Merritt Herald, November 07, 2013 by Black Press Media Group

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2013 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS

Cold weather shelter opens up

RCMP Const. Tracy Dunsmore and Keri Cooke of the Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society at the extreme weather response shelter located at 1937 Quilchena Ave., which opened for the first time last weekend. The shelter will open on nights zero and below this month, and starting on Dec. 1 will be open every night of the week. Michael Potestio/Herald

By Michael Potestio THE HERALD

reporter@merrittherald.com

The Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society’s cold weather shelter is once again ready to open its doors to the public, but weather conditions will determine which nights it’s open this month. The extreme weather response shelter will be open seven days a week from December through February, but in November and March, the temperature will dictate which days it’s open. On days it’s fore-

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casted to be above zero, the shelter won’t be open, operator Keri Cooke said. The shelter opened its doors for the first time this season last weekend. “We find that November tends to be one of the colder months,” Tracy Dunsmore of the Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society said. The shelter always has at least two people working overnight and is open between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. The decision to open the shelter needs to be made by 10 a.m. each day, so if the

weather is forecasted to be cold enough, they will activate the shelter. This allows members of the society some time to prepare the shelter for visitors and get the word out to organizations and the police that it will be open. Dunsmore said the shelter can open its doors at the last minute and they would call in some shift captains to run the shelter as well as some volunteers. Each winter, the shelter is a place for people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless to escape

the elements, Cooke said, although it’s not limited to homeless people. Dunsmore said people from a variety of situations access the shelter, from those who need a place to stay after their car breaks down on the highway to people dealing with domestic violence situations to those who are intoxicated but live a considerable distance from Merritt and can’t find a way home. “Rather than sleeping in an alley or under a bridge or something, then they can access the shelter to get

out of the extreme cold,” Dunsmore said. Dunsmore said the most people they had in one night last year was 13. The Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society was able to keep the same building from last year and will once again be located at 1937 Quilchena Ave. “It’s pretty much set up and ready to go now,” Dunsmore said, adding the beds are ready and they will be stocking up on some food, though they are not required to supply it. Dunsmore said most of

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that food is donated to them from local stores and residents. The furniture in the shelter is also donated. “The community’s been great. This is the fifth year that we’ve had some sort of a shelter running, not necessarily the same type of program, but some form of shelter running,” Dunsmore said. Last year, the extreme weather response shelter was only open for four months from December to the end of March.

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

New food drive to get festive

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By Emily Wessel THE HERALD

newsroom@merrittherald.com

Royal LePage Merritt and the Merritt Centennials are coming together for what they’re hoping will be “the biggest food drive Merritt has ever seen.” The plan is to send out a fleet of pickup trucks strung with Christmas lights and playing festive music on the Dec. 1 collection day. Each truck will have a team of four or five people walking alongside it to collect food from the houses along the street, Royal LePage owner and food drive organizer Claudette Edenoste said. Each group will also have a Centennials player on board. Edenoste said organizers already have over 100 volunteers (including Centennials players) and 16 trucks for the event, but they’re seeking more help. Organizers have split the city into nine zones, but say they’re able to accommodate more volunteers to make the workload a little easier on everyone. Edenoste said the team estimated it would take about four or five hours to cover the city, but that timeframe could be shorter if they recruit more volunteers.

GOOD MORNING! Opinion ------------------------------------------ 6-7 Business ------------------------------------------ 8 Faith ------------------------------------------------ 8 Health --------------------------------------------- 16 Sports --------------------------------------------- 17 Classifieds --------------------------------------- 20

Centennials marketing manager Larry Sacharuk and Royal LePage owner Claudette Edenoste are teaming up their organizations on Hands of Hope, a Christmas-themed food drive on Dec. 1 for the local food bank. Edenoste said the group is looking for more volunteers. Emily Wessel/Herald

“Either you can walk or donate your truck with lights. The more people we have, the better it will be,” she said. Hands of Hope comes at the end of the Merritt Country Christmas weekend, which sees dozens of locals put lights on their company and even private vehicles for the Santa Claus parade on Friday night. “After the parade, there’ll be a lot of trucks

that’ll have Christmas lights on the vehicles, and we’re asking anybody from the parade if they’d like to join us for that Sunday. They could keep the lights on their trucks and join us for Hands of Hope,” Edenoste said. “People will see these lit trucks coming down the road and wonder what the heck’s going on. It’s going to be very different from your average food drive because we’re going to be

in the spirit of Christmas with the lights and the music.” Hands of Hope is modelled after a similar food drive in Quesnel, which Edenoste called “very successful.” Organizers held a contest to name the food drive, which they’re hoping will become annual, and Edenoste said the name Hands of Hope was chosen because it best summarized the spirit of the

event. “Hands of Hope is all these hands coming together for one great cause,” she said. “It says it all.” Volunteers will meet at the Civic Centre at 2 p.m. on Dec. 1 and will start canvassing the city around 3 p.m. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Claudette or Lynda Etchart at Royal LePage at 378-6181.

Fundraising for shelter on the way From Page 1 Dunsmore said the shelter is supported by funding from BC Housing, community fundraising and donations. Dunsmore said the group doesn’t receive enough funding from BC Housing to run the entire shelter program nor is there a guarantee it will be funded from year to year. “We certainly don’t get

enough to run the whole program but enough that we can get it up and going and then do local fundraising,” Dunsmore said. The shelter received $12,000 to operate from BC Housing last year, Dunsmore said. She said the total cost to run the shelter was $25,000 and the remaining $13,000 came from fundraising, donations and grant applications.

