Merritt Herald, March 14, 2013 by Black Press Media Group

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MERRITT HERALD Game on: bring on West Kelowna! FREE

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS

By Ian Webster THE HERALD

sports@merrittherald.com

The Merritt Centennials plan to put plenty of heat on West Kelowna goaltender Tyler Briggs (33) in their first round, best-of-seven playoff series, which gets underway this Friday in West Kelowna. In action above, the Cents’ Derek Huisman goes hard to the net with Warriors’ defenseman Matthew Berry-Lamontagna in tow. In the background is Merritt’s assistant captain Regan Soquila. Ian Webster/Herald

Hang on to your hats, folks! The exciting BCHL Junior A hockey postseason is officially here. The Merritt Centennials’ playoff run begins with games one and two of their best-of-seven first round series against the West Kelowna Warriors on Friday and Saturday in West Kelowna. Games three and four are slated for the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena on Monday and Tuesday of next week. The CentsWarriors rivalry is an intense one with West Kelowna overtaking Merritt on the final weekend of the regular

season in the battle for second place in the Interior Division. Six of the seven games between the two teams in the regular season were decided by one goal; two of them in overtime. Look for sparks to fly. In their final meeting, on March 6, the two teams combined for 112 minutes in penalties. For much more on the Centennials, and complete details on the BCHL playoffs, turn to p. 25.

Cancer risk occupational hazard for firefighters By Emily Wessel THE HERALD

reporter@merrittherald.com

Firefighters were on their feet in a flash to help a boy who fell asleep and crashed out of his chair at the Merritt Civic Centre on Monday night. “If you had to collapse, what better place than a room full of firefighters?” the boy’s father, presenter Dr. Kenneth Kunz, joked when it was determined he wasn’t

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hurt. It turned out to be a brief bit of comic relief during Kunz’s twohour lecture on the link between firefighting and cancer. About 40 people attended the lecture put on by the Merritt Fire Rescue Department. Kunz, a veteran oncologist, said his mission is to raise awareness of the cancer risks firefighters face as an occupational hazard through their increased exposure

to carcinogens. “Firefighters have an increased risk of getting cancer just by trying to earn a living by protecting the public,” he said. “Historically, firefighters have been exposed to burning natural materials, but everything today is made out of synthetic materials: chemicals, paints, solvents, adhesives. Even diesel exhaust from fire trucks is very carcinogenic.” He said those carcino-

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gens can be absorbed in the body through the skin, by accidental ingestion, or breathed into the lungs. Kunz said a firefighter friend in Nelson was told he smelled like a smoked ham for over a week following a large fire. “If it’s on you, it’s in you,” he said. “If you get into the fire truck and it smells like smoke and soot, and you smell like smoke and soot, and the bunker gear smells like

smoke and soot, that’s where the carcinogens are coming from. It’s after the fire, from soiled turnout gear, the truck, even in the fire hall, that we see fatal cancers in first responders.” Kunz began presenting on the link between firefighting and cancer when a firefighter approached him on the topic after a free cancer seminar in Nelson.

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Oncologist Dr. Kenneth Kunz presented a two-hour talk on firefighters’ risk of cancer at the Merritt Civic Centre on Monday. Emily Wessel/Herald

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2 • THURSDAY, March 14, 2013

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

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In celebration of women Honoured by the Nicola Valley Women in Action on Friday at a ceremony celebrating International Women’s Day were: (from left) Delphine Kinvig, Cathy Cox-Neill, Kim Leclair, Mary Ramsey, Marion Sawchuk, Fran Holz and Tracy Dunsmore. Front - Donna Dixon. The women were honoured for their contributions in the community. “The event went very well,” said Shannon Daw, treasurer for Nicola Valley Women in Action. “It gets better every year. It was our ninth year. It’s in recognition of ladies in our community that go above and beyond in their work or in their volunteer endeavours to make our community a better and safer place to live. We have some incredible women in our community who have made a huge difference, an almost endless list (of women) who should be recognized for what they do.” Craig Lindsay/Herald

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Bookshelf Project benefits bookworms By Craig Lindsay THE HERALD

newsroom@merrittherald.com

For local book fans, a program put on by Literacy Merritt and Nicola Valley Society in conjunction with Merritt Secondary School and SD58 is making reading easier in the region. The Bright Red Bookshelf Project provides free books to various locations throughout Merritt for people to take and read. “As of today, we have 16 bookshelves out in the community. We’re about to double that,” said Robyn Grebliunas, literacy outreach coordinator for Literacy Merritt and Nicola Valley Society. “The bookshelves have free books for anyone from babies to adults. You can take a book and put it back. You can pay it forward. You can keep it. They’re free books.” Each semester at Merritt Secondary, a class helps with the project by making sure there are always new books on the red book shelves. “These kids clean the books, sort the books, take the books out, re-shelve the books, turn the books over,” said Grebliunas. “The bookshelves are located all over the community from the coffee shops to the Ministry of Children and Families, Community Policing, NVIT, Family Place, the teen centre and

Interior Health. They’re all over. We’re doubling the number of bookshelves. We’re going to go out to each of the bands in the community. That’s phase two. After that, we’ll be adding another four to five shelves.” Grebliunas say the project has been very well received throughout the community. “I think this is an amazing community project,” she said. “We put free books into the hands of people who may not have the access to many books. We promote the library and getting a library card. The reason they’re all red is so young children know, ‘If it’s a red bookshelf, I can have that book. It’s for me. But I can’t just go into a store or the library and take a book without signing it out.’ A community the size of Kamloops, they only have seven shelves, so we’ve done an incredible job here in Merritt. “It’s such an incredible community project because we havepartners such as School District #58 and Community Policing. We also have great donations of books from members in the community.” Tamara Slanzi, special education teacher at Merritt Secondary, says the project is of great benefit to the students. “I take a small group out into the community on Tuesdays and we go around town and fill the

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Merritt Secondary students (back row from left) Tristan Sampson, Chad Bolen, Michelle Welch, Tyler McLeod, Jamie McRae, and Richard McLeod and (front) Clayton Hahn along with teacher Tamara Slanza (middle) pose after holding their Red Bookshelf wrap-up breakfast at the school on Friday. Craig Lindsay/Herald

bookshelves with books,” she said. “It takes us a couple of hours to do it. The kids really enjoy it. We usually end it with a trip to Tim Hortons for coffee or hot chocolate. They really love that part of it. It’s a good socialization tool for these kids. We’re going into other schools where there’s classes in session often. So we need to be quiet and respectful. A lot of these students are working on those social skills every day, so it’s great for them.” The BrightRed Bookshelf Project started up in September and the group of students help-

ing with the project rotate every couple of months. “We go to Community Policing office, which is where the books are housed,” said Slanzi. “We fill up bins. It’s good for the students, they have to organize and figure out: ‘Okay, we’re going to an elementary school today, what kind of books would a kindergarten class want?’ So they have to choose the appropriate books. If we’re going to the hospital - do we want a pop-up book or an assortment of books? It’s good organization skills (the students are learning).”

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SPRING SERENITY - Nicola Lake is a beautiful sight in the spring time. This picture was taken near Quilchina Golf Course. Craig Lindsay/Herald

The 30-year veteran cancer doctor said he found the need to raise awareness once he began researching and reflecting on his own first responder patients. Since then, Kunz has presented the talk in about 30 communities throughout B.C. He said the primary goal is to raise awareness, with the ultimate goal of reducing the number of Canadians who die from cancer. Manitoba implemented Canada’s first presumptive cancer amendments to its Workers Compensation Act in 2002, a lead followed by B.C. in 2005. B.C.’s presumptive cancer laws cover 10 types of cance, but stipulate a period of employment for coverage,

ranging from five years for lukemia coverage to 25 years for esophageal cancer. The 10 types of cancer covered do not include any femalespecific strains of the disease. Kunz said the amendments to the act are a start, but not enough. “You have to make cancer presumption laws uniform across the country, and probably across the entire world,” he said. “They should be more comprehensive, and expand the range of cancers that are covered. The cumulative periods seem unrealistic to me as a cancer doctor, because I’ve never known cancer to obey a cumulative period. And what about female cancers? “We need to do a better job of protecting firefighters and helping firefighters protect themselves,” he said.

