50 years ago: Invermere’s annual bonspiel was termed “the best yet.” Forty rinks from places such as Creston, Cranbrook, Canal Flats and Calgary took part in the annual tradition, and made use of four sheets of artificial ice.
45 years ago: A riding school was set to open in the village. The school was primarily for people who already owned horses, and was viewed as a starting point for those wishing to take part in official competitions.
35 years ago: A special meeting was held to discuss Invermere’s sewage system. Concerns had been expressed over breaks in the system, however officials said this was to be expected thanks to the relative size of the system. Poor soil conditions were also a determining factor.
23 years ago: Initial response to a long term care facility was negative after the Lake Windermere District Benevolent Society received a letter from the Ministry of Health. The letter also suggested a number of alternatives for Invermere, including family care homes and a private adult day care centre.
20 years ago: Protests were held against the amalgamation of the Invermere and Radium police departments. In November it was advised that the Radium detachment would be closing and the three officers would be transferred to Invermere. “I told them I wouldn’t go,” joked Cpl. Stan Bass.
15 years ago: The future of the Invermere campus of the College of the Rockies was undecided after the minister of education, skills and training refused a meeting with mayor Chuck Blanchard due to a very busy schedule. “I find it incredible that we can be waving money in their face and they’re saying ‘don’t talk to us,'” Blanchard said at the time.
10 years ago: A boil alert was issued for users of McKay Creek water, after a Parks Canada staffer became ill from drinking the water. This was not expected to affect Radium Hot Springs, as subsequent tests showed that the water there was still clean.
5 years ago: The B.C. government was introducing a new revenue sharing program for resort communities. It was expected to make $10 million from hotel room taxes to develop visitor services marketing and infrastructure in Invermere, Radium and the surrounding communities.