. clients for therapeutic and relaxation Phase 4 lounge 2nd floor, 206 -7th Avenue. & Slocan Lakes area. For more info leave treatments. Clean, quiet, professional Non-Profit Senior Housing 55+. There will a message at 265-3674 ext. 201 or email office located in Winlaw. Mobile available. be a limit on participants. Call for info: 250- [email protected]. Jessica Coonen RMT 250 226-6887 265-2020 or 250-265-1247. COMING EVENTS [email protected] BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES THE FRIDAY MARKET is happening AT THE HIDDEN GARDEN YOGA WITH TYSON * ONLINE! Free ARE YOU AN ASPIRING every Friday this season in the heart of GALLERY: Textile Works features the intros: Chair Yoga & Feldenkrais. Enjoy ENTREPRENEUR? If so, call Community New Denver. It will look a little different work of Margaret and Wendy Toogood. 1-hour classes anytime at home. Info/ Futures to learn about the free Business this year, as we have modified our space This show runs from July 21-26. Arising, Registration: [email protected]. Plan workshop open to anyone! And if to welcome you when you come and an exhibit of paintings by Victoria Mitchell REIKI, HANDS-ON-HEALING AND will be showcased from July 28-Aug 2. CCMBA sessions for past trauma, also The Hidden Garden Gallery is located at Reiki classes. Agnes Toews-Andrews. 30 112 Slocan Ave, behind Sweet Dreams years experience. Winlaw. 250-226-7268. Guesthouse. The gallery is open 10 am-3 HELP WANTED pm, Tuesday-Sunday. For more information EXPERIENCED BARISTA for new please visit hiddengardengallery.ca. coffee shop in Nakusp, BC. Mountain FOR RENT Top Coffee Co. Send resume to support@ LAKEVIEW HOUSE FOR RENT mountaintopcoffeeco.com, 250-999-7619. in New Denver: Beautiful 2+ bedroom JANITOR POSITION: The Whole CONSTRUCTION,FOUNDATIONS • ROOFING • RENOVATIONS LTD. Specializing in Timber Framing lakeview home with office, 1 bath, attached School Elementary is hiring a janitor for Cell: 250-265-8503 Home: 250-265-2278 workshop, W/D, detached 2 car garage. the 2020-21 school year. 8-10 hours per • BONDED Journeyman carpenter Available September 1, 2020. Please email week. $25/hour. Required qualifications: • HPO Licenced Builder #42639 [email protected] for further Grade 12 Graduation, valid BC driver’s www.manciaconstruction.ca information. licence, criminal record check, self-starter BUSINESS DIRECTORY CONSTRUCTION • HOME • GARDEN HALL LUMBER MADDEN TIMBER CONSTRUCTION, INC. & BUILDING SUPPLIES Wired by Alex HPO Licenced Builder & Red Seal Carpenter Open Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat Electrical Contracting Ltd 10 am to 5 pm TimberFrame Homes PHONE 250-269-0043 Stairs, Interior Finishing, Drywall Find us at 280 Lower Inonoaklin Rd. Alex Joseph Concrete and Excavation Edgewood, BC Roofing and Siding Custom Design Wood and Timber Sales 250-358-7721 mobile (250) 551-TIME (8463) [email protected] K & A Kent & Arlene Yardcare Services 250 265 1807 Housewatch • Free Estimates 358-2508 • 358-7785 • 505-8210 [email protected] Crescent Bay Construction Ltd. SOLID Jim Pownall Eric Waterfield — Septic Planning/Installation & Co. Nakusp, BC • Ph. 250 265-3747 • Fx. 250 265-3431 Indoor Garden PLAN • Email [email protected] LOG & TIMBER Supplies DRAFTING AND DESIGN Tim Reilly Castlegar S. KING, CET FRAME HOMES Suite 3, 622 Front St 250-304-2911 Grow Your Own Crane Service Nelson, BC Vll 4B7 (250) 358-7922 Indoor & Outdoor Garden New Denver • BC C: (250)551-6584 1730 Hwy 3, Selkirk Spring Building Supplies, Knowledgeable Staff, Licensed Residential Builder & General Contractor Regular Hours 250-358-2566 [email protected] Mon – Sat 9 am - 5 pm Design • Project Management • Building Services [email protected] [email protected] 4619 Hwy 6, New Denver, BC V0G 1S1 Closed Sunday and Long Weekends www.trctimberworks.com Leaf Cabinetry Residential & commercial Highland Creek cabinet work. Winlaw, BC Contracting T: (250) 551-7127 250.226.7441 • Excavating • Dump truck • E: [email protected] www.leafcabinetry.com Premium garden soil • Lawn installation • Landscaping Renovations and Call for a estimate Maintenance Made Easy! • Basic Renovations & Construction • Pete Schwartz • Painting • Landscaping • cell: 250-505-4347 INTERIOR & EXTERIOR Hourly Rate, By Appointment Only • Power Trowel • Concrete Finishing – Slocan Lake communities Only – [email protected] • Concrete Stamping and Acid Tyler Paynton • 250.777.3654 • [email protected] [email protected] highlandcreekcontracting.com Staining • Forming • Tile Setting • Cultured & Natural Stone Installation Brian Madill & Kevin Erdos CREATIVE MASONRY SOLUTIONS Scarlett’s Electric Building and Renovations FOR YOUR HOME AND BUSINESS Serving the West Kootenay 47 years serving Ainsworth, Kaslo & north All electrical work, micro-hydro & solar Patrick Baird Phone: 250-355-0044 Call Don (250)353-2563 250-354-8562 email: [email protected] July 16, 2020 The Valley Voice CLASSIFIED ADS 17 with ability work independently and as a AL-ANON (family) meetings can help. PETS SERVICES member of a team, understand and carry For information on AA: in New Denver, NO SIT! Not your usual dog training class. BLAZE KING/VALLEY COMFORT Advertise in the out verbal and written instructions, meet 250-358-7158; Nakusp, 265-4216; Kaslo, Find the AMAZING in your dog. www. Wood, Electric & Oil specialist: sales, deadlines, work with minimal supervision 353-9617. For NA: New Denver, 358-7265. proudofmydog.ca installations, service inspection & Valley Voice. and deal effectively with interruptions, For AL-ANON (family): New Denver, 250- REAL ESTATE WANTED consultations. Duct cleaning & sanitizing; It pays!!! good interpersonal and communication 551-6540. Please, if you can’t get through, LOOKING FOR LAND TO PURCHASE Ductwork, Chimneys, Oil tank removals, (oral) skills, and physical ability to perform try another number. under $85k with seller willing to hold part BC ventilation solutions & HRV design Call toll free assigned duties. Contact Operations CARPENTER CREEK LAST of the mortgage with downpayment and and installations. K.F. Kootenay Furnace 1-833-501-1700 for details Manager, Joselin Corrigan, for full job WISHES SOCIETY provides a 3.75% interest rate over the length of Ltd. 250-355-0088. [email protected] description at [email protected] or information on preplanning for death the agreed term. Buyer will pay all legal JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER and “B”- leave a message at 250-226-7737. Closing and advice for alternative funeral and closing costs to put in place a legally ticket gasfitter for new construction or date July 31 by 3 pm. arrangements. Ph: 250-777-1974. www. binding purchase agreement. sgconway@ renovation plumbing, water systems/ VISITOR CENTRE MANAGER position carpentercreeklastwishessociety.ca hotmail.com, 403-889-5985. filtration, septic. 250-777-3588 (Tim); Considering available immediately in New Denver. NELSON & AREA ELDER ABUSE RENTAL WANTED www.paradisevalleyplumbing.ca or email: Ideal candidate is friendly, helpful and PREVENTION Resource Centre: 250-352- CAROL AND 2 DOGS seeking rental [email protected]. Community knowledgeable about the area’s amenities 6008 NelsonElderAbusePrevention@gmail. starting August/ September/ October in LOCAL ASTROLOGER offers and tourist attractions. Some administrative com/ www.nelsonelderabuseprevention.ca. New Denver area preferably. Reliable, Astrology Natal Chart Readings. 1.5-2 hour work involved. Email resume and cover Drop-in Wednesdays 12-2 pm, 719 Vernon responsible, mature adult. Conscious, clean, comprehensive session, tailored to suit your Service? letter to [email protected] by Street, Nelson. Nelson and District Seniors active lifestyle. Thank you! cbboccaccio@ needs and interests. Email amandakonkin@ July 23. Coordinating Society. gmail.com 1-780-926-6538. protonmail.com or call/text 250-686-0567 Consider Nakusp NOTICES HAVE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU MAN & DOG NEED HOME and project in to find out more. RHYTHM OF LIFE: You can find the KNOW been sexually assaulted and want the West Kootenay. 40 years construction. Ex- Rotary path to love, wisdom, and spiritual freedom help? Call the Interior Crisis Line 24/7 at home owner and builder. Quite well behaved Next Valley Voice by singing Hu every day. Singing Hu helps 1-888-353-CARE to discuss your options or Standard Poodle. Two pensions and financial us align with our own spiritual Rhythm of go directly to Arrow Lakes Hospital or your resources. Foundation to roofing, painting, Deadline: Call Mayumi for Life. http://eckankarblog.org/sound-of-soul local emergency room for confidential care. etc. We have the tools and ability to take July 24 ARE ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS Business Classifieds start at $10.00 care, repair, rebuild your property. Text or call 2020 Details: 250-265-0002 a problem in your life? AA, NA and Call 833-501-1700 for details 604-354-3384. Email: [email protected]

