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THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2014 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS

CENTS READY FOR THE NEW YEAR! CENTSATIONAL! After a 10-day break for the Christmas holidays, the Merritt Centennials are ready and rarin’ to go in the new year. They have three huge games this weekend. Friday night, they host the Evil Empire (a.k.a. Penticton Vees) at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, there’s a fan bus going to Salmon Arm for the Cents’ 7 p.m. showdown with the Silverbacks — the team Merritt beat twice in a row on home ice to close out their December schedule (above). Tickets are still available for the fan bus by calling the Centennials’ marketing office at 378-3604. The Cents close out their three-games-in-three-days with a visit to the South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton for another clash with the dastardly Interior Division-leading Vees. The puck drops on the matinee tilt at 3 p.m. Ian Webster/Herald

New contract for Aspen Planers and Tolko workers THE HERALD

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Forest workers at mills such as Aspen Planers and Tolko in Merritt will be getting a raise after six months without a new contract. An agreement has been reached on a new five year deal between the union United Steelworkers (USW) Wood Council and Interior Forest Labour Relations Association (IFLRA), who were bargaining

for management of those mills. The retroactive agreement ranges from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2018. It will see all USW forest workers employed at IFLRA member companies across the Southern Interior of B.C. receive a 13 per cent general increase in pay and $3,400 signing bonuses across the board over the life of the contract. Employees get a three per cent raise, with an additional

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basically beat anything we’ve had in the last 20 years,” local USW president Marty Gibbons told the Herald. “When you consider the general wage increase combined with the pension increase, it’s a 16 per cent wage increase over five years,” he said. Gibbons said the average tradesperson alone will be getting paid more than 23 per cent more by the end of this deal than they are currently making,

$400 lump sum in the first year of the contract. They will get a two per cent raise the following year, a 2.5 per cent raise and $1,000 lump sum in years three and four and another three per cent raise and $1,000 lump sum in the fifth year of the contract. Union employees will also have $1 per hour per employee put into their pension plan. “The monetary increases in the collective agreement

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taking into account the general wage increase, pension funding and a trades bonus. The IFLRA proposed the deal, union membership voted on it over the past two weeks and it was ratified by about 60 or 70 per cent of membership, Gibbons said. “It wasn’t quite as highly ratified as we figured it would, but we believe that may be more related to some hostility between some of our employers and their employees more so than just the con-

tract” Gibbons said. He also said this deal came on the verge of a work stoppage as in November a vote on instituting a strike was held and approved by union members, meaning at least half of them were prepared to walk the picket lines. “It was a brink of a strike. If this deal was voted down – had it been failed – we would be on strike right now,” Gibbons aid. He also said, they had aimed for a three year deal, but settled

upon a five year deal. “Bottom line is we couldn’t get this kind of financial package without a longer contract,” Gibbon said. There was also significant improvements in healthcare benefits, Gibbons said, noting increases in short-term disability, eyeglasses and dental work such as braces. “It’s the best deal we’ve had since the 80s and it’s about as far as we were going to go without a strike,” Gibbons said.

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2 • THURSDAY, January 2, 2014

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS POLICE REPORT

Vehicle crashes result in two deaths Highway death One man is dead after a single vehicle collision on Highway 5. The 81-year-old man was travelling southbound about five kilometres north of Mine Creek Road when he lost control of the

vehicle. The vehicle crossed the centre median and the northbound lanes, then rolled down an embankment. Merritt RCMP responded to the incident at about 4 p.m. on Dec. 18. The man was eject-

ed from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The BC Coroners Service and RCMP are investigating. Alcohol is not suspected to be a factor in the incident. The roads were covered in snow and

were icy, and RCMP suspect speed relative to conditions and failure to wear a seatbelt are causal factors in the incident. Fatal car crash One man perished and another two were

injured after a single vehicle collision on Highway 97C. The vehicle was travelling eastbound when it lost control, left the roadway to the right and rolled down an embankment. Merritt RCMP

responded to the accident at 3:50 p.m. on December 27 near the Aspen Grove Junction. The three occupants of the vehicle were taken to the Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre where they were treated and the one

man was pronounced dead. Police say the roads were icy at the time of the accident and they and the BC Coroners Service are continuing to investigate the incident.

Christmas hamper program serves 590 By Emily Wessel THE HERALD

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The food bank’s Christmas hamper program provided 590 people in the Nicola Valley with food and gifts. The food bank approved 276 applications for hampers from people with demonstrated financial need. About 40 companies and community members sponsored hampers as well. Preliminary numbers show hampers went to 130 singles, 60 doubles, and 86 families. “The community has supported this program overwhelmingly,” food bank manager Marlene Fenton said. “It’s great.” The numbers are up over last year’s, when the hamper program served 518 people. The hampers contain a full Christmas dinner and toys for those with children. The program is entirely volunteerrun and co-ordinated through the local food bank. Ruth Tolerton coordinated the hamper program for the first time this year. Tolerton said about half of the sponsors wanted to deliver the hampers themselves, while the others were delivered by food bank volunteers. Along with processing applications, Tolerton did some hamper shopping and even deliveries. “We called a woman and she didn’t happen to be home, so we left it on her back porch because it was accessible but secure. We hadn’t got five kilometres down the road and she phoned

me on my cell and said, ‘Thank you so much, I can’t believe it. This is just so wonderful.’ It puts a smile on your face.” Tolerton said she also tried to accommodate applicants’ gift wishes where she was able to. “If you’re going to be Santa, there’s no point in asking for wishes unless you’re going to try to fill them,” Tolerton said. Many of the wishes were realistic, including a woman who asked for pyjamas for her two sons. “That was mom’s wish. She was just really humble about it all,” she said, adding the boys got some toys as well. The hampers were distributed on Dec. 17, 18 and 19 from a site on Granite Avenue. Tolerton was encouraged to volunteer for the hamper program by friend and long-time food bank volunteer Sheila Kirk. She said her first experience working behind the scenes with the food bank was a positive one. “One of the things that really impressed me was, just being at the food bank, what a cheerful and happy place it is,” she said. Fenton said there were some last-minute requests – including a sponsor who wanted to get hampers for two families with just one day left in the program. While they were able to accommodate the request, they urge people to start thinking about it earlier next year. “This is something that people need to start thinking about in November,” Fenton said.