It’s estimated to cost between $25,000 and $30,000 to operate the shelter program for the next five months, Dunsmore said. She said BC Housing will be providing about $100 for every night the shelter is open. This year, the society has once again raised at least $13,000 through fundraising and donations, Dunsmore said. New this year, the shelter and support society also

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received federal funding from the Homelessness Partnering Strategy program. Those funds went to hiring Cooke, who also serves as the organization’s community co-ordinator for housing and homelessness. Dunsmore said they will have about $25,000 available to run the shelter again this year and will also be doing more fundraising.

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MERRIT T HER ALD Merritt fo st CELEBRATIN G FOSTER

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Robert Sampso been a foster n has parent for only years, but two ence has said that experibeen a rewardi one. ng He and helped raisehis wife Erin have four foster dren, he chilsaid.

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The Sampso ns have teenager a the foster of their own and children looked after they’ve been youngerhave typically He said . it can be in some ways, a foster different raising child from because his own they ferent househocome from lds with difent rules. differ“Doesn to get used ’t take them long it’s just like to our rules and raising our kids,” Sampso own n said. Foster families were shown of Merritt some appreci tion for the ato support work they put youth last ing children and in Wednesday. October was the Foster Family 23rd British ColumbMonth in ebrate, Interior ia and to Commu celServices nity , the Ministrin partnership with y of Childre Family Develop n ment, heldand celebratory Michael’s luncheon at St. a church. Members tions cooked of the organiz afor the parents and children foster few also Interior Communi shared some and a of thanks. words ty tion, the Ministry Services program of Child and Sampso co-ordina tor Lisa Family Services tor Lisa Ward it’s great n said he thinks Ward said to have and Interior serves cake to is a way the appreciation luncheo foster Communi to celebrat the event ty Services parents Robert work of e the hard home, support n as it is for network held a luncheon and Erin foster parents. good Sampson them, care ing. for them, last week “They . Interior for Merritt’sOctober was the bunch.” support and love them and hearts on really put their foster parents. 23rd foster Services Community the parent appreciat program Michael Potestio/He these childrenfamilies that whole lives,the line — their “We have co-ordin ion month just been actually. rald come from,” aing about and to show Ward said. Interior invite children They talkthat appreciaServices Community again as getting togethe into their Ward supports r a offers its ents with foster parbecause networking group parents described the foster support educatio they of Merritt issues a with any and by encoura n, training as a “great appreciation voiced an foster ging network Ward said. parent has, ing amongs one another [of] support [ing] ,” Ward Ward said. t foster parents, Interior said. Services Community The organiz is ation also Kamloo based out of ps but has office. a Merritt

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• Art gallery exhibit extended Anyone who attends the Courthouse Art Gallery will be treated to another two weeks of bodyinspired clay art by Cindilla Trent.

• Birks,Wight playing for Team Canada West at world tourney For the fourth time in the event’s eight-year history, the Merritt Centennials have had players selected to the Canada West team that will compete in the annual World Junior A Challenge.

• Halloween photos

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BUILDING INSPECTOR

HOURS OF OPERATION

John Chace, Building Inspector for the City of Merritt will be working Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30 am to 11:00 am and will do inspections out in the Àeld from 11:00 am.

Mayor’s DROP IN SESSION WEDNESDAY, NOV. 13 AQUATIC OCTOBER October was a busy month at the Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre with its 20th anniversary celebration on Oct. 19 (left) and its Halloween party on Oct. 25 (right), for which its staff got spooky makeovers. Submitted

Green energy plant construction slated to begin in February 2014 A Spanish energy company has won the contract to construct Merritt’s green energy plant that will use sawmill waste to generate electricity. Spanish multinational energy company Iberdrola Ingenieria was awarded two contracts for construction of the Merritt biomass power plants and another one in Fort St. James. The two power plants will have a com-

bined capacity of 80 megawatts and the two contracts are valued at 240 million Euros, or $338 million. The company was the successful bidder in an international tender to commission two biomass facilities in British Columbia. The tender was called by Canadian investment fund Fengate Capital. Iberdrola’s subsidiary has signed one contract to develop and build the Fort St.

James biomass power plant, on which work is expected to begin in November of this year. The company also acquired the right to build a second 40-MW facility named in Merritt, with work scheduled to begin in February 2014. Iberdrola Ingenieria will be in charge of all stages of construction and commissioning, as well as building two transformer substations and the power lines

connecting the plants to the grid. The plants will be equipped with “grate” design steam generators and will be fuelled by sawdust and waste from local sawmills, forestry plantations and cleanup operations. When commissioned, the biomass plants will be among the most powerful in the Canadian market,

supplying electricity to 160,000 homes and helping to prevent 570,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere per year. The construction work on the two facilities will create approximately 500 jobs, with another 22 new jobs expected for the plants’ operation and maintenance.

2014 GRANT IN AID APPLICATIONS

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•

250-378-4224

Next council meeting: Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013 Council agendas and minutes at www.merritt.ca

Have a great idea for an event? Are you part of an organization that is a positive contribution to the community? Each year, Council carefully considers providing funding assistance to non-proÀt groups that operate in the City of Merritt and provide valuable social and community services in the municipality. The 2014 Grant in Aid Application is now available, for a copy of the application please go to www.merritt.ca or drop by City Hall. Applications are due November 30 , 2013. th

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Community Room Downstairs at City Hall.