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By Craig Lindsay THE HERAL method newsroom@ D of merrittherald them. It’s combining .com The Fraser in 2008. answer, intended to Institute’s general numera The grade 4 is the school ly, how cy cards are school report 477, up score was from 400 Merritt doing?” a couple out, and for 2008. in Elemen Bench schools of Merritt tary School it’s the lone was the “I’ve heard in grade. The a failing Merritt Kamloo with a passing school controversial institute about the ps news MBES finished grade. ranks schools the schools,ratings for across B.C., 267th out of 853 and I take well as Canada a look at as B.C. with schools in on a number , based a grade and overallthe ratings, 6.8. of I watch ent criteria of differand say, . ‘the Diamon “We get have gone ratings d Vale Elemen up,’” Ministry from the tary paltry 830th came it at a Bob Peacock, said school by of Education, superout of 853 intendent schools school results for SD58 of the Founda with a 2011-12 Steven “Hyde” (Nicola rating of -Similkameen) Archacha Cowboy Skills Assessm tion “Take a n Festival . Central 2.5. Merritt look in Kamloopwas inducted into are adminis ent which wasn’t much elementary at the s. Craig the better with tered in Lindsay/ B.C. Cowboy grade 4 four schools schools, in Hall of Fame Herald and of 822nd a ranking on Friday every year,” grade 7 ings have the ratat a special of 2.8. and a score said Peter Cowley, ceremon 2012, whilegone up for By Craig spokesp y during Diamon Lindsay for the Fraser erson the has stayed the other d Vale’s THE HERAL grade 4 was local “We analze Institute. average newsroom@ D So, that’s the same. saddle maker ing score readmerrittherald Don Loewen results and those .com was 435 Teachers a good thing. Local in the fall 2012, down for in Tuesday (see story with nine come up hard to are working Stephen cowboy from 462 ’s again and we’d go out in 2008. improve “Hyde” with how indicators Archach Herald). educational the Archach We did thatbring cattle in. a rodeo dance an was born writing The grade 4 an has been in 1934 chances doing. For the school is a while average back. I’m students. selected at I rode for every year. was 414 down for That’s even of Creek in Quilchena exams - each of the Guichon far back, not sure how better thing.” B.C. Cowboythe 2013 around 1956 a reading, in 2008. from 592 until and begana willow bush ing and Hall she said. but a while,” Fame in and then Peacock went to his cowboy numera writnumera The grade 4 “My uncle the Workinof career says Dougla cy grade cy Hyde and in’ and the number a short Cowboy 4 and grade in also 414 score was s given to low cowboy s Lake category. g we look He started time later. down from were at his buddy 7eral Merritt Althoug sevjust wanted ed there. I to 460 in 2008. the his first h 77 and job at age schools kids at eachsee how the he told his dance and a relation retired, Archach mostly in Archach change.” to other Merritt buddy, ‘Look Guichon 16 for the and what school do at that an took around an schools gets the Ranch. grade 4 Central’s the provinc occasion still broke horses He also off in the mid-60s time She gal over there. mark is. their average reading can be attribut al call to help out. e has a pretty We was 430 score ily and for for his fam- his hand at logging,to try looking to determ then look in 2012, good several factors. ed to Archach from ine hyde.’ And up a head. others for $10 eventually returne but kind of nominated an, who was it just of the tests how many grade 404 in 2008. The He “Histor what he stuck at Dougla has worked loves the d to So he’s been from there. were assessedwere written Central4 writing score schools ically, those ranchers by several cowboyin’ most, he has worked Lauder’s s Lake Ranch, at low,” have ranked Hyde ever below average at being was in the Nicola since.” for includin Ranch, Valley. he said. from 565 419, down Ridge Ranch Blue g John at the grade . We look are a whole “There Lauder Phoebe school’s in 2008. The A true and 7 level on North Kamlooin Lillooet, bunch of whether grade 4 our is muchsays the honwas honour Mike Rose, Archach character, their acy was numer- factors in what Lake Jamison ps and at ed on an gap between was any 444, and well-des appreciated Fraser Institut the 8 at the ‘Hyde’ to is known as 392 in 2008. up from Kamloo March the and the “I started . e has her uncle. erved for come out ps Cowboy everyone. pretty much girls, we boys off with Nicola Canford Festival. Guichon that the call His niece what they with and honoured Also “He’s been Ranch,” Phoebe gender ranked was Archach at the festival said Archach gap. Finally, 795 ing for pretty workwe look say. When an. an we relates the ing of 3.2. with a ratat in the spring.“We started tests that look at the the ranches much all ranking the Fraser he picked story of how Then s, The grade here in the written could’ve been up Nicola Valley,” we’re in are we happy but age reading 4 aver“I guess the name. the bottom bring all weren’t. We she said. they were 10 Lower Nicolascore at the per cent? No. at together those ratings See “Cowbo What direction school was 432, y’ Page 3 call the in what we up from ranking is the overall overall rating 2008’s 412. heading using a schools? in our statistically 4 writing The grade score valid as well, down was 432 from 497 Locally See ‘School Owned

Local cow boy

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• A couple of Merritt elementary schools given poor grades The controversial Fraser Institute has released their 2012 elementary school rankings and a few Merritt schools do not fare well.

• Local cowboy honoured Long time local cowboy Stephen “Hyde” Archachan was inducted into the B.C. Cowboy Hall of Fame last week.

• New food bank board ready for challenges ahead Eight new members have joined two returning board directors on the Nicola Valley and District Food Bank board.

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The following is an excerpt from the City of Merritt regular council meeting on Feb. 26, 2013. Bass Coast Festival is a three-day music festival proposing to relocate from Squamish Valley to a private campground adjacent to the City of Merritt’s boundaries. The festival features three stages of electronic and live music, performances, yoga, workshops, local vendors, music video contest, fashion show, camping and art installations throughout the site. Bass Coast is a 19+ event. Attendees camp in the site for the duration of the festival. Bass Coast Festival support has no financial implications. There are no operational or capital

expense costs associated with the Bass Coast Festival, including any in-kind contributions. The Bass Coast Festival project supports the vision of the City of Merritt as a great place to visit with lots to see and do. It also supports our guiding principles of investing in our future and to celebrate, recognize, and appreciate the value of our community. Options: 1. Do nothing and not support the Bass Coast Festival; or 2. Provide a letter of support to the Bass Coast Festival. Recommendation: That the City Council pursue option two and provide a letter of support to the Bass Coast Festival.

YOUTH CELEBRATION NIGHT

Do you know a youth in our community who deserves recognition for everyday achievements that might not otherwise be recognized by school or sports? We are looking to identify youth between ages 13 and 18 who have made a positive impact on our community through:

Volunteerism Attitude Community spirit

Commitment

Uniqueness Values

✁

City supports new fest

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Nominated youth will be honoured at a celebration event on Thursday, April 25th at 6:30 p.m. at the Merritt Civic Center. Please return completed nomination forms to the office at MSS or the Community Policing Office by March 28th. Youth’s name:

Contact number:

Nominator’s name:

Contact number:

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS The City of Merritt is seeking proposal submissions from qualiÀed groups to develop Entertainment in Merritt cultural events during the summer months to replace the Music in the Park and Music in the City activities. The proposed project of cultural events should reÁect various forms of entertainment and venues throughout the city during the summer period. The new Entertainment in Merritt shall improve and enhance cultural activities in the community with a focus on local talent. Application forms are available from the Merritt City Hall at 2185 Voght Street, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, or on the City of Merritt website: www.merritt.ca Three complete copies of each proposal must be received by 2:00 p.m. Local time on March 15, 2013. Proposals can be submitted in hard copy to the City of Merritt, 2185 Voght Street, P.O. Box 189, Merritt, B.C., V1K 1B8 or electronically as a PDF À le format. Electronic submission should be sent to: jumpherson@merritt.ca CONTACT PERSON: James Umpherson, B.A., M.A.E.S. Economic Development Manager Email: jumpherson@merritt.ca Tel: (250) 378-4224 Fax: (250) 378-2600

Programs at the Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre

SFA

Standard First Aid Course March 13-15: 4:30 - 9:30 pm

NLS RECERTIFICATION

Natio National Lifesaving Awards RecertiÀcation Saturday, March 16: 8 am - 6 pm

AED TRAINING

Sunday, March 17: 12:30 - 4:30 pm S

NLS

National Lifesaving Award Pool Option Na March 18-22: 8 am - 6 pm

BRONZE COMBO

Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion & Bronze Cross March 25-29: 9 am - 5 pm

Brief description of youth’s contribution:

RED CROSS SWIM KIDS SPORTS RE

✁

For more info, contact the Community Policing Office at 250-378-3955

CITY OF MERRITT Notice of Proposal to Deliver Entertainment in Merritt Project

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RECYCLING CART ROLLOUT The City of Merritt is pleased to announce we are rolling out our Curbside Recycling Program end of April. Your new container will be delivered by April 29th and your first Recycling pick-up will be on the same day and time as your regular garbage pick-up starting April 30th. You will place your Recycling Container next to your Garbage container but please keep 1 meter between containers to allow the automated truck room to pick them up. To ensure an efficient recycling program please only place your recycling container out for pick-up when it’s full or near full. All recycling can be placed in a “Blue Bag” inside your recycling container or can be place in the container loose. Please do not use black non see through bags for your recycling. Every new recycling container will have a label on the lid showing you exactly what you can put into the recycling container and what you cannot put in the container. Or visit www.merritt.ca RECYCLING TIPS TO REMEMBER: • recycle as much household recyclable material you can. • Use only see-through clear or blue bags. Or recyclables can be loose in the bin. • Glass of any type is not accepted in the curbside recycling but can be dropped off at the recycling depot located at Merritt Return-It Depot, 2326 Clapperton Avenue. • Caps and lids are recyclable. Rinse and remove from the containers and include in your household recycling. • Plastics must have recycling symbols 1 through 7.

