Merritt Herald, July 31, 2012 by Black Press Media Group

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TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS

Nicola Valley mourns local teen killed in crash Vehicle fell from embankment on Highway 5A south of Kamloops By Jade Swartzberg THE HERALD

newsroom@merrittherald.com

Victor Charlie touched every piece of this valley and then some, said Shackan Band Councillor Leonard Joe during Friday’s funeral service at the Nicola Valley Rodeo Grounds. Hundreds of people filled the bleachers at the rodeo grounds for the morning service to honour Charlie who died when his truck fell down a 150-foot embankment on Highway 5A a week earlier. Kamloops Rural RCMP Staff Sgt. Doug Aird said emergency crews were called to a portion of the highway near Napier Lake, about 20 kilometres south of Kamloops, just before 3:30 p.m. on July 20. A motorist had noticed skid marks leaving the roadway, he said. Fire crews located the truck about 150 feet down the embankment and the single occupant — identified by the BC Coroners Service as 18-year-old Charlie — was found dead inside. Charlie, a member of Merritt Secondary School’s graduation class of 2011, would have turned 19 two days later. Friends and family gathered for a candlelight vigil two days after the accident at the rodeo grounds on July 22 — the day that would have been his birthday. Again, the community filled the rodeo ground stands on Friday for Charlie’s funeral services. Pallbearers carried his cas-

Pallbearers carry Victor Charlie’s casket into the Nicola Valley Rodeo Arena on Friday for funeral services. Charlie, an NVIT student, died when his vehicle went off an enbankment along Highway 5A two days before his 19th birthday. Hundreds of friends and family members attended the funeral. Jade Swartzberg/Herald

ket into the arena, while friends and family on horseback looked on. During the service, Joe read the eulogy for Charlie who was a member of the Shackan band. Born July 22, 1993, to Margaret Charlie and Vern Saul, Charlie was the oldest of seven children. He lived 15 years in foster care with Charlene Snider’s family. Charlie attended the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology for

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one year in the Law Enforcement Preparatory Program. He had hoped to pursue a career with the RCMP. His other dream was to be a rodeo bull rider. “It’s fitting to be here at the rodeo grounds,” said Joe, stooping to pick up a handful of dirt. “He was one of our true native sons of the Valley. “Looking out we can see all the lives he touched in his short life. We all felt a gap in our hearts on the day we heard the sad

story.” During the service, Sarah Forsberg, Charlie’s girlfriend of three years, also spoke, as well as representatives from the Charlie and Snider families. Before those in attendance said their final farewells, Master of Ceremonies Jayson Charters (Charlie’s cousin) spoke to the youth and advised them to drive cautiously. “When you’re driving your vehicle out there from this day

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forward, please be careful,” he said. “Take a lot of time to get where you’re going. Being late is OK; never showing up, it’s not OK.” After songs from David Forsberg and Randy Chillihitzia, as well as an “eight second tribute” to the aspiring rodeo rider, the service concluded. “Let’s say goodbye to the one that packed the biggest smile in the Nicola Valley,” said Charters. Charlie was buried in Ashcroft.

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Disgraced cop wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go to jail for death Former Merritt Mountie is sentenced to house arrest and a curfew By Phillip Woolgar THE HERALD

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The disgraced former Merritt Mountie who is responsible for the 2008 death of 21-year-old Orion Hutchinson will serve one month house arrest and an 11-month curfew, court heard on Friday. B.C. Supreme Court Justice Janice Dillon said she made what many believe to be a light sentence based on former RCMP Cpl. Benjamin â&#x20AC;&#x153;Montyâ&#x20AC;? Robinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s status as a

First Nations, a firsttime offender and as an alcoholic. The 11-month probation requires Robinson to be home by 9 p.m. and he is required to pay a $1,000 victim surcharge fee, as well as a requirement to write an apology letter to Hutchinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family. Robinson didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help the injured Hutchinson, who was riding a motorbike in Delta at the time of the collision. Instead, he took his kids home, drank a couple of

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;That sentence just felt like he was just being grounded.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x201D;MOTHER OF DEAD MOTORCYCLIST JUDITH HUTCHINSON

vodka shots and then returned to the scene. The vodka was reportedly a move Robinson learned from his experience as a police officer to throw off the breathalyzer test and it is possibly what saved him from a more serious charge and conviction. Hutchinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother, Judith, told

CBC News outside court that the sentence is something a child would endure for poor behavior. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That sentence just felt like he was just being grounded,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel like a sentence to me.â&#x20AC;? The family originally called for jail time. The maximum sentence for obstruction

of justice is 10 years in prison. The Crown was seeking up to nine months in jail or a conditional sentence of between one year and 18 months. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are not out for blood,â&#x20AC;? Judith said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just wanted some kind of justiceâ&#x20AC;Ś This is very disappointing. It has been four years to come to this.â&#x20AC;? During those four years, Robinson was still being paid by the RCMP and they never disclosed who was covering his legal costs. Robinson is also

International Airport in 2007. Robinson quit the RCMP days before the sentencing. He was most recently a member of the Richmond RCMP.