Come down and meet the Mayor. This is your opportunity to bring forth ideas on how we can make Merritt a better place to live and do business, ask questions about something you don’t understand or if something has transpired that you have not received a proper resolution with.

PROGRAMS OFFERED at the CIVIC CENTRE K9 NOSE WORK CLINIC - $55 Sunday, November 17 #2 Elevation & Exteriors: 9:00 – 11:00 am #3 Vehicles & Intro to Odours: 1:00 – 3:00 pm CROP WEEKEND - $25 November 15 – 17 Friday: 5:00 pm – 1:00 am Saturday: 9:00 am – 1:00 am Sunday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm HANDBALL - $30 (grades 3-5) Wednesday, November 6 – December 11 4:15 – 5:30 pm KIDS HOOPS - FREE! Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:30 – 6:00 pm @ DiamondVale BADMINTON Tuesdays 6:30 – 8:30 pm @ Collettville Entire season $75 or drop in $5 If you would like more information on these classes call 250-315-1050

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

THURSDAY, November 7, 2013 • 5

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

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WildSafeBC weighs in on wolf attack THE HERALD

reporter@merrittherald.com

Following a close call a forestry worker had with a pack of wolves in the wilderness near Merritt last month, WildSafeBC provincial co-ordinator Frank Ritcey says the attack probably wasn’t directed at the worker. On Oct. 15, Michelle Prosser of Lawes Forestry Management was conducting a road traverse on Lower Michael Road. She was about 100 metres from her truck when she was approached by a pack of about five wolves, which came within three metres of her. Prosser had her two dogs with her and bear mace. When the wolves got near her she called her dogs, grabbed the mace and retreated to her truck. One dog eventually came back to her side while the other stayed to fend off the wolves. In an email published by Infotel News, Prosser wrote that the incident was the scariest she’s had with wildlife. Prosser wrote she was in shock and the wolves were not as large as she’d expected. She wrote she realized they

were wolves when they started to approach with their heads down and spread out around her and her dogs. Prosser wrote she grabbed for her bear mace, yelled and acted strongly, and the wolves disappeared as quickly as they’d appeared. However, it was a different story for her dogs. Prosser wrote both of her dogs took off after the wolves, at which point she got back to her truck. Prosser wrote that she called for help on her handheld radio and someone responded saying they were on their way. There was an attack in the bushes just out of her sight and she called to her dogs as she hiked out of the wilderness. One of her dogs ran out and followed her, turning back and barking a few times at a wolf that was following them. She was loading the dog into the truck when a second, more severe attack occurred near the truck, just out of her sight. Then the second dog emerged, covered in blood and put its paw on the tail gate. Prosser loaded him into the truck and raced to a veterinarian.

The vet told her it was a miracle the dog was able to walk away and make it to her side, Prosser wrote in the email. The dog sustained fatal injuries and had to be put down. “This attack has changed me by making the wilderness no longer a place of peace and quiet. In fact, silence is what upsets me now,” Prosser wrote. As of the end of October, Prosser had not yet returned to work. Dogs can lure or deter wildlife, WildSafeBC warns The number of verified wolf attacks on humans is low, Ritcey told the Herald. Ritcey said he wouldn’t characterize the incident involving Prosser as an attack on a human, noting the dogs seemed to be the intended victims. Though Ritcey said he cannot speak to the specific incident and the wolf pack’s behaviour, in general, wolves tend to shy away from humans, but are hostile towards dogs. Ritcey said it’s hard to say with certainty if the dogs are what attracted the wolves in

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this specific case. He said each case is different, but typically, human-wolf interactions are rare. “In general, the wolf is a shy animal and when they see humans they get out of there quickly because they’ve had a long history of being persecuted by us,” Ritcey said, noting the fact wolves are not usually tolerated around livestock or human habitation. “Consequently, they tend to remain quite wary of humans,” Ritcey said. Ritcey said wolves are very territorial against other wolves and coyotes, which also makes them hostile to

dogs. “Domestic dogs, they’ll kill them any chance they get,” Ritcey said. WildSafeBC advises people who go out into the wilderness that the safest encounters with wildlife are when dogs are on leashes, Ritcey said. Ritcey noted the dog that did not return to Prosser’s side was the one that was mauled. “That was a tragic thing that happened and it’s rare, it’s very, very rare that wolves behave in that manner, but it’s not unheard of for wolves to attack dogs,” Ritcey said.

See ‘Dogs can’ Page 10

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HERALD OPINION Help the hospital: get a flu shot By Tom Fletcher BLACK PRESS tfletcher@blackpress.ca

VICTORIA – I got my influenza shot this week, paid for out of pocket since I don’t qualify for any of the higher-risk groups provided with free immunization. A reminder to take this simple health precaution came in October when a labour arbitrator ruled that it is a reasonable employment requirement for health care workers to either get the current immunization or mask up in patient care areas. Quiet advocacy by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall has paid off. Staff, doctors, outside contractors and visitors will have to put patients first. Health care unions pressed a grievance on behalf of members who insist they have a right to refuse immunization and increase exposure to patients. They have apparently run up the white flag. “We will be telling our members to comply with the new policy, or risk being fired,” said an overly dramatic Val Avery, president of the Health Sciences Association. HSA lawyers led the grievance, supported by the Hospital Employees’ Union and the B.C. Nurses’ Union. Avery said the union will continue to urge its members to take advantage of on-site flu shot clinics. That’s right, like most provincial employees, they all get immunization that is not only free but administered at work. Kendall announced the regulation last year, after finding that 40 per cent of employees in long-term care were not getting the current influenza vaccine, and the rate of immunization was declining. Their objections make no sense.

