Kamloops This Week February 15, 2023

Former mayor Cliff Branchflower and former councillor Pat Wallace both passed away on Feb. 11

REMEMBERING TWO TITANS IN KAMLOOPS CIVIC POLITICS A5-A7

HURRY HARD TO SANDMAN CENTRE

Scotties Tournament of Hearts, the annual Canadian women’s curling championship, begins on Friday, Feb. 17, in Kamloops. Turn to page B1 for KTW’s 12-page section previewing the big tournament.

LAWSUIT LAUNCHED, FUNDRAISER BEGINS A13-A14

Cleared TRU senior administrator is suing; defendants are seeking donations for their legal costs

Team Canada skip Kerri Einarson will be aiming for a fourth straight national title when her rink from Gimli, Man. defends its championship in Kamloops. Only one other team — the Colleen Jones crew from Nova Scotia from 2001 to 2004 — has ever won four

C I T Y PAG E

Feb 15, 2023

Council Calendar

The public, media, delegations, and staff are encouraged to par ticipate in meetings vir tually through Zoom or to observe through the City YouTube channel

Februar y 22, 2023

1:30 pm - Development and Sustainability Committee

Februar y 27, 2023

1:30 pm - Civic Operations Committee

Februar y 28, 2023

1:30 pm - Regular Council Meeting

Februar y 28, 2023

7:00pm - Public Hearing

March 7, 2023

10:00am - Committee of the Whole

The complete 2023 Council Calendars is available online at:

Kamloops.ca/CouncilPor tal

Council

Meeting Recap

Sign up for the Council Highlights e -newsletter at: Kamloops.ca/Subscribe

Yard Waste Site Closures

The Bunker Road and Barnhar tvale Yard Waste Sites are now closed for the season. Cinnamon Ridge remains open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily

Indoor Walking Track

The Sandman Centre concourse is available for walk ing Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm until April 2023. Due to K amloops Blazers home games and concer t schedules, some designated walk ing dates may not be available

Pothole Season

With the current warm weather trend, you may notice more potholes popping up on our streets If you see a pothole, please slow down and proceed with caution We can only fill the ones we are aware of, so help us by repor ting a pothole with the MyK amloops app at: Kamloops.ca/MyKamloops

Consider a Career With Us

Join our team of over 700 employees who work in a variety of fulfilling and challenging careers Visit: Kamloops.ca/Jobs

Repor t an issue: 250-828-3461

For after-hours emergencies, press 1.

Do you k now an outstanding citizen of K amloops who deser ves to be recognized for their contributions to the community? Don' t miss out on your chance to nominate them for an Exemplar y Ser vice Award

Each year, City Council formally ack nowledges individuals who have dedicated their time and ser vice to the City with Exemplar y Ser vice Awards. Nominations are accepted in two categories:

• Young adult - under 30

• Adult - 30 and over

The nomination deadline for 2023 is 4:30 pm on March 13, 2023. Find more information about nomination criteria and how to submit a nomination at: Kamloops.ca/Exemplar ySer viceAward

FA M I LY DAY F E S T I VA L

On Family Day, the City of K amloops will transform the Tournament Capital Centre into a festival for families with children of all ages! The 9th Annual Family Day Festival is a free event that will take place on Monday, Februar y 20 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Festival goers will have an oppor tunity to join a princess tea par ty, get creative with ar ts and crafts, have their faces painted, experience live per formances, learn about all thing’s science, practice k arate, and tr y new spor ts With a wide variety of booths and activities, there will be something for ever yone

In addition to this free family festival, residents are encouraged to take advantage these programs on Family Day :

• Free public sk ating at Valleyview Arena 9:30–10:30 am and 10:45–11:45 am. Sk ate and hot chocolate sponsored by the Nor th K amloops Lions Club Sk ate rentals available • Toonie public swimming at the Canada Games Aquatic Centre from 10:00 am–2:00 pm. $2.00 per person.

To learn more, visit: Kamloops.ca/FamilyDay A

B U D G E T I N F O R M AT I O N S E S S I O N 2023 I S T O DAY !

The City would like to consult and engage with residents about the 2023 budget as we plan for the next five -year budget c ycle (2023–2027). Join staff and Council on Wednesday, Februar y 15, 2023, at 7:00 pm in the Spor ts Centre Lounge at McAr thur Island Spor t & Event Centre for an update and discussion on the provisional budget.

Par ticipants will also learn about and discuss a number of business cases brought for ward by City staff and community groups, which Council will consider as additional budget items this year

This will be the first budget approved by the newly elected City Council Let them k now your perspective on how it will affect you and your community

For up -to - date event information and to subscribe for updates, visit: LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/Budget2023

Let's Talk K amloops is our engagement website where you can share your voice and shape our city Please subscribe to the project of interest to receive updates Sign up and speak up at: LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca

The Ar ts and Culture Engagement Group currently has openings for multiple community members for a two -year term (at least four meetings per year) to assist and suppor t with matters related to ar ts and culture in the community Members of the public with exper tise and a passion for ar ts and culture are encouraged to apply.

The City is look ing for community members with the following experience and attributes:

• experience in the par ticular engagement group’s related fields or sectors

• experience work ing with City staff on plans, projects, and initiatives

• demonstrated independence and innovative think ing

• proven collaboration, offering constructive ideas in group dialogue

• demonstrated track record of commitment to the community

Deadline to apply is 4:00 pm, on Friday, March 3, 2023.

Apply online at: Kamloops.ca/Volunteer

IT’S YOUR MONEY,

SO HAVE YOUR SAY

The City of Kamloops will host a public meeting on the 2023 budget on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at the Sports Centre Lounge inside the McArthur Island Sports Centre from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The city’s provisional budget for 2023 has this year’s tax increase set at 4.96 per

cent in order to make up a $6.3-million gap to fund service levels to the same point they were in 2022, according to the municipality.

According to the city, high inflation, more competition for employees and supply chain issues have all contributed to the

funding gap in the provisional budget. Costs to increase RCMP officers over time, decided by the previous council last year, is another factor.

If you can’t attend the meeting, you can weigh in on the budget online at letstalk. kamloops.ca/budget2023.

Remembering Coun. Pat Wallace

A legend of municipal politics in Kamloops has died.

TODAY’S FLYERS

Your Independent Grocer*, Walmart*, The Brick*, Shoppers*, Safeway*, Rexall*, Peavey Mart*, Nature’s Fare*, Maritime Travel*, M&M Meats*, London Drugs*, Freshco*, Canadian Tire*, Andre’s Electronic* *

WEATHER FORECAST

Feb. 15: Sun/clouds 0/-3 (hi/low)

Feb. 16: Sun/clouds 2/-4 (hi/low)

Feb. 17: Sunny 4/-3 (hi/low)

Feb. 18: Cloudy 6/-2 (hi/low)

Feb. 19: Cloudy 7/-2 (hi/low)

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Pat Wallace, who served 11 terms on council between 1980 and 2018, died at her Brocklehurst home on Saturday, Feb. 11. She was 90 years of age.

During her nearly four decades in politics, Wallace also staged unsuccessful runs for mayor and MLA.

KTW visited Wallace at her home in the RiverBend Seniors Community in Brocklehurst in October 2018, in advance of her final meetings at council before that year’s election, in which she decided against seeking re-election at the age of 85.

“I’m ready,” she said of her retirement.

Wallace arrived in Kamloops from Ontario in 1974 and began teaching employment prep at the newly minted Cariboo College, which opened its doors in 1970 and has since grown into Thompson Rivers University.

Wallace’s first political involvement came shortly after, in 1975, when she was elected to a provincial board established to create efficiencies among local agencies funded by the province.

Wallace was first elected to Kamloops council in 1980, serving the city for six years until an unsuccessful bid for the mayor’s chair in 1986, when she lost to John Dormer. Had Wallace won that election, she would have become the city’s first female mayor. Kenna Cartwright eventually shattered that glass ceiling five years later — the city’s lone female mayor to date — and Wallace never again ran for mayor.

After losing to Dormer, Wallace

became executive assistant for Kamloops MLA (Social Credit) Claude Richmond. In 1991, she failed in her own provincial run — splitting the centre-right vote as a Socred candidate with Liberal Kimball Kastelen, resulting in the election of NDP candidate Art Charbonneau — and returned to the world of municipal politics in 1993 as city councillor.

From then on, Wallace would secure term after term for 25 years. In 1983, she became the first woman to be chair of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District. In 2019, Wallace was honoured with the Freedom of the City, Kamloops’ most prestigious civic honour. In 2021, she received the AIMCanada Lifetime Mentorship Award for her commitment to community and individual mentorship.

In October 2018, Wallace retired due to health issues. She had visual and hearing problems, in addition to continued pain from a fall in 2016 that left her concussed with a broken neck.

Wallace first became a councillor when the position was called alderman. In that October 2018 interview with KTW, she recounted meeting royalty, including Princess Diana, and prime ministers, from Brian Mulroney to Stephen Harper.

“It’s all changed,” Wallace said then of politics. “And everybody today believes we’re more crooks than we were back then.”

Asked how she fared in a world often known to be an old boys’ club, Wallace said: “From the time I got elected ‘till today, no man or woman ever hesitated to call me an asshole. They treated me both ways.”

See WALLACE, A7

ABOVE: A newspaper ad for Wallace’s first campaign in 1980, when she successfully ran for alderman (now known as councillor) on Kamloops council.

KAMLOOPS THISWEEK

TOP: Pat Wallace chats with a KTW reporter and photographer in October 2018.

DAVE EAGLES/KTW

Former mayor Branchflower passes away

The man who led Kamloops as mayor through the 1990s passed away on Saturday, Feb. 11, in his home in Brocklehurst. Cliff Branchflower was 91.

“He passed away peacefully and was eager to be reunited with Ruth,” his family told KTW via email, referencing Branchflower’s wife, who predeceased him. “Family has always been a priority and continued to be even with his passing.”

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 18, at 11 a.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2165 Parkcrest Ave. in Brocklehurst.

Branchflower was mayor of Kamloops from 1991 to 1999, succeeding Kenna Cartwright (after whom the city park, the largest in B.C., is named), who died of leukemia while in office in 1991.

In 2008, Branchflower was honoured with the Freedom of the City, the highest honour bestowed upon a citizen.

In December 2019, KTW sat down with Branchflower in his Tranquille Road home to discuss his political career and his thoughts on the then-current political scene locally.

Branchflower recalled major events coming to Kamloops in the 1990s, including the Canada Summer Games and the World Fly Fishing Championships.

“I think that helped bring the city together,” Branchflower told KTW . “Volunteers came out in the hundreds to work on all of those various events.”

Today, the 1993 Canada Summer Games are often referred to when people talk about the volunteer spirit of Kamloops, with the event bolstering the Tournament Capital

of Canada brand.

Until the national and global events arrived, Branchflower noted the city had played host to provincial championships.

Branchflower recalled warmup events leading up to the festivities. At one, he met a young man from Newfoundland, who informed Branchflower he was the mayor of his town. The East Coast mayor was 19 and served a community with a population of 31. Branchflower was 60 years of age at the time.

That was more than a quartercentury ago and Kamloops has since played host to many more national and international sporting events, including the Brier and the IIHF World Women’s Championships.

The former mayor overcame some health issues in the 2000s, surviving a cancer diagnosis and a heart attack, with the help of family, friends and neighbours.

While Branchflower had been out of the political arena for two decades when KTW sat down with

in December 2019, he kept following the action from a distance.

“I try to keep my nose out of it,” Branchflower said.

(Though he did put his pen into it at times, penning letters to Kamloops This Week on topics such as water rates and the failed performing-arts centre referendum of 2015.)

“All my life, I tried to stay away from partisan politics,” Branchflower said during the interview with KTW . “I voted across the voting spectrum and tried to concentrate on the individual, rather than the party. Unfortunately, when people get elected, the party whip comes into effect. The local member, the MP, MLA, whatever the case. When the whip says, ‘Jump,’ all you’ve got to ask is, ‘How high?’”

Branchflower died on the same day as longtime Kamloops councillor Pat Wallace, who passed away on Feb. 11 at the age of 90.

Branchflower was predeceased by wife Ruth, who died in 2021 at the age of 89.

KAMLOOPS THISWEEK

Former Kamloops mayor Cliff Branchflower speaks to KTW in his Brocklehurst home in December 2019.

DAVE EAGLES/KTW

LOCAL NEWS

Wallace remembered as ‘champion’ of Kamloops

Reflecting on her pending retirement, Wallace offered thanks to the taxpayers, opining she felt she had served them well.

“At the end of the day, why am I a councillor? Because of the people of Kamloops that supported me. And I even thank the people that didn’t,” she said with a laugh.

There has been no word yet on a date for a memorial service.

MEMORIES

A number of people and organizations have posted thoughts on Wallace’s passing on social media:

• Kamloops-North

Thompson MLA Peter Milobar, who served with Wallace on Kamloops council: “Saddened with the news of Pat Wallace’s passing. Pat was a true friend, mentor, tenacious local champion and most of all a very caring and compassionate person. Kamloops was a much better place thanks to her. Deepest condolences to her family.”

• Arjun Singh, who also served with Wallace on Kamloops council: “I will miss the great Pat Wallace dearly. Mentor, friend, champion of Kamloops, lively soul and

FLAGS AT HALF-MAST

one of the best teachers of the ways of local government one could ever have. She was very clear on her views and she never let differences of views get in the way of good friendships.”

• Dieter Dudy, who also served with Wallace on Kamloops council: “Absolutely saddened by the news of Pat Wallace’s passing. Pat was iconic in this community and always strived to work hard for the well-being of Kamloops. She will be remembered as being steadfast, rational and caring in both public and private life. Kamloops was more for having her in it. She will be missed beyond measure. My sincerest condolences to her family and the many, many who considered her to be family.”

• Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone: “So sad to hear of the passing of Pat Wallace. She embodied service for others, and standing up for what you believe in. And wow, did she ever LOVE Kamloops. Our community would not be what it is today without her many contributions. RIP Pat, we will miss you.”

• Former Kamloops mayor and provincial health minister Terry Lake: “Pat was a mentor to me. She was

The City of Kamloops has lowered flags to half-mast in honour of the deaths of former mayor Cliff Branchflower and

fierce, charming and funny. She cared deeply about Kamloops and loved being in the mix. Her stories were legendary and shared regularly with ‘The Kokanee Caucus.’ We will miss her.”

• Current city councillor and former council colleague Nancy Bepple: “She contributed so much to the City of Kamloops for decades. When I met with her two weeks ago, she was as keen and interested as ever. Rest in peace, Pat.”

