55 years ago (1960):
15 Shetland and Welsh ponies were transported to the newly contructed campsite at Sinclair Creek. The ponies were brought in to provide trail rides for young campers throughout the summer. Wallace McKenzie, the owner of the new campsite, also owned a pony farm in Ohio. The campsite was created to become a major tourist attractant in the valley.
45 years ago (1970):
“Who Is Harry Kellerman and Why Is He Saying Those Terrible Things About Me,” a Dustin Hoffman film, was shot partly in Windermere. Bruno Engler of Invermere was an assistant camera-man for the project. The film still holds the record for having the longest title of any Oscar-nominated movie.
40 years ago (1975): The Fairmont Shopping Plaza commenced operations with the opening of Eddie’s Fairmont Grocery. Judy and Eddie Semenzin had holidayed in the valley frequently, before decided to open the grocery store. The store carried a full line of groceries and fresh meat was brought in every Thursday when it was first opened.
30 years ago (1985):
A ribbon cutting ceremony marked the official opening of the Windermere Valley Museum for the 1985 season. The ceremony also marked the opening of the Jim Dilworth Cabin and the Kootenay Display. Mayor Joe Conroy and curator Winnifred Weir were on hand during the ceremony.
15 years ago (2000):
After May long weekend, forestry crews led by Kreg Sky collected 1,445 beer cans, 185 pop cans and over 200 beer bottles from one main party site near Thompson landing. The $151 received for the recycled items was given to Big Brothers and Sisters of the Upper Columbia Valley.
10 years ago (2005):
The annual Windermere Valley Literacy Golf Tournament was held at the Radium Resort. Keynote speaker Lee-Ann Lechman spoke about the struggles she had with literacy before working with tutor Wendy Brown. Notable valley residents, included Invermere Mayor Mark Shmigelsky, participated in the tournament. Proceeds were donated to a variety of literacy causes in the area.
5 years ago (2010):
Members of the Akisqnuk First Nation Band met to hold elections for chief and council. Lorne Shovar, a council member since 2004, was elected as chief. Marguerite Cooper, Beatrice Stevens, Allan Nicholas and Samantha Sam were elected to council. “I am excited to move forward and to get to the point where our members and our community can prosper,” Shovar said. Shovar was elected as chief by virtue of winning the most votes of any candidate for council.