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Country Hall of Fame welcomes visitors By Phillip Woolgar THE HERALD

reporter@merrittherald.com

The Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame is open on Quilchena Avenue and visitors have been rolling in. The building, which houses some of the most famous country music memorabilia in Canada, opened July 12. The opening represents the kickoff of the Country Music Hall of Fame under the new licensing agreement with the Canadian Country Music Association and National Music Centre. “This is definitely a product that has good legs to it,” said Manager of Community Futures Nicola Valley and Director of the Canadian Country Music Heritage Society Rob Miller. “Now that we have our legal ducks in a row, it’s off to the races.” He said the goal of having the hall in Merritt is to provide the community with another tourist stop. “There’s been some really good numbers of people arriving, from both during the bike rally and this week,” he said on Friday. “People seem to be interested in the Hall of Fame and in the efforts that are being made to profile Canadian country music’s greats.” Tanisha Suzuki, Hall of Fame employee, said people have visited from throughout the world, including Australia and New Zealand. “And from all over Canada,” she said. “People come in to see if we have the country star who is from their

community. We’ve even had people from Merritt coming in and realizing it’s open.” Miller said the intent is to keep the hall open through to the end of August. “Come September, we’ll try to see if there is funding available and or volunteer support to maintain the minimum number of hours we’d like to have,” he said. “Going into the fall will be slower in terms of visitor traffic anyway, but we do want to make sure there is a presence.” He said many bus tours come through town and the Hall of Fame would be an ideal stop. “We need to make sure it is an itinerary stop as well as a package tour,” he said. The hall hasn’t received government or municipal funding and relies on donations from the public, summer student funding and support from directors. “We will likely be going forward with a number of grant requests and financial support requests to various levels of government very shortly and hopefully some of those will come through so we can kick a sustainability plan into high gear,” Miller said. The group is also contemplating releasing a country music anthology CD to help generate funds. The Hall of Fame is open on Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The hall is closed on Sundays and Tanisha Suzuki has been hired to staff the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, which is open now for the sumMondays. mer. Located on Quilchena Avenue, the hall houses memorabilia from Canadian country music. Phillip Woolgar/Herald

Merritt News to shut its doors this week The Merritt News announced Thursday that the local paper will end publication this week. Interim Publisher Tim Shoults said the decision to close was due to economic reasons. “The paper is operating at a loss and has not performed

financially as we expected for an extended period of time,” Shoults explained in the announcement published on the News’ front page (July 26). “We do not project being able to return the operation to a profitable position, and have therefore made the difficult decision to cease operations.”

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The Merritt News, a division of Glacier Media Group, will publish its final issue on Aug. 2 after 21 years of publication in the Nicola Valley. Merritt Herald Associate Publisher Theresa Arnold said she would like to thank the News’ staff for their dedication to the community, and

wished them success in future endeavors. “The Merritt News has been in business for over 20 years and has proven to be a great competitor for the Herald throughout these years,” she said. “The Herald would like to let the public know that we will continue

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working towards producing an informational and community-based product for Merritt and the Nicola Valley every Tuesday and Thursday.” Those with questions or concerns can contact Arnold at 250-378-4241 or at publisher@merrittherald.com.

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GOOD MORNING! Opinion --------------------- 4-5 Sports ------------------------ 12 Take a Break --------------- 13 Classifieds ------------------ 14

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REMEMBER WHEN? From the Herald archives: July 14, 1982 Merchants seek better tax deal The Downtown Business Group, after many of its members were hard hit by taxes this year, would like to see changes in the municipal tax formula to remove some of their burden. According to spokesman Dave Quinn, the average increase to business owners in the municipal taxes this year was about 20 per cent.

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HERALD OPINION Ask voters about pipeline Perhaps Premier Christy Clark sees a battle with Alberta — over revenue from allowing the Enbridge pipeline to use B.C. to link Alberta oil with tankers on the Pacific Ocean — as the last hope to rally voters in time for the spring 2013 election campaign. It stands to reason, since the B.C. NDP has staked the opposed-to-pipeline position and Conservatives have claimed the support-with-conditions spot. However, by demanding that B.C. receive oil royalties from profits made from what flows through the pipeline, Clark is simply catering to those who already support the Enbridge proposal. Those opposed — and they include First Nations along the proposed route from Alberta to Kitimat — have said loud and clear it is not about money, but about inevitable environmental damage. Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nations Summit political executive summed it up in a scathing press release of July 24, when he said the Clark B.C. Liberal government has missed the mark, stressing “B.C. First Nations’ traditional territories and pristine environment are not for sale.” John reminded Clark of the Supreme Court of Canada’s stance that there is a legal requirement for governments to “consult and accommodate” First Nations regarding any and all land and resource development initiatives in their respective territories. If First Nations cannot be convinced to allow a pipeline to be constructed through their territories — with or without scads of cash — the pipeline simply will not come to be. With Clark’s demand having been rejected by Alberta Premier Alison Redford, with First Nations still on the sidelines and with strong opposition among the public, perhaps it would be wise for Clark to add a non-binding referendum question to the May 14, 2013, general election ballot. A simple question — Are you in favour of the Enbridge pipeline proposal? — could produce results that tell the government exactly which direction it should travel on this pipeline proposal. Kamloops This Week

Publisher Kelly Hall publisher@ kamloopsthisweek.com

Ask questions before doling out dollars ANDREW HOLOTA Guest COLUMNIST Two potential story leads we recently followed didn’t pan out as the major news stories they were purported to be, but they were good examples of how local nonprofit agencies and campaigns often find themselves in competition with obscure groups and initiatives.