• BICYCLE EDUCATION Lemon Creek coming events Lodge & Campground Year-round facility Your ad Bikes, Skis, 1-877-970-8090 Snowshoes could be Sales and here for Maintenance Your ad could • Guesthouse • Call Shon WE DO OIL CHANGES – We stock oil & filters only $19.50 250-265-3332 for most common vehicles! • NEW TIRE be here for only SALES – Installs, Repairs & Changeovers • $11.00 + GST + GST [email protected] GENERAL MAINTENANCE & REPAIR STEEL TOE JOE’S RECYCLING Automotive Repair HAIR Joe Shaw Owner & Journeyman Technician 3804 Pine Rd. Krestova, BC AVA’S Alongside Mountainberry 778.454.0180 Hair Studio [email protected] Tuesday THRU Friday – By Appointment – 250-358-7199 358-7769 PHOTOGRAPHY 303-6th Avenue (Main St.), New Denver ADVERTISING Your ad Your ad could be here for only could be Open 1 pm to 4:30 pm Tues. $11.00 + GST here for only $19.50 TUES + GST BUYER GIFTS

Hand & Soul Wellness Centre Support the SUPPORT FOR Buying old toys 202 Lake Avenue, Silverton Valley Voice YOUR SPIRIT & collectibles CHIROPRACTOR: Dr. Larry Zaleski Toys from the 90s or Over 30 years experience of Spinal Health Care with a voluntary Bi-weekly book study, bi- Silverton: Mondays & Friday afternoon – Winlaw & Nakusp on weekly services, Tuesday earlier th Alternating Wednesdays (plus every 4 Thursday afternoon in Winlaw) subscription 8 am meditation, monthly Antiques, old book or coin COUNSELLOR: Sue Mistretta, M.A. Contemplative in the Kootenays collections, old video games, 19 years experience helping clients working with anxiety, depression, grief, self esteem, health crisis, life transitions or For information & links, contact movie posters, Horror VHS Your ad could simply are feeling stuck or uninspired. Only $5-$50 [email protected] tapes & similar items Offices in Silverton & Nelson Turner Zion United Church of be here for only Send Cheque or Money Order to: Call Sam Call 250-358-2177 for appointments Canada is alive and welcomes Valley Voice, Box 70, 250-355-2822 Visit www.handandsoul.ca New Denver, BC V0G 1S0 you on-line—and in person. $11.00 + GST 18 CLASSIFIED ADS The Valley Voice July 16, 2020 Soccer to resume in Valley – in a ‘new normal’ way by John Boivin, Local Journalism safe resumption of the sport. There’ll morning and afternoon sessions, on being done online. If you live in the Denver, register through the WKFC’s Initiative reporter be no regular game schedule, no close fields marked out in squares to ensure Slocan Valley south of Winlaw, you website. The ‘beautiful game’ is returning contact, and small-group sessions at players stay apart. can register through the RDCK’s valley Visit the club’s Facebook page or to the Slocan Valley. various locations in the valley. “That’s why we have to lower our recreation office. For Slocan or New website for more information. The West Kootenay Football “We’ve created a comprehensive numbers,” says Wood. “That’s why (Soccer) Club, which was forced to end safety plan, which will be given to all we’re doing a camp in each town we is winter indoor league early because of our staff and parents, so they can operate in.” of the COVID-19 pandemic and cancel see exactly what we have in mind,” he But despite the limitations, Wood its spring season, is set to start play says. That will include the now-familiar says people are excited. again in July. But the season is going two-metre distancing, creating boxes “It’s been very positive,” he says of to be limited. for the players to practice in. They can the reaction. “We did some visits down “We’re going to be running a series play games within those boxes, but