• City of Kamloops: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Pat Wallace, longtime city councillor and recipient of the Freedom of the City Award for her years of service and dedication to our city. Our thoughts are with her loved ones during this time.”

• Kamloops Ambassador Society: “Today we remember and honour Patricia Wallace. Pat was a pioneer for women in municipal politics. Her career as a city councillor spanned over 30 years. She was a champion for Kamloops and was awarded Freedom of the City in 2019. She left a legacy of public service and dedication to her community. An outstanding example for us all. Thank you for your contributions, Pat.”

former councillor Pat Wallace. Flags will remain lowered until after memorial services have taken place.

Commercial Lease Considerations

Pro tip - don’ t skip the details

Business relationships can be complicated and you need a lease that addresses your business’ unique needs and plans for the future Your lease should consider renewal rights, proper t y improvements and lease assignments to new owners , in addition to the usual time frames , base rent , and other unique additional terms.

If you have questions, we’re here to help Contact 250 372 5542 or law@fultonco.com

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be held on TUESDAY, February 21, 2023 at 6:30 p m in the COUNCIL CHAMBERS, #1 Opal Drive, Logan Lake in order to afford all persons who believe that their interest in property is affected by the following amendments to Zoning Bylaw 675, an opportunity to be heard or to present written submissions respecting matters contained in this amendment

ZONING AMENDMENT BYLAW 901, 2023

The intent of this bylaw is to rezone the property legally described as Lot 1 DL 2217 and 6485 Kamloops Division Yale District Plan KAP92176 except plans Epp18100 Epp29259 EPP52140 Epp75956, EPP103240 and Epp115365 and located at Poplar Drive, Logan Lake, BC from Single Family Residential (R1) zone to Two Family Residential (R2) as shown on the map below in bold

ZONING AMENDMENT BYLAW 902, 2023

The intent of this bylaw is to amend Zoning Bylaw 675, 2010 by adding “SHIPPING CONTAINERS” as a permitted use in the following locations:

a) DISTRICT LOT 2213 KAMLOOPS DIV OF YALE LAND DISTRICT PID: 013-187-040 6880 HWY 97D

b) PLAN KAP40458, District Lot 26, Kamloops Division Yale District PID: 007-297-271 Campground Road

Campground Property 6880 Hwy 97D Property

A copy of the above bylaws and relevant background documents are available for inspection between the hours of 8:30 a m to 4:00 p m , Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, from February 6 2023 to February 21 2023 inclusive at the District Office #1 Opal Drive Logan Lake BC

For further information concerning this matter you may contact the Chief Administrative Office at 523-6225 or via email at warchambault@loganlake ca

Dated at Logan Lake, BC this 26th day of January, 2023

Wade Archambault Chief Administrative Officer

STEPHANIE LEONG

Phone: 250-374-7467 | Fax: 250-374-1033

At TRU, research initiatives are on fire OPINION

S

ome believe that universities and academics work and study in environments not bound to the realities and problems that the “real-world” faces.

Much of the work universities do — particularly through research — is designed to examine real-world problems and create tangible solutions. Work TRU is doing now to establish a Wildfire Science Emergency Management Institute highlights the point.

Everyone who lives in the B.C. Interior understands the perils caused by wildfires. In recent years, residents across the region have suffered the loss of homes or displacement from communities for weeks at a time, and with alarming frequency.

All of us have had to endure choking veils of smoke. The increasing frequency and intensity of summer wildfires have proven this is a real-world problem requiring action.

Traditionally, wildfires in B.C. are fought by government-funded aircraft and teams of specially trained firefighters. We have seen, however, how limited such suppression efforts can be in the face of super fires fueled by devastating heat domes and windstorms.

We must continue to protect people and property using traditional methods, but at the same time, it’s incumbent for authori-

On the contrary, I would argue that universities are linked to the modern challenges we all face in ways that are profoundly real.BRETT FAIRBAIRN View From TRU

ties to look for better ways to fight and manage wildfires.

This is where universities — especially TRU — can play an important role.

Our wildfire research institute will work closely with governments, First Nations, the Interior Universities Research Coalition and others to search for new pathways. There are many aspects of wildfire and wildfire emergency management that can be explored through focused research.

The institute builds upon a previous $5-million investment from the province, enabling TRU to recruit world-renowned wildfire professionals, including Dr. Michael Flannigan, who is considered a leading expert on wildfire behaviour and landscape fire modelling.

Flannigan’s research goals include developing methods to help predict when and where extreme fire weather may arise and exploring the development of early warning wildfire notification systems.

The institute, soon to be partnered with Canada Wildfire, will collaborate with a range of others to advance world-class research, innovation and focused training related to the prevention and mitigation of, and response to, wildfires.

This model will integrate trades, training and technology within a research university, enabling rapid translation from theory to fieldproven application.

Another way a research institute can help is by providing a bridge between high-level policy objectives and real-world programs.

For example, Canada and B.C. are signatories to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, an international agreement adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. It aims to reduce disaster risk and loss by implementing evidence-

based risk reduction measures.

The framework has four priorities for action, including understanding disaster risk, strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk, investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience and enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response.

While the Sendai Framework was created with more than wildfires in mind, work done to meet the framework will also assist in managing wildfires.

The priorities articulated in the Sendai Framework are high-level concepts. The pathways for federal, provincial or municipal governments from concept to meaningful action to address Sendai’s requirements may not be easy to develop.

TRU is well-placed to assist governments and others to envision and develop programs that recognize the important aims and objectives of the Sendai

The Sparks Lake wildfire northwest of Kamloops was one of many blazes in the B.C. Interior during the fiery, smoky summer of 2021.

KTW FILE PHOTO

Framework and translate them into meaningful action.

Once fully established, the Wildfire Science Emergency Management Institute will be TRU’s first research institute. This initiative will:

• Launch Canada’s first joint federal-provincial-academiccommunity-industry wildfire science, innovation and training ecosystem;

• Establish Canada as a global leader in wildfire training and predictive services;

• Create a world-class, research-informed wildfire training arm to train the next generation of emergency management and wildfire science experts — academic and non-academic;

• Put Canada at the forefront of international research in wildfire science.

That’s exciting stuff. More importantly, however, it is work that bears the potential to save people and property from devastating tragedy. Ultimately, this is what is most important and why TRU has set the development of this institute as a priority.

Dr. Brett Fairbairn is the president and vice-chancellor of Thompson Rivers University. He can be reached by email at president@ tru.ca. View From TRU columns appear monthly in KTW and online at kamloopsthisweek.com.

KTW

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Robert W. Doull President/Publisher Letters to the editor can be sent via email to editor@kamloops thisweek.com and via Canada Post to 1365B Dalhousie Dr., Kamloops, B.C., V2C 5P6. Please include your name and a contact phone number and/or email. Please try to limit letters to a maximum word count of 300. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

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OPINION

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

OFFICER WAS INDEED NEGLIGENT IN DUTIES

Editor:

Re: The Feb. 13 story online at kamloopsthisweek.com

(‘Kamloops Mountie cleared of wrongdoing after man dies of fentanyl poisoning’):

While the Independent Investigations Office of BC cleared the officer in connection with a delayed response to a man who eventually died, the probe noted there was some negligence on the part of the Mountie.

BUREAUCRATIC INACTION IN ACTION

Editor:

The relevant facts are that uncaring and unresponsive police have and continue to put a blight on my city.

While perhaps not liable for that person’s life, the officer was certainly negligent in the performance of their duties and responsibility to their sworn duty.

If they don’t want the job, I’d advise them to move on.

John Kemp Kamloops

SEEKING GOOD SAMARITAN

Editor:

I am writing in an effort to find a Good Samaritan who came to my wife’s aid on Dec. 29, 2022.

On that day, a Thursday, my wife, Stana, slipped on some ice and fell to the sidewalk at Springhill Drive and Sedona Drive in Sahali.

My wife was injured (but has since recovered) and tended to by a passerby, a woman

named Kimberley who was driving a black SUV.

Kimberley drove my wife home, but left before we could obtain her contact information.

We would like Kimberley to contact us by phone at 250851-0800.

Mate Pavlovic Kamloops

It seemed like it was only a matter of time.

Apparently, the encampment under the Eighth Street overpass in North Kamloops went up in flames on Feb. 12. Thankfully, it was doused quickly by firefighters.

Last fall, KTW published a photo of the encampment’s debris, alongside a letter I wrote.

I had also sent photos to the chief at Kamloops Fire Rescue about my concerns if a fire broke out at that site.

I pointed out there are large coniferous trees, clearly visible in at least one photo, and a line of older condos along Collingwood Drive in Westmount.

This has been bureaucratic inaction at its finest.

Since the debris field was on Canadian National Rail property, apparently it was that company’s problem.

Last fall, just before the municipal election, I called for a complete overhaul to be undertaken at the city’s community services (bylaws) department.

All that material, perhaps

including propane tanks, was taken to that spot from our community. It is easy to see where stuff had been dragged down the side of the hills to the area next to railway tracks.

Why was nothing done? Why did there have to be a fire so close to large coniferous trees and the line of condos at 700 Collingwood

Dr.?

I have met people who live there. A young mom walks her child to school and they live near

the end of the condos where the encampment has been. She has been scared out of her wits, afraid there was going to be a fire. And now, it has happened.

I renew my call for action to be taken. In private industry, there are performance reviews.

That has to happen with the city and it has to take place sooner than later.

John Noakes Kamloops

Kamloops This Week is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please email  editor@kamloopsthisweek.com or call 250-374-7467

If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the website at  mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163

In the fall of 2022, KTW letter writer John Noakes called for the debris field under the Eighth Street overpass to be cleaned up, lest in erupt in flames and endanger nearby residents. Following a fire there on Feb. 12, which was doused by firefighters without flames damaging nearby property, Noakes is asking why nothing was done about the encampment and its materials.

Should councillor be a full-time job locally?

Previous mayor Ken Christian limited public inquiry appearances to five minutes per person.

Kamloops Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson believes the salary earned by city councillors is enough to warrant fulltime duties.

Officially, the mayoral seat on council is the only full-time position, paying a little more than $115,000 a year according to the city’s 2021 statements of financial information (SOFI). The eight councillor positions are considered part-time, and were paid just under $42,000 per year in 2021. In addition, six of eight councillors are appointed to the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board as city directors, earning them an additional $15,135 per year in pay, according to TNRD chief administrative officer Scott Hildebrand.

Hamer-Jackson’s view on councillor pay and workload came on Feb. 8 during his monthly Reider’s Digest segment on Kamloops Last Week, KTW’s weekly webcast/ podcast.

The mayor was commenting on a motion Coun. Dale Bass will introduce at the Feb. 28 council meeting, seeking to limit each member of the public to five minutes of questions during the public inquiry portion at the beginning of each regular council meeting.

The notice of motion came about as a result of a marathon 4.5-hour council meeting on Jan. 31 — a meeting that included a lengthy public inquiry session during which Hamer-Jackson said there would be no time limit.

Retraction

Bass has said council is charged with undertaking the business of the city during council meetings, noting the Jan. 31 meeting was part of a long day for council (which also had an in-camera meeting and a public hearing that day and night).

Bass told KTW the problem with Hamer-Jackson’s rationale is the job is described as parttime. Half of the eight council members — Katie Neustaeter, Stephen Karpuk, Mike O’Reilly and Margot Middleton — have day jobs and the other four are retired.

“For him to declare that we should be working full-time is putting at least half of my colleagues lives in flux because they have day jobs,” Bass said, arguing that if the job was fulltime, it wouldn’t represent the diversity of the population.

“It would be a council of retirees, rich people or business owners who don’t have to report in for work every day,” she said, noting young people wouldn’t have time to hold office.

Councillors Margot Middleton and Mike O’Reilly also said they view the job as a part-time commitment.

O’Reilly said councillors are working more than 40 hours a week before factoring in time to participate in public events.

“That [part of the job] becomes reduced when you have so many hours in council meetings,” he said.

Hamer-Jackson said he will not support Bass’s motion and asked how he could limit the

A story in the Feb. 8 print edition of Kamloops This Week included information that should have not ran with the article.

The story (‘Cllémentem is as good as it gets’) included interviews with some of the city’s homeless population as KTW sought their opinion on what the Cllémentem ministorage facility downtown means to them in light of the city undertaking a review of its operations due to concerns including open drug use, jaywalking and vandalism.

public’s time speaking when he allowed ASK Wellness Society representatives 30 minutes at the microphone this past November. As mayor and chair of council meetings, he said he can cut speakers off when required.

On the subject of long days, cited by Bass, Hamer-Jackson referenced councillor pay.

“I don’t consider making $42,000 a year, and if you’re on the TNRD, I don’t know how much it is, but making over $55,000, or $42,000, I don’t know how that became such a part-time job,” Hamer-Jackson said. “We only have council Tuesday — and it isn’t even every week. And it can go from this time to 11 o’clock at night, so I don’t know why people are scheduling appointments on council or mayor through that, at that time. Again, I feel that it should be more of a full-time position than part-time.”

Bass said the idea meetings can go until 11 p.m. is “nonsense,” noting such long days are draining on staff and council.

“You start fading in the 13th hour of, quite literally, backto-back-to-back meetings,” O’Reilly said.

Middleton and O’Reilly said they try to avoid scheduling other business on Tuesdays.

O’Reilly said Tuesday meetings need to be kept to related city business, but suggested council could consider more town hall meetings for added public feedback. Middleton said she is in favour of time limits on public input during council meetings as there is no control over how many people will want to speak.

One of the subjects in the story spoke of how he used the facility and included statements relating to one of his former wives as he explained his movement from prison to a shelter and to the street.

The allegations made by the story subject were unsubstantiated and have been denied by a member of the family of his former wife. The comments should not have been included in the print article and KTW apologizes for the fact they were.

MICHAEL POTESTIO STAFF REPORTER michael@kamloopsthisweek.com

LOCAL NEWS

Compass Group Canada has for years serviced the bulk of public sporting venues in Kamloops — including Sandman Centre — with food and drink, but city staff are hopeful service will improve.

DAVE EAGLES/KTW FILE

Improvement on menu?

MICHAEL POTESTIO STAFF REPORTER michael@kamloopsthisweek.com

Public complaints of poor food quality, unjust pricing and long lineups at public sporting facilities has a Kamloops council committee seeking options for improvement of food services at its venues.

The city’s community and protective services committee has asked staff to prepare options for council to consider changing the contract with its primary food service provider in the future after reviewing an 18-page report outlining its history and challenges.

The committee made the recommendation by a 2-1 vote, with councillors Kelly Hall (chair) and Katie Neustaeter in favour and Dale Bass opposed, citing undue staff workload.

