Merritt Herald, April 11, 2013 by Black Press Media Group

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THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS

The Vancouver Piano Ensemble wowed a crowd of about 70 people at the Merritt Civic Centre on Saturday night. The show Eight Hands, Two Pianos saw the four players sit two at each piano, and even three to one piano. The concert was the final in the Nicola Valley Community Arts Council’s 2012-13 concert series. Emily Wessel/Herald

Donation kickstarts new driving school for region By Craig Lindsay THE HERALD

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It’s been a long time coming, but soon Merritt and the area will have its own driving school again. In January, Interior Salish Employment and Training Society (ISETS) received a cheque for $70,000 from Teck Highland Valley Copper to start up a driving school for Class 7 and 5 licences. “This is an exceptional partnership in that the mine will leave a legacy for this and future generations of workers,” said Georgina Beatty, ISETS

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community program liaison. “It will enrich families and communities with the ability to work, travel and in general provide a better quality of life.” Currently, there are no driving schools in Merritt, Princeton, Ashcroft, Lytton, Hope, Spences Bridge or Lillooet. “There has been a need for years and ISETS considers possessing a driver’s licence 7L, 7N and 5 as essential,” said Beatty. “Rural community members need their driver’s licences in order to obtain and retain employment. Industry, private and public sector

alike require employees to have a driver’s licence in order to carry out some of the basic requirements of their work duties.” Beatty said they hope to start up the driving school in October. “We’ll be centred in Merritt, Lytton and Lillooet,” she said. “But we plan to bring our services to people in those areas as well to people in 16 aboriginal communities. We’ll do it then and there. We’ll have in class sessions as well as road sessions. Right now people have to go to Kamloops, so this will really save people money.”

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Interior Salish Employment and Training Society, represented by job coach Ken Smith, recently received a cheque for $70,000 from Teck Highland Valley Copper to help start a local driving school. Submitted

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

NOSY DOG Yvonne Lord walks with Salsa around the Merritt Civic Centre on Sunday as part of a K9 Nose Work class. The clinic, instructed by Lia Bijsterveld, had pooches running a box drill to find treats in a little obstacle course. K9 Nose Work is a sport that was started by the National Association of Canine Scent Work to sharpen dogs’ natural hunting abilities in a fun environment. Emily Wessel/Herald

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Indoors setting helps boost Relay for Life numbers By Craig Lindsay THE HERALD

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With April being daffodil month across Canada, it’s a great time to start thinking about the Relay for Life. This year’s Merritt relay heads indoors to the Civic Centre on May 4 and 5, a move that chief organizer Diane Van Hoof says should make it easier and more enjoyable for the participants. “It gets pretty cold on the participants when it’s outdoors. Particularly in the early morning,” said Van Hoof. “It’s a 24 hour relay which goes from 5 p.m. until 5 a.m. The idea is that being at the event overnight for the 24 hours is that cancer never sleeps. What it’s really about is a show of support to those who have battled cancer.” This year’s Merritt Relay for Life has already surpassed last year’s total number of participants with 81 people and 11 teams signed up. Merritt has already raised $2,218 for the Canadian Cancer Society. “Anyone can join the relay, but a lot of times

Team Jordyn Rocks with captain Jordyn Tolles (middle in yellow) preparing for last year’s relay. Submitted

it’s people who have been touched by cancer, which is almost everyone at some point in their life,” said Van Hoof. “They’ve got someone on their team with cancer, or they’re doing it for someone they’ve lost — a friend, family member or co-worker. We do show that with all the events going on that there is progress going on (with cancer research).” Van Hoof says people can still register right up to and including the day of the event. Teams consist of one to 15 people, but only one has to take the field at all times,

“Let’s freeze out cancer!” with a winter wonderland setting including several games and activities to keep participants active. “We have a cake walk contest with cakes and other desserts in a game like musical chairs,” said Van Hoof. “Whoever is left at the end gets to choose from the cakes. We have an auction going on. We have a kids camp area with lots of games, tattoos, snowball fights, and more. We also have a best-dressed snowman contest, theme laps, winter karaoke, and we’ll crown the ice king and queen for the night.” Van Hoof has a very

although more can if they wish. The Relay for Life begins with the survivors’ victory lap where cancer survivors do a celebratory lap showing the strength, courage and determination of people who have survived cancer. Other events planned during the night are the luminary ceremony, where participants remember and honour loved ones who have cancer or have lost their battles with the disease, and the fight back ceremony, where everyone unites to continue the fight against cancer. Van Hoof says the theme of the evening is

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special reason to be involved with the Relay for Life; she has seen her close family friend Jordyn Tolles beat cancer. “She was diagnosed when she was four and she had Ewing Sarcoma, which is typically in the lower body but hers was in her spine,” said Van Hoof. “By the time she was diagnosed, it had metastasized into her lungs. She went through a lot. She went from a healthy, walking, fullydeveloped child to where she couldn’t even crawl.” Tolles spent several months in Vancouver at B.C. Children’s Hospital and then sought treatment in California. “That was a life saver,” said Van Hoof. “Through this, the different cancer society programs really helped us out. She had a very small chance of survival and she beat it. Jordyn’s been free of any cancer now for almost eight years.” To register, go to relaybc.ca and search for Merritt. You can also visit the group’s Facebook site under Relay for Life Merritt.

GOOD MORNING! Opinion ------------------------------------------ 6-7 Business ------------------------------------------ 21 Sports --------------------------------------------- 24 Classifieds ------------------------------------27-30 TODAY’S HERALD FLYERS *Selected distribution Princess Auto* Visions Electronics Extra Foods City Furniture Staples* Safeway Coopers London Drugs Marks Work Wear* Home Hardware Source Royal Lepage London Drugs M&M Meats Centra Windows* Pharmasave* Windsor Plywwod Jysk Linen* Natures Fare* Canadian Tire*

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April 9 Headlines Available at news stands today.

City addresses conflict of interest guidelines The City of Merritt is committed to supporting our community organizations and groups through continued efforts from council and administration. At this point in time, however, we are unable to appoint committee or liaison members because of current conflict of interest guidelines. We want to ensure that we are in a position to appoint the right person to the role of committee member or council liaison. In order to ensure this is done according to the guidelines and the best

practices, it is important for city council to understand and develop a process that supports the decisions made by the Supreme Court of Canada. According to Mayor Susan Roline, “the decision not to have either council appointed committee members or a council liaison to community groups is in no way a reflection of the great value of volunteer organizations that make Merritt a vibrant city”. Roline added, “volunteer organizations remain a priority for Council and administra-

tion through other supportive channels within city hall”. Before the City of Merritt can make any decisions regarding any appointment, it is important that council members are fully aware, understanding, and abiding by the conflict of interest guidelines. It is also important for members of the community, organizations, and other groups to understand that these new guidelines will affect how they interact, engage, and do business with city officials, including, elected offi-

cials and administration. Until such time that city council is able to ensure compliance with the conflict of interest guidelines, our volunteer and community organizations volunteer and community groups should continue to submit newsletters to council, send correspondence to the City of Merritt, come as a delegation to council meetings, work with administrative staff, and use other tools available to engage city hall. Roline asks that the community remain patient throughout the

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Easter Hon our Lytton elder dozens of Patricia McKay was one (April 4) area elders honoured of at Thursday ond annual the Civic Centre by Journeys Elders Easter during the secLuncheon and ColdwateInto Tomorrow , Transition put on r Indian is aimed House Band. at munities connecting First The luncheon througho Nations ouring their ut the region comceremony elders with a cedar and hon160 peopleand blanket presentatbrushing attended the event. ion. About Emily Wessel/H erald