See ‘Preventive’ Page 7

Publisher Theresa Arnold production@ merrittherald.com

’Mo money, ’mo men’s health awareness

MICHAEL POTESTIO Merritt MINUTE To my fellow Merrittonians, If you see me around town this month and notice I look a bit different, do not fret. It’s only temporary. For the second year in a

Editor Emily Wessel newsroom@ merrittherald.com

row, I am helping to raise money for Movember. Movember is a charity that, every November, aims to raise awareness and funds to fight diseases affecting men’s health such as prostate and testicular cancers and mental health issues. The charity supports programs around the world such as Prostate Cancer Canada. Men everywhere are invited to participate by growing a moustache (“mo” for short), the thin, wiry whiskers of which stand as a symbol of support for the cause.

It’s like wearing an awareness ribbon, only this one, you grow. Now, my moustache is one of Italian descent, so I expect it to come in early, just as it did when I was in high school. This year I’m on a team of 12, half of whom are fellow journalists. We hope to raise as much as we can for this noble cause. By going online to the Movember website at ca.movember.com, you can find my fundraising team. Our team is called Bob Seger and the Night

Reporter Michael Potestio reporter@ merrittherald.com

MERRITT HERALD 2090 G

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Mo’s — a slight twist on a classic Bob Seger tune — and people who wish to can donate to the cause by either donating in the team’s name, as I have, or donating in the name of a particular member (for example, your local reporter). There’s always some friendly competition to raise the most money, which is all in good fun and supports a good cause. I encourage my fellow Merrittonians to join in with me. Let’s help fight the good fight and do our

Sports writer Ian Webster sports@ merrittherald.com

part to raise awareness for men’s health. I encourage my fellow men to grow a mo in support of the campaign, but more importantly, to talk about issues affecting men’s health. We all know how difficult it can be for a man to openly discuss his health or overcome a fear of going to the doctor sometimes, so awareness is key. Never be afraid to talk about your health, physical or mental, and let’s do all we can to ensure men everywhere stay healthy. Grow a mo, support the cause.

Office manager Carol Soames classifieds@ merrittherald.com

FAX (250) 378-6818

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

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

THURSDAY, November 7, 2013 • 7

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YOUR OPINION Veterans continue fight for benefits at home Dear Editor, I would like to thank Chief Percy Joe for bringing forth the issue of the Veterans Charter that was changed in 2006 because most Canadians know nothing about it. The 2006 change, instead of continuing to care for our injured and disabled veterans, made for a one-time payment and had a huge negative impact on them. Think about those who have lost limbs, such as both legs or worse, or are mentally disabled or impaired to the point that they can’t function at any level. That pittance of a settle-

ment doesn’t go very far in attempting to rehabilitate them or help them to continue their lives without the probability of becoming destitute. The hypocrisy of all this is that on Remembrance Day, Progressive Conservative members of Parliament across Canada will be laying wreaths in memory of fallen veterans while at the same time fighting them in court. This year, in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, six of these veterans are appealing the 2006 Veterans Charter, saying it is unconstitutional and unfair. What is really sad is that the federal government lawyers tried labelling these injured and dis-

Website on intersection of bylaws, rights Dear Editor, My name is Gilles Provost, a.k.a. French. I wrote two letters to city council and the local newspaper in April. Since then, many people told me how confusing they find Merritt’s bylaws and the Charter of Rights. This letter is to help the people of Merritt to better understand the bylaws and how the Charter of Rights fits in with the bylaws. This letter also explains how to use proper protocols to address the city, and if need be, to file a complaint. Knowing the rules to

be followed and observed by the city and the citizens would give a sense of fairness to all involved. My research included reading the city bylaws, the Fire Services Act and the Charter of Rights, which are all available on the Internet. I also made phone calls to the ombudsman, the fire chief of Merritt, had a meeting with the RCMP, Nicola Valley legal advocate, the Merritt’s chief administrator, and the mayor of Merritt. I’m in no way insinuating that this research resolves any controversy or disagreement between different parties, but

perhaps it gives a sense of security knowing that there is a protocol to be followed by all parties. Furthermore, I’m not a lawyer or legal advisor. This information is the finding of my personal research and is intended to help residents understand the process a bit better. The space needed to include all of the information would exceed the word limit for the newspaper, so I have created a web page at merrittbylaws.com. Hope to see you there. Gilles Provost Merritt

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abled veterans and opportunists and freeloaders. Where should they draw the line for those who have been so negatively impacted while serving Canada? The 2006 Veterans Charter and the federal Conservative Party of Canada go against everything we, as Canadians, believe is right. So remember, when you see them laying a wreath that is supposed to honour our veterans and dead, that they are also thrashing them.