they the valley, giving out free soccer balls of week-long, half-day camps for kids can’t interact closely with each other. to any families that wanted them, and from Grade 2 to graduating age,” “It’s going to be a very socially they really appreciated that. A lot of says Matt Wood, the club’s executive distant skill-game setup,” he says. them were excited to learn when we director and head coach. “We’re going “This ‘new normal’ is quite interesting would actually be doing something. to have two sets of camps, one in the and historic.” “Everyone’s been kind of waiting morning and one in the afternoon, in Wood says the club has had up to for us to be able to put something out.” the four communities we operate in.” 500 youths from elementary to high Registration was scheduled to But it won’t be business as usual. school involved in the past, but this start in early July, and the training The club is following the provincial season they can only have 50 kids camps to begin on July 20. If you’d The West Kootenay Football Club is starting the summer season this month, with limitations sport body’s recommendations for per camp. So they’ll be split up into like to participate, all registration is due to the pandemic.

Next Valley Voice Deadline:

January 11, H. A. Benson Inc. Your ad could Chartered Professional Accountant Your ad could Your ad 2019 119 Broadway Street Box 780 Nakusp, BC V0G 1R0 be here for only be hereOpen for Thurs only - Sun 226-0008 • WWW.RDCK.CA HOURScould be Phone: 250-265-3370 • Fax: 250-265-3375 Email: [email protected] $11.00 + GST 9 AM - 9 PM $11.00 + GST WEDNESDAY-SUNDAYhere for BIG DOG MUSIC • Guitars and Accessories • Musical Bill Lander Instruments • Vintage Vinyl Records • New REALTOR® only $19.50 Vinyl Records • Stereo Equipment - Turntables 421 6th Ave, New Denver 250-551-5652 NEW HOURS 250-307-0163 + GST MON-FRI 8 A.M. - 2 P.M. [email protected]

I show all my listings! Serving the Slocan Valley for the New Market Foods 16th year. 518 6th Ave • New Denver 250-358-2270 Fax: 250-358-2290 Offices in Nakusp, Nelson & Kaslo email: [email protected] www.newmarketfoods.ca Delivery available in the New Denver Silverton area. Advertise in the For same day delivery call, email or fax by 2:00 pm. Valley Voice. Our hours are 7 days a week from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Certified by the Province of BC to test drinking water It pays!!! Call 1-833-501-1700 for details Gaia Tree Whole Foods [email protected] Community Market Coldwell Banker Rosling Real Estate • All Organic Produce Valley Exchange • All Organic Grains Buying/Selling – Bulk Ordering – Gold & Silver Community Discount Day: Last Friday of the month 250-353-7844 Mon-Sat 9-6 AGRICULTURE Sunday 10-4 Tax Returns not Downtown Winlaw • 250-226-7255 behaving? Canadian Tax Whisperer (est. 1983) A small family-owned & operated tax and book-keeping service is taking on new clients. For by-phone appointments call on Sunday 12-4 to book. New Extended Hours: 250-355-2822 Sam or Merina Support the Valley Voice with Tuesday – Saturday Support the Valley Voice with a voluntary subscription $60/return 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Only $5-$50 Subsidy available for low- Send Cheque to: Valley Voice, Box 70 income clients a voluntary subscription Open Friday at 10 am New Denver, BC V0G 1S0 Main Street, New Denver Only $10-$30 250-358-2178 July 16, 2020 The Valley Voice COMMUNITY 19 Hidden Garden Gallery shows entice with textiles and paintings submitted Arising, a series of paintings by as both a registered massage therapist painting. Living in the beauty of BC elements and settings. She has enjoyed Textiles Works features the mother Victoria Mitchell, will be showcased at and yoga teacher, have influenced her lends inspiration to diverse creative sharing these explorations from her and daughter duo of Margaret and the HGG July 28-August 2, 10 am-3 pm. abstract paintings that represent many endeavours. 