City of Mer ritt looks to

By Craig Lindsay THE HERAL newsroom@ Okanagan D merrittherald Tourism .com Associa A recent tion), which disagreement Tourism provinc has the is a ial City of practice to establish a best created body that was looking Merritt from Tourism at leaving TOTA. chosen model but they’ve There are Nicola Valley the We’re now not BC. first in their one of the and to operate to do that tourism six regional Tourism Associa organiz tion (NVTA James Umphe doing this. region to be on their own. What through ations possibly ) and out starting that means rson, represe workshop We had our they’re and they the provinc “We wanted their own. first TOTA ntatives fromand not recogn is in Februa all fall under e had 32 Repres TOTA, the provinc ized by with them,” ry. We to work and Gold people so NVTA entatives from tourism particip ing and Countr said Merritt ify for the they don’t qualministry ial tourism Mayor did , they represe atSusan Roline. funding speak to not wish to sentativ met with repre- y some of TOTA re-estab which has been “Back in through es which is our tourism nted lished. Under the issue the Herald on the best from NVTA attractions. $9,200 regions, made a January, council over Friday, when contact a year.” about those they have They repreresoluti Feb. 18. practices DMO sented differen municipalities Nicola Valley on with Roline ed all the on would but did say t commu ties around .” receives says the NVTA they “We left Tourism to develop issue Each nitwo per that meetin this week. a press release was present us. Logan Lake thinking each particip establishesregional group cent from tices DMO a best pracg ; Ashcro be able we were going present; Coun. help operati ating hotel DMO with a best practic Marketing (Destination ft was to to Spences to told the Harry Kroeke she said. work togethe Organization) was present Bridge templates guidelines ande We had “Right ng expenses. r r,” been was not Herald that council we receive“On March 8 ing with now, we’re work- good represe. There was organiz with how each with TOTA working . inform d ation TOTA a letter ntation city’s decisio ed of the NVTA) stakeho (Thompson commu to create “We were should look. stating that (from lders there. from nity from NVTA n to pull away want to workin said Roline. tourism plan,”a a full day them to It was go on their they . help Nicola g with “From that, and not went very workshop and “The letter we’ll see own Valley work on it well.” she sent NVTA practic the We’re a where it goes. Roline best ) is (to es DMO.” pilot project to what totally contrar with the said she, along Roline council for he said. desires,” y to see the said she expects develop city’s economic “I ment manag ism plan community tour- of her on heard a little er bit the come radio. What she was out in the next few saying, weeks. from what See

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• City of Merritt looks to split from Tourism Nicola Valley A recent disagreement has the City of Merritt looking at the leaving Tourism Nicola Valley (NVT) and possibly starting their own.

• Cleaning up Nicola Lake The Nicola Lake Watershed Group is meeting and looking at different ways to rid Nicola Lake of Eurasian milfoil.

• Looking for something for the kids to do? There’s plenty of exciting sports in and around Nicola Valley to register your child in such as lacrosse, swimming and softball.

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process and understand that the city council is doing everything necessary so that we can support and encourage community organizations in their continued development. Once the process to manage conflict of interest guidelines is clear, the City of Merritt will be in a better position to address requests for council-appointed committee members and liaisons to community organizations.

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City outlines water regulations

City of Merritt water regulations Basic sprinkler: 6 a.m. — 8 a.m., 7 p.m. — 10 p.m. Automatic sprinkler: midnight to 4 a.m. Even addresses water on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and odd addresses water on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. There is no sprinkling on Sunday. It is vital that we all understand how important water regulations are to the community. The water

we use in the City of Merritt is the single most valuable resource that we have in our community. With your help, we can ensure that this resource continues to flow uninterrupted this year and in years to come. Please do your part. For more information, please contact R. G. (Bob) Davis, bylaw officer for the City of Merritt by telephone at (250) 378-4224 or email at bylaw@merritt.ca.

Recycling update Beginning today, the city’s Public Works Department Services will be delivering recycling containers to homes that receive curbside garbage pickup. The city asks that residents put out their new recycling containers only when full or nearly full. Collection of the new recycling containers will begin the week of April 30. Recycling will be collected the same day as garbage.

DODGEBALL (16+) - $35 Thursdays: 7 - 9 pm April 18 - June 6 @ Diamond Vale Elementary BOOTCAMP - (14+) - $60 Tuesdays or Thursdays: 5:30 - 6:30 pm @ the Civic Centre JR. GIRLS HANDBALL - $35 (Grades 5-7) Thursdays, April 11 - May 30 4 - 5 pm @ the Civic Centre YOGA - (14+) - $45 Tuesdays, April 16 - May 21 4:15 - 5:15 pm @ the Civic Centre If you would like more information on these classes call 250-315-1050

WATERING IS ONLY PERMITTED during the following times: Basic Sprinklers

Automatic Sprinklers

6 am - 8 am & 7 pm - 10 pm EVEN ADDRESS: Monday, Wednesday & Friday ODD ADDRESS: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday Midnight am to 4 am EVEN ADDRESS: Monday, Wednesday & Friday ODD ADDRESS: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday

OUTDOOR WATERING OPTIONS: Hand watering is permitted anytime with a sprinkling can or a controlled Áow nozzle (even when washing a car). Please clip-out and keep on your refrigerator to remind of regulations!

Thank-you! The City would like to send out a HUGE thank-you to Starbucks, Coopers, Pathfinders; Makenna Shuter, Cassidy Collins, Jewel Gabrie, Mackenzie Hunniford, Girl Guides; Shayla Worrin, Ryanne Jones. and the Merritt Fire Department for all there help making this year’s Easter Extravaganza another successful one!

CURBSIDE RECYCLING PROGRAM IS COMING Merritt – April 4, 2013

PROGRAMS OFFERED at the CIVIC CENTRE

WILL BE IN EFFECT MAY 1 - SEPTEMBER 30 0

The City of Merritt Public Works Department, Collection Services will be rolling out curbside recycling. The new Curbside Recycling Program is scheduled to start April 30, 2013. This program will apply to all residents currently receiving curbside garbage collection.

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In order to protect our aquifer, residents are asked to adhere to the water restrictions. On Feb. 26, 2013 council adopted watering regulations for the City of Merritt. These watering restrictions provide for more convenient times and will allow everyone an opportunity to have healthy lawns and gardens while conserving our water resources.

It’s that time of year when everyone begins to think about their yards, spring cleanup, and preparing for the summer season. The City of Merritt wants everyone to do their part to be water smart. Beginning on May 1 and continuing through to Sept. 30, water restrictions come into effect. Everyone is asked to do their part in conserving our water resources. The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Operations is calling the snow pack in our water basin at “normal” levels. This measurement will not take into account any additional precipitation or the faster depletion of the snow pack due to a drier-than-normal summer. We have to anticipate and plan to protect the water levels in our aquifer.

Water restrictions

r demand Dispel the myth that xeriscape is rocks and gravel Learn to make a beautiful garden from a wide range of climate-appropriate plants

XERISCAPE WORKSHOP Fee $35 for 5-hour workshop Tea & Coffee • Prizes Sign up at the Civic Centre 250-315-1050

Beginning Thursday, April 11th and for the next several days, we will be delivering new recycling containers to your home. Please do not begin using your recycling container until the week of April 30th, and set your recycling container out the same day as your garbage collection with a 1 meter distance between the containers. Only set out your recycling container if it is full or near full. Do not over fill the container (the lid must be closed to ensure proper collection) and ensure that all materials are free from contamination.

Saturday, April 20 • Merritt Civic Centre • 10am-3pm Sponsored by the City of Merritt & the Water Resource Advisory Committee

Include only recyclable materials as listed on the information label located on the lid of your recycling container. For further information on recycling visit www.merritt.ca or www.tnrd.ca/content/solidwaste-recycling-overview.

Committee of the Whole - April 16 Council agendas and minutes at www.merritt.ca

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THURSDAY, April 11, 2013 • 5

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Green Party leader May visits Merritt By Emily Wessel THE HERALD

Merritt

reporter@merrittherald.com

Fraser-Nicola MLA Green Party candidate John Kidder received support from the leader of the federal Green Party on Monday as Elizabeth May stopped by Merritt’s Brambles Bakery and Cafe. “I’m visiting to do what I can to support a really terrific, firsttime, out-of-the-gate Green Party of British Columbia candidate, John Kidder,” May said. Although he’s running for the first time as a Green, Kidder is not green to politics. He helped found the Green Party of B.C. in 1983, and in 2011, he ran as Liberal MP candidate for OkanaganCoquihalla, coming in third in that race. Kidder was raised in a political family and his sister, Margot Kidder, is as well-known for her political activism as she is for starring in several Superman movies as Lois Lane. Kidder said the Green Party appealed to him for its “common sense” approach to community economic development. “In our particular area here, we have some unique circumstances,” Kidder said. “Merritt is far and away the biggest community, and Merritt’s not all that economically healthy. The others are nowhere near as well off as Merritt. What we’re not getting from provincial governments of either stripe is attention to these small communities in a way that makes sense.” Kidder said investing in international multi-million-dollar mega-projects such

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Federal Green Party leader Elizabeth May mingles with constituents at Brambles Bakery and Cafe on Monday in support of Fraser-Nicola Green candidate John Kidder. Emily Wessel/Herald

as the Site C dam in Peace River is not as self-sustaining as investing in smallerscale community development projects. “I’m a small business guy and have been all my life,” he said.