Neustaeter said she feels the current one-contract food services model the city has with Compass Group Canada isn’t working and council needs to discuss alternatives.

“What a lot of this seems to come down to is a problem with cost, quality, communication and a monopoly that is not solving any of those problems,” Neustaeter said, noting the addition of competition is something the city needs to consider to improve the service.

According to the report, staffing issues, inflation, uncertainty of events during the pandemic and people bringing their own food have been issues.

Compass is contracted to provide food and beverage services for sports and private events at McArthur Island

Sports and Event Centre, Tournament Capital Ranch and Sandman Centre, where it is the master concessionaire, presiding over multiple subcontractors.

Sean Smith, the city’s business operations and events supervisor, told the committee the negative feedback his office and the Kamloops Blazers have received has dropped off “considerably” and is “almost to zero” from what was received in 2018 and 2019.

“I see the trajectory improving,” Smith said, noting Compass has hired new staff for Kamloops in the past six months and he feels the company is on the right track.

Neustaeter said she is hopeful, but noted she isn’t confident in that assessment after reading the report.

Reported issues at Sandman Centre include long lines and wait times at concession stands, expensive pricing, poor food quality and vendors running out of product.

On McArthur Island, Compass is responsible for the Sports Centre Lounge and main concession at the Sport and Event Centre at the North Shore site, where the company has experienced staffing shortages and a lack of sales to justify increased hours of operation.

Hall noted it was a missed opportunity when he noticed the lounge remained closed during the December Kamloops International Bantam Ice Hockey Tournament.

Staffing shortages also persist at the Tournament Capital Ranch and the lone concession at the Rayleigh location has had difficulty keeping up with

demand, the report stated.

According to the report, one reason for poor service at Sandman Centre is that, for decades, the downtown arena did not have a commercial kitchen, though the basement was set up for one. A kitchen was installed in February 2020, just weeks before the pandemic was declared, and the current Blazers season has been the first time it has been utilized.

Compass has also had difficulty recruiting staff for the arena, leaving it shorthanded when the Blazers’ season began last fall. The report stated a new point of sale system, purchased by Compass in August 2021, has reduced wait times.

According to Smith, Compass’ monopoly stems from it having been the only vendor with extensive experience in providing food and beverage service to large-scale operations to bid on contracts. Smith said food trucks would undercut the attractiveness of the concessionaire contract.

Compass has had the contract at all three facilities for many years, with few other companies bidding. Other city parks are serviced by permitted food trucks, while Taste Kitchen Inc. services the Tournament Capital Centre next to Thompson Rivers University.

The Compass contract at Sandman Centre expires in 2024, while the contract for both McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre and Tournament Capital Ranch was awarded in 2022 for three years, with a pair of one-year extension options, Smith said.

City council drilling into budget items

JESSICA WALLACE STAFF REPORTER jessica@kamloopsthisweek.com

Kamloops council is considering adding 10 supplemental items to the 2023 budget, which carries a slightly lower preliminary tax increase than originally projected.

On Tuesday, Feb. 14, council’s committee of the whole heard more about a proposal from staff to add $6.9 million in spending, which would pay for more firefighters, more community service (bylaws) officers and a new welcome to Kamloops sign among others.

This past November, the city was faced with closing a $7 million gap between revenues and expenditures — equating to a 5.6 per cent property tax increase — to maintain current service levels before even considering supplemental budget items.

Since then, staff have revised that gap to about $6.3 million — equating to a 4.96 per cent property tax increase — thanks to an $800,000 change in investment income and increases in other revenues seen with 2022 now officially in the books, according to a report for the council committee.

THE ITEMS:

• The city’s community services (bylaws) department is asking for $888,000 in ongoing funding to pay for an additional

6.7 full-time staff and to convert

5.3 existing part-time officers to full-time status due to increasing demands on the role.

• Kamloops Fire Rescue is asking for $100,000 in capital funding to complete needed renovations at Firehall No. 4 in Westsyde and an ongoing $1.04 million annually for an increase of 10 full-time staff to address staffing shortfalls at the facility.

• City staff are requesting five new vehicles for community

service officers due to increased demand on the job. The city is also asking for four trucks to be added to the parks department to replace an aging quartette at a total capital cost of $670,000 for 2023. Another $120,000 a year is being requested to hire an additional mechanic to its current complement of 12 to service the vehicles.

• City staff propose phasing in over the next five years a funding pool for the introduction and maintenance of boulevard and streetscape beautification projects in the city, starting with $350,000 in 2023, followed by half-million dollar contributions each year from 2024 to 2027. Work would include trees, horticulture, irrigation, pathway and lighting improvements.

• City staff want to take out a $2.3-million loan in 2024 to upgrade the intersection of Pacific Way and the Highway 1 off-ramp. The proposal is to twin the left-hand turn lane coming off the highway that turns south onto Pacific Way from Hugh Allan Drive to address increased traffic. McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. provided the city with a cost estimate of $2.3 million to complete the infrastructure project. The municipality made a commitment to the Ministry of

Transportation and Infrastructure in 2015 to complete the project within a 10-year time frame as a condition for approval of the Cascades Casino development.

• City staff are requesting $600,000 for 2027 to twin the left-hand turn lane from Summit Drive onto the Highway 1 on-ramp, which will also need to be expanded due to projected traffic increases in 2026. The expansion project would involve relocating a sidewalk on the west side of Summit Drive and building a retaining wall. The cost would be about $4.2 million, with $3.6 million being covered by development cost charges.

• The North Shore Business Improvement Association (NSBIA) is asking the city to provide $250,000 in ongoing funding, starting in 2023, to create a fund for “public realm improvements” on the North Shore, over and above the city’s regular capital upgrades plans.

The NSBIA envisions the fund helping to improve benches, replace and expand garbage bin locations and services, replace derelict planter boxes and add public art and other beautification projects in North Kamloops.

• Venture Kamloops is asking the city for $100,000 to conduct

two research reports — $50,000 each in 2023 and 2024. The studies would provide updates on economic data for Kamloops.

• A request for a marquee welcome sign in Kamloops has been requested by Tourism Kamloops and Communities in Bloom. The sign would be funded via a grant, donations and gambling funds at a cost of $150,000. Its location is yet to be determined, but its proponents request a prominent, visible site in the city, with installation happening preferably before the Memorial Cup tournament begins on May 26.

• The Kamloops Cycling Coalition is asking the city to accelerate the creation of cycling infrastructure identified in the Kamloops Transportation Master Plan. The group wants infrastructure completed in 10 years, rather than the 20-year time frame listed in the 2018 plan.

The proposal would involve the city squirrelling away $1 million a year. To meet the time frame identified in the request, the current annual active transportation funding would need to be increased to $7.5 million from the current level of $2.5 million.

Following a public budget forum at McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre on Feb. 15, at 7 p.m., the council committee of the whole will deliberate and vote on the inclusion of each item on March 7.

After the committee of the whole’s direction is made, the final budget and 2023 property tax rates will be presented to council for approval and implementation in advance of the May 15 deadline.

According to the city, high inflation, more competition for employees and supply chain issues have all contributed to the funding gap in the provisional budget.

YOUR MUNICIPAL TAX PAYMENTWHAT ARE YOU PAYING FOR?

LOCAL NEWS

After the investigation, TRU exec files lawsuit

CHRISTOPHER FOULDS KTW EDITOR editor@kamloopsthisweek.com

A senior administrator at Thompson Rivers University who was cleared following an investigation into allegations of harassment is suing a number of the complainants.

Matt Milovick, vice-president of finance and administration at TRU, is seeking general damages, aggravated damages, exemplary and punitive damages, special damages, interest pursuant to the Court Order Interest Act and special costs. He is also seeking a permanent injunction against those he is suing from further publication of what he alleges have been defamatory statements.

The defendants in the lawsuit are:

• Lucille Gnanasihamany, former associate vice-president of marketing and communications at TRU;

• Jim Gudjonson, former environment and sustainability director at TRU;

• Stacey Jykkanen, former community safety and emergency management manager at TRU;

• Amanda Ellison, former associate director of human resources at TRU;

• Charis Kamphuis, current associate law professor at TRU;

• Meaghan Hagerty, former sexualized violence prevention and response manager at TRU;

• Deanne Brkovich, former contracted talent acquisition consultant at TRU;

• Laura Cooke, former organizational engagement and learning manager at TRU;

In addition, the lawsuit cites unnamed defendants labelled a WB (whistleblowers) and unnamed defendants labelled as C.

Through his lawyer, David Sutherland, who filed the lawsuit on Feb. 8, Milovick said he takes no issue with any complaint or process undertaken by the complainants within the boundaries of the investigation.

The lawsuit alleges the defendants failed to maintain confidentiality by disclosing details of their complaints to the media, including KTW, CBC Kamloops, CFJC-TV, Castanet and Radio NL.

The lawsuit also notes the fallout of the allegations and their impact on Milovick, including petitions calling for his suspension and demonstrations on campus, along with disparagement on social media .

Ronik Security Ltd. has been serving Kamloops since 1972 and is 100% Canadian. We wish to thank our current and future loyal customers during this pandemic season! Our employees are proud to serve for your safety and security.

What Milovick does take issue with is the disclosure by the complainant to the media of allegations as part of a “campaign of vilification” against  himself outside the boundaries of the investigation.

The lawsuit alleges an email sent to the university board of governors by anonymous complainants on Feb. 8, 2021, contained “false and defamatory” allegations against Milovick, including that he had engaged in discriminatory conduct, had made discriminatory statements, had harassed others in the workplace, had treated current and former TRU employees in clear violation of the university’s values, vision, agreement with First Nations and the university’s equity and diversity and inclusion action plan and had systematically, or in the alternative, repeatedly exhibited racial intolerance inconsistent with his responsibilities at the university.

Those allegations, along with the email authors’ claim that Milovick’s “intolerance is a pattern and its persistence risks causing irreparable harm to the entire reputation of TRU and its entire work environment” are “false and misleading assertions, without factual foundation or substance,” according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit states Milovick co-operated with the investigation and maintained confidentiality after being interviewed by investigators, as advised to do so by investigators.

The lawsuit adds that even after Thompson Rivers University administration confirmed he had been cleared in the investigation, it “did not stem the tide of denunciation, as complainants have disputed the outcome in print and on radio and on chats and social media.”

The lawsuit claims Milovick has suffered injury to pride and self-confidence, severe emotional distress, injury to professional relationships and anxiety arising from the threat to take complaints to the media.

No allegations in the lawsuit have been proven in court. The defendants named in the lawsuit have 21 days to file a response.

In January, TRU released a redacted 500-plus-page report that examined a total of 55 allegations against Milovick and Larry Phillips, the university’s former associate vice-president of people and culture.

Twenty-two allegations were brought against Milovick and 33 allegations were brought against Phillips. The investigation cleared Milovick because it could not substantiate any of the allegations.

But the investigation did substantiate 10 of the 33 harassment allegations from four complainants levelled against Phillips.

Phillips was fired in December of 2021 by TRU president Brett Fairbairn, who has said the dismissal was not connected to the investigation or the allegations. No reason has been given for Phillips’ firing.

Matt Milovick is vice-president of finance and administration at Thompson Rivers University.

T:

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LOCAL NEWS

Lawsuit defendants launch fundraiser

KAMLOOPS THISWEEK

Seven former Thompson Rivers University employees — and one current employee — being sued by the senior administrator who was cleared of harassment allegations following an investigation have launched a GoFundMe campaign to support their legal costs.

The fundraiser was launched on Feb. 12, a few days after KTW reported that TRU vice-president of finance and administration Matt Milovick is suing eight complainants who took part in the misconduct investigation.

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Milovick, who was cleared of 22 allegations of misconduct by investigators hired by the university, is seeking general damages, aggravated damages, exemplary and punitive damages, special damages, interest pursuant to the Court Order Interest Act and special costs.

He is also seeking a permanent injunction against those he is suing from further publication of what he alleges have been defamatory statements.

Amanda Ellison, fundraiser organizer and former associate director of human resources at TRU, wrote on the campaign webpage that the investigation has severely impacted the defendants, noting defence of the lawsuit can be expensive and “multiplies the risk, stress and costs each of us must now carry.”

“We deny all of the allegations in this suit,” Ellison wrote.

As of noon on Tuesday, Feb. 14, the campaign had raised almost $11,000 of its $50,000 goal.

“Please contribute what you can and know that your generosity will not only help us defend ourselves, but also defend the principle that complainants have the right to report their allega-

tions without fear of a defamation suit,” Ellison wrote.

Through his lawyer, David Sutherland, who filed the lawsuit on Feb. 8, Milovick said he takes no issue with any complaint or process undertaken by the complainants within the boundaries of the investigation. What Milovick does take issue with is the disclosure by the complainant to the media of allegations as part of a “campaign of vilification” against himself outside the boundaries of the investigation.

The lawsuit alleges an email sent to the university board of governors by anonymous complainants on Feb. 8, 2021, contained “false and defamatory” allegations against Milovick.

The defendants in the lawsuit who are also part of the GoFundMe campaign include:

• Lucille Gnanasihamany, former associate vice-president of

marketing and communications at TRU;

• Jim Gudjonson, former environment and sustainability director at TRU;

• Stacey Jykkanen, former community safety and emergency management manager at TRU;

• Amanda Ellison, former associate director of human resources at TRU;

• Charis Kamphuis, current associate law professor at TRU;

• Meaghan Hagerty, former sexualized violence prevention and response manager at TRU;

• Deanne Brkovich, former contracted talent acquisition consultant at TRU;

• Laura Cooke, former organizational engagement and learning manager at TRU.

The fundraiser can be found online at gofundme. com by searching “TRU Complainants Now Defendants.”

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

These stories can be read in full, online at

Kamloops-Edmonton flights begin in June

Flights between Kamloops and Edmonton will return later this year as Flair Airlines plans to begin thrice-weekly service between the two cities.

Flair Airlines, an Edmonton-based discount airline that began operating in 2005, will begin the service on June 15.

It will be the first direct Kamloops-Edmonton flights

since 2016, when WestJet Airlines cancelled the route after less than a year in service.

To fly from Kamloops to Edmonton with a personal item, but no checked bags and no other options selected, the total return cost, including taxes and fees, is $77.99.

That cost jumps to $185.09 if you want to check a bag and bring one

carry-on bag with you.

Options are extra, such as choosing seats (from $10 to $27), changing flights ($10.50), priority boarding ($10 each way) and checking in at the airport in person ($30 for pre-pay and $50 for regular check-in; online check-in is free).

Flights are available for booking at flyflair.com.