Here is a fun and affordable way to provide 60 mins. o of exercise for your children. This Red Cross Program teaches children and youth a varProgra iety of aquatic skills; Synchronized swimming, Boat safety, sa Lifesaving skills, Boogie boarding, Underwater hockey and Water polo. Underw Fridays, April 12 - June 21 3:30 - 4:30 pm ages 7-10yrs Regular child admission M Must be able to swim a minimum of 25 meters un-assisted 6:30 - 7:30 pm ages 10-15yrs Regular admission M Must be able to swim a minimum of 50 meters un-assisted Pre-registration recommeded to avoid disappointment

WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR RECERT.

This is the re-certiÀcation course for Red Cross Water Safety Instructors. Sunday, March 24: 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm For RecertiÀcation that has exceeded 5 years, please inquire regarding the Red Cross splash back

AQUA EGG HUNT

Saturday, March 30: 1 - 3 pm At the Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre

DIAPER FIT

Mondays, April 15 - June 10th: 10:15 - 11 am Ease back into exercise with your little one by introducing your baby to water in a fun and safe environment. For registrations on these or any other programs please call: NV Aquatic Centre: 250-378-6662

• Styrofoam is absolutely not accepted even if it has recycling symbol 6.

Next council meeting: Tuesday, March 26, 2013 Council agendas and minutes at www.merritt.ca

Merritt Civic Centre: 250-315-1050

City of Merritt ★ 2185 Voght Street, Box 189 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 ★ Phone: 250-378-4224

THURSDAY, March 14, 2013 • 5

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

MSS grad pair visit nation’s capital

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By Phillip Woolgar THE HERALD

XERISCAPE WORKSHOP

Two Merritt Secondary School students were chosen to visit the Terry Fox Centre in Ottawa recently for an RCMP information seminar entitled Encounters With Canada. For Grade 12 student Talon Tom, the trip gave him the opportunity to see if being an RCMP officer is really for him. “I want to be an RCMP officer more after going there,” he said. “We got a lot Merritt Secondary School Students Talon Tom (L), Grade 12, and Isaac Jackson, grade 10, visited Ottawa Encounters With of presentations that Canada, an week long education experience about the RCMP. Phillip Woolgar/Herald do with each kind of group they have. We Tom said the job staying at refused them got a presentation from because they were appealed to him for the K9 unit.” the same reason. “I underage and didn’t Isaac Jackson, thought it was cool have a credit card. Grade 10, travelled getting to carry a gun, “When we finally with Tom and said but I just talked to one got there, all the kids the week was valuable of my friends about it, were just getting ready and taught him about and he said it is a good to go to bed, so we the various aspects of job. I don’t hear any mostly just started policing. bad stuff about it.” meeting everyone the “There were 120 While the experinext day,” Jackson said. kids there that all ence was informative, “They took us on a wanted to do it,” he there were issues with musical ride where all said. “They were basicold showers, bad food, the horses were.” cally showing us things and an arduous flight, Both students said that would help us they added. they’ve wanted to be finally make a decision But according to RCMP officers since on whether we wanted both students, the they were children. to become RCMP offiBut after the session highlight was the NHL cers.” in Ottawa, the students game they attended Among the activities said there are aspects featuring the Ottawa was a video session that of the job they weren’t Senators against the detailed the RCMP New York Rangers. aware of. training camp. The trip cost each One officer talked “It either scared about his experience in student $675. the kids away or made The students left Haiti on a peacekeepthem want to do it even ing mission. for one week from Feb. more,” said Jackson. “A 16 to 23, and heard “At first, I wanted lot of them didn’t think to be a police officer about the event from it would be like that.” MSS teacher Shannon because they packed After a difficult trip Dunn. around a gun, right, to Ottawa, the video “We hadn’t really but now it is about didn’t seem that bad, had that much interwanting to enforce the they said. law, because I’m one of est,” she said. “I’m A 19-hour delay at really hoping that those guys that doesn’t Calgary International like to go out and party with these boys going Airport meant the off and having such a and do all that kind RCMP hopefuls had great experience, and of stuff,” Jackson said. to find a place to sleep. “I don’t like theft and we have a couple girls Accommodations were crime, and so I want to going off in April, that going to be paid for be the guy that stops it, we will have more kids by the airline, but the interested. It’s a really and the pay is always hotel they would be great opportunity.” good too, right.”

Its

U R

The members of the Water Resource Advisory Committee (WRAC) with the City of Merritt are hosting a XERISCAPE WORKSHOP on

April 20th at the Civic Centre. This five hour program is both entertaining and informative, dispelling the myth that xeriscape gardening is all rocks and gravel. Mark it on your calendar and watch for more details to come. The Committee will have displays and information at the Home & Garden show March 15/16.

T i m G e N I N N

Why:

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OPEN HOUSE

“We will be holding an OPEN HOUSE at the FraserNicola MLA community ofÀce in Merritt. You are all invited, so please join us for refreshments.” - Harry

March 21 @ 3 pm - 7 pm

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tlcpond1@telus.net

250-378-4166 Serving Merritt with Excellence for over 20 yrs.

Harry Lali, MLA Fraser-Nicola

2099 Granite Avenue, Bag 4400, Station Main Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Telephone: (250) 378-4802 Fax: (250) 378-4852 Toll Free: 1-877-378-4802 Email: Harry.Lali.MLA@leg.bc.ca

6 • THURSDAY, March 14, 2013

www.merrittherald.com

HERALD OPINION Ethnic strategy is nothing new

TOM FLETCHER B.C. VIEWS The B.C. legislature session ends this week. It can’t come quickly enough for Premier Christy Clark and the B.C. Liberals. This is also the week we see the rest of the fallout from “ethnicgate,” as the latest controversy over partisan activity by political staff has been clumsily labelled. A disgruntled former B.C. Liberal caucus staffer handed the NDP opposition an internal memo setting out a strategy for ethnic “outreach” that strayed into forbidden territory, suggesting that ethnic-friendly government events could be staged and participants’ names collected and turned over to the party. “This secret plan clearly demonstrates the Liberals are deliberately folding government resources and staff into their party’s campaign machinery, despite rules that forbid this,” thundered NDP house leader John Horgan. “We’ve seen this before, with the Liberals’ efforts to run a secret committee to subvert the public process around Burnaby Hospital, and in the attack website created by caucus staff and launched by the Liberal party.” Casual observers might see this as a disturbing new development in misuse of public resources. It’s disturbing, all right, but it’s hardly new.

See ‘Fletcher’ Page19

Publisher Theresa Arnold publisher@ merrittherald.com

Merritt: let me introduce myself Craig Lindsay Merritt HERALD After two weeks at the Merritt Herald, I figure it’s time to formally introduce myself to the readers: I’m Craig Lindsay and I’m the new editor here at the paper. That’s right, I’m taking over from Phillip Woolgar, who has since left for the sunny shores of Costa Rica. I started last week and got the chance to get my feet wet under Phillip’s

Editor Craig Lindsay newsroom@ merrittherald.com

tutelage. I came to Merritt from Castlegar, where I worked as a reporter/photographer/ sports editor at the paper there for almost two years. The two communities are similar sizes, about 7,000 or so people each, but are very different. Castlegar is surrounded by big mountains and is at the confluence of the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers, while Merritt has more diverse geography with some desert areas, rivers, lakes, and rolling hills all nearby. The Nicola Valley is also in a plumb location as far as proximity to larger centres such as Vancouver, Kelowna, Kamloops and even Seattle.

Reporter Emily Wessel reporter@ merrittherald.com

MERRITT HERALD 2090 G

Another thing I’m looking forward to is the milder weather. Who doesn’t like more sunshine and less snow to shovel in the winter? As an editor, I know it will be more of a challenge to get out in the community and meet all the wonderful people that make a place like Merritt great. But I certainly intend to do my best. As I said in Tuesday’s editorial, I went and saw the Cents last regular season game and was impressed by the enthusiasm shown by the fans. I also got to check out a couple of events at the Civic Centre and met a few great people there. So I ask that you be patient with me as I

Advertising Sales Alisa Saunders sales@ merrittherald.com

RANITE AVE., PO BOX 9, MERRITT, B.C. PHONE (250) 378-4241

get my footing here in Merritt. I expect it will take a few months to get people’s names right and learn all about what’s happening in the region. But soon enough I expect that Merritt will begin to feel like home. As for my background, before Castlegar, I spent a year in Brooks, Alberta where I learned just how bad a meat packing plant smells. Still, it was a nice community and I got to meet some great people there and work under some tough deadlines. Before Brooks, I was in Cranbrook for six years where I worked at the Kootenay Advertiser and learned reporting and photography under some great editors who

Advertising Sales Ula Chauvet sales@ merrittherald.com

I still call friends today. I also got to spend time with my sister and her family including my two amazing nieces. In addition to writing, my other main passion is basketball. I’ve coached for 25 years and living in Cranbrook gave me the chance to coach my nieces, which was great. The thing I learned from coaching hoops is that you should treat people like you’d want to be treated. And to make things fun. If it’s fun, you don’t even notice how much you are learning and improving. I hope to use all the experiences I have gained in my years to help shape the Merritt Herald into an interesting and informative read.