THURSDAY, January 2, 2014 • 3

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Merritt: Sportiest Community in B.C. By Ian Webster THE HERALD

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It’s official! Merritt is the sportiest community in the province. For its size that is. The organizers of the 2013 RBC Sports Day in Canada B.C. Challenge announced on December 19 that the city of Merritt had won the title in the District category (for communities between 5,001 and 10,000 people in population). Merritt joins four other category winners from around B.C. – Hornby Island, Tofino, Comox Valley and Kamloops. Merritt received the distinction, and $1,000 worth of sports equipment, largely because of its highlysuccessful Jersey Day and Sports Day in Merritt events. The latter was held on Sunday, Nov. 24 at various locations around the community. Over 100 people of all ages took part in the multi-sport extravaganza that saw activities take place at the Merritt Curling Centre, the Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre and Memorial Arena, and at the Civic Centre.

Merrittonians of all ages got into the spirit of Sports Day in Merritt on Nov. 24, with activities taking place at the Nicola Valey Memorial Arena, the Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre, the Merritt Curling Centre and the Civic Centre. Ian Webster/Herald

Participants in Sports Day in Merritt carried passports from venue to venue, and had them stamped after completing each activity. They then turned them in at the end of the day for bronze,

silver or gold medals. Participants also searched for Olympic-coloured rings that were hidden at each of the event locations. Finding all five colours of Olympic ring got one’s name

entered into a draw. “Sports Day in Canada is actually a week-long celebration of sport across the country,” said Josée Warren, one of the organizers of the Merritt event. “It’s usually held at the end of September, but this year they arranged it for November as part of the build-up to the 2014 Winter Olympics in February.” Sports Day in Canada is an annual festival, jointly sponsored by RBC, ParticipACTION, CBC and True Sport. It is a national celebration of sport, from grassroots to high-performance, and an opportunity for all Canadians to rejoice in the power of sport, build community and national spirit, and facilitate healthy, active living. In Merritt, the Sports Day in Canada event was organized and run by the City of Merritt’s Leisure Services Dept. and the Interior branch of PacificSport. “This was our first year taking part in the festival,” said Warren, who works for Interior PacificSport. “We feel that our initial effort was a great success. That said, we have many ideas how we can improve things for next year.”

Community’s youth meeting the healthy-living challenge By Ian Webster

* Enjoy five or more vegetables or fruits every day.

THE HERALD

sports@merrittherald.com

All it takes is 60 minutes a day. That’s the mantra of the 60 Minute Kids’ Club, a fun and engaging physical activity program designed to get children from Kindergarten to Grade 6 excited about making healthy living choices. Over 180 elementary students from five local schools recently took up the challenge, enrolling themselves in the fall session (from Oct. 1 – Dec. 1). They were so successful that one of their schools, Collettville, finished first in the district, first in the province of B.C. and third overall in Canada. A formal announcement of the nation-wide results was made at Collettville School’s month-end assembly on Dec. 18. A very excited group of 55 youngsters, ranging in age from 5 to 12, was presented with a special 60MKC banner by local co-ordinators Felicity Peat from the City of Merritt Leisure Services Dept. and Josée Warren

* Power down to no more than two hours of screen time a day. * Play actively at least one hour a day. * Choose healthy by consuming zero sugar or sweetened drinks. Collettville Elementary School ooll sstudents tude tu deent nts celebrate finishing first iin B.C. and third in Canada in the 60 Minute Kids’ Club fall challenge. The 60MKC promotes healthy and active living amongst youth. Ian Webster/Herald

from the Interior branch of PacificSport. “We also acknowledged the top 10 kids at each school for their participation, and had a party for them on Dec. 23 at the civic centre and aquatic centre,” said Warren. The 60 Minutes Kids’ Club is a school-based activation program, originally designed by a pair of elementary teachers. Its aim is to empower children and their fami-

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lies with the knowledge and skills to live a healthy and active lifestyle. The program engages kids through an online, interactive medium with goal setting, accountability and fun incentives. “We had a launch assembly at each school,” said Warren, “and sent information home to the parents. After that, the kids took over.” At the heart of the 60MKC program are the 5-2-1-0 guidelines:

This foundation of physical fitness and healthy nutrition will assist in enhancing children’s quality of life as research shows that people who are active and eat healthy decrease their risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer. Warren said both she and Peat plan to visit local schools again in the new year and encourage even more students to sign up for the next 60MKC challenge which is scheduled to run from Jan. 15 to Mar. 15.

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GOOD MORNING! Opinion ------------------------------------------ 6-7 Business ------------------------------------------- 8 Sports ----------------------------------------- 14-15 Classifieds --------------------------------------- 17

TODAY’S HERALD FLYERS *Selected distribution Jysk Staples* London Drugs* Coopers Michael’s* Canadian Tire* Pharmasave* Extra Foods* Safeway

DID YOU PICK UP TUESDAY’S HERALD? Dec. 27 Year in Review Headlines Available at news stands today.

• Merritt home to B.C.’s first baby of 2013: Jan. 3 If everything had gone according to schedule, Geraldine and David James would not be the proud parents of the first baby born in B.C. in 2013.

• Police searh for missing teens at Nicola Lake: April 23 Merritt RCMP and Search and Rescue are searching for two teen boys at the north end of Nicola Lake.

•Ribbon cut on $4 million firefighting facility: Sept. 12 The new $4.7 million Provincial Wildfire Training Facility and expanded Merritt Fire Zone office officially opened last Thursday.

• Year of sports in pictures

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4 • THURSDAY, January 2, 2014

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Council approves pair of lease renewals The following is an excerpt from the City of Merritt regular council meeting agenda from Dec. 17 The City of Merritt approved two lease renewals of city owned facilities at its December 17 regular meeting. The Nicola Valley Museum and Archives facilty and the Senior Citizens Complex each received new three-year leases. The museum’s lease and the lease for the seniors complex were set to expire on December 31. The leases were approved unanimously at rates of $1 per year between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2016. The Nicola Valley Museum and Archives Association operates the museum facility and handles the janitorial costs, and light maintenence costs and is responsible for the museum’s daily operations.

The Merritt Senior Citizens Association (MSCA) operates the seniors facility and is also responsible for the daily operations of its facility including janitorial costs and light maintenence costs. The city is responsible for all maintenence costs above

$500, sewer, water, heat, power and the cost of garbage removal of both the museum and seniors complex. Under the current lease agreements, the City of Merritt subsidizes the building operations of the museum and the seniors complex in the amount of

approximately $20,000. Also under the current lease agreements the city directly subsidizes the operations of the museum annually in the amount of $35,000, which is in addition to the $20,000 it costs to maintain the senior complex and the museum.