Convicted killer awaiting sentencing date

A Pinantan Lake man convicted of manslaughter is awaiting a decision on sentencing.

On Sept. 12, 2020, James Sanford, 34, stabbed and killed 33-year-old Daniel Thomas Myles near Canada’s Best Value Inn in the 1300block of Columbia Street in downtown Kamloops.

On Feb. 6, Justice Joel

Groves indicated that a case management conference would be held on Feb. 23 to coordinate services and programs for Sanford before a sentence is delivered.

Sanford, who had no prior criminal record, has been on bail since December 2020, living with his mother in the Paul Lake/Pinantan area under conditions.

JAMES SANFORD

Milobar: Give excess cash to those in need

Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar would like to see the province’s budget surplus, mentioned in the B.C. NDP government’s Feb. 6 throne speech, get into the hands of lower-income earners.

Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin told the Legislature the budget surplus of $5.7 billion won’t be there next year as econo-

mists are predicting a global slowdown in the face of inflation and other forces.

Milobar, who is the BC Liberal finance critic, said the surplus needs to be handled with caution, noting he is concerned a large portion of the money is likely going to be spent with little time for thought and planning.

“That’s the worry, is they

are in a full sprint the next few days to see how fast they can blow money out the door and their track record, even when they’ve taken their time to think out programs, they haven’t been met with any success,” Milobar said.

By law, surplus money not spent by March 31 must go toward paying down B.C.’s debt.

Kamloops to be split at federal riding level

It appears as though concerns about how Kamloops will be split up in a new federal electoral area map have fallen on deaf ears, with the eastern part of the city about to be part of a riding that stretches to the B.C.-Alberta border.

The final report by the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for British Columbia has Kamloops split into two federal ridings.

The area of the city east of Sixth Avenue and Lansdowne Street, including the east part of downtown, Valleyview,

Juniper Ridge, Dallas, Barnhartvale and Campbell Creek, will be part of a new riding called KamloopsShuswap-Central Rockies.

That riding will also include Salmon Arm, Revelstoke, Golden and communities east to the B.C.-Alberta border.

The rest of Kamloops west of Sixth Avenue will be part of the new KamloopsThompson-Nicola riding, which will include the North Thompson area presently in the Kamloops-ThompsonCariboo district (including

Barriere and Clearwater) and areas west to Lillooet and south to Merritt and Lytton.

A public hearing on proposed changes to how a redrawn electoral map could affect Kamloops was held on June 16, 2022, at which 25 people attended and 11 spoke, all of whom called for the entire City of Kamloops to be part of one riding in any boundary alteration, with various options presented.

Maps of the proposed new ridings can be viewed online at kamloopsthisweek. com.

URGENT CALL TO HELP QUAKE VICTIMS

Cem Bicer is a Turkish citizen, currently in his third year as a law student at Thompson Rivers University.

Bicer wants to bring awareness locally of the massive earthquake in his homeland of Turkey, as well as neighbouring Syria. More than 36,000 people have been killed by the 7.8-magnitude quake on Feb. 6 that was centred about 26 kilometres east of the Turkish city of Nurdagi, at a depth of about 18 kilometres on the East Anatolian Fault.

Bicer said he is encouraging Kamloopsians to go beyond making a financial donation to the Canadian Red Cross.

“I would urge Kamloopsians to donate first, but also call their MP to push for more professional or military personnel to be sent, and press the Turkish government to accept them, no matter what,” he said.

“Economic sanctions from Europe and America and Canada are putting a very big block against the people getting the money help that they need,” Bicer said. “This shouldn’t be a time to have economic sanctions while people are waiting under the rubble, Syria as well.”

Bicer said even though a smaller city like Kamloops cannot provide the in-kind help that larger centres with greater populations have been providing, such as sending boxes of supples to Turkish airlines who can deliver them, every little thing helps. Bicer and colleagues at TRU held a bake sale recently to raise funds and awareness.

Bicer said there is not the same level of trust between Turkish citizens and its government with respect to using funds for aid.

“There is another problem in the field, in that the government is lacking in its response, Bicer said. “They’re putting bureaucratic hurdles against opposition leaders, opposition parties and the municipalities controlled by the opposition who are trying to bring more humanitarian aid. That’s why Turkish people are donating to Turkish NGOs (non-governmental organizations), rather than to the Turkish government.”

Bicer is urging people to donate via the Canadian Red Cross or other reputable humanitarian missions.

“At least in Canada, you can more or less trust your government to use the money to actually provide relief, like the Red Cross does,” he said.

Bicer said the Turkish government’s attempt to decrease the bandwidth of Twitter on Feb. 8 “hurt our people.”

Store proceeds go to relief efforts

This coming weekend — Saturday, Feb. 18, and Sunday, Feb. 19 — the Kamloops Firefighters Charitable Society and Station 10 Thrift Store will be donating all proceeds to Globalmedic’s current relief efforts in Turkey following the devastating earthquake of Feb. 6. The store is in North Kamloops, at Tranquille Road and Yew Street North. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this weekend.

He said it affected civilians who were trying to organize emergency help or to seek out loved ones by using Twitter in areas where regular lines of communication were unavailable.

“It strikes at the efforts of civilians so much. Local NGO’s efforts were decreased by 50 to 60 per cent,” Bicer said. “At some point, it [Twitter] was re-instated.

Bicer said he is hearing from people affected by the earthquakes that government media is trying to shut them down.

”One person, our president [Recep Ergdogan] is trying to save his image and trying to control the media and control the source of information,” Bicer said. “But it also hurts our people.”

The federal government will match donations Canadians make to the Red Cross, up to $10 million.

To make a donation, go online to donate.redcross. ca.

The initiative is being spearheaded by store owner David Sakaki, who is also a captain with Kamloops Fire Rescue and a team lead for Globalmedic, a charity whose mandate is to save lives by providing short-term, rapid response in the wake of disasters and crises, at home and abroad.

More information about the organization is online at globalmedic.ca.

ABOVE: The wreckage of a collapsed building in Diyarbakır, Turkey, following the Feb. 6 earthquake in Turkey and Syria. The death toll as of Feb. 14 climbed past 36,000, according to the United Nations.

VOICE OF AMERICA PHOTO

RIGHT: Thompson Rivers University third-year law student Cem Bicer is encouraging Kamloopsians to donate to the Red Cross and to push for the Canadian government to send professional or military aid.

DAVE EAGLES/KTW

DAVE EAGLES STAFF REPORTER dave@kamloopsthisweek.com

Swing into the new year with Lindy in the Loops

BREANNE MASSEY STAFF REPORTER breanne@kamloopsthisweek.com

Weekly beginner swing dancing lessons have returned for the new year.

Lindy in the Loops is offering weekly hour-long beginner swing dancing series, on Saturdays at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, downtown at Nicola Street and Fourth Avenue.

The lessons are followed by a social dance between 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. for regular attendees, as well as drop-in dancers for $15 a class.

“Our main philosophy is that we try to be as inclusive as possible so that everyone can learn and enjoy swing dancing, no matter what kind of background you have,” said 28-year-old Justin Mufford, Lindy Loops event organizer. The lessons are for newcomers to learn basic moves before the social dance. Attendees can arrive on their own or with a partner as the lessons and social aspects of the evening are designed to be friendly and inclusive, allowing dancers to rotate to different partners throughout the evening to build a sense of community. Additionally, the benefits of rotating partners allows beginners to be paired with

Calling on all artsy people

The City of Kamloops is seeking applications from Kamloops residents who are interested in serving on its arts and culture engagement group on a voluntary basis.

There are multiple positions available to serve as a community representative for a twoyear term. Members of the public with expertise in, and a passion for, arts and culture are encouraged to apply.

The group meets quarterly to assist and support the community and protective services committee with matters related to arts and culture in the community.

The engagement group, which consists of seven representatives from the public, makes recommendations and provides input on a wide

variety of arts and culture planning and community well-being initiatives.

Those interested in applying for a position on the arts and culture engagement group can submit an online application at kamloops.ca/ volunteer by 4 p.m. on March 3.

For more information, contact Cara Gates, the city’s arts, culture and heritage coordinator, by email at cgates@kamloops.ca.

advanced dancers to ensure there is exposure to various levels of participation.

Those who attend swing dancing classes on a regular basis are encouraged to buy a punch card for five or 10 visits, with up to 20 per cent discount, depending on the selection.

Those interested in drop-in lessons can pay at the door. For more information, go online to lindyintheloops.com or email info@lindyintheloops.com.

Lou & Yvonne Tessier married in Merritt, B C on Februar y 15, 1958

They are celebrating their “BLUE SAPPHIRE” 65th Anniversar y on Februar y 15, 2023

Best Wishes from Family and Friends

(collec tively, the “Proper ty ”).

The City is transferring fee simple title of the Proper ty to 625515 B.C. Ltd., to be consolidated with 852 and 876 Vic toria Street, for consideration in the amount of $217,200

For more information, please contac t David W Freeman, RI(BC ), Assistant Development, Engineering, and Sustainability Direc tor/Real Estate Manager, at 250-828-3548

Andre Laprade and Bonnie Cleland demonstrate the Lindy Hop Swing Dance during an event downtown in the summer of 2017.

LINDY IN THE LOOPS PHOTO

KAMLOOPS THISWEEK

Keystones mark best in homebuilding

KAMLOOPS THISWEEK

The Central Interior chapter of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association held its 17th annual Keystone Awards on Saturday, Feb.11, at Thompson Rivers University, with 27 awards handed out to the best in homebuilding in the Kamloops and East Kootenay regions.

Seven judges were enlisted to decide the outcome of the winners, by evaluating each project anonymously based on photos and a marketing statement.

The numbers were compiled and tallied in secrecy by a BDO adjudicator.

THE WINNERS:

• Best Single Family Detached Home under $500,000: New Dawn Developments Ltd. for Steeples Serenity.

• Best Single Family

Detached Home $500,000$750,000: HKR Builders Ltd. for Modern Vintage Vista; project partners: Portfolio Interiors and Bergman Home Design Inc.

• Best Single Family

Detached Home $750,000$1 million: Interior Elite Contracting Ltd. for Refined Opulence; project partner: ProCad Designs.

• Best Single Family

Detached Home $1 million-$1.5 million: New Dawn Developments Ltd. for Family Haven.

• Best Single Family

Detached Home $1.5 million and over: Wedgewood Developments for Mountain

Modern; project partners: Motivo Design Group Inc and Isabey Interiors Inc.

• Best SemiDetached or Town-Home Development: Granite Developments Inc. for Foxtail Views.

• Best Multi-Family Low Rise Development: Homex Development Corporation for Summit Pointe Final Phase.

• Best Multi-Family High Rise Development: Kelson Group for Liberty Pointe.

• Best Residential Renovation under $150,000: Fine & Dandy Interiors for Houston, We Have a Problem …; project partner: Fulcrum Development.

• Best Residential Renovation $150,000-$250,000: Interior Elite Contracting Ltd. for Renewed Vibrancy.

• Best Residential Renovation $250,000-$350,000: Watermark

Custom Built Homes for 7th Avenue Dreams.

• Best Bathroom under $30,000 (new or renovated): Cressman Homes Ltd. for The Modern Oasis Ensuite.

• Best Bathroom $30,000 and over (new or renovated): Wedgewood Developments for Mountain Modern; project partner: Motivo Design Group Inc and Isabey Interiors Inc.

• Best Innovative/Special Feature (new or renovated): Motivo Deign Group Inc for Mountain Modern; project partner: Wedgewood Developments.

• Best Outdoor Living Space (new or renovated): Quiniscoe Homes 20/20 Ltd. for Lakefront Terraces.

• Best Kitchen Design Project under $60,000 (new or renovated): Munter Design & Build Corp. for Aspen’s Peak.

Interior Elite Contracting Ltd. and project partner ProCad Designs won the Keystone Award for Best Single Family detached Home $750,000-$1 million. Go online to kamloopsthisweek.com to see more photos.

• Best Kitchen Design Project $60,000 and over (new or renovated): Watermark Custom Built Homes for 7th Avenue Dreams.

• Best Interior Design (new or renovated): Fine & Dandy Interiors for Transitional Haven; project partner: Motivo Design Group Inc.

• Best Housing Design: New Dawn Developments Ltd. for Family Haven.

• Best in Marketing: A&T Project Developments for Powder Heights.

• Best Customer Service by a CHBA-CI member builder: A&T Project Developments.

• Best Customer Service by a CHBA-CI member non-builder: Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services (Kamloops) Ltd.

• Best Public/Private Partnership: Generation Homes for The Farmhouse;  project partner: BC Housing.

• Best Innovative Construction/Architecture/ Design (new or renovated):  A&T Project Developments for The Hive.

• Best Sub Trade: SA Electric.

• Best Supplier: Excel Industries Ltd.

• Best Service/ Professional: TRUE Land Surveying.

CHBA-CI PHOTO

save-on-foods presents: [share with us]

EYE ON COMMUNITY

CHARITY CALENDAR

Share It Forward with Save-On

UPCOMING

Boogie the Bridge is Kamloops’ largest celebration of movement. The 26th annual CFJC TV Boogie the Bridge is happening on Sunday, April 23.

Take part in a run, walk or stroll along one of three courses. This year, the run is once again starting in Riverside Park. From the park, the route heads across the Overlanders Bridge to Kamloops’ North Shore to then follow along the North Thompson River.

Over the years, Boogie the Bridge has inspired hundreds of people to make a difference in their lives, the lives of their families and the lives of their community members, through movement and community involvement.

The annual event is full of fun along the route, with bands, inspirational chalking and lots of cheering and encouragement all along the route.

To participate (run or walk) in the 1K Kids’ Mini Boogie, 5K, 10K or 21.1K Half Marathon distances, go online to register at, registration@boogiethebridge.com.

Boogie the Bridge is also looking for volunteers. To sign up, go to registration@ boogiethebridge.com.

SMILE FOR THE CAMERA AND SAY, “COOKIE”:

If you have a photo of a charity donation, a grand-opening picture or other uplifting images, email them to editor@kamloopsthisweek.com, with “eye on community” in the subject line.

The Kamloops YMCA-YWCA CEO Colin Reid (left) is all smiles after Tk’emlúps Tim Hortons restaurant co-owner Joe Quewezance (top right) donated $22,729.71 from its Smile Cookie campaign from last summer/fall. Every cent of the proceeds from the sale of the iconic chocolatechunk cookies topped with pink and blue icing smiles went directly to impacting youth at the Kamloops Y. The campaign, which ran from Sept. 19 to Sept. 25, 2022, saw thousands of Tim Hortons customers buy their Smile Cookies in Kamloops. The first Smile Cookie campaign was launched in 1996, originally raising funds for Hamilton Children’s Hospital. Since then, the annual charitable campaign has raised a total of more than $77 million for charities and organizations selected every year by Tim Hortons restaurant owners. Recipients include local hospitals, community care organizations, food banks and schools.