2017 gallery, with exhibitions spanning Wendy Toogood. Their first joint exhibit This artist’s work reflects her life- natural elements. Her paintings speak to the Vancouver, the Okanagan, Kootenays will be featured at the Hidden Garden long passion for creating visuals from Mitchell is intrigued by the abundance of life’s ever-changing and beyond. Gallery in New Denver, July 21-26, from emotions, inspired by what comes exploration of environments, finding 10 am to 3 pm. from within. Extensive studies of body different ways to communicate the Margaret’s works are large quilts structure and kinetics over the years, feelings of what she sees through that are traditional, hand-sewn and hand-quilted. Wendy is displaying small contemporary cloth constructions incorporating collage, embroidery, with hand and machine stitching. Her Open Sun. 11-3 • 411 Kootenay St, Nelson cloth constructions are small-scale autobiographical works on canvas, each depicting a specific activity or Welcome to our 12th gallery season theme. Both artists celebrate colour and craftsmanship in their artworks. When she turned 50, Margaret was July 14-Aug.1 Allan Dunfield living in England and took a course in August 4-22 Betty Fahlman traditional hand-piecing quilts using paper templates. Over the next four Aug.25-Sept.12 M.-C.Claveau decades, she constructed some 30-40 Sept. 15-Oct.10 Charlene & Michael Duncan quilts until she passed away in 2018 here in New Denver, at the age of 92. This is Gallery Open by Appointment: Tues. - Sat. 11 am to 4 pm 250-265-8888 the first exhibition of her work. 203 Fifth Avenue NW Nakusp Wendy, who lives in Nakusp, graduated from the Alberta College of Art in Calgary (now the Alberta University of the Arts) in 1969. Since then, she has had numerous solo and group shows in Canada and internationally, including galleries in BC, Alberta and 12 exhibits in South Australia. Victoria Mitchell’s paintings will be showcased at the Hidden Garden Gallery July 28-August 2. Allan Dunfield brings landscapes back to Nakusp’s Studio Connexion submitted is featured from July 14 to August at a time. For more information or to Studio Connexion’s summer 1. Unfortunately, the artist cannot arrange a viewing, contact Anne at exhibitions series continues by attend the opening, as he has been 250-265-8888. transitioning from abstract art back scheduled for eye surgery. Studio Connexion’s new website to landscape with another Vancouver Studio Connexion is open 11 am should be ready soon, where you Island artist: Allan Dunfield. to 4 pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Also can view fine artworks by various Dunfield studied at the School open by chance or appointment. Due Canadian artists. Follow us on of Visual Arts in New York City. He to COVID-19 restrictions, no more Facebook to see regular posts of the also worked as a professional chef than five persons can be in the gallery gallery’s art. until finally deciding to seriously paint on a daily basis. He has been a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists for many years. He has signature status and has been a senior member since 2014. Dunfield loves camping and the great outdoors; landscapes have always captured his soul. He is well known for his beautiful West Coast scenes, and that is one of the reasons gallerist Anne Beliveau wanted to bring his work to Studio Connexion. Dunfield is not a stranger to the Rockies and Kootenays, and some of his paintings will be of alpine settings. His series, ‘West Coast Feeling,’ Herring Time, acrylic on canvas, by Allan Dunfield, the next artist at Nakusp’s Studio Connexion. PHOTO CREDIT: JOHN BOIVIN CREDIT: PHOTO

Winlaw Elementary School Principal Jon Francis received a tearful goodbye from parents, staff and students on the last day of school June 25. 