NOTICE OF PERMIT PROPOSED CITY OF MERRITT TEMPORARY USE PERMIT TUP2013-02 The City of Merritt Council will consider an application to issue a 1-year Temporary Use Permit pursuant to Section 921 of the Local Government Act, for the following property(s): Lot 2, Section 23, Township 91, Section 23, Plan KAP92018, PID 028-589-777

SUMMARY OF CITY OF MERRITT SNOW REMOVAL POLICY This procedure outlines the responsibility of the City, residents, businesses and contractors as it pertains to snow removal in Merritt. NOTE: For purpose of this procedure “Area 1” is designated by heavy black line and “Area 2” is all remaining streets.. Service Level based on Snow Accumulation: 0 – 5 cm: Area 1 only sanded AS PRIORITY 5 – 20 cm: City streets are graded and sanded in the following time frame: Area 1 – within eight (8) hours Area 2 – within thirty (30) hours Over 20 cm: Exceptional Snowfall – will call out such manpower and equipment as may be available and required to maintain city streets in as passable conditions as possible. Priorities: No.1 Emergency access routes to essential services such as hospital, police, fire, ambulance, City services. Dangerous roadways including hills and intersections. No.2 Schools; No.3 Downtown Business Core; No.4 Highway Commercial properties; No.5 Residential properties Disposal: Residents, businesses and contractors are not permitted to blow or plow snow from private property onto right-of-ways, streets, lanes or walkways. Residents and businesses in areas with City sidewalks adjacent to roads shall be permitted to place snow from the walk on the road. Sidewalk Clearing: Every owner or occupier of residential zoned property shall remove snow or ice from sidewalks or pathways abutting the said property within twenty-four (24) hours of accumulation except for weekends and holidays. Every owner or occupier of real property shall immediately remove snow, ice or rubbish from the roof or other part of a structure adjacent to a highway or pathway or sidewalk where such snow or ice or rubbish presents a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic. Every owner or occupier of commercial or industrial zoned property shall remove snow or ice from sidewalk or pathways abutting the said property by ten (10) a.m. of any day and, as needed, following the accumulation of snow or ice. Complete copies of this procedure can be obtained at City Hall during regular business hours.

THE REGION

The ThompsonNicola Regional District will be accepting bare, natural Christmas trees until January 31, 2014 free of charge at all of its solid waste and recycling facilities. Broken strings of Christmas lights can also be recycled for free until January 31 at the facilities’ scrap metal piles.

The Council, as the result of an application from the owner’s agent of the named property, will consider allowing the use of the property to include temporary Fueling station. The application file is available for inspection at City Hall, 2185 Voght Street, Merritt, B.C. during regular working days between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM until January 14th 2014. Further information can also be viewed on the City’s website, www.merritt.ca If you feel your property may somehow be affected by the proposed and you wish to address City Council on any matters pertaining to this permit, please attend the Council meeting at City Hall on:

Tuesday, January 14th, 2014 at 7:00 pm Your comments/concerns may also be presented in writing, in advance of the meeting by addressing them to the undersigned, by petition or by attorney. Sean O’Flaherty, RPP Planning & Development Services Manager Dated this December 11th, 2013 at Merritt, BC

Next council meeting: Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2013 Council agendas and minutes at www.merritt.ca

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

THURSDAY, January 2, 2014 • 5

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Old Spences Bridge permanently closed Demolition to begin at the end of 2014 By Michael Potestio

2014 Thompson-Nicola Regional District Board of Directors Regular Meetings

THE HERALD

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January February March April May June July August September October November December

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Spences Bridge from Highway 8 looking west over the Thompson River towards Highway1 in the background. Submitted

include the possibility of disturbing fish habitat or spawning and debris falling into the river, which is why demolition is scheduled for a time when the river level is low. The bridge is expected to be taken down by early 2015.

Cloutier stated the ministry will be consulting local residents about possible improvements to travel on the new Spences Bridge for cyclists, motorists and pedestrians. The new Spences Bridge on the Trans-

Canada Highway was built back in the 1960s and renovated back in 2005. That bridge crosses the Thompson River just 900 metres from the original bridge. The original Spences Bridge was closed to vehicle traffic back in

Ben van der Gracht is in the Merritt office on Thursdays. Drop by or call to make an appointment.

2009 and remained opened at a load restriction of 5,000 kilograms, which was lowered from a previous restriction of 25,000 kilograms, Lutter said. Now it is closed to all forms of traffic.

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“Breaking the Chain of Abuse”

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By Herman Kneller

When we follow the Jews at times they became as bad in idol worship as other nations. But no matter how bad it got, they were still the best God had for there were always some who stayed true and through these problems that God brought on them, they came back to Him.

Jesus taught love, kindness, helping others and obedience to His commandments. This did not please the leaders so they sought out a way to do away with Jesus and put Him to death. Jesus had promised 4000 years before this, that He would die for men’s sins. It was not up to His people to do.

God loved His people and through them He showed Himself to the nations around so they could choose to follow Him too.

Jesus told His disciples that He would be betrayed and treated very badly, then crucified. He told them that on the third day after his crucifixion, He would rise from the dead. He also told them that He would come again to take them to Heaven.

Things were bad in the time of Daniel. But, there were a few faithful such as Daniel and his three friends. Through Daniel, God ……… The leaders of the Jews changed the meaning to suit themselves. They said that Jesus would become like them only that He would drive out the Romans and this would make them powerful and rich... all for self. When Jesus came, He showed and taught that God loved them all and that power, money, possessions were not what brought happiness, nor was it what God wanted them to be.

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Bruti

Bruti is approximately 1 year old, neutered male, large mixed breed. He does need life experiences but is willing and intelligent. Bruti would enjoy canine companionship.

This is what His last church is to make one of their main teachings: Jesus’ second coming and what happens then. More next week of what is going on in the world today...

Charlotte

Charlotte ott tte e iis app approximately roxiimate matel t ly l 2 ye yea years ea ar old, spayed female, mixed breed. She is conﬁdent but needs life experiences. She has a short coat, so she stays nice and clean!

Charlie

Charlie is approximately 5 months old, male, mixed breed. He should mature to approximately 50lbs. He is a playful, well balanced boy!

Donations desperately needed for spay and neuter services. Donations can be to made to The Angel’s Animal Rescue Society at The Interior Savings Credit Union, Account #1193739.

Before Jesus would return, the good news of His coming again was to be told to the whole world so that people could get rid of their problems of selfishness and sin and be ready to go to Heaven with Him.