‘What we’re not getting from provincial governments of either stripe is attention to these small communities in a way that makes sense.’ —GREEN PARTY’S MLA CANDIDATE JOHN KIDDER

Kidder, who spent time cowboying at Douglas Lake Ranch in early adulthood, later moved on to other resource sectors in the area, and spent decades working as an entrepreneur. May said Kidder’s experience in big-city business combined with his ranching career align with the Green Party belief that the environment and the economy are

not necessarily mutually exclusive, which Kidder called an “inevitable” realization for Canadians. With the election just over a month away, Kidder said it’s an exciting time to be blazing the campaign trail with support from the face of the federal Green Party. “I feel great,” Kidder said. “I’m just getting nothing but positive responses.” May said her stopover in Merritt was a good opportunity to help the first-time Green candidate prepare for the race as it heats up. “He comes here with a real commitment, which I think we all share, for local community economic development,” May said. “You look at the communities within this provincial riding and you know they have had more than their fair share of blows, economically. The big city governments and the big city parties don’t tend to think what we can do for communities like Merritt, Ashcroft, Lytton.” About 20 people attended the gathering.

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6 • THURSDAY, April 11, 2013

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HERALD OPINION

Action plan promotes skills training DAN ALBAS View from the HILL Hearing the concerns of citizens is, in my view, one of the most important responsibilities of public office. The reason why I make a point of personally returning phone calls and attending a great many meetings is that, as taxpayers, you deserve to be heard by those you elect to represent you. There may not always be agreement on every issue, but there can often be a consensus to agree to disagree on some points. However, there are also those issues where we can be unified in our views on matters that we collectively see as important. One of those issues that I continue to hear about from increasing numbers of constituents is Canada’s temporary foreign worker program. Although concerns about this program have increased significantly over the past week, this has been an issue I have been hearing about for some time. As a result of the concerns that many constituents have taken the time to pass on to me, I was able to raise this issue in the House of Commons in late March when I stated:

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C’mon people, can’t we all just get along?

CRAIG LINDSAY Off the Cuff It was standing room only at Tuesday’s council meeting. Having to put together today’s paper usually means any stories coming from council will have to wait until next week; however, I will say a few things here now in my editorial. First off, congratulations to Merritt Mayor Susan Roline for being awarded the prestigious Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Editor Craig Lindsay newsroom@ merrittherald.com

MERRITT HERALD 2090 G

I also got the chance to meet MP Dan Albas, who presented Roline with the medal. Albas mentioned he enjoyed my Tuesday column on Game of Thrones. I find this slightly amusing, since federal as well as provincial and municipal governments have their own “Game of thrones” going on with different politicos taking sides and even betrayals and backstabbing— albeit with less dragons. Which brings us back to the council meeting. It was pitiful to see only one councillor join Roline, Albas and city staffers as the mayor cut the cake to celebrate the occasion at the conclusion of the council meeting. Earlier, during council,

there was no hiding the animosity between certain councillors, the mayor and even some city staff. Those 25 or so people in attendance got a real treat as the council meeting oft-times resembled the People’s Court with Roline having to resort to the gavel on more than one occasion to quiet unruly councillors. The two biggest issues for council are the conflict of interest and the splitting from Tourism Nicola Valley (TNV). I wrote about both issues in the last week. What came out of Tuesday’s meeting was a notice of motion from Coun. Alastair Murdoch expressing concern that councils direction from the Jan. 8 council meeting was

Reporter Emily Wessel reporter@ merrittherald.com

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not followed by the mayor and city. As I said earlier, I will be writing more about the story next week, but for now I will just say it was a sad spectacle to see a council and mayor that disagree so strongly and vehemently on such large issues. Of course, I’ve only been to two council meetings in Merritt and have only spoken to councillors on a few occasions, so I don’t completely know the back story. But I can say, there is more in-fighting than I have seen in my career in the news business. There is no doubt the conflict of interest business is tricky. Trying to decipher what the law is and the interpretation of the law and rulings is a

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slippery slope. Can council attend organization meetings on their own accord? Yes, said Roline. They just can’t represent the city as an official liaison. But is it OK if its a council committee or something like Gold Country, TOTA or Yellowhead? So you see how ambiguous it can get. That’s not to say council can’t patch things up and come together. Mayor Roline did throw out an olive branch at the end of council, stating she had been taken out of context when she said she didn’t have faith in her council. Hopefully, that small act will be the start of a new, cohesive council. If not, we’ll just have to release the dragons.

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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

THURSDAY, April 11, 2013 • 7

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YOUR OPINION

Conflict of interest rules clear-cut Dear Editor,

For what it’s worth, there really is no issue regarding conflict of interest rules. The rules are there as a safeguard against abuse of privileged information. The rules are there to ensure public interests are protected. The guidelines are there to help navigate through the various applications of the rules. The courts are in the process of clarifying

those guidelines. In short, the intent of the conflict of interest guidelines is to help keep politics open and transparent. The guidelines are not to be used as a bludgeon to isolate councillors from being actively involved with their communities. Our mayor is quoted as saying “…if you’re on a board of a nonprofit organization then your primary duty is to that organization. You’re supposed

to be doing the work of that organization at all times… You can’t wear two hats.” Nonsense! Life itself is a matter of balancing interests and priorities. It is in the best interest of communities to elect individuals who have a broad range of interests and who are involved in community activities. That’s how you keep in touch with what is important to the community. And when there is a pos-

sible conflict of interest, such as when an organization you belong to is applying for city monies, that’s when you step away from the council table. You don’t participate in discussions. You don’t vote. You don’t even stay in the room to observe. It’s pretty clear-cut. I am concerned when those rules are misused or misapplied to the detriment of our community. We just honoured a past member

of council, Ron Sherwood, a few weeks ago. Ron’s strength as a councillor was that he was extremely involved in community affairs, belonged to many organizations, and knew the pulse of this community. Why would we settle for less? Enough with making a bogeyman out of perfectly sensible regulations. Kurt Christopherson Merritt, B.C.

Compost can help get the most out of your garden this growing season Dear Editor, Thanks to the great weather recently, many of us have been inspired to get outside, enjoy spring and get ready for another growing season. This is the Good Earth Company’s fifth year in business making commercial compost and it’s our busiest spring yet. People are becoming more conscious of making “greener” choices, and looking for alternatives to chemical additives

in their yards. We want to build our soil and have our gardens respond to our hours of devotion. The word is spreading and the results are speaking for themselves. Whether you grow plants in a pot, in a bed or in a field, the most important thing is the condition of the soil. All cropped soils need organic material added every year because, as we harvest, the soil gets depleted of the organic matter. Organic matter is essential to have for a healthy

growing medium. Organic matter binds the minerals that exist in the soil and make them readily available for plants. It is organic matter that is responsible for the creation of loose, crumbly, humus-rich texture that plants thrive in. In comparison, it is the hard clumps of ground (in our area we typically have lots of clay) that are not optimal for plant growth. By continuously adding organics to our gardens and building up our soils, we can get better results from

our gardening efforts. A safe bet to ensure that the dirt in your plant pots and garden beds is ready for the season is to add a quarter to a third compost. On existing garden beds, lay two inches on top and work into the soil as much as possible. For lawns, top dressing and half an inch of compost is a basic rule. Happy gardening! Kate Anderson Merritt, B.C.