An organization called the Fraser Valley Grocery Resource Society recently distributed empty grocery bags to about 800 Abbotsford homes, along with a note requesting food donations, and the statement “we support local food banks.” That was news to Dave Murray, the co-ordinator of Abbotsford Community Services (ACS) Food Bank. He hadn’t heard of the “Grocery Society” until a local resident gave him one of the bags and asked if it was associated with the local food bank. It wasn’t. An Abbortsford News reporter looked into this

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MERRITT HERALD 2090 G

outfit, which claims on its website to be focused on helping seniors, students and other low-income people. Turns out they are “stockpiling” the food in donated warehouse space in Surrey. There is no distribution centre, but the president of the society says he hopes to have one set up in Aldergrove. In the meantime, Kelly Fowler confirmed his group intends to sell some of the donated food at reduced prices, and the groceries will be delivered to lowincome seniors. Fowler said he wants to focus on seniors because

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“they get ignored … nobody is taking care of seniors.” The note that accompanies the empty bag for generous people to fill doesn’t reveal that the food may be resold. Fowler says that information is on his website. Murray questions the ethics of selling donated food. So do I. Would you still give to an organization that turns around and sells the groceries to the people it’s supposed to be helping, even at cut rates? I’m guessing many of you would not. As for seniors being “ignored,” that’s not true,

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according to Murray. The elderly can receive help through the ACS Food Bank or through the Meals on Wheels program, which delivers food to seniors and others who have difficulty leaving their homes. I’m sure local churches also provide aid to the elderly, or would be quick to help if asked. The second story we followed involved the sale of chocolates by kids. They go door-to-door, selling the candy for a Kelowna-based business. They don’t claim to be a charity, but they do say they

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Copyright subsists in all display advertising in this edition of the Merritt Herald. Permission to reproduce in any form, must be obtained in writing from the publisher. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.

This Merritt Herald is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

TUESDAY, July 31, 2012 • 5

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YOUR OPINION Are you donating to businesses in disguise?

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HERALD QUESTION OF THE WEEK

From Page 4 are working for a “youth program.” Some of the funds supposedly go to student prizes for good grades, and perfect attendance, and the company website says a laptop computer is awarded monthly to the student who writes the best essay. Despite those ostensibly laudable efforts, the Students 1st group is a business. It has a business licence in Abbotsford and other communities. They sell chocolates. The kids take a share of the revenue, the drivers who transport them take a cut and the business owner presumably makes money from selling the chocolates to the drivers/distributors. There’s nothing illegal about it. But if you hear some sort of reference to a “youth program” from a nice kid at the door, are you more likely to buy a $4 box of chocolatecovered almonds? Probably. Now what if it was an adult who said he or she was there to sell chocolates on behalf of a non-local business? Probably not. And what if you bought those chocolates yesterday, and today another nice teen knocked on the door, selling something to raise funds for a local school event or charity? Do you give your support again? And the next time? It’s called donor burnout, and it’s problematic enough for bona fide non-profit agencies and campaigns, without adding out-oftown groups and business schemes drawing money from a very finite source. The moral of both of these stories is to ask questions before you take the cash out of your wallet. There are countless very good, very legitimate, very local causes out there. There are also some initiatives and enterprises that deserve your scrutiny before you dole out your dollars. Andrew Holota is the editor of the Abbotsford Times.

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PAPARAZZI Spectators record performers in the first round of Clash of the Talents on Saturday at Spirit Square. Eleven people performed and over 100 community members turned out to catch the event. For more photos see Thursday’s Herald. Jade Swartzberg/Herald

Sick of complaints about RCMP Dear Editor: I take serious offense to anyone who thought that the RCMP were doing anything other than their jobs at the Great Canadian Bike Rally in Merritt. I had the opportunity to notice on many occasions of how helpful the RCMP were to visitors from out of town. Of course there were more resources brought in for the rally, but no more than what would be expected for an event of this size.

I also applaud the RCMP for keeping control of the traffic; that means enforcing the traffic laws as they should be. We as taxpayers should be happy that we are getting our money’s worth when it comes to the way the RCMP conducted themselves. Anyone who says or writes otherwise was probably part of the problem during the rally. The members of the RCMP, when not working, are regular citizens like most of us. They are just regular people doing a stressful job,

and all they want to do is work their shift and be able to go home to their loved ones. I am sick of the people that write in how they think the RCMP should be doing their job. If you think you can do better, then apply to the force, take your training, and then you will be qualified to tell them how they should be doing their jobs. Rob Penner Kelowna, B.C.