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Act Reform right s nds NCR ke defe cts victims’ C-54 prote DarcieerClar s says Bill Famerilyofoftriple murd victim

Merritt Country the 5K at the of runners in leads a pack as Ontario. Ian Webster/Herald Calvin Little away from as far RACES Seven-year-old of life and OFF TO THE participants from all walks races attracted

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disorders, with mental than those says. the statement B.C. Review Board ing, it In 2011, the escorted visits Cordon. the Schoenborn law. five-year-old that reminds from the Port old Max, and Galt have worked boards granted “This is a bill into the community facility where provincial reviewit is Clarke and of victims all psychiatric courts and Minister Stephen Coquitlam held. That permission we – the families– have been asking matter. In fact, Rob with Prime that victims reminder that victims he was being after opposition from Attorney GeneralHeritage across Canada not criminally a By Emily Wessel soon be found more than than Harper, and Canadian was revoked who said she was for: people will hopefully THE HERALD the bill Nicholson rald.com get better supports matter — it statement says. Moore on Clarke’s family, responsible in place; the communewsroom@merritthe Minister Jamesyears. They say the the law,” the of a woman addresses imballiving nearby. are currently receives the protecrequest to transfer for nearly fivebring victims’ rights The bill also Family members murdered by Schoenborn’sfacility in Selkirk, nity as a whole were legislation surrounding and the famichanges will with those of people responances in the time whose childrenMerritt in 2008 are tions [it] deserve[s]; by the B.C. not criminallyis no legal to a psychiatric in into balance finally get more responsible. those found their father in support of the Not but has Man. was approved that there lies of victims a statement released found not criminallyits second readsible, includingnotify members of the Review Board in February, famiReform speaking up to heal,” reads her cousin, Stacy The bill passed Commons late out. Clarke’s Responsible obligation to a high-risk offender Criminally to be carried yet by Clarke andvictims’ advocacy web- ing in the House of to as well, saying if 242 and move of that community area. Act. with a vote from a facility, change the ly opposes Galt, on the by a in the Selkirk last month or escapes with The act would those found not leavesMARCH now be reviewed she has family site 4darcie.ca. was found for classifying those on before 34 and will treating and MADNESS release reviews from annual Allan Schoenborn by reason committee and reported historiesThedifferently Merritt Secondary responsible lengthy violent criminally responsibleevery three School class not criminally for the murhearings its third reading. its third readof 2013 hearings to Darcie Clarke’s family children, hit the streets G of mental disorder If the bill basses HOMES and Clarke’s TIN for their years, which will correct an imbalFEATURE eight-yearders of his grand march G LIS Kaitlynne, system. down Voght members say TIN W 10-year-old current review Street on G LIS NE Friday ance in the being proposed is what Frid for TIN commencem W By “What is Michael LIS ent. Full story on Potestio NE W THE HERALD page 3, more photos NE reporter@merrit It was in section 2 bth rancher therald.com Manager Financial Services B. Emily Wessel/Herald nice, 2 bed, shop w/addi™ Pat Sibilleau’s •• Very detached Fort 32x18 Merritt ½ McMurra water The City city Duplex council • Immaculate including, last tions “It’s before w/ fruit trees,y. down two of Merritt upgrades meeting Valley Road more! • 51 acres a she Many new Kane much is • paint. & on moves to and managers home adventure M3957 it’s nothing Áooring She said • 1.6 acres bedroom logand a new feature cul-de-sac • siding, ; 3 off -grid the job on quiet & will be a • 3 level, $285,000 Privacy, in any way,”against Merritt • Located to H/W tank M3954 • Seclusion& busy one. there • Upgrades said Sibilleau. with a council -6181 250-378-6184 “I’ll be living $154,000 Merritt more! M3953 250-378 9 kms from is quite rewarding time, what doing there, r.ca the full1B8 • Fax: • 20 acres, and more Phone: BC V1K ,” www.realto $195,000 fencing, Creek M3832 of my desk I do off a corner “Pat’s Ave., Merritt, At the Sibilleau said. • All new merritt 1988 Quilchena productiv given us some cil gave meeting, coun$199,000 with a laugh.here,” sh administr inside she said epage.ca/ real her Review Herald. ation and and she’s ity improvements www.royall applause a round of Estate Sibilleau council, Merritt when full Real said she time here,”invested a lot of the proud of See our is most her departure discussing of edition Mayor Susan . Merritt ship she’s the good relation“That Noble said. rela the Thursday Roline opportuni said, she has an thanked council established w ty that’s during her with fit hard workSibilleau for all Merritt. going to time in the andinto her long-rang the city. she has done certainly e plans “To be for compete we couldn’t that kind able to establi Noble establish of relationsh can do is with that, so all departure said Sibilleau’s ip really leaves support we as she’s to fill. a big hole her supported us.” and gets royal assent

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A long-standing bridge has been officially put out of commission. The original Spences Bridge spanning the Thompson River was permanently closed on Jan. 1. Demolition of the bridge is expected to start by the end of 2014 The 82-year-old bridge was deemed to be in poor condition overall after a recent inspection by engineers found important structural components that were at the end of their operational life span. Jurgen Lutter, Nicola area bridge manager for the Ministry of Transportation, told the Herald the bridge’s steel beams are corroded and the steel under the concrete deck is rusted. Lutter said the bridge could collapse without the stress of traffic given the right wind conditions and enough accumulated snowfall, estimating about one foot of snow could cause problems. “If we get a foot of heavy snow it could do it, a foot of light snow probably won’t do anything,” Jurgen said, noting heavy snow isn’t very common in the Spences Bridge area anymore. Engineers inspected the bridge last December and found it unfit to be used past the end of 2013, he said. Kathy Cloutier, communications officer with the Ministry of Transportation stated via email the ministry is working on a plan to remove the old Spences Bridge safely, and that the structure must be removed for safety and environmental reasons. The removal of the bridge is expected to occur later this year subject to the ministry receiving environmental approvals for working above the river. Lutter said some environmental concerns

are scheduled for 1:15 pm on the following Thursdays in the Boardroom of the TNRD Civic Building located at 300 – 465 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2A9.

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Advertising: sales@merrittherald.com Publisher: publisher@merrittherald.com Editorial: newsroom@merrittherald.com www.merrittherald.com Ph: 378-4241 • Fax: 378-6818 2090 Granite Avenue, P.O. Box 9, Merritt, B.C.