WE ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT OUR KAMLOOPS COMMUNITY

Hampton Court: A place like no other

rotund chap.

Catherine Howard was the fifth fair maiden in this King’s matrimonial line-up.

I’ve heard of a man’s home being his castle, but Hampton Court with its thousand or so opulent rooms is downright overkill.

The massive fortress nestles alongside the River Thames, 19 kilometres southwest from central London. Its history spans over 500 years, during which time it was home to a number of royals.

On this recent visit, while wandering from courtyard to cloister, we are able to peek into a few of these past lives.

We gather with others in the Clock courtyard, a cobble-paved focal spot that was intentionally super-sized to intimidate unwanted visitors. This open arena also ties together a few architectural eras.

On one side is a wing, decked out in Tudor attire for Henry VIII, the first royal home-owner who had a notorious reputation for killing off wives.

The adjacent wing is made up of baroque belongings for later live-ins, initially for William III and Mary II and then remodeled to suit the whims of George II and his lady Queen Caroline. It is all quite the historical hodge-podge, but with the help of costumed guides and audio headsets, we can somehow make sense of it all.

Like a mesmerized flock, we are led to The Great Hall, a Cardinal Wolsey classic, that is immersed with period piece décor.

Panes of stained glass, goldwoven tapestries and prize-

winning trophy heads pose beneath the cathedral-like dome.

“The royal resident, Henry VIII, loved this impressive era of chivalry,” we are told by our story-telling guide, “even though he was unlucky at love.”

His sketchy nuptial history commenced in 1509 when he married Catherine of Aragon, his brother’s widow. He wanted a son, heir to the throne, and instead of a male, along came Mary. She just wouldn’t do.

After a lengthy divorce, he wed his mistress, Anne Boleyn,

a gutsy gal who didn’t toe the line.

Not only was Boleyn unsuccessful in producing Henry with that much wanted male, she was accused of adultery, treason and incest. Off with her head, was Henry’s solution, and in spite of putting up a darn good fight, off it came.

He moved on to her lovely lady in waiting, Jane Seymour, who finally provided him with that precious boy.

A painted masterpiece depicts young Edward next to his proud parents, but as our

informant reveals, this scene was quite impossible.

“The birth of this babe was not only her crown and glory,” he says, “but was also her demise. She died 12 days after Edward was born. This picture was fabricated at a later date.”

It was all about show in these Renaissance days and what better way to embellish a story than through a painting.

Based on Henry’s trim waistline, this canvas had been tweaked in more ways than one — clearly a weight-watcher’s version of this normally

Like several others, she made the fatal mistake of playing the field, and in 1541 was charged with treason.

Knowing full well her fate was doomed, she made a vain attempt to run to the King’s chambers to plead for her life. But before she could reach his private quarters, the guards dragged her back behind locked doors, screaming to high heaven.

I gaze at the oil painting masterpieces lining the walls. From within their gilded frames, the setting appears relaxed, serene.

Not so, if you were hooked up with Henry.

We wind our way through the Tudor kitchens, a culinary gallery that could satiate as many as 600 hungry monarchs, peer into the posh apartments of King William III, where we get the scoop on more regal tales and eventually, make our way outside to the 25 hectares of gardens ablaze with colour. As well as countless bulbs and plants, this cultivating hot spot hosts more than 8,000 trees.

While kids of all ages make a dash for the garden maze, I am lured to the world’s oldest and largest Great Vine — an amazing arboretum that has produced centuries of Black Hamburg grapes and, in turn, many a fine wine to toast those royal bloodlines.

Travel Writers’ Tales is an independent newspaper column syndicate. For more, go online to travelwriterstales.com.

JANE CASSIE SPECIAL TO KTW travelwriterstales.com

JANE CASSIE PHOTO

The massive fortress perched alongside the River Thames, southwest of London, England, boasts of a storied history over a 500-year period— at times, serving as home to a number of infamous royals.

Brier-bound Dunstone wins Manitoba crown

“It’s been a great season,” Dunstone said. “We’re ranked No. 1 in Canada. We’re pretty darn pleased.”

Matt Dunstone will get a fifth crack at the Tim Hortons Brier, this time as the Manitoba entry.

The 27-year-old Kamloops resident skipped his Fort Rouge Curling Club team — which includes third B.J. Neufeld, second Colton Lott and lead Ryan Harnden — to a thrilling 8-7 victory over Reid Carruthers in the gold medal game at the Manitoba men’s provincial curling championship on Feb. 12 in Neepawa, Man.

“You grew up watching the likes of Jeff Stoughton, Kerry Burtnyk and Vic Peters, wanting to be exactly like them, and now it’s official, kind of following in the footsteps and winning the first Manitoba title,” Dunstone told KTW. “That’s obviously what makes this one so special.”

Dunstone scored three points with the hammer in the 10th end to snatch the victory from Carruthers, capitalizing on a costly burnt rock in a stunning finish to the contest.

“It’s an emotional sport,” Dunstone said. “That’s for damn sure. There are tons of highs, tons of lows.”

In curling, a burned rock is a stone that has been touched by a broom, body part or clothing of the throwing team. Because contact with the stone can impact trajectory, burned rocks can be removed from play, though it is usually done on the honour system.

The 2023 Tim Hortons Brier will get underway on March 3 in

London, Ont. Carruthers will participate as a Wild Card entry.

Dunstone twice won the Saskatchewan men’s provincial title, finishing atop the podium with the Steve Laycock rink in 2018 and skipping his own team to gold in 2020.

The 2020-2021 Dunstone team accepted an invitation to compete in the 2021 Brier after the Saskatchewan championship was cancelled amid the pandemic.

Dunstone is a two-time Brier bronze medallist, dropping semifinal tilts to Brad Gushue in 2020 in Kingston and Brendan Bottcher in 2021 in Calgary.

“It would sure be nice to finally pick one of these up and we might be in our best position ever to do

exactly that,” Dunstone said. Among career lows for Dunstone was the finish to his six-year stint curling in Saskatchewan, the 2021-2022 campaign that included two decisive losses to rival Colton Flasch — one in the provincial final and the other in a Brier tiebreaker tilt.

That iteration of Team Dunstone (a Wild Card entry at the 2022 Brier in Lethbridge) disbanded and the Winnipeg-born Sheriff went back to his roots in time for the 2022-2023 campaign.

Harnden, an import from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., has played in 13 Briers. He is a Brier champion, Olympic gold medallist, seven-time Grand Slam champion and world

championship silver medallist.

Lott, a Manitoba resident, and Dunstone won Canadian junior titles together in 2013 and 2016. Manitoba resident Neufeld, formerly of Kevin Koe’s Calgary team, is a Brier champion, seventime Grand Slam champion and world championship silver medallist.

The team is atop Canadian Team Ranking System standings and has won about $130,000 this season, thanks in part to a win at the Prism Flow Red Deer Curling Classic and final, semifinal and quarter-final appearances in Grand Slam events, along with a second-place finish at the Nufloors Penticton Curling Classic.

The Brier gold medallist will represent Canada at the 2023 BKT Tires & OK Tire World Men’s Championship, which will run from April 1 to April 9 in Ottawa.

“Any time you get to win a provincial championship, Canadian championship, anything like that, it makes any sort of lows you go through totally worth it,” Dunstone said.

That advice might come in handy for Dunstone’s girlfriend, Erin Pincott, who was aiming to compete with Team Brown at the 2023 Scotties Tournament of Hearts this month on home ice in Kamloops.

Team Grandy of the Vancouver Curling Club edged Brown’s Kamloops Curling Club team 10-9 in the Scotties B.C. Women’s Curling Championship final in January in Chilliwack, scoring one in the 11th end to secure the provincial title.

“It’s one of the most difficult losses of their careers and probably the most difficult one they will have to go through,” Dunstone said, noting he plans to be a fixture at Sandman Centre during the Scotties. “All you can do is just kind of be there for one another. I’ll be there for her the best way I can this upcoming week because, for obvious reasons, it’s going to be difficult.”

Team Dunstone plans to reunite in London about six days before the Brier.

“My second home has been the four walls of the Kamloops Airport,” Dunstone said with a laugh. “It would top off a great season to come to play for these upcoming events, with the goal being world champion.”

Kamloops resident Matt Dunstone will compete at the Tim Hortons Brier next month in London, Ont.

MICHAEL BURNS/CURLING CANADA

City of Kamloops

AC T I V I T Y P RO G R A M S

Programs are cancelled if the minimum numbers are not met

Advance Photography Series 4/$120

Go beyond point and shoot and going from auto to manual functions with their camera Participants should have a good understanding of adjusting camera features (depth of field, shutter speed and ISO) Will cover four key areas exposure and focus problems, black and white photography, and night photography

Valleyview Secondary School

Tues Feb 21 - March 14 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Saturday on Seymour FREE

Drop into the KMA on this Saturday for creative activities for the whole family to enjoy Kamloops Museum and Archives

Sat Feb 18 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Deep Water Running 4/$60

By running in the water, you are able to strengthen your approx 400 muscles equally with every move!

Deep Water Running is practiced with specific floatation shorts, included for classes There is no impact on your joints but speeds up the recovery process even while working with volume and intensity

Through this efficient training you will burn calories, improve core strength and improve your functional daily performance!

Thur Feb 23 - March 16 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Try it! Cross Country Skiing $10

Join us for cross country skiing! This program is in partnership with Kamloops Immigrant Services and PLAYKamloops Please only register one person per family Childminding available Sign up for the session and you will be placed in a time slot to ensure we have enough equipment

If you have your own equipment, please bring it If there is snow, it’s a go!

West Highlands Community Centre/ Trails

Sat Feb 25 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM

Playoff time

The Kamloops Storm will square off against the Sicamous Eagles in Round 1 of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League playoffs, with Game 1 of the best-of-seven series slated for Friday, Feb. 17, a 7 p.m. start at McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre.

Kamloops wrapped regular season play with a pair of victories, knocking off the hometown Osoyoos Coyotes 7-3 on Friday and doubling the 100 Mile House Wranglers 4-2 on Saturday on Mac Isle.

Harrison Ewert, Ryan Larsen, Ty Horner and Owen Aura scored for the Storm on Saturday in support of goaltender Colton Phillips-Watts, who

stopped 25 shots to pick up the win between the pipes.

Larsen scored three goals in the third period on Friday to earn firststar honours. He led the Storm in scoring in the regular season, with 53 points, including 27 goals, in 44 games.

Kamloops (26-131-4) finished second in Doug Birks Division standings to set up the Round 1 playoff series against Sicamous (2615-2-1), which placed third in the division.

The Revelstoke Grizzlies (30-7-3-4), who topped the Birks Division, will square off against the fourth-place Wranglers (16-24-22), with the winner advancing to play either the Storm or Eagles in Round 2.

Judoka hit podium

Four Kamloops Judo Club athletes were in action at the Pacific International Judo Tournament last month in Abbotsford.

Finn Newcomen won gold medals in the under-21 and senior men under90 kilogram divisions and Nolyn Shand

claimed bronze in the senior novice under-81 kilogram division.

Benjamin Harcott competed in the U21 and senior men under-66 kilogram divisions and Jadon Humphrey toiled in the senior novice under-66 kilogram division.

Kamloops.ca

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD FOUND ON A34

Finn Newcomen and Benjamin Harcott of the Kamloops Judo Club are pictured with former sensei Henry Uyeda at the Pacific International Judo Tournament last month on the Coast.

SPORTS

WolfPack bench boss Clark calls it quits

Scott Clark is relinquishing his longtime position as head coach of the TRU WolfPack men’s basketball team and hopping into a new role with the U Sports program.

“The demands of the job, as a head coach, are hard to meet at this time,” Clark said on Monday in a TRU Sports Information release. “Just evaluating things moving forward, I don’t have the energies to do the job the way I would like to do the job.”

On March 1, Clark will become the WolfPack’s manager of highperformance sport.

“I have great respect for Scott’s values, his work ethic, his integrity and the selflessness with which he approaches the job,” WolfPack athletics and recreation director Curtis Atkinson said in the release. “He is honest, treats people with respect and cares about the success of those around him. While I am going to miss him as our men’s basketball coach, I am excited to work closely together as he takes on this new role.”

In his new position with the

WolfPack, Clark will be working closely with coaches, performance staff and student-athletes to help

eliminate barriers to success and identify new resources to support team performance.

Clark took over head coaching duties for the WolfPack men’s basketball team in time for the 20102011 season, leaving his position as bench boss of the Simon Fraser University men’s hoops squad to join a club that had posted 11 victories in the previous five seasons, dating back to when TRU joined U Sports in 2005-2006.

The Pack steadily improved and earned their first playoff appearance in 2013-2014, the first of seven post-season trips under Clark, who finishes his tenure with a regular-season record of 103-139.

Clark’s teams posted an 8-12 mark in Canada West playoff action.

“For close to three decades, Scott Clark has been a top men’s basketball coach in the country,” Atkinson said. “He leaves a tremendous legacy with what he has accomplished on the court and beyond.”

The 2015-2016 season is the best in program history to date and finished with Clark earning the Canada West Men’s Basketball

Coach of the Year Award.

TRU, which posted a record of 16-4 to claim the Explorer Division title, knocked off the UBC Thunderbirds 72-69 in Canada West semifinal action to snare its first berth in the U Sports Men’s Basketball Championship.

Calgary bested TRU 91-84 in the conference final and the Carleton Ravens of Ottawa knocked off the WolfPack 91-75 in quarter-final action at the U Sports Championship. Carleton went on to claim the national title.

“I’m extremely proud of all the guys that I’ve been able to coach,” said Clark, whose teams featured 36 Academic All-Canadians and 10 Canada West all-stars.

“I have former players that have gone on to be high school teachers, lawyers, surgeons, police officers, firefighters, businessmen, coaches and athletic administrators. It’s satisfying to see that I have a lot of former players that have gone on to great things — and I’m not the reason for the success. But I hope that I can share in part of that.”

The Manitoba Bisons dispatched the TRU WolfPack 84-50 in Canada West men’s basketball action on Saturday at the TCC. The game marked the end of Scott Clark’s long tenure as head coach of the WolfPack men’s hoops team.

ALLEN DOUGLAS/KTW

FAITH: The deliverance ‘perfect’ love provides

Various expressions of love remain in the air after Valentine’s Day.

The mini-circus of cards, chocolates, flowers and phone calls were again on display, but a growing number of couples are not into marriage, content to live together.

