10 years ago (2003): An early morning inferno in Lakeview Meadows on November 16th destroyed an under-construction multi-million dollar home that was less than a month away from being completed. The Windermere Fire Department spent over eight hours trying to contain the blaze. No other homes were damaged.
15 years ago (1998): A weekend backcountry outing in Yoho National Park for six students from the University of Calgary turned tragic when the party was caught in an avalanche. The six hikers were near Abbott’s Pass when the snow suddenly gave way. The ensuing slide caused the hikers to tumble more than 200 feet, burying Susanna Donald, 18. She did not survive.
20 years ago (1993): Invermere’s new 13th Street sidewalk, which was expected to cost $40,000, had a cost overrun of $10,000. The added cost was due to last-minute design changes that called for added grading and excavation. The additional funds necessitated a budget amendment bylaw that was given three readings by Invermere council.
25 years ago (1988): A Columbia Valley man who asked a prostitute to kill his parents pleaded guilty in Alberta provincial court on October 27th to counselling a person to commit an indictable offence. Twenty-one-year-old Jody Raiche of Radium Hot Springs was sentenced on November 25th. On September 18th, Mr. Raiche went to a prostitute and offered her $30,000 to kill his parents. According to Crown Prosecutor Gary Belecki, Mr. Raiche would have benefited from a $300,000 life insurance policy on his parents.
30 years ago (1983): The Valley Flower Shop held its grand opening in its new location, on Invermere’s 7th Avenue on November 18th, 1983. Free roses and carnations were given to all who attended. The business took up the first floor of the building while above it were the offices of architect Mark Hendrickson and barrister and solicitor Bill MacDonald.
35 years ago (1978): There was a 60 per cent turnout rate for a municipal election held on November 18th, 1978. George Eacrett and Gary Dalke were elected as Invermere aldermen, while George Deck was chosen as a Regional Director of East Kootenay director. Jean Knowles was elected school trustee.
40 years ago (1973): The Athalmer Improvement District and Invermere Village Council reached an agreement on fire protection costs for the community of Athalmer. Council had wanted Athalmer to contribute $2,000 annually; Athalmer offered $1,500. They reached a compromise of $1,700.
50 years ago (1963): “Water, water everywhere and not a drop to waste,” was the thinking of weary Invermere village council members, after wading through an agenda that dealt largely with that fluid commodity. A delegation from the
Westside Improvement District spoke with council about costs around the Paddy Ryan Lakes water supply. Later on, a homeowner sought partial reimbursement for the cost of constructing a water line to his residence.
Written by Angela Krebs