Office Manager Carol Soames classifieds@ merrittherald.com

FAX (250) 378-6818

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

THURSDAY, March 14, 2013 • 7

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YOUR OPINION Dawn-Caros responds to animal trap issue Dear Editor, In response to the recent ‘ban trapping’ article… To be clear, I eat meat, and believe hunting to feed your family is natural. However, as a child I was taught that if you hunt, you hunt responsibly meaning,

you end an animals life quickly, with compassion and as little suffering as possible. The act of hunting for sport and the use of leg-hold traps and other traps, do not fall into a category that includes compassion or survival; it is only cruel. And let me understand

this correctly: in the eyes of some, it’s ok to cut a deer’s legs off to use them to bait your leg hold traps, (I have pictures), But not okay for a family to take their dog out to the country for a hike – off leash? I think our wildlife have more important things to worry about, like hunters

(human and other), rather than a family dog. A very wise man (Ghandi) once said “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by how it’s animals are treated”. It was long ago that quote was recognized and it saddens me that in our

Speak up You can comment on any story you read @ merrittherald.com

society today, a culture that is supposed to be ‘civilized’ accepts and encourages the extreme suffering of our animal population (by not examining the facts and seeking better alternatives). Judanna Dawn-Caros Merritt

Letter writer writes in praise of our bylaw officer Dear Editor, I’ve been reading a lot about (bylaw officer) Bob Davis as well as hearing what our residents have to say and I have to ask - do you think you could do a better job? Our bylaws are not put in

place by him, only enforced by him which is a job that I would not wish on my worst enemy! I personally have run Mr. Davis off my property and after walking away with my chest pushed out like a rooster that just won his

first fight as I sat down and finished my coffee I thought to myself did I just win this fight? The answer is a great big no! Now I’ll really have to pay the fine. Stew on that for a while and have a good laugh at my expense. Then sit back

and ask yourself could you do the same job? Most of you will say no or say, ‘Sure I’d just change a few bylaws (probably the ones that affect you).’ So Bob, after having only met a couple of times, I think you’re doing a great

job. And for all the people out there complaining about bylaws - take it up with the people who make them! And quit your whining. All it does is make you a bigger baby! Dale Campbell Merritt

Mitra: Born to die: Christmas in Spring NARAYAN MITRA You Gotta Have FAITH What has the upcoming Good Friday got to do with Christmas and vice versa? For starters, the former would not have taken place without Bethlehem’s incarnation. And the whole incarnation story would have proved a big cipher without the supreme sacrifice at Calvary. The Messiah who was born, came to save his people from their sins. Satan knew birth of Christ signalled the end of him and the only hope for mankind to escape his deadly clutches. Some 2,000 years

ago, there must have been a very special farewell in heaven when the Son said to the Father “see you later”. Hebrews 10:5,7 give us what might have been Christ’s farewell message on the eve of his birth: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me… “Then I said, Here I am – it is written about me in the scroll – I have come to do your will, O God.” Sacrifices as provided for in Old Testament economy didn’t cover sin. When a person sinned, they had to offer sacrifice. As he kept sinning, sacrifice became meaningless. The sacrifice of goats, lambs, or turtledoves could never have totally satisfied. These pointed to the true sacrifice that would come in the form of Jesus Christ. The passage in Hebrews 10 gives a true

picture of the true sacrifice. Jesus’ body had been divinely prepared for a specific purpose. He was going to die for sins of the world and he knew it. Do we understand that the Bible places very little emphasis on the birth of Christ? It’s simply recorded as a fact : “in fullness of time Jesus came” – very cut and dry! It spends more time on his life, and much more on his death. There was no salvation in his birth. If he had come precisely the same way that he did – came and lived, and not died for our sins – then his coming would have been useless. The sinless way that Christ lived had no redemptive force of its own. His examples, as flawless as it were, could not rescue men from their sins. Even his teachings, the greatest truths

revealed to men, could not save us from our sins. There was a price to be paid, someone had to die, and only Jesus could do it. Jesus came to earth for several reasons: To reveal God to mankind – the divine Translator. To teach truth. To offer his kingdom. To show us how to live. To heal the sick. To minister to the needy. But all of those reasons were incidental to his ultimate purpose. He could have done all of the above without being born as a human. He had one supreme reason for being born in a manger – to die. Those tiny little hands were formed in Mary’s womb so that spikes could be driven through them. Those little pinky feet, unable to walk, would one day walk up the dusty road to the

cross. The sweet little infant’s head with sparkling eyes was formed so that someday man might press a crown of thorn over it. The tender precious little body, warm and soft, would one be ripped open by a spear. Jesus was born to die. Christ’s death, though devised and instituted and carried out by men of evil intentions, was in no sense a tragedy. In fact, it represents the greatest victory over evil that anyone ever accomplished. We need to understand that Jesus Christ, minus his death, is of no profit to anyone. There’s no reason to mourn the death of Jesus. On the contrary, it’s the primary reason to celebrate, to give thanks for in this season of his passion and beyond. Hebrews 2:9-18 gives us at least four reasons for Jesus’ incarnation:

He came to be our substitute (v. 9). He came to be the author of our salvation (v. 10). He came to be our sanctifier (v. 11). He came to be the Satan’s conqueror (v. 14). For those who believe in him, Jesus paid the price for their sins on that first Good Friday. He purchased our salvation, destroyed the enemy of our souls and became the sympathetic High Priest. And now, following resurrection, he is sitting next to the Father in heaven, making intercession for his ‘family’ members. The views expressed in this column don’t necessarily reflect those of the Merritt Herald and its staff. The Herald welcomes qualified writers with views on this or other faiths to submit their work to newsroom@merrittherald.com, to be considered for publication.

HERALD QUESTION OF THE WEEK To vote, go online to merrittherald.com

Will the Cents beat West Kelowna in the first round of the BCHL play-offs?

PREVIOUS QUESTION Should animal traps be banned? YES: 75% NO: 24%

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 purposes. Letters may be edited for length, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less. Email letters to: newsroom@ merrittherald. com.

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8 • THURSDAY, March 14, 2013

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Merritt sailor returns from Arabian Sea

Able Seaman Vlodder (right) receives a general service medal for Southwest Asia from Major General Steve Noonan, deputy commander of operational support in Canadian joint operations command on March 5 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Submitted/photo by Diana Quinlan

Special to

THE HERALD

Able Seaman Albert Vlodder, a Naval Communicator aboard Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Regina, processes official message traffic, maintains the ship’s internal com-

puter network and establishes radio nets for communication to other units. The Merritt native graduated from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops before enrolling in the Canadian Armed Forces in 2010. From voice, flaghoist, messaging, and Morse code

by light, Able Seaman Vlodder handles all communications between land and sea. Not only does he manage radio and satellite equipment, but Able Seaman Vlodder is also the IT specialist responsible for the networks, computers, printers and all other

IT equipment onboard the ship. Able Seaman Vlodder deployed with the ship on July 3, 2012. He is in transit in Hawaii, on his way to HMCS Regina’s homeport, Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, in Victoria. Able Seaman Vlodder says that the best part of his deployment was being able to use all his training in real live situations. One of his biggest challenges was hailing foreign vessels who, more often than not, did not speak English. Able Seaman Vlodder, along with the rest of the crew of HMCS Regina, received the General Campaign Star Southwest Asia, which recognizes those who serve in a theatre of operations in the presence of an armed enemy within the Arabian Sea region.

HMCS Regina is returning from Operation Artemis, where the Canadian Armed Forces participated in maritime security and counterterrorism operations in the Arabian Sea region. The operation demonstrated Canada’s solidarity with partners and allies as they continue to work together for peace and security in the maritime environment of the greater Middle East region.