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

Dave Froese Merritt

More details on missing man The mother of a missing local man has released more details about the day of his disappearance in the hopes it might lead to more information. Dean Morrison, a 44-year-old father of three, has been missing since late October. Elizabeth Faber wrote on the morning of Oct. 22, her son was terminated from his contract painting position at Stump Lake Ranch because he was lethargic and looked unwell, according to the statement. Morrison’s vehicle wasn’t running properly, so a tow truck was called at 9:30 a.m. and arrived after 1 p.m. Some time between the tow truck being called and arriving, Morrison went missing. The statement noted Morrison had some facial sores the day of

his disappearance, which could be linked to a bacterial infection he was on antibiotics for at the time. According to the statement, Morrison and his wife had recently separated and he was also suffering from depression. Family members became concerned when Morrison did not call or go back to his sister’s house, where he occasionally stayed on days off from his contract service position at the ranch, the statement reads. On Oct. 28, his sister reported him missing to the RCMP. On Oct. 31, RCMP conducted an air and ground search. As of Tuesday, RCMP and the family had no calls or information about the case. Anyone with information about Morrison’s whereabouts is asked to contact RCMP at (250) 378-4262.

Preventive measures can reduce flu chaos From Page 6 Aside from the self-serving “rights” argument, they complain that the annual flu vaccine isn’t effective enough. The formula is developed by international effort to track the dominant strains that emerge as winter rolls around the world. Kendall says a poor match results in about 40 per cent immunity, and a good match reaches 90 per cent. At the risk of stating the obvious, he notes that even 40 per cent is bet-

ter than nothing. After two weeks of expert testimony, arbitrator Robert Diebolt, a retired UBC law professor, wrote as follows: “It is indisputable that influenza can be a serious, even fatal, disease. Immunization also indisputably provides a measure of protection to health care workers and I have found that their immunization reduces influenza transmission to patients. “I have also concluded that there is a real and serious patient safety issue and

the policy is a helpful program to reduce patient risk.” The B.C. Centre for Disease Control calculates that if all healthcare workers would get immunized, the risk to patients would be reduced nearly 50 per cent. The Ministry of Health warns: “you can spread influenza for 24 hours before you have any symptoms.” What would cause educated health care workers to defy common sense? A hint is provided by professional union promoter and publicist Bill Tieleman, who

railed about the decision on his blog. This regulation is inspired by big bad U.S. healthcare corporations that would rather impose immunization than pay for sick days, Tieleman asserts. Ah, so an infected health care employee should wander the wards until symptoms emerge, and then go home for a few days of paid rest. What a perfectly stupid idea! Last week BCNU president Debra McPherson was warning about “chaos” at the new Surrey Memorial

emergency ward, her latest of a career of media protests. The big new facility is already overflowing, and more beds and more staff are needed, stat! Perhaps if better preventive measures were taken by nurses, doctors and other staff, this chronic “chaos” would be reduced and these unions would have more credibility. Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press and BCLocalNews.com Twitter:@tomfletcherbc

Will you attend the local Remembrance Day service?

PREVIOUS QUESTION Do you make it to any of the Cents’ away games? YES: 0% NO: 100%

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

John Isaac

250-378-1586

Merritt Army Cadets

www.realestatemerritt.ca

is in need of volunteers, new cadets and officers (no experience necessary) to carry its legacy forward. Please contact Angele Grenier at agrenier@uniserve.com

Johnisaac@telus.net

active since 1921

Ph: 250-378-6181 F: 250-378-6184

www.royallepage.ca/merritt 1988 Quilchena Ave., Merritt, BC

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519,000.

Wonderful 26 country acres, with good water table, grasslands with some easy hillside, views of the distant mountains and ponds $

329,000

8 • THURSDAY, November 7, 2013

www.merrittherald.com

BUSINESS

Year-end tax reminders and tips

To be sure you keep your tax bill as low as possible, tax and financial planning should be a year-round activity. But even now, as the time to file your 2013 tax return approaches, there are certain steps you can take to reduce your next tax hit. These are just a few opportunities for yearend tax savings. Talk to your professional advisor to make sure you’re not missing out on others. Capital gains and losses Sell money-losing investments by the Dec. 31 settlement date to

RRSP contributions The contribution deadline for 2013 is March 3, 2014. RRSP contribution room can be carried forward indefinitely and you may want to consider deferring a deduction to a future year when you’ll be in a higher tax bracket. RRSP withdrawals If you intend to withdraw cash from your investments held within an RRSP and expect your income to increase significantly next year, consider making the withdrawal before year end. If you turn 71 this

year and are required to wind up your RRSPs before December 31, it’s tax-advantageous to transfer the funds to investments held within a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) or annuity. You can also continue to make contributions for your spouse until he or she turns 71. Income-splitting Save on taxes by contributing to investments held within a spousal RRSP, through a pension-income split with a spouse, or by paying a salary to other (eligible) family members. Home buyers’ plan (HBP) By delaying a withdrawal from your investments held within an RRSP under HBP until after Dec. 31, you’ll extend the time period for purchasing a new home and for the first repayment by an additional year.