Albas is raising your taxes Albertan warns caveat emptor Dear Editor, MP Dan Albas likes to boast that the Conservatives are “looking at all forms of public sector spending in order to find efficiencies and savings without raising your taxes.” There’s only one problem: that isn’t true. The Conservatives’ federal budget increases tariffs on everyday items imported from dozens of countries. These rising tariffs are a hidden tax on everything, from clothing and shoes to household cleaning products to televisions. They are also increasing your Employment Insurance taxes. Increasing this tax on jobs is reckless when so many areas of the economy are still struggling. Stephen Harper and his crew are increasing taxes on hospital parking, taxes on life insurance, taxes on safety deposit boxes, taxes for airport security, taxes on credit unions, and the list

goes on. For years now, Conservatives have tried to boast that they never raise taxes. That was easy to do when they took power and inherited a $13 billion surplus from the previous Liberal government. However, these taxand-spend Conservatives dug themselves into a deep deficit; they increased program spending by almost 40 per cent and are now hiking taxes left, right and centre. The next time you see Mr. Albas, remind him to show his constituents some respect and be honest about taxes. No amount of spin or government advertising (that they pay for with your taxes) can change the fact that a tax hike is a tax hike, and we know it. Scott Brison, MP Liberal Party of Canada Finance Critic

Dear Editor, Who did you buy your membership from - was it a BCAA office or was it an agent of BCAA, perhaps one of their recommended towing companies? How do you know the person who is selling you the membership is fully informed of BCAA or the towing company’s policies? Does BCAA follow up with their designated representatives to make sure their customers are adequately informed? Do you know that BCAA memberships do not cover any service that is off a provincially maintained road which means they will call a towing company for you but you are responsible

for all costs. Regardless of your situation you must call BCAA for service. You cannot call the designated towing company that sold you the membership unless you are going to pay for the service yourself. If the towing company cannot get you out of your situation, they leave you stranded. Make sure the designated towing company has adequate equipment, they may not have a truck capable of towing you or their equipment may be frayed and snap when pulling your vehicle. BCAA is not governed by any agency or ministry therefore they make and change rules at their discretion.

If you live in a rural area, make sure the vehicles you own are covered under your policy. A lot of vehicles are not covered, but even then given the roads you drive, you still may not be covered. Before you buy a BCAA membership, ask for documentation that states their rules and regulations, read them thoroughly and asky any qustions that need clarification before purchasing a membership. Do not believe everything you are told. This is a ‘buyer beware’ from a very dissatisfied former customer. Arlene McDougall Edmonton, Alta

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8 • THURSDAY, April 11, 2013

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Transmission project update

Community Futures helps out Flick family

By Herald Staff

newsroom@merrittherald.com

With demand for electricity in the Merritt area growing, several BC Hydro projects, including the Merritt Area Transmission (MAT) project, are being planned to ensure the city is able to meet the need. “BC Hydro load forecasts have determined that significant electrical load growth is anticipated in the Merritt area,” said a hydro press release. “Contributing factors to this growth include development of new hotels, residential subdivisions, commercial areas and a resort south of Merritt in the Coquihalla corridor. To meet the increased demand for power in Merritt, a new transmission line must be in service by the end of 2014.” The MAT will ensure Merritt’s homes and businesses continue to have reliable electricity for the next 30 years. The project includes: • A new 35-kilometre above-ground 138-kilovolt transmission line along mostly existing BC Hydro rightsof-way, between the Merritt and Highland substations. • Upgrading the Merritt substation, including the addition of new equipment and small buildings, all within a new, expanded fenced area. • Adding new equipment at the Highland Substation. The draft schedule for the project sees right-of-way preparation (clearing and access road construction) from Sept. 2013 to Dec. 2013; construction of transmission line (pole install and line stringing) from Nov. 2013 to July 2014; electrical construction for Merritt Substation upgrade from Dec. 2013 to July 2014; construction at Highland Substation from Feb. 2014 to July 2014; and in-service date of July 2014.

(From left) Father Warren, Brandon, 20, and Amber Flick, 17, accept a cheque for $1,000 from Community Futures Nicola Valley Manager Rob Miller on Monday. The money was raised for the family by donations from community members after the sudden death of former food bank manager Karen Flick. Emily Wessel/Herald

By Emily Wessel THE HERALD

reporter@merrittherald.com

Community charity leader Karen Flick’s legacy of helping others will live on in her children Amber and Brandon, thanks in part to community members’ donations to a memorial fund for the family. Community Futures Nicola Valley set up

the memorial fund for the Flick family shortly after Karen’s sudden death in December. On Monday, the Flick family accepted the cheque for $1,000. “People donated everything from small change to bills,” Community Futures Nicola Valley manager Rob Miller said. “All kinds of people donated what they could.”

Flick was wellknown in the community for managing the Nicola Valley and District Food Bank for years. The family said the money will be used toward Amber’s education fund. Amber, 17, will graduate from Merritt Secondary School this summer and said she plans to work for a year before

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going to university. “I want to do something like what my mom did. She helped the community and that’s what I want to do too,” Amber said. Both Amber and her brother Brandon, 20, said they were grateful to community members who donated to the memorial fund and showed other support since their mother’s death. “We knew that Mom was pretty wellliked, but we didn’t think that this much money would come in from the community,” Brandon said. “I feel like they’re supporting us and trying to help us out the best way they can,” Amber added. The siblings said a celebration of life for their mother on March 31 at the Civic Centre was well-attended and reiterated how much their mother impacted the community.

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THURSDAY, April 11, 2013 • 9

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SPECIAL COVERAGE: UNDERGROUND CRACKDOWN

Community policing plays important role information with the safety and privacy of those in the neighbourhood. The CPO also deals with the prolific offender program, which was a concept adopted by the RCMP in recent years after determining that it’s a small minority of criminals who actually commit a large portion of local crime.

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“The police are the people and the people are the police.” Community policing is not a new concept, as former British Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel illustrated in the above quote in the 1800s. Police officers are community members too. They live here, raise children and have homes here, and worry about their kids and neighbourhoods like everyone else. Conversely, community members, although not police officers, have a vested interest in crime and what can they do to help stop it in their neighbourhoods. The Community Policing Office (CPO) opened its doors in Merritt five years ago with a mandate to liaise with the community to help create crime prevention programs and determine the community’s crime prevention and intervention priorities. The CPO works with community groups such as Citizens on Patrol, Block Watch communities, foot patrols and local business owners on prevention, intervention, education and crime reduction strategies. Although crime comes in many forms, including assault, impaired driving, theft and break and enter, one of the main roots the CPO sees causing a lot of this crime is drugs. Having your vehicle broken into overnight and change, wallets or valuable items stolen often comes back to someone supporting his or her drug habit. Although the CPO can’t statistically say the percentage of these

and traumatizing families. This can be timeconsuming and require information and manpower, which are not always readily available, but it can and has been done. Police seek information from neighbours and citizens to determine who the person in question is and that person’s suspicious patterns to aid investigation. Police also have to carefully balance the need for

NICOLA AVE.

This story is the second part of a seven part series about the drug trade from the local RCMP detachment’s different departments. This instalment comes from the General Investigation Section.

“There are things that we, as police officers and as community members, can do to try and prevent this, but it is unlike anything that you may see on television and cannot be done in an hour episode,” RCMP Const. Tracy Dunsmore said. Police have to determine that the neighbour is up to no good, and rightfully so, before kicking in doors

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types of occurrences, there can be a strong association between these crimes and the drug world. When the search and rescue vehicle was broken into several months back, several of the stolen belongings were recovered at a drug house during a raid a few days later, along with lots of other stolen property. People with addictions will often admit to stealing or don’t care if they get caught as their only concern is finding the money to buy more drugs. Warrants on drug houses almost always recover stolen property, which further helps support this theory. Although theft may not seem to be a direct link to the drug world, anyone who has been the victim of crime, break and enter, theft of vehicle, theft from vehicles or robbery has likely been affected by drugs in their community. Preliminary 2012 statistics from the Merritt RCMP detachment show 55 files of cannabis possession and 24 other drug possession files, including cocaine, heroin, morphine and prescription drugs, as well as others. There were roughly 46 trafficking files and 10 production of cannabis — or grow op — files. Add to those the estimated 109 break and enters (31 at businesses, 48 at residences and 30 others), five files of stolen firearms, 48 stolen vehicle files, and 107 reported thefts from vehicles, and even the rough statistics show an association between the drug world and the spinoff crimes that stem from it. A constant theme at the CPO is citizens expressing concern that a neighbour is selling or growing drugs and wondering how to get rid of that neighbour. These concerns are not isolated to a particular area of town, and come in from all areas of the city.