City of Merritt Request for Proposals PROPERTY INSURANCE The City of Merritt is seeking proposals for the supply of Property Insurance - All Risk wordings including Flood and Earthquake. The proposal package and statement of values can be obtained by request to: Pat Sibilleau CMA, Financial Services Manager City of Merritt Email: psibilleau@merritt.ca Tel: (250) 378-4224 Fax: (250) 378-2600 Three complete copies of each proposal must be received by 3:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday, March 26, 2013. City of Merritt 2185 Voght Street PO Box 189 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 ATTN: Pat Sibilleau

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Revving up for the Country Run

Participants have fun at the 2011 Merritt Country Run. File Photo

By Phillip Woolgar THE HERALD

The Merritt Country Run is about three months away, but the organizers are pushing to register more people by showcasing those who are helped by the charity event. Proceeds from the run go to the Canadian Tire

Jumpstart Program. “We are doing this because we want to help the children in the community,” Race Director Mary Jorgensen said. “This program really gives the kids a chance to participate in sports.” The Country Run raised funds that helped 106 kids purchase sports equipment, thanks

to $7,000 in donations, $4,000 of which was contributed by Canadian Tire. The rest came from the run. For every dollar earned at the Country Run, Canadian Tire contributed $1.33 last year. The Jumpstart Program helps kids who are in families which may not be

able to afford sports equipment. “It’s important that people know about this program because there is no use having the money sitting here and nobody’s using it,” Jorgensen added. The Merritt Country Run includes three options: 21 kilometres, 10 kilometres and five kilometres. The run is scheduled for Sunday, June 9. People have the option to run, walk, wheelchair or use a stroller, but trophies are handed out to those who finish in the top three in each category. Random prize draws are also scheduled for those who register before May 31. The event starts and finishes at Voght Park. People can register on the website

Established 1911

at www.merrittcountryrun.ca., by mail or drop-off at 2776 Voght St., Merritt, B.C., V1K 1J7. Runners can also register at Runner’s Sole Kamloops and on race day from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. The event attracted 329 participants last year and is aiming for 600 this year, in an effort to raise $12,000. According to Jumpstart, one in three Canadian families can’t afford sports equipment.

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

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Fighting for our wireless rights DAN ALBAS View from the HILL Recently it was widely reported in the media that Canadians currently face some of the highest wireless cellular rates in the world. Wireless communications are increasingly becoming part of our daily lives – it is how some families keep in contact and also how many in the small business community communicate with customers. Wireless communication are important to Canadians and it is unacceptable that as consumers our rates are considerably higher than in other countries.

When looking at this industry in greater detail, it is also clear that, overall, it is dominated by a few major players and competition is relatively scarce, and even more so in smaller and rural markets. It also should not be forgotten that there are still populated areas of Canada that have no service whatsoever. Clearly, when it comes to wireless services in Canada, more action needs to be taken on behalf of Canadian consumers. In 2008, our government made a point of setting aside wireless spectrum for new companies to use. In turn, some new companies responded, and in certain markets in Canada prices have dropped by roughly 10 per cent. As a result of this success, our government is looking to offer more wireless spectrum with the next auction

occurring in November of this year. Over the next few months, our government will also review existing policies with the objective of increasing competition in the wireless sector. Ultimately, the goal will be to ensure that there are at a minimum of four competitive wireless companies in each Canadian market. Increased competition in the wireless sector in other countries has shown that improved technology is offered sooner and at lower prices. In addition, our government has also announced other changes to the wireless sector that include new regulations to increase cell tower sharing to help reduce the need for more cell phone tower construction. Regulations have also been introduced to both expand and extend that require-

ment of wireless companies to provide roaming access to competitors. Other regulatory changes have also been introduced as I referenced in my March report from last year that will allow existing wireless companies with less than 10 per cent market share to be eligible for investment from other countries which typically have more competitive wireless markets. These changes will clearly take time to fully implement. However, it is, in my view, important that government take action to protect Canadian consumers. Much as a local citizens recently raised an issue with me on a problem with pre-paid credit cards that we are also taking action on, the importance of communication, technology and affordability are concerns that we all share.

Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihalla. His blog is DaninOttawa.com. Previous MP reports are on line at www.danalbas. com.

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Pick your pay: salary or dividends? DAVID L. BROWN Managing YOUR MONEY If you already have an incorporated business or you’re about to start one, you can choose how you wish to be compensated – by way of a salary (including bonuses) or through dividends from shares you own in your company. The choice is up to you – but there are a number of factors that you should know about so you can make the most informed choice. Salary A salary is a deduction to your company but it will also attract

both employer and employee Canada Pension Plan (CPP) premiums and, in some provinces, payroll taxes. A salary generates Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) contribution room, CPP benefits and is necessary if you wish to establish an Individual Pension Plan (IPP). Dividends Dividends are paid out of after-tax corporate profits. Corporate income in excess of the small business deduction (SBD) limit ($500,000 federally and in most provinces) is subject to higher corporate tax rates. Dividends paid out of dollars above the SBD are eligible for a more advantageous personal tax rate. Dividends paid with dollars taxed at the lower SBD rate

are non-eligible, resulting in a lower Dividend Tax Credit for the shareholder and, consequently, attracting more personal tax than an ‘eligible’ dividend. A mix of salary and dividends In the past, tax professionals advised business owners to pay themselves at least enough salary to reduce corporate profits below the SBD limit. But corporate taxes have now been lowered to a point where more tax can be deferred by leaving income in the corporation – so it can make sense to retain high tax rate income inside the corporation for investment. To the extent that you require cash on a regular basis, salary is still the preferred compensation choice until corporate income is reduced to the SBD

limit. A pure dividend strategy Taking compensation solely as dividends means that you will not be able to contribute to investments held in an RRSP, will lose access to CPP disability benefits and may not qualify for group disability plans. This strategy can, however, allow more income to be saved inside the corporation than could otherwise be contributed to investments held within a RRSP or to an IPP and could more than offset the reduction in future CPP retirement benefits – if you use the correct investment strategy. Other considerations Creditor protection – many provinces have rules preventing professional corporations from using hold-

ing companies or trusts as creditor proofing strategies so it may be prudent to hold a significant portion of retirement assets in registered IPPs or Guaranteed Income Funds (GIFs). Addressing compensation issues now will improve your ongoing financial stability and retirement nest egg. Your professional advisor can help make the best choices for you.

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This column, written and published by Investors Group Financial Services Inc. (in Québec – a Financial Services Firm), and Investors Group Securities Inc. (in Québec, a firm in Financial Planning) presents general information only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any investments. Contact your own advisor for specific advice about your circumstances. For more information on this topic please

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & ELECTION OF OFFICERS March 21 @ 7:00 p.m. 1675 Tutill Court (Senior’s Centre) Guest Speaker:

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REFRESHMENTS TO FOLLOW

THURSDAY, March 14, 2013 • 13

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Soup Bowl serves community By Craig Lindsay THE HERALD

newsroom@merrittherald.com

For those in need of a hearty lunch from time to time, St. Michael’s Anglican Church in Merritt offers a weekly soup kitchen every Tuesday. The church offers the space, while volunteers, led by Pam and Ernie Whitaker, make and serve hearty soup as well as buns. “We offer the Soup Bowl one day a week as part of our outreach program,” said Audrey Campbell, minister for the church. “Pam and Ernie are the founders of it. They started it. They make sure everything is set up and there’s enough soup. Ernie says a prayer before each lunch.” There are plenty of other volunteers who donate their time to make sure the Soup Bowl is a success. “We have one lady that comes in and ladles the soup out every time,” said

Campbell. “She’s our soup ladler. We have another gentleman who washes the dishes. He’s there every time. Other people are servers and cleaners and setter-uppers.” The soup kitchen at St. Michael’s has been going steady for about 17 years, figures Campbell, who goes herself a few times a month to have a bowl of soup and chat with the people there and help out as necessary. Campbell estimates from 75 up to 125 people come out for the healthy lunch. She says without the work Pam and Ernie put in, the Soup Bowl likely wouldn’t happen. “They are a super, super, gentle and kind, loving couple,” said Campbell. “They’re a pleasure to work with.” For the patrons, coming to the Soup Bowl is a chance to not only have a good meal, but also to meet and chat with old friends.

“We have a lot of the same people using the kitchen,” said Campbell. “Sometimes it’s the elderly that are lonely. It’s like coming to a restaurant full of people that you are familiar with that care about you. We serve you the soup, the buns, the dessert. “You’re treated like a patron in a restaurant. It’s a very interesting concept. Some soup bowls make you line up. Not here. We bring it to you,” she said. Campell said the users of the soup kitchen are grateful and are appreciative of the effort put in by Pam and Ernie. “The respect shown to Pam and Ernie is lovely,” she said. “Everyone is quiet when he does his prayer. If people are talking, other people shush them. There was one time there was a birthday. People took their hats off and sang happy birthday.”

