Non-medical home support to help seniors stay independent and connected in their homes and community.
Open to people aged 65 and older who reside in the Columbia Valley. Non-medical supports include light housekeeping, friendly visiting, transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping and delivery, and prescription pickup and delivery. Services are provided by volunteers or contractors and depend on availability. Transportation may require an assessment; clients must be able to get in and out of the vehicle independently. Vehicles cannot accommodate wheelchairs. Clients pay a sliding-scale fee based on income. To apply, contact the program; clients are asked to complete an intake form and provide proof of income. Family Dynamix names Spillimacheen among the communities it serves.
Service Areas: Athalmer, Brisco, Canal Flats, Edgewater, Invermere, Radium Hot Springs, Shuswap, Spillimacheen, Wilmer, Windermere
Community activities and support for youth aged 12–18 across the Columbia Valley.
Family Dynamix program connecting youth aged 12–18 with activities and support based on local needs. Stated Columbia Valley region includes Spillimacheen, Brisco, Edgewater, Shuswap, Wilmer, Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and communities in between. Contact Family Dynamix for current activities and access details.
Service Areas: Akisqnuk, Athalmer, Brisco, Canal Flats, Edgewater, Fairmont Hot Springs, Invermere, Panorama, Radium Hot Springs, Shuswap, Spillimacheen, Wilmer, Windermere
Short-term emergency assistance for eligible residents forced from home by an emergency in the East Kootenay.
When local emergency officials activate Emergency Support Services (ESS), Canadian Red Cross volunteer teams may help evacuees with immediate basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. Larger responses may include family reunification, emotional support and transportation. The RDEK guide says basic support is generally available for up to 72 hours and may be extended depending on the emergency. Evacuees can pre-register through the provincial ERA website and should follow current instructions from local emergency officials.
Service Areas: Baynes Lake, Brisco, Bull River, Canal Flats, Cokato, Columere, Corbin, Cranbrook, Dorr, Edgewater, Elkford, Elko, Fairmont Hot Springs, Fernie, Fernie Alpine Resort, Fort Steele, Galloway, Grasmere, Hosmer, Invermere, Jaffray, Kimberley, Moyie, Newgate, Panorama, Radium Hot Springs, Rosen Lake, Skookumchuck, Sparwood, Spillimacheen, Ta Ta Creek, Tie Lake, Wardner, Wasa, West Fernie, Wilmer, Windermere
Food hampers and 24-hour outdoor emergency food pantries for people across the Columbia Valley.
The Columbia Valley Food Bank serves people from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats. Hampers are customized to household size, usually about 23 pounds per person for five to seven days of food, and are normally available once every 30 days; exceptional emergency hampers may be available. Bring identification for household members. Emergency food pantries are listed in Invermere, Radium Hot Springs, Windermere, and Fairmont Hot Springs. The Radium pantry is inside the library and follows library hours; other outdoor pantries offer around-the-clock access. Contact the food bank if transportation or an alternate pickup is needed. Hamper distribution: Tuesday and Thursday 12:30–14:00, and the last Wednesday of each month 16:30–17:30.
Service Areas: Athalmer, Brisco, Canal Flats, Edgewater, Fairmont Hot Springs, Invermere, Radium Hot Springs, Shuswap, Spillimacheen, Wilmer, Windermere
Public library branch in Invermere with book pickup and drop-off arrangements in nearby communities.
Hours listed by the branch: Monday, Tuesday and Friday 10:00–17:00; Wednesday and Thursday 10:00–20:00; Saturday 10:00–17:00; Sunday closed. Books may be picked up or dropped off at the Edgewater Post Office. Hours and partner pickup arrangements can change; confirm with the library.
Service Areas: Athalmer, Edgewater, Invermere
Location: 646 4th Street, Invermere, British Columbia
Weekday regional bus between Invermere and the north valley, including Edgewater.
Weekday trips leave Invermere Sobeys for Edgewater at 08:15, 10:55 and 15:23, and arrive back at Invermere Sobeys at 09:26, 12:06 and 16:34. Edgewater is a listed route timing point. Athalmer is near the Invermere point; no Athalmer stop is listed. Schedules and alerts can change.
Service Areas: Edgewater, Invermere, Radium Hot Springs
Free, confidential support and safe-home services for women and children experiencing abuse across the Upper Columbia Valley.
Confidential support, safety planning, emergency safe homes, legal and court advocacy, transportation and referrals for women and children affected by domestic abuse. Stated service area includes Brisco, Edgewater, Shuswap, Wilmer, Invermere, Windermere, Spillimacheen and communities in between. 24/7 Safe Home Helpline: 1-800-200-3003. Contact Family Dynamix to discuss eligibility and safe access.
Service Areas: Akisqnuk, Athalmer, Brisco, Canal Flats, Edgewater, Fairmont Hot Springs, Invermere, Panorama, Radium Hot Springs, Shuswap, Spillimacheen, Wilmer, Windermere