By Sgt. Bob Vatamaniuck

The past week saw the Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment receive about 55 calls for service.  The following is a small sample of those calls.

Windermere fire draw a large crowd

On February 8 at about 9:30 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP received a request to assist the Windermere Fire Department in regards to a house fire on Upper Lakeview Road in Windermere.

RCMP members attended and noted the house fire had engulfed the entire building. The fire was large enough to attract attention from the many of the area residents so the RCMP tried to set up a perimeter allowing the firefighters to do their job.

Police are reminding community members that in order for the emergency services to do their jobs effectively we all need room and accessibility to the area.  When you come to satisfy your curiosity and block roads, driveways and hydrants, our manoeuvrability is greatly reduced consequently limiting our capabilities.

Fatality accident in Windermere

At approximately 9:45 a.m. on February 11, Columbia Valley RCMP were dispatched to a motor vehicle incident involving two vehicles on Highway 93/95 approximately two kilometres south of the Invermere intersection.

Unfortunately, one of those involved, a 78-year-old female, did not survive the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Preliminary investigation suggests one of the SUVs crossed the centre line and was struck by the other SUV travelling in the opposite direction. At the time of the collision the road conditions were covered with black ice, which may have contributed to the collision.  Columbia Valley RCMP along with the RCMP Traffic Services and BC Coroners Service are continuing the investigation into the collision and the woman’s death.  A traffic re-constructionist is engaged and will assist with the investigation.  The highway was closed for a large portion of the morning and afternoon hours.

Collision with moose in KNP

During the evening hours of February 11, Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of a motor vehicle incident between a vehicle and a moose on Highway 93 in Kootenay National Park near the Simpson River. The resulting collision rendered the vehicle inoperable so the only occupant had hitched a ride to a residence in Windermere.

Parks Canada was notified and the moose and vehicle were removed from the area.

Driver injured in collision with elk

Just after the moose versus vehicle call, RCMP received another call of a vehicle versus animal on Highway 93/95 near Fairmont Hot Springs.  A bystander reported that a small car hit an elk, killing it.  RCMP attended along with EHS and Fire Services. Once on scene police noted a grey car in the northbound snowy ditch; the hood, roof, front and rear windows were severely damaged. The deceased elk was also in the ditch. The driver was immediately taken to the Invermere & District Hospital. The highway was cleaned shortly thereafter.

Pedestrian bitten by dog

On February 13, at 3:45 p.m., an Invermere resident contacted the RCMP to report that he had been bitten by a dog near the downtown core.  Although the owner of the dog was still on site they refused to provide any contact information until police arrived on scene. A RCMP member attended, spoke to both parties and determined the dog was off-leash at the time of the bite. The pedestrian was bitten as he walked past the dog and owner. The victim was given a ride to the hospital for medical assessment. The investigation has been handed over to District of Invermere Bylaw Services. This proves a good reminder to leash your pets while you walk them.

Lead image: Windermere Fire Department battle a house fire on Upper Lakeview Road in Windermere. RDEK Photo

– Sgt. Bob Vatamaniuck is Commander of the Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment

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