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DL# 30482

Murray GM Merritt “ Our Reputation is Your Guarantee” www.murraygmmerritt.com 250.378.9255

ON NOW AT YOUR BC CHEVROLET DEALERS. Chevrolet.ca 1-800-GM-DRIVE. Chevrolet is a brand of General Motors of Canada. I HH "110=> ,;;7D ?: ?30 ;@=.3,>0 :1 , =@E0 $ <@49:C % ) $ &=,C % ) $ 0<@4;;0/ ,> /0>.=4-0/ =0423? 49.7@/0/ 4.09>0 49>@=,9.0 =024>?=,?4:9 ##% ,/8494>?=,?4:9 100> ,9/ ?,C0> 9:? 49.7@/0/ 0,70=> ,=0 1=00 ?: >0? 49/4A4/@,7 ;=4.0> 484?0/ ?480 :110=> B34.3 8,D 9:? -0 .:8-490/ B4?3 :?30= :110=> ,9/ ,=0 >@-50.? ?: .3,920 B4?3:@? 9:?4.0 "110=> ,;;7D ?: <@,74140/ =0?,47 .@>?:80=> 49 30A=:70? 0,70= ,=60?492 >>:.4,?4:9 ,=0, :97D 0,70= :=/0= := ?=,/0 8,D -0 =0<@4=0/ $ $:D,7 ,96 & @?: 49,9.492 %0=A4.0> := %.:?4,-,96 8,D 8:/41D 0C?09/ := ?0=849,?0 ?34> :110= 49 B3:70 := 49 ;,=? ,? ,9D ?480 B4?3:@? 9:?4.0 :9/4?4:9> ,9/ 7484?,?4:9> ,;;7D %00 30A=:70? /0,70= 1:= /0?,47> ,>0/ :9 &0>?492 49 ,..:=/,9.0 B4?3 ,;;=:A0/ &=,9>;:=? ,9,/, ?0>? 80?3:/> *:@= ,.?@,7 1@07 .:9>@8;?4:9 8,D A,=D II ;@=.3,>0 149,9.492 :110=0/ :9 ,;;=:A0/ .=0/4? -D $ $:D,7 ,96 & @?: 49,9.492 %.:?4,-,96 1:= 8:9?3> :9 90B := /08:9>?=,?:= &=,C % ) <@49:C % ) $,?0> 1=:8 :?30= 709/0=> B477 A,=D :B9 ;,D809? ?=,/0 ,9/ := >0.@=4?D /0;:>4? 8,D -0 =0<@4=0/ :9?37D ;,D809? ,9/ .:>? :1 -:==:B492 B477 A,=D /0;09/492 :9 ,8:@9? -:==:B0/ ,9/ /:B9 ;,D809? ?=,/0 C,8;70

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Call Murray Chevrolet Buick GMC at 250-378-9255, or visit us at 2049 Nicola Avenue, Merritt. [License #30482]

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52 MPG HIGHWAY 5.4 L/100 KM HWY | 8.2 L/100 KM CITYW

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18 • TUESDAY,

March 14, 2013

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CENTURY 21 MOVING REAL ESTATE BC LTD. HOMES ON ACREAGE LAND CLOSE TO TOWN

26.3 PRIVATE ACRES

#102, 2840 Voght Street, Box 236 Merritt, B.C. V1K 1B8

IC & I

144 ACRES

IN LOWER NICOLA

29 PRIVATE ACRES

MOVING REAL ESTATE BC LTD.

INDUSTRIAL BUILDING

D L O S

250-378-6166 – TF 1-877-841-2100

www.movingrealestate.ca

26 acres backing onto crown land with beautiful 4 bedrm, 3 bath home with full walkout bsmt. Property has 22x24 garage plus a 30x40 workshop with 200 amp main. A must see!

Gently sloping 29.9 acres, private, with year round creek and just 20 mins. outside of Merritt. Great horse property with prime fenced grazing land. Modular home has 3 bedrms and 2 baths.

2 bedrm rancher on 1.84 acres with beautiful mountain views, privacy and close to school. Many outbldgs including a mobile home with addition, shop w/office space & storage bldg.

Exquisite land that was part of the original ranch, with 160 ac grazing least, water rights, incredible expansive views & Guichon Creek runs in valley below. Numerous building sites.

Immaculate 8000 sq.ft. precast tilt-up building on corner lot with excellent exposure. Easy access to truck route. Adjoining warehouse has bay door, loading deck office & messanine space.

#1904

#1851

#1891

#1910

#1816

#1913

$419,900 HORSE PROPERTY

$589,000

$429,900 PRESTIGIOUS HOME

KANE VALLEY

$370,000 ON NICOLA LAKE

$1,050,000

$890,000 HUGE SHOP

KANE VALLEY

30 acre horse property with spectacular views. Very private & fenced pastures. Home has 3 bedrms, 2 bath, fully fin. basement. Cozy air tight woodstove in living rm. Great for recreational retreat or live in year round.

Enjoy the peace & privacy from this 10 acre parcel that backs onto Crown Land. Beautiful log home with open concept, kitchen area overlooks gardens. Has several outbldgs. Great rec. area.

Custom home on 51.99 acres with panoramic views. This private home has open design with custom cut timbers frame beams, HW flooring, 3 bedrms, 2.5 baths & wrap around deck.

Magnificent lakefront home with vaulted ceilings, 5 bedrms, 4.5 baths, 2 large sundecks overlooking the lake, fully finished basement, low E windows & UG boathouse.

10.27 acres in Kane Valley, close to all sporting activities like crosscountry skiing, snowmobility, fishing, hiking. Very private with creek running through. Off Coquihalla Hwy at Coldwater Rd exit.

Zoned C-2, has 3164 sq.ft. building with 3 bays, parts room and comes with assorted tools & hoist. Has 3 separately titled lots of 18000 sq.ft. in total.

#1848

#1587

#1837

#1842

#1912

#1719

$549,900

$599,000

9.75 ACRES

$799,900

ON WALLOPER LAKE

ON HALF ACRE LOT

D L O S

$1,195,000

$199,900

$465,000

Private 19.77 acres, 25 mins west of Merritt of Petit Creek Rd. Property is treed with Roberts Creek running through. Has view of surrounding mountains & valley. Power on road.

Character building in high traffic area beside 7-11 Store, zoned C-2 allowing many uses. Has living quarter in back of building with recent reno’s of flooring and paint.

#1886

#1762

#1597

#1853

Two storey home with 4 bedrms with approx. 1500 sq.ft. of commercial zoned area. Property is 1 acres and borders Coldwater River. Has detached shop. Close to schools, shopping & RV park.

#1856

$329,900

98.5 ACRES

Custom finished 3 bedrm, 2 bath rancher with 34x20 shop plus double garage. Quality finished from top to bottom. Centrally located and within easy walk to downtown amenities.

#1917

$515,000

BREATHTAKING VIEWS

KANE VALLEY

$180,900

$248,000 COMMERCIAL LOT

PRICED BELOW ASSESSMENT

Flat commercial lot zoned C3 (service commercial) on busy street with great exposure. Services in place at property’s edge. Per fect location for your new business.

#1855

$89,900

#1911 DOUBLE LOT

River front hobby farm with approx. 35 acres of flat, irrigated fields with water rights & 60+ acres of treed hillside. 3 bedrm home & numerous outbldgs. Great horse property.

Large estate size lot with beautiful panoramic views of Nicola River and bordering ranch land. All this within the city limits and walking distance to shopping. Perfect place to build your dream home.

Flat light industrial bare land. Water and sewer are close to the lot lines. 3 lots being sold individually, each are 95 x 198. Good access off truck route. Call for details.

#1725

#1900

#1795

ALLIE LAKE RANCH

!! NEW

INDUSTRIAL OPPORTUNITY

!! NEW

3 bedrm home in downtown core, great for home-based business. Possible 4th bedrm in bsmt. Had detached garage 21x23 with lane access. Fenced backyard with sundeck.

3 bedrm home with full bsmt on 0.34 acre lot. Park-like landscaping with privacy hedges, garden area, 24x30 shop and carport. Has galley kitchen with oak cabinets. Poss. 4th bedrm down.

10.27 acres in Kane Valley, close to all sporting activities like crosscountry skiing, snowmobility, fishing, hiking. Very private with creek running through. Off Coquihalla Hwy at Coldwater Rd exit.

Immaculate 8000 sq.ft. pre-cast tilt-up industrial building on corner lot with excellent exposure & easy access. Has adjoining warehouse with bay door, loading dock, office space, mezzanine space & more.

#1892

#1911

#1912

#1913

$184,900 2 ACRES

$309,900 WATERFRONT

!! W E N

!! NEW

$199,900 COUNTRY LIVING

!! NEW

$595,000

$89,000 20 ACRES

CUSTOM BUILT

Each $59,900

!! NEW

4.64 acres with beautiful 4 bedrm log home. Spacious loft master suite, newer kitchen and appliances, newer electric furnace & heat pump with A/C & a pellet stove. Great mountain views.

Gently sloping 29.9 acres, private, with year round creek and just 20 mins. outside of Merritt. Great horse property with prime fenced grazing land. Modular home has 3 bedrms and 2 baths.

#1914

#1915

#1916

#1891

$149,000

Private 10 acre parcel in great recreational area. Home has 3 bedrms 3 baths, fully finished bsmt. View off front deck. Fenced backyard with 32x32 heated shop w/13 ft ceilings.

Exceptionally well-built, 5 bedrm home on 20 acres, with 4 baths & in-law suite in fully finished basement. large windows to enjoy the panoramic views. Reinforced foundation & external walls. 26x37 shop & garage.

