A Forest and A Family
Part of a three-generation clan of loggers, Trench writer Danette Polzin reflects on the forest industry’s proud past and its transforming future.
Joe Who?
B.C.’s godfather of punk rock talks about life on city council, a solution to our mean streets, and a half century of head bangin’.
I Cried While They Dried
The survivor of toxicity and abuse, Creston ceramics artist Andrea Revoy reminds us that beauty doesn’t just survive the fire — it’s shaped by it.
Full Gallup
Adventurer. Observer. Icon. Behind the life and lens of Fernie’s most far-out photographer, Mark Gallup.
Spirits from An Immaterial World
Stories, celebration, and mainstreet soul ring truest at Golden’s new distillery. Trench writer Jacquie Moore bellies up.
Psycho Thriller
Was Golden’s Psychosis Downhill the world’s most brutal mountain bike race?
ʔapisumxuʔniⱡ Kuȼkiyawiy / True Story, False Line
In an era of simmering cross-border conflict, the Ktunaxa remind us of lands divided, promises broken, and damage to be undone.
LIFE ON THE lINE
Nature-built to burn then bounce back, East Kootenay forests are the foundation of our economy, ecology, and communities. For nearly 50 years combined, members of the Rocky Mountain and Flathead Unit Crews have fought fires for a living. Theirs, and ours.
Rec N’ Effects
A surging Kootenay-wide economic development effort to build outdoor gear right here aims to reap what’s soldered, sold, and sewn. Andrew Findlay reports.
DARK MATTER
Creston’s Bleeding Tree Film Festival shines a light on drama noir.
Shoulder Soldiers
Weather, or not, it’s get-out-and-go-time — by bike, boot, and boat. Creston-based Trench writer Danette Polzin outlines your East Kootenay early season adventure ops amongst the melt, mud, and springtime sizzle.
show & Tell
Fourteen East Kootenay photographers share snapshots of moments caught between land, sky, shadow, and seasons, each telling a tale from our vast corner of the world.
lusti, Mac, The Moms & The Mountain
Lives of far-off adventure have become full-time careers for Invermere’s Christina Lustenberger and Ian McIntosh. But a backyard expedition in 2021 — in plain sight of their hometown family and friends — still stands as an all-time achievement for both professional skiers. Two childhood friends reflect on a daydream turned dream day.
Alone & Alive
Greg Ovens ran away into the B.C. wilds when he was a kid. He told his parents not to look for him. He’d be happy, he said. Half a century later, he’s still out there. Just him. And 900,000 followers.
Rocks, Rifts & Pistols
Former MLA Tom Shypitka on the benefit of small town rivalries, B.C.’s stunning political upheaval, and his late, great days of punk rock love.
Super Powered: A Census of Sunshine
The sun. From 150 million kilometres away, it powers the East Kootenay’s regional economic engines, local history immemorial, even your own heartbeat and mindset. Senior Trench writer Dave Quinn squints skyward at the meaning of it all.
Gobbleshegone
With everyone’s favourite fall feast swaggering, East Kootenay’s wild turkey gangs are Alberta bound.
The Sole Providers
Talaria Footwear — with locations in both Kimberley and Cranbrook — helps you feel comfortable and supported at work.
The Skin Deep
Inside the ink of artist Ellie Rubincam.
DeCki Ljeta / Los Chicos De Verano {The Boys of Summer}
For local baseball old boys Roger Tierney and Paul Mrazek, the diamond is forever.
THE TRENCH | Spring/Summer ‘25
Life + Culture in the Columbia, Creston, and Elk Valleys