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Compiled by Emily Wessel

“IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR”

10 • THURSDAY, April 11, 2013

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SPECIAL COVERAGE: UNDERGROUND CRACKDOWN

Community policing role an important one From Page 9 Through personal dealings, officers have found that most of these prolific offenders are connected to drugs and addictions. The prolific offender program deals with these people in court and by sentencing, and has had some effect on crime reduction, but crime occurs in a cycle. When the local car thief goes to jail, car thefts go down. But when he gets out, they start up again. Sometimes it’s the same with people who have addictions. “As a police officer, I can’t count the number of times over the years that young persons who may have returned from prison or rehab due to their drug habits have proudly told me of their accomplishments and how long they have been clean, their plans to do better this time, get a job and do something productive, only to run into more barricades that may be consequences of their own actions but, regardless, set them back again and again,” Dunsmore said. “I often hear a similar story from women who have left violent relationships and addictions, gone to rehab and returned with a goal of getting their children back and wanting to start their lives as better role models and better mothers with more self-confidence, again only to find barricades and challenges to being able to do this.” How do these people move forward from here? Whose responsibility is it to help them recover? How does a young man with no work experience, a criminal record, a drug addiction and no housing move forward after getting cleaned up? How does a woman with no credit history, low self-esteem and a drug addiction move forward? Many communities,

large and small, have opened supportive housing facilities that will help these people do just that. They are community-run and agencies work together to offer services to these people to provide them with the support, counselling and skills that they may need to continue to progress and transition back into a normal lifestyle. There is often only a short window of opportunity to help people who want to get clean and change their lives. Police sometimes refer people who express an interest in kicking their drug habits to Jim Laidlaw, a youth counsellor for the Phoenix Centre in Kamloops who works out of Merritt three days a week. Laidlaw, who sees clients up to age 25, said it often takes a client-centered approach to support a client’s goals. “My typical client, right when they see me, doesn’t know whether they want to get off drugs or make a change,” Laidlaw said. “Quite often, my clients are pushed by other referral sources. Parents, teachers, schools, police, proba-

tion, social workers are all saying, ‘You’ve come into contact with us because of some kind of issue with substances and we want you to at least start talking about the issue.’” Laidlaw said raising that awareness is a strong start to intervening in a drug addiction. However, he doesn’t only see substance users themselves. “A portion of the clients who come to me are coming because of the substance use of someone in their house, not because of their own substance use. When you’re a child and you’re 13 and taking care of your siblings because mom or dad haven’t come home from last night’s partying, or you’re 12 and going to the bar at one in the morning to get your mom and bring her home because you’re worried about how safe she’ll be getting home ... that’s not rampant with me, but those are some of the extreme stories of people who are not using themselves who need support.”

Dunsmore said prevention and intervention are key pieces of the CPO’s mandate. “How many times have we seen a kid and said, ‘That poor kid doesn’t stand a chance,’ Dunsmore said. “How do we know that? We see the family history, his young habits, his lifestyle and it’s like watching a train wreck. We categorize these youth as being ‘at risk’ and then we wait for them to prove us right.” The CPO also works with youth organizations to help youth attain the 40 assets that all youth should have in their lives. Some of these assets are developed internally, such as selfesteem and a sense of belonging, while others come from external sources, such as support from the community, schools and families. Studies show that youth with more assets and positive role models in their lives are less likely to be involved in negative choices and destructive behaviours. Many RCMP members also sit on youth committees, work with youth through mentor

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programs, and coach to provide positive role modeling. Many community members also take on these roles through mentor programs offered in the community. Whether from parents or community members, mentor programs and role modeling can help form youth in critical ways. Programs such as Big Brothers and Sisters

— an in-school mentor program where a person takes an hour a week to go into a school and mentor a youth — can make a big difference. An hour a week playing basketball, baking cookies, reading, playing guitar or doing crafts or homework with a young person in their school goes a long way in asset development. Other

in-school programs, such as one-to-one reading, coaching a sports team or service clubs like Girl Guides and Scouts provide the same level of role modeling and mentoring. The reduction in crime, policing costs, and healthcare costs is huge to a community when people are able to leave their drug addictions.

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THURSDAY, April 11, 2013 • 11

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Albas: job skills training From Page 7 “There are times when, as Canadians, we must rise above partisan interests and recognize areas that are of Canadian concern. I am not alone when I say that many of my constituents are concerned when they see temporary foreign workers taking jobs that many of us agree Canadians should be working at. Let us also recognize that the program originated back in the early 1970s. It was always intended to be temporary and yet, nearly 40 years later, the program is now older than many members of the House.” The above is only a portion of my comments found in the Hansard record from March 26. At the time I made the comments within the House of Commons, I heard widespread agreement from all sides of the House recognizing the importance of this issue to Canadians. It also should not be overlooked that this is a concern for many local employers who I have taken the time to meet with. Although there have been some recent examples of

employers potentially accessing this program for purposes that are contrary to the intent (and, as a result, this program is currently under formal review) the vast majority of employers I have heard from would prefer to hire employees who are Canadians or permanent residents. The challenge expressed by many employers is that either they are unable to find qualified workers with the required skills, or frequently in the case of the agricultural and hospitality sectors, it is hard to find workers who will accept the positions offered. In response, the 2013 Economic Action Plan introduced by our government announced a new Canada-wide job training program to help promote an increase of targeted skills training. The new program proposes a partnership between the federal and provincial governments that could potentially provide twothirds funding with the remaining one-third share from employers for a combined total of up to $15,000 per worker for important new skills training. Although the partnership agreements need to be in place with the various

provinces and territories, the initial reaction I have heard from many employers and some post-secondary training institutions has been positive. The importance of our country in being able to respond quickly and more efficiently to critical skills shortages is crucial. Recently, I heard from one local employer about the need for skilled saw technicians and the lack of this type of training in our region in spite of these jobs being extremely well-paying. This is but one of many examples that I hear on an ongoing basis. I am certain most can agree increasing the availability and diversity of our educational opportunities can lead to well paying employment for citizens. As this is the final week before the House of Commons resumes sitting this Monday, April 15, I welcome the opportunity to hear from you. I can be reached at 1-800-6658711 or via email at dan.albas@parl.gc.ca. Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihalla. His blog is DaninOttawa.com and previous MP reports are online at danalbas.com

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Collettville Elementary are the champions again of the School Rule Challenge. The challenge was organized by Merritt Leisure Services, and went from Oct. 1 to March 31. “Throughout the Fall and Winter session, Merritt Leisure Services issued a challenge to all local teachers and students to see if their school rules,” said Felicity Peat, recreation programmer for the City of Merritt. “Every time someone from the school visited the Merritt Civic Centre or the Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre they signed in under their school’s recording sheet. At the end of the contest the school with the most attendance won and that was Collettville for the third straight year.” Collettville won a free swim and free movie day. Submitted

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couldn’t believe what they saw. When they realized it was really Jesus, such joy came into their minds. “Yes! Jesus is alive and He still cares about us!” The days that followed were difÀcult. Jesus was alive but not with them as before. Now what were they to do, go back to their former employment? They had to make a living. Jesus appeared to them a few times. One day He led them to the top of a hill and talked to them. While there, they asked Him if He would, at that time, set up His kingdom? He said no, but told them that they would get power and they would tell the story to all the world. They then realized that Jesus was ascending. He kept rising until He was out of sight. What a sad moment. Two angels came down and told them that Jesus would come again in the same way they saw Him go. Hope returned. They had something to tell others. And now you do too!

6 to 15 yrs old

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When JJesus d Wh died i d on FFriday id afternoon id ft and was put into the tomb just before the Sabbath began, all the hopes and dreams of the disciples came to an abrupt end. For three and a half years while they had been with Jesus, they dreamed of Jesus becoming the head of the Jewish state and them next to Him. These thoughts came to an end. Now that the Jews had cruciÀed Jesus, the disciples feared that they might be next. The day that had been set aside for rest and worship became anything but. Sunday morning, when the women came to embalm Jesus’ body, they found the stone rolled away and two men (angels) sitting in the empty tomb. They said that Jesus had risen, but the women did not see Him. When they told Jesus’ disciples, they couldn’t believe it, but that night, while they were safe in a locked house, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be unto you.” They

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS ortswear Midget Rep t e r Sp ea m k c ra g n i i n d wo w i o v l l T i d o f u als for e e uld ank th h Th h e t l m a h p p C i o o l n a i t s i c h ng ips in vin e us lik Por e pro h t t d Alb n e ern att i.

Merritt Minor Hockey Association, Nadina Logging, Norgaard Ready Mix, Triple G Logging, Jaeden Resources, Aspen Planers, Alpha Design, Cliff Shackelly Construction, Tolko Industries Ltd., United Steel Workers, PDR Logging, Robill Contracting, ML Brown, Paul LeSage Construction, Nicola Ranch, Glens Drilling, Second Avenue Signs, Tracker Sportswear, Tyler Robinson, Cole Yurkowski, Zach Wright.