Marriage is seen as an outdated institution and couples give diverse reasons for not formalizing their cohabitation by signing on the dotted lines of “just a piece of paper.” However innocuous that explanation might sound, behind it often lies a lurking fear of the unknown — of commitment.

The growing tension between discovering each other’s mind and a reluctance to face it drives away many from the eagerness, the desire and the longing to “do it right.”

Apostle John, perhaps drawing from the scenarios of failed or unrequited human love stories, penned an alluring sentence of the challenge and comfort of human love and commitment when he wrote: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment and the

one who fears is not perfected in love,” (1 John 4:18).

The meaning behind the word “punishment” is a sense of restraint. All of us know something about fear, but what constitutes the essence of fear?

One may be fearful because of insufficiency, for which his soul is afraid. One might be getting afraid because the pull of God’s will is going to be difficult for him or her to bear. The obedience that God asks of us is going to be a hard thing.

We might think of the loneliness that it might lead to, the high standard that God requires and demands. And, then, we look into our own hearts and experience and see the utter insufficiency, the inability even to think of entering into God’s will.

If we know we could not swim, we would be more than a bit frightened if we were in a boat that was sinking. But there is another element in fear and its tyranny — the insufficiency of which my soul is aware and an imagination in which my thought is active.

A tremendous part of fear is

built up by the imagination and, therefore, is unreal. Situations are pictured and conjured up, but they never materialize. Experiences are endured, but never encountered.

Have we ever had to have a medically required shot? Did most of us not have it more than once? We might even have had it six times before we felt that the needle actually touched our skin.

So often in life our imagination is active and our thoughts busy, so that we could build up a whole experience of fear, which was based upon unreal imaginings.

We must all have faced a situation we were afraid of, perhaps a job interview or a surgery. Our imagination was active, but when it was over, did we not say, “It was not half as bad”?

There is another element that creates fear leading to imperfect love — the intention of which our hearts are afraid. It sometimes happens that we find ourselves in the hands of others, of whose intentions we are not sure.

When we were small and at school, we perhaps received an invitation from the principal, of

whose intentions we were not quite certain. The fact that we were uncertain of his intentions made that day rather miserable until the interview was over. And then our mind was at rest, even if our body was not.

Friendship can come into a person’s life and, with it, possible love — love on their side of the game.

They know that, but they are not quite certain of the intention on the other side. Is it just friendship or is it going to be the fulfilment of their dreams? The very uncertainty makes them afraid.

So there is a great and complex element entering into the tyranny of fear: “Fear involves punishment.”

How many of us are under that tyranny in relationships right now? We are not quite certain what the intention of God is and we are more than a bit afraid of a whole realm of the intention of the will of God, of which we feel we know nothing.

Though the above-mentioned verse in John’s writing speaks of a tyranny, it also tells us of a remedy. We read that not only fear has punishment, but that “there is no fear in love.”

The same numbers of letters are in the words “love” and “fear” and, if I were teaching a Sunday school class, I would have the “fear’ spelled out on separate cards: F-E-A-R is the tyranny. Then I would take the four other letters, L-O-V-E, and put L over F, O over E, V over A and E over R. There is no fear in pure, real love.

Marriage is a biblical picture of man’s relationship to Christ. Just as a man receives his wife and woman her husband, people in Jesus’ time lived with Him, followed Him, listened to His teachings, obeyed Him and committed themselves to Him.

Let the patron of love of engaged couples and happy marriages, Jesus, with His outstretched arms of agape love, extricate fear from love, leading to total sacrificial commitment in marriage and love life.

Narayan Mitra is a volunteer chaplain at Thompson Rivers University. KTW welcomes submissions to its Faith page. Columns should be a maximum of 700 words in length and include a headshot of the author, along with a short bio on the writer. Email  editor@kamloopsthisweek.com.

L ttle Shuswap & golf

• Almost ready

• Two storey home, 4 bdrm, 3 baths

• Quartz counters throughout eng H/W throughout ma n floor & stairs

• Large w ndows on ma n with 18 cei ing in iving room

• Step out to the partia ly covered deck and enjoy the v ew

• Great size garage with 13’6x8 shop area

• 1800 sq ft lower evel with 10 cei ings ready for your deas

• Zoned for egal su te & room for upsta rs or use a l for yourse

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD

1 French wine region

2 Series of trade discounts?

3 Portmanteau invitations

4 Website overseers in brief

5 Image on a postcard from Yellowstone

6 Western Hemisphere treaty grp

7 *Painting of potatoes, e g ? 8 Exhorts 9 -Down (what this is)

Botch

*Main course featuring Egyptian snake meat?

Street smarts 13 Portuguese greeting

‘‘S N L’’ alumna Rudolph

Boarding school where tailcoats are part of the dress code 16 On its way 17 Show some reluctance 18 Item tossed into a fire at the end of Citizen Kane ’

WORD SCRAMBLE

THE FINAL FRONTIER

By Rich Katz

CROSSWORD ANSWERS FOUND ON A26

FUN BY THE NUMBERS Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes To solve a sudoku the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

ANSWERS

ANSWER: UMELOV

2 0 2 3 B O O GIE TR AINING

Star ts: Sunday, March 5 - 8 AM | Tuesday, March 7 - 6 PM

Location: Sandman Signature Hotel

All levels: Walking program / Learn to Run / 10K training/ Half marathon training

• Tree Pruning

• Hedge Trimming

• Spring Clean Ups

• Aerating/Dethatching

Call 778-921-0023

For A Quote

2004 GMC 3/4T HD New brakes, good tires $6,000/ obo 250-320-7774

Peter Smiths Renovations Free Estimates: Kitchens, Basements Renos Sidewalks, Garages, Fencing, So Much MoreNot Limited (250) 2626337 Brand new Daymak H D Electr ic Scooter $2,000 250-315-2334

NOTICE OF APPLICATION

12ft Alum Boat $750 Call 250-319-7058

iet y $850/all 250-318-0170

CORIX MULTI-UTILIT Y SERVICES INC.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO THE COMPTROLLER OF WATER RIGHTS UNDER THE WATER UTILIT Y ACT AND THE UTILITIES COMMISSION ACT

Notice is hereby given by Corix Multi-Utility Services Inc. that an application has been made to the Comptroller of Water Rights for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity Amendment for the proposed construction and operation of a waterworks distribution system to serve residents in the area of Tobiano; more particularly:

1. Lot A Sec 27 Tp 20 Rge 20 W6M KDYD Plan KAP86721; PID 027-530-639

Any person wishing further Information in connection with this application should apply directly to Corix Multi-Utility Services Inc :

Kamloops Office Location: 420 Chilcotin Road, Kamloops BC, V2H 1G3

Customer Care Number: 1 87 7 788 727 7

Customer Care Email: customercare@corix .com

Any objections to this application are to be forwarded to the Comptroller of Water Rights, Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Deveiopment, PO Box 9340 STN PROV GOV T, Victoria BC, V8W 9M1 (Chris McMillan@gov bc ca) and should be received on or before April 30, 2023

Corix Multi-Utility Services Inc. Bryan Gurnon, P Eng

KAMLOOPS UNITED CHURCH

(KUC)

P.I.T. STOP COORDINATOR

Looking for PIT Stop Coordinator as soon as possible

Email resume to admin@kamloopsunited ca

Compensation: $20/hour for 15 hours/week

Benefits: Benefits include all statutor y holidays, CPP, WCB, EI, medical and dental group insurance and pension plan as dictated by the United Church of Canada.

Job Statement: Organizes and coordinates all aspects of the PIT Stop outreach program, including receiving purchasing and organizing supplies, recruiting, managing and super vising volunteers and liaising with KUC staff Develop and monitor annual PIT Stop budgets, and prepare repor ts as necessar y Seek funding through donations and grants for the PIT Stop outreach program

Required skills and abilities:

Demonstrated experience in quantit y food preparation for 100 – 200 people and operation of commercial-level kitchen equipment

• Previous project work with nonprofit organizations, volunteers, youth, and marginalized populations.

• E xperience with training and public speaking

Computer skills in email, social media, word processing, and spreadsheets

Additional Requirements:

• Satisfactor y Criminal Record Check

Food Safe cer tificate

• Valid B C driver s license and a reliable vehicle

• Access to email and a computer

Application Deadline Februar y 27, 2023

Email resumes to admin@kamloopsunited.ca

CAUTION

While we tr y to ensure all adver tisements appearing in Kamloops This Week are placed by reputable businesses with legitimate offers, we do caution our readers to under take due diligence when answering any adver tisement, par ticularly when the adver tiser is asking for monies up front

Dear Valentine Susan Bell (Lundquis t)

#53

You Lived Well Laughed Often Loved Generously

In Loving Memory of

Luke Robert Ward

October 8, 1979 – February 17, 2016

•

From my first valentines’ card in 1970 that you kept along with another 50, the romance never stopped. You always were the special gir l your father told me you were in 1970 It has been a difficult trip once around the sun since you left

At your passing you had enjoyed your granddaughter Harper and now another has been added to your legacy. Adeline (Addy) Susan Mary Bell was bor n January 20th 2023.

Susie, you will always be with us in our hearts.

Love As Always. For Always Steve, Wes, Jordan

In Loving Memory of Del Marshall

November 14, 1946February 19, 2021

There are special people in our lives who never leave us, even after they are gone.

You will always be in our hearts and on our minds.

We love you and miss you.

Your loving family, Donna, Daryl, Doug, Tara, Shea-anne, Chris, Keera, Kali, Karly, and Briella.

We think about you always, we talk about you still, You have never been forgotten, and you never will. We hold you close within our hearts, and there you will remain, To walk and guide us through our lives, until we meet again. Loved and missed beyond words, Your loving family

In Loving Memory of Margaret (Maggie) Morisette

•

•

•

Your legac y lives on Mama. I t continues within us all Within our hear ts and within our waysour mannerisms, movements, even idiosyncrasies

We see you in ourselves and in one another Those charac teristics we adored in you, we catch glimpses of in each other and it brings you back to us for those brief moments.

We miss you dearly.

Love your kids

Desiree, Candace, Kevin, James

Andrew Sabo

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Andrew (Andy) Sabo on February 10, 2023 in R.I.H. Kamloops.

Andy is survived by his second wife, Joan, his children Anita and Lorne Sabo, granddaughters Alexandra and Josee, daughter-in-law Danielle. He is also survived by numerous Sabo nieces and nephews, friends and many Funk, Beaunoyer, Turner step family members.

Andy was predeceased by his first beloved wife, Gail of forty years, his son Nicky and his four brothers: Joe, Lesle, Louis and Don.

Andy came west before he was twenty years old and started employment with CNR, BC Tel and many other jobs before becoming a millwright machinist. He worked for Port Mellon pulp mill on the Sunshine Coast and then Weyerhaeuser in Kamloops. He then worked for Dairyland in Aldergrove and then the Mackenzie pulp mill before settling back at the Port Mellon pulp mill as a supervisor

With retirement he built a lovely house on the beach front of Robert’s Creek. Following Gail’s death Andy moved to Abbotsford and then back to Sechelt for a number of years.

In 2008 he moved to Kamloops and he and Joan were married and kept busy curling, golfing, fishing and many activities and travels with the Kamloops family Andy became an award- winning fruit wine maker with produce from his own trees.

Andy was a quiet, kind person most happy constructing, mending or fixing and enjoying family

The family want to express special appreciation for all the wonderful medical care Andy received from Dr Amanda Bosman, Dr Autumn, Dr Jonat, the Kamloops cancer ward, Dr B. Prystawa. Also thank you to RN nurses Jackie Tulia and Paige Shepherd, the RIH Emergency department and the staff of 5 South. Thank you to Pastor Matt and friends of the Westsyde Fellowship Church for their special support.

At Andy’s request there will be no formal service. A private celebration of life will be held later in the spring.

Obituaries

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Cliff Branchflower

On 11 February 2023, freeman of the cityl Clifford Gordon Branchflower passed away at the age of 91 with his family surrounding him.

Cliff was born January 29, 1932 in a small cottage hospital in Simpson, Saskatchewan. He was the youngest of nine children of Norman and Mary (Hunter) Branchflower, eight of which lived to maturity

The area at the time was in the throes of the Great Depression and in the heart of the prairie “dust bowl.” In 1935, after being unable to harvest a crop for seven years, Cliff's parents moved the family to Wainwright, Alberta, where they lived until 1943, and Cliff attended school in Wainwright. In that year the family relocated to the Ardrossan area east of Edmonton. After completing Grade 9 in a one-room school two miles from the family farm, Cliff attended Fort Saskatchewan High School, achieving Junior Matriculation in two years.

After working for the summer of 1949 as a lifeguard/steam room attendant at Miette Hot Springs near Jasper, Cliff became an apprentice at a weekly newspaper in Edson, moving the next year to Yellowknife, NWT In 1950, he joined the Canadian Army and undertook training at Camp Borden, Ont., as an Officer Cadet. After coming to a mutual belief with Cliff that he was “unlikely to become an efficient officer,” the army released him, and he began work at a weekly paper in Streetsville, Ont., a community later swallowed up by Mississauga.

After two years in Streetsville, Cliff returned to Edson, Alberta, where he met the love of his life, Ruth Smillie. The couple were married October 23, 1955, and spent several months in Kitimat. In 1956, they came to Kamloops, where Cliff spent the next 31 years in the composing room of the Kamloops Sentinel, which went out of business in 1987, and Ruth taught school for a few years before taking up a career as a music teacher out of their home.

Cliff began a career in public life when, in 1961, he became a trustee on the board of what was then School District 24. After 15 non-consecutive years as a trustee, five as board chairman, in 1980, he was elected to Kamloops City Council as an Alderman, serving eleven years in that capacity In 1991, he was elected Mayor in a by-election following the death of Mayor Kenna Cartwright. He was re-elected Mayor in 1993 and 1996. After retiring from City Hall, Cliff and Ruth served an 18-month mission in Thailand for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, after which the couple became full-time grandparents to their nine grandchildren.

After Ruth's death in 2021, Cliff spent his time visiting with his family and caring for his pet cat, Lucky

Cliff will be remembered by his family as a man of integrity that was dedicated to serving his fellow men and women both publicly and privately Never one to seek the limelight, he rendered assistance to those in need without wanting any credit for his good deeds. He was crystal clear in his devotion to the love of his life, Ruth, and since her passing has been eagerly awaiting their reunion in heaven. We take comfort in knowing that they are together again, and knowing that we will see them again as well.

