50 years ago (1965):
There was much talk in the valley about the business case for developing the valley’s then-nascent ski industry. Panorama Ski Hill Company secretary Karl Strobl told a meeting of the Invemermere Bussiness Association that Panorama was fast approaching the stage at which it would be able to offer shares for purchases. Development plans — including a T-bar lift and a chalet for overnight accomodation, and dining — were also discussed.
45 years ago (1970):
Local ski racer Ron Hunt travelled to Whistler to particpate in the MacDonald Cup race. He did the valley proud, finishing fourth overall in the C class and 14th overall in the B class.
40 years ago (1975):
Mineral King mine announced it was immediately suspending all operations and laying off all staff. Company president Lloyd Wilder told the Echo that the decision came a result of the the inability of the mine and concentrator to reach full production.
30 years ago (1985):
Valley sheep breeder Helen Annis was given special recognistion by the Canadian Sheep Breeders Association. The honour came for what the association termed her outstanding contribution to the sheep industry.
20 years ago (1995):
The Columbia Basin Trust topped the $1 billion mark (in total spending) given out to the Upper Columbia watershed region. The milestone was passed during the 31st anniversary of the Columbia River Treaty.
15 years ago (2000):
The new Christ Church Trinity building on 7th Avenue was creating a stir in town, both for its impressive appearance and usefulness as a church on Sundays, religious holidays and other special events, as well as its excellent acoustics as a concert hall. John Cronin and Gord Askey said it was “the bees’ knees” and hard to beat as a venue for musical performances.
10 years ago (2005):
A valley resident was caught by surprise by the rapidly melting ice on Lake Windermere. A man (who went unnamed in the Echo story to save embarassment) was trying to tow his ice fishing shack off the lake when his truck went partially through the ice. Although the newspaper kept his name out of the public eye, the man suffered a good deal of humiliation at the hands of a crowd on curious onlookers, who had walked out onto the ice to observe the attempt to recover the truck. Those at the scene speculated that with spring approaching, there might be little that could be done to save the truck unless a sudden snap of cold weather made the ice firmer.