By Keith Powell
Invermere and Golden: Newspapers Return to Local Ownership
On February 1st longtime associate publisher Amanda Nason became the Columbia Valley Pioneer’s new owner and publisher. Amanda recently returned to live in the Columbia Valley full time after living in Alberta for almost two years.
The Columbia Valley Pioneer had been owned by Robert Doull since 2010, through his publishing company Aberdeen Publishing. The Pioneer also relocated to new offices at 1014 8th Avenue in Invermere.
Further up the valley, the Golden Star newspaper was purchased by Megan Crandall from Black Press in the fourth quarter of 2023. Megan Crandall is the daughter of the previous owner Janet Crandall, who owned and operated the newspaper from 1982 to 1987.
Cranbrook: IGNITE Health opens new fitness studio
IGNITE Health recently opened their doors at 703 Cranbrook Street North and held their official grand opening in early February. The goal at IGNITE is to ignite your inner fire by promoting a healthy lifestyle.
“Welcome toIGNITE Health, where purpose directs passion, and passion ignites purpose,” said Corinna Robinson and Shayla Fiorentino, principals behind IGNITE. “IGNITE is a unique fitness studio that focuses on promoting longevity and enhancing the quality of life through dynamic fitness and health practices.
“We aim to help you embark on a journey of self-health by providing a safe and inclusive space where individuals can unlock their potential through movement, community, and a healthy lifestyle.
“We provide a safe, inclusive space where individuals will be encouraged to unlock their potential through movement, community, lifestyle, and discovering their personal best.”
You can visit their website www.ignitecbk.ca
Kimberley: Castle to Head Up Wastewater Treatment Plant Project
Kimberley’s Wastewater Treatment Plant project will get underway as City Project Manager Shane Castle signs on to oversee the build.
Mr. Castle has been with the City of Kimberley for three years in the position of Project Manager, coming to the City with municipal experience in Prince George and Gibsons.
A native of Kimberley, Castle has provided oversight to many projects, including active transportation projects at Lindsay Park and Marysville Elementary Schools and, most recently, the Platzl parking lot revitalization work.
“I’m looking forward to supporting this build. The new facility will improve wastewater treatment in Kimberley and will support the City’s efforts for high-quality effluent. This has been a long time coming for our community, and I’m glad to be a part of it,” said Shane Castle, about the project.
Kimberley: The Porch Restaurant Opens
The Kimberley dining scene has the likes of the Pedal and Tap, the Shed, the Koffee Kan (Marysville), the Timber Hitch (Marysville), the Hourglass — and now it has the Porch.
The Porch is Kimberley’s newest restaurant, specializing in dinner and drinks. It is located in the Western Lodge (better known to many as the former Kimbrook Inn).
A Facebook post by Kevin Brady of the new restaurant says, “The Porch beckons with its warm and inviting atmosphere adorned with cozy wooden furniture, and welcomes patrons to a haven of relaxation. The menu is a culinary delight, offering a diverse array of dishes crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.”
The Porch is open Wednesday to Sunday.