Cliff is survived by his daughter Alison (Rick) Steffler and their two sons, Ty and Cole of Kamloops, by his son Wally (Shaunna) of Kamloops, their daughter Melissa of Lethbridge; daughter Kelsey (Brock) Olsen of Kamloops; son Ben (Brooke) of Saratoga Springs, Utah; daughter Riley of Lethbridge; daughter Denae (Tyler) Platts of Rexburg, Idaho; daughter Kara (Preston) Nicholas of Provo, Utah and daughter Hayley of Rexburg, Idaho. He is also survived by great-grandchildren Olivia and David Branchflower of Saratoga Springs, Utah, and Isaac and Makenna Olsen of Kamloops. He is also survived by an older sister Cora, who will turn 101 in a few weeks.

Service will be held Saturday, February 18, 11:00 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2165 Parkcrest Avenue.

Messages for the family can be left at the Kamloops Funeral Home website https://kamloopsfuneralhome.com/online-tributes/

Randel Allen Moore

1962 - 2023

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Randel Allen Moore of Kamloops on January 30, 2023, at 60 years of age. With his family by his side.

Survived by his Loving wife Terry Moore (Thibault), son Collin (Cindal) Thibault of Kamloops, grandchildren Cora & CJ Thibault of Kamloops, children Tearel Moore of Winnipeg, MB, and children Kristen Thompson of Altona, MB, sisters: Darla (Linden) Martin, Dayna (Dave) Moore-Osborne of Kamloops, niece Lyssa (Sean) Martin, niece Danika Osborne, nephew Dean (Shira) Osborne, all of Kamloops. He leaves behind many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Friends.

Predeceased by Mother June Mary Moore (Brown), Father Cyril Emlyn Moore.

Randy was born in Port Alberni, BC and the family moved to Kamloops in 1968. School began and he went to Allan Matthew’s Elementary and continued with high school. He worked at a geology lab He also worked as a bell hop and janitor at the DT hotel. In 1985 Randy moved to Winnipeg and worked at The Misericordia Hospital as a Porter and then a Ward Clerk. Randy moved back to Kamloops in 1990. He worked at Wagner ’s Appliances until 1992 when he sustained a serious back injury and was no longer able to work full time. Randy still helped many people and seniors as a handyman etc.

He was very artistic, he enjoyed painting, metal work and making jewelry He met Terry and they were married in 1997. They lived in several places in town where they met many of their good friends. After a short time in Thunder Bay, they returned to Kamloops in 2010 and moved to their current location in Westsyde.

A final goodbye will be held June 10th, time and place to follow

Arrangements entrusted to Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services

Donald Dircks

A Graveside service for Donald Dircks will be held at Hillside Cemetery on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at 1:00 pm.

Following the short service friends are invited to his former residence Ashley Court, 338 Nicola Street, Kamloops for coffee and light refreshments.

Hosted by Marty Hastings &Chris Foulds

As you share the stories and the memories of how they lived their lives and how very much they meant, may you find comfort...

James Spencer Evans (Jim)

September 20, 1951 - February 1, 2023

His family is sad to announce the sudden passing of Jim at his home in Vavenby, BC.

Jim was born in Merritt, BC but grew up in Quesnel with his father Sam, mother Edna and his sisters Garda Rowe and Linda Bell. He played his minor hockey in Quesnel and while still a midget, he went to Smithers for one year of Junior "B" and then to the Kamloops Rockets for two years and then up to the Calgary Centennials for two years.

He married Heather Player and shortly after their marriage, Jim began working for the CN Rail and stayed employed with CN for thirty years working his way from brakeman to conductor and finally train engineer Jim and Heather had three children James, Dayna and Kody and the family settled in North Kamloops. Jim briefly played hockey out of Edmonton where he met and married Sandra Hesse. They settled in Rayleigh, BC where they had their daughter Ashley He retired from the CN and moved to Vavenby, BC on his own.

Jim was renowned for his quick wit and sense of humour and was an excellent storyteller His passion through his life was hockey and was an avid Boston Bruins fan. On the ice, Jim was known for his talent and leadership, being given the name of "Colonel" by his teammates which he was both honoured and proud of. As a lefthanded minder along with his trusted catcher named "Radar", he had gained the reputation of being an unbeatable force between the pipes.

He especially enjoyed camping with his family and friends at the lakes around Kamloops, but his favourite spot was Coldscaur in the Wells Gray Area. He also loved hunting,reading, music and cooking.

Retirement was too dull for Jim so he took up employment at the Vavenby Transfer Station where he met a lot of the local residents including his beloved companion Marion Hall. He was community minded and was a volunteer firefighter with the Vavenby Fire Department. He also volunteered at the Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store. In the last years of his life, he reconnected with his First Nations heritage by obtaining his status card and applying for membership with the Key Indian Reserve near Pelly, SK.

Jim leaves a big hole in many peoples’ lives but he will live on in their memories. Jim is predeceased by his parents, brother Mark, granddaughter Autumn and grandson Ryan. He is survived by his four children; James, Dayna (Donny), Kody (Shaina), Ashley (Ryan); grandchildren Caitlin (RJ), Kiarra (Kolten), Kylie (Escoffrey), Xander, Kieran, Emma, Keirstin, Aurora, Aedin and Sullivan; greatgrandchildren Tyson, Miley and Zenro; sisters Garda Rowe, Lenore Radom (Evans) Linda Bell (Evans) and brothers Pat Rowe and Norman Evans.

A celebration of life will be held on March 4, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre. The address is 1250 Rogers Way, Kamloops, British Columbia V1S 1N5 (Hilltop Conference Room)

Condolences may be sent to Drake Cremation and Funeral Services at drakecremation.com

Ken Zutz

July 1, 1938 - January 14, 2023 Age 84

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Ken, Husband, Father, Grandpa, Uncle and Friend.

Surviving is wife, Judy of 60 years, daughter Carolynn Boomer (Jim), son Bill Zutz, sister, Jean Snowdy (Stan), niece Tara Snowdy, grandchildren, Blaine Boomer (Machyla), Colton Boomer, Danielle Zutz and Janna Zutz (Cole), niece Mary Yau (Dan) and nephew Tom Blais (Amanda), brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Sandra Blais.

Ken was predeceased by his parents, William and Louise Zutz, brother-in-law, Don Mount, and in-laws, Geoff and Carol Barlow

Ken was born in Winnipeg and came to BC on his 8th birthday, July 1st, 1946. He grew up on a farm in Enderby He graduated from Enderby High School in 1956. Worked in Field, BC then Vancouver as a CPR dispatcher During this time, he met Judy and married in 1962. Ken took up Barbering and bought the Prince Charles Hotel Barber Shop in Penticton in 1963. Four years later with the first born, Carolynn, we returned to Vancouver Our second child, Bill was born in 1966 in Burnaby In 1973 we moved to Kamloops to manage the Interior Fire and Safety business. Ken decided to apply at BC Hydro and stayed with them as a Power Smart Representative for 23 years. He retired in 1997 where he continued to enjoy skiing, golfing, Masons’ and Shriners’ activities. He loved to travel and did we ever! From South America, China, New York, Panama to Europe and Australia the only continent he didn’t get to was Africa.

Ken was a community minded man who loved people, loved the Blazers Hockey team and volunteering in a huge variety of events. His biggest passion was the Kamloops Shriners Motor Corps parades and Gizeh Shriners of BC & Yukon for 33 years. At one time, he was the Shriners’ Hospital Rep. for Kamloops children.

Ken loved skiing at Sun Peaks and for several years was a Sun Guide then one of the Sun Peaks Antiques, often skiing his age. Golfing was another passion with his buddy, Hamer Bet the two of them are raising heck on a course up in the sky!

The family wish to celebrate this unique, loved human who will be missed by many Please join us at the Senior ’s Centre at Desert Gardens, on Saturday, March 4th at 1:00 pm. 540 Seymour Street.

The family extends gratitude to all the staff at Pine Grove Care Centre for their excellent care and compassion the past seven months. Special thanks to the two Shriners, Stan McLeod and Stan Twist who showed their brotherly love visiting Ken regularly and playing crib.

In lieu of flowers, Donations may be made to Gizeh Shriners Child Services Society, 102 – 4238 Lozells Avenue, Burnaby, BC V5A OC4. In Memory of Noble Kenneth Zutz (A Tax Receipt will be issued).

Victor Mitsugi Kusumoto

August 11, 1920 - February 2, 2023

It is with great sadness that the family of Victor Mitsugi Kusumoto announce his sudden passing on February 2, 2023, at the age of 102 years. Left behind to mourn are his wife of 76 years, Suzie Kazuko, his son Victor Jun (Caroline), his daughter Doreen (Rolf) and granddaughter Ashley He is predeceased by his mother Michie, father Tom and brother Gordon.

Victor was born and grew up in Victoria, BC. After graduating from high school, he went to Japan to attend Keio University and graduated in 1946. He met and married Suzie in 1946. They stayed in Japan until 1955 when he brought Suzie and Victor Jun to Kamloops, BC, soon after arriving Doreen was born. After many years working with his dad at White Swan Cleaners, they moved to Vancouver where Victor worked at Wesco Industries until 1982 and returned to Kamloops to enjoy retirement. Victor and Suzie enjoyed many years of travelling and returned to Japan many times to visit relatives, friends and old school mates. Victor was very active and driving until the end.

A family gathering will be held on a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice in his honour

Danilo Covaceuszach

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Danilo Toni Covaceuszach on February 7, 2023. Danilo is survived by his loving wife Rita of 50 years and their son Dino (Rosanna), as well as grandchildren Ava and Mateo. He is also survived by his siblings Bruno, and Paola Simoncig of Stregna, Italy He will also be forever remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his brothers Gino, Elio and Mario, as well as parents Guiseppe and Maria Covaceuszach.

Danilo was born in Berda di Prepotto in Udine, Italy, on April 30, 1932. By the young age of 17, he left Italy to work in the coal mines of Belgium and construction in Holland. Afterwards, he spent several years serving in the Italian military, and then made the brave and adventurous move to a new country, Canada, in 1957. In 1972 he made the decision to settle in Kamloops where he began building a home. He soon filled that home with his new wife Rita. The following year they welcomed their only child Dino. Danilo was a man of many talents and vast interests. He was a certified tailor, he worked in many sawmills, the railway, as well as manufacturing concrete hydro poles that are still erected here in Kamloops today! He worked in several different industries, but the majority of his work career was in Forestry Coincidentally, he had a passion for wood work and finishing. He produced many pieces, including the intricate oak finishing in his home and the beautiful furniture his grandchildren use today

Danilo was an avid outdoorsman, and thoroughly enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. His green thumb enabled him to seed his own plants with the help of a greenhouse he constructed himself! That greenhouse also contributed to the tasty figs his family enjoyed every summer He magically grew fruit trees that produced two kinds of fruit and created a vegetable garden that was always plentiful and envied by many Indoors, his talents included making wine, sausage and salami; his cantina was consistently full of the fruits of his labour

Danilo, or Danny as he was known by many, had a humility about him that garnered respect and admiration from anyone lucky enough to know him. He was at his most content when he was able to spend time with his grandchildren, telling them stories of his youth and reiterating how lucky they were to enjoy luxuries he was never able to. He genuinely enjoyed family gatherings that centered around delicious meals made by his wife.

Danilo fought a courageous battle with heart disease for the past three years, where he received very good care from the healthcare workers in our community A special thank you to Dr. Swart, Dr. Montgomery, and Dr. McVickers. To the many nurses and care staff at Royal Inland Hospital, we offer our sincerest gratitude. We would also like to acknowledge the short time Danilo spent at The Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice; we thank you for your kindness.

Danilo’s passing has left a tremendous void in our lives, but we all take solace in knowing he is at peace and is experiencing no more pain; watching over us from a better place.

Prayers were recited on Sunday, February 12 at 6:00 p.m. in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. The Reverend Father Rudolf D'Souza celebrated the Funeral Mass in the church on Monday, February 13 at 11:00 a.m. Interment was held at Hillside Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, Danilo has asked that donations be made in his name to The Heart and Stroke Foundation: https://heartandstroke.crowdchange.ca/28020

Condolences may be expressed at: www.schoeningfuneralservice.com

Donald McKinney

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Bernard McKinney on February 3, 2023 with his loving family by his side. Don was born in Port Alberni on May 3, 1940, to Richard and Marguerite McKinney, along with his twin brother and forever best friend, Dick. Soon after they moved to James Bay of Victoria, BC where they spent their childhood. Don is predeceased by his wife, Winnie, and his brothers Dick and Jim. He is survived by his brother Gerry (Rose), and his sisters-in-law Dolores and Linda.

Don met his loving wife, Winnie, in 1958 at a barn dance at Luxton Hall, and they were married on December 5, 1959. Don and Winnie had three children, Rick (Norma Jean), Lynn (Ron), and Chuck (Tracey). They had five grandchildren, Kaetlynn, Courtney (Eric), Joshua (Jennifer), Hillary, and Cameron, and one great-grandson, Lane. Don loved his grandchildren with all of his heart, and they would put a smile on his face that could light up a room. You would often hear Don bragging about his grandchildren, as he was so proud of them all, and he loved to watch them grow and follow their dreams.

After school, Don started a career with the E and N Railway, which would later become C.P Rail, as a wiper/fireman. He quickly advanced into a Locomotive Engineer position. He worked in this position at C.P Rail for 37 years at various locations of Victoria, Roberts Bank, and Kamloops. Don retired on Vancouver Island driving the bud car from Esquimalt to Courtney

In 1994, Don and Winnie moved to Blind Bay, BC., where they built their dream home overlooking the Shuswap Lake. There, they met a great circle of friends, and they could often be found sitting on their deck enjoying a beer with their dog Tickles on their lap. Don loved the outdoors, whether it be wandering the bush during hunting season, or waiting on a lake for that lunker to bite his hook.

The family would like to thank all the amazing Doctors and Nurses of Salmon Arm Hospital and Kamloops Royal Inland Hospital that cared for Don over the past year

A special thanks to the Renal Clinic of Kamloops, as they made his visits enjoyable.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Diabetes Foundation or the Canadian Kidney Foundation would be appreciated.

A Celebration of life will be held May 6, 2023 at 12:00, Knutsford Hall, 2560 Princeton Highway, Kamloops, BC

Brendan Bonaventure Hussey

August 6, 1929 - February 4, 2023

Brendan was born in Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland and immigrated to Canada in 1953. He worked as an accountant in the insurance business. He spent 21 years in Montreal where he met his future wife Barbara, whom he wed in 1958. In 1974, he and his company moved to Toronto where he worked until his retirement in 1989. Brendan and Barbara moved to BC in 1990, settling in Williams Lake, Chase and finally, Kamloops.