ONLINE COMMENTS

Readers weigh in on RCMP presence at rally Glen Krajci: “I am 100 per cent in favour of having a strong police presence at any event where the possibilities of hundreds of people + alcohol + the possibilty of drugs exist. I do not (as people who know me, and know of what happened to me in the past), however, agree with police harassment (over and above legitimate “probable grounds” investigation) and brutality (over and above legitimate arrest procedures). I would encourage anyone who witnesses acts that I have described above to follow the cor-

rect procedures by filing (a) complaint(s) by meeting with the local staff sergeant in whatever location, or the nearest location where the actions, which you are filing a complaint about, took place. I would like to reiterate, at this time, that in policing, there is a fine line between harassment/brutality and legitimate policing. Sometimes the witness bystander may not know all of the facts and history, and what appears to be brutality is entirely warranted, due to the alleged criminal’s past behaviour/ crimes.

Just something to think about.” Jerry Langley: “I agree the police attendance seemed to be more than the motorists; however, they were expecting three times the amount from the year before and I felt safe with all of them there and if there were 15,000. They should have relieved most of them after seeing the crowd. I really enjoyed it overall, less the heat.” Adele Tompkins: “Totally uncalled for. With no issues last year what could possibly be the

reasoning behind it?” Marcia StreetThomson: “They said it was because of how many participants were expected — don’t understand this. Sturgis USA police don’t go all crazy with millions of bikers. I think they were trying to justify their costs this year. But they have probably wrecked it for Merritt. Like Lindy says, the police need to be cleaning up their acts instead of letting bad cops become badder, especially when it is a fundraiser for kids and the community.”

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MERRITT HERALD Ph: 250.378.4241 Fax: 250.378.6818 reporter@merrittherald.com www.merrittherald.com 2090 Granite Avenue, P.O. Box 9, Merritt, B.C.

Should the City of Merritt enact fines for idling drivers?

PREVIOUS QUESTION Would you like to see the Great Canadian Bike Rally back for a third year in 2013? YES: 72% NO: 28%

LETTERS POLICY The Merritt Herald welcomes your letters, on any subject, addressed to the editor. Letters must be signed and include the writer’s name, address and phone number for verification. Letters may be edited for length, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less. Email letters to: newsroom@ merrittherald. com.

6 • TUESDAY, July 31, 2012

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Darian Krajci, 11, has completed 36 pages of his first novel. He has new tools after attending a workshop. Phillip Woolgar/Herald

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Young writers train at Penticton workshop Three Merritt kids add tools to their literary abilities By Phillip Woolgar THE HERALD

reporter@merrittherald.com

Three Merritt youths who appear to have gifts for writing returned recently from a six-day Penticton writing workshop. Each of them has already completed short stories and chapters of fiction novels. Darian Krajci began writing several lines of Scooby-Doothemed stories when he was just six years old, and his writing continues to evolve at a rapid pace. “I don’t really know what got me into writing,” said the 11-yearold. “Me and my friends are always talking about things like, ‘Oh, this would be a really great movie idea, if this happened and this happened.’” He said his novel is a combination of many of the ideas that his group of friends created. “I like doing scifi-ish type of writing, mainly future kind of stuff,” he said. “My

‘I like doing sci-fi-ish type of writing, mainly future kind of stuff.’ —MERRITT WRITER DARIAN KRAJCI

friends are always saying with me, ‘That is so cool — that explosion and sci-fi stuff.’” During the workshop, Krajci learned from professional writers such as Lorna Schultz Nicholson, Endrené Shepherd, Mary Ann Thompson and C.A. Lang. Each day featured lessons on a new variety of writing. The workshop dealt mainly with various writing styles. His father, Glen, has books throughout the home and has been reading to his children since they were infants. “He liked to watch Scooby-Doo movies and so he’d write little four or five sentence Scooby-Doo stories,” he said, noting the stories started out simple. “There would be sto-

ries like Scooby and Shaggy see a monster, they chase the monster and then they get the monster. “His stories have evolved quite rapidly, I think, and he’s doing pretty good for his age.” Glen has an English degree and said reading is a major part of his family’s daily activities. For two other young writers — Michelle and Cole Schultz — the workshop was an opportunity to expand their writing styles. Michelle said she used to focus on strictly realistic fiction, but since the workshop she has started writing horror fantasy novels. “The workshop has really made me want to explore different genres,” said the

15-year-old. “I was really given a lot of different tools to play with.” Cole, 10, said he used to just write short stories, but his writing has now expanded. “My stories are sort of real, but there is a lot of stuff that doesn’t happen,” he said. “It could happen, but it’s very unlikely that it’s ever happened before.” The workshop was hosted by the Penticton Writers and Publishers group, which was established in 1994. The workshops were started by housewives who wanted to learn about the writing and publishing business. Since its creation, PWAP has published coffee table books, including Penticton and Areas Secrets and Surprises, The Novel Approach to Self-Publishing, Supernatural Stories around British Columbia, and Penticton, British Columbia - Silhouette of Four Seasons.