6 • THURSDAY, January 2, 2014

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HERALD OPINION A hopeless wish list for ‘14 By Tom Fletcher BLACK PRESS tfletcher@blackpress.ca

VICTORIA – Here are a few things I’d like to see in B.C. political life in the coming year, but won’t. 1. An orderly schedule of legislature sittings, one in the spring and one in the fall. I canvassed this topic with Premier Christy Clark in our year-end interview and got the usual runaround about how it’s always been optional since old Gordon what’s-his-name set the schedule of sittings and elections more than a decade ago. Spring is for the budget and MLAs sit in the fall if they need to discuss legislation. They need to all right, but what governments want to do is ram it through as fast as they can, so that’s what they do. The last couple of years of this have been a sham worthy of a South American banana republic, with three chambers running simultaneously and opposition members trying to prepare as they run down the hallways. It leads to mistakes in new laws and adds to the public’s cynicism about the whole business, but it gets things done with minimum exposure of the government to criticism. Stephen Harper would approve. 2. A political debate about real issues, rather than just a competition to score points in an endless election campaign. I appreciate that this is hopelessly naive, but setting aside enough time to consider issues could, at least in theory, lead to that happening occasionally. Certainly the hastily staged mock combat of our legislature today isn’t winning new friends for any political party. The main growth area today is people who have given up on the whole thing. 3. An opposition with ideas. The B.C. NDP will have another leadership contest in 2014, and they’d better bring more modern policy to the table than they had in the last one.

See ‘NDP’ Page 7

Publisher Theresa Arnold production@ merrittherald.com

Getting to know the Merritt community

Michael Potestio Merritt MINUTE I cannot believe it’s already 2014. I have been a reporter for seven months now in Merritt and boy does time sure fly. It feels as though just yesterday I was getting moved in to my apartment and our editor was showing me around what was an unfamiliar town.

Production Dan Swedberg production2@ merrittherald.com

Advertising Sales Katie Ottenbreit sales2@ merrittherald.com

MERRITT HERALD 2090 G

I’ll admit, when I moved to Merritt for this job, it was the first time I had ever seen more than Central Park or one of the gas stations on the edge of town – where I would make pit stops on my way home to Kamloops after a trip to Vancouver. But this job has changed all that, and I am glad to have spent the last half of 2013 getting to know more and more about this great little town. I never hesitated to take my old Nissan Stanza for a lengthy drive out on assignment where I got to see the breathtaking scenery along roadways around Merritt such as Highway 8 or the Coldwater Road. It was also quite the treat to visit the Quilchena Ranch when I first got here. It felt like I had stepped back in time when I visited that beautiful landmark. Let’s not forget all the wonderful events I got to cover. From tak-

Editor Emily Wessel newsroom@ merrittherald.com

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

ing my first taste of garlic fudge at the Garlic Festival, snapping some amazing photos of rally race cars during the Pacific Forest Rally, experiencing an entire town come together for one of the best Christmas parades I’ve ever seen to my first rodeo at the Nicola Valley Fall Fair, Merritt has truly shown me a lot about itself. I’ve gotten to cover all sorts of beats too. From reporting on court, city council, health and education, working in Merritt has allowed me to experience all sorts of stories. The job hasn’t always been smooth sailing. I was definately hung up on more than once, but it is all part of the job. I’ve also had the privilege of writing some great community stories on many interesting Merrittonians as well. One story I won’t soon forget was when I was invited to the police station to learn about the

Reporter Michael Potestio reporter@ merrittherald.com

Sports writer Ian Webster sports@ merrittherald.com

Standardized Field Sobriety Test. It’s always nice to be invited to the police station as opposed to the alternative. In my seven months of working here as a reporter, I’ve learned more about this town than I ever did in the past 23 years when I lived in nearby Kamloops. But, that’s why I enjoy being a reporter. You get to learn so much about the city you work in. When I was an intern at Kamloops This Week, I felt like I had finally gotten to know my hometown, and I grew up there. More than anything, I hope you the reader have taken away as much from the stories I’ve written for this paper in 2013 as I have. The time I’ve spent reporting on Merritt this past year has been great, and I’m looking forward to the stories I will get to tell in 2014. Never hesitate to contact reporter@merrittherald.com.

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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, January 2, 2014 • 7

www.merrittherald.com

YOUR OPINION Reader’s shock to dog’s death Dear Editor, Re: Dog’s death divides owners, animal shelter, Thursday, Dec. 26 2013 edition of the Merritt Herald

Rudolph rendition Students from Colletville Elementary sing Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer at their Christmas concert on December 19. Michael Potestio/Herald

In my country, Austria, it is against the law to chain dogs because it is the most cruel action against a dog you can take. However, to chain a sick dog is the end of humanity. Those dog “owners” should never again be allowed to have a pet by law. If the law is missing

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

where is the humanity here? Thanks to the necessary reaction of Judanna that poor dog had his only happy moments in freedom and love dying in her arms. Those dog owners admitted they cannot take care of a dog. So they are allowed to torture man’s best friend in this country they way they did? I am shocked. Lore Jarosch Vienna

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

Do you support B.C.’s new liquor law reform, which allows children in pubs?

Canada Post cutbacks a cause for concern Dear editor, I am appauled that Deepak Chopra, president of Canada Post, would defend the cancelling of home mail delivery by saying seniors have told him they want the fresh air and excercise of walking to lock mailboxes. In my many years of reading about and listening to current events, this is by farthe lamest, most ludicrous reason I’ve heard from anybody about

anything. His attitude smacks of elitism. Upon hearing Mr. Chopra still receives 33 per cent of his pay in yearly bonuses when Canada Post must restructure to remain a viable business, I became angry. Canada Post has one president, two group presidents, seven senior vice presidents and 12 vice presidents. All undoubtably with hefty salaries and yearly bonuses. Does it really take 22 highly

paid and ludicrously bonused people to run Canada Post? Does the exhorbirant increase in the price of stamps reflect these executives’ desire to maintain the lifestyle to which they have become accustomed? I’ve joked about the amount of money I spend on postage in the course of a year. Little did I realize I was supporting 22 upper echelon in Canada Post. Mr. Chopra said Canadians were consult-

ed about the proposed changes to Canada Post. This flies in the face of reality. Forty-six communities consulted is not a fair representation considering the vast number of communities in Canada ranging from isolated to urban. I get that Canada Post must restructure to remain viable considering the technology available for people to communicate. I get that younger generations have no traditional his-

tory of communicating via paper mail. I don’t get that millions of Canadians, with surgical precision, have been disenfranchised without concern. I think I get the large increase in the price of stamps. The message here is Canada Post does not want to be in the business of letter delivery. They are ensuring that next year’s stats will show a sharp decline in letters sent, thus justifying the

position they have taken today. Even those who think they will not be affected must speak out. If millions of Canadians can be disenfranchised so easily, so unexpectedly, so arbitrarily and without concern, what could happen in the future to the due process we expect of our democracy?