And all the other community members that helped support the team. Whether through purchasing gas cards, pizza cards, steak dinner tickets, 50/50, sausages, donating bottles, making cash donations or showing up to cheer on the team at our games.

We are profoundly grateful!

THE COWBOY WAY - Joe Guy, shown here with daughter Maddison, will be performing A Cowboy’s Story at the Hitch ‘N Post in Lower Nicola this Friday and Saturday. An Australian horseman who has ridden 6,500 miles across his home country, Guy will be performing songs and telling tales. Guy rose from a street kid to a become a highway cowboy, accomplished singer-songwriter and author. Showtime both nights will be 6 p.m. with entrance by donation. Craig Lindsay/Herald

Aboriginal mine training leader coming to NVIT By Craig Lindsay THE HERALD

newsroom@merrittherald.com

First Nation’ students across B.C. will soon be able to access mine training courses thanks to a new partnership between B.C. Aboriginal Mine Training Association (BC AMTA) and the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT). BC AMTA and NVIT will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Friday, April 12, at 11:15 a.m. at NVIT’s Merritt campus. The MOU recognizes the two educational organizations’ common interests in providing first-class training and education to aboriginal students, and seeks to promote co-operation

in a more structured fashion. The scope of activities outlined in the MOU include the development of entrylevel mine training programs and future collaborative programs of mutual interest and benefit, with a focus on supporting Aboriginal students. “NVIT is very excited to be signing a memorandum agreement with BC AMTA,” said John Chenoweth, NVIT Dean of Community Education and Applied Programs, “ BC AMTA has played a significant role in the training of Aboriginal people to prepare for the looming skill shortage in the mining industry. NVIT is pleased to be work-

ing in partnership with an organization that shares the same core values and shares the same organizational goals of educating and training First Nations students that will in turn strengthen aboriginal communities across B.C.” BC AMTA has trained and placed 500 aboriginal people into employment across the province. With an estimated 650 job opening in the mining industry, Chenoweth said it’s a great opportunity for local aboriginal youth. “AMTA’s goal is to move as many aboriginal people towards employment in the mining industry,” he said. “From what I know, they start off by speaking to people

interested in the mining industry, looking at where their skill sets are right now and what they’re lacking to be considered for employment, and start them on the path and support them to get there. Although they don’t actually get them the jobs, they get them the interview once they meet all the pre-requisites for employment at various mines.” “NVIT is definitely the aboriginal postsecondary institution of choice for B.C. AMTA to align themselves with when it comes to training to employment for aboriginal students interested in the mining sector,” said Pat Gagnon, BC AMTA program manager, coach and advisor.

Fills my days and my tropical vacation fund. competitive compensation ﬂexible hours discount card Apply today at the Merritt McDonald’s®, at the corner of River Ranch Rd. and Voght St.

THURSDAY, April 11, 2013 • 13

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS A heartfelt

Thank You

to all the individuals and businesses that supported Nicola Family Therapy in our fundraising efforts during the 2012-2013 Àscal year! • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Warts and all BLUE WARTS by Merritt Secondary School Art 9 student Seth Simon. Over the next several weeks, the Merritt Herald will run submissions from art students at MSS, showcasing multi-media artworks including sculptures and paintings. Submitted

Friendly, Reliable Service

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • •

Nadine & Mike Jolly Nancy Ellingsen Nicola Valley Meats Nicola Valley Veterinary Clinic Norm Flemming NVIT Paul Cotton Films Paul LaSage Construction Pork Gabara Q101 Callie Porterﬁeld Robin Bishop Rotary Club of Merritt Sunrise Ryan Ganton-Stanley Sandra Skappak Sandy Labermeyer Shauvon Hagen Stephanie Johnson Success By 6 Sue Bakus Sunshine Valley Good Earth Company Tolko Industries Ltd. Tracker Sportswear Trevor Skappak Wa alm marr t M e Walmart Merritt

Thank you again from the Board and Staff of NFT

Challenge

Are you afraid to ask questions about your vehicle?

Thank you Merritt for participating in the ElectroRecycle Challenge!

Have you ever felt frustrated by unfriendly/unhelpful customer service?

Fifth Geier Auto

Trained automotive technicians who want to take care of your vehicles’ needs and get you back on the road as soon as possible. Friendly customer service - committed to answering your questions and explaining services, repairs and costs.

Come see

Hair Shack Heritage Mountain Meats Highland Valley Copper Jamara Joyal Jamie & Robert Cox-Neill Jayson Charters Jen Heard Jen & Jimmy Knightley Jessica Ganton-Stanley John Allison Productions John Anderson Jordyn Tolles JP Lancaster Karen McCauley Leroy Slanzi Lock Eddy Lorraine Pryor Mark Elliot Mary Anne Reimer Mary Ramsey Mary Taylor Matt McLean Megan Fulcher Merritt Cash Mob Merritt Herald Merritt Live Theatre Society Merritt Printing e Michelle Pierce e Michelle Stone Mil Juricic Mike Hassel

Do you rely on your vehicle on a daily basis?

Have you ever felt you have been overcharged for services or repairs?

We can offer you a solution at

A & M Tandem Massage • Christine & Anthony Abraria • Al & Beulah Russell • Anna Lacey • Anonymous Donor • Ardew Wood Products • Bob Hughes • Brian Snee • Chris Brock • City of Merritt • Costco Kamloops • Dan Fremlin • Danica Vere • Danny Moses • Darcy Protasivich • City Furniture Merritt • Dave Berezan • Dave Ziola • Derek Mobbs • Dollar Mart • Dr’s EyeCare • Dr. Don Mcleod • Drop Dead Threadz • MSS Cafeteria Program • Electric Paper Company • • Enchanted Lullaby’s • Ewa Skotnicki • Fame Mackney & Team Fetch Dog Grooming Boutique• • Frank’s Automotive • Gil Trask Gordon Bolitho Greg Hodson

Fifth Geier Auto

for all your vehicles’ needs

Tire Sales & Installs • Vehicle Repairs & Maintenance All Makes & Models • Wheel Alignment Specialist

Fifth Geier Auto 2380 Nicola Ave.

SPRING SPECIAL ON NOW

TIRE CHANGEOVERS & BALANCE starting at

(Next to Coyote Collision)

But wait! You can still recycle your small appliances and power tools for free!

Your ElectroRecycle collection sites are: Merritt Return-It Depot 2326 Clapperton Avenue

What’s accepted: TIME MEASUREMENT

GARMENT CARE

COUNTERTOP MICROWAVES

KITCHEN COUNTERTOP

AIR TREATMENT

PERSONAL CARE

POWER TOOLS

SEWING & TEXTILE

FLOOR CARE

WEIGHT MEASUREMENT

65.00

Visit www.electrorecycle.ca/challenge for more information.

plus taxes

(250) 378-2211

Items listed are just examples. Ask a staff member to find out what other products are accepted here.

Twitter: @electrorecycle

Email: info@electrorecycle.ca

14 • THURSDAY, April 11, 2013

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS For all your advertising needs call 250-378-4241

ON YOUR NEXT GROCERY BILL!

ek’s money saving deals de from our team of experts. { Check out this week’s

Just a few of our Featured Advertisers:

Royal Visit The B.C. Ambassador program held their candidate annual general meeting recently at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology in Merritt. This year’s ambassador candidates posed for a picture with the reigning B.C. ambassadors (front, from left) Mariah Morris from Castlegar, Carley Henninger from Trail, and Acacia Schmietenknop from Kamloops. Craig Lindsay/Herald

your source for FREE coupons

MAKE EVERYDAY, EARTH DAY The Merritt Herald and these participating merchants will focus on one Eco All-Star person per issue until April 18, 2013.

www.merritt.ca • Ph: 250.378.4224 Good Earth Company

ECO ALL-STAR: Nicola Valley Produce Known primarily for their popular garlic, Nicola Valley Produce (NVP) is branching out and adding several new and exciting vegetable products. NVP is located in Lower Nicola and is a family farm run by the Petersons. The family brought in sales and distribution coordinator Ariel Weiser Novak to help the farm expand its business. The farm will be adding several varieties of popular vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, carrots, sprouts, radishes, kale, corn, spinach, lettuce, leafy green, peas, beans, herbs and spices. “We’re going to have seven kinds of squash, three kinds of carrots, tons of peppers, (16 kinds) such as red, green, Santa Fe chili peppers, Hungarian peppers, ja-

lapeno peppers,” said Novak. “We’ll have lots of tomatoes. Tomatoes will probably be our biggest seller.” Novak says most of the produce will be available at the start of June. He also adds that the farm will continue to sell the various types of garlic. “It’s a winter crop,” he said. “We have some leftover garlic. The higher quality garlic is all sold out. When we go to garlic fairs, people are so stoked at our product because it’s so good. It’s something in the soil and with the climate that’s perfect for growing it.” NVP has grown other produce for the family, but this year will be the first time they’ve grown it on a large scale. Novak said the farm will work closely with Footprints Harvest Organic Produce Delivery Service to distribute their product. They also plan to be regulars at the Nicola Valley Farmers’ Market as well as the market in Kamloops.