Registered education savings plan (RESP) If your child is turning 15 this year and you want to ensure he or she will be eligible for the Canadian Education Savings Grant (CESG) in the years the child turns 16 and 17, by the end of the year you must be able to show that you contributed at least $2,000 to their investments held within an RESP (with zero withdrawals) or you contributed at least $100 for you child in any four year period (again, with zero withdrawals). Tax-free savings account (TFSA) Make a $5,000 contribution to your investments held with a TFSA. The contribution isn’t tax deductible but the money and interest earned inside your TFSA are tax-free and so are withdrawals, which can be made at any time for any pur-

pose. Tax deductions and tax credit Take full advantage of all that are available to you and make sure the items you claim were paid in the year they are claimed. This column, written and published by Investors Group Financial Services Inc. (in Québec – a Financial Services Firm), and Investors Group Securities Inc. (in Québec, a firm in Financial Planning) presents general information only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any investments. Contact your own advisor for specific advice about your circumstances. For more information on this topic please contact your Investors Group Consultant.

narayanmitra@hotmail.com

Another anniversary of the 9-11 New York City attack, the eleventh this year, is come and gone. Since then, there have been hundreds of terrorist-related slay-

ings and damages have affected cities all over the world. Even now, questions are raised in such painful circumstances about the role of religion as a source of conflict. The pervading sickness of ‘religious’ violence has multiplied

in the last decades and has been gaining the attention of historians, sociologists, political scientists as well as scholars of religious studies. Religious conflicts the world over, lately since the Iranian revolution of 1979, have

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evoked new challenges and spurred thinking about the role of religion in international political arenas. Noted scholars continue to echo the dual sentiment that religion leads to war as well as to peace. Some argue that

religion is a source of conflict because it has an inherent tendency to promote violence.

Ben van der Gracht is in the Merritt office on Thursdays. Drop by or call to make an appointment. 1988 Quilchena Avenue 250.378.4218 1.888.374.3350 www.morellichertkow.com

See ‘Religion’ Page 10

God

the Word, the World

By Herman Kneller

We have been looking at the judgement. Do you remember some time ago that we talked about the 2300 days until the sanctuary would be cleansed? The sanctuary is a place in the temple in Heaven where all the records are kept. Cleaning the sanctuary in 1844, at the end of the 2300 days, was when, in Heaven, they began to look at the records. The records of people who had sinned but had accepted Jesus, had asked for forgiveness, and had changed their lives (with the help of Jesus) were forgiven their sins hence, the sanctuary(records) cleansed. Their sins were covered by the perfect life of and the death of Jesus. The others would pay for their own sins. While this was going on in Heaven, the Seventh Day Adventist church, along with others, were giving Jesus’ last message to all the world. This was the message that Jesus left to the apostles

when He went back to Heaven. The instruction was that they were to go to all the world to every nation, kindred, tongue and people to teach them of Jesus’ love, death, His commandments and then baptize all who would believe and accept Jesus. The Jesus who would come back and take to Heaven all who were faithful to Him. All who would, with the help of Jesus, change their lives, giving up their bad habits of eating poorly, drinking heavily, and speaking badly, etc., giving up these things that would not be a part of life in Heaven. This sounds like a big job that was given to the church, but Jesus said when He came and gave this commission to them, “Lo I am with you to the end.” The church today is using all kinds of methods to reach all no matter where they live or who they are. The church is going all out with their wonderful message of hope for tomorrow and beyond. Have a good week!

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10 • THURSDAY, November 7, 2013

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Dogs can warn of wildlife threats From Page 5

FIELD TRIP (Above) Kindergarten and Grade 1 students from Bench Elementary visited with residents at the Florentine on Halloween. (Left) Inside, Florentine residents embraced the Halloween spirit with costumes of their own. Emily Wessel/Herald

Ritcey said he couldn’t say whether or not people who go into the wilderness should go with dogs or have them on leashes because it all depends on the dog. “If you’ve got a dog that stays close to you, is extremely obedient and you can call it off from a situation and it will come to you, then that’s fine. But if you’ve got a dog that runs loose and goes off on its own then that dog’s going to be at risk,” Ritcey said. Ritcey said dogs are great to use as an early warning device. “Quite often they’ll notice that there’s a bear

or other predator in the area long before you will and they can alert you to the fact, but if it’s offleash then it may also bring that predator back to you,” Ritcey said. The Forest Safety Council recommends people who encounter wolves to back away slowly without turning their back to the wolves. A person should make aggressive actions to convey to the wolves you are a threat and not prey. Waving your arms to look as large as possible and speaking with a firm, loud voice, throwing sticks and rocks, or using bear mace are recommended.

Les t we forget...

The Union of Psychiatric Nurses of British Columbia wishes to honour those who have sacriﬁced for us and those who serve us today. www.upnbc.org

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Religion related to peace, violence From Page 8 Others opine that religion is a resource of peace, because “true” religion is peaceful. It is only in its deviant form that religion leads to violence. Conflict is not something alien to religion only in recent times. It has been a feature of religions’ origins centuries ago. A provocative and notorious theory alleges that religion is the central characteristic of civilization, suggesting that religion is a dominant engine of violence. Religious resurgence and the growth of violence and terror committed in the name of religion bring into relief the issue of religion’s dynamic relationship to violence. One paradoxical question keeps arising: Why is religion a source

of conflict? In When Religion Becomes Evil, Charles Kimball defines religion as that which “evokes a wide variety of images, ideas, practices, beliefs, and experiences – some positive and some negative.” He espouses the theory that religion is a central feature of human life. We all see many indications of it every day and we all know it when we see it. Kimball concludes that religious convictions, locked into absolute truths, can easily lead people to see themselves as God’s agents. Other scholars claim religion is prone to conflict because it produces a particular intensity of non-rational, irrational passion that is not subject to the firm control of reason. Various words, such as “rage,” “passion” and