In Savona, incredible 133 acres almost surrounds lake. Has 2 main cabins & 3 additional cabins, off the grid. Great area for all rec. activitieshiking, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting & more.

Well built home on 5.63 acres with panoramic views. Has 3 bedrms, 3 baths, open floor plan, good quality kitchen cabinets with marble countertops. 32x26 double garage/shop w/11 ft ceiling.

Great development property, for sale or lease, with utilities at lot line. Golf course and resort planned just up Midday Valley Road. Two parcels, two titles but being sold together.

Great building of 1680 sq.ft., corner lot, high traffic area. Previously used as showroom for car dealership. Zoned C-2. 2 separate titles.

#1807

#1866

#1663

#1867

#1713

#1718

$474,950

$2,000,000

ON HALF ACRE LOT

$474,900 LAKEVIEW ACREAGE

!! NEW

$429,900

LARGE FAMILY HOME

Spectacular 1.1 acres at Nicola Lake, located 15 mins from Merritt. Fantastic views and only a short walk to the water’s edge. Make your dreams come true and build your future here!

Spectacular home on quiet cul de sac with many newer reno’s. Home has 6 bedrms including a 2 bedrm legal suite, newer HW floors, high end carpets, newer bathrms, light fixtures & kitchen.

#1820

#1917

#1918

#1919

$94,999

$515,000

HAMLYN COURT TOWNHOMES

$190,000

CENTURY 21 MOVING REAL ESTATE

Jan. 1 to Mar. 31, 2013 51” SAMSUNG TELEVISION

Custom finished 3 bedrm, 2 bath rancher with 34x20 shop plus double garage. Quality finished from top to bottom. Centrally located and within easy walk to downtown amenities.

$345,000

ENTER TO WIN!!

and be entered to win a

!! NEW

2 bedroom upper unit apartment in good condition and move in ready! Comes with appliances. Has had some recent lino & laminate flooring. Nice sundeck for your BBQ.

COMMERCIAL LAND

BUILDING LOT

SMALL ACREAGE

$229,000

Office space of 480 sq.ft. with ceramic tile flooring, bright windows, in great location with easy access. $750 + HST per month, including utilities. Call Doug 378-6166

Buy or Sell a property with

6.07 acres, mostly flat with many building sites & border park area. Has shallow well, septic approval, hydro on property and driveway already in. Has water license on Guichon Creek & access to crown land.

COMMERCIAL

FOR RENT OR LEASE

$890,000 29 PRIVATE ACRES

Great rec. property or build your home in the country. Has drilled well with 15 gpm, septic approval, power at lot line and driveway all ready in place. Nice view, easy access to crown land.

CED U D RE

$639,000

IN KANE VALLEY

!! W E N

UPPER APARTMENT

$849,950

$309,900

INDUSTRIAL LOT

CED U D RE

$599,900

Great family home on 0.34 acres with lots of RV parking, 24x30 shop & carport. Home has 2 bedrms up, 1 down, galley kitchen with oak cabinets & fully finished bsmt. Yard has park-like mature landscaping with garden area.

D UCE D E R

Great lakefront recreational cabin on ½ acre lot. 15 year government lease with approx. 5 years remaining. Just 35 mins from Kamloops. Easy access. Call for more details.

GREAT OPPORTUNITY

1920 MORRISSEY STREET

DOWNTOWN

3 bedroom home with full basement, partially finished, on 9.75 acres. Has 24x26detached shop. Very nice views of the valley. Approx. 20 mins. west of Merritt. Enjoy rural living.

$149,000

QUIET LOCATION, DOUBLE LOT

COMMERCIAL BUILDING

19.77 ACRES

CED U D RE

$345,000

March 14th - March 28th , 2013

FEATURE HOME

Custom rancher on 2 acres with full bsmt & double garage. Great for horses with shelter. Immaculate home with maple cabinets, 5 appl., huge sunroom off dining rm & workshop in bsmt.

FROM CITY FURNITURE!

$389,000

Grandview Heights

COLDWATER HILLS APPROX. 10 ACRE LOTS

Located off Nicola Ave. at Hilton Drive Nice lots in a newly developed, quality subdivision.

This unique 5.57 acres is close to the city boundaries in private setting with year round creek & fruit trees. Home has 2 bedrms, 1.5 baths and a full basement. Has single garage.

#1907

$299,999

THINKING OF BUYING?

benefits to the home builders.

WE HAVE MANY ACREAGE PROPERITES TO CHOOSE FROM.

Call for more details. #1607

Build your business on this 1.25 acre lot just off the Coquihalla Highway. Currently zoned C-4 for car wash, restaurant, gas station, motel, hotel & more.

#1794

#1908

$59,000

GIVE US A CALL!

$399,000 COMMERCIAL

6 ACRES

Multiple lot sales are possible with

Home and landscape Building Scheme.

Very popular area in Grandview Heights. This south facing lot is ideal for a level entry floor plan with a daylight basement. Close to shopping and college. GST has been paid.

Priced below assesed value at $89,900 Water front acreage for rec. property of build your home in the country. Mostly flat with many building sites. Has shallow well, septic approval, hydro on land & driveway in. Easy access with crown land nearby.

#1915

$229,000

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

3 separate title lots. Was a former gas station. Good highway exposure. 1200 sq.ft. garage with 2 bays, fenced lot. Zoned C-2. Call for more details.

#1720

$325,000

Buy these 3 bedrm townhomes for an investment or for your own home at this unbelievable price. Seven units currently available. Affordable living just 2 blks from downtown core. Just under 1200 sq.ft. on 2 floors with spacious rooms. #1893

RESIDENTIAL VIEW LOTS Prices Starting at $85,000 + HST

Seller to pay HST on lot sales

Fully serviced residential lots with fantastic views of the Nicola Valley and surrounding mountains. Close to shopping and college. Start building your dream home today!

Prices Starting at $184,000

#1726

Beautiful 10 +/- acre parcel with gorgeous views of the Coldwater River, just 10 minutes from Merritt. Power at lot line & many lots have pre-approved building & septic sites. Some lots have wells, but all have a gov’t required hydrology study to assure Buyers of ample domestic water. #1442.

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

16 • TUESDAY,

March 14, 2013

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TUESDAY, March 14, 2013 • 17

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Century 21 Moving Real Estate BC Ltd. Doug Beech (Owner) 378-4219

Dave Berezan 315-5236

Don Gossoo Managing Broker

Lana McPharlane 315-3748

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

Janis Post 315-3672

Don Ward 315-3503

Ray Thompson 315-3377

Trista Wills 378-7767

Brad Yakimchuk Personal Real Estate Corporation

315-3043

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

Moving Real Estate BC Ltd. LARGE FAMILY HOME

EXCELLENT LOCATION

QUIET LOCATION

HAS WORKSHOP

FENCED YARD

ON HALF ACRE LOT

NEW

TOWNHOME

LARGE FAMILY HOME

CUTE & COZY

HUGE DOUBLE LOT

NEW

Spectacular home on quiet cul de sac with many newer reno’s. Home has 6 bedrms including a 2 bedrm legal suite, newer HW floors, high end carpets, newer bathrms, light fixtures & kitchen.

2267 sq.ft. in this newer 2 storey home with master bedrm, den & laundry on main. Feature high end maple shaker cabinetry, deluxe master suite, 2 bedrms up, A/C. Double garage.

Nice 4 bedrm home, close to town, with single car garage with workshop. Home has new laminate flooring, newer vinyl windows, BI vac, newer furnace & HW tank. Beautiful backyard with new fence.

Nicely kept 5 bedrm home in quiet area. Home has newer hardwood flooring and tile in kitchen. Bsmt has 2 bedrms & workshop area. Has detached garage/shop.

Custom finished 3 bedrm, 2 bath rancher with 34x20 shop plus double garage. Quality finished from top to bottom. Centrally located and within easy walk to downtown amenities.

Great home for first time buyers or retirees, in mobile home park. Large fenced yard with garden area. 3 bedrms, 2 baths, spacious open plan. Newer siding & thermal pane windows.

Well kept 4 bedrm family home with spacious living & dining areas, sundeck in back & 2 bedrm legal suite with private entrance. U/G sprinklers, central vac, skylight, double garage.

Nice end unit with bigger yard & quiet location. Tastefully decorated with 3 bedrms and 2.5 baths, play area/office upstairs, laundry on main. Double garage. Nice backyard with patio.

Great family home on 0.34 acre lot with RV parking, 24x30 shop & carport. Home has 3 bedrms 1.5 baths & fully finished bsmt. Yard is park-like with mature landscaping & privacy hedges.

2 bedroom rancher, close to all amenities. Great for retirees or first time buyers. Nicely landscaped with fenced yard & garden area. Single detached garage with workshop area.

