Following a look into the members of the Invermere Deer Protection Organization (IDPO)’s residence status, it was determined that IDPO president Devin Kazakoff currently does not live in Invermere, although he does own property in the district.  According to Kazakoff, the property is currently vacant and is for sale. As such, council have decided to remove Kazakoff from the urban deer committee and will be advertising for a new member to join.

Council approved $12,000 for the Kinsmen Beach Foreshore Restoration. The Lake Windermere Ambassadors had “jumped the gun” by prematurely  releasing a press release to this effect, but council acknowledged this as good enthusiasm and dedication on their part. Plans to create specific access points for people to use the beach will move forward, along with the placing of native vegetation, which council warned not all would survive. A potential boat launch for the beach in the future was also discussed.

Council approved the final distribution of $42,000 of funding from the 2012 Columbia Basin trust Initiative Program. Roughly $330,000 in requests were made in about 42 applications. Notable sums included $3,000 for the Columbia River Greenways Alliance, $2,500 for Lake Windermere Winter Village and Whiteway Expansion, $4,000 for the Invermere Curling Centre roof repairs, and $4,000 for the construction of a vestibule at the entrance of the Invermere Public Library.

Council approved the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) Lodge, including the construction of washrooms, exterior painting, replacement of broken windows and masonry work, in the amount of $45,906.94. Furthermore, council approved that Maggie Street Developments be contracted to complete the washrooms in the amount of $3,838.94. This brings the district’s total contribution to the restoration to about $100,000, with roughly an additional $50,000 raised in donations. Council was pleased the project was moving forward after several years of relative inactivity, and said that they had been receiving a number of requests to use the space for private functions. As such, council recognized the CPR Lodge is a potential source of future income for the district, as well as an important historical site and new space for community use. Council was hopeful final construction could be completed by the end of May, while landscaping work is expected to take a little longer.