“fanaticism” are often used to describe the mental state of religious actors driven to conflict and violence. Thankfully, in recent years, there has been rising interest among scholars to engage in inter-faith conversations on how religion could be a resource of peace and be used in conflict resolution and peace building. Exploring the role of religion in peace making and peace building is essential to the survival of religion itself. The need for transformation of religion is not only urgent but crucial. There is a growing negative attitude towards religion these days. The question is: How does religion create peace? Analysis of theories of religious violence opens the door for strategies that would help ensure religions can be

harnessed for peace making as opposed to the absolute, divisive and irrational markers and influences that have enabled inter-group violence, war, and conflict. Several strategies for transformation of religion into a force of peace can be suggested. First, the pursuit of dialogue among religions can be an influence. The call for dialogue is the need for education within various faith traditions. Second, explore the strategy of fostering economic development, especially as it benefits the poor and the marginalized in any religious society. Religion is powerfully conditioned by the underlying economic and political environments in which all human life remains deeply rooted. Third, the strengthening of democracy, on

ENTER

both national and local levels, is needed to artfully promote the values of democracy. Narayan Mitra is the pastor of Merritt Baptist Church.

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12 • THURSDAY,

November 7, 2013

THURSDAY, November 7, 2013 • 13

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

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This 2 bedrm rancher on the Bench has 9353 sq.ft. lot with nice yard and mature trees. Pine kitchen cabinets, large bedrooms and a roomy living room with gas fireplace. Large deck in back.

Well designed 3 bedrm rancher in new subdivision. Open floor plan with nice sized rooms throughout. Kitchen opens to living & dining rooms with beautiful cabinetry. Fully fenced backyard.

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Nice corner lot on a quiet street with plenty of room to build a shop. This home is awaiting your ideas. Home is in need of some TLC and is priced accordingly.

Excellent starter home in Lower Nicola on 0.72 acre lot with 48x48 shop. Home has 2 bedrms, 1152 sq.ft. gas fireplace. A work in progress but the neighbourhood but the results can be fantastic.

Charming 2 bedrm home with fresh paint, roof, updated windows & kitchen. 12x12 patio off sundeck. Quiet neighbourd, centrally location with lane access, RV parking & insulated shop.

Perfect for family in good neighbourhood & close to school. 3 bedrms on main, large open kitchen with nook, 3 gas F/S’s, 2 bedrms down & summer kitchen. Large fenced backyard.

Large corner lot, fully manicured. 5 bedrm home with extra large kitchen w/pantr y, open concept dining & family rm. 5 pce ensuite, fully fin. bsmt with wet bar & large rec.rm. U/G sprinklers & 2 covered decks.

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Very nice 3 yr old rancher with 3 bedrms, 3 pce ensuite and W/I closet in large master bedrm. Fully open concept with great kitchen. Entire home is tastefully finished & equipped with good appliances.

3 bedrm family home, close to schools with 24x24 shop/garage in backyard with large garden & fruit trees. Home has large living rm & kitchen, 2.5 baths, large rec.rm with dry bar.

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REVENUE FOURPLEX

US N O B Quality executive 3 BR family home with HW & cork flooring with spacious rooms, vaulted ceilings & Mill Creek cabinets with granite top on kitchen island. U/G sprinklers, 2 sundecks, private yard.

Spacious 4 bedrm home with open design, 3 pce ensuite, large back porch, huge backyard with nice sundeck and a garden area. Inlcudes 2 bedrm bsmt suite. 26x24 double garage.

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

Great opportunity to own a one bedroom apartment in Merritt. Why rent when you can own. Very affordable unit. BONUS of $3,000 paid to Buyer upon completion! Includes appliances.

#1997

#2050

#2103

#2089

$419,900

$334,900

$298,000

CLOSE TO SCHOOL

INVESTMENT

GREAT LOCATION

SPOTLESS RANCHER

$65,000

D UCE D E R Beautiful 2 bedroom home plus den/hobby room completely updated including all flooring, paint & most fixtures. Lane access for extra parking in rear. Centrally located in downtown core.

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.

An older 2 bedrm house in nice neighbourhood on extra large lot of 13,780 sq.ft. that may have subdivision potential. Lane access to well maintained huge backyard. 19x16 single car garage.

Cozy & impressive home with entry way with oak floors & Victorian front doors & stained glass windows, bathrms refurbished with vintage tubs. Geothermal heating, 4 bedrms, 3 baths.

Completely renovated 4 bedrm home with new kitchen, flooring, new bathrms up & down, extra spacious floor plan with open concept living. Large lot, covered carport, RV parking.

Perfect for large family with 4 bedroom plus an additional 2 bedrm inlaw suite, den & play roo. Nice fenced yard for children or pets. Lane access. Community parks are close by.

Very nice 4 bedroom home with open floor plan and high cathedral ceilings. Has 1 bedrm and laundry on main, 3 bedrms up and ensuite with jetted tub. Has fenced backyard. Includes 3 appliances.

Side by side uplex with 100 amp service. Each side has 2 bedrms, 1 bath and approx 432 sq.ft. Easy walk to shopping & schools. Has had some renovations. Adjacent duplex also for sale.

3 bedrms on the main, possible 4th down. Kitchen is bright & cheery with new counters & cabinets. Laminate & tile floors. Fully fin. bsmt with big family rm, office & storage.

One level home with 2 master bedrms + den & office (or 3rd bedrm). Each bedrm has its own ensuite. Has 536 sq.ft. covered deck and 20x16 detached shop with concrete floors.