20 COMMUNITY The Valley Voice July 16, 2020 Connecting with African Grandmothers: a Grassroots Grammas update submitted children are not in school, where communities affected by HIV and involve a silent auction featuring accepted through the group’s online The Slocan Valley Grassroots they would normally receive a AIDS. local suppliers of goods, services, donations page at slf.akaraisin. Grammas stand committed to daily meal. They are adapting and innovating and COVID-friendly opportunities. com/GrandmothersPledges2020/ the health and human rights of Grandmothers are seeking new during this time of closed markets, Donations are gratefully GrassrootsGrammas. grandmothers in Sub-Saharan ways to source food and medicine, restricted movement, and lockdown. Africa. The group has set up an online as those in their care living with HIV Projects focus on distribution of donations page at slf.akaraisin. face increased challenges accessing food and medicines, access to clean com/GrandmothersPledges2020/ treatment and health care. water and COVID-19 screenings, GrassrootsGrammas. The Stephen Lewis Foundation especially for people in remote The COVID-19 pandemic has is partnered with community-based areas. created additional challenges for organizations that are already The Grandmothers to African grandmothers, on top of responding to the double crisis. Grandmothers Campaign is adapting HIV and AIDS. For example, in Trusted local service providers its fundraising to try to meet these many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, are well positioned to support new and ongoing needs. In June, the Slocan Valley Grassroots Grammas participated in a virtual version of the annual ‘Stride

to Turn the Tide’ fundraising event. AFRICA SOUTH TRUST, AIDS CENTRE HILLCREST CREDIT: PHOTO The next fundraising venture African grandmothers are seeking new ways to source food and medicine, as those in their care will likely be virtual, and may living with HIV face increased challenges accessing treatment and health care due to COVID-19. Eldorado Square opening soon in downtown New Denver submitted the community engagement process. term rentals. Eldorado Square in downtown The Eldorado Square consists of The Eldorado Yard is an outdoor, New Denver will open soon with three different spaces that can be wood-fenced, gravel-bed staging an inviting outdoor gathering place, rented on a short-term basis. area and project work space for marketplace building and staging The Eldorado Gathering Space uses such as outside fabrication grounds. is a landscaped open-air plaza facing and woodwork. It can be used as “Eldorado Square was five years the main street, with shade pergola a staging area for expeditions and in the making, and was designed and bench seating for outdoor events, sporting events. through community engagement,” music, theatre, lectures, markets, Eldorado Square can also said Patrick Warren, the developer festivals and other gatherings. supply 100 amps of commercial- and entrepreneur behind the venture. Members of the public can feel free grade power to food trucks, film “The square provides a new type to spend time in the plaza when it’s productions, and events. of event space – one that is small not being rented. It will be outfitted Eldorado Square replaces scale, fully wired, environmentally with electrical outlets, so locals and an abandoned grocery store friendly, and inviting for locals, visitors can charge their devices with a collapsed septic system, visitors and small business owners while sitting under the pergola. and represents an investment of alike. This is your space, and we The Eldorado Parlour approximately $500,000 into the are looking forward to seeing all the is a 1,250-square-foot building community. Equipment and other innovative ways everybody puts it designed by Kootenay-based Studio9 materials from the original building to use.” Architects, with a frontier aesthetic site were donated to shelters, a Warren says a need for short- in keeping with New Denver’s museum and other organizations term rentals became apparent during heritage guidelines. The inside in need. of this bright yellow building is “With local input, we have a secure multifunctional space revitalized the property and created with broadband LAN and power a new hub for prosperity,” said outlets for several work stations, Warren. “Our collective success in and capacity for a number of wall- launching Eldorado Square comes mounted speakers and monitors. as good news at a time when we With maximum wall space for retail all continue to grapple with the racks and displays, a kitchen and a pandemic and are looking ahead to bathroom with shower, the building new ways of connecting, convening offers versatility for diverse, short- and collaborating.”