Brendan will be forever remembered by his wife Barbara of 65 years of marriage, son Thomas (Jay), son Sean (Tracy), son Patrick (Sachia), and daughter Cheryl (Steve), seven grandsons, three granddaughters and four great-granddaughters. He was predeceased by his son Kevin, parents Thomas and Eleanor Hussey, seven brothers and seven sisters.

Viewing will take place at 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2023 in the Kamloops Funeral Home, 285 Fortune Drive. The Funeral Mass will be recited at 11:00 am on Friday, February 17, 2023 in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 635 Tranquille Road. Following the service, he will be laid to rest in Hillside Cemetery, 750 Notre Dame.

Condolences may be sent to the family from www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com 250-554-2577

Donald Blake Sharp

It is with sadness the family of Donald Blake Sharp would like to share his peaceful passing on Monday, February 6, 2023 at the age of 88 after a courageous battle with cancer Born in Wainwright, Alberta, Don grew up on a farm moving to Calgary in his teens where he met his love Darlene in 1957.

In 1964 he moved to Surrey, BC where he worked in construction. In (1972) he moved his family to the Oasis Campground in Osoyoos, BC. Then off to Salmon River Motel in Salmon Arm (1978) then back to Osoyoos (1979) working as custodian at the new high school. In (1980/81) he went to Silver Tip Motel in Revelstoke, a short stint in Rutland then to Rider ’s Motor Inn in Kamloops (198287). Slowing life down Don and Darlene moved to Canoe, BC (1987-1991) then to Sicamous Sands (1991-96) in summers and becoming a snowbird to Yuma in winters where he enjoyed socializing, golfing, playing pool, shuffleboard, cribbage and cards. Don continued to enjoy playing golf and going to the Legion for pool, cards and cribbage when settling back in Kamloops (1996-present) after suffering a brain aneurism (1988) from which he made a miraculous recovery surviving another glorious 34 years to make his final move to heaven.

Don is survived by his wife Darlene of 64 years, his sons Timothy (Lorna) Sharp of Calgary, Alberta, Troy (Shannon-deceased) Sharp of Salmon Arm, BC, Kevin Sharp of Scotch Creek, BC and daughter Kimberly (Mathew) Edmondson of Savona, BC. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren Pamela Sharp (Fryklund), Lindsey Sharp, Kyle Sharp, Ashley Nyberg, Blake Edmondson, Cierra Edmondson (Forman), Montana Edmondson (Normand), Jennifer Sharp, and Jared Sharp, nine greatgrandchildren Brynn and Kyra Sharp, Owen and Levis Fryklund, Heidi and Jace Edmondson, Bellamy and Fischer Nyberg, and Kolt Normand and sisters Sharon (Eldon) Dallyn, Helene Morrison and Ruth (George) Altenhoffen and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents Blake and Helen Sharp, brothers Farley, Bob, Wayne and Glen, sister Georgina, and one great-granddaughter Jade EdmondsonForman.

The family wishes to extend a big thank you to the staff at Kamloops Hospice, Dr Del Begio, as well as the numerous Interior Health home care staff.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Don’s name to Cancer research, Kamloops Hospice or charity of choice.

Mary Lorine Lillico

May 15, 1937 - February 7, 2023

On Tuesday, February 7,2023 Mary Lorine Lillico (née McDougall), passed away peacefully in her sleep with her daughter by her side. She was eighty-five years old. Born to Elizabeth Bengert and Oliver McDougall on May 15, 1937, in Kelowna, BC. Mary had a long career working in healthcare.

She is survived by her daughter Judy, and sons Gery (aka Ceic), Jim (Susan) and Donald, six grandchildren Jamie, Jenna, Joshua, Nikki, Megan & Lane, nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents Elizabeth and Oliver, her husband Melvin Lillico, her sisters Barbara, Dorothy, Anita and her brothers Allen, Ben and Mac.

Mary and Mel were known to be a fun-loving couple, making happy memories & exploring new places over the years, with their close friends Don and Noni Porrier

Mary was best known for her beautiful voice, quick-witted humour, fierce determination, and loving spirit. There is nothing she wouldn’t do for her loved ones. Mary devoted her life to her family, camping, fishing & travelling.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers at Gemstone Care Centre for all their support.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be directed to Myositis Canada DONATE | myositiscanada

Condolences may be sent to the family from www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com 250-554-20577

Jack Edgar David Weller

On Friday, February 3, 2023 Jack Edgar David Weller of Kamloops passed away days short of his 92nd birthday

He will be remembered for his happy-go-lucky nature, making friends wherever he went, and his sense of humor

Born February 7, 1931, in London, England, the youngest of seven children. As a young boy Jack experienced the terrible bombings of WWII.

After the war, he served in the British military and traveled the world with the merchant navy, and later served in the Canadian Army reserves.

He came to Canada in 1950 where he learned the plumbing and pipefitting trade, and began his lifetime of work in that field.

He met his soon to be wife Judy while living in Toronto, and they were married in London, Ontario in 1966. Work brought them to British Columbia where their son Mark was born in 1968 and their daughter Jackie in 1972.

From 1977 to the mid eighties, Jack worked as the townsite plumber of Mica Creek, and later worked in Revelstoke. Jack and Judy retired to Penticton in 1995, moving to Kamloops to be close to family in 2017.

Jack was predeceased by his wife Judy and is survived by daughter Jackie Martens and son-in-law Mike and grandchildren Ashley and Nathan, of Kamloops. Also by his son Mark Weller and daughter in law Janet, and grandchildren Jeneva, Charlotte, Michael and Celine of Irvine, California.

Jack enjoyed reading and gardening, loved old cars, and had a passion for the ocean. Jack was a proud member of the Plumbers Union for 70 years.

As per Jack’s request, no funeral or memorial service will be held.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.firstmemorialkamloops.com

In loving memory of Thomson, Matthew Arran

Januar y 11th, 1944 Januar y 18th, 2023

It is with over whelming sadness that we announce the sudden death of “Montana” Matthew Thomson on the 18th of Januar y 2023 Matthew was born on Januar y 11th, 1944 He was raised in Prince George Matthew worked in various places throughout his life including Calgar y, Hatchet Lake, Sask , Quesnel, and Ashcroft He and his dad owned a ski hill, he worked with a paving crew, was a ranch hand, owned and drove logging trucks, plowed snow, drove for Bobell, was employed with the Village of Ashcroft and, his last and most favorite job, drove school bus. He loved his kids.

Matt is sur vived by his longtime par tner, Val; his daughter, Angela; stepchildren Jason and Jody ; granddaughter, Holly ; brother, Peter; sister, Sandy and her par tner, Bill; along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends

A ser vice is planned for April 15th, 2023 @ 11:00 am at the Cache Creek Community Hall. Thompson Valley Funeral Home Ltd entrusted with arrangements

Online condolences may be made at www.tvfh.ca

In loving memory of Beverly Lorraine Dunbar

July 27, 1934 - Februar y 6, 2023

I i i h reat sorrow that we grieve ssing of Beverly Dunbar Sher wood) Born and sed in Vancouver; growing up she spent many enjoyable occasions in the Kamloops area She is predeceased by her parents and her husband of almost seventy years, Ralph Dunbar She is sur vived by ; sons David (Ruth) and Keith (Liz), daughters Elizabeth Harris (Grant) and Lorraine McLar ty ames); Grandchildren tin (Felicia), Aaron (Erin), erly (Scott), Candace (Reece), Katrina (Richard), Andrew (Catey), Clayton (Jillian), Logan (Carrie), Barbara ( Travis), Heather (David), Allyssa (Anthony), and Ashley (Jesse) She is also sur vived by twelve great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, relations and friends and her brother Rober t (Jean) Sher wood

Beverly, Ralph and their children lived in many areas of the province from the B C Interior, Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, to the Pacific Nor thwest Many years were spent camping, fishing and traveling the backroads and byways, taking full advantage of the beauty and wilderness around them Beverly was a trained music teacher and an accomplished pianist and organist

Beverly loved making beautiful music, as well as sewing, knitting and crocheting gifts for family and friends She was a member of the United Church community wherever they resided as well as a registered member of the Order of the Eastern Star (Adah Chapter Number Sixteen).

A memorial celebration will be announced in the coming weeks

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Doug and Fran MacDonald Langley Hospice Residence

Ernest Edwin Foord

June 9, 1933 - February 1, 2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ernest Edwin Foord on February 1, 2023.

Ernie was born in Manson, Manitoba on June 9, 1933. He left Manitoba at the age of 16 and resided in Haney, BC. He was a member of the Canadian Air Force and traveled to France and England. He made his way to Barriere and eventually called Kamloops his home.

In the early years you could find Ernie spending his Sundays at Schiedam Flats Speedway, racing car # 25 and East Barriere Lake enjoying lake life with family and friends. Ernie was a heavy-duty mechanic with Mack Truck up to retirement. After retirement, you could always find him tinkering on anything he could get his hands on.

He is survived by his children, Amanda, Morleta, Danny and Nick. Ernie met and married Alice Taylor in 1973 and became step-dad to her 9 children, Charlie, Karen, Lorretta, Danny, Larry, Barbara, Brenda, Patricia and Lynn.

He will be greatly missed by Alice, his 13 children, their spouses and over 100 grand, great-grand and great-greatgrandchildren.

He will always be remembered for his infectious smile, laugh, stories, beautiful poems and his love. Special thanks to the staff at Marjorie Willoughby Hospice for helping care for him in his final days. Service to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to hospice.

Condolences

In Loving Memory of Elsie Mary Boyd (Schochenmaier)

Elsie was born on April 6, 1937 in Chemainus, British Columbia and passed on February 5, 2023 in Kamloops.

She lived a long, full life, filled with optimism, wit, perseverance and of course hardship. Some destinations she called home in B.C were Chemainus, Kamloops, and Salmon Arm. She also spent time living and working in Los Angeles, California, USA, Victoria, BC and back to Kamloops, BC.

She leaves behind many family and friends, including, but not limited to, her daughter Catherine in Ontario; son Roger (Tracy) on Vancouver Island; daughter Natalie in the Lower Mainland; “step” children, Debbie (Doug) in Chilliwack; Candace (Kevin) Chilliwack; Gina (Tony) Kamloops; Kevin (Kelly) Kamloops; Rick (Kelly) in Kamloops and numerous precious grandchildren, nieces, nephews as well as many in-laws. Elsie also included her Chartwell peers as part of her family unit.

On Thursday, February 16, 2023 at Schoening Funeral Services there will be a viewing at 11:00 am, Funeral Service at 11:30 am with burial to follow and return to the tea room at Schoening's to share memories. All who knew Elsie, and are able, are invited and welcome.

Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, Arthritis Society, Heart & Stroke Society

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.schoeningfuneralservice.com Arrangements entrusted to Schoening Funeral Services 250-374-1454

A sk DR AK E

Drake Smith, MSW Funeral Director

Ever y Wednesday in K T W!

Q. It’s been a whole day. Is Murray’s cremation finished yet?

A. In BC , a person cannot be cremated until 48 hours after their death. T hat’s the law. Also, we can’t cremate Mur ray without w r itten author it y from the executor or NOK. Verbal instructions over the phone are not enough.

Drake Cremation & Funeral Services

210 Lansdowne • 425 Tranquille Rd. 250-37 7-8225 • Drake Cremation.com

AFFORDABLE & NO BL ACK SUITS

Madeleine Gail Webb (née Stalker)

June 23, 1938 - February 2, 2023

Gail was born in Vancouver on June 23, a date that meant she always got a bathing suit for her birthday When she was young, her parents (Dr H.S. Stalker and Mrs. Irma Stalker) moved the family to Kamloops, where Dr Stalker was the medical superintendent of Tranquille Sanatorium Gail grew up in the big house as one of four Stalker daughters (Rosemary, Gail, Alix and Robin); the sisters were close throughout their lives.

In her 20s, Gail was an OG ski bum on Vancouver hills and later worked at Lake Louise as an elevator girl to finance skiing. After marrying John in 1967, they lived at UBC, Kamloops and 100 Mile House before settling in Chilliwack on a Greendale hobby farm in the late 1970s. Gail loved dogs, especially poodles, and baked the World’s Best Banana Cream Pie. She had many dear friends and loved meeting new people. She and John were members of the local wine-making Zymurgy Club and she was a supporter of Cultus Lake United Church Camp, as it then was.

Gail was always a hoot but was also a fighter, overcoming breast cancer, the death of her husband John at 58, depression, and COVID before vaccinations. Dementia however, was her greatest adversary She returned to Kamloops in 2015 to live in care until her death on February 2, 2023.

Gail leaves her children Dave (Leslie) and Sandra (Brad), her beloved grandchildren Olivia, Zoë, Nelson and Jordan, close cousins Liz and Wendy, and in-laws Doug, Jackie, and Bob. Also left with happy memories are her nieces and nephews Linda, Bruce, Sharie, Janet, Mar, Bob, Rick, Kevin and Chad.

The family thanks the Kamloops Brock Gemstone team for their care and love for Gail. She could not have been in more tender hands.

Love’s greatest gift is remembrance.

May the Sunshine of Comfort Dispel the Clouds of despair

WIN A TRIP TO MEXICO!

Your company is only as extraordinary as your people

It is clear that Dearborn Ford general manager Justin Grover believes that by building a great team and creating an atmosphere that supports the growth mindset, customers will benefit in the end

“Your company is only as extraordinary as your people,” Grover said when discussing one of Dearborn’s latest promotions.

Rick Marshall, who has spent the past number of years as fleet manager, was recently promoted to floor manager.

“Rick brings big energy to the floor and we’re really excited for our local customers to experience the Dearborn difference that Rick embodies,” Grover said.

When asked how he felt about the upward shift, Marshal said he is ecstatic about the move.

“I really enjoy working with the team on the floor and being able to connect with more local customers,” Marshall said, noting he has not completely left his previous post.

“There are still great fleet clients I have been working with for years and I will keep my eye on them,” he said. “I have made promises to them that I fully intend on keeping. After all, those fulfilled promises are what helped me get where I am today.”

Marshall is truly an automotive veteran, with more than a decade of success in the industry

in Kamloops. When he’s not working with the team at Dearborn, there’s a good chance you’ll find him, cue in hand, at billiards events throughout B.C

And Marshall offered an invite to aspiring or existing sales professionals to join the Dearborn team.

“We have a great culture here and you can make a great living in a sales career,” he said. Due to recent promotions of staff members, Dearborn Ford is looking to fill multiple sales roles on its team. If you are interested in making a positive career change, submit your cover letter and resume to general sales manager Mike Wood via email at mwood@ dearbornford.com.

RICK MARSHALL Floor Manager