All NVP produce is certified organic under PACS (Pacific Agricultural Certification Society). “It means no pesticides or chemical fertilizers are used,” said Novak. “Not only that, but we use sustainable growing practices. We used crop rotations and companion planting to reduce the impact on the environment. We use natural pesticides. For example, garlic is really good for aphids. We put some garlic in water and spray that.”

Novak said it’s important for the farm to use sustainable farming practices. “The land is richer and fuller because of our farming,” he said. “It’s hard to describe, but the food just tastes better. Peppers taste more peppery. It’s just more natural – how they’re supposed to grow. Also, we try to just distribute locally so the food is fresh. When you buy vegetables from us at the farmers’ market, they’ve been picked that morning.”

COMPOST & MULCH The Eco-Friendly Way To Enhance Your Soil Compost Blended Top Soil Fertilizing Mulch

www.goodearthcompany.ca

Open To Public: Mon., Wed. & Fri: 10 am - Noon Saturdays: 9 am - 1 pm

For pick-up & product information: 250-378-9674 or 250-936-8363

Site Location: Airport Road, next to Valley Helicopters

ILLEGAL DUMPING Spoils it for all of us.

www.tnrd.ca

Blooming Pets • Hydroponics • House Plants • Small Animals & Fish • Blue Buffalo Food 2067 Quilchena Ave Phone: 250-378-4144

{

SAVE UP TO

18 • THURSDAY,

April 11, 2013

www.merrittherald.com

CENTURY 21 MOVING REAL ESTATE BC LTD. HOMES ON ACREAGE LAND ON 4.64 ACRES

COUNTRY LIVING

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

IC & I

AT NICOLA LAKE

CUSTOM BUILT

MOVING REAL ESTATE BC LTD.

INDUSTRIAL BUILDING

250-378-6166 – TF 1-877-841-2100

www.movingrealestate.ca

Family home on 1.99 acres with flat levels & drilled well. 3 bedrms on main, open design kitchen, oak HW floors, huge rec. rm down, central A/C. Close to crown land for outdoor activities.

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.

Gorgeous water front family retreat, beautifully landscaped with 36 ft concrete pad whar f. Home has over 2600 sq.ft., huge sundeck, open design kitchen, ceramic & HW flooring & much more.

Spectacular 1 acre view lot at Nicola Lake, just 15 minutes from Merritt. Fantastic property to build your home and overlook the lake. Only short walk to the waters edge.

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.

#1916

#1922

#1867

#1926

#1918

#1913

$474,900 HORSE PROPERTY

$344,900

$474,950 PRESTIGIOUS HOME

KANE VALLEY

$898,000 ON NICOLA LAKE

$190,000

$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

CLOSE TO TOWN

PRIVATE ACREAGE

$799,900 IN LOWER NICOLA

$998,000 ON WALLOPER LAKE

$199,900

$465,000

April 11th - April 24th , 2013

HUGE LOT WITH SHOP

FEATURE HOME

Country living on 4.64 acres with beautiful 4 bedrm log home. Spacious loft master suite, newer kitchen & appliances, new electric furnace & heat pump, pellet stove. Great views.

1925 EASTWOOD AVE. Come & view this 4 bedrm Bench home on nicely landscaped, 12,640 sq.ft. lot. Has detached 20x24 shop in back. Home has some newer flooring, paint, windows, siding, furnace, HW tank & stainless steel applicances. Huge sundeck. Pellet stove in basement. #1925 $334,900

COMMERCIAL BUILDING

19.77 ACRES

FIRST TIME BUYERS

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.

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.

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.

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.

#1891

#1904

#1910

#1762

#1597

#1853

$429,000

SMALL ACREAGE

GREAT OPPORTUNITY

ED!! C U RED 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

$312,000

$419,900

$370,000 PRIVATE 26 ACRES

$180,900

$248,000

2 ACRES

COMMERCIAL LOT

Great rec. property is build your home in the country. Drilled well with 15 gpm, septic approval, power at lot line and driveway are all in. Nice views & close to crown land access.

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.

98.5 ACRES

D SOL

#1855 #1914

PRICED BELOW ASSESSMENT

INDUSTRIAL 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. Merchantable timber.

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.

#1907

#1851

#1725

#1900

#1795

$589,000 PRIVATE RANCH

$595,000

$89,000 WATERFRONT

103 ACRES

CED U D RE

Each $59,900 COMMERCIAL

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.

Approx. 103 acres overlooking Nicola River. Double wide, 4 bedrm, 2 bath home with partially finished bsmt. Numerous outbldgs, hay storage, tack shed. Fenced property.

Vacation paradise or year round living. Just over 1 acre water front lot on wonder ful Nicola Lake. Great place to invest in for a family getaway or to retire & enjoy the water sports.

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

#1890

#1953

#1718

$849,950

COLDWATER HILLS

$575,000

Vacation paradise or year round living. Just over 1 acre water front lot on wonder ful Nicola Lake. Great place to invest in for a family getaway or to retire & enjoy the water sports.

#1954

#1953

$639,000

Grandview Heights

APPROX. 10 ACRE LOTS

$124,900 DESIRABLE LOCATION

$344,000

NICE MOBILE HOME PARK

!! NEW

Quiet location, close to parks, schools & walking trails. Home has a large addition and open concept, 2 bedrms & 2 baths, new laminate flooring, gas F/P, new appliances & on l HW tank, a deregistered n d its own .

#1955

$163,900

CED REDU

Nicely kept 5 bedrm home in quiet area. Newer hardwood floors and tile in kitchen. 3 bedrms up, 2 down in partly finished bsmt with workshop area. Detached garage/shop in backyard.

#1857

#1958

#1868

$344,000 20 ACRES

$345,000

$229,900

$274,000

CONGRATULATIONS!!

3 bedrms up plus 2 bedrm legal suite down, on 0.19 acre corner lot. Perfect for young family looking for a mortgage helper or an investor. Easy walk to bus and school. Fenced backyard with mature cedars.

#1957

$224,900

SUN VALLEY COURT

IMMACULATE HOME

PRIVATE 29.9 ACRES

3 bedrms up plus 2 bedrm inlaw suite on ground level. New paint & flooring on main in past couple of years. HW radiant heat, oak kitchen cabinets, nook & sep. dining rm. Fenced backyard.

Great end unit with bigger yard & less traffic. Tastefully decorated, 3 bedrms plus office up. Main floor has living, dining & kitchen, laundry & 2 pce powder rm. Fenced backyard with patio.

Spotless 4 bedrm home, centrally located. New HW tank & boiler in 2011, metal roof in 2008, HE gas F/P in bsmt, windows updated, U/G sprinklers & fresh paint in 2012. Entire fenced yard. RV parking.

Great acreage for horses, fenced & cross-fenced, gentle slope & year round creek. The modular home has 3 bedrms, 2 baths & large living room with spectacular views.

#1854

#1825

#1898

#1891

$214,900

$264,900

$429,000

HAMLYN COURT TOWNHOMES

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.

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.

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

$399,000 COMMERCIAL

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

Priced below assesed value at $89,900

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!

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

#1726

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

Television from City Furniture. HOW GST/PST WILL AFFECT REAL PROPERTY?

Off Lindley Creek Road Prices Starting at $109,000 + tax

Commencing April 1st, 2013, in BC the HST will be replaced by the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the BC Provincial Sales Tax (PST). This tax, which only applies to New Housing and Commercial/Industrial properties, will be lowered from 12% (HST) to 5% (GST). This change also applies to sales tax on real estate commission payable after April 1st. PST does not apply to real property. Contact your Lawyer or Notary for more details.