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$595,000

INGROUND POOL

d uce d e R

ced u d Re

$299,900

BUILDING LOT

$395,000

LARGE SHOP

SPECTACULAR HOME

d uce d e R

NEW

d uce d e R

Magnificent 5 bedrm, 4.5 bath lakefront home on 0.7 acres overlooking Nicola Lake. Features 3 finished floors, 19 ft ceilings, 2 open kitchens with S/S appliances, 2 large covered decks, detached 3 car garage. #1572 $1,195,000

Great for investment or first time buyers. Home features 4 bedrms, 2 baths, partly finished basement and fenced yard. Needs some TLC. Has easy care vinyl siding.

4 bedrm heritage home with pool on 0.33 acre lot in Lower Nicola. Close to school, nice views, fruit trees, 20x12 workshop/ office area & fenced yard. Kitchen and bathrm have had reno’s.

Build your dream home on this spectacular lot on Eagle Crescent. Great area for raising your family. Close to schools. Plan and disclosure available.

Well built home on 5.63 acres with panoramic views. Home has open floor plan, quality kitchen cabinets, marble countertops. Has 32x26 double garage/shop with 11 ft ceilings & 200 amp service.

Exceptionally well built home on 20 acres with 26x37 shop & 22x25 garage w/ bonus rm. Home has 5 bedrms, 4 baths, full bsmt with inlaw suite and specialty finishing throughout.

#1708

#1681

#1743

#1746

#1497

TOWNHOUSE

10 ACRES

$149,000

$239,000

$95,500

$479,950

$859,950

HAS 2 SHOPS

CUSTOM RANCHER

ON DOUBLE LOT

HOBBY FARM

Custom design country kitchen, constant care & upgrading make this home a must see. 2 car garage with 2 shops attached. Stone F/P in living room. Beautifully landscaped, completely fenced.

Charming 3 bedrm, 3 bath rancher on 2 acres, fenced with horse shelter. Beautifully landscaped, huge sun room off dining room. Full bsmt with workshop, double garage, central A/C & U/G sprinklers. #1673 $429,900

3 bedroom rancher in desirable area on 0.4 acre lot. Home is heated by electric baseboards but also has gas F/P and pellet stove. I/G sprinklers, 2 yr old roof and new HW tank.

Gorgeous 1487 sq.ft. 4 bedrm log home with full bsmt on 4 acres. Has several outbldgs, 3 grazing pastures and is beautifully landscaped around home. Possible subdivision potential.

#1682

#1550

NEW Beautiful 2 bedroom, 3 bathroom townhome in desirable Sun Valley Cour t. Features include skylight, gas fireplace in living room, walk-in closet in master bedrm and double garage. #1665

$209,900

Private 2 storey home with shop, greenhse and backs onto Crown land. Home has 3 bedrms, 2.5 baths, new laminate and paint, ceramic heated floors in both main baths. Pellet stove in vaulted living room. #1745 $489,000

#1688

$189,900

$259,900

CARRINGTON HEIGHTS GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS New Prices!! Starting at $109,000 + HST

Half Acre Lots – Off Lindley Creek Road Exceptional valley and ranchland views, easy access to crown land. Call for further details on limitations & a complete package. #1531

RESIDENTIAL VIEW LOTS Prices Starting at $85,000 + HST Fully ser viced residential lots with fantastic views of the Nicola Valley and surrounding mountains. Close to shopping and college. Star t building your dream home today! Call for more details.

#1726

#102-2840 Voght St., Merritt, B.C. - 250-378-6166 - Toll Free: 1-877-841-2100

$499,000

8 • TUESDAY, July 31, 2012

www.merrittherald.com

Doug Beech (Owner) 378-4219

Century 21 Moving Real Estate BC Ltd.

Lana McPharlane 315-3748

Dave Berezan 315-5236

SMALL ACREAGE

NEW

Meticulously landscaped yard & gardens. Home features 7 bedrms, 2.5 baths, fully finished bsmt. Updated flooring, trim, baseboards, bathrm fixtures, kitchen backsplash & new deck.

Well kept 4 bedroom home with 2 bedrm legal suite with private entrance, in quiet area and close to schools. Immaculate lawns, U/G sprinklers & double garage. Nice view from sundeck.

#1723

#1709

$298,700

$339,900

2 WORKSHOPS

AFFORDABLE

CLOSE TO SCHOOLS

Private, custom 3 bedrm, 2 bath home on 1.15 acres with shop and barn. Nicely landscaped yard, great garden area with some fruit trees. Has HW & ceramic tile floors, S/S fridge & stove, with walkout bsmt. #1722 $369,900

Great 1 bedroom apar tment with newer laminate floors, big living room with balcony & mountain views. Currently in rental pool. Strata fees are $161.77 per month.

Great starter or retirement home with 3 bedrms, newer kitchen with appliances. Some recent reno’s include new flooring, water softener, HW tank, furnace & heat pump/central A/C & vinyl windows.

Custom Bench rancher with 3 bedrms, 3 baths and fully fin. walkout bsmt. Custom oak country kitchen, living rm has sliding doors to covered deck, laundry on main. U/G sprinklers & nicely landscaped.