over. They need to be for something, and they need to leave the past behind. 4. Media that care about more than conflict. News organizations are in bad shape these days, and the competition for a rapidly fragmenting audience is having some ugly effects. One thing that needs

to go is obsessive coverage of who’s winning and who’s losing. If the news media are going to be interested mainly in the gaffes and gotcha moments, is it any surprise that’s what politicians try to provide? The Canada Post announcement that it has to wind up home delivery offers a recent example. Is it really so outrageous for the CEO

to suggest that walking to the corner is good exercise? When there’s a 24-hour news cycle to fill, it’s a scandal! How many people know that Canada Post’s unfunded pension liabilities amount to $6.5 billion, as it continues to pay a dwindling workforce to hand out mostly advertising flyers? Should they just keep doing that until

they run out of cash? Are taxpayers really expected to maintain another two-tier service that’s only available to selected urban people? 5. Facts to go with opinions. Whether it’s the government’s fantasy figures on job creation or the opposition’s arithmetic-challenged child poverty claims, serious problems can’t be

Are you in favour of all aspects of prostitution being legal in Canada? YES: 33% NO: 67%

Anne Roberts Merritt

LETTERS POLICY

NDP, media among those needing change Remember the big issues in that pillowfight? Me neither. I had to look them up. Health care? Local organic carrots into the hospital food. Forest industry? A job protection commissar to force the mills to stay open. Resource development? They’re for it, unless you’re against it. These guys need a Tony Blair-type make-

PREVIOUS QUESTION

understood, much less solved, without defining them accurately. Submitting government advertising to scrutiny by the Auditor General to make sure it is accurate and non-partisan would be a good place to start. Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. Twitter: @ tomfletcherbc

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

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8 â&#x20AC;˘ THURSDAY, January 2, 2014

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BUSINESS

Financial resolutions to live by Friends & Neighbours DAVID L. BROWN Managing YOUR MONEY This is the resolution time of year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and we make all kinds of them, from resolving to lose weight to taking up a new hobby. And even though we have the best of intentions, most of our resolutions eventually fall by the wayside. But here is a set of important resolutions for your consideration to make and keep â&#x20AC;&#x201C; because, taken together, they can give you a financially secure life. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I resolve to be budget aware.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Look critically at your income and expenses. Set a realistic monthly budget that includes a specific amount for savings.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I resolve to be debt aware.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Stay on top of your debt by using expensive credit cards sensibly and paying high-interest and non-deductible debt first. . â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I resolve to be life aware.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Define your life and goals in relation to your income and set enough aside regularly to reach your goals. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I resolve to be RRSP aware.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Make the most of the best taxdeferred savings builder for most Canadians â&#x20AC;&#x201C; start making contributions to investments held within an RRSP early and make your maximum yearly contributions. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll save on taxes and maximize the growth potential of your investments within an RRSP. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I resolve to be tax aware.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Take advantage of every applicable tax deduction and tax credit â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including the easily overlooked ones such as moving expenses, child-

care expenses, tuition fees, medical expenses and charitable donations . â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I resolve to be investment aware.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Be a tax-efficient investor. Hold investments earning tax-advantaged investment income â&#x20AC;&#x201C; those that return dividends or capital gains â&#x20AC;&#x201C; outside your RRSP and higher-taxed interest-earning investments inside your tax-deferred RRSP. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I resolve to be insurance aware.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Your need for income protection and estate planning will change as your life changes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; be sure your insurance keeps pace. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I resolve to be asset allocation aware.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sustain the steady, long-term growth of your investments through a solid portfolio asset allocation plan that includes the right balance of assets from the three asset categories â&#x20AC;&#x201C; cash, fixed income

investments and equities. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I resolve to be plan aware.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Take all these financial security resolutions and wrap them into a consolidated plan that will become your essential framework for achieving all your financial and life goals. Oh, and one more easy-to-keep resolution that will pay big and continuing dividends for you: get the expert help of a professional advisor to develop the financial plan that works best for you. This column, written and published by Investors Group Financial Services Inc. (in QuĂŠbec â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a Financial Services Firm), and Investors Group Securities Inc. (in QuĂŠbec, 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.

Try filing your taxes online (NC) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Internet world is so quick and convenient. You can shop, keep in touch with friends and family, exchange pictures, listen to music, do your banking and more. So why arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you filing your taxes online? There are plenty of good reasons to do S WHEEL NEW GETS GE 5 CITY PA

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iew ald. ge.c te Rev ritt Her llepa l Esta the Mer .roya www full Reaion of our y edit See Thursda the

When Keith Walliser took a job as a parttime bagger at the local Loblaws in Estevan, Sask., he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think it Paul Davidson, store manager Keith Walliser, owner of Extra would turn into a career. Foods in Merrit Emily Wessel/ of Coopers in Merritt. Emily Wessel/Herald Herald Over the next 31 years, Walliser gradually Nanaimo that came up, smaller communities, worked his way west so I applied for them all. and prior to Kelowna and about a month ago But we kind of wanted lived in a community of arrived in Merritt. this one because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still about 5,000 just north â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just worked my close. All our familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of Edmonton, then just way up to the assistant in Abbotsford, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s west of Edmonton in a manager role, the store only a two-hour drive,â&#x20AC;? place with about 7,500 manager role, and the Davidson said. people. district manager.â&#x20AC;? Along with the ease Walliser is the father Walliser had been of access to the coast, of three children â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a the district manager of 23-year-old son and two Davidson said he is lookExtra Foods in Alberta ing forward to a winter daughters, aged 22 and and B.C. since 1995 with less rain, and sum16. Walliser said he, his before taking his new mer activities including wife and their youngest position in Merritt. hiking and camping. are weighing options of â&#x20AC;&#x153;My other passion Davidson said the was woodworking and I moving her. Walliser said bringing transition to Merritt has still enjoy that. I do that been an easy one so far, up the standards of the on the side.â&#x20AC;? but heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s looking forward â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just need to get my store is his first item of to settling into his new business. wife moved out here.â&#x20AC;? house here with his wife â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Number 1 goal Walliser said he and the coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dog in here is probably to get hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had a lot of time the new year. our produce presentato look around Merritt As for what heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s looktion and quality to yet, but so far, he likes ing forward to most durwhere it should be,â&#x20AC;? he what he sees. ing his time in Merritt? said. The next step is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Getting to know Staff at the local to sell the house in the community. In the Cooperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Foods store Kelowna and get a Lower Mainland, I have a new manager as house here, he said. lived in Abbotsford for well. Walliser said heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 20 years, but I always Paul Davidson relearning the ropes of worked outside in comes to Merritt from the store manager posiLangley, White Rock, Abbotsford with 24 tion, which is an adjustAldergrove. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t years of grocery store ment from focusing on get the attachment to experience. many stores when he the community. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also The father of three was a district manager. a little bit of a slower grown children applied â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like dealing with pace. In the Lower for the store manager customers and the pubMainland, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not as position in Merritt, and lic, not hiding in my office,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like to was glad when he got it. personable.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was this one, be out on the floor.â&#x20AC;? Kimberley and Walliser said he likes