#2115

#1863

#2093

#2015

#2038

#2116

#2079

#1982

#2035

#1988

$149,900

$549,900

$169,000

$499,000

$329,000

$279,000

$259,900

$169,900

$246,300

HERITAGE HOME

CLOSE TO SCHOOLS

BEAUTIFUL HERITAGE HOME

WHY RENT

NICE MOBILE

CLOSE TO SCHOOLS

QUIET CUL DE SAC

NEW RANCHER

RIVERFRONT PROPERTY

EXTRA HALF LOT

OPPORTUNITY

In downtown core, close to all amenities, lane access & private yard. Features 3 bedrms, 4 pce ensuite, Victorian classic kitchen with all appl., HW flooring in many rooms, 9 ft ceilings & large family rm.

Large family home in good area, close to schools with 3 bedrms up and 2 bedrm inlaw suite on ground level. New paint & flooring on main. HW radiant heat with new boiler in 2009. Large fenced backyard.

Beautifully finished 2 bdrm heritage home on 0.25 acre lot with new carport. Home has been completely restored including new windows, roof, kitchen & bathrm. 9 ½ ft ceilings, new plumbing

This 3 bedrm home has had some updates, laminate flooring, double glazed windows, electrical upgrade, newer roof. 2 levels, 3 bedrms, 2 baths. Strata fees heat and hot water.

2009 mobile in Lower Nicola MHP with 2 bedrooms, open design kitchen/living room. Hardi plank siding, 2 x 6 construction, large lot. Great home for retirees or first time buyers

Great 4 bedrm home with HW floors, open concept with big kitchen & comes with appl. Some reno’s have been done like new roof, windows & exterior doors. Main bath has jetted soaker tub.

West Coast contemporary home on quiet street. 3 bedrms, den, 2.5 baths, elegant flooring. 13x18 living rm with 17 ft vaulted ceilings. Kitchen with wrap around counters. 3 pce ensuite. Private backyard.

Great views from this Bench rancher with full walkout basement. HW, porcelain & carpet flooring. Vaulted ceilings, open design kitchen, 2 bedrms up, 2 baths. Bsmt roughed in inlaw suite.

Executive 3 bedrm rancher on immaculate ½ acre lot backing onto Nicola River. Features 3 bedrms, 2 baths, 1900+ sq.ft. with maple HW, ceramic tile & large 475 sq.ft. covered deck.

Perfect for large family with 4 bedrms, 2.5 baths, stainless steel appliances, BI vac, A/C. Great yard with patio gazebo, UG & drip irrigation, double garage and extra parking on 1.5 lots.

Great opportunity to get into the rental market. 6 strata titled strata units, within walking distance to all amenities. Being sold below assessed value at $87,900 per unit. All currently rented.

#2052

#2034

#2043

#2090

#2010

#1963

#2031

#2022

#2100

#2044

#2105

$289,900

$329,000

REASONS TO STOP RENTING • Continual rent increases • No economic security • No tax benefits • No price appreciation Let us help you find the home that suits your family’s needs.

$239,000

$89,900

$71,900

OPPORTUNITY

EXECUTIVE HOME

GREAT STARTER

Great holding property with 4 lots, one with cozy 1 bedrm rental home plus 3 other lots (zoned C2) being sold as a package. Has a single car garage. Close to downtown core.

Executive 5 bedrm, 3 bath home the HW floors, slate tile, gourmet chef’s kitchen with Maple shaker cabinets. Large living rm, den & family rm with sliding doors to deck. Fully finished basement.

#1995

#2027

$299,000 PRIVATE OASIS

$509,900

$289,000

$299,900

HALF DUPLEX

Very clean home with 3 bedroom up, 2 bathrooms, new tile & newer flooring in living room. Close to schools. Has a carport in back with lane access and fenced yard.

Book an appt. to view this 3 bedrm bungalow with fenced lot, mature landscaping & lane access. Private patio with hot tub. Open oak kitchen/dining room. Family room with wood airtight.

Beautifully renovated 3 bedrm, 2 storey, Half duplex with 1 bedrm inlaw suite. Updates include new flooring throughout, paint, moldings, interior doors, kitchen counters & 3 renovated baths.

#2110

#1960

#2102

$127,500

Totally renovated home, tastefully decorated, 4 bedrms, 2 baths plus sunroom, custom kitchen with granite counters, fantastic bathrm with high end fixtures. Incredible backyard with water features.

Well finished ICF efficient home with 4 bedroom, open floor plan with quality throughout. The unfinished basement was designed to accommodate an inlaw suite. Has a Home Warranty.

#2097

#2091

#1985

Each $169,900

$177,000

$209,000

SPENCES BRIDGE

CORNER LOT

3 bedrm, 2 bath double wide on its own 0.17 acre lot with fruit trees & garden area. Great retreat close to the famous Thompson River known for salmon & steelhead fishing.

Cute and cozy 2 bedroom home in good area of downtown & close to all amenities. Home has had upgrade over past few year – new metal roof, insulation, flooring, light fixture, countertops & paint.

#2101

#2014

GORGEOUS VIEWS

$429,000

$439,000

CURB APPEAL

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

Four side by side full duplexes. A total of 8 rental units available. Each side has 2 bedrms, 1 bathrm, kitchen, living rm & fenced backyard. 4 separate titles. Can be sold separately or will sell as a package.

$279,000

$359,900

$99,500

$165,000

$389,000

$527,400

THINKING OF BUYING? We match homes and families. Let our knowledgeable, dedicated realtors find the home to fit your family.

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