Gorgeous 4 yr old rancher with features including granite countertops, high end stainless steel appliances, hardwood & ceramic flooring, 10 ft ceilings, crown moldings, central A/C, U/G sprinklers & more.

#1721

#1715

#1695

#1716

$69,500

$265,000

$369,000

NICE ACREAGE

GREAT VALLEY VIEWS

CLOSE TO SHOPPING

NEW BENCH RANCHER

Well maintained, gorgeous 3 bedrm, 2 bath home within walking distance to downtown. Open floor plan with vaulted ceilings. Kitchen with cabinets galore with patio doors to sundeck. Partially fin. bsmt.

Beautiful townhome with 2 bedrms, 2.5 baths, skylight, gas fireplace in living room and considerable amount of hardwood flooring. Well maintained unit, double garage.

Spectacular Bench home with open design, sunken living rm, oak kitchen, vaulted ceilings, ceramic tile, HW floors. Has 2 bedrm inlaw suite in walkout bsmt. Double garage.

Beautiful custom Jenish home features gorgeous vaulted ceilings, Mill Creek cabinets, HW and tile floors, low E windows and offers a bright open floor plan. Has usable land & is completely fenced.

Large level entry rancher with 3 bedrms on main with open design, oak kitchen cabinets, huge sundeck. Walkout bsmt has new laminate flooring. Fenced backyard and a single garage.

New 2 bedroom + den rancher in area of newer homes. Open design kitchen/dining & living room. Master bedrm has W/I closet & 4 pce ensuite. Single car garage. Priced to sell.

#1676

#1665

#1585

#1674

#1714

#1696

$345,500

$209,900

$429,900

OPPORTUNITY

ON THE BENCH

LOCATION LOCATION

$425,000

$285,000

$240,000

River front hobby farm with numerous outbldgs. approx. 35 acres of flat, irrigated hay fields with water rights & 60+ acres of treed hillside. Nicely landscaped yard with 3 bedrm full bsmt home.

A non-smoking home with 3 bedrms, 2 baths and a finished basement. The home is on a double lot with large detached shop/garage. Nicely landscaped with vegetable & perennial gardens.

#1707

#1699

#1725

#1717

$339,000

$257,000

$320,000

Custom design countr y kitchen, constant care & upgrading make this unique home a must see. Beautifully landscaped. Has detached garage with 2 shops attached. Completely fenced.

Beautiful 3 bedrm, 2 storey, level entry half duplex with 1 bedrm inlaw suite. Upgrades include new flooring, paint, moldings, doors & kitchen countertops & bathrms. Covered deck off dining room.

Large Bench home with 5 bedrms, 3 baths, fully fin. basement, nicely landscaped with U/G sprinklers. Of fice/den with custom storage hutch. Newer sundeck, roof & hot tub.

#1688

#1666

#1680

#1690

#1689

$169,000

$595,000

EXECUTIVE HOME

Totally updated 4 bedroom half duplex. Spacious rec.rm, newer bath, laundry & bedrm in basement. Private yard with lane access. Walking distance to downtown.

$389,900

RENOVATED

Great views from this new rancher with walkout daylight bsmt. Hardwood, porcelain & carpet flooring. Vaulted ceilings, open design kitchen, 2 bedrms up, 2 baths, covered deck & double garage.

$189,900

$239,000

$479,000

IN LOWER NICOLA

LARGE DETACHED SHOP

IN MCCALLUM GARDENS

RIVERFRONT

FANTASTIC VIEWS

DESIRABLE AREA

FIRST TIME BUYERS

REMARKABLE HOME

Immaculately kept 2 storey, 3 bedrm executive style home with oak HW & ceramic tile floors. Dream master bedr with Jacuzzi tub, shower & W/I closet. Luxury oak kitchen with doors to covered sundeck. #1677 $368,000

3 bedroom rancher on very nice ¼ acre double lot. Home is heated by electric baseboards but also has a gas F/P& pellet stove. Lots of room play area or built a backyard garage/shop.

Great place to start or retire. One bedroom strata units with open floor plan. Close to shopping and all amenities. Strata fees $55.61 per month.

Features include 4 bedrms, formal dining rm & living rm has adjoining balcony with great views, gourmet kitchen with S/S appliances, full bsmt with “Man Cave”. Prof. landscaped.

#1682

#1660

#1701

Good opportunity for investor or first time buyer. Home has 4 bedrms, 2 baths, partially finished basement with big family room and fenced yard. Needs some TLC.

2 bedroom rancher on 0.36 acre fenced yard. Has huge garden area & detached garage/shop. Has had some upgrade & reno’s of new paint, bathrm, kitchen & flooring.

4 bedrm home with fully finished bsmt with big family room. Newer furnace. 30x18 detached garage/workshop plus a carport. RV parking. Private yard. Close to schools & shopping.

2 bedrm strata unit in adult oriented community. Private end unit in excellent condition. Vaulted ceiling, gas F/P in living rm, 3 pce ensuite with W/I shower. Formal dining area. Close to parks.

Gorgeous 4 bedrm 3 bath home on 0.63 acres bordering Nicola River. 4 yr old home with slate tile & fir flooring, laundr y on main, beautiful fir kitchen cabinets w/large island. Huge rec. room.