$2,000,000

6 ACRES

Prices Starting at $184,000

The Winner of the 51” SAMSUNG TV is Dave Longworth

Carrington Heights

BUILDING LOT

Seller to pay GST on lot sales

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

INCREDIBLE VALUE

LARGE FAMILY HOME

$339,000

FOR RENT OR LEASE

COMMERCIAL LAND

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.

#1713

$97,000

#1956

!! NEW

2 bdrm dble wide in nice mobile home park. Open design kitchen w/large family & living rooms. Nice 4 pce ensuite with soaker tub. Newer furnace and flooring, new plumbing and HW tank in 2008. Large covered deck and a workshop.

$459,000

Great family home on large 10,800 sq.ft. lot fenced & nicely landscaped. Cathedral entrance, 4 bedrms 2 baths, reno’s include flooring, kitchen & bathrooms. Newer roof & furnace & HW tank. Large rec.room down.

WORKSHOP FOR HANDYMAN

Beautifully designed family home, immaculate inside & out. Has 3 completely finished floors, large kitchen, new HW flooring, laundry on main, den, central A/C, gas F/P. Nicely landscaped.

NEW

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.

$599,900

Totally renovated 2 bedrm home on large lot. New gyproc, paint, kitchen, bath, new flooring, fixtures, cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. New roof, plumbing & electrical. Don’t miss this one!

$89,900

Property borders creek and is close to crown land. Home has 4 bedrms, 3 baths and full walkout basement. Includes 22x24 garage plus 30x40 workshop with 200 amp. A must see.

$299,999

!! W E N

$149,000

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.

BREATHTAKING VIEWS

KANE VALLEY

$149,000

NICE RENOVATIONS

FIRST TIME BUYER

!! W E N

!! NEW 29.9 acres just 20 mins outside of Merritt. Gentle slope with year round creek. Great horse property fenced & cross-fenced. Home has 3 bedrms 2 bath, huge living room and fantastic views.

WATERFRONT

$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

This premier subdivision offers a rural living experience with expansive views of the Nicola Valley. Minimum lot size of 0.5 acre up to 0.96 acre. Offers privacy and room to landscape. The cul de sac design guarantees no thru traffic and crown land surround entire property. The road is paved with city services in place.

#1928

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

16 • THURSDAY,

April 11, 2013

www.merrittherald.com

THURSDAY, April 11, 2013 • 17

www.merrittherald.com

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

Dave Berezan 315-5236

Don Gossoo Managing Broker

Lana McPharlane 315-3748

ON THE BENCH

INCREDIBLE VALUE

TOWNHOME

FIRST TIME BUYER

NEW

#1957

NICE RENOVATIONS

Trista Wills 378-7767

Brad Yakimchuk Personal Real Estate Corporation

315-3043

NEW

Come & view this 4 bedrm home, nicely landscaped 12,640 sq.ft. lot. Has some newer flooring, paint, windows, siding, furnace & HW tank. S/S appliances in ktuchen. Huge sundeck & shop in back.

Nicely kept 2 bedrm townhouse in popular, well cared for strata community. Ground level corner unit with extra window & appliances included. Close to arena, aquatic & curling centers.

Quiet location, close to parks, schools & walking trails. Home has a large addition and open concept, 2 bedrms & 2 baths, new laminate flooring, gas F/P, new appliances & HW tank, deregistered on its own land.

#1925

#1924

#1955

#1956

$344,900

$112,000

$163,900

RETIREES

CLOSE TO SCHOOL

PARK-LIKE SETTING

Totally renovated 2 bedrm home on large lot. New gyproc, paint, kitchen, bath, new flooring & fixtures, cabinetry & S/S appliances. New roof, plumbing & electrical. Move in ready – Don’t miss this one.

4 bedroom home with nice open floor plan and high cathedral ceilings. Has 1 bedrm and laundry on main, 3 bedrms up and 4 pce ensuite with jetted tub. Fenced backyard, double garage.

Beautiful 2 bedrm manuf. Home in Cottonwood MH Park. Completely renovated inside & out including peak roof, addition, hickory kitchen cabinets, all flooring upgraded, new bathrm. A must see!

Unique heritage home close amenities. Main floor has 2 9 ft ceilings, Victorian classic formal dining rm & laundry. bedrm on top floor with 4 pce

#1954

#1923

#1947

#1946

NICE MOBILE HOME PARK

NEW

$224,900

Don Ward 315-3503

Ray Thompson 315-3377

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

Moving Real Estate BC Ltd.

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

Janis Post 315-3672

$274,000

HERITAGE HOME

NEW

#1958

$97,000

$124,900

$295,000

$84,900

to all bedrms, kitchen, Master ensuite.

$289,900

GREAT FAMILY HOME

BEAUTIFUL YARD

IMMACULATE HOME

QUIET LOCATION

GREAT CURB APPEAL

UNBELIEVABLE MAN CAVE

NEW BENCH RANCHER

LARGE YARD

CLOSE TO GOLF COURSE

HUGE DOUBLE LOT

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.

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.

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 with 2 bedrms, open floor plan with newer high quality laminate throughout. Recent upgrades in kitchen include countertops & lower cabinets. Most windows replaced. Lots of RV parking.

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.

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.

#1671

#1838

#1857

#1902

#1800

#1811

#1884

#1921

#1802

#1911

$329,000

$439,900

EXCELLENT LOCATION

SPOTLESS HOME

$459,000

$219,000

$535,000

$479,900

$389,900

$197,500

$349,900

$309,900

WALK TO AMENITIES

ON HALF ACRE LOT

MANICURED LOT

LARGE FAMILY HOME

TOWNHOME

REVENUE FOURPLEX

QUIET LOCATION

OPPORTUNITY

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

#1898

#1899

#1892

#1917

#1759

#1888

#1825

#1889

#1840

#1906

$264,900

$299,999

$184,900

$515,000

$440,000

$339,900

$214,900

$298,000

$349,900

$50,000

ON THE BENCH

SENSATIONAL

RIVERFRONT

QUIET CUL DE SAC

NEAT AS A PIN

IN LOWER NICOLA

GOOD LOCATION

FANTASTIC VIEWS

ADULT ORIENTED COMPLEX

LARGE FAMILY HOME

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.

Wonderful, large 5 bedrm Bench home with new U/G sprinklers, paint, lights fixtures & flooring. Spacious master suite has 11 ft ceilings, ensuite w/soaker tub & sep. shower. Living rm has 19 ft ceilings, extra large rec.rm

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.

3 bedroom rancher with views of the Nicola Valley. Just 2 yrs new with open floor plan, vaulted ceilings in kitchen, eating area and family room. 20x24 garage with 10 ft ceilings.

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

#1949

#1756

#1844

#1826

#1836

#1827

#1744

$264,900

$569,900

LARGE FAMILY HOME

CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN

$469,900

$349,000

$139,900

$299,900

$279,900

$314,900

$239,000

$395,000

UPPER APARTMENT

CUTE & COZY

NICE APARTMENT

FENCED YARD

CLOSE TO SCHOOLS

WHY RENT

LARGE FAMILY HOME

FIRST TIME BUYERS

D L O S 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 bedrm rancher close to all amenities. Perfect for first time buyer or retirees. Nicely landscaped & fenced yard with detached garage with workshop in back. Quick possession.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

#1852

#1822

#1820

#1885

#1721

#1903

#1887

#1765

#1919

#1948

$309,000

$199,900

$94,999

$169,900

$69,500

$89,000

$189,900

$89,900

$389,000

DETACHED WORKSHOP

LARGE FAMILY HOME

INVESTORS

NEW RANCHER

INVESTORS

TRIPLEX

HUGE LOT

WALK TO SHOPPING

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Good revenue property, close to park. Has 3 – 2 bedrm units, with some interior renovations in past year. Huge storage unit in backyard. Live in one and rent the other.

Custom built 3 level home on the Bench in private setting with gourmet kitchen, granite counters, oak cabinets, porceline tile & HW floors. 5 bedrms, 4 baths, sauna, theatre room & more.

Clean and well maintained 3 bedroom rancher with good size room and large kitchen. Room in backyard for shop, has lane access and garden shed. Property is totally fenced.

#1868

#1905

#1854

#1506

#1696

#1505

#1901

#1883

#1927

DETACHED GARAGE/SHOP

$117,000

CED U D RE

$229,900

$339,000

$105,000

$240,000

$109,900

$199,900

$414,900

$172,900

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