#1919

#1899

#1902

#1868

#1917

#1903

#1888

#1825

#1911

#1885

$389,000

GREAT FAMILY HOME

$315,000

BEAUTIFUL YARD

$219,000

IMMACULATE HOME

$234,500

2 WORKSHOPS

$515,000

$339,900

$214,900

$309,900

$169,900

GREAT CURB APPEAL

UNBELIEVABLE MAN CAVE

NEW BENCH RANCHER

FIRST TIME BUYERS

CLOSE TO GOLF COURSE

FANTASTIC VIEWS

D L O S Features 3 bedrms up with 3 pce master ensuite, large bright living room with gas F/P, large dining rm and access to covered deck. Bsmt has 2 bedrms, in floor heating & shared laundry.

Quality executive family home in good area of the Bench. Home has HW & cork flooring, vaulted ceiling, Mill Creek cabinets with granite tops & island in kitchen. UG sprinklers, 2 decks.

Beautifully designed family home with 3 completely finished floors, 4 bedrms upstairs, large kitchen, new HW flooring, laundry on main & den, central air, BI vac, gas F/P. Terraced yard w/UG sprinklers.

Great starter or retirement home. 3 bedrms, newer kitchen and some recent reno’s of new flooring, water softener, HW tank, furnace & heat pump/central A/C and vinyl windows. Lots of parkings.

Executive 5 bedrm home with panoramic views. Grandiose floor plan, Jacobi HW flooring, slate tile, 2 gas F/P’s, extra large kitchen with maple shaker cabinetry & a 5 pce ensuite.

Gorgeous home with gourmet kitchen, S/S appliances, large balcony off living & dining rooms with views. 4 bedrms, 3 baths, fully fin. bsmt with wet bar, games room. Professionally landscaped.

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.

Great home for first time buyers or investors. Has 4 bedrooms, full basement partially finished, big family room, 2 baths, and fenced yard. Needs some TLC.

Quality finished by a true craftsman. 3 bedrms up with bonus room above triple garage. Some HW floors, Italian tile, custom moldings, Chef’s kitchen, wet bar and pantry. Has central A/C & water softener.

2 yr new home with open, modern floor plan. 3 bedrms, 2 baths, vaulted ceilings in kitchen, eating area & family room. 20x24 double garage with 10 ft ceilings. Includes appliances.

#1671

#1838

#1857

#1715

#1800

#1811

#1884

#1864

#1802

#1836

$329,000

SPOTLESS HOME

$439,900

LARGE FAMILY HOME

$459,000

WALK TO AMENITIES

$239,900

$535,000

$479,900

$389,900.

$122,500

$349,900

$314,900

NEW RANCHER

MANICURED LOT

INVESTORS

DETACHED WORKSHOP

REVENUE FOURPLEX

QUIET LOCATION

INVESTORS

D UCE D E R

4 bedrm home, centrally located. New HW tank & boiler in 2011, new metal roof, HE gas F/P, updated windows, UG sprinklers & freshly painted. Spacious backyard, RV parking, single garage.

Large family home with 3 bedrms up + 2 bedrm inlaw suite at ground level. New paint & flooring on main, hot water radiant heat, oak kitchen cabinets, fenced backyard.

3 bedrrom home in downtown core. Great for home-based business. Has a detached garage 21x23 with lane access. Fenced backyard with sundeck.

New 2 bedroom + den rancher with open design plan, master bedroom with 4 pce ensuite and walk in closet. Single car garage. Close to shopping and in good area. Quick possession.

Gorgeous 5 bedrm family home on large corner lot. Home has HW flooring throughout with ceramic tile in kitchen & baths. Extra large kitchen with open concept. Fully finished bsmt & a double garage.

Good revenue property. Triplex in good area, close to park, with 3 – 2 bedroom units. Has had some interiors reno’s in past year. Huge storage unit in backyard. Live in one and rent the other 2.

Great family home close to schools, work & shopping. 4 bedrms, (2 up, 2 down), big family room in bsmt. Has 30x18 garage/ workshop and a carport. RV parking. Private yard.

Side by side fourplex on a 1/3 of an acre. Has been renovated inside & out including roof & septic system. Monthly rental revenue is currently $2670. Cooperative water. Desirable location.

Spacious 3 storey family at end of cul de sac. Home has sunken living room, 3 large bedrms and 1 bedrm inlaw suite with offi ce & rec.room down. 2 car garage with workshop. Large patio with hot tub.

Cute little rancher with 1116 sq.ft., 1 bedroom and huge living room. Has two large storage shed in backyard. Large lot is 50 x 231. Currently rented.

#1898

#1854

#1892

#1696

#1759

#1901

#1905

#1889

#1840

#1505

$264,900

ON THE BENCH

$339,000

SENSATIONAL

$184,900

RIVERFRONT

$240,000

HUGE LOT

$440,000

$199,900

IN LOWER NICOLA

NEAT AS A PIN

$229,900

GOOD LOCATION

CED U D RE

$298,000

PRIVATE BACKYARD

$359,900

$109,900

ADULT ORIENTED COMPLEX

LARGE FAMILY HOME

D L O S

Large 5 bedrm home with fully finished basement. Nice fenced backyard with mature landscaping & hot tub. Garage with workshop area. RV parking. Close to school & hospital.

Quality built view home offers approx. 4000 sq.ft. on 3 levels. Large chef’s kitchen with all appliances, family rm open to large balcony, 4 bedrms, 3 baths. Fully finished basement. Triple garage.

Executive 3 bedrm rancher on immaculate ½ acre lot backing onto river. Features maple HW floors, ceramic tile, custom window coverings, 3 bedrms, 5 pce enusite. 475 sq.ft. covered deck in back with views.

Custom built 3 level home in private setting with lots of room for toys. Gourmet kitchen with grante counters, oak cabinets, HW floors. Updated baths. Has sauna & theatre rooms.

This 3 bedrm rancher has been loved for many years. Is within walking distance to downtown shopping, schools & parks. One car detached shop, new HW tank, electrical upgrade & some new plumbing.

3 bedrm home on 0.35 acre lot with creek at the side. Open plan upstairs with a galley kitchen. Recent reno downstairs, new roof in 2004 and new HW tank. Has detached garage/shop.

Close to schools & shopping. 4 bedroom home with fully finished basement with large family room. another kitchen and bathrm. Sundeck upstairs. Enclosed shed in carport & large yard.

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

Nice strata complex in park-like setting backs onto Nicola River. Home has open design, galley kitchen with nook, 2 bedrms & laundry on main, downstairs is hobby & rec.rms. Double carport.

A remarkable home with rooms for inlaws. 2 bedrm suite on ground level. Large open kitchen with nook, 3 gas F/P’s, fully finished bsmt with 2 bedrms & summer kitchen. Fenced backyard with garden area.

#1862

#1803

#1849

#1559

#1756

#1844

#1826

#1841

#1827

#1744

$264,900

$569,900

LARGE FAMILY HOME

CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN

$469,900

UPPER APARTMENT

$414,900

INVESTORS

$139,900

1800 sq.ft. rancher, only 4 yrs old, 3 bedrms on main with a bonus room above garage. Open kitchen design with all appliances, HW floors, crown moldings, 9 ft ceilings, 2 baths. Fenced backyard.

Perfect for large family with 3 bedrms up and 2 bedrm inlaw suite at ground level. Has double carport and RV parking. Huge 11,700 sq.ft. yard. Close to schools. Currently tenanted.

2 bedroom upper floor in good shape & move in ready. Comes with appliances. Has some recent lino & laminate flooring. Nice sundeck for your BBQ. Easy walk to shopping & amenities.

2 bedroom bungalow with 1452 sq.ft. on large lot in Collettville. Needs some TLC. Has storage shed in backyard. Currently rented. Quiet area. Good holding property.

Great 1 bedroom apartment with newer laminate floors, big living room with balcony and nice mountain views. Perfect for investors or first time buyers.

#1852

#1822

#1820

#1506

#1721

$199,900

$94,999

$105,000

CALL US FOR A FREE MARKET EVALUATION

$279,900

$309,900

$239,000

$395,000

CLOSE TO SCHOOLS

WHY RENT

GREAT STARTER

OPPORTUNITY

Great starter home with 3 bedrms up plus a 2 bedrm inlaw suite in the fully finished basement. Fenced yard with deck and carport. Close to schools, shopping and amenities.

Home has had some updates of laminate flooring, double glazed windows, electrical upgrade, newer roof. 3 bedrms up and 2 bath. $130 for strata & $143 for natural gas.

3 bedroom home on 0.31 acre lot, close to elementary school. Lots of room for your kids to play in fenced yard. RV parking. Laundry in basement.

Large piece of property located on quiet end of street, close to an elementary school & park. Hydro has been disconnected on existing building. Zoned R6 for a mobile home on property.

#1887

#1765

#1860

#1906

NICE APARTMENT

D UCE D E R

$309,000

$299,900

$69,500

$189,900

$89,900

$185,000

$50,000

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