#1557

#1482

#1708

#1686

#1577

#1241

#1691

$149,000

PARK-LIKE SETTING

Nicely renovated 3 bedroom rancher with new hardi plank siding, new roof, single car garage. Big fenced backyard with covered deck. Updated kitchen with ceramic flooring. Nicely landscaped.

PERFECT STARTER HOME

Executive 3 bedrm rancher on the Bench with inground pool in private, fenced backyard. Open design kitchen, sunken living rm with gas F/P, 4 pce ensuite w/jetted tub. Fully fin. basement.

$345,000

98.5 ACRES

FIRST TIME BUYERS

4 bedrm home on the Bench with great views. New HW and tile floors & new paint. Includes B/I vac, skylights, new lights fixtures & all appliances, 3 baths, fully fin. bsmt. Double garage.

$368,000

315-3043

Large 5 bedrm home with new paint & flooring on main in past couple of years. HW radiant heat, oak kitchen cabinets, nook with dining room. 2 bedrm inlaw suite on ground level. Fenced backyard.

ced u d Re

d uce d e R

BENCH RANCHER

Personal Real Estate Corporation

NEW

DESIRABLE AREA

QUIET CUL DE SAC

Brad Yakimchuk

Trista Wills 378-7767

NEW

NICE STRATA UNIT

315-3548

QUALITY BUILT HOME

EXECUTIVE RANCHER

Ray Thompson 315-3377

Personal Real Estate Corporation

#102 - 2840 Voght St., Merritt, BC www.movingrealestate.ca

SPACIOUS HOME

NEW

Debra Schindler

250-378-6166 or Toll Free: 1-877-841-2100 Fax: 378-4344

Moving Real Estate BC Ltd. PRIME BENCH LOCATION

TUESDAY, July 31, 2012 • 9

www.merrittherald.com

$199,500

$229,900

$157,000

$519,000

$259,900

$84,900

$479,000

PANORAMIC VIEWS

GREAT VIEWS

LOWER NICOLA

NEW RANCHER

RANCHER

GORGEOUS SETTING

EXECUTIVE HOME

PRIVATE BACKYARD

RIVERFRONT TOWNHOME

ON THE BENCH

CLOSE TO GOLF COURSE

Custom built home on ½ ac lot with wrap around deck to enjoy the views. Home has 4 bedrms, 3 baths, fully fin. bsmt, large family rm, custom cabinetry, HW floors & hardi plank siding.

Post & beam constructed Bench home with 4 bedrms up, 1 down in fully fin. bsmt with huge family/games room. Well maintained yard & nicely landscaped. Close to school & hospital.

This 4 bedrm home has newer windows, newer style kitchen cabinets, deck off the kitchen and partially finished basement. Lots of room for a shop in back. Quiet neighbourhood.

Beautiful new rancher in central location with 3 bedrms, walk-in closet & 4 pce ensuite. Open floor plan. Kitchen has maple cabinets, eating bar, pantr y, new appliances, B/I vac. Double garage.

Cute little rancher on big lot in Collettville. 1 bedrm plus of fice, huge living room, open kitchen. 2 large storage sheds in backyard. Per fect for retired couple or investment property.

Beautifully maintained 2 bedrm double wide mobile with open floor plan, living rm with gas F/P, large master bedrm with ensuite. Wheelchair ramp. Sit on deck and watch the ducks float by.

Gorgeous 5 bedrm, 3.5 bath quality built home, nicely landscaped with terraced front yard. Gourmet kitchen, formal dining, den & family rm have glass door leading to partially covered deck.

4 bedrm rancher with great views, private backyard with patio. Oak country kitchen, formal dining, huge living rm with vaulted ceilings. Ensuite with jetted tub. In-law suite. Central A/C.

Enjoy the park-like atmosphere. Has walkout bsmt. Double carport and sheltered patio. Master bedrm with 4 pce ensuite, huge rec. rm, 2.5 baths. Easy walk to downtown.

Well maintained 4 bedrm family home across the Bench elementary. This home has many upgrades including kitchen counter top, newly stained cabinets, laminate flooring, carpet, paint & more.

Quality finished 3 bedrm, 2.5 bath home with some HW floors, Italian tile floors, skylights custom mouldings. Chef’s kitchen with all appl. & pantr y. Central A/C, BI vac & water softener.

#1530

#1692

#1704

#1578

#1505

#1706

#1679

#1571

#1520

#1568

#1569

$499,000

$330,000

TRIPLEX

GREAT FAMILY HOME

$208,500

FOR HANDYMAN

$295,000

BROOKMERE

FULL DUPLEX

D SOL Good revenue property. Has 3 – 2 bedroom units with some recent interior reno’s in past year. Huge storage unit in backyard. Great for retired couple to live in one & rent other two.

1200 sq.ft. rancher in good area. This home has been completely stripped back to the 2x4 studs. Needs insulation, drywall, kitchen cabinets, bathroom fixtures and flooring.