FREE

S LADE ACCO ters and presen the Nicola Valley for recipients, awards Awards applaud during in year-end spectatorsof Technology About $45,000 s award Institute on Saturday. ponsored 2012-13 , community-ss were given s. scholarshipsse NVIT awardMerritt campu ts and in-hou ts at the ted with blankets studen presen for studen in to NVIT were also ony. Awards and s Donor Merritt the cerem ses â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in during 00. NVIT campu at both â&#x20AC;&#x201D; totalled $60,0 Burnaby /Herald Potestio Michael

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Filing your taxes online will allow you to get your refund much faster, particularly if you have signed up for direct deposit. Your refund could be in your bank account in as little as eight days. Finally, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secure. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just as safe as banking online and

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1905 ED Since S VALU Voice NTEER News VOLU PAGE 4 Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nicola .com rittherald

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250-378-2155

MOVING REAL ESTATE BC LTD. #102, 2840 Voght Street, Box 236 Merritt, B.C. V1K 1B8

250-378-6166 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; TF 1-877-841-2100

www.movingrealestate.ca January 2nd - January 15th , 2014

FEATURE HOME

Family home in prime location 3663 Boyd Road Home has 3 bedrms up and 2 down, oak H/W flooring throughout main floor level. Large kitchen with stainless steel appliances and pantry. Home has covered deck perfect for extra outdoors living space. Large 1,2832 sq.ft. lot with backyard access. Single garage. #2149 apartment

$329,900

rural living

quick possession

Horse Property

Urban living in one of Merrittâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest strata developments, The Vibe. One bedrm apartment with granite counters, shaker style kitchen cabinets & includes appliances. Move in ready.

Nice home on 0.35 acres with creek. Close to elementary school. 2 bedrms up, 1 down, large living rm and a galley kitchen.Bsmt been renovated, new carpets, paint, HW tank. Detached shop.

Nice strata end unit with spacious fenced yard. Open floor plan on main, arched living rm window & extra bay window. 3 bedrms up, 3 pce ensuite, W/I closet plus an open rec. rm. Double garage.

Spacious home on 9.91 acres, great for horses with riding arena & backs onto crown land. Huge kitchen, large wrap around deck with fabulous views, walkout bsmt, double garage & detached shop.

#2148

#2088

ced u d re

NEW

$139,900

$264,900

$224,900

#1992

$519,900

ced u d re

18,000 sq.ft. lot with private yard, fruit trees, fish pond & garden area. Custom 3 level home with 4 bedrms, large windows, sunroom off master bedrm,. Large rec.rm down, workshop area & more.

#2111

$299,900

new bench home

INCREDIBLE VALUE

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.

The new rancher has 2 bedrms up, 2 baths, open concept, huge kitchen island, vaulted ceilings, HW floors, sliding doors to deck & fantastic views. Double garage. Home Warranty.

#1957

#2117

$199,900

on 11/2 Lots

Nice 2 bedrm rancher on popular Bench area. Pine kitchen cabinets, roomy living room with gas F/P. Fairly large sundeck, private backyard, single garage. Great for retirees or first time buyer.

Spacious 4 bedrm home perfect for a large family. Close to school, hospital & shopping. Great yard with extra parking, U/G & drip irrigation. Double garage with 10 ft doors & work area. A must see

d uce d e r

$219,000

Wishing Everyone Good Health & Happiness for 2014!

2014 is looking positive for the real estate market with ongoing and upcoming projects in the Merritt area. If you have property you are wanting to move, give our office a call. We look forward to serving you in the New Year!

$359,900

bench rancher

#2113

#2124

huge private lot

#2139

$389,900

spius creek estates

From 9.8 to 17 Acres

Grandview Heights

LIMITED TIME PRICE INCENTIVE

Prices starting at $199,000

Country living at its best! These 9 properties are located approx. 15 mins. from Merritt in the beautiful Sunshine Valley. A Phase 1 has been completed and a water report is available. 4 lots are waterfront, all have stunning views of the valley. Area offers swimming, biking, canoeing, horseback riding,motorcycling & more.

GST is applicable

#2000

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

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! #1726

Prices Starting at $109,000 + GST 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

10 • THURSDAY,

January 2, 2014

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THURSDAY, January 2, 2014 • 11

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

Moving Real Estate BC Ltd. fabulous views

Lana McPharlane 315-3748

Don Gossoo Managing Broker

apartment

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

Janis Post 315-3672

#102 - 2840 Voght St., Merritt, BC •

first time buyers

large family home

desirable area

n ew

Don Ward 315-3503

Ray Thompson 315-3377

Brad Yakimchuk Personal Real Estate Corporation

315-3043

www.movingrealestate.ca

HUGE LOT

Moving Real Estate BC Ltd.

CENTRAL LOCATION

Completely renovated

desirable area

GREAT SETTING

new

Well finished new 4 bedroom home with 5 pce ensuite, open floor plan and quality finished throughout. The unfinished basement was designed to accommodate an inlaw suite. Has Home Warranty.

Urban living in one of Merritt’s finest strata developments, The Vibe. One bedrm apartment with granite counters, shaker style kitchen cabinets & includes appliances. Move in ready.

Beautifully renovated inside & out. Spacious 4 bedrm home on 0.25 acres, fully manicured lawn & UG sprinklers. Has new bathrm, new flooring and paint throughout, new windows, siding & more.

A remarkable home, close to schools. 3 bedrms on the main plus 2 bedrm suite on ground level. Large open kitchen with nook, 3 gar F/P’s, double garage & large fenced backyard with garden area.

Immaculate 4 bedrm home with fantastic views., 3 pce ensuite with soaker tub & sitting rm. Living rm with gas F/P. Main level has family rm, office, laundry. Double garage. Near college.

This family home has 3 bedrms up, 2 down, oak HW flooring throughout main floor, large kitchen with S/S appliances & pantry. Large covered deck. Large 12,832 sq.ft. lot with backyard access.

Clean 4 bedrm rancher, close to shopping, transit & schools. Reno’s include flooring, siding & complete main bathrm. Large fenced yard, nicely landscaped with storage shed & workshop.

Exquisite 3 bedrm bungalow in prime location, completely redone inside & out. New wiring, plumbing, furnace, HW tanks, all windows, S/S appliance pkg, stacking washer/dryer plus a fully fin. bsmt.

Beautiful 4 bedrm family home with Home Warranty in newer Bench location. Tastefully finished home with top quality products, open concept living, large kitchen with island, maple HW flooring, central A/C.

