55 years ago (1960):
Toby Theatre was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Capowski, who owned the Radium Drive-In Theatre. Toby Theatre had previously been owned by Clint Morgan and Marley Hogan. Only five years before, the theatre recieved its 21×10 foot screen, replacing smaller halls where films were shown.
50 years ago (1965):
A new town was established at the Mica Dam site to accommodate work crews and their families during the dam’s construction. The plan was for the town to be similar in size to Revelstoke.
45 years ago (1970):
Three new pools were used for the first time at Fairmont Hot Springs. The pools were part of a $6 million renovation, adding 10,000 square feet of water surface to the Hot Springs. The renovations also included new locker rooms, a larger concession stand and a lawn area for swimmers to sun bathe.
40 years ago (1975):
Edgewater May Day celebrations were capped off with a parade through town. Barbara Bryce, who was crowned May Queen for 1975, led the parade. Bryce also presented prizes for the best parade entries.
30 years ago (1985):
Three members of the Westroc Mine Rescue Team were mobilized to rescue a Calgary camper from the Blue Lake area of Tegarts Pass. There was no way to get to the injured camper other than by boat, prompting the rescuers to quickly set out on the lake.
20 years ago (1995):
Panaroma Resort management launched a renovation campaign for Toby Creek Road, after the state of the road became a major concern. “I would like the thing rebuilt,” resort manager Graham Wood said. “I am amazed it has been left in the condition it is.” Wood said he did not blame Bel Maintenance, the company in charge of maintaining the road.
10 years ago (2005):
Invermere Mayor Mark Shmigelsky, joined by Columbia Valley Arts Council treasurer John Rouse and vice-president Ron Clarke, cut the ribbon to officially open Pynelogs, which was significantly renovated. The opening came after months of fundraising to attain the funds necessary to make Pynelogs a year-round arts institution in Invermere.
5 years ago (2010):
Following two years of planning, the first phase of the Invermere and District Hospital’s Emergency Department was ready to be opened for use. “It was very exciting and reassuring to know that this project was on the top of the list,” Invermere Mayor Gerry Taft said. The first phase of the $4.3 million development included the construction of a trauma room and the first floor of Columbia House.