Custom built 5 yr old home just 2.5 hrs from Vancouver. Great for outdoor enthusiast. 2 bedrms, 2 baths, maple kitchen cabinets, 9 ft ceilings, large covered back deck. Garage has guest rm & bthrm.

#1671

#1458

#1698

#1678

$199,900

$99,000

IN-GROUND POOL

$539,900

$319,900

PARK-LIKE SETTING

FIXER UPPER

$239,000

$279,900

FENCED DOUBLE LOT

INCLUDES 2 LOTS

$359,900

LOOKS LIKE NEW

ced u d Re

Spacious home with 3 bedrms up, 3 pce ensuite, large bright living rm with gas F/P. Basement has 2 bedrms, in-floor heating, shared laundry. Double garage, I/G sprinklers, RV parking.

$329,000

$109,900

$90,000

$398,000

Side by side duplex with 1740 sq.ft. 4 bedrms and 3 baths per side. Has 2 storage sheds in back. Side A has had some upgrades. Long term tenant in side B. Live in one side & rent the other. #1703 $331,900

4 bedrm heritage home with pool on 0.33 acre lot in Lower Nicola. Close to school, nice views, fruit trees, 20x12 workshop/ of fice area & fenced yard. Kitchen and bathrm have had reno’s.

Nice adult oriented gated community with view of river. Main floor has open design and galley kitchen with nook. 3 bedrms, large rec.rm & hobby rm in bsmt. Double carport. Strata fees $160 per month.

2 bedroom bungalow on huge lot in Collettville. Needs some TLC. Has storage shed in back. Good holding property.

Smaller 1 bedroom home in downtown area, close to shopping. Log style siding on exterior, nicely finished inside. 2 separately titled lots, house on one, other lot vacant. New roof.

Wonderful home on fenced double lot. Tastefully decorated with new laminate, new paint & new bathrooms. 2 bedrms & laundry up. Extra kitchen, family rm & 2 bedrms down. Garage & RV parking.

2 bedroom mobile with fenced yard, storage shed & sundeck with hot tub. Comes with appliances. New HW tank & only 5 yr old furnace. Great open floor plan with island in kitchen.

#1681

#1637

#1506

#1310

#1654

#1598

$239,000

$259,000

$105,000

$99,000

$219,000

$71,900

HAS EXTRA PARKING

LOWER NICOLA

WATERFRONT MOBILE

GREAT STARTER HOME

QUIET LOCATION

RETIREES

HUGE PRIVATE LOT

FIRST TIME BUYERS

DOWNTOWN

LARGE BENCH HOME

AFFORDABLY PRICED

Large 4 bedrm, 2.5 bath home in family friendly neighbourhood. Property has extra 22x100 RV prkg. Garage has 10 ft doors & work area.U/G sprinklers, A/C, S/S appliances, B/I vac.

Good family home on 0.31 acre lot with huge backyard. Home has 4 bedrms, full bsmt, deck off kitchen, newer windows, newer style kitchen cabinets. Lots of room to build a shop.

Ver y nice 2 bedroom mobile home in well maintained park overlooking the river & golf course. Open design with laminate floors throughout. Includes skylights, porch & window coverings.

Very clean 3 bedroom home with 2 bathrooms and par tially finished basement. New tile, newer flooring in living room, new counter tops. Close to schools. Covered carport in back with lane access.

Executive 2 bedrm, 2 bath rancher close to golf course. Features central A/C, JennAir stovetop, Jacuzzi tub in main, oak HW floors, bright open kitchen with large island & bonus room above garage.

Close to amenities in downtown core. This 2 bedrm home is wheelchair accessible, bright & cheer y. 2 pce ensuite. All appliances included. Detached 12x20 shop, covered deck, RV parking.

Custom built 3 level home in private setting on 21,044 sq.ft. lot. Gourmet kitchen, granite counters, oak cabinets, porcelain & HW floors. Has sauna, theatre room, 5 bedrms & 4 baths.

Cozy 3 bedrm bungalow within walking distance to all amenities & shopping. Comfy living room with gas fireplace. Spacious kitchen with lots of cupboards. Covered deck in back plus detached garage.

This renovated home includes new flooring, paint, light fixtures & U/G sprinklers. 5 bedrms, 3.5 baths, living rm with 19 ft vaulted ceilings, bsmt with extra large rec. rm & lots of storage.

Cute and cozy 3 bedroom rancher on huge lot, comes with all appliances. Close to schools and within walking distance to downtown shopping and all amenities. Great for first time buyers.

#1683

#1704

#1661

#1687

#1640

#1576

#1559

Clean, well maintained 3 bedrm townhouse with updated laminate flooring, newer front door and bathroom countertop and sink. Includes appliances. Easy walking distance to schools. Completely fenced. #1581 $119,900

#1556

#1586

#1168

$389,900

$208,500

$57,900

$133,900

$325,000

$149,900

$414,900

$159,000

$370,000

www.movingrealestate.ca • 378-6166 • www.movingrealestate.ca • 378-6166 • www.movingrealestate.ca • 378-6166 • Now servicing Merritt & Logan Lake Call Ray Thompson 250-315-3377

$117,500