Beautifully renovated 3 level split with open concept design, large windows, vaulted ceilings & central A/C. Has new kitchen with S/S appliances, new bathrm flooring & paint. Huge double garage.

#2145

#2148

#2138

#2143

#2126

#2149

#2129

#2140

#2132

#2128

$439,000

INCREDIBLE VALUE

$139,900

gardeners paradise

$199,900

immaculate duplex

$399,000

adult oriented strata

$329,900

design & quality

$329,900

$144,900

$324,900

cute & cozy

HUGE SHOP

lots of parking

$389,900

manicured corner lot

$330,999

18,000 sq.ft. lot

UCE

RED

19,500 sq.ft. lot with fruit trees & vegetable gardens. Home has 2 bdrms up & 2 down. Nicely manicured lawn, has cold storage for canning. Has new siding, windows & furnace.

Immaculate side by side duplex with approx. 960 sq.ft. & 2 bedrms per side. Reno’s in 2004 & 2007 include flooring, plumbing, electrical, furnaces, HW tanks & Mill Creek kitchen & both baths. Has detached 16x24 shop.garage.

One of the nicest gated communities in Merritt with views of the Nicola River. Has 3 bedrms, 2 baths, open design living, gas F/P, galley kitchen with nook, laundry on main, hobby & rec.rm down.

In upscale neighbourhood with views of the valley. 3 bedrms on main with 4 pce ensuite, bright kitchen, sunken living rm with vaulted ceilings & gas F/P. Has 2 bedrm suite with sep. entrance.

Gorgeous view home, gourmet kitchen with S/S appl., dining & living rm with walkout balcony, 3 bedrms up, 1 down, fantastic Man Cave in bsmt. Low mtnce yard is prof. landscaped.

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.

Gorgeous 5 bedrm, 3.5 bath home with HW flooring, ceramic tile in kitchen & baths, 5 pce ensuite & W/I closet. Fully fin. bsmt with separate entrance, extra large rec.rm. 2 covered decks.

#1957

#2130

#2049

#2120

#2096

#1998

#2099

#2108

Very private yard with fruit trees, amazing patio, fish pond & garden area. Home custom 3 level split home has 4 bedrms, large windows, 12x13 sunroom accessible from master bedrm. The basement has large rec.rm and 2 bedrms.

#1759

#2111

$199,900

$225,000

BENCH RANCHER

three level split

$298,500

$239,000

$419,000

$469,900

$169,000

$165,000

$455,000

$299,900

walk to amenities

DESIRABLe AREA

big detached shop

desirable area

LOWER NICOLA

executive bench home

in quiet cul de sac

REVENUE FOURPLEX

UCE

RED

Executive 3 level split family home with stunning view of the valley. Has a grand living rm and dining rm with large vaulted ceilings, open kitchen concept with sunken family rm. 3 bedrms up, large master suite. Upgrades include new bathrm, windows & more.

Nice 2 bedrm rancher on popular Bench area. Pine kitchen cabinets, roomy living room with gas F/P. Fairly large sundeck, private backyard, single garage. Great for retirees or first time buyer.

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

Fantastic 3 bedrm home with amazing private yard. 2 bedrms, laundry, family rm, new kitchen with eating area, dining & living rm on main. Large games rm & hobby rm downstairs.

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. Priced below assessed value for 2013 of $256,300.

This rancher features 3 bedrms, private yard with garden, 2 car garage & room for RV parking. Includes appliances & gas fireplace. Easy access and quality built home.

Great home in Lower Nicola on 0.35 acres with creek. 2 bedrms up, 1 down in renovated bsmt with new carpets, paint & HW tank. Large living room and a galley kitchen. 24x28 shop.

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

#2113

#2125

#2013

#2080

#2081

#2088

#2141

#2050

#2103

cozy rancher

SENSATIONAL

COZY BUNGALOW

strata end unit

great bench home

have a big family?

CLOSE TO SCHOOL

investment

huge lot

spotless rancher

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.

Great home in the downtown area, close to shopping & amenities. Flat, fenced lot with mature landscaping & RV parking. Home has open oak kitchen/dining rm, 3 bedrms, private patio with hot tub.

Nice end unit with good sized yard, totally fenced. Bright, open floor plan on main the arched living rm window & an extra bay window. 3 bedrms up, open rec.rm & main bath. Doule garage.

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.

An older 2 bedroom home in nice neighbourhood, close to the downtown on an extra large 13,780 sq.ft. lot that may have subdivision potential. Lane access to a well maintained backyard with a single garage.

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

#2124

#2038

#2116

#1923

#1982

#2133

#1988

#2121

$385,000

$149,900

$219,000

$549,900

$149,000

#2135

$179,900

$319,000

$224,900

$229,900

$329,000

$224,900

$279,000

$264,900

$259,900

$399,900

$169,900

HERITAGE HOME

close to schools

spacious mobile

why rent

nice mobile

close to schools

QUIET CUL DE SAC

new RANCHER

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.

2 bedrm mobile in one of the nicest parks. 1 bedrm on each end with an open concept kitchen eating area & living rm in the center. The addition has a large enclosed porch & family rm.

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 include 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.

#2052

#1967

#2043

#2090

#2010

#1963

#2105

$289,900

$329,000

$74,500

$97,900

backyard OASIS

fantastic views

spences bridge

executive home

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.

4 bedrm home, completely renovated with open concept living, Mill Creek kitchen, new flooring throughout, 2 new baths, furnace & HW tank plus new large back deck to enjoy the views.

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.

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.

#2051

#2101

#2027

#2097

$279,000

$370,000

$99,500

$509,900

$71,900

great starter

$289,000

$299,900

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.

#2117

#2022

#2139

$359,900

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.

Great opportunity of 6 strata title townhomes, all within walking distance to downtown & close to all amenities. Being sold below assessed value at $87,900 per unit. Call for more details.

Great corner lot on a quiet street with plenty of room to build a shop. Home has 2 bedrooms and in need of some TLC, but is priced accordingly. Call for a showing today.

#2110

#2089

#2044

#2098

$527,400

$246,300

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.

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.

$65,000

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.

opportunity

$149,999

extra half lot

INVESTORS

$127,500

$298,000

riverfront property

investors

US BON

$334,900

$99,900

D L O S

$439,000

$389,900

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITES FOR MORE DETAILS & COLOUR PHOTOS www.movingrealestate.ca www.century21.ca

www.movingrealestate.ca • 378-6166 • www.movingrealestate.ca • 378-6166 • www.movingrealestate.ca • 378-6166 • www.movingrealestate.ca • 378-6166 • www